Annual kickoff raps up

A rap song set the tone for the annual Grundy County United Way kickoff, held Thursday night at Morris Country Club.

Vicki Steffy, human resources manager at ITW Filtra-tion Products in Mazon, composed the United Way Rap. Aided by President Randy Matravers and Past President Marv Rude, Steffy performed the number for the crowd attending the kickoff.

Summarizing what the United Way does, the rap includes the verses: “A place to live ... a place to play ... a place for the homeless family to stay.

“A friend for a child ... healthcare needs ... help in crisis and hungry mouths to feed.

“All of these things United Way provides. Come join the giving — don’t step aside.”

Steffy, who has been at ITW about 18 months, said the United Way is the No. 1 organization the company and its employees support.

After meeting its goal of $302,488 for 2004-2005, the United Way’s goal for the current drive is $334,900.

“A strong sense community spirit exists in Grundy County,” said President Randy Matravers said,

United Cerebral Palsy was the featured agency at Thursday’s kick-off.

Sam Mancuso, executive director, said United Cerebral Palsy serves six counties, including, Grundy, Kendall and Will.

Started by Mel Larson as a small, school program at Joliet Junior College, United Cerebral Palsy will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, Mancuso said.

The agency has grown to provide a large number of adult programs, including independent living and respite and family support programs. United Cerebral Palsy also provides a school for the developmentally disabled, ages 3 to 21.

Stephanie Bergner, director of family support and respite care, said this is the program most used by Grundy County residents.

“We try to prevent unnecessary institutionalization,” she said. “We have trained in-home care givers. Parents can’t use traditional baby-sitters. They need trained caregivers, who know CPR and can work with the child and the siblings.”

The agency provides respite care in the home so the parents can get out or attend a support group.

She said the agency also provides the technology needed to allow someone to live at home. The Morris Kiwanis Club, she said, provided a chair lift for a child with cerebral palsy.

Mancuso said United Cerebral Palsy has received fantastic support from the community, including the United Way. He also recognized the Will County Sportsmen for Charity for its support.

Coleen Davis, who has been executive director of the Grundy County United Way for about six months, said she has enjoyed attending the kick-offs individual companies have been holding.

Employees of companies recognized for their donations included ComEd/Exelon, Caterpillar in Joliet, Costco, Lyondell, ITW, SBC, Jefferson Smurfit, Wal-Mart, Nicor and Exxon/Mobil.

Top corporate contributors include First Midwest Bank, ITW, Lyondell, Costco, ComEd/Exelon, SBC, Wal-Mart and Caterpillar in Aurora.

Others recognized for their support of United Way were Latimer Construction, Grundy County employees, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers, Grundy Bank, Standard Bank, and American Heritage Cabinetry.

Marv Rude was honored for his 13 years of service to the United Way, including the past five years as president.

Organizations funded by the United Way ar Rainbow Council Boy Scouts, Trailway Girl Scout Council, Grundy County Extension Service (4-H), Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Starved Rock Special Olympics, and Easter Seals.

Also, Guardian Angel Home, We Care of Grundy County, Will-Grundy Medical Clinic, Grundy Community Hospice, United Cerebral Palsy, Family Counseling Agency, Stepping Stones, Breaking Away, Illinois Valley Industries, Salvation Army, Prairie State Legal Services, and Crisis Line of Grundy County.

United Way officers for 2005-2006 are:Randy Matravers, president; Diane Rooney, secretary; Caroline Portlock, treasurer; and Fred Bourdelais, vice president.

Members of the board are Marv Rude, Lon Lovellette, Chip Jorstad, Pat Rooney, Janice Brooks, Chris Brown, John Almer, Darrell Dolmage, Mike Carey, Garret Wheeler and Nancy Marchesi.

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.