CLIFF BUTZ

In his thirty-two years of service on the Park Forest Police Department, Clifford Butz held virtually every rank and assignment. As a narcotics officer in the Investigations Division, he was responsible for seizing nearly one million dollars of drug assets which enabled the purchase of squad cars and computer equipment normally paid for by village taxpayers.

As Deputy Chief in 2004 and later as Chief of Police in 2011, Butz helped create and implement programs such as the Police Honor Ceremony, POP (Problem Oriented Policing) and BICYCLE (Bigger Involvement Concerning Young Children's Learning Experience), in which bicycles were given to grade school students with good behavior.

From 2004 until his retirement in 2015, under his guidance, the old police facility went from an outdated and overcrowded 6,500 square foot building into a modern, 23,000 square foot facility utilizing the old offices of both the Park Forest Village Hall and Park Forest Fire Department.

By using funds from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and asset forfeiture funds, the better than 50-year old building had a total facelift without burdening village taxpayers.

 

VIVIAN A. PURNELL

Vivian Purnell spends her public life in volunteer work as a way of "giving back" to Park Forest.

In response to a newspaper request for volunteers for the 2005 Park Forest Art Fair, she became a volunteer coordinator working with more than 100 students and adults in enhancing the experience for artists, students, and visitors, thus affording her a unique opportunity to serve the community.

Her work as a member of the Park Forest Historical Society's Board of Directors enabled her to engage as a Docent Coordinator for educational projects and programs while helping to streamline tasks done by the Hall of Fame Committee.

Her work for the Society helped spread the word about its goals and mission.

Upon her retirement as an Occupational Therapist, she worked with 2012 Hall of Fame member Marie Iafallo to aid in the "Opera in the Classroom" program in cooperation with the Lyric Opera House of Chicago.

It was, she says, a unique way to enjoy her efforts to bring a special art and music experience to grateful students in both Park Forest School District 163 and Crete-Monee District 201-U.

CHUCK SABEY

Chuck Sabey says growing up in Park Forest allowed him to experience living and making life-long friends in what he calls the "greatest suburb in the nation."

In twenty-five years as Program Supervisor for Recreation and Parks, Chuck helped develop after-school programs for Districts 163 and 162, including the arts, athletics, and tutoring. Programs he implemented include Model Airplane and Rock Shoot, attended by several hundred; an event of over a dozen bize races novice-professional; converting tennis to in-line hockey courts where he taught and refereed youth players; an annual Family League Sock Hop; a 2-Ball Contest sponsored by the NBA, and flag football sponsored by the NFL.

As Cultural Arts Supervisor, he is proud to have maintained Freedom Hall's legacy of presenting critically acclaimed and diverse artists on its Main Stage, Matinee and Family Series, and summer Main Street Nights held on the Village Green.

His most recent venture is a jazz jam session held monthly at Dining on the Green, in which local musicians showcase their talents.

Under his innovative leadership, cultural events in the village have flourished and become a year-round benefit to residents and visitors alike.

 

EUGENE P. SCHMITTGENS, SR.

The Schmittgens family has been a vital part of the Park Forest community for more than sixty years.

Eugene Schmittgens worked with distinction for both his church and the village's artistic community for decades, earning a well-deserved nomination.

As a devoted member of St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, he served as a catechist or teacher of religious principles in the church's Special Religious Education (SPRED) program for developmentally disabled adults.

He chaired the church's original liturgy team and along with others began a religious education program which used married couples as catechists, who, after attending scheduled seminars, welcomed high school students into their homes to discuss religious values and ethics.

He served as treasurer for the Tall Grass Arts Association and as a member of the organization's Board of Directors, trained docent volunteers and scheduled them for duty at the gallery.

Schmittgens was on the Board of Directors of the Park Forest Singers (now the Grande Prairie Singers) when it was founded in 1977.

For all this and more, the Village of Park Forest honored his service by presenting him with its annual "Good Egg" award in 2002.

 

MARY E. SCHMITTGENS

Mary Schmittgens worked hand-in-glove with her husband for decades, as well as being a leader in health care to students and residents.

As a member of the St. Irenaeus community, she volunteered as a religious education teacher and along with Eugene, initiated a religious education program for high school students as well as taking an active role in the SPRED program for developmentally challenged adults.

She was also an active worker in the church's PADS program and Food Pantry as well as the church's liturgy team.

As a school nurse and Director of Health Services for School District 163, she was involved with the health needs of students from preschool through middle school. On occasion, she chaperoned both the Rich East High School Choir and the school cheerleaders at various out-of-town events.

As a citizen of Park Forest, she was a member of the village health council, worked for candidates in local elections, and was an election judge. She was the nurse for the summer camp for elementary school students with special needs. She was also a Cub Scout Den mother and was an enthusiastic volunteer at Tall Grass Art Gallery.

 

KIWANIS CLUB OF PARK FOREST

The Kiwanis Club of Park Forest has served children of the world for nearly seventy years. Fundraising supports causes nearby and across the globe through annual Peanut and Pancake Days since 1952.

Projects to improve life locally have included bleachers, playground equipment, park benches and tables, dinners for honor students, contributions to American Field Service, and donations and help for the Park Forest Historical Society. Beneficiaries have included scout troops, Rich Township Pantry, PADS, Family Service Center, the village nurses, and boys and girls sports. Key Clubs of Rich Township School District 227 mentor students in community service.

Kiwanis started the Village Beautification program and provided the early awards. A committee headed by Earl Wade planted over 350 trees and flowerbeds around schools.

Established September 15, 1951, the club added its first female member in 1990.

October 1952 saw the first Pancake Day, with the Pankatron (or Pancatron) designed by Louis Allsen and built by Allsen and Earl Wade premiering in 1956. Burners and conveyor belts were added over the years. Organizations have pitched in to help Pancake Day become an effective fundraiser and village tradition.

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