Each year since its incorporation in 2001, the Village commemorates its anniversary by planting a tree. As part of the celebration, Homer Glen also recognizes its citizens who generously donate their time and expertise by volunteering on various committees, commissions, agencies, and task forces throughout the year.
Tree Planting Ceremony
On June 8, 2004, Mayor Russ Petrizzo joined other village officials for our third anniversary Tree Planting Ceremony at Founders Crossing. Founders Crossing, located at about 148th Street and Bell Road, is a project sponsored by Homer Township that provides lower cost townhomes for a number of senior citizens of Homer Township. The tree selected for planting was an Autumn Purple Ash.
From left to right: Village Manager Dwight Johnson, Mayor Russ Petrizzo, Trustee Dale Vogelsanger, Zoning Commission Chairman Mike DeVivo, Committee member Kim Vogelsanger, and former Trustee Laurel Ward.
Volunteer Recognition
At the Village Board meeting on June 8, 2004, Mayor Russ Petrizzo awarded Certificates of Appreciation to over 100 volunteers. Winners of the 2004 Outstanding Volunteers of the Year are Len Drnec, Bill Karn, John Robinson, Evelyn Walano, and Laurel Ward, who were each awarded a plaque.
From left to right:
Bill Karn, Len Drnec, Laurel Ward and John Robinson.
Evelyn Walano is not pictured.
Len Drnec
Len is currently the Chairman of our Plan Commission. Previously Len had been involved with the Plan Commission for Homer Township and has been involved in helping this community for many years. Len was also the Chairman for the Comprehensive Plan Committee that was integral in shaping the direction of the Village of Homer Glen. Len spends a great deal of time in the office, whether it is meeting with village staff or a developer to view a proposed project. Len attends all the village board meetings to stay abreast of the current projects going on with the village and to offer his expertise and knowledge when questions about a recent development arise. Your good work and dedication are very much appreciated and your efforts will have lasting results in Homer Glen.
Bill Karn
Also a Homer Glen Plan Commissioner, Bill has been heavily involved since 2001 when the Village first incorporated. Bill served on the Comprehensive Plan Committee, is a current member of the Storm Water Task Force, and also attends the Village Board meetings to keep abreast of the various issues affecting the Village. Bill is very well versed in floodplain and wetland ordinances and researches many issues, policies and procedures of neighboring communities for the Village. Most recently, Bill developed a handout for residents and developers to use when going before the Plan Commission to expedite the approval process. Bill has supported many local civic efforts and is active with the Homer Seniors.
John Robinson
John stepped up to the plate when we found we had a vacancy in our EMA Coordinator position. John has had many years of experience in emergency management and we were very fortunate he stepped in and offered his services for the safety and well being of our residents and the entire community. John has secured donations of not only an ambulance but also a light truck for our EMA, and has donated many hours of time to refurbish and rewire it for our use. John has coordinated the purchase of our emergency weather tracking system and worked with the Homer Fire protection district to install this very important early warning system. He is Homer Glen?s liaison with the other emergency management agencies and the police and fire department personnel in the surrounding communities. John is currently coordinating training for all of our EMA members so that in the event of a disaster or an emergency, Homer Glen is prepared and has qualified individuals to help.
Evelyn Walano
Evelyn is also a Plan Commissioner, was a member of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, currently is Chairperson for the Trails Task Force, is an advisory member of the Parks and Recreation Committee, and is also a member of the Town Center Task Force. Evelyn has been instrumental in researching and writing grants for the Trails Task Force and securing funding for future trails in our community. She is not only involved with the village, but also donates her time with district 92 as President of the PFA. She is always willing to offer her services and many talents for the good of the community.
Laurel Ward
Although Laurel had elected not to run to retain her village trustee position in our first election due to family obligations, Laurel has definitely not forsaken us. Laurel currently is our Chairperson for our Town Center Task Force, and is a member of the Green Vision process. Laurel has dedicated many hours of her time in obtaining grants from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to participate in the Green Communities Demonstration Program for the visioning process for Homer Glen. She has participated in drafting the mission statement and the goals for the Green Vision which focuses on the areas of community image and character, open space, parks and recreation, habitat and wildlife, transportation, and water resources. Laurel has helped to coordinate many focus groups, meetings and outings to obtain feedback from the community on how they would like this village to progress and grow. She has been involved in an advisory capacity in ways too numerous to count some of which include the recent search committee for our new village manager and she is currently on the search committee for a new Homer Glen Community Development Director. Laurel regularly reviews printed materials and drafts of communications for the village and remains an integral part of the daunting task of creating a village.