The Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS® (OPAAR) held its 106th annual installation on Sept. 13, inducting new officers and board members. The event took place on the patio of Oak Park’s Il Vicolo Trattoria restaurant.

Past President Jane McClelland led the ceremony, passing on the gavel to Elissa Palermo, president for the 2022- 2023 term. The rest of the new officers inducted were Vice President Cynthia Gajewski, Secretary Edward Bellock, Treasurer Stephanie Eiger and Immediate Past President Catherine Simon Vobornik.

President Elissa Palermo

In addition to those leaders, the board of directors now includes Gabe Caporale, Monica Dalton, Jeffrey O’Connor, Laurel Saltzman, Deborah Wess and Brian Yabes.

Two awards were also presented to members at the event. Al Rossell was named REALTOR® of the Year in honor of his service and dedication to not only the association but the real estate industry and community at large.

Bethanny Alexander earned the Walter R. James Good Neighbor award in recognition of her various community contributions. “She continually gives back quietly and out of the goodness of her heart,” an OPAAR press release said.

Other installation guests included Oak Park Mayor Vicki Scaman, River Forest Village Board President Catherine Adduci and Illinois REALTORS® officers Ezekiel “Zeke” Morris, Michael Gobber and Matt Silver.

“OPAAR’s leadership team will lead the association throughout the year, ensuring that its commitments to property owners, local communities, affiliate members and REALTOR® members are met or exceeded,” the association said in a statement, reflecting on the day.