The Central States Regional Council is the parent organization for all of the Chapters located within and around Illinois. With nine adult Chapters, it is one of the busier organizations within the National Council.

• Registration of the Good Templar Park on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Utilization of the Internet for all Chapters to increase accessibility of information thereby increasing communications within the Organization.

• Increase membership.
• Creating opportunities for local, national, and international organization to work together cooperatively; therefore increasing communications and effectiveness.
• Streamlining Standing Boards for efficiency.

The Central States Regional Council Board meets six times per year. Our meetings have historically been held in the beautiful Good Templar Park in Geneva, Illinois, at the "Community House" facility. We currently represent nine adult member chapters, totaling 166 members. During the course of the year, we support our Chapters in a variety of activities. Chapters meet on a regular basis to discuss and provide programs on topics including abstinence of alcohol and drugs, effects of alcohol and drugs, medical research pertaining to alcohol and drug abuse, as well as current legislation affecting alcohol or drug usage. Programs are geared for all age levels, which gives us an opportunity to offer timely information to our members and to support our National and International stand against alcohol and drug use.

Springtime in Geneva always involves work within the park. Repairs to some of the 53 cottages, many of which were built by Members in the 1930's, are always a priority. We have been in the process of renovating our Caretaker's House. This house was one of the original farmhouses in Kane County. Built in the 1830's, it was thought to have been a stopping place for the Underground Railroad. Our current caretakers have done a remarkable job of restoring it. Renovations have also been completed on a guest cabin in the park. It is available for rental. Group sizes not exceeding 10 adults are welcome. To contact us for information, please call (630)232-4208. Our "Community House" is also available for rental. We often host groups who come to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the park.

Our schedule for yearly events generally kicks off with our annual Memorial Day Service. Held in the park at the "Community House," we pay tribute to our soldiers and troops past and present. It is also a time for us to remember members who have passed away, and to pay homage to their spirit and contributions they made to our organization. Again, our Community House is available for group rental. For further information, please call (815)609-7618.

Recently, we were fortunate to host a 50 year reunion of the IOGT Youth Group. Videos and reminiscences of their trip to Sweden as Youth Ambassadors made for a wonderful evening. Svenskarnas Dag, or Midsommar Festival, is traditionally held on Father's Day. 2006 marked the 95th Midsommar Festival held, dating back to its origins in 1911. The first was held at Ravinia Park in Chicago, and later moved to its present site at Good Templar Park, in 1924. Always a day filled with traditional music, dancing, tours of cottages, and of course, food. It is still the largest Swedish Festival held in Illinois. For further information contact us at www.swedishday.net.

Throughout the summer, each Chapter holds Saturday evening programs out at the park. Travel information, concerts, movies, and just good times are had by all. It is truly a wonderful way to share the camaraderie and friendship of Members, and to reinforce the bonds that unite us. Autumn brings a glow to the park. We have a number of events hosted by Chapters during the Fall. In October, we hold the annual Thanksgiving Feast. Open to all Members, each year we seem to exceed our capacity. People come to share in a musical program, silent auction, white elephant, and to EAT. All members bring dishes to share. It is truly a bountiful banquet, warm and inviting, sitting by the fireplace, and enjoying good friends. Autumn also brings LEAVES!!! For most people leaf raking is an effort and chore, however, we turn every opportunity into a way to share and have fun. Saturdays, during November, expect to see the park buzzing with people raking, blowing leaves, winterizing their cottages, vacuuming the huge piles of leaves with a truck, and eating. Meals on these days may only be hot dogs and chili, but everyone has a wonderful time. Winter brings its own special charms to the park. Snow falls like a blanket, and all becomes quiet. It is a truly magical time. Deer, fox, owls, all forage for their winter meals. Walking through the woods during the winter months always brings delight at every turn.

As President of Central States Regional Council, I urge you to contact us for further information on how YOU can become a Member. We look forward to hearing from you and extend a heartfelt invitation to join us.

Sincerely,
Janet Freidinger