An award was presented to Linda Knutson of Tan Travel for her ongoing support of OPALGA. Jim Kelly presented her with the award.
Also honored was Father Richard Prendergast. Berwyn United Neighborhood Gay & Lesbian Organization members Jane Anderson and Ted Korbos presented his award. Prendergast is Pastor of St. Mary of Celle in Berwyn and he worked on the human-rights ordinance in that suburban town. While sexual orientation was eventually removed from the ordinance, Father Prendergast worked with his parish to adopt a Statement of Inclusivity that was later passed unanimously by the Parish Pastoral Council. This Statement was later the basis for rejecting an effort by Boy Scouts of America to start a troop in partnership with the parish.
The Oak Park Community Chest, which has stood firm against Boys Scout funding since the organization further cemented its anti-gay polices, was presented an award by Betsy Ritzman-Stith to Community Chest Executive Director Carolyn Saxton.
And newly elected Oak Park Village Trustee Ray Johnson was given an award, presented by Alan Amato. Johnson is following in the footsteps of Joanne Trapani, who became the Village’s first openly gay or lesbian Trustee—and she is now Village President. Johnson is the first openly gay male Trustee in this near-west suburb of Chicago.
Photos by Tracy Baim