Fox Valley briefs

LITH soldier honored posthumously:

A Lake in the Hills soldier who died while serving in Afghanistan last week was promoted posthumously to the rank of sergeant, the Illinois National Guard announced Friday. Former Spc. Lukasz Saczek, 23, died of a noncombat injury May 10, officials said. Saczek was assigned to a national guard unit based out of Woodstock. He is survived by a wife and six-week-old daughter. Funeral arrangements are pending, but condolences can be sent to his wife or parents at 1301 N. Sunset Ridge, Woodstock, IL 60098.

Church concert Sunday:

First United Methodist Church in West Dundee is holding a folk and gospel concert to benefit PADS and the Community Crisis Center. The concert runs from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at the church, 318 W. Main St. Admission is one nonperishable food item that will go to the Crisis Center or a suggested donation that supports PADS. For details, call Jan Quisenberry at (847) 695-3915.

Vanderpoel Citizen of Year:

The Barrington Area Development Council has named local volunteer and environmentalist Tom Vanderpoel of Fox River Grove as its 2009 Citizen of the Year. A member of Citizens for Conservation, Vanderpoel was recognized for his pivotal role in the restoration of 10 preserves encompassing a total 355 acres in the Barrington area. Vanderpoel cited the influence of his late parents, Ruth and Waid Vanderpoel, who themselves played leading roles in the formation and development of Citizens for Conservation. "I know that they both would be proud of this moment," Vanderpoel said. His father, Waid, received the same Citizen of the Year Award in 1993.

Tree City:

The Arbor Day Foundation has named Cary a Tree City USA community for the second straight year. The foundation is recognizing the village for its commitment to community forestry. "Trees are a vital component of the village's infrastructure," Mayor Tom Kierna said in a prepared statement. "Trees provide numerous environmental and economical benefits, and I am pleased to see the village honored again for its commitment to community forestry."