Heart of Forest Park award given to John Cunningham, Rob Sall
March 24 is now Heart of Forest Park recognition day, celebrating residents who contribute to making the village a vibrant, thriving community.
“The inaugural Heart of Forest Park recognition has been established to honor those who demonstrate dedication to making Forest Park a better place,” said Village Clerk Vanessa Belmonte, reading the award proclamation at the last village council meeting.
At the March 24 meeting, village staff and commissioners recognized John Cunningham and Rob Sall with the first Heart of Forest Park award.
“The Heart of Forest Park is a celebration of generosity. Both John and Rob exemplify that in everything they do,” said Village Administrator Rachell Entler. “Their dedication and commitment to our community are truly something to celebrate.”
Entler recognized the couple’s Light Up Beloit initiative, which started in 2023 as a way to decorate their block for the holiday season. Cunningham and Sall organized with their neighbors to get about 75% of the trees on Beloit, from Roosevelt to Harrison, wrapped in string lights.
Last year, Light Up Beloit expanded throughout the village, becoming Light Up Forest Park – what Entler now calls a holiday tradition in town.
Cunningham and Sall said village staff reached out to them the week before the village council meeting to recognize them for their light efforts, but they didn’t know they’d get the inaugural Heart of Forest Park award.
“When they read the proclamation, we were both really touched and appreciative for the recognition behind what we’ve tried to create in the village,” Sall said.
“It’s been a really great community building effort, and we’ve met so many other neighbors and residents from around the village,” Cunningham said. “We’ve made some great friends along the way and are looking forward to seeing it grow and expand across the village in years to come.”
“It’s amazing to see how something so simple has transformed into such a meaningful event,” Entler said of the couple’s holiday light initiative. “Their efforts go beyond just the lights. They contribute to the vibrant, welcoming spirit that makes our village feel like home.”
For the past few years, Cunningham and Sall have been decorating planters at major intersections in South Forest Park. And at the end of last year, Cunningham and Sall started a Hot Chocolate Walk on Beloit Avenue, where participants could look at the holiday lights.
“John and Rob themselves were there, offering warm cups of cocoa to everyone who stopped by, making sure each person felt the true spirit of the season,” Entler said.
According to the proclamation that Belmonte read, future Heart of Forest Park awards will go to residents who “work together to build a strong and supportive environment” and “whose contributions enhance the quality of life, foster community spirit and promote the values of service, kindness and dedication.”
When the Review asked Cunningham and Sall what advice they might have for others in the community who want to make a difference, but aren’t sure where to start, they said find something you enjoy that can put a smile on someone’s face.
“We’ve just found stuff we’re passionate about and that gets us excited to do and found ways to make it happen,” the couple said. “We hope other neighbors will find something they’re passionate about and make it a passion project to keep this little village a positive and great place for all our residents to enjoy.”
“We’re incredibly grateful for their continued dedication to making Forest Park a place we’re proud to call home,” Entler said to Cunningham and Sall. “Your hard work and generosity are truly, deeply appreciated by all of us, and we can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in the future.”
