2009 witnessed tenacity, courage and good ideas

Ending 2009 signals it's time for my annual Post Awards.

There are no engraved plaques for honorees and not even a nomination process. It is my way to share with readers the rest of the story.

Tenacity to Hang on Award

Three columns in 2009 highlighted Lisle's revitalized downtown. On July 20, I reported on the attractive prairie-style architecture and landscape surround. I explained about the quality work and materials used to give residents years of uninterrupted service following several years of continuous construction.

More than a cosmetic overhaul, the process turned a four-lane thruway into a pedestrian-friendly destination. It is proving itself a community gathering place, evident in record crowds attending Lights of Lisle, Once Upon a Christmas and the Santa Parade.

Donna Sitts, who oversees the village of Lisle's participation, estimates 1,000 people came through village hall for cookies and hot chocolate following the Lisle official tree lighting ceremony.

Wayne Dunham said more than 1,000 people passed through the Museums of Lisle Station during its successful two-day holiday event. Joe Bennett, who served as tour guide for the Red Waycar, agreed with those numbers.

"We get compliments every day on how nice (Lisle's downtown) looks," said Tom Althoff, who has an office on Main Street and is president and CEO of the Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce. "You can see how the storefronts are filling up."

On April 10, my column reported on some of the oldest business in downtown Lisle and on Aug. 10, the column featured a number of wedding-related stores.

"People are also very pleased with the decorations for the holiday season," Althoff said.

I encourage readers to stroll along Main Street to enjoy the attractive red-lit treetops with white-lit shrubs, twig reindeer and an occasional green-lit Christmas tree. Shoppers will find it an inviting place to do some Christmas shopping.

To the businesses and store managers on Main Street, I award my Tenacity to Hang on Award.

Courage to Think Outside the Box Award

The Aug. 17 Lisle column reported on the Rotary Club of Lisle's inaugural Red, White and Blue Ball. With a promise of a whole lot of patriotism blended with elegance and entertainment, members hoped they would not drop the ball planning the new event with a $125 ticket price.

With space for 130 attendees, the affair was a complete sellout.

Rotarians toasted each branch of the military, and organizer Jim Renn toasted a single unoccupied table representing those who are deceased, captured or missing in action. Proceeds benefitted the Lance Cpl. Nicholas Home for Veterans in Wheaton and Operation Support Our Troops of Illinois in Lisle.

"The Red, White and Blue Ball exceeded our expectations, both financially and socially," said Renn, a Rotarian and CEO of Lisle Savings Bank. "The part of the evening that received the most comments was when we acknowledged a table of the 'Families of the Fallen.'"

With a good amount of positive feedback, the Rotary plans its next Red, White and Blue Ball for Nov. 6, 2010, at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville.

For its inspired way to honor veterans, the Rotary Club of Lisle deserves my Courage to Think Outside the Box Award.

Brilliant Idea for Children Award

On Feb. 16, I reported on Fit For Fun at Steeple Run Elementary School. Lisle resident Trish Cooke, along with other school mothers, organized the innovative afterschool program that meets weekly in three, 6-week sessions during the year. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade climb a rock wall, maneuver through an obstacle course and participate in a kid-friendly boot camp.

In the column, I quoted Principal Karen Currier saying, "Students absolutely love the program."

In a recent interview, the school's physical education teacher Kyle Mitchell said the successful program draws between 75 and 100 kids each session.

"What is nice about this program," Mitchell said, "is that it gives those students who are not involved with sports outside of school a chance to come, play and try new things with some of their friends."

The original column attracted the attention of Michelle Owens from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the William J. Clinton Foundation, who linked my column to the group's monthly newsletter to broaden the reach of a great idea to educators across the country.

The alliance's "Healthy Schools" newsletter provides families with tools to make healthy choices. Its Web site is HealthierGeneration.org, and its newest program is "empowerME."

To the Fit For Fun program, I award my Brilliant Idea for Children Award.

Willingness to Help Award

No child should experience Christmas without receiving a gift. On Dec. 12 the Lisle Kiwanis scheduled its annual Children's Christmas Party for families facing challenging times. Entertainment, pizza and gifts were its modus operandi.

The week of Thanksgiving, the Lisle Kiwanis, with help from its Lisle High School Key Club, provided food baskets to 68 Lisle Township families in need.

The Oct. 10 column listed scholarship opportunities from the Lisle Kiwanis, as well as from the Lisle Lions, Rotary Club of Lisle, Lisle Woman's Club, Lisle Park District and Knights of Columbus.

The Nov. 16 column reported that the Lisle Community Character Alliance collects gently used shoes for Save Your Soles and pairs of new socks for Sock Smiles. Place your donations in special bins at Lisle Village Hall, 925 Burlington Ave. and Lisle Township office, 4711 Indiana Ave., which also has a food pantry for people who qualify.

Among the organizations reaching out to others, the Lisle Library offers many free services.

"Circulation is up, especially in fiction, which is at an all-time high" reports Rhonda Snelson, public relations and adult programmer. "I have much larger attendance at programs and many more groups want to use the meeting rooms."

The list is long, but Lisle organizations that reach out to others deserve recognition and my humble Willingness to Help Award.

Best Wishes

To all readers, I wish you the tenacity to give your best, the willingness to make a difference and the sheer delight of being with children.

My best to you and yours for the holidays,

Joan