Honoree Stories

A Heart for Herrin: Honoring Bob Scillufo’s 27 Years of Community Dedication

For more than two decades, Bob Scillufo has been a steadfast, behind-the-scenes presence at HerrinFesta Italiana. Whether coordinating early morning clean-up crews or lending a helping hand wherever needed, Bob’s commitment to Herrin’s community spirit has made a lasting impact. This year, we are proud to recognize him for his service.

Rooted in Family and Faith

Bob graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, the same year he married Sheila Pollard of Hurst. In 1996, the couple made Herrin their home, a decision that would spark decades of community involvement and service.

Together, they raised two daughters:

●     Betheny, a civil engineer for EN Engineering, now lives in Oswego with her husband Adam Augustine and their daughters, Evelyn (8) and Kinsley (6).

●     Fallon, a teacher at the Child Development Lab at SIU, lives in Herrin.

Bob is also an active member of First Baptist Church in Herrin, where his quiet leadership and consistent presence are part of his everyday life.

A Legacy of Local Leadership

After a 22-year career with Kroger, Bob retired in 2018, but retirement didn’t slow him down. His years of giving back to the Herrin community include:

●     Serving as President of the Herrin Tigersharks Swim Team from 2005 to 2012

●     Being appointed to the Herrin Park District Board in 2017, and re-elected to two six-year terms

●     Becoming Board President of the Park District in April 2022

Bob is also one of the original members of Herrin Hometown Christmas, a beloved tradition that brings joy to families each holiday season.

But perhaps nowhere is Bob’s dedication more quietly felt than at HerrinFesta Italiana, where he has volunteered for 27 years. Known for his role in the early morning cleanup crew, Bob’s contributions ensure that the festival grounds are welcoming and ready each day of the celebration.

A Life of Joy in the Small Things

Outside of official roles, Bob finds fulfillment in the things that bring beauty and joy to everyday life. He has been decorating his house for the holidays for 18 years, takes pride in his yard work, and cherishes the time he spends with his grandchildren.

He’s also a dedicated fan of Saluki basketball and football, always cheering on his alma mater. And while many may not know it, Bob is a thyroid cancer survivor, having battled—and beaten—the disease since 2007.

Bob Scillufo’s story is one of quiet, consistent service. He shows up, year after year, to make Herrin a better place and it’s that kind of commitment that truly defines community. We are grateful for his 27 years of service and proud to recognize his unwavering dedication to HerrinFesta and beyond.

 

Celebrating a Life of Service: Steve Miller Named HerrinFesta Italiana Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

HerrinFesta Italiana is proud to recognize Steve Miller as the 2024 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring a man whose legacy of leadership, service, and community spirit has touched lives across generations in Herrin and beyond.

For more than five decades, Steve Miller has served as a cornerstone of the Herrin community as a leader, a coach, a mentor, and a neighbor. Married to his high school sweetheart, Cindy (Brandon) Miller, for over 50 years, Steve’s love for family and community runs deep. Together, they raised three children – Stephanie, Michelle, and Corey – and are proud grandparents to six grandchildren who affectionately call him “Pops.”

From Herrin to the World: Championing Inclusion Through Baseball

Steve’s name is synonymous with youth sports in Herrin, especially through his tireless work with PONY Baseball and Softball International, where he currently serves as Chairman of the Board. His 54-year involvement helped shape the organization’s growth and impact, but perhaps his most lasting contribution was founding the Champions Division in Herrin, a groundbreaking program created to give children with special needs the opportunity to experience the joy of baseball. Thanks to Steve’s vision and advocacy, this initiative was adopted internationally, transforming the lives of countless young athletes around the world

His efforts also helped bring international baseball and softball tournaments to Southern Illinois, generating not only community pride but also millions of dollars in regional economic impact over the years.

A Legacy of Leadership

Steve has worn many hats in public service. He serves as an Alderman for Ward 3 on the Herrin City Council and has held numerous leadership positions on local boards, including:

  • Chairman, Williamson County Housing Authority
  • Member, Williamson County Emergency Telephone System Board (911 Commission) for 18+ years
  • Board President & longtime volunteer, Herrin Jr. Ball League
  • Coach and mentor for Herrin Jr. High and Herrin High School baseball and softball programs

His devotion to improving Herrin’s youth sports landscape led to the construction of two new ball fields, made possible through collaboration with city leaders and foundations like Harrison & Bruce.

Dedication Beyond the Diamond

Professionally, Steve brought the same care and dedication to his role as a Federal Supervisor with the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), specializing in fatality reconstruction, a difficult but vital job that saved lives and improved mining safety standards.

He also worked with Freeman United Coal Company, where he served as Captain of the Mine Rescue Team, and contributed to local infrastructure projects through engineering firms Crawford & Whiteside and Lawrence Lipe & Associates.

A graduate of Herrin High School (1971) and attendee of John A. Logan and Wabash Community College, Steve returned the favor by teaching ASEP sports education and mine rescue training to future generations.

Service with Heart and Paws

In more recent years, Steve and Cindy have found joy in volunteering with their certified therapy dogs, Mr. Baker and Ms. Maudie. These beloved pups visit hospitals, schools, courthouses, and assisted living facilities across the region, bringing comfort and smiles to people of all ages.

A Life Worth Celebrating

Steve Miller embodies the heart of Herrin: humble, hardworking, and deeply devoted to community. His lifetime of service, spanning public leadership, youth mentorship, professional excellence, and compassionate outreach, makes him a truly deserving recipient of the HerrinFesta Italiana Lifetime Achievement Award.

Please join us in celebrating Steve at this year’s HerrinFesta and help us honor a legacy that continues to inspire.