Citizen of the Year Kathy Henrikson Leads by Example

When Trustee Kathy Henrikson was honored last month as the Lemont Area Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year, most of her friends and family members were hardly surprised.

During her 16 years in Lemont, Henrikson has been a devoted community activist, volunteer, church leader and elected official. She has worked on a number of community issues, especially those involving environmental preservation.

“It was funny because she called to tell me she won the award, and I actually thought she had won it years ago,” said Krysta Alongi, Henrikson’s daughter. “I’m so happy and proud she was finally recognized, though, because she definitely deserves it.”

Henrikson received her award at the Chamber's annual dinner dance Feb. 25. Fellow nominees Tom Ballard (director of the Lemont Emergency Management Agency), Jeanette Virgilio (village trustee), Lena Motola (district manager of the Lemont Girl Scouts) and John Schaeffer (Rotarian) were also recognized.

To be included in this year's nominees was a win in itself, Henrikson said.

"I was honored to even be considered, but I think the win is really special for me after all these years in Lemont," she said.

David Bartz, president of the Lemont Area Chamber of Commerce, said Henrikson was nominated by someone in the community and was then chosen as the winner by the Chamber's executive board.

"Her story really tugged at some heart strings, I think. She was the sentimental favorite," Bartz said.

Since the late 1990s, Henrikson has worked tirelessly to protect Lemont’s most environmentally sensitive areas from heavy industry. She led the fight against the development of asphalt plants and a 50-gallon drum recycling plant, and spoke out against the construction of electronic billboards along the Veterans Memorial Tollway — a battle that was , with a judge ruling in favor of Lemont and Cook County.

In addition to these efforts, Henrikson worked with her mentor, P.J. Fitzgerald, to co-found the Citizens Awareness Network to mobilize residents to speak out on important community issues.

Henrikson has also been very active in campaigning for open space preservation. In 2001, she helped lead the efforts in passing a $10 million referendum, which was used toward the 59-acre Heritage Woodland Sanctuary at 127th Street and Timberline Drive, as well as the Heritage Quarry area. At the Heritage Woodland Sanctuary, she has been instrumental in setting up the community dog park and providing input for the new .

Since 2005, Henrikson has served a trustee on the Lemont Township Board, a position she sought to become even more involved in community issues.

“One goal was to work with the officials to make positive changes and keep Lemont the place we all love to live,” she said. ”So many people sit back, complain and merely let things happen. We took action when necessary.”

Lemont Township Supervisor Steve Rosendahl said he was proud of Henrikson's accomplishment, which he said was "a long time coming."

"It's a recognition for the huge efforts she has made in this community as an advocate and volunteer," he said. "She's all about Lemont, all about the community, and I really can't say enough about her. It's a well-deserved win."

In addition to her work as an advocate and elected official, Henrikson has also served as the president of St. Matthew Lutheran Church for the past three years.

"Church work and community work are related in so many ways," Henrikson said. "There are great needs in our community . . . I hope to continue to be a part of community groups that reach out to help others when needed."

Henrikson said she has been fortunate to always have a family that supports her community work. Her husband, Glenn, even formed a band called "Work in Progress" that plays mostly at community fundraisers.

As for her motivation, Henrikson attributes her attitude to her parents, both of whom were community volunteers and leaders.

"They set the example of good citizenship and I simply followed," she said. "My dad used to say, 'In giving there is always receiving.'"

For Henrikson, the commitment to community service comes from a real love of Lemont and its residents.

"I love the fact that our town is called the 'Village of Faith,'" she said. "When you drive over the bridge and see the beautiful steeples, you can't help but get that warm feeling that this is home."