Wyndemere Resident Honored as Good Citizen of the Year

One person can truly make a difference…and Joanne East, a Wyndemere resident for six years, is proof of that. Joanne was recognized by the City of Wheaton as an outstanding citizen for her efforts in recycling and volunteerism.

“Joanne is relentless in her efforts as a volunteer at Wyndemere and is a true icon in the community,” said Gina Worch, Wyndemere’s Program Director, who submitted her nomination for the award. “Joanne’s love for life, for learning and for teaching are amazing.”

For example, Joanne founded the Recycling Committee that earned Wyndemere the Earth Day Flag from the School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education (SCARCE) organization for their commitment to recycling and environmental issues.

Her efforts to work with the Campus by planting native plants and switching to environmentally-friendly cleaners, prevented more than 450 pounds of air pollution and also earned the Campus a plaque from Clean Air Counts, a Northeast Illinois regional initiative to reduce ozone-causing emissions.

Joanne’s volunteer efforts touch residents and staff on a more personal level as well. She formed a Caregiver Support Group on the Campus that meets monthly to help other residents whose family members are dealing with Alzheimer’s disease.

“The support group allows me the opportunity to talk with others who share my concerns and it helps to know that you aren’t alone,” said Wyndemere resident Madelon Hansen. “Joanne stayed involved in the group even after her husband passed away and she continues to show a leadership role, bringing in new resources that may help us.”

As a former speech therapist and learning disabilities teacher, Joanne also began teaching English as a second language to about 10 Wyndemere staff members.

“It’s wonderful that Joanne started this program right here at Wyndemere,” said Lidia Nunez, Wyndemere’s Housekeeping Manager. “The classes make such a difference to my staff members, both on and off the job. They are more confident and the personalized attention really helps them to learn.”

In typical fashion, Joanne is very modest about her Citizen of the Year Award. “I really believe in grass roots efforts,” said Joanne. “I’m just trying to do my part and I’m very humbled by this recognition.”