Park Ridge Chamber Announces 2016 Community Star Recipients

The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2016 Park Ridge Community Star Awards. The awards will be presented at “A Night of Stars” Annual Gala on February 11, 2017, at Park Ridge Chamber Member, Cafe La Cave in Des Plaines. All are welcome to attend.

Each year the Chamber honors the outstanding achievements of individuals, businesses, and organizations who have gone above and beyond the call of duty by volunteering time, talent and/or resources to the community; implement sustainable change for the benefit of our community; or leave an exceptional, lasting lifetime impression as someone others admire and respect.

Congratulations to all of our 2016 Community Stars, Lifetime Achievement Recipient, and Business of the Year Recipient.

2016 Park Ridge Community Stars:
Judy Barclay, Kalo Foundation/Iannelli Studios
Judy Barclay has played an integral role in the preservation of Iannelli Studios Heritage Center and restoration of the historic Immaculata Madonna sculpture.

In 2006, Barclay became a founding member of The Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge which was established to preserve the rich artistic legacy of the city through education, advocacy, and preservation. She was also instrumental in the establishment of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Park Ridge which she currently chairs today.

In 2010, Barclay was an outspoken advocate who contributed to the preservation of the former home of Alfonso Ianneli - hence saving Iannelli Studios Heritage Center from the wreaking ball. Barclay also helped launch a fundraiser campaign to remove the Immaculata Madonna sculpture, which had been sculpted in 1920 by artist Edgar Miller using Alfonoso Iannelli’s design, from a museum storage facility and fully restored it. In 2016, the Ianneli Studios roof threatened to collapse and despite serious health issues, Barclay was at the forefront of the Keep Iannelli Studios Standing campaign which raised $40,000 to address the structural problems the century-old building had been facing.

Year after year, Judy Barclay works to restore, preserve and contribute to the Park Ridge’s rich history. Dozens of historic landmarks have earned city designation and more than 25 one-hundred-year-old homes have been recognized. Barclay’s contributions have truly added historic value to our city and the character of our community.

Dr. Teri Collins, MCYAF
Dr. Terri Collins is one of the unsung heroes of Park Ridge and an invaluable member of our community. Dr. Collins dedicates an immense portion of her time and talents to Blanket of Dreams and works as Executive Director of the Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation (MCYAF). MYCAF is an organization that works to combat drug abuse and create awareness among teens of the dangers related to drug use.

Dr. Collins is also the founder of Blanket of Dreams, an annual event that brings community members of all ages and ethnicities together to make fleece blankets for the homeless. This year alone, over 500 blankets were made and given to the homeless population. Over the past 15 years, thousands of blankets have been distributed to homeless shelters and those in need within the Chicago-land area. As if this were not enough, Dr. Collins also collects backpacks, toiletries, and winter gear to be distributed with the blankets.

Dr. Collins’ vision has helped thousands of people throughout the years and despite her busy schedule, she always finds time to give. She has been a Girl Scout Leader, active volunteer in elementary and high school parent organizations, and currently serves as a District 207 School Board Member.

Dr. Collins has selflessly served our community in countless ways through her extreme generosity and leadership while leaving a legacy for each member of our community to admire and respect.

Amanda Marino, Maine South High School Senior
Maine South High School Senior Amanda Marino makes things happen. Whether she is volunteering at soup kitchens, organizing a school-wide fundraiser, or tutoring students in need of extra assistance, Marino is an advocate for those in need.

In middle school, she began volunteering as a bell ringer during the holidays at Salvation Army and has continued to provide her services to the organization years later. Currently, through her position as a fundraising coordinator for Salvation Army, she recruits and organizes over sixty volunteers per weekend.

Marino is an active member of the Girls Varsity Tennis Team, Hawk Pride, Varsity Club, South Stars, Athletic Council, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Chinese National Honor Society. She has given of her time and talents by volunteering with Sasser House, making crafts and playing games with those with disabilities and freely offers her services as an art teacher during the summer months at a camp where she creates curriculum and activities for over 140 students. Through her acts of service and compassion, Amanda Marino has proven time and time again that she is a shining example for both her peers and our community.

Jigar Patel, Maine East High School Senior
Jigar Patel is a humble, hard working individual who has emerged as an active leader within our community and truly has made a difference in the lives of others. Throughout Patel’s career at Maine East High School, he has been an active participant in multiple clubs and organizations including Rotary Interact, National Honor Society, and Tech Genius Club. Furthermore, Patel has volunteered limitless hours to various school events, service projects, and charitable efforts within our community.

While working with Rotary Interact, Patel was given the opportunity to lead various charity projects over the last several years. He assisted with the community charity bike sale and acted as a project manager for the annual Rotary Interact WGN Christmas Toy Drive which donated over $10,000 of toys both this year and last year to needy children across Chicagoland. He has worked on global initiative projects like “End Polio Now” and economic stability in Kenya. Last year Patel organized a new project which aims to personally teach senior members of our community how to utilize internet resources and stay connected with loved ones.
As a member of Tech Genius Club, Patel worked as a project manager for the Shedd Aquarium Virtual Reality project and helped create an immersive and accessible experience for people around the world to enjoy.

Currently, he is a project manager for the Google Innovator Incubator Project which aims to solve community problems by utilizing the design thinking process. Through these experiences, Patel has grown personally and professionally, gaining skills he will be able to utilize in the future to improve upon our society for years to come. Jigar Patel’s compassion for philanthropy and active participation make him an incredible role model for all.

Moni Ruterschmidt-Ryczek, TOP Soccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer)
Moni Ruterschmidt-Ryczek is the volunteer Director of The Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPS) which is a community-based recreational program specifically designed to help athletes with physical and mental disabilities participate in the sport of soccer.

Several years ago, Ruterschmidt-Ryczek took it upon herself to begin TOP Soccer in Park Ridge and has worked endlessly to recruit, train, and engage volunteers for the program. Ruterschmidt-Ryczek works on a weekly basis throughout the year to ensure the athletes are able to reach their full potential. The free program is not only rewarding for the participants, but also for the volunteers who are able to enrich their lives and the lives of others by sharing their talents.

In addition to TOP Soccer, Ruterschmidt-Ryczek began the International Stillbirth Association (Alliance) approximately 18 years ago and continues to volunteer her time to a growing organization that is close to her heart. This organization has grown exponentially and continues to grow worldwide.

Whether Moni Ruterschmidt-Ryczek is volunteering with one of many organizations within our community or spending time with her own family, she does it all from the heart and continues to make our world a better place.

Leslie Wolf, Park Ridge Youth Commission/Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)/Citizens Patrol
Leslie Wolf is an important asset in our community and incredibly active volunteer for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Park Ridge Youth Commission, and Citizens Patrol.

Wolf has selflessly given 325 hours of her time to working with CERT in 2016 alone, which in itself is a huge accomplishment. Wolf works closely with Citizens Patrol and the City of Park Ridge as she continues to assist with various events around town including the Memorial Day Parade, the Taste of Park Ridge, Cruisin’ Park Ridge, Canopies on Courtland, Winterfest, and many more. Large or small, simple or complex, Wolf strives for success and ensures each event runs smoothly.

Additionally, Wolf works closely with the Park Ridge Youth Commission. Through philanthropic and social events, Wolf supports our youth and provides them with the tools and guidance they need to develop leadership skills for the future. Her positive attitude fosters growth among the students while her compassionate personality helps students feel comfortable expressing their ideas. Leslie Wolf has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to the city of Park Ridge and continues to do so with each passing day.

Lifetime Achievement Award
James D. McLennan

Lifetime Park Ridge resident and owner-principle broker of the corporate real estate firm, The McLennan Company, James D. McLennan, has been committed to service for much of his life.

McLennan began volunteering his time and talents to the community when he was a Park Ridge youth. Throughout his elementary and high school days, he was an active participant in a variety of sports, student government, youth organizations, and Boy Scouts. He went on to study political science at Wheaton College where he serve as class officer and participated in a variety of “Youth Life” clubs. His dedication to lifelong learning led him to graduate level studies at prestigious schools including Northwestern University, John Marshall Law School, and The Real Estate Institute.

McLennan has focused immensely on community service within the Park Ridge area over the last 54 years. He has actively participated in organizations such as church and parachurch, healthcare and hospital governance, banking and finance, and has served on several Boards of Directors including Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Citizens Bank & Trust Co., ServiceMaster, and Advocate Charitable Foundation to name a few.

Additionally, he worked with numerous industry-related organizations such as the National Association of Realtors, Chicago/O’Hare and Northwest Suburban Association of Commerce and Industry, Northwest Real Estate Board, Northwest Suburban Real Estate Board, Realtors National Marketing Institute, and Institute for Real Estate Management.

James D. McLennan is an outstanding individual who is devoted to community service in and around the Park Ridge area – building a legacy one day at a time.

Park Ridge Community Star Business of the Year
Lynnette's School of Dance

Over 45 years ago, Lynnette VanDien Bertolotti set out on a quest to fulfill her dreams and open her very own dance studio. Today, Lynnette’s School of Dance has given students the opportunity to spread their wings through the art of dance. Bertolotti has devoted an immeasurable amount of time to her students and the Park Ridge community. She has created more than a dance studio in Park Ridge; she’s created a sense of belonging and proves time and time again the importance of charitable giving.

Lynnette’s School of Dance has been extremely involved in the community from the very beginning. For decades, students have performed in the Memorial Day Parade, Swedish Days, Breast Cancer 5K, Senior Citizens, block parties, church and school functions, career days, and one of Lynnette’s favorites, the Taste of Park Ridge. Lynnette’s School of Dance has also performed at Navy pier for years with Italian Fest, Summer Revue, Winterfest and at the Daley Center every year since 1990 for the Cultural Affairs Program.

In her early years, Bertolotti met Lily Liu, who at the time was in the beginning of stages of starting Lily's Talent Agency – one of Chicago’s most successful agencies. It was through Lily, that Lynnette’s School of Dance became involved in “The Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment” an organization that mentors young, struggling artists. Bertolotti has been on the board for F.A.M.E. for a number of years and views it as another way to share her talents.

Passion is what has driven Lynnette to a not only successful, but an exceptionally fulfilling career. Bertolotti continues to share her love of teaching and enthusiasm for the arts with all she encounters. She has taught her students that perseverance, devotion, and passion are key components to success – and that dreams really do come true.

Congratulations to all of our 2016 Community Stars!