Rolling Meadows woman recounts visit with President Bush

It pays to know the right people. For one Rolling Meadows resident, it meant a private audience with the president of the United States.

Kim Moore, 29, had the opportunity last week to chat with President Bush in the Oval Office through the efforts of her sister, a White House employee.

"I guess he does these little meet-and-greets whenever someone on the staff leaves," Moore said. "Since the whole staff is leaving he's doing these for everyone."

Her sister, Alysia Barzee, works as a trip coordinator for Bush and was allowed to invite immediate family members to see him. Moore and her brother from Kansas made the trip.

So what does one say standing face-to-face with the president? Moore's sister coached them, warning them not to "clam up," she said. "A lot of people go in there and just won't talk - they're not sure what to say."

The trio spent only a few minutes with Bush. "When I first saw him I thought, oh, he is just like a little grandpa," Moore said. "When we were talking he seemed really genuine and down to earth."

Since her brother was in his Marine uniform, much of the conversation centered around his service, and Bush thanked him. As for Moore, "I got a hug," she said.

They took a few pictures, and the moment of a lifetime was over.

Her sister later explained that it was a rare thing to step inside the president's office. "Just being there and actually going in the Oval Office, she says nobody gets to do that," Moore said.

During a White House tour that evening, Moore noticed there were many people working late. "We saw more than we were supposed to," she said. Following her sister as she passed out schedules for the tree lighting the next day, she saw rooms that most tours bypass.

But she saw no signs of anyone packing up yet.

Moore moved to Rolling Meadows earlier this year with her husband, Jared, and three daughters. She says she voted for Bush but isn't a huge fan. "But he's the president," she said. "I think he's gotten a bad rap for a lot of things."

Lunch for a good Claus: Cardinal Drive Church is inviting the whole community to hobnob with Santa. In the meantime, it hopes to add to its food pantry.

Santa, the missus and his elves will gather with children from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the church, 2300 Cardinal Drive. Sue Palm, office manager, says families can stop by anytime and enjoy lunch. "All they have to bring is one can of nonperishable food," she says. The rest is free - including a photo with the big guy.

Palm says the church hopes to make the event an annual tradition. Call (847) 259-2995 or visit cdfamily.org.

Above and beyond: Kudos to the city's public works employees, who last week picked up residents' bagged leaves even though they were set out after the deadline. According to city records they've received at least one thank-you note for the extra labor - and to that, as a procrastinating raker, I'll add my own thanks.

• Colleen Thomas welcomes your news about community events and people. Call (847) 427-4591, or e-mail her at cthomas@dailyherald.com.