Stop by the Valley Sheltered Workshop's pancake breakfast

With the Loyalty Day Parade taking place at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, now's the time to make plans for a day in Batavia.

The parade features military units; Veterans of Foreign Wars posts from throughout the Fox Valley, including Hampshire Post 804; Scouting troops, marching bands, sports teams, car clubs and more.

To keep up your energy for parade viewing, why not start off with a pancake breakfast at the Valley Sheltered Workshop? You'll get a hearty meal and help some really nice folks in the process.

The Valley Sheltered Workshop was a dream that the late Rev. Gilbert Johnstone had for community members who had difficulty finding work because of developmental challenges. He convinced the late Bob Bina Sr. of its importance and the two accomplished the task of turning the dream into reality.

In 1966 the first facility opened at 4 North River Street, employing trainees from throughout the Fox Valley region. The workshop was a huge success. Soon it outgrew the River Street facility and the city provided a garage for the workshop to use as a temporary facility in 1977 until they could find a permanent home.

In 1978 the workshop took the first step in securing a permanent location. The group was able to purchase property at 334 Main Street. This time the Kiwanis stepped in to help. They offered to raise the funds, secure the materials and build the building.

Dick Ernzen offered to chair the project. Like Johnstone, Ernzen had the persuasive style that was needed to get the job done.

Many people in the community worked on the building. Local contractors and tradesmen volunteered their services. The building went up in a record eight months. The community donated $35,000 to the effort and area business donated supplies and materials. In 1980 the workshop moved into the Main Street location.

The workshop is still in existence today with 14 trainees. It is dependent on area businesses for work. Burgess Norton continues to be one of the area businesses that supports the workshop by sending work its way. Other area business that support the workshop by providing work are Turf Sales, Doctors' Data, the Kane County Cougars and Feece Oil.

The success of the workshop is directly related to the people involved. At the helm is supervisor Donna Crook, who is affectionately known as Grandma.

Her gentle manner and quick friendly smile are a clear indication why the group holds her in such high esteem. She's always ready to accept a hug, or gentle hand.

"Donna is a phenomenal woman," said Scott Hagemann, president of the group's board of directors.

"She is in at 6:30 every morning to make sure that everything is organized for the trainees and often leaves late, and the trainees love her."

Hagemann admits that working with the trainees at the workshop is a positive part of his day.

"Every time I go in there I got so many hugs and smiles," he said. "It makes my day."

The Valley Sheltered Workshop is a nonprofit organization that raises money through community effort. This weekend the group will hold its annual breakfast at the workshop. Volunteers will be flipping pancakes, frying sausage and serving juice and coffee while the trainees demonstrate some of the different jobs that they do at the workshop.

The cost of the breakfast is $5 for adults and $3 for kids. It starts at 7:30 a.m. and goes until noon.

It's a great breakfast, great price, great cause and a great reason to come to Batavia.

If you go

What: Loyalty Day parade and Valley Sheltered Workshop pancake breakfast

When and where: Breakfast is from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the workshop, 325 Main Street, Batavia. Parade steps off at 1:30 p.m. from Raddant Road and Wilson Street and proceeds west on Wilson and south on Route 25, ending at the VFW Post 1197 at 645 S. River St.

How much? Breakfast is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

Details: The parade will feature Fox Valley and Tri-Cities businesses, clubs and organizations, scouting troops, school bands, and military units. There will be a Red Cross blood drive at the VFW post, food and beverages.

Info: Call (630) 879-9630.