Naperville: Folks in Pass Christian salute you
Early birds, turtles and conservation were among topics of conversation last week.
"Is this too early?" asked cheerful Mayor Chipper McDermott of Pass Christian, Miss., when he called first thing last Monday.
A year ago, 11 of us from Naperville met McDermott during a visit to The Pass on Aug. 19 for the "Presentation of the Keys" to owners of the first three houses built by the Mennonites with funds raised by Naperville Responds. To date, the all-volunteer initiative has collected cash and in-kind services to build 20 homes in the aftermath of devastating Hurricane Katrina.
In May, when McDermott was here for the Naperville Responds fundraiser at the grand opening of the Pavilion at Meson Sabika, I had the privilege of giving him tours of our city.
This Saturday Pass Christian has slated a "Salute to 39571" in their War Memorial Park to recognize first responders. McDermott wants all local residents to know he considers Naperville among them.
During the tribute, the mayor will give a state of the city address titled "Two Years Later." He'll also cut ribbons for new businesses ready to open.
Plus, he said, Pass Christian native Robin Roberts, co-anchor of "Good Morning America," is scheduled to be on hand to celebrate their progress along the Gulf Coast.
The raging tropical storms stirring up havoc over the weekend gave me pause for prayers and concern.
Bird watchers
I also found myself chuckling at the thought of Chipper and Robin.
A couple days before the mayor's call, Mary and Chuck Corrigan hosted the West Suburban Irish Family Picnic in their backyard among nesting birds and a birdhouse. All of us guests discovered their youngest son's interest in feathered friends -- and the family's support. This summer, they launched the Kev Kev Birdwatch Club, featuring a Web site, www.kevkevbirdwatch.org, for family and friends who enjoy observing and photographing birds.
I'm now a card-carrying member.
When a press release arrived Monday from Jill Johnson at The Conservation Foundation, I followed up with information about the new bird watching club, an innovative parent and child project that falls in line with the "No Child Left Inside" initiative promoted regionally through Chicago Wilderness.
"This kind of thing is the exact goal of that project," Johnson replied, noting that she and The Conservation Foundation served on the steering committee for www.kidsoutside.info. "What a great story!"
P.S. for pop tabs
Julie Corwith replied to last week's column about collecting pop tabs from beverage cans to fund overnight stays at Ronald McDonald Houses for families with seriously ill children.
"We have church friends who have a son with leukemia," she e-mailed. "He's now in remission, but while he was undergoing treatment they stayed at a Ronald McDonald House, saving them hours of travel and energy. It was a big help."
Corwith went online to find where to drop off pop tabs.
"Maybe a P.S. to your column stating that Great Clips (hair salons) are pop tab collectors would be helpful," she suggested.
Making connections
A friend and I recently sat on a bench in front of Main Street Promenade wondering about the significance of turtles as featured in the 2007 United Way Under the Sea Exhibit.
As we admired "Franklin, the 5-Star Turtle," painted in sepia tones by artist Marianne Lisson-Kuhn and sponsored by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Naperville Alliance, we noted the sculpture reflects our city's rich history with images of progress. Franklin is an inspiration for anyone who has ever ruffled feathers with a good idea.
"Consider the turtle: he only makes progress when he sticks his neck out," she joked.
Naperville United Way Immediate Past President John Schmitt has an idea for this year's auction on Sept. 14 at Bobak's Signature Events in Woodridge. Schmitt wants to attract Naperville's snowbirds because he thinks the colorful sea creatures will be great additions to winter homes in Florida.
Friday I also observed a large box turtle in our backyard. Have you ever noticed how a turtle uses its head and strong neck to right itself when it flips on its back?
You never know what you'll connect when you pay attention in our topsy-turvy world.