'An example of outstanding citizenship': Longtime community volunteer honored in Wheeling
A longtime community volunteer is the latest recipient of Wheeling's George Hieber Citizenship Award.
Honoree Rich Rosen, whose public service resume includes time on the Wheeling Park District board and the Wheeling Township Elementary School District 21 board, was lauded at Monday's village board meeting.
"You really are an example of outstanding citizenship in our town," Village President Pat Horcher told Rosen after a proclamation detailing his activities was read aloud.
In addition to his past elected service, Rosen is president of the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council. He served as president of the Wheeling Rotary Club, too, and now is that group's literacy chair.
Rosen also is a member of Wheeling Helping Hands, a nonprofit organization providing food, clothing, and other goods to local residents in need; the Wheeling Township Senior Advisory & Action Committee; the Indian Trails Public Library Foundation board; and the Greater Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce board.
"You have served on most of the boards (in town) except this one," Horcher told Rosen. "I'm not sure how you could have missed this."
Horcher gave Rosen a copy of the proclamation as well as a plaque detailing the honor. Rosen's name will be added to a plaque at village hall, too.
Created in 2016, the annual Hieber Award bears the name of its first recipient. Last year's winner was Mike Moran, a longtime member of Wheeling's fire and police board.
A video of Monday's meeting and the award presentation is viewable at youtube.com/@wheelingiltv.