Bugle Newspapers 7-27-23

16-year old local boxer honored by city of Joliet

Joseph Awinongya Jr., better known as JoJo, was honored in a proclamation ceremony on July 18 at Joliet City Hall to celebrate his extraordinary achievements.

JoJo, a boxer at just 16 years old, has won 19 national championships, is the top rank in his age group and weight class for the country, is on the Team USA’s junior olympic boxing team, began college when he was 13, has his GED and associates degree, and recently received a full ride scholarship to the University of St. Francis, among other accomplishments.

“Joseph serves as an inspiration to other young individuals, as he mentors them to stay in school and stay away from drugs and violence,” Joliet mayor Terry D’Arcy said. “On behalf of the Joliet city council, I congratulate Joseph Awinongya Jr. on all of his outstanding accomplishments and thank him for the positive publicity he has brought to the city of Joliet, and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

At the ceremony, Awinongya addressed the city council, humbly expressing his gratitude for his support-

ers and the city of Joliet.

“I’m someone that was born and raised in Joliet, and this community was the group that helped me get to the point I’m at today,” Jojo said. “I have so many people that have helped me with boxing and school, but mostly to be a role model for me so I can be a role model for others.”

JoJo cites his parents’ contributions to his success. His father, Joseph Awinongya Sr., is a former amateur boxer in his own right, and now owns his own gym in Joliet, where he began training JoJo at age five. Originally, however, JoJo had no interest in stepping into the ring.

“I was involved in other sports and I had tried it before but didn’t really like it,” JoJo said. “One night my dad came home from a trip feeling like he didn’t want to be in the boxing world anymore. I wanted to cheer him up, so I asked him if he could help me box. He agreed to train me as long as I could stay on top of school, so I balanced the two out.”

The father and son started training, and after three years, JoJo had his first fight. The rest is history.

“Being a former fighter myself, I wanted to teach him situational box-

ing in the very beginning,” Joseph said. “He took the skills I taught him and took them to the next level. That’s why he’s a step above the kids he’s fighting. You can see the difference between him and other boxers his age. I know he’s going to capitalize on that and get to the top.” Amidst his success, JoJo, who has won multiple awards for his com-

munity service, has made it a necessity to give back to the community. He strives to use his recognition to help others.

“It has been a great help to know that I’m able to make all of these advancements in not just boxing but school as well,” JoJo said. “I’m very happy to know I’m always able to create new beginnings for people.”

With an already impressive resume, JoJo has now set his sights on the rest of his goals.

“I want to get the degree from St. Francis, all while I continue winning as many national championships as I can, get on to the USA team in the youth division, and then go to the pro level and win a world championship, all while representing Joliet,” JoJo said.

PHOTO BY DYLAN BUDD a proclamation is read to Joseph awinongya Jr., (JoJo) from the city of Joliet for jis accompishments.

bY DYLaN bUDD For the bugle

Four-legged friend visits residents at the Timbers of Shorewood

The residents of the Timbers of Shorewood welcome a special visitor every other week. The guest is a therapy dog named Maya, a mixed breed (a little bit of everything), accompanied by her owner Mary Mullin of Plainfield.

As the sweet pooch cuddles up for some delicious petting, the resident receives emotional connection, warm memories of a former pet, and a great deal of comfort.

“Maya makes a big difference for the seniors, and they adore her,” Mullin said. “I love seeing the residents’ smiles and joy as they interact with her. My mom and dad lived at the Timbers before they passed, and this is a way I can give back the many kindnesses the staff gave them.”

Therapy dogs help live a happy, productive life by filling needs. They provide comfort in a crisis, a hospital, a retirement community — anywhere people could use love from a four-legged friend. In addition, a therapy dog can lessen pain, stress, sadness, and fatigue.

With training, every friendly breed of dog might become a therapy dog. Most therapy dogs are golden retrievers, standard poodles, St. Bernard’s, and Labrador retrievers, and even mixed breeds like Maya.

“We look forward to Maya’s visits,” said Amy Odell, director of activities at the Timbers. “Seeing the residents waiting for Maya to arrive is so heartwarming. They have many questions about the dog and

her training. Mary (Mullin) is great at answering all questions, and Maya’s sweet and gently nature has all of us wanting her attention.”

Before being recognized as therapy dogs, canines are trained and monitored for their sensitivity to stresses such as loud noises, being suddenly grasped, or even equipment such as canes or wheelchairs.

Maya is certified through Therapy Dogs International (TDI). To belong to TDI, all dogs are rated by a Certified TDI Evaluator. A dog must be at least one year of age and have a sound temperament. Each dog is assessed for suitability, and the test also includes the evaluation of the dog’s behavior around people.

From the TDI website: “Often, older adults are reminded of dogs

they have had in the past, and the joyful memories are clear to everyone involved. As years go by, elders often experience feelings of loneliness and insecurity, especially because they are not involved in as many activities as they were in the past.”

While pet therapy helps most people, it may not be appropriate for everybody. Certain people are sometimes allergic to a dog’s fur, and some people may fear or be uncomfortable around animals.

Maya, however, has passed all tests with excellence, and everyone at the Timbers agrees she is a won-

derful therapy dog.

The Timbers of Shorewood Senior Living is a rental retirement community that provides senior independent living and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents whose needs may change are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate and compassionate care. Furnished apartments are also available for shortterm stays.

For more information, visit: https://www.timbersofshorewood. com or call 815-609-0669.