Veterans lead volunteers in Elgin's image awards

Area veterans took center stage Thursday night, taking home three of the 11 annual Elgin Image Awards.

Donald Sleeman, a Korean War veteran who has volunteered since 1955, said he and the other 28 businesses, individuals and projects nominated had something in common.

"Each and every one of you have done the same thing that I have done, you volunteered," said Sleeman, who also thanked his wife, Norma, for her support and patience. "You did something for the community. You did something to better your fellow man. You all helped."

The Veterans Memorial Park, which was dedicated Nov. 11, 2008 just north of the Gail Borden Public Library, was one of five local projects honored.

"Every one has their lives touched by a veteran somehow along the line," said Jack Cook, chairman of the city's veteran's committee, who said the dedication was one of the highlights of his life. "Please salute when you go by and say hello to all those veterans who saved everything that we have."

The Veterans History Project, in which eighth-grade students at Elgin Academy interviewed and documented the stories of 20 veterans for the Gail Borden library and eventually the Library of Congress, also was recognized as a local project.

Other businesses and organizations honored in the city's 17th Image Awards were: the Chicago Bandits women's fast-pitch softball team; the Elgin Public House, a downtown pub; and the Open Door Clinic, which provides treatment and support to people with HIV/AIDS.

Other Elginites honored as individuals were: Judi Brownfield, owner of Books At Sunset, and Michele Robey, who partnered with homeless people in the restoration of a home at 324 Franklin Boulevard.

The remaining projects honored were: the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin's new 15,000-square-foot clubhouse; Elgin Academy's Harold D. Rider Family Media, Science and Fine Arts Center; and the YWCA Elgin Family Literacy Program.

"Elgin has always been a place that honors its own," said Sue Moylan, chairwoman of the city's Image Advisory Commission.