Members of the McHenry Rotary Club joined about 80  developmentally challenged adults at Stades Farm 10 miles north of the city for a morning of petting animals, hay rides, pumpkin pickings and many other activities Thursday, September 26th, from 10:30 AM until 2:00 PM/
 

    The Pioneer Center for Human Services, which began in 1958 through the efforts of a mother with a 7 year old child with a developmental disability, provides direct services and care to over 10,000 individuals and children in McHenry County.  Because McHenry Rotary counts it among its local community service projects, our regular Thursday club meeting was joined with an outing of the Pioneer Center at Stades' Farm.  Not only does this farm sell fresh vegetables and other garden items, but it provides special rides and activities for all ages. 

    Among the club members present were Phil Bartmann, Terry Hargrove, Tony Huemann, Bill McLemore, Kathy Pelz, Donna Schaefer, Don Tonyan, Jim Vyduna, and Tom Webb, among those that this reporter spotted (and remembered) who were at the event.  Former club member, Lorraine Kopczynski, former CEO of the Pioneer Center, who recently moved to Naperville, was also present for this occasion.  Rotarians helped guide participants through the various activities, pushed wheel chairs, and served at the farm gates to help the guests pass into the various controlled areas.  [The attached photo shows Phil Bartmann being entertained by one of the more active participants.]