Happy Holidays

Kendall Weekly Times Holiday Edition

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Kendall Weekly Times

Year in Review by Jennifer Flowers Publisher

Jennifer Flowers Publisher of Kendall Weekly Times

What a year this has been for us here at the magazine! We could not have reached our goals without the support of you, the subscriber. Because of your support, we have far surpassed our goals of when we came into this year. Here are just a few highlights from the past year and some of the top stories we have covered. January Twist – Early we had a record snowfall, and boy did it keep coming. Kendall County and our surrounding areas where hit with the worst blizzard since 1979. The blizzard forced business and school closures; however, because of the heroics of the our first responders of police and fire, adding the valiant public workers of all the county, municipal and state, the roads were cleaned up and safe, once again proving how important our service is being provided. February – 28 days of blissful love and the launching of the new online dating website Minutes to Love March brought all the days of covering local elections with the Town Hall meetings where local residents and candidates interacted and talked about the importance of job creation, taxes, how the economic slowdown has affected the region, and creating small business opportunities. Kendall Weekly Times Holds Food Pantry Event Legendary Football Coach returns Karl Hoinkes April – Spring sprung early and a new tide came over Kendall County. With a conservative movement underway, the municipal elections picked up where 2010 left off with the elections, and the residents chose to move to a more conservative nature with most boards representing a more fiscal approach to area budgets. May had fun on the Fox – Once again the Village of Oswego and many joined together for the Taste on the Fox, the annual kickoff to the event season, and all the Who’s Who were in attendance. Staff of the Kendall Weekly Times presents Donations from the Kendall County Food Pantry! Kendall weekly times hosted its first networking event at Panera Bread. June rolled in with Prairie Fest, the annual time when Oswego welcomes thousands of people, and once again had a record turnout. July – Around the area many

towns celebrated with the 4th of July celebrations and events celebrating everything American. August rolled in and once again all eyes were on Yorkville and the Kendall County Fair. With hot temperatures and a lot of fun, families went to the fair grounds to enjoy time with the family and have all reminders of summer. September – End of summer and fun to be had as members of the Kendall Weekly Times joined in National Lights Out, celebrating in keeping our American streets safe. October – Indian summer and Halloween fun. November – The Kendall Weekly Times participated in Diabetes awareness, in which November 14th was recognized as Diabetes Awareness Day through the work of Linda Chapa LaVia, Senator Linda Holmes, and special thanks to Tom Cross for spearheading the effort, working to make this important day a reality. Annual Backyard turkey bowl we all won! December – Holiday magic is in the air and the Kendall Weekly Times Holiday give-away with the Lighting contest!

Live Nativity Brings Families Together by Nadia Kanhai

Community families were treated to Christmas carols, a petting zoo, hot chocolate, and cookies on Sunday night at Fourth Street United Methodist Church in Aurora, Illinois. Children enjoyed petting some of the actors before the program. Friendly Farms of DeKalb supplied the donkey, sheep, goats, and geese for the production. The animals entertained the community, with hand bells playing in the background, as the event kicked off. Soon the road was blocked off in front of the Church, and the church’s 30th biannual outdoor pageant started with narrators reading the Bible story of the birth of Jesus in both English and Spanish, pausing to lead the neighborhood audience in Christmas carols. A cast of angels and shepherds joined the sheep and goats to proclaim the birth of the child. Then Mary and Joseph came to town with the donkey, and found a small shelter. They were visited by shepherds and kings.

Kendall Weekly Times

The cast of all ages included angels, shepherds, Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and three kings. Following the pageant, the community was invited into the church for hot chocolate, cookies, and fellowship.

Meet Jolly Old St. Nick

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His name is John Sullivan, a resident of Carol Stream, so we called him for a quick interview! When he answered the phone, we could hear the enthusiasm in his voice and immediately we started the interview that lasted 20 minutes. During the interview we really felt like we were talking to Santa himself because of the spirit and comfort that John Brought to the conversation. As adults, the spirit of Christmas was in the air:

By Amber Stark and Martin Flowers

While researching for this special edition, we happened upon a site that brought that immediately that

So if you are interested in finding out about more information about Santa stop by Santa in Chicago, and there you can let the spirit of the

Q. What kind of things are featured on the site? You name it we have Santa in the News, Santa Houses, Santa recipes, Santa Happenings in the event and much more! Q. Has the site really been effective? A. Yes we have more than 1000 events featured from across the Chicago land and it continues to grow! What is the most popular Feature? A. Santa on the Train and the polar express! The kids and adults love the trains with Santa it just brings the magic of the Holiday Season Alive. Q. Future plans for the site? A. Maybe we will start a blog and use Social Media like our Facebook page to continue to spread the holiday spirit.

Quick Fix for Santa's Cookies By Barb Johnson

Jolly Old St. Nick

caught our attentionSanta in Chicago, a really cool website that features all things Santa.

Holiday Season take you away and relive the spirit of Christmas past.

A great resource at this time of year, it has a calendar of events, Santa in the community, history of Santa, and of course, no Santa would be complete without the Santa cookbook (and how enjoys his famous cookies that allows him to have that storied figure.)

Q and A with Santa

So after catching all the things that are Santa, we decided to meet the man behind the beard, as you will, or the publisher of this great Santa site.

by Sheryl Krase

Q. why did you start the Site ? A. To help build a central location of information about Santa . So many great things and information that can be centrally located so people can access the information.

Ingredients 12 ounces white baking chocolate, chopped 1 package (1 pound) Nutter Butter sandwich cookies Red colored sugar 32 vanilla or white chips 64 miniature semisweet chocolate chips 32 red-hot candies Directions In a microwave, melt white chocolate at 70% power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Dip one end of each cookie into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on wire racks. For Santa's hat, sprinkle red sugar on top part of chocolate. Press one vanilla chip off-center on hat for pom-pom; let stand until set. Dip other end of each cookie into melted chocolate for beard, leaving center of cookie uncovered. Place on wire racks. With a dab of melted chocolate, attach semisweet chips for eyes and a red-hot for nose. Place on waxed paper until set. Yield: 32 cookies.

Meet the Doc By Doc Ed

Contact Ed Here For more information ! Wishing you a Happy Holidays from our friends at Belfry Bees and Honey! Belfry Bees & Honey represents a collection of different honeybee apiaries (hive locations) that contribute

to the promotion of honeybees, honey and hive products as well as educational programming directed and coordinated by Dr. B. - Me. Belfry Bees & Honey represents a collection of different honeybee apiaries (hive locations) that contribute to the promotion of honeybees, honey and hive products as well as educational programming directed and coordinated by Dr. B. (aka Ed Bell, Ed.D.) We are located in the Fox River Valley of Illinois with hives primarily in Kendall County. We have made a commitment to partnering with the bees to produce the finest honey and hive products within our local area. Additionally, we have a commitment to encourage and increase the awareness of the general public of the importance of honeybees in our lives.

Honey For The Holidays By Doc Ed

BEE Keeping 101! Course Description: Beekeeping is the hobby that keeps on giving. You will receive hours of enjoyment and pounds of sweet honey while giving back to the environment in ways that are priceless. It is an easy and engaging hobby with a life-time of stories to share. Spring is the best time to set up beehives. This class will provide basic information on how to get started. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to order equipment, bees and start this very sustainable hobby this season. Become a beekeeper. It is easier than you may think, and more rewarding than you might imagine. As we explore a full cycle of a year in a beeyard, you'll learn about the equipment and techniques of beekeeping including: · Use of the standard Langstroth beehive and other methods of beekeeping. Honeybee biology and behavior. Processes and lifecycle within the colony. Bee health, pests, diseases and integrated pest management systems. Locating hives in your environment. Essential Equipment and beehive construction methods. Seasonal colony management including installation of bees. Honey and other hive product production.

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Kendall Weekly Times

Often litigants overlook the benefits and the disadvantages related specifically to the conciliation and mediation aspects of Illinois law. The legislature codified the mediation statute at 750 ILCS 5/404, which states in pertinent part, “(a) If the court concludes that there is a prospect of reconciliation, the court, at the request of either party, or on its own motion, may order a conciliation conference. The conciliation conference and counseling shall take place at the established court conciliation service of that judicial district or at any similar service or facility where no court conciliation service has been established.

· Bee friendly planting and sustainable forage development. Bee associations and other sources of information. · Networking and getting the most of available resources

Side Bar by Craig Cunningham

Child custody- the term conjures the clarion call of war. The “custody battle” creates the metaphor of family vs. family in a bitter fight to determine who will cause the most hurt from one another. Child Custody litigation brings issues to the forefront within the family dynamic that constitute the pain, the emotion, and the gut wrenching entanglement that permeates the depths of the inner soul. Child custody litigation is not for the faint at heart. I am a practicing attorney in the child custody litigation realm. Child Custody litigation requires that attorneys exemplify endurance, compassion, and an indepth understanding of human nature. Many factors go into the decision whether to begin child custody litigation. Illinois law provides for different variations of custody. Illinois provides for joint custody, but within joint custody, there is the separation of the residential parent and the non residential parent. This means that someone will be designated as the residential parent, and that is the place that the child will spend most of her time. The non residential parent typically pays child support to the non residential parent. However, both parents may have joint custody at law. Joint custody provides that the parents must agree and consult one

another in the three areas at law; (a) health and access to health care; (b) religion and decisions related to religious education, and (c) education, which covers where the child will attend school, and access to the child’s records. One of the primary issues related to child custody litigation is whether to petition the Court to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL). The GAL brings many factors into the litigation, but allows for the opportunity of a third party to independently review the specific homes, and to help make the appropriate recommendation before the Judge, as to the appropriateness of which home shall have custody of the child.

(b) The facts adduced at any conciliation conference resulting from a referral hereunder, shall not be considered in the adjudication of a pending or subsequent action, nor shall any report resulting from such conference become part of the record of the case unless the parties have stipulated in writing to the contrary.” (West Publishing, 2011).”The Court ordered conciliation, though, is very different and not to be confused with the Mandatory form of Mediation established through Illinois Supreme Court 905. However, the 750 ILCS 5/404 rule does provide for the opportunity for the parties to enter into a less expensive form of custody litigation in which they might anticipate a third party to assist them to a conciliatory conclusion to their pending issues. The 750 ILCS 5/404 provision allows for domestic relations to be a more civil and amicable frame of collaborative divorce

procedures that many have requested within the specific system of Illinois. The Court can provide assistance to litigants in making the child support litigation a less painful process, but the litigants have to want it. In the experience of this specific family law trial attorney, the litigants does not want this to be a less painful process, but instead want the litigation to be most painful, medieval , tortuous form of revenge they can conjure. Often litigants require vengeance against the other party rather than the resolution of the issues that brought the parties to the courtroom in the first place. Litigants murder the civility that should saturate civil litigation. I am encouraging a dialogue with others in the child custody and family litigation community. I specifically want to know how many people have experienced the lack of civility within the civil litigation context, and I would like to know more about people’s experience within the mediation context that Illinois Supreme Court Rule 905, and the Supreme Court Rule 900 Series dictates.Illlinois Supreme Court Rule 905 states in pertinent part,” “(a) Each judicial circuit shall establish a program to provide mediation for cases involving the custody of a child or visitation issues (whether or not the parties have been married). In addition to the minimum requirements set forth in subparagraph (b) (2) of Rule 99, local circuit court rules for mediation in child custody and visitation cases shall address: (i) mandatory training for mediators; (ii) limitation of the mediation program to child custody and visitation issues; (iii) (unless otherwise provided for in this article) standards to determine which child custody and visitation issues should be referred to mediation and the time for referral, and (iv) excuse from referral to mediation if the court determines an impediment to mediation exists. The immunity and approval requirements of subparagraph (b)(1) of Rule 99 shall apply to mediation programs for child custody and visitation matters.” (West Publishing, 2011). Therefore, the mediation program works towards litigants solving their questions. Litigants must be aware of the benefits of the program. The litigants must realize this is the point at which they should address all questions, all issues related to the problems of both parties parenting their children. The litigants must embrace the task of performing the resolution towards a parenting agreement. The mediation rules provide for the resolution of the parenting agreement, but litigants prevent this resolution.

Kendall Weekly Times

The next series in this article shall provide litigants with tools on reaching this resolution, and providing for more successful and efficient litigation.

Let Get Fit for the Holidays

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mats but get that out of your head. Yoga is for EVERY BODY…fit and unfit, large and small, young and old. It is for those with special needs. It has the ability to enhance the lives of everyone. Through yoga, we learn to link mind, body, and breath. The physical aspect of yoga enhances our cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal systems. It also massages our internal organs, allowing for

improvement of our digestive and circulatory systems and cleansing of our entire body. Breathing practices reduce anxiety and tension and nourish all of our cells. Meditation and relaxation practices increase mental clarity and concentration. The combination of the physical, breathing, and relaxation techniques leads to greater self-awareness, not only enhancing our lives but the lives of those around us. Love and acceptance starts within and then expands to the world around us. It is important to remember that yoga, like life, is a journey. This journey is non-ending and is always about the process. This is a hard concept for many of us who are goal oriented. Yes, you will become more fit, but yoga offers so much more. Each time you practice you will feel a little different. You will become a bit more aware of the small changes in your mind and body. Every day is new. Every breath is new. I love this concept in yoga as well as in life. You might have screwed up yesterday but today is a brand new day. Namaste.

By Annie Craig

A Little Bit of Yoga…A Lot of Namaste Namaste is a word heard echoing throughout the room at the end of each and every yoga class. “Nahmah-stay” says the instructor. “Nahmah-stay” repeats the class. Don’t be frightened. This Sanskrit term means “The divine in me honors and bows to the divine in you” or, more simply, “My good sees and respects your good”. It is a beautiful and simple sentiment. We honor each other. Let me take just a moment to introduce myself. I am Annie Craig, owner and operator of Annie’s Om Towne Fitness located in Downtown Aurora. I have a degree in Exercise Physiology and have been teaching group exercise since 1983. Yep, I’ve seen it all …from legwarmers and Jane Fonda to reincarnations of bootcamp. I have the self-incriminating pictures to prove it. I began studying yoga in 1994 and pilates followed soon after. I love the traditional methods of yoga and pilates, but I also embrace newer approaches that bring people to move. It is always about movement of the human body. Let’s take a closer look at yoga. Why? Because yoga is for everybody. I know that many of you have mental images of trendy fit women running around the big city with their yoga

Local Vet Making a Difference by Nadia Kanhai

The votes are in and Herschel Luckinbill of Montgomery is waiting to hear the official results of the General Motors Our Town, Our Heroes contest, in which he was nominated (one of four) as a finalist. Luckinbill was nominated by his friend, Wayne Johnson, and only learned about the contest a week ago. Luckinbill was nominated for his dedication as an Honor Flight ambassador. Luckinbill has been involved with Honor Flight since its inception in 2008. He helped organize 125 trips for 285 Fox Valley veterans (mostly WWII vets) to fly to Washington D.C. for a day of recognition, honor, remembrance, and celebration to visit sites such as the Air and Space Museum, Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Fort Myer, Lincoln Memorial, or the Korean and Vietnam Memorials. “I love to hear the stories of the WWII vets,” said Luckinbill. “It’s the little things we can do.” The “little things” Luckinbill does includes his activity with the Fox Valley Veterans’ Breakfast Club, raising donations to take vets to D.C. and even local sporting events. This month, veterans will be treated to a free breakfast on December 22.Luckinbill, a Vietnam vet, does not only honor WWII vets, but this past weekend attended the Army Navy football game with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who are multiple amputees. One of the highlights of his trip was laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Luckinbill’s family and friends have written wonderful comments to honor him and support his nomination. These accolades can be found at http://drivingthemidwest.com/otohrd18/#idc-cover.

Nadia Kanhai Editor in Chief of the Kendall Weekly Times

The contest write-up on Luckinbill states: “Herschel has dedicated much of his time and money to serving local World War II veterans with Honor Flight Chicago, an organization that flies veterans to Washington DC to visit the war memorials and be recognized for their service. Herschel has helped lead 25 flights from Chicago and continues to spend his time planning

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Kendall Weekly Times

So I propose that we as American consumers, the single biggest engine of economic growth in this country accounting for 70% of America's GDP, do our patriotic duty and buy American made products for the holidays and when we can buy them from locally owned stores. Instead of driving to Walmart or some other big box store to buy the latest toys, clothes and electronics built in overheated China or some other foreign country seek out local shops selling American made goods. Recycling our shopping dollars back into our economy is the most important thing we can do to help create growth and jobs in this country. Nobody else can or will do it for us. Not easy you say? Well I've done some of the research myself and if you follow along here are some tips I cribbed from the internet:

Mark Garrity From the Hill

reunions and fundraisers to benefit local veterans. He is a true hero.” Online votes until 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 14. The finalist with the most votes will win a week-long loan of a new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle along with a special hero package. The winner will be announced December 15.

Buy American For the Holidays By Mark Garrity

Buy Locally, Buy American for the Holidays Here we are on the cusp of the holidays three long years into the Great Recession. The Super Committee wasn't able to come to an agreement on how to cut the deficit by $1.2 trillion dollars over ten years which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone paying attention to politics for the last year. Sadly the Republican members of the Super Committee seem to have misunderstood their purpose was to help lower deficits not explode them. What else explains their offer to close $250 billion worth of tax loopholes in trade for a permanent extension of the Bush tax cuts which would add $4 trillion dollars to the debt over ten years? Regardless of who you think is responsible for the lack of a deal, or even whether focusing on debt reduction in the face of a financial crisis is a good idea in the first place, the American economy is stuck for the time being with $600 billion dollars worth of Dept of Defense spending cuts and a 2% across the board reimbursement cuts to Medicare providers

over the next ten years. I say "for the time being" because already some Republican senators are trying to quash those DOD cuts and in reality no congress can bind the hands of future congresses. The house and senate can simply vote to change the policies at some future date. Nonetheless this impasse poses an immediate problem for the American economy. Already skittish markets and companies that would likely hire going into an election year confident that politicians of both parties interested in their own re-elections will do what they can to stimulate the economy now recognize that the likelihood of GOP cooperation isn't going to be forthcoming. By the end of the year unemployment extensions and payroll tax cuts are set to expire which will take $900 billion dollars out of the economy and the pockets of American middle class consumers. Maybe I'm too pessimistic but I don't see the Republican party agreeing to extend those unemployment benefits and middle class tax cuts in the next few weeks and their support for anything else that might spur growth is nonexistent. With the Federal Reserve announcing another round of stress tests for big American banks exposed to what might be a break up of the Euro Zone next year that just might result in a depression in Europe things look pretty bleak for our economy as well. Which brings to me to subject at hand. What can we as individuals do about it? It's obvious until after next year's election there's not a whole lot we can do politically and as President Obama says we can't afford to wait.

Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. What about the staff at your local spa? Almost any woman would love a gift certificate in whatever denomination you can afford to her favorite spa. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. One year I bought my sister a bunch of cleaning supplies for her new car and she was thrilled. With 3 little kids at the time you can imagine why. All it took was a trip to local auto supply store and most of those goods are made here at home. . Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down your bucks on a foreign made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift recipient would like his driveway shoveled for the winter, or lawn mowed for the summer, or a few rounds of golf to look forward to at a local course next summer. You can look up locals to contract to do the work online. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town

Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. If you are looking for something more personal how about the local crafts people who spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Here's a link to a Facebook page of local homebased businesses in the far Western burbs. www.facebook.com/groups/ homebasedselfemployed/ Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. Or go out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theater. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. The holidays don't have to be about draining our pockets to buy just stuff, we can spend it on things everybody needs or experiences to be enjoyed. Of course kids are going to want toys they see on tv, there's no getting around some of that but below are some links to interesting sites that may not be local but do sell American made goods, a lot of which are toys. These days the holidays should be about caring for our fellow citizens, encouraging American small businessmen and women to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. So be creative mix and match, buy what can locally, buy what you can made here in America. When we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. http://www.madeinusa.org/ http://www.americanmadeproducts.com/

Kendall Weekly Times

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Some seem to do it effortlessly and have a real knack for automatically knowing what to do. Others need a little more help and guidance. Not to worry! It’s a skill that can be learned. With the holidays approaching, let’s talk about furniture arranging in your living room. You’ll be entertaining and trying to make your common areas look beautiful and inviting. The first thing I always encourage is to think about every piece of furniture that’s in the room. What is its function? Over the years, have

with placing the largest piece of furniture first. In most cases, this will be the sofa. There are some rules that do apply. Try, if at all possible, not to put it up against a window. Why? Several reasons really. The light from the window can fade and otherwise damage the fabric, and secondly, windows are made to look out of. I am currently breaking that very rule by having my sofa up against a window because the only other place for it would be to “float” it in the middle of the room facing the fireplace, but that would make the room look

you added pieces here and there, leaving your room crowded with pieces of furniture that don’t seem to really address your functional needs? This is the time to think about each and every piece of furniture in that room, taking stock of what works and what doesn’t. Maybe the small pieces of furniture don’t really do the job for which they were intended. Perhaps it would be better to purchase one larger, multi-purpose piece that would work more efficiently and alleviate the cluttered look. As with any room, always begin

smaller and create a difficult traffic pattern. So, for my space, putting it against the window is the best option. If you have a large armoire or TV entertainment center, that would be the second piece. You now see that wherever the sofa has been placed, the entertainment center should be easily viewed from it. That means that you need a large wall space to accommodate this piece. If you have neither of these (armoire or entertainment center), then skip this step. But, what if you have a fireplace instead? Since a fireplace

Tia Brooks Main Street Market

http://americansworking.com/ http://www.howtobuyamerican.com/ index.php

Original Oswego by Tia Brooks

I would like to introduce myself and this column to Kendall Weekly Times followers. My name is Tia and I am part of the new Tourism Bureau for the Village of Oswego, IL. I say “new” because the Village has recently taken on the task of promoting tourism and we are less than 3 months old! My job is to promote the events and businesses that make Oswego a great place to work and live. I hope to promote the village as a soughtafter destination for culture and entertainment. I grew up 15 miles from Oswego and left after college to pursue work in New York City. I lived there for over 5 years before I decided to go back to school to pursue my master’s degree in London. I’ve lived in a few major cities, Chicago, New York, London, and always considered myself a city girl, but found that there was something so impersonal to living the city life. I seemed to always be searching for “home.” After graduate school, I made the decision to return to the area and ended up discovering the lovely Village of Oswego, which I have happily called home for over two years. Previous to my employment with the Village of Oswego, I was the track photographer for Arlington Park and Hawthorne Race Course where I was responsible for promoting the tracks in print and web-based media. I enjoyed my job immensely. I mean, how can you go wrong working outdoors and around huge majestic animals? And how many people do

you know who can actually say they enjoy their job? But- I used to travel over 90 miles, round trip, to my job, and working at the track meant working nights and weekends, not to mention holidays. This eventually led me to ignore everything in my own “back yard” and my life became the track, which, don’t get me wrong— it’s definitely an interesting life and was hard to leave behind, but I knew there was so much waiting to be discovered in my own back yard. I am someone who is passionate about learning new things and now is the time to take advantage of all that is waiting to be discovered. In my monthly column, I will be sharing my local discoveries and experiences in and around the Village of Oswego. In this column, I hope to discover and celebrate the new and old “pioneers” of Oswego. From cultural and entertainment events to historical innovations and awareness, I plan on sharing the pioneer spirit and entrepreneurship that makes Oswego so great. I hope you will follow me on my journey through the Village of Oswego!

Getting Ready For the Holidays by Pat Gavros

FURNITURE

ARRANGING

Where do I begin? That seems to always be the question. Whether you’re trying to decide what decorating should be done, or which paint color to choose, perhaps what furniture to buy, or how to arrange your furniture! Life is full of questions and so design/decorating is no different.

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Stop By and Visit The Yorkville Panera Bread Located 1206 S. Bridge Street Yorkville Illinois 60560 or Call 630-553-2355

in a room (functional or not) is always the focal point, the seating arrangement should allow for people to view it. If the room is big enough, you can place the sofa so it faces the fireplace, and in most instances that means it will be floating in the room. That word “floating”, what does it mean? It means that it is not “anchored” to a wall, but instead is freestanding. One of the things about floating a sofa is that unless you have space on at least one side of the sofa for a table and lamp, it can present a challenge. However, there might be room in back of the sofa for a sofa table or other long/ narrow piece of furniture on which you might be able to place a lamp. After you’ve placed your sofa and secondary large piece of furniture (if you have one), you can then add side chairs. Remember, that creating a conversational seating arrangement works best. This invites easy conversation because people are clustered closer together. There are several options; you can place a chair at each end of the sofa, facing one another with a cocktail table in between. This will give you an intimate arrangement for five to six people and a place for them to put glasses and refreshments. Or, you can place those chairs across from the sofa with the cocktail table in between. You’ll undoubtedly have more than two chairs in the room, so if you have a nice club chair or wingback chair, that, along with a table and lamp, can be placed in a corner to fill that area out. The goal is to have several seating areas in the room rather than one big “pit” look. You’ll notice that whenever you go to gatherings, there’ll be two or three individual conversations going

on simultaneously. Having two or three conversation clusters of seating will be great for enhancing this. Don’t always think or a conversation grouping as chairs or sofas only. Remember that smaller hassocks and ottomans are great for this purpose, and when not in use, can be pushed under sofa tables, etc., to make more room. As you’re arranging your furniture, sit down in the room, in the various chairs and seating. Look at the view. Is it easy to move around the tables and other furnishings? Is it easy to come in and out of the room or do you have to go around a piece of furniture? Having to go around a piece of furniture creates an awkward traffic flow and should be avoided at all costs. Sadly, sometimes, it can’t be, but that could be due to the wrong size or pieces of furniture. Something that I saw many times when I was decorating for clients, was furniture that too large for the room. I once had a client who had gone out and purchased a very large sofa with rolled arms, a matching love seat and a matching club chair. All were very big in scale and each piece matched the other. There truly was no “good” way to arrange this room because too much furniture had been purchased and the scale was all wrong. The end result was three pieces of furniture pushed up against the walls with tables and lamps to finish it off. It almost looked like a furniture store and really offered no way in which to have a functional conversation grouping. Note: One of the things that made it difficult to arrange furniture in that room was, there were no “unbroken” walls. That means that every single wall had either

a window or a door opening on it. This room had two door openings and two windows. With a floor plan drawn on paper, showing locations of doors and windows, this could have easily been avoided when shopping for furniture for that room. Once you’ve placed all furniture and checked out the traffic flow, function and views, you’re ready to finish off the room with accessories and artwork, etc. If you’ve floated furniture in the room, you can bring the larger grouping together with a nice size area rug as an accent. Now, we can talk about “anchoring”. Place the sofa so it sits partially on that rug, so you’re connecting or “anchoring” the two pieces together. Then, if the rug is big enough, place the front legs of the chairs onto the rug so all three pieces of furniture are anchored to the rug. This really brings the room together by joining some pieces of furniture together. That area rug can also be the signature piece that created the color scheme for your room. Pulling out the right color for the walls, and then an accent color for accessory pieces can tie the room together beautifully. Add some wall art (remember to hang it at eye level), some lamps, and a few accessories for the tables, a couple of accent pillows for the sofa…..and you’re done! Happy furniture arranging, and next week…we’ll talk about decorating for the holidays.

Community Notes

When asked to describe his role with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Kozlowicz said he began working with them in 2001 at the Opportunity School in Oswego with a minimum of an hour a week. He went on to say that he “helps [the children] build their selfconfidence as a friend and mentor,” by not only being a supportive surrogate parent, but by also by “being there for them”, such as taking them to football and basketball games. Since then, his position with Big Brothers/Big Sisters has burgeoned. He has been a member of the local Research Council for 6 years, and Chairperson of the Bowl for Kids. The latter is the main financial source for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a fundraiser that raises the $1,000 dollars to fund each child. According to Kozlowicz, the fundraisers have prospered handsomely. In addition to these roles, he has also is Chairman Elect for Kendall & Southern Kane Counties, serves in the Common Trail.org civic organization, and teaches addiction classes at the Provena in Aurora. In Kendall County, Big Brothers/Big Sisters is under the auspices of the Family Council Services in Aurora, and more information may be found on www.bbbs.org.

All Was Not Quiet on this Front by Tim Thompson

by Big Phil Blacklaw

Tom Kozlowicz may squarely be considered a jack-of-all-trades. His career spans credit unions, consultant for Chamberlain and Associates, owner of Andy’s Pizza, and a present tenure in hotels, most recently as general manager of the Holiday Inn Express in Oswego. In addition to this, however, he has also distinguished himself in various volunteer opportunities, the most noteworthy of which being Big Brothers/Big Sisters. According to Kozlowicz, the organization began around the turn of the century as two separate entities (namely Big Brother and Catholic Sisters). Initially helping the children of incarcerated parents, Big Brothers/Big Sisters now flourishes worldwide, offering needy children of all walks of life who, as Kozlowicz said, “need family figures and friends.” The organization is presently in 12 countries and continues to grow.

It was 5:30 AM, Saturday, December 16 1944. All along an 85 mile front of the Ardennes Forest in southern Belgium, young, inexperienced, and worn out soldiers of six United States divisions were enjoying a good night sleep in a quiet sector known only as, “The Ghost Front” Directly across the border in Germany, massed together in the thickly wooded hills of the Eifel, were 25 refitted, refurbished, and retrained German divisions straining to be unleashed against the unsuspecting Americans. These divisions were divided into three German Armies: the Sixth S.S. Panzer, the Fifth Panzer, and the Seventh Infantry. The Sixth was positioned in the northern sector, the Seventh was positioned in the southern sector, while the Fifth was situated right between them in the center. All told, it was a combined military force of 286,000 men, supported by 1,900 artillery pieces, mortars, and rockets, and augmented by 970

Kendall Weekly Times

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Your place for Local Naperville

medium, and heavy tanks, tank destroyers, and armored assault guns. The audacious German battle plan was to strike right through the Ardennes Forest just the way in which they had done in the spring of 1940, cross the Meuse River in just four days time, and capture Liege, the second largest Allied supply depot on the continent. Then, after replenishing their forces, the German armies were to n drive northward capturing Brussels and more importantly, the critical Belgian port city of Antwerp, which was the single largest Allied supply depot on the continent. If successful, the entire Allied Expeditionary Force would be cut in two with absolutely no hope whatsoever of resupply. This would then force the Western Allies into a separate negotiated peace settlement; thus, allowing Germany to turn her entire attention to fending off the massive Soviet Armies on the Eastern Front which were poised to strike clear across Poland within a matter of a few weeks. At precisely 5:30Am, the entire Ardennes sector, which had been previously tranquil and quiet for more than three months, erupted in an earth shattering roar brought on by thousands of German guns. Everything that could be fired, was. From the smallest mortar, to huge 14 inch railway guns, and everything in between; shells of every shape and size screamed toward United States’ positions. Stunned and shaken American soldiers leapt from their sleeping bags, grabbed their rifles and raced toward their foxholes. Others hid in their respective dugouts and cupped their ears in a futile attempt to ward off the deafening sound. In the central sector, a communications officer radioed his command post to say that thousands of German shells were landing all around his position. Incredibly, he was told that he must be mistaken, because Military Intel had

only two German horse drawn artillery pieces opposite his sector. The officer then slammed the receiver down, exclaiming; “They must be working those two poor horses to death!”

Finding Love in the Burbs by Amber Stark

Lost that loving feeling? Love is not around? Take heart that people can have a love that lasts a lifetime. Minuets 2 love is a brand new website designed for people seeking friendship or romance in the Chicagoland area. There is a reason this is one of the fastest growing online dating sites around! This unique dating site is designed to take away normal dating site needs such as the need to search for months, or write hundreds of e-mails. Instead, the goal is to help set people up with individuals like yourself in a safe, comfortable, and speedy manor. I understand one might be incredulous at first but as soon as you try it, you'll realize minuets 2 love is a simple concept that makes a lot of sense. Minuets to love speed dating really seems to stand out from other dating sites, but don't take my word for it. Your all welcome to check this out for yourselves! I hope no one ever gives up looking for that special someone. If you live in the Chicagoland area, give minuets 2 love a try. Log onto minuets to love.com and connect with people like you, and hopefully you'll make lifetime friends, or even more, your true love!

Local Gym Goes Green by Big Phil Blacklaw

Reduce your carbon footprint… and your waistline by Phil Blacklaw At new Naperville Gym The idea was audacious and thoughtprovokingly unique…a fitness club whose electricity was fueled by a cycle of its own members’ exercising. An idea that had previously never even graduated from the drawing board, personal trainers Chris Gellings and Mike Benso sought to stray heartily from the beaten path in their goal to provide the most eco-friendly Gym conceivable. As Gellings affirms, it is the “only 24 hour access gym that’s solar/human powered”….hence the Eco. The intriguing latter half of what powers the gym is accomplished by a person’s exercising on a machine, with their kinetic energy generating the power that powers the gym’s grid…in a fittingly ecological cycle of give-and-take. As an added bonus, a client actually earns some money the more they exercise…as Gellings put it, “the more you work, the less your dues are.” To augment their uniqueness, owners Gellings and Benso also add impressive credentials and offers to their programs. Both owners have been members of SMG—the world’s largest and most successful personal training association—for over 10 years. Additionally, they are offering “huge discounts” up to 50% off on personal trainers, and also feature trainers for children, rather than the run-of-the-mill, more passive classes prevalent in other fitness centers. Although the facility itself does not open until April of next year, the gym is still currently accepting memberships, which may be found with additional savings at the preview facility in Market Meadows

near the lot of the former Washington Mutual bank. The final premises will also be in Market Meadows. Two other Eco Gyms are planned to open in the Chicago Area, in response to Gellings’s assertion that other clubs “haven’t gotten it right.” Indeed, Eco Gym’s motto is a succinct and powerful summary: “Change your body, change the world.”

Dinner and a Movie by Phil Blacklaw

One can concede that popcorn and candy in a cinema can be quite blasé after a while. Especially when an alternative exists with a restaurant’s breadth of food to partake of, or to relax in a theater with martini in hand. This singular treat…and the treat of seeing luminary actors from across the decades…is fostered by Hollywood Palms Cinema. Featuring regular celebrities introducing their respective films....Tipi Hedren for The Birds, Rita Moreno for West Side Story…may seem to be a film enthusiast’s dream incarnate. As such, publicity manager Angelique Barthel’s assertion that it’s “the ultimate movie-going experience” does not seem like hyperbole. When walking into the theater’s atrium, its departure from traditional cinemas is stark. Faux ruins stretch to the ceiling, with palm trees, other exotic foliage, two waterfalls and a huge miscellany of vintage posters dating back to the silent era. From the outset, you know (to quote film canon) that you certainly are not in Kansas anymore. Although the Palms opened in ’09, a sister location in Woodridge preceded it in 2003 (named the Hollywood Boulevard Cinema Bar & Eatery). Barthel says both theaters feature “seat service from a full bar & menu,

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Kendall Weekly Times

for a unique approach and growth for this Main Street success story. Nine months later Kitty Barbecue & Dip Sauces can now be found in three states.

Company Bio

Phone 773.908.8513 Website http://www.kittysbbq.com

Coffee Shop Brian Information

press release

Description Great, Homestyle Barbecue Sauce that tastes like something that would look and taste like it came out of

Brian Basilico is a nationally recognized author and speaker. He’s the founder and president of B2b Interactive Marketing Inc., an award winning marketing consulting and production company in Aurora Illinois.

Happy Holidays From the Home based Bussiness Group

comfortable chairs, first run movies, classic movies series and the chance to meet your favorite celebrities.” The celebrities appear at the Palms about once a month. Their upcoming guests show how broad the theater’s range is, from two of the original Munchkins introducing The Wizard of Oz to the stars of the newest Twilight installment. In addition to film culture, Hollywood Palms is also fervently involved with community service. When asked, Barthel discussed their latest food pantry event Haunts Against Hunger, dubbing it “a huge success, collecting over 100lbs of food!” She also heads the theater’s quarterly blood drive with Lifesource. Another blend of entertainment and charity was held last September, the three-day Back to the Big Screen Festival, themed around “fun” 70s and 80s films. This event funded the Michael J Fox Parkinson’s foundation, raising over $42,000. With all the theater has to offer, Hollywood Palms is most definitely a breath of fresh air. Given their past variety in events, the theater will surely continue to surprise and delight filmgoers of all stripes.

Special For Hollywood Palms press Release

MONDAY Half price buckets of ice cold domestic beer. Six bottles of your favorite brew packed in ice. TUESDAY Half price pitchers of margaritas and long island iced teas. Half the price, twice the fun. WEDNESDAY

$3 regular admission and $6 3D admission with your valid photo College Student ID. THURSDAY All rat pack classic martinis are just $5. FRIDAY Buy your gift cards today!

Business View by Martin Flowers

Meet Catherine Parker a small business owner who is young and creating jobs in America and helping to make a difference on Main Street. Catherine’s story is much like so many of the 30-somethings in today’s new economy; young people stepping out to reinvent themselves in the new global economy. Catherine Parker had a successful pet care business and a talent for cooking. Growing up, Catherine worked in her family’s deli business and developed a unique talent to cook. Never losing her passion for cooking, Catherine continued through the years to experiment and apply her love for cooking into developing her own recipes that she would serve at various events. Catherine continued to be a self-described secret chef. Just over a year ago, Catherine was making dinner and decided to serve this special sauce she had secretly been cooking up to her boyfriend. Upon tasting her sauce, he suggested that she enter various cook-offs to give it a try. So embarking on a new career and armed with a kitchen full of recipes, Catherine created Kitty Barbecue and Dip Sauces, a local company, and began to enter the cookoffs and build on her prior success in business as a new company was born. The first few months were the building stages, getting people on board and used to the idea and taking a different twist. Through social media and competing in competitions, Catherine would earn the respect of her peers and build the framework

Catherine Parker Founder of Kitty Barbecue

your kitchen. Real, natural ingredients that are uncompromising in flavor and cost. What's your favorite? My Western North Carolina is sweet and vinegary. Memphis Style tastes wonderful with fresh onion and dark molasses; and my new Chicago Sport has a tangy h heat that'll leave your mouth wanting more. Address 2012 W Saint Paul, Suite 505, Chicago, IL 60647 · Get Directions

B2b helps companies and non-profits, market their products and services through the effective use of online tools including; websites, blogs, eMail, social networking, Google, S.E.O., YouTube, and more. Brian’s career spans over 30 years. Since his first production company in 1979, he’s produced thousands of projects for hundreds of companies, ranging from solopreneur to Fortune 100. Brian combines years of marketing experience, with technical expertise, to build on-line campaigns

Kendall Weekly Times

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Brian Basilisco

that continue to produce measurable results. As a musician, technician, programmer, producer and consultant, he has built a reputation for creativity, innovation, and translating “geek” into english. Brian is also an adjunct professor, trainer, speaker and author of many marketing and social networking blogs and articles.

Your Brandname The Coffee Shop

Your brand is much more than just a logo (but a good one can enhance your brand). A brand is the essence of your product or service and what it means to your customers. Your brand is attitude, perception, and how people differentiate you from

your competition. Here are some tips on better defining your brand… Every brand has a story that makes it different from it’s competition. In the case of a pooper scooper it’s all the same crap… being professional is a must. I have had scoopers that showed up erratically and made me doubt their ability to serve our needs. The one with the most personality and fun attitude ultimately won our business! Depending on your business… Your personal and business brand are the same thing… but that does not mean that you market both the same or equally! In my case, my business brand is marketing, and social media. My personal brand is activism, music, and creative. Although they work hand in glove… it’s not

Address 1220-1224 Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543 · Get Directions Phone 7353

630 554

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always a Michael Jackson moment. Social Media marketing says… “If you are political or religious in nature with your posts… You are better than 50% certain to piss someone off!”. Keep your opinions to yourself and your business focused on ALL of your customers needs! Don’t let your competition dictate your brand. In the case of the pooper scoopers…. Just because they are facing national competition from franchises, that does not mean that they know your audience or clients better than you do! What matters is you, your integrity, and your ability to match expectations… to what you can ACTUALLY DELIVER! It’s not about you… It’s about your customer… and can they KNOW, LIKE, and TRUST you! To read the full article... Visit www. b2b-im.com/blog

Kendall Weekly Times

pace and help people achieve their own success, by teaching Lifestyle changes, not Short term fixes. Rondi encourages people to look long term in their dedication to getting healthy. However although a lifetime commitment to being healthy Rondi has not always been in the fitness industry and wanted to give back . So a few years ago Rondi took the plunge and supported by friends and family embarked on a new career in advocating fitness to the residents of Kendall County. However this success story does not end there over the past few years Rondi has been teaming with Copley Hospital and the Diabetes Center along with physicians; developing programs for not only adults but children as well on the importance of educating people on this cause and the alternatives that are available in coping with this disease. “People need to be educated and en-

Rondi Grand Opening

New Years Resolutions Someone you Should Know by Dick Kroft

Someone you should know by Dick Kroft It is often stated that one voice can make a difference and recently I had the opportunity to meet someone who is doing just that. Her name is Rondi Stickney owner of Rondi selffitness a small gym located in Oswego and she takes a new approach by Looking at nutrition and a unique work out regiment Rondi tailors each program to meet the needs of her client. Rondi belief in a case by case approach and that personal touch that helps to positive reinforce people of making progress at their own

couraged to find their inner fitness. If fitness was that easy, everyone would be in shape. It's the big picture that matters, when you’re healthy, you'll always feel better and look better”. Looking to the New Year we all have new year’s resolutions and Rondi is the very person that will help you to achieve your goal and you will make a new friend this is why Rondi is someone you should know.

Classified Section Press Release

Regional Sales Manager View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time |

Pay: $45k $75k/year Are you a top sales performer and looking for a new challenge in packaging industry ?Unidex Group is a premier packaging company for 20 years for... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend Unidex Group,Inc IL chicago (22 miles)Yesterday Routing Team Leader ( Elgin, IL ) - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time This position is responsible for managing all activities related to the routing of service orders to primarily ensure customers receive service when... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend Sears Roebuck and Co. IL Elgin (18 miles)Yesterday Route Specialist RRC ( Elgin, IL ) - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time Engages in daily activities to ensure that routes are efficient for the scheduled day, require minimal technical intervention, minimize costs to the... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend Sears Roebuck and Co. IL Elgin (18 miles)Yesterday Cashier - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time/PartTime | Pay: $12.65/hour Cashier$12.65/hourAre you made for ALDI?At ALDI, our Cashiers are entrusted with communicating to our customers all of the unique advantages of our... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend ALDI Valparaiso IL Countryside (25 miles)Yesterday Retail Sales Associate View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time !*! Our Retail Sales Associates are in the best position to deliver T-Mobile's "staying connected" Retail promise to our customers. In this role, you'... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend T-Mobile Retail IL Chicago (28 miles)Yesterday Technical Support - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time Job Classification: Contract The Systems Specialist is the first point of contact for technical support, including but not limited to any hardware/... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend

Job Tracker Press Release

MARKETING- Sales & Marketing Trainee- Entry Level Advertising - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time | Pay: $35k $45k/year Our Management Training program starts every candidate in an entry level position and cross trains them into management. We have been recognized as... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend Chicago Retail Solutions, Inc. IL Chicagoland (22 miles)Yesterday RETAIL/ RESTAURANT/ CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS WANTED!!!!! - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time | Pay: $35k $45k/year MANAGEMENT TRAININGMarketing/Advertising SalesATHLETES*Do you love dealing with the people in your current industry but sick of having ajob and... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend CHICAGO RETAIL SOLUTIONS IL - Chicago, Downers Grove (22 miles)Yesterday Estimator - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time Fabrication Cost EstimatorDescriptionLombard based manufacturing and fabrication company seeking an estimator in precision sheet metal fabrications... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend IL Lombard (20 miles)Yesterday SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time | Pay: $90k $180k/year SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER Not construction related. IFYOU D... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend IL - Chicago Metro / Suburban (13 miles)Yesterday SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time | Pay: $100k $300k/year SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER Please do not respond to this posting if you are not a current resident of the Chicago / Northern IL a... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend IL West Chicago (13 miles)Yesterday Retail Manager 2 - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time Sodexo is seeking an experienced Retail Food Service Manager for an acute care hospital. The ideal candidate for

Kendall Weekly Times

this position will have experience... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend Sodexo IL DOWNERS GROVE (18 miles)Yesterday Account Manager, International Sales - Telecommuter Opportunity - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time UnitedHealth Group is an innovative leader in the health and well-being industry, serving more than 55 million Americans. Through our family of... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend UnitedHealth Group IL Chicago (28 miles)Yesterday Injection Molding Maintenance Technician - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time MaintenanceTechnician1st shift during training but will likely be the assigned shiftStrong hydraulic, electric and Injection Molding experience... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend IL - Chicago Suburban West (12 miles)Yesterday OUR OFFICE SMELLS OF RICH MAHOGANY- Sales & Marketing - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time Apply and Interview now for ENTRY LEVEL Customer Service and Sales positions. This is an entry level sales position. Successful candidates can grow... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend IL Chicago (28 miles)Yesterday Clinical Nurse Manager View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time Note: Please read the complete description below before applying for this job. Complete

Real Estate Tips

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DescriptionCome join us and be a part of Something Special... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend Provena Health IL Aurora (4 miles)Yesterday ASSISTANT MANAGER, PATIENT CARE SERVICES- Comprehensive Rehab Ce - View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time Note: Please read the complete description below before applying for this job. Complete DescriptionProvena Health and Resurrection Health Care form... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend Provena Health IL Elgin (18 miles)Yesterday ASSISTANT MANAGER, PATIENT CARE SERVICES - Comprehensive Rehab C -View similar jobs Job type: Full-Time Note: Please read the complete description below before applying for this job. Complete DescriptionProvena Health and Resurrection Health Care form... View full job descriptionSave to MyCareerBuilder Email to a friend

This Months Real Estate Tips Press Release

This Months Home Selling tips Home Selling Articles & Advice Getting Your House Ready to Sell Disconnect Your Emotions Make Your House "Anonymous" The First Step - Removing Clutter The Most Important Room in the House

The Rest of the House Fixing Up the House Interior Cost of Repairs Plumbing & Fixtures Ceiling, Walls & Painting Carpets & Flooring Windows & Doors A "Sensitive" Topic Fixing Up Outside the House Landscaping Is Painting Required? The Front Entryway If you are a Home Owner or Realtor we would like to hear from you please send us your listings and we will do our best to publish them drop us a line here!

Movie Times Kendall 10 Theater press Release

3D Hugo Rated: PG Run-Time: 2:06 1:40 PM 4:25 PM 7:10 PM 9:55 PM Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked Rated: G Run-Time: 1:30 11:40 AM 2:05 PM 4:25 PM 6:45 PM 9:00 PM Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked Rated: G Run-Time: 1:30 12:10 PM 2:30 PM 4:50 PM 7:15 PM 9:25 PM Arthur Christmas Rated: PG Run-Time: 1:40 12:00 PM 2:20 PM 5:00 PM 7:20 PM Hugo Rated: PG Run-Time: 2:06 11:00 AM Jack and Jill Rated: PG Run-Time: 1:31 9:35 PM Muppets Rated: PG Run-Time: 1:50 11:05 AM 1:45 PM 4:15 PM 6:50 PM 9:20 PM New Year's Eve Rated: PG13 Run-Time: 1:58 11:00 AM 1:40 PM 4:20 PM 7:00 PM 9:40 PM Sherlock Holmes:A Game of Shadows Rated: PG13 Run-Time: 2:09 12:30 PM 4:05 PM 6:55 PM 9:45 PM Sherlock Holmes:A Game of Shadows Rated: PG13 Run-Time: 2:09 1:00 PM 4:35 PM 7:25 PM 10:10 PM

Sitter Rated: R Run-Time: 1:22 11:15 AM 1:15 PM 3:15 PM 5:20 PM 7:30 PM 9:30 PM Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 Rated: PG13 Run-Time: 1:58 11:20 AM 1:55 PM 4:30 PM 7:05 PM 9:50 PM

Civic Club News Press Release

Senior Services satellite office is open at our site on Mondays andThursdays. A representative will be available for our seniors. If you wish to make an appointment, call Senior Services at 630-553-5777. http://www.seniorservicesassoc.org/ The Veterans Assistance Commission representative, Steve Barrett, is available on the 1st & 3rd Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Appointments are helpful, call us at 630-553-8357 for more information. http://www.co.kendall. il.us/veteransassistance/ SHIP/Senior Health Insurance Program Illinois Department of Insurance The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. SHIP is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Insurance. http://www.insurance.illinois.gov/ ship/

Kendall County Food Pantry Become and Advocate for Pads

Kendall County Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) is dedicated to providing safe shelter and nourishing food to the men, women and children within Kendall County who are homeless or in need. There are seven Kendall County churches that serve as a PADS shelter sites each night of the week from mid-October through mid-April. Get Involved in PADS! Pray: Please keep the Kendall County PADS effort in your daily prayers. We pray for the guests who will be utilizing the PADS sites, for the volunteers that will be staffing the sites, and that the mission of PADS will be the forefront in all decisions.

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Donate: The Kendall County Food Pantry is facilitating our monetary donations. Please make your check payable to “Kendall County PADS”

Kendall Weekly Times

Volunteer: There are many ways to volunteer and serve at a PADS site. Please click here for a complete list of volunteer possibilities.

church, civic organization, place of employment, etc., to get involved either as individuals or as a group.

detail. For a copy of any of these tools, please send an email. Volunteer Training is available. There will be volunteer training sessions so you can learn how PADS operates, what is expected of the volunteers, and the procedures involved. The training will help insure that you will be knowledgeable and comfortable in your role as a volunteer. This ONE TIME training session, will provide information on why PADS is needed in Kendall County, registration procedures for the guests, meals and food handling, health and safety issues, do’s and don’ts for volunteers and any additional questions you may have.

Knight of Columbus Events press release

December 2011 Sat 12/24 Oswego KC ROSARY FOR LIFE 9:00 am January 2012

Kristine Heiman Community Outreach Director Kendall Weekly Times

and send it to: Kendall County Food Pantry, 1204 Deer Street, Yorkville, IL 60560

Be an advocate for PADS: Tell people what it is and how it works. Encourage people in your neighborhood,

Many letters, brochures, and a PowerPoint presentation is available for you that explains things in greater

Wed 1/4 Columbus Club Monthly Meeting 7:30 pm Thu 1/5 Regular KC Council Meeting 7:30 pm Fri 1/6 January KC Friday Fraternal Night 7:30 pm Thu 1/12 KC Community Blood Drive 2:00 pm 6:30 pm Sun 1/15 KC Pro-Life Breakfast at church 8:00 am 1:00 pm Wed 1/18 Oswego KC Ladies Auxiliary Meeting 7:00 pm Thu 1/19 Regular Oswego Council Meeting 7:30 pm Fri 1/20 KC Pajama Party 7:00 pm Thu 1/26 Knights of Columbus 1st Degree 7:30 pm Sat 1/28 Oswego KC "ROSARY FOR LIFE" 9:00 am Sat 1/28 Texas Holdem Poker Tournament 6:00 pm February 2012

Kendall Weekly Times

Wed 2/1 Columbus Club Monthly Meeting 7:30 pm Thu 2/2 Regular KC Council Meeting 7:30 pm Fri 2/3 KC Friday Fraternal Night 7:30 pm Thu 2/9 KC Culture of Life Pro-Life Talk 7:00 pm Sat 2/11 KC Pork Chop Dinner 3:00 pm Wed 2/15 Oswego KC Ladies Auxiliary Meeting 7:00 pm Thu 2/16 Oswego KC Council Meeting 7:30 pm Fri 2/17 KC Chili Cook-Off 6:00 pm Sat 2/25 Oswego KC "ROSARY FOR LIFE" 9:00 am Sun 2/26 KC Ladies Auxiliary 12:00 pm 3:00 pm March 2012 Thu 3/1 KC Annual Charitable Funds Distribution 7:30 pm Fri 3/2 March KC Fraternal Night 7:30 pm Sat 3/3 KC Family & Ladies Auxiliary Mass & Potluck 5:00 pm Wed 3/7 Columbus Club Monthly Meeting 7:30 pm Thu 3/8 Knights of Columbus 1st Degree 7:30 pm Thu 3/15 Regular KC Council Meeting 7:30 pm Wed 3/21 Oswego KC Ladies Auxiliary Meeting 7:00 pm Sat 3/24 Oswego KC "ROSARY FOR LIFE" 9:00 am Sun 3/25 Ladies Auxilairy Annual Card Party 1:00 pm Fri 3/30 March KC Fraternal Night

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Kendall County Fair press release

Building the Fairgrounds Brick by Brick Engrave your name in the history of the Kendall County Fairgrounds. The Fair Association has kicked off a campaign offering engraved bricks to individuals, groups, clubs, and businesses. The bricks will be part of the patio enhancing the landscaping in front of the newest building on the grounds. This project allows the Association to recognize and permanently thank our donors by displaying your name. You have the ability to personalize a brick for yourself, club or business as well as honor a loved one. The brick proceeds will directly benefit the Kendall County Fairgrounds building fund. A small brick costs $60. and a large brick costs $80.

17Michigan 18TCU10-2 19Houston12-1 20Nebraska9-3 21Southern 22Penn 23West 24Texas7-5 25Auburn7-5

State10-3

Miss11-2 State9-3 Virginia9-3

College Mens Top 25

12Kansas7-2 13Florida7-2 14Pittsburgh9-1 15Wisconsin10-2 16Mississippi 17Georgetown8-1 18Michigan8-2 19Illinois10-0 20Indiana9-0 21Alabama8-2 22Texas 23Michigan 24Creighton7-1 25Vanderbilt6-3

State10-1

A&M8-1 State8-2

Sports Section Glen Busch Editor

Thanks for stopping by we are pleased to bring you our new section revamped to better serve you . We are excited in January we will be doing even more coverage so stay tuned and we are always live through the Website at www.kendallweeklytimes. net and become a fan with our Facebook Page. Thanks again and we look forward to keeping you with the Times.

BCS Rankings Top 25

BCS Standings RankTeamRecord View Complete Rankings Last updated Sunday, Dec 4, 2011 11:44 AM EST 1LSU13-0 2Alabama11-1 3Oklahoma State11-1 4Stanford11-1 5Oregon11-2 6Arkansas10-2 7Boise State11-1 8Kansas State10-2 9South Carolina10-2 10Wisconsin11-2 11Virginia Tech11-2 12Baylor9-3 13Michigan10-2 14Oklahoma9-3 15Clemson10-3 16Georgia10-3

Is a beat reporter for the Kendall Weekly Times and regularly writes Columns about Night Life in the Western Burbs

RankTeam (1st Place Votes)Record View Complete Rankings Last updated Saturday, Dec 17, 2011 12:51 AM EST 1Syracuse(28)10-0 2Ohio State(2)9-1 3Kentucky8-1 4Louisville9-0 5Duke9-1 6North Carolina8-2 7Baylor8-0 8Missouri10-0 9Xavier8-0 10Connecticut8-1 11Marquette9-0

Womens Basketball Top 25

AP Top 25 RankTeam (1st Place Votes)Record View Complete Rankings Last updated Saturday, Dec 17, 2011 12:42 AM EST 1Baylor(39)10-0 2Connecticut9-0 3Notre Dame9-1

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Kendall Weekly Times

NBA Action

4Stanford6-1 5Maryland11-0 6Tennessee6-2 7Miami 8Kentucky10-0 9Duke7-2 10Texas 11Rutgers9-2 12Ohio 13Georgia8-1 14Louisville9-2 15Texas 16Penn 17Georgetown9-2 18North 19Wisconsin-Green 20Vanderbilt10-0 21Delaware8-0 22Purdue7-3 23DePaul10-2 24Texas7-2 25Nebraska9-1

Foot Ball Action

(FL)9-1 A&M7-2 State9-0 Tech8-0 State8-2 Carolina7-1 Bay8-0

Nascar standing by winners share

Standings PositionDriverTotal PtsBehindStartsPolesWinsTop 5Top 10DNFWinnings 1Tony Stewart2403 --36159191$6,567,771

2Carl Edwards2403 --363119260$8,490,064 3Kevin Harvick2345 5836049191$6,201,219 4Matt Kenseth2330 73363312203$6,187,659 5Brad Keselowski2319 84361310141$5,087,744 6Jimmie Johnson2304 99360214212$6,312,034 7Dale Earnhardt Jr.2290 11336104122$4,171,588 8Jeff Gordon2287 116361313183$5,919,159 9Denny Hamlin2284 11936015142$5,471,868 10Ryan Newman2284 11936319170$5,307,098 11Kurt Busch2262 14136328163$5,942,791 12Kyle Busch2246 157351414184$6,165,098 13Clint Bowyer1047 1,35636014166$5,678,026 14Kasey Kahne1041 1,36236218154$4,781,481 15A J Allmendinger1013 1,39036001101$4,829,639 16Greg Biffle997 1,40636303102$4,322,128 17Paul Menard947 1,4563601482$3,860,013 18Martin Truex Jr.937 1,46636103123$3,959,638

19Marcos Ambrose936 1,46736015121$4,754,464 20Jeff Burton935 1,4683600253$3,807,776 21Juan Pablo Montoya932 1,4713620280$5,024,851 22Mark Martin930 1,47336202103$3,834,983 23David Ragan906 1,4973621485$4,203,663 24Joey Logano902 1,5013620463$3,856,013 25Brian Vickers846 1,5573600372$4,301,877 26Regan Smith820 1,5833601254$4,583,933 27Jamie McMurray795 1,6083610245$4,798,842 28David Reutimann757 1,6463610132$4,378,841 29Bobby Labonte670 1,7333600124$4,505,653 30David Gilliland572 1,8313600126$3,878,387 31Casey Mears541 1,8623500008$2,838,318 32Dave Blaney508 1,8953500118$3,229,210 33Andy Lally398 2,0053000004$2,868,218 34Robby Gordon268 2,13525000014$2,271,891 35J.J. Yeley192 2,21131000024$2,559,504

36Michael McDowell139 2,26432000029$2,475,317 37Tony Raines129 2,2741200005$932,125 38Ken Schrader110 2,293700000$605,615 39Terry Labonte102 2,301800003$954,327 40Bill Elliott100 2,303500000$663,887 41David Stremme80 2,32318000016$1,315,690 42Michael Waltrip56 2,347300011$479,713 43Boris Said38 2,365200000$194,730 44Geoffrey Bodine33 2,370400003$315,722 45T.J. Bell29 2,374500004$432,683 46Stephen Leicht20 2,383100000$88,558 47Andy Pilgrim18 2,385100000$78,475 48Chris Cook17 2,386100000$78,825 49Brian Simo11 2,392100000$74,470 50Brian Keselowski3 2,400100001$297,338 51Erik Darnell2 2,401200002$133,615 52Steve Park2 2,401100001$78,855 53Trevor Bayne0 2,4031701113$2,892,938

Kendall Weekly Times

54Ricky Stenhouse Jr.0 2,403100000$106,175 55Landon Cassill0 2,4033200006$2,882,932 56Travis Kvapil0 2,4032900008$2,626,469 57Steve Wallace0 2,403100000$291,638 58Mike Bliss0 2,4031800002$1,574,835 59Mike Skinner0 2,40321000018$1,661,002 60Cole Whitt0 2,403200001$130,425 61Hermie Sadler0 2,403300000$236,125 62Austin Dillon0 2,403100000$82,850 63David Starr0 2,403400002$360,255 64Scott Wimmer0 2,403400003$296,967 65Joe Nemechek0 2,40336000035$2,907,521 66Patrick Carpentier0 2,403100000$90,483 67Ron Fellows0 2,403100001$75,472 68Scott Speed0 2,40313000011$1,018,690 69Jason White0 2,403100000$66,175 70Sam Hornish Jr.0 2,403100000$64,875 71Andrew Ranger0 2,403100001$62,625 72Reed Sorenson0 2,403300003$215,825 73Johnny Sauter0 2,403100001$70,250 74Josh Wise0 2,403400004$305,985 75Todd Bodine0 2,403300003$261,038 76Dennis Setzer0 2,403100001$81,000 77Robert Richardson Jr.0 2,403100001$270,313 78Scott Riggs0 2,403400004$275,363 79Kevin Conway0 2,403300003$277,551 80P.J. Jones0 2,403100001$72,724 81Jeff Green0 2,403100001$69,767 82Derrike Cope 2,403$

Glen Busch Editor of Kendall Times Sports

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83Tony Ave 84Grant Enfinger 2,403$

2,403$

1969 Cubs Source: timothy-j-thompson.quazen.com Timothy Thompson is a long time resident of Oswego Township and is now an accomplished author who other projects focus on Us history. Timothy will be writing several pieces for the Kendall Weekly Times and We welcome him the Kendall Weekly Times Staff . Martin Flowers Publisher

In this article, I describe, in detail, some of the statistics of the 1969 Chicago Cubs. They have to be regarded as the most celebrated and glorified second place team in the entire history of sports. “The Cubs will shine in sixty-nine!” That was the famous prediction made by Mr. Cub himself, the Hall of Famer, Ernie Banks, at the start of spring training for the upcoming 1969 Major League Baseball season. And, for most of that campaign, he was right. The Cubs would shine. Then, sadly, in September of that year, the bottom would drop out on them, and they would be remembered for choking down the stretch in one of the greatest collapses in sports history. In spite of this, they were still a great team, and had a remarkable season. That being said, let’s now take a closer look at that unforgetable team. Generally speaking, the 1969 Chicago Cubs finished with a 92 and 70 record. That translated into a .568 win/loss percentage. They were 49 and 32 at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, and a respectable 43 and 38 on the road. They came in second to the “Miracle Mets” that year, who corraled an amazing 100 victories en route to the World Title. During the season, the Cubs would score 720 runs, slug 142 round

trippers, and hold their opponents to just a 3.34 E.R.A. A 26 year-old Ferguson Jenkins would anchor a powerful starting staff with an outstanding 21 wins. Another right hander, Bill Hands, would finish with 20 wins himself, While left hander, Ken Holtzman contributed 17, including a dominating nohitter. Third baseman, Ron Santo, arguably their best player in 1969, smacked 29 homers, while driving in 123 runs. Left fielder, Billy Williams, led the team with a .293 batting average, and 95 RBI’s himself. Read more in Shopping « Latest Health & Beauty Trends: Drinking Wheat Grass JuiceLindsay Lohan Playboy Cover Photos Like » In 1969, the Cubs came out of the gate smoking hot. They won their first four games, and eleven of their first twelve. All told, they would remain in first place for 155 consecutive days. They won 16 games in April and 16 more during May. At the end of June, they were 50 and 27 with a 9 1/2 game lead. The victories would continue throughout July and August, and numerous team members even cut a rock-nroll record to the beat of “Fever”; changing the words of that famous tune to “Pennant, Pennant Fever.” On the glorious summer day of August 19, Ken Holtzman would hurl a brilliant no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves. After the final out was recorded, fans from the bleachers poured onto the field, and Ron Santo raced along the third base line leaping high into the air and clicking his heels. After that 3 to 0 victory was posted, the Cubs record stood at 77 and 45. They had a 7 1/2 game lead over the New York Mets, with just 40 games left to play. The Cubs would split their next 14 contests. And, after an 8 to 2 win at Cincinnati on September 2, they were 84 and 52 with a four game lead.Then, disaster struck. The Cubs lost 8 in a row and 11 of 12. All this while the Mets went on a tear which saw them win 8

straight and 10 of 11. On the 8th of September, the Cubs dropped out of first forever. The demise was so bad, so complete, they would post just 8 victories in their final 26 games. It was a terrible end to an otherwise outstanding season. So, in the final analysis, the last month of the season not withstanding, the Cubs did indeed shine in sixty-nine. In my eyes, they were still champions. Read more: http://timothy-j-thompson.quazen.com/shopping/1969-chicago-cubs/#ixzz1g8ZeQfy6

Bears are a thumb and a knee away from losing playoffs berth by Glen Busch

Chicago, IL: It is said that you never know what you have until it's gone, and this season the Bears are finding out just how true this is. After a 2-3 start to the season, the Bears went on a 5-0 run and were on top of the hunt for a wild card slot in the playoffs. This surge came under the leadership of last years Pariah turned super hero Jay Cutler with a great supporting cast including Matt Forte and others. But that was then..... Then came November 20th, 2011, a date that will live in 2011 Bears infamy. Jay Cutler breaks his thumb in the victory and the Bears must look for a way to win without their starting QB. Enter Caleb Hanie, a young QB dragged into the spot light whose passing is questionable at best. With a 3-1 ratio of interceptions to Tds, and not much of a deep threat, it was clear that the Bears would have to conjure the legends of old and win on the legs of their running game. Facing a Chiefs team that was definitely beatable with the League’s 25th rated run defense, the Bears looked to focus heavily on the run game centered with Matt Forte and Marion Barber. Then what may turn out to be the final nail in the Bears Playoff coffin, Forte sprains his right MCL (knee) taking away the Bears Second biggest scoring weapon. With no real air threat the Chiefs were able to swallow up Barber and crush the bears’ offense. Great now what?

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Kendall Weekly Times

Unfortunately there are way too many questions with way too few answers, except to say that the outlook for the Bears making the playoffs this year is dismal at best and a pipe dream at worse. The only glimmer of hope is that Forte's sprain may not

From the Hill with Roger and Mark Have a great Holiday Season

Add to all this the Defensive injuries to S Major Wright (shoulder) and the quad injuries to CB Tillman and Urlacher the Bears are in need of a higher scoring game in order to win.

With only four games left, including one with the Packers, the Bears need to win the next two games against Denver and Seattle in order to stave off Detroit for the wild card berth.

Happy Birthday

be as bad as originally thought. But it is a sad day in the windy city when the teams hope rest on a sprained right MCL. Very sad indeed.

Kendall Weekly Times

2012 Elections by Kendall Weekly Times Political Staff

With the election cycle just around the corner From the Hill will be picking up again with Mark from the Left and Roger from the Right. Roger and Mark will be back in the New Year until then from the Political Staff of the Kendall Weekly Times and MJF Communications please have a safe and happy Holiday Season! Here is a preview in the year to come !

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Drive from 1:30pm -3:30pm the event is open to the public and we will be collecting food donations for the Kendall County Food Pantry for more information on the event please Contact Kristine Heiman Community Outreach Director for the Kendall Weekly Times at 630-897-6184

Voter Registered Press Release

Starting January 13th every Friday Night there will be an opportunity for the Residents of Kendall County to get registered to vote for the upcoming primary March 20th at the Oswego Public Library the Friday night Registration will alternate between the Montgomery and Oswego Campus please call 630-554-3150 for more information .

The Civic Club of Kendall County Will Host Candidate open House

County History Quiz Take the December Challenge

Take This Month’s History Quiz brought to you by Poor Boys Pub

Press Release

The Kendall County Civic Club will host a Candide open house on Saturday January 28th At Poor Boys Pub located 283 Montgomery Road Local , State, and National Candidate have been invited for more information on the event please call 630-897-1627.

History Of Political Parties Republican 2055 Wiesbrook Drive Oswego

The Origins of the Republican Party Trying times spawn new forces. The Missouri Compromise of 1820 divided the country at the36° 30' parallel between the pro-slavery, agrarian South and anti-slavery, industrial North, creating an uneasy peace which lasted for three decades. This peace was shattered in 1854 by the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Settlers would decide if their state would be free or slave. Northern leaders such as Horace Greeley, Salmon Chase

What notable Pearl Harbor Suvior Would Go on to Win the Most Outstanding Oswego Cistern Award? Aurora is named after whom! What Montgomery Cizten was a finalist in GM Home town Vets Contest? How Many Games did the 1969 Cubs finally finish behind the Mets! Test your knowledge and next month we will have the answers!

Main Street Market Mixer Press Release

Main Street Market in cooperation with the Holiday Day Inn Express and the Home Based Business Group will be holding a small Business Mixer on Saturday January 21st at the Holiday Day Inn Express in Oswego located 2055 Wiesbrook

1425 W. Ogden Ave., Oswego, IL 60543

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and Charles Sumner could not sit back and watch the flood of proslavery settlers cross the parallel. A new party was needed. Salmon ChaseWhere was the party born? Following the publication of the "Appeal of Independent Democrats" in major newspapers, spontaneous demonstrations occurred. In early 1854, the first proto-Republican Party meeting took place in Ripon, Wisconsin. On June 6, 1854 on the outskirts of Jackson, Michigan upwards of 10,000 people turned out for a mass meeting "Under the Oaks." This led to the first organizing convention in Pittsburgh on February 22, 1856. The gavel fell to open the Party's first nominating convention, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 17, 1856, announcing the birth of the Republican Party as a unified political force. Horace GreeleyThe Republican Party name was christened in an editorial written by New York newspaper magnate Horace Greeley. Greeley printed in June 1854: "We should not care much whether those thus united (against slavery) were designated 'Whig,' 'Free Democrat' or something else; though we think some simple name like 'Republican' would more fitly designate those who had united to restore the Union to its true mission of champion and promulgator of Liberty rather than propagandist of slavery." The elections of 1854 saw the Republicans take Michigan and make advances in many states, but this election was dominated by the emergence of the short-lived American (or 'Know-Nothing') Party. By 1855, the Republican Party controlled a majority in the House of Representatives. The new Party decided to hold an organizing convention in Pittsburgh in early 1856, leading up to the Philadelphia convention. As the convention approached, things came to a head — and to blows. On the floor of the Senate Democratic representatives Preston Brooks and Lawrence Keitt (South Carolina) brutally attacked Charles Sumner with a cane after Sumner gave a passionate anti-slavery speech which Brooks took offense (he was related to the main antagonist of Sumner's speech, South Carolina Senator Andrew Butler). Both representatives resigned from Congress with severe indignation over their ouster, but were returned to Congress by South Carolina voters in the next year. Sumner was not able to return to the Congressional halls for four years after the attack. Brooks was heard boasting "Next

Kendall Weekly Times

time I will have to kill him," as he left the Senate floor after the attack. On the same day as the attack came the news of the armed attack in Lawrence, Kansas. As a direct outgrowth of the "settler sovereignty" of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, an armed band of men from Missouri and Nebraska sacked the town of Lawrence and arrested the leaders of the free state. The anti-abolitionists had made it clear that "settler sovereignty" meant pro-slavery. Labeled only as "ruffians" by Southern politicians, Horace Greeley was quick to decry both events as plots of the pro-slavery South. "Failing to silence the North by threats. . .the South now resorts to actual violence." The first rumblings of the Civil War had begun. The stage was set for the 1856 election, one which held the future of the Union in its grasp. Read the Republican Platform of 1856 And what of the nickname "Grand Old Party"? The nickname of the Republican Party didn't get attached to it until 1888. Previously, the nickname had been used by Southern Democrats. After the Republicans won back the Presidency and Congress for the first time since the Grant administration, the Chicago Tribuneproclaimed: "Let us be thankful that under the rule of the Grand Old Party ... these United States will resume the onward and upward march which the election of Grover Cleveland in 1884 partially arrested."

changing times so that all Americans can prosper. That’s why the people of this county have always turned to Democrats when times got tough.

History Of Political Parties

In the 1960s, Americans again turned to Democrats and elected President John Kennedy to tackle the challenges of a new era. President Kennedy dared Americans to put a man on the moon, created the Peace Corps, and negotiated a treaty banning atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons.

Democratic

History of Democratic Party Press Release The history of our country is a history of change. Year after year, we have evolved, innovated, and overcome the major challenges of our time. America’s genius throughout has been its ability to renew our promise to provide citizens the opportunity for a better life—and though our own history isn’t perfect, the mission of the Democratic Party has been to make that promise a reality. Founded more than 200 years ago, the Democratic Party was born in response to the idea that government should represent the people and that wealth and status should not be an entitlement to rule. Change is the inescapable driver of history in the United States. Our party’s founders believed then, just as we do now, that being a Democrat means meeting the challenges of

In the 1930s, Americans turned to Democrats and elected President Franklin Roosevelt to end the Great Depression. President Roosevelt offered Americans a New Deal that put people back to work, stabilized farm prices, and brought electricity to rural homes and communities. Under President Roosevelt, Social Security established a promise that lasts to this day: growing old would never again mean growing poor. In 1944, FDR signed the G.I. Bill -a historic measure that provided veterans with the opportunity to go to college and help move our country forward. These investments helped restore America’s promise to be the land of opportunity and offered new avenues to expand the middle class. Harry Truman helped rebuild Europe after World War II with the Marshall Plan and oversaw the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. By integrating the military, President Truman helped to bring down barriers of race and gender and pave the way the way for civil rights advancements in the years that followed.

And after President Kennedy’s assassination, Americans looked to President Lyndon Johnson, who offered a new vision of a Great Society and signed into law the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act.

In 1992, after twelve years of Republican presidents, record budget deficits, high unemployment, and increasing crime, Americans turned to Democrats once again and elected Bill Clinton to get America moving again. As President, Clinton balanced the budget, helped the economy add 23 million new jobs, and oversaw the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in history. And in 2008, Americans turned to Democrats and elected President Obama to reverse our country’s slide into the largest economic downturn since the Great Depression and undo eight years of policies that favored the few over the many. Under President Obama’s direction and congressional Democrats’ leadership, we reformed a health care system that was broken and extended health insurance to 32 million Americans. We reined in a financial system that was out of control and delivered the toughest consumer protections ever enacted. We reworked our student loan system to make higher education more affordable and won the fight for equal pay for women. We passed the Recovery Act, which created or helped to save millions of jobs and made unprecedented investments in the major pillars of our country. From America’s beginnings to today, people have turned to Democrats to meet our country’s most pressing challenges. We are America's best hope to foster the promise and opportunity ingrained in our history. And we will succeed if we continue to govern by the same principles that have made America the greatest nation on earth.

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President Johnson’s enactment of Medicare was a watershed moment in America’s history that redefined our country’s commitment to our seniors—offering a new promise that all Americans have the right to a healthy retirement. In 1976, in the wake of the Watergate scandal, Americans elected Jimmy Carter to restore dignity to the White House. He created the Departments of Education and Energy and helped to forge a lasting peace between Israel and Egypt.

please feel free to contact us at www. kendallweeklytimes.net or by mail at 68 Red Fox Run Montgomery Illinois. The Kendall Weekly Times is part of the MJF Communications !