Women of distinction 101316

October 2016

of WOMEN distinction

Three area women recognized for making a difference in Grundy County

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Sponsored by:

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of WOMEN distinction The Morris Herald-News’ Women of Distinction honor represents the women of Greater Grundy County who give of themselves for the betterment of others. There are many women in our community deserving of this honor.

From super moms to inspiring teachers, it’s difficult to imagine the Morris area without these role models.

This year we received nearly two dozen nominations of selfless, engaging and giving women to be considered for the honor. Our selection committee had a difficult time narrowing down the field to the three final recipients. All of these women are an inspiration.

They get up every day with the goal of finding ways to serve others. They care for those in need, educate local children and volunteer their time to help in more ways than we could count.

They run households, businesses and nonprofits. They raise families and mentor local children. It’s amazing how

1802 N. Division St., Suite 314, Morris, Illinois 815-942-3221 • www.morrisherald-news.com

much one person can accomplish in a day, but just look around our community and you’ll see the fruits of their labor.

These women don’t give of themselves because they seek accolades for doing so - but every now and then, they should be recognized. There should be a day dedicated to thanking them for their efforts. And that is why we recognize these women.

They deserve a day of celebration.

So congratulations not only to our recipients - Brittney Kaluzny, Karen Nall and Jennifer Price – but to all of the women who were nominated. A nomination means at least one person in this community - but likely many more unnamed neighbors - feels that person’s efforts are worthy of recognition.

To all of our nominees, thank you for your selfless service to our community. We are proud to call all of you our neighbors.

General Manager: Steve Vanisko Managing Editor: Kate Shott Shaw Media Correspondent: Jeanne Millsap Art Direction and Design: Megan Hampton Ad Sales Representatives: Denise Pankey and Matt Carlson

Women of Distinction magazine is published by the Morris Herald-News (A division of Shaw Media), 1802 N. Division St., Suite 314, Morris IL 60450. The entire contents may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher. Advertisements appearing in Women of Distinction magazine are not endorsements by the publisher. The publisher is not responsible or liable for errors or omissions in any advertisement beyond the paid piece of that advertisement. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without permission from the publisher. © 2016, Morris Publishing Company.

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2016 Women of Distinction

Brittney Kaluzny: Helping to find the missing pieces

By JEANNE MILLSAP Shaw Media Correspondent

Photo By HEIDI LITCHFIELD hlitchfield@shawmedia.com

COAL CITY – On Sept. 10, Brittney Kaluzny, of Coal City, finally got to see the completion of a project that was six years in the making and near and dear to her heart – the Hope Helps All-Inclusive Park that is within the village’s Lions Park.

The playground was specially designed for children with special needs and boasts a wheelchair-transferrable merry-go-round, highback swings with harnesses, climbers, slides, a double zip line, a sensory garden and a sensory wall with marbles, bongos and gears that turn.

“The sensory wall is a calming space,” Kaluzny said. “Textures get them regulated and calm.”

Kaluzny was speaking specifically of children with autism. Her oldest son, Robert David, now 9, has the disorder. Kaluzny said she and her husband Robert knew there was something different about Robert David when he was still a baby.

“He was completely non-verbal,” she said. “He had stimming, and he was a toe-walker, and he didn’t have a lot of eye contact. His fascination was trains. He would lie on the floor and watch ‘Thomas the Train’ for hours.”

At age 2, her son was diagnosed with autism and

began physical, speech and occupational therapy, on top of the intervention programs he was already in before the diagnosis. The attention paid off, and Robert David began talking shortly after he was 3 years old.

“He has high-functioning autism,” his mother said. “He can talk your ear off about the United States presidents and dinosaurs.”

When the family began doing research on local resources for autistic children, Kaluzny said they found nothing nearby.

“We were referred to Kankakee, Springfield or Chicago,” she said.

With another baby just born to the family, Kaluzny said it would have been difficult to take Robert David that far away every day. She realized that other parents of autistic children must have been feeling the same way.

“I thought, if we don’t have the resources, nobody else has the resources, either,” she said.

Kaluzny grew up in Coal City in a home where community service was important. She did volunteer work with her church and with the Girl Scouts, as did her mother; she helped her mother

with Market Day fundraisers; and she went on missions trips to Mexico when she was 13 and 16.

“We were always on the go,” she said.

With her background in volunteerism and a degree in elementary education, Kaluzny began organizing a core group for raising awareness about autism. They named the organization, Hope Helps, with the motto, “Hope Helps until we find the missing pieces.”

She and the group began fundraising for several goals. They directed the donations to various scholarships, such as one for a fence for a family whose autistic child tended to run away from the yard. Other scholarships were used to purchase iPads equipped with special communications applications that they donated to students with special needs.

Hope Helps also purchased a service dog for a child who needed the assistance getting to and from the bus stop and getting safely through the hallways at school.

The organization also helps parents and students navigate the sometimes complicated IEP, or Individualized Education Program, schools must have

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for students with disabilities.

“It can be just completely overwhelming,” Kaluzny said of IEPs. “If you don’t know their jargon, it’s really confusing.”

“Brittney is just good people,” said Sarah Beach, of Sunshine Garden Center in Diamond, who has worked with Hope Helps on projects and with fundraising. “She has got a heart of gold. You need something, she’s there. You have a problem, she’ll do anything to help you with it. … She’s just a positive role model for our community.”

Kaluzny said it was a huge surprise and an honor that she was selected as a Woman of Distinction.

“It’s important for me to give back to the community,” Kaluzny said. “The biggest part is showing that autism isn’t a death sentence.

It’s not something people should be scared of. These are typical kids who want to play and learn and grow like everybody else.” n

Photo By SARAH DILG sdilg@shawmedia.com

OUR HOME TO YOURS Consignment

Congratulations

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2016 Grundy County Women of Distinction!

Phone: 815.941.1343 120 E. Washington St Morris, Illinois 60450 ourhometoyoursmorris@gmail.com

Brittney Kaluzny, Hope Helps

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Karen Nall,

United Way of Grundy County

Jennifer Price, Special Connections

201 Liberty Street, Morris, IL 60450 (815) 942-0130 • www.grundybank.com 6 | WOMEN OF DISTINCTION | Thursday, October 13, 2016

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Mammography

Photo By MICHAEL HUDSON © Michael Hudson Photography

Still the gold standard for breast cancer screening SUBMITTED BY MORRIS HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE CENTERS. When it comes to breast cancer early detection, there is no longer a “one size fits all” guideline. Because each woman is different in her breast cancer risk factors, when to begin annual mammography is a decision that she and her health care professional should discuss together, according to Morris Hospital breast health nurse navigator Terri Jacob.

“There’s no question early detection is key in the fight against breast cancer,” Jacob said. “As with any diagnostic testing, mammograms do have their limitations but they are still the recommended screening exam for early breast cancer detection.

Mammography detects breast cancer in its early stages, which gives the best options for treatment and the best chance for living a longer, healthier life.”

However, Jacob said medicine is moving in a direction that is more customized, and breast cancer detection is no different.

“Women should talk with their health care provider between the ages of 25 and 30 to understand what their risks are and to plan when they should

begin having mammograms,” she said.

Jacob says the American Congress of Obstetricians & Gynecologists continues to recommend self-awareness and clinician exams for early breast cancer detection, along with annual screening mammograms, which are also recommended by the American College of Radiology: 1. Know how your breasts normally look and feel. Any changes (lumps, bumps, dimpling of the skin, asymmetry, nipple discharge and any other change in appearance) should be reported to your health care provider.

2. Have a clinical breast exam at least every three years between ages 29 to 39 and annually beginning at age 40.

3. For women at average risk without symptoms of breast cancer, have an annual screening mammogram beginning at age 40.

Additionally, Jacob said women should know their family history of breast cancer and talk to their health care professional about the most effective breast cancer screening plan for them

individually.

Morris Hospital offers three locations for mammography screenings. Women must have an order from a physician to schedule a mammogram at any of these locations: • Morris – Morris Hospital, 150 W. High St. • Channahon – Morris Hospital Ridge Road Campus, 27240 W. Saxony Drive • Ottawa – Morris Hospital Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists, 1300 Starfire Drive In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Morris Hospital invites women of all ages to join them for a special pink ribbon event, Hip Hop for Hope, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 21 in the cafeteria at White Oak Elementary School, 2001 Dupont Ave. in Morris. The event features a 75-minute hip-hop exercise class, along with door prizes and breast cancer awareness educational materials. Registration is $10 and includes a pink or black “Fight for It” tank top. Reservations can be made by visiting morrishospital.org/ events or calling 815-705-7685.

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2016 Women of Distinction

Karen Nall: At home in the community she serves

By JEANNE MILLSAP Shaw Media Correspondent

Photo By HEIDI LITCHFIELD hlitchfield@shawmedia.com

MORRIS – Woman of Distinction Karen Nall has been executive director of United Way of Grundy County for six years now, but Nall doesn’t just do good deeds at her day job.

Her helping and compassionate nature extends into her free time, taking her on countywide searches for lost dogs.

She was one of the determined volunteers who searched for Finn, a 2-year-old Brittany and Spaniel mix, who escaped in Minooka and was on the run for 75 days before being found in Romeoville. He is now doing well with his adopted family in Canada.

“That’s the kind of thing I like doing,” Nall said.

Nall has enjoyed helping wherever there is a need since she was a young girl.

“My sister Caroline (Portlock) and I were the youngest of nine,” she said. “All throughout high school, we were always ones to help when something was posted on the bulletin board. We’ve always tried to make sure we put others first. …

It was a trait instilled in us by our father.”

Although Nall was raised in Joliet, her father was from Mississippi. Nall said he was a true Southern gentleman who would take his shirt off for anyone who needed it. Nall lives in Channahon now and said Grundy County also has that Southern spirit of giving.

Before taking over for Kelly Walker at United Way, Nall was development director for Senior Services Center of Will County and also for Child Care Resources and Referral.

She has seen how important community service is to those in need. She’s also well-acquainted with life’s ups and downs herself.

Nall is a cancer survivor; she also has Sjogren’s syndrome and Raynaud’s syndrome. She’s been through two divorces and raised her two daughters, Amanda, 25, and Karry, 15, as a single mother.

No one would have blamed Nall if she had used the degrees she worked so hard for to join the high-paying corporate world, but the pull of

community service and of being a good example to her daughters was too strong.

Portlock, director of Workforce Development at Joliet Junior College, said her sister has impressed her with her giving spirit.

“The one thing I’ve always noticed about Karen is that she is really trying to be a positive role model for her two girls,” Portlock said. “In her role at United Way and through the emergency planning groups that she’s in, she has made a huge impact on the community. But as a more personal approach, she is a single parent, and she is doing everything she can to be a positive role model for her children. . . and I thought that in itself was worthy of the nomination.”

Nall said it was a shock when she learned she was chosen as a Woman of Distinction.

“It’s definitely a great honor,” she said, “especially looking at the list of those who received it before me and the two other honorees this year, because I think, how can I be aligned with these great women?”

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Photo By SARAH DILG sdilg@shawmedia.com

Congrats to the 2016 Women of Distinction from the City of Morris!

Nall has advice for those who find themselves in difficult positions in life.

“Even if life knocks you down a few times,” she said, “you can get back up. It’s never too late to turn your life around. … You can do it. No matter what it is, you can do it. Never give up on your dreams. Never give up on being important to someone else.

“For me, where I am right now in my life, where I am in my job and the community I’m in, I can describe it in two words – I’m home.” n

Jennifer Price Brittney Kaluzny Karen Nall

Photo By HEIDI LITCHFIELD hlitchfield@shawmedia.com SM-CL0394714

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2016 Women of Distinction

Jennifer Price: A leader and advocate for the special needs community

By JEANNE MILLSAP Shaw Media Correspondent

Photo By HEIDI LITCHFIELD hlitchfield@shawmedia.com

Woman of Distinction Jennifer Price has made a huge mark in the community for her work with children and adults with special needs.

Founder of Special Connections of Grundy County, Price’s goals are to make the lives of people with special needs more fulfilling and to reach out to the community to show them that the adults and children she works with are just as deserving of rich, varied lives as everyone else.

“A big part of our program is spreading awareness and getting people to understand the struggles our special needs community has,” Price said. “The community connection is my personal goal. Building a community that accepts and understands that they are a part of our community, like anyone is. It’s a win for everybody. Everybody gets something out of what we’re doing.”

In addition to community outreach, Special Connections has a variety of programs for its participants that include sports, fitness and social interactions.

Programs include basketball, bocce, bowling,

golf, swimming, track and field, tennis camp and fitness workouts. They have painting parties, do crafts and hold dances.

Price, who was raised in Minnesota, was active in her community growing up, whether it was through her school or her church or other outreaches.

“I guess it’s something that’s always been a part of me,” she said, “being passionate about different causes.”

After moving to Morris, a premature son was born to Price and her husband Ben. Jett had some significant disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy, and was legally blind and deaf.

Searching for services for him and their family, Price said she was horrified to learn that there were not many offerings in the area.

“Illinois was and still is the worst state for services for people with disabilities,” she said. “It ranks No. 51. It’s very, very sad, and it’s getting worse. … We had contemplated going back to

Minnesota.”

But when she gave it more consideration, Price realized that it was not just her son who was affected by the dearth of services. It was many other families in the area, as well. She and her husband decided to stay put and get something going for this special population.

She gathered a group of like-minded people, and they began Special Connections of Grundy County six years ago. The nonprofit organization has grown every year.

“She has a child with special needs and saw firsthand that there was a need for a group like Special Connections in Grundy County,” said Price’s friend and Special Connections board member Jeffrey Rzasa. “From what she’s grown this to, from her kitchen table to what it is now, is just unbelievable. … She basically started this organization from scratch.”

Rzasa called Price’s determination and drive “outstanding.”

“She’s also a great leader,” he said.

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Price said the response of the community to Special Connections has been amazing and that it has made many lives so much better. The partnership with Trinity Services has added such opportunities as supported employment for adults in the program as well, she said.

“It’s never easy in a nonprofit setting,” she said, “but you have to believe in what you do and stand firmly behind that and really go for it.”

Price said being named a Woman of Distinction was an extraordinary honor and that she was proud to be chosen beside the two other designees who she said were doing extraordinary things. n Photo By SARAH DILG sdilg@shawmedia.com

Congratulations to the

2016 Women of Distinction

Brittney Kaluzny • Karen Nall Jennifer Price

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