Palatine resident recognized for service to community
Tilton, Kelly + Bell, a Chicago-based architecture and design firm, has announced that AIA Illinois, a state membership organization of architects, has awarded a long-time Palatine resident with an award.
Martha Bell, has received the R. Buckminster Fuller Award for her commitment and service to the community. She's lived in Palatine for about 30 years.
According to the selection jury, Bell "has made service to her community a hallmark of her career." They also said that her passion for community service has been clearly shown to improve the public realm of her community.
Bell's volunteer community involvement includes 10 years as chairwoman of the Downtown Palatine Redevelopment Commission, 14 years on the Harper College Educational Foundation and 10 years as the chairwoman of the Harper College Arts Committee.
Her firm has provided architectural services for local institutions including Palatine Township, the Palatine Library, Northwest Community Healthcare, PHD and the Palatine Opportunity Center.
She's also a liaison to the Palatine Beautification Committee and the Palatine Economic Development Commission.
There were six awards given out for service and 14 awards for design.
Student debuts disaster kits: Robert Prochaska, a 15-year-old sophomore at Palatine High School, is working toward his Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scout Troop 188. His project was to create disaster kits for the Palatine Medical Reserve Corps, as part of the Emergency Response Team.
He made three kits, each one designed to deal with different circumstances. On Thursday, he will be joined by two other Boy Scouts to present his project at the quarterly meeting of the Palatine Medical Reserve Corps. It's at the Palatine Village Hall Emergency Operations Center at 7 p.m.
Shop for kids: The Harper College Child Learning Center is holding a Holiday Shoppe this year from Dec. 15 to 17. It will give preschool-aged children a chance to buy holiday gifts on their own. Each preschooler will also be shopping for a child in their community who is less fortunate. The special gifts purchased by the children will be passed along to the Community Child Care Center of Palatine Township for children in that program. Call the Harper College Child Learning Center to reserve time for you and your preschooler to shop at (847) 925-6262.
Great decor, Palatine: You can't help but notice the holiday decorations around Palatine right now. From the lights on several village trees to the lit-up presents at Palatine Road and Northwest Highway, it's clear that the community has a sense of pride. What a nice place to drive around at night!