Aurora students bring arts, crafts and holiday cheer to residents of Marklund

Aurora’s Annunciation School has been sending 8^th-graders to Marklund at holiday time for many, many years. This year, 30 8^th-graders will brighten the holidays for the residents of Marklund by having an arts and crafts session from 1 – 2:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in the multipurpose room at Marklund Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Dr., Geneva.

The craft session is modified creatively for Marklund’s clients to provide maximum participation. Marklund is a network of programs and services that benefit the lives of infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities

“We so enjoy coming to Marklund each year,” said Karen Wollwert, principal of Annunciation School. “Our students learn that volunteering builds connections. Many of them, including family members, continue to volunteer at Marklund throughout high school.”

“This visit brings the holiday spirit and infinite smiles to our clients as well as the students,” said Vicki Krystof, communications manager at Marklund.

For more information, call Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit 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’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/

Marklund Autumn Motorcycle Run

October 24, 2009

10:30 am

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, age 18 or older, you are invited on a scenic, colorful ride to raise money for Marklund, a not-for-profit committed to enriching the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual.

The Marklund Motorcycle Run will take place at Saturday, Oct. 24. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., and the run begins at 10:30 a.m. Motorcyclists and passengers will gather at Marklund’s Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Dr., Geneva.

The picturesque course, beginning at Marklund, has stops at:

• Old Starks Tavern, 43W478 IL Rt. 72, Hampshire,
• Hink’s Bar, 123 S. California St., Sycamore,
• Brown Pub, 200 Somonauk Rd., Hinckley, and
• Suzy’s, 4353 Tuma Rd., Yorkville. Free pizza will be served.

“The fall colors will be at their peak,” said Stevie Armbruster, Marklund’s development coordinator. “Anyone who has a motorcycle can have a wonderful ride and, at the same time, raise needed funds for Marklund.”

The event is a traditional poker run. One playing card per bike will be distributed at each stop, and the rider with the best hand at the end of the run will win a prize.

Drivers age 18 and over are welcome to sign up. The registration fee is $15 per rider and $10 per passenger. For more information please contact Stevie Armbruster at 630-593-5473 or at sarmbruster@marklund.org.

Fox Valley Presbyterian Church HUGE Rummage & Bake Sale

17, not 16 Sweet Number for Homeless Shelters

16–it’s a magical number for teenagers.  For girls, there’s the common saying “Sweet Sixteen and never been kissed,” for teens, it’s a right of passage for many as they obtain their driver’s license, and their freedom.  There was even a movie made called Sixteen Candles.

Yet it’s not Sweet 16, but Sweet 17 that is the magical number for a local homeless shelter.  Seventeen is the weekly goal for Aurora’s Hesed House.  Each week, Hesed finds housing for 16 families.  If Hesed found housing each week for 17, just one more family each week, the area’s homelessness would be eliminated within five years, says Hesed Executive Director, Ryan Down.

Local organizations, community groups and churches regularly donate funds, time and materials to the shelter.  But, how can you help?  This year make 17 your goal.  One way to start is to help out the Fox Valley Presbyterian Church’s Annual Rummage Sale.  All of the net proceeds go to help both Hesed House in Aurora and Lazarus House in St. Charles.

So now you may ask yourself, how can I make 17 my goal?  Here are no not 17, but THREE simple steps.

One. Tell 17 friends to come shop at the church’s annual Rummage & Bake Sale,

• 8 am to 4 pm
• September 11, 2009
• 8 am to noon
• September, 12, 2009
• Fox Valley Presbyterian Church
• 227 East Side Dr., Geneva
• Phone:  630-232-7448

Two.  Find 17 items to donate, drop off times listed below.  Take a quick glance around your home and you’ll find it’s easy to find 17 items that you need to rid yourself of.  Just incase your mind goes blank, here’s a list of, yes 17, suggestions

1. Books, novels, kids, audio and classics
2. CDs, Christian, rock, pop, jazz, classical, hip hop and reggae
3. DVDs, maybe it’s time to trade in Ghostbusters for Shrek
4. Jewelry & Accessories such as purses, scarves , shoes and belts, luggage, briefcases, Shoes
5. Antiques & Collectibles, trinket boxes, tea sets,
6. Kitchen Essentials, gadgets, bowls, pots, pans and the ever famous Ware Family, Dinner, Silver Bake & Glass
7. Appliances, large or small, minor or major, toasters, blenders, humidifiers, air conditioners, fans, refrigerator coolers, mix masters, and the Variety of Makers–Coffee, Bread, Waffle.
8. Furniture, rockers, bassinets, strollers, high chairs, office chairs, bookcases,
9. Adult Clothing, Women’s, Maternity and Men’s, Hey guys the 70s leisure suit and platform shoes may not fit you anymore, but it may look real groovy on someone else!
10. Children’s and Infant Clothing
11. Bath and Bedding, sheets, towels, blankets, comforters, window treatments, rugs,
12. Tools & Hardware, hand and power tools to make Ty Pennington proud!
13. Lawn & Garden accessories, shovels, rakes, mowers, tractors
14. Fitness Equipment and Bicycles, you may even want to ride it on over and save on the gas!
15. Garage Storage and Automotive Care, tires, wheels, hitches
16. Electronics, MP3s, DVD players, VHS players, recorders, stereos, camcorders, gps, laptops (please leave the oversized computer monitors at home, or better yet, donate to your favorite boatman—they make great boat anchors!)
17. Toys for Children and Pets.

Church Drop Off Times

• 8/31 & 9/1-9/6                                     9/7 Labor Day, closed
• 9 am—4 pm

Evening Hours

• 9/2, 1-8 pm

Three.  Make it an Event.  Last year’s Rummage sale was a huge hit according to a group of, ok, not 17, but 10 pre-teens who enjoyed a pre-shopping spree slumber party, then shopped till they dropped arriving early to get the best bargains and selection.  And given today’s economy, bargains and happy children are a tough combination for parents to find.

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