Local Cubs fans try to live the dream
Short of their team winning the World Series, followers of the "Lovable Losers" have the opportunity to make a fan's ultimate dream come true: throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field.
The Chicago Cubs have announced the finalists for the "It's a Way of Life" contest in which the winner get to throw out the first pitch on June 30.
Two of the finalists are from the far west suburbs: Ernie Wittrick of Elgin and Mike Penkava of Crystal Lake.
Wittrick can remember when the Cubs last won the pennant in 1945. He heard it announced by the U.S. Navy while serving in the Pacific Ocean during World War II.
"I've enjoyed sharing stories about games attended and my love for the Cubs with my four children, 10 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
"After 85 years as a fan, I still look forward to every Cubs game. My wife of 65 years, Maria, knows that my spirits rise and fall with every win and loss," Wittrick wrote in his essay to team officials.
On Penkava's dresser is a baseball card of Orval Overall, the winning pitcher in the series-clinching game when the Cubs last won the title in 1908.
"More than anything, my friend Orval has seen the expression on my face after a Cubs loss. He's seen me toss and turn in bed during a series with the (St. Louis Cardinals). And every October he's heard me mutter something about next year. Yep, Orval and me. A card and a fan," part of Penkava's essay read.
The winner will be announced during the team's June 6 broadcast.
Other finalists are: Dennis Anastasopoulos of Orland Hills; Matthew Brown, Lafayette, Ind.; Mary Dineen of Palos Hills; Jason Drury of Montgomery; Rosemary Libby of Barrington; Robert Marchini of Cordova, Tenn.; Jolene Molaski of Elida, Ohio; and Bari Wieselman Schulman of Evanston.
To vote, view video testimonials of each contestant at the Friendly Confines or read their essays, visit cubs.com.
Elgin nets economic award: Winergy Drive Systems and Siemens Drive Technologies in Elgin recently was awarded an EDIE Award by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Development Council.
EDIE stands for Economic Development in Illinois and this is the first time a business nominated by the Elgin Chamber of Commerce took home this honor.
Siemens opened its 170,000 square foot plant last year.
"Sustainable economic development is critical to Elgin's growth," said Elgin City Manager Sean Stegall in a statement. "Siemens has contributed to our community's economic success with the expansion that helped retain 142 jobs, and will create 350 new jobs over the next two to three years in the burgeoning wind industry."