Thanks, Wheaton, for helping others
Make A Difference Day is intended to raise awareness of volunteering, and as such, the City of Wheaton's Community Relations Commission was able to give every citizen of our great city an opportunity to personally make a difference, big or small, in someone else's life.
According to the National Make A Difference Day Web site, it is meant to be a "celebration of neighbors helping neighbors", and that is just what our city accomplished.
How did Wheaton make a difference?
Approximately 370 holiday stockings were donated to Operation Support Our Troops, Illinois for sending to our soldiers overseas. In addition, various people donated a total of $75 to Operation Support Our Troops-Illinois to help offset the cost of shipping.
Four carloads of food and pantry items were brought to Commuter Lot Nine for The Peoples Resource Center. Several groups organized their own food drive and brought the food to the PRC or the Northern Illinois Food Bank themselves.
Forty-five people helped weed Adams Park.
Thirteen area businesses thanked our local military personnel for serving by giving out countless free items like ice cream, popcorn and chiropractic care, just to name a few.
Our own park district offered four terrific opportunities as well, including free golf, free workouts and a free pumpkin.
Many churches and Boy and Girl Scout troops participated. Twelve schools organized their own special projects. Many neighborhoods and community groups got together to bring in donations. In addition, approximately 55 individuals or families brought something to Commuter Lot Nine on Oct. 27.
And the list goes on and on.
Thank you to all the wonderful, giving members of our great city. We believe the Community Relations Commission helped Make A Difference in Wheaton. A big difference!
George "Skip" Paulson
Chairperson
The City of Wheaton
Community Relations Commission
Bumper crop of special interests
Rural farming advocates have cited the strong case for reforming the U.S. farm bill. Despite a push by Rep. Peter Roskam and others to amend it to align better with current needs, the House passed a bill with little change. The Senate is considering the bill now, but appears unwilling to reform the unfair subsidies and strengthen rural America.
Only public outcry to our senators now will overcome the special interests resisting reform.
Dave Homiak
Elmhurst
Three great events held in Glen Ellyn
As 2007 winds down, three events among the many successful new attractions in Glen Ellyn seem to stand out.
Gratitude and high praise go to the organizers of the renewed Ed Posh Golf Tournament/Dinner, Jazz Fest, and the Crosstown Kickoff Classic football game between Glenbard South and Glenbard West.
Blessed with great weather, all three events brought thousands of friends and neighbors together at venues throughout town. Cosponsors worked tirelessly and cooperatively to produce exceptional products. Our village was the winner.
Mark Pfefferman Glen Ellyn