20 PEOPLE OVER 50 WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS
SEPTEMBER 2013
www.thebusiness-journal.com
2 2013 20 Over 50 the business journal
he Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois is proud to present the annual publication to honor members of our community who make a difference in many ways. We realize it takes a special combination of individuals to make a difference in any community, but we wanted to take this opportunity to honor those over the age of 50 who are making a difference.
T
The process wasn’t easy. We asked for nominations from the community and received a very positive response. Each nominee was very
www.thebusiness-journal.com
impressive, and our selection committee had the daunting task of narrowing the field to 20. These selected individuals represent the best our community has to offer. From education, not-for profits, business owners, volunteers and more, our selections come from diverse backgrounds and offer many talents.
We hope you enjoy reading about these special individuals. Their profiles also can be found online at www.thebusiness-journal.com. If, while reading this special section, you think of someone you know who is deserving of this recognition, don’t forget to put their name in the running when we make our call for nominations next year.
Each 20 over 50 honoree has a unique story and offers his or her wisdom and advice on what it takes to be successful. You’ll read about what they do, what they like about the community, what they still hope to accomplish and more.
index Amy Bliefnick ................................................................................4 Gordon C. Brenner..........................................................................4 Randy Brooks ................................................................................3 David Cooprider ............................................................................5 David M. Freyling ..........................................................................6 Patricia Ann Irons ..........................................................................6
STAFFLIST PUBLISHER Todd Nelson
Joyce Tanner Keller ........................................................................8 Cindy Laegeler ..............................................................................8 Patrick McDaniel............................................................................7 Peggy Moffett ................................................................................9
EDITOR Scott Perry
The Rev. Joseph M. Molloy ..........................................................11
LAYOUT Jill Koehl
Jeffrey L. Perkins Sr.....................................................................10
The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois is printed monthly and is a publication of Lee Enterprises, Inc. Information published in the Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois is responsibility of the author and does not reflect the opinions of the Business Journal. To submit articles, please mail your information typewritten and 500 words or less to: The Business Journal, 601 E. William St., Decatur, IL 62523. Submitted articles will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of Lee Enterprises, Inc. DBA The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois. ©2013 Herald & Review All right reserved for entire content.
Corydon C. (Corky) Nicholson ......................................................14 Claudia Quigg ..............................................................................10 Gayle Simpson Bowman ..............................................................12 Cheryl A. Smith............................................................................13 Gini Smith....................................................................................13 Shirley Stanley ............................................................................14 Paul Stanzione..............................................................................15 Glenda Williamson ......................................................................11
the business journal 2013 20 Over 50 3
www.thebusiness-journal.com
Randy Brooks Age: 59
Family: My wife, Shirley, and I are the proud parents of Alan and Amanda Brooks of Highland Park; Arik and Laura Brooks and granddaughters Ashley and Lindsay, Byrne Mills, Mo.; and Jessica Brooks of Decatur.
Current position/responsibilities: Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of English at Millikin University.
What you like best about working or living in the community: Several things immediately come to mind. First, the people in the Decatur community are caring and giving. They want to help others and are willing to give of their time and resources. Second, it is very easy to get around in this community. Greater Decatur is a car-based town, but there are no traffic jams. People drive to work and to shop and to entertainment and to school and to church. If anyone drives more than 10 or 15 minutes to a destination in Decatur, it is because they are commuting from another Central Illinois town.
help people find providers of services in the area. I also became involved through the commitments for social justice and community service in my church, Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In addition to serving as a Sunday school teacher and elder for many years, I have enjoyed participating in church sponsored projects such as “Miracle Day” where we paint and repair homes. I also enjoy helping our church prepare and serve lunches at the Good Samaritan Inn. I became involved because I wanted to help.
friends and family know where to find me. I like to sit and float on a small round inner tube rated for “up to 45 pounds.” I sink down into the water up to my shoulders and enjoy the afternoon. I also like to read and write haiku: school’s out a boy follows his dog into the woods
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: Probably the person who has had the biggest influence on me is one of my professors, Laverne Gonzalez. She taught me to never give up on students and to seek creative ways to challenge them to achieve their dreams.
What you still hope to accomplish: Quote to live by:
A lot of my students are published each year. Following a recent course on Global Haiku Traditions, half of the students were immediately published in journals around the world. My goal is for an entire class to be successfully published within a year after the class ends.
“Creation is still more exciting than imitation.” — Raymond Roseliep, haiku poet
Your favorite stress reliever: I love to go swimming. If I’m anywhere near a body of water, my
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? The greatest benefit in helping is that you make friends with a wide range of people. I like people and find it to be a joy to be part of making things better for all of us. It’s fun to give of your time and energy, because when you give, you receive so much more than you ever expected.
Congratulations to Millikin’s own
Why did you become so involved in the community? What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? My advice for young people is to not wait to become a giver. Giving is one of the greatest joys of life, and you don’t have to wait. Also, my advice is to find ways to give and participate and help that draw on your own talents. Don’t serve to just serve. Find ways that let you bring the best you have to offer to the table. If you love being a musician, find a way to give and help through your music. If you are good with a hammer, build something that will make a difference for those in need. If you love the art of haiku, share that love with others. Giving is fun, especially when you’re giving something you love.
DR. RANDY BROOKS
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
M I L L I K I N U N I V E R S I T Y®
MMRMMR M MM MR M R 205 20 20 2050 050 05 50 50BJ BJad B Jad ad ad--081 081 08 0 81 813
Initially I became involved because I wanted to help Decatur be a great place to raise a family. I provided workshops on writing and publishing technology in my son’s school, and soon this spread to several other schools. My Millikin students often collaborated with me on these workshops as well. As the director of the Writing Major at Millikin, I was also seeking professional writing internship opportunities for my students in area industry, businesses and nonprofit organizations. I participated in the Decatur Leadership Institute that led to a collaborative project with Community In Partnership. My student team surveyed area nonprofit human service organizations and developed a touch-screen database kiosk in the Decatur Public Library to
4 2013 20 Over 50 the business journal
www.thebusiness-journal.com
Amy Bliefnick Age: 56 Family: Husband Ray, my husband of 34 years; sons Ted (and his wife Rachael and 1-year-old son Henry), Tim (and his wife Becky and 3-year-old son Deacon and 1-year-old son Greyson) and Tommy; six great brothers and sisters and spouses, nieces and nephews.
Current position/responsibilities: Manager of the Illinois State Fair. I am the first female manager and the longest serving state fair manager in the 161 year history of the fair. This is my ninth year as manager, and I am responsible for planning, organizing and managing the fair.
What you like best about working or living in the community: I live in Decatur and have been here almost my whole life. It is a great community full of the “can do” spirit! Look at the great things that we have accomplished. We have great businesses, parks and recreation, schools, churches and restaurants. But the things I treasure most are family and friends. Decatur is a great place to
raise a family, enjoy sports and activities and form real relationships.
Why did you become so involved in the community? My mother and father, Ursula and Darrell Beck, taught my brothers and sisters and me the joy of volunteering. I saw the strong community spirit they had, the strong friendships they acquired and the thrill of accomplishments from the volunteer work they had done. I had the privilege and pleasure of serving as chairman of the board for Richland Community College, the Decatur Civic Center board, Crime Stoppers and the Illinois State Special Olympics, to name a few.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? There have been so many benefits I have received from my involvement in
this community. But if I have to choose, it would be that I have grown so much and learned so much by giving back to others. I have learned how to manage events, work with volunteers and learned how to value the contributions of others.
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? I hear some young people say that there isn’t enough to do in Decatur. I think that by becoming more involved in their community, they can learn to grow and love the people and opportunities that this community provides. By working with others, they get to have deeper and more meaningful relationships with their peers.
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: My mother and father! My mother because she was so loving, nurturing, competitive, giving and the best mom in the whole world. And my dad because he was smart, vibrant, hard-working, compassionate and always treated me like a “Daddy’s girl.”
What you still hope to accomplish: I have no idea what the next phase of my life will be. I just know that I want to continue to learn more, become stronger physically and mentally, be a kinder and gentler person who looks for the good in others and be the best wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend I can be. If I continue to work on these items of personal growth, I will be ready for whatever comes my way.
Your favorite stress reliever: Tennis, boating, golfing and time with my family — especially my grandsons!
Quote to live by: Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, “WOW, What a ride!”
Gordon C. Brenner Age: 66
by serving in the U.S. Military and for injuries they may have received during a conflict.
Family: Wife, Diane; children, Brandon and Shannon; grandchildren, Alyssa, Gillian, Carson, Cayden, Grady and Sydney.
Current position/responsibilities: Owner of Brenner Vending Co.
What you like best about working or living in the community: Helping veterans who can’t help themselves and directing a change in their lives. Advising veterans to seek benefits through the Veterans Administration that they have earned
Why did you become so involved in the community? I saw a need and thought that I might help others to better their own lives. What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? I worked on two veterans memorials. The Freedom Walk at the Macon County Courts Facility is dedicated to all veterans and has the names of 1,200 men and women who served in the military for all of Macon County to reflect and honor their service. The other is the World War II memorial located in front of the
Decatur Civic Center that is in honor of the more than 360 men and women from Macon County who fought and died in the war. E.E. Pete Nichols and I researched for more than seven months to get a better accounting of the soldiers from Decatur and Macon County who lost their lives during or because of World War II. It was a labor of love for me because my father fought in World War II and passed away many years ago. I wanted to help my good friend and
fellow Purple Heart recipient to see his dream of a World War II memorial completed. It took more than 10 years from when we started, but it is now complete with 1,180 names of men and women who served during the years of the war. Unfortunately, Pete didn’t live to see it completed, but the memorial will survive for generations to come to view and that was the purpose intended.
What would you tell others – especially young people – to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? If you see a need that you think you can help with or have a skill that
CONTINUED TO PAGE 5
the business journal 2013 20 Over 50 5
www.thebusiness-journal.com
David Cooprider Age: 77 Family: Married to Nancy, 56 years this month. One daughter Cheri, who lives in Tallahassee, Fla. No grandchildren, but we do have one grand-dog, RosieBelle.
Current position/responsibilities: Trustee of Richland Community College. Retired Macon/Piatt regional superintendent of schools.
What you like best about working or living in the community: Good and interesting people live here. I enjoy living and working with Central Illinois folks.
Why did you become so involved in the community? Fresh out of college, I became a teacher in an area high school. I loved
teaching, the community, the parents and the students. Everything else just followed naturally.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? Good lifelong friends with whom to share.
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? Get involved and stay involved in
your neighborhood, your community, your church, worthy organizations of every kind.
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: Howard Brown. He once said to me
What you still hope to accomplish? I have six years ahead as a trustee of Richland Community College. I hope to see the college become a powerful engine of economic development for Central Illinois and a significant tool in
“Grow where you are planted.” that it was important to him to “sink roots into our community.” That resonated with me. I determined that whatever I did for the community would be the best I could do because I planned to stay here and, along with my friends and neighbors, would live with the results.
developing an educated community.
Your favorite stress reliever: Reading histories and biographies. Reading takes me to a different time and place.
Quote to live by: Grow where you are planted.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 can make the community a better place to live and raise children, don’t hesitate to get involved for the right reasons. Don’t do it to glorify yourself but to leave a lasting legacy that you can be proud to say you helped build.
Your favorite stress reliever: Taking a long Corvette ride with others who have the same love of cars, camping, boating and enjoying the grandchildren as they explore and learn new things as they grow up.
Richland Community College congratulates Board of Trustees’ member
David Cooprider The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: My wife has had to put up with my personality changes, quirks and sense of humor for 45 years and has stayed the course through the good and the bad times.
What you still hope to accomplish: I hope to get more recognition of the service and sacrifices that our veterans have provided for the freedoms that we all enjoy every day. Freedom is not free and those who haven’t served should always celebrate those who wear a uniform of the military and were willing to lay down their lives and sacrifice for that freedom.
Quote to live by: “Live your life for today, as tomorrow it could be taken away from you!”
as this year’s
20 Over 50 recipient.
Thanks for making a difference in our community.
COMMITMENT | RESPECT | EXCELLENCE | ACCOUNTABILITY | DIVERSITY
6 2013 20 Over 50 the business journal
www.thebusiness-journal.com
David M. Freyling Age: 74
Why did you become so involved in the community?
Family:
I know this will sound common place, but I wanted to make a difference.
Wife, Jeannine.
change and give it all the time and effort you can.
What you still hope to accomplish:
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why:
Your favorite stress reliever:
To make myself available to new projects of interest and to help my fellow man in any way I can.
Current position/responsibilities: Chairman of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Macon County and Decatur Civic Center board member.
What you like best about working or living in the community: I like the positive direction Decatur is headed with the downtown beautification project.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? Seeing the completion of the WWII Memorial.
What would you tell others – especially young people – to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? Get in touch and stay involved with people that will make a positive
My father, who taught me that any job worth doing was worth doing well. He also showed me the joys of volunteering, and to make a difference no matter how large or small the result.
Sitting down and losing myself in a good book and listening to music.
Quote to live by: “I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” — Ettiene De Grellet
Patricia Ann Irons Age: 60
the art of urban drill teams.
Family:
Why did you become so involved in the community?
My immediate family consists of five adult daughters, four sons-in-law, 18 grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren, one sister, two nephews, one niece and one greatnephew. My husband passed away in 2006 after a short battle with colon cancer.
Current position/responsibilities: Currently, I am a retired administrative professional. I serve as the president of the Decatur Power Drillers drill team. I founded the team 13 years ago and have served as the president in a volunteer capacity since the inception. As president, I wear many hats from launderer to driver to coach and counselor. I am also a mentor with the 2nd Chance Re-Entry Mentoring Program sponsored by Dove Inc./Homeward Bound. I have been a volunteer in this program for two years.
What you like best about working or living in the community? What I like best about living in our community is the small-town atmosphere and the opportunities I have had to introduce Central Illinois to
Once my daughters became settled with their own lives, I didn’t want to be idle. I became involved in the community because I wanted to try to influence our youth in a positive way. I wanted to work with them to give them something that they would enjoy doing while showing them how to work together to devise a plan and bring it to fruition; essentially how to be positive citizens of our community.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? The greatest benefit I’ve realized from my community involvement has been seeing the successes of those I’ve worked with throughout the years. I’ve witnessed drill team members improve
their academics and behavior in order to remain active on the team. I have witnessed the aspiration of these members as they developed a love for performing and for music. I have witnessed that love develop into dedication for teamwork, ultimately inspiring children to remain active members of the team for five or more years. I have even been fortunate enough to witness members’ pursuit of musical opportunities in high school and college. Through the 2nd Chance Mentoring Program, I have witnessed my mentees’ successful sobriety, gain steady employment and housing and purchase a car. Knowing that I had a part in these successes has been, and continues to be, one of the most rewarding benefits of my involvement in the community.
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? Dare to be different! Don’t allow what others think discourage you from doing good. Find what’s good in yourself and look for opportunities that will allow you to share that good to help others. Once you find the right
opportunity, don’t give in, don’t give up and don’t give out. If you can make a positive difference in one person’s life, it is well worth it.
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: So many people have influenced me at different times and in different ways. It is very difficult to pinpoint just one individual. I try to see something positive in everyone and to find something I can use to make myself better.
What you still hope to accomplish? To continue giving back for many more years!
Your favorite stress reliever: Sunday worship, spending time with family, drill team performances and creating projects on my computer.
Quote to live by: “I have shown you in every way by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’.” Acts 20:35
the business journal 2013 20 Over 50 7
www.thebusiness-journal.com
Patrick McDaniel Age: 65
Family: Bonnie, my mother.
touch with a wide variety of citizens of all ages to hear about their hopes and dreams for their lives, as well as hearing about their suggestions and hopes in moving the community forward.
Current position/responsibilities: Executive director of the Macon County History Museum and Decatur City Council member.
What you like best about working or living in the community: Having been born, raised and educated in Decatur, I find that Decatur was and still is a great place to grow up and live in and pursue a career. The community offers several excellent educational institutions to further ones education pursuits, great variety of companies to work for in establishing a rewarding career, a wide assortment of activities to get involved in at different levels and centrally located within the state to be able to take day trips to other Illinois communities to see what is going on there.
Why did you become so involved in the community? I have always been involved in my community in one way or another over the years through my church, neighborhood organizations and other local community groups. Being involved in the community has allowed me to get a better understanding of where the community has been and where it needs to go to continue to be a great place to live. My involvement in community politics got started when I started a community campaign 12 years ago to make the Transfer House the official permanent symbol and logo of Decatur.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? Getting involved in the community as a member of the city council, as well as a citizen, has put in me in
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? Decatur’s vitality and success as a community over the years, in both economic development and in civic and governmental affairs, was brought about because the community consisted of a wide range of age groups who complemented each other in bringing about innovative ideas combined with age-old wisdom in moving the community forward for the next generations. I encourage young people to become more involved in the community to bring fresh ideas to the table to help invigorate the community for the present and in the future, but
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why:
Your favorite stress reliever:
I can’t say that just one person has had the largest influence on my life so far, but it has been more of a combination of the wisdom I have gained from my parents, individuals from my church, from my friends, past schoolteachers and the wide variety of individuals who I have met over the years in both in my military and business careers and in my travels throughout the country and foreign countries.
What you still hope to accomplish:
Quote to live by: “Always be optimistic, but be realistic as you move ahead.” — It’s my own personal quote that I recite to myself each day.
Each day always brings new opportunities for me to get involved and help make a difference in the
“Decatur’s vitality and success as a community over the years...was brought about because...of a wide range of age groups who complemented each other in bringing about innovative ideas combined with age-old wisdom in moving the
”
community forward for the next generations.
at the same time remember that no one age group or community organization has all the answers. And they should remember that in the process of bringing everyone to the table to work together for a common community purpose, common-sense solutions and the wise use of limited taxpayer funds should prevail as all sides move the community forward.
Being with friends and family has always been a great stress reliever for me. But when that doesn’t happen, I have found that just sitting down at the beginning of the day to read my local newspapers to see what is happening around the community and then settling down at the end of the day to read several national newspapers to see what is happening elsewhere in the nation and around the world really helps bring down the stress levels. I also find that taking time to watch a film or TV or to read a great British detective mystery comes in a close third.
community. As I move into my retirement years, I will have more time to devote to my job as a city council member, allowing me to get around more within the community to see and hear what is happening from community residents to help bring about community changes where needed.
THROWBACK Thursday Travel back in time every Thursday with the Herald & Review on Facebook. And while you’re checking out our archived photos, don’t forget to let us know what you think or share a memory you have of the location or event! herald-review.com/facebook
8 2013 20 Over 50 the business journal
www.thebusiness-journal.com
Cindy Laegeler Age: 62
community is.
Family:
Why did you become so involved in the community?
Joyce Tanner Keller Age: 76
Husband, Pat; children, Andy (Molly) Laegeler, Rob Laegeler, Kate (Matt) Christman; and grandchildren Jake and Zach Laegeler.
Current position/responsibilities: Retired. However, I assist Events Plus with the Decatur Forsyth Classic and other projects, member of the James Millikin Homestead and Decatur Parks Foundation boards, and work on the Decatur Plugged In initiative with Norma Maddio and the city of Decatur to improve public safety and quality of life while creating economic opportunity through the implementation of highspeed broadband communications in support of and to supplement the current successful neighborhood camera project.
What you like best about working or living in the community: Friends, neighbors, business people are all so engaging to work and play with, which is why I stay in this community. Also, all the opportunities available through the arts and recreation organizations are amazing. In addition, the cost of living here is so reasonable. Our children live in big cities, and we see how affordable our
“ I have gotten to know so many people from all walks of life because of my
”
involvement.
I joined Junior Welfare Association in 1984, and that organization required volunteering in the community a minimum of 125 hours a year, which got me started. After that, it became a priority for me to be involved because I wanted to help improve other people’s lives and make a difference in our community.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? I have gotten to know so many people from all walks of life because of my involvement. As I continue to volunteer, I’m meeting even more interesting individuals from our great city and county.
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? I encourage all age groups to get involved because there is such personal growth and satisfaction in the activity.
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: My father, who was so smart and intuitive when it came to people and understanding their needs. He also had an incredible work ethic that became second nature to me.
What you still hope to accomplish: I plan to assist in getting the Decatur Plugged In initiative fully funded and implemented. Ultra highspeed broadband capability will improve public safety, education and health services providers and will assist in economic development, which is crucial to the growth of our community.
Family: Husband, Jack; children, Julie McGee, Jenai Thompson, Jayne Keller, Jeffrey Tanner Keller; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren
Current position/responsibilities: Volunteer at Northeast Community Fund, adviser to Decatur Jesse White Tumblers, board member of Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations, founder of Little Red Wagon Club for neighborhood children, founder and former board member of Old King’s Orchard Community Center for 12 years
Quote to live by: “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” — Jane Goodall
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: ’My faith in God, my husband, family and friends have been my support and guidance in all I do.
What you still hope to accomplish: I just hope to make a difference in as many lives as I can.
“Be the change you want to see in
”
your community. What you like best about working or living in the community: I like to keep active in programs that enrich the lives of children and families in our community.
Why did you become so involved in the community? I saw the need to help uplift the families in the community, especially the children in the inner city.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? To see how helping the needy to better their lives by providing clothing, food, shelter, as well as giving them spiritual support.
Your favorite stress reliever: Reading a book or playing bridge
you can, for as long as you can. Be the change you want to see in your community.
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? To help as many people as you can, whenever you can, wherever
Your favorite stress reliever: I do love to work and helping someone. My favorite stress reliever is fishing, flying, a fireplace and a beach somewhere!
Quote to live by: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’ ” — The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
the business journal 2013 20 Over 50 9
www.thebusiness-journal.com
Peggy Moffett Age: 66
Family: Recently widowed after 24 years of marriage. Five children and nine grandchildren.
Current position/ responsibilities: I am currently the entertainment coordinator at Imboden Creek Gardens. I started as a volunteer at Imboden Creek Living Center to help with parties and activities for the residents and absolutely loved doing it. About six weeks later, I was hired part time and eventually became the activities director. Three years ago, my position was transferred to Imboden Creek Gardens, and I have worked there now for a total of 21 years. I never knew there was a job like this that I would fall in love with. I really enjoy spending time with the residents, and I get to have fun doing it.
What you like best about working or living in the community? About once a month, I also help prepare and serve a meal to the homeless in Decatur. It feels great to provide a basic need, but more than anything, I enjoy getting to know them. They are not just nameless faces but real people.
Why did you become so involved in the community? I started volunteering with my mom as a 4-H leader. I also volunteered at the elementary (school) where my children attended and continued when my grandkids were there.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? I have had many opportunities to volunteer through my church. I started in the clothing room where anyone in need could come and get clothing. I continued to serve as a Sunday school teacher and enjoyed
History Corner
singing on the worship team. I volunteer in the nursery now so parents can enjoy the service without distractions. Almost 10 years ago, I began volunteering at Northeast Community Fund to help fill food baskets. I enjoyed it so much that I invited coworkers to volunteer with me. My boss encourages the staff to be involved in the community and is so supportive that she allows me to take time off to
Your favorite stress reliever: In my free time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my grandkids.
Quote to live by: One quote I always try to live by is simple but applies in any situation: “Love wins.”
Love looking at historic photos? The Herald & Review has a gallery loaded with hundreds of images from Decatur’s past. Check them out at: www/heraldreview.com/ gallery
“Time is the best gift you can give to another person. It doesn’t cost anything to give your
”
time away.
volunteer during the day. I have even taken some of the residents along.
What would you tell others – especially young people – to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? I have learned that time is the best gift you can give to another person, whether they are 3, 30, 60 or even 101 years old. And it doesn’t cost anything to give your time away. It seems like young people today don’t have time for other people because they spend so much of it on their phones.
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: I was most influenced to help others by my mom, Naomi Cody. She was always helping and doing things for other people. No matter what the situation, she always had a positive attitude. I didn’t understand as a kid the joy that comes from helping people, but I do now. I enjoy helping make life better for others or just helping them feel better about themselves.
Congratulations “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” -Mother Teresa
Imboden Creek Health Services Congratulates Peggy Moffett Anyone who comes in contact with Peggy, whether at church, feeding the homeless, shopping, or on the Imboden Creek Campus, can’t help but feel joy in her presence. As the Entertainment Coordinator, Peggy brings laughter, fun and happiness to all those who frequent the grounds of Imboden Creek. During her 20 plus years of employment with Imboden Creek, she has become a “house mom” to the 150+ staff, truly helping to raise the next generation of Imboden Creek employees.
Congratulations to you Peggy. Proverbs 31:31
185 West Imboden | imbodencreek.com | 217.233.1425
10 2013 20 Over 50 the business journal
www.thebusiness-journal.com
Jeffrey L. Perkins Sr. Claudia Quigg Age: 60 Family: Wife, Sherri; children, Jeffrey Jr. and Jami
Current position/responsibilities: Retired union electrician, IBEW Local 146. Founder and president of Caring Black Men
What you like best about working or living in the community: The interaction with people of so many diverse backgrounds. I love the diversity I see in our school district.
Why did you become so involved in the community? I have been so blessed in my life and believe that blessings are a loan that should be paid back.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement?
worked in a barbershop, shining shoes and took me into his home. He raised me until I was 5 years old and showed me the true meaning of family and fatherhood. That’s what a real man is all about.
Family: Husband, Leo; Children, Betsy (Aaron) Osman, Sally (Nick) McLemore and Benjamin (Cortney); Grandchildren, Isabella, Charlie, Lauren, Jane, Joslin and Emmy.
Current position/ responsibilities:
What you still hope to accomplish:
Founding executive director of Baby TALK and adjunct faculty Millikin School of Education.
Caring Black Men are mentoring in 11 of 22 schools. I would like for Caring Black Men to be in all 22 schools of the Decatur School District.
What you like best about working or living in the community? Deep friendships with like-minded people I may never have otherwise met.
“Blessings are a loan that should be paid back.”
Self-fulfillment of being my brother’s keeper
Why did you become so involved in the community? My parents raised me with an orientation about my accountability to my neighbors.
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: My dad (the Rev. C. William Nichols) inspired me and encouraged me to give to others as a reflection of all I have been given. My mom (Claudine Nichols) was a teacher who sparked my interest in children. They both empowered me for a healthy life by their unconditional love and support.
What you still hope to accomplish? I hope to conduct rigorous research that will establish evidence about the difference Baby TALK makes for children and parents. I also hope to leave Baby TALK fiscally and organizationally sound before I would consider retiring. My mentor Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, is 95 and still works every day. The field of understanding and supporting
Your favorite stress reliever:
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities?
Playing tennis and listening to music.
It was young people who helped turn the tide of the Civil Rights Movement of the ’60s. They forced this country to look itself in the mirror.
Quote to live by: “Line of criticism is always long. Line of activism is always short.”
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: Robert Lawrence Sr., a man who
You are a Champion for children, a Servant for families, and a Leader for your Baby TALK Colleagues. Yours is a legacy of love,
Claudia Quigg
Age: 60
dedication, wisdom, hard work and courage.
“The best personal improvement plan I know is hanging out with good people.” What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? A front row seat to observe the lives of people who teach and inspire me. Many wonderful folks have left their handprints on my heart. Through these relationships, many people have brought resources and energy to Baby TALK.
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? We learn about ourselves through our interactions with those who inspire us. The best personal improvement plan I know is hanging out with good people.
infant-parent relationships is new and growing all the time. It is my passion. I will never leave it entirely.
Your favorite stress reliever: Hugs from my grandchildren, a good book, prayer and time to laugh with family and friends.
Quote to live by: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” — Frederick Buechner
the business journal 2013 20 Over 50 11
www.thebusiness-journal.com
The Rev. Joseph M. Molloy Age: 56 Family: My mom, who is living in Decatur at The Gardens. I am an only child, so no siblings. My dad passed away last year.
Current position/responsibilities: Pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church, Decatur, and priest-moderator of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Mount Zion.
What you like best about working or living in the community? People in the Decatur area are so friendly and outgoing. The generosity I see of time, talent and treasure is amazing. People do care about others in many ways, which inspires me and challenges me to be the same.
Why did you become so involved
in the community? I feel it is my duty as a citizen of Decatur and as a Catholic priest to give back to the community in the ways I am able. It is a privilege to serve on St. Mary’s Hospital Board of Directors, the St. Teresa Foundation Board, as well as other committees. I try to be available for those who can benefit from my assistance.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement?
To know that there are lots of generous, caring, dedicated, faithful and talented people in the area. I see many positive aspects of Decatur from my involvement with such exceptional individuals living here.
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? It is their duty to give back to the community which has given to them. And to know how much they will grow by giving of themselves for the community. When you help or assist someone or an organization, you usually get back much more than you contribute.
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why:
gentleness and how to be a faithful follower of Christ.
What you still hope to accomplish? I would like to one day be able to learn sign language and sign the Mass. And I would like to see Holy Family School and parish thrive ever more so into the future.
Your favorite stress reliever: Reading a novel and being in the sun. They both refresh and renew me quickly.
Quote to live by: From Bobby Richardson. “Dear God, Your will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. Amen.” These words have gotten me through some difficult times, as well as inspiring me to think of what the Lord wants and not myself.
My mom. She has taught me manners, respect, dignity, warmth,
Glenda Williamson Age: 73 Family: Husband, Curt Perkins. Our blended family consists of my three adult and married children, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild and Curt’s four adult and married children and seven grandchildren.
Current position/responsibilities: Broker/owner of Glenda Williamson Realty
What did you like best about working or living in the community? Getting to meet and work with so many great and caring people.
Why did you become so involved in the community? God has created us all with a purpose. I have a great desire to give back. It really fits in with real estate, which is a natural for me.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement?
The generosity of Decatur people has presented many business opportunities and great friendships. I am very blessed, living each day to the fullest.
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? The more people you help achieve their goals and dreams, the more your own goals and dreams will be accomplished. I also would share with them Jim Rohn’s statement, “Work harder on yourself than you do on your business, and your life will improve.”
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: Hard to name just one. First, my mother Grace Kelley, who died at 93 with her pearls on. So appropriate. Mother was a great teacher. Always had a great energy and desire to learn and grow. If someone was different, she wanted to learn about them. She had big goals for me. Being average was never good enough. She had many phrases that
work well today. “Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver, the other gold.” Another, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” My father died at 91 and was always so present, accepting people right where they were. He was all of the kids’ favorite uncle and grandpa. Howard Britton was the greatest real estate mentor, trainer ever. He just died this past year, and his teachings will continue all over the world in real estate. I was chosen as one of his “stars” and the learning and open sharing of business practices will continue for generations. He created such a phenomenal Realtor family for all of us. Teaching us to share our business plans and friendships like never before. Pastor Wray Offerman teaches me
weekly at church and Bible class to be a better person and ways to follow God’s plan — although I am a work in progress.
What you still hope to accomplish? My Destiny Statement. God has created me in order that I serve a purpose. Each and every day there are opportunities and challenges for all of us. Daily I look for the opportunity to do my best and to find the lesson in that opportunity. I am here to make an imprint on all those I touch and come in contact with, that their life may be better. I also believe I am very blessed. I truly feel that knowledge, as well as love, has no great value until given away and shared with those around me.
Your favorite stress reliever: Prayer, working out at the gym, walking and reading, as well as travel. I love to travel.
Quotes to live by: “Each day is a gift that’s why they call it ‘the present.’ ”
12 2013 20 Over 50 the business journal
www.thebusiness-journal.com
Gayle Simpson Bowman Age: 53 Family: Husband, Dennis, and our children, Bradley, Bridget, Juno (dog) and Sinatra (cat).
Current position/responsibilities: Teacher, audio-video production, Heartland Technical Academy. The students in my class produce news, documentaries, films, music, an online blog and photographs. Photographs produced by the class are sold at Chelsea’s in Maroa and canvases are sold at Country Junction and Wylder Hair in Clinton. News and documentaries are on Comcast Channel 22 for Decatur public schools, as well as on The Heartland Technical Academy YouTube Channel “Heartech.”
What you like best about working or living in the community: What I like best about Decatur is the people who live here are willing to give to others in need. There is an underlying life principle of kindness that colors the community in a shade I would call “Golden Rule.” I often tell my students that even if their lives take them far away, they will always be proud to say they are from Decatur and happy to come home, whether it's to visit or live and work. I also have learned that high school students will almost never fully appreciate their hometowns until they live somewhere else.
Why did you become so involved in the community? I realized I wanted to be a teacher at around age 35. For the next 17 years, I took what classes I could, when and where I could, to become a teacher, all the while working full time and raising my two children with my husband. I started teaching on a provisional certificate and earned my nonprovisional teaching certificate in business, marketing and technology in 2012. I believe there is no greater way to shape the community than to teach its young people. Teachers show young people how to interact in groups, help them form their first communities outside of home and teach them
qualities such as respect and work ethic. I firmly believe the best investment that the Decatur area can make is in its educational system, and I choose to work there “on the front lines,” appreciating that many important decisions impacting education are made in other venues. As a teacher, I quickly learned to know Decatur better than I ever did in previous jobs. When problems such as unemployment impact families, I see the fallout in my classroom and help students develop coping skills. The greatest part of my job is when I am able to help a student discover his or her talents, gifts and special abilities, develop those and pursue a career in a field in which they have special talents. It is also rewarding when I help students overcome tough circumstances.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? The greatest benefit I have realized is seeing 97 percent of my students graduate from high school, and many of them go on to higher education or to serve our country in the military. I also was recently overjoyed when a former student was nominated for an Emmy award, and he credited his foundation at the tech academy with setting him on the path to success in the news profession.
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? Teaching students to give back to the community, using the skills developed in my class, is fundamental to the curriculum of audio-video broadcasting class. Students serve in internships, they produce documentaries for social service agencies, they have produced many town-hall-style video meetings, candidate debates and a telethon after the ice storm. A special
project was production — from recording to marketing — of a music video and song for victims of the Sandy Hook (Elementary School) killings (in Connecticut). A simple thing my students do that strengthens the fiber of the community is recording school assemblies for broadcast on Channel 22. In this way, working parents have the opportunity to see their children’s programs and become more rooted and invested in the community. I tell my students that we all are born with gifts and skills that can be donated to our community to make it a better place, and it is our responsibility to do so, whether we base those activities on what we learn in school, or in church, or feel in our hearts.
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: My mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother were all teachers, but ultimately, it is my husband who has
who love what they do. I hope to continue teaching. My great goal is to see several hundred students pass through my classroom doors, then walk across graduation stages and hold good and fulfilling careers. I also would love to see one of my students achieve national acclaim for his or her work, and would be delighted to see them described in their fame as, “Decatur native ...”
Your favorite stress reliever: To relive stress I read, swim, Facebook, pray and take walks with my husband.
Quote to live by: “People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest and sincere,
“We all are born with gifts and skills that can be donated to our community to make it a
”
better place.
had the greatest influence on me. He provides moral support for me when I wonder if what I’m doing is making a difference. He provides technical assistance on major productions, like graduations and debates. He keeps me focused on doing my job to the best of my ability. Additionally, I am impacted by spinal stenosis, which some days is debilitating. At those times, he helps me keep my spirits up and does tasks such as cooking and laundry so I can focus my energy on teaching. I believe he is my living, breathing guardian angel, and I thank God for blessing me by bringing him into my life.
people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.” — This version is credited to Mother Teresa, also referred to as “The Paradoxical Commandments” by Dr. Kent M. Keith.
What you still hope to accomplish:
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” — Nelson Henderson
I hope to accomplish what all teachers ultimately hope to accomplish — to see my students become productive and compassionate members of society,
the business journal 2013 20 Over 50 13
www.thebusiness-journal.com
Cheryl A. Smith Age: 60 Family: Husband, F.D.
Current position/ responsibilities: President of the village of Long Creek Board of Trustees. President of the Long Creek Township Cemetery Board of Trustees. President of the STARR program.
What you like best about working or living in the community: I love this community! People here are very connected with one another and enjoy helping their neighbors. We live in a very close-knit community. I moved here with my husband, and we are very active in community projects which enable us to meet many new people. As you meet new people, you build new connections and friendships.
Why did you become so involved in the community? My husband and I started volunteering with STARR several years ago. This program provides therapy to children with special needs. The program had to close up at that location because the owners could not manage it anymore. F.D. and I decided to move the program to our home and take it over. It is a full-time, seven-days-a-week job to take care of the animals we have. Everyday involves a list of chores that need to be completed before the next day. Volunteers are the key to the STARR program today. We would not be able to keep providing children with special needs with the therapy they receive with our program if it was not for our volunteers. It takes many people to build a village, so we want to be a part of that village.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? If you could see the smiles on the faces of the children in our program you would know the answer to this question. This program provides the kids with confidence, interaction with other
children, sharing, caring, physical freedom from their special need and a break from their problems and providing their families a much needed break from their care for just a few hours each week.
What would you tell others — especially you people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities: Get out there and get involved. You can provide a meaningful service to your community and neighbors. The world is your oyster, challenge yourself to get involved with something you have never done before. Find your niche and have an impact, strive to get out of your comfort zone, meet new people and lend a hand in the process. See where it will lead you.
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: My biggest influence would have to be my mom and dad. My mom died from leukemia when my twin brother and I were 9 years old. My brother and sisters and I had to learn to work on the farm and do things for ourselves. My dad taught us what hard work was all about. We had to finish our work before we were able to play or go somewhere. But I am thankful today for all the lessons learned back then.
What do you still hope to accomplish: Working as a team to provide children a better life and to make the village of Long Creek a better community.
Your favorite stress reliever: I love having my great nieces and nephews at the “farm” and they love coming here. They enjoy all the wonders of life on the farm and especially being outdoors. They especially like it when we have a new baby for them to hold and cuddle. There is never a dull moment when they are around.
Quote to live by: “Get involved and help others.”
Gini Smith Age: 55
Family:
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement?
Husband, Dave, and children Daniel and Stephanie.
I supply a service that isn’t regularly available, and most of all I enjoy visiting and talking to people who lived through some of the most vibrant times in the history of the United States.
Current position/ responsibilities: Mobile licensed nail technician and Decatur fundraiser and volunteer for Central Illinois Honor Flight.
What you like best about working or living in the community? I am fortunate to meet a lot of nice people.
Why did you become so involved in the community? I found out about the Honor Flight from a small article in the Herald & Review while I was activity director at Imboden Creek Gardens. I thought it would be a great activity for all of our veterans that lived there and thought they deserved to go on a trip. They didn't believe me when I told them they could go free. You know nothing is free, especially if you are from the WWll era. I didn't want to let them down, so I attended a meeting to make sure that this program was everything they said it was. We waited our turn for nearly two years to take the trip from St. Louis to Washington DC. Being at the memorial that represents these veterans lives is unbelievable. You listen to their stories, you see the sorrow in their faces, you shed tears with them. It just gets in your blood! I think the Honor Flight has closure for them. It's like the last chapter in the book to be written. The memorial is a way to honor and respect the veterans for everything they did for us and our country. Thanks to all who volunteer and support the honor flight through donations and fundraisers (Kringles).
What would you tell others – especially young people – to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? Respect your elders. They do know what they are talking about.
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: My parents. They tried to teach us right from wrong.
What you still hope to accomplish? Be with my family, watch my daughter get married, see my granddaughter grow up and travel some more.
Your favorite stress reliever: To work in my garden and socialize with friends.
Quote to live by: “There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept, things we don’t want to know but have to learn and people we can’t live without but have to let go. Learn to appreciate the things you have before time forces you to appreciate the things you once had.”
14 2013 20 Over 50 the business journal
www.thebusiness-journal.com
Shirley Stanley Age: 70 Family: Husband, Dr. Paul Stanley.
Current position/responsibilities: Board member (currently president) of Decatur and Macon Diamond Event committee, Fido Fields Dog Park committee, Macon County Medical Alliance member, retired registered dietitian for 45 years at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
What you like best about working or living in the community: It’s my home. The years I have lived here have brought about wonderful friendships and networking. I am constantly amazed at the sense of community.
Why did you become so involved in the community? I live here. It’s my home. Every
project, issue, event needs manpower to be able to move forward and reach goals.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? It’s wonderful to realize how many individuals and businesses are committed to working together to achieve goals/missions.
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? Pursue your interests. Become
involved at some level. It takes manpower and action to keep all things viable. You’ll be amazed at how many other people share your interest.
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: My parents demonstrated by example.
small step is progress. I wish for more understanding that pets need immunization and to control unwanted pet population. Advocacy for ownerless pets is essential. Of course, healthier lifestyles in our community through excellence in nutrition and exercise.
Your favorite stress reliever: What you still hope to accomplish: My three greatest interests are dance, animals and health care (nutrition). Arts involvement at all ages. Appreciation of the classical arts. Availability of classical dance near us more frequently. Seeing your youth take advantage of the enrichment presented with arts involvement. The mission of assisting homeless and unwanted animals and moving toward more responsible pet ownership in our community (and anywhere actually) is so open ended — every
Spending time with animals and spending time outdoors, regardless of the time of year, even if just for a few minutes.
Quote to live by: “Discover what you really, really want to do. Pursue it. And never, never, never give up!”
Corydon C. (Corky) Nicholson Age: 66
Family: Wife, Lesley and daughter Kristin (husband Nathan Beaver, two sons).
Current position/responsibilities: Senior adviser, Hickory Point Bank & Trust
What you like best about working or living in the community: Above all else, the people. Decatur people are so involved, so generous, so supportive. Friends made here are the best friends I’ll ever have.
Why did you become so involved in the community? My family’s been here for five generations. This is my home. I became convinced early on that if you
want Decatur to be a place you enjoy living, then you have to help make it that way. I see community service as an obligation, a responsibility, a duty. What we make of our home is up to us. I have little time for people who gripe about things in the community, unless they’re willing to make the effort to do something about it.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement? The greatest beneficiary of my community service has been me — the friends I’ve made, the knowledge I’ve gained, the satisfaction and fulfillment I’ve received. My life has been broadened through community involvement.
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? (1) Jobs are just a piece of who we
are. We have much more to give, and it’s the reality check we get from community service that puts the successes and disappointments of the business day into perspective. (2) Doing community service gives you the right to complain. (3) This is our home. When we involve ourselves in our community, we are working to make our home a better place to live — for ourselves, our families, our friends, our neighbors and for all those who come after us.
What you still hope to accomplish: Shoot a round of golf under 77 (highly unlikely), hang around long enough to see my grandsons graduate college (possibly), continue to make a difference in Decatur (working on it).
Your favorite stress reliever: (1) a Canadian Club manhattan (2) singing in OPUS 24
Quote to live by: “Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today, because if you enjoy it today you can do it again tomorrow.” — James Michener “Never postpone any pleasure you can afford.” — Me
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: Way too many to list.
the business journal 2013 20 Over 50 15
www.thebusiness-journal.com
Paul Stanzione Age: 55
Family: Wife is Jamie, Logan is a junior at Western Illinois University and Morgan will attend Richland Community College this fall. Gavin is going into his sophomore year at LSA High School.
Current position/responsibilities: Executive director/CEO at the Decatur Family YMCA.
What you like best about working or living in the community: There are many terrific reasons that I enjoy Decatur and Macon County. Being in the heart of America has its advantages. Having a short commute to work and an extremely affordable cost of living is awesome. Working for the Decatur Family YMCA has been the experience of a lifetime. When I came to Decatur, the current facility was only two years old, and it is an attractive
St. John’s Lutheran Church, is filled with disciple members who care dearly about each other. So many of them volunteer and work hard to spread the Word. I enjoy being a part of the Spirit more than just on Sundays. I love working with youth, and I love sports, so it’s easy to get involved with coaching. Committees and tasks forces that I serve on allow me to give back, even if it’s in a small way.
What has been the greatest benefit you’ve realized from your community involvement?
can and as often as you can. Promise to serve, and really serve. Make the calls, visits, or volunteer and show up. Be responsible and caring. I would also ask the young people, what is it that they want from their community and how can we build a community that they would never want to leave.
What you still hope to accomplish: I want to make a measurable difference in people’s lives. I want our community to be more educated, healthier and one that people want to move to and dwell in.
Your favorite stress reliever: Riding my bike and spending time with family.
The person who has had the biggest influence on you and why: The biggest influence on me is my wife, Jamie. She is positive, and she is compelled to help without wanting recognition. Her influence brings out the positive in me. When things are looking bleak she is the influence that brings things back in balance. I have had many coaches playing sports and many supervisors in my career. However, the most importance influence is one that helps me try to be a good dad and husband.
Quote to live by: “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, or lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.” — Vince Lombardi
Relationships. In Decatur you can enjoy talking to the mayor like he was family. Here you can convene groups of
“Relationships are very important to me and I feel this is the greatest benefit to living in Decatur.
”
We are not so large that people disappear.
The Board and Staff at the Decatur Family YMCA
Congratulate facility with space to offer programs and serve the needs of children from every neighborhood. This is really important to me.
Why did you become so involved in the community? I like the words from Josh Wilson, “I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else to do what God has called me to do myself.” So I get involved. When I was invited to join Rotary, I felt that I had to BE a Rotarian. I enjoy helping provide funds for youth organizations and send youth on international exchanges. I enjoy the relationships that are an extremely important part of Rotary. My church,
people who want to help, whether it is to make our community healthier or more vibrant or to raise money for important causes. Relationships are very important to me and I feel this is the greatest benefit to living in Decatur. We are not so large that people disappear. Everyone doing a little bit helps. Currently, there is such a renewed sense of ownership and pride in Decatur. I love that positive passion in people.
What would you tell others — especially young people — to encourage their involvement in community groups/activities? Get involved with as much as you
Paul Stanzione Executive Director
for being one of the 20 over 50 in 2013 Thank you Paul for continuing to strengthen our Y and the community!
Thursday, Oct. 3 Decatur Conference Center 7 am - 9 am
Steve Gilliland Hall of Fame Speaker Master Storyteller Brilliant Comedian featured on Sirius XM Platinum Sponsors
421-7919 for tickets - $16 Gold Sponsors
Gold Sponsors Platinum Sponsors CONSISTENTLY FIRST IN RENEWABLE INGREDIENTS
The Community Leaders Breakfast is now on Facebook. Become our Facebook friend today, and stay updated on the latest news.