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1 HOUSE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3 Representatives wish to commend Larry Simotes of Minooka for
4 his many contributions to the local community; and
5 WHEREAS, Larry Simotes was born in Joliet on February 17,
6 1959; he and his four siblings, Brian, Diana, Mark, and Nick,
7 are the children of Nicholas, a U.S. Marine private first
8 class, and Doris Simotes; and
9 WHEREAS, Larry Simotes was raised in Joliet, attending St.
10 Patrick's Grade School; he graduated from Minooka Community
11 High School in 1977, and he remains the school's record holder
12 for most single-season points earned per game for basketball;
13 he continued playing basketball while attending Lewis
14 University; and
15 WHEREAS, Upon graduating from Lewis University, Larry
16 Simotes began his professional career as a teacher; he then
17 opened Simotes Motors in Minooka in 1986; and
18 WHEREAS, Larry Simotes married his high school sweetheart,
19 Lisa, and they raised their three children, Grant, Nina, and
20 Mac, in Minooka; his commitment and dedication to their
21 upbringing played an instrumental role in all three children
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1 playing college sports; and
2 WHEREAS, Larry Simotes has not only been a great son,
3 sibling, husband, and father but has also been a prominent
4 role model in the community, coaching the Minooka Junior High
5 School baseball team for 18 years, winning five state
6 championships during his tenure; and
7 WHEREAS, Larry Simotes has quietly given back to the
8 community for most of his life, with both his money and his
9 time; for instance, he annually awards athletic scholarships
10 to Minooka Community High School students, allowing graduates
11 to continue their athletic dreams after high school; and
12 WHEREAS, Larry Simotes has always supported dog shelters
13 and admired veterans due to his father's service; as a result,
14 he and other generous sponsors, in coordination with the
15 Village of Minooka, created the Veterans Dog Park as a gift to
16 the local community; and
17 WHEREAS, The Veterans Dog Park, which will honor veterans
18 while providing an incredible outdoor space for families and
19 their pets to enjoy, will open in Minooka on May 25, 2024;
20 therefore, be it
21 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
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1 HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
2 we commend Larry Simotes for his donation of land that enabled
3 the creation of the Veterans Dog Park in Minooka, and we thank
4 him for his many selfless contributions to the local
5 community; and be it further
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