Gail Grutzius is well-known at the Spring Brook Nature Center in Itasca.  She has been instrumental in raising money for the Nature Center by chairing the Friends of the Nature Center Program, and the Raptor Program.  More than raising money, Gail has volunteered many hours to the Nature Center.  She has been a Raptor Docent since 2004.  Gail is known to step up whenever a need arises without ever being asked.

Ed Kryger is the force behind many charitable works, and yet allows others to receive the thanks and praise.  Ed has a business in Itasca for 32 years, and has lived in Itasca for 30 years.  Ed is involved in the Itasca Lion’s Club, and St. Peter the Apostle Parish’s Knight of Columbus.  He is an active member in the church choir, and a Eucharistic minister.  He has such a respect for life that at every Baptism, he presents a rose to the mother of each of the newly baptized.  More than his involvement in his church, Ed uses his business to take care of the less fortunate.  His trucks and employees transport food to local food pantries.  At the age of 75, Ed continues to find joy in helping others knowing this his actions do make a difference.

St. Peter the Apostle Church in Itasca would not be the same if it wasn’t for Nancy Riley.  Nancy, a Eucharistic minister, brings Communion to the homebound on a regular basis.  She also ministers at the Arbor Nursing Home in Itasca by helping the residents attend Mass and pray the rosary.  Nancy has a flare for landscaping.  She, and her crew of other women, have planted flowers, weeded, and watered the grounds around St. Peter’s Church.  She also makes sure the candles and church pews are clean and ready for the weekend Masses.  Nancy has also run St. Peter’s Lenten Friday nights Soup and Salad dinners  She is involved with P.A.D.S., and delivers laundry to those who have volunteered to wash the sheets and towels.  Nancy always leaves the bulk of the laundry for herself. Whenever there is a need at St. Peter’s Church, Nancy is one of the first women to volunteer!

The community of Itasca is better because of Gail, Ed, and Nancy.  The Itasca Character Counts! Coalition and the Village of Itasca appreciate all their hard work and congratulate them.