EVERYDAY HEROES / NWHerald.com • Saturday, March 27, 2021
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RUSSELL FOSZCZ Age: 65 Hometown: Richmond, IL Family: Spouse: Sara Foszcz, Sons: Joshua and Cooper Nominated by Jane Ann Farmer, Laura Franz, Suzanne, Hoban, Guadalupe Ortiz: “Russ Foszcz exemplifies everything about an Everyday Hero - someone who makes enormous differences without drawing attention to him or herself, and sees needs before others are even aware. “Russ Foscz is a rare gem in the community because he is a hands-on supporter and advocate for those causes that he cares about. He is known among the non- profits for the resources that he contributes, but also because he goes well beyond, putting his entire being behind those causes for which he supports. Russ donates more than finances, he is also a leader, supporter, and advocate who cares about justice and positive social change for those who are among the most vulnerable.” Company or organization Name & Position/Title: Retired Please tell us more about the organization(s)you work with and what motivates you to volunteer in the community: I currently serve on 3 boards with the
most active the Food Shed Co-op. The Food Shed Co-op is building a community-owned grocery store in Woodstock (RT 14 and Lake Shore Drive) in early 2022. The current emphasis is on growing ownership from the current 830 to 1200 owners by July, 2021. Please tell us what “community” means to you: Community means giving back whenever possible. Everyone has something to give – whether it’s your talent, your time, or your money. The most valuable gift is your time and energy. What do you think an everyday hero looks like? I believe an everyday hero is someone who steps up when others might not have the inclination to do so. Many times the everyday hero is most likely someone who volunteers their time even if their schedule says something different. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero? Frankly, I was surprised by the nomination. There are people I associate with who do as much (or more) in and for the community. It’s difficult to understand why I’m the one sharing these experiences.
PAUL INGALLINERA Age: 46 Hometown: Cary, IL Family: Jen (best wife and mother ever!), Xander (amazing son!), Drew (fantastic son!). Company or organization Name & Position/ Title: CherryRoad Technologies, Education Technology Leader Nominated by Xander Ingallinera: “I think that this man helped and volunteered in numerous matters to help the people who couldn’t help themselves.” Please tell us more about the organization(s) you work with and what motivates you to volunteer in the community: Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cary, IL. I help facilitate ministries including “That Man is You”, “Catholic and Proud (C.A.P.)”, and teach religious education classes. Boy Scouts of America; Troop 657, Cary, IL. I am an Assistant Scout Master and Merit Badge Counselor. Focus Martial Arts and Fitness. I work as their technology engineer/advisor. Rahab’s Daughters. I am a board member and create events to educate our community about Human Sex Trafficking and raise funds to help put an end it. Please tell us what “community” means to you: What community means to me is having opportu-
nities to share time, experiences, talents, and love with other people. We were all put on this Earth for the purpose to love and support one another, and that is what I try to do every day. We are not made to “do life” independently. What do you think an everyday hero looks like? An everyday hero is someone who is a good example for others and recognizes that their talents are needed and steps up to help those in need. We all have been given talents from God and even developed some additional ones. Everyday heroes are people that use those talents to positively affect the lives of other people. Is there anything else you’d like to share? This pandemic has torn us apart in ways we could not even imagine. For the past 12 months I have been finding ways to keep my community together with everyday technology. I do understand and appreciate getting together on Zoom is not the same as getting together in-person. However, technology has given us an opportunity to still get together to share, to learn, and to love. When the covid-19 pandemic began and isolation was being enforced, I said hell no. This is not going to happen if I have anything to do about it. As the pandemic raged on, I empowered others to continue with those responsibilities. I made it my mission to not allow isolation and its affects get the best of us.
RON KIRKEENG
EVERYDAY HEROES EVERYDAY HEROES / NWHerald.com • Saturday, March 27, 2021
Age: 47 Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL Family: wife, Mystele, and sons, Logan and Isaiah Nominated by David Jenkins: “Most churches have a youth pastor, but it is rare that a youth pastor stays in their position for over 25 years. Ron Kirkeeng has served the youth of Crystal Lake for over a quarter century. He is a humble individual that doesn‘t seek praise or recognition, but continues to bring energy and passion to his position.“ Company or organization Name & Position/Title: The Evangelical Free Church of Crystal Lake (EFCCL), Pastor of Student Ministries Please tell us more about the organization(s) you work with and what motives you to volunteer in the community: I was impacted by my youth pastor, Mike Downey, and God led me to do the same thing. I love investing in students and showing them what it means to love and follow Jesus. I also enjoy volunteering at Hannah Beardsley Middle School through the local partnership program. Please tell us what “community” means to you:
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Community is more than a place. It’s about the relationships you build with people. It’s caring about the needs of others and not just your own. It’s about showing up for people and letting them show up for you. Please tell us how your work impacts the community and why it’s important to you to help in this way: Some of the students I work with will stay in this community as adults. I can’t think of a better way to help them grasp how to build healthy community than to teach them about the wonder of Jesus’ gospel and His examples of doing good for others. What do you think an everyday hero looks like? I think an everyday hero invests in others in such a way that they are encouraged and excited to live out their unique purpose. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero? It has been uplifting to be considered as an everyday hero. It is a gift and a joy to serve students and their families by teaching them about the God I love and demonstrating what that looks like in daily life. I’ve never wanted to do anything else.
JUDY KRUEGER
Age: 59 Hometown: Johnsburg Family: Husband Matt, Sons Bryan and Jason Nominated by Kevin Shelton: “Judy Krueger has been a servant leader in the Johnsburg community her entire life. From the first year Johnsburg High School opened, where she was the first ever CARES (student council) President, through her many years of service as an art teacher and CARES advisor at JHS.” Company or organization Name & Position/Title: Johnsburg High School, Fine Arts Department Chairperson, Art Teacher, & Student Council Advisor - This is my 30th year of teaching. Faith Presbyterian Church - We held a driveup baby shower for 1st Way Life Center; support Casa Hogar, a home for children in Mexico, FISH Food Pantry, Faith Acres Good News Kenya Mission - We are raising money to build a school in Kissumu, Kenya, as well as help support widows and orphans in the community! Delta Kappa Gamma Society - We provide scholarships for women pursuing education degrees and careers in the arts. Please tell us more about the organization(s) you work with and what motivates you to volunteer in the community: Through the high school and my church, I have connected with many people and organizations. I love serving my local community as well as those who live on the other side of the
world. I believe the great teaching of Jesus—to unconditionally love one another—has been the strongest motivator for me to want to help others whenever I can. I also was a 10-year 4-H member as a child and regularly pledged my HEAD to greater thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service and my HEALTH to better living for my club, community, country and world. Please tell us what “community” means to you: Community can be our family, our coworkers, the residents of our village, country or world. I believe we each have a responsibility, if able, to be a positive contributor to our community. What do you think an everyday hero looks like? My community is filled with everyday heroes. Some send notes of encouragement to others, some are caretakers, some pray for others, some volunteer at the food pantry and some give life everything they have just to make it through the day as they struggle with illnesses or addictions. We all have our own abilities, strengths and weaknesses and no matter what our situations are, as long as we do our best to keep moving forward and help others to do the same in the most positive manner possible, we are all everyday heroes in my mind. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero?: I know so many everyday heroes and I am truly thankful for each and everyone of them for setting the example and motivating me along my path.
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DANA KRUSE Age: 30 Hometown: Crystal Lake Family: Husband & Two Kids Company or organization Name & Position/Title: Advocate Condell Medical Center, Register Nurse, BSN- Labor and Delivery/OB Nominated By Neelie Kruse: “It has been the most challenging year and Dana has a 2 year old and a 1 year old at home, but she still smiles and goes to work each day knowing that she is taking a chances but wants to be there to help these women during the most special times of their lives.” Please tell us what “community” means to you: Community means to me- Many different people who have different values, races, ethnicities, genders, and opinions yet come together to better one another and the surrounding area making a safe, respectful, caring, supportive, and happy place to live. Please tell us how your work impacts the community and why it’s important to you to help in this way:
I safely help bring new lives into our community, while advocating, supporting, and caring for mothers, fathers, siblings, and newborns. It’s important to me because I get to help make this the best and most memorable time in a family’s life, while providing support and resources to continue care outside the hospital. What do you think an everyday hero looks like? An everyday hero can wear many suits, and can really be anyone in the community. They are just average people willing to go above and beyond to care for, serve, help, and support all members of the community. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero? I absolutely love being a nurse. The relationships I form with my patients are unforgettable and bring me so much joy. I value my patients letting me share such a vulnerable/special time. I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity to be a nurse and help bring new life into our community.
ISABELLE (“LEE”) LINKLATER Company or organization Name & Position/Title: Assisi Animal Foundation , Founder and Executive Director Nominated By Kristi Goldberg: “I have been working at Assisi for the past two years and the remarkable things I’ve seen happen are amazing. Lee saves several animals from euthanasia weekly, goes on transports to pick them up even if it’s 10 pm or terrible weather. She has managed to save and rehome 1000’s of animals. She works so hard and never asks for anything in return. Her generosity and loving spirit is just contagious. She is the hardest working person I have ever met and is a role model to all of us.” Please tell us how your work impacts the community and why it’s important to you to help in this way: In 1986 , my mother, the late Isabelle Yarosh and I moved to Crystal Lake to launch an ambitious project of building and operating a no kill animal shelter . In spite of often formidable obstacles, in 1988 just before Christmas, the first building of the area’s first no-kill shelter
opened its door to rescued animals in need of a second chance. Our mission statement is simply, “Saving Animals and Serving People”, and that has been our guiding principle through all these years, with several programs to resume again as soon as COVID is history. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero? I’m very proud of being named an “Everyday Hero”, among fellow nominees who truly are heroes, but this honor truly goes not to me, but to those who decided to take the chance of continuing our work when COVID struck. Though it was necessary and prudent for most to stay home or work from home, The Assisi Team was and is devoted to its work in saving animals. Using all caution, continued its work of rescue and saving animals. My staff are the heroes, an outstanding team of caring people of the community, along with others of you making it possible to save so many innocent little lives ….. Thank YOU!
National Junior Honor Society and Student Council Volunteering with: Animal shelters, bell ringing, food pantry, Salvation Army, making cards
Nominated by Kim Chudik: In a year when there are so many in need, not only financially, but also emotionally, this incredibly selfless, big-hearted team of students banned together to lead large groups of students to help in many ways throughout their community
Fayth
Cora
Ellie
Makenzy
Grace
Kushi
Cora Allie: In student council and NJHS, we have all different types of volunteer opportunities, from making cards to raising money for the Salvation Army to assisting at the CL Food Pantry. What motivates me to volunteer is knowing that donating some of my time will make someone happy or put a smile on their face. Community means to me helping one another and sticking together. I am very honored to have this opportunity, thank you so much! Ellie Reall: This year we have actually done more to help the community than ever before! Whenever someone does something kind for me, it makes me feel amazing, and important. I want others to feel this way, so I try to help others any way I can and I try to help others get involved. Community means togetherness to me. Community means helping others, and putting others before yourself. It means being there for people in need, and being loyal to friends and family. It means loving everyone. I think an everyday hero is someone who goes out of their way to help others even when it is not convenient for them. They are selfless, loyal, kind, respectful, and always willing to help. An everyday hero is someone who cares about everyone. I’m so thankful and flattered to be chosen as an everyday hero! Being a part of LMS NJHS and Student Council has been so inspirational to me. It has given me opportunities to make a difference that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Thank you so much! Fayth Evenson: Motivation is a huge key in volunteering, and being able to spread awareness, kindness and helping those who need it makes me motivated each and every day! To me, community means a group of people living in one area that all help each other out to make their town or place successful, as positive as it can be, and people and kids of all ages are united as one. In Lundahl, we are a community that puts forth kindness to create a positive learning environment. National Junior Honor Society and Student Council also are a community and we all come together to help out people in need and spread happiness! I think an.… Everyday Hero impacts many people in a good way by doing things that they are good at, bringing on new skills, taking on new challenges, and being a positive role model! I am proud of being a key factor in making our school and town community better and I’m glad we are spreading positivity to lots of people!
Grace Haase: What motivates me to volunteer in the community is wanting everyone to have a nice happy life. Volunteering in the community is a way for me to help those who don’t have a lot. To me, community means a group of people that work together to help each other out. A community could be a neighborhood, town, workplace, or a school. It’s not one set thing, as long as people are caring for each other’s well-being. An everyday hero could look like a lot of things. It’s the things that we do everyday that add up overtime. An everyday hero is not like the people you see in the movies with the superpowers and costumes, it’s just a person who does things that help the community. I just want to thank Mrs. Bigos, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Johannesen and Mrs. Chudik! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be part of NJHS! Kushi Jadeja: Volunteering is something that brings us joy and allows us to improve our community. We don’t really need an incentive to do so, it just makes us happy to make someone else happy. Community is like family, a family that’s there for everyone. It’s the small bubble in the world where we grow. Fundraising and volunteering is for the people of this area, and a way to make our community well rounded. To be able to help, means we’re a step closer to improvement. An Everyday Hero could be anyone. They’re a blank face made of different eyes, smiles and skins, and there is no cape or mask. They’re just someone that gives without expecting anything in return, and they care for the well being of their community. They’re someone we can all aim to be. I’m honored to have been given this title, and opportunity. My group and I aim to give back to the best of our ability and strive to be the best versions of ourselves. Volunteering isn’t just a job, it’s something that brings joy, and it is something that motivates me to work for change. Makenzy Lennon-Perone: Something that motivates me to volunteer in the community is that I like seeing other people happy after I do it. When they say they’re thankful and happy that I helped them, it makes me think I am doing good in the community and that I should keep volunteering. To me, Community means a place where people are kind and caring to one another. They help each other when they can and make sure everyone is safe. I think an everyday hero is a person who does good in the community. They help others and make everyone around them happy and full of joy. I would just like to say Thank you so much for this great opportunity; it is truly amazing!
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LUNDAHL MIDDLE SCHOOL -
CRYSTAL LAKE
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PATRICK MURFIN Age: 72 Hometown: Crystal Lake Family: Married to Kathy Brady-Murfin. Three adult Daughers--/Carolyne Larsen Fox, Heather Larsen, Maureen Murfin, Five grand children, one great granddaughter. Nominated by Kathleen Brady-Murfin: Patrick Murfin has been active in social justice actions in McHenry County for more than 35 years. For the past many months, he has been both the coordinator and an on-site volunteer for the Compassion for Campers program, which provides tents, sleeping bags, and other needed items for those who are homeless and unable to find shelter.” Company or organization Name & Position/Title: Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry. Social Justice Chair. Please tell us more about the organization(s) you work with and what motives you to volunteer in the community: Currently I am working with Compassion for Campers which serves the local homeless population with supplies for those who have no access to shelter housing. I am also work-
ing with the Coalition to Cancel the ICE Contract in McHenry County Please tell us what “community” means to you: Community means the mutual aid and support we can offer to each other, not as charity but as a matter of solidarity. It also means working towards fairer, more just and inclusive conditions for all What do you think an everyday hero looks like? Look in the mirror. Chances are you will find one lurking there! Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero? I am glad to have been able to be engaged in our community for more than 35 years as a volunteer and an activist for many causes. I am even more grateful to see the many young people rising to the same challenges and gladly let them take their turn in the lead. I can provide context and continuity while returning to the role of a common foot soldier in the struggle for justice.
KAREN PARKS Age: 76 Hometown: Wonder Lake Family: Husband, Tim Whitman Children: Todd Parks (Michele) - three grandchildren - Caitlyn, Rylee and Shianne Tara Calabrese (Scott) - three grandchildren - Antonio, Giovanni and Catarina Nominated by Kurt Begalka “Karen is an extraordinary individual. As president of the McHenry County Historical Society’s Board of Directors, she has provided a stabilizing influence during these troubled times. She is an exceptional listener, soaking in everything before offering an opinion. And she then she walks the talk.” Company or organization Name & Position/Title: Retired, Johnsburg School District 12 and other education oriented organizations, McHenry County Historical Society Please tell us more about the organization(s) you work with and what motivates you to volunteer in the community:
Education is my passion. I am always continuing my education and would hope to share that desire to learn with others. Since my retirement from School District 12, Johnsburg, I have been continuing my passion by volunteering in many fields of education, as president of my local Harrison, Wonder Lake school board, SEDOM school board and even as current past president of DKG a McHenry County Women’s Professional Educators’ chapter. Most recently I have become the President of the McHenry County Historical Society where we strive to education all ages on the history of our county. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero? My hope is that we all do our part to educate our citizens on the importance of learning and of preserving our history for future generations.
Hometown: Genoa City, WI Family: Husband – Russell, Children: Daughter - Cara Kazda (Sean), Son - Caleb Piggott (Marcy), Daughter - Cheyenne Griffin, Grandchild – Connor Piggott (Caleb/Marcy) Nominated by Madie Pepe “I’ve personally been involved with Jacque’ for maybe 10-12 years and I tell you she has the heart of a warrior. Working tirelessly in heat and cold (Jacque’ works year round out of a barn in Ridgefield that does not have heat or air conditioning) with a fierce determination to provide basic necessities to those that cannot afford them.” Company or organization Name & Position/ Title: Blessing Barn, Executive Director Please tell us more about the organization(s) you work with and what motivates you to volunteer in the community: The motivation to start Blessing Barn came from recognizing a void in the benevolent community, when it came to helping the under-resourced gain access to basic life needed items such as clothing, coats, shoes, kitchenware, linens and the like. Please tell us what “community” means to you: Community is our local geographic area and all those living in it. It is made up of people with extra possessions, and those in need of those extras. We are all inter-mingled, yet rarely see how the other
side lives. We see both on the front lines. Please tell us how your work impacts the community and why it’s important to you to help in this way: Blessing Barn helps those who consider themselves in need, with these type of tangible goods, while valuing the discretion of the individual seeking assistance. We are a budget stretcher for so many, allowing them to use their limited funds for rent, bills, etc. What do you think an everyday hero looks like? An everyday hero is a person who can walk in the shoes of those they assist, so understanding can grow and long term relationships can be built. Having the willingness to help out where there is a need becomes second nature, so therefore, the work becomes effortless. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero? I appreciate the generous, dedicated giving community, who have kept this word-of-mouth-thing-we do, up and running, with abundance, for over 15 years now. I rely on many “everyday” volunteers, many who have donated countless hours of their time for years, as well as our dedicated board members who have been involved with us from early on. I would like to thank all of these special people, who make Blessing, and all we do, happen.
EVERYDAY HEROES EVERYDAY HEROES / NWHerald.com • Saturday, March 27, 2021
JACQUELINE PIGGOTT
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ALL OF THE PIONEER CENTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES, FRONT LINE DIRECT CARE STAFF
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Hometown: Our front line direct care staff serves throughout McHenry County. Nominated by Sam Tenuto: “Over the past year, our staff has done an incredible job providing care to those we serve. Their dedication has resulted in Pioneer’s ability to safely operate our community essential programs. They take their job very seriously and work hard to ensure the physical and mental wellness of those we serve. Direct care work is very rewarding requiring both heart and hard work. The pandemic has added stress. Pioneer is grateful for their passion to serve, wonderful work and truly impacting many in our community!” Please tell us more about the organization(s) you work with and what motives you to volunteer in the community: The Pioneer Center team serves because they care deeply about the individuals we work with daily. We are proud and inspired by their determination and accomplishments.
Please tell us what “community” means to you: Our direct care staff see our community as a collective effort of people stepping up to help one another. At Pioneer Center we serve people with developmental disabilities, mental health needs and those suffering from homelessness. We are passionate about our mission to help others achieve wellness, independence and inclusion. What do you think an everyday hero looks like? Our staff at Pioneer Center see it as a person that chooses to use their abilities to help another person. There are many different everyday heroes that make our community strong. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero? Pioneer Center appreciates the recognition of our work and significant impact on our community. Our direct care staff works hard to ensure the best possible lives of those we serve at Pioneer.
LARRY SCHUERR
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Age: 74 Hometown: Fox River Grove Family: Wife, Sue, Children, Deborah, Julia, and Aaron Nominated by Susan Schuerr and Karen Klotz: “He has helped so many people, including building ramps and help with home repairs, flood relief, Habitat for Humanity, Adaptive Adventure and many student volunteer projects. “Volunteering has been a way of life for Schuerr who grew up in humble circumstances and never forgot what it meant to get a package from the VFW on Christmas.” Company or organization Name & Position/Title: Retired high school teacher Dundee Crown Please tell us more about the organization(s) you work with and what motivates you to volunteer in the community: Habitat for Humanity, Humble Design Chicago, Conference Point Center I grew up poor. The first time I saw my father cry was when I was 6 years old. The day before
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Christmas Eve, a man from the VFW knocked on our door and handed my father a box of food. Our dinner was going to be fish sticks and tomato soup. I never want to forget that night and the impact a helping hand can have. Please tell us what “community” means to you: People looking outside their own lives to see how they can have a positive impact on the livers of others. What do you think an everyday hero looks like? Someone that makes an effort to see the needs of others and takes action to make a positive impact on those lives. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero? There are two aspects of volunteering that I especially enjoy. The first is being able to share the joy a person experiences when I help them. The second is pulling in people that normally would not volunteer and witnessing the joy they experience.
JAY and KELLEY SCHULZ Age: 55 and 51 Hometown: Harvard Family: Ethan (24), Grace (21) and Caleb (18) Company or organization Name & Position/Title: J’s Lanes/Managers Nominated By Michele Froehlich: “I’m nominating Jay Schulz and his wife Kelly as Home town Heroes because they have invested in the town of Harvard, The People of Harvard and most importantly the youth of Harvard, Illinois… Jay & Kelly had bought our decapitated Bowling alley and fixed it, hosted many Events and fundraisers, donated to the several Youth Clubs, allowed the Schools to host Gym Class there due to our lack of Recreational Department facilities, They are the light of the Communities Life basically: Please tell us more about the organization(s) you work with and what motivates you to volunteer in the community: Jay – Harvard Alderman Ward 1, President Harvard Broadcasting Inc., Vice President Har-
vard Booster Club Kelley – Brown Bear Day Care food pantry, Harvard Community Credit Union board member, Volunteer for Harvard Milk Days Motivation - We believe a community is made stronger when people come together to help one another. We are extremely fortunate to have many friends and family that support us and we like to spread that fortune to others whenever we can. Please tell us what “community” means to you: A group of people that care about each other and work together to make everyone’s life better. What do you think an everyday hero looks like? An everyday hero is someone that genuinely cares about the well-being of others. Whether it is helping a neighbor with their snow shoveling or holding the door for a stranger, an everyday hero does the little things to make the world a better place.
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SUSAN SWEINBERG Age: 65 Hometown: Town of Randall, WI. - Formerly from Cary, IL Family: Spouse-Ken. Married for 46 years, 3 adult daughters, 3 grandchildren Nominated by Alexandria Harris: “You may ask why she should be nominated for this award. Susan is a two time cancer survivor and has significant medical issues that would make her very susceptible to Covid. She had the choice to leave her position at the school to protect herself during this pandemic. But she felt the need to stay and take care of her staff and students. She was the lead nurse with the most experience and felt compelled to stay and help. She is the epitome of a professional nurse, wife, mother, grandmother and good friend. She is my hero.” Organization: Cary Community Consolidated School District # 26. Position and Title: Registered Nurse at Deer Path School in Cary, IL Please tell us how your work impacts the community and why it’s important to you to help in this way: I’ve been a RN for 46 years working in Wisconsin and Illinois hospitals. The last 16 years I have worked in District 26 schools. My love for the health care field and for children always motivated me. Being a
resource for families as a nurse in the school, encourages me to stay current on health information. Please tell us more about the organization(s) you work with and what motivates you to volunteer in the community: Most recently I’ve been part of two task forces since the Pandemic started. Being part of a team of nurses, Administrators and teachers, we are working together to keep our schools and communities safe and healthy. I volunteered to vaccinate people for Covid 19 through the MCHD which has been very rewarding to me. I feel like I’m giving something back to the community by using my nursing skills. Please tell us what “community” means to you: A community is a group of people living in the same area who have a feeling of fellowship, share common attitudes, interests and goals. They are our families, neighbors, co-workers and strangers. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero? You can look all around us and there are Hero’s everywhere. People come together when a time arises. You can be anyone’s hero just by being helpful, kind and compassionate. I’m honored that I was nominated for an Everyday Hero for the work I love to do everyday.
GERI QUIRK-BLANKEN Please tell us what “community” means to you: Community has so many meanings, however to me, Community means a group of residence, businesses, and organizations coming together for the common good. … Community is creating an environment that is inclusive and safe for everyone. I not only work in this area, I live here too and I want my children to know the meaning of giving back and being an active part of our Community. Please tell us how your work impacts the community and why it’s important to you to help in this way: I run a hardware store and make myself available and my resources available in times of need. I truly believe there are probably so many more people who do things every day for our community who could have been nominated, I am truly humbled by this nomination. What do you think an everyday hero looks like? An everyday hero is someone who isn’t afraid to say YES and take the extra steps to make a change…I believe it is prioritizing people over process and using the tools provided to make a difference. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero? The Home Depot Foundation in partnership with the stores has invested more than $330 Million in veteran causes and improved more than 45,000 Veteran homes and facilities in over 4,300 cities. This plus the inclusion
of community involvement has given me the ability to help others and make a difference. I am a small piece of the amazing things my company does for communities across America. I choose to use this platform for the greater good.
SARAH WILSON
Age: 50 Hometown: I’ve moved around a lot in my life, but Woodstock is where I’ve lived the longest. Currently I live in Crystal Lake. Family: Married to Tom Rogers, and we have 3 kids: Sophia, Grace, and Nathaniel Company or organization Name & Position/Title: Pastor of St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Cary Nominated by Denise Ulaszek “Pastor Sarah Wilson is amazing! She truly makes McHenry County a great place to work and live. Her engaging and compassionate leadership at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church has enlivened our congregation. From her enthusiasm to climb into a dunk tank for a youth event to her touching tributes at funeral services, she has inspired many.” Please tell us more about the organization(s) you work with and what motivates you to volunteer in the community: I’ve served on the Mental Health Board, the county organization that allocates tax dollars toward addiction, developmental disability, and mental health services. I serve because people who’ve struggled in those areas and have received excellent services in our county are transformed. Those transformations then transform their families and our community. Please tell us what “community” means to you:
Jesus was famously asked, “Who is my neighbor?” which he answered with the story of the Good Samaritan. Neighbors are those who need mercy, who need compassion. For me, strong communities take Jesus’ definition seriously and generously help each other as well as courageously ask for help. Please tell us how your work impacts the community and why it’s important to you to help in this way: My work impacts the community because I teach how to be good neighbors based on Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves. I also help people tend their relationship to something bigger than themselves. Helping people see past themselves to others and to God strengthens us all. What do you think an everyday hero looks like? Everyone should look like an everyday hero because we should all be striving to be just that. Every day we’re presented with opportunities to help others in small and big ways. If we all responded to those calls for help, imagine what our community could be and accomplish. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work, volunteering or being considered an everyday hero? This year has been hard to gauge how heroic we’ve been. If we didn’t discover the vaccine or save someone’s life, are we really heroes? I’ve had to remind myself that being a good neighbor is especially all those little ways of caring that impact people more than we realize.
EVERYDAY HEROES EVERYDAY HEROES / NWHerald.com • Saturday, March 27, 2021
Age: 39 Years young Hometown: I grew up Ingleside, Il. and I currently raise my children and live my best life in McHenry Il. Family: I have two beautiful children: Emma- and Ethan- and an amazing husband- Sean Blanken who I have been happily married to for over 14 years. Company or organization Name & Position/Title: I work for the Best Company in Retail- The Home Depot I am the Store manager of the Friendly McHenry Home Depot and the District Community Captain Nominated by Rob Zielinski: “…Geri has made it a top priority of hers to support the community…Professionally, [she] challenges employees to step out of their comfort zone and supports them when they do…Geri is an outstanding example of a person who works to make the people around her better.” Please tell us more about the organization(s) you work with and what motivates you to volunteer in the community: I work for the Home Depot, but am the point person in our area for the Home Depot Foundation and our mission is to improve the homes and the lives of Veterans, Non-for-Profit organizations, and Communities. I am honored to motivate, develop, and inspire an Army of Home Depot.
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EVERYDAY HEROES / NWHerald.com • Saturday, March 27, 2021
EVERYDAY HEROES
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The Community Foundation for McHenry County salutes
Everyday Heroes who do
Extraordinary ThingS! Real heroes don’t live in comic books. They live in your neighborhood. They can be spotted in hospitals, food banks, local nonprofits, homeless shelters, churches, schools or any place help is needed. The Foundation appreciates the work these heroes do.
Thanks
to our local heroes for making a difference in our community!
Upcoming event May 1, 9 a.m. – Noon SHRED EVENT: Protect your identity with free, onsite shredding available
We’ve moved! 33 E. Woodstock St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 thecfmc.org 815.338.4483