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24 | May 9, 2019 | the new lenox patriot life & arts newlenoxpatriot.com Memorial bench, garden created for ‘New Lenox Angels’ in Commons SEAN HASTINGS, Editor A new memorial bench and garden now has its place in the New Lenox Commons forever to remember students and faculty who died while in school or shortly after graduation. It is located on the opposite side of the Commons as the library. It was finished last fall. The memorial and past balloon events were headed by Kim Phillips with the help of Stacy Gilbert, who are former Lincoln- Way Central students. Phillips was in the class of 2009. The new garden memorial includes a bench with a plaque that says “New Lenox Schools’ Angels; June 24, 2012.” And in the garden is a statue of an angel sleeping on a pile of books, a concrete plaque with lyrics to “Train’s,” “When I Look to the Sky,” and a concrete heart that says, “If I listen closely, I can hear the rustle of Angel wings and I know you’re still here with us.” As summer weather continues to roll in, it will be surrounded by vibrant flowers. There is also a pear tree planted, which was chosen because it blooms white and when Phillips thinks of white, she thinks of angels, she said. The first balloon memorial was June, 2012 where colored balloons representing each school’s colors were released into the sky. Mayor Baldermann has been a huge help in setting up the memorial and with the balloon memorial as well, Phillips said. “When I Look to the Sky” was sung by Central grads Danny Fox and Makena Hartlin at the event as members of the community let go of their school-color-related balloons into the sky, which had messages written on them. Phillips also deals with her own health issues, and even almost lost her own life. Which is why the memorial means so much to her because she is able to honor those who were not as lucky. She was a member of student council and knew a lot of the people who lost their lives during school or shortly after. “I just thought that I’m so grateful for my life that I just want to celebrate everyone’s life,” Phillips said. “When I talked to Baldermann about it, he said let’s include all the schools in New Lenox so no one feels left out.” The balloon memorial happened again two years later and they sold t-shirts to raise money for the bench and garden that are now in the Commons. It took a few extra years to complete because of Phillips’ personal medical issues, but it turned out exactly how she wanted it. “It came out great and I couldn’t ask for anything better,” she said. Phillips also thanked Gina Blaha from Cornerstone Jewelry, who donated the plaques on This new bench is featured in the Commons to honor the students who lost their life during school or shortly after graduation. sean hastings/22ndcenturymedia the bench and in the garden. Phillips also thanked Matt Prynn, facilities and grounds supervisor, who planted the flowers. The shirts were designed by EmbroidMe of New Lenox. “It’s everybody pitching in,” Baldermann said. “It’s what’s so great about this community to make it such a great place (to live). Thousands of people throughout the year will come by here and see what (Phillips) created and ask questions and want to know more about it. This will go on and on and on.” “People will come and sit on this bench and look at the memorial. I can assure you, thousands of eyes will see this and we’re all so proud of (Phillips) for sticking with it and remembering the people we lost.” Faith From Page 22 Chapel Bible Study 7 p.m. every Monday. St. Jude Catholic Church (241 W. Second Ave., New Lenox) Stations of the Cross 2:30 and 7:00 p.m. and April 5, 12. Lincoln-Way Christian Church (690 E. Illinois Highway, New Lenox) Worship Services 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Central Presbyterian Church (1101 S. Gougar Road, New Lenox) Church Service 10:30 Sundays. For more information, call the church at (815) 485-5152. Bible Study 7 p.m. Tuesdays Trinity Lutheran Church (508 N. Cedar Road, New Lenox) Teen Catechesis 6 p.m. Wednesdays Christ Mission Church (22811 S. Cedar Road, New Lenox) Celebrate Recovery 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday. For anyone struggling with hurts, habits, or hang-ups. For more information, call Deb at (708) 516-6318. St. John Orthodox Chapel (112 Church Street, New Lenox) Sunday Services 10 a.m. Sundays. After the service is Introduction to Orthodoxy. Refreshments served, Seekers are welcome. New Life Church (500 Gougar Road, New Lenox) Worship Services 10 a.m. Sundays. For more information, call (815) 462-0202. The Hub (1303 S. Schoolhouse Road, New Lenox) The Landing 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday. This is a group to help teens break free from hurts, hang-ups and addictions. There is no charge. For more information, search for Freedom Haus on Facebook. Cherry Hill Church of Christ (2749 Lancaster Drive, Joliet) Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Grace Episcopal Church (209 N. Pine St., New Lenox) Saturday Service 5 p.m. the first, third and fifth Saturday of each month. Cornerstone Church (1501 S. Gougar Road, New Lenox) Men’s Bible Study 6-7:30 a.m. every Friday. For more information, call (815) 462-7700. Parkview Christian Church (2121 S. Schoolhouse Road, New Lenox) Worship Services 4 p.m. Saturdays; 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Sundays. Peace Lutheran Church (1900 E. Lincoln Highway, New Lenox) Church Services 5 p.m. Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays. The Journey Church (14414 W. Ford Drive, New Lenox) Worship Service 10 a.m. Sundays. Reverberate Youth Group 1-3 p.m. Every first Sunday of the month. The group meets to discuss a message geared toward junior and senior high school students. For more information, email youth@our journey.cc. Have something for Faith Briefs? Contact Editor Sean Hastings at sean@ newlenoxpatriot.com or call (708) 326-9170 ext. 48. Information is due by noon on Thursdays one week prior to publication.
newlenoxpatriot.com life & arts the new lenox patriot | May 9, 2019 | 25 Patriotism, veterans and community celebrated at 41st annual Loyalty Day Parade LAURIE FANELLI Freelance Reporter The streets were lined with red, white and blue as the New Lenox Community came together for the 41 st Annual William A. Athans 18 th District VFW Posts’ Loyalty Day Parade. The patriotic May 5 festivities began at the Lions Den where the parade kicked-off. The procession then traveled north on Cedar Road to Haven Avenue to Veterans Parkway where over 50 floats, marching bands, community groups and organizations – as well as spectators - converged at the Veterans’ Memorial in The Commons. VFW Post 9545 served as the local sponsors bonding with the community in a to show of support for the men and women of the armed services. Robert Adame, 18 th District VFW Posts Commander said that he enjoys seeing the community come together each year at the parade. “It’s very supportive here in New Lenox for veterans organizations and the veterans here reach out to families in need,” said Adame. “The youth here today gets to know about us and if you talk to some of these veterans – especially the older veterans – there’s a lot they can tell you. These kids can learn about the liberty that men gave up for free speech and everything in the constitution. Patriotism is very important for our country. I’m happy to be here.” Adame added that it’s the family of the parade’s namesake William A. Athans that deserves much of the credit for the event’s continued success. Bridget Stratton, Athans’ granddaughter, helped to organize the Loyalty Day Parade with her mother, co-chair Sharon Athans Stratton, and other volunteers. She explained that her grandfather dedicated his life to service as a member of the military, veteran and volunteer with Meals on Wheels. “It’s really great to see how the community continues to embrace the parade and the spirit of what it represents,” said Bridget Stratton. “And there are some people in this parade – World War II veterans and some of the women in the Auxiliary – who have been in it since the beginning. It’s special to see that everyone is continuing to embrace what is best about America, enjoying the community.” Combat Veterans Motorcycle Club, Disabled American Veterans, USS Chicago Base Submarine Veterans and 18 th District VFW Posts were among the military groups participating in the parade. New Life Church Cadet Corp 2717 handed out American flags to spectators and several organizations – including the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, New Lenox Community Park District, New Lenox Girls Softball Association and more – passed out candy and other goodies. Marching bands from Liberty Junior High, Martino Junior High and the combined group from Lincoln- Way provided the event’s patriotic soundtrack. Ranch Frostie, MVP Chiropractic and Old Plank Trail Community Bank were among the many local businesses on hand for the fun. Members of Harry E. Anderson VFW Post 9545 leading the Loyalty day Parade along the route. Photos by Laurie Fanelli/22ndcenturymedia Naperville resident Jeff Jankowski, along with his wife Melissa and 12-yearold son Ethan, has been attending the parade with his in-laws – New Lenox residents Joyce and Dave Davis – for over a decade. “It’s a right of passage to spring and summer. The Loyalty Day Parade means it’s May. It’s summer. The weather’s getting nice so let’s get outside and celebrate community,” said Jeff Jankowski recalling family memories. “When my son was young he got a big delight out of getting the candy thrown at him and collecting the candy.” Ethan Jankowski added with smile, “I still like the candy.” After walking in the parade, Members of Harry E. Anderson VFW Post 9545 Nicholas Lask (right) of New Life Church Cadet Corp 2717 giving a flag to New Lenox resident Brennan McGarry. invited folks to stop by their post for hot dogs and refreshments. VFW Post 9545 Commander Paul Barclay noted that veterans and the New Lenox community go hand-inhand. “We love our community and they love us. We’ve always supported them and they’ve always supported us,” said Barclay. “New Lenox is a wonderful place – I’ve lived here since 1986 – and the Loyalty Day Parade couldn’t be in a better town.”
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