Come Leggere Il Codice Morse

For iv years the 26.2-mile Samuel Adams Starved Stone Country Marathon has become the "must do" event for avid runners. (Credit: Angela Accomando)

The outpouring of generosity in Starved Rock Country tin be seen throughout the twelvemonth, whether it be marathons for ill kids, our annual Penguin Plunge in cooperation with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an annual United Way Labor of Love programme that helps dozens of families in need of home repairs and maintenance and everyday acts of kindness and "paying-information technology-forward." Sometimes the smallest thing, such equally giving your Aldi grocery cart without taking the quarter or helping the elderly across the street still happens here. Neighbors are true neighbors and loyalty to the community is ever-present. "Mayberry" still exists.

Just an hour away from Chicago and northern suburbs, Ottawa, located in the middle of Starved Rock Country, is 1 of Illinois' best places to become away, stay, and play.

Starved Rock Country offers some of the nicest land parks, including historical Starved Rock State Park, and boasts year-round festivals, such as an annual wine and jazz festival; fantastic dining and IPA beer; boating, fishing and hiking; the phenomenal Heritage Harbor boat community (as well as many other awesome river clubs; gorgeous blooms and artwork and unique shopping opportunities. And that's but some of what SRC has to offer.

Ottawa, specifically, is domicile to the historical Lincoln-Douglas Debate and the Ottawa Scouting Museum.

Besides all of that, the people are friendly, kind and enjoy sharing a smile or a helping hand.

It took just one visit for me to make up one's mind to motion hither 12 years agone.

Valery's Story (A Community's Endless Generosity)

We host an annual Welcome Burger inviting all newcomers in to town. Our historic Friendly River City was about to exist challenged as never before. We were decorating the celebrated Episcopal church basement right in the heart of Ottawa for the annual Fatty Tuesday celebration. It purports itself to be a church fundraiser, but I've never witnessed such a weak endeavour to pull in money. Sure, tickets were purchased by parishioners, neighbors and friends. The local stores and restaurants donated the equipment and batter which defrayed the costs of the event. Yet even more tickets were given away. Given to the shelters, gratefully accustomed by whatsoever budget strapped family unit looking for a fun night out. Even the local AM station handed them out to the fifth caller.

Caption: The church basement dressed to the nines for Mardi Gras until 4 tornadoes hit the small boondocks. (Credit: Valery Calvetti)

With the basement readied, it was fourth dimension to offset flipping pancakes. The kitchen volunteers were in full force until the lights suddenly flickered, sirens began to bellow, and everything went dark. Equally nosotros crawled out of the basement and peered through the pouring rain, we learned that not merely one, simply 4 tornadoes touched downwards in our petty river city. Without missing a vanquish, the kitchen workers packed up all the food and delivered information technology to the fire station. This food served as the seedlings for the outpouring of generosity that erupted following the tragedy for so many. Immediately, the church down the block opened their doors daily for anyone needing a repast or a listening ear. Four women independently organized a fundraiser which brought in over-the-top raffle donations, dollars and food. Volunteers spilled out all over boondocks. The Red Cantankerous, the Salvation Army, Scouts, YMCA, service clubs, churches, hairdressers, local truck drivers, farmers with chain saws, restaurants, grocery stores all giving and all not expecting anything in render. Strangers embracing strangers offered words of strength and encouragement. I saw a local business organisation man quietly and anonymously slip someone a generous sum of cash. A local landlord invited a displaced family into the vacant property without hesitation. The generosity of our small-scale town had not slowed down. The little Episcopal church building fundraiser? They donated the proceeds from the church to those impacted by the tornado. This year, Ottawa emerged once once more to claim their moniker as the Friendly River City.

Later several tornadoes ripped through the boondocks, businesses and churches across town started offer free meals and services throughout the community. (Credit: Valery Calvetti)

Post-obit the tornado, our town was once again striking by a burn down that erupted in that aforementioned trivial Episcopal church that held the fundraiser. That fire sparked another outpouring of generosity.

A firefighter comes to the rescue and ascends a latter subsequently a fire erupted in a local church. (Credit: Valery Calvetti)

The lilliputian Episcopal church building started to host a community meal on the first Lord's day of every month. The repast is home cooked for anyone wanting friendship or a bite to eat. This idea rolled on down the block and now each Dominicus on a rotating basis a local church opens their doors and serves a meal at no cost to anyone interested. These churches nestled effectually the city park arrive user-friendly for those around town. A woman from yet another church donated a good sum of money to keep these meals coming.

The Kindness of Strangers

There she was — a few customers ahead of me in line. A fragile woman moving slower than the rest of u.s.a. hurriedly trying to go far our Saturday morning time errands. All her groceries were bagged and totaled. There was a pause; something was happening. Our local Handy Foods was unusually busy this day. I couldn't quite hear what was going on — I was also far back in line. Withal, I know the vocalisation of panic. It became apparent to me that her wallet was missing.

The women in front of me turned to explicate. Without hesitation, we said simultaneously, "let'due south split the bill." The woman was taken to the front desk so they could assist her retrace her steps. That Sat she never did learn who picked up her bill, and nosotros didn't want her to know considering we pay it forward in Ottawa, Illinois.

Honoring Our Veterans

We're veteran-friendly in Ottawa, Illinois! Right across the street from the archetype Roxy Movie house sits our American Legion. They serve up fellowship, festivities and nutrient!

Where would small town America be if information technology wasn't for our noble veterans? Each twelvemonth on Memorial Day, the local cemetery gathers flags from the expanse veterans and places them on an awesome brandish to honor our fallen heroes. It is quite a spectacular display! In add-on, we have a parade and a laying of the wreath. We beloved and respect our veterans in Ottawa, Illinois. Nice, you want nice? What could be nicer than Sesame Street nice? Bob McGrath hails from where else – Ottawa, Illinois!