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Arlington Heights fetes those with 'Hearts of Gold'

In one of the major social events of the year in Arlington Heights, the town feted Hearts of Gold award winners at a dinner and ceremony Saturday night at the Rolling Green Country Club.

The village's Special Events Commission created the awards program to acknowledge the contributions of those who live or work in Arlington Heights and are the "unsung heroes," who contribute to the community but are rarely recognized for the remarkable works they do to enhance the quality of life for others.

The 2017 Hearts of Gold awards winners were profiled in the Feb. 6 Daily Herald Neighbor section. They are:

• Joann Langley - Mentor Heart of Gold. The Fine Arts and Performing Arts assistant at John Hersey High School is the co-founder of a nationally recognized show choir competition.

• Ann Udell - Best Neighbor Heart of Gold. Udell is a Northgate Civic Association trustee, volunteers for neighborhood beautification projects and events and is active in many other causes.

• John Meyers Jr. - Educator Heart of Gold. The instructional aid for students with challenges at Prospect High School is passionate about helping students who have difficulty with making social connections.

• Kathy Kasprowicz - Young at Heart. The founder of Escorted Transportation Service/Northwest, which has provided more than 24,000 rides for older adults to medical appointments, also is active with many other groups.

• Dawn and Tom Hedrick - Heroic Heart of Gold. They founded "Help USA Troops" after the loss of their son-in-law, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. James Stack in Afghanistan. It has grown to 50-plus drop-off locations.

• Hannah Mulroe - Young Champion Heart of Gold. The John Hersey High School student is active in a wide variety of student organizations, captain of the cross-country team, a top student and a volunteer with Safe Haven.

• Carol Freiburg - Volunteer Heart of Gold. She is very involved with the Arlington Heights Historical Society and also volunteers at many other causes.

• Steve Von Boeckman - Community Spirit Heart of Gold. Von Boeckman is the person who makes most everything happen at Saint Peter's school and church.

• Westgate Dental Care (Dr. Peter Kics) - Business Leadership Heart of Gold. In addition to other charitable activities, the practice has provided more than $80,000 in free dental service to those facing financial hardship.

• Lynnea Semasko - Kenneth M. Bonder Beautification Hearts of Gold. Semansko has been involved in beautification projects in her subdivision since moving to Arlington Heights 44 years ago and served as vice president of the Arlington Beautification Council for 18 years.

• Cordelia Skuldt - Pam Stocking Heart of Gold. Cordelia Skuldt, 13, has brought awareness to Pulmonary Hypertension, by creating a "Blue Lip Kiss Challenge" social media campaign.

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  Dr. Peter Kics with his wife Teja, right, of Palatine, chat with Joe Musolino, chairman of the Hearts of Gold Awards presentation, on Saturday evening at the Rolling Green Country Club. Kics was the winner of the Hearts of Gold Business Leadership award. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
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