Jim Maskel (right) and the Morris VFW Men’s Auxiliary helped raise money for a popcorn machine for a local nursing home.
REALTOR® Jim Maskel of Century 21 Coleman-Hornsby in Morris has found several ways to stay involved in his community while working on his career, volunteering for 20 Grundy County Corn Festivals and giving time during the last 12 years to the Morris Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Men’s Auxiliary.
“I always loved the annual county festival growing up in Morris,” says Maskel, “and in 1995 there were rumors that the festival may not go on. I knew this couldn’t be allowed to happen, so I volunteered to help. In 2003, when the opportunity presented itself, I was elected to the board of directors.”
He has served the festival as: a sponsor, the craft show/flea market coordinator, the entertainment director and vice president. During his time as entertainment director, he booked a variety of musicians and bands, including American Idol contestant Bucky Covington, who was the runner up in season five. Other acts included: the Silhouettes, 7th Heaven, Silver Bullet StL, Libido Funk Circus, Too White Crew, Neverly Brothers, JP & the Cats, Mason Rivers, Arra, Hillbilly Rockstarz, Final Say, Dueling Pianos, Hi Infidelity, the Associates, Petty Cash, Jason & the Haymakers and the Meteors. See the festival’s Facebook page.
Morris VFW Men’s Auxiliary
Maskel
Maskel, a member of the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®, joined the VFW in the same year he launched his real estate career – 2003. He wanted to support local veterans. He became the auxiliary’s first secretary.
“Our group has held many fundraisers throughout the years to assist the VFW Post, the veteran groups, and the local Color Guard. The Men’s Auxiliary was chartered in 2003 under the John Martin Steele Post 6049 in Morris, Illinois, and we do voluntary community service, support the VFW and provide member fellowship,” he says.
“As I am not a veteran myself, it is very rewarding to be able to do something to support the VFW and its members, including the Color Guard,” says Maskel, the auxiliary’s current treasurer.
He serves real estate clients in Grundy, LaSalle, Livingston, Kendall and Will counties.
“I believe that most REALTORS® are community minded, even if it’s in the smallest way,” he says. “It helps in their careers by advancing local initiatives, in turn creating greater communities.”
Watch the IARbuzz blog for weekly stories about the community involvement of Illinois REALTORS® during IAR’s 100th Anniversary year. #MemberMonday
