2008 represents a year long celebration of our Anniversary. The Kick-off dinner was just great with 215 people in attendance to enjoy the festivities. Our year begins with numerous events that are a collaboration between the Village and other entities within the Village. We will be highlighting the events in the Hi-Lighter and on the display board inside the
Village Hall. Events will include a Family Festival and Parade this August 14-17, numerous collaboration events with the Schools, Churches, and Park District. I’m pretty excited about the Relay for Life coming to Hanover Park to participate here during our 50th Anniversary.
To begin with I need to thank the office staff: Kim Benedix and Sue Krauser who managed the Order of the Agenda, the timing of the events, the seating requests, invitations, tracking and God knows what else. Thanks to them, I could focus on presentations and introductions. Jennie Swanson, Pastor, Living Christ Lutheran Church and Fire Department Chaplin began with an inspiring invocation. Long time Hanover Park residents Val Michals, accompanied by Sandra Hallmann sang the National Anthem and “God Bless America” to set the tone for an excellent evening.
I also was very appreciative that our Congressman Peter and Elizabeth Roskam were able to attend having returned from Washington D.C. The Congressman presented the congratulations as written into the Congressional Record. Their Congressional Representative Director Brian McCarthy and Congressional Representative Kitty Weiner also attended. They have assisted Hanover Park numerous times recently as we pursue solutions to landfill issues. Congresswoman Melissa Bean sent along her letter of congratulations, which will be posted in the Village Hall with all letters.
Local dignitaries included State Senator Michael and Veronica Noland, who provided State Senate Recognition from himself and State Senator Carole Pankau. We also welcomed Representative Paul Froehlich and Schaumburg Library Trustee Marilyn Froehlich. Representative Fred Crespo called me from Puerto Rico to apologize for missing the event. However, it was an honor to have his legislative Aid Leonard Henderson present who presented State House of Representative Resolution honoring Hanover Park.
Timothy O. Schneider, Cook County 15th District Commissioner presented a Resolution signed by him and Todd H. Stroger, President of the Cook County Board. Mike Bauman, Streamwood Trustee, Katy Dolan Bauman, Trustee Hanover Township, Ed Leveto, Bloomingdale Township Supervisor, Marilyn Menconi, Fran Scalafini, Bloomingdale Township Trustees also attended. William and Joanne McLeod, Mayor Hoffman Estates all came to share in the festivities of the evening.
The Hanover Park Park District who we are looking forward to partnering with for the “Relay for Life” Cancer walk in June 13-14 was there with us to kick-off the 50th year. Jon Duesing, President and the Micky Macholl, Miguel Fuentez, Mark Elkins, and Charlie Morrison Commissioners along with Jeff Acks, Parks Director.
We had attendance from our Citizens Corps Council, CERT Committee, CONECT Committee, Development Commission, Environmental Committee, and Sister City Committee.
Most pleasing was the return of our Elected Officials who have served the Village in a respectable manner in the past. It was a real honor to see each of them, truly friends of the Village.
Lou Barone as Mayor, Trustee, and Village Clerk, (1969-1985)
Frank Dalle Valle, Trustee (1971-1983)
Tom Evert, Trustee (1971-1975) (1990-1991)
Dale Stevens, Trustee (1985-1989)
Steve Heller, Trustee (1985-1989)
The “Mayor’s Choice Award” was presented to Camcraft who has been a fixture in the Turnberry Lakes Business Park since 1994. Patricia Gonzales-Martinez, Parkwood Elementary School Principal assisted the Mayor in the presentation. As a 12 year partner with 5th and 6th graders Camcraft has been modeling the right stuff with children, as Camcraft stays involved in Hanover Park. What a great business model they provide for others to follow.
The evening was very enjoyable with the lovely dinner and the lively music that really worked for everyone. The Sister Cities Committee provided a special Ghana presentation of the “Humanitian Award” as that was presented to one of their members, Maria Woerle. An original member of the committee and one responsible for the numerous shipments of books, medical supplies, and other items of substance organized in special shipping containers.
The “Service to Youth Award” went to Mr. Rick Roberts for his many years providing leadership in the Hanover Park Hurricane Football and Cheer Association. Their Organization had many challenges this year and Rick absolutely modeled the right stuff every time and brought a special meaning to compassion, teamwork, and leadership in Hanover Park.
The “Leadership in Education Award” was presented to Dr. Nicholas Myers. The transition of Anne Fox School from the lowest Scholastic ranking in the District three years ago to its excellent ranking today is a notable accomplishment. “No Excuses, University” and now “Kids at Hope” a belief system where all students will have support that will enable them to aspire and achieve their life’s goals. A process for all adults to learn how to support and encourage youth achieve their life goal.
The “Citizen of the Year” is both a resident and Businesswoman of Hanover Park. Ms. Anita Komorski brought to Hanover Park the first Ontarioville Art and Music League, Inaugural Fine Art Fair held last year. It was a tremendous success and contributed to the clean-up and restoration of a Village park. Additionally, Anita a long time CONECT Committee member personally contributed to the pursuit and beginning of a Hanover Park Chamber of Commerce. We are all very proud of these achievements to bring Hanover Park respectability.
Finally, the evening continued as people shared conversation with excellent music and dancing. The event ended as a wonderful evening for everyone to celebrate as we begin our 50th Anniversary together.
Rod Craig
Mayor, Hanover Park
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