Story posted Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Nominate Citizens For 'Night Of Roses' Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the Seventh Annual 2010 Niles Night of the Roses. Community awards presented at the Night of the Roses recognize residents and village employees who have stood out, gone the extra mile or touched the lives of others in the last year.
"It might be your neighbor, a teacher, or a fellow volunteer who despite their own set backs has actively reached out to others to lend a hand," said Niles Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katie Schneider. Awards will be given in 13 categories at a dinner at White Eagle Banquet Hall on Saturday, Apr. 24.
Last year's dinner filled one of the White Eagle's largest halls with officials from all of Niles governing bodies, civic and business organizations.
The Journal was the media sponsor of last year's event and is sponsoring this year's event. Nomination forms, which can be found in the Niles Journal, must be submitted to the chamber of commerce by Friday, Feb. 19 at 4:30 p.m. Winners will be announced in March.
Awards and categories include; Business of the Year, the Bob Wordel Living Legend award, Coach of the Year, Dynamic Parent Volunteer, the Fire Fighter "Hot Spot" award, the Ken Scheel Chamber Member of the Year award, Niles Citizen of the Year, Niles Golden Senior, Niles Good Neighbor, the Police Officer "Special Agent" award, Teacher of the Year, the Unsung Worker "Not Enough Hours in the Day" award and Youth of the Year.
The Ken Scheel Chamber Member of the Year Award is named for the late, former long-time Village Manager Ken Scheel.
Scheel was a hearty supporter of the chamber and its role in the community. To honor his work the chamber awards the Scheel Award to one who exemplifies service to the community.
The late Bob Wordel was a founding member of the Niles Chamber of Commerce who believed in community involvement. The Bob Wordel Living Legend Award recognizes community involvement at the highest level.
Last year's Living Legend winner was Park Board President Elaine Heinen, recognized for her long service to the Niles Park Dist. and volunteer service to other village institutions such as village government, the chamber, her church and other organizations.
Niles Citizen of the Year last year was Bernadette Knapik-Fish who went far beyond what her work as the fire chief's secretary demanded.
Mary Mahoney won the Good Neighbor Award for cooking hot meals for a neighbor unable to cook for herself after an operation.
David Beierwaltes won the Dynamic Parent Volunteer Award for his near daily work at St. John Brebeuf Chruch as a Cub Scout leader, videographer and choir member.
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