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Round Lake Beach honors community ambassadors and police award recipients; civic events scheduled for 2025
Summary
Village officials presented Community Ambassador awards to seven residents, named Volunteer, Citizen and Officer of the Year honorees and outlined the Civic Center events schedule for 2025, including a Lucha Libre event and summer concert series.
The Village of Round Lake Beach used part of its February 2025 council meeting to present community recognition awards and to outline several Civic Center events for 2025.
Mayor Nichols and Development Director Gil Rivera presented the village’s new Community Ambassador Awards to multiple residents — including Nathan Nichols, Jesus Rivaldo (identified in the meeting as Jesus Grafaldo), Travis Haley, Rosita/Teresa (accepted by a relative), and a child named Sebastian — in recognition of volunteer work promoting village events and welcoming attendees. Rivera said the award “was created to recognize community members who represent the community in various events, volunteer, but more importantly, share the village” and noted recipients often help set up events and engage visitors.
The police department and community partners presented several public-safety and service awards. Commander Paul Grace and the department named Lieutenant Valerie Straker (transcript says Straker/Stryker) as the Riley Beach Emergency Management Agency Volunteer of the Year, citing 144 volunteer hours in 2024 and her role as an instructor and lieutenant for the agency. Deputy Chief Ryan Rodriguez introduced the 2024 Citizen of the Year, identified as “Charlie,” who was praised for consistent volunteer service at events. Detective Reuben Anguiano was recognized as the Round Lake Beach Police Department 2024 Officer of the Year for investigative work and collaboration with Lake County partners, including the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. Additional awards from the American Legion honored Officers Dave Duncan and Marina Khan with life-saving awards and Officer Tellez with a Law Enforcement Certificate of Commendation for work leading to the apprehension of a felony suspect.
Why it matters: The awards highlight sustained volunteerism and police-community partnerships that village officials and residents said contribute to public safety and community life.
Events announced: Mayor Nichols described a slate of Civic Center programs for 2025. Tickets for a Lucha Libre event go on sale Feb. 17 for a show at the Civic Center on April 27, 2025. The Civic Center will host a stand-up comedy series starting March 13 and a new “Forever Young” senior program (for ages 55 and older) with lunches and information sessions on fourth Thursdays May through October. The Thursday-night summer concert series will begin May 29 with acts listed by the mayor, and family-oriented “Fun Fridays” will run June through August. Beachfest fireworks are scheduled for July 5, and Elote Fest will run Aug. 22—24, including a larger musical drone light show the mayor said will increase by roughly 50 to 100 drones to exceed 300 drones.
Direct quotes from staff and officials were limited to award presentations and event descriptions during the Mayor’s report and Police Department presentations; there was no recorded public debate about these recognitions or events.
Ending: After presentations and remarks, the council moved on to business items and later adjourned. Several attendees were invited to continue conversations in the lobby after the meeting.
