Bike Traffic - December 2006/January 2007

December 2006/January 2007

Volunteer Awards Recognize Commitment

by Mary Baxter

Safety is the issue that inspires Jerry Guerra.

A longtime volunteer whom the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation honored in December, Guerra knows all about safety. Four years ago he was close to death after getting run down by a truck on the Northwest Side.
Within months, Guerra was dropping by the CBF office, offering to help again.

At the volunteer appreciation awards Dec. 11, Guerra was presented with the John D’Ambrose Award, which recognizes the spirit and commitment of the longtime CBF volunteer (see related story, page 2). The annual party celebrated the hard work and commitment of 651 individuals who together accumulated 10,302 in volunteer hours this past year. Awards were presented to six volunteers.

“Jerry’s the kind of guy that just stops by and says, ‘Is there anything you need me to do?’ and we just get moving,’” said CBF Marketing and Events Director Ethan Spotts.

A Chicago pharmacist who insists he has gained “more than I could ask for” over his 12 years of volunteering. "When I had my accident in 2003, the organization was there to help me get well and beyond. Without people like them, who knows where I’d be? It's like another family."

Another significant award was the 19th Annual Important Cog, which recognizes extraordinary contributions of individual volunteers. Anne Alt and Jonathan Mischo were co-recipients of the honor.

Mischo, 28, has worked on Bike The Drive and the Boulevard Lakefront Tour. "I really believe in the mission of this organization," he said.

Alt said she is “humbled” by her recognition and that she feels a "deep sense of satisfaction" from promoting bicycle and pedestrian projects.

One of the youngest volunteers, John Tomlinson was honored with the "Emerging Leader" award at age 14. This award recognizes the “aspiring leader who does not ride the beaten path, but creates a trail for others to follow.” An 8th-grader at University of Chicago's LAB School, Tomlinson rose at 6 a.m. every morning for one week in June to set up, staff and pack up Bike To Work Week commuter stations.

The new "Under the Radar" award recognizing the “excellence and dedication of the unsung heroes of bicycling advocacy.” It was presented to Don Harder Jr., 31, and Rene' Mueller, 28.

Rene' has edited the CBF Bike Bulletin since 2004. "Editing (the bulletin) each month keeps my skills fresh, and also keeps me up to speed on what's going on around town in terms of both city transit and environmental concerns," she said.

Donny Harder encourages others to volunteer at CBF even if they remain under the radar. "The biking community in Chicago is very receptive and active. Being a part of that, even in a small way, is a great encouragement.".