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Sixth-grader heading to Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.

On Saturday, Kelsey Krigas, 11, of Fox River Grove, is heading to Washington D.C. for the Junior National Young Leaders Conference.

She is one of about 250 outstanding middle school students across the country invited to the conference - Kelsey is a sixth grader at Fox River Grove Middle School where she plays oboe in the band, plays volleyball, sings on two choirs and has landed on the high honor roll list.

The theme of the six-day conference is "Voices of Leadership: Reflecting on the Past to Create the Future."

While there, Kelsey will study notable U.S. leaders, discuss the impact of their leadership on American democracy and measure her own leadership skills against theirs.

"I certainly think she is every bit ready to take that challenge on," said Kelsey's mother Amy Krigas. "She is an amazing kid and she has a heart of gold."

As an interesting aside, Kelsey's grandmother Bonnie Floor also participated in a leadership conference in Washington D.C. back in 1968 that was sponsored by another group.

Kelsey is staying at the 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md., the same place her grandmother went for her conference, which was arranged by the 4-H Youth Development Program.

"We just found the souvenir picture of Grandma standing with her group outside the pillars," Amy Krigas said.

In addition to educational activities and presentations, Kelsey will also see the sights in D. C., including Harpers Ferry, famous monuments and memorials.

Kelsey has pooled together her baby-sitting money and various donations from the community to finance this trip - she has $2,000 and is trying to raise between $400 and $500 more before she leaves.

If you would like to help, please send any donations to: Kelsey Krigas, 1115 Paul Court, Fox River Grove, IL 60021.

The way it was then and now: In 1967, Elvis Presley wed Priscilla, gas cost 33 cents a gallon and you only needed $1.25 to get into a movie, according to www.thepeoplehistory.com.

Locally, 1967 was also the year that Bob Perry of Cary joined the Cary Lions Club.

Perry, who recently retired from the club after 43 years of service, was honored with the club's Lifetime Membership Award during an annual dinner - he was accompanied by his wife Joy, according to a news release.

Through the years, Perry, who says "You never stop being a Lion," was club president in both 1970 and 1995, chaired the club's 50th anniversary dinner in 1996, helped open new Lions chapters in Richmond, McHenry, Johnsburg and Oakwood Hills and secured sponsorship for the Cary Lioness Club.

Perry also was active in numerous fundraisers. He sold sell tickets for raffles, several golf outings, Tootsie Pops days, Las Vegas nights and other charity events.

In 1996, Perry received the Melvin Jones Fellowship award for his humanitarian service to Cary - it is the highest honor a Lions Club member can get.

Congratulations, Mr. Perry for all of your accolades and here's to a glorious retirement.

Say hi to the Easter Bunny in Cary: The Cary Park District is holding a breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 9 to 10 a.m. March 20 at the Community Center.

Included in the breakfast are pancakes, sausage, milk and juice. After everyone eats, the bunny will arrive for a meet and greet.

Preregistration is required and each child must come with an adult.

Fees vary based on residency and age. Call the park district at (847) 639-6100.

• Lenore Adkins covers Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Pingree Grove, McHenry County College, Cary and Fox River Grove. To reach her, call (847) 608-2725 or send an e-mail to ladkins@dailyherald.com.