Updated March 3 at 9:45 a.m.
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— The Park Forest Historical Society is proud to announce the 2008 Park Forest Hall of Fame Inductees: Jean Bernstein, Suzie Brown, Kenneth W. Kramer, Barbara J. Moore, Valerie L. Nicholson, Elmer L. Washington,and Michael J. Wheeler. The society congratulates the inductees for their many years of service to Park Forest.
eNews Park Forest was able to reach some of the inductees Sunday evening.
Ken Kramer, who serves as Senior Trustee for the Village Board, said, “It’s very humbling. I was doing things I enjoyed doing that were helpful to the people of the Village and our church.” Next month, Kramer will have serveded a combined 22 years as Village Trustee. He was first elected in April 1985, reelected in 1987, lost in 1989 and was reelected in 1990, and has been reelected every time since. "I guess I’m really a glutton for punishment," he said.
Suzie Brown shared her thoughts on receiving the news, “I’m just delighted. I have such wonderful feelings about this community. I’ve been here since 1957. My family and I have benefited so much from Park Forest. What little I’ve done is just a very small way of giving back.”
Valerie Nicholson, a pianist who has played with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and many other places, said, “This is a great honor for me. I just really feel that Park Forest has been the type of community that has nurtured the arts so much, that it’s conducive to people doing their thing. I don’t feel this award is deserved, in a way.” She gets noticed, she believes, because she is "out in front" at concerts and other events, and there are so many who help at volunteer organizations who work behind-the-scenes who deserve recogniztion as well.
Barbara Moore admitted she is overwhelmed, “I have to fight that feeling of, ‘Why me?’ I’m excited. I feel very honored, and I feel overwhelming. The things that I’ve done, I’ve really enjoyed doing. I’ve been fortunate to live in a town that I really care about and do work that I really care about. I just enjoyed very much doing what I did.”
Jean Bernstein expressed her gratitude, “I’m very pleased and honored and happy, and I’m looking forward to the ceremony.”
The award ceremony and reception will take place Sunday April 6, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by Sunday, March 30 to Jerry Shnay at 708-747-3571.
Inductees at the 2007 Park Forest Hall of Fame. Pictured from left: Therese Goodrich (MC), Mary McCall, Jane Nicoll, Ruth Ellen Saul (Daughter of James Saul, accepting for her father who was in St. James Hospital), Anna Saul, George Townsend, Theresa (Terry) Townsend, Rev. Daniel O’Sullivan, Gordon Saul, and Joanne McLeod. (Photo: ENEWSPF)
