ROCKFORD—Despite 10 inches of snow — most of which had been cleared off area roads — about 100 people gathered to celebrate The Observer’s 80th anniversary.

Before the dinner at Cliffbreakers in Rockford, Penny Wiegert, The Observer editor and diocesan communications director, welcomed the crowd.

She explained the reasons for the celebration:

�–� To recognize the milestone as many of us may not be around for the 100th.

�–� To recognize the good work that has been done and the charge for the future.

�–� To reflect and remember all those who began the communication legacy of the Rockford Diocese.

�–� To help raise more funds to preserve that history and record of the local Catholic church.

The event was sponsored by Savant and  the entertainment —speaker John Thavis — by OSF St. Anthony.

Bishop David Malloy, publisher of The Observer, spoke briefly about the importance of the historical record the paper has provided for the past 80 years. He also thanked Wiegert for her leadership in diocesan communications before offering a prayer before the dinner.

Thavis talked about covering popes and the Vatican, as well as about how the Church looks at supernatural phenomena. (See story, pg. 7.)

Lorretta Schultz, who attended with her husband, Mike, and several friends, won a “Roman Basket” in a raffle.


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