By Karen Haave

Not many towns can boast a dodransbicentennial, and fewer still can claim they have acquired a beautiful new 32,000-square-foot community center for $478,000, with no debt to the taxpayers.

But Crete Township has bragging rights for both.

Residents and guests celebrated the dodransbicentennial – that’s a 175th anniversary – and the grand opening of the building in a day-long event on September 6.

Crete Township Supervisor Michael Liccar hosted the festivities that included a Congressional Resolution, awards, activities, and music from the Crete-Monee High School Marching Band under the direction of Rovelli Gibb.

The Invocation and Benediction for the program was offered by Pastor Brett Revlett of Crete Church.

Presentation of the Colors was by Crete American Legion Post 1291, under Commander Larry Black, and the Crete-Monee High School ROTC under the direction of Petty Officer Vernon Reed. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Al Mack.

The event also recognized Crete-area veterans and first responders.

Some old-fashioned games like knapsack and three-legged races were a big hit with families, along with a giant chessboard, pumpkin decorating, arts and games for kids.

Local historian Raymond Mattox displayed his authentic replica of a dairy farm.

Other activities included candle-making, blacksmithing, trapping, and demonstrations of cooking and antique firearms.

The event included a dedication of the former Sertoma Star building, now the Crete Township Community Center at 25930 S. Cottage Grove Ave., was acquired almost a year ago for $1.3 million.

Liccar previously has said that with an $822,000 grant awarded to the township through Will County, the net cost to Crete Township was approximately $478,000. By using their existing Capital Improvement Fund, the township was able to acquire the property for cash and continues to have no debt.

Its original cost to build in 2009 was $5 million, and is estimated that it would cost about $11 million in today’s prices.

The acquisition includes 15 acres with a pond, exterior lighting and improved parking lot. The building has multiple meeting rooms with storage space and a loading dock.

Liccar said the Community Center building will focus on new programs for seniors, youth, and families, including social, recreational, arts, cultural and educational activities. The large workshop area could be used as a multi-function sports, concert, and special event space.

The outdoor space has the potential for walking paths, a fishing pond, splash pads, and outdoor sports/concerts.

During the opening ceremony on September 6, Liccar explained that the Crete Township board first began talking a while back about the goal of someday having a community center in the area.

“To achieve this goal, the board began squirreling away what we could, through cost-cutting and other savings to establish a Capital Improvement Fund,” he said.

Much of the building had not been in use since the pandemic, and a significant amount of work has been toward repairs, clean-up and infrastructure, Liccar said.

“I would like to commend Trustee Laura Hawkins for her work in charge of senior programs, (and) Trustee Cheryl Albrecht for her work in charge of community center events, Trustee Tiffani Sterdivant for her work in charge of the Committee on Youth, Trustee Frank Elton for his remarkable work in charge of buildings and grounds, and who deserves much credit for his diligence and focus on the community center building, its many repairs and interior and exterior improvements. Well done, Frank!

“I would like to thank our Crete Township senior volunteers and the new ‘Fun Times’ group for your phenomenal work here at the community center.

“(Thanks to) Pam Schilling, the former owner of Curves in Crete for her generous donation of equipment, which formed the basis of the ‘On the Move’ Women’s Fitness Center here, headed by Sandy Cortelloni.”

Liccar thanked Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant for her help in securing the $822,000 American Rescue Plan Act grant “which made the purchase of this Community Center within our reach, and most recently, in helping us to receive commercial kitchen equipment, as one of our many goals … is to build a commercial kitchen for the community.”

Bertino-Tarrant said the county is grateful for the partnership with its Emergency Management Team to support the area in times of need.

“This is a year of celebration,” she noted, “as the county celebrates its 190th anniversary next year. Together, we share a lot of history of change and growth over the last two centuries.

“It’s the passion of a community that makes an area a great place to live, and for 175 years, Crete has proven this.

“And while we may not be here to celebrate another 175 years, we all know Crete will remain a vibrant area for people to call home.”

There were numerous guest speakers, including Crete Village Trustee Stephen Johnson.

“Congratulations to you and your board of trustees on your 175th anniversary,” he said. “The Village is proud to be a part of Crete Township. “And congratulations on this beautiful building you have now everyone can enjoy.

“On behalf of the village of Crete and our Mayor Mark Waiter and the board of trustees, we wish the best for another 175 years, and we want to thank you for your time and effort to put on this great celebration.”

Later in the program, Liccar presented a special award to Crete Mayor Michael Enhorn.

“Michael Stephen Einhorn worked tirelessly for 40 years as the village president … . He served for 50 years in the village of Crete Fire Department, for which he had also served as deputy fire chief, responding to over 12,000 calls during his 50 years of service.

“During his service, Michael was always prepared diligently and saw any project or challenge to the finish.

“He always put the people first and gave no regard to himself. And he proved this time and time again through thousands of challenges, whether they be infrastructure, village planning, finance or his work to bring economic viability to our area.

“For his service far beyond the call of duty, the Crete Township Board of Trustees wishes to award the very first-ever Crete Township Civic Leadership Medal of Honor. And there is no one more deserving of this honor than Michael Stephen Einhorn.”

The announcement resulted in thunderous applause from the estimated 200 people in attendance.

Einhorn, recovering from a rare form of leukemia, was typically brief and humble in his response, thanking the township for the honor.

Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.

Abe Lincoln took a break to stop by the dedication of Crete Township’s new Community Center and congratulate Crete Township Supervisor on that the township’s 175th anniversary.
(Photo by Karen Haave)

Willard Wood and his wife, Dyantha, were pioneers who began a settlement along what was called Hubbard’s Trail, now called Illinois Route 1. The village’s first mayor, he named the area Crete, taking it from the Bible, as was mentioned in St, Paul’s journey as a prisoner to Rome.

Long time Crete Mayor Michael Einhorn was Crete Township’s choice for its new Leadership Medal of Honor, presented by Township Supervisor Michael Liccar, right. (Photo by Karen Haave)

The Crete-Monee High School Show Choir was a big hit when they performed during the Crete Township 175th anniversary celebration. (Photo by Karen Haave)