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News and stuff about Lake Forest and Lake Bluff

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SunCal/Stonebridge Followup

February 24, 2011 By 3 Comments

Dear Readers: I was out of town last week when SunCal announced that it has entered an agreement to purchase the Stonebridge development in Lake Bluff. Stonebridge LLC partner Christopher Rintz answered my questions, but I missed the email. So here’s a follow-up to the story about SunCal and Stonebridge …. Adrienne

GazeboNews: Is the agreement with you personally, or with Stonebridge LLC, or with New England Builders?
Mr. Rintz: The agreement is between the owner of the property (Stonebridge Lake Bluff LLC) and a single purpose entity related to SunCal, which is very typical in the real estate industry.

GazeboNews: What is the next step toward finalizing the sale of Stonebridge to SunCal? What comes after signing a purchasing agreement?
Mr. Rintz: SunCal is performing their due diligence. The only contingency is that I must be successful in my efforts to have the Village remove the age restriction from the property. Once they have satisfactorily completed their investigations, and the age restriction is removed we can close on the transaction. All this needs to take place before the end of April or the foreclosure becomes imminent.

GazeboNews: Will SunCal keep the name Stonebridge, do you know?
Mr. Rintz: I am not sure, but given the historic nature of the property, they will probably give it due consideration.

Filed Under: Archives, News Tagged With: , ,

LB Cops Honored For Saving Life

February 24, 2011 By 2 Comments

The Lake Bluff Village Board of Trustees on Feb. 28 will present letters of commendation to the three police officers involved in the rescue of a man from a burning home on Woodland Road in Lake Bluff last week. The police department has identified the man as Kevin Westre and said he is recovering.

The officers are Officer Damon Schmidt, who first located the fire while he was on patrol. Officers James Reynolds and Tom Vinson responded to the scene to assist.

Here is the text of the commendation that will be read at the Village Board meeting:

SUBJECT: Letter of Commendation for Case # 201100001575

On Sunday morning at approximately 3:59 A.M. you, Officer Schmidt, were on routine patrol in the area of Sheridan Road and East Scranton Ave. and you observed what appeared to be smoke coming from the area of East Woodland Road. You quickly responded to that area and observed a house in the 10 block of East Woodland Road fully engulfed in fire. You notified Lake Bluff Police Dispatch requesting assistance and the Fire Department.

You exited your squad vehicle with the fire extinguisher and responded to the front door attempting to put the flames out and make entry to make sure that the home was unoccupied. By this point Officers Reynolds and Vinson arrived on the scene and the three of you started to check the outside of the building looking for a place to make entry. All of you used squad vehicle fire extinguishers attempting to extinguish the fire.

Officer Schmidt used the battering ram to force open a door on the southeast side of the building when you noted a sound coming from inside the room. Without hesitation you started to crawl inside the burning structure and located the feet of the homeowner. You called for assistance and Officer Reynolds responded and between the two of you the resident was removed from the burning structure.

You, Officer Schmidt, with the assistance of Officer Reynolds and Officer Vinson were able to move the victim away from the burning structure and initiate CPR. Shortly there after the Fire Department arrived and Fire Medics from Lake Forest assisted you and ultimately transported the victim to Lake Forest Hospital where it was determined that he had a very high Carbon monoxide level and immediate medical attention was required save this man’s life.

It is very clear that your attention while on routine patrol, your decisive response and your disregard for your own personal safety resulted in saving this man’s life.

I would like to commend your actions, as well as the actions of Officer Reynolds and Officer Vinson, and thank all of you for a job very well done.

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Help Wanted: Elawa Chef

February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Elawa Farm has a fully loaded, professional-grade kitchen

This is a great job opportunity that’s opening up at the Garden at Elawa Farm!

The Garden at Elawa Farm is looking for a part-time chef to make breads, muffins, pies, cookies, brownies, soups, pestos, and salad dressings for a garden market open three days a week. Imagine the smell of baking bread mixing with the fresh garden air; this is Elawa!

Important aspects of the job:

  • We are looking for somebody who loves to cook and takes personal pride in their work.
  • We are looking for somebody who can be creative and at the same time follow our established recipes.
  • You would be the head Chef of the kitchen and your assistants will be our volunteers. Therefore, the successful candidate will be somebody who communicates well and gets along with others. Over the course of our season there will be a number of different volunteers in the kitchen, some who have experience and others who are looking to learn. Our volunteers are an integral part to the success and mission of the Garden at Elawa. In past years we have also hired a summer intern assistant chef.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work in a unique environment. You will be part of a team of dedicated people all working for the success of the Garden at Elawa Farm. In addition to the garden market three days a week, the Garden at Elawa also offers kitchen workshops and farm to table dinners for the community.

For more information about this job, please send an email to the Directors of the Garden at Elawa Farm at garden@elawafarm.org or call 847-234-1907. For more information about Elawa Farm and the Garden go to www.elawafarm.org

Elawa Farm is located at 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest.

(Posted: February 25)

Filed Under: Archives, News Tagged With: ,

Reader Forum: LFHS Board

February 24, 2011 By 1 Comment

Editor’s note: This Reader Forum article was written and submitted by Paul Friedland a resident of Lake Forest. Reader Forum articles represent the writer’s opinions and not necessarily those of GazeboNews. GazeboNews is not allowing comments on candidate articles in the Reader Forum.

By Paul Friedland of Lake Forest

The upcoming April 5 election is very important for our Community High School. That’s why I think it’s critical we re-elect Dick Block to the Board of Education. I’ve known Dick for over ten years, and I believe he has unique experience, knowledge and skills to help lead LFHS successfully through the significant challenges on the horizon. And the Lake Forest Caucus agrees (see Dick’s bio at www.lfcaucus.com/candidates/bdofed.asp).

Dick’s extensive business and civic leadership background will be needed as the school faces tough economic
times– the renegotiation this Summer of its teachers’ union contract and the need next year to replace its Superintendent. His past experience as President and COO of a Fortune 500 Multi-National Company, both directly with union negotiations and executive succession, will serve the Community well.

Dick worked hard during his first term to serve taxpayers and children. He’s a strong and independent thinker who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. Dick has a long history of successful community service in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. I urge you to vote with me on April 5 to re-elect Dick Block, number one on the ballot, to the Lake Forest High School District 115 Board of Education.

– Paul Friedland of Lake Forest

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LF Baseball Hosts Meetings, Tryouts

February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Submitted by Lake Forest Baseball Association

On Tuesday, March 1st, Lake Forest Baseball Association (LFBA) opens its online registration for 9 and 10 year olds interested in playing travel baseball this summer. The registration process for tryouts can be completed at www.lfba.net and the tryout fee is $40.

“Registering for 9U and 10U baseball with LFBA is the first step in the process as this secures a spot for a child in the April 17th tryouts,” says Chris Fisher, LFBA 10U Age Group Director. Fisher adds, “LFBA, in conjunction with the Lake Forest Park and Recreation Program, offers several avenues for 9 and 10 year olds to prepare for the upcoming baseball tryouts and season with clinics and spring house league baseball.”

Children registered for the tryouts can take part in two clinics offered by LFBA. The clinics will take place at Lake Forest’s Recreation Center located at 400 N. Hastings Road in Lake Forest and are offered on the following days, (there is no additional fee as it is part of the tryout registration):

Sunday, March 20th and Sunday, April 10th: 9U (3rd graders)–5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m and 10U (4th graders) 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

LFBA Commissioner, Bill Hanekamp, notes, “The two LFBA clinics provide an opportunity for the boys to swing the bat and throw the ball prior to the tryouts. Various skills will also be reviewed with the boys in order to better prepare them for the April tryouts.”

Again this year, the 9U and 10U LFBA Travel teams will play in the Lake Shore Feeder Baseball League (LSFBL) whose season begins on June 6th and runs through July 31st. According to Fisher, “During the summer, the LFBA Scouts participate in the LSFBL and compete against other North Shore communities. In the spring, our 9U and 10U travel players are required to participate in the Recreation Center’s spring baseball program.”

The Lake Forest Park and Recreation’s Spring Baseball season begins on April 8th and ends on June 4th. Registration for Lake Forest’s Park and Recreation Spring Baseball program is open and early bird rates will apply until March 4th. For more information on the Lake Forest Park and Recreation Baseball program, please visit their website: www.lfrec.com.

IMPORTANT LFBA DATES:

  • Thursday, February 24th: LFBA Orientation Night, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Deerpath Middle School, 95 W. Deerpath, Lake Forest
  • Tuesday, March 1st: 9U and 10U Tryout Registration begins online at www.lfba.net
  • Friday, March 4th: Lake Forest Park and Recreation Center Spring Program Early Bird Registration Deadline (All 9U and 10U players must register for their Spring Baseball Program)
  • Sunday, March 20th and Sunday, April 10th: LFBA 9U and 10U Clinics, for registered tryout participants only, 9U 5-6 p.m.; 10U 6-7 p.m., Lake Forest Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest.
  • Sunday, April 17th: 9U and 10U Tryouts: Deerpath Middle School–Outdoor Baseball Fields, Lake Forest: 9U (3rd graders): 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; 10U (4th graders): 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

###########

For information on LFBA or the tryouts, please contact: Eric Nowik, 9U Age Group Director, 847.814.3369 or Chris Fisher, 10U Age Group Director, 847.582.9190.

For information on the Lake Forest Park and Recreation Baseball program, please contact: Anthony Anaszewicz, Athletics Supervisor, 847.810.3945.
For information on this press release, please contact: Aimee Messner, 847.732.5533.

Attachment: Lake Forest Baseball Association’s logo.

Filed Under: Archives, News Tagged With:

City Council OKs Staff Restructuring

February 23, 2011 By 1 Comment

By Adrienne Fawcett

The Lake Forest City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution for an organizational restructuring that involves offering early retirement to three dozen City employees through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Early Retirement Program.

City administrators said the program is designed to streamline operations and could save Lake Forest up to $5 million over the next 10 years.

The restructuring will impact nearly every department in the City, but 75% of the jobs will come from the three largest departments: Public Works, Finance/IT, and Parks and Recreation. Employees must be 50 years of age or older and have worked for the City for more than 20 years to take advantage of the program.

Click on the following to read the City’s Financial Restructuring Press Release. GazeboNews had a few questions, which we addressed to DeSha Kalmar, Lake Forest’s director of human resources:

GazeboNews: How many City employees who are eligible said they will accept early retirement?
DeSha Kalmar: Under the IMRF retirement program, there were 36 City employees who were eligible to participate in the program. Of those 36, 21 have indicated an interest in participating.

GazeboNews: Is this an ongoing program or just for people who at this time meet the qualifications? IE: If an employee meets the criteria in three years, will he or she be offered early retirement then?
DeSha Kalmar: This program is not ongoing. There is a one-year window (April 18, 2011 through April 18, 2012) in which eligible employees can elect to participate.

GazeboNews: The City’s press release states that the restructuring will benefit employee morale? Can you explain why?
DeSha Kalmar: With these retirements, a number of employees who have been identified and trained in the City’s succession plan will be able to move into new positions through promotions. This has a positive impact on morale as it provides new opportunities to those who have been working and preparing for promotion in the organization.

GazeboNews: How many people does the City of Lake Forest employ?
DeSha Kalmar: We currently have 230 full-time employee positions.

GazeboNews: Can you say who has agreed to take the early retirement?
DeSha Kalmar: It isn’t official until they file their paperwork with IMRF, which they could not do until the City Council passed the resolution last night (Feb. 22, 2011). Their final paperwork cannot be filed until 30 days before their actual retirement date. People can choose to change their minds or others of the 36 eligible could choose to participate. We feel that most of the original 21 who indicated an interest will definitely not change their minds, but I don’t feel we can release the names until it is official.

GazeboNews: What happens if qualified employees say they don’t want to retire early at this time? Will they remain in their present job, or will they be moved to a different department or perhaps laid off?
DeSha Kalmar: No one will be let go if they do not take the retirement program. Those eligible for ERI are determined by IMRF, and that is anyone who is 50 years old and has at least 20 years of service. By offering the program and seeing who was interested in taking the program, it gave us significant opportunities for our reorganization efforts.

GazeboNews: Does the City know what the restructuring will look like once the 21 people are retired?
DeSha Kalmar: I have attached new organizational charts for the three major areas being restructured:

Filed Under: Archives, News Tagged With:

Lake Forest Timeline Is Online

February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This is a screen shot of the Lake Forest Timeline, which is now online

By Laurie Stein, executive director of the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society

The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society is pleased to announce the debut of the Timeline of Lake Forest History, prepared in honor of Lake Forest’s 150th anniversary.  The Timeline was made possible by a grant from the City of Lake Forest Sesquicentennial Committee.

Visitors to the online, interactive timeline are free to explore over five hundred events from Lake Forest’s history accompanied by pictures and weblinks to further information.  The Timeline celebrates both large and small events in the community, ranging from the construction of Market Square to the day two peacocks escaped from Barat College.  Notable for the number of entries from early Lake Forest, the Timeline also features events not included in previous histories of the community.

The Timeline is a work in progress and will be periodically updated throughout the year.  The Historical Society welcomes submissions of new events and photographs from members of the community.

The Timeline was created through research conducted by the staff, interns and volunteers of the Historical Society with additional information provided by the Lake Forest College Archives and Special Collections.

To explore the Timeline visit one of these websites: http://www.lflbhistory.org/timeline.htm or http://www.lf150.com/timeline.html.

For more information or to submit an event to the timeline, contact the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society at (847) 234-5253 or info@lflbhistory.org.

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Man In Porn Case Pleads Not Guilty

February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Daily Herald reports that a Lake Bluff man accused of molesting a 16-year-old boy and maintaining a collection of child pornography pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, Feb. 23, in Lake County Circuit Court. Please visit
the Daily Herald’s website to read the article by reporter Tony Gordon.

Filed Under: Archives, News Tagged With: ,

Help Wanted: County Coroner

February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran will oversee the Coroner’s Office until a permanent coroner can be found to replace Dr. Richard Keller, who pleaded guilty to criminal charges and resigned.

Click here to read a Chicago Tribune story about Dr. Keller’s resignation.

Sheriff Curran will manage operations until the County Board appoints a replacement that would serve the remainder of the term, which is November 2012. The coroner doesn’t have to be a medical doctor, according to a Lake County spokeswoman.

Do you want the job? The County is accepting applications for coroner, which is a countywide elected office responsible for investigating the manner and cause of deaths occurring within Lake County.

According to Illinois law (10 ILCS 5/25-11) the County Board Chairman shall appoint someone to fill the vacancy within 60 days with the advice and consent of the county board. Additionally, the appointee must be of the same political party of the vacating official. In this case, the appointee must be a Democrat.

The appointee shall serve the remainder of the term, which ends November 2012. The appointee must be a resident of Lake County, and within 30 days of taking office, apply for admission to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board’s coroners training program.

Residents interested in serving as Coroner, are encouraged to submit their resume and letter of interest via email at countyboard@lakecountyil.gov, or mail to:

Lake County Board Chairman David Stolman
Lake County Board Office – 10th floor
18 N. County Street
Waukegan, IL 60085

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Good Dogs Need Good Homes

February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a new companion or do you know someone who is? Please share this information about these dogs. Both are being fostered locally and are great companions/family pets. Can you help? Here is the information:

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