October 2008 Archives

Today I ventured over to the circuit clerk's office, to determine once and for all what I have to do to deep-six my middle name and BEHOLD: Apparently you get one freebie name change when you get married. According to the helpful clerk, I DO just have to present myself and my marriage license at the Social Security office in order to make the switch.

Also, words of wisdom from the Sooper Lube on Jefferson: NEVER MOON A WEREWOLF.

• $274 in court costs
• A court order
• 3 weeks' notice in the local paper.

So here I am, newly-minted bride, attempting to get my last name changed. But I can't make it easy on myself, so I've decided to take my maiden name as my middle name while changing my last name. Instead of being Mallory Ann Medved, I'm going to be Mallory Medved Whaley. I'm doing it because I'd like to keep my maiden name around (also I've always hated my middle name [sorry, Mom and Dad]).

Sounds easy, right? Apparently not so. Google, my usual road to information, was unhelpful. A call to the Will County Courthouse was also unhelpful, since half the people I talked to thought I was trying to register to vote, which......what? The deadline to vote in next week's election was up like three weeks ago.

So finally I talked to someone who told me to contact the circuit clerk's office. Apparently, since I am changing my middle name along with my last name, this will require $274 in court costs, me getting some facetime with a judge to get a petition signed and three weeks' worth of public notice in the local paper. (I doubt this blog counts.) Which is insane. No one other than me is going to care what my middle name is. I understand the rigamarole needed for parents changing minor children's names or some one getting adopted, but....middle name? For real, Will County?

The Grundy County chapter of the American Red Cross offers some tips to keep all our children safe on Halloween.

"The Grundy County Chapter wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween night and you can by following these basic safety tips" said Ken Buck, Executive Director.

Ghouls and goblins will take over the night. But even scary creatures need to be safe and celebrate Halloween right. Halloween's greatest hazards aren't vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and automobile collisions. The Grundy County Chapter wants your family to have a safe Halloween so we're providing these tips, the lucky 13:

•Map out the route that you plan to roam, so adults are assured you will find your way home!
•From the bravest of superheroes to the noblest of knights, everyone should remember to bring their flashlights!
•If you visit a house where a stranger resides, accept treats at the door and, please, don't go inside.
•When you get ready to put on your disguise, use face paint instead of masks, which will cover your eyes.
•Always remember, before you embark, to wear light-colored clothing to be seen in the dark! (And remember to use reflective tape, even on bikes, skateboards and brooms!)
•Whether you walk, slither or sneak, do it on the sidewalks and not in the street.
•As you roam through the neighborhood collecting your treats, please look both ways before crossing the street! (And cross from the corner!)
•Wigs, capes and costumes are flammable attire, so avoid open flames to prevent a fire!
•Use a glow stick instead of a candle so your jack-o-lantern isn't a safety gamble!
•You may fly on a broom or a space ship from Mars, but please be on the lookout for drivers in cars! (And don't hide between parked vehicles).
•Monsters and zombies should stay off the lawn, and only visit homes with their porch lights turned on!
•You may be dressed as a werewolf, a cat or a frog, but be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.
•Have a grown-up inspect your candy when you're done trick-or-treating to remove open packages and choking hazards before eating.

Is the beginning of the week your time to do your weekly shopping? Great! While you are at it you can help Morris Community High School's sophomore students raise money for prom.

A note from the high school:

What: Shop and Share Fundraiser

When: Monday, Oct. 27, Tuesday, Oct. 28 and Wednesday, Oct. 29

Where: Morris Jewel- Osco on Illinois 47

Why: The sophomore class at Morris Community High School is doing their first ever Shop and Share fundraiser. The proceeds from this fundraiser will assist with prom costs.

How to participate: First, pick up your Shop and Share slip from the school's main office, a sophomore student or Mrs. Tesdal by calling (815) 941-5386. And then head to Jewel in Morris to do your weekly shopping.

Present your slip to the cashier when you check out and 5% of your total will go to the sophomore class.

You must pick up the slip in advance because they are not available at the store.

But it's not my fault, I swear. I blame my parents.

I am leaving for Australia on Friday and have been packing for three days. Not consistently, but I pack a bunch one day then unpack some and then add some more. It's a process.

But how could it not be? I'm going to a whole other country I have never been to and it is 18 hours from here.

Honestly though, when I go to Wisconsin for a weekend, I overpack then too. I have gotten better over the years. Unlike my mother who had to buy a van to go up north even though she had one less child to pack for.

Morris High School sent out this information today hoping to attract those interested in a relaxing afternoon full of beautiful music.

"On Sunday the Morris Community High School Choirs will present their annual "Fall Choral Concert". The concert will begin at 2:00 p.m. in auditorium. The concert will open with combined choirs and will perform the hymn setting of "O God, Beyond All Praising," by Richard Proulx; "Hashkiveinu", by Steve Dropkin; and featured baritone soloist Nick Martorano; and True Light, by Keith Hampton; and soprano, Charlotte Ulrich, as vocal soloist.

Grundy County's version of The Muppets.

Not too far off, huh?

I tried my hardest, but was unable to get a Herald News team together for Morris police's "Trivia Mania" this Saturday. I'm still trying to add myself to someone else's team, but I will be there regardless covering the fundraiser.

This is an annual event Morris police does to raise money for Illinois Special Olympics. It begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Morris Municipal Airport on Illinois 47.

There is still a little room left for those of you interested in forming a team, but forms need to be in by the end of tomorrow so hurry up! Entry forms are required and it is $20 per person or $160 a table. Teams are of 8 people.

Call Chief Brent Dite to get signed up at (815) 942-6503, Sgt. Scott Henderson (815) 941-6281 or Patrolman Steve Huettemann at (815) 942-2131.

Many teams dress in theme, Dite said, and all are invited to bring snacks for the night.

I'm hoping to see a great turnout and I promise to cheer for everyone! And if raising money for a good cause isn't enough . . . there also is a chance I will put your picture in the paper.

Of course I realize The Herald News has many loyal Grundy County readers who would never miss a day of reading us.

But just in case you were thinking of skipping Monday's paper. . . don't.

In fact, we have such a wonderful surprise for our Grundy County readers tomorrow that we had extra papers printed so we could pass out some for free. These free papers will be delivered early tomorrow to Grundy businesses frequented by the public in order to ensure as many people as possible see our surprise.

I'm sorry I cannot reveal the surprise, but please trust me when I say this is something that cannot be missed.

On Saturday I will not only be a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding, but after I will be running to dinner at Southwest Weekly editor, Mallory Medved's wedding. So by Sunday I will be ready for a nice glass of wine. Thank goodness Sunday is the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry's 4th annual wine tasting.

The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Chapin's Restaurant, 701 N. Liberty Street.

This will be my third chamber wine tasting and every year I try to widen my horizons and try a new red since I tend to be a white wine girl.

But in addition to taking advantage of all the good wines I will be introducing my boyfriend Paul to all my Grundy County friends for the first time. You see my boyfriend is a race car mechanic for an Indy team and is usually gone for all the social events. So in his place I usually take my father as my date. (Not to worry, he will be there too Sunday.)

In today's story titled "No Oprah? No problem for park rally" the wrong phone number is included at the bottom of the story for Rachel Pfaff.

Pfaff is the woman in charge of the Save the Parks rally, which will be starting at 9 a.m. Saturday. Pfaff's correct phone number is (815) 941-1079.

I greatly apologize for the incorrect number being printed. Please spread the word to anyone interested in speaking with Pfaff.

Otherwise here is the important information again.