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2014 Visions - Retirement

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Morris Daily Herald Special Section Thursday, February 20, 2014

RETIREMENT

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retirement

2 • Thursday, February 20, 2014

www.morrisdailyherald.com • Morris Daily Herald

Heidi Litchfield – hlitchfield@shawmedia.com

Jim Feeney, financial advisor with Edward Jones (right), stresses the importance of retirement planning with his clients.

Planning for the future

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement, experts advise By T.G. SMITH

B

tsmith@shawmedia.com

ack in the day when mega-companies like Caterpillar and Exelon provided lifelong employees with full retirement benefits, fewer thoughts went into people’s golden-years planning. However, those types of annuities aren’t offered as often in this day and age by companies. With Social Security seeming to be a live football to be punted around in Washington when it comes to budget cuts time after time, it may not be such a strange idea for young people to start saving earlier than later for retirement, retirement that for them is 45 years or more away and must feel more like light years. So, when is the best time to start saving for your retirement? “The earlier the better. It’s just a fact,” Morris native and Edward Jones Financial adviser Jim Feeney said. “Younger or older, the bottom line is deciding to save for retirement. You want to establish goals and put a plan in place to reach those goals.” Most people don’t, however Feeney points out the difference just five years can make for a young person to retire in relative style. “Look at the difference between a 20 and 25-year old. We’ve determined that 65 is when they want to retire. If I told them they needed $1.5 mil to retire, a lot of kids like it but think it’s so big because they don’t know a millionaire,” Feeney said. “But I start by asking if they could save $11 a day? Doesn’t sound too intimidating. Save $11 day, or $4,000 a year and by 65, if you have a reason-

able return of, say, 8 percent – you’d have $1.5 million dollars,” Feeney said. “At the age of 25, if you save for 40 years they would have a little over $1 million dollars. We try to figure it to try and establish something realistic,” he said. Robert ‘Trey’ Knous is an insurance agent at Liberty Mutual Insurance. He is getting a first-hand look at the whole saving for retirement thing himself. “As a 29-year-old insurance agent, I now understand how important early planning can be for retirement. I have been putting money into a 401k since I began working for Liberty Mutual since the age of 25,” he said. “My advice is to start early and invest as much as you can right away so you are used to doing so over time. If you don’t have a 401k or an IRA to invest for retirement, look to putting some money away into an annuity, which I can actually provide as an agent for Liberty Mutual.” Feeney said that using an 8 percent return is pretty normal for those electing to go the IRA route. “It’s not only what you put in but you also have to look at it from a return standpoint. We are not going to get 30 percent returns every

year. Using 8 percent, that’s where you should start,” Feeney said. “I’m telling people that an 8 percent return is like counting on singles and doubles to score runs. You can’t expect home runs all the time. Same as football, you can’t expect 65-yard touchdown pass every time. But you can still get down the field and score a little at a time – three yards and a cloud of dust.” Of course, not everyone can save $11 a day, but smaller increments can also pay off at retirement time. “Say you save $4 per day [roughly $1,500 year]. Start at age 20 – and if you save 45 years to the age of 65 at 8 percent, that is almost $580,000,” Feeney said. “Sometimes it takes budgeting. If you can

spend $5 a day at McDonalds you can save $4 per day for your retirement. At 25 and saving that until you are 65 gets a little over $388,000. Saving earlier is better because the numbers are staggering.” Former Morris resident Al Smith retired from Caterpillar at the age of 50, and though he was just semi-retired for the longest time, he is now simply drawing Social Security and his retirement annuity. He said that he was only semi-retired for a while until he reached the right age to stand down from the workforce for good. “The extra money was nice. Because of my engineering background many company’s needed part-time engineering help,” Smith

said. “But when Social Security and pension both kicked in together, that was enough money to retire on.” Smith said a quality retirement does need financial planning, however. “I’d say to plan early and save money. An IRA, a 401(k), or company stock options are good to have,” he said. “Plan as soon as possible because it’s a big decision and everyone has different choices to make.” Which means managing debt and keeping an eye on the long haul. “The bottom line is this. You hear people say they don’t want to build debt. I kind of tell people that we should want to earn more than we spend,” Feeney said. “If I was fielding a team,

I’d not only want guys who don’t just want to win, but who also hate to lose. When younger people start to invest they should have good quality investments. They should have diversity and invest for the long term.” That’s something that Knous also backed. “Pay down any credit card interest or high-interest student loans first,” he said. “Do it as fast as you can afford. Make sacrifices. Once your debt is paid down, put more money into your 401(k). Keep a good diversification of where your money is and watch it grow. Everyone has their own individual needs and circumstances, but at the end of the day the earlier one starts planning for retirement the better.”

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www.morrisdailyherald.com • Morris Daily Herald

retirement

Thursday, February 20, 2014 •

Downsizing life

3

Area companies can help seniors pack, move to smaller home By JEANNE MILLSAP

Shaw Media correspondent It’s not unusual for seniors to want to downsize their houses and their lives at a certain point. Perhaps the larger home they needed when the children were at home has served its purpose. Or maybe they just get tired of cleaning all the rooms and maintaining the yard. Leroy and Gennell Hankins have downsized twice in the past two years – once when they moved from Mattoon to Morris to be near their daughter, Julie Smith, and again just recently when they moved from an upstairs apartment to a downstairs one to avoid the trips up and down the staircase. It was all very practical and a good idea, and they love being in the same town as their daughter and son-in-law, Gennell said, but it wasn’t without its difficulties. “It was not easy,” she said of the move. “It’s been a lot more than I thought it would be. We lived there for 44 years. But I would do it again. It’s all we need, it really is. It’s very pleasant, and it’s private. ... Even if we had stayed in Mattoon, I think we would have sold the house and moved into a one-story.” Their move was a big one. The Hankins went from a three-bedroom home with a finished basement to an apartment. They sold much of their belongings in an auction, and their daughter has more in her attic. Denise Hartman-Joyce said this is a common move, and she would know. She is owner of Get It Together, a senior move management and professional organizing business in

Heidi Litchfield – hlitchfield@shawmedia.com

Denise Hartman-Joyce, owner of Get It Together, a senior move management and professional organizing business in Coal City, along with her team, can pack a home in a fraction of the time it takes homeowners. Coal City. She calls downsizing “right-sizing,” and said it can mean different things for different seniors. “Sometimes the reason is, ‘I don’t want to take care of this anymore,’” she said. “They don’t want to do the yards anymore. They don’t want to shovel anymore. You’re also paying for dead space – heating and cooling two or three bedrooms and a

full basement.” Those choices are practical, Joyce said, but they do come with significant emotions. The memories in the houses can be strong, and the seniors sometimes feel like they are leaving those memories behind, but they aren’t. Those memories will still be with them, Joyce said. Sometimes, though, it’s the memories that are the im-

petus for a downsize. When a spouse passes away, Joyce said, the surviving spouse may not only want to move for the smaller size, but also to a place that does not have all the memories associated with it. Joyce has also seen seniors downsize for safety. Stairs especially can be treacherous. “A lot of people want to stay in their homes forever,” she said, “but a lot of these

houses are 100 years old. The washer and dryer might be in the basement, and their bedroom is upstairs. Sometimes the only bathroom might even be upstairs.” A move like this can be depressing, Joyce said, because they feel like they are giving up. “Most of the seniors I move are World War II people,” she said. “They are can-do people,

and now they can’t do it anymore.” Joyce said she began her company because she saw a need to help seniors with all the logistics of moving, including planning a timetable, packing, moving and unpacking, organizing and placing furniture, and helping them decide what to do with the belongings that are not making the move.

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www.morrisdailyherald.com • Morris Daily Herald

Thursday, February 20, 2014 •

5

Heidi Litchfield – hlitchfield@shawmedia.com

Pat Webber went back to work for the City of Morris after retiring from Caterpillar after 31 years of service.

Finding a second career

“

Seniors often find retirement unfulfilling, opt to go back to work By T.G. SMITH

I’ll probably just keep going until I just can’t anymore. When you stop going, then you’re in trouble, one way or another.”

turing in the area. Employers love them, she said, because they have a good work ethic and are responsible. arb Boma, of Morris, Bruce Smith, of Morris, retired from teaching is working on his second job music after a full career Barb Boma after he retired in 1995 from at Coal City Junior Retired music teacher a 30-year career as a cable High, White Oak Elementary repairman with AT&T. School, and Lisbon Grade “I was ready to, and I School. She also coached could,” Smith said of retirtime, teaching beginning pia- of the Morris temp agency Scholastic Bowls and directing, “but then everybody no and voice lessons at Pam’s Priority Staffing, says retired high school musicals, and ees frequently come to her to kept calling me to fix their she thought she was ready for Academy of Dance/Forte phones.” set them up with a job. Arts Center and loves it. retirement. Smith and a partner, “They think it’s fun to stay “I’ll probably just keep “Between the running home when they first retire,” Dave Lund, began a business going until I just can’t anyback and forth from room to installing phone systems at more,” she said with a laugh. Riley said, “then when their room and all the standing,” area businesses. After six honey-do list is done, they she said, “I was getting phys- “When you stop going, then years, he retired a second ically tired, and I just needed you’re in trouble, one way or want to get out and get back time, but found again he just to work.” another.” to stop.” wasn’t ready. Riley said sometimes the What many used to dream Boma didn’t realize, “I sat around for about two though, how much she would of as a time of recreation and retirees want to rejoin the months, then I said I have to workforce for something relaxation is becoming for long for her students. do something,” he said with a interesting to do. many just a new life stage, “I missed the kids, I Other times, they find they chuckle. “I had cabin fever.” missed picking out the music full of activities and volunToday, Smith is employed need a little bit more than teering – and also working for the year. ... and I missed as a courier at Morris Hospiwhat they saved for their for pay. The Association for the concerts,” she said. tal, transporting lab samples retirement. “When Pam Simpson came to the Advancement of Retired and other items between labs They are usually open to People’s website, www.aarp. me last spring and said they and offices to the hospital. any kind of work, Riley said, wanted to do a summer musi- org, calls working after re“I love it,” he said. “I had and she places many of them tirement an “encore career.” cal theater, I said, ‘I’m in.’” to get out and talk to people in light assembly manufacElizabeth Riley, manager Boma now works part tsmith@shawmedia.com

B

and see people.” Pat Webber, of Morris, felt the same way. He retired in 1994 after putting in almost 31 years as a spotter driver at Caterpillar, then he got antsy. “I was home for two weeks,” Webber said, “and I got bored. I watched a lot of TV, and I was a couch potato.” Webber worked a while at an auto dealership then was offered a job with the city of Morris. That was 16

years ago, and he still loves it there. “I’m an active person, and I enjoy the work,” he said. Webber says he likes the people with whom he works and enjoys the physical jobs of cutting and trimming grass in the city’s nine parks, plowing snow, shoveling the handicapped ramps on the sidewalks downtown and other responsibilities. “I’ll retire when it becomes a burden or a chore,” he said.

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www.morrisdailyherald.com • Morris Daily Herald

Seniors work to have purpose-filled lives By JEAN TYRELL

Shaw Media correspondent

H

aving a deep sense of purpose and a positive outlook on life is the key to life for three Grundy-area seniors. Mary Ann Kilbride of Coal City, and Harley and Betty Zhe of Morris, all have upbeat attitudes, are active in their communities, and continue to give of themselves when others their age have retreated in retirement. They make no secret that it is a joy to be active and alive. Kilbride, well past Social Security age, started a second job after retiring from her first one. The active senior said she took the new job in order to keep her computer and technology skills sharp. She said she needs the skills to be able to keep up with her family and grandchildren. “That’s the thing,” she said, “you have to keep learning. Every day brings something new.” The majority of her work life was spent with the Grundy County Highway Department. After retiring from there, she took a part-time job with the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce at its office in Coal City. She works a limited amount of hours in order to fit in all her volunteer commitments. Each Thursday, she volunteers as part of the memorial squad at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Along with her longtime friend Juanita Pantaleone, she and others serve as part of the honor guard, which presents the grieving family a folded flag and three of the shells used in the 21 gun salute. Kilbride has been doing

“

I don’t like to not be doing anything; I’d rather be doing something constructive. I love to be with my grandchildren because they keep me young and informed on new things.”

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this volunteer work for nine years, and worked even during this winter’s brutally cold weather. She said the cemetery still needs more volunteers and hopes others will volunteer their time. She also volunteers at her church supporting families after a death in their family; she served on the restoration advisory board at the former Joliet Arsenal, which is now Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and she is an election judge “I don’t like to not be doing anything; I’d rather be doing something constructive,” she said. “I love to be with my grandchildren because they keep me young and informed on new things.” Betty, 81, and Harley Zhe, 82, of Morris find great satisfaction in “looking forward with a positive attitude on doing something the next day,” Betty said. She even said that with snow in the recent forecast, they were looking forward to getting into their sweats and hunkering down at home, then anticipating going to their daughter’s for a Sunday Super Bowl Party. “We enjoy what’s coming next; instead of being concerned about the hazards of life,” Betty said, a comment that was seconded by Harley. Although both of them have had their share of health concerns, she said their faith

Thursday, February 20, 2014 •

in God, and their belief that they would manage, carried them through. She said with a smile in her voice that it was chocolate that accounted for her energy. Again, activity that involves service to others is the root of their lives. Once a month, Betty is part of a Redwork Club at the craft store Countryside Village. The club members specialize in a type of embroidery in red and white thread. She also is a member of her church’s quilt club, which makes quilts for those who are chronically ill in the congregation or for children who may have an illness or special need. Harley is active in the Masonic Lodge, and particularly in the efforts to raise money for college scholarships for high school students. The couple, who have been married for 63 years, have been involved in many aspects of their church, fellowship, among them, for all of their married life. Their current church is the First Christian Church in Morris, and prior to that in their church in Sleepy Hollow. The volunteer work they do “not only keeps you active, but it keeps you not thinking about yourself, but others,” Betty said. “Optimism is the thing that has kept us healthy and involved,” she said.

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www.morrisdailyherald.com • Morris Daily Herald

Heidi Litchfield – hlitchfield@shawmedia.com

Christine Smith moved into Elliott Manor six months ago to downsize.

Finding a community

Retirement areas range from subdivisions to apartments By JEANNE MILLSAP

O

Shaw Media correspondent

ptions for retirement communities in Grundy County range from housing subdivisions where residents purchase their homes to smaller apartments for rent that offer independent living with choices of assistance for such services as laundry, transportation and housekeeping. Two housing subdivisions include Country Meadows Retirement Community condominiums in Diamond and Remington Woods homes in Channahon. Seniors may purchase the properties and live in a community of others the same age. Debbie Punke, of Onorato Real Estate in Coal City, said the homes in Country Meadows have an association that mows the grass and shovels the snow, and there is a com-

munity hall on site where residents can have potluck dinners and play games. “They are very nice,” she said. Walnut Grove Retirement Village in Morris has duplex cottages with all lawn care and maintenance included. A housekeeper comes in twice a month as well. Administrator Micah Strief said the homes in the village come with two bedrooms, and most have two bathrooms. Strief’s office is the meeting place for the residents, who have coffee together Monday mornings and game night on Fridays. “I think our residents enjoy the security of knowing that if something is broken, it will get fixed,” Strief said. Elliott Manor in Morris offers a choice of 105 apartments for adults age 62 and older. Manager Janice Sutton said the apartments are 600

square feet, one-bedrooms with their own kitchens. There is a lounge on every floor, a library on the third floor, and a community room downstairs where residents hold functions. Rent rates vary according to income. “They have to be self-sufficient,” Sutton said. “It’s a very clean and comfortable environment. ... I think people enjoy it because they get to be around people. They’re never alone.” Christine Smith moved into Elliott Manor six months ago to downsize. “I think they’re spacious, and they have security and elevators,” Smith said. “It really is nice here.” The Grundy County Housing Authority has three senior residence sites. Saratoga Tower is a Morris highrise of one-bedroom apartments with rent based on income. The

units have their own kitchens and balconies, and the building also has a community room for events and a library with computers and wireless Internet. Two of the building’s residents teach computer classes there. Outdoors is a large expanse of lawn and space for gardening. Housing authority CEO Brent Newman says residents of Saratoga Tower become close, and they enjoying participating in activities together. “The people who live here really genuinely like each other,” he said. Community Nutrition Network is also housed in the building, and residents can purchase meals from them weekdays. Newman said GCHA also has homes for rent at Mazon Park Place and Gardner Village Commons. The Mazon homes were built in 2007 and consist of five brick buildings with

four one-bedroom apartments in each building. There also is a community center with a kitchen and a computer lab. The Gardner apartments are a little older and do not have a community center. Park Pointe Senior Living has assisted living apartments at the west side of Morris for those 65 and older. There are studios and one-bedroom units for one or two people, and the center has restaurant service three meals a day. It also has activities, outings, entertainment, a pool table, a game table, a piano and laundry pick-up. “This is for someone who could use some assistance,” Admissions Director Patti White said. “It’s not a nursing home, but it’s for someone who may be struggling with housework or cooking or for someone who wants the socialization.”

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www.morrisdailyherald.com • Morris Daily Herald

Thursday, February 20, 2014 •

9

Heidi Litchfield - hlitchfield@shawmedia.com

Don Johnson (center), a volunteer at White Oak Elementary School in Morris, has students, Naidelyn Carrera (left), and River Reiersen, read to him.

Supporting their schools

“

Seniors lend time to help students with reading, spelling By KRIS STADALSKY

Shaw Media Correspondent

D

on Johnson, retired from Amoco Chemical, has been volunteering at Morris Elementary School District 54 for the past six years. He goes in twice a week, sometimes more, depending on the need at White Oak Elementary School. Sometimes, Johnson helps children learn to read, sometimes he helps them with spelling. When there are special events approaching at the school, Johnson might be decorating the gymnasium or cutting out construction paper. “They are very proud when they go to the next reading level,” he said about the children with whom he works. “I tell them I am proud.”

It’s always great to have the extra set of hands. Being able to make a difference at any age, no matter how old or in what role, they can potentially impact students on a daily basis.” Chris Maier

District 54 principal

There are many times Johnson just lends an ear so a child can talk about what’s on his or her mind. Sometimes, it’s a problem with a classmates, sometimes, it’s a loose tooth. “I check out their teeth when they lose them,” he said. “They are proud of that, too.” Johnson is one of a handful of volunteers at District 54 who participate in a program called Seniors Supporting

Schools. The program is unique in that the district actually pays its senior citizens to work in the school. How it works is that senior citizens who live within District 54 boundaries can work in the schools for minimum wage and are allowed to earn as much money as they pay into the district in property taxes. It’s a way for the schools to get some additional help while

giving back to the taxpayer. “We are 45 percent of tax bills. Seniors live on fixed incomes,” Superintendent Teri Shaw said. The hope is that the seniors become vested with the children and continue their work on a strictly volunteer basis once they reach their earning cap, Shaw said. Even if they put in just the time needed to offset their taxes, their help is valuable. The actual start of Seniors Supporting Schools began four years ago after Shaw and school board member Carol Narvick attended a seminar. “The concept was a community partnership,” Shaw said. “Senior citizens are the most distanced from the elementary school.” District Principal Chris

Maier appreciates the role senior citizen’s play in the schools. “It’s always great to have the extra set of hands,” Maier said. “Being able to make a difference at any age, no matter how old or in what role, they can potentially impact students on a daily basis.” Those in the program help children establish a foundation of skills in early literacy, Maier said. Some work in small groups, others one-onone. There are seniors who work in the library and even in the art department. “It’s been successful. It’s a great opportunity for both students and seniors,” Maier said. The program is small right now, but both Maier and Shaw would like to see more senior

citizens take advantage of it. “The money incentive is always a nice perk,” Maier said. “We are looking for ways to assist seniors and give them a break on taxes. We know it’s a true pain.” Johnson began volunteering his time two years before the program began. Once it was instituted, he really didn’t want to accept the money but the district insisted, he said. Johnson is one who has become vested in the “job,” whether it pays or not. He does it because he thoroughly enjoys his time with the kids. He likes working alongside a group of dedicated teachers and has met great people from staff to parents. “I enjoy it,” he said. “I really do.”

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10 • Thursday, February 20, 2014

www.morrisdailyherald.com • Morris Daily Herald

Heidi Litchfield - hlitchfield@shawmedia.com

Saratoga Tower residents volunteer packaging bread for Community Nutrition Network

Lending time

Morris, Grundy counties filled with volunteer opportunities By KRIS STADALSKY

communities once they retire. “I think it’s because the hether your forté is senior population is very working with other proud of where they live and support our hospital. It’s a seniors, helping way to stay active,” Nowosiyoung children to elski said. read or swinging a hammer There are a lot of rewards at a construction site, volin return, she said. Volununteering opportunities for senior citizens abound in the teers make others feel good, they typically enjoy what Morris and Grundy County they are doing and they meet area. The heath care industry is new friends. “They are an important one of the first places many people think of when consid- part of what we do here,” Nowosielski said. “It’s a winering volunteer positions. win situation.” Morris Hospital and HealthMorris Hospital is always care Centers has about looking to expand programs, 600 volunteers on a daily and always has room for basis, Manager of Volunteer more volunteers. Services Karen Nowosielski Community Nutrition said, and about 85 percent of Network provides homethem are senior citizens. bound people with a hot meal Volunteers help in five days a week and frozen many areas of the hospital, meals for the weekend. It Nowosielski said, from the uses 80 volunteers to get gift shop, clerical work and patient transportation to sur- the job done; 75 percent are seniors. gical waiting room greeter Volunteers package the and bus drivers. “Even with 950 employees, meals, individually wrap silverware and bread, and it still takes a lot of volunthey deliver the meals, teers,” Nowosielski said. either driving or going along Senior citizens are an integral part of the volunteer to assist, Regional Director Diane Bumgarner said. program at Morris Hospital. At congregate meals, held Many people are looking for at restaurants in several ways to give back to their Shaw Media correspondent

W

towns, seniors are utilized to help others check in. “The list goes on and on,” Bumgarner said. “There are so many jobs.” The drivers and runners get attached to their customers and have been known to make extra stops to check on them. “These seniors are phenomenal,” Bumgarner said. At Morris Mobile Meals, 80 percent of the 1,000 volunteers who pack food and deliver meals are seniors, Program Director Char Orndorff said. Orndorff has been the director for 17 years and is a paid employee. But she also volunteers her time to the organization. She considers herself lucky to be able to give her time, to be able to volunteer and not be the one on the receiving end. Once people start volunteering, they find they feel so good about helping someone who is homebound. “It’s overwhelming how helpful and good people are to donate time and effort to make [this program] happen,” Orndorff said. “Without them, we wouldn’t exist.” When people think of Hab-

itat for Humanity they might think of a job swinging a hammer or wielding a power saw. But there are so many more opportunities at Grundy-Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity, volunteer coordinator and board member Mary Lee Howard said. The organization is made up of many committees that constantly need help, from site selection and family selection to family support committees. “There are all kinds of committees and individuals who work at special tasks,” Howard said. One volunteer is compiling information from the national Habitat for Humanity website, searching for commercial partners they could utilize to reduce building costs. There are always fundraising drives and events that require volunteers, too. One good thing is a volunteer can put in one hour or see a job through completion. “We are flexible,” Howard said. Howard is 70 and not only coordinates volunteers, but fills in at the Habitat office as well. Seniors are one of the

organizations biggest assets, she said. When they combine forces with younger volunteers, they make up a really good team. “We have some really young, dynamic people on the board. They are the think tank,” Howard said. “But they rely on us to say what has worked in the past and what hasn’t.” Habitat is always looking for volunteers, Howard said. For instance, the local organization recently started a Faith Relationship Committee and is seeking people

to work as liaisons. There’s also public relations opportunities; a fundraising golf outing in May will need volunteers. A recently completed annual plan for Grundy-Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity calls for 110 volunteers in order to operate properly. The organization has about 60 right now, half of whom are seniors, Howard said. “All the things that have to be done during the day, [we] rely on seniors who have free time,” Howard said.

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www.morrisdailyherald.com • Morris Daily Herald

Thursday, February 20, 2014 •

11

Museum of the Grundy undyy County Historical und rical Society The Grundy County Historical Society was established in 1923 The our Grundy County Society was established in 1923 the and exhibits haveHistorical been located in many places including and our exhibits haveand been located in many places including the courthouse, storage a small space on Liberty Street. Today courthouse, a small space onofLiberty Today we we are proudstorage to be inand a space dreamed by ourStreet. founders. are celebrating our 5th year as a museum in a space dreamed of by Our exhibits include quilts, military, Mazon fossils, our founders. Indian artifacts, a 1900 living room, a 1900 dry goods store, a tool Our exhibits include quilts, military, Mazon fossils, Native shed as well as photos and information on people, places, and American artifacts, a 1900Stop livinginroom, a 1900 dry goods store, a events in Grundy County. toolsee shedusastowell photos and information on people, places, and and findasout more. events in Grundy County. Stop in and see us to find out more. Open Hours: 10-3:00 p.m. Days: Thursday, Friday and Saturday Tours available of museum and caboose any time with 2 days notice. A meeting room is also available for use prior or after a tour.

510 W. Illinois Avenue • Morris, IL 60450 • 815-942-4880 grundycountyhs.org email: grundyhistory@sbcglobal.net

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www.morrisdailyherald.com • Morris Daily Herald

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