Hoffman mayor to be honored for work with Scouts
Whether a feather in his cap or star in his crown, when Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod accepts a prestigious award, it will reflect on his village as the shining jewel it is in the Northwest suburbs.
When McLeod, named "a distinguished citizen," accepts the esteemed award from the Northwest Suburban Council Boy Scouts of America, it will certainly reflect on his dedicated service on behalf of the Scouts, but also cast a beam of light on the citizens of Hoffman Estates.
The mayor will receive his honor at the "Distinguished Citizens' Banquet," to be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Meridian Banquets, 1701 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows.
A member of the Northwest Suburban Council of the Boy Scouts of America executive board and a strong believer in high principles and giving good examples, McLeod said he was surprised and elated with the recent news. The inscribed award, a desk ornament, is a bronze eagle perching on a wooden stand.
"The award is a tremendous honor and means a lot to me," McLeod said. "I also believe that it reflects on our community and is a value to our village. I'm honored the council chose me, but I enjoy being a volunteer because I firmly believe we adults need to contribute to society. More than that, we have an obligation to pass on our values to our youth."
His wife, Joane, who will accompany her husband to the festivities, gave an inner glimpse of her spouse.
"Bill does so much, but he does it quietly and doesn't want to blow his own horn," Joane McLeod explained. "One of the reasons they invited Bill to join the Boy Scout executive board is because for many years he made efforts to reach out to youth, including minority youth. He believes if a concerted effort is made to reach children early, it will keep them on the right path."
Joane McLeod, who reveals that the mayor attends all Eagle Scout functions and provides a venue for Pinewood and Soap Box derbies, tells how annually the mayor invites a Cub Scout pack to visit his office, sit in the mayor's chair, and pose for photos in that seat of honor.
Richard and Roxelyn Pepper of Pepper Construction in Barrington also will be recognized as distinguished citizens at the award fundraiser.
The distinguished Eagle Scout Award will go to the council's president, Lake Barrington resident Rich Politowicz, owner of Professional Home Services. The fundraiser seeks to raise money to support 15,500 youth in 33 Northwest suburban communities, according to council finance director Pete Stikovich. Admission is $150. To make a reservation, call (847) 759-2999.
Holiday bazaar:ŒVarious themed rooms such as "Trim the Tree," "The General Store," "Deck the Halls," and "Granny's Attic" are the sparks that attract early holiday shoppers to a Thanksgiving and Christmas bazaar hosted annually by the Our Saviour United Methodist Church Women.
The bazaar will open at 9 a.m. and run until 2 p.m. Nov. 3 in the church, 701 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.
One of the favorite rooms -- and where the line forms early -- is the "Cookie Jar," in which home-baked cookies sell by the pound. Visit the "Sweet Shoppe" and stay for a soup, salad or sandwich lunch prepared by the women. There is no admission fee.