Burlington council names 2012 Citizen of the Year
The Burlington Business Council is pleased to reveal the results of the 2012 Citizen of the Year Contest. Each year the residents of Burlington are given a chance to nominate a person that has contributed to the Burlington area in a positive way.
Normally the title is given to a single person. This year the title goes collectively to Sean and Alicia Horvath. The subject of all nominations regarding Sean and Alicia centered on a single event. In March of 2012 the Steve Meyer family lost their home to a fire. The devastation of losing their home was compounded by no temporary housing coverage in their homeowner's insurance policy.
The Horvaths opened their home to a neighbor in need. Alicia Horvath and Kaye Meyer met the previous July through the Burlington Lioness Club. Even though they had only known each other for a short time there was no hesitation to help because it had already seemed as though there was a bond of friendship. Although many would have had doubts about whether two families could blend together, especially when you add children and family pets, Alicia and Sean did not give it a second thought. The Horvath's were noted as the “stability and support” to the Meyer family for six months.
Alicia is not new to acts of kindness, another pastime she has been involved in was to volunteer at The Elgin Crisis Center and more recently she has volunteered with the Childrens' Safe Passage in Dekalb. Alicia has also been an active Burlington Lioness since 2010.
Their initial draw to Burlington in 2006 was the small town feel which they both grew up in, and wanted their children to have the same experience. Alicia and Sean have been so touched through the years by the generosity of their neighbors, especially Mike and Mary Murphy. It was their bigheartedness that really showed Alicia and Sean what having a good neighbor meant. The examples set by their neighbors made the choice obvious when the Meyers experienced their loss. Alicia and Sean were anxious to take their turn to help out a neighbor in need.
Sean keeps his sanity by spending time hiking, hunting, and tracking animals. Alicia enjoys spending time with Sean on hikes or running. She also enjoys reading or painting. They are very proud parents of their aspiring dancer Emma who is now 4 years old. Emma also likes to sing, play make believe and has some great stories for Mommy.
The Burlington Business Council is very proud to honor Citizens such as Sean and Alicia Horvath. We are also very impressed by the many other citizens who help make Burlington a tight knit and successful community.
Congratulations and thank you Sean and Alicia (Emma too) for your outstanding contributions to your surrounding community and neighbors.