Kochan describes the music of First Star Destiny as Christian Rock and positive mainstream music with some diversity in approach ranging from rock to classical-flamenco with some electronica-dance influence and a bit of reggae. That’s quite a combination of sounds, but according to a growing fan-base, it works.

Kochan has always been musically inclined, but four years ago, while working as a recreational therapist with the very special residents of Marklund, he began writing songs. Marklund is a not-for-profit network of services that helps infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities reach their highest potential and live as full a life as possible.

“As I wrote the songs, I felt the influence of God leading me in the direction of what turned out to be a unique sound,” Kochan said. “The work is in the genre of Christian Rock, as well as songs that could fit into the secular realm of radio, and all with a positive spirit.”

Equally important to Kochan is his valued relationship with Marklund, where “Miracles are always within reach.” He has enjoyed working as a therapist with the special residents of Marklund since 1997, and a true joy for him is to perform his music for his incredible friends at Marklund, where he still works today. Kochan finds it tremendously gratifying to hear the residents – those who are able – sing along with him. Because of his devotion to Marklund, he is donating a percentage of the proceeds of the album to Marklund.

Also known as “wEs LeE ‘K’”, Kochan handled songwriting, lead and harmony vocals, lead guitar, keyboards-synthesizer, bass, and harmonica. In addition, there are other musicians on the album including session musicians on violin and backup vocals. Now performing in concert, both electronically and acoustically, whether with his solid backup group of musicians or in “one-man-band” style, he loves to perform his music.

When Kochan was a teenager, he started playing a Hawaiian lap steel guitar, however, he didn’t play it with a metal slide as it is meant to be played – he played with his fingers.

“Can you say finger callouses!?” he said. “Eventually I got my first $15 acoustic guitar that was actually meant to be fretted with fingers, and the rest is history. My listeners deserve a fun time of music and they don’t have to cover the kids’ ears for the lyrics! Really, it’s an album with meaning and many catchy grooves and hooks and lyrics for thinkers, seekers, believers and those who have a sense of emotion and a sense of what love is or should be. It has catchy beats and rhythms with something more than your average, everyday, just-make-sure-it-rhymes lyrics. Those who have heard this new release note the lyrical content and appreciate it right along with the sonic quality and catchiness therein.

“In summary, while there are other musicians on the album, it is primarily a solo artist album with a band name,” he said. “Whether playing in concert as a ‘one-man-band’ or with backup musicians, acoustically or electronically, my motto is to ‘bring the music to the people.’ And I love to do just that.”

Links for the First Star Destiny debut album, “Something For Everyone”, to iTunes, CD Baby, and Digstation are posted on www.Myspace.com/firststardestiny or www.Shoutlife.com/starwayrockband

For more information, call Wes Kochan at 630-310-1293 or email him at: wkochan@sbcglobal.net

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations. Marklund is not-for-profit.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org

Chinese American Service League dancers from Chicago's Chinatown

It was quite a colorful sight to see many of Marklund’s guests dressed in “Chinese couture.” More than 500 attendees raised $425,000 for the not-for-profit organization at the Marklund 14^th Annual Top Hat Ball – “Celebrate Chinese New Year,” on Saturday, Feb. 13^th at Navy Pier’s historic Grand Ballroom, Chicago.

Such proceeds will go a long way to benefit Marklund and its compassionate care of infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.

Chaired by Mike and Carol Donahue of Geneva, the Top Hat Ball included authentic Chinese dancers from the Chinese American Service League in Chinatown, musicians from the Chinese Fine Arts Society, and traditional Lion and Dragon dances from Chicago Dragon’s Athletic Association. There was fine dining with some traditions of the Chinese culture and dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra.

The Donahue Family of Geneva

The Top Hat Ball is well known for its lavish live auction items. This year’s auction, chaired by Stacey Alexander of Plainfield and Sue Wick of Lombard, surpassed all others, raising $120,000. The 12-day Asian Seabourn cruise went for $17,000. Other live auction items and their final bids were: tickets to the Grammy Awards – two packages sold at $8,000 each; golfing Ireland’s best courses – two packages sold at $7,000 each; two tickets at the PGA Masters finals – $13,000; winter vacation for four at Steamboat, Colo.- $12,500;  two tickets to the Oprah show – $5,000; Disney World for six over Fourth of July – $8,500 and many more.

In addition, Marklund’s Fund-in-Need auction raised well over $90,000.

A highlight of the annual Top Hat Ball was the presentation of Marklund’s prestigious “Friend of the Year” award. George and Pam Rion of Bloomingdale received one of Marklund’s highest honors for the couple’s 18 years of consistent support and willingness to serve Marklund’s infants, children and adults in ways that will affect their lives significantly, now and in the future.

“We are so pleased for the Rions,” said Jeannine Zupo, director of the Top Hat Ball. “The Rions started volunteering at Marklund by opening gifts as a family with their then small children on Christmas Eve at the Bloomingdale location, just down the street from their home. Their heart for the Marklund residents grew each year and has made a huge impact on many.”

Congratulations are in order to the Top Hat Ball committee: Michael J. Ahlert, Carol Angelescu, Lynn Armbruster, Diana Book, Mayor Kevin Burns, Carie Carney, Jeff Cook, Chris and Vicki Deane, Karen Golden, Rob and Carol Hassels, Jackie Janega, Brian and Lily Kay, Jason Laub, Robert Levy, Randy Lindenberg, Kate McCracken, Jill Schluntz

For more information, call Jeannine Zupo, Top Hat Ball director, at 630-624-9874 or email to: jzupo@marklund.org

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org

This year, many donors chose to purchase gift cards that provide Marklund residents with extra spending money to use on community outings.

“Marklund is thankful for the outpouring of support from this year’s donors,” said Vicki Krystof, director of development for Marklund. “This holiday at Marklund was full of excitement and a lot of love, thanks to our generous donors.”

For 24 years, the Giving Tree program has allowed Marklund residents to receive special holiday gifts from generous donors such as companies, clubs, churches, schools, and individuals.

How it works: Marklund residents submit wish lists with items ranging from winter coats to classical music CDs to gift cards (The residents go on an outing to spend their gift cards.) Giving Tree cards are created for each resident with a brief bio and three gift suggestions. Donors take a card and purchase one or more of the resident’s wish items and return them, festively wrapped, to Marklund.

On Christmas Eve day, more than 100 Marklund volunteers and staff members gathered to help residents open their gifts. It was indeed a very happy holiday.

For more information about the Giving Tree, contact Cathy Nikrandt at cnikrandt@marklund.org or 630-593-5468 or go to: http://www.marklund.org.

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations. Marklund is not-for-profit.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org/

Chaired by Mike and Carol Donahue of Geneva, the Top Hat Ball will include authentic Chinese dancers from the Chinese American Service League in Chinatown, musicians from the Chinese Fine Arts Society, and traditional Lion and Dragon dances from Chicago Dragon’s Athletic Association. There will be fine dining with some traditions of the Chinese culture, dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra, the presentation of Marklund’s “Friends of the Year” award, and an exceptional live auction. Although a black tie gala, many guests are planning to attend in “Chinese couture.”

The Top Hat Ball is known for its lavish live auction items. This year’s auction, chaired by Stacey Alexander of Plainfield and Sue Wick of Lombard, surpasses all others. Auctioneer David Goodman of Chicago’s Auction Results will offer packages that include a 12-day Asian cruise for two aboard the Seabourn Pride, a yacht that accommodates just 104 couples, and was donated by Seabourn and Viking Travel Agency. Named the #1 Small Ship Cruise Line in the world in the prestigious Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2009 and also named Best Floating Hotels by Gourmet Magazine, Seabourn yachts present a style that is the ultimate in luxury.

Another exquisite auction item is luncheon for eight at Cinderella’s Royal Table with the Royal Family at Walt Disney World, a tour of Cinderella’s Castle, complimentary photographs and autographs with Cinderella and her princess friends. This item includes four airline tickets from Chicago to Orlando and eight nights in a two-bedroom villa that sleeps up to nine, at Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge overlooking the savannah. It takes place from June 27 through July 5^th over the popular Fourth of July holiday.

Other items are a trip for two to Costa Rica, a ski trip to Steamboat, CO; a trip to the PGA Master’s Tournament; unique Chicago Cubs experiences and many more.

A highlight of the annual Top Hat Ball is the presentation of Marklund’s prestigious “Friend of the Year” award. This year, the honor goes to a couple – George and Pam Rion of Bloomingdale. The Marklund Friend of the Year must demonstrate in his/her own way, publicly or privately, a heart of gold and the willingness to serve Marklund’s infants, children and adults in ways that will affect their lives significantly, now and in the future. The Rions certainly qualify. They have been involved with Marklund since 1992.

George has served in leadership capacities as the chair of the Marklund Golf Outing and as member of the former Development Council. For many years, Pam served as member of the DuPage County Board, and she was instrumental in working with Marklund leadership to ensure the not-for-profit was meeting the needs of families in DuPage County. By aligning Marklund’s goals with DuPage County goals, Marklund received county funding, both Community Development Block Grants and Human Services Grants.

Pam also was crucial in assisting Marklund with the process of securing the Certificate of Need for the last two 16-bed homes on the Mill Creek Campus. In fact, she was (and remains) an advocate for Marklund throughout DuPage County, raising awareness of Marklund programs and services. She retired from the DuPage County Board in 2008.

“The Rions have Marklund in their blood,” said Jeannine Zupo, director of the Top Hat Ball. “Not only have they been instrumental in helping Marklund grow and succeed, but their son, Chris, has become more involved on a volunteer level over the years, which truly shows the special place Marklund has in the Rion family’s heart. There is no better legacy to leave your children than teaching them to use their God-given talents and gifts to give back to the community. The Rions started volunteering at Marklund by opening gifts as a family with their then small children Chris and Beth on Christmas Eve at the Bloomingdale location, just down the street from their home. Their heart for the Marklund residents grew each year and has made a huge impact on many.”

Top Hat Ball committee members are Michael J. Ahlert, Carol Angelescu, Lynn Armbruster, Diana Book, Mayor Kevin Burns, Carie Carney, Jeff Cook, Chris and Vicki Deane, Karen Golden, Rob and Carol Hassels, Jackie Janega, Brian and Lily Kay, Jason Laub, Robert Levy, Randy Lindenberg, Kate McCracken, Jill Schluntz

Guests will enjoy 2009 pricing, with tickets on sale for $300 per person. Table sponsorship opportunities and discounted packages are available. To reserve tickets or for more information, call Jeannine Zupo, Top Hat Ball director, at 630-624-9874 or email to: jzupo@marklund.org

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org

The school’s Key Club is sponsoring a fundraiser at Noodles & Company in Geneva Commons from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday that will benefit Rachel Pinson, 26.

The restaurant will donate 25 percent of each purchase to her when customers say they are there for Rachel. Both dine-in and carry-out customers can participate, club adviser Kristine Toldness said.

Rachel Pinson’s mother, Mary Pinson, said the support her daughter has received is overwhelming and appreciated.

“People have come out of nowhere,” she said.

Rachel Pinson was diagnosed with leukemia in September and began aggressive treatment at the University of Chicago, including a stem cell transplant from her brother Austin, a senior at Geneva High School, her mother said. She noted he didn’t think twice about the donation.

“He gave her the gift of life,” she said.

Rachel Pinson has a master’s degree in exercise science and works as a certified massage therapist at Massage Envy in Geneva Commons, though she is unable to work until she regains her strength, her mother said.

“She has a very positive attitude and believes in the power of prayer,” Mary Pinson said.

Whatever donations are left once Rachel Pinson is in remission will be donated to a leukemia foundation, her mother said.

If you go

What: Fundraiser for Rachel Pinson, Geneva High School graduate diagnosed with leukemia
Where: Noodles & Company in Geneva Commons
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6
More information: www.reachoutforrachel.com

Joe Muschong club president elect says, ” We are putting a rock that weighs about 30 pounds on the river ice outside of Mill Race Inn this winter. For $1.00 you guess the day and time that it will fall back through the ice and you win half the pot. Our Geneva Rotary club gets the other half to benefit local charities and international service projects in 2010.”

The “ROCK” is currently at Citizen Kane restaurant in Geneva and entries may be made there. For more information please call Joe Muschong at 630-745-9000 or visit www.genevarotary.org.

Occupational help is available in many forms, whether one is looking for a job or thinking about career choices. Our Internet and Microsoft Word equipped computers allow one to search for a job, write a résumé or submit an online job application. For those trying to determine what kind of job they might like, we offer the electronic resources “Career Library” and “Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center”. These tools lead the user through assessments and job descriptions with the goal of matching up interests and skills to a particular occupation.

Do your kids have homework questions you can’t answer? Point them to Tutor.com. This is accessed though the “Kid Homework Help” page of the Geneva Public Library Web site. From 4 to 10 p.m., live tutors can interact with students to guide them through a subject answer, not just give them the answer. Other sites are available to help students with their research.

In these and other ways, the library lends assistance in the areas that are important to you.

Matt Teske is the director of the Geneva Public Library District.

This article first appeared in the January 2010 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Whether you choose Sunset Racquetball & Fitness Center, located within the Geneva Community Center at 710 Western Avenue, or the new Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center, located at 3507 Kaneville Road, we offer a variety of options that make obtaining your goals easier. From personal trainers on staff to the “Move it to Lose it Fitness Challenge”, we make sticking to your resolutions fun and motivating.

Not into a fitness membership? No problem! How about trying one of over 80 innovative and fun fitness classes, an athletic league, open gym time, a dance class or perhaps a healthy cooking class? These programs are a fun way to boost your energy level, relieve stress and most importantly live a healthier life.

So now is the time to get in shape again in 2010. Choose Geneva Park District today and get on the road to a healthier you.

Traci Wicks is the marketing and public relations coordinator for the Geneva Park District.

This article first appeared in the January 2010 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

The Wood Community Service award, its official name, is presented yearly to an individual or a couple who has made significant community contributions. The award is named in honor of Bill & Elise Wood and Nell & Burton Wood who contributed to the growth and health
of Geneva.

Sam and Carolyn Hill, the 2009 recipients, learned of this honor at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Night. Each year family members are asked to secretly ensure that the winner attends. This year it appeared that the couple would miss the event because they were babysitting their grandchildren. It was necessary for the chamber to tell Carolyn that Sam was receiving the award to guarantee both attended. The Hills were equally surprised when it was announced they both had won.

Sam and Carolyn met at the University of Illinois, and this past August they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Sam received his BS and MS degrees in municipal parks and recreation. His first job was Superintendent of Recreation in Lincoln, Illinois, where he ran a center for teenagers. The Hills moved to Geneva in 1977 with their two children, Jennifer and Jeff, who
went to school in Geneva. Sam and Carolyn were great supporters of the school system, and both of them enjoyed watching their children participate in sports.

Sam is an Alderman and was on the Park District Board, the Geneva Planning Commission, the Beautification Committee, the Park District Foundation, Mid Valley Neighborhood Improvement

System and the Geneva Jaycees. He is the liaison between the city and the Chamber of Commerce. Sam is proud of the work he did to help get the acquisition of Peck Farm for the Park District. He drove in freezing rain to Springfield to present the idea to the state committee
in charge of parks and recreation. Because of his efforts a Peck Farm baseball field was named after him.

Carolyn began working in real estate in the 70s. Carolyn has served as a commissioner on the Cultural Arts Commission; and as a board member, she was the head of the successful Dancing With the Geneva Stars fund-raiser.  Carolyn presented the awards to the emerging artists at
the annual Geneva Arts Fair in July and serves on several church committees. She is a former president of the Geneva PTO Council, a past president of the high school music boosters, president of the Community Chest, past board member of the Geneva Academic Foundation
and member of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.  Professionally she is a member of the Fox Valley Board of Realtors, Illinois Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. Carolyn has achieved the G.R.I., Graduate of Realtor Institute, designation.

Sam and Carolyn were taught to give back to the community, and they reared their children with the same values. Their son Jeff said, “They have a passion for the town of Geneva, they have a passion for the arts and for their church.”

I’ve been friends with both Sam and Carolyn for a number of years, and it would be tough to choose between the two for this recognition. I think it’s appropriate and well deserved that they received it as a couple.

This article first appeared in the January 2010 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

On Saturday, January 2, the Geneva High School Girls Varsity basketball team kicks off 2010 with a game against Batavia. Fans are encouraged to pack the Bulldogs’ gymnasium with a sea of Viking blue and white.

Reservations and voting for “Dancing with the Geneva Stars” will be available beginning Monday, January 4. The event will take place on Saturday, February 6, at the Eagle Brook Country Club. Tickets are $35 per person, and all proceeds benefit the Geneva Academic Foundation and Geneva Cultural Arts Commission. Remember to view the city’s Web site for the profile of your favorite local celebrity couple. Contestants this year include: Geneva High School alumni, prominent merchants and other community supporters.

From Wednesday, January 20, through Sunday, January 24, stop by the Geneva Commons to witness professional and student sculptors carve elaborate figures from snow. Perhaps you will be encouraged to go home and create your very own masterpiece on your lawn this winter.

On Friday, January 29, members of the Geneva History Center can preview the Scouting Exhibit, which is open to the public on Saturday, January 30. Aside from highlighting one troop’s intricately carved totem pole, the display provides visitors with an opportunity to recall their own days spent selling Thin Mints and sewing on patches. Specific questions regarding Geneva’s Scouting History can be answered by Jessica McTague at a Brown Bag Lunch on Tuesday, January 12.

Another engaging event hosted by the History Center occurs on Monday, January 18. Geneva’s youth can spend their day off listening to Pamela Welcome and her portrayal of the courageous Sojourner Truth. So whether your resolution is to become more involved in the community or you wish to fight off the winter blues, remember to take advantage of all Geneva has to offer this New Year.

Meaghan Kilroy is a senior at GHS who has served as news editor for the Viking View and plans on pursuing a career in journalism.

This article first appeared in the January 2010 issue of eGeneva Magazine.