The Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce’s 36th annual Recognition Lunch was Wednesday, April 25th at the Winnetka Community House. The annual lunch recognized Winnetka residents, community leaders, business members and area volunteers. There was networking, a fashion show, awards and a silent auction.
Patrick O’Neil, owner of O’Neils, Little Ricky and Trifecta Grill was the Businessman of the Year. Patrick grew up in Wilmette and graduated from New Trier High School in 1982. At the age of 15 Patrick began to work in a restaurant and by 26, Patrick opened his first restaurant. Patrick opened O’Neils 20 years ago; Little Ricky’s in 2002 and recently opened Trifecta Grill, all in Winnetka. O’Neil’s three thriving restaurants in Winnetka are wonderful places to stop by with a friend or family member or to celebrate a special event. The Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present this award to Patrick O’Neil in recognition of his investment in Winnetka.
The Man of the Year was Toby Nicholson. Toby was a Theatre major and received his graduate degree in dance education from Northwestern University, where he performed in WAMU with New Trier. When Toby “RETIRED”, and began volunteering for the Children’s Theatre of Winnetka, as well as the Winnetka Historical Society, the Winnetka Community House and the Winnetka Library. Toby has worked on numerous productions and is indispensible as a director, choreographer, set designer and builder. Additionally Toby has lent his time and talents to projects at Hubbard Woods, Greeley and New Trier High School.
Vicky Young was the Woman of the Year. Vicky moved to Winnetka 2006, following her husband, Chuck Young, who was recruited to be The Hadley School for the Blind’s new president. She quickly became a valued volunteer for many Winnetka organizations. Vicky’s community service includes: The Hadley School for the Blind, Woman’s Board member where she has chaired the Annual Holiday Braille card sale; co-chaired the Spring Benefit and developed The Hadley Low Vision House. Vicky has also spoken and represented Hadley at conferences, volunteered to teach senior citizens one-on-one and answered Braille letters to Santa. Vicky has been a volunteer with The Winnetka Club, the Winnetka Woman’s Exchange and as a Sunday school teacher, and with the Awana Children’s Club and the Japanese Women’s Group at the Winnetka Bible Church.
The Public Safety Employee of the Year was Inspector Randy Fromm. Inspector Fromm has been with the Winnetka Fire Department for the last eight years. Part of Randy’s duties includes an annual inspection of every commercial and multi-family structure. On January 3 Inspector Fromm was performing a routine inspection of a building, Inspector Fromm noticed an unusual odor and requested Engine 28 to respond to evaluate the air quality. When Engine 28 arrived and entered the building their carbon monoxide meter began to alarm. The CO issue was due to birds clogging the vent pipe for the boiler. Inspector Fromm’s timely inspection and observation averted a potential disaster.
The Winnetka Village Employee of the Year was Steven Saunders, Village of Winnetka, and Director of Public Works. Steve Saunders has been employed by the Village of Winnetka for over 25 years, and has devoted his entire career to Winnetka. Steve began his employment as a summer intern during 1985 and 1986. After graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois in May 1987, Steve was hired full time as Junior Engineer that same year. During his tenure, Steve has demonstrated his professionalism, competence and expertise by being promoted on four occasions. In 1989, he was promoted to Civil Engineer; in 1995 he was promoted to Assistant Village Engineer; in 1997 he was promoted to Deputy Director of Public Works; and in 1998 he was promoted to Director of Public Works.
The PTO Volunteer of the Year distinction was awarded to the PTO chairs of the Winnetka School District 36 schools and the Foundation PTO Chairs: Maggie Meiners/Greeley School, Kristen Hesby/Crow Island School, Sandy Welch/Hubbard Woods School, Julie Melulis/Skokie & Washburne Schools, Michelle Kane/Central PTO, Virginia Cardoza/Foundation Co-President, Shelley Keller/Foundation Co-President
For the first time, the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce recognized a group with a Distinguished Service Award. The chamber presents this special honor to all the 24 Firefighter Paramedics of the Winnetka Fire Department. The nomination for this award was presented by a private Winnetka resident.
