On April 9, 2015 at about 7 PM a twister that began in the Ashton, IL area gained force and developed into an F-4 tornado that struck and devastated parts of Rochelle, IL. By the grace of God no one in Rochelle was killed or physically badly injured. But many families were affected emotionally and many families essentially lost all their possessions as the half mile wide tornado decided which path it would take on land. The whole crisis and the af- termath really puts life into perspective and should make us all think about what is important and how life can change in a split second. It is bad enough when you read about people in other states and other parts of the country or world that have to deal with natural disasters, but when a disaster finds your hometown and people who you know personally, it’s worse. As a member of the Rochelle community it was heart-wrenching to hear what some families had to endure during the tornado and what was lost. It was also at the same time so gratifying to hear how neighbors, loved ones, and strangers came to the rescue in their time of need. And we all know that it could easily have been any of us in Ro- chelle. I do know that those touched by the tornado are tough survivors and have the means to overcome and re- cover from their losses. The acts of kindness and outpouring of giving was simply amazing to witness. This included giving of personal items needed, giving of time for clean-up, giving of food/meals, giving of money, and giving by prayer. Many local businesses in Rochelle immediately contributed and did what they could for those affected. Restaurants provided free meals, hotels free rooms, insurance agencies claim checks the next day, and builders/contractors getting on site quickly to start the process of re-building. One family posted on Face Book an announcement that they would be beginning the process of clean-up at 8 AM the next morning. Hundreds of people showed up at their place at that time ready to work! The fortunate timing of events and circumstances going just right had to occur for no one to be injured or killed during this event. A prime example was an open house held that evening at one of the Rochelle elementary schools. One of the housing subdivisions west of town struck by the tornado happens to be a section of town where many children are students at that particular school. People followed Doppler weather warnings and took heed to emer- gency sirens to re-locate to basements and safe areas. Everyone looked out for one another. The only positive outcome of the tornado was bringing our community together as one; Hub Strong. I’m proud and feel blessed to call myself a citizen of Ogle County and the town of Rochelle, Illinois. And I’m certain that if my family had been one of the unfortunate families affected by the tornado we would have been taken care of by others in the community. What a nice feeling! Community Outreach and Support Allows Those Impacted To Go On with Their Lives by Al Duthie Fourth of July – Independence Day! This is one of the greatest holidays celebrated in Ameri- ca as it is the birthday of our nation. Thomas Jefferson is the author of the Declaration of Independence. He led a committee that crafted the declaration between June 11-28, 1776. Jef- ferson and other discontented representatives from the thirteen colonies voted and approved it on July 4, 1776. The document declared freedom for the 13 colonies from British rule. It currently resides in the Exhibition Hall of the National Archive in Washington, D.C. Crest Foods Will Be Closed Friday, July 3, To Celebrate Independence Day
24 Crest Ink July, August & September 2015
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