Park Ridge Community Star: Mel Thillens

Mel Thillens has been a fixture in Park Ridge for his entire life. Mel’s leadership is evident in many ways in this community and he has been selected a Park Ridge Community Star by the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce.

Mel’s work on the Park Ridge Board of Directors is significant. Currently, Mel is leading the effort to bring a referendum to the community in the April 2013 election that would allow the Park District to purchase the land formerly housing the Youth Campus, a press release states. Mel is forward thinking and knows that this parcel of land is the last large parcel of ‘green space’ in Park Ridge. He is working hard to provide community members with the opportunity to retain this land. Ultimately, it is the decision of the community…but the amount of work that has gone into providing the community make this decision is significant.

Mel’s leadership on the Taste of Park Ridge committee has been significant also. The City introduced new parameters for application for the event that included a Request for Proposal and a contract. This was the first time this process was executed and Mel took a leadership role in the RFP process, communication with the City and was ultimately named Chairperson for the Taste of Park Ridge Committee, the press release stated.

Despite the rain, the City of Park Ridge hosted a beautiful event last July that brought pride to our community and provided an opportunity to showcase local restaurants and businesses. There was a very real possibility that a group would not surface or be approved to lead the traditional summer festival in 2012. Mel’s leadership definitely contributed greatly to another great Taste of Park Ridge. Mel is truly impressive with his hard work, his ability to gain the trust and respect of individuals with viewpoints that differ from his own, and his deep pride and dedication to this community.

To see Mel Thillens receive his Park Ridge Community Star, come to the Community Stars Dinner Dance on Saturday, January 19, at Rosewood Restaurant. Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased at the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, 720 Garden Street (847-825-3121).

Information submitted by the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce.