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Letters to the Editor
Updated: November 28, 2011 8:40AM
Pink differently in strides agains breast cancer
On behalf of the American Cancer Society, I would like to thank the hundreds of residents in the North Shore communities for their generosity and support of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk which took place Oct. 16 at Westfield Old Orchard.
Approximately 800 walkers and volunteers participated, and we raised more than $60,000 to fight breast cancer and provide hope for all people facing this disease.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a chance to “Pink Differently” in the fight against breast cancer, and celebrate survivorship and create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays.
I want to applaud the many survivors that led the way. These women are heroes. They are our mothers, sisters, daughters, wives and friends. They are the reason we continue the fight, and they remind us all of a very important message – finding breast cancer early – when it’s most treatable – can save lives.
A special thanks to all the volunteers who donated their time and effort to make this event a success. We could not have done it without you.
We also appreciate the generosity of this year’s flagship sponsors — Saint Francis Hospital and Westfield Old Orchard for their contributions and participation in this year’s walk.
Again, thank you for supporting your American Cancer Society. If you have outstanding pledges or would like to make a donation, it’s not too late. Your donations can help patients get the support they need. Contact your local American Cancer Society office or make a gift online at MakingStridesNorthShore.com. You can also contact us anytime, day or night for cancer-related information, support and resources at (800) 227-2345, or visit www.cancer.org
Jennifer McDermott
Strides Council Member
Evanston
Ways to improve downtown businesses
There are ways to improve the downtown business area of Skokie without physically changing it. Here are my suggestions.
1) Have the merchants initiate some promotions. Make one day a month a coupon day with special discounts. On another day, once a month, offer a two-for-one deal on merchandise or services.
2) In good weather months, have strolling musicians one evening a month.
3) On a different day, once a month in the good weather months, have quick sketch artists do portraits of passing patrons (half-price on childrens’ portraits).
4) On yet a third day in good weather months, have jugglers, balloon animal artists, and face painters.
5) Businesses can offer premiums to repeat customers. After a fourth visit, give the customer a free item.
If a little excitement is built in, things should pick up.
Alice Marcus Solovy
Skokie
