Alma mater pays tribute to parks director

• Arlington Heights Park District Executive Director Roger Key was one of six Western Illinois University alumni to receive the university's Alumni Achievement Award in December.

Key, a 1970 recreation and park administration graduate, also holds a master's of business administration degree from Keller Graduate School of Management, Chicago.

A Certified Leisure Professional, Keys has served in a variety of roles with the Arlington Heights Park District over the last 34 years. He also serves on the Northwest Special Recreation Association board of directors and is a member of the Arlington Heights Rotary Club and the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.

The Alumni Achievement Award is given is recognition of accomplishments in one's chosen field; exceptional service in community affairs; or exceptional service in support of the advancement of Western Illinois University.

Attorney Mary Frances Hegarty, of the Park Ridge law firm of Hegarty, Kowols & Associates, was named Partner of the Year by The Center of Concern, Park Ridge, for her volunteer services.

Since 2005, Hegarty has been preparing wills and powers of attorney for health care and property for clients of The Center of Concern.

Also honored by The Center of Concern were Des Plaines residents Beverly Conrad, a retired teacher, who was honored for her work in making telephone reassurance calls to homebound clients; and Pat Sniezek, a retired city of Des Plaines employee, who fills in for a center employee on medical leave.

The Center of Concern provides housing counseling for older adults and those seeking affordable housing, friendly visitors for the homebound, in-home health care referrals, financial assistance to prevent homelessness and counseling regarding Medicare and personal, legal and financial matters.

• Christine Hoffman of Morton Grove, Michelle Froehling of Palatine and Amy Kaucich of Prospect Heights, all new advisors with lia sophia, have earned top honors in the jewelry company's Excellent Beginnings program.

• The Buffalo Grove Chamber of Commerce presented the following Chamber Commitment Awards: Arnie Martin, Arnold Martin Music, Director of the Year; Marie Lapidus, Chocolate Marvels, Member of the Year; Pioneer Press, Buffalo Grove Countryside, Business of the Year; and Dan Dame, Chicago North Financial Group, Ambassador of the Year.

• Beth Judea's Men's Club, Long Grove, will honor Jim MacCrindle of Buffalo Grove as its Man of the Year for 2007.

MacCrindle, who has served as Men's Club vice president of membership and is active in Beth Judea's ritual committee, also serves as a member of Beth Judea's board of directors. He will be honored in February during the Midwest Region of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs annual Man of the Year dinner being held at Beth Hillel Congregation B'nai Emunah in Wilmette.