July 23, 2012

Barbara Gerstner and Sharon Bickl were recognized by Board President John Lengerman for the volunteer years of service they provided as members of Community Link’s Board of Directors at their June meeting. Gerstner (pictured left of Huelskamp) joined the board in July of 1997. Barb was active in the Executive, Governance, Finance, Fund Raising, and Board Development Committees. Through the years, Community Link has benefitted greatly from Barb’s background and expertise in the banking industry by providing financial advice as the agency purchased additional property and expanded its operations. She was also instrumental in balancing the agency’s budgets while dealing with funding fluctuations from the State of Illinois. Barb was also a strong supporter and participant of the agency’s Buddy Walk and Golf Scramble through donations, securing sponsorships and participation in the fundraising events.

Bickl (pictured right of Huelskamp) joined the board in July of 2004. She served as Board Secretary from July of 2007 through 2009 and again in 2011 through 2012. She served the office of Board Vice-President from July of 2009 through 2011. She served on the Executive, Audit and Governance Committees and served as the Early Head Start Council Representative from 2004 through 2008. Sharon was an advocate for the rights of consumers and joined the agency’s Human Rights Committee in January 2002 and continues to serve. She also provided training seminars for consumers in “SAFE” (Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies) and most recently was instrumental in partnering with “SAFE” to create a training program to provide Body Safety, Relationships and Safe Boundaries training to consumers. Sharon was also an avid fundraiser, participating in the Buddy Walks and golf scrambles for many years.