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Oak Park Education Foundation
William C. Staszak
Award Dinner Honoring
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Care and Education

April 26, 2008

The Collaboration for Early Childhood Care and Education's Joan White, Eric Gershenson, and Dee Dee Farmer are all Honored This Year for their Work in Oak Park at the William C. Staszak Award Dinner.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

A Full Room and then some were in attendance at the this year's
William C. Staszak Award Dinner
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Dee Dee Farmer, District 97 and Mr. Eric Gershenson Speaks on the Benefits and Successes of the Collaboration for Early Childhood Care
and Education at the William C. Staszak Award Dinner.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

story by Ed Vincent

This year the honoree of the Staszak dinner was the Collaboration for Early Childhood Care and Education. Those representing this collaboration were District 97’s Dee Dee Farmer, Eric Gershenson, and Joan White.

Ms. Farmer works with eleven different preschool facilities in Oak Park bringing early-childhood education and development for many at-risk students as well as a percentage of the average population. She spoke briefly at the podium about some of the strides made
and progress demonstrated with an autistic child writing his first
sentences and the thrill of the parents at a previous hopeless situation. Ms. Farmer noted other such individual accomplishments with the young and repeated after each scenario how this child
would grow and flourish in Oak Park District 97 with a bright future, and be a contributing member of society. Her optimism was shared by those in attendance. Her fellow workers, and those with
optimistic inclinations and data of successes gained from early childhood education, were pleased for much of the night-unless
they lost their bid in the auction.

As in previous years there were a host of well-known dignitaries
and experts in education ranging from the current superintendent
of District 97, Ms. Connie Collins, past superintendent of District 97, John Fagan, previous District 97 Board Members, parents, teachers and other supporters of the Oak Park Education Foundation.

WBEZ, Chicago’s National Public Radio Station, 91.5 FM's Torey Malatia as master of ceremonies. Last year WBEZ was represented by Peter Sagel, the host of “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me.” I’m not sure if Oak Park is over represented with membership in National Public Radio or if these are just some of the world’s best folks, but their success at Oak Park Education Foundation auctions has been without a flaw.

Bill Gates was even in attendance, but didn't bring free versions of Microsoft for anyone or millions of dollars, because our Bill Gates
is the retired president of the Oak Park Teacher’s Association. Mr. Gates is now officially retired, but he is still teaching, loves education and those who work in the field.

All of the money raised will go to the Oak Park Education Foundations projects like Global Village, Art Start, Vex Robotics
and Architecture Adventure. They are also always looking for
new ideas......

Projects on line from the Foundation

Torey Malatia the producer of NPR's WBEZ in Chicago at 91.5 Fm
Conducts the William C. Staszak Award Dinner Auction.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Past Supt. of Oak Park & River Forest High School Susan Bridge and her Husband Nick, supporters of Education for Life.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Dr. Bridge and I spoke for sometime about the wonderful dramas that are produced at Oak Park & River Forest High School and how
well they are performed. She told me that she tried to see each and every one of them when she was at the High School.

She is now teaching at Concordia College in River Forest and having
a great time. She also won one of the flower arrangements from her table setting, since she had a red dot under her plate (one person did as well from each of the tables) and she looks great with her bouquet
and husband.

"Medea" by Euripides performed at the
Oak Park and River Forest High School
Was a big hit in all areas of lighting, scenes,
costumes,and performances.

Torey Malatia, as Host of the Auction is one in a list of devoted
Folks at WBEZ who have helped for years with the William C. Staszak Award Dinner Auctions, last year it was Peter Sagel
from "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me."
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo