ExxonMobil Community Philanthropic Award

Past Recipients
2010 – Brent Wadsworth
2012 – David & Susan Landahl
2013 – John & Joanne Carnagio
2014 – Northern Illinois Steel Supply Company & the Ruth family
2015 – Mike Rittof
2016 – Terry & Sue D’Arcy
2017 – Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers
2018 – Chuck & Donna Szoke
2019 – Aux Sable
2021 Individual – Tricia Simpson
2021 Corporate – Hollywood Casino Joliet
2022 Individuals – John & Aileen Cotter
2022 Corporate – Constellation

John & Aileen Cotter
2022 ExxonMobil Individual Community Philanthropic Award Recipients

John and Aileen Cotter have dedicated 61 years of public service to the Channahon community. John first came to Illinois from his home in the state of Arkansas in 1956. He met life long resident Aileen Torkelson, they were married in 1958.

Around the same time, John was employed by Wadsworth Golf Course Construction Company. He started his career at Wadsworth driving tractors to construct courses and eventually rose to the rank of president, general manager and co-creator/part owner. Wadsworth Golf Course Construction Company has built over 900 golf courses across the United States, including our local course, Heritage Bluffs Golf Club and also numerous courses internationally. Prior to starting his career, John served his country in the U.S. armed forces and was stationed in Germany during his tour of duty.

Throughout his life, John was very active in the local community and donated his time and talents in a variety roles and positions in the Channahon & Minooka areas. He was a member of the Channahon United Methodist Church and chairman of the finance committee. He also served on the Minooka High School Board of Education. Lastly, John sat on the People for Channahon Parks Foundation board and provided his input and expertise which was integral in the development of Arroyo Trails.

Along side John, Aileen was also an active member in our community. Over the years, she has dedicated her time and talent volunteering at Channahon Grade School District #17. As the PTO President she chaired many fundraisers. The annual Fun Fair, book sales, and donut and popcorn days. Aileen also dedicated her time at the Channahon United Methodist Church. As a member of the church she held positions on the building and finance committee. Sunday school teacher, the Antique Show and Turkey Supper fundraisers were among the few places she spent her time and shared her positive energy with the adults and children in town. Aileen continues to keep John’s legacy and their mission alive with her support and generosity for people in need.

Aileen resides in Channahon and has two daughters, Marsha Simotes and Brenda & son in law Rick VanAsdlen and numerous grand and great grandchildren.

Cotter Pavilion is located at the Arroyo Trails trailhead and overlooks the start of the trail. The rustic log pavilion is perfect for any type of gathering.

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2022 ExxonMobil Corporate Community Philanthropic Award Recipient

Constellation is the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy and the leading competitive retail supplier of power and energy products and services for homes and businesses across the United States. Its generation fleet powers more than 20 million homes and is helping to accelerate the nation’s transition to clean energy with more than 32,400 megawatts of capacity and annual output that is 90 percent carbon-free.

Constellation’s nuclear presence in Illinois started with Dresden Unit 1 in Morris, which was the first commercial nuclear power plant in the U.S. built without government funding. The 210-megawatt unit was shut down in 1978 and is designated as a Nuclear Historic Landmark. Dresden’s Unit 2 & 3, along with two units each at Braidwood Station and LaSalle County Generating Station, make up one of the largest concentrations of carbon-free nuclear power in a single area in the county. Add in reactors in Clinton, Byron and Cordova, and Illinois is tops in the nation in emissions-free nuclear power.

Constellation has set a goal to eliminate 100 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions by leveraging innovative technology and enhancing its diverse mix of hydro, wind and solar resources, paired with the nation’s largest carbon-free nuclear fleet. Constellation has set a goal to produce 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040

As Constellation works toward these goals, it will continue to serve as a leading supporter of local communities through workforce development programs; philanthropy; volunteerism; and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The employees at its nuclear plants regularly contribute approximately $250,000 annually to local non-profits and charitable efforts. Its major efforts include Fishing for a Cure at Braidwood Lake, Labor of Love in LaSalle County, and a major donation in 2022 toward the new Morris YMCA/Morris Hospital complex, which begins construction in 2023.

The Constellation Trail (formerly known as Exelon Generation Trail) at Arroyo Trails is a unique crushed stone nearly one-mile (two miles out and back) trail that takes you along the ravine, winding creek and forest areas for kids and families to play and experience nature!