Local Peeps: Mike

Mike is the Superintendent of Public Works and we are fortunate to have him work in the village. He is a jack of all trades: plumber, electrician, carpenter, backhoe operator, ... His skills are many, and he is not one who delegates readily. You are likely to see him in the middle of every project and repair doing as much labor as the rest of the crew. This winter with our average February high temperature around 7, he has been mighty busy with water pipe breaks. Hour after hour, Mike and the other DPW employees struggle to find and fix the break, working through several feet of frozen ground and gallons of frigid water flowing out. With wind chills sub zero, they persist. Mike is as dedicated an employee as they come. It is not unusual that he responds to concerns during off hours, and he always available for advice and assistance. He loves to talk; he'll make you laugh, but above all he is dependable and conscientious. We greatly appreciate his work ethic.

Local Peeps: Casey, Emily, Abby, Natalie, Jacqueline

Never underestimate the creativity and determination of a group of high school girls! The idea called Seeds For Change, was simple: I will give each group of Key Club students $5.00 directly from my wallet, and their challenge is to make it grow in a fun, legal way within two weeks. All the funds, including my startup donations, will be used to help a recent graduate with expenses as she undergoes treatment for brain cancer. This group of five- Casey, Emily, Abby, Natalie, and Jacqueline wasted no time in putting together a plan to organize a bake sale. Last night I received the news that they had raised over $200! I am proud and impressed by their effort. Let no one tell you that teens are self centered; these girls are an outstanding example of the many altruistic, kind adolescents who live among us. Kudos to all of them.

Local Peeps: Juanita

When I first met Juanita over ten years ago, I knew her as Ashley's mom, and that title has remained strong in my heart because she is the mother of a dear former student. However, in addition to her mothering duties, Juanita plays a strong role in our community, and I often go to her for information and support. She is the Village Clerk which means she keeps the books and budget in fine shape. She is patient with my questions as I learn the process of expenditures, collections, and all things financial. Juanita is active in the area particularly in the EMS, and is always ready to offer a hand when someone needs assistance. We jokingly say in small communities, that "everyone knows everyone", but the truth is that Juanita does know everyone, or at least, she knows their uncle or grandmother or their cousin twice removed...... This is important information when you are dealing with local needs, and Juanita is a valuable link to reaching out to others. She is a caring and generous friend and a conscientious employee. We are lucky to have Ashley's mom living here.

Local Peeps: Sheila

Our community is fortunate to have a beautiful senior housing development located next to banks, shopping, and the post office. These six large, white buildings, home to twenty four residents are managed by Sheila. Her ready smile always greets those who enter her office, and her bubbly nature is perfect for the job. Sheila has many roles in this position - friend, problem solver,family liaison, party planner, secretary, record keeper, and on and on. I am most impressed with her passion for helping the elderly. In today's society where youth and beauty are idolized and growing old, at least physically, is not acceptable, Sheila does her best to make certain these individuals are comfortable, appreciated, and involved. She works well with their personalities, organizes gatherings to suit their interests, and encourages them to stay active. Sheila realizes that these residents are a vital part of the community, and that their stories are the earlier chapters to the books that we are all writing as our lives move on. We are blessed to have Sheila as the advocate for our senior citizens.