Coins, proclamations, T-shirts and toys find their way into Loves Park time capsule

Challenge coins, campaign literature and a squishy ball were among several items placed in a time capsule Wednesday at Milestone, Inc. in Loves Park.

The time capsule, which will be buried at a later date, is part of Milestone's 50th anniversary celebration.

The items were compiled by Milestone staff and residents along with local officials including Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, State Sen. Dave Syverson and Loves Park City Clerk Bob Burden.

More: Milestone celebrates

McNamara brought a challenge coin with the words respect, opportunity, commitment and knowledge engraved on it.

"The respect and opportunities that Milestone has provided so many in our community is absolutely phenomenal, and I thought this was fitting," McNamara said. "We at the city gives these challenge coins to individuals and organizations who go above and beyond."

Burden contributed a program and T-shirt from the July 29 Rhythm of the Heart Music Festival, which celebrated the Loves Park's 76th anniversary.

Syverson submitted a proclamation drafted by himself and State Sen. Steve Stadelman.

Syverson praised Milestone's dental clinic for serving people with special needs across 14 northern Illinois counties.

"It's a complex issue dealing with dental with this population," he said, "and yet, Milestone has perfected that."

Milestone President Bill Grahn,the organization's third CEO, praised his predecessors Jim Hamilton and Shawn Way and the parents of special needs children who in 1973 helped to establish Milestone.

"These visionaries set out on a course under the leadership of our founder Jim Hamilton," Grahn said. "Their dream and dedication, along with every caring and hardworking soul to this date, have made Milestone what it is today."

Founded in 1973, Milestone is a not-for-profit organization that provides residential, life and jobs skills training for the intellectually and developmentally disabled.

The organization has 33 residential facilities and two day-training sites serving residents throughout the Greater Rockford Area.

All told, the agency employs nearly 500 people serves more than 250 individuals.

The time capsule is expected to be opened in 2073 in celebration of the agency's 100th anniversary.

Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Loves Park's Milestone celebrates 50 years of service to the community