Lots of love for Arlington Heights Hearts of Gold winners
Don't ask any of the winners of Arlington Heights' Hearts of Gold awards why they deserve it, because they'll tell you they don't.
"There's just so many people that are more deserving than me I think, but it was so nice of my co-workers to nominate me," said Carol Golemo, this year's recipient of the Volunteer Heart of Gold. "I can't believe I'm here tonight."
Golemo and a host of others were recognized Saturday night at the village's 18th annual ceremony that honors residents and business leaders in 11 categories for their commitment to the community. Winners are chosen from an array of nominations sent to the village's Special Events Commission, which ultimately chooses the winners.
Golemo was recognized for her years of coaching a variety of athletic teams in the village. She also helps organize a number of communitywide events for charity groups.
"It is clear none of you set out to do these things for the recognition," said Steve Fromm, chairman of the commission. "You did them because that is what you do. That is who you are."
Rugby coach Paul Bergman received the Mentor Heart of Gold. Greg and Sue Lynk were recipients of the Best Neighbor Heart of Gold. Hersey High School math teacher Jackie Ballarini won the Educator Heart of Gold. Steve Daday received the Community Spirit Heart of Gold for his longtime service to the village. The Glueckert family that operates the Glueckert Funeral Home received the Business Leader Heart of Gold. Chelsea Laliberte was given the Heroic Heart of Gold for equipping and teaching local police officers how to administer the opiate antidote Narcan. Buffalo Grove High School junior Danielle Allaire received the Young Champion Heart of Gold, which recognizes local students for their efforts to better the community. Photographer William Kruser received the Kenneth M. Bonder Beautification Heart of Gold for his work to capture the beauty of the village on film. And Lindy Camardella was recognized with the Pam Stocking Community Service Heart of Gold for organizing a villagewide wellness program through the chamber of commerce.
Rita Moody shared the "Young at Heart" Heart of Gold with longtime pal Peggy Vaughan for their continued work the Arlington Heights Nurses Club.
Moody has lived in the village since 1962 and has watched a number of her friends be recognized by the commission with awards over the years. She never imagined she'd one day be recognized too, she said.
"This is the kind of town we live in, where they take the time to do something nice for the people who live here," she said. "I think this is just so nice that they do that and we've always been just so happy here."