Carol Stream to honor top citizens
Ask any volunteer why they give of their time and I bet none would reply that they do it for the recognition.
However, in our village we do chose to recognize our many volunteers at the annual Citizen of the Year Awards' Dinner. After all, it is the least we can do to thank the many who coach our children, tend to our needy, lead our scouts, help at the schools and churches, and so much more.
What would we do without them?
"We want to celebrate volunteerism," said Nancy Zak, awards chairwoman. "And this is the night we honor all our volunteers."
Additionally, the Citizen of the Year banquet is an opportunity to get together with neighbors and friends for a festive occasion.
The 44th annual awards dinner will be Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 150 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. The evening will begin with a 6 p.m. cocktail hour with a cash bar and appetizers, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. Between 9 p.m. and midnight, Carol Stream firefighter and Echo Entertainment DJ Perry Johnson will be spinning discs for guests' listening and dancing pleasure. Plus there will be raffles galore.
The Citizen of the Year Committee has taken into consideration that Carol Stream is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, making the banquet extra special.
"We would love all past recipients to attend," said Zak, who noted that the committee is trying to extend individual invitations to each previous Citizen and Special Citizen of the Year award winners.
Tickets, $35, may be purchased by calling Linda Court at (630) 668-3237 or online atcitizenoftheyear.com. Please note your entree choice of either Vesuvio chicken breast or roast beef au jus with sauteed onions in a demi glaze sauce.
Congratulations the to Citizen of the Year nominees, who are recognized for their exceptional volunteer efforts during 2008, and to the Special Citizen of the Year nominees, who are recognized for five continuous years of volunteering.
Citizen of the Year nominees in the women's category are Pam Camposeo, nominated by Carol Stream Woman's Club; Pam Falco, Heritage Lakes School PTA; Kim Gieser, Carol Stream Fourth of July Parade Committee; Debbie Greninger, Jay Stream Middle School PTA; Tracy Locanto, Carol Stream Park District; and Michele Savino, Western Trails School PTO.
Nominees in the men's category are Roy Cosentino, nominated by Carol Stream Park District; John Janczak, Carol Stream Travel Baseball/Softball Association; William Makofski, Carol Stream Police Department; and Ron Mason, Carol Stream Police Department.
Women nominated for Special Citizen of the Year are Liz Bryers, nominated by Jay Stream Middle School PTA; Patty Glade, Carol Stream Woman's Club; and Alice Markham, Carol Stream Community Members. Men nominated are Kent Dixon, nominated by Kids' Against Hunger and Steve O'Boyle, Carol Stream Park District.
The Judge's Recognition is awarded to nonresidents who make a difference in our community. This year's recipient is Marty Crowley, who volunteers at Jay Stream Middle School.
Thank you one and all for the exemplarily efforts to make Carol Stream a wonderful village.
• Jenny Casale writes about Carol Stream in Neighbor. Contact her at (630) 653-0702 or takemetours@hotmail.com with comments, ideas and suggestions.