Jean Berlinski was an early supporter of The Kewanee Voice, a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide local news and information to the community.

“It’s important because we’ve pretty much lost our local newspaper,” said Berlinski.

Born and raised in Kewanee, Berlinski is a known commodity in Kewanee. She attended Visitation, Wethersfield and Black Hawk College and has worked for Johnson Appliance in Kewanee for over 20 years.

Berlinski was asked to join the Voice’s board of directors by the Board Chair TD Welch. Welch has known Berlinski for many years and thought she would be a great fit.

“Jean has so many great qualities and everyone knows her. She’s been supportive of the Voice since day one and I think she’ll be an incredible asset.”

The decision required some thought, however, said Berlinski. In spite of being active in the community, Berlinski had never been a part of a board. But the strides the board has made in solidifying the news organization into their community swayed her, she said.

“They’ve gotten young people involved telling us what’s happening in the schools, and that’s important for the community to have young people involved.”

Berlinski did leave Kewanee for a few years, living in the Quad Cities and in St. Louis. She moved back to her hometown in the late 80s. She was the team captain for her family’s team “Georgia on My Mind” in the Chicago PurpleStride pancreatic cancer walk in 2011. The team has raised over $35,000 in memory of her mom, Georgia.

Berlinski said she was happy to return to her hometown and said that she is looking forward to promoting The Kewanee Voice and raising funds for the nonprofit. Berlinski will join fellow board members Board Chair Welch, Vice-Chair Paula Kapacinskas, Treasurer Nichelle Morey, Secretary Van DeVilder and Jesse Humphrey.

“I really believe that what they are doing is important,” she said. “I’m looking forward to being a part of the board and growing the nonprofit. “