2022 VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR
JAKE KOBLER • 5 MONTHS OF SERVICE
Jake was a high school gymnast during his years at Fremd High School. A few years after graduation his passion for the sport never went away, so he reached out to our gymnastics program looking for some volunteer opportunities. Jake started his service with us in late June assisting our Boy’s coach with a couple of our boy’s classes. These classes were on the verge of being canceled due to low enrollment. Since Jake’s arrival we now have two full boy’s classes, with a waitlist, and have added an additional advanced boy’s class.
Jake’s quality of work and adaptability not only enhance our program, but also benefit our community, by helping to give our patrons a quality experience. We are lucky to have him and hope to continue working with him in future sessions to come.
KIRSTEN BROGAN • 1.5 YEARS OF SERVICE
Kirsten Brogan is a familiar face around the Palatine Stable ever since her daughter Charlotte began learning to ride in the Riding School program, then leasing a pony and eventually purchasing their own. She involves in almost every aspect of our programs at the Stable but especially with the Palatine Stables Show Team. She’s the “party planner” when it comes to any of the events, we hold at the Stable like the Horse Games & BBQ Day and the Halloween Jumper Jackpot & Costume Contest. She’s the one recruiting parents to help provide whatever she has decided that we are in need of. She’s always asking us what she can help out with and what needs to be done. If at all possible, when things are winding down at the end of a long horse show weekend, Kirsten will start right in on the task of cleaning up, packing up and helping load the trailer for home….never even having to be asked to help, she just does it.
No matter what it is Kirsten is always one of the first to ask what she can do to help. We appreciate everything she has done for us and know that she will continue to do whatever needs to be done to keep the Palatine Stable the awesome place that it is. Thank you Kirsten!
ROBIN DUBIN • 3 YEARS OF SERVICE
Robin volunteered in 2020 to schedule Mentorees for Wednesday mentoring. Due to COVID, I had to limit those who would attend to four per court on three courts. I scheduled two sessions per Wednesday. So, Robin had to take my Expect To Be Available that week lists and select two groups of 12, one for 9:00am and one for 10:30.
She had to endure countless invitees who weren’t as available as they’d said they’d be. Then she had to rush to find replacements from the list of others who were supposed to be available. This was often a race, as she had only 24 hours to fill those spots.
We served barely 100 Mentorees in 2022, but in 2021 Robin scheduled 137 Mentorees. This was an often stressful labor of love. Often Mentorees would circumvent the policy and contact Robin directly, rather than going through me, regarding their added or deleted availability. That caused Robin additional work. She never really complained. Robin has been a fantastic blessing to our club. Hundreds of newer picklers have her to thank for their development in our sport.
Palatine Gymnastics
JERRY CHRISTOPH • 4 YEARS OF SERVICE
Jerry Christoph is the Technology Director for the Palatine Celtic Soccer Club. The last several years he has been responsible for maintaining our Club’s website, our mobile app and is the lead score reporting coordinator for our Celtic Cup Tournament. Jerry is a selfless volunteer who does whatever it takes to make our club better and truly cares about the kids we serve in the Palatine community. Our Labor Day tournament hosts over 300 teams from all around the Midwest and reporting all the scoring during the weekend in a timely manner is vital to our success. He did not leave his post for almost the entire weekend (over 50 hours) making sure everything went smoothly and even helped doing other jobs when he had a break. We truly could not have run the tournament without his humility and servanthood mentality and Jerry is an invaluable part of our team. The Celtic Soccer Club and entire community of Palatine is lucky to have him as a volunteer and we can’t thank him enough!
JEFF CZAPLEWSKI • 5 YEARS OF SERVICE
Jeff has been a part of our Coaching Staff since his oldest son started skating in 2018. Since then, Jeff has moved up with his son throughout the years and currently is coaching 4 Renegades teams for the Fall 2022-23 Season (8U ADM, 8U Gray, 10U#1, 10U Gray). Jeff has stepped up and not only been a leader for his players, but also for the families within our program and his coaching peers. Jeff is constantly striving to better himself by asking questions, watching game film, and researching and developing new practice plans. Jeff’s communication skills and desire to have fun whenever we are playing, coaching, or watching hockey is what sets him apart as a great example of what it means to be a youth hockey coach in today’s world.
It’s volunteers like Jeff Czaplewski that make the Rolling Meadows Renegades an organization that people want to be a part of and give back to their community. Thank you, Jeff, for all that you do, and we are looking forward to continuing to having you here!
BRIAN DOMBROSKI • 6 YEARS OF SERVICE
The Dombroski family joined the Palatine Swim Team in the fall of 2016 and soon after Brian started volunteering at our hosted meets. Like most families he started out timing but quickly moved into other positions like working the concessions table and operating our scoreboard machine. He even worked one of the most stressful positions at our summer meets, running the concessions grill.
While enjoying himself at our holiday party in 2018, he was persuaded to take on the board position role of Meet Director. Since then, Brian hasn’t looked back. On meet weekends he is the first one there to open the door and the last one to leave at the end of the day. He hit the ground running and hasn’t missed a minute of our hosted meets since January of 2019. If there was ever a slow moment, and those are rare at our meets, Brian took on the daunting task of going through and cleaning out the team’s storage shed at Birchwood. Whether an IT guy was needed to set up our computers and printers or someone was needed to replace and repair our touch pads, Brian was the go-to guy.
In the summer of 2019, we were informed that we needed to find an alternate location to host our annual Winter Splash. Brian was instrumental in securing the pool at Elk Grove High School and the relationship he formed has turned into us returning every year since.
With Brian’s tireless work over the last 4 years as meet director the team has continued to hold some of the most highly attended and successful meets in the state (even during our Covid years). The team thanks him for keeping our reputation for having great meets going and he will be missed on deck as he closes out his last year as meet director.
ROB DOUGLASS • 6 YEARS OF SERVICE
Rob Douglass has played an integral part in the development and sustained viability in Penguins Lacrosse over the past 5 years. He has always stepped up voluntarily and dedicated a tremendous amount of time to the program. He has served as a coach, a board member and also as a person who has influential ideas.
Rob Douglass has been a Penguins Lacrosse board member for the past 3 years and has been an important cog in our organization. Rob has also coached in our program for 5 years.
Last year specifically, when we were struggling to find coaches, he stepped up and in essence took over 2 teams. He coached our 3/4 grade team as well as the 5/6 grade team on many occasions. He has also led teams to championships in the IBLA.
His passion and dedication to Penguins should be honored and we are thankful to have Rob in our program. He has 2 sons in our program Tyler (7th grade) and Trevor (4th grade).
MIKE PODGORNY, JR • 6 YEARS OF SERVICE
For the last six years, Mike has served as an invaluable member of PCBS. He began his time as a coach and a manager, but his leadership and expertise soon vaulted him into the role of league commissioner. PCBS league commissioners may very well be the most important position in the entire organization. They work directly with our managers and are primarily responsible for ensuring that players and parents have a positive PCBS experience. Mike’s organizational efforts and guidance make sure that the managers and coaches can concentrate on coaching the game of baseball and teaching the value of cooperation and sportsmanship. More recently Mike also adopted the role of Communications Coordinator. In the years since he assumed this title, PCBS has witnessed remarkable gains in its online presence and profile. Mike has worked tirelessly to promote the PCBS brand and has created a platform which has become a hub of communal information and a celebration of all those who support our programs. In October of 2022, Mike once again responded to the needs of the program and has taken on the Executive Board position of Secretary. We are certain that he will bring his spirit of creativity and innovation to evolve that role beyond its current framework.
While Mike’s impressive credentials demonstrate the tangible impact he has made on PCBS, they cannot begin to quantify the role he plays in the organization. In a group that runs solely on the energy and commitment of volunteers it is necessary to have people that always show up, and Mike always shows up. Whether we need him at Ratings Day to organize and instruct, a PCBS parent event to represent the best of who we are, a Rules Meeting to simplify issues and recognize nuanced positions, or if it is a late-night request for a last-minute social media post, Mike is always there for PCBS. Which means he is always there for you. Mike Podgorny epitomizes the community of PCBS. Which is why he is a most deserving and honored recipient of this award.
BRENT ELSTROM • 8 YEARS OF SERVICE
Brent has been an instrumental leader in building the success of the Palatine Amateur Football Association during his years of service. From joining the program 8 years ago, he has dedicated his time as a head coach, VP and President. In his current position as PAFA President, Brent has helped grow the program from 221 players and 12 teams to 305 players fielding 16 teams for the 2022 season.
Brent was challenged with obstacles of running a football program during and after the COVID 19 pandemic, including football supply chain shortages and the loss of the 2020 football season. Brent has continued to stay committed to building a strong football community while supporting athletes’ growth in a positive environment, building confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships.
RALPH BANASIAK • 10 YEARS OF SERVICE
As a cyclist with thousands of miles on his seat, Ralph Banasiak has been a committed member of the Bike Palatine Club since its inception beginning as a bicycle advocacy group in 2009. He has championed the continued growth and health of the club by his development and maintenance of our membership process. As its primary newsletter author, he has ensured that our members stay informed with essential information ranging from safety suggestions to upcoming rides, advocacy initiatives, and extending to planned infrastructure improvements.
Ralph has been involved in many operational facets including treasurer, newsletter author, weekly ride leader, and most notably, cycling advocate. Ralph has lined up several cycling talks hosted at the Palatine Public Library on topics related to cross-country cycle touring and cold weather riding. In the past couple of years, he has shifted from club-only duties to his current gig writing more than 50 columns for the Daily Herald, under its heading, Along for the Ride, which appears roughly every three weeks in the Neighbor section.
Ralph has been a key figure in recruiting new board member candidates to get new blood and fresh ideas for our club. His enduring passion for cycling has been a pivotal factor in the club’s continued success.
SUE MINOTT • 12 YEARS OF SERVICE
Sue Minott has been a volunteer for the Palatine Historical Society for over 12 years. During this time, she has been very active in the supporting the Society. She has taken on the role of Publicity Chairperson and has also contributed her time and effort in other areas beyond that role. Sue volunteers her time to attend and represent the Palatine Historical Society at many community events such as the Palatine Farmer’s Market, Palatine Rotary Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. She also represents the Society in the Downtown Palatine Business Association and is the current secretary of that body. In addition, she stepped in to help organize our recent treasurer’s reports after our long-time treasurer unexpectedly passed away. She has also been one of the key volunteers supporting the Clayson’s Kids Day program at the Clayson House Museum one Sunday every month. She volunteered to help clean and re-organize the Carriage House and she always makes sure the Clayson House Museum has the supplies it needs.
Sue has acquired new places to advertise our activities such as The Patch, other websites, and the electronic signs at the Palatine Park District and Village of Palatine. Sue has brought other volunteers into our organization giving us a wider exposure to Palatine and has been our representative at the Northeastern Illinois Museum organization. She has been the public face of the Historical Society in the community, and if that was not enough, she also volunteers her husband to help when needed. We are forever grateful for her service here at the Palatine Historical Society.
Palatine Historical Society
GREG BRUNKS • 14 YEARS OF SERVICE
Greg Brunks has been a member of the Palatine Hills Golf Association (PHGA) since 2009. Since then, Greg has been very active with events, committees, and board representation. He has served on the PHGA board of directors for the past 4 years serving as director, secretary, and website manager. His creativity and initiative in updating and maintaining the PHGA website for use by members has helped retain and attract members.
Greg has fourteen years of active participation with the Palatine Hills Golf Association and 4 years as a board member. As a member of the Board, Greg has applied his technology skills. This kept the Board and the organization functioning during the COVID crisis. Generally, Greg has improved all communication with the members and day to day use of the PHGA website.
Greg's leadership and knowledge has created user friendly on-line sign-up and payment for weekly, holiday, travel, and special events. This development has been a catalyst in getting more members to participate in such events. As web site manager Greg has enhanced the site for members to learn the workings of the Association and a place to view player's handicaps and how all other players are doing. Greg has worked closely with the scoring software development committee which has improved the overall success of the most challenging and critical aspect of golf participation. Finally, Greg was very instrumental in applying virtual communication with the board during the pandemic era. This development continues to be used in bringing everyone together regardless of where they are.
Without Greg's tireless efforts and technology skills, participation in PHGA events would have declined, and membership would have been reduced. Golfers expect on-line sign- up and event details, and Greg has led countless improvements to bring such a necessary experience to members. Greg's efforts are also critical to the function of the PHGA board and enabled virtual meetings during the COVID crisis to keep the organization functioning. Greg is the backbone of the PHGA.
BILL LITTLE • 20 YEARS OF SERVICE
Bill has been a volunteer at Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council, offering computer assistance and instruction for over 20 years. In recent year, Bill has been part of a team of tech volunteers who troubleshoot the phone system and computer issues for PTSCC. Every Thursday in the PTSCC Tech Lab, he is one of six volunteers who help participants learn more about the iPhone, iPad and computers or might have questions.
In 2022, Bill took the lead on investigating a new phone system for PTSCC. Bill’s professional and volunteer experience (he coordinated the phone system for his church) provided him the skills to understand the needs PTSCC had in preparing for an upgraded phone system.
Bill is patient with clients and works well with the volunteer team. He is supportive with the PTSCC staff and helps them with a variety of tech questions. You can tell that Bill truly enjoys sharing his knowledge of the tech world. The participants and staff appreciate Bill’s enthusiasm as they continue to learn more technology that changes daily.
Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT AWARD
SALLY ROSSETTI
Sally Rossetti was a highly motivated and active volunteer for the Palatine Celtic Soccer Club. Sally served on the Board of Directors for many years including two years as the Club’s secretary and two years as the first vice president of the Club. Sally was one of the first women to ever ascend to this position.
Sally had many accomplishments with the club including joining with Frank LaRocca in planning and running the Hamilton Exchange for three years in the mid-90s. The Hamilton Exchange was an international soccer exchange where youth soccer players and their families from Hamilton Ontario Canada came to Palatine to play soccer and stay with Palatine families for a long week-end. The following year the Palatine players and their families would go to Hamilton and stay with Canadian families. The Exchange involved both house league and travel players and was truly a good will and good sportsmanship week-end. Sally and the committee handled all of the planning and setting up the housing, hotel arrangements, party plans and transportation including buses. A huge undertaking. During her tenure on the Board, Celtic Soccer was able to expand the spring house league tournament, work with the park district to expand Celtic Park and solidify its position as a premier travel program. Sally was also involved with reviving the Club’s connection with its past during the 25th anniversary celebration.
Sally was that volunteer who was always ready and able to step up when the need arose. Congratulations to Sally Rossetti on being our Spotlight award recipient this year.
Unfortunately, Sally passed away in 2017 but is represented here today by her family.
CONGRATULATIONS TO HONOR ROLL INDUCTEE
GREG BRUNKS, PALATINE HILLS GOLF ASSOCIATION
HONOR ROLL
In addition to recognizing our annual volunteers, Palatine Park District also recognizes distinguished volunteers through the Palatine Park District Honor Roll. Those who are appointed to the Honor Roll, through resolution by the Board of Park Commissioners, will have their names added to the perpetual Honor Roll plaque hanging in the Community Center. They will also receive an honor roll pin, plaque, and an annual invitation to attend the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon as our guests.
To be considered for the Honor Roll, a volunteer must meet the following criteria:
• Longevity—Substantial years of service with the organization(s)
• Leadership—Demonstrated leadership role within the organization(s)
• Impact—Significant contribution which has benefited the organization(s)
HONOR ROLL COMMITTEE
HONOR ROLL REPRESENTATIVES
Linda Fleming
Dennis Hanson
Jim Lennon
Carolyn Mangold
Gus Panos
Don Torgersen
PALATINE PARK DISTRICT STAFF
Donelda Danz
Matt Sheehan
Josh Ludolph
Palatine Park District is proud to shine a light on the exemplary service efforts of the following individual.
HONOR ROLL MEMBERS
2021 Wayne Mikes • Bike Palatine Club
Larry Niemczyk • Palatine Hills Golf Association
Greg Post • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
Frank Stark • Palatine Amateur Football Association
Joanne Wojcik • Palatine Community Baseball & Softball
2019 Mike Pastore • Penguins Lacrosse
2018 John Helpap • Palatine Hills Golf Association
R. Barry “Bear” Shatwell • Palatine Pickleball Club
2017 Gary Gray • Palatine Baseball Association
2016 Bob Bem • Palatine Hills Golf Association
Dr. Bruce Goldberg • Palatine Children’s Chorus
Bruce Olsen • Palatine Boys Baseball/Palatine Baseball Association
Joe Petykowski • Palatine Historical Society
2015 Joe Kraus • Palatine Youth Baseball/Softball
2014 Joel Krandel • Palatine Baseball Association
David Zimmer • Palatine Youth Baseball/Softball
2013 Terry Ruff • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
Jeff Ryder • Palatine Baseball Association
Fred Scharm • Algonquin Longhouse
2012 Bob Mathieson • Palatine Hills Golf Association
Tim Storm • Baseball
2011 Rose Buchanan • Prairie Woods Audubon Society
Gene Dorsch • Baseball/Palatine Hills Golf Association
2010 Bob Haas • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
Jim Nolan • Palatine Hills Golf Association
Terry Veller • Northwest Chargers Hockey
Paula Wiznerowicz • Prairie Woods Audubon Society
2009 Bob Alexander • Palatine Hills Golf Association
Al Sittaro • Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council
2008 Don Dupont • Palatine Opportunity Center
Maggie Grande • Palatine Gymnastics Club
Vincent Lucchese • Baseball
Colin Wood • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
2007 Alice Rosenberg • Palatine Historical Society
Nick Sawyer • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
Ray Sophie • Palatine Tiger Sharks Swim Team
2006 Michael Babiarz • Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council
Nancy Cairns • Palatine Historical Society
Don Jarosz • Palatine Amateur Football Association
Doreen Jarosz • Palatine Amateur Football Association
Doug Skor • Algonquin Longhouse
Glenn Wesley • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
HONOR ROLL MEMBERS
2005 Janet Degner • Palatine Historical Society
Rembert Stokes • Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council
Laurie White • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
2004 Dennis Hanson • Baseball
Connie Rawa • Palatine Historical Society
2003 John Bullen • Palatine Amateur Football Association
Donna Dwyer • Palatine Historical Society
Nanci (Schullo) Robinson • PAFA Cheerleading & Flags
2002 Diane Abram • Palatine Gymnastics Club
Linda Fleming • Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council
Elaine Haren • Palatine Historical Society
Jim Lennon • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
Dick Trotter • Baseball
2001 Paul Bohlmann • Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council
Rich Edwards • Baseball
Carolyn Mangold • Palatine Historical Society
Gus Panos • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
2000 Steve Barnum • Baseball
Thomas Bowman • Baseball
Tom Fletcher • Baseball
Elvis “Moose” Foster • Baseball
Denise Limburg • Palatine Historical Society
Russ Racine • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
1998 Chuck Longua • Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council
1997 Nick LoPresti • Palatine Historical Society
Bert May • Baseball
1993 Chic Anderson • Baseball
Lou Anderson • Baseball
Ted Ruzbasan • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
1992 Don A. Torgersen • Baseball
1986 Albert Krueger • Hockey, Celtic Soccer, Baseball
Francis Regan • Palatine Historical Society
1981 Mary Lou Ruzbasan • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
James Takahashi • Palatine Hills Golf Association
1980 Judith Gamoran • Palatine Historical Society
William Hughes • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
James Kinsella • Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
Steve Olson • Cutting Hall
Marilyn Pedersen • Palatine Historical Society
Thomas Schuster • Swim Team
Fred Zajonc • Youth Programs/PHS VIP
