Column's Post Awards makes debut
As we wrap up an eventful 2007, it is appropriate to present the first annual Post Awards. Posts are for an assortment of people, places and things that have, in one way or another, been connected to the Lisle column and merit recognition in this last Lisle column in 2007.
The word "Post" was chosen because it is another word for "column," meaning a slender, upright structure. Of course, column also means a part of a newspaper written by a specific writer, and post means to publish the name to a list. I like the play on words.
The Post Awards have no nomination process, no board of review or plaque and remain the sole determination of this columnist for a year-end review.
Most articulate quote
"When you consider how prominent the Morton family was in Chicago history as well as in establishment of the Morton Arboretum, I am touched by how completely unpretentious their monuments are and how eloquently they speak of the values that the family held," said Craig Johnson, director of education and information services for an Oct. 30 column on cemeteries in Lisle.
He was talking about the small Morton family cemetery near the Thornhill Education Center at the arboretum. When Johnson speaks, I'm glad my recorder is capturing his poetic expressions.
Making a difference
Lisle resident Marilyn Buchholz, who is dealing with her illness, was instrumental in getting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to come to Lisle for its Western Suburbs Light the Night Walk as stated in the Sept. 17 Lisle column.
The society's Michelle Thompson reports 2,500 people attended the event and that Buchholz's team, The Warriors, raised $10,000.
"It was very successful and everyone that I know who attended was very impressed," Thompson added. "We are excited to grow to this new location and are looking forward to even more success next year."
Loyal weekly readers
The July 23 column reporting on Lisle, N.Y., our namesake, gave me an opportunity to write about that community, its people and history. The column also sparked an idea in regular Daily Herald readers Lucy and Richard Gaven.
The Lisle couple, who have been to New York before, made it a point to find little Lisle, N.Y., (population 350) on a driving trip east. They sent me a postcard from the post office in Lisle, N.Y., and included photos of them standing next to several landmarks.
Sheer fun to write
If you thought the January column on a Lisle museum that received an appraised $2.3 million dollar collection of exotic specimens was fun to write, you are right.
Striving to find a different angle, I watched the museum take delivery of its gift. As the specialized movers rolled large specimens into the museum, I wondered about the existing collection.
I opened the column with: "The large, rounded head of the wooly, dark-brown bison did not flinch as it stood guard in the window watching a parade of animals pass on their way to the Jurica Nature Museum at Benedictine University in Lisle.
"The largest native land mammal in North America stood firm in its replicated natural prairie setting, unimpressed that more than 50 additional mounts were moving into its museum."
Top beneficial news story
Being selected by Money Magazine to be the top Place to Live in Illinois and in the Top 20 Best Places to Live in the nation was outstanding. We lost out to the American Girl doll's hometown of Middleton, Wis., which took first place.
Yet we surpass their six places of higher learning within 30 miles by having 84 colleges, universities, junior colleges, technical and professional schools within that distance. Our income, temperatures and number of restaurants within 15 miles are higher. Their residents' age, percentage who have completed some college and the number of ski resorts within 15 miles are higher.
Most valuable volunteers
Lisle has many exceptional and enthusiastic volunteers, and I was privileged to interview two of them.
A January column reported Lisle dentist Michael Gonda had traveled to Beijing, China, where he performed free surgeries to repair cleft palates and lips for children and teens that could change their lives.
In October, the destination was the Upendo Village in Navaisha, Kenya, where St. Joan of Arc parish deacon Tom Richardt volunteered his efforts to build fences, stoves and houses for impoverished families in that part of the world devastated by AIDS/HIV.
Most poignant tribute
The Sept. 4 column tried to put into words the collective lump in our throats when the Ross Bishop VFW Post 5696 spearheaded efforts that brought to Lisle the American Veterans Traveling Tribute for four days in September. It was overwhelming to see the collection of names engraved on the walls and to know each represents a serviceman or servicewoman who paid the ultimate price for freedom. The village proudly had four days of tributes and ceremonies at the wall.
Best wishes
To readers near and far, I wish you a friend to hold your hand, a cause to open your heart and a goal to encourage your dreams. My best to you and yours for the holidays, Joan.