GOVERNOR'S HOME TOWN AWARDS By JAN M. GRAYSON, Director Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs

Throughout our history, Americans have reached out to help each other. The Governor's Home Town Awards program celebrates this spirit of volunteerism.

Throughout Illinois, from small towns to city neighborhoods, the spirit of selfless dedication is alive. Governor Jim Edgar and the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs believe that volunteers are the unsung heroes who help those in need, improve our communities and make our lives more pleasant. "All too often," says Governor Edgar, "these contributions go unrecognized. The Home Town Awards offer the opportunity to thank our state's volunteers for their tireless efforts and dedication to making Illinois a better place to live."

Any city, village, other local government, community organization, community action agency, or citizen group within Illinois is eligible to enter the Governor's Home Town Awards Competition. Entries may be projects that have benefited the communities through commercial/industrial retention or attraction, downtown improvements, parks and playgrounds, adult literacy, nature centers, "Meals on Wheels," sidewalk replacement, bloodbanks, etc.

Awards are presented in four project categories. General Awards include projects of any type which result in the overall improvement and quality of life in a community. The three special award categories recognize outstanding projects which benefit Economic Development, Youth Involvement, and Senior Citizens. Projects are also categorized by population size so that communities will compete against communities of similar size.

Projects are reviewed by a panel of impartial volunteer judges according to four criteria: addressing an important community need, heavy commitment of volunteer resources, generating tangible results and widespread community support.

First, second and third place winners of the Governor's Home Town Awards receive a road sign and plaque noting their achievement. Road signs and plaques also are awarded to the best project in each of the special categories. A Grand Prize recipient is selected from the first prize winners, receiving the traveling silver Governor's Cup and, for the first time this year, a special road sign depicting the Governor's Cup. Applications must be sent to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs postmarked no later than April 17, 1992. The prizes will be announced during an award ceremony and banquet held in June.

The 1991 contest attracted 120 applicants. Each project was an inspiring example of how much difference dedicated volunteers can make.

• Last year, Quincy's "Good News" campaign helped more than 100 needy families join in the holiday spirit. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, in 1990, well over $250,000 in goods and services were collected to help the less fortunate. This project brought Quincy the 1991 Governor's Cup.

• In Metamora, the Emergency 116 project established a 20 member volunteer squad to offer emergency services for Metamora and Germantown Hills. This emergency squad is known for its skill, training, and efficiency in responding to crises.

• In Pontiac, the volunteers of "PROUD" worked to improve the city's downtown. Projects like these improve the image and quality of life of a city, opening opportunities for further economic development.

• In Tinley Park, the Youth Commission garnered citizen involvement in organizing events for youths ages 13 through 18. Through the Drop-in-Center, the "Just Say No" program, the Halloween Haunted House and the Talent Contest, the Youth Commission offered young people wholesome entertainment opportunities and esprit de corps.

We know your community has benefited from similar projects. Help us recognize those who deserve thanks to serve as inspiration for others.

To request further information about the contest, or to request an Application Guidebook on the Governor's Home Town Awards Program, call the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Liana McCormick, phone 217-785-6134. •

February 1992 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 15