Village of Westmont
Date Issued: May 2, 2018
On April 30, 2018, Westmont resident and volunteer extraordinaire Steve Golembiewski was named the 2017 Citizen of the Year at the annual Community Awards Dinner held at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference Center. The Citizen of the Year Award was one of many highlights during the event, which had a record turnout with more than 150 people in attendance.
“This is quite an honor,” said Golembiewski. “I think it’s important to be involved in your community and I’m happy to be part of a community that embraces and encourages volunteerism. I’m proud to call Westmont my home.”
Golembiewski has been very involved in the community over the years. Some of his roles have included: co-founder of PVPN, Board member for the Westmont Chamber of Commerce, board member and Treasurer for Westmont Special Events Corporation, Co-Chair of the Chamber Tourism and Events Committee, Co-chair of the Downtown Westmont Business Alliance, and much more.
The Citizen of the Year award had several nominees, all of whom were well deserving of this recognition. The other nominees included: Mary Gabryel, who has been very involved with various green initiatives in the community;
Numerous other awards were presented during the evening. The evening was co-emceed by Chamber President Kevin Carey, Chamber Awards Committee Chair Joe Moffa, and Chamber Director Larry Forssberg.
The 2017 Dick Busse Business of the Year Award was presented to DJ’s Sports Bar & Grill, 222 E. Chicago Avenue, in recognition of their high level of community interaction and support. Nominees for the award included: K. H. Renovations, Inc., Uncle Bub’s BBQ, and Urban Veterinary Associates.
The 2017 Roger Westman President’s Award recognizes an individual who has performed outstanding service to the Chamber and the Westmont Community. This year’s President’s Award was presented by Chamber President Kevin Carey to Al Carson of Dogz ‘N Harmony.
The 2017 Educator of the Year Award was presented to two recipients: Lori Dvorak from Holy Trinity Catholic School, and Jane Most from Westmont High School.
Westmont Fire Department Training Officer, Lt. Kevin O’Hare was presented with the 2017 Westmont Public Servant of the Year Award, which recognizes a member of the municipal
organization who goes above and beyond the typical call of duty.
Westmont Rotary Club President, Jeff Mitchell presented the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Award to Craig Grember in recognition of his exceptional level of community service and volunteer work for more than 30 years.
Westmont Special Events Corporation (WSEC) President Sam Alonzo presented the 2017 Making Memories Award to Jennifer Babyar for her incredible volunteerism throughout the year and helping ensure the success of local community events.
The Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Joseph Moffa presented three awards: Knight of the Year Award to James Anzelone, KCs Family of the Year Award was presented to Rick and Dawn Vath, and the “In Service to One, In Service to All” Award was presented to Anthony Cappetta.
On behalf of all Westmont community organizations, Mayor Ron Gunter presented a Special Recognition Award to retiring Illinois State Representative Patricia Bellock. Bellock has served the community for twenty years and will be retiring this next year.
The Westmont Community Improvement Award recognizes individual business property owners and businesses that have improved the appearance of their property. The 2017 Community Improvement Awards were presented to:
Artist Block Gallery/Bluebird Happiness Mentoring, 22 N. Cass Avenue - Edward Dawood and Kristin Thom
Aspired Living of Westmont, 407 W 63rd Street - Mary Ferguson
Johnny’s Blitz Bar & Grill, 20 N. Cass Avenue - John Dasoqi
The Fremont Bar & Grill, 1115 Fairview Avenue - Mark Zayed
Urban Veterinary Associates, 35 N. Cass Avenue - Dr. Jessica Torok
The 2018 Westmont Dining Reader’s Choice Awards is a program co-sponsored by the Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau and Shaw Media. The public was able to vote for their favorite restaurants, dining experiences and food during the time period of March 15, 2018 – April 4, 2018. There were 28 categories provided to consider. The winners were:
Best Asian Cuisine – Katy’s Dumpling House
Best Bakery – Standard Market Bakery
Best Banquet Space – Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference
Center
Best BBQ – Uncle Bub’s BBQ
Best Breakfast – Citrus Diner
Best Burger – DJ’s Sport Bar and Grill
Best Catering – Zazzo’s Pizza
Best Coffee Shop – Brewed Awakening
Best Drinking Establishment – DJ’s Sports Bar and Grill
Best Family Friendly Restaurant – Uncle Bub’s BBQ
Best Fast Casual – Standard Market Grill
Best Fast Food – Chipotle
Best Fine Dining – Bakersfield
Best Full Service – Bakersfield Wood-Fired Grill
Best Holiday Brunch – Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center
Best Ice Cream – Tasty Treat
Best Indian Cuisine Restaurant - Saffron Restaurant
Best Italian Cuisine – Vincitori
Best for Live Entertainment – J. Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious
Best Lunch – DJ’s Sports Bar and Grill
Best Mexican Restaurant – Standard Tacos & Margaritas
Best for Outdoor Dining – J. Flemings Absolutely Delicious
Best Pizza – Zazzo’s Pizza
Best Salad – Standard Market Grill
Best Sandwich – DJ’s Sports Bar and Grill
Best Seafood – Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Best Sushi – Sushi House
Best Video Gaming – DJ’s Sports Bar & Grill
Pictures from the event are published in the Photo Gallery on the Village of Westmont Website at
http://villageofwestmont.smugmug.com/2018/2018-04-30-Westmont-Community-Awards-Banquet/ . For more information regarding the Westmont Chamber and this event, contact the Chamber at wcctb@westmontchamber.com or 630-960-5553.
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont Communications Director
630-417-0280, lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
