Community & Nature in Harmony Award Winners
Community & Nature in Harmony Sign Recipients
Award Presentation
In conjunction with National Public Lands Day, the Village by proclamation established Homer Glen Lands Day. This important day was established to show support for recognizing and protecting significant areas in the natural environment. The Village Proclamation for this special day states: The Village of Homer Glen was founded and incorporated in large part due to the desires of its citizens to preserve the unique and diverse components of the natural environment within the Village and to take steps to assist in the further protection and beautification of that environment.
On Tuesday, September 25, in commemoration of Homer Glen Lands Day, a tree planting ceremony took place at Homer Township's Yangas Park. Two native trees, a Burr Oak and a Pin Oak, donated by Homer Township firefighters IAFF Local 4223, were planted near the newly installed playground equipment.
At the Village of Homer Glen meeting tonight, 18 projects received a Community and Nature in Harmony Award. The Village recognized the efforts of 75 individuals who were involved the awarded projects.
The award was created to recognize individuals, businesses, community organizations and governmental agencies that through the preservation, restoration, and/or beautification of land within the Village of Homer Glen, have demonstrated commitment to the environment and in the process significantly contributed to community pride. This was the sixth year for the award program, which has generated much enthusiasm since its inception in 2002. The nominations were reviewed by the Environment Committee of the Village, and the following award winners were recognized:
Award Winners
The first award recognized 16 different homeowners for taking an active role in preserving our valuable natural resources and preventing the destruction of trees by a major utility company in our community:
- Chris Ader
- Ronald and Carol Bojak
- Bob and Sarah Goss
- Rick and Darlene James
- Martin and Arlene Knott
- John and Michele Lamoureux
- Mike Mcgee
- Bob and Shirl Miller
- Parnell and Sandi O'Brien
- Estelle and Tony Nakroshis
- Tony and Cynthia Perkins
- Jim and Simine Short
- Patrick and Patty Sitarz
- Brent and Bety Song
- Not here tonight
- Mark and Peggy Fisch
- Wendell and Donna Gibson
Girl Scout Troop 681
For beautification efforts of weeding, planting flowers and general cleanup of the entrance to the Homer Township Library and instilling community pride:
Troop Leaders:
- Krista Weisenfluh
- Lisa Johnson
Troop Members:
- Anna Gonzalez
- Kimberly Johnson
- Michelle Johnson
- Annie Kalwat
- Denise Kocielko
- Amanda MacNab
- Lauren Szerlag
- Kortney Weisenfluh
Derby Meadows Clean-up Crew
For demonstrating community pride through organizing and participating in a clean-up of Yangas Park in the Derby Meadows subdivision.
- Antonio Godinez
- Demi Godinez
- Mary Kate Godinez
- Payton Godinez
- Jessica Castillo
- Brooke Mayer
- Rocky Mayer
- Ryan Mayer
The next group could not attend the presentation to receive their award because it was their pack meeting night.
Cub Scout Pack 62
For donating and planting a maple tree at the Homer Township Old Town Hall on Cedar Road as part of their conservation efforts.
- Matthew Frankowski
- Thomas Georgiou
- Kevin Giroux
- Michael Higgins
- Matthew Hinchley
- Christopher Lockwood
- Jimmy Mendrala
- David Mizsak
- John Panelli
- Michael Philbrick
- Accepting the award was Den Mother, Pat Panelli and son, John Panelli.
Emily Zielke
For being a diligent proponent of maintaining the rural atmosphere of Homer Glen and creating environmental awareness through her writing activities.
Sign Recipients
The following award recipients received signs to be placed on the property which was being recognized.
Frank DeGrassi
For his dedication and hard work in the beautification and upkeep of the Old Oak subdivision front entrance and ComEd property on Beaver Lake Drive.
Ellen Eleder
For creating a beautiful landscape and a backyard sanctuary in the style of an English garden and providing inspiration to others in her neighborhood.
Homer Township Fire Protection District Station 2
Chief Michael Schofield
For creating and maintaining a landscape that blends with the surrounding natural environment of the adjacent Forest Preserve District of Will County property.
Hunt Club Meadows
Thomas N. Jay
For creating a beautiful subdivision entrance landscaped with native plants which showcase the entrance to the Village.
Ted and Toula Klideris
For beautifying their property, creating an inviting entrance to their backyard, and contributing to community pride.
The Konow Family
Walt Konow
For demonstrating creative ways to preserve agricultural land that promotes the unique rural character of Homer Glen.
Tony Malacina
For creating an outstanding landscape with large deciduous and evergreen trees around a new home that sets an example for the community.
Kathleen A. Mattei
For creating a tranquil wildlife habitiat with a beautiful landscape design consisting of 30 trees, numerous shrubs, plants, and water features, including a Koi pond.
Megaplex
Richard Guess
For setting an example of an economically and environmentally friendly outdoor lighting plan on a commercial property.
Milton and Laverne Smazik
For enhancing the historical character and culture of the Village by establishing their 1860 home to be recognized as a Will County landmark.
Ron Svara
For leading by example in planting over 100 trees on your property thereby embracing Homer Glen's theme of Community and Nature in Harmony.
T-Time Range and Family Fun Center
John and Kathy Kruczek
For their restoration work on a dormant commercial property which through their efforts has been recognized as an award winning New Golf Range.
Booth Orthodontics (Not present)
Dr. Barry E. Booth
For providing an attractive landscape plan featuring trees, perennial and shrubs on a commercial site while also providing restful outdoor seating for client and employee enjoyment.
Photos
Derby Meadows Clean-Up Crew
Back Row (L to R) MaryEllen Godinez, Mayor Daley Front Row (L to R) MaryKate Godinez, Ryan Mayer, Rocky Mayer, Payton Godinez, Demi Godinez, Antonio Godinez
Scout Pack 62
(L-R) David Miszak, Matthew Frankowski, John Panelli, Matthew Hinchley, Michael Higgins, Jimmy Mendrala, Michael Philbrick, Kevin Giroux and Pat Panelli (the leader). Hiding in the back is Viki Hinchley, who was not trying to be in the picture.
Group Photo 1
(L to R) Emily Zielke, Mike McGee, Frank DeGrassi, Chris Ader, Mayor Daley, Martin Knott, Arlene Knott, Rick James, Darlene James, Kathy Kudla
Group Photo 2
(L to R) Tony Malacina, Parnell O'Brien, Bob Miller, Mayor Daley, Ellen Eleder, Bety Song, Cynthia Rataj
Group Photo 3
Back Row (L toR): Chief Michael Schofield, Roger Ross Front Row (L to R) Toula Klideris, Kathleen Mattei, Kathy Kurczek, Kelly Biciste, Laverne Smazik, Milton Smazik
The following award winners were not pictured:
Cub Scout Pack 62: Thomas Georgiou, Christopher Lockwood
Girl Scout Troop 681: Denise Kocielko
Derby Meadows Clean-up Crew: Jessica Castillo, Brooke Mayer
Other Award Winners:
Thomas Jay (Hunt Club Meadows)
Ted Klideris
Konow Family
Richard Guess (Megaplex)
Ron Svara
John Kruczek
Dr. Barry Booth (Booth Orthodontics
Ronald and Carol Bojakv
Bob and Sarah Goss
John and Michele Lamoureux
Shirl Miller
Sandi O'Brien
Estelle and Tony Nakroshis
Tony and Cynthia Perkins
Jim and Simine Short
Brent Song
Mark and Peggy Fisch
Wendell and Donna Gibson