In conjunction with National Public Lands Day, the Village by proclamation established Homer Glen Lands Day. This important day was established to show support for recognizing and protecting significant areas in the natural environment. The Village Proclamation for this special day states: The Village of Homer Glen was founded and incorporated in large part due to the desires of its citizens to preserve the unique and diverse components of the natural environment within the Village and to take steps to assist in the further protection and beautification of that environment.
In commemoration of Homer Glen Lands Day, a tree planting ceremony took place at the Homer Township Senior Housing Founders Crossing area on Tuesday, September 26. The tree, a 4 1/2? caliper native Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus), was donated by Roger Ross, who is a member of the Environment Committee. Planting services were provided by Ray Gomez of Instant Shade, a local Homer Glen business. The tree can be found on the west side of the Founders Crossing area overlooking Homer Township?s Open Space property.
This is the fourth year that a tree planting ceremony has taken place. The first tree planting was at the Northwest Homer Fire Station No. 2 in 2003, the second took place at Hadley Middle School in 2004 and last year a tree was also planted at the Homer Township Senior Housing Founders Crossing area.
At the Village meeting on September 26, thirteen Community and Nature in Harmony Awards were presented. The award was created to recognize individuals, businesses, community organizations and governmental agencies that through the preservation, restoration, and/or beautification of land within the Village of Homer Glen, have demonstrated commitment to the environment and in the process significantly contributed to community pride. This was the fifth year for the award program, which has generated much enthusiasm since its inception in 2002. The nominations were reviewed by the Environment Committee of the Village. The thirteen entries chosen to receive the 2006 Community & Nature in Harmony Awards are listed later on this page.
During the Awards recognition, the Village was honored to have the assistance of Miss Melanie Sluzewicz, who holds the title of ?National American Miss Illinois? in the Junior Teen Division. Miss Sluzewicz is a Homer Glen resident.
A wildflower monitoring workday was also coordinated for Homer Glen Lands Day, Saturday, September 30. Community volunteers worked at the wildflower monitoring site on 151st near Parker.
2006 Community & Nature in Harmony Award Winners
Brownie Troop 143
For coordinating a cleanup project and beautifying the property at Culver Park.
Russell Knaack
For his initiative in preserving a scenic wetland territory with an abundance of wildlife for the enjoyment of all Homer Glen residents.
Team Depot Volunteers of Home Depot
For coordinating the donation of time, supplies, and expertise in creating an inspirational garden at Founder?s Crossing Senior Housing Development.
7-Eleven
For providing an attractive landscape featuring trees, flowers and shrubs, and creating a seamless transition from commercial to residential property.
Bob and Shirley Axelson
For creating a serene and attractive environment with a perennial garden, large pond, stepping stones, and bird bath on their property.
Dawnwood Homeowner Association
For using resident volunteers and designated funds to continually maintain, augment, and beautify the extensive natural landscaping throughout the Dawnwood community.
Garden Patch Farms and Orchard
For maintaining an agricultural environment, providing a natural setting featuring a variety of farm animals and creating a rural atmosphere on a commercial site.
Greg Grimm
For providing a changing seasonal interest through landscaping with spring bulbs, perennials and native shrubs, and providing a haven for wildlife on his property.
Bill and Marianne Jacobs
For creating a beautiful and appealing landscape with a backyard sanctuary and providing inspiration to others in their neighborhood.
Patricia Krunis
For beautifying her property by creating a memory garden and providing a haven for wildlife.
Mike Martino
For providing inspiration by creating a well maintained produce garden and sharing his gardening knowledge with the community.
Robert and Kathleen Turner
For beautifying their property through the addition of a pond surrounded by a lovely garden and maintaining a beautiful landscape for their neighborhood.
The Wood Shed
For the preservation of trees and the creation of an attractive and unique commercial site using a natural setting and gardens.
Photo Gallery
Brownie Troup 143
With National American Miss Illinois Junior Teen, Melanie Sluzewicz
Front row, left to right, Brownies: Hanna Ringbauer, Laura Trebe, Colby Putman, Jenna Mendez, Sarah O?Connor, Alexandra Salcik
Back row: Amanda Putman, Mayor Russ Petrizzo, Nikki Mendez; Melanie Sluzewicz, National American Miss Illinois Junior Teen
Community & Nature in Harmony Award Winners
Front row, left to right: Shirley Axelson, Russell Knaack holding baby Darla Knaack, Merna Hiller, Earl Hiller, Kathy Kudla
Back row: Trustee Margaret Sabo, Bob Axelson, Bob Turner, Anthony Zmucki, Mayor Russ Petrizzo
Front row, left to right: Roger Ross, Sue Steilen, Mike Martino, Stanley Janik, Wayne Fairbrother
Back row: Cynthia Rataj, Patricia Krunis, Mayor Russ Petrizzo, Rich Mrozek, Wally Haydock
Tree Planting Ceremony
Back row, left to right: Marilyn Candreva, Connie Trassatti, Carol Grunow, Bernie Conboy, Dorothy Pratt.
Front row: Loretta Walkowiak
Left to right, Back row: Gary Ward (Homer Township groundskeeper), Kathy Kudla (Homer Glen Environment Committee member), Roger Ross (Homer Glen Environment Committee member), Lynne Herman (Homer Glen Environment Committee member), Homer Glen Trustee Margaret Sabo, Homer Glen Trustee Brian Andrews, Homer Township Trustee Pam Meyers, Homer Township Clerk Evelyn Walano
Left to right, Front row (kneeling): Cynthia Rataj (Environment Committee member), Sue Steilen (Environment Committee member), Bob Schmidt (Homer Township Chamber of Commerce, Vice President)