Elgin Image Awards honor ‘building blocks of the community’
An Elgin couple that has been committed to their city since high school was recognized Monday for decades of service to dozens of community organizations.
The audience at Elgin’s annual Image Awards ceremony, now in its 20th year, gave a standing ovation to Jack and Marlene Shales as they accepted a citizenship award Thursday.
“We always said if you’re going to complain, you’ve got to do something about it,” Jack Shales said of his and his wife’s incredible amount of service. Their 2011 activities included sponsoring the Community Thanksgiving Luncheon and posing as the King and Queen of Gail Borden Public Library’s Royal Feast to raise money for its new teen center.
The Image Awards seek to recognize individuals, groups and organizations working to make the city a better place. Mayor David Kaptain, in his welcoming remarks, said nominees and award winners are shining examples of what we should be.
“These people are the building blocks of the community,” Kaptain said. “They’re the people we depend on to lead us forward.”
While the Shaleses served Elgin for decades before being recognized with an Image Award, Lasse Ingebretsen accepted one as executive director of the Elgin Technology Center — one more accolade in a hugely successful first year. The ETC opened in January 2011 because Ingebretsen saw Elgin’s potential as a high-tech hub. He accepted his Image Award Thursday, humbled by the show of support.
“To me it was an honor just to be nominated,” Ingebretsen said.
Other winners were:
Ÿ Leo Nelson, who stepped down as president of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce in 2011, the latest of his many influential roles in the community.
Ÿ Tim Solarz, who opened Space Taste Gallery in an open storefront on Douglas Avenue, making room for dozens of local artists to offer their art, artifacts, antiques, collectibles and clothing. The award recognized his work bringing new life to Elgin’s downtown.
Ÿ Julie Janik, who emphasizes patriotism and citizenship in her work teaching at Elgin Academy, organizing class projects like shipping care packages to soldiers overseas and conducting community food drives.
Ÿ Administer Justice, which assisted more than 5,500 low- and no-income individuals with legal aid in 2011 thanks to the work of 700 volunteers, including 200 attorneys.
Ÿ Spring Hill Gymnastics, which is home to competitive gymnastics teams and also offers a host of fitness programs, including programs for low-income and at-risk students in their facility and across the community.
Ÿ American Association of University Women, which has remained dedicated to women and girls in Elgin and the advancement of women everywhere for 93 years. The group partnered with other local organizations in December to help bring young Latinas into math and science fields.
Ÿ The Strawberry Festival of Bethlehem Church, which is an annual fundraising event that has significantly benefited the community for 38 years, offering proceeds to seven community agencies each year.