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SECTION 5 DAILY HERALD

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Celebrating life

Classics: Anybody that was alive will never forget

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Photographer Donnell Collins of Aurora, left, lines up a photo at the annual Celebration of Life picnic for 700 cancer survivors and guests at Blackberry Farm in Aurora on June 4. From left are Collins; Amy Wisdom, Batavia; Betsy Wisdom, Aurora; Cindy Blank, Naperville; Jan Romano, Somonauk; Sylvia Forsberg, Aurora; Caden Carnes, 6, Downers Grove; Marilyn Duve, Aurora; and Jean Benson, Aurora. Forsberg was honored as the celebrations senior survivor with 31 years cancer free. Rush-Copley Medical Center sponsored the event, which included lunch, awards, park attractions and entertainment.

COURTESY OF AL BENSON

the pilot seat. Many of the museums unpaid volunteers, like Winkler, are veterans. Paul Linden, a World War II vet, said he volunteers all year and often speaks at schools in order to educate young people about his experiences and the American experience of World War II. At age 89, Lindens memories of his threeyear service with the military are fresh as ever. World War II was such a huge event in our lives, Linden said. Im sure anybody that was alive will never forget many of the things that took place, all the way from

Germanys extinction of millions of Jews, bombing cities of Germany, Japan, Italy I dont think anybody that was alive at that time period will ever forget. In the course of his tour, Linden flew 39 missions over Japan, including 11 night bombing missions. Linden said the military had advertised that each crew would only go on 25 missions, but even through 14 extra missions, he and his crew survived and made it back to the U.S. Linden also said his crew had experienced multiple brushes with Japanese kamikaze planes in some of their 13- to 14-hour missions. Linden echoed Winkler in

his desire to educate museum visitors of both the struggles and triumphs of war veterans, especially those of World War II. We do have much here at the museum that pertains to World War II, he said. And I always (emphasize) that thats the war I fought in. Veterans from that war are dying at a rate of 2,000 per day and it wont be long until there wont be many left. Air Classics Open House will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, offering free admission to all of its visitors. The museum is at the edge of the Aurora Municipal Airport in Sugar Grove. For details, visit airclassicsmuseum.org.

Swedish: Day celebrates food, culture, music and history

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Kane County Fair to hold its talent contest auditions

Submitted by Pat Szpekowski

The Kane County Fair Talent Contest auditions will be Saturday, June 16, at St. Patrick Catholic School, 6N491 Crane Road, St. Charles. The Junior Division, ages 14 and younger, will be at 9 a.m. and the Senior Division, ages 15 to 21, will be at 1:30 p.m. All participants must register in advance of their age division and participants will perform their auditions in the order they sign in upon arriving. Proof of age may be required. Those auditioning may only participate in one act and may only enter representing one community in Kane County. All acts will be judged in four categories: technique (ability), stage presentation, audience appeal and appearance. Audition finalists will draw for their positions in the final Kane County Talent Contest immediately following the auditions. Parents of contest participants are

encouraged to attend. Local guest judges from the community will choose participants who will move forward to the final Kane County Fair Talent Contest, which will be Monday, July 16, in the Prairie Events Center building at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. The Junior Division Talent Contest will be at 7 p.m. and the Senior Division Talent Contest will be at 9 p.m. Kane County Fair talent contest winners will perform at the Kane County Fair at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 21. Finalists of the Kane County Fair Talent Contest move on to represent Kane County Jan. 19, 2013, at the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Official Talent Contest state of Illinois competition in Springfield. The Kane County Fair Talent Contest was established by Bob Hoge, Kane County Fair board treasurer, who felt that the talented young

people of Kane County should have the opportunity to showcase their talent. The talent competition has been coordinated by Larry Rossi of RPM Creative Music since its inception. Over the years, the contest has seen and heard singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, instrumentalists, acrobats and even a juggler or two, said Rossi. Our contest boasts wholesome family entertainment, a very rare commodity these days and worthy of parents bringing their young aspiring stars to participate in or just to watch. The competition, now entering its 29th season, is open to all individuals and groups residing in Kane County. Participants must complete an entry form to be part of the audition process. Download an entry form online at kanecountyfair. com or contact Larry Rossi at (847) 622-9935 or KaneCoTalent@aol.com.

The event is older than Fathers Day, she said, and because the event shares the same day, it brings in a lot of families. The day attracts families from many different nationalities from northern Europe. A variety of entertainment is planned. The Swedish Gnomes will perform their comical act as this years headliners. At 10 a.m., a nondenominational church service will be on the main stage. After that will be a Lutefisk Toss Swedes versus Norwegians. This competition will play off the long time rivalry of the two countries, and may the best tosser win. A viewing of the famed Viking ship will be presented at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for an additional $3. The proceeds will go toward the restoration of the boat. Built in Norway, this boat sailed to the states years ago for a celebration of Columbuss discovery of America. It is now the last largest relic of the Columbian expedition, Gustafson said. It is something that is magnificent to see. For another $5, people can join the cottage walk and see old Stugas. Each year, six Stugas are on display, Gustafson said, and this year is no different.

Marguerite Karl sings the American and Swedish national anthems to kick off the opening ceremony at the 100th annual celebration of Swedish Day at Good Templar Park in Geneva.

DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO

At noon, the famous Maypole raising and dancing will begin. The procession is one of the largest around. Leaders Linda and Paul Muhr and the Nordic Dancers of Chicago will start the event. The opening ceremony will be at 1:05 p.m. on the main stage. It will feature guests and lead into the Swedish American Childrens Choir performance at 1:15 p.m. No festival would be complete without an accordion player, Gustafson said, so Ernie Sandquist, Swedish accordionist, will perform at 3 p.m. Swedish food will be served

all day. Gustafson said everything from fried herring to Swedish pancakes to Swedish meatballs will be served. There will also be sloppy joes, or Yoes, hamburgers, hot dogs and almond tarts. Many of the days events are centered around children. A photo booth will allow anyone to dress in traditional Swedish clothing for a keepsake memory. A magic show, moon jump, crafts and other attractions will keep kids busy. The festival is organized by the Swedish Day Committee of Independent Order of Svithiod. For details, visit swedishday. net.

Religion Special events

Special events
Two decades of ministry by the Rev. Kenneth Latimore, senior pastor of the Aurora Advent Christian Church, will be celebrated Saturday, June 16. The minister and his wife Kim will greet visitors during a reception from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the churchs multipurpose room, 905 N. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora. Refreshments will be served. At 6:30 p.m., A Trip Down Memory Lane will feature reflections from congregation members and friends. The celebration will include presentation of a memory book, consisting of letters, cards, anecdotes, pictures and other materials. The public is invited to the celebration. On Sunday, June 17, Rev. Latimore will preach at 8:15 and 10 a.m. services. Rev. Latimore, who came to Aurora in June 1991, has accepted a call to become senior pastor of Garner (N.C.) Advent Christian Church in July. In an April letter to members, he said, I am convinced that God is leading us down a new path, a path that will lead us away from Aurora and our Aurora A.C. family. On one level I am excited to begin what I believe to be a God orchestrated transition. I will be serving a church ripe with potential which also possesses a desire to become a vibrant, God-honoring, disciple-making ministry. Yet on another level, I am emotionally torn. The difficulty comes not saying yes to God, but in saying goodbye to all of you. In a letter to members and friends, David Dean, church head elder, said the official board accepted Rev. Latimores resignation with both deep sadness as well as profound gratitude for his many years of ministry. According to Dean, a search committee will develop a job description for the church boards approval. Then the search committee will screen candidates and present potential pastors to the church membership. Join members of Fox Valley Presbyterian Church for a free community dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 15 at the church, 227 East Side Drive in Geneva. This months menu includes taco salad with all the fixings, hot dogs, brownies and ice cream and beverages. If weather allows, you can even bring your blanket or chairs and enjoy the large lawn and play area for the children. Newcomers are welcome. No reservations are needed for this free dinner. You can dine in or request takeout. Meet and get to know your neighbors. For details, call (630) 232-4778. During the warm weather that traditionally accompanies Genevas Swedish Days, there comes a time to find a spot to sit and cool off. Everyone is invited to spend a pleasant half-hour in Geneva Lutheran Churchs air-conditioned sanctuary, and enjoy both the cool environs and a free concert. Three Notes at Noon concerts will begin at noon Wednesday, June 20 through Friday, June 22, and feature talented Geneva Lutheran musicians. On Wednesday, June 20, the focus will be Amazing Grace. Experience a variety of musical interpretations of this beloved hymn. If you missed the Amazing Grace-a-thon in February, now is your chance to catch a few of the selections. On Thursday, June 21, it will be a Musical Smrgsbord.Enjoy a variety of musical treats for your ears. On Friday, June 22, it will be Swedish hymns by Lina Sandell. Learn about the Fanny Crosby of Sweden, Lina Sandell, and hear the familiar hymns she wrote, such as Children of the Heavenly Father and Day by Day. A free will donation will be taken to support GLC music programs. Geneva Lutheran Church is at Third and Franklin streets in downtown Geneva. Everyone is welcome to worship on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. in the churchs chapel and on Sundays at 9 a.m. in the sanctuary. The Sunday Education Hour for all ages begins at 10:15 a.m. The building is ADA compliant, and air-conditioned. On Saturday, June 23, the Rev. Joseph L. Lutz will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood at a Mass of Thanksgiving at 5:15 p.m. at St. John Neumann Church, 2900 E. Main St. in St. Charles. Friends and former parishioners are invited to join them for Mass, followed by a reception with light refreshments and dessert. On Baccalaureate Sunday, June 3, the Congregational United Church of Christ of St. Charles presented the Westphal Scholarship to St. Charles North High School senior Sam Scorby. The scholarship was established in 1994 by Don and Dee Westphal after the estate of Dons parents was settled to help an active member in youth and church activities attend higher education. Sam will attend North Central College in Naperville in the fall perusing a degree in education. The Green Team at Unity of Fox Valley Church, 230 Webster St., Batavia is offering a lesson on Natural Cleaning Products at 7 p.m. Friday, June 22. During this class, take a look at the many cleaning products used daily, how safe they are and if it is time to take an inventory and eliminate certain products to replace them with something more beneficial. You may even be inspired to make your own products. Guest speaker Carolyn Burnham will give a demonstration of the sample cleaning products and will speak about how to make green cleaning products. She also will lead you into the documentary movie Chemerical, which tackles this toxic debate in a truly informative and entertaining way. Bring pen and paper for notes. The focus is to help go green, to be beneficial and to inspire conscious, sustainable living. For details, call Unity of Fox Valley at (630) 879-1115 or www. unityoffoxvalley.org. Starting June 24, the Congregational Church of Batavia will once again hold only one worship for the summer Sundays through Aug. 12. Join them on June 24 for a service of quiet reflection: singing simple choruses, listening to scripture, and resting in a prolonged time of silent meditation and prayer. The Congregational Church of Batavia is a United Church of Christ congregation. If any of these events appeal to you, join the church. All are welcome and there is no admission charge for any of the sessions. in Batavia, is taking registration for vacation Bible school. Kids, 4 years old to fifth grade as of fall 2012, can enjoy a time of Team 45 (for the 45-year-olds) basketball, soccer, cheer or drama, plus meet new friends the week of July 30-Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. The church has teamed up with counselors from Unchartered Waters in Colorado to bring a high energy camp of fun, Bible Study, and more. Register online at bethanybatavia.org or call the church office at (630) 8793444 to receive registration information.

VBS
Science, crafts, games, music and more will help children dare to dive deep with God at Operation Overboard, this years vacation Bible school at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Charles. The water will be just fine for all sea creatures from 9 a.m. to noon June 18-22 at the church, East Main Street and Fourth Avenue, St. Charles. Vacation Bible school is for children entering kindergarten through fifth grade, with a special preschool VBS for 3- and 4-year-olds. Participants need not be members of Baker Memorial Church. Fee is $35 per child. Register by coming into the church. For information, contact Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan at the church, (630) 584-6680. Bethany Lutheran Church, Wilson and Lincoln streets

Worship
On Sunday, June 17, the Rev. Paul Couleur will lead the 10:30 a.m. worship at Country Evangelical Covenant Church, 43W510 McDonald Road in Campton Hills. Adult Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m. Childrens church and Sunday school is at 10:30 a.m. For information, call (847) 464-5381, or visit www.countrycov.org or www.facebook. com/countrycov. Unity of Fox Valley, 230 Webster St. in Batavia, has announced ongoing Sunday morning meditations. Meditation starts at 9:15 a.m. and ends at 9:45 a.m. All are welcome; arrive on time. Call (630) 879-1115 for more information, or visit www.unityoffoxvalley.com. Sugar Grove United Methodist Church will worship outdoors at 8 a.m. Sundays under the open-air pavilion at the 40-acre Harter Road campus.