PR/Events - Archives 1 - Kendall County Democratic Women

Past News and Events:

December 2010:

Local Donations Made

The Kendall County Democratic Central Committee and Kendall County Democratic Women made a donation to the Kendall County Food Pantry (www.kendallcountyfoodpantry.org/).

Yorkville Alderman, Robyn Sutcliff and President of the KCDW, Chrisi Vineyard made the presentation on December 15th. Currently, there are 3,900 people at the poverty level in Kendall County (income less than $14,000 per year). At this time, the Food Pantry serves 4800 people per month. This is an increase from 2400 people this time last year.

Ms. Vineyard said, "The Food Pantry is not funded by tax dollars. It relies on donations from individuals, families, churches, civic groups, and food drives in the county. They can use recycled winter gear, blankets, sheets, towels, sleeping bags, diapers, laundry detergent, and soap. You can reduce, reuse, and recycle your items, or even shop at a consignment store and donate those items. If you donate cash, each $1 donated is equal to $6."

It is easy to give, since the KCFP now accepts PayPal. This organization is completely run by volunteers. The Kendall County Democratic Women encourage you to donate to our local food pantry and help feed and clothe those in need.

In addition, the Kendall County Democratic Women organized a donation drive for gifts, donated items, and clothing for a Yorkville family in need. Some of the KCDW got together for a "Wrap Party" in an Oswego home. Everyone contributed wrapping materials for the donated items and enjoyed the social atmosphere. Robyn and Chuck Sutcliff surprised the family with the wrapped holiday gifts.

Annual Holiday Party; Chrisi Vineyard Honored

The annual holiday party, hosted by the Kendall County Democratic Central Committee and Kendall County Democratic Women, was December 10th at the Lakewood Creek Clubhouse, in Montgomery.

It was, as always, a lot of fun! Many area Democrats, and some elected officials and candidates, also joined in the festivities. Special guests included Mark Guethle, Chairman of the Kane County Democrats, Jennifer Laesch, Democratic State Central Committeewoman 14th Congressional District, Robyn Sutcliff and Joe Plocher, Yorkville Aldermen, and many candidates for the upcoming election.

There was a White Elephant Gift Exchange. Participants each brought only one wrapped gift, but they shared many laughs! We are always grateful to the set-up and clean-up volunteers. Please see Photos page on our website or the KCDCC website for slideshows of pictures from the event.

This year, the KCDCC selected a Democrat of the Year. This award went to a well-deserving recipient who frequently goes above-and-beyond the call of her duties: Chrisi Vineyard. Chrisi is not only the President of the Kendall County Democratic Women and a Precinct Committeeperson, but she attends county and city board meetings, fights for the environment, and does a lot of the heavy campaign season lifting (sometimes literally). She is a tireless activist and advocate, and she was deserving of her Democrat of the Year 2010 commemorative plaque and water bottle.

The KCDCC and KCDW also took the opportunity to share the festivities with those most in need by collecting charitable donations for an area family and the Kendall County Food Pantry.

September 2010:

Robyn Prince Sutcliff was welcomed as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at the monthly meeting of the Aurora Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Robyn traces her lineage back to Andrew Ream, a soldier who fought for our country during the Revolutionary War.

The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children.

DAR members volunteer more than 60,000 hours annually to veteran patients, award over $150,000 in scholarships and financial aid each year to students, and support schools for the underprivileged with annual donations exceeding one million dollars.

As one of the largest lineage societies in the country, DAR boasts 165,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the United States and internationally. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership.

DAR National Headquarters , in Washington DC , houses one of the nation's premier genealogical libraries, one of the foremost collections of pre-industrial American decorative arts, Washington 's largest concert hall, and an extensive collection of early American manuscripts and imprints. The national Website is www.DAR.org. To find out more about the local Aurora Chapter, contact aurora-dar@earthlink.net or Robyn Prince Sutcliff at 630-553-1724.

April 2010:

Members of the Kendall County Democratic Women (KCDW) were proud to nominate Chrisi Vineyard for the Illinois Democratic Women (IDW) 2010 Eleanor Roosevelt Award. Her many contributions to the local Democratic Party and community are truly impressive and very much appreciated.  On March 30th, at the IDW annual convention at the Governor’s Mansion, Chrisi was presented with the IDW Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Woman of the Year Award.  Speakers at the event included Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Lt. Governor candidate Sheila Simon, and Alderman and Cook County Board President candidate Toni Preckwinkle.

Chrisi became active in Kendall County as an environmental activist years ago. With multiple landfill applications looming in Kendall County, she led the movement to ban antiquated landfills (that would pollute groundwater, accept trash from surrounding counties, and create associated traffic). Chrisi has also worked to promote alternative waste technologies, and to expose the lack of transparency and accountability demonstrated by our county board (and its legal counsel) regarding these matters. Her tireless and enthusiastic efforts as an activist, and her shared opinions with the Solid Waste Committee, have made a huge impact on the landfill application and siting process in our county. Chrisi also participates with many local environmental organizations including The Conservation Foundation, The Kendall Environmental Coalition, The Sierra Club Fox Valley, Friends of the Fox River, Aux Sable Creek 319 Advisory Committee, Environmentally Conscious Oswego, STOP 158:  Citizens for Smart Growth, Citizens Against the Sprawlway, and others.

Additionally, Chrisi has been invaluable to the Democratic Party in Kendall County. She is the President of the KCDW, and she has presided over unprecedented organization growth and activity. Under Chrisi’s direction, the KCDW holds frequent events to promote local independent businesses, supports local charities, and brings together Democratic candidates, elected officials, and local voters. These events are held onsite at local businesses, feature complimentary wine and cheese, and provide a unique and enjoyable opportunity for all involved.  Prior to her involvement as a founding member of the KCDW, Chrisi was an active member of the Kendall County Democratic Party, and her participation continues. The KCDW work in conjunction with the Central Committee, and Chrisi is a member of various Kendall County Democratic Central committees including the Outreach Committee, where she has done an outstanding job of recruiting and motivating new membership. Chrisi donates endless volunteer hours to help with events and activities, including rallies, parades, festivals, fairs, going door-to-door, fundraisers, frequent letters-to-editors, and more.

Chrisi is a Precinct Committee Person in her 3rd term. She also assists many candidates with their campaigns. To put it simply, Chrisi Vineyard is a dynamo! Her passion and energy are unmatched, and she is vital to the Democratic Party in Kendall County.

May 2010:

The Kendall County Democratic Women (KCDW) hosted a Spring Wildflower Walk on Sunday, May 2nd, at the Richard Young Forest Preserve in Yorkville. Along the way, a domestic pet rabbit, apparently recently abandoned in the woods, was spotted. The rabbit, which is believed to be a lop-eared mix, was sitting on the trail at the beginning of the walk, unafraid of people. Because the rabbit was still around at the conclusion of the walk, a few of the Democrats returned to search for it later in the day. The timid rabbit was quickly found and rescued, and adopted by Robyn Prince Sutcliff, who will keep the female rabbit as a pet.

This incident brings to light the problem of abandoning domestic animals in the wilderness. This practice is not only sad and irresponsible, but dangerous for the animals, and depending on the species, may introduce undesirable non-natives into the local ecosystem. In the case of domestic rabbits, many have lost the ability to detect toxic plants, and rotate their ears to better detect threats and predators. Additionally, many have light colored fur that is easily seen by predators in the wild, and may require daily grooming. Neither animals nor plants should ever be removed from a forest preserve, but in this case, the rabbit was tame, with clipped nails, and identified as domestic by someone experienced with the breed. This bunny was very lucky that people concerned for its welfare found it.

Robyn, Yorkville Alderman and candidate for County Board, along with her daughter Casey, who is a 4H member and already has one domestic pet rabbit, will provide an excellent home for the rabbit. Their new pet has been named Violet, after the native wildflower and Illinois State Flower, and is settling in nicely with the Sutcliff family.

Please call Animal Control at 630-553-9256 with questions about unwanted or stray animals, and wildlife situations. The Kendall County Animal Shelter is located at 802 John Street, in Yorkville. The website address is www.co.kendall.il.us/animal_control, where animals available for adoption may be viewed online. Information about volunteering may be found there as well. Donations of the following are gladly accepted: pet food, dog and cat treats, cat litter, laundry detergent and cage cleaning supplies such as bleach and paper towels, and old towels and blankets. They collect aluminum cans for recycling, and cash donations are also welcome.

March 2010:

The KCDW hosted a small business event to promote shopping locally at independent businesses on Friday evening, March 26th, at the Lakewood Creek Clubhouse, in Montgomery. There was a big turn-out for the event, which was free, and featured complimentary wine and cheese.

Participating businesses included a wide range of products and services, with something of interest for everyone. Free samples and door prizes were offered, including a beautiful floral centerpiece from Water Lily Floral, and free samples from Avon lady Lynn Lohman. There were gift certificates from Shaklee Rep. Lori Haff-DeLancy, Compassionate Family Store shopkeeper Brandy Carrelli, and Art Unlimited owners Doris Turano and Laura Majewski. A gourmet gift bag was donated from Tastefully Simple Rep. Kim Hannigan, a gift certificate and free vegetable plants were offered from Nancy Patush of Floribunda Gardens, and a "A Match Made In High School" t-shirt was provided by author Kristin Walker (who also autographed books for guests). The fun crowd did a little shopping and mingled with like-minded Democrats while enjoying food, drink, and good company. These events are informal, fun, and friendly!

Among the guests were Leslie Juby (candidate for State Senate 25th District), Robyn Sutcliff (candidate Kendall County Board District 1, Yorkville Alderman, and Treasurer of the Kendall County Democrats), Brian Amoah (candidate for Kendall County Board District 2), Chuck Sutcliff (Chairman, Kendall County Democrats), Chrisi Vineyard (President, Kendall County Democratic Women), Jennifer Laesch (14th Congressional District Democratic State Central Committeewoman), Matt Snodgrass (Political Director, Bill Foster for Congress), Jennifer Barconi (candidate for State Rep. 49th District), and Chris Faber (Trustee, Village of North Aurora).