Riverside’s Finn chosen for 2018 Jansky Award
Sometimes it is just nice to recognize people who do good without seeking any recognition, just lending a hand because they can. Such was the thought of the late Bill Jansky of Riverside, businessman and active Riverside Township Lions Club member.
It was for just such people that the Jansky Award was established in his honor — to recognize people who have quietly served for the benefit of many.
The honoree this year is Bob Finn of Riverside.
Bob Finn has resided in Riverside for 45 years, since he married a Riverside girl, Judy Miller. The couple raised their two sons here and recently moved to their third house in the village.
Finn has been an active member of the community and at St. Mary Church. He served as a member of the Riverside Safe Environment Commission, after which he was appointed to the Landscape Advisory Commission. An avid gardener, he was able to help the village, both physically and with his expertise.
It is not unusual to see him with groups volunteering during Olmsted Society clean-up days in the parks. He also finds time to volunteer at the Morton Arboretum, where he also gains more knowledge he can share with Riverside.
Finn also has an artistic side. He takes classes at the Riverside Arts Center and volunteers there as an officer on their board. During the annual Riverside Arts Weekend, he can usually be found helping children with simple art projects RAC’s tent in Guthrie Park.
A member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Mary’s, he also serves as an usher and is on hand to help with other projects within the parish.
Finn will have his name added to the Jansky Award plaque, which is located on the first floor at the Riverside Township Hall. His volunteerism is an example of what the award stands for and his name is a proud addition to the list of those who have similarly been awarded.
Bob Finn will receive the award on Tuesday, May 8, at regular meeting of the Lions Club.
The dinner is at the Scottish Home, 2800 Desplaines Ave., with social hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:15 at a cost of $20 per person. Reservations are required by Saturday, May 5 and can be made by calling yours truly, Lions Club President JoAnne Kosey, at 708-447-5219.
