Editor's Notebook

Two Local Charity Events Bring Out Residents' Generous Nature

Hometown Hoedown raises money to fight cancer, while motorcycle ride helps disabled veterans.

I've been local editor for Frankfort Patch for about a year now, and one of the things that has continually impressed me with the village is how members of the community come together and reach out to help one another. And it's not that I've been living in towns filled with self-centered crumb bums. It's just that I've rarely seen the type of enthusiasm residents here generate when it comes to organizing fundraisers and benefits for those in need.  That's why it's nice to spotlight local events like these two that do a lot for worthy causes. When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 Where: CD&ME, 23320 S. LaGrange Road How much? $25 in advance, $30 at the door What's involved: There will be a buffet and cash bar (attendees must be 21), and live …

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Helping Hands

As Relay for Life Events Near, There's Still Time to Show Support

It's not too late to form a team for New Lenox Relay or to simply show up at Frankfort and Mokena's for moral and donatory support.

She was only 14 years old when she passed in 2000. It was a mere three years earlier that she had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She was Alicia DiSandro, of New Lenox. Her parents, Nick and April, with the help of Alicia's five siblings, keep her memory alive as well as cope with her passing while trying to find a cure by being the local organizers of the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life in New Lenox. This year's will take place Friday, July 15, at Lincoln-Way West High School starting at 6 p.m. and running through the night until 6 the next morning. Although New Lenox broke away to have its own relay, Frankfort and Mokena continue to share their own. This year's event begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 10 at Lincoln-Way East …

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Raising Money for Cancer Means Walking in the Name of Hope

The Cancer Support Center hosted its third annual spring Walk of Hope event in Mokena on Sunday, with about 700 participants.

Sharon Blumer, a volunteer at Mokena’s Cancer Support Center and a participant in this year’s Spring Walk for Hope, said she has walked each year for her daughter-in-law. “She had stage 4 colon cancer, so we walked for her the first two years,” Blumer said. “She passed this last December, so this year we’re walking in memory of her.” Sandy Skwirut, a friend of Blumer, said she has also walked all three years and does so with her husband, who is battling colon cancer. “Supporting this cause means more to us than supporting the American Cancer Society, because not only does all the money stay local, but the center does so much for people struggling with cancer, and for their friends and family,” Skwirut explained. Barb Nevins, a volunteer at…

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PHOTOS: Two Relay for Life Teams Hold Wine Tasting for a Cause

Fundraiser at WineStyles generates money for American Cancer Society event.

Judi and Mike Norris organized a Relay for Life benefit Saturday at Frankfort's WineStyles for their team, Team Crusdaers, as well as Doin' It for Dwyer and Davis, a youth team led by their children Brit Norris, 19, and Kevin Greene, 16. The Relay for Life teams have raised $62,000 in their six years. The members hope to reach $70,000 this June, their seventh Relay for Life event. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. This year's Relay for Life of Frankfort Mokena will be June 10 at Lincoln-Way East High School. Judy Norris began fundraising after her father lost his battle with cancer. Judi participates in many American Cancer Society events, but it's her passion for Relay for Life that is strongest. "It's for all cancers and for …

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Mokena/Frankfort Relay for Life Prepares to Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back in June

The Frankfort/Mokena Relay for Life is a way to fight back against cancer.

It is unusual for anyone to go through life without at some time or another being affected by the disease, but Jacqueline Rosinski and her family have found themselves facing maybe a little more than their share of cancer. And like any of us, she needed help. She found it through the American Cancer Society. “My mother passed away from lung cancer," the New Lenox woman said. "My brother had throat cancer and my mother-in-law had lymphoma. When we asked for help, the ACS gave help and they didn't ask for anything, not one thing.” For the past three years, she and her three daughters have donated their time and energy to the local Relay for Life.  “Amber is an artist and does all the face painting,” Rosinski said. “And Kristina and Kassandra…

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Caroline Evans

2:27 pm on Thursday, March 31, 2011

Thanks for sharing, Mary!   more ›

What's Ahead

A Look at the Next Five Days: Feb. 7-11

Orchesis dancers perform, a photography exhibit at Monkey Mind begins, and L-W co-op gymnasts compete in sectionals.

When: Runs through March 12  Where: Monkey Mind Art Studio & Gallery, 3 W. Nebraska St.   Joliet artist Stuart Pearson will display his photography at Monkey Mind starting today, and there will be a gallery reception Feb. 13. Check Frankfort Patch later in the week for a feature on the artist. When: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Where: Frankfort Public Library, 21119 Pfeiffer Road Have you read The Lightning Thief graphic novel? If so--and if you're in grades 4-8--head over to the Frankfort Public Library to discuss it. Go here for more details. When: 6:30-7:45 p.m. for ages 6-8; 7:45-9 p.m. for ages 9-11 Where: Lincoln-Way East High School, 201 Colorado Ave. Get ready for baseball season with this hitting clinic. Lessons take a step-by-step …

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