Thank you, Terri Sarro: Our 2023 Angel Award Recipient

At the Neighborhood Services Block Captain meeting in March, the 2023 Richard N. Scheck Angel Award was presented to Village Trustee Theresa “Terri” Chiappetta Sarro, “in recognition of her outstanding service to her neighbors, for her unselfish donation of time to those in need, and for setting an example for other families in the village on how to reach out to others to make a difference in our community.” Village Clerk Kathy Ranieri said she “couldn’t think of a more deserving person to receive this award.” So many village residents are touched by Terri’s kindness, patience and love on a daily basis. Honoring her at the meeting were block captains along with Mayor Joseph Mengoni, Clerk Ranieri, Trustees Fernando Flores, Debbie Czajka, Jason Bianco, Marybelle Mandel, department heads and even Terri’s own family who came to surprise her.

These are the little things that make North Riverside so special...

• A man received a meal from Meals on Wheels that he couldn’t use. His neighbor was able to identify a person in need and she and her husband brought the meal to that person. The block captain said, “What a wonderful town it is where people share with other people.”

• A woman’s 9 year-old granddaughter makes cards for people on her block if they are sick, had an accident or had a surgery. Meanwhile, “Grandma" makes cookies or a dinner to bring to them as well.

• A resident went to a local retail shop to have two watches repaired but the employer had to order the batteries. The woman returned to the shop and the same nice man fixed both watches. She asked what she owed him and he said, “Nothing.” She asked why and he said, “Because you came back.” Another resident gave $100 to a mother with 2 kids in need and the mother shared it with her next door neighbor so that they could all have a special Easter. Feel free to share an “Act of Kindness” story, no matter how small. Every angel makes a big difference.

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Be A Block Captain

We would love to have you join us as one of approximately 80 other Block Captains in the Village that make our amazing Neighborhood Services program possible. You can even ask neighbor to help and become Co-Block Captains! Volunteers simply reach out to their neighbors and share resources. He/she helps to open up lines of communication to create a friendly atmosphere on the block. We need Captains in the areas below—call the Rec Office at 708-442-5515 if you’re interested:

2300 and/or

2400 block of Lathrop

2300 block of Forest

2400 block of Hainsworth

8100 block of Edgewater

2500 block of 2nd Avenue

2500 block of 5th Avenue

2400 block of 8th Avenue

2200 block of 12th Avenue

9000 block of 23rd Street.

HAVE A BLOCK PARTY!

With summer coming, consider picking a date now. Learn more about Block Parties and complete the Online Block Party Application from the Village website.

Block parties (or even casual backyard get-togethers, simple potlucks or barbecues) are a wonderful way to see old friends, bring the kids together and meet anyone who recently moved into the community!