Emotional send-off for Thornton Township board members

The Thornton Township Board held an emotional meeting on May 13, marking the end of service for several trustees and the township clerk.

Supervisor Tiffany Henyard did not attend the meeting as her last day in the role. She has been absent from every meeting since losing her re-election bid on April 1. Henyard was a write-in candidate for the seat after she lost the Democratic Party’s nomination.

Members and residents acknowledged outgoing Trustees Carmen Carlisle and Stephanie Wiedeman, Clerk Loretta Wells, and Trustee Darlene Gray Everett, who did not attend.

During the public comment segment, residents shared heartfelt gratitude.“Thank you very much, Stephanie, you’re a star. You came in, you did what we needed to be doing. For that, we say thank you, although I know we’ll see you again,” said Mary Max.

Trustee Chris Gonzalez, who will continue on as a trustee having won his re-election bid, expressed appreciation for the support of residents through challenging times. “These last couple of years have been different for me in a very longstanding career, but the one thing that stands out the most is the way that these communities pull together,” Gonzalez said. “Stay engaged, stay paying attention, and let’s look forward to a more positive road.”

Wells shared emotional reflections on her four years in office, emphasizing personal and professional growth through difficult moments. “This is bittersweet. I’ve been here for four years. I got to know a lot of you guys. I love my job,” Wells said. “I’m going to miss the township… each and every one of you guys means a whole lot to me.”

Wiedeman echoed Wells’ sentiment, recognizing residents’ solidarity. “This hasn’t been an easy journey, but when you rally together, there is strength in numbers,” Wiedeman said. “Thank you all for your kindness and all the love and support.”

Outgoing board members were given bouquets and gifts as symbols of appreciation by the township. Wiedeman received a photo of her and the late Frank Zuccarelli, the previous supervisor. Wiedeman took this picture with Zuccarelli when she first came to work for the township.

Gonzalez concluded the meeting by acknowledging the behind-the-scenes efforts of Carlisle and Wiedeman. “People probably didn’t know the amount of work and calls both trustees did on behalf of the township; they were always on it,” Gonzalez said. “Anytime there was a little work that needed to be done, they made things happen.”

Official business

The board approved a settlement agreement with Kathryn Grandberry. 

At the previous Thornton Township meeting on April 22, Grandberry, lead singer of the band Lady and the Gents, addressed the board regarding an unpaid cancellation fee for a township event. According to Grandberry, the band’s contract included a cancellation clause requiring a $1,000 payment, which had remained unpaid since August 2024.

The board also approved bills for the general fund, the general assistance fund, and the road and bridge fund.

However, the board did not vote on several items under new business, waiting for the swearing-in of new officials before voting on the items, according to Gonzalez.