AWARDS
 

In 2008, the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS!sm Coalition held its 7th Annual Recognition Breakfast on May 3, 2006 at 9 am at the Bloomingdale Golf Club.  Honorees included Mike Beagley, Ann Black, Margaret Gaynor, Georgene Geils, Frank Giammarese, Haidee Gospodarek, Larry Healey, Fefe Ho, Karen Johns, Norm Johns, Sophia Kelly, Jennifer Okun, Scott Okun, Roger Rossi, Tom Schrieber, and Sharon Varga.

Shown are l to r (front row) Georgene Geils, Fefe Ho and Sharon Varga. Also, (back rows) Larry Healey, Tom Schrieber, Frank Giammarese, Karen Johns, Norm Johns, Roger Rossi, Jennifer Okun,  Margaret Gaynor and Scott Okun. Not pictured are Sophia Kelly, Anne Black, Mike Beagley and Haidee Gospodarek.  Not able to attend were: Sophia Kelly, Anne Black, Mike Beagley, and Haidee Gospodarek (husband accepted for her). 

In 2007, the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS!sm Coalition held its 6th Annual Recognition Breakfast at the Bloomingdale Golf Club. 

2007 winners:  Branka Poplonski, Chris Wodniak, Dena Guthrie, Fred Louderman, Kimberly Paprocki, Kathy Divine, Frank Maranto, Al Canchola, Zameer Baig, Julia Read, and the Urgena Family.  Shown are winners (left to right):  Zach Urgena, Christiane Urgena, Napoleon Urgena, Tim Urgena, Julia Read, Edita Urgena, Zameer Baig, x, x, x, Al Canchola, x, and Branka Poplonski. 

In, 2006, the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS!sm Coalition held its 5th Annual Recognition Breakfast on May 6, 2006 at 9 am at the Bloomingdale Golf Club. Community members were invited to nominate individuals who exhibit outstanding character and have demonstrated qualities consistent with one or more of the Six Pillars of Character:  Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.  Nominees must live, work, or attend school in Bloomingdale. The nominated community members will be  were honored at this special breakfast.  A picture of most of the winners follows:

Front Row:  Danny Lamz and Natalie Wodniak
Adults behind - Sharon Kernats, Vi Morrisroe, Abbey Zizak, Dawn Arimura, Donna Kerr, Peggy Schmuldt, Charla Treanor, Jane Hove, Aviva Beal, John Butts, Marie Sweeney, Debbie Locklear, and Dina Plimmer.  Not pictured:  Joe Valentino, Bill Wilkinson, Julie Frerichs, Anna Marie Jamison, and Dawn Percudani. 

In 2005, The Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS!sm Coalition held its 4th Annual Recognition Breakfast on May 7, 2005 at 9:00am at the Bloomingdale Golf Club. Community members were invited to nominate individuals who exhibit outstanding character and have demonstrated qualities consistent with one or more of the Six Pillars of Character:  Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.  Nominees must live, work, or attend school in Bloomingdale. The nominated community members will be  were honored at this special breakfast. Remember, CHARACTER COUNTS! SM in Bloomingdale! Nomination forms were available at District #13 schools, Village Hall, Bloomingdale Township, Bloomingdale Library, Winnebago School, the Johnston Recreation Center, and on-line (below). Nomination forms were accepted through April 25, 2005. A picture of the winners follows.
 

From left to right:  Lori Noonan, enthusiastic volunteer in several community activities; Randy Sater, Bloomingdale Police sergeant who has dedicated much time to our community relations, and especially to CHARACTER COUNTS!; Emil Begovich, active senior and Bloomingdale Township Senior Center volunteer; Dave Sapinski, active and generous supporter of Winnebago School; Nancy Smith, volunteer math tutor for GED classes; Mary Jennison, organizer of the DuJardin Math-a-thon fundraiser for St. Jude's; Josephine and Ted Dabrowski, citizens who exhibit great caring; Nancy Johnson and Jeff SChiff, dedicated supporters of the National Kidney Foundation.  Also honored, but not pictured are Westfield student Elliot Walte, who always exhibits great character, despite daily challenges; Mary Ringnald, extraordinary volunteer at Winnebago; Carol Goforth, volunteer with struggling readers at Winnebago; and Kathy Enzenbacher, student mentor at DuJardin School.

In 2004, for the third consecutive year, the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS!  Coalition hosted a breakfast to honor community members of all ages. The coalition asked the public to nominate any resident for exemplifying one of the CHARACTER COUNTS! pillars - trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.  Some 60 people attended the gathering honoring 18 community members.

Linnea Corsten was nominated by Dawn Percudani for her work at DuJardin School.  She noted, “Linnea is the best parent to hit the school.  She runs many programs that enhance ALL the children’s’ experiences while in school or before and after school.  She is a great mentor to the students.”

Assistant Fire Chief Bill Wolff was nominated by both Bill Bahr and Mary Ellen Johnson. They noted Wolff exemplifies the pillars of caring and citizenship. In addition to his VFW activities, he he was instrumntal to getting over 500 yellow ribbons draped throughout the area. He also spearheaded a community effort to send goodies and toiletries to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, a project which is still ongoing.

Bloomingdale Golf Club Director Don Helmig was nominated by Barb Weber for exhibiting respect, caring, and citizenship. “Don always provides a quality service (be  it golf or dining)  for numerous community groups. He personally attends to all details, and treats all in a caring and respectful manner.”

Bloomingdfale Park District employee Sharon Davis was nominated by Kandice Krettler because “Sharon is a very caring individual, and is always courteous and willing to lend a helping hand.  She is a great asset to the Bloomingdale community.”

Winnebago third grade teacher Joyce McClelland nominated parents Leonard Gutierrez, , Frank Kernats and Anne Black for their trustworthiness and citizenship. They are members of the Winnebago School Partnership council, which works with the principal & teachers on building matters.  They contribute toward the district’s vision of building a better school and learning community through parent support.  Parent Sharon Varga was also nominated for the same reasons as a member of the District Partnership Council, which works with the superintendent on district matters.

Georgette West, part-time park district employee, was nominated by Katie White, Bloomingdale park district facilities supervisor, especially for showing responsibility. She said West is always donating her time by giving back to her church and community, as well as being completely reliable and trustworthy. “ Georgette is a sincerely kind person and a most valuable asset to the community.”

Erickson School social worker Sue Noren was nominated by her principal John Markgraf because of her CHARACTER COUNTS! work with the youngsters. New school report cards have CC! descriptions because of Noren’s work.  Markgraf notes Noren “has been trained in CC!,  but most of all practices the program.”

Resident Frank Salvinowas nominated by Lucy Michalec as a person of extraordinary character.  In addition to being involved in many community organizations.  Frank was instrumental in creating the Bloomingdale Township AARP Chapter, arranging interesting speakers and striving to make every meeting an event.

Bloomingdale Director of Village Services Michael Marchi was nominated by his boss, Village Administrator Dan Wennerholm for continually exhibiting the pillar of responsibility.  Michael demonstrates all of the pillars consistently, but Responsibility stands out.  He gives an all-out-effort to everything he does, a consummate professional.  He is firm when required, always respectful and courteous.  He has demonstrated significant dedication to his community in many ways.  He sticks to his belief for what is right and does not compromise that.

Senior Lucy Michalec was nominated by LaNora Rossi for demonstrating responsibility.
through her outstanding commitment to many volunteer organizations, including Senior Council of Bloomingdale Township, CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition, Senior Advisory Council with the Bloomingdale Police Department. Library Seniors, Republican Women’s Club

Ken Lindhorn, a Village engineering tecnician, was nominated by Brian Hofer, a superintendent for Rossi Contractors, who was doing some work in the Village. Hofer noted Lindhorn Ken was a friendly but firm “watchdog”  inspecting the work frequently and reminding him courteously and professionally if something was lacking. “Thanks for caring about the Bloomingdale community,” he added.

Westfield Middle School teacher Donna Marino was nominated. Nominated by Sandy Johnson
Nominated for Trustworthiness and Caring Although Donna Marino is an excellent example of all six pillars she is nominated today for Trustworthiness and Caring.  Donna has been a driving force behind CHARACTER COUNTS! in Bloomingdale since the beginning.  Her commitment to the program is exhibited daily through her actions as a teacher and a member of the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition.  Donna devotes time and energy in promoting CHARACTER COUNTS! and making Bloomingdale a great place to live and work.  Donna is most certainly an outstanding role model for our community.  Thanks Donna!

Marv Roehlke.  Nominated by Detective Dawn Odoi  Nominated for consistently exhibiting all of the Pillars.
When speaking about exhibiting outstanding character and a pillar of the Bloomingdale Community, Marv Roehlke comes to mind.  Marv is an active volunteer for the Bloomingdale Police Department as its Volunteer Program Coordinator.  Marv has shown what the CHARACTER COUNTS! Pillars represent through his daily interaction with others.  He is honest and direct and people admire him for these qualities.  Marv is held in high regard in the Bloomingdale Police Department for his talent, intellect and vast work experience.

Marv has served his community and his country.  He is the neighbor that you hope to have living next door to you. It is with great pleasure and honor that Marv Roehlke be recognized through the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition on behalf of the Police Department and myself.  Marv, I truly thank you for everything that you do for and are to all of us in Bloomingdale.

Kara Giacobazzi – Westfield 8th grader Nominated by Bill Bolen   Kara consistently exhibits all of the Pillars; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.  Kara stands out in our community as a person who really cares for others.  She is always willing to help out her peers with schoolwork or athletic endeavors.  She readily comforts those who are neglected, put down, or lonely – and stands up for them when necessary.  She is an outstanding athlete and does extremely well academically.  She is a natural leader and an asset to our community.

Cheryl Sowa – Lake Park junior Nominated by Bill Bolen
Cheryl was nominated for outstanding Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Caring, and Citizenship
What stands out about Cheryl are her positive contributions to our community.  She is on student council, at Lake Park, volunteers for community service, such as; March of Dimes and athletic programs for youth.  Cheryl is involved in athletics at Lake Park High School.  Cheryl is an outstanding individual who leads by example.

For future nominations:  click here.