ACROSS AMERICA — Just as country star Shania Twain crooned “From This Moment On” at a concert in Tinley Park, Illinois, last week, Jake Roberts dropped to his knee in what turned out to be a perfectly timed proposal — even if it was Roberts’ “plan B.”
Before work obligations got in the way, the 21-year-old Roberts had planned to propose to Liz Rickard, 25, privately on a beach, followed by dinner when he would surprise her with the tickets to the concert, her first.
“I was in shock; I had no idea,” Rickard told Patch’s Lauren Traut. “It was definitely a moment to remember.”
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As for the plan B aspect of the proposal, “he crushed it,” Rickard said. “He did absolutely amazing.” » A Patch Exclusive by Lauren Traut for Tinley Park Patch
‘So American On America’s Birthday’
Hundreds of wieners were ready, but Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, a treasured tradition on Coney Island, almost didn’t happen. Though the competition was called for rain, the decision literally did not dampen the enthusiasm of a raucous crowd, who held out hope the clouds would part in time to see Joey Chestnut defend his Mustard Belt title. Among those waiting in the rain was Janis Clark (top photo), who’d come from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to referee the contest. “To be part of something so American on America’s birthday is just incredible,” she told Patch’s Emily Rahhal. In the end, the fans chanting “Joey! Joey!” were rewarded. He will continue his reign after devouring 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes. » A Patch Exclusive by Emily Rahhal for Bed-Stuy Patch
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Worth The Bloat
In the women’s division of the the hot dog eating competition, Miki Sudo, of Port Richey, Florida, took first place by gobbling down 40 hot dogs in 10 minutes. “She’s really excited,” Sudo’s fiancé, Nick Wehry, told Patch’s D’Ann Lawrence White. “She did a phenomenal job.” Both are competitive eaters. Wehry placed fourth overall, downing 45 hot dogs, five shy of his goal of 50. Sudo placed sixth overall. Both were feeling “a little bloated” after the contest, Wehry said. » A Patch Exclusive by D’Ann Lawrence White and Emily Rahhal for New Port Richey Patch
‘Newfound Friend’
After five days of backbreaking but rewarding work on a mission trip to the Leech Lake Indigenous American Reservation in Minnesota, a team of eight missionaries — three adults and five students — from the Vienna (Virginia) Presbyterian Church were ready to get home in time for the 4th of July weekend. They found themselves stranded at the airport, without hotel accommodations, when a stranger from Illinois who saw their frustration stepped in, wrote a check generous enough to cover their hotel stay before boarding his own flight. “His kind gesture meant so much to our team,” the church’s associate director of missions, Sue Hamblen, told Patch’s Emily Leayman as the team saw their flight canceled again on Saturday. “We know we are among thousands of stranded travelers over the weekend who didn’t encounter a good Samaritan, and while we are still a long way from home, we are grateful for the accommodations provided by our newfound friend.” » A Patch Exclusive by Emily Leayman for Vienna Patch
A ‘Rush Of Thankfulness’
In the four years since her Mokena, Illinois, home was burglarized, Kristin Ellis had abandoned hope she would ever again see the necklace her mother had made for her to wear on her wedding day or a gold necklace handed down by her grandmother. Remarkably, police recovered the precious keepsakes from a Chicago pawn shop a few days after the burglary, but had since been locked in a vault as the case proceeded against the woman accused of stealing them. She pleaded guilty, and Ellis got an email telling her she could pick up her jewelry and other items that had been stolen. “Obviously, I knew (the items) were there, but I was so anxious to get it back,” Ellis told Patch’s Jeff Arnold. “But finally, to actually have them, I can’t even explain the emotions I had to have them back in my hands … just the rush of thankfulness I felt for (the police) had actually found them for me.” » A Patch Exclusive by Jeff Arnold for Mokena Patch
She Does What She Can
When Russia’s army invaded Ukraine some 500 days ago, Mary Moonen watched news accounts in horror from her home in Bradenton, Florida, knowing that millions of civilians were being murdered, countless others were unable to flee and more were faced with brutal choices, like leaving a pet behind. As a social worker, she felt an ethical responsibility. “I couldn’t just ignore what was going on,” Moonen told Patch’s Tiffany Razzano. “I can’t just say nothing or do nothing because apathy is another killer.” As the war rages, Moonen makes and sells jewelry, then donates the money for humanitarian relief in Ukraine. So far, she’s raised $2,000. » A Patch Exclusive by Tiffany Razzano for Bradenton Patch
Dog Rescue Defines Community
Amanda Briggs had fostered 62 dogs before Venus gave her the biggest scare. The Bernese mountain dog slipped out of her New Lenox, Illinois, home and, Briggs eventually learned, had fallen 12 feet into a manhole. The city’s public works and fire departments teamed to bring Venus to safety in a heartwarming effort that touched Briggs, 40, who had only recently moved back to her hometown. “I was so touched by the sense of community,” she told Patch’s Lauren Traut. “Everyone coming together, having their eye out was so fantastic.” The rescue also means the best is yet to come for Venus, who had birthed several litters of puppies before she was surrendered to a rescue shelter by the owner. “She doesn’t know how great her life is going to be,” said Briggs, whose temporary care helps prepare Venus for adoption. “We’re just a pit stop on her journey.” » A Patch Exclusive by Lauren Traut for New Lenox Patch
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