A P RI L 23 -24 , 2 0 2 5 • vol . 6 4 iss u e 24
News from Plainfield • Joliet • Shorewood • Lockport • Crest Hill • Bolingbrook • Romeoville • Downers Grove • Westmont • Woodridge • Lisle • Niles • Morton Grove • Park Ridge & more
By randy whalen For the Bugle
Langebartles is Timbers of Shorewood Volunteer of the Year Jeanette Langebartles received the “Joni Hilger Volunteer of the Year Award” at the Timbers of Shorewood’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on April 3 during National Volunteer Month, at the Timbers, 1100 North River Road, Shorewood. For nearly five years, Langebartles has been an active volunteer in various roles at The Timbers, a continuation of her lifelong dedication to service. A longtime volunteer, her passion took root during her career as a registered nurse. Notably, she returned to the hospital just three months after retiring and volunteered in the ER waiting room for 30 years before moving to The Timbers. “Jeanette volunteers many hours in our general store, and she is president of our resident council,” said Amy Odell, activities director at the Timbers. “She is such a vital member of the Timbers, and we are so proud to honor her with this award. She has also been part of our welcoming committee in the past.” “I’m going to hang the award on my wall where everyone can see it,” said Langebartles. The Timbers’ award is named for
Joni Hilger who was a beloved volunteer at the Timbers. In 2020, she was named Volunteer of the Year, but because of COVID-19 restrictions, the presentation did not take place. Tragically, Joni passed away. On May 8, 2021, the Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Joni’s family, an award that, from that day forward, became known as the “Joni Hilger Volunteer of the Year Award.” April is National Volunteer Month, a month when people celebrate the work that volunteers do year-round. Organizations across the country are recognizing their volunteers for helping them achieve their mission. April became National Volunteer Month in 1991 as part of President George H. W. Bush’s 1000 Points of Light campaign. Volunteering has been shown to improve memory and help with executive function – the mental skills that makeup a person’s active memory, provide for flexible thinking, and set the stage for self-control – all skills required each day. Such skills may help slow or prevent the onset of dementia. They lead to a strong sense of self-control, selfconfidence, and connectedness which can help stave off depression.