Politics & Government

Mayor Recognizes Citizen, Volunteer of the Year

Local businesses also recognized during the state of the village event.

Mayor John Noak wasn’t just touting the village’s latest achievements during the Jan. 10 .

He also took time out to recognize hard-working community members and businesses that have made a difference this year.

Noak bestowed the 2011 Citizen of the Year Award to Shirlee Pergler, a longtime Romeoville resident. Pergler is active with the village, serving on the Downtown Committee, Library Referendum Committee and as a member of the Golden age Club.

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“She is well known for her many letters to the editor sharing her knowledge and history of the community,” Noak said. “Shirlee always keeps Romeoville close to her heart.”

Taking the stage to accept her award, Pergler said she was humbled and grateful to be honored.

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“The Village of Romeoville is like a family,” she said. “You have ups and downs, but you never give up and you never give in.”

The village has changed considerably since she first moved here, Pergler said.

“When I came here 50 years ago, we had nothing,” she said. “Now we have so much.”

Noak also recognized American Legion Post 52 Commander Chris Benigno, naming him this year’s Volunteer of the Year.

Benigno serves on the village’s Veterans Commission and was past president of his homeowner’s association, Noak said.

“Whether it is a public meeting, a community event or a fundraiser, you are sure to find Chris Benigno there,” Noak said.

As he accepted his award, Benigno urged residents to learn more about the American Legion’s efforts to build a veterans home/legion post in Romeoville.

“There are 41,000 veterans in Will County,” Benigno noted. For more information on the project, or to donate, visit www.americanlegion52.com.

Businesses recognized

Noak also recognized the small and large businesses of the year.

“This year, we recognize for their ongoing community support,” Noak said, presenting owner Rick DiPego with the Small Business of the Year Award.

The mayor credited DiPego with providing 300 meals to needy families this year alone through the program. Fat Ricky’s has also hosted events to support the American Cancer Society and local organizations including Pony Baseball, Noak said.

DiPego also serves as a member of the village’s Economic Development Commission.

Noak presented the Large Business of the Year Award to Br. James Gaffney, president of .

Citing the university’s recent projects, including a multi-purpose athletic complex, a multi-million dollar science center and the creation of an aviation academy, Noak lauded Lewis for its contributions to the community.

“It is not often that you hear of a school as a large business, although employing almost 700 employees, they definitely have a great community impact,” Noak said.

More than 6,000 students are enrolled at the school, which also has a campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Gaffney said that number is expected to eventually grow to 10,000 students. The village also recently helped the university secure to help fund future projects.

“Partnership means a great deal to us,” Gaffney said of Lewis’ relationship with the village. “Community means a great deal to us.”


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