'Heroes' named by Maine Township youth support group

The Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation has announced its five Community Heroes who will be given awards in September.

The honorees are Mary Dankowski of the Des Plaines Youth Commission and Maine West High School; Michelle Delarosa, owner of MBD Martial Arts in Des Plaines; Evelyn Fennell of MaineStay Youth & Family Services of Maine Township; Gene Haring of the Des Plaines Park District; and Park Ridge Deputy Police Chief Duane Mellema.

Officials said all of the honorees have been involved with the foundation and youth of Maine Township for several years and have contributed to keeping teens healthy and away from drug and alcohol abuse.

The dinner will be held Sept. 17 at Café la Cave in Des Plaines.