“Sterling ‘Stu’ Ainsworth is an unassuming guy whose volunteer work is not aimed at public recognition, yet ends up in the limelight because he deserves it,” writes Elena Ferrarin in Wednesday’s (3/22) Daily Herald (suburban Chicago). “Ainsworth, 84, of St. Charles, was named 2017 Volunteer of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras for his contributions to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. He was so instrumental in developing ESO’s education initiatives that its yearly, low-cost concert series for schoolchildren was renamed ‘Ainsworth Concerts for Youth,’ ESO Chief Executive Officer David Bearden said.” Ainsworth, who has served on the ESO board since 2002, “said he truly enjoys helping youths discover the world of classical music.… He also serves on the board of Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra and Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame and is a member of the St. Charles Arts Council. … He had a career in agriculture disease and weed control, raised four sons and amassed a collection of classical records. But he had no direct involvement with music until he retired and started volunteering for ESO. ‘It was a little bit like going back and meeting with an old friend,’ he said.”
Posted March 23, 2017
