Every Fall, the DeKalb County Community Gardens (DCCG) seeks to recruit new volunteers for its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is the governing body of any nonprofit organization like DCCG. Individuals who serve on the Board are responsible for overseeing the organization’s activities; focusing on the organization’s mission, strategy, and goals.
This annual recruitment effort is led by Moria Nagy, current DCCG Board Member and Chairperson of the Nominating Committee. Moria vetted new board member candidates this past summer and is pleased to announce that three new board members have been accepted on to the DCCG Board of Directors for a three-year term:
• Angela Johnson, along with daughter Jasmin, has volunteered regularly with DCCG’s Grow Mobile at University Village-DeKalb. “I have always loved volunteering to help DCCG in any way I can. I know as a board member I can bring something new to the table,” said Angela.
• Randi Napientek, Associate Director of Student-Athlete Academic Support Services at NIU, said, “I have experience in programming, community outreach, and assessment and look forward to the opportunity to be a part of this amazing organization.” Her professional experience includes Student Support Services in higher education, Student Development, Retention Strategies, Assessment, Marketing, Financial Literacy, Social Media, and Technology. Randi lives in Sycamore and has been involved in our local non-profit community for several years serving on Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary, the Board of Directors for DeKalb County Youth Services Bureau, co-chair of Money Smart Week of DeKalb, Lee & LaSalle Counties, and Junior Achievement—Western Suburbs Division.
• Virginia Sherrod is retired from DeKalb District 428 and is currently serving as the 4th Ward Alderman for the City of Sycamore. “I look forward to being a board member. My wish is to be able to continue the wonderful work that has already been started,” stated Virginia. She is an active community leader serving as a board member for the North Avenue MB Church, an Elder with SIMBA/SIMSA Nation, member of the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County and a DeKalb County Election Talley Judge/Deputy Registrar. Virginia was raised by parents who gardened and valued fresh food for their children; something she continues to hold dear.
DCCG is grateful to these new Board Members as well as those already serving: Jackie DiNatale (President), Ellingsworth Webb (Treasurer) Emily McKee (Secretary), Dorothy Coleman, Sheryl Nakonechny, Nancy Proesel, Lizy Garcia Ramirez, and Toni Tollerud.
The DCCG organization has created working partnerships with neighborhoods, schools, non-profit organizations, municipalities, County government, park districts, forest preserve districts, businesses, hospitals, family health centers, foundations, and churches. DCCG is also working with Kishwaukee Family YMCA, Kish Health Systems, and Live Healthy DeKalb County, as well as Northern Illinois University and Kishwaukee College; DCCG has over 70 partnerships and sponsors. DCCG is also creating a community orchard and a food forest. DCCG is working with partners to create a Northern Illinois Regional Food Hub and Processing Center. DCCG has set up seed libraries with local public libraries. Local Flavors dinners are also sponsored by DCCG; dinners that connect local chefs with local growers, to promote healthy local eating.
For More Information please contact: Jackie DiNatale, DCCG Board President jackiedinatale@hotmail.com | 815.981.1744
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