Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can now be added to your local medical options through the recently opened office of Dr. Chrystal Ciodyk.  Speaking at the January 8th Sycamore Rotary Club meeting, Dr. Ciodyk explained the history and various treatments offered through these alternatives and why her clinic is called “Transcendent Balance” (with a goal of bringing “balance” to one’s body chemistry).  According to Dr. Ciodyk, the needles from acupuncture are strategically placed to send stimulus signals to the body to promote self-healing.  Similarly, with herb treatments, various ingredients are formulated to prompt a specific outcome.  Dr. Ciodyk graduated from the Pacific College of Acupuncture Medicine allowing her to be certified as an independent healthcare provider.  She is currently working on her pediatric certification which does not use needles in treatment.  Although traditionally seen as a way to treat pain, Dr. Ciodyk said studies of these ancient Chinese medical practices show benefits for 46 different ailments.  In the ever-changing health care landscape, Dr. Ciodyk noted that doctors of acupuncture can even be recognized as primary care physicians in the states of California and Florida.                

Sycamore High School Senior Ashley Parks has a passion for community service which she shared with Rotarians on January 8^th.  As an example, she was an organizer of the “chip in your change” fundraiser challenge among school classes which raised $500 that was donated to the Family Service Agency to be used for Christmas gifts.  In addition to her scholastic successes,    she is part of the Community Foundation’s “Youth Engaged in Philanthropy” program, the “Life Missions” outreach of her church, Family Service Agency mentoring program, along with extra-curricular activities such as soccer, cross country and theatre.  She plans on studying advocacy and social change at Loyola University of Chicago after graduation.  Noting how service for others helps build one’s character, she paid tribute to the example set by fellow senior Kal-el Sexton who lost his life in a car accident over the holidays.  She said the $100 she receives from Rotary for a donation will be given to the mentoring program at Family Service Agency.

What started out in 1986 as a company making paper banners is now a thriving producer of all sorts of signage that includes vinyl decals for indoor/outdoor signs and office/home decor, car and truck graphics, and trade show displays.  Jon Kuhn, son of founder Ed Kuhn, gave a company history of Banner Up Signs and a look at industry technology for Sycamore Rotarians at their January 16^th meeting.  However, despite industry changes, Kuhn said the one thing remaining constant for success of their business is outstanding customer service.