'Tireless Volunteering' From Lake Forest Preservation Foundation VP

LAKE FOREST, IL — Without community leaders, Lake Forest-Lake Bluff wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from a pair of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch readers — Marcy Kerr and Elaine Opsitnik, who both nominated Jim Opsitnik.

How do you know this community leader?

Marcy: From the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation

Elaine: My husband

What does this community leader do?

Marcy: Tirelessly volunteers within the community on historic preservation initiatives and projects.

Elaine: Extreme Volunteering

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

Marcy: For the many hours he has put in volunteering in Lake Forest.

Elaine: He engages in and manages highly skilled projects for the city. Examples are: the restoration of the interior of the east side train station and restoration of several magnificent original stone gates. He is admired for the stewardship of his nearly 100 year old home, designed by and once owned by a foremost architect. He has an intense focus on preserving the historic visual character and beauty of Lake Forest. He has served on city committees for the Central Business District, and held offices for the Caucus, and is previous President of the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation. He serves on the committee for the "Then and Now" auto show, coming up October 1.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

Marcy: You can always count on Jim to lend a hand.

Elaine: He is grateful to be an extreme volunteer in our charming and beautiful city.

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Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.