About Frank and Jim

Frank J. Czarnik and Jim Heffern were special people to the Elk Grove community. They were devoted public servants who are dearly remembered for their tremendous love of their community and work through the Elk Grove Park District.

Both Frank and Jim were visionaries.
They looked at the end game, and always acted with the end results
for Elk Grove residents top of mind.

Frank J. Czarnik

Frank was a former Elk Grove Village Park District commissioner and a past park board president. His accomplishments include acquiring community athletic fields, and helping build the Elk Grove Pavilion as a flexible facility that supports both fitness activities and the fine arts. He was a Jaycee member and devoted public servant with a great sense of humor and a passion for baseball, softball…and golf!

Frank believed in the power of getting youth involved early in both physical activities and in citizenship as part of building a lifestyle commitment to health and community. He first got involved with the park district as a volunteer T-ball coach for his two sons’ teams. He soon became commissioner of the Elk Grove Youth Baseball program, and ran the local Punt, Pass and Kick program, Easter Egg Hunt, Santa phone, parade and carnivals. 

Jim Heffern

Jim was an Elk Grove Village Park District commissioner and park board president, and also served on the library board. He helped found the Elk Grove TV Channel 6, and the TV studio and a park are named in his honor.

Jim’s involvement in the Elk Grove community touched everyone from the very young to the most mature members. He founded Elk Grove youth football, grew the program, and drove development of a field on which to play. He also tutored students at Grove Jr. High for many years.

For older community members, Heffern taught seniors computer and Internet skills at the Al Hattendorf Center.

Jim and Frank together established a Men’s Over 50 Softball league, which later grew to add a 60 plus and 70 Plus league, building spirit and camaraderie across all ages.

In so many ways, Frank and Jim embodied the spirit of true leaders. This scholarship fund was established to recognize our high school students who embody their commitment to community and public service.