She started Head Start in Waukegan

I remember that the Head Start Program was founded and started here in Waukegan by a resident. Shirley Tometz came up with the idea over coffee at her kitchen table with Father Cull present. From that idea the Head Start Program was started and became what it is today. More information about it was in the News-Sun Oct. 23, 2002.

Mrs. Tometz was also a major force for civil rights here in Waukegan and Lake County. She moved here in the '40s and stayed until she passed in October 2002.

Another fond memory as a child here was "Little Fort Days" when they would close Genesee Street and have a carnival with rides and the whole thing. That and when they used to have another carnival celebration complete with fireworks for the Fourth of July behind the Bank of Waukegan next to the Glen Flora Plaza on Lewis Avenue.

Carl Tometz