Sugar Grove couple witnessed history

Amy Manion of Sugar Grove received an unusual Christmas gift from her husband Andrew, and it is one that has given both of them memories to last a lifetime.

Andrew gave his Obama supporter wife an airline ticket to fly to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration. Andrew is the provost and chief academic officer for Aurora University, where Amy is campus information services librarian. The couple have friends in Maryland, so there were no hotel expenses.

The plans were made before Amy had reservations that would guarantee her a seat or standing room. About the same time Andrew made the last minute decision to join her, the couple got tickets.

"We were in a standing section fairly close to the front, to the far left of the stand," Amy said. "We had yellow tickets and got in without a problem. People with purple tickets didn't get in. It still took several hours. We were in a huge crowd for about an hour, standing really close together. It would have been difficult for someone with claustrophobia. But the people were in good spirits. Someone broke out singing, 'America the Beautiful' and everyone joined in."

Amy said it was worth standing for six hours in the cold weather.

"It was a very emotional experience," Amy said. "We really felt like we were witnessing history."

"I'm an independent, and I was not an Obama supporter at the beginning," Andrew said. "But my support for him grew as his campaign progressed. So I was very excited as well to see him take the oath of office."

The couple also had tickets for the Illinois State Society ball which took place on Monday, the eve of the inauguration. There were rumors that Obama would make an appearance, but he didn't.

"It wasn't part of the official balls," Amy said. "There were 7,000 people there, it was still a lot of fun."

Amy was impressed by the massive amount of paraphernalia with Obama's likeness that was being sold.

"You could buy a chocolate lollipop that was Obama's head," Amy said. "There were buttons, tote bags, pictures, you name it."

The Manions gave a presentation of their experience to students at Aurora University.

Chamber to meet: Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce will meet at noon Thursday, Feb. 12 at the Sugar Grove Fire Protection District, 25 S. Municipal Drive.

Career coach Christy Seawall will discuss setting goals.

The meeting includes lunch. Cost is $10 if reservations are made by Tuesday, Feb. 10, or $15 at the door.

Call (630) 466-7895.

Items needed for craft fair raffle: Local businesses are asked to donate an item or service to be raffled off at the "Breath of Spring Arts and Crafts Faire" which will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at the Sugar Grove Community House, 141 S. Main St.

All proceeds from the $1 admission and raffle prizes will support the programs of Conley Outreach. Businesses donating prizes will receive publicity.

E-mail Kadie O'Connor at Kadie@referralmarketingsolutions.com.