Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Oct 8, 2023 15:56:33 GMT -6
The Chicago Astronomer Awarded the
Chicago Latino Network's
"Latino Leader" Award
06 October 2023
Chicago Latino Network's
"Latino Leader" Award
06 October 2023
I am honored to be the recipient of the 2023 recognition of "Latino Leader" by the Chicago Latino Network organization on Friday 06 October 2023 at the Freemont Hotel in Downtown Chicago.
I was notified during the summer that I was nominated for consideration for this prestigious recognition and quite surprised. It reflects my community service over the decades from my work in the Chicago Police Department, to my service in the Chicago Public Schools and community organizer....and finally with my contribution to Urban Astronomy with my positions across the city teaching and sharing the skies to thousands of sky lovers.
I currently serve in positions at "After School Matters, Chicago Park District/606 Trail and contracted with several organizations and institutions across the region. I created the Chicago Astronomer in 2004 and the opportunities to connect people with the cosmos has been fantastic. The nickname of "Astro Joe" has been my moniker attributed to others who associate the urban skies with the Chicago Astronomer. And here, my current passion, I think has weighed the decision in receiving this award.
We were entertained by food, drinks and Mariachis at the bash...
This was cool to see, as they had a revolving series of pics of the recipients of various awards by the CLN...and I pop up!
I was notified during the summer that I was nominated for consideration for this prestigious recognition and quite surprised. It reflects my community service over the decades from my work in the Chicago Police Department, to my service in the Chicago Public Schools and community organizer....and finally with my contribution to Urban Astronomy with my positions across the city teaching and sharing the skies to thousands of sky lovers.
I currently serve in positions at "After School Matters, Chicago Park District/606 Trail and contracted with several organizations and institutions across the region. I created the Chicago Astronomer in 2004 and the opportunities to connect people with the cosmos has been fantastic. The nickname of "Astro Joe" has been my moniker attributed to others who associate the urban skies with the Chicago Astronomer. And here, my current passion, I think has weighed the decision in receiving this award.
We were entertained by food, drinks and Mariachis at the bash...
This was cool to see, as they had a revolving series of pics of the recipients of various awards by the CLN...and I pop up!
Zorida Zambolin, Chicago Television personality, was our Master of Ceremonies for the evening...
The names of the winners was a solid secret I understand and shrouded in mystery. The nominees were presented with a small lapel Rose to identify us and locatable. A short time ago, we had a pre-awards night meet with the nominees at the London House, (A place where The Chicago Astronomer has set-up Telescopes on the patio rooftop) and got to know each other and share stories, making friends, so there were familiar faces in the crowd.
Like the academy wards, winners names were in sealed envelopes and announced by two members of the selection committee, who were also kept in the dark as each nominee was rated by score independently.
Now, I was humbled just to be nominated and to be there witnessing the evening's presentations and seeing old friends and making new ones. In a rare unprecedented decision by the CLN, for the first time ever, two awards were to be presented for "Latino Leader"...and I was one of them!
I was stunned at the announcement at my name and ecstatic at winning this recognition among a fine field of eligible and well qualified candidates. Awardees and friends sought out each other for a photo Op...
Like the academy wards, winners names were in sealed envelopes and announced by two members of the selection committee, who were also kept in the dark as each nominee was rated by score independently.
Now, I was humbled just to be nominated and to be there witnessing the evening's presentations and seeing old friends and making new ones. In a rare unprecedented decision by the CLN, for the first time ever, two awards were to be presented for "Latino Leader"...and I was one of them!
I was stunned at the announcement at my name and ecstatic at winning this recognition among a fine field of eligible and well qualified candidates. Awardees and friends sought out each other for a photo Op...
I value this recognition and encouragement to keep building the Chicago Astronomer bigger, better and reaching more sky lovers - from young space explorers to seasoned adults connecting to the cosmos.
Ad Astra...!
Astro Joe
Ad Astra...!
Astro Joe
