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Great Solar Eclipse of 2017!

8/21/2017

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On Monday, August 21, 2017, Mark traveled to Carbondale, IL from Lake Geneva, WI to
take part in the festivities surrounding the full solar eclipse in this southern Illinois city.
Carbondale is a city of 25,000 people and home of the University of Southern Illinois
Salukis. On this day, over 90,000 visitors converged on Carbondale to witness a-once- in-
a-lifetime experience.
 
As Mark got closer to Carbondale, traffic on Interstate 57 was starting to build, so he got
off the expressway and began to meander through the small towns of Southern Illinois to
get to his destination: Carbondale.
 
Not having secured the proper sunglasses to safely view the eclipse, Mark stopped at a
few stores and gas stations to see if there were any available. No luck. He continued on
his drive and came across the small town of Zeigler, IL – population 1,750 residents.
Rather than just driving through, he decided to get a closer look into the town. What he
discovered was a quaint downtown square – and a library! Mark remembered that
libraries were providing NASA approved sunglasses and decided to stop in to see if this
was the case in Zeigler. The lady inside directed me to some people who were setting up
for the eclipse in the parking lot where other towns people were assembling. To my
surprise, the people in the van were from the Adler Planetarium in Chicago! They were
setting up to view the eclipse on the library’s front lawn. They gave me a pair of
sunglasses – free!
 
Mark decided to return the hospitality. He asked if the librarian was present so that he
could present a copy of his book, “1917-2017: One Hundred Years of White Sox
Baseball” to the library. She was!
 
Although the focus of the day was the solar eclipse, Mark and Peggy had a nice chat and
he discovered that Peggy has been the librarian for the Zeigler Library for 41 years! What
dedication – and you can see Peggy has greatly loved and enjoyed her service to the
community. In return, you could see they love her, too!
 
The drive to Carbondale to witness the solar eclipse was a fantastic experience for Mark,
but equally so was his visit to this beautiful, small downstate Illinois town where
hospitality abounds! Thanks, Peggy Carpenter! Thank you, Town of Zeigler!
(By the way, baseball fans may want to learn more about two major leaguers who hailed
from Zeigler: Babe Martin, outfielder and catcher for the St. Louis Browns and Boston
Red Sox, grew up in Zeigler AND Mike Milosevich, shortstop for the New York
Yankees, was born in Zeigler.)
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The excellent Zeigler Public Library
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Mark presents Town of Zeigler Librarian, Peggy Carpenter, with his book.
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Book  Signings  and  anniversaries!

8/12/2017

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August 12, 2017 was a special day for Mark and his wife, Ann. First, the day began with a signing for Mark's book, "1917-2017: One Hundred Years of White Sox Baseball" at the Cornerstone Shop & Gallery located in Lake Geneva. Mark sold over 30 books to Cornerstone customers! Dominic, from suburban Chicago, purchased a book and spent time talking about his own connections with the White Sox with Mark.
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On August 12, 1972, Ann and Mark were married at Five Holy Martyrs Catholic Church located in Brighton Park on the South Side of Chicago. The celebrant was Bishop Alfred Abromowicz. Their wedding reception was held at the Sabre Room with over 300 guests attending. On August 12, 2017, Ann and Mark celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church located in Lake Geneva, WI. The celebrant was Pastor Mark Danczyk. Here, Ann and Mark pose with Fr. Mark who gave blessings to them on their special anniversary. Thanks, Fr. Mark!
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Mark signed a copy of his book for Barb, who happens to be a Lourdes High School graduate in Chicago. Interestingly, Mark's wife, Ann, also graduated from Lourdes High School. What a neat coincidence! Barb and her family are big White Sox fans and it was fun reminiscing about the Go-Go White Sox of the 50s. Thanks, Barb! Go ChiSox!
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Ann and Mark topped off this special day with a nice dinner with family and friends at one of their favorite spots: Mars Resort on Lake Como in Lake Geneva. What a spectacular day! Lots of fun and wonderful memories - especially our 45th wedding anniversary!
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Celebrating  the  175th  Anniversary  of  the  St.  Francis  de  Sales  Catholic  Church  in  Lake  Geneva,  WI

8/6/2017

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On Sunday, August 6, 2017, Ann and Mark, as parishioners, attended and participated in the Mass celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church located in Lake Geneva, WI. Mark is a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and is shown here wearing his Honor Guard regalia. He is a member of the St. Francis de Sales K of C Council and the Basilica of St. Josaphat Assembly in Milwaukee. The following week, Saturday, August 12, Ann and Mark will celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary with a special Mass at St. Francis de Sales!
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On August 6, 2017, Mark presented Milwaukee Diocese Archbishop Jerome Listecki with his recently published book, "1917-2017: One Hundred Years of White Sox Baseball" following the Mass celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the St. Francis de Sales Parish located in Lake Geneva, WI. Archbishop Listecki is from the South Side of Chicago AND is a big White Sox fan! Archbishop Listecki said his favorite Pale Hose club is the 1959 team. Also, he told Mark that his all-time favorite White Sox player is Minnie Minoso. Mark said it was quite an honor to have the chance to share a few baseball memories with the Archbishop.
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Members of the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard pose with Archbishop Jerome Listecki following the Mass celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lake Geneva, WI.
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    Mark Pienkos

    Dr. Mark Pienkos was born in Chicago. His parents were Stella and Edward who worked in factories to support their family of three boys. Mark’s mother only attended school through the 8th grade, while his father went to one year of high school. Mark’s oldest brother, Don, is professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Political Science and his other brother, Edward, is a surgeon specializing in urology. 
     
    Mark is married to Ann (Lesniewski) and they have three children: Michelle (married to Alex Mora), Karen (married to Matt Luttig), and Stephen. Ann and Mark celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary in August, 2016.

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