Nominations due Tuesday for Sugar Grove Citizen of the Year

Have someone in mind for Sugar Grove Citizen of the Year?

Make your nomination by Tuesday.

The tradition began in 1998 in the village that celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. The award recognizes an individual, a couple or a group that best exemplifies the pioneering spirit that has helped Sugar Grove grow and prosper.

"Presenting the award is a perfect opportunity to look back and see how far we've come," said Beverly Holmes Hughes, a member of the board of both the Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce and the corn boil. The award is made by the chamber of commerce and the village.

Hughes cited Karen Pritchard, the 2005 winner, as an example of how volunteers contribute.

"She pulled everyone together to work to get a park district going," Hughes said. "People who have moved here recently probably think we've had a park district for a long time. But a lot of work went on to get one established here."

Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce President George Silfugarian agrees volunteer work has been crucial to the village's growth.

"In a small town, there are a lot of people behind the scenes who are instrumental in getting things done," Silfugarian said. "It's important that these efforts get recognized. The dedication of our volunteers takes time away from other pressures that we all have, it takes them away from families or business, for the projects to be successful."

The award will be presented at 6:30 p.m. July 25 at the Sugar Grove Corn Boil in Volunteer Park.

Hughes says it's appropriate the award is made at opening ceremonies of the corn boil, which "is about the people of Sugar Grove."

"Friday night (of corn boil) is a community night," she added. "On Saturday, people come from all over to see the fireworks."

Applications are available online at www.sugargrovechamber.org and at www.sugar-grove.il.us.

Forms can also be picked up at village hall, 10 Municipal Drive, at the Sugar Grove Public Library, 54 Snow St., and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Sugar Grove farmers market in the village hall parking lot.

There are drop-boxes at the Sugar Grove Public Library and at village hall. Completed forms can also be mailed to the Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 765, Sugar Grove, IL 60554.

Past winners include Joe Wolf in 2007, Pat Graceffa in 2006, Pritchard in 2005 and Arnie and Byrel Liefheit in 2004. Terry Siebert was the first recipient in 1998.