AWARDS

2010 Bloomingdale Business of Character Award

Rooster's Restaurant  New to the program this year, is the Bloomingdale Business of Character Award, which was presented to owner Frank Cook and manager Terri Zak of Rooster's Restaurant.  Rooster's received the award in recognition of the quality customer service demonstrated by their staff, and for their ongoing support and commitment to the Bloomingdale community through their dedicated and generous service in various community events, such as the Library Fish Fry, Bloomingdale Historical Society, Bloomingdale Police Department, etc. Pictured left to right:  Frank Cook, Terri Zak, Sherry Douglas and Nancy Butler.

2010 Pillar Award Winners

Pamela Ramsey of Naperville, center, and Bloomingdale police officer Steve Abruzzo, right, are honored with the Bloomingdale Character Counts! Coalition Pillar Award Monday night [4/26/10] at the village hall. They saved the life of Dwight Henricksen, left, of Columbus, Ohio, after he suffered a heart attack while visiting the Bloomingdale Golf Club.  Article:  http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=376333
 

2009 Pillar Award Winners
 
Anthony Perez - On August 15, 2009 while in the parking lot of his employer, (Meijer's - 130 S Gary Ave), Anthony witnessed a motorcyclist pull into the Meijer's parking lot with a mechanical failure, which led it to catch on fire while the passengers were still on board with one passenger engulfed in flames.  Anthony immediately ran to the scene, removing his shirt in an attempt to smother the flames.  When that did not resolve the matter, Anthony pulled the burning clothes off the victim and was able to extinguish the fire before the Fire Department and Paramedics arrived on the scene.  Anthony's heroic actions uniquely represent the Pillar of Caring.  View the Channel 7 News Video: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7177353 
 
 
Michelle Tipner - On September 10, 2009 a preschool aged child attending Erickson's Curriculum Night, separated from his parents and left the building.  Michelle noticed the child walking alone at the corner of Schick Road and Springfield Drive and turned her car around and comforted the child while phoning the Bloomingdale Police Department.  Michelle's observant call to action, uniquely represents the Pillar of Citizenship. (Pictured right: Michelle receives her award from Police Chief Tim Goergen, Sherry Douglas, Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS!® Coalition President, and Police Watch Commander Randy Sater).

 

 
Lake Park JV Football Team - At the September 12, 2009 JV football game between Lake Park and Elgin High Schools, Lake Park coaching staff became aware of Elgin player #80, who has severe autism and received little playing time.  Lake Park coaches offered to run a special play that would allow player #80 to receive the ball and to then be gently pushed out of bounds.   Lake Park named the play "Driver-Driver", after the Green Bay Packers' wide receiver Donald Driver. During the play, Lake Park JV football players further called an audible to refrain from tackling player #80, whereby allowing him to run 67 yards to score the game tying touchdown.  In the picture to the left, the Elgin football player #80 and the Lake Park assistant coach Nana Agyeman acknowledge the crowd's chants of "coop, coop, coop!" as player #80 (Winfried Cooper) crossed the field to thank Coach Agyeman and the Lake Park JV Football team for offering him the chance to score a touchdown. The Coalition determined that the selfless actions of both the Lake Park High School coaching staff and JV Football players uniquely represent the Pillar of Caring.  View the Daily Herald video:  http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid18011347001?bctid=41503635001 
 
Tim Grant - While engaged in work for the Bloomingdale Forestry Division, Tim observed a small boy wondering through the work area wearing no shoes or coat, and not accompanied by an adult.  Tim acted to console the young boy, and summoned the Police Department.  After the police responded, Tim accompanied the anxious youngster back to the Police Station so that his identity, residence and contacts to his parents could be made, and then further accompanied the boy back to his residence and into the arms of his grateful parents.  Tim Grant's selfless concern, caring and compassionate acts uniquely represents the Pillar of Caring. (Pictured right: Tim receives his award from Mayor Iden)
 
Arsalan Bin-Kamran - At approximately 5:15 pm on April 27, 2009, 12 year old, Arsalan Bin-Kamran was walking along South Brandon Drive in Glendale Heights (Bloomingdale Fire Dept. District) when he noticed a fire in the garage at 1953 South Brandon Drive. Arsalan knocked on the door to alert residents then he called 911 for assistance.  Because of Arsalan's swift actions, damage to the home was contained mostly to the garage and the exterior of the home. Without Arsalan's help, the house would have sustained considerable damage were the fire to go undetected or unreported for much longer.  Arsalan's act uniquely represents the pillar of Citizenship.
 
Jamie Meyer - Utilizing her training as the Recreation Supervisor and Lifeguard Trainer for the Bloomingdale Park District, Jamie witnessed a tragic motorcycle accident and jumped into action as a first responder on the scene.  Finding that the victim was not breathing, she began CPR until she was subsequently joined by three other Good Samaritans who helped work on the victim until the paramedics arrived.  Sadly, the victim ultimately passed away; he was a young man, an Iraq veteran and father of 15-month old triplets.  Jamie's act bravery and selflessness uniquely represents the Pillars of Caring and Citizenship. (Pictured left: Jamie receives her award from the Bloomingdale Park District Board)
 
Don Helmig - As the General Manager of Bloomingdale Golf Club, Don has hosted the annual CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition's recognition breakfast for as long as it has been in existence, refusing compensation for both the food and service provided.  Don's commitment to the Coalition uniquely represents the pillar of Caring. (Pictured Right: Don Helmig with Mayor Iden).

 

 
Gary Harding & Tom Sieler - On May 20, 2009 Gary Harding from Andy's Lawn Maintenance and Tom Seiler of Seiler Remodeling were in the Old Town Bank and Trust parking lot, when Janet Jacob (a resident of Alden Senior Living) was walking her small dog by the Lake Street entrance.  Suddenly, from out of nowhere a large Rottweiler pounced on her 18lb dog, and all she could do was scream.  Hearing her scream, Gary & Tom ran across the 4-lane Lake Street and grabbed and pulled the Rottweiler off her dog and held it until the owner came to take it away.  They called the police and gave them of the description of the owner and dog.  The brave actions of Gary and Tom uniquely represent the Pillar of Citizenship.  (Picured left: Gary Harding and Tom Sieler receive their Awards from Janet Jacob and Christine Smith, Coalition Treasurer.)
 
Trevor Koehn - In recognition of his student leadership in the National Young Leaders State Conference, Trevor received an invitation to the Presidential Inauguration.  Trevor's commitment to leadership and the community uniquely represent the Pillar of Citizenship. (Pictured right: Trevor receives his award from Donna Marino, Westfield Middle School) 

 

 

2009 American Youth Character Awards
 

Every fall the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition presents the American Youth Character Award Winners nominated by each of their schools. 

 

Front Row: Pawel Wilisowski (Winnebago), Michael D'Agostini (Erickson), Jeremy Pilz (DuJardin), Megan Rosenberg (Westfield), Catherine Serio (St. Isidore).  Back Row: Erin O'Connor (Miss Illinois), Mayor Bob Iden and Sergeant Randy Sater.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010 CHARACTER COUNTS! Recognition Recipients

Pictured above are the 2010 CHARACTER COUNTS! Recognition recipients (from left to right): Terri Zak, Presey Espinosa, Frank Cook, Rene Frost, Sue Wigg, Sophie Schultz, Sam Galante, Liz Kotwas, Tom Hong, Jessica Wigg, Vi Ferguson.  Not pictured Linda Beagley, Sherry Douglas and Judy Gordon. 

2009 CHARACTER COUNTS! Recognition Recipients

 

Every spring the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition sponsors a breakfast to recognize members of the community who live, work or attend school in Bloomingdale who exhibit outstanding character. Each honoree was nominated with a description of the pillar of character that he/she exemplifies.  Recognition recipients,(from left to right) Kelsey Coleman, Larry Jamis, Virginia Canchola, Carol Rushton, Greg Leyden, Matt Numrich, Dorothy Jaskey, Chuck Franzen, Nicholas Feeney, Peter Delgado, Jennifer Trimble, Fefe Ho, Emma Kirkham, Maggie Kriz (accepting posthumously for Jim Kriz), and Maryann Groner.  Not pictured: Gayle Carr.

 

 
 

In 2008, the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS!sm Coalition held its 7th Annual Recognition Breakfast on May 3, 2006 at 9 am at the Bloomingdale Golf Club.  Honorees included Mike Beagley, Ann Black, Margaret Gaynor, Georgene Geils, Frank Giammarese, Haidee Gospodarek, Larry Healey, Fefe Ho, Karen Johns, Norm Johns, Sophia Kelly, Jennifer Okun, Scott Okun, Roger Rossi, Tom Schrieber, and Sharon Varga.

Shown are l to r (front row) Georgene Geils, Fefe Ho and Sharon Varga. Also, (back rows) Larry Healey, Tom Schrieber, Frank Giammarese, Karen Johns, Norm Johns, Roger Rossi, Jennifer Okun,  Margaret Gaynor and Scott Okun. Not pictured are Sophia Kelly, Anne Black, Mike Beagley and Haidee Gospodarek.  Not able to attend were: Sophia Kelly, Anne Black, Mike Beagley, and Haidee Gospodarek (husband accepted for her). 

In 2007, the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS!sm Coalition held its 6th Annual Recognition Breakfast at the Bloomingdale Golf Club. 

2007 winners:  Branka Poplonski, Chris Wodniak, Dena Guthrie, Fred Louderman, Kimberly Paprocki, Kathy Divine, Frank Maranto, Al Canchola, Zameer Baig, Julia Read, and the Urgena Family.  Shown are winners (left to right):  Zach Urgena, Christiane Urgena, Napoleon Urgena, Tim Urgena, Julia Read, Edita Urgena, Zameer Baig, x, x, x, Al Canchola, x, and Branka Poplonski. 

In, 2006, the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS!sm Coalition held its 5th Annual Recognition Breakfast on May 6, 2006 at 9 am at the Bloomingdale Golf Club. Community members were invited to nominate individuals who exhibit outstanding character and have demonstrated qualities consistent with one or more of the Six Pillars of Character:  Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.  Nominees must live, work, or attend school in Bloomingdale. The nominated community members will be  were honored at this special breakfast.  A picture of most of the winners follows:

Front Row:  Danny Lamz and Natalie Wodniak
Adults behind - Sharon Kernats, Vi Morrisroe, Abbey Zizak, Dawn Arimura, Donna Kerr, Peggy Schmuldt, Charla Treanor, Jane Hove, Aviva Beal, John Butts, Marie Sweeney, Debbie Locklear, and Dina Plimmer.  Not pictured:  Joe Valentino, Bill Wilkinson, Julie Frerichs, Anna Marie Jamison, and Dawn Percudani. 

In 2005, The Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS!sm Coalition held its 4th Annual Recognition Breakfast on May 7, 2005 at 9:00am at the Bloomingdale Golf Club. Community members were invited to nominate individuals who exhibit outstanding character and have demonstrated qualities consistent with one or more of the Six Pillars of Character:  Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.  Nominees must live, work, or attend school in Bloomingdale. The nominated community members will be  were honored at this special breakfast. Remember, CHARACTER COUNTS! SM in Bloomingdale! Nomination forms were available at District #13 schools, Village Hall, Bloomingdale Township, Bloomingdale Library, Winnebago School, the Johnston Recreation Center, and on-line (below). Nomination forms were accepted through April 25, 2005. A picture of the winners follows.
 

From left to right:  Lori Noonan, enthusiastic volunteer in several community activities; Randy Sater, Bloomingdale Police sergeant who has dedicated much time to our community relations, and especially to CHARACTER COUNTS!; Emil Begovich, active senior and Bloomingdale Township Senior Center volunteer; Dave Sapinski, active and generous supporter of Winnebago School; Nancy Smith, volunteer math tutor for GED classes; Mary Jennison, organizer of the DuJardin Math-a-thon fundraiser for St. Jude's; Josephine and Ted Dabrowski, citizens who exhibit great caring; Nancy Johnson and Jeff SChiff, dedicated supporters of the National Kidney Foundation.  Also honored, but not pictured are Westfield student Elliot Walte, who always exhibits great character, despite daily challenges; Mary Ringnald, extraordinary volunteer at Winnebago; Carol Goforth, volunteer with struggling readers at Winnebago; and Kathy Enzenbacher, student mentor at DuJardin School.

In 2004, for the third consecutive year, the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS!  Coalition hosted a breakfast to honor community members of all ages. The coalition asked the public to nominate any resident for exemplifying one of the CHARACTER COUNTS! pillars - trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.  Some 60 people attended the gathering honoring 18 community members.

Linnea Corsten was nominated by Dawn Percudani for her work at DuJardin School.  She noted, “Linnea is the best parent to hit the school.  She runs many programs that enhance ALL the children’s’ experiences while in school or before and after school.  She is a great mentor to the students.”

Assistant Fire Chief Bill Wolff was nominated by both Bill Bahr and Mary Ellen Johnson. They noted Wolff exemplifies the pillars of caring and citizenship. In addition to his VFW activities, he he was instrumntal to getting over 500 yellow ribbons draped throughout the area. He also spearheaded a community effort to send goodies and toiletries to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, a project which is still ongoing.

Bloomingdale Golf Club Director Don Helmig was nominated by Barb Weber for exhibiting respect, caring, and citizenship. “Don always provides a quality service (be  it golf or dining)  for numerous community groups. He personally attends to all details, and treats all in a caring and respectful manner.”

Bloomingdfale Park District employee Sharon Davis was nominated by Kandice Krettler because “Sharon is a very caring individual, and is always courteous and willing to lend a helping hand.  She is a great asset to the Bloomingdale community.”

Winnebago third grade teacher Joyce McClelland nominated parents Leonard Gutierrez, , Frank Kernats and Anne Black for their trustworthiness and citizenship. They are members of the Winnebago School Partnership council, which works with the principal & teachers on building matters.  They contribute toward the district’s vision of building a better school and learning community through parent support.  Parent Sharon Varga was also nominated for the same reasons as a member of the District Partnership Council, which works with the superintendent on district matters.

Georgette West, part-time park district employee, was nominated by Katie White, Bloomingdale park district facilities supervisor, especially for showing responsibility. She said West is always donating her time by giving back to her church and community, as well as being completely reliable and trustworthy. “ Georgette is a sincerely kind person and a most valuable asset to the community.”

Erickson School social worker Sue Noren was nominated by her principal John Markgraf because of her CHARACTER COUNTS! work with the youngsters. New school report cards have CC! descriptions because of Noren’s work.  Markgraf notes Noren “has been trained in CC!,  but most of all practices the program.”

Resident Frank Salvinowas nominated by Lucy Michalec as a person of extraordinary character.  In addition to being involved in many community organizations.  Frank was instrumental in creating the Bloomingdale Township AARP Chapter, arranging interesting speakers and striving to make every meeting an event.

Bloomingdale Director of Village Services Michael Marchi was nominated by his boss, Village Administrator Dan Wennerholm for continually exhibiting the pillar of responsibility.  Michael demonstrates all of the pillars consistently, but Responsibility stands out.  He gives an all-out-effort to everything he does, a consummate professional.  He is firm when required, always respectful and courteous.  He has demonstrated significant dedication to his community in many ways.  He sticks to his belief for what is right and does not compromise that.

Senior Lucy Michalec was nominated by LaNora Rossi for demonstrating responsibility.
through her outstanding commitment to many volunteer organizations, including Senior Council of Bloomingdale Township, CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition, Senior Advisory Council with the Bloomingdale Police Department. Library Seniors, Republican Women’s Club

Ken Lindhorn, a Village engineering tecnician, was nominated by Brian Hofer, a superintendent for Rossi Contractors, who was doing some work in the Village. Hofer noted Lindhorn Ken was a friendly but firm “watchdog”  inspecting the work frequently and reminding him courteously and professionally if something was lacking. “Thanks for caring about the Bloomingdale community,” he added.

Westfield Middle School teacher Donna Marino was nominated. Nominated by Sandy Johnson
Nominated for Trustworthiness and Caring Although Donna Marino is an excellent example of all six pillars she is nominated today for Trustworthiness and Caring.  Donna has been a driving force behind CHARACTER COUNTS! in Bloomingdale since the beginning.  Her commitment to the program is exhibited daily through her actions as a teacher and a member of the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition.  Donna devotes time and energy in promoting CHARACTER COUNTS! and making Bloomingdale a great place to live and work.  Donna is most certainly an outstanding role model for our community.  Thanks Donna!

Marv Roehlke.  Nominated by Detective Dawn Odoi  Nominated for consistently exhibiting all of the Pillars.
When speaking about exhibiting outstanding character and a pillar of the Bloomingdale Community, Marv Roehlke comes to mind.  Marv is an active volunteer for the Bloomingdale Police Department as its Volunteer Program Coordinator.  Marv has shown what the CHARACTER COUNTS! Pillars represent through his daily interaction with others.  He is honest and direct and people admire him for these qualities.  Marv is held in high regard in the Bloomingdale Police Department for his talent, intellect and vast work experience.

Marv has served his community and his country.  He is the neighbor that you hope to have living next door to you. It is with great pleasure and honor that Marv Roehlke be recognized through the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition on behalf of the Police Department and myself.  Marv, I truly thank you for everything that you do for and are to all of us in Bloomingdale.

Kara Giacobazzi – Westfield 8th grader Nominated by Bill Bolen   Kara consistently exhibits all of the Pillars; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.  Kara stands out in our community as a person who really cares for others.  She is always willing to help out her peers with schoolwork or athletic endeavors.  She readily comforts those who are neglected, put down, or lonely – and stands up for them when necessary.  She is an outstanding athlete and does extremely well academically.  She is a natural leader and an asset to our community.

Cheryl Sowa – Lake Park junior Nominated by Bill Bolen
Cheryl was nominated for outstanding Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Caring, and Citizenship
What stands out about Cheryl are her positive contributions to our community.  She is on student council, at Lake Park, volunteers for community service, such as; March of Dimes and athletic programs for youth.  Cheryl is involved in athletics at Lake Park High School.  Cheryl is an outstanding individual who leads by example.

For future nominations:  click here.