Buffalo Grove pays tribute to longtime park commissioner

The Buffalo Grove Village Board this week paid tribute to longtime park district Commissioner Martha Weiss, who resigned recently after accepting a state job that wouldn't allow her to hold public office.

Weiss, who is being replaced on the board by her husband Jeff, was first appointed to fill a vacant post in 1988 and was re-elected five times, the last in 2007. She served as park board president from 1992-94, from 2000-04 and in 2008-09.

"She has been a tireless volunteer," village President Elliott Hartstein said. "She has been active in so many different ways, doing good things for our community every single day of the year."

During her time, the district expanded and enhanced programs, and built new facilities, including the fitness center, the Spray N' Play water facility and the Happy Trails Dog Park. Weiss earned the Michael Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts for demonstrating the highest example of community service, personal integrity and ingenuity.

She has also been active in Rotary and heavily involved in the foreign exchange program, hosting students in her own home.

"It's because of people like Martha Weiss and specifically Martha Weiss's dedication that many of these things which we see in our community are here and why we all talk about Buffalo Grove as a great place to live and raise a family," Hartstein said, as the board passed a resolution honoring her.

Weiss said she felt very honored.

"I can't believe it's been 22 years," she said. "We always say in the park district that we're in the business of making happy memories, and I have many very happy memories for my 22 years."

Her husband was chosen by the park board for the seat after interviewing a number of qualified candidates. Martha Weiss wasn't involved in the selection process.

She said Jeff founded the Buffalo Grove Environmental Action Team, which is comprised of residents interested in green issues. He's also worked on projects involving collaboration between the village and the park district, such as Buffalo Grove Days and the Farmers Market, she said.