Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—March 27, 2016. The Park Forest Historical Society will hold its annual Park Forest Hall of Fame induction ceremony and reception Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m. in Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd, Park Forest. The Class of 2016 Inductees represent, once again, some of the finest people who have made substantial, beneficial and consistent contributions to the life and well-being of Park Forest over a considerable span of time. The event is free and open to the general public.
The 2016 Inductees will be Don DeMarco, Mary and Larry Lubertozzi, Kathy Cardona McDonough, Michael McNamara, Herbert E. and Patricia M. Tieder, and the Grande Prairie Singers.
Don DeMarco was employed by the Village of Park Forest from1971 to 1982, playing a pivotal role in Park Forest’s effort to successfully integrate the community. While there he led staff in preparing the 1977 report, “Integration in Housing: A Plan for Racial Diversity,” and “Affirmative Marketing Handbook: A Guide to Integrated Housing.” Don supported Village programs in many ways not seen by residents. He managed the Salvation Army program here, was involved in helping build a diverse workforce for the Village, and collaborated in many regional and national programs to show the benefits of diverse communities. He still refers to Park Forest as “God’s Town.”
Mary and Larry Lubertozzi lived in Park Forest for 23 years. After moving to Olympia Fields, they both continued involvement with Park Forest organizations. Mary served as a Village Trustee, on commissions, and as a leader with the League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area for 47 years. Larry was involved in the early efforts to create Thorn Creek Nature Preserve and continued as a volunteer there and with Sierra Club and the Audubon Society, as well as being involved in local political campaigns.
Kathy Cardona McDonough served as Director of Community Relations and Economic Development for Park Forest from 1982-1987, a key member of the Village team which contributed to Norwood Shopping Center redevelopment, car dealerships coming to Lincolnwood, infrastructure and new businesses in Industry Park, and redevelopment of the Park Forest shopping center. She contributed to both affirmative marketing documents with Don DeMarco, and implemented the affirmative marketing agreement that led to Park Forest’s historic legal fight before the US Supreme Court. After leaving Village employ, Mrs. McDonough worked with Gierczyk Development; as an economic development contractor; and as Executive Director of Turnstone Development, dedicated to affordable housing, while it developed more than 1000 units throughout suburban Cook County, including Victory Centre.
Michael McNamara joined the Park Forest Police Department in 1981, served for more than 32 years, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief of Police, retiring in 2013. He serves on the executive board of Protect, the National Association to Protect Children. In 1997, Mike founded the not for profit, “Licensed for Life,” for the prevention of underage drinking and driving, personally giving over 8000 presentations to students in 13 states, and at a number of national and state conferences, and on National Public Radio and local media channels.
Herbert and Patricia Tieder are being inducted for volunteer service in the very early years of Boys Baseball in Park Forest. Like all other civic organizations in Park Forest, Boys Baseball had to be started from the ground up. Herbert and Patricia represent their own considerable contributions to league leadership, coaching and service to the Women’s Auxiliary, which funded the baseball uniforms and equipment, but also the contributions of many other parents who can no longer be named. Boys Baseball affected the lives of many young men in Park Forest during the Baby Boom, when there were thousands of kids in Park Forest.
Although based in Park Forest since its inception in 1977, the Grande Prairie Singers have shared their passion for singing with audiences throughout the greater south suburban area. Launched in 1977 as the Park Forest Singers, it quickly expanded its horizons as it grew from a handful of singers to its current roster of nearly 50 voices. Because the Signers served more than 30 communities in the south suburbs, and drew singers from as far away as Shorewood, Illinois and LaPorte, Indiana, it became Grande Prairie Singers in 2002, reflecting their enlarged base of support, while still maintaining offices and performing concerts in Park Forest. Led by Artistic Director Jo Rodenburg, a noted concert artist and currently a voice teacher at DePaul University, the Singers rehearse at B’nai Yehuda Beth Sholom each Tuesday evening in rigorously preparing for each of its three concerts.
For information on the Park Forest Hall of Fame, visit www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll, PFHS President, 708-481-4252.
Source: http://www.parkforesthistory.org
