Community Corner
VIDEO: Mokena Plays Like a Champion
With an aviation flyover, recycled trophies, free food and Dr. Seuss costumes, Monday's Battle of the Burbs celebration was one for the local history books.
After voting 78 times for Mokena in Eric and Kathy’s contest last week, Nancy Potter said she deserved to come celebrate with Mokena Monday morning.
Potter said she’s a regular Eric and Kathy listener, but she first heard about the contest on Mokena Patch’s Facebook page. She and her friends, Robyn Madden and Kim Schlott, listened and voted on the train while commuting to work last Thursday morning.
“It brings camaraderie to Mokena, and other people will know where Mokena is now,” Madden said.
Find out what's happening in Mokenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Potter and her friends were three of several hundred Mokena residents that came together early Monday morning to celebrate Mokena’s suburban championship with 101.9 FM The Mix. Amidst the sound of four planes flying over the from Lewis University’s Chicagoland Aviation, “The Big Karwowski” and Melissa McGurren from the station presented Mayor Joe Werner with a recycled radio softball league trophy.
In exchange, Werner presented a surprise trophy to the radio station, and he deemed April 1, 2012 as “Eric and Kathy Day” in Mokena.
Find out what's happening in Mokenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Juanita and Charles Manhart were also among the residents who attended. Charles has lived in Mokena for 65 years; Juanita said she had a lot of memories of Village Hall, which was her elementary school before it became the seat of the town's government.
“We came because we love Mokena,” Juanita explained.
Charles added, “This brings the community to the front line and lets people know we’re Mokena.”
Juanita said she’s always up early, so today, she got Charles up early for the special occasion.
The library staff all showed off custom-made shirts that read “Mokena Community Library Loves 101.9 The Mix,” but the spotlight really belonged to the library employees that wore Dr. Seuss character costumes.
Eric Richman, (Thing 1), Matt Surdel, (Thing 2), and Matt Galik, (The Cat in the Hat), said they were physical proof that the library has Mokena spirit.
“This was a great way to show how much the people support the community,” Library Director Cathy Palmer said.
Denise and Johon Boksa came out for the event with their children to show support for the community and to see people from the Eric and Kathy show. The couple has attended past Eric and Kathy events, including last year’s golf outing.
What about school? “We’re taking the kids right after this, but they’re allowed to be late today,” Denise proclaimed.
After the trophy presentation, The band played the Mokena fight song and Three Men in Kilts sang a song made just for the occasion.
Marty Connolly, band member and Mokena resident, said he created the lyrics before Mokena officially won the competition.
“We’ve done a lot of shows and some Eric and Kathy events, so it was great to perform here, especially since I’m from Mokena,” Connolly said.
During the event, residents could help themselves to coffee and pastries from and sandwiches from .
If you missed the event, check out the slideshow of pictures to the right, and check back later for a video!
