Mount Prospect announces Shining Star winners

Mike Klancik, owner of Pro-Mix Audio and Lighting in Mount Prospect, knew he wanted to get involved in his children's school, so he contributed what he knew: lighting and video production.

At a sock hop at St. Raymond School's, he offered to ramp it up with more lighting and audio features. Now, Klancik offers his know-how to multiple Mount Prospect school events, as well as other church and charitable functions.

“I'm just a total audio visual geek,” Klancik says. “It tickles my funny bone to do this, and see how far I can push the envelope on these things.”

Mount Prospect officials thought his contributions went above and beyond. They named him one of this year's Shining Star Award winners, as the Best Business Partner.

Another award, the Good-Better-Best Neighbor, goes to Dan and Marion Motykie of Mount Prospect.

What started with Dan Motykie mowing and shoveling for a neighbor with health problems, now has spread to several neighbors on the block. Motykie does everything from clean their gutters to rake their lawns, and all with a smile.

“It's nice to be able to help people,” Motykie says, “and be outdoors while you're doing it.”

In all, winners in 10 categories were announced this week. They will be honored during the 18th annual Celestial Celebration on Feb. 5, at Bristol Court Banquets in Mount Prospect. The dinner is hosted by Mount Prospect's Special Events Commission.

“It's more than a feel-good night,” says Dawn Fletcher Collins, special events chairman. “We want to spread the joy and celebration of doing good works. In hard times like these, it's good to be able to promote positive things.”

Here are the rest of the winners:

• Beautify Mount Prospect: The award goes to three people — Barbara Klett, Carol Rojo, Sharon Stobe.

They make up another awards committee, the Green Thumb Award Committee, which was created this year by members of the Garden Club of Mount Prospect. It promotes a beautiful Mount Prospect by encouraging and recognizing the efforts of neighborhood gardeners.

• Champion For Youth: Regina Kinasz, St. Emily schoolteacher for 13 years.

Winning high praise from former students, staff and parents, this 7th/8th grade teacher motivates and supports students with before/after school tutor time, coaching, National Honor Society commitment and community service projects.

• Youth Service: Eric Arndt.

Five years ago this tireless parent initiated the Lego Robotics Club and competition teams for middle school students in District 57. Students begin as Lego enthusiasts, yet end up using technology to solve real-world issues. Arndt's leadership and efforts have led these students to become state champions and world competitors.

• Open Arms: Stacia Skinner, Mount Prospect resident and business owner.

Four years ago, Stacia organized a benefit for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation to help a neighbor. What began as a benefit party in her own yard has now expanded to a huge fundraiser on the block and a street closure. Her commitment has raised more than $100,000 for this charity.

• There Ought to be More People Like This: Janet Trapani Abernethy.

Nominations state there is no better advocate for the elderly than Abernethy. She has assisted seniors for more than 30 years through the Human Services Department. Area professionals hail her as someone who blazes trails on behalf of seniors, whether through social work, programs and/or networking resources. 

• Toast of the Town: Rose Allen, retired from the Mount Prospect Public Library.

As a young adult librarian, Allen motivated teens to participate in library-sponsored programs and activities which helped these young people grow while learning to appreciate the library and resources around them.

• The “Star Spangled” Award: William Bickley, American Legion Commander.

Army veteran and Mt. Prospect resident William Bickley has served unselfishly for an unprecedented number of years as a remarkable example for Legionnaires.

• Volunteer's Volunteer: Charles (Chuck) Bennett.

During the last eight years as a volunteer with the Northwest Community Hospital, Chuck as logged almost 1,000 hours. This all the while he annually fields a volunteer team for the Northwest Suburban Paint-a-thon Project, serves as a member of village commissions, works as an American Cancer Society Road to Recovery Program volunteer driver, among other activities.

Tickets for the Celestial Celebration are now on sale. Information is at mountprospect.org.