Rotary honors man for service to community
Harold Weary, a longtime Mount Prospect resident who will turn 100 next year, was honored Wednesday morning with two awards from the Sunrise Rotary Club for his years of service to the community. Interestingly, Weary is not even a member of the Rotary -- the awards he received are specifically designated for nonRotarians.
The awards were presented to Weary at the Sunrise Rotary's annual Holiday Breakfast at the Mount Prospect Public Library.
First he received the 2007 John McNamara Award, named after a local Rotarian who died a few years ago. Then he was also named a "Paul Harris Fellow," a national Rotary designation.
The Paul Harris Fellow honors the man who, with three business associates, founded Rotary in Chicago in 1905. The fellowship was established in his honor 50 years ago to express appreciation to someone who symbolizes the Rotarian principal of "Service Over Self."
To name someone a fellow, a local club must contribute $1,000 to the humanitarian and educational programs of the international Rotary Foundation. The funds are then used to provide educational opportunities, food, potable water, health care, immunizations and shelter for millions around the globe.
"Harold Weary is being recognized with the John McNamara Award because he personifies the Rotary concept of 'Service Above Self,' " explained Michael Putz, Sunrise Rotary president.
"His consistent good nature, whether he was running the rummage sale at Trinity United Methodist Church, selling hot dogs at the car show for the historical society, or selling foundation items at the entrance of the Library all reflect his selflessness. His countless hours of volunteering in the community have made him the face of Mount Prospect to many, many residents," Putz continued.
"And," he added, "while we should never have waited so long to honor Mr. Weary, we are glad we can recognize his accomplishments before he turns 100 next year!"
Winter Extravaganza:ŒThis is Mount Prospect's big winter weekend, in case you didn't know. Every year it seems to get bigger.
It all begins Friday night with the Mount Prospect Historical Society's 20th annual Holiday Housewalk which will center around six homes along Lonnquist Boulevard and Main Street, on the east side of Route 83. It runs from 3:30 to 9 p.m. and tickets are $20 in advance at businesses all over town, or $22 on the day of the walk at the heated tent which will be located at Lonnquist and Byron Court. Call (847) 392-9006.
After the walk, the Norway General Store and Cycles, 50 and 56 E. Northwest Hwy., will hold a moonlight shopping event for women, featuring not only all of their products, but also those of other local merchants including Brie's Gift Gallery, Vino 100 and the new Elements for Women fitness center. The ladies are invited to shop while sipping Christmas martinis and enjoying a chocolate fountain.
Saturday's lineup includes the Teddy Bear Walk in the morning, an open house at Friendship Park through 3 p.m. and the parade stepping off at 5 p.m. from Lions Park.
Norway General Store will host another event after the parade. This one is designed for families with a complimentary photo session with Santa and a Christmas movie with fresh popcorn in their bike-shop-turned-movie-theater. There will also be plenty of hot cider and toddies and Mrs. Claus will even be there to do readings of "The Night Before Christmas."
The weekend ends Sunday afternoon at Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road. The church's women's group will hold a Christmas Cookie Walk at 3 p.m. where you can choose your own assortment from a variety of homemade Christmas cookies. They will be sold by the pound. Then the Mount Prospect Community Band will hold its annual holiday concert entitled "Christmas Spirit" at 4 p.m. It will feature a variety of familiar holiday melodies and favorite carols. The finale will be a singalong version of Handel's 'Hallelujah Chorus.' Call (847) 439-0950.