2002 Hall of Fame Inductees
DOROTHY M. COLSON
Dorothy was a widow with seven children, the youngest of whom was ten, when she joined the South Suburban Food Co-op as a volunteer one month after it was formed in a laundromat in 1974. Hired as ''part-time" manager in 1975, she began, spending 70 to 80 hours, each week overseeing volunteers, stocking shelves, tracking items by memory; and nurturing this fledgling 30-family organization into a "country store" serving more than 300 families. Then, as now, Dorothy's fundamental purpose was to provide the highest quality food available at affordable prices, meeting special dietary needs and providing healthy food choices for all.
She is very proud of being a member of the Panel of American Women, one of forty groups formed nationwide in the I960s promoting interfaith and interracial understanding. Dorothy's early work with the PF Association of Churches and Synagogues provided her with another venue for community projects. A quote about Dorothy explains it all: "Her good-natured. optimistic, unflappable persistence is characteristic of what is best about Park Forest."
JOHN H. AND DORIS F. HILL
The Hill family of four (son Steve and-daughter Carol) came to Park Forest in 1951; John and Doris each had a profound effect on the- lives of countless people in this Community from the outset. John helped establish the
Calumet Council Boy Scouts of America. He was awarded scouting's highest honor, the Silver Beaver, in recognition of his 25 year contribution. John was a charter member of the local Chamber of Commerce and a founder of the PF Economic Development Corporation. He died in 1981.
Doris wasn't just a member of a myriad of organizations, she "jumped into the water with both feet extended." Her passion, insight, enthusiasm and vigor were infectious and her creativity and audacious humor enlivened her work as a Prairie State College trustee, PTA organizer, board-member of the League of Women Voters. Illinois Theatre Center and Friends of the Library. Reporting for the Park Forest Reporter for eight years afforded her, in her own words, "the only socially acceptably reason far being nosy." She was an "Analysis in Wonderland" cast member; but her biggest role was played as one of a trio of women costumed as silent Sauk Trail Indians who appeared at many significant events in Park Forest's early development. Doric died in 1991. The Hills leave a legacy of fond memories.
BO AND HELEN LAWRENCE
A lifetime of service to community, church -- and for Bo Rotary International awaited the Lawrences when they moved to Park Forest with two sons in 1955. Helen's steadfast support and, quiet; caring involvement in making this world a better place red to many things: service to the schools and scouts, Iong-time senior choir, bell choir and committee memberships; a 22-year career as a customers' favorite Sear's employee and weekly archival work at the PF Public Library, along with many quiet acts of charity.
When pressed to single out the three accomplishments of which he is most proud in his 46 years of service to the community, Bo noted the Idea Clinic, which, among other things, led to a 10-year association with the PF College Board of Directors (a precursor to GSU); his church work, and, of course, Rotary. At Faith, he only mentioned his current project--leading PF's participation in Faith-Builds, the funding and erection of a Habitat for Humanity house in Harvey. (There's much more.) A model for Rotary's "network of service" since 1968; he was recipient of both "Service Above Self' and "Spirit of Rotary" awards (the highest given). Bo created the Seeds of Hope program, aided VOSH, gathered medical materials and earthquake relief supplies to send to Latin America, and coordinated the Blankets far Bosnia appeals. A true humanitarian.
C. SHANTI THAYIL
Music and the arts: Shanti has shared her passionate devotion to both with the community for over 34 years. From her early work with Reader's Theatre, Park Forest Symphony (now Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, the name she chose), PF Arts Council and the Freedom Hall Commission to continuing involvement with Illinois Theater Centre and Tall Grass Arts Center (nee PF Art Center), she has been a major force in envisioning, designing, promoting, fundraising, creating, coordinating and championing cultural oportunities and events in the southern suburbs.
The "Afternoon with Friends" concerts, the "Affinities" exhibit, Artists Walk in downtown Park Forest, the Art Film Series at PF Theater -- all were Shanti's contributions to us. She brought her commitment to sharing the culture of all peoples to 30 years of teaching in both grade and high schools, to T.A.L.E. at GSU, and to the HF Art Associates. Shanti's love of the arts was transmitted to her two adult children, Kim and Sarita.
