Let Us Give Thanks

thanks LET US GIVE

It is perhaps more important than ever this Thanksgiving to focus on gratitude. Read on to find out what Bloomington-Normal citizens have to be grateful for. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband, three adult children and their spouses, and five ‘‘ I am thankful for the children in our community. They are a natural resource ‘‘ grandbabies. They fill our hearts! for optimism, enthusiasm and energy, I am also extremely grateful to despite hard times. I’m grateful that work with wonderful, dedicated, kids give us a reason to find creative ways and compassionate volunteers to honor our holiday traditions, even if they (including hospital, Resale have to look different this year. Kids will Boutique, Outpatient Center, always find the fun! Service Auxiliary Board and Beth Whisman Chase for Champion) who choose Director of Cultural Arts Department and Children’s Discovery Museum to spend their time helping others in need. This amazing group of people really want to make a positive difference in the world. Carle BroMenn is blessed to have these I’m thankful for cooler temperatures and the north wind. Bow season started recently! Sue Seibring Manager of Volunteer Services, Carle BroMenn Medical Center stars! I am grateful for an emerging diversity of thought in McLean County on issues big and small. People have become woke and ‘‘ I’m grateful for being able to have a voice and not be afraid to use it for the voiceless, the underrepresented, the ‘‘ Mike Romagnoli Executive Director, Community Health Care Clinic ‘‘ have remained woke...which bodes well underserved and the for a better future free of discrimination disenfranchised. and injustice. Dave Bentlin President, Prairie Pride Coalition Linda Foster President Bloomington-Normal NAACP

I am grateful for my faith, family, friends, health, the opportunity to serve the University and community, and for the freedom we have in all of its forms.”

Dr. Larry Dietz Illinois State University President

The Not In Our Schools (part of Not In Our Town) young people edify and amaze us. We have some ‘‘ amazing young people who stand up for each community’s challenges. Our students today make positive responses to our problems, and this gives us great hope. I’m incredibly grateful for community leaders, ‘‘ donors, and pillars of our community who really brought to life a new vision between the YMCA and Easterseals. One

other and are highly aware of their nation’s and our that’s welcoming, empowering and inclusive for all.

B.J. Wilken Executive Director/CEO, Bloomington-Normal YMCA

Mike Matejka & Camille Taylor Co-Chairs - Not In Our Town

I am thankful for a loving God, my family, ‘‘ friends, my two delightful granddaughters Emma and Cora, Eastview Christian Church for keeping me focused, for a very enjoyable job and that we live in a community with leaders who genuinely care. I also give thanks for the many small things that enrich our lives.”

Crystal Howard President and CEO Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau In a world of chaos, especially lately, I have learned to be grateful for the things that seem In a world of chaos, especially lately, I have ‘‘ little but in reality, are big. Some of these things include: Watching my 10-month-old baby girl smile when I walk in the room, my 2-year-old son running around the room with a clothes hanger acting like Captain Hook, and my wife laying down at night exhausted from the kids all day and me realizing how blessed I am to have such a great wife that is a FANTASTIC mother. Most importantly, I am grateful to know that God has everything under control and sent his son to die on the cross so I can spend eternity with him some day. Andy Traeger General Manager - Barker Motor Company Barker Buick GMC Cadillac Service & Parts

November 2020 | Limited Magazine Kirsten Schroeder Real Estate Agent & Broker, Coldwell Banker -The Real Estate Group I am grateful for my wonderful present and past clients in our community. I am thankful for my family, friends, my pup Bailey, and my home. | Limited Magazine ‘‘ 7

I am grateful for… all of our families and friends in our BloomingtonNormal Community. The love, compassion and support that our Bloomington-Normal Community has is one of the many reasons we are blessed to live in such an amazing community.

Tony Morstatter Chief Executive Officer Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal ‘‘ I am thankful for our friends at Carle Hospital for providing an ‘‘ new Pediatric Therapy center. I am thankful to my friend and colleague Gregg Chadwick for providing a brilliant business plan and roadmap for this buildout. I am thankful to the Board of Directors at Marcfirst for supporting this expansion.

Brian Wipperman Marcfirst CEO

I’m grateful for how the Bloomington/ Normal community has come together in so ‘‘ many ways, both to confront the COVID-19 pandemic and to address the race-based inequities in our society. The openness to working together gives me hope for the future.

Dr. S. Georgia Nugent Illinois Wesleyan University President

I am thankful to live in such a great community here in Bloomington/Normal and continue to make new friends and acquaintances. Robert Bosquez Director, West Bloomington Revitalization Project amazing space to build out our

I am grateful for women who have led the way. Women who ‘‘ have sacrificed, struggled, and set precedent for us at work, in the board room, and in the court room. And especially for those who are still struggling and still standing up to ensure equal rights and fair treatment for all women.

Christy Germanis YWCA, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

I am grateful for the professionalism and commitment to provide needed infrastructure Mike Raikes IBEW Local 197, Business Manager & Financial Secretary from the men and women of organized labor in this COVID pandemic. ‘‘ 8 Limited Magazine | November 2020