Tip of the hat to Arlington Heights heroes
If you saw Charles Adler in line at the grocery store, you'd never know he helped 400 people in need get Thanksgiving dinners.
Unless you lived in Brian King's neighborhood, you wouldn't know he shuttled a hot meal and flashlight to a women who lost power in this summer's storm. In the winter, King uses his snow blower to clear other people's driveways.
Adler and King are two of the 11 Arlington Heights residents recently named Hearts of Gold winners by the village's special events commission. The winners will be honored at the 10th annual Hearts of Gold dinner on Feb. 2 at the Sheraton Chicago Northwest Hotel in Arlington Heights.
The commission looked over about 50 nominations before choosing the winners, said Jeani Cunningham, a member of the 12-member special events commission.
"Everyone on the commission pretty much agreed on the winners," she said. "It was pretty obvious these people deserve this honor."
The 2007 Hearts of Gold winners are:
• Gary Rukin, Mentor Award: Rukin has dedicated his time in countless areas at The Bridge Youth and Family Services agency, where he mentors at-risk children aged 7 to 15.
• Fena D'Ottavio, Beautification Award: D'Ottavio saw art possibilities in her very own downtown alley where she planted and cared for a variety of flowers. She also added trellises, vases, sculptures and even seating areas for pedestrians.
• Brian King, Best Neighbor Award: During a power outage last summer, King brought a hot meal and flashlights to a woman without power. During the winter he helps neighbors who don't own snow blowers by clearing their driveways of snow.
• Regina Kross, Diana Kaffka, Educators Award: Kross and Kaffka are part of the Stepping Stones program at Arlington Heights Elementary District 25's early childhood program. Together they have shaped the lives of students with severe communication disorders.
• Edwin Landow, Young at Heart Award: Landow racks up some serious volunteer miles with his work with American Legion Post 208, chaplain for the American Legion Ninth District and crossing guard supervisor for District 25. He also regularly visits disabled veterans and distributes food items and certificates to needy families.
• Amanda Geib, Young Champion Award: Geib is a Buffalo Grove High School senior who goes on mission trips with her church to help the less fortunate. She recently raised more than $12,500 for tsunami victims and participates in various sports teams, peer counseling, chorus and other volunteer activities.
• Alan Eberhardt, Volunteer Award: Eberhardt, a longtime Arlington Heights resident, is actively involved with the Knights of Columbus and volunteers in the PADS program. He is involved in church activities and volunteers in numerous outreach programs and activities such as Salute.
• Ted Balcom, City of Good Neighbors Award: Balcom is a discussion leader at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. He also volunteers at the Arlington Heights Museum, where he has done everything from leading important committees to dressing up as historical figures.
• Retired Judge Nicholas Pomaro, The Pam Stocking Heart of Gold Award: Pomaro not only served the public as a judge for almost 30 years and before that a Cook County prosecutor, but he is also a strong advocate for the blind. Pomaro has been blind since the age of 6 but has never let his disability become an obstacle. In his retirement, Pomaro works as legal counsel for the not-for-profit Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind.
• Charles Adler, Business Leader Award: Each year Adler raises funds to pay for more than 400 Thanksgiving dinners for people in need through the Arlington Heights Spirit Food Drive. A local lawyer, Adler has also shared his expertise and worked closely with others in completing communitywide events.