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For four years the 26.2-mile Samuel Adams Starved Stone State Marathon has become the "must do" upshot for avid runners. (Credit: Angela Accomando)

The outpouring of generosity in Starved Rock Country tin can be seen throughout the year, whether information technology be marathons for sick kids, our annual Penguin Plunge in cooperation with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an almanac United Style Labor of Love program that helps dozens of families in need of habitation repairs and maintenance and everyday acts of kindness and "paying-information technology-forward." Sometimes the smallest matter, such as giving your Aldi grocery cart without taking the quarter or helping the elderly across the street nevertheless happens here. Neighbors are true neighbors and loyalty to the community is ever-present. "Mayberry" still exists.

Just an hour abroad from Chicago and northern suburbs, Ottawa, located in the heart of Starved Rock Land, is one of Illinois' best places to go away, stay, and play.

Starved Rock Country offers some of the nicest state parks, including historical Starved Rock State Park, and boasts year-circular festivals, such as an annual wine and jazz festival; fantastic dining and IPA beer; canoeing, fishing and hiking; the phenomenal Heritage Harbor boat customs (likewise as many other awesome river clubs; gorgeous blooms and artwork and unique shopping opportunities. And that's merely some of what SRC has to offer.

Ottawa, specifically, is home to the historical Lincoln-Douglas Debate and the Ottawa Scouting Museum.

Besides all of that, the people are friendly, kind and enjoy sharing a smile or a helping hand.

Information technology took only one visit for me to decide to move here 12 years ago.

Valery'south Story (A Community's Endless Generosity)

Nosotros host an annual Welcome Burger inviting all newcomers in to town. Our historic Friendly River City was virtually to be challenged as never before. We were decorating the historic Episcopal church basement correct in the center of Ottawa for the almanac Fat Tuesday commemoration. It purports itself to be a church building fundraiser, only I've never witnessed such a weak endeavour to pull in coin. Sure, tickets were purchased by parishioners, neighbors and friends. The local stores and restaurants donated the equipment and batter which defrayed the costs of the event. Yet even more tickets were given away. Given to the shelters, gratefully accepted by whatever budget strapped family unit looking for a fun night out. Even the local AM station handed them out to the fifth caller.

Explanation: The church building basement dressed to the nines for Mardi Gras until four tornadoes hitting the small town. (Credit: Valery Calvetti)

With the basement readied, it was time to start flipping pancakes. The kitchen volunteers were in full force until the lights of a sudden flickered, sirens began to blare, and everything went night. Equally nosotros crawled out of the basement and peered through the pouring pelting, we learned that not but one, but four tornadoes touched downwards in our fiddling river city. Without missing a shell, the kitchen workers packed up all the food and delivered it to the fire station. This food served as the seedlings for the outpouring of generosity that erupted following the tragedy for and then many. Immediately, the church building down the block opened their doors daily for anyone needing a meal or a listening ear. Four women independently organized a fundraiser which brought in over-the-height raffle donations, dollars and food. Volunteers spilled out all over boondocks. The Carmine Cross, the Salvation Army, Scouts, YMCA, service clubs, churches, hairdressers, local truck drivers, farmers with concatenation saws, restaurants, grocery stores all giving and all non expecting anything in return. Strangers embracing strangers offered words of strength and encouragement. I saw a local concern man quietly and anonymously slip someone a generous sum of cash. A local landlord invited a displaced family into the vacant property without hesitation. The generosity of our pocket-sized town had not slowed down. The trivial Episcopal church fundraiser? They donated the gain from the church to those impacted by the tornado. This year, Ottawa emerged once again to claim their moniker as the Friendly River City.

After several tornadoes ripped through the town, businesses and churches beyond town started offering free meals and services throughout the community. (Credit: Valery Calvetti)

Following the tornado, our town was once more striking by a fire that erupted in that same little Episcopal church that held the fundraiser. That fire sparked another outpouring of generosity.

A fireman comes to the rescue and ascends a latter after a fire erupted in a local church. (Credit: Valery Calvetti)

The little Episcopal church building started to host a community repast on the first Sunday of every month. The meal is home cooked for anyone wanting friendship or a bite to eat. This thought rolled on down the block and now each Sunday on a rotating basis a local church opens their doors and serves a repast at no cost to anyone interested. These churches nestled effectually the urban center park go far convenient for those around boondocks. A woman from yet another church building donated a good sum of coin to proceed these meals coming.

The Kindness of Strangers

There she was — a few customers ahead of me in line. A fragile adult female moving slower than the rest of united states of america hurriedly trying to go far our Saturday morning errands. All her groceries were bagged and totaled. There was a pause; something was happening. Our local Handy Foods was unusually decorated this 24-hour interval. I couldn't quite hear what was going on — I was besides far back in line. All the same, I know the voice of panic. Information technology became credible to me that her wallet was missing.

The women in front of me turned to explain. Without hesitation, nosotros said simultaneously, "let'south split up the bill." The woman was taken to the front desk so they could help her retrace her steps. That Saturday she never did learn who picked up her bill, and nosotros didn't want her to know because we pay information technology forward in Ottawa, Illinois.

Honoring Our Veterans

We're veteran-friendly in Ottawa, Illinois! Correct across the street from the classic Roxy Cinema sits our American Legion. They serve up fellowship, festivities and nutrient!

Where would small town America be if it wasn't for our noble veterans? Each yr on Memorial Mean solar day, the local cemetery gathers flags from the area veterans and places them on an awesome brandish to honor our fallen heroes. Information technology is quite a spectacular display! In addition, nosotros take a parade and a laying of the wreath. We dearest and respect our veterans in Ottawa, Illinois. Nice, you want nice? What could be nicer than Sesame Street nice? Bob McGrath hails from where else – Ottawa, Illinois!