Neighbors in the News: Vernon Hills hockey coach honored by NHL Coaches Association

The NHL Coaches Association (NHLCA) has honored Charice Paoli, the dedicated youth hockey coach behind the Little Blackhawks at the Glacier Ice Arena, Vernon Hills, by including her as a member of its NHLCA Female Coach Spotlight.

Paoli was selected for the prestigious Female Coach Spotlight as a testament to her unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering a love for hockey within her community.

Paoli's passion for coaching shines through in her dedication to helping young athletes not only improve their hockey skills but also to develop the confidence and resilience needed both on and off the ice.

The NHLCA Female Coach Spotlight initiative aims to promote women in several areas, including youth skills development, leadership strategies and boosting camaraderie.

• Congratulations to Robert Warren Newren, who will celebrate his 100th birthday on April 28.

Newren was born in Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech High School in 1942. After graduation, he served in the Navy during World War II.

He went on to marry June Karyl Meyer, and the couple had five children. Newren, who lives with his daughter in Palatine, currently has 17 grandchildren, 13 great-children and that number is growing.

Affectionately known as “Papa” or “Red,” Newren is a devoted Chicago Cubs fan. He loved watching the Cubs win the World Series and celebrated by writing on the wall. He will celebrate his 100th birthday with family and friends at home in Palatine.

• Schaumburg resident Toria (Tori) Shaw Morawski, a certified diversity practitioner, entrepreneur and clinical social worker, was named a Distinguished Fellow in the National Academies of Practice (NAP) — Social Work.

NAP advises governmental bodies on the United States health care system, focused on global health care access and equity.

Shaw Morawski has more than two decades of experience in the global nonprofit sector throughout the U.S., Africa, the Caribbean and Europe. She spent a decade at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, where she advanced to professional development senior manager, leading the international Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform initiative and community, which was comprised of 111 volunteers represented by 34 countries.

Experienced in global collaborations, her global experience includes workforce development initiatives funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the European Commission. Also fueled by her passion for positively impacting health care systems, she co-founded Global Implementation Solutions, a nonprofit committed to strengthening health care systems worldwide.

• Police Officer Trevor Wittenbrink was awarded the Bartlett Police Department's 2023 Spirit Award, given annually to an officer who showcases a positive image not only within the department but also while interacting with the public.

Officer Wittenbrink has been a committed member of the police force for the past three years and has displayed a high level of internal and external volunteerism. He is known for his positive community interactions, regularly engaging with residents in his assigned areas, stopping by lemonade stands and enjoying getting to know the people of Bartlett.

Last year, Officer Wittenbrink was instrumental in helping the police department raise more than $15,000 for Special Olympics Illinois athletes by participating in the Polar Plunge and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. In June, he represented the police department at the Special Olympics Summer Games, where he cheered on the athletes and presented them with medals during the awards ceremony.

Officer Wittenbrink has generously volunteered his time to support various police/community events such as the Teen Citizen Police Academy and National Night Out. He was also invited to his alma mater, Elgin Community College, to speak to students about the steps to becoming a police officer.