She served the community through her volunteer work with Lake Villa Township by assisting in the Annual Job Fair, Lake Villa Historical Society, Civil War Encampment, and Arts Festival. Joanne was the Chairman of the Lake Villa Township 5K to raise money for local youth organizations.

Joanne is on the board of directors of her local Chamber of Commerce supporting at home businesses, the Women in Business and represents lake Villa District 41. In her Church, she has served many roles over the years including the president of the Women’s Organization and the children’s programs. From 2000 – 2004 she served as the Stake Primary President (responsible for youth programs in twelve Churches in Lake and McHenry County), 2004 – 2008 she was the Stake Public Affairs Director for Chicago Area Council responsible for Church communications / events. She has served on the LDS Relations Committee representing scouts from multiple stakes, as a Cubmaster, Merit Badge Counselor, and member of the Troop Committee. Currently she is the Primary President responsible for the religious instruction of children between the age of 18 months and twelve years old.

Other projects / events Joanne worked on over the past ten years included: A Safe Place Capital Campaign 2001 – 2003, WEDO (Women Economic Development Opportunity) Annual Event 2004 – 2008, YWCA (2001 – 2003), and Lake County Senior Expo 2009 (Panel / Presenter).

She is a public speaker and writer. Since 1999 Joanne has spoken at conferences in Florida, Texas, Illinois, California, Wisconsin, Canada, and London. Besides books on Scouting and Business she wrote a book of stories about Chomedy her daughter who was born with Down syndrome. She is currently working on a series of books for boys ages 8 – 11 to support the new learning standards. There is a need for books that a more complex in structure and are age appropriate in content.

Joanne not only gives of her time and talent to improve her community but she serves as role model to other aging women. She ran her third full marathon (26.2 miles) in June 2012 and has retired from marathon to concentrate on half-marathons and mountain trekking. In 2010 she hiked Machu Picchu and dreams one day to hike rim-to-rim-to-rim at the Grand Canyon.

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