Little Chute honors pastor

Msgr. James VandenHogen, pastor of St. John Nepomucene Parish, Little Chute, on June 19 was awarded the village's Robert Nechodom Good Citizenship Award for 2002.

He received two nominations for the award.

The first came from Little Chute resident Evelyn Johnson who said Msgr. VandenHogen is "always there for everybody, always kind, friendly and considerate."

The second came from parishioner Mary Peterson who is Nechodom's daughter. She commended him for the help he has given her family and the community.

"Fr. Jim," Peterson said, "is a 'God-presence' in the community. He has the ability to diffuse tense, challenging situations.... He doesn't let fear stop him from reaching out in love and compassion."

Thomas Lebak, village administrator, described Msgr. Vanden Hogen as "a piece of the fabric of Little Chute."

Lebak also cited Msgr. Vanden Hogen's contributions to the community, specifically his participation in civic events.

The village board started the Good Citizenship award to honor the late Nechodom for his 39 years of service as a police officer and police chief. Nechodom was a member of St. John Parish.