Arlington Heights residents honored for volunteerism

There are specific reasons why 11 Arlington Heights residents were honored over the weekend at the village's annual Hearts of Gold dinner. One helps children safely cross busy streets on their way to school. Another leads film discussions at the senior center.

Yet another saw art in an empty downtown alley where she built a "secret garden" complete with a table filled with paper, photos and pens.

Here are some things maybe you didn't know about this year's winners.

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.

Bet you didn't know: That's not his day job. Rukin owns his own business designing and building electrical controls in Des Plaines. Part of his volunteering, Gary teaches kids how to play the guitar and gives the kids a compact disc of music they made.

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.

Bet you didn't know: D'Ottavio's garden -- located between Fuego Restaurant and Victoria's book store -- doesn't actually have any flowers, proving once again how "urban" downtown Arlington Heights is.

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.

Bet you didn't know: One day King helped a stranded motorist and invited the man to his home for dinner with his family. After dinner Brian drove the motorist back to his home -- in Rockford.

Regina Kross, Diana Kaffka, Educators Award:ŒKross 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.

Bet you didn't know: The day doesn't end when the bell rings at 3 p.m. for Kross and Kaffka. The two often spend hours outside their classroom helping children with their homework and therapy.

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.

Bet you didn't know: Landow and his wife, Shirley, have sent more than 900 handwritten letters to veterans in hospitals. The couple celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this month.

"About 66 years ago, I fell in love with a teenage gal in high school," Landow told the audience at the Hearts of Gold dinner. "I loved her then and I love her today. She will always be the love of my life."

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.

Bet you didn't know: Amanda's favorite story is:

"A man was walking along a beach. Off in the distance he could see a person going back and forth between the surf's edge picking up the starfish, one by one, and throwing then back into the ocean. There were far too many starfish. Many of them were sure to perish.

He said to the person, "You must be crazy. There are thousands of miles of beach covered with starfish. You can't possibly make a difference." The person looked at the man. He then stooped down and pick up one more starfish and threw it back into the ocean. He turned back to the man and said, "It sure made a difference to that one."

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.

Bet you didn't know: Alan and his wife, Betty, raised six children and have nine grandsons.

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 and Santa Claus.

Bet you didn't know: Balcom is the president of the Arlington Heights Garden Club and was recently appointed to the village's arts commission. "It's great receiving an award for something you just like doing," he said at the awards dinner.

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 also is 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.

Bet you didn't know: Pomaro and Arlington Heights Village Prosecutor Ernest R. Blomquist have known each other for 30 years. The two went to college together and were even fraternity brothers.

After he accepted his award, the retired judge asked the crowd a question: "How many people had me in traffic court? I've heard more stories about people who dress up, wear their nurse's uniform and then find out they get stuck with the blind judge."

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 community events.

Bet you didn't know: Adler's civic involvement began in 1993 when he started helping the United Way, Eventually he served as the group's director. He has also volunteered with the chamber of commerce and Crimestoppers.