Rock River Sweep Committee says thanks

Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Oregon Area Rock River Sweep Planning Committee, we would like to thank all the sponsors and volunteers who made the fourth annual Rock River Sweep an incredible success.

The sponsors who donated supplies, services, and time include the Oregon Park District, Oregon School District, Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department, American Rivers, RockRiverSweep.org, Butitta Brothers, and the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department.

Almost 40 volunteers showed up on Sept. 8 to help this community clean its river banks in an effort to preserve the health and ecosystem of the Rock River. This included several people who “swept” the river by boat or canoe.  With the help of Oregon Park District and Ogle County Sheriff’s Department employees and their trucks, volunteers were able to round up approximately 1,000 lbs of garbage.

Some noteworthy items collected were an engine block, a large Barbie jeep, and a mannequin's arm!

Volunteers went through each and every bag of garbage to ensure that any recyclable material was separated for recycling, and the remainder was disposed of properly. Approximately 30 garbage bags were filled with glass, plastic, and aluminum for recycling and approximately 12 tires were disposed of with the help of Butitta Brothers.
We thank all those involved for their efforts and hope to see you next year!

Angela Mahoney, Mark Nehrkorn, Steve Rypkema

Oregon Area Rock River Sweep Committee Members

Volunteer to help Depot Museum

Dear Editor,

We are looking for people to contribute ideas or be involved in a depot committee. The first meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the depot. Our aim for the first year is to layout and plan the museum. Your extent of involvement will be your choice. We welcome any help you can offer.

Establishing the museum will not only help preserve the past, it will benefit future generations with a record of railroading in Oregon. This museum will also generate memories when the railroad and our depot were important to the growth of Oregon.

We would like to establish four meeting dates for 2013 year. Planning is an important step for this museum to become a reality. This museum can be one of the major attractions of Oregon.

Otto Dick

Oregon

HCC Foundation Board says thanks

Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Highland Community College Foundation Board of Directors, I want to thank the many individuals and businesses from across northwestern Illinois for contributing to the success of The Great Gatsby and charity auction on Aug. 18.

We especially thank our hosts, Dr. Keith and Diane Martin and their family, for opening up their beautiful and historic home—the former Rawleigh estate—for the more than 350 patrons who enjoyed great food (especially the mashed potato bar) from Fried Green Tomatoes (Galena) and incredible desserts from Hanson Catering (Winslow).

Forty live auction items and 102 silent auction items were donated by individuals and businesses from all four counties served by Highland College--Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Carroll and Ogle. Auctioneer Doug Munda was very successful in encouraging enthusiastic bidding during the live auction. And print and radio media throughout the district provided important and timely publicity about The Great Gatsby.

Thanks also to our sponsors: (gold) FHN, the Monroe Clinic, the Morse Group, Woodbine Bend Golf Course; (silver) Apple River State Bank & Community Bank of Galena, Fifth Third Bank, The Helm Group, State Bank, Winter & Associates, Winter Construction; and (bronze) Citizens State Bank, Fehr-Graham and Associates, Jumpin’ Joes/Jeff Johnson, Lena Veterinary Clinic, Midwest Bank, Stephenson Service Company, Union Savings Bank.

Thanks also to the Foundation board and staff and to the College administration, staff, faculty and trustees who donated baskets and auction items, and provided much needed on-site assistance. Thanks to Annette Hartman, event coordinator, and her Auction Committee, and to the Foundation’s Events Committee for their tireless detail work and excellent planning. And thanks also to the Eastland students who graciously provided valet parking.

Proceeds from The Great Gatsby go to the Foundation’s “Growing for tomorrow…changing lives today” campaign, which supports the Ray and Betty Stamm Health Science Nursing Wing, medical training programs, the wind turbine technology initiative, additional career training and educational programs and scholarships for students.

The Great Gatsby – or as the team called it “Shindig II”-- was a very successful event because of the support of many people and an especially generous public. Thank you all!

James M. Berberet

Executive Director

Highland Community College Foundation

Likes Dijstelbergen

Dear Editor,

We have known the Dijstelbergens ever since they came to Leaf River over 30 years ago. Our kids went to school together.

I really got to know Willem when we both served on the school board during the mid 80s.

I was impressed by his energy and motivation in dealing with our many educational and financial issues.

I am firmly convinced that Willem will do an equally quality job when serving on the county board.

I strongly endorse him for county board, District 5, during the election on Nov. 6.

Kevin Wilson

Leaf River

Will vote for Dijestelbergen

Dear Editor,

I have known the Dijstelbergens my entire life.

I went to school with their kids in Leaf River. We enjoyed each others' company.

My parents always had only good things to say about them.

They have always tried to do what was in the best interest for our little community.

I intend to vote for Willem for county board on Nov. 6. Hopefully you'll do the same.

Carist Koehl

Leaf River

Liked Oregon Elementary School program

Dear Editor,

Today, Sept. 14, 8:15 a.m., at the Oregon Elementary Schools, a truly wonderful program was presented by the third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade students (420 of them) to commemorate National Anthem Day.

Seven handsome men from Veterans of Foreign Wars were present and all the veterans who were present were asked to go forward and be recognized plus a thoughtful reception after.
The students, all of them, are to be commended for their lovely singing and the teachers, each and every one, are to be thanked for their hard work and thoughtfulness so that this young group will know our history as well as patriotic music.

Six students, probably sixth graders, read a short but factual essay regarding the celebration.

Thank you for singing the very inspiring patriotic selections "Star Spangled Banner", "My Country Tis of Thee", "Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies", "Grand Old Flag", "Freedom", "About the Flag" (all students had small flags which were raised etc, lovely), "God Bless America".