Longtime village leaders, volunteers named Gurnee Days honorees
Cheryl and David Ross, who have contributed to Gurnee since they married in 1975, have been named this year's Gurnee Days honorees and will be grand marshals of the festival parade.
They will be honored at the annual Gurnee Days testimonial dinner, an event Cheryl has attended every year since 1973, when her father, former Mayor Gordon Gillings, was named the inaugural honoree.
Cheryl Ross, who is serving her fourth term as village trustee after winning re-election in April, said it was a little overwhelming for her to think that she and David will be granted the same honor. David Ross said the only testimonial dinners he missed were the ones when he watched their three kids so Cheryl could attend the event with her mother, Carol Gillings.
Each year, Gurnee Days organizers choose an individual or couple to recognize meaningful contributions that make the community a better place to live and work. Last year's honoree was longtime businessman and volunteer Dan Kloczkowski, and in 2017 it was Mayor Kristina Kovarik.
Sue McDougle, who served as the chairwoman for this year's honoree selection committee, said the committee members were certain Cheryl and David deserved to be recognized.
"They exemplify solid residents of Gurnee," McDougle said. "They've been involved with many aspects of the community from the school districts to CLC (College of Lake County) to the village government. They are also wonderful volunteers for community and have served village residents for years."
Cheryl retired from teaching 10 years ago after working in Woodland Elementary District 50 for 35 years.
David Ross retired from the College of Lake County eight years ago after working as a counselor there for 35 years. In that time, he became a nationally recognized expert in test and speech anxiety reduction.
The couple are active with Bethel Lutheran Church, where Cheryl's parents were founding members. David taught Sunday school there for 25 years and he and Cheryl are supporters of COOL ministries, a food pantry and family housing organization. Cheryl is a member of the Gurnee Exchange Club and has an agreement with David that he will volunteer to work Exchange Club events so long as he doesn't have to attend any meetings.
David Ross said the honor was a surprise.
"We both tend to prefer to just work and not receive recognition for the things that we do," he said. "That's not our style."
The annual Gurnee Days celebration is Aug. 8-11. This year's theme is "Gurnee Days - Hooray for Hollywood." Highlights include the Exchange Club's Rib Fest from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Viking Park, and the parade at noon on Sunday, Aug. 12.
As the traditional kickoff to the festival, the testimonial dinner where the Rosses will be honored is set for Aug. 8.