Skokie board presents arts awards, honors longtime volunteer and swears in four police officers

The Village of Skokie recognized local arts contributors and public servants at its Jan. 5 meeting. Ellen Blomberish, chair of the Skokie Fine Arts Commission, presented the Village of Skokie individual artistic excellence award to Joseph (introduced in the transcript as Joseph Folies) for decades of stained-glass, sculpture and mosaic work including the 'Skokie Spirit' window. Joseph accepted the honor and thanked the commission and village colleagues for years of support.

The board also presented the group artistic excellence award to Seaman Violins, praising the shop’s music-education role, instrument rentals and a small, architect-designed performance space. Peter Seaman and representatives described the shop’s history, the three-year violin-making school and upcoming concerts.

For the first time, the board gave a special recognition to Nosy Thorne, a dog noted for performing the role of Sandy in a Music Theatre Works production of Annie and appearing in national commercials; the presentation was celebratory and included photographs.

Commissioner Michelle Thomas introduced Doris Lieberman, who the board honored as a 97-year-old Commissioner Emeritus for more than seven decades of volunteer service (teaching, hospital volunteering and Fine Arts Commission participation). Lieberman told the board, "Participate in your community," and said community involvement is the secret to a long, active life.

The meeting also included a swearing-in ceremony for four new Skokie Police Department officers. Bruce Rotner (Board of Fire and Police Commission) praised the recruits and administered oaths alongside Chief Jesse Barnes. Officers who took the oath included Kylie Tondrick/Tandrick, Michael Bauer, Carlos Armas and Caitlin Acosta. Rotner said the commission asked whether each recruit was someone they would want to work beside or have patrolling the community and concluded, "For all four of these young people, the answer was resounding yes." Family members were introduced and the board recessed briefly after the ceremony.

What’s next: The recognitions are ceremonial; the newly sworn officers will begin duties with the Skokie Police Department per department procedures. The transcript records the presentations, acceptance remarks and administered oaths.