Post by title1parent on Nov 8, 2009 8:01:09 GMT -5
I had the privilege to work with Mr. Fred Rodgers several years ago on a neighborhood [Gombert and Georgetown] event. He truly deserves this honor. He is all about kids. He will be missed and someone has some big shoes to fill.
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1871624,2_1_AU08_RODGERS_S1-091108.article
Aurora dedicates center to Rodgers
November 8, 2009
By ROWENA VERGARA rvergara@scn1.com
AURORA -- After two poems, testimonials from grateful kids and endless thanks to a man who has been adored as a father figure for Aurora's youth, the city on Saturday officially renamed its Community Center on College Avenue the Fred Rodgers Community Center.
Rodgers has spent 24 years as the director of Aurora's Youth Services Department. But his title does not even begin to define the impact he has made on some 24,000 youths.
Rodgers has steered countless kids away from gangs and drugs. Adults who were once troubled youths continue to thank Rodgers to this day for his help in finding a job, pursuing an education or simply believing in them.
During the dedication ceremony hosted by Mayor Tom Weisner and the City Council, 7th Ward Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns told the packed gymnasium that "gangs have left Aurora because of Fred Rodgers himself. He has moved gang families out."
But the community's gratitude was obvious even before speeches were made. Outside the Community Center, guests were lucky to find a parking spot. The ceremony didn't begin on time because Rodgers was welcoming each guest in person as he sat on a stoop outside the main entrance.
Guests showered Rodgers with retirement congratulations, hugs and kisses. By the start of the ceremony, everyone was wearing bright-red "Thank you Fred" stickers on their clothing.
Clayton Muhammad, spokesman for the East Aurora School District, set the bar for all remarks during the ceremony when he delivered an acronym poem he wrote about Rodgers. He described him as a father, a role model, an example and the embodiment of following one's dreams. Each of the words represented the letters in Rodgers' first name.
Muhammad then presented Rodgers with the Making Choices of Excellence Award on behalf of the East Aurora School District. Rodgers also was made an honorary East Aurora Tomcat.
Hector Trejo, an East Aurora graduate, represented one of many youths Rodgers inspired.
"Thank you for being part of my life, and thank you for caring for me under your wing for the past five years," he said.
Weisner also read a poem he wrote, in which he compared Rodgers' work to that of a gardener.
"Year after year and hour after hour, he nurtures every delicate flower," Weisner read.
The mayor then unveiled a gold and maroon plaque with the new Community Center's name to a visibly stunned Rodgers.
Before the ceremony ended, Rodgers said, "It's not because I did this all by myself. I hope that I have served you well."
The audience of close friends, family, co-workers, police officers and firefighters gave him a standing ovation.
He shook his head in disbelief, looked down at the floor and held his jaw as photos snapped away.
Before working for the city, Rodgers spent 19 years at the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles, a Department of Corrections facility for juveniles. He is a native of Evergreen, Ala.
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1871624,2_1_AU08_RODGERS_S1-091108.article
Aurora dedicates center to Rodgers
November 8, 2009
By ROWENA VERGARA rvergara@scn1.com
AURORA -- After two poems, testimonials from grateful kids and endless thanks to a man who has been adored as a father figure for Aurora's youth, the city on Saturday officially renamed its Community Center on College Avenue the Fred Rodgers Community Center.
Rodgers has spent 24 years as the director of Aurora's Youth Services Department. But his title does not even begin to define the impact he has made on some 24,000 youths.
Rodgers has steered countless kids away from gangs and drugs. Adults who were once troubled youths continue to thank Rodgers to this day for his help in finding a job, pursuing an education or simply believing in them.
During the dedication ceremony hosted by Mayor Tom Weisner and the City Council, 7th Ward Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns told the packed gymnasium that "gangs have left Aurora because of Fred Rodgers himself. He has moved gang families out."
But the community's gratitude was obvious even before speeches were made. Outside the Community Center, guests were lucky to find a parking spot. The ceremony didn't begin on time because Rodgers was welcoming each guest in person as he sat on a stoop outside the main entrance.
Guests showered Rodgers with retirement congratulations, hugs and kisses. By the start of the ceremony, everyone was wearing bright-red "Thank you Fred" stickers on their clothing.
Clayton Muhammad, spokesman for the East Aurora School District, set the bar for all remarks during the ceremony when he delivered an acronym poem he wrote about Rodgers. He described him as a father, a role model, an example and the embodiment of following one's dreams. Each of the words represented the letters in Rodgers' first name.
Muhammad then presented Rodgers with the Making Choices of Excellence Award on behalf of the East Aurora School District. Rodgers also was made an honorary East Aurora Tomcat.
Hector Trejo, an East Aurora graduate, represented one of many youths Rodgers inspired.
"Thank you for being part of my life, and thank you for caring for me under your wing for the past five years," he said.
Weisner also read a poem he wrote, in which he compared Rodgers' work to that of a gardener.
"Year after year and hour after hour, he nurtures every delicate flower," Weisner read.
The mayor then unveiled a gold and maroon plaque with the new Community Center's name to a visibly stunned Rodgers.
Before the ceremony ended, Rodgers said, "It's not because I did this all by myself. I hope that I have served you well."
The audience of close friends, family, co-workers, police officers and firefighters gave him a standing ovation.
He shook his head in disbelief, looked down at the floor and held his jaw as photos snapped away.
Before working for the city, Rodgers spent 19 years at the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles, a Department of Corrections facility for juveniles. He is a native of Evergreen, Ala.