Lisle award shows character does count

The Lisle Community Character Counts Alliance Pillar Awards honor residents, or those connected to the village, who have provided an exceptional service or action.

Seven people and two organizations will be honored for their achievements at tonight's village board meeting at 7:30 p.m. in village hall, 925 Burlington Ave.

Here's a look at the honorees:

John Cieplak

Lisle resident John Cieplak stepped up to the plate when his college buddy Randy needed help, and in the process learned the power of friendship.

"Everyone wanted to be with Randy," Cieplak said. "He was that guy who would help anyone literally do anything and it's an honor to have helped him and his family."

But it was Cieplak who deepened the bond of true friendship when early onset Alzheimer's disease slowly began stealing his friend's capabilities and spirit.

They spent time together. He helped add a full bathroom to the first floor of his friend's house when stairs became an impediment. Before a full-time caregiver was needed, Cieplak began reconfiguring Randy's basement to accommodate that contingency.

Together with others, Cieplak set up a fund to help the 44-year-old man's three children when he died. He also finished the basement for his friend's widow.

"Little things people do can make a big difference," Cieplak said. "There is little doubt, we helped in many ways and the kind words from (Randy's) extended family will be something we will have forever."

Tonight, Cieplak also will have his community's admiration, represented by a Pillar Award for Respect in the adult category.

Donald R. Cook

Lisle resident Donald Cook will receive a Pillar Award for Citizenship, but applying just one of the six pillars to Cook's nomination was difficult. As a retired Lisle-Woodridge Fire District firefighter, his commitment to service and his involvement in community are a measure for others.

Cook became involved in local government when repairs were needed at Connelly Park's tennis courts. His participation led to attending Lisle Park District meetings and being elected to its board of commissioners, where he now serves as president.

"People need be involved in their local government serving on committees, commissions and organizations like Partners for Parks or the (home and school organization)," Cook said. "A person's involvement would help them understand our local government better and is an opportunity to give back to their community."

The quality of service and sincerity when giving his word makes Cook a commendable Pillar recipient for citizenship.

Paula Gleason

Being an invaluable and dependable volunteer earned Lisle resident Paula Gleason the Pillar Award for Trustworthiness. Gleason gave her time and energy to work at the Welcome Station at Lisle's French Market each Saturday this summer.

"I just enjoyed the French Market so much," Gleason said. "I got to communicate with visitors like an information booth."

Gleason often passed out vendors' freebies, gave directions and answered questions. On the last weekend, she organized vendors to wear costumes and pass out candy for trick-or-treating.

With a fun-loving spirit, Gleason often dressed the part of whatever the theme was that Saturday. She began the season wearing a French beret; children's shows brought out her Mickey Mouse shirt; and a hat with a parrot fit the Jimmy Buffet impersonators event.

The French Market is a tremendous networking opportunity for businesses, Gleason said. She already has encouraged new vendors to sign up for next year.

Lou O'Brien

As a member of the Lisle Economic Development Commission, Lou O'Brien took on the extraordinary task of setting in place 26 weeks of diverse entertainment for the Lisle French Market this summer. From showcasing 30 vintage cars to a performance by the Weber Irish Dancers, O'Brien tapped into her resources to stage events to attract people to the market.

"We had so much fun," O'Brien said. "Anything we did that involved children and animals were the most successful."

For a fashion show, O'Brien organized dozens of volunteer models, wrote the fashion commentaries, selected music, arranged for a stage and set up changing stations.

Magicians, rock bands, yoga experts and Hawaiian dancers each took a week to entertain and personalize the French Market and in the process to promote Lisle.

O'Brien will receive the Pillar Award for Responsibility.

Charles Sweet

A member of the DuPage AME Church in Lisle, Charles Sweet has served in many capacities over the past 20 years, but his dedication and service to the church's not-for-profit REACH ministry food pantry has provided more than 90,000 pounds of food and assistance to the families of DuPage County.

Sweet's commitment has resulted in a monthly distribution to 200 families.

"We partner with the Northern Illinois Food Pantry," he said. "We help people who have jobs and may make only $3,000. We help their money stretch a little farther. Once a month, people line up in our parking lot so we can pass out the food to the working poor."

Sweet is often the first to arrive and the last to leave the church. He spent 50 years in the practice of dentistry, and served on the board and as CEO of the former House of Daniel, a 24/7 homeless shelter in Chicago.

He will receive the Pillar Award for Caring.

Lisle Woman's Club

The Pillar Award for Citizenship in the service group category goes to the Lisle Woman's Club and two members who co-chaired the group's first Art of Lisle showcase -- Patricia Abelson and Leona Conforti.

"The Lisle Woman's Club provides a vehicle to work together in a community setting to develop programs and projects for both self and community improvement and have fun while doing it," Leona Conforti said.

With no proven template to follow, the two women organized, secured artists, judged submissions, and secured and hung the exhibit along with club members to mark the 50th anniversary of the village's incorporation.

"Our receiving this award just would not have happened without all of the Lisle Woman's Club members supporting us," Abelson said.

The successful show gave residents the opportunity to view the diverse works of talented artists living and working within the community.

Lisle-Woodridge Fire District

In the service group category, the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District and, in particular, Bureau Chief Jim French and Inspector Chris Hull touch the lives of every resident.

French said people he admires have influenced him to understand that an honest day's work for an honest day's pay allows you the comfort at the end of the day to know that you gave what was expected of you and a little bit more.

"I think it's important to lead by example," French said. "I never ask anybody to do anything I would not do myself."

"These two men care a great deal about their job, coworkers, various government agencies, as well as the community and its residents," read the nomination application, which included praise for the men's integrity, dedication and sensitivity.

This week, Hull was at a fire-officer class and could not be reached for comment, but both men and the department give the care and concern of the community's safety their first priority every day.

How it works

Anyone may nominate someone for a Pillar Award by completing the nomination form. Pillars may be awarded to adults, youths, businesses and organizations. The only requirement is that the recipient lives, works or attends school in Lisle. Although the nomination process is ongoing, twice a year the Lisle Community Character Alliance committee selects recipients from the nominations to honor with Pillar Awards. Forms are available on the village of Lisle Web site vil.lisle.il.us, at the village hall and at Lisle Library.