Woman earns honors from WCC, Lions
Rhonda Sleezer, a 12-year resident of Sugar Grove, is the Waubonsee Community College featured alumnus for February.
She was also recently honored with the distinguished service award from the Aurora Noon Lions Club. She is the club's secretary.
"It's been quite a year," Sleezer said. "When Waubonsee called it was out of the blue. It's been almost 30 years since I was there, and there are so many qualified people.
"But it's nice to take time and reflect," she added. "From my perspective, I just go about things on a day-to-day basis."
Sleezer is the executive director of Sunnymere, an assisted living community in Aurora.
She attended Waubonsee as an adult student. After graduating from West Aurora High School, she took an office job. After she had two children, she decided to return to school to become a nurse.
Sleezer earned an associate degree in applied science in 1980 and became a registered nurse.
"Waubonsee was a wonderful experience," she said. "I love living in this area and it allowed me to connect with the surrounding communities and serve in different capacities."
After Waubonsee, Sleezer worked for four years in the intensive care unit at Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora.
"Most of the patients were seniors," she recalled. "They were so appreciative of the care. I seemed to have a rapport with them. Working with seniors has been a passion for me for a long time."
After managing nursing offices in several retirement communities, Sleezer was hired as the executive director at Sunnymere in 1995. She also volunteers her time to senior causes.
"My job is a match made in heaven," Sleezer said. "It gives me the opportunity to make life better for them."
At the library
The Town and Country Library is remembering the children's author Dr. Seuss.
Storyteller, ventriloquist and singer Sandi Sylver will give a special performance on "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the library, 320 E. North St., Elburn.
The event is in conjunction with the "Read Across America" celebration of the 104th anniversary of the author's birth.
Dr. Seuss was the pen name of Theodor Seuss Geisel, who was born March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Mass.
The library will continue the celebration with Corduroy Bear visiting with children at 11 a.m. March 7.
The Friends of the Library will have a springtime craft workshop, including "Cat in the Hat" crafts, at 10 a.m. March 8.
Special prizes will be given to everyone present at the three events.
Register for each program by calling the library at (630) 365-2244.
Tap a tree for syrup
Learn how to tap a maple tree and simmer sap over an open fire. Then watch as it thickens to syrup.
Naturalists from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County will lead maple tapping from 1 to 4 p.m. March 9 at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve on Hughes Road one mile west of Fabyan Parkway in Elburn.
Participants in the "Sugarin' Time" hike can also learn how to distinguish maples from other trees.
Call (847) 741-8350, ext. 10, to register.
ngier@dailyherald.com