Jaycees help Palatine Park District beautify Cedar Park

The Palatine Jaycees, as part of their yearlong 60th anniversary celebration, partnered with the Palatine Park District this past month to help beautify Cedar Park in Palatine.

The chapter donated the funds to supply the park with new, native plants. Additionally, a group of Palatine Jaycees assisted the park district in planting the foliage.

"Giving back to our great community has always been a huge part of the Palatine Jaycees," said project co-chair Traci Hinshaw. "It made sense to partner with the park district to find a project that would allow us to not only make a donation, but to give our time."

"We wanted to create a service project that would have a lasting effect in the community. These plants will be part of the park for many years to come," said co-chair Pat DeMarco. "A commemorative 60th anniversary plaque will be added to Cedar Park later this year."

The Palatine Jaycees conduct numerous programs to serve the community and accumulate funds for operation of the chapter and community donations, including the Fourth of July Hometown Fest, Christmas tree sales and the Best Pizza Contest.

The Palatine chapter, one of 60 throughout Illinois, has close to 125 members and is one of the largest in Illinois. The Jaycees provide individuals between the age of 21 and 40 the opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills while serving their community.

The chapter meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 122 W. Palatine Road. For information on membership or any of their sponsored events, visit www.palatinejaycees.org, email info@palatinejaycees.org, or call (847) 604-0288.