YWCA Elgin honors achieving women at luncheon

More than 400 individuals in attendance at YWCA Elgin's 25th annual Leader Luncheon on May 8 received insight into keeping a "healthy heart" from speaker Dr. Michael Ackerman, Mayo Clinic associate professor and expert in Sudden Death Syndrome.

"The heart is truly a masterfully designed organ," Ackerman said. "It never rests."

With a mix of tongue and cheek and serious health tips, Ackerman encouraged the elimination of smoking and the importance of eating correctly. Promoting at least 30 minutes of daily exercise to help maintain a strong heart he adds, "I want to encourage not taking the escalator when you go to the gym."

The 25th YWCA Elgin anniversary event honored women who excel in their area of expertise.

Award recipients include:

• Jeanne Hebeisen, Arts. Nominated by the Elgin Area AAUW, she has served the arts community for more than 50 years.

• Kathy Hannell, Business and Professions. Nominated by The Fideliter Club, Hannell is an owner/operator of Learning Tree child development centers in Elgin.

• Heather J. Gates, Communications/Technology. She was nominated by Provena St. Joseph Hospital where she is Director of Marketing and Public Relations Director.

• Dr. Roberta Nauman, Education. She was nominated by The Larkin Center where she has been affiliated as a board member, a staff member in the special education area and Director of Special Education.

• Nancy Rohr, Public Service. Nominated by James Hanson and Larry Jones, Rohr has served on the South Elgin Planning Commission and as a trustee to the South Elgin Village Board.

• Shelley Wasmond Lewis, Social Services. Nominated by Little Angels and Barbara Smorynski, she is Executive Director of the recognized pediatric facility for children with disabilities.

• Sheri Darmon, Volunteer/Community Service. Nominated by P.E.O. Chapter JG, Darmon has been involved in such organizations as Fideliters, Elgin Junior Service Board, Sherman Hospital Auxiliary and a variety of school organizations.

• Adriana Carpio de Palma, Racial Justice. Nominated by Cynthia Wendt, she is a bilingual teacher of gifted and talented students and has been a strong presence at Sheridan School. She also works on a district-state wide level to advocate for equitable educational opportunities for all students.

• Elgin's Gail Borden Library is the recipient of the Corporate Award for outstanding innovative programs to advance women employees.

• New this year was a Leadership Award for Young Women which was presented to Streamwood High School student Portia Anderson, class of 2008. The $1,000 renewable scholarship will be used to pursue an advanced education at Dominican University in River Forest in the fall. Active at the high school level, she is interested in pursuing a law degree.

For information on the YWCA Elgin, log on to www.ywcaelgin.org.