Cary takes pride in state honor

The village of Cary received top honors Tuesday for its annual Pride Day, a springtime cleanup project that involves hundreds of young volunteers.

Cary was one of several Illinois municipalities to win a 2007 Governor's Home Town Award, which recognizes the efforts of residents who band together to improve the quality of life in their communities.

"Cary Pride Day is an amazing example of volunteerism by Cary residents and we are thrilled to see the event honored by the state of Illinois," Village President Steve Lamal said in a statement.

"Let's hope this award will encourage even more residents to come out and participate in the 2008 Cary Pride Day to be held this spring," added Lamal, who was in Springfield Tuesday to receive the award.

Pride Day was launched in 2004 as a service program that allows Cary residents to contribute to the community by taking part in a range of beautification projects.

The village won first place in its population category for the 2006 Pride Day, which involved more than 200 elementary to high school-age volunteers taking part in at least 18 cleanup projects.

The projects ranged from painting and yard work at the Cary Senior Center and clearing brush on McHenry County Conservation District properties to policing litter around town and stenciling signs for Cary Park.

Applications for the Governor's Home Town Award are reviewed by a panel of judges who visit the communities before they choose a winner, according to the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.