A reception was held at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 to honor the Village of Willowbrook as a recipient of the 2011 Governor’s Home Town Award for History and Historic Preservation in their population division! The Governor’s Home Town Awards are given to recognize the contributions of thousands of Illinois volunteers for their hard work and dedication towards improving their communities. Willowbrook’s yearlong 50th Anniversary celebration was the project the Village submitted for consideration. On September 8, 2011, Mayor Napoli along with members of the 50th Anniversary Committee and Village staff presented Willowbrook’s project to a panel of judges in Springfield.