The Niles Rotary Club announced Linda Bennett as the Rotary Outstanding Citizen of the Year last week at its regular meeting held at Ciminero's Banquet Centre.
This is the second year the organization has named a citizen of the year. Last year the club recognized Frank Burke of Niles.
''Linda Bennett, by leaps and bounds, goes over and above the call of duty to serve the community,'' said the Rev. Thomas Kraszewski of St. Stephen Church and a Rotary member.
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The Niles Times / Kathleen Evanoff
Linda Bennett of Niles was named Rotary Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Niles Rotary Club at its regular meeting May 24. This is the second year the organization has recognized a citizen for service to the community. Last year’s outstanding citizen was Frank Burke, who was in attendance for this announcement. Pictured are Bennett, left, and the Rev. Thomas Kraszewski.
Bennett is one of the founding members of the city's beautification committee, The Avenue and Main. The organization has not only worked to improve the appearance of the community by decorating the city's street islands with flowers each summer and hosting annual cleanup days, but also encouraged the formation of block watch groups in various neighborhoods.
''I'm humbled to be honored,'' Bennett said, ''especially since each of you, as Rotarians, has made it a goal to serve other people.''
Bennett was also given a proclamation from the office of Niles Mayor Ralph A. Infante recognizing her contributions to the community.