- 2013-05-21 06:42:36
susan s. duffy on Lake Bluff To Spray Parks For Weeds; Blair Park Goes First May 20th: Is anyone else outraged that the town values this over the health of our children playing in the toxic chemicals.....not to mention we live next to lake Michigan and the chemicals end up in our drinking water Wake up park district. [Read More] - 2013-05-20 10:33:21
Patricia Riess on Union Pacific To Remove Pedestrian Railroad Crossing At Lake Forest's East Side Depot: Let's encourage the city and Union Pacific RR to re open the existing underground tunnel linking the East and West passenger stations. [Read More] - 2013-05-16 05:56:18
Max Hartwig on Proposed Lake Bluff Target Passes Plan Commission & Zoning Board: Half of the tax money is going back to them for 10 years. What happens after 10 years? [Read More] - 2013-05-16 00:11:17
Janice Wolter on Proposed Lake Bluff Target Passes Plan Commission & Zoning Board: 176 will be a nightmare to travel in and out of Lake Bluff. That 15 minute drive to Highland Park or Vernon Hills to shop at Target once a month is not that big a deal compared to the daily horror we will be getting with that big box monster and all the outsider traffic that comes with it. [Read More] - 2013-05-15 13:23:05
Jeff Ari on Proposed Lake Bluff Target Passes Plan Commission & Zoning Board: An eyesore? As opposed to an old car dealership? I for one am excited for the new shopping opportunity and keep the tax money in our town. This is what is needed to keep our porperty taxes low and maintain or increase our infrastructure and services. [Read More] - 2013-05-15 05:48:35
Max Hartwig on Proposed Lake Bluff Target Passes Plan Commission & Zoning Board: One step closer to an eyesore and even bigger traffic jams on 176. What's next? A cloverleaf interchange? [Read More] - 2013-05-09 15:48:49
Joan Harrington on Eagle Scout Projects Benefit Lake Bluff Open Lands Association: It is very encouraging to hear about the wonderful efforts of our young citizens working so diligently to preserve and beautify our native environment. I salute Thor and Duncan and their friends for the many hours of study and work they put into these valuable projects Joan Harrington President, Lake Bluff Garden Club. [Read More] - 2013-05-09 11:12:09
julie diBiase on Lake Forest Sailing Team Wins Regional Championship: Congratulations to Hunter and the LFHS sailing team! Good luck at Nationals! [Read More] - 2013-05-08 23:29:38
Larry McCotter on Eagle Scout Projects Benefit Lake Bluff Open Lands Association: LBOLA is incredibly appreciative of Thor and Duncan for their efforts to support natural areas in Lake Bluff. You guys, and your supporting casts, are a wonderful example of 'community' in action. We're very proud of you both! [Read More] - 2013-05-03 19:31:23
Angela Pfammatter PhD on Update: Demolition of Barat's Old Main May Take Place This Summer: Anyone know how we can purchase salvaged materials? I graduated from Barat in 2002 and went on to Rosalind Franklin. I went to protests, wrote letters, etc. obviously to no avail. At this point would at least like a piece of its comforting beauty! [Read More] - 2013-05-03 11:06:53
Sister Martha Curry, RSCJ on Update: Demolition of Barat's Old Main May Take Place This Summer: Thank you for the article on Barat College. I especially appreciated the pictures of Old Main, taken by James LeClerq, grandson of the Barat alumna Susan LeClerq. They are spectacular photos of that magnificent structure, built between 1902 and 1904, home of both Barat College and the original Sacred Heart Academy, ancestor of Woodlands.Academy. A history of that structure may be found in my recently published BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT, AND A NAME. Martha Curry, RSCJ [Read More] - 2013-05-01 15:41:41
Sue Slaughter on Obituary: Paulette Thomas of Lake Bluff: What a beautiful tribute, Carrie. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. [Read More] - 2013-04-27 08:04:23
Olivia Walton on News From Lake Forest District 115: LFHS Principal Hoffman To Retire Early: Elizabeth, are you a mom? I tried to look you up in the directory (and white pages) so I could answer you offline but didn't find your name. I called the school and they said he had taken leave for personal reasons. I hope he's okay. Anyway, it doesn't sound like there is any big conspiracy. [Read More] - 2013-04-26 21:46:34
John peters on News From Lake Forest District 115: LFHS Principal Hoffman To Retire Early: Huh? [Read More] - 2013-04-26 14:02:07
Elizabeth Hamilton on News From Lake Forest District 115: LFHS Principal Hoffman To Retire Early: While a lot of talk is happening both in the community and online about our schools and the recent elections, I am concerned that the focus is not actually on our children. What about this new unexplained absence of the Principal at Lake Forest High School? Where is our principal? Who is looking out for our children? Why are we left in the dark? Was this an intentional coverup until after elections? What is going on in our school? Does anybody know? [Read More] - 2013-04-25 11:45:01
David Robert on Forest Park Project Board: Update On The Bluff : There is no excuse for the vast number of trees removed from Forest Park Beach. Funny, in the surrounding neighborhood, I have not witnessed the same percentage of ash trees removed for infestation. I have been visiting this beautiful park for twenty-six years. Due to the recent deforestation of the park, it will never be the same. Let's make the beach park "perfect" like every other generically landscaped lot in our community. How sad that those old, beautiful trees are gone for good. Sometimes, things should just be left alone. If our beach park was located in Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources would never have allowed this mass tree removal. Just plant some new trees and wait 150 years. It may look like a natural forest again. I doubt it. [Read More] - 2013-04-24 21:32:16
Rick Lesser on Lake Forest Financial Advisor Found Guilty of Attempted Financial Exploitation of the Elderly: “Borrowing” money from clients is forbidden by every professional ethical code. Lawyers, financial advisors and accountants have a fiduciary relationship with their clients; we are in a special position of trust and confidence. Taking money from vulnerable clients under the guise of a loan is simply wrong and criminal. As an Estate Planning Attorney, I have rarely seen professionals take advantage of their clients, but obviously this does happen. Economic downturns are not an excuse. I share Dr. Miller’s sadness to see a long-time pillar of our community, who has done much good for the public, violate basic ethics. Jim has given hundreds of hours of volunteer time to better our community. But that’s not really an excuse. If there are other victims, whether of Mr. Richter or others, I hope that they will contact the police or the States Attorney. I know that Lake County States Attorney Mike Nerheim and his able assistant, Steve Scheller, take financial abuse of the elderly very seriously. Victims should not feel embarrassed or ashamed; this is a crime. Seniors should speak up to prevent others from becoming victims. On behalf of the many professionals who serve our seniors, I’d like to thank Gazebonews for stepping outside of your comfort zone and publishing this important and cautionary story. [Read More] - 2013-04-24 08:49:29
arthur miller on Lake Forest Financial Advisor Found Guilty of Attempted Financial Exploitation of the Elderly: As the economy recovers once more from the roller coaster ride of boom and bust since the 1986 Reagan era tax cuts and various steps in deregulation, we can reflect on all the good that has come from the economic expansion while we also are critical of some of its side effects–from the widening gap between wealthy and poor and the pressures on individuals and families as they navigate the higher risks today from a half century ago. I’m very sorry to learn about the level of distress to families and to Mr. Richter himself all this suggests. This sad result is a blow to the whole community that has benefited in so many ways from the contributions of the Richter family. All of us, too, can reflect on the high premium we Lake Foresters put on our leaders to be successful in every way, “winners.” We are privileged to live here and raise our families surrounded by open lands, rich culture, strong religious institutions, etc. As our sympathies with those who lost funds in these instances are felt, let us also not forget how much the Richter family and Jim in particular have done to make this a special place we can enjoy and be proud of. I wish all concerned the best for the future after this outcome. Our community is not so large that strong friendships can’t ameliorate difficult instances like these. [Read More] - 2013-04-23 19:08:05
M. C. Siqueira on Forest Park Project Board Provides Update On Plans: Sadly, nearly a million of the Lake Forest tax-payers dollars have been set aside for the Forest Park Project that not many of us wanted in the first place. M.C. Siqueira [Read More] - 2013-04-23 07:47:27
David Robert on Forest Park Project Board Provides Update On Plans: Have you seen the beach park lately? I think it's very sad and tragic that so many, many trees (that were in fine condition) had to be removed so "vistas" of the beach could be created. The bluff now looks like the remnants of a northwoods logging camp - stumps and all. Back in the 1980s, Mr. T made national headlines for cutting down trees on his property in Lake Forest. Now, a group of citizens, with private funding, were able to destroy a public forest on the beach. Those wonderful trees are gone for good. Welcome to DeForest Park Beach. [Read More] - 2013-04-21 08:18:42
Deb Fischer on Lake Bluff Middle School Presents 'Cinderella': Absolutely a marvelous production! The cast was amazing, the special effects quite extraordinary (LOVED that pumpkin-turned-into-a-carriage!!), the costumes and sets were astounding, and the tech and lighting crews were superb! GREAT casting, with wonderful singing and memorable comedic moments! Kudos to everyone involved -- teachers, students, administration, parents and community supporters -- for giving us a delightful evening of pure entertainment! Lake Bluff Middle School rocks! :-) The Fischer Family [Read More] - 2013-04-18 11:48:09
Carole Stroh on Sisters Selling Baked Goods At Lulu's Frozen Delights To Support Outreach Projects: The Sisters' bread and other baked goods are a great treat. My favorite is their quiche -- not only delectable, but it offers a no-cook-dinner respite! Thanks to Tammy at Lulu's for hosting the Sisters. [Read More] - 2013-04-18 11:07:00
Liane Klingler on Rainfall Emergency Plan From City of Lake Forest: There is a drain in the yard between our lot at 726 Beverly Pl, and the neighbors to the north at the corner of Glenwood and Beverly that floods every time we have a little heavier rain. I have reported this problem many times in the 30 years we have lived here, hoping that the problems might be addressed. It seems that flood water should be going into this drain instead of coming out of it. Thanks for taking a look at a less-busy time. Liane Klingler [Read More] - 2013-04-17 10:51:19
adrienne on Lake Bluff Middle School Presents 'Cinderella': As a general rule, we don't use names of kids and teens in captions, unless a story is specifically about the child/children in the photo/s. [Read More] - 2013-04-17 10:28:42
Leslie Hollingsworth Habjan on Lake Bluff Middle School Presents 'Cinderella': Break a leg, Bluffers!! [Read More] - 2013-04-17 07:15:46
Catherine Dillon Driscoll on Lake Bluff Middle School Presents 'Cinderella': Who are the cast members? Don't they deserve some recognition? [Read More] - 2013-04-12 10:04:29
adrienne on Nicholas Cage's Lizard Moves To Lake Forest's Wildlife Discovery Center: Apologies! You'll notice I used both "lizard" and "snake" to describe Michael. The reference to snake was an error made in haste---my error, not Rob Carmichael's, for he surely knows the difference between a snake and a lizard. And I do too---for example, if you put a snake and a lizard right in front of me, I could tell you which is which. The term "water monitor" mixed me up when writing this; I saw the tail and the word snake just entered my head. Here's a link to wikipedia's entry on water monitors: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_monitor [Read More] - 2013-04-12 09:34:40
Donald E. Russ on Lake Bluff Elementary School Principal Retires: Principal Overman, thank you for your wonderful service. I had only one significant collaboration with you. I was asked by Cub Scout Pack 42 to coordinate the Veterans Day flag-raising last year, as we have for many years. The format had four Marines march in after the student body has assembled and march out before the students moved on to class. You ran after the four and took them from classroom to classroom all day. I hope it was as meaningful for the students as it was for the warriors. See: http://pack42.com/2012veteransday.html Your values were the values of Lake Bluff. You have my very best wishes. –Don [Read More] - 2013-04-12 08:08:17
adrienne on Lake Forest Preservation Foundation Partners With Infant Welfare Society's 2013 Showhouse: Sunday, April 28. [Read More] - 2013-04-12 06:07:13
Beth Kiernan on Lake Forest Preservation Foundation Partners With Infant Welfare Society's 2013 Showhouse: What date is is this event? [Read More] - 2013-04-11 11:25:42
Glenn Kalin on Nicholas Cage's Lizard Moves To Lake Forest's Wildlife Discovery Center: Someone needs to explain the difference between snakes and lizards to the author of this article. [Read More] - 2013-04-10 16:16:46
andrew hunt, md on Lake Bluff District 65 Sits On $12.5 M In Cash Reserves: Mr. Forlow, Apologies for the late reply, but i just saw this. I refer to the plethora of yard signs that populated LB in the weeks prior to the referendum stating that taxes would go up 45%. I believe I saw this repeated in other media, but I can't say for sure. This in fact was not true...tax rates may have increased, but not the absolute tax that any resident would pay. I believe the estimate I saw said any individual's tax bill would only increase a couple of hundred dollars. Kudos to the vote no campaign for getting the public to buy this as it appears to have done an excellent job of swaying opinion despite in inaccuracy of the statement. I plan on staying very involved in the process moving forward and in fact, was on the task force that came up with plans for renovation ... I had and will have many suggestions. For what it is worth, I am thrilled that the current pool is able to be repaired. At the time the task force came up with its recommendations, it was communicated to us that repair would not be possible or financially sound to pursue. Hopefully, we can buy more than a few years, but I would highly doubt we can last with the current structure past the time where the debt service issues go away ... so we will need to do something as not having a pool is not an option in my opinion. Hopefully, we can move forward with a pool-only referendum when that time comes. [Read More] - 2013-04-09 07:18:45
Catherine Dillon Driscoll on Lake Bluff School District 65 Says LBES Principal 'Considering Retirement': Do not turn what could be a personal issue into a political issue. Stick with the facts as you know them. Mrs. Overman is considering retirement. It is not an indictment of the current school faculty or leadership. [Read More] - 2013-04-09 05:23:45
Deb Dintruff on Lake Bluff School District 65 Says LBES Principal 'Considering Retirement': Lake Bluff children, Lake Bluff residents and outstanding school staff, deserve strong, consistent, unselfish leadership in their school district. Vote Letchinger, Hegg, Marozsan, and Gottshall for District 65. 1,2,3 and 5 on your ballot. I am looking forward to tomorrow. [Read More] - 2013-04-08 22:10:35
Ted Moorman on Open Letter From Lake Forest District 115 Candidate Todd Burgener: Mr. Burgener,. I agree that are schools are one of the greatest treasures of our community and we have much to be proud of. However, Susan Garrett, our former State Senator, commented recently in the Chicago Tribune about the relationship between our current School Board and the administration of our school: “There’s not enough oversight. It really comes down to a matter of transparency.” I concur and would like to share my concerns with you as an incumbent member of the LFHS District 115 Board of Education: • I am concerned about the “we” versus “they” attitude which permeates the board’s tone and manner both publicly and privately. • I am concerned the Board’s Shared Services Committee acts as a Super-board, meeting in closed door sessions on matters State law requires be deliberated by the full High School board. • I am concerned about your claim in your January 18, 2013, letter to the Patch that the $54 million construction project came in ‘on budget,’ when, according to records school auditors submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education and school check ledgers, the project cost our community $67 million, about $13 million over budget. • I am concerned under your watch the board issued $7.5 million more debt on top of the $54 million eight months after the project was completed without disclosure to the community. • I also am concerned the LFHS board issued debt to raise money for District 67 elementary schools -- without the knowledge, consent or in the best interests of Lake Bluff and Knollwood taxpayers. • I am concerned LFHS paid almost $3 million to computer vendors during the referendum project and has paid $300,000 per year since then and yet lacks a comprehensive technology plan to guide its decisions. • I am concerned the LFHS Board President did not publicly disclose her family’s relationship to Pepper Construction Co., which completed the $54 million project that actually cost $67 million. • I am concerned that the LFHS School B [Read More] - 2013-04-08 21:39:21
Mike Borkowski on Open Letter/Video Series From District 67 Candidate Borkowski : Hi - Tuesday is Election Day and I hope that every person exercises his/her right to vote! Polls are open from 6 am - 7 pm. On the ballot, you will find five (5) candidates listed for the District 67 Board of Education. Through a random lottery, my name is listed last. Please go to the bottom of the list and use your FIRST vote for me! I hope you have learned more about School District 67 and my positions through my video series, "Eight Issues, Eight Days." I hope that you have seen my commitment to transparency, communication, and corporate governance through this series as well. All my videos are available at www.VoteBorkowski.com - Video Links. Thank you for your support! Mike Borkowski [Read More] - 2013-04-08 20:40:39
Julie Gottshall on Open Letter From Ed Holstein To Voters & Taxpayers Of Lake Bluff Schools: Tomorrow, our community will have the opportunity to elect four individuals to serve on the District 65 School Board. Of the seven candidates on the ballot, four of us – Christine Letchinger, Richard Hegg, John Marozsan, and Julie Gottshall – run with the endorsement of the Lake Bluff School Caucus, an organization representing a diverse cross-section of our residents whose mission is to vet and slate the most qualified candidates. We feel privileged to have been selected by the Caucus as the best School Board candidates for our District. At the outset of the campaign, we chose the substantive slogan of “Academics + Accountability” to convey our shared philosophy that ensuring an excellent education is the first obligation of our School Board, but that accountability to all constituencies is also an important value. We pledged to run an informative, fact-based campaign, and to refrain from personal attacks or incendiary language. We have met those goals. We have recognized the positive and unique qualities of our schools, while also acknowledging that opportunities for improvement exist both academically and fiscally. We have kept the discourse on our side dispassionate and issues oriented, with a tone befitting a community of our caliber. We believe that you, our neighbors, will hear our message – we value our schools and want to make them better. As a group, we are longtime Lake Bluff residents, parents and grandparents, and community leaders with a record of accomplishment. We will work to deliver academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, a balance of perspectives on the Board, a more stable administration, better two-way communication with parents and the community, and proactive strategic and financial planning. We will be collaborative problem-solvers and responsive representatives of the whole community. We ask for your VOTE tomorrow. Christine Letchinger (#1), Richard Hegg (#2), John Marozsan (#3), Julie Gottshall (#5) [Read More] - 2013-04-08 18:25:33
David Forlow on Lake Bluff School District 65 Says LBES Principal 'Considering Retirement': The turnover in the last five or six years has been nothing short of stunning. Dr. Sophie is our fourth superintendent in five years. Our new curriculum director will be our fourth in five years. If we end up with a new principal he or she will be the fifth in six years. The "my way or the highway" attitude just doesn't work. We need folks who work well together and don't resort to name calling. We need stability. Vote the Caucus slate. Letchinger, Hegg, Marozsan, Gottshall for stability in Dist 65. [Read More] - 2013-04-08 16:23:24
Unified Shields Party on Outgoing Shields Township Assessor Endorses the Unified Shields Party : The UNIFIED SHIELDS PARTY wants to take a moment to say a warm and heartfelt THANK YOU to all of our supporters and to those who took the time to become informed voters. We are humbled by the many distinguished elected officials who endorsed us and by the generosity of so many people. More importantly, we are extremely proud of the way we conducted and ran this campaign. From the beginning we pledged to have an open, honest and positive discourse on the issues facing the township. Further, we promised to state the facts accurately and avoid being derisive toward any individuals. To that end we are pleased to have kept our promises and know that we conducted a fair, honest and clean campaign. Thank you once more. Please remember to vote tomorrow and support the entire Unified Shields Party! Gale Strenger Wayne, SUPERVISOR: 4 years as Shields Township supervisor Patricia “Trish” Lenzini, ASSESSOR: 10 years a chief deputy assessor, Moraine Township Dan Rogers, HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER: 4 years Shields trustee; 4 years Shields Highway Commissioner Caroline Harrington, CLERK: 20 years of management experience Dawn Barnum, Richard Goshgarian, Heather Kerr, Hollis Steadman, TRUSTEES: Wide-ranging civic, business and management experience The Unified Shields Party candidates will continue to: -Keep your taxes low -Provide easy access for tax appeals -Promote volunteerism -Fund Food Pantry with private donations -Secure federal, state, and county grants -Streamline and enhance township efficiencies Please support these EXPERIENCED, PROVEN LEADERS with your votes. These elections are often decided by fewer than 10 votes, so we need yours and those of your friends! Like us on Facebook or visit us at shields2013.com. Vote on Election Day, Tuesday April 9, 6 am – 7 pm THANK YOU! Gale Strenger Wayne; Dan Rogers; Trish Lenzini; Caroline Harrington; Dawn Barnum; Heather Kerr; Richard Goshgarian; Hollis Steadman [Read More] - 2013-04-08 14:48:38
Patrick Patt on Open Letter From Patrick Patt, Independent Candidate For Lake Forest School District 67: Walking the Walk Candidates for office typically pledge that they will be “independent, open and transparent” and, though it’s a laudable goal often made with great sincerity, it frequently becomes a pledge that is easier said than done and one that is easier to “talk the talk” than “walk the walk”. Challenging the status quo and dealing with pressure from opposing interests is difficult for anyone new to board service. With four open seats on The District 67 School Board the majority of board members would be inexperienced in board service and in school governance if all four caucus candidates were to be elected. On Tuesday, April 9th, voters have the opportunity to ensure that one of the seats on the District 67 School Board is held by a candidate with a long history of “walking the walk”. As a successful educational leader with proven accomplishments in every area of school governance (fiscal management, curriculum development, staff evaluation and involving parents in their child’s education) --- and with prior school board experience, I offer the District 67 voters a unique opportunity in this election. Adding the voice of a truly independent candidate can only enhance the effectiveness of the board and open the door to real transparency. Our community deserves a truly exemplary school district that functions with complete transparency and openness. My candidacy and my qualifications are based on my lifelong involvement in the field of education and my proven track record of accomplishment in educational leadership. I ask for your support and for your trust that I will continue to “Walk the Walk” as a member of the District 67 Board of Education. Thank you, Patrick Patt [Read More] - 2013-04-08 12:23:18
madonna merritt on Endorsement for Unified Shields Party : The above article speaks of the needs of the transportation of the disabled. This is a need I understand all too well since my husband is in a wheel chair. That said, it is not the job of the Township to provide this and there are many resources other than the Township that fulfill this very vital need. If you google disabled transportation a myriad of sites come up. The LF/NW Hospital also provides resources. You may also contact the MS society and other such organizations that provide vehicles at very reasonable prices for resale. Sincerely, Madonna Merritt [Read More] - 2013-04-08 08:13:00
Mary Jane Brady on Open Letter From Ed Holstein To Voters & Taxpayers Of Lake Bluff Schools: Repeating arbitrary arguments and regurgitating inaccurate thinking does not make either factual. Obviously taxes have increased over the past 11 years. In District 65, they had to because of the desperate situation Mr. Holstein’s brand of thinking got us into. Thinking that forced voters to raise taxes in 2003. If you wish to return to the State’s Financial Watch list, by all means, adopt Mr. Holstein’s point of view. I really don’t care for the way the other side has made me a punching bag. It seems to me some people are vituperative beyond what is necessary to express disagreement over policy. Of course, they have no compunction about straying from the facts. Please read Mr. Hegg’s “open letter” published by GazeboNews and my response. If they are going to make me the focus of their scorn they should at least be honest. They are not. Others, in fact, have noticed it. In a very thoughtful response to the open letter published yesterday in Gazebo News by Mrs. Letchinger, Ms. Michelle Hastings challenged our Village President to prove her charge that District 65 students perform poorly. For her part Ms. Hastings cited data demonstrating just the opposite; that, in fact, our kids achieve at a high level. To date I’ve seen no reply from Mrs.Letchinger and I doubt I will as the things she wrote are malarkey. I’d like you to consider the issue of the performance of Mr. Marozsan and Mrs. Gotshall on the Village Library Board and that of Mrs. Letchinger as Village President. In another very thoughtful Gazebo News piece of yesterday, wherein she endorsed SmartChoices65, Ms. Hastings analyzed how the three handled matters. She found, again based on careful research, they have raised budgets and increased taxes to meet economic needs. I have no problem with that, I’m a realist. My problem is with their hypocrisy. And while I’m on the subject of libraries, compare ours to Lake Forest’s. LB suffers significantly. Now in fairness, LB is not the same community as [Read More] - 2013-04-08 06:47:41
Ed Holstein on Open Letter From Ed Holstein To Voters & Taxpayers Of Lake Bluff Schools: On Tuesday, April 9th the voters of LB School District 65 will go to the polls to fill 4 positions on the school board. Before you vote, please consider the following. Over the 10 year period from 2001 to 2011, the last year for which we have paid property taxes, your tax bill increased as per the following chart: Total tax bill - 64.4% increase School District 65 - 94.9% increase Tax bill excluding district 65 - 48.5% increase Put another way, SD 65 taxes have increased at almost 2 times the rate of all other taxing districts in Shields Township over this 10 year Period. All this while enrollment was dropping from 1123 in 2001 to 900 in 2011, or 20%. Total taxes collected by the district increased from $8.3 million in 2001 to $16.1 million in 2011 or 94%. All this while enrollment was dropping by 20%. During this 10 year period, the districts share of your total tax bill increased from 35% to 41.5%. All this while enrollment was dropping by 20%. (Enrollment is projected to continue declining through at least 2020) Keep in mind this massive increase in taxes on the part of SD 65 has occurred before the impact of the bizarre funding mechanism used by the board for the 2008 bond issue. Annual debt service on the $24.4 million bond issue increases from $1.16 million in 2011 to $3.264 in 2027. It is unclear what the impact of this "back loading" of the bonds will be on property taxes but it most certainly will not be good. If not changed, It will cost taxpayers in excess of $5 million in additional debt service over the life of the bonds. All of this is a matter of public record. There are 7 candidates running for the 4 open positions on the school board. Four of them were vetted and selected from a broad field of qualified candidates. The other 3 chose not to participate in the caucus selection process, stating that they did not want a "filter" to stand between them and the electorate. Two of them, Mary Jane Brady and [Read More] - 2013-04-07 20:17:55
Patrick Patt on Open Letter From Patrick Patt, Independent Candidate For Lake Forest School District 67: Lake Forest District 67 School Board Election – “by the numbers”: • There are over 14,500 registered voters in Lake Forest School District 67 • Just over 1100 votes won a seat on the school board in the 2011 election • Over 50% of your property tax bill goes to Lake Forest School Districts 67 and 115 • There are 42 voting members of the Lake Forest Caucus • There are 7 Caucus endorsed board members on the present 7 member District 67 School Board • There are 4 open Board of Education seats on the April 9th ballot • There are 2 recent credibility issues with the present Board of Education: a middle school personnel scandal and spending decisions by the Board. • I am the only candidate who has the background, knowledge and expertise to nurture an open, transparent and fiscally prudent elementary school system My experience as an educational leader includes roles as: a teacher, a principal, a school superintendent, a graduate school professor of educational leadership and a volunteer tutor at Everett School. With 22 years of experience developing balanced school budgets I have the knowledge and skill to create prudent financial plans for District 67 that will allow us to weather challenges while remaining committed to our goals for educational excellence. With four open seats on the District 67 Board the Lake Forest Caucus will automatically win three of those seats. It is time for a change and time for an independent voice. By choosing to cast only 1 vote in the school board election and voting for me, Patrick Patt, you will ensure that the Board has a member with the background, the knowledge and the proven track record to improve the governance of District 67 and truly make a difference for our community. • My first grade grandson at Sheridan School deserves better • Every child in Lake Forest School District 67 deserves better. • Every taxpayer in Lake Forest School District 67 deserves better. Please read the Endorsement from Mrs. Jud [Read More] - 2013-04-07 17:51:40
Dana Wittman on Endorsement for District 65 Board of Education Caucus-Endorsed Candidates : Mr. Boese, As you confirm in your letter, the bond issue, which the caucus members are making such an issue of in this election, took place in 2007. MJ Brady didn't join the school board until 2008, Eric Waggoner didn't join until 2009, and Kate Amaral has never sat on the school board. You and others continue to blame people who weren't even on the board at the time the bond issue took place. Furthermore, the facts surrounding the payments of those bonds have been distorted to scare the community into thinking their tax dollars are being mismanaged. When it comes to municipal buildings, such as a school, bonds are handled completely different than a home mortgage. A full explanation with all the FACTS of how the bond issues are structured and the plans to repay can be found in MJ Brady's recent letters to Gazebo News and Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Patch. I'd like to see the Tribune article to which you refer. Again, there's either a complete distortion of numbers, or someone in this town needs to request a reassessment of their property. Right now in Lake Bluff, there is a home on the market for $1,298K with a 2011 tax record of $19,195, a home listed at $1,325K with taxes of $20,115, and a home listed for $1,449K with 2011 taxes of $27,115 - a far cry from $40K. Again, I ask this question... if the caucus candidates are so concerned about the education of our children, the cost of paying our teachers and keeping our schools maintained, the management of the bonds, and all of the other issues managed by the school board, why hasn't one of them attended one meeting in the past year or several years? These meetings are not held in secrecy. They are open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend, ask questions and offer suggestions. Kate Amaral has attended every meeting for the past three years and she does not currently sit on the board. Where have the caucus candidates been? [Read More] - 2013-04-07 13:44:49
Barbara Pigg on Open Letter From Richard Hegg, Candidate for Lake Bluff District 65 School Board: Thank you for posting the actual letter, MJ. [Read More] - 2013-04-07 13:32:47
Olivia Walton on GazeboNews Reader Forum: Hi Elizabeth, Are you a mom? I tried to look you up in the school directory (and white pages) so I could answer you offline but didn't find your name. I called the school and they said she had taken leave for personal reasons. I hope she's ok. Anyway, it doesn't sound like there is any big conspiracy. Olivia [Read More] - 2013-04-06 20:33:55
Elizabeth Hamilton on GazeboNews Reader Forum: While a lot of talk has been happening both in the community and online here about our schools and the upcoming election, I am concerned that the focus is not actually on our children. No one has mentioned the unexplained absence of the Principal at Lake Bluff Elementary. It has been nearly 3 weeks that she has been gone and no communication from the School Board or the Administration has been shared. Where is our principal? Who is looking out for our children? Why are we left in the dark? Is this an intentional cover-up until after the elections? What is going on in our school? Does anybody know? [Read More] - 2013-04-06 19:57:23
Mary Jane Brady on Open Letter From Richard Hegg, Candidate for Lake Bluff District 65 School Board: Never let the truth get in the way of saying something negative. The ENTIRE text of the email I sent to Mr. Hegg in response to his August 6, 2012 email: Thank you for your email, Mr. Hegg I did take a look at the item which was posted on the GazeboNews blog. This group of Lake Bluff residents has put together a large amount of information which would be very difficult to wade through in an email response. I think the best way to answer your questions would be in a meeting (or phone call) with our superintendent, Dr. Jean Sophie. She can answer specific questions or can direct you to a member of the administrative team who would the have district facts to answer your questions. I have copied Dr. Sophie on this email. I believe that the source of this piece on the blog may be the fact that at the regular Board of Education meeting in March of 2012, the Board approved a proposal to have its architect, BLDD conduct a feasibility study to investigate the following: Five possible project components for Lake Bluff Middle School renovations and improvements: 1. A new vocal suite 2. Creation of a new main entry to provide ADA accessibility and secured entry 3. Redevelopment of existing library mezzanine to provide better usage for the school’s instructional needs 4. Possibe lower level (basement) classroom improvements 5. Investigation of how to re-use the District’s salvaged frontispiece from East School The Lump sum fixed fee for the Feasibility Study -- $29,650 The Board of Education did not approve expenditures for any of the above and will discuss the results of the Feasibility Study this Fall in conjunction with its strategic planning process and the determination of the district's strategic goals. Thank you again for your email and for your interest in our schools. Mary Jane Brady LB District 65 BOE [Read More] - 2013-04-06 10:32:58
Frank Brady on Open Letter From Lake Bluff District 65 School Board Candidate MJ Brady: The Caucus candidates care about their money and their control. Their writings reek of it. Give them back their control and we'll be right back on the State's Watch List. How's that for proud: Springfield labeling us financially unstable. And now they complain about paying back money borrowed to build our schools? Now? Not in 2007 when the referendum passed by popular vote. Not in March 2008 when the bonds were sold for revenue? Not in 2010 when public meetings were held addressing the likely impact of falling home prices on repayment? Let’s be clear: the bond issue in 2008 (before, by the way either my wife Mary Jane or Eric Waggoner were on the School Board. Neither was Kate Amaral a member) was in every respect conventional and undertaken in good faith to maintain low and level tax rates. If circumstances have impacted repayment of the issue (“projections” the device so crucial to Caucus criticisms failed us here), where were the caucus candidates with their objections in 2008? And the plans addressing repayment as economic conditions evolve, the ones the Caucus slate does not know about, are already in play. The Board explores alternative methods of refinancing while at the same time considering how the much vilified cash reserve can best be used to extinguish debt. That we have to wait to actualize the plans is a function of the way bonds work and that fact was public years ago when the repayment schedule was structured. Another helpful development would be the restoration of property values (of course that won’t happen if we let the Caucus slate ruin our schools by draining them of resources). But enough of Caucus wallets, let’s talk of service and results. I urge every citizen of District 65 to compare the resumes of Mary Jane, Kate and Eric with the accomplishments of the Caucus slate. Who is involved with the Schools and how? I am so proud of Mary Jane, Kate and Eric. COURAGE Smartchoices 65 ! Frank Brady [Read More] - 2013-04-06 10:02:11
Michelle Hastings on Open Letter From Lake Bluff District 65 Candidate Letchinger : Dear Ms. Letchinger, I am a resident of Lake Bluff with children that attend LB65. I moved here in 2007 in large part because of the school system. I have since continued to carefully follow the school report cards. I also have the advantage of monitoring and closely following the education and success of my own children as they have moved through the schools. I am proud of our schools and feel fortunate that my children have had the privilege to be students here. I am troubled that you, as a candidate for the school board, and as village president, do not seem to regard our schools in quite the same manner. I am particularly concerned by a couple of your statements. First, you state that the school board must make “decisions based on facts and rigorous analysis”. However, you then go on to claim that our schools and children can’t compete with others in the area. I challenge this comment as I do not come to the same conclusion in my own investigation into the state school report cards. LBES has the best ISAT test scores in the area. These kids are nearly off the charts, with 97-99% of them exceeding standards (http://iirc.niu.edu/School.aspx?source=Trends&source2=Achievement_Gap&schoolID=340490650022006&level=S). These numbers are better then the best Lake Forest elementary schools when you consider the differences in demographics between the communities (http://iirc.niu.edu/School.aspx?source=Trends&source2=Achievement_Gap&schoolID=340490670052001&level=S). The middle school is equally impressive (compare- http://iirc.niu.edu/school.aspx?source=Trends&source2=Achievement_Gap&schoolID=340490650021003&level=S and http://iirc.niu.edu/School.aspx?source=Trends&source2=Achievement_Gap&schoolID=340490670051003&level=S). I read other forum letters providing some numbers showing declines in state rankings for math scores in some grades. However, it should also be noted that Lake Bluff has increased its rank in ma [Read More] - 2013-04-06 09:37:27
Lynn Barnes on Endorsement for Dan Rogers for Shields Township Road Commissioner: Well said Rick. Let me add to this. Patching the holes doesn't work either that's a short term solution. Burris Ave, they put band aids on the sides of the road and left the middle undone, that's only in first block, the second block they redid only one section of the road, the rest of the street is awful. Green ave second block the road split and part of it raised up there solution let's put this black stuff on the crack and leave the road raised. We have children who ride bikes, people walking our neighborhood daily you have to go around the holes to avoid twisting an ankle or falling. When Dan Rogers was our Road Commissioner our roads never looked better. Bury the hatchet people and vote for Dan. [Read More] - 2013-04-05 23:37:49
Kim Burke on Open Letter From Lake Bluff District 65 School Board Candidate MJ Brady: So it's all about the $$$............not for me and my family, District 65 voters--- please join us, vote for SmartChoices65 onTuesday- MJ Brady, Kate Amaral & Eric Waggoner! [Read More] - 2013-04-05 10:36:46
Margie Tatos on Living With Wildlife: Tips From the Lake County Health Department: Wildlife lives in harmony with the whole every minute IT IS ONLY the human not in harmony that will ever be hit by nature IT IS ONLY FOR THAT HUMAN to wake up out of its fog and realize its LOST (lack of harmony with ALL ---ask your self if you think you are BETTER - different - "blessed" while somehow the rest of humanity is not NOT VERY LIFE GIVNG --I guess its so WILDLY WILD out of sync with NATURE --nature finds a need to defend it self against YOU So are you the 1% above all humanity? BET watch those wolves in the night THEY ARE AFTER YOU not to hurt or harm to defend themselves against you SO WILDLY WILD its like that child's book WHERE THE WILD THING ARE You are lost GET BACK TO your ROOTS maybe pick up that book read it to your grandchild to you BOTH get back A young boy named Max, after dressing in his wolf costume, wreaks havoc through his household and is disciplined by being sent to his bedroom. As he feels agitation with his mother, Max's bedroom undergoes a mysterious transformation into a jungle environment, and he winds up sailing to an island inhabited by malicious beasts known as the "Wild Things." After successfully intimidating the "99% of humanity" creatures, Max is hailed as the king of the Wild Things and enjoys a playful romp with his subjects; however, he decides to return home, to the Wild Things' dismay. After arriving in his bedroom, Max discovers a hot supper waiting for him. or just face it Margie Tatos ALL Starcare international Lake Bluff Il [Read More] - 2013-04-05 08:30:33
John Marozsan on Open Letter From Lake Bluff District 65 School Board Candidate MJ Brady: I write in response to the Open Letter posted by MJ Brady, our current District 65 School Board President and one of my opponents in the upcoming election. Although I take issue with much of what Ms. Brady alleges in her letter, I feel the need to set the record straight on one issue in particular – the existing bond debt of SD 65. This issue is critical to the financial health of our district and its taxpayers, making it imperative that every voter – including Ms. Brady herself – understand the issue. In her letter, Ms. Brady disingenuously suggests that the School Board acted responsibly by structuring the school bonds to be interest-only for several years, while the Board continued to amass large reserves to pay off the escalating annual debt service in the future. For many reasons, this assertion is patently untrue. First, such a strategy does not make fiscal sense. Think about taking out a mortgage on a house you will live in for decades (like the school). The traditional approach is to structure your mortgage so you pay down principal and interest each year at a fixed rate. This strategy allows you to lock in your interest rate and even out your payments over time, so the “present you” is not deceived into overestimating your net worth and the “future you” is not stuck with escalating debt payments you may be unable to afford without additional revenue. The School Board did not take this prudent approach. Instead, the Board refinanced existing debt to an interest only payment of $118,150 per year with a final principal payment of $2,780,000 delayed until the year 2028. The school bonds were structured so that the initial interest was 3.25% for 5 years escalating to 4% in 2015, and 5% in 2021. This approach allowed the smallest annual payment in the early years but exposed future Lake Bluff residents to escalating and onerous future payments. Not a “Smart Choice.” The fact that the Board has continued to build up reserves that could offs [Read More] - 2013-04-05 06:21:37
Michael Beacham on Lake Forest Caucus Responds to Accountability Party Questions: When I spoke with Gary Peet on Tuesday evening about my concerns he said respectfully that I was entitled to my opinion. Based on the tone of today's press release, I guess what he meant was that I'm entitled to my opinion as long as I keep it to myself. The press release suggests that my public comments are politically motivated and that I have chosen to ignore facts. It even suggests that the comments represent personal attacks. Nothing could be further from the truth. While I am supporting a specific candidate for District 115 School Board, nothing has been stopping me, up until now, from also voting from Mr. Reimer. But once I learned about Mrs. Reimer's work as an independent contractor and how it was funded through the school, I had concerns about the ethics of the situation. By my reading of the law and the Board Policy the situation looks like a conflict of interest and a violation of board policy, no doubt about it. I've not chosen to ignore anything the Lake Forest Caucus or Mr. Reimer have shared with me; I just don't agree with them. The Lake Forest Caucus did their own research and found a 1997 opinion letter from a former Illinois Attorney General about an unrelated case and decided that it supported their position that there is no conflict of interest with Mr. Reimer. I read the same letter and came to a different conclusion. I think that Mr. Reimer has gotten bad advice from the Lake Forest Caucus and that they have put him in an untenable position. I hope that Mr. Reimer has taken the opportunity to get his own separate legal opinion. I know that he doesn't want to be in violation of Board Policy or State law. If the Lake Forest Caucus was the only entity vetting candidates then how would we be guaranteed transparency, how would the voters know about situations like this? Happily we live in a free society where other citizens can look at the same "facts" as I have and come to their own conclusion and express concerns. I hav [Read More] - 2013-04-03 21:23:02
Charlotte Muzik on Open Letter From Lake Bluff District 65 Candidate Kate Amaral: I am so excited about these three candidates! They are very knowledgable and deeply care about our community! They are the right choice for our school board! [Read More] - 2013-04-03 17:29:18
Neva GaNun on sandhill_cranes_home: Rommy, Thank you for the wonderful Middle Fork Sand Hill Crane photos. One of the joys we have living near South Park is the annual migration of the Sand Hill Cranes overhead. Their Loon-like cry can be heard from inside the house, Spring and Fall. Of course this always prompts me to run outside to watch, and to alert my neighbors. One year I heard and saw the the Cranes in Lake Foest, called my husband at work in the Loop, and thirty minutes later he observed the same flight over Chicago; same number of birds. An exciting sight from any place on their migratory routes. [Read More] - 2013-04-03 13:20:01
Dana Wittman on Open Letter From Lake Bluff District 65 School Board Candidate MJ Brady: Excelling points! It is clear that the current School Board has put Lake Bluff schools in an excellent position, both financially and academically. The information circulating about the bond issue was becoming confusing, so it was great to see the actual details and to hear that we are in a fiscally sound position, enabling us to pay off the debt down the road. In regards to academics, our Superintendent and Director of Curriculum have done an excellent job in choosing and implementing new math curriculum to prepare our children for the new Common Core Standards being implemented next school year by the State of Illinois and many other states. In fact, Lake Bluff moved ahead on this issue before many other surrounding school districts and now other schools are using Lake Bluff as the example to follow. Great work Dr. Sophie, Joanne Trahanas, and School Board! I don't know how the caucus candidates can possibly knock our academics unless they simply didn't know about the new Common Core Standards and the subsequent changes in curriculum. Anyone attending School Board Meetings regularly would have known about these important changes in education, and I can't imagine voting for someone to represent me and my children on the School Board if they haven't attended one meeting. [Read More] - 2013-04-03 11:23:30
Rob Le Clercq on Smooth Landing For Sandhill Cranes At Middlefork Savannah: MAGNIFICENT! Thank you so much for the photos. [Read More] - 2013-04-03 10:19:39
Andrew Hunt, MD on Open Letter From Lake Bluff District 65 School Board Candidate MJ Brady: I am very glad to see this information posted for all to see and review. Granted I am no expert on budgetary accounting, but I have been very pleased with the performance of the Lake Bluff schools and by all accounts, the management has done a fine job and planned well for the future and for unexpected problems. So the question remains...why should we change the management team now?? The only answer I can come up with is that the opposing side is still ticked off about the new school being built at all and want to do anything they can to reduce their tax load. Fair enough, but I for one would like success rewarded with re-election. [Read More] - 2013-04-03 09:28:07
Catherine Dillon Driscoll on Open Letter From Lake Bluff District 65 School Board Candidate MJ Brady: Thank you, MJ, for clarifying these issues for those of us who do not have the time to attend school board meetings and help shepherd our school system responsibly. Lake Bluff is too fine of a Village to ever have its school system appear on a State watch list for insolvency. We should never put ourselves in that situation again. So I agree with your approach to conservatively spend and save, and hope that you may continue in your role as President. [Read More] - 2013-04-03 07:43:58
Elizabeth Miller on sandhill_cranes_home: Rommy, thanks for taking and sharing such lovely images for all of us. [Read More] - 2013-04-02 20:25:05
Bruce Birney on Note To Lake Forest: Please Address Roadside Litter Problem: Speaking of litter, I've been noticing that Lake Forest is suffering from sign pollution. Our streets are literally lined with signs. Most of them are redundant. The latest are the larger hands free signs. And now LF wants to redesign the city limit and parking lot signs. Cross walk signs, no parking signs, speed limit signs, ... every 500 yards there's another sign. Either you ignore them or lose track of where you are! I'm not taking issue with the litter issue, I do agree with Mr. Barkhausen that more signs will solve the litter problem, but we have a beautiful community, only with too many street signs. [Read More] - 2013-04-02 15:12:42
david barkhausen on Note To Lake Forest: Please Address Roadside Litter Problem: I couldn't agree more about the nature of the problem and the disconnect between our attractive towns and our apparent indifference to the widespread presence of roadside litter. It's an eyesore, and it's embarrassing. Unfortunately, litterbugs are not readily deterred by "Do Not Litter" signs. What's required is a recognition that our public works personnel cannot be omnipresent to pick the stuff up and that it is our job as residents to pitch in. That is why our Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Rotary Club has formed a "Clean Communities Coalition" of resident volunteers, like Mark Litzsinger who submitted this article, who are willing to pick up litter in their own neighborhoods and streets and will go out of their way to do so as they go about town. Our motto is "Don't Let Litter Lie," as we recognize that it is extremely difficult to prevent littering, but it takes little effort for us to pick it up where we see it. Our two towns have legions of walkers, runners, and bike riders. If we will take a bag when we make our way about town (two bags for dog walkers) and not pass litter by without picking it up, that will go a long way to cleaning up the problem. Our Rotary Club is raising money to publicize and help fight the litter problem in our towns. Please check out our website - lflbrotaryccc.org - consider making a contribution, review our "Tips for Making Our Towns Litter-Free," and join our "Clean Communities Coalition." Thank you. David Barkhausen, Chair Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Rotary Club' Clean Communities Coalition [Read More] - 2013-04-02 07:43:26
Laura Luce on Note To Lake Forest: Please Address Roadside Litter Problem: I agree that litter is an embarrassment to our city and ugly. It's sad that more people don't have respect for others and the environment. But more signs will NOT make the city more beautiful. I remember the imploring of former resident Susan Dart McCutcheon who railed tirelessly against excessive signage. I can't see a sign in Lake Forest without thinking of her. And of course, that is every few feet on every road major and minor. [Read More] - 2013-04-02 07:16:06
Rich Brandel on Note To Lake Forest: Please Address Roadside Litter Problem: I agree with Mark. Perhaps similar to "hands free" cell phone signs that are already posted, we could post the "no litter" signs so all are on notice. Then we need to enforce, which is of course the tricky part... [Read More] - 2013-04-01 15:09:48
Patrick Patt on Open Letter From Patrick Patt, Independent Candidate For Lake Forest School District 67: Dear Ellory, Thank you for your comment. I have previously posted my biography and position statement but I'm happy to send you another copy enclosed with this reply. Yours truly, Patrick Patt PATRICK PATT Years in Lake Forest: 23 Prior to his position as an adjunct professor of Educational Leadership, Pat’s career in education has encompassed 7 years as a middle school principal in Northbrook, 4 years as a school superintendent in River Grove and 18 years as the superintendent of neighboring Oak Grove District 68. While in District 68 Pat led curriculum innovations that brought second language instruction to all students in first through eighth grade, oversaw the expansion of the district as it tripled in size, passed four successful referenda, and insured the fiscal health of the district by monitoring the taxing process in Lake County. Through diligent review Pat noted an error in the county assessors’ office which, when corrected, led to increased revenue for a number of taxing jurisdictions in Lake County. Upon his retirement from District 68, Pat served as an Interim Superintendent in 3 school districts where he dealt with issues as complex as boundary changes, rapidly increasing needs for second language learners and negotiations with the federal government in the building of a middle school. During his career as an elementary school superintendent Pat also successfully negotiated over 10 teacher contracts. Occupation/Family: Adjunct Professor of Educational Leadership at Concordia University teaching graduate classes in Ethics and supervising Master’s Degree students in their year-long Administrative Internship program. Pat is married to Veronica Patt and has one grandchild at Sheridan School. Education: University of Chicago, post-graduate in Accounting and Finance; Loyola University, A.B.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision; Northeastern Illinois University, M.Ed. with Honors in Mathematics and B.A. with Honors in Mathemat [Read More] - 2013-04-01 05:42:50
Ellory Peck on Open Letter From Patrick Patt, Independent Candidate For Lake Forest School District 67: Nowhere in your posting do you state what are your credentials or proven experience. Also, you utilized the word "insure" incorrectly. You should have used "ensure". [Read More] - 2013-03-29 13:39:02
Carl Spackler on Lake Bluff Residents To Run For School Board: again, we must think as individuals, not as robots who do what a particular slate or caucus recommends...Do voters even realize that they are not required to vote for an entire slate? We are free to select who ever we like regardless of their endorsement or slate affiliations. I get the sense that not all lake bluff voters realize that they are not obligated to vote an entire slate. Think for yourself. Vote intelligently. Do your own research. Don’t rely on someone else to tell you who to vote for. Pick and chose the best individuals. [Read More] - 2013-03-29 13:37:28
Carl Spackler on An Open Letter From Lake Bluff District 65 Candidate Julie Gottshall: and again, regarding the idea that we must vote for an entire slate....Do voters realize that they are not required to vote for an entire slate? We are free to select who ever we like regardless of their endorsement or slate affiliations. I get the sense that not all lake bluff voters realize that they are not obligated to vote an entire slate. Think for yourself. Vote intelligently. Do your own research. Don’t rely on someone else to tell you who to vote for. Pick and chose the best individuals. [Read More] - 2013-03-29 13:36:04
Carl Spackler on Endorsement For Candidates Burgener, Gottshall, Hegg, Letchinger, Marozsan: Just as i said on a previous post where a particular slate is endorsed in total......Do voters realize that they are not required to vote for an entire slate? We are free to select who ever we like regardless of their endorsement or slate affiliations. I get the sense that not all lake bluff voters realize that they are not obligated to vote an entire slate. Think for yourself. Vote intelligently. Do your own research. Don’t rely on someone else to tell you who to vote for. Pick and chose the best individuals. [Read More] - 2013-03-29 13:34:05
Carl Spackler on Open Letter From Ed Holstein To Voters & Taxpayers Of Lake Bluff Schools: Just as i said on a previous post pushing a particular slate.......Do voters realize that they are not required to vote for an entire slate? We are free to select who ever we like regardless of their endorsement or slate affiliations. I get the sense that not all lake bluff voters realize that they are not obligated to vote an entire slate. Think for yourself. Vote intelligently. Do your own research. Don’t rely on someone else to tell you who to vote for. Pick and chose the best individuals. [Read More] - 2013-03-28 11:32:27
Sue Slaughter on Time For Change In Lake Bluff School Board: Amen, Carl! There are seven individual candidates, not two groups, vying for four spots on the school board. Each candidate has a unique perspective on the issues facing our schools. Each individually has qualifications and skill sets that would be an asset to the Board. Despite the campaign signs that group them into two groups, all seven are running separately. As Carl suggested, do your research...and do not feel the need to vote for four if you are only comfortable with three, two, or one. [Read More] - 2013-03-26 20:08:14
David Forlow on Open Letter From Ed Holstein To Voters & Taxpayers Of Lake Bluff Schools: Well it didn’t take long for this campaign to take a sharp turn away from a respectful discussion of the facts, to a campaign of name calling. SB President Brady has gone so far as to call dedicated community volunteers “a group of disgruntled individuals” and “gloom mongers” who are “motivated by what profits us personally”. How incredibly sad and disappointing. Others have questioned the dedication of long-time, selfless volunteers and decided the litmus test for caring should be the number of school lunches one has attended. (For those keeping count – zero for me). In 2008 and again in 2010 I served on a SB Task Force each spanning the better part of a year. I served on a Village planning group which actively sought community input. I just finished 15 months as Chair of a Park District 20 yr Plan Task Force. Our TF members worked together collaboratively and respectfully. We let facts guide our work and the PD Board of Commissioners are to be applauded for allowing us to leave no stone unturned. Our TF and the PD Board members didn’t just ask for community input, we reached out and sought input. Carefully and respectfully considering all opinions yields a better result. Ms. Brady might learn from that example. But my volunteer resume is probably the lightest of the group Ms. Brady has chosen to insult. Bob Troyer has been a dedicated volunteer for decades. Ms Brady might have taken her kids to play ball on Troyer Field or maybe has seen Professor Troyer’s face on the Education Wall of Fame at LF College. A nicer man you will not meet. Ed Holstein served 8 years on the LFHS board and 8 years on the LB Village board. When he speaks, I listen and learn. Kathy O’Hara has devoted most of her life to education and to LB. “Ms. O” ran LBMS like clockwork and our kids excelled. I could go on and cite the extensive volunteer service of each person Ms. Brady suggests are “motivated by what profits us personally” but hopefully you see that her mean-spirited atta [Read More] - 2013-03-25 18:47:35
Carole Stroh on An Open Letter From Lake Bluff School Board Candidate Marozsan : This models the gold-standard way of conducting a campaign in a contested election. How refreshing! I can now cast my vote with great confidence for all the caucus candidates for the District 65 School Board. [Read More] - 2013-03-23 17:42:15
Carl Spackler on Time For Change In Lake Bluff School Board: Do voters realize that they are not required to vote for an entire slate? We are free to select who ever we like regardless of their endorsement or slate affiliations. I get the sense that not all lake bluff voters realize that they are not obligated to vote an entire slate. Think for yourself. Vote intelligently. Do your own research. Don't rely on someone else to tell you who to vote for. Pick and chose the best individuals. [Read More] - 2013-03-23 09:36:34
Sue Mellado on a sneak peek at the menu: the menu looks delicious...only one question...will they have gluten free as well? I sure hope so...Good luck and can't wait to have a meal there...we need another great restaurant. [Read More] - 2013-03-21 11:22:56
Jose Ibarrondo on Lake Bluff Middle School Students Tackle Public Policy Issues Through Project Citizen : My Daughters an 8th grader there....and my son is going to 8th grade...Im one proud Pappa... [Read More] - 2013-03-19 21:33:48
Laurel Tustison on Time For Change In Lake Bluff School Board: I think it is critical that we focus on the roles and responsibilities of the School Board members during this election. If you look up the role of a School Board at the Center for Public Education, you'll find four explicit roles (quoted here): •"First and foremost school boards look out for students. Education is not a line item on the school board’s agenda—it is the only item. •When making decisions about school programs, school boards incorporate their community’s view of what students should know and be able to do. •School boards are accessible to the public and accountable for the performance of their schools. •School boards are the education watchdog for their communities, ensuring that students get the best education for the tax dollars spent." As a mother of school age children in LB, I want the absolute best possible education experience for my children. For that to occur, we need a School Board who can govern effectively, a management team that can provide instructional leadership and management effectively, and a set of volunteers who can help enrich our children’s experience. Each group needs to have our children’s’ best interests at heart. Each role is pivotal but requires significantly different skills. Fundamentally, for this School Board Election we should be focused on finding the best candidates to help govern the school district. While I do not know all the candidates well enough to comment, I have direct professional experience with Julie Gottshall’s governance expertise and I fully support her candidacy for our School Board. In addition to being an LB mom, I am the Executive Director of YouthBuild Lake County, a non-profit that provides education and job training to at-risk young adults in North Chicago. Julie started off volunteering at YouthBuild directly with our students, then became our General Counsel and was selected to join our Board. Her passion for our youth and their education, in addition to her legal [Read More] - 2013-03-19 13:33:15
Jim Lockett on Outgoing Shields Clerk Endorses 'Shields Active Reform Team': In response to David Barkhuasen's comment in this mornings Gazebo news about Shields Township Director Gail Strenger Wayne...the author would like you to believe that all of the ills and problems facing Shields Township are Gail Wayne's fault and that she, Dan Rogers and others are plotting and hiding in secret meetings so that they can better thier positions in the local government...while at the same time trying to portray that the "Refrom Team" all have white horses and are going to ride in and save the day. Sounds to me as if somebody is getting nervous or feeling threatened. Gail Strenger Wayne is about the best thing that ever happened to Shields Township...Why? Because she cares...she gives a crap about what happens here....she's not trying to gouge the taxpayers..she is trying to increase the quality of life in her community for it's residents, while at the same time fending off accusations of a high salary and trying to save it coupled with a declining operating budget.. I mean lets face it people... if you want all the lights to work, no holes in the roads and the schools to have food programs...the money has to come from somewhere, or if you want...we can be like Cicero. Reform Team? What reform? There is nothing to reform...it needs cooperation from it's people and the understanding that times are still tough and if everyone chips in...we can get through this adjustment. I have heard it said that Gail is using the Food Pantry as her own personal launch pad for her career...that is the biggest pile of crap that I have ever heard...she believes that the food pantry is essential to helping people here in our community, who need it...( yes, we have people here in our community who need it more than North Chicago) and think about this... tonight..as you go to bed...there is some child right in our community that is going to bed hungry. So reform team..go figure out where you are going to get your BMW washed and leave the people that are trying to [Read More] - 2013-03-18 10:59:06
Lynn Barnes on Outgoing Shields Clerk Endorses 'Shields Active Reform Team': I a resident of Knollwood feel that Gale Strenger Wayne has done an incredible job for Shields Township. She cares about the residents. I also feel that Dan Rogers is by far the best candidate for Road Commissioner. The roads in Knollwood are appalling, there's holes every where, Burris Ave they fixed the sides of the road but failed to do anything about the middle, it's still full of holes patching doesn't work. Green ave in the second block between Safford and Talbot is cracked. When Dan Rogers was Highway Commissioner the roads of Knollwood never looked like they do now. Why? Because the current Commissioner did care. Bill's a great guy but he didn't cut it as Commissioner. Also Dan made sure that all the culverts were clean, he kept the Memorial Park groomed. I feel that Knollwood needs to bury the hatched against Dan and vote for him and the rest of his party we need to get our roads back. The residents of Shields Township needs to vote for the Unified Party, they care they will get the job done correctly, I'm sorry Mr. Barkhausen your party that you are backing just don't care about the residents of Knollwood. Hey Knollwood residents it's time to get are roads back vote for Dan, and the rest of the slate. [Read More] - 2013-03-18 08:20:22
Gale Strenger Wayne on Outgoing Shields Clerk Endorses 'Shields Active Reform Team': The readers of Gazebo News do not deserve a distortion of my voting record. My record as Supervisor of Shields Township is one of fiscal responsibility and accountability (consistently having voted for reducing taxes and bringing the township in under budget every year of my administration). We have provided improved services to more citizens with fewer tax dollars than ever before. The Unified Shields Party has Experienced, Proven Leaders who are NOT about expansive government. To indicate otherwise is false and misleading. I respectfully urge voters to get informed with our FACT CHECKER on our website at www.shields2013.com or visit us on Facebook at Unified Shields Party. [Read More] - 2013-03-18 07:45:45
Dan Rogers on Outgoing Shields Clerk Endorses 'Shields Active Reform Team': Since I have been specifically named in the self promoting article . My only comment is to look at our Unified Shields Party web site www.shields2013.com and check us out on Facebook "Unified Shields Party" It should also be noted this self proclaimed reformer received over $100,000.00 of Taxpayers money for being clerk and NEVER spent 1 day I'm the office in 8 years. Reform??? Check out Unified Shields Party and you make the call [Read More] - 2013-03-16 21:50:21
Dana Wittman on Time For Change In Lake Bluff School Board: Just to be clear, no one is saying that you have to be a stay-at-home mom in order to be a candidate for the School Board. The question that has been posed on this forum multiple times and still not answered is this: If the caucus candidates are so interested in the education of our children as they say they are, why haven't they participated in any School Board Meetings, or other meetings relative to the school's curriculum? There have been many meetings since the beginning of the school year (all in the evening hours) to address the new federal curriculum standards called Common Core, meetings to address the two new math curriculums - Bridges and Agile Minds, and meetings to discuss the schools strategic plan. These meetings were open to the public and should have been of great interest to someone claiming to be interested in our children's education, yet none of the caucus candidates were in attendance. Regardless of their backgrounds and experience, none of them have demonstrated a true desire to affect change in our children's education, only a desire to lesson the burden of their taxes. [Read More] - 2013-03-16 10:25:20
Bonita Friedland on State's Attorney Mike Nerheim Announces Restructure of State's Attorney's Office: I totally agree! His intelligence and motivation and true caring for people makes him one in a million! We're glad and fortunate that he is our State's Attorney! [Read More] - 2013-03-16 09:28:27
Joy Markee on Time For Change In Lake Bluff School Board: I think that the idea of what a school board does needs to be addressed in this forum. The goal of a school board is to represent the entire community. They should be willing to listen to all people in the community, whether they have children in the schools or not, and be able to communicate effectively with the Superintendent. The board should be objective in how it serves the community. It seems that serving on the PTO and on the School Board represents a conflict of interest. I think that we are fortunate to live in a community like Lake Bluff, where people who don't use the schools are still interested in its success. I have lived in Michigan and Texas and those districts always had a handful of board members that did not have children in the schools, but were still very interested in the direction of the schools. These members served an important role as they brought a different perspective to the board. There are three candidates that are running that no longer have children in the district, but what they have to offer the Board is substantial. They understand and value education. Chris Letchinger is an educator and has served on the Village Board. John Marozsan taught middle school science, has served as a CEO and has a degree from Harvard. Rich Hegg's grown children have gone through the school district and has grandchildren entering the district soon. His parents were both High School teachers in Galesburg, IL. These three individuals have a wealth of experience and education that make them excellent candidates for the School Board. Lastly, I would like to address the comment that if you are not volunteering at the schools on a daily basis you are somehow less committed to education. As a community, we should be more understanding that while people are not always present in the schools that does not mean that they are uninterested. In fact, our fourth candidate, Julie Gottshall, works full time as a practicing attorney. Obviously, i [Read More] - 2013-03-15 23:00:36
Dana Wittman on Time For Change In Lake Bluff School Board: I agree with Mr. Russ and Mr. Hegg that all taxpayers have a vested interest in our schools, so why are you publicly slamming them? Is it your goal to drive away potential young families to our community? Why would anyone looking to settle in our wonderful town want to move here now when all they read about from your "concerned group" is how terrible our schools are and how out of control the taxes are? Maybe you've attended school board meetings in the past, but the caucus candidates have not. And to state that non-parents in the community are more concerned with the performance of our students than parents simply based on responses of a survey shows how uninformed you are about all of the great work going on in our schools. The parents responded more favorably on the survey because education is more than a number on one ISAT test. The quality of the education that our students receive is demonstrated on a daily basis by the work our children bring home, the stories they tell about what they learned in school that day, and the success they feel when they did well on a test or quiz. A non-parent wouldn't have these experiences and therefore cannot be a judge simply based on one test score. I don't have an answer as to why the 7th and 8th grade math scores have declined, but I do know that the LF High School math teachers have told us that our students are just as well prepared as the LF students. Furthermore, the Lake Bluff students do just as well on the ACT tests as the LF students. Those scores are far more important to our children's futures than an ISAT score in 7th grade. Does our math program need some work - yes, but the same thing is being said by the Superintendent of Lake Forest schools. Is our current school board working on this - YES. If any of the caucus candidates attended some of the school board or PTO meetings, they would know how much work is going on by the parents, Dr. Sophie, school board and teachers to make our schools [Read More] - 2013-03-15 21:48:38
Joe Chavez Ptak on State's Attorney Mike Nerheim Announces Restructure of State's Attorney's Office: States Attorney Michael Nerheim is showing the type of organizational leadership that he promised he would deliver as a candidate. Keeping politics out of this office and focusing on using the best talent available to his office, in order to best serve Lake County...is showing REAL LEADERSHIP. Our State is in desperate need of leaders like Mr. Nerheim...good start indeed. [Read More] - 2013-03-15 11:21:09
Andrew Hunt, MD on Time For Change In Lake Bluff School Board: With all due respect to "Concerned Lake Bluff Taxpayers" and their slate of supported candidates, why exactly should I support this slate of people with little or no connection to public education? Taxes pay for public education and other desirable public goals. Yes, our taxes have gone up as the bills for the new school come due...so be it. It was the right thing to do. I don't really think that nitpicking over school supplies is the way to go. I realize that the CLBT group is interested in lower taxes and will endorse whoever will help them achieve that goal, but I and likely many others would want to see a few more specifics as to why I should vote for them other than the fact that they are endorsed by the CLBT. [Read More] - 2013-03-15 11:02:57
Donald Russ on Time For Change In Lake Bluff School Board: Why do the parents of current students assume that their perceived interests are superior to those of the greater population of other taxpayers? As Mr. Hegg explained so eloquently in his closing statement (at 2:13:53 of the debate video) all taxpayers in District 65 have a vested interest in the efficacy and reputation of our school. for the video, see: http://65.pxxq.com/debate.html 7th and 8th grade math achievement is a key measure of how well we prepare our children for Lake Forest High School and for life. Of some 1400 middle schools in Illinois, our school was ranked 89th three years ago. We were ranked 235th last year. We are now ranked 510th. The Smart Choices candidates all claim to be proud of our math program. Two of them are incumbents. How do they explain their record? for the data, see: http://65.pxxq.com/debate.html The school district is currently collecting evidence as a basis for a strategic plan. They found that the non-parents in the community are more concerned than the parents that our “students are not adequately prepared for high school and that the District is not ranked as one of the highest performing districts in the state." for the evidence, see: http://65.pxxq.com/debate.html The Caucus-endorsed candidates are the ones who say our academics need improvement. Letchinger, Hegg, Marozsan and Gottshall are the ones who will defend Lake Bluff schools, and not just make excuses for them. [Read More] - 2013-03-15 06:47:23
Lauren Kuetemeyer on Time For Change In Lake Bluff School Board: Where have these people been in the last few years? There are many groups that are actively working with the school administration and school board trying to create a better atmosphere and better education for our students. I have never seen ANY of these candidates or letter writers attend 1 of those bi-monthly meetings. In fact, being a part of the PTO for the last 9 years, I have not seen ANY of these people participate in any of the school activities - even as a volunteer! You don't have to be a current parent to volunteer or get involved. Why does a title suddenly give you an interest? How can these candidates know our school if they never step in it? How can they know our school if they never ask the questions of what is really happening in the classroom - down at the real levels? How can they know our school if these candidates (even the one with the children IN the district), never volunteer their precious time to give back to the school without a glorious position? School is not just paper - there are REAL things happening - and you have to be there to see it. [Read More] - 2013-03-14 14:03:37
Lisa Spano on Lake Bluff Middle School Student to Participate in National Geographic Bee: Congratulations Sam! I know you will make us all proud representing LBMS at the State Geo Bee. Good Luck! [Read More] - 2013-03-14 08:42:34
Jose Ibarrondo on Update: Pedestrian Hit At Crosswalk Near Lake Bluff Train Station: I agree with Dr Hunt. its going to take something to happen before someone finaly gets off theyre buts and does something about it. I live next door to Walgreens on 176 and Adelphia and we have no right or left turn signs between certain times. now I know this is kind of getting off the subject right?well the story is about signs and to me it seems that no matter what type of signs you put up or where you put them they are always going to be people that will just mistakingly or just flat out blow threw them because thats just how we as Americans treat eachother.with utter Disrespect.I pray that you get what you need for these intersections.coming off of sheriden on that little bananna bend down to 176 you have to krink your neck to the right from the lake bluff fire department side sucks.maybe a mirror should be installed on that viaduct to the left to make it easyer to see traffic coming from that direction.Gurnee has one on old grand ave and it seems to work pretty well...Im Jose Ibarrondo and Im just sayin... [Read More] - 2013-03-13 11:09:53
Bonita Friedland on City of Lake Forest to Get New Entry Roadway Signage: It would be ideal if this much scrutiny and attention can also be placed on the arbitrary fencing and embellishments--odd mailboxes, pots, statues--that can also be an eyesore to the scape... [Read More] - 2013-03-13 09:40:43
carl noble on City of Lake Forest to Get New Entry Roadway Signage: Finally! I've lived here for many years and have told folks, over and over, that the only bad thing about living here is the town signage. It's so frustrating if you miss the sign as you cross into LF, not realizing exactly when you get here. Getting a better set of signs is one thing, but how about also hiring a person at each entrance, with appropriate uniform, to wave a flag or at least point to the sign -- so folks don't miss it. There would also have to be supervisors and a government approved training program. Lots of help to the economy. This action would show our commitment to the jobs problem. Go America. HT to whoever sold our local government on the signage study. That's impressive. [Read More] - 2013-03-11 14:40:41
Tom Griffiths on Ralph White: A Life Well Lived, and Loved: I just stumbled on this article, obvioulsy years after it was written, but feel compelled to comment. I grew up in Winthrop Harbor where Mr. White lived and had a store. I remember Mr. White being at the store a lot. Just saying the words "White's Variety" brings me back to a happy childhood. Everytime I had a doctor or dentist appointment my mom would say "If you're good and don't cry, I'll take you to White's and let you pick out a treat". It wasn't long before he would ask me "Doctor.....or Dentist" if I walked in with my mother. We would all ride our bikes there, or walk from my cousin's house who lived directly behind White's to get our candy or baseball cards or maybe even a GI Joe if we'd saved up long enough. I'm sad to see that Mr. White has passed but it sounds like he lived a very long and happy life. I thank him for the memories that he provided to my childhood. [Read More] - 2013-03-11 13:04:19
andrew hunt, md on Update: Pedestrian Hit At Crosswalk Near Lake Bluff Train Station: I am aware of the Village's efforts on this and it is appreciated...more so if they were successful! What specifically are the state standards that need to be met in order for a village to place a stop sign for pedestrian safety? If there is enough traffic just south of the bridge, then there is at the train station right? The interesection at Washington and Green Bay is still a nightmare during school hours and with kids crossing there all the time to get to the PD, most, if not all, LB residents want a traffic control device there as well. I would personally volunteer to help install guard rails from the bridge out to Lincoln or even GB Rd...that is a disaster waiting to happen. [Read More] - 2013-03-08 19:09:15
John Wanda on Lessons Learned In Africa: I am pleased to read Allison's account about her work in Uganda. I am from this village in Uganda (I now live in the USA) and know many of the women and children in her pictures. I know what it means to fetch water from a river, to take care of cows and goats, to go to bed hungry every night, and how easy to think that a free meal, or shirt, or shoes is a solution. Now I know better. I agree entirely that handouts create dependency in Africa's children. Solving Africa's problems starts with better education, health care and economic opportunities. What FIMRC is doing in this community, and friends like Allison and Eva are doing is part of the change we need. Allison and FIMRC are part of a broad coalition our organization, the Arlington Academy of Hope (www.aahuganda.org) has brought together to bring real change to Africa's children. Please join Eva and hundreds of others in supporting Allison's work, FIMRC's (www.fimrc.rg) work and AAH's (www.aahuganda.org) work. You will be as belessed as Allison is. If you want to join Allsion too and do what she is doing, call us - 571 228-4102 or e-mail us at info@aahuganda.org. Thank you. John Wanda [Read More] - 2013-03-08 17:39:30
Rick Lesser on Update: Pedestrian Hit At Crosswalk Near Lake Bluff Train Station: I agree with Dr. Hunt. Unfortunately, the Village has been trying to put up a Stop sign there for years, but Sheridan is a state road, and we haven't been able to generate enough traffic to meet the state's standards. Still, there's got to be some way to get around IDOT on this. That's a pedestrian area now. [Read More] - 2013-03-08 15:19:03
David Forlow on Lake Bluff Board Of Ed Makes Staff Changes, Mulls Strategic Plan: I’m fortunate to know Jill Rosa. We’ve crossed paths many times during volunteer activities. I know her to be a thoughtful, well-spoken person who cares deeply about her community. She is also as sharp as a tack. To hear that she spent 3 hours at a SB meeting but was denied the chance for input during a consultant planning presentation is sad but not surprising. The consultant report shows Dist 65 received positively dismal ratings in the categories of “transparent communication” and “there is a good relationship between Dist 65 and the community”? No surprise there. "…board members and the consultants…pointed out that the community has had ample opportunity to participate". Ample opportunity? Really? What a stunningly inaccurate statement. I attended a Dist 65 focus group session because we were promised that after years of waiting, this was our chance to provide input and help Dist 65 finally put a COMPREHENSIVE plan into place. Imagine our surprise when staff turnover, curriculum, facilities, fund balances, enrollment, finances, debt etc etc were barely mentioned. The focus group began with the usual open ended question about feelings. The 30 or so of us in attendance dutifully followed along the scripted format. A few more questions were asked and we were each allotted a minute or so to respond. In aggregate, each person had perhaps 3 or 4 minutes to speak. Certainly not "ample". I looked around the room and recognized educators and long-time community volunteers with 100’s of yrs of combined community service. Limiting them to a couple minutes each was a colossal waste of knowledge, experience and commitment. Soon enough we were told the meeting was over, we had to leave. “But we’ve barely started” someone muttered. So much for ample input. So much for a comprehensive plan with community involvement. The planning work which Dist 65 has finally begun just barely scratches the surface. A carefully considered comprehensive plan which ad [Read More] - 2013-03-08 09:38:09
Andrew Hunt, MD on Update: Pedestrian Hit At Crosswalk Near Lake Bluff Train Station: At what point do we say enough is enough. After how many accidents and near accidents do we decide to do something different? There NEEDS to be a stop sign there. If we are trying to encourage pedestrian traffic, would it not make sense to provide a safer way to cross sheridan rd at the train station? For that matter, why can't we do the same in front of Lake Bluff Elementary school? I am not an expert in the arcane rules of traffic regulation and local control, but I would imagine this is a factor of political will and persistence...and we don't have enough of this on this issue. [Read More] - 2013-03-07 14:38:50
Dr. Jean Sophie, Superintendnet Lake Bluff 65 on Lake Bluff Board Of Ed Makes Staff Changes, Mulls Strategic Plan: The staffing plan was not included, discussed, nor approved under the Consent Agenda. The staffing plan was a separate agenda item (4.ACTION B. Approval of Certified Staffing Plan for 2013-2014) and was approved by all Board members by roll call vote. This is what is posted on every Board Meeting agenda--Consent Agenda--(Every month the Board can choose to place items that are either recurring, such as the approval of previous minutes; annual responsibilities, such as the appointment of a School Treasurer for the next year; or items of a regulatory nature that must by law be approved by the Board. These items can be combined into one motion and passed together as part of a “consent agenda.” The Board regularly screens its consent agenda each month and removes motions from it that, in the Board’s judgment, might otherwise require discussion or public comment.) [Read More] - 2013-03-05 10:24:55
Alice Moulton-Ely on Dold Endorses Unified Shields Party: That's what I thought, too. Thank you for the clarification! (I posted this comment here a few hours ago and while it was pending clearance, it disappeared.) [Read More] - 2013-03-05 08:03:44
Laura Carney on Dold Endorses Unified Shields Party: I should give this 24 hours, but am so incensed I feel the instant need to respond. I have served as a trustee for Shields Township since 2009. The other trustees and I have worked hard to introduce fiscal responsibility to this unit of government. Every single fiscal reform was initiated by the trustees often at the objection of Gale Strenger Wayne and definitely at the objection of Dan Rogers. To see their picture with Bob Dold taking credit for the budget cuts makes me shake my head. It is not right. Just an example- This winter we cut the elected officials salaries. (State Law prohibited us from doing it during the first three years of our term). I feel that it was completely reasonable to do this since we do not pay the members of the school board or the elected officials in Lake Forest or Lake Bluff. Those positions involve more work, larger budgets and much more responsibility. We researched comparative salaries and made an educated decision on this issue. The trustees put forth the motion to eliminate the trustees salaries. The trustees put forth the motion to reduce the salaries of the Township Supervisor, Assessor, Road Supervisor and Clerk. During that meeting Dan Rogers and Gale's husband heckled us from the back of the room and walked out of the meeting in disgust. Linda Blazer from the Pioneer Press was present at that meeting and can vouch for my honesty. Meanwhile, the week after the meeting, Gale Strenger Wayne tried to call an emergency meeting to have us reconsider the reduction of her salary. I do not think it is right for them to now take credit for these cuts. Since 2009, the trustees elected as part of the Shield Township Active Reform Team (START) have introduced numerous measures to try to clean up the budget of Shields Township. We did this by eliminating the practice of social service grants with tax dollars, adjusting the budget to more accurately reflect actual expenses and implementing some efficiencies (such [Read More] - 2013-03-01 08:32:18
Rick Lesser on North Shore Home, Health & Business Expo to Feature 80 Exhibitors, Free Health & Wellness Screenings: Our law firm will be at the EXPO preparing free Powers of Attorney for Healthcare. You can choose the person to make medical decisions for you and state your preferences if you are disabled. This promises to be a Fun and Free event. [Read More] - 2013-02-28 13:22:24
Susan Dennis on Target Hearing: What You Missed: I hope someone will consider the installation of a traffic light to serve the SE portion of Knollwood. As it is now, there are many times throughout the day when we cannot turn south or east because of the traffic. [Read More] - 2013-02-24 09:19:20
Kelli Brannan on Target Hearing: What You Missed: I am thrilled with the possibility that Target is coming to Lake Bluff. Our citizens could all use the tax revenue that the store will generate plus the convenience of having a store that competitively sells everyday usage items in our community versus commuting to Vernon Hills or Highland Park is a bonus. [Read More] - 2013-02-24 07:38:07
Terry Knight on Target Hearing: What You Missed: No worries Margie. It is my understanding that this will not be a Super Target so they won't be selling turkeys. [Read More] - 2013-02-23 15:42:58
Steve Douglass on Local Musicians Mix With Family & Friends At Wisma: Great job Henry. You gave us a feel for being there and the desire to come next time. [Read More] - 2013-02-23 05:20:36
Margie Tatos on Target Hearing: What You Missed: My opinion is that the roads do not support this project - and the project is unnecessary. Traffic is bad enough at the am and pm school drop off and pick up hours. Remember a mere Turkey was quite disruptive -Target is much larger Margie Tatos [Read More] - 2013-02-21 11:41:53
Rob Le Clercq on Lake Forest's New Mayor Explains Forest Park Changes: Peter Gordon and the folks at Kinnucan have done a wonderful job trimming and removing dead branches and trees from the Park. Adrienne might take another picture from the same vantage point she took the first picture to see how beautiful the Park looks even as stark as Winter can be. We can be very pleased with the outcome and we owe Kinnucan a huge Thank You for their gift to us all. Now it is time to slow down. When Spring arrives it will be obvious where new fruit trees belong and where additional flowers will bring it all together. There is no urgency to press ahead. Present day Lake Forest looks the way it does because of a great deal of thought, many talented people and patience. [Read More] - 2013-02-20 14:01:49
jennyquill on City of Lake Forest to Host Free Digital Marketing Workshop: Hi Paul, You should have received an email from the City of Lake Forest. Just in case, they informed us that they will try to tape the seminar and have it posted by March 20th. [Read More] - 2013-02-20 13:35:12
Paul Corcoran on City of Lake Forest to Host Free Digital Marketing Workshop: I can't attend since I live in the UK(!). Will the workshop be recorded at all? [Read More] - 2013-02-20 09:57:36
jennyquill on Agenda: Sunrise Park and Beach Advisory Citizen Committee Special Meeting: Hi Jan, Please accept our apologies that the agenda wasn't published sooner. The story actually went live on the site yesterday morning; the email program pulls content from the previous day's news. We make every attempt to get meeting agendas up as soon as we receive them. In this case, we didn't learn about the meeting until just a day or two or ago. Sorry for the confusion. [Read More] - 2013-02-20 08:07:35
Jan Walcott on Agenda: Sunrise Park and Beach Advisory Citizen Committee Special Meeting: Interesting that the 20 February issue announces a meeting (agenda for Sunrise Beach) that apparently took place on 19 February? Hoping that the date is actually Thursday? [Read More] - 2013-02-19 15:41:00
Rob Le Clercq on Forest Park Tree Removal Begins Week Of Feb. 18: Peter Gordon and the folks at Kinnucan have done a wonderful job trimming and removing dead branches and trees from the Park. Adrienne might take another picture from the same vantage point she took the first picture to see how beautiful the Park looks even as stark as Winter can be. We can be very pleased with the outcome and we owe Kinnucan a huge Thank You for their gift to us all. Now it is time to slow down. When Spring arrives it will be obvious where new fruit trees belong and where additional flowers will bring it all together. There is no urgency to press ahead. Present day Lake Forest looks the way it does because of a great deal of thought, many talented people and patience. [Read More] - 2013-02-19 08:45:32
Bonita Friedland on Dining Destination: Lake House in Lake Bluff : My husband and I tried it out on a weeknight, and sat in a booth at the bar. He was able to glance at a college basketball game, while I could keep up with that week's pressing news stories because of the nicely placed TV screens. The salad/soup bar was clean and well- stocked. The waitress was wonderful and an asset to the pub. [Read More] - 2013-02-19 08:38:56
Rommy Lopat on Forest Park Tree Removal Begins Week Of Feb. 18: How soon will replacement trees be planted? Is there a diagram posted at City Hall or the Library to see what is planned and when? [Read More] - 2013-02-18 18:14:25
Rob Le Clercq on Lake Forest To Begin Work On Forest Park; Kinnucan Donates Tree Pruning: Today, 2/18/13, I drove around the park and took it all in. The folks at Kinnucan did a beautiful job trimming, removing and the Park looks wonderful. They deserve a large thank you from everyone. Come Spring put in some fruit trees, some flowers here and there and stand back and let's enjoy our beautiful park. We must know when to stop. [Read More] - 2013-02-14 07:41:17
Nicki Snoblin on 'Malicious Or Nutritious' Program On Video: Thanks, Adrienne! It's also available on the League's website at www.lwv-lflb.org. It was a well-attended and thought-provoking program. [Read More] - 2013-02-13 17:09:51
adrienne on Laura Munson Coming Home To Lead Writing Workshop & Other Events: Woops--the original headline said Laura would be leading workshops (plural), but she's actually leading one writing workshop at Ragdale and two other events: a book signing/coffee/chat at Lake Forest Book Store and "an evening of conversation" with Jennifer Weigel of the Chicago Tribune at Gorton Community Center. Sorry 'bout that!-- Adrienne [Read More] - 2013-02-13 16:56:39
Mary (McAleer) Novaria on Laura Munson Coming Home To Lead Writing Workshop & Other Events: I am a native Lake Bluff-er and writer who has attended Laura's Montana Haven Writing Retreat. It's a fantastic experience. Do yourself and your writing a favor by participating in her workshop at Ragdale. It will breathe new life into your art. [Read More] - 2013-02-10 21:38:46
M. C. Siqueira on Playing In Our Winter Wonderland (Finally!)...: Thank you for sharing these wonderful photographs, everyone seems to be having a wonderful time! [Read More] - 2013-02-10 21:06:21
Krista Salvatore on Funeral Services For Eric Bower Are Feb. 8 - 9: I pray for his soul. [Read More] - 2013-02-09 17:31:43
Ryan Andersen on Is Target Coming To Lake Bluff? : I hope Target gets approved and built sooner than later...I can't imagine a better use of that location. [Read More] - 2013-02-09 08:00:37
Eric Grenier on Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Winter Weather Pictures: Nick - I wish I'd gotten the camera out quickly enough to catch you all coming down Scranton towards us. Your cold-blue headlamp beams in the falling snow looked like an alien invasion. [Read More] - 2013-02-08 17:09:51
Nick Christofalos on Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Winter Weather Pictures: Activator Cycles Thursday night ride we haven't missed one in 3 yrs!!! Thanks Eric... Nice photo!!!! [Read More] - 2013-02-08 12:57:44
Carole Stroh on Is Target Coming To Lake Bluff? : Does anyone remember the acrimonious debate over Cosco wanting to come to Lake Forest? It would hurt the local merchants; it would cause too many traffic problems; it would not fit the culture of Lake Forest; local people would eschew shopping at a big-box store; it would erode surrounding property values, etc.,, etc. So Lake Forest said, "No!" But Mettawa said, "Welcome!" And Lake Forest got its big box store right in its own backyard, and presumably it also got all those negatives. What it didn't get was any tax revenue. [Read More] - 2013-02-08 10:16:32
Emily Jennings on Is Target Coming To Lake Bluff? : Susie McMurray's idea is a great one! I travel on 176 at least once a day and I can't imagine anything worse than even more slow traffic on that road. I urge the demise of this Target (or any other big box store) idea now! [Read More] - 2013-02-08 09:34:22
Bonita Friedland on Is Target Coming To Lake Bluff? : I love your idea about a small country inn! Placed somewhere in a wooded corner, it might not cause traffic or "extra crowd" problems for the quaint little town. (...although I can well imagine those who live on that particular road not feeling the same at all!) But I'm sure you didn't mean placing the inn at the busy industrial area where Sheppard Chevrolet now stands. The Sheppard site will be a good spot to place the Target store--among all the other big commercial buildings that hug the busy highway #41 area. The Village Board can make some landscaping requirements for Target that might actually improve the appearance of that area. The setback that Sheppard has will insure that the building itself will not be an eyesore at all. How many situations can actually provide convenience with economic benefit in a setting that is appropriate? The little town will not be visually trashed at all, and SOMETHING will go there--it might as well be a Target store instead of a noisy factory. [Read More] - 2013-02-07 21:27:29
Janice Wolter on Is Target Coming To Lake Bluff? : Traffic turning across the bike path from 176 into a target parking lot will be so dangerous Knollwood kids will lose the freedom of safe walking and biking travel to schools and the park district further separating the community. Even with limited grocery items a Target would also surely mean a slow death for Dominick's. [Read More] - 2013-02-07 15:22:29
Michael H. Ebner on Joytime Pre-School in Lake Forest to Close After 60 Years: We are longtime neighbors of Joytime. We loved seeing the students, on warm and sunny days, taking walks along Greenview Place with their teachers. Our daughter attended Joytime during its summertime camp program. Ultimately she prevailed upon Joy to allow her to work there during the summer as an assistant teacher (age 12). This was her first job. Years later she became -- and still is -- a public school teacher in her own right. I sense that some of Joytime's good vibes exercised an influence. Joy and Earle were pillars of our community as well as our cherished neighbors. [Read More] - 2013-02-07 13:30:02
Lise Dominique on Is Target Coming To Lake Bluff? : Susie McMurray, Now THAT is a fantastic idea. If done properly, it would be a charming addition and help draw visitors to the nearby downtown area. [Read More] - 2013-02-07 12:53:42
Jeff Ari on Is Target Coming To Lake Bluff? : This would be an economic boom for the village that we have been looking for, and offer a greater variety of shopping locally. I can't see it competeing with the specialty shops in east LB. To me it seems like a logical use of the property to add to the community while providing some tax relief to the homeowners. I personally would like to see more retail, lodging, & entertainment along Waukegan Rd to keep east LB the historical area! [Read More] - 2013-02-07 11:51:21
Susie McMurray on Is Target Coming To Lake Bluff? : Initially, we Lake Bluff Downtown Merchants don't feel too threatened by Target, as we are specialty stores. Personally, it would be nice to have a small Inn where travelers to the area can find an affordable night's lodging. That could actually make Lake Bluff a weekend destination. Since our designation as the 4th Happiest Seaside Town in America by Coastal Living Magazine, and our Historic VIllage Signs that have been installed on the highways, we have seen a rise in out of town visitors. If we can attract more, it will help all industries, from Realty to tax dollars spent in he Central Business District. [Read More] - 2013-02-07 09:55:48
Lori Pepper on Is Target Coming To Lake Bluff? : Fantastic!!!! [Read More] - 2013-02-07 09:10:50
Perry Walcott on Is Target Coming To Lake Bluff? : Hopefully our village elected officials and administrators will understand that there is a somewhat limited amount of monies that can be derived from such a large store and much of these funds will come from expenditures made elsewhere locally. If a Target wipes out the few local stores then Lake Bluff has gone backwards. If someone needs a "Target fix" they could travel less than five miles to Highland Park where their tax base is large and can more easily absorb the impact. [Read More] - 2013-02-07 08:40:43
Jen Horan on Is Target Coming To Lake Bluff? : I agree with Steve. 176 is not built for the traffic that Target will attract. Part of the project which would create an alternate entrance through the Shagbark/Carriage Way corridor to Waukegan is not the answer either. We just put in an additional stoplight for the already heavily traveled Waukegan Road. If residents think that it will eventually bring down their property taxes (after the 10 year waiver proposed by Target), I think they will be surprised. For our friends in the Knollwood neighborhoods, the taxes may go down then but not because of the financial benefits of Target, but because their property will not be valued as it is now. The proposed Target is similar to the Target in Highland Park, which will not include the grocery portion. Regardless of grocery or not, for me, if Target goes into that space, I will do my grocery shopping in Lake Forest just to avoid that area of LB. It will not encourage me to shop in West Lake Bluff at all. In fact, it will keep me from heading in that direction. See attached link. Some of these points do not apply because the green space is already gone, but other points provide good food for thought...http://www.goodjobsfirst.org/smart-growth-working-families/harms-big-box-retail [Read More] - 2013-02-06 19:47:15
Steve Hardy on Is Target Coming To Lake Bluff? : Nothing says "charming lakeside village" like a 139k SF big box store! This makes Stonebridge look like a stroke of genius. I hope the citizens of Lake Bluff pull together and oppose this with all their might. I realize something has to be done with this vacant space and retail is fine, but not a big box store! How much tax revenue are we talking about? Where are customers going to come from? Traffic on 176 is horrible now! Is this what the people asked for in the survey that was recently sent out? THIS SUCKS! [Read More] - 2013-02-05 20:56:07
Charlene Sisson on Union Church of Lake Bluff Work Trip: Finding Meaning, Having Fun: What a wonderful, positive, joyful experience! It's a priviledge to send a donation for supplies! I look forward to hearing about this summer's trip and video! Thankyou for all the good things you do. [Read More] - 2013-02-05 17:22:19
Rommy Lopat on Lake Forest To Begin Work On Forest Park; Kinnucan Donates Tree Pruning: Before any work begins, it would be wise to have a public meeting about what is proposed. Will the hawthorns that "weep" and touch the ground be pruned up (surely not, since that is totally against the principles of OC Simonds (one of this nation's most revered designers who created this park in 1896)? Will the giant ash that is along the path from Deerpath be removed because it might have Borer, but tragically may not have been treated to kill the bug (can it be treated now--let's get an answer)? Will the vistas be clear cut or gently carved through branches to frame a distant view? (Can we see photographs that are photoshopped to show us before/afters?). In your article, City Forester Gordon says the road will be "resurfaced". I thought the road was going to be replaced with one that is further away from the bluff to accomodate a new path. Has that changed? The public has not seen any plans since early 2012. Can a public meeting be held before work begins? [Read More] - 2013-02-05 11:08:10
Susie McMurray on Watching The Sun Rise At Sunrise ...: I'm not getting up early enough! Beautiful. Thanks, Eric. [Read More] - 2013-02-05 10:43:22
M. C. Siqueira on Watching The Sun Rise At Sunrise ...: Thank you, Eric Grenier, for the photo of a very beautiful sunrise over Lake Michigan! [Read More] - 2013-02-04 23:29:01
Kelly Lilja on Union Church of Lake Bluff Work Trip: Finding Meaning, Having Fun: Go UCLB! Great article to share! What will be the music video song this summer? [Read More] - 2013-02-03 15:00:20
Michael H. Ebner on Lake Forest Gets New Grant For East Side Train Station: All along the North Shore communities evinced their local pride during the late nineteenth century in constructing elegant railway stations for what was then the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. In addition to the station in Lake Forest, other historic structures remain in place in Lake Bluff, Glencoe, and Kenilworth. These stations, as they stand in the twenty-first century, remind all of us of the great age of railroading. They also underscore the pride that local citizens -- whether then or now -- took in building railway stations worthy of the renown of their respective communities. I am so very delighted that phase two of the Lake Forest station will now commence. The exterior work done last year was first rate. The last interior refurbishing occurred approximately thirty years ago and clearly the moment is at hand for taking action to again upgrade our station. [Read More] - 2013-02-02 16:36:35
Gail Hodges on Lake Forest Gets New Grant For East Side Train Station: MORE INFORMATION THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST: The Preservation Foundation initiated the Station Restoration project in 2008 by funding a $50,000 Historic Structure Report by Harboe Architects that was presented to the City in 2009. This report, which was an investment of Foundation resources to save the historic station, established a strong "case for support" of the project in the ITEP process. The Foundation assisted the City in preparing the applications for the ITEP grants awarded in 2010 and most recently. The Foundation is pleased to continue to work with the City in this private-public partnership to plan next steps and completion of the restoration and necessary renovation improvements. The 1899 Tutor-Revival Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure in the Lake Forest National Register District. It was designed by renowned Chicago architects and Lake Forest residents Charles Sumner Frost and Alfred H. Granger. The building and site serve as the transportation hub for Lake Forest and a “focal point” in the Market Square Historic District. The building, site, and parking lots function as an active METRA station, and serve as an important trailhead facility and comfort station for the Robert McClory regional bike trail linking North Shore communities with Chicago and the region. They are the focal point for community events, including the annual Lake Forest Day parade/celebration, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Family Fair in Market Square, and recently the 150th Anniversary celebrations of Lake Forest’s founding. [Read More] - 2013-01-31 16:21:32
John Crowley on Lake Bluff Actor To Appear In Chicago Film Fiesta: Wonderful movie. Well done. [Read More] - 2013-01-29 12:24:38
R. Harkins on 'Criterium' Bike Race Returns To Lake Bluff In July: Thank you to all the organizers who made this event happen again in LB! This was a very fun and exciting event last year and should be better this year, on a Saturday. The evening event of the LB Block Party will make this a weekend not to be missed. [Read More] - 2013-01-29 08:55:11
Rick Lesser on SpeakUP! To Host Listening Sessions To Prevent Underage Drinking: Thank you, Peg. The police are only enforcing the laws which the community adopts. Minors have been subject to greater rgulation than adults for centuries because minors need that protection. I know that, having been a parent of teenagers for 14 years, they are going through both physical and emotional changes. I appreciated having the curfew laws there to back me up when I said "no". [Read More] - 2013-01-28 16:54:28
Peg Determan on SpeakUP! To Host Listening Sessions To Prevent Underage Drinking: I very much object to our police being referred to as gun toting goons in bullet proof vests as weapons of unprovoked violence. I hope that this remark is the tongue in cheek remark of an almost legal college student. Young people are frequently impulsive in their decisions and as a result, frequently regulated in their conduct in ways that people who have reached maturity are not. This hardly means that the age of 21 is some sort of transformation that makes living easy and mistake free. Your view, applied to all conduct, promotes chaos not responsibility. Would we hand the car keys over to our 6 year old and say be careful? We also know that alcohol consumed by young people, particularly when consumed in considerable volume and with frequency, damages the brain and increases the risk of alcoholism. These are damages borne not just by the individual making that poor choice but by society. Society has an obligation to make these decisions. [Read More] - 2013-01-23 11:57:21
Tom Alciere on SpeakUP! To Host Listening Sessions To Prevent Underage Drinking: Neither the voter nor his/her elected representatives have any right to use gun-toting goons in bulletproof vests as weapons of unprovoked violence, to intimidate Mr. and Mrs. Twenty into living a healthy, alcohol-free lifestyle. The drinking age is a hate crime, committed by people who know the alternative would be to impose tougher DWI laws on the hypocrites themselves. In a free country, the citizen would freely decide what to drink: water, wine or turpentine. parents would govern their child who still lives in their house. The punishment for crimes would be meted out to the person who committed the crimes and not to somebody else for being the same age. [Read More] - 2013-01-17 20:42:34
Todd Protzman-Davis on New Book About WWI Features Lake Forest's McKinlock: I supplied Mr. Nelson with the photograph of Muriel McCormick that appears in "Five Lieutnenants," and was thus able to obtain one of the first copies of this book when it was released. I recommend it not only to WWI history buffs - but to those interested in Lake Forest history and those who simply want to read a poignant story of five men at a crucial point in their young lives. It is a fascinating, impressive and moving read. [Read More] - 2013-01-17 09:48:07
Kent Novit on Lake Forest Mayor Cowhey Announces Resignation: An incredible number of hours volunteered over more then 10 years while he served as an Alderman and then Mayor. Jim provided the leadership needed during the worst of the recession. His resignation is a loss to the community. Only the best wishes to Jim and his family with their move and his new job! [Read More] - 2013-01-16 20:26:54
Mark Hofeld on Village of Lake Bluff Honors Police Commander Debby Hartwig's 30 Years of Public Service: More than a great officer. She was part of the community for such a very long time. When I think of Lake Bluff, she simply is part of the town. She will be missed. We all were VERY lucky to have had such a great person in our lives. I wish her all the best in her retirement. [Read More] - 2013-01-14 17:13:31
Rommy Lopat on New Book About WWI Features Lake Forest's McKinlock: Thanks for alerting me to this book--can't wait to buy and read it! For those interested, here's some add'l information I researched and posted on findagrave.com about George Alexander McKinlock and the remarkable tributes his parents made in his memory. His helmet, by the way, adorns his memorial at Lake Forest Cemetery: Lieutenant George A McKinlock Jr. preferred to be called, Alexander, accounting for the way his name reads on his gravestone. According to "St. Mark's School in the War Against Germany [Albert Benson, ed., 1920], he "entered the Fay School in 1903 and St. Mark's [Southborough, MA] two years later. He went to Harvard in 1912. He joined ROTC at Ft. Sheridan in June, 1917; graduated in August of the same year; and rec'd a commission as Second Lieutenant of Cavalry. Selected for service in France, he sailed on the "Kroonland" Sept 12th, and arrived in October. He attended training schools at Gondrecourt and other places; was appointed on the staff of Major Davis, Second Brigade, Third Machine Gun Battalion, First Division, Liaison Officer, in Feb 1918. He was called by General Buck to become a member of his staff as Intelligence Officer about April, 1918. He rec'd no promotions, but had been recommended for a captaincy, and was killed before the recommendation could be acted up, July 21, 1918. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm; the Distinguished Service Cross; and a recommendation for the latter a second time. His ribbon has two silver stars and two bronze stars." The account continues to say that McKinlock was killed by a sniper while walking "under heavy bombardment and severe machine gun fine" with several French officers to verify the position of the front lines in the town of Berzy-le-Sec. The other officers took cover, and later encountered an American chaplain who tried unsuccessfully to locate McKinlock's body. He had been buried "in a small garden in the town and his mother herself much later found the spot, marked by a [Read More] - 2013-01-08 11:05:29
jennyquill on Lake Bluff Park District Summer Job Fair: Hi Lisa: Your question will be best answered by Dave Peterson at 847-234-4150 x16. Thanks! [Read More] - 2013-01-08 08:58:49
Lise Dominique on Lake Bluff Looking for Strong Response for Community Branding Survey: This survey takes 5 minutes max. I think honest responses may really help the committee shape Lake Bluff's future growth. [Read More] - 2013-01-08 07:17:38
Lisa Spano on Lake Bluff Park District Summer Job Fair: What age does a kid need to be to apply, 15 or 16? Thanks! [Read More] - 2013-01-07 17:16:23
Rick Lesser on Update: Inovasi Featured in Latest Episode of WTTW's "Check, Please!": This was great publicity for Inovasi and the Lake Bluff Central Business District. Fortunately, they filmed LB in the summer, not in January! This is how LB should be looking to "brand" the community: smart, eco-friendly and delicious. [Read More] - 2013-01-04 07:43:25
Mary Beth Kercher on Update: Inovasi Featured in Latest Episode of WTTW's "Check, Please!": So exciting! My DVR is set. [Read More] - 2013-01-02 14:08:23
Mary Francoeur on Holiday Light Show in Lake Bluff: Thanks to the Fishers for their thoughtful generosity. I've sent this slideshow on to my children and their families and saved it in my Precious Christmas Memories file. [Read More] - 2013-01-02 09:02:50
Trish Kruger on Holiday Light Show in Lake Bluff: What a nice thing to do! For the snowbirds of Lake Bluff, it was a real treat to see what we missed. Thank you! [Read More] - 2013-01-02 07:50:04
Barbara Mortimer on Holiday Light Show in Lake Bluff: Thanks so much, Fischer Family! I hope you make this slideshow a yearly tradition! The lights of Lake Bluff are INDEED quite magical! [Read More] - 2013-01-01 10:44:52
jennyquill on Dancing Bohemian Ukulele Team Puts Island Twist on Christmas Classics: Hi Sharon, yes, a video is included in the story. If you are unable to view & play, here is the direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMa-EAGoDHM. Happy viewing! [Read More] - 2013-01-01 09:50:07
Sharon on Dancing Bohemian Ukulele Team Puts Island Twist on Christmas Classics: Sure hope there's a video of this! [Read More] - 2012-12-31 12:55:36
jennyquill on Lake Forest High School Sophomore Helps Raise $5,000 for Nuestro Center: Cindy, we received this response to your question. Hope this helps: Yes, we have two programs for English as a second language. At Nuestro Center there are regular ESL classes for adults, taught by volunteers who are high school Spanish teachers. We also have Escuela en Casa, which is a program staffed with most-effective community volunteers, for those who cannot leave their homes or who, because of work schedules, cannot come to a scheduled ESL class. Both programs are offered at no cost to participants. For information on both programs, contact the main Family Service office at 847-432-4981 after January 1. [Read More] - 2012-12-31 08:22:49
Cindy on Lake Forest High School Sophomore Helps Raise $5,000 for Nuestro Center: Thanks for this informative article and the wonderful work of Hope Goldman. Are there any services provided at this center for teaching the parents of the children English as a second language? [Read More] - 2012-12-29 06:18:18
David Lee - The Clockworks on Winter Driving Review: Good advice, David. No place is so important that it is worth dying to get there. [Read More] - 2012-12-26 06:25:16
Jenny Simpson on Mothers Trust Foundation Offers the Gift of Hope: That is wonderful!!! Thank you Cheri for telling us that story. [Read More] - 2012-12-20 10:56:38
Carole Stroh on Shop Lake Bluff: Holiday Party Must-Haves: Great article showcasing Lake Bluff's merchants! [Read More] - 2012-12-17 01:11:48
Svetlana Davcheva on Helen And Joe Rose Celebrate 70 Years of Marriage!: Congratulations on 70 years of marriage to my dear friends, Helen and Joe! [Read More] - 2012-12-16 22:13:10
Carole Stroh on New Comment Policy At GazeboNews: Real Names Required: You have come to a very sensible and wise policy decision, Adrienne. Thank you. [Read More] - 2012-12-16 20:58:32
Kate amaral on New Comment Policy At GazeboNews: Real Names Required: Bravo! Lets raise the level of discourse in our electronic media. Civil discussion can be productive, mud- slinging definitely is not. Way to lead the charge, Gazebo News! [Read More] - 2012-12-16 19:11:41
Kathleen Reidy on lake_bluff_ladies_series_one_paddle: As a fellow paddle player (Series 15) I can only imagine the hard work this team put in to get them this far. Bravo Team Lake Bluff! [Read More] - 2012-12-15 12:05:13
adrienne on Nine Stores, Six Presents, One Hour: Carole-- I have plans for another shopping local story for Lake Bluff, with a different twist. I didn't want to do it all in one story. [Read More] - 2012-12-15 11:52:02
Carole Stroh on Nine Stores, Six Presents, One Hour: Adrienne, Brilliant plug for shopping locally, but how about Lake Bluff? [Read More] - 2012-12-13 12:19:16
Andrew Hunt, MD on New Comment Policy At GazeboNews: Real Names Required: Well done Adrienne!! It never ceases to amaze me how gutsy,stupid, and cruel people can get when under the blanket of anonymity. By all means, speak up and voice your opinion and/or debate the issue, but if you are too scared to put your name out there with that opinion, then it is probably a better idea to keep your mouth shut. [Read More] - 2012-12-13 11:20:23
Mark Hindman on New Comment Policy At GazeboNews: Real Names Required: I think this is an excellent decision! Thank you for your commitment to being a responsible source of community news and a venue for civil dialogue! [Read More] - 2012-12-13 11:02:57
Bonita Friedland on Deer Path Garden Club Celebrates the Season with Annual Holiday Tea: Being a member of this garden club is a continual pleasure! Our mission to beautify and educate provides many creative and benevolent opportunities. The train station gardens at Telegraph Road, the spring bulbs at Croya, the Christmas trees at Westmorland and Balmoral, and as shown, the rooms at Glen Rowan House, are but a few of the many projects that bring joy to our city! [Read More] - 2012-12-13 10:17:07
Guin Tiffin on New Comment Policy At GazeboNews: Real Names Required: As someone in the education field I read stories at least once a week about a young person who has been bullied online by anonymous users of the internet. Let's keep the interwebs safe for everyone to use by being open, honest, fair, and most of all polite. [Read More] - 2012-12-13 09:28:25
Kathleen Reidy on New Comment Policy At GazeboNews: Real Names Required: Adrienne thank you for sticking to your guns on this. Between anonymous or clearly made up names we have read more vitriol in the comment sections of your truly well researched articles. We adults talk a good game about the dangers of bullying (which anonymous vitriol clearly is). Now lets agree to walk the walk. Bravo! [Read More] - 2012-12-13 09:25:05
Jose Ibarrondo on New Comment Policy At GazeboNews: Real Names Required: This is so true(on what your moms said)... [Read More] - 2012-12-13 09:23:21
Jose Ibarrondo on New Comment Policy At GazeboNews: Real Names Required: AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!I go to Grace UMC in LakeBluff and Im a guy who is trying real hard to break the cycle of the life Ive led through mission work.being a good family man.and I am there for others.my family and I participate in the free meal ministry at the First United Methodist Church in Waukegan going on 4 years now...I know most of you are like what!!!!he's totaly off the subject of this article.well ladies and gentilmen.the moral of my story is that I was always an agrumentitive person.and i would read a coment and it would rub me the wrong way and BAM!!!!!!im coming at you full throttle.but it shouldnt be that way and I know it.the Bible says (acts ch 18 v 9-10)be not afraid.speak and hold not thy peace.for I am with thee and no man shall set out to hurt thee for I have much People in this city.and this is true but times have changed and we should treat each other with respect and to be able to debate on a disageeable subject with that same respect.thanks Jose Ibarrondo GRACE UMC... [Read More] - 2012-12-13 08:06:18
Nicki Snoblin on New Comment Policy At GazeboNews: Real Names Required: Good for you, Adrienne. It's pretty hard to respect the opinion of someone who won't put his/her name on it. [Read More] - 2012-12-13 07:34:01
Mary Ritter on New Comment Policy At GazeboNews: Real Names Required: Adreinne, It's a sad commentary on some folks in our local community that you have to change your comment policy, but I APPLAUD your standing up for integrity and civility. I know a number of folks who don't post comments because of the onslaught of personal attacks and diatribes that follow. It gives new emphasis to what my mom used to say, "if you can't say anything nice (or in a nice manner), don't say anything at all." Thank you. [Read More] - 2012-12-13 06:55:07
Michael Beacham on New Comment Policy At GazeboNews: Real Names Required: I think that this is a wise move which will absolutely improve the quality of discussion on this site. Bravo! [Read More] - 2012-12-12 20:08:07
Kathy Blahunka on Lake Bluff Schools Caucus Announces New Slate Of Candidates: A school board is the principle democratic body capable of representing citizens in local education decisions. The demographics of our community include younger and older citizens, those with children attending school in the district and those without children in the district. The Lake Bluff School Caucus sets forth to select candidates with a balance of community representation, and a focus on quality education. The process is not insular. Mary Jane Brady attended the candidate interview process, along with two other non-Caucus members. All meetings are open to the public; our membership is posted on our web site and we are always looking for new members. Currently the School Board members are 100% representative of citizens with children in the school district. From our knowledge, there is only one other District within the North Suburban school districts with 100% representation of citizens with children. With the election of our slate, we will still have a more balanced representation, but will still have 57% of the Board representing citizens with children. The endorsed candidate slate includes two educators, two with significant financial experience, one with children in the District and four with previous community board member experience. Two members have had the experience of transitioning students from District 65 to District 115. The remaining members currently on the Caucus all have children in the district. One has a background in law, one has extensive experience with children and social services and the other works in the home. The Lake Bluff School Caucus set out to select candidates with skills and experience to oversee our District and the desire to maintain a Quality Education. We too "Love Lake Bluff", our children and our school district. We strong recommend the LB School Caucus slated candidates. [Read More] - 2012-12-11 11:03:57
Jose Lito on Two New Restaurants Planned For Former Burger King, King Maa Spaces In Lake Forest: I know the owners of Grill 43 in LakeBluff...they are wonderful people...and you can best believe that the food at the two new locations will be outstanding... [Read More] - 2012-12-10 18:10:30
adrienne on Life Inside The Lake Bluff Orphanage: Richard---I will give your email to Kraig Moreland from Lake Bluff; he created/produced the documentary on the Lake Bluff Children's Home. [Read More] - 2012-12-10 17:46:06
richard c. sloan on Life Inside The Lake Bluff Orphanage: hello.am trying to find out when i was at LBCH.i remember the house parents were the Keefers.maybe another spelling,was most rememberly time of part of my life,any help,thanks [Read More] - 2012-12-10 17:07:04
Jim Findaggi on New Political Party Forming In Lake Forest: 'Accountability Party': The galling thing to me about the Caucus process in LF and LB is, as Beacham points out, the total insularity of the current process. I couldn't agree more. In both towns, an "Old Guard" has tended to keep control over the process and thus candidate appointment as long as we can remember. Try this: the outgoing 2-term LB Village president is running for the school board on the School Caucus (Caucus #1) nominated slate. The School Caucus candidate selection process has been influenced heavily for years by a certain longstanding Caucus member who was just nominated by V.O.T.E. (Caucus #2) as the single candidates for incoming President of the LB Village Board. Both individuals have served tete a tete on the Village Board for years. The soon-to-be LB Village President (opponent-less thanks to Caucus #2) has drawn a paycheck for years as a member od District 115 Administration. The reader will recall that the recently and disgracefully- departed CEO of District 115 was known to have close ties to the Lake Forest Caucus (Caucus #3) in forming its no-choice slate every term. Confused? You should be. It's like the old song "I am my own Grandpa." But as absurd as the song's lyrics may be, they're no more absurd than the incestuous brand of local politics in our two towns that has propelled our civic institutions' dirty laundry onto the Chicago Tribune front page more times than we voters should tolerate. This is Forest and Bluff, not Crick and Holler, so let's start acting our zip code, folks [Read More] - 2012-12-10 12:15:19
Allan Penar on Santa Braves The Rain; Tours Lake Bluff: This photo brings back many fine memories of Lake Bluff in general and the Lake Bluff Fire Department specifically! I remember riding along with Santa Claus (and once or twice in Santa garb) bringing good cheer to the community. We live in Fort Wayne, Indiana now but I am pleased to share that the local Perry Township Fire Department also drives Santa in our community and yesterday I was once again on a big red truck btinging good cheer to the residents of the Autumn Ridge Community just outside of Fort Wayne. Merry Christmas LBFD!!! [Read More] - 2012-12-10 11:09:43
Diane Deiss on Maestro Heatherington to Leave Lake Forest Symphony: As a following of Alan Heatherington and his brilliant leadership of the Lake Forest Symphony, Ars Viva and the Chicago Mastersingers, I am truly heartsick to hear he will be leaving his post with the Symphony. Alan not only brings his own musical genius to directing the three organizations, he brings his heart. There is a depth, a richness to the selections he chooses, and the emotion he draws from his musicians that is unrivaled in Illinois and beyond. I cannot imagine the difficulty in making this decision, both for Alan and Gayle. I can only hope that something else just as fulfilling and meaningful is currently beyond our vision, but on the horizon for this extraordinarily gifted man. [Read More] - 2012-12-10 08:19:14
Old_Educator on New Political Party Forming In Lake Forest: 'Accountability Party': Starting a whole new party at this time is way pre-mature. The "platform" noted above reminds the candidates, voters, and administrators of where the locus of power is supposed to rest. The new Caucus and its candidates have heard this message, I'm certain. This is closing the barn door after the horse has left. Again. What is needed is steady, long-term vigil. So a watchdog group is not inappropriate. But a a party with separate candidates is not yet a serious idea here. We should watch for a return of public posting of all expenses as in the "old days" of the 1990s, total transparency on all upper staff perks and salaries (since clearly executive sessions appear to have been used inappropriately on these issues), and clear signs that the board runs policy and is responsive to public opinion, but also independent while in office. The only candidate I know personally, Mr. Lemke, I'm sure will be pushing for such measures. If there were another party, perhaps though it would nominate women to balance the current mostly male sllates! Arthur H. Miller [Read More] - 2012-12-09 13:38:17
ROBERT WOOD on great_lakes_weim_rescue_home: WOULD LIKE TO HAVE INFO ON RUFUS I SURELY MISS MY WEIM. [Read More] - 2012-12-09 11:58:48
Jim Findaggi on Lake Bluff Schools Caucus Announces New Slate Of Candidates: Looking at the new 65 caucus candidates, I can certainly see why there's been such a stir in the blogosphere about the Caucus "single issue" strategy. Three of the four long ago finished packing lunches and sending kiddos off to school. While the fourth's name and credentials are unfamiliar, it seems she may have a child of school-age. I am concerned that this aged set has no feel for curriculum, social skills, emotional wellness, citizenship, and the multitude of other intangibles that contribute to our Lake Bluff students' successes in life . . . in the real world. I'm retired but I hope there are others in this community who don't want to be automatically associated with these octagenerians. Luckily, I have more to focus on than my tax bill. [Read More] - 2012-12-09 08:21:42
MJ Brady on "Les Miz" Actress Gives Back to Lake Bluff Middle School Students: Great experience for our LBMS students to see Les Miz and to meet a star! [Read More] - 2012-12-06 18:02:54
Pauline Mohr on Woodlands Academy's Bridgett Riverol Receives Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship: Congratulations to Bridgett and to Woodlands. An Evans Scholarship is among the best one could receive and is life-changing for many of the scholarship recipients. [Read More] - 2012-12-06 12:52:04
Brian Rener on Lake Forest Restaurateur To Open Pasta Palooza In Lake Bluff: A welcome addition to our downtown ! [Read More]
