Pictured from left to right are Peggy Berry, Civic Activities Director, Elaine Klappal, Linda Luxion, Kaaren Smoot, and Mayor David L. Stover.
Pictured from left to right are Peggy Berry, Civic Activities Director,
Elaine Klappal, Linda Luxion, Kaaren Smoot, and Mayor David L. Stover.
Three Bahá'ís nominated by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Aurora were honored at the Volunteer Appreciation Day reception held June 5, 2001 at City Hall.
After reading a Proclamation naming June 5th Volunteer Appreciation day in the City of Aurora, Mayor David L. Stover presented Certificates of Recognition and special volunteer lapel pins to 140 men and women who had been nominated by located agencies, club, churches and government bodies. The annual recognition and reception was held Tuesday evening in the City Council Chambers.
Kaaren Smoot and Linda Luxion were nominated for their work on the Festival of Cultures. Ian Blood was nominated for his Youth Year of Service in the African country of Chad.
Kaaren Smoot was the originator of the Festival of Cultures which is held annually in Aurora. She served as the Festival Committee's treasurer and also coordinated the Festival entertainment.
Linda Luxion served as chairman of the Festival Committee and also coordinated the small business sponsors and the food vendors.
Ian Blood has been serving for the best part of a year in the Chadian village of Moissala where he teaches English in the Bahá'í Middle School and produces programs for the Bahá'í radio station. His family is expecting his return on July 9th. Ian graduated from West Aurora High School in the spring of 2000. He will be entering the University of Wisconsin this fall pursuing a degree in Journalism. Since Ian is still in Africa, his award was accepted by Elaine Klappal, chairman of the Aurora Spiritual Assembly.