Mayor Holland Honored With Distinguished Community Service Award

FRANKFORT, IL — The Kiwanis Club of Frankfort honored Mayor Jim Holland with the Making a Difference Outstanding Distinguished Community Service Award at the Village Board meeting on Monday. Holland is not seeking re-election as mayor of Frankfort, after serving as mayor for 16 years and trustee for 6 years.

"The Making A Difference Outstanding Distinguished Community Service Award was developed to honor persons for making a significant contribution to their community through their time, their actions, talents, and dedication, outside of any volunteer work done for their employer," said Sam Giordano, Lieutenant Governor for Division 23 of Kiwanis Clubs, which includes Frankfort.

Giordano said the honoree selected should serve as a role model for compassion and service. He said the charitable activities or service listed on the application cannot be part of the nominee’s job description or duties, and they cannot receive any monetary or personal benefits from their involvement.

Frankfort Kiwanis Club President Tom Vandellen presented Holland with the award.

"Mayor Holland has been a vital part of our club for over a decade, and he's been involved with our holiday food basket drives over the last number of years," Vandellen said. "He is integral in getting speakers for our group once a month which enhances our meetings significantly."

Vandellen thanked Holland for his commitment and contributions to the village.

"Frankfort is a better community because of you," he said.

"This is a very pleasant surprise," Holland said, adding that he didn't know why his fellow Kiwanis Club members were at the meeting.

"It really was unexpected, I had no idea," Holland said. "It's an honor."