Bolingbrook Honors Citizens, Family Of The Year

BOLINGBROOK, IL — At its Tuesday meeting, the Bolingbrook Village Board honored Bolingbrook's female and male citizen of the year and family of the year.

Mithra Zaucha was named female citizen of the year, Rick Cochrane was named as male citizen of the year, and the Yelenosky family was named as family of the year.

Zaucha has lived in Bolingbrook since 1999, and has been very active in the community, including serving on the Bolingbrook Arts Commission since 2018.

"Her efforts on the commission have included securing grant funds for a variety of sources that enabled expansion of activities presented by the council," Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta said during the meeting.

Cochrane is a member of the Bolingbrook Civic and Cultural Affairs Commission and has lived in Bolingbrook since 2002.

"Rick is a person who prefers being behind the scenes, either helping in his role with the Village or helping those in need," Alexander-Basta said.

The Yelenosky family was honored as family of the year by the board.

"The Yelenosky is a great example of the parents providing an example and the children joining in many wonderful efforts to improve the lives of others," Alexander-Basta said.

The family received an outpouring of support when their daughter had health challenges, and were inspired to give back.

The family has started Kindness Day to help and support others, and Marissa Yelenosky has also lent her talents as host of the Bolingbrook Buzz for Bolingbrook Community Television.

"We appreciate all that the Yelenosky family does for our community and so many others, and we are proud to recognize them," Alexander-Basta said.