The Gurnee Days Corporation is happy to announce that Cheryl and Dave Ross have been selected as the 2019 Gurnee Days Honorees. They will be honored on Friday, August 9 at 6:30 pm with a reception at the Viking Park Dance Hall. They will also be the Parade Marshalls for Sunday's Gurnee Days parade at noon on Old Grand Ave. 

Cheryl has been a lifelong resident of Gurnee and Dave has lived in Gurnee since they were married in 1975.  They met while students at Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Together they raised three children: Laura, Michael, and Amy.

Cheryl is a retired teacher who taught for 35 years at Woodland Elementary District #50.  She taught Second Grade, First Grade, Remedial Math, and was a Math Specialist who worked to improve math instruction.  She loved the enthusiasm of the students and especially enjoyed mentoring other teachers.  Dave is retired from the College of Lake County after working as a Counselor for 35 years.  He was privileged to hear the life stories, hopes, dreams and fears of thousands of students.  He became a nationally recognized expert in the area of Test and Speech Anxiety reduction.  He mentored other counselors and faculty, served as Faculty Senate President, and numerous other roles.

In April, Cheryl was re-elected to her fourth term as a Trustee for the Village of Gurnee. Prior to that she served on the Village Plan Commission.  Involvement in the government of Gurnee is a family tradition, as her father, Gordon Gillings was Mayor of Gurnee for 24 years while she was growing up.  She loves being involved in the decisions that directly impact the quality of life of our community.  She serves as the Village representative on the Visit Lake County Board and is currently the Board Chairperson.  It is important to her to attract visitors who support economic growth in Gurnee and all of Lake County. Over the past several years she chaired the effort to develop Welton Plaza in honor of former Mayor and friend, Richard Welton. Dave is always there with Cheryl to help with projects, attend public events, and to take pictures.

Both Cheryl and Dave are involved members of Bethel Lutheran Church where her parents were founding members.  They sing in the choir, help at large church meals and other projects as needed. Dave taught Sunday School for 25 years, chairs a committee that delivers “baby showers” in coordination with Love INC to families that are materially challenged.  He previously was Board President for COOL ministries (food pantry and family housing) and they both are still strong supporters of COOL.

Cheryl is a member of the Gurnee Exchange Club and likes being involved in their wide variety of activities.  She and Dave have an agreement that he is willing to work in the background with Exchange activities as long as he doesn’t have to attend any meetings!  When the children were younger Dave coached youth soccer and assisted with Boy Scout activities.

Cheryl enjoys baking (Dave is the helper) and is known to give away chocolate chip cookies for many events.  Together they frequently prepare and deliver meals for persons who are in need.  Dave enjoys exercising and working in his large vegetable garden.  They love living in Gurnee, the friends they have made, and the opportunities available here.