Can Wauconda go a day without complaining? Community group hopes so

Can Wauconda residents go a day without griping?

That's the challenge of the upcoming "Complaint Free Day," a promotion launched by the Friends of the Wauconda Area Library, a local community group.

Organizers were inspired by motivational speaker and author Will Bowen, writer of the books "A Complaint Free World" and "Complaint Free Relationships."

Bowen's books led to the creation of a nonprofit group called A Complaint Free World, and inspired an international self-improvement program that aims to make people be more positive by grousing less.

The idea surfaced publicly in Wauconda this summer.

At the village board's June 24, committee-of-the-whole meeting, representatives of the Friends of the Wauconda Area Library group told Mayor Frank Bart and other officials about the complaint-free movement and suggested the town give it a shot for a day.

They recommended Oct. 28 as a date for a complaint-free day because Bowen is speaking that night at Wauconda High School.

Village officials unofficially voiced support for the feel-good stunt that night and later agreed to back the effort.

Additionally, Wauconda has been declared a complaint-free community for all of October.

People will be encouraged to wear purple wristbands supplied by A Complaint Free World to show they're participating.

Organizers hope people in the neighboring towns of Island Lake and Volo, which also are served by the library, take part, too.

Bowen's Oct. 28 presentation at the high school is set for 7 p.m. in the auditorium, 555 N. Main St. Tickets can be picked up at the library, 801 N. Main St., in exchange for a donation of school supplies.