The La Grange Village Board convened on September 25, 2023, with a full attendance of trustees and the village president, marking a productive session. The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by local children Aiden and Jillian, who are grandchildren of a community member.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the retirements of two long-serving village employees. Jim Ward, an auxiliary police officer, was honored for his 24 years of volunteer service, contributing to community safety and various local events. The board expressed gratitude for his dedication and wished him well in his retirement.

The highlight of the evening was the farewell to Joe Manusa, who is retiring after 26 years as the assistant finance director. His tenure was marked by numerous achievements, including overseeing a budgeting process that received the Government Finance Office Association's distinguished budget award for 28 consecutive years. The board acknowledged his role in managing the village's finances, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A resolution was presented to formally commend Joe for his service, detailing his contributions and the positive impact he had on the village's financial health. The resolution was unanimously approved by the board, with heartfelt remarks from fellow employees and board members expressing their appreciation for Joe's professionalism and sense of humor.

Joe Manusa took a moment to thank the board, his colleagues, and his family for their support throughout his career. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the residents of La Grange.

The meeting concluded with a sense of community appreciation for the retiring employees and a commitment to maintaining stability within the village's operations as they transition into retirement.