HIGHWOOD, IL (FEBRUARY 14, 2010) – Although 80-year Highwood resident and 2nd Ward Alderman Ozzie Mazzetta passed away June 6, 2009, his memory will live on. In honor of Mazzetta’s success of bringing the world-renowned Small Fry basketball program to Highwood, the newly renovated Rec Center basketball court will now bear his name. The City of Highwood will make it official at a dedication ceremony at the Rec Center during halftime of the 4:00 pm Small Fry Tournament on February 14, 2010.

Founded in 1968 by Mazzetta, Highwood’s Small Fry Basketball teaching program allows advanced players to travel throughout Chicago and Southern Wisconsin, with an international tournament to close the season. Over his 41 years of involvement, Mazzetta served as Highwood Small Fry’s first coach, fundraiser, president, and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Because of his major involvement, a consensus was reached among Highwood residents that Mazzetta deserved recognition. Current 2nd Ward Alderman, and resolution sponsor Mike Fiore says, “Mazzetta’s service within the City of Highwood and Small Fry league was something that definitely merits this sort of dedication.”

Mazzetta’s name will be inscribed at center court and a plaque stating the following resolution will be hung within the Recreation Center:

RESOLUTION IN MEMORIAM
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF OZZIE MAZZETTA
WHEREAS, Ozzie Mazzetta had deep passion for the City of Highwood and proudly called it home for over 80 years; and
WHEREAS, Ozzie Mazzetta felt it was his obligation to serve the city and community he loved, he gave of himself, becoming a highly respected political and community leader; and
WHEREAS, Ozzie Mazzetta proudly and with distinction served as a member of both the city council and the city planning commission; and
WHEREAS, Ozzie Mazzetta’s love for sports and children was unrivaled, he dedicated much of his personal time to the St. James Basketball program, the Little Guys Basketball program, and he ultimately became the founding father of the world renown Small Fry Basketball program; and
WHEREAS, Ozzie Mazzetta never said “no” to socializing throughout the community, it is also said he never met a BBQ he didn’t like; and
WHEREAS, Ozzie Mazzetta’s passion for his community was second only to his deep love and affection for his family; and
WHEREAS, Ozzie Mazzetta was fortunate to have the incomparable love of his wife Gloria, and the respect and admiration of his children Tom, Carol and Marty; and
WHEREAS, Ozzie Mazzetta was a proud and doting grandfather to Brandon, Jordan, Matt and Zachary; and
WHEREAS, Ozzie Mazzetta was, in the non-traditional sense, a true hero who set an example that most can only hope to emulate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Highwood City Council recognizes Mr. Ozzie Mazzetta for his dedication and service to, and deep love for, our great community; his commitment was second to none; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be presented to the Mazzetta family and a copy be framed and displayed in distinction at the City of Highwood Recreation Center where the basketball court has been named in Ozzie Mazzetta’s honor.
Adopted this 4th day of February, 2010.
About Small Fry Basketball
Founded in 1968, International Small Fry Basketball provides an opportunity for shorter boys and girls to excel in the game of basketball. The program is developmental, yet extremely competitive with an opportunity to meet new friends and compete on the international level at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World® Resort. For more information please visit www.highwoodsmallfry.com.

About The City of Highwood
Highwood was founded in 1868 by William Wallace Everts, a Chicago civic leader and world-renown educator. His concept of a family-based community has endured for more than a century. The beautiful Everts Park, in the heart of downtown Highwood, has been named in the founder's honor. Benches and trees in the park celebrate and remember people who, through turbulent times and peaceful ones, built and sustained the community. Many of Highwood's street names recall Everts' family and friends whom the founder encouraged to build homes here. Residents of Swedish, Irish, Italian, Latino and other heritages have since populated the community, each enriching the community through their cultural traditions.
The Village of Highwood was incorporated in 1887. The name briefly became Village of Fort Sheridan and then City of Fort Sheridan. In 1904, the community officially became known as the City of Highwood. Fort Sheridan, a former army base northeast of the City, has had a profound influence on Highwood's development, and it continues to do so today as part of its land, incorporated into the City, nearly doubled Highwood in size. Today, Highwood is blending the past and present with exciting new plans for its future.
The City of Highwood, IL administrative offices are located at 17 Highwood Avenue
Highwood, Illinois 60040. For more information, please visit http://www.celebratehighwood.com
or http://www.cityofhighwood.com Tel: 847.432.1924.