Nominations open for Maine Township citizenship award

Maine Township officials are accepting nominations for their annual citizenship award.

The Sgt. Karen Lader Memorial Good Citizen's Award is given annually to residents who have demonstrated strong support and dedication to their community.

The prize's name honors Lader, a veteran Cook County sheriff's police sergeant and Des Plaines resident who died of cancer in 2010. She was involved with a local neighborhood watch program, National Night Out, Special Olympics and other community activities.

In a news release, Maine Township Clerk Pete Gialamas described Lader as “a compassionate law enforcement officer and shining example of citizenship.”

“She was deeply invested in creating a positive impact, and this award serves as a lasting tribute to her memory,” Gialamas said.

Nomination forms are available online at mainetown.com and at the township hall, 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge.

The nomination deadline is March 28.

Completed nomination forms should be mailed or delivered to Gialamas at Maine Township Town Hall, 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068. They can also be emailed to info@mainetown.com.

The winner will be revealed at Maine Township’s annual town meeting in April. The honoree will receive a plaque.

Park Ridge resident and environmental activist Amy Bartucci received the award last year. Park Ridge resident Teri Collins, a member of the Maine Township High School District 207 board and president of the Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation, got the prize in 2023.