Palatine resident honored for community service

The American Institute of Architects awarded 30-year Palatine resident Martha Bell with its R. Buckminster Fuller Award for her commitment and service to the community.

The R. Buckminster Fuller Award recognizes the exemplary dedication of an AIA member to humanitarian concerns or social justice.

Bell, a principal with Chicago-based Tilton, Kelly + Bell, has volunteered for 10 years as chairman of the Downtown Palatine Redevelopment Commission. Other community involvement includes 14 years on the William Rainey Harper College Educational Foundation, which includes a term as president; 10 years as chairman of the Harper College arts committee; and a variety of other community roles related to the physical environment, human service and education.

Her firm has also provided architectural services for local institutions including Palatine Township, the Palatine Library, Northwest Community Healthcare. PHD and the Palatine Opportunity Center.

• The community development department/health division of the city of Rolling Meadows awarded the food service department of Rolling Meadows High School an Outstanding Sanitation Award. The mayor of Rolling Meadows, Kenneth Nelson, and health officer Kerry Abdullah presented the plaque to Lin Rakittke, Rolling Meadows High School food service manager, to honor the school's kitchen staff for its continued efforts in maintaining excellent sanitation in the facility.

• Illinois 4-H member Victoria Celano of Barrington placed fourth at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, and seventh at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup in Public Speaking in Louisville, with her formal speech, "Shattered Hope -- Barbaro."