Mount Prospect to salute its Shining Stars

Each year, the Mount Prospect Special Events Commission honors individuals and organizations that help make Mount Prospect a great place in which to live and work. They are celebrated as "Shining Stars" and recognized at a gala banquet. The 22nd annual Celestial Celebration will be Friday, Feb. 6, at The Cotillion Banquets in Palatine.

"This tradition has a rich history, as it was first started at the 75th anniversary of the village. It is an event many residents and business leaders look forward to each year," said Mayor Arlene A. Juracek. "It brings people together to celebrate those who have done so much for our community."

The Shining Star Awards are presented on the basis of nomination by community leaders, by business people, by residents, and others. Nominations were submitted online and by mail. Here are the winners:

Best Business Award: StayFit PT, Diana Sahakian

Good - Better - Best Neighbor: Bob and Louise Kubycheck

Home Town Award: Russ Bechtold

Stand and Deliver Award: Karen Gubbins

Rising Star Award: Nolan Hahn

There Ought To Be More Like You Award: Janice Farley

Volunteers Volunteer Award: Jack and Eloise Decarlo

The Star Spangled Award: John "Dutch" DeGroot

Champion for Youth Award: Jeremy Morton

Open Arms Award: Jeanne Foster

The entire community is invited and encouraged to attend. The cost of the event is $45 per person, which includes dinner, dancing, live entertainment, silent auction and more. It is truly a heartwarming evening. Online reservations are now available on the village website, mountprospect.org/celestialtickets and reservation forms can also be picked up at Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St., for those who wish to mail in checks instead.

For information, go to mountprospect.org and click on the Shining Stars logo in the lower left hand corner or call (847) 392-6000.