Run-of-the-mill board meeting turns into Crespo roast

Former Hoffman Estates Trustee Fred Crespo was ambushed Monday night at village hall.

Credit -- or blame -- for the high jinks goes to Crespo's pal, Mayor William McLeod. The village board had told now-State Rep. Crespo he'd be recognized during the board meeting for helping secure money from Springfield for the park district's Black Bear Park project. The $325,000 grant was announced two weeks ago. Village officials even listed the recognition on the meeting's agenda.

But that was just the bait to get him through the door. With Crespo's wife, mother-in-law and younger daughter in the audience, the mayor turned the meeting into a roast for Crespo, as the 44th District state representative celebrates his 50th birthday May 16. The mayor later declared Friday Fred Crespo Day.

During the good-natured roast, McLeod revealed Crespo's attention to detail. He told the story of Dorothy Crespo going into labor to give birth to the couple's oldest daughter, Jennifer. At one point, she asked her husband for a towel. His response: "What color?"

"The most absorbent one," she replied, according to McLeod's retelling.

McLeod even launched into song with a verse of Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time." One could only wonder what Simon Cowell of "American Idol" would have said about the performance.

The meeting broke into a brief recess so board members could mingle and scarf down some birthday cake.

Rough day at work: New Hoffman Chamber Executive Director Michael Hearn starts Monday.

He's the former general manager of the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. That background working with charity might pay off, as he's lined up a real tough second day on the job.

Hearn will hit the links Tuesday morning at the chamber's annual golf outing at Hilldale Golf Club, which is co-sponsored by Citibank and, for the sake of full disclosure, the Daily Herald, among others.

Hearn said he's excited to work in Hoffman Estates, building on what exiting director Jill Blodgett has built over her tenure. The chamber could have a bigger role with the village, as chamber board member Linda Scheck was hired as Hoffman Estates' full-time tourism and business retention coordinator. The post will aim to attract lodgers to the village's hotels.

Look for more on Hearn in the coming weeks.

• Got any interesting Hoffman Estates story ideas? Send them along to Ashok Selvam at (847) 427-4475 or aselvam@dailyherald.com.