John Mecklinburg from the Swedish American Foundation spoke about their Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. In the past 8 years, the foundation has identified more than 40 substandard, dangerous, or boarded-up housing units, purchased them, demolished them and constructed 30 new single-family owner-occupied homes. They have also created a new neighborhood park and a new playground area for children.

Habitat for Humanity has also been involved with the Foundation and has constructed homes to be sold back to Swedish American employees with down payment assistance. They have also helped to renovate two twelve-unit apartment buildings on State Street.

The future of Rockford rests, largely, on the ability and willingness of its people and its organizations to commit the necessary resources and creative energies to regenerate itself..one neightborhood at a time.

Remember:
Raffle tickets are now on sale. Money must be turned in by June 9, 2009. We all have to sell, sell, sell in order to reach our goal and provide help to the eight local organizations we have chosen. The total so far is $7,000. Our goal is $8,500. Only a few more days left.

Announcement:
Charter night will be June 13th

Dinner at 5:00 p.m. at Garrett’s

Choose your own entre:
1. N.Y. Strip
2. Halibut
3. Grilled Italian Chicken
4. Pasta-Angel Hair Pomodore or Three Cheese Ravioli
Cash Bar

Play “Evita” at RVC Starlight Theatre. We will arrive at 7:30 for curtain at 8:00 p.m.

Cost is $50.00 per person. ($30/meal; $20/play) RSVP to jdwang1990@yahoo.com