Lombard 50-year employee to be honored at blood drive, Lilac Parade
Carol Bauer celebrated her 50th anniversary of working for the village of Lombard several months ago, but the accolades keep coming in.
On Wednesday, residents are invited to attend the Carol Bauer Appreciation Blood Drive from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the upper level of Yorktown Center, near Carson's, or from 1:30 to 7 p.m. at village hall.
Bauer has served as the village's blood drive coordinator for nearly 25 years, during which time almost 14,000 pints of blood - or enough to save nearly 40,000 lives - have been collected in Lombard. To recognize Bauer for her work, Heartland Blood Centers renamed the spring blood drive in her honor.
Last Thursday, U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam visited the village to share a statement he made about Bauer's service to the House of Representatives in late March. The statement is now archived in the Library of Congress.
"Carol has dedicated her life to Lombard and her service is a truly impressive feat," he said. "She serves as a role model for us all and is proof that one dedicated person can change the lives of many."
In addition, Bauer was surprised during last week's village board meeting to learn she was named Grand Marshal of this year's Lilac Parade, which takes place May 15.
"This has been an amazing several months," Bauer said with tears in her eyes. "It just keeps getting better and better. I don't even know what to say. I'm flabbergasted."
Lilac Parade Chairwoman Ellyn Murphy said Bauer was nominated by several residents and easily won approval from committee members.
"Her extensive knowledge of all the local organizations and their activities in Lombard and her willingness to provide information and support has helped make Lombard community events the envy of surrounding communities," Murphy said.
Bauer started working for the village in January 1966 as a fire and police dispatcher. For the past four decades she has held the role of executive secretary and coordinator, providing support to village presidents, managers and board members. Her 50th anniversary date was Jan. 3.