New Lenox Patch Readers: Thank You For Helping Us Grow

NEW LENOX, IL - Although I grew up in Joliet, some of my favorite childhood memories take me back to my gridiron days. I played tackle football for the New Lenox Mustangs. Back in the 1980s, New Lenox was much smaller than it is today. Unlike many communities that have seen a population surge over the years, New Lenox continues to retain its charm and character, even to this day.

There was something special about wearing the red Mustangs football uniform. My coaches were tough and hard-nosed, but they taught us sportsmanship and the importance of giving it our all, to never quit.

During my first season in New Lenox, I wore No. 38. I mostly played outside linebacker and safety. At the end of every season, the Mustangs played against a team from St. Charles, MO. We rotated home games every year. Late in our home game at New Lenox, my coaches sent me in to play defensive line. I was way undersized. There was a running play up the middle, but I was there to make the tackle.

The next play, the same thing. Two plays in a row and two tackles for little to no gain for my opponent.

After the other team was forced to punt, I was treated to a hero's welcome when I got back to the New Lenox Mustangs sidelines. Unbeknownst to me, I had just tackled, "Bubba," who was apparently some child football prodigy for the Missouri team. My coaches later told me that "Bubba" got chewed out when he made it back to his sidelines for letting a little squirt like me to take him down, twice.

I have no idea whatever became of the legendary Bubba, but it was a great memory from my childhood, and it never would have happened if I hadn't played youth tackle football for New Lenox.

Then last year, I had another opportunity to reconnect with the community of New Lenox.

During the summer of 2017, I moved back to the area to oversee the Joliet Patch, and last fall I added the New Lenox Patch to my coverage area.

I've enjoyed getting a chance to meet people around New Lenox and bring you stories that keep you informed about what's going on in your community.

Earlier this year, I produced several stories related to the referendum seeking a tax rate increase by the New Lenox Fire Protection District. This topic drew a wide range of comments from people in the community. Another major story concerned last December's sudden ouster of long-time Providence Catholic president Father Richard McGrath.

Meanwhile, I've worked closely and remain in regular contact with the New Lenox Police Department. I want to keep you better informed about what kinds of criminal activity is happening around the community.

On the other spectrum, I have tried to make business and development reporting a high priority. I've written several articles related to the biggest news in New Lenox over the past year, the upcoming addition of the new Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants as well as the addition of a new Pete's Fresh Market that plans to open at the same development in early 2020.

Here are 10 recent news articles that show a variety of my coverage:

Starbucks Opening New Store Near CVS Pharmacy Construction Site

Fleckenstein's Grand Opening A Huge New Lenox Hit

Cooper's Hawk Summer Construction Update

New Dunkin' Donuts Almost Ready To Open

Watch It Again: Train Depot Moves From New Lenox

Make A Wish, Baldermann Help Bryce Get Backyard Pool

2 Kmarts Still Open, In New Lenox And Joliet

More Warehouses For Cherry Hill Business Park: Mayor

Baldermann Gives Gettysburg Address Type Speech

New Lenox Hires 6 New Police Officers

One of the great things about Patch is its ability to forge a relationship, strike a bond, with our readers. With the New Lenox Patch, we are fortunate to have a number of important community stakeholders who are regular content contributors at Patch. I'm hoping that number continues to grow, I just spoke with someone at the village this week, encouraging them to sign up here to start posting their events and news.

Right now, Silver Cross Hospital regularly posts content about medical breakthroughs and other important events such as the Silver Cross Foundation's Oktoberfest Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Silver Cross Foundation To Host Oktoberfest Oct. 13

Another regular community content contributor for the New Lenox Patch happens to be VFW Post 9545. Recently, the VFW sponsored its third annual blood drive and health fair.

VFW 9545 Hosts Third Annual Blood Drive

Even the New Lenox Cub Scouts use the power of New Lenox Patch to publicize their events and activities.

A great example was this past summer when the Scouts traveled to Wisconsin to tour a World War II submarine in Manitowoc.

Cub Scouts Visit WWII Submarine

Your interest and engagement in the New Lenox Patch is making a difference. More than 101,000 visitors landed on New Lenox Patch in August, according to Google Analytics. Since March 1, the New Lenox Patch has added 708 online newsletter subscribers, bringing our mailing list to more than 4,600 subscribers.

Over the last 12 months, New Lenox Patch has added more than 1,700 Facebook followers, too. Our fan list reached 13,926 this month.

If you own a business and are interested in getting your message on New Lenox Patch or our nearby Patches, please visit this page and tell us what you need. One of our sales reps will be in touch.

Many news websites here in Illinois and beyond are limiting access to free articles, but New Lenox Patch articles and events by our journalists and our users are always free to view - whether you live in New Lenox or whether your a former childhood tackle football legend from St. Charles, Missouri simply known as "Bubba."

Image of John Ferak reporting at the site of the new Cooper's Hawk restaurant in New Lenox.