Wheeling Twp. senior services boss retires
Officials with Wheeling Township will dress up for the 11th annual Halloween Fun Fair for Children with Disabilities on Saturday. They describe it as one of their favorite events, but this year's version will be bittersweet.
For the first time since its inception, one of the creators of the event - which treats children and their families to a costume party, with games, prizes and lunch - will be missing.
Sue Ellen Burlini, the township's Senior & Disabilities Services director, retires next week after serving nearly 15 years in the department, including the last eight as its director. She is leaving to spend more time with her family, including helping to care for her grandchildren while her daughter and son-in-law stay by the side of their son, diagnosed earlier this year with a rare form of pediatric cancer.
Her colleagues say the department has flourished under her leadership. Last year alone nearly 25,000 Wheeling Township seniors took bus and medical van rides, while another 17,000 received meals on wheels, and nearly 1,500 took them up on free health screenings.
But it was the events and programs she created, that will remain her legacy, officials say.
The point to the A-OK program for starters. The intergenerational program provides home maintenance to low-income seniors, and is run in partnership with Northwest Suburban High School District 214, Elk Grove Township and the University of Illinois Extension Services.
Burlini also was on the committee that formed TRIP, the Township Riders Initiative Program which expanded transportation for seniors and disabled residents, funded by state grants.
The result offers more flexibility for Wheeling Township riders, so they can access medical appointments in Barrington, Elk Grove, Hanover, Maine, Palatine and Schaumburg townships, as well as at the VA hospitals.
"Sue Ellen is a tireless advocate for senior citizens," says Jo Stellato, township administrator. "Her personnel file is filled with notes of gratitude from the people she serves."
As for her colleagues in the township, they celebrated her accomplishments at a retirement dinner earlier this month.
"She's a special person," Stellato adds simply. "We will miss her greatly."