The reason Dean Klassman moved to Buffalo Grove is simple.
“All my friends were moving out there, and it seemed like a really cool community,” he said.
In the years since, Klassman has involved himself in the Buffalo Grove community, doing volunteer work for children with disabilities and special needs.
The Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove recently named Klassman the winner of its 2016 “Bill Reid Community Service Award.” Klassman, who owns an insurance and finance service in Arlington Heights, has volunteered for numerous groups in the area, including the Buffalo Grove Commission for Residents with Disabilities, the Center for Enriched Living in Riverwoods, the nonprofit Keshet in Northbrook and Buddy Baseball in Buffalo Grove.
The award is named for a longtime Buffalo Grove Village Board member and founder of the Rotary Club. Klassman, a native of Skokie and graduate of Niles North High School, said the award was a huge honor.
Q: Even within the spectrum of disabilities, there are plenty of noble causes to pour effort into. What makes Buddy Baseball appeal to you?
A: Kids with special needs, it’s all unconditional love. Every time I’m with them, I get a thrill out of it. This is my mission. This is what I’m here to do. Even the ones who are non-verbal, I’m pretty loud and obnoxious, and sometimes I scare some of them. But I FaceTime with them now. They’re here for a purpose.
Q: You mentioned non-verbal communication. The whole world does it these days through text messages and all the social media. But how do you stand next to someone who cannot speak and converse with that person?
A: It’s through their eyes. They may not be able to speak to me, but I can feel the connection. It’s hard to describe. The kid and I have never said one word to each other, but I know what he wants. Human instinct — I basically use human instinct.
Q: Your job is in financial planning. The economy has begun to turnaround, and people finally have some finances to plan for. In general, what is the smart advice these days?
A: Pay yourself first. Don’t just go out and buy something. Start your 529 plan today. It’s a plan you use to have money grow on a tax-deferred basis. I strongly encourage everyone to look into that. It’s a beautiful thing.
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
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