Palatine Park District honors its volunteers of the year
On Tuesday, Alice Rosenberg of Buffalo Grove resumed her regular post at the Clayson House Museum in Palatine, archiving documents and conducting local research.
All this, even though Rosenberg is 81. Her commitment to the museum dates back more than 20 years, says museum Executive Director Marilyn Pedersen, and includes documenting thousands of artifacts into the museum's collection, as well as writing articles and producing two photo books on Palatine's history.
"What energy she has," Pedersen exclaims. Rosenberg's can-do attitude prompted Pedersen to nominate her for one of the Palatine Park District's Volunteer of the Year awards, presented Feb. 2 at the Cotillion Banquets in Palatine.
Some 16 programs that partner with the Palatine Park District -- including major sports, theater offerings, the museum, the Palatine Children's Chorus, the Palatine Stables, Palatine Township, and the Palatine Opportunity Center -- were offered the chance to recognize an outstanding volunteer.
"We figure we have 1,900 volunteers helping with our programs, which translates to 95,000 hours of work," said Ron Gbur, the park district's executive director. "We simply couldn't do all that we do without them. They're what make the park district work."
The ninth annual luncheon drew more than 150 guests, as well as featured speaker Doug Ray, president and publisher of the Daily Herald. His two sons took part in Palatine Park District programs when they were growing up.
"The growth and development of the Daily Herald has mirrored the similar strong growth of the Palatine Park District," Ray said, "and it has been volunteers, groups and individuals who have worked to make the district one of the finest in the suburbs."
Along with the volunteer awards, Palatine park officials selected three individuals to be inducted into their Volunteer Honor Roll, considered the highest award a volunteer can receive in the village.
Joining Rosenberg as a winner was Ray Sophie of Palatine, a 15-year board member of the park district's Tiger Sharks swim team, and Nick Sawyer of Palatine, a longtime Palatine Celtic Soccer Club board member and coach.
Sophie was recognized for his help in building the successful swim team that now serves nearly 250 swimmers, as well as his role with the park district's pool committee during the Birchwood Pool renovation, which opened last summer.
The new pool features eight lanes, rather than six, with an L-shaped configuration featuring 50-meter laps in the main pool, with 25-yards in the bump-out section, and a separate diving pool.
"This way we can utilize the entire pool for practices," Sophie says. "But along with the swim team, we also kept the community's interests in mind."
Sawyer has served in nearly every board position with the Palatine Soccer Celtics, as well as coached teams in its house and travel leagues. During the club's annual Labor Day tournament, the Celtic Cup, he oversees games at the Hamilton Complex, and hands out trophies. He does all this despite the fact his own children are no longer involved.
"They both benefited from the program," Sawyer says. "This is a club that would die without parent volunteers. I'm happy to give back."
Honorable mentions:
Sheila Applegate and Jason Slezak: Recognized by Palatine Amateur Football. Both have served in many capacities over the past 10 years.
Ellen Brichetto: Recognized by Palatine Stables for her efforts with fundraising and the therapy program.
Judi Budinger: Recognized by Palatine Child's Chorus as a chaperone for every Chorus trip since 2003.
Michael Conklin: Recognized by Palatine Celtic Soccer as travel director and for scheduling referees.
Sharon Damisch: Recognized by Cutting Hall thespians for her set work and artistry, providing scenic paintings for the various theater groups.
Curt Freund and Brian Bessler: Recognized by Tiger Shark Swim Team for their work as co-chair meet directors of seven hosted meets.
Derrell Gilstrap: Recognized by the Palatine Hills Golf Association for his computer expertise and development of several programs.
Gary Gray: Recognized by Palatine Baseball Association for overseeing umpires, uniforms and equipment, and being on the rules and executive committee.
Michelle Hauser: Recognized by the Panther Wrestling Club, she coordinates tournament schedules, helps host meets, enrollment and equipment handout.
Debra Ori: Recognized by PAFA Cheerleading as treasurer and for ordering and fitting the uniforms.
Debbie Rohrwasser: Recognized for her contributions to the Palatine Opportunity Center, organized clothing drive and involvement with ICompete.
Patrica Thielen: Recognized by the Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council for her involvement in Senior Net.
Becky Wochinski: Recognized by the Palatine Gymnastics Club for her work at club events and fundraising, concession and leotard sales.
David Zimmer: Recognized by Palatine Youth Baseball & Softball for his role in the Casey Pohl tournament, the development of travel draft procedures, and participant ratings.
Leonard Big Wild Wolf Zych: Recognized by Algonquin Longhouse as Property Keeper and Nation Chief.