Almost a PoP Box
Dick got his Presidential pin (and a hug).
Abby got her Past President’s pin, and her plaque.
And in case you missed it at the Gov’s Dinner,
Abby received a Zeller award.
Kudos to Abby and her dedication to the Eliminate program!!

Service and Leadership Award 2014

Today, 10/15/2014, we celebrated our own with the 2014 Kish Awards! After some logistical issues with the microphone (thanks, Ken!), Ken and Toney took on MC duties.  Toney reminded us of our role with the DeKalb County Community Foundation.  Ken gave a quick history of our Service and Leadership Award, which honors one of the club who exemplifies service and leadership.  The awardee has donated, in his or her name, a contribution of $500 to the Kish Kiwanis Club Community Works fund – which focuses on helping young workers, administered by the DCCF. We have over $20,000 in the account.  Toney listed the criteria – service to the club in terms of serving/chairing committees and as an officer, participation in events, etc.  This year’s recipient has been a president (a long time ago).  Ken listed several former members from our recipient’s term as president. They were all before my time.  The recipient has been on YCPO for many years, as well as several other committees.  He has been our historian (think you know who it is yet?).  Finucane joined the club under the recipient’s administration, but the awards committee still decided on…

NORM SCHAEFFER!!  Congratulations Norm!  (No wonder Mary Lou is here.)  Norm joined at a time when the pathway project was getting underway, and considers that a great project that we’ve adopted.  Norm was pretty humble in his acceptance speech.

Bowl for Kids Sake, March 8, 2015

Team Kishwaukee Kiwanis
IMB 0106 is cheering squad
IMG 0105 is team shot Beryl, Amy, Lisa, Bill F

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Biking With Beanzie offers rides from 3 to 101 miles

DHS Scholorship: Grace Schaffer, Jasmine Olalde, Jerry Smith, Rachel Lee, Rachael Paszotta

3M Donation to Beanzie: John Pruitt 3M, Bill Finucane, Mike 3M, Toney Xidis

Kishwaukee Kiwanis 2012 Rummage Sale: Garage Sale Flyer 2012   Print Flyer from here.  

When:  May 4th from 8-5 and May 5^th from 8-3

Where:  Hopkins Park Shelter House, 1403 Sycamore Rd, DeKalb, IL

Featuring: Furniture, clothing, kitchen & household items, gardening, cooking, CD’s, DVD’s, books, cookbooks and magazines, electronics, and much more.

Pricing:   Full price on Friday, Half price Saturday 8-1, $4.00 grocery bags after 1 on Saturday.

Donations:  Call Sue at 815/757-8421 or Svetlana at 815/762-5196 to arrange drop-off or pick-up prior to May 2^nd. On May 2^nd and 3^rd drop off at Hopkins Park Shelter House between 1 and 6 pm, DO NOT leave items unattended.

Information:http://kishkiwanis.org/?page_id=417

All proceeds will be used for community projects sponsored through Kishwaukee Kiwanis.

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DeKalb Kishwaukee Kiwanis 2012 Rummage Sale Fri, May 4 th , 8-5 Sat, May 5 th , 8-3 Hopkins Park Shelter House, 1403 Sycamore Rd Furniture, clothing, electronics, books, magazines, TVs, kitchen items, push mower, Xmas deco, wall art, household merchandise, and lots of miscellaneous items. All proceeds will be used for community projects sponsored through Kishwaukee Kiwanis. For info check out our website, www.kishkiwanis.orghttp://daily-chronicle.kaango.com/ad-dekalb-kishwaukee-kiwanis-2012-rummage-sale-fri-may-4-th-8-5-sat-may-5-th-8-3-hopkins-park-shelter/20562212
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Kishwaukee Kiwanis’ Rummage Sale will be held May 4, 2012 from 8-5 and May 5 from 8-3, at the Hopkins Park Shelter House, located at 1493 Sycamore Road in DeKalb.The majority of clothing items and shoes are $1.00. Friday prices will be as marked. Saturday 8-1 prices will marked half price and after 1:00 whatever you can fit in a grocery bag will be $4.00.To make donations, call Sue at 815/757-8421 or Svetlana at 815/758-1139 to make arrangements for drop off or pick up prior to May 2nd. On May 2nd and 3rd you may drop off items at the Hopkins Park Shelter House between the hours of 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm. DO NOT leave items unattended.

For additional information please visit www.kishkiwanis.orghttp://daily-chronicle.kaango.com/ad-dekalb-kishwaukee-kiwanis-2012-rummage-sale-fri-may-4-th-8-5-sat-may-5-th-8-3-hopkins-park-shelter/20562212
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Kishwaukee Kiwanis volunteers at the Feed Our Starving Children event on November 18, 2011 at Suters, Sycamore, IL.

Local Kiwanis Clubs continue support for hospital    DeKALB — The Kiwanis Clubs of DeKalb, Sycamore and Kishwaukee-DeKalb have made their final pledge payments, totaling $4,489, toward their commitment to the new Kishwaukee Community Hospital. Four local Kiwanis clubs, DeKalb Kiwanis, Sycamore Kiwanis, Kishwaukee-DeKalb Kiwanis, and Genoa-Kingston Kiwanis originally joined together to pledge $25,000 to the new Kishwaukee Community Hospital. A pediatrics room is named in their honor.
Copyright 2011, The Midweek, Shaw Newspapers. All Rights Reserved.
“Kishwaukee Hospital was in the process of being built and as the past lieutenant governor, I thought it would be great if the local Kiwanis Clubs could join forces and leave a legacy at the hospital. Naming rights for a pediatric room seemed an ideal fit given the motto of Kiwanis, ‘Serving the Children of the World, One Child and One Community at a Time,’” said Larry Forsberg, Illinois/Eastern Iowa District governor and member of the Sycamore club. “Leaders of the four clubs all agreed to share in the cost of $25,000 for the room. There are currently 158 Kiwanis members in the local clubs. Together, they raise approximately $70,000 per year for our communities,” Forsberg said. “The Kiwanians can feel very proud of their role in raising the level of hospital care available in the community,” said Renee Ellingson, KishHealth Foundation executive director.“The community is blessed to have organizations like Kiwanis. We are very grateful for all of their support.”

Check out the new bike pathway in front of DeKalb’s new high school on Dresser Road. There is a bench east of the high school with a plaque underneath. The Bike Pathway was recently dedicated and Kishwaukee Kiwanis is one of the donators with $20,000. Thank you for supporting Biking with Beanzie; Peanut Day; and other Kiwanis events.

Kiwanis prep for annual bike ride

DeKALB — Kishwaukee Kiwanis Club of DeKalb is sponsoring its 13th annual Biking with Beanzie recreational bicycle ride on Sunday, July 17.

Contributions  and proceeds from the ride help to fund pathway, greenway, and other community service projects throughout DeKalb County. The bike pathway project on Dresser Road in DeKalb is the latest of these projects. Other supported projects include Kishwaukee Kiwanis Park, Glidden Homestead, Ben Gordon Center, Children’s Learning Center, Hope Haven, Safe Passage, Meals On Wheels and many other community and youth-related projects.

Options for the ride include 23-, 46-, 64-, 80- and 101-mile routes (distances are approximate) which cater to a variety of skill levels. These bike routes take cyclists through various areas of rural DeKalb, Lee and LaSalle County countryside that is generally flat with some areas of rolling terrain to provide some challenge for the more experienced riders.

The 46-, 64-, 80- and 101-mile routes wind through Shabbona Lake State Park. All roads are well paved, lightly traveled and posted with signage and ride information. Rest and refreshment stops as well as SAG wagon and motorcycle support will be available on all routes. Refreshing snacks will be available, along with showers and a pool at the end of the ride.

Biking with Beanzie starts and ends at the old DeKalb High School, 1515 S. Fourth St. Onsite registration is between 6:30 and 10 a.m. on the day of the ride, and the ride ends at the registration site at 3:30 p.m.

Preregistration is available online or by mail. Preregistration fee is $22. Registration after July 9 and onsite is $30. Registration is free for children 15 and younger when riding with a parent or guardian. Bike shop services will be available at registration.

For information, write Kiwanis Beanzie Ride, P.O. Box 1007, DeKalb, IL 60115; phone  815-758-6873; email bikingwithbeanzie@yahoo.com or visit www.kishkiwanis.org. There is a surcharge of $3.25 to register online.November 2, 2011
Section: News

Local Kiwanis Clubs continue support for hospitalDeKALB — The Kiwanis Clubs of DeKalb, Sycamore and Kishwaukee-DeKalb have made their final pledge payments, totaling $4,489, toward their commitment to the new Kishwaukee Community Hospital.

Four local Kiwanis clubs, DeKalb Kiwanis, Sycamore Kiwanis, Kishwaukee-DeKalb Kiwanis, and Genoa-Kingston Kiwanis originally joined together to pledge $25,000 to the new Kishwaukee Community Hospital. A pediatrics room is named in their honor.

“Kishwaukee Hospital was in the process of being built and as the past lieutenant governor, I thought it would be great if the local Kiwanis Clubs could join forces and leave a legacy at the hospital. Naming rights for a pediatric room seemed an ideal fit given the motto of Kiwanis, ‘Serving the Children of the World, One Child and One Community at a Time,’” said Larry Forsberg, Illinois/Eastern Iowa District governor and member of the Sycamore club.

“Leaders of the four clubs all agreed to share in the cost of $25,000 for the room. There are currently 158 Kiwanis members in the local clubs. Together, they raise approximately $70,000 per year for our communities,” Forsberg said.

“The Kiwanians can feel very proud of their role in raising the level of hospital care available in the community,” said Renee Ellingson, KishHealth Foundation executive director.

“The community is blessed to have organizations like Kiwanis. We are very grateful for all of their support.”
Copyright 2011, The Midweek, Shaw Newspapers. All Rights Reserved.

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By NICOLE WESKERNA – 
nweskerna@daily-chronicle.com

DeKalb couple see history unfold during trip to Egypt

DeKALB – When they set out on a trip to explore Egypt’s ancient history, Toney Xidis and Donna Schultz Xidis never expected they’d witness history in the making.

Just days before protests against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak broke out in cities throughout Egypt, the couple from DeKalb embarked on their second trip to the country.

What was supposed to be a three-week trip to Egypt stopped short in Alexandria, ending with a balcony view of pro-democracy demonstrators who filled the streets below their hotel.

“It’s certainly a trip we will never forget,” Toney said. “It was full of adventures we never anticipated.”

They arrived Jan. 22 in Cairo with a tour group of 11 other travelers. They took a hot air balloon ride and sailed on a felucca as they enjoyed their first five days of sightseeing.

But they never fulfilled their plans of snorkeling or climbing Mount Sinai. Demonstrations in the street confined them to their hotel along the Mediterranean coast.

“It was a series of misadventures that were all really interesting,” Toney said. “We didn’t realize we’d see history in the making.”

On Jan. 28, the tour group had just gotten done visiting catacombs in Alexandria. They were getting ready to eat lunch before heading to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina when they were told they could not leave their hotel along The Corniche, which is the waterfront promenade in the city, until further notice. They were supposed to stay there for only two nights, which turned into five nights.

“The first day was one of the uglier days,” Donna said. “They [police] overreacted. A lot of the police were very young and scared.”

The couple watched from their second-floor hotel balcony as people of all ages and economic status filled the six-lane road that ran between their hotel and the Mediterranean Sea.

They watched as police used tear gas to break up demonstrations, and as demonstrators handed out face masks in return. Toney said at one point, he saw demonstrators and police throwing rocks at one another.

The Xidises said they saw people holding signs and heard them singing and chanting phrases. They heard gunshots in the square about a half of a mile east of the hotel almost every other night. But they said they never really felt scared or unsafe during their time there.

“Probably the only scary part was when our cell phones didn’t work,” Toney said.

For two days, tourists had no way of contacting their families after the Internet, cell phones and some landline phone services were shut down. That further complicated plans for getting back home.

Hatem, their tour guide who lived only 15 minutes from the hotel, decided to stay with the travelers until he could make sure they made it safely out of Alexandria.

“We were extremely well taken care of,” Donna said.

The Xidises were impressed with the hotel staff, which provided hospitality, security and big buffets even though demonstrations were unfolding just down the street. They even heard some of the staff apologizing to tourists about the inconvenience.

“Despite everything going on in their country, we heard comments like, ‘Sorry you had to be here,’ “ Toney said. “How could you be upset?”

Donna said the majority of demonstrators were peaceful – especially after the Egyptian Army took over security from the police. By Jan. 29, army tanks lined the much calmer streets. The Xidises were able to leave a few days later, but they hit a few snags.

They said it was nearly impossible to catch a commercial flight out of the country. The 48 people who were staying in the hotel loaded their luggage onto a bus and waited for word of a charter plane that was slated to pick them up at a local airport. The plane never came, and they were stuck in the hotel for another night.

By Feb. 2, the group was able to leave the hotel, even though a local security officer tried to delay the trip home by another night. They took a bus to a small airport that was mainly crowded with Egyptians who were trying to leave the country.

Letter: Show support for DeKalb shared lane bike markings

To the Editor:

The DeKalb City Council is discussing shared lane markings for bicycles.

I am in favor of this discussion. As a member of Kishwaukee Kiwanis, the promotion of healthy and safe experiences in our community is very important to me.

I am very involved with Kiwanis’ annual Biking with Beanzie event, which raises money for the Kiwanis Bike Pathway. The shared lane markings could foster a surge in bicycling for personal and environmental health. The goodwill and public exposure
in our state and the Midwest could showcase DeKalb as a forward thinking and acting community.

I appreciate your consideration of this positive, big-picture opportunity. This proposal is a win-win investment that could create more public good feelings than could be imagined.

Jennie Marshall Cummings

DeKalb

Kish Kiwanis receiveds Pride Award 2011

November 2, 2011
Section: News

Copyright © 2011 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

By KATE SCHOTT – kschott@daily-chronicle.com

LaVigne, 65, gave her life to serving DeKalb

DeKALB – Cory LaVigne has no doubt his mother could have sought – and won – a higher political office.

But Patricia LaVigne’s love for the DeKalb area kept her in the community that her family has called home for generations.

“She’s a local girl who never left,” Cory LaVigne said Tuesday. “Throughout her political career, there were several times people tried to court her for higher offices that would have taken her away from DeKalb, and she always refused.

“She wanted to stay local because she cared deeply about this community, its past and its future,” he said.

Patricia LaVigne, the longtime Republican DeKalb Township supervisor and a county board member, died early Tuesday morning at Kishwaukee Community Hospital. Cory LaVigne said his mother, who was 65, died of a long-term illness.

“I have lost a very dear friend. I’m sorry for her passing,” said Mary Simons, chairwoman of the DeKalb County Republican Party. “I’ve known Pat for years. We’ve been friends for years, politically and personal friends. She is a great gal.”

Cory LaVigne said he could trace his family’s roots to at least his great-grandfather and said his mother, a 1963 graduate of DeKalb High School, lived most of her life in DeKalb except for a few years when she lived in Rockford.

Patricia LaVigne served as a trustee for DeKalb Township from 1984-1989 before becoming township supervisor in April 1989, a post she held until her death.

“I think all of us here feel the loss,” said Jodie Peterson, the officer manager for DeKalb Township. “She is going to be greatly missed by all of us here.”

“She loved her work as township supervisor,” said state Rep. Robert Pritchard, R-Hinckley. “I think that was one of her proudest accomplishments. She was a big supporter of township government, and felt that it was a unit of government that was responsive and accessible to people.”

LaVigne also served on the DeKalb County Board, representing District 10 since 1998.

“Pat was a diligent, longtime member of the DeKalb County Board, and she will be missed,” DeKalb County Administrator Ray Bockman said.

County Board Chairwoman Ruth Anne Tobias, a Democrat, said that as township supervisor, LaVigne helped to provide access to services to those in need.

“She really gave back to her home county,” Tobias said. “She really helped a lot of people. … She will be missed.”

Bill Lorence, the DeKalb County engineer and the director of the DeKalb County Highway Department, said LaVigne always was cordial and professional in their interactions, which would occur both in her position as the DeKalb Township supervisor as well as her role on the county board. LaVigne was chairwoman of the board’s Highway Committee at the time of her death.

“She was a professional, and she supported my position most of the time,” Lorence said. “We always were able to discuss it. She took my word as a professional, which in a lot of places is hard to come by.”

LaVigne chose not to run for re-election this year for the District 10 seat. Republican Jeff Whelan of DeKalb won her seat in the Nov. 2 general election.

“She called me up and asked if I would run in her place, as her health was beginning to deteriorate,” Whelan said. “She said she would back me up, and she did.”

Whelan said LaVigne helped with his campaign, making phone calls and asking people in the district to put signs in their yard. He said that was typical of LaVigne, noting that “if somebody called her and said, ‘I’m having a problem,’ she would try to help out.”

That was an often-heard comment made Tuesday about LaVigne by those who knew her. She was described as being supportive of her fellow Republicans as well as having a tireless dedication to her constituents and to the township she oversaw.

“She was always trying to help people,” said Sheriff Roger Scott, who lived across the street from LaVigne. “That was her goal, to try to help others and do whatever she could to make people happy and meet their needs, which is a difficult task sometimes in government.”

Family and friends said she took part in numerous community activities and groups, including the Kishwaukee Kiwanis, the DeKalb Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Robert’s School P.T.A., the City of DeKalb Human Relations Commission and First United Methodist Church. She also served twice as president of DeKalb Corn Fest.

Cory LaVigne called his mother an advocate for women in politics. He said she was one of the first few women in the Kishwaukee Kiwanis, and that she was the first woman to be elected president of that club.

“It may not seem like much, but back then, all the service clubs were male only. She helped to break that,” Cory LaVigne said. “I’m proud of her.”

Maureen Josh, DeKalb County circuit clerk, called LaVigne a mentor who would campaign for her. As a person, Josh would often call on LaVigne for advice.

“She was a wonderful woman. She did a lot of incredible things for the good of our community without getting a lot of credit for it,” Josh said. “She did it not for any financial gain or personal gain, but because it was the right thing to do.

“She was one of those people who did good for all the good reasons.”

Service information

A memorial service for Patricia LaVigne will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 321 Oak St., in DeKalb. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today at Anderson Funeral Home, 2011 S. Fourth St., in DeKalb.

Copyright © 2010 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

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By BARRY SCHRADER

Schrader: Riveting life harvested for lecture

Gary Wells may not call it this, but I would say he experienced his “15 minutes of fame” this fall when he was honored as Professor for a Day at the University of Illinois Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.

As part of the recognition, he was asked to deliver the annual seminar lecture, and he titled it “How Relationships and Experiences Formed and Enabled This Ag Engineer.” I listened to a tape of his talk, and it was full of lessons learned that would serve the students in that department well when they leave their sheltered college life and enter the working world where nothing is stable anymore.

Wells shared the story of his humble upbringing during the Great Depression in a farm family of eight kids in downstate Rock Island County. He learned the lessons of hardship from a family that had to produce its own food, make clothing from seed and animal feed sacks, and live day to day within its means.

He is a stellar example of someone who moved from poverty to success by hard work, ingenuity and building good relationships along the way. He told those college kids that “experience is a lousy teacher. It gives you the test first and the lessons later. But man does it stick, and that’s important.”

I could hear the positive audience responses to his instructive advice interjected with some humor, which made his talk more engaging.

Despite a hard life as the second of eight siblings, he managed to graduate as valedictorian of his class, but his folks had no means to send him to college. However, an aunt who recognized his potential told his parents she would loan him the money to enroll in college. Although Wells was needed on the farm, his mother realized college was a good idea because he could get an education and earn money to help his other siblings go on to school.

So off he went to the University of Illinois where he not only applied himself to his studies but also earned scholarships and many honors. He graduated first with a bachelor’s degree in Ag Engineering and General Agriculture, then a master’s degree in Ag Engineering. His career ladder began with International Harvester, and the contributions he made included new designs, strategic planning, and later, managing five strategic business units – all at one time.

He was also promoted to director of North American Ag Parts and Service Marketing at its world headquarters, then director of Grain Harvesting Products worldwide. More advancements led him to become director of Product Reliability, then North American director of Engineering of Crop Productions and Crop Harvesting Equipment. After a merger with J.I. Case, he moved on to Benteler Industries in Kalamazoo as a vice president and head of such groups as corporate industrial engineering, information technology and general plant manager. He later decided to go it on his own and formed a consulting firm.

The story goes on, but he emphasized the importance of building good relationships with peers and bosses, making friends, and maintaining a balance with family life, plus community involvement and church.

He left the audience with a quote from Garrison Keillor of “Prairie Home Companion” fame: The wish that you “be well, do good works and stay in touch.”

Those young ag engineering students got an earful that day, and if they follow his advice, surely their lives will be richer and more successful than those who missed that one “lecture of a lifetime.”

• Barry Schrader was editor of the Daily Chronicle from 1969-1972 and later worked at newspapers in San Francisco’s East Bay. He and his wife are retired and live in DeKalb. Visit his website, www.dekalbcountylife.com, for an archive of columns. Reach Barry at barry815@sbcglobal.net or P.O. Box 851, DeKalb, IL 60115.

Copyright © 2010 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

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Mooney donates use of car to Kiwanis

Date: October 30, 2010
Illinois-Eastern-Iowa Kiwanis District Governor Larry Forsberg of the Sycamore Kiwanis Club, received the donation of the use of a vehicle from the Mike Mooney, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC/Mooney Auto Group. This year, Forsberg will be traveling the width and length of Illinois and the 14 counties in Eastern Iowa visiting some of the 230 Kiwanis clubs and assisting the 33 lieutenant governors in the district.

“With a goal of seeing most of the 8,200 members in the district, this is shaping up to be a busy and exciting year,” Forsberg said in a news release.

The Mooney Auto Group is providing Forsberg with the car to make these visits.

”Kiwanian Mike Mooney (DeKalb/Kishwaukee Club) is really helping out Kiwanis and (me) with this donation,” said Forsberg. “My wife and I really appreciate the chance to ride in one of the great Mooney cars. There are Mooney Auto Group dealerships and Kiwanis Clubs in DeKalb, Paris and Tuscola, Ill., so the members in those areas can witness the donation the dealerships are making.”

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis and its youth-oriented Service Leadership Programs serve communities in more than 80 countries and geographic areas.

Founded in 1915 in Detroit, Mich., Kiwanis International now comprises 600,000 members – men, women, boys and girls – worldwide. This includes all of the Key Clubbers in the high schools, Circle K members at the collegiate level, Builders Club members in middle school, K-Kids in elementary grades and Aktion Club members that are disabled adults doing community service.

For more information about Kiwanis, visit www.iikiwanis.org.

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Opportunity House knocks

Janet Freeman, who works with the Opportunity House, packages gift wrap packaging for the upcoming holidays Wednesday morning.

Posted: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 9:55 pm | Updated: 1:47 am, Thu Oct 14, 2010.  NIU The Star

Jessica Wells

Sycamore | Since 1963, Opportunity House has been providing people with disabilities services to help them in their daily lives.

Opportunity House, 202 Lucas St., Sycamore, helped more than 200 people last year by providing services like job placement, work services and recreation. They also offer developmental training among their other services.

“Developmental training is a program for folks who have maybe more severe or multiple disabling conditions,” said Executive Director Robert Shipman. “Folks who have pretty severe impairments are able to get personal care, and we try to enhance their personal living skills like taking care of themselves and things like that.”

Opportunity House also has a supported employment program, which finds jobs in the community for people with disabilities. Once someone finds a job, Opportunity House provides special staff that works with the individual so they learn that job. Over time, this staff member, or job coach, may fade as the individual gains their independence in the job, Shipman said.

“For example, a person has a job, the job coach has faded and that person’s pretty independent, but they’ve added some things to the job, and that person needs job coaching to learn the new tasks. We’ll put a job coach back out there to provide that support,” he said.

Employer satisfaction surveys show that many employers really like this program.

“It gives them, I think, some comfort knowing that the person is going to be trained well,” Shipman said.

They also provide respite for the families of people with disabilities. Shipman said this is a break from the day-to-day routine, allowing the family to go out.

“Caring for a person with a disability can be pretty exhausting, and people may need a break from that, so we have staff that can go into the home and provide supervision so the family can get a break,” Shipman said.

Additionally, Opportunity House has a Special Olympics program that offers athletic and competition training year round. According to its website, sports offered include basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis and golf among others.

Shipman said there is no cost for services, except for some incidental costs with their Special Olympics program and some recreation activities.

“There might be some transportation fees if we’re going to a ball game or something like that,” Shipman said. “So per say, there are no charges for the work training, developmental training or things like that because we’re funded through the state and community donations.”

Shipman said the Opportunity House also funds its daily operations and pays its staff through those same funds.

“A large part of our funding is from people who donate and the community’s financial support,” Shipman said. “Their support is very important.”

Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy said there is a long tradition with Opportunity House and the community.

“It means a lot to folks with special needs who, thanks to Opportunity House and the workshop there and the living quarters, are able to function in society with a high, high degree of independence,” Mundy said. “It’s a wonderful experience and it points to the fact that we care about all of our folks here in Sycamore, and we hope they all do well and all reach their potential.”

Shipman said it’s essential to provide these services.

“There are no other services available for folks with developmental disabilities in the community,” Shipman said.

For more information on the Opportunity House and the services offered, visit www.ohinc.org

By ELENA GRIMM – egrimm@daily-chronicle.com

DeKalb receives federal funding for bike path

DeKALB – The city has been awarded federal funding for a new bike path that will connect neighborhoods southwest of DeKalb High School to the school and nearby parks and athletic fields.

Under the plan, the path will run on the north side of Fairview Drive from Heritage Drive to Route 23, then it will turn north on the highway to Lucerne Lane.

The $168,000 from the Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation, Community and System Preservation grant program requires a 20 percent local match, or $42,000, said Joel Maurer, assistant director of public works for building, engineering and transportation.

This could come from motor fuel tax funds or another source, he said.

The Fairview Drive project was one of 16 projects selected among more than 100 proposals from around the country, according to a memo from the FHWA. It was the only one selected in Illinois.

“The biggest thing is that it’s for all those residents, not only the new residents of the City of DeKalb that have been annexed in, but all the people who live in the subdivisions back there,” said 4th Ward Alderman Brendon Gallagher, whose district includes that area.

In July, about 30 homes on that stretch of Fairview Drive were brought into city limits through a forced annexation process. Gallagher said that the impetus for annexing the land was to be able to bring city water to the properties if the road ever is reconstructed, but that a bike path was secondary.

“The actual bike path, I guess that’s an added benefit for the residents who live there,” he said.

He also noted that the path would be “a natural thing” to have when the high school building is converted into a middle school next year because more bike and foot traffic will be expected.

Maurer said the first step is a consulting engineering design agreement that will come before the city council for approval at its next meeting, scheduled for Sept. 13.

“That is the date they would endorse going forward or not,” he said.

The grant stipulates that funds must be obligated during the current fiscal year or they will be lost.

Copyright © 2010 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

Midweek News June 20, 2010

4H Speaking Contest 2010 4H Speaking Contest 2010

4H Speaking Contest 20104H had their annual Speaking Contest and here is the newspaper article. 4H assists with our Beanzie Event each year. They will be doing a program at our Kiwanis Club June 30th.

Kishwaukee Kiwanis Biking with Beanzie Team is assisting with a Tour De Farms Rest Stop in Waterman, IL that Saturday.

By DENNIS HINES – dhines@shawsuburban.com

DeKalb County hosts Tour de Farms

DEKALB – More than 2,000 bicyclists are expected to gather in DeKalb County this weekend to help out a good cause.

The Bike MS: Tour de Farms is set for June 12 and June 13. The two-day bike ride is scheduled to begin 7 a.m., June 12 at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center. The bicyclists will travel throughout DeKalb County and surrounding areas, then back to the Convocation Center. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley is serving as honorary chairperson for this year’s event.

“We’re kind of all over the place,” said Elle Ullum, event manager. “The route goes  south to Route 30 to Hinckley Middle School then further south.”

The purpose of the bike ride is to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Greater Illinois Chapter. Ullum said they expect to raise about $1.2 million this year.

“Every rider commits to raising a $300 minimum,” Ullum said. “They ask friends and family members for donations. We, usually, receive an average of $850 per person.”

During the first day of the event, participants have the option to ride 35 miles, 75 miles or 100 miles. On the second day, they either may ride 75 miles or 100 miles.

“The majority of our riders travel 100 miles on the first day and then 75 miles the second day for a total of 175 miles,” Ullum said. “We get all levels of bikers that’s why we offer the shorter route to make it available for everyone.”

There will be 12 rest stops along the route where participants may purchase drinks and food items.

“Bikers can purchase bananas, oranges and all kinds of food at the stops,” Ullum said. “There will also be food available to them when they get back to the (Convocation Center).”

Besides the bike ride, there also will be a festival held throughout the day on June 11 at the Convocation Center. Ullum said residents do not have to participate in the bike ride in order to attend the festival.

“There will be bands and music all afternoon,” Ullum said. “Anyone can come out and enjoy the music and learn about multiple sclerosis.”

Officials from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society organize the bike ride throughout the year. Ullum said about 500 volunteers help make the event a success.  “We have meetings with representatives from all the jurisdictions. We’ve met with the mayor of DeKalb, and he will help us kick off the bike ride on Saturday,” Ullum said.    Copyright © 2010 Midweek. All rights reserved.

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2010/05/20/54295543/index.xml  Letter to the Editor, Rummage Sale, May, 21, 2010.

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2010/04/12/87035569/index.xml  Rummage Sale- May 1 & 2, 2010.

http://www.northernstar.info/Images/pdf/05-2010.04.05.pdf   Bike Bike Path Construction. Letter to the Editor- 40th Anniversary Thank you to Community

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/16/45334446/ Bill Finucane- Service Award NIU

http://www.niu.edu/osc/serviceaward/2009/BFinucane.shtml VAC Donation VAC Donation- Bill F. to Ellen R.

http://www.invironmentsmag.com/archives/pdf/inviro_vol1_issue5.pdf
Page 92 Invironments Magazine “Biking with Beanzie”

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/07/23/68073572/
Letter to the Editor.   Thanks for Beanzie support.

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/07/19/80652286/
Beanzie Article 7/19/09

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/07/14/66039563/
Barry Schrader’s Tuesday articles on Beanzie and Toney

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/07/06/12009695/
Pre-Beanzie Article thanks to Sue.

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/09/25/21319284/
http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/09/18/91886415/
http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/09/16/20715166/
Peanut Day.

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/08/21/33161601/
Corn Fest at the airport.

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/08/05/49458662/
Kish Kiwanis Grant assists in Littlejohn School and Garden Club.

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/07/13/22806079/
Kish Kiwanis supports 4-H Speaking Contest.

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/02/17/22522823/
Park District honors Kish Kiwanis support.

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2008/10/20/features/people/doc48f537ff063e5006155721.txt
Childrens Learning Center, Mandy Derrington Friend of the Child Award

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2008/09/22/features/people/doc48d034aa5e74f501055976.txt
Kiwanis supports Kishwaukee Hospital Pediatrics Room

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2008/08/13/features/people/people04.txt
Oak Crest Good Samaritan Award honors Beryl Smith

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2008/04/01/features/people/people10.txt
Childrens Learning Center and Reading is FUNdamental Support

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2008/03/29/features/lifestyles/lifestyles03.txt
Aktion Club and Community Service

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2007/03/18/neighbors/lifestyles/lifestyles01.txt
Bowl for Kids Sake

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2007/03/26/neighbors/neighbors06.txt
http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2007/03/19/neighbors/neighbors01.txt
Rock Paper Scissor Tournament

http://www.northernstar.info/article.php?id=33927&old=1
http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2006/10/23/neighbors/neighbors16.txt
http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2002/10/24/news/export11977.txt
Haunted House

November 2, 2009
NIU’s Transportation Department was held up as an example of environmental responsibility in “We are the Weather Makers: The History of Climate Change,” the new book by DeKalb-based author Tim Flannery.Director of Transportation Bill Finucane has helped the university assemble the largest fleet of hybrid vehicles of any stage agency. More than one-third of all university motor-pool sedans are hybrids, using an electric motor to offset gasoline use.

The university police department is also believed to be the first in the nation to have a fleet comprised entirely of hybrids. The department also makes extensive use of vehicles that run on alternative fules, such as ethanol and biodiesel.

The department also was lauded for its extensive recycling efforts – including shipping old fuel drums to the School of Music to be turned into instruments for the nationally acclaimed steelpan studies program, which makes steel drums for the NIU Steel Band.