Schaumburg Receives Governor's Hometown Award
The Village of Schaumburg was presented with the Governor's Hometown Award for its Older Adult Market, a free program that helps supply adults 60 and over with fresh market produce.
Presented by Gov. Pat Quinn, the Governor's Hometown Awards recognize volunteers for their work in improving their communities. Schaumburg was one of five finalists for the Governor's Cup, the state's top community volunteer effort; however, the village fell shy of winning the traveling silver trophy. The cup was awarded to Edwardsville Township for its creation of a playground that accommodates play for all, including children with disabilities.
"We're thrilled to have been in the top five projects at this year's award ceremony," said Human Services Supervisor duRee Bryant who oversees the Older Adult Market. "This was such an honor to have our program-and more importantly our volunteers-recognized for maintaining a program that has had such a positive impact on our senior community."
The Older Adult Market, held in coordination with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, offers anyone age 60 and over the opportunity to select from numerous food items to take home at no charge. Items provided include fresh fruits and vegetables and staples such as cereal, rice and canned goods. Held on two Friday afternoons each month as part of the village's senior program at the Schaumburg Barn, more than 100 households were served each Market day in 2014. For more information on the Older Adult Market, contact Marina Lvovich at (847) 524-7496.
"I am proud of the hard work and dedication of everyone who has been involved in running the Older Adult Market," Village President Al Larson said. "The success of providing a free and much-needed supply of fresh food to adults on a fixed income goes far beyond winning any award in my book."
The Governor's Home Town Award recipients were selected by volunteer judges who reviewed and ranked applications based on a variety of factors, including local need, volunteer participation, use of resources and the results achieved. The projects were judged within their population categories as well as within their assigned project categories. The project categories included services and mentorship, beautification and sustainability, parks and recreation, memorials and monuments and history and historic preservation. The judges then selected one project from each population category to compete for the coveted Governor's Cup.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers the Governor's Home Town Awards Program. Each winning group receives a road sign for its community and plaque recognizing its efforts. The Governor's Cup winner receives the traveling trophy and a unique road sign that proclaims its status as the overall winner.
Cup Finalists also included Carlinville in Macoupin County, Morrison in Whiteside County and New Lenox in Will County. A complete list of winners and their projects can be found at www.illinois.gov/news/Pages/Governors-Office.aspx.