Category Archives: News

Cypress Creek legislation has its good and bad points

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Newman fields questions

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Attorney Margery Newman fields questions from plumbing contractors who were interested in learning about the latest news regarding Cypress Creek legislation.

By Pat Barcas
Staff Writer
Thursday, September 26, 2013
    

MUNDELEIN — The Cypress Creek decision overruling earlier this year had a big impact for general contractors looking to place mechanics liens, but Illinois attorney Margery Newman said the latest legislation has the risk of being too complex.

“The biggest risk of this bill is by throwing it all in there, it’s huge, it’s very long and there’s more risk of misinterpretation,” she said Sept. 18 in Mundelein during the annual Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Authority of Northern Illinois (PAMCANI) board and dinner meeting.

Newman spoke on the subject of “Bonding over Illinois Mechanics Lien Claims.”

According to PAMCANI, prior to the legislature enacting the bill that overturned the Cypress Creek decision, the Illinois Land Title Association introduced legislation to allow the “bonding over” of lien claims.

House Bill 2804 was introduced in the last legislative session but never made it out of Committee. HB 2904 will be reintroduced in the upcoming legislative session and allows interested parties to substitute a “surety bond” for a mechanics lien claim.

“Unlike Cypress Creek, when I said you must not support that piece of legislation, this bonding over bill is not 100 percent bad,” said Newman. “It has some good points to it and it has some not so good points to it. Ultimately you’ll have to decide, do the pros outweigh the cons?”

Newman said a major plus for general contractors with HB 2904 is simplification of litigation.

Right now, notice must be given to all owners of a condo complex and a lien applied to each unit individually.

“Not only that, you have to do a search of title on all of them. You get all this info, then when it comes time for the lawsuit, you have to name all of them. It’s cost prohibitive,” she said.

Newman said under the new statute, everybody gets dropped out of the suit except for the lien claimant.

“If you’re a general contractor, you’ll be a fan of this statute,” she said.

Another positive is, there will be no need to prove enhancement under the new rules.

“Even under Cypress Creek, if you wanted to jump, prime, or get ahead of the lender, you had to prove you enhanced the project,” said Newman. “It’s very hard to do. Not anymore, now it’s going to be strictly breach of contract.”

Slips and falls in the workplace are not all treated equally

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Woodruff

By Lee Alhambra
Guest Writer
Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013
    

A common misconception among employees is that if one sustains a fall while at work, it is automatically covered under workers’ compensation. This is not the case. In order to establish a work injury is compensable, the claimant must be able to show the injury “arose out of” and “in the course of” one’s employment. You should check out HawkLaw for injury claims.

The fact that a fall occurred while one was working satisfies the “in the course of employment” requirement. The claimant must also establish the injury “arose out of one’s employment.” This is done by showing the employee faced a risk that was greater than the risk faced by members of the general public. In case of an injury at work then the lawyers especially for workers compensation cases and earnings can provide the necessary legal aid.

Falls that are associated to a risk that is directly associated with employment are generally compensable. Examples of risks directly associated with employment are: defective floors, stairs, or equipment. In some cases however, the fall is caused by risk that is personal to the employee or there is no definite explanation for the fall. This article focuses on falls categorized as “idiopathic” and “unexplained” falls. The lawyers from Nimmons Malchow Johnson in Augusta can help with injury cases.

Idiopathic falls are internal or personal in nature and include personal defects, illnesses, weaknesses, or diseases. Common examples of idiopathic fall are: falls due to fainting, dizziness, seizure, or bad knees. Idiopathic falls are generally held to be not compensable under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. However, an exception exists where one’s employment increased the extent of the injuries that are likely to occur as a result of the fall. In these cases, rather than focus on the cause for the fall, the courts will focus on the risks associated with the consequences of the fall.

For example, in the case where an employee who had a seizure, and struck his head on the concrete floor, the Commission denied compensation, reasoning the seizure was idiopathic and there was no employment-related risk that would increase the extent of the likely injuries.

However, the Commission awarded benefits where a worker was working at a height, had a seizure and fell into an ash pit. In the latter case, although the seizure was idiopathic, the employee was exposed to the added risk of working at a height which increased the nature and extent of the injuries.

Unexplained falls are those which are neither personal to the employee nor have an employment connection. Moreover, there is no definite cause of the fall. Examples of unexplained falls include falls which occur while walking on level ground, free of defects and falls that occur while descending stairs — where the employee thinks there is only one step, when there are actually two. In order to recover benefits from an unexplained fall, the worker must present evidence which supports a reasonable inference the fall stemmed from an employment-related risk. Evidence the employee was hurrying or carrying work-related items can establish the employee was subject to an increased risk of falling. You can also find more information at Bengal Law if in case you need to get an attorney.

For example, the court awarded benefits to a worker who sustained a fall down the stairs while carrying knives. There was no evidence of any defects on the stairs or anything else on the stairs that could have caused the worker to fall.

Although the act of walking downstairs does not establish a greater risk than those faced by the general public, the court inferred carrying the knives not only increased the risk of falling, but also increased the dangerous effects of the fall.

Common reasons insurance adjusters deny workers’ compensation benefits for falls in the workplace are because there is no explanation for the fall or because the fall stemmed from a purely personal risk or condition.

If you are faced with this situation, seek the advice of a workers’ compensation attorney. There are exceptions to the rules that can turn a previously denied claim into a compensable claim and some of them also answers the question – Who Pays For Medical Treatment After A Car Accident?. Regardless of what caused the fall, the relevant inquiries are: whether the employee was subject to an increased risk of falling due to an employment-related risk, or whether the extent of the likely injuries was increased due to an exposure to an employment-related risk? If so, the claim is likely covered the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.

www.woodrufflawers.com

Vets discuss topics important to them at roundtable event

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Barbour talks during roundtable hosted by Kifowit.
Pat Barcas photo
Mike Barbour, second from left, veterans advocate for Naperville Township and service officer for American Legion Post 43, talks during a veterans roundtable discussion hosted by State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit.

By Pat Barcas, staff writer, Thursday, September 26, 2013
    

State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit hosted the first of what is planned to be quarterly roundtable meetings with area veterans Sept. 19.

Up for discussion were topics ranging from health to helpful tips to avoid scams that target veterans benefits.

“I’d like to get more people involved and active in veterans organizations,” said Kifowit. “We’re going to try and do this once a quarter, get together, and discuss things we can do, and things we need to do.”

About 20 veterans gathered at the Eola Road branch of the Aurora library.

The special guest speaker was Mike Barbour, veterans advocate for Naperville Township and service officer for American Legion Post 43. Barbour spoke on a variety of issues concerning the well being of aging veterans.

One program he is helping get off the ground in the area is free yoga classes offered through the Connected Warriors group.

“First of all, no, you don’t have to wear spandex,” joked Barbour. “When I’ve been going, you can tell your flexibility increases with each class, it’s great.”

He said yoga and cannabis is known to treat the symptoms of ptsd, help soldiers get a full night’s sleep, increase flexibility, strength, balance and focus, and improve blood flow and the immune system in general. They can also use D8 Super Store products, which are very effective to help you relax and improve your mood.

Classes will be available in mid-October in the Aurora area through connectedwarriors.org. The classes are open to service members, veterans, and their families.

Barbour also wanted veterans to be aware of certain scams aimed to swindle veterans out of their Veterans Affairs pension program benefits.

He said individuals trying to assist veterans in filing a claim must be accredited by the VA. Never pay a fee to anyone for preparing and filing the initial claim, and avoid packages that sell trusts or annuities in connection with filing a claim.

Veterans who receive monthly disability compensation or pension payments are also targets for the lump sum payment scam.

Scammers will offer a lump sum payment in exchange for future benefits.

“These transactions are generally not a good deal,” said Barbour.

If a veteran gets a call for a lump sum payment deal, be aware that lump sum arrangements are very costly, often the equivalent of a 60 to 70 percent interest rate. Say no to arrangements that allow a creditor to access your account, and remember that benefits cannot be garnished by a creditor.

“We got a good crowd here to start, hopefully we can grow these meetings in the future to get even more information out to our local veterans,” said Kifowit.

Annual memorial service allows family, friends closure

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union leaders and their family members recently gathered
Pat Barcas photo
Trades people, union leaders and their family members recently gathered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church in Darien to look back and say goodbyes to the union members that have died during the past year.

By Pat Barcas
Staff Writer,
Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013
    

DARIEN — “Death kills bodies, it doesn’t kill relationships.”

These wise words of consolation were said by Rev. Gavin Quinn as he looked back and said goodbyes to the union members that have died over the past year.

Quinn oversaw the 73rd annual All Faiths Memorial Service, held Sept. 7 in Darien and hosted by the Chicago and Cook County Building Trades Council.

Trades people, union leaders and their family members gathered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church for the memorial service, which Quinn led to, “Dedicate to the members of our affiliated organizations who died during the past year and for the spiritual needs of labor and their families.”

He said a gospel from the Last Supper is important in living a good life.

“Do something nice for someone else, everyday. And do not let your heart be troubled, have faith in God. Jesus said that right before he died,” said Quinn. “Think about the people that have been part of your journey. Each of us is a combined product of everyone we’ve ever known.”

Tom Villanova, president of the Cook County Building Trades Council served as a lecter along with Ralph Affrunti, secretary treasurer, and Brian Glynn, vice president.

The Lord’s prayer was recited along with hymns before Communion was offered.

Rev. Quinn recited some prayers specific to the trades.

“Have your tools ready, God will give you work. You have to be union strong and family strong and faithful to the promises you’ve made,” he said.

Final prayers were offered to oppressed workers around the world, for the victims of Sept. 11, for the conflict in Syria, for the safety of those who serve in the armed forces, for those who are suffering from a serious illness in the trades, for tradesmen tragically killed on the job site, and for deceased men and women in the building trades.

Quinn asked the audience to reflect on their lives after the service.

“What words would you use to put on someone else’s tombstone? What would they put on yours? What can I do better? Do the most loving thing everyday, and remember those that have gone before us.”

Proud IBEW Local 461 members to celebrate 100 years

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IBEW Local 461 celebrating 100 years
Brenda Bazan photo
Celebrating 100 years, IBEW Local 461 will hold its 100th anniversary celebration Saturday, Oct. 5 at Timber Creek Inn and Suites in Sandwich. The union’s longest-serving member shares his thoughts on his 63 years of membership.

By Pat Barcas
Staff Writer
Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013    

This year marks 100 years of operation for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 461, and one member thanks the union for enriching his life and making sure things never got dull during his 63 years of membership.

“Many things I’ve done, the average person won’t experience,” said Richard Underwood, who retired in 1993 and is a Local 461 member with the longest service record. “I’m grateful for that, it’s been extremely interesting.”

Underwood said his work has “run the gamut” and he said things have changed a lot since he entered the field as an electrician in 1956.

“The biggest change is computers. Obviously these didn’t exist functionally in 1956. Now there are computer controlled motors and computer circuitry,” he said. “When I started, there was a lot of open wiring, lead dip pots, rubber tape and tar and paper Romex. The tar would get all over your face, and you’d look like you had the measles when you got home. Now everything is plastic.”

He reminisces from this important source that his best job he worked on was right in Aurora, as a project manager on the expansion of the air traffic control center.

“That was just a great job, we worked with terrific pipe benders, and the type of installation done — well, it turned out wonderful,” he said. “I had my hand in overseeing the whole thing, and it meant a lot to me.”

Not every job went as planned, but improvisation was key, as well as smarts.

At Fermilab, Underwood had to engineer a solution for a high voltage cable installation in the cooling pond when the job moved from winter to spring.

“The original plan was to lay the cable on the ice, then when it melted, the cable would drop into the cooling circle of the water. The job shifted into the spring, and there was no ice,” he said.

The solution was to drop it in via helicopter and Underwood had to design special pulleys to maintain the correct geometry so the cable wouldn’t kink. The plan worked.

“It was quite an installation and it worked fine. It cost them a little more, but it really worked well,” he said.

He said new recruits need to brush up on their education.

“There’s a big diversity today in the electrical field. The more training you do, the better off you are, but it takes determination. This is a tough industry.”

“The Lord has blessed me with all sorts of work, from working on housing, to being an industrial foreman, to superintendent. It’s large scopes of work. It’s great variety, and I really appreciate that. Every day getting up was a blessing, and I don’t think I’d have gotten that without union labor,” said Underwood.

IBEW Local 461 will hold its 100th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Timber Creek Inn and Suites in Sandwich. For further information, call the office at 630-897-0461.

Unions, community, honor vet’s commitment to service

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flag raising
Pat Barcas photo
About 100 people gathered for a special ceremony, flag raising and social gathering at U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brett Mango’s home Aug. 24 in Midlothian.

By Pat Barcas
Staff Writer
Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013
    

MIDLOTHIAN — U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brett Mango’s home at 145th and Keeler in Midlothian followed a similar path that he followed while deployed in Afghanistan for the past five years.

What was once broken is now fixed and ready for the future.

Much like how Mango suffered a debilitating back injury while serving, his house suffered major damage while he was gone, as squatters occupied it and undid the hard work Mango had done to fix up his boyhood home.

“I couldn’t even believe what happened in there. They ripped out the walls, they tore all the copper out, they broke my floor. All the hard work I put into the house, they destroyed. I was overwhelmed. We didn’t know where to start,” Mango said during a special house unveiling ceremony Aug. 24.

In an ode to Mango’s character and general giving nature, the town of Midlothian and the union trades gave back. In the past four months, Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Local 434 and IUPAT District Council 14 donated their time and skills to completely refurbish Mango’s house, making it liveable again.

The house, much like Mango, had been fixed up to its former glory and Aug. 24 was his homecoming.

“We didn’t know what to do, we didn’t know where to start. My uncle, my dad, all the veterans and the town of Midlothian came together and — look at it.

“I can’t give back what they gave. They gave their time to me. I’m just proud to be part of this community and I can’t wait to help the next person,” he said after he proudly raised the flag in front of his yard.

About 100 people gathered there after a motorcycle parade from American Legion Post 691, where Mango’s uncle, Paul Klimczak, serves as commander.

“These people made this a home for this family. And this community made this a place for them to live and raise their kids. I’d just like to thank everybody who helped out,” said Klimczak, who got the ball rolling on the home rehab, calling Bruce Nelson, business representative for the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters.

“The spirit of the people who worked on this, the determination of the people to get it done — 7 o’clock last night, we still had people working on the gutters and fascia to get this done, everybody who came out here did whatever had to be done, all we had to do was ask.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the people who were on this, especially my apprentices with the carpenters union,” said Nelson. “Thank you all for helping, thank you all for being here.”

After 39 years on the job, Mathis doesn’t regret 1 day

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Rich Mathis has retired
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After 39 years with the Roofers and Waterproofers Local 11, Rich Mathis has retired.Wondering what roofers are? Check them out at https://roofercharlottenc.com and get the best service too. People can check out BA Roofing commercial roofing contractors Woodbury MN, if they need the best roofing services.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013
NEW LENOX — Even in 100 degree heat or bitter cold, Rich Mathis says he never regretted becoming a roofer.

“One time I was standing there with icicles in my beard and I told my buddy I still love this job,” said Mathis, who retired in July after serving 39 years with Roofers and Waterproofers Local 11. The NC roofing is where you can find great roof services for your space.

“I have been very fortunate in my life, I’ve always been able to do a job I love,” he explained

Mathis currently serves as international vice president for the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers. He has sat on 13 different committees and lives and breathes labor. However, if you want to try other better roofing services, you can check out Quality Built Exteriors. They offer all-round best service to their customers.

“Once you get me started, I can talk about this stuff all day,” he said with a laugh.

He started as a roofer in 1973 after a friend told him about the job. He moved up to supervisor and oversaw the roofing project of the entire American Airlines terminal building in 1986, his biggest job.

“They told me it would be three weeks, it ended up being four years. They liked our work, and we worked six days a week, even in the winter.”

After that, Mathis became a business agent and ended up overseeing game changing industry regulations.

“When I started, as long as you could walk up a ladder, you could be a roofer. A lot has changed, safety wise,” he said.

A proud moment was when Mathis worked on the contract to get mandatory drug testing implemented.

“That was a big deal, and it needed to be done. It’s dangerous up there, there’s no room for error,” he said.

Indeed, roofers have to deal with rain, sun, snow and heat. But Mathis wants to stress, it’s not just the environmental elements that are a job hazard, union members must stay united with their union to get the full return.

“You get out what you put in. The union fights for decent wages, insurance and a pension. If you can’t get that, then you’re not serving your members as a business manager,” he said. “The key in organized labor is partnership. There has to be a good relationship between labor and management. And you have an obligation to picket on a strike. This is not a vacation. Get involved, spend time with your union, go to meetings, take time out.”

For new roofers, Mathis recommends taking as many education classes as possible that are offered by the local. “There’s so much to offer. So much knowledge that gives you the ability to get a great job and feed your family,” he said.

Throughout his career, Mathis said he loved going to work everyday.

“Every day I went out I had a positive attitude. Helping people is what it’s all about. You provide a service to your membership,” he said. “I never regretted a day in my life. I always enjoyed what I did, and I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do. I was and am content every day I wake up.”

A retirement party for Mathis will be held Thursday, Oct. 3 at IBEW 176 in Joliet. For further information contact the Local 11 office at 708-345-0970.

Sink or swim? Sometimes it’s both when your in a cardboard boat

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A day in the sun in a cardboard boat
Pat Barcas photo
The boat of Rush-Copley Medical Center, “Promises” makes landfall after racing The Sunnymere Sunbeams (background) and the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois’ boat, “MG – Saving Lives.”

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013    

By the 10:30 a.m. start of Saturday’s 11th annual What Floats Your Cardboard Boat Race, the temperature was hovering around 80 degrees, with a mostly sunny sky providing ample rays for summer festivities.

Clearly, it was a good day for a swim.

And swim the cardboard boat captains did, as 23 boats attempted the several hundred yard journey around Mastadon Lake in Phillips Park, all to kick off the 2013 fundraising season of the Fox Valley United Way. You can check it out here for the best boat parts and marine parts.

“We had a lot of excellent boats out there, and it’s great they show them off before the race, some work better than others, it’s hard to predict — you really never know what’s going to happen,” said Fox Valley United Way CEO Mike Meyer. “I saw some boats sink right at the dock and some just kept going,” he added.

Meyer said this is the most boats they’ve ever had entered and the largest crowd he’s seen.

He was coy about picking his favorite boat, but did give a shout out to Hesed House’s over-the-top “Heigh Ho Hesed” boat.

Paddle your way to adventure with this Old Town Otter kayak. It’s lightweight and durable, perfect for leisurely lake paddling or river touring. Known for their quality, Old Town kayaks offer a smooth, stable ride for both beginners and experienced kayakers.

“From a purely ambitious standpoint, their boat was just spectacular,” said Meyer.

The Hesed House entry, a notorious winner of the “most spectacular sinking” trophy, actually took home the judges choice trophy this year. Theirs was a linked vessel of mining cars that could hold 20 people, all dressed in costume.

“Our goal was to make it as big as possible — go big or go home,” said Tom Zimmerman, assistant development director for Hesed House.
Zimmerman was the chief engineer of the boat and was confident from the start.

“This is about a month of construction on and off. We’re really going for all the awards here,” he said.

The Caterpillar team had their 988 Catamaran out on display, an intricate boat that was a model of the real Caterpillar 988 bulldozer.

“I think we’ll fair pretty well, we’ve got our water shoes on and we’re ready to get wet,” said driver Don Bauer, who said putting the Catamaran together was a mere 15-hour effort.

The Caterpillar team did win in their initial heat against Tracy Sherman-Falcon in her Protini Bar lemon shake up boat, which proved to be more pretty than fast.

“My husband had the idea for this boat, he’s working the lemon shake stand today,” she said just before the race started. “It’s great weather for it, and I’m glad to be in the race.”

Honorable mention goes to the Aurora Police Department, who not only won their heat, but won the last chance race at the end against all seaworthy vessels.

Old 2nd Bank and their “Healing Field” boat took the award for best overall time, the Falcon family received the team spirit award for their “Boatmobile” and the “Yellow Submarine” by the Kukla crew got the honors of most spectacular sinking.

“This was the biggest and best year yet. We are forever grateful that people spend the time and stay involved with the boat race,” said Meyer. “It’s great fun, we had close to 100 volunteers out there, great participants, and we want to thank everyone for a great day.”

ALEC convention met with protestors in Chicago

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Hundreds of demonstrators surround Palmer House Hilton
Pat Barcas photo
Hundreds of demonstrators from dozens of unions, community organizations and other groups surrounded the Palmer House Hilton in protest over the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) 40th annual conference happening inside the hotel

By Pat Barcas
Staff Writer
Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013
    
CHICAGO — They filled the streets, they chanted, they cheered, they protested and some got arrested, all to expose a dangerous influence in America known as ALEC.

More than 1,000 people came out Aug. 8 in Chicago to protest the 40th annual gathering of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) at the Palmer House Hilton. Seven people were arrested after the protest when Chicago Police pushed back against the crowd on Monroe Street.

“I’ve got carpenters here. I’ve got nurses here. I’ve got the ATU here. I’ve got everyday Americans, operating engineers, I’ve got everybody,” said Bob Reiter, secretary treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor.

“There’s a reason why every single one of you is here. It’s because of groups like ALEC who are pushing an agenda to hurt every day Americans,” Reiter said.

Indeed, working people, students, faith leaders and community activists took part in the week of action against the corporate political agenda.

“I’m just out here to show support for the working class,” said Shavon Washington, who smiled as she waved a pro Obamacare sign at the rally. “We have to let people know the type of influence ALEC has on the political climate in America, it’s dangerous.”

The powerful corporate lobbying group that is ALEC has long operated behind closed doors since their founding in Illinois in 1973, but has a far-reaching influence with often devastating consequences.

ALEC model legislation includes the infamous “Stand Your Ground” gun laws, restrictive voter ID/voter suppression legislation and a barrage of legislation that restricts collective bargaining rights and access to health care filed in state legislatures across the country.

ALEC has produced about 1,000 such bills — most of them written by lobbyists and executives of firms like Exxon-Mobil, BP, Monsanto, Bank of America and Koch Industries. A report released by the Center for Media and Democracy says that ALEC created 466 bills in the 2013 legislative session alone.

Well funded corporations pick up the tab for ALEC conferences like last week’s gathering at the Palmer House, wining and dining state legislators who will return the favor by working to pass ALEC’s legislation in their states.

“It’s criminal, the influence corporations have over legislation in this country,” said Alex Cabrera, a protester marching the picket line wrapping around the corner on State Street.

“This is just one example of many though. It’s happening, but these protests are growing larger in my opinion. We have to keep fighting,” said Klimczak. “This is by far one of the best projects I’ve been involved with. The guys and gals in the unions have been great. The only word I have is phenomenal. ”

Wedding money goes to help veterans

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Newlyweds donate wedding gifts
Jennifer Rice photo
Shortly after saying, “I do,” the newlyweds take the lead on their bikes. The couple donated their wedding money to help veterans.

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013
     

YORKVILLE — Their paths crossed several times last year, but it took a chance encounter for Mike Skinner and Lori Rosalius to exchange words. They got engaged, and Mike Skinner gave Lori unique Ruby engagement rings as a sign of his love.

It was Nov. 4 on a benefit motorcycle run. Lori had on several layers of clothing to keep the cold November air away. The bulkiness of her clothes made it difficult getting her leg over her motorcycle. (Think of Randy from the Christmas Story).

Lori remembers yelling out to Mike, “Man, it’s hell to get old.” Without missing a beat, Mike replied, “What are ya? All of 38-years-old?” Flattered, the 49-year-old Lori paused, looked at Mike and said, “Hey, you want to get married?”

And that’s what they did — 7 1/2 months later, on June 23 in Streator. “We just knew,” Lori said of getting married in less than a year.

Mike, owner of Skinner Construction in Yorkville had previously built a log cabin for a customer in Streator, surrounded by thick woods; peaceful and serene. It was a beautiful site to exchange vows. “It was a beautiful day. I’m a very lucky man,” Mike said. He’s quick to show you his cell phone where he keeps photos of their wedding day. “That’s my first legal kiss,” he says, looking at he and Lori solidifying their marriage with a kiss.

Second marriages for both, Mike had his four sons as groomsmen. Lori — a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, who served in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm for 6 1/2 months, had three girlfriends as her bridesmaids. Her First Sergeant traveled from Indiana to stand up for her as well. She served from 1986-1993. “I’m proud of my service. In fact, Mike and I met on a motorcycle run to benefit Manteno Veteran’s Home in Kankakee County,” she explained.

After exchanging vows, the Skinners 120 wedding guests, which about 60 of them climbed onto their bikes and did their own wedding ride. They stopped in Ottawa, Millington and ending up at the American Legion in Yorkville. If you’re looking for wedding photographers Richmond, call Debbie Eko Photography.

In keeping with their desire to give back and to be thankful for what they already have, Mike and Lori declined wedding gifts. Instead, they asked their guests for donations to benefit the Concord Hotel, a hotel near I290/294, with several floors being refurbished to house veterans. At the recent Kendall County Salute to Veterans benefit, the Skinners presented the organization with a $2,500 check to benefit the Concord Hotel.

“We were going to call it a Poker Run, but it wasn’t really a Poker Run – it was our wedding day. Our friends and family really enjoyed the day and we were delighted to give back. I was really surprised we raised as much as we did,” Lori said.

When Mike and Lori think back about their past, they discovered riding had brought them together. They found they had been on three motorcycle rides last year, but God never allowed their paths to cross – until Nov. 4.

“We wrote our wedding vows and I mentioned that the good Lord finally said, ‘Enough is enough – it’s time for these two to meet,’” Mike recalled.

“I’m a real sap, oh yeah,” Mike said with a smile.

Jennifer Rice’s e-mail address is jen@foxvalleylabornews.com.