Lengthy bike ride pays off in the end
Professor Craig Broeder is used to challenging students. But this summer, it was he who faced his own toughest test.
The May 4 Lisle column reported on how the Benedictine University director of exercise physiology was raising money for ovarian cancer research and to honor his wife Kay's 20-year successful survival.
Broeder planned to ride his bike around the perimeter of the contiguous United States within 100 days. Starting in Austin, Texas, Broeder peddled west to California, north to Washington, east to the New England states, south to Florida and back west to Texas.
On Aug. 25, Broeder reached his goal after riding 9,109 miles. The date coincided with the couple's 25th wedding anniversary, a milestone that seemed unattainable when Kay was first diagnosed with cancer when they were a young couple.
Broeder rode through massive thunderstorms, food poisoning, a pair of flat tires, a painful right ankle, 120-mile rides in 97-degree heat, the supply trailer being front-ended, his support vehicle driver hospitalized for a rattlesnake bite and more persistent head winds in mountainous areas than even he imagined. He marveled when a rainbow appeared in the sky after a string of particularly challenging days.
Along the way, Broeder also met some of America's finest caring and generous folks.
For all his wear and tear, Broeder said, "I would absolutely take the ride again, with a few adjustments from what I've learned."
By observing America from the seat of a bike, Broeder found more communities need bike lanes, paths and sidewalks; many states need shoulders along all roadways; drivers should learn bike safety; Americans need to be more exercise-conscious, and too many drivers toss safety concerns aside to talk on cell phones.
All across the country, Broeder says, he connected with individuals, corporations and nonprofit organizations that he hopes will increase the $15,000 he's collected so far. There are plans for a documentary and some cycling events with multiple riders to raise additional dollars.
Donations may be sent to: American College of Sports Medicine, Attn: Jessica Hancock BFOC; 401 W. Michigan St.; Indianapolis, IN 46202-3233. Donations also may be made online or at bicyclingforovariancancer.org.
Kudos to a native
Shirley Braithwaite Hunt and her sister, Lisle resident Barbara Adamec, were among the 1,500 attendees at the 2009 Learning and Product Expo: Art! in Lisle and reported on in the July 6 Lisle column.
The sisters, who grew up in Lisle, share an interest in art. Hunt studied art at Lisle High School and at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art. After a long dry spell to raise her family and work, Hunt has returned to her love of art. She traveled to Lisle from her home in South Carolina, where she is a member of the Charlotte Art League, Fort Mill Art Guild and Tega Cay Art League.
At the expo, Hunt's painting "Threesome" won the show's singular grand prize. The serene scene has three small boats gently floating while tied to pilings. The outboard motor on one is cocked up at rest. There is no movement in the soft blue sky with a horizon of yellow tones that offer a promising future.
Hunt's second submission, "Stripes," also received recognition. Her work is available at fineartamerica.com. She works in oil, pastel, acrylic and watercolors with compositions of landscapes, florals and portraitures.
Bird Bath auction
Entries in the Bird Baths of Lisle summer public art display, sponsored by the Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce, will be auctioned from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 23 at Bobak's Signature Events in Woodridge. The auction is free and the public is invited to view, bid on and take home one of the 25 singular pieces of art.
Although none are guaranteed to attract equally beautiful birds, any one would be a stunning addition to a garden.
The concrete art pieces that form the base were purchased by local businesses and nonprofits that then had a local artist add their originality.
The bird baths were safely displayed the past three months within Lisle businesses as Main Street neared completion. Find detailed photos and bid online at the chamber Web site, lislechamber.com. Those bids will be added to the live auction.
Some baths resemble colorful flowers in full bloom, others have appendages added and a few are tiered.
Artist Wendy Nadeau chose a stars-and-stripes patriotic theme, while art teacher Beverly Stazak included a tranquil Buddha to her bird sanctuary.
Groups such as Lisle High School art classes, residents at Devonshire, Robert Morris University students, Ray Graham Association and the Unilever art team incorporated mosaics, green themes and a touch of mysticism.
All proceeds will benefit a chamber member charity of the successful bidder's choosing.
Community grants
The Lisle Community Service Corporation is accepting applications for funding grants for the fall/winter 2009 term. Each grant provides a nonprofit organization a financial award to benefit Lisle residents. Spring awards went to Lisle Community Band, Lisle Lions Club, Lisle Woman's Club, Boy Scout Troop 99 and Beebe Elementary HSO.
"We hope with the way the economy is going that we will be able to help more of the smaller nonprofits that could really use our help," said LCSC secretary Mary Ann Johnson.
Grant applications with appropriate documentation for up to $5,000 must be submitted by Sept. 18. For details go to LisleCommunityServiceCorporation.org or call (630) 330-4274.
Send completed applications to LCSC, P.O. Box 3354, Lisle, 60532, or to MaryAnn@LisleCommunityServiceCorporation.org.
• Joan Broz writes about Lisle. E-mail her at jgbroz@yahoo.com.