Chatka Ruggiero and Lee Brooke Sit at the Table of Honor with Their
Awards.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Ulyssean Award's Go To Two Local Activists, One a Community Builder and One a Publisher.
by Ed Vincent
Ms. Chatka Ruggiero and Mr. Lee Brooke were both honored
by the Senior Citizen's Center of Oak Park River Forest this past
Friday, on the 8th of September.
The event was in the Grand Ballroom of the Carlton Hotel
and it was filled with friends, admirers, activists, and leaders-
current and past from Oak Park and surrounding towns.
Ms. Pat Koko, the senior center director began the introductions of
the winners and then turned the podium over to past Illinois State
Senate Chairman the Honorable Phillip Rock.
© Oak Park Journal photo
The awards are given for a person's work to bettering the community. Each recipient has had a wonderful history of achievements in their own right, from being a librarian and
publishing local books to the Grand Dame of culture and class.
Mr. Brooke has been an English teacher, a librarian, a life long resident of Oak Park, and an organizer who worked to help
open Oak Park to a racially diverse population. His congratulatory speech is on streaming video below (edited to 14 plus minutes).
Mr. Brooke is reported to be working on a book about the Kettlestrings, some of the earliest European residents in Oak
Park.
The Honorable Phillip Rock praises the Ulyssean Winners and Highlights
their many contributions.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Mr. Brooke Thanks all for his Award and speaks about his career.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Chatka Ruggiero proudly holds her Award.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Chatka Ruggiero, who was a radio station manager in Chicago for WFYR has always been a hard worker, an animal lover (especially cats...) and a gal with a good feel for business in general began to purchase apartment buildings in Oak Park with her husband Tony.
Chatka and Tony (the radio DJ at WFYR) began small with one building here and there and soon owned many of Oak Park's biggest properties. While she and her husband cleaned and managed many of our towns apartments she also went to work and formed the Building Owners and Managers Association. She worked to
bring intergration into her buildings and saw to it that they were
maintained with pride.
Ms. Ruggiero helped start the Community Bank of Oak Park and River Forest, is the heart and soul of the Animal Care League, and
a local Princess of goodwill and charm. The event was well attended by friends and admirers - and many proud family members.
We wish both award winners the best and hope they continue
in their fine admirable work and support for the many.
© Oak Park Journal
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
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