Village of Arlington Heights Senior Citizens Commission recognizes 2024 Kenneth Hood Award-winner Leo DeAngelis
The village of Arlington Heights, Senior Citizens Commission has announced the 2024 Kenneth Hood Award to Leo DeAngelis, volunteer and counselor for the Arlington Heights Senior Center Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP).
The award is a once-in-a-lifetime honor for the Arlington Heights Senior Commission members to recognize, acknowledge and memorialize Dr. Kenneth Hood. Dr. Hood diligently and passionately served as a committed advocate and volunteer for a better life for his fellow senior citizens in Arlington Heights for many decades.
On his 100th birthday celebration, July 31, 2006, Dr. Hood advised that it was time to “pass the torch” of volunteering. The Dr. Kenneth Hood Award is announced in honor of his contributions to Arlington Heights.
DeAngelis will have the award presented in the fall.
Since 2002, DeAngelis has selflessly volunteered as a counselor and coordinator for SHIP, a vital and free service provided by the Illinois Department on Aging. As a SHIP counselor, DeAngelis has undergone annual training and testing to ensure he remains current with the latest developments and regulations regarding Medicare and related insurance programs. SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company, and SHIP counselors do not sell or solicit insurance.
What truly distinguishes DeAngelis is not just his knowledge and skills, but his unwavering commitment to supporting older adults. Even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, DeAngelis’ dedication remained steadfast. He adapted and created a video for Open Enrollment and conducted remote counseling appointments over the phone to ensure that people continued to receive the guidance and support they needed during those challenging times. DeAngelis and his team helped more than 550 people last year for insurance questions.
To learn more about the free SHIP counseling services at the Arlington Heights Senior Center, call (847) 253-5532.
The village of Arlington Heights, Senior Citizens Commission, is a 10-member body comprising residents of the village, appointed by the village president with the consent of the village board for three-year terms. The commission's primary mission is to advocate for the needs and concerns of the senior citizens of the village and to collaborate with the village government and all other governmental agencies in advancing the causes of senior citizens.
One of the ways the commission fulfills this mission is by annually recognizing exemplary volunteer service for older adults through the Dr. Kenneth Hood Award. The commission is also committed to enhancing the age-friendliness of Arlington Heights through various initiatives. The village is an AARP Certified Livable Community, a testament to the commission's work in areas such as affordable housing, transportation and improved communication.