Inside the Riverside Township Hall lobby immediately to your left on the wall is a plaque which has the names of those who have been recognized by the Riverside Township Lions Club for their contributions to the community.
It is the Jansky Award plaque. The award was started by the late Bill Jansky who was a member of the Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce and believed there are those within the community who deserve to be thanked for their service.
This year the Lions Club is proud to add the name of Rey Navarro to the list on the plaque. Rey is a longtime resident of the village along with his wife, Lupe. Two of their sons and their wives are also residents, Carlos and Kathy and David and Kelly.
Who is Rey Navarro? Just think the Riverside July 4 parade and the many MG cars that add to the festivity. They are here because of Rey Navarro, “Mr. MG” to most of us. So it was only obvious for him to be asked to a member of the Friends of the Fourth, a small group whose mission is raising funds to ensure the village’s July 4 celebration in Riverside continues.
The first year of its existence, the Friends of the Fourth had Rey serve as the July 4 Parade marshal. Navarro was an important part of the group and continues to give his input.
He has also served as an election judge for a number of years and has served at St. Mary Church as an usher and is part of the church’s annual Lady of Guadalupe celebration, where he can be seen serving the food with his ever-present smile.
Rey stays active and golf is his game, although I heard from someone who golfed with him they didn’t keep score. Just being with him was par for the course and everyone is a winner. I won’t say his age, but he is an inspiration to us all.
Rey Navarro will be honored by the Riverside Township Lions Club at their May 10 dinner meeting at Connie’s Restaurant, 3271 Harlem Ave. in Berwyn. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Those who wish to attend to honor Rey may come to the meeting and dinner. The cost will be $22. For further information call 708-447-5219.
