Mitch Williams is an international award winning magician and inspirational speaker who has performed in Japan, Europe, and all across the United States and Canada. He’s also an authority on creativity, self-development, and peak performance, and author of the book, A Call to Magic—the Artful Science of Transforming Self and World.

A true modern Renaissance man, Mitch is an accomplished artist, musician, poet, author, athlete, and a martial artist with a fourth degree black belt in Judo and experience in Aikido, JuJutsu, and Tai Chi. He brings this wide variety of talents, skills, and expertise to his work.
Mitch has performed on the same show with such celebrities as Doug Henning, Penn & Teller, Lance Burton, Rosie O’Donnell, Dennis Miller, and Jeff Dunham.

He’s considered by his peers in magic to be an expert at sleight of hand, and while living in Los Angeles for ten years, he became recognized as one of the favorite performers at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.​

John Taylor. A dedicated veteran, John served in the Illinois Army National Guard where he not only fulfilled his duty but also forged an enduring friendship with an Iraqi interpreter, codenamed “Jaguar,” during a deployment as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Taking to heart the mantra of “no one left behind,” John’s commitment to service extended beyond his military tenure; after leaving the military he played a pivotal role in bringing his interpreter friend and his family to the United States in 2022, navigating the complexities of immigration and advocating for his friend’s safety and well-being. This inspiring journey reflects John’s deep compassion and unwavering belief in the power of human connection.

John lives in Cambridge, Illinois with his wife, Stephanie, and children, Miles, Anderson, and Colette. He works remotely as a computer programmer and is very involved in his community. In his spare time, he is the president of a non-profit he created called Crossroads Cultural Connections, an organization dedicated to elevating Henry County and surrounding areas socially, culturally, and economically through live music and cultural exchange. The organization brings artists from across the globe to the rural areas around Cambridge, hosting them for public concerts and bringing them into schools for assemblies, workshops, and performances.

Dorothy Baldwin, “Aunt Dot”, is a vibrant spirit and a beloved figure in Springfield, Illinois. A polio survivor, she turned her challenges into triumphs, embracing life with unwavering positivity. Her journey has inspired many in the community, showcasing her resilience and determination. Aunt Dot discovered the magic of friendship along the way.

Aunt Dot is also the charming face of Sangamon Mass Transit commercials.

Dan O’Brien is a member and past President of the Rotary Club of Carlinville, Illinois. He previously served as Assistant Governor. Dan is our current 2024-2025 District Governor.

O’Brien, an attorney, practices in Carlinville. He is also admitted in Wisconsin where he has practiced in state and federal courts. Dan’s volunteer activities outside of Rotary have included service as a VISTA Volunteer and with not for profit organizations.

Dan’s wife, Beth O’Brien, is a Physician with Springfield Clinic. They enjoy traveling to the international conventions and their recent Rotary exchange student. Both support the Rotary Foundation as members of the Paul Harris Society.