The next edition of Glenview Watch will appear some time Tuesday.  If you'd like to be notified when it's posted and are not already on our e-mailing list, drop us a line at glenviewwatch@aol.com.  Thanks for your interest.  -- Sandy

WHOOPING COUGH MAKES A COMEBACK

Public officials report an unusually large number of children have come down with whooping cough or pertussis this year – many of them in the northern suburbs. Last year, Cook County recorded 19 cases. In 2004, officials have counted 71 cases including two in Glenview and two in Northbrook.

Kids are routinely vaccinated against the illness with a series of five shots, but experts say immunity begins to wear off after 3-5 years. Most of those who have contracted whooping cough this year are school-aged children, many between the ages of 10-14.

Symptoms of this contagious condition are similar to those of a cold, but sufferers develop a dry cough that lasts more than two weeks and gets worse. Anyone who suspects that they have the illness should see a doctor for possible treatment with antibiotics. For more information, call 708-492-2000 or go to http://www.cookcountypublichealth.org/programs/communicable/pertussis.shtml .

Eight players on the Glenbrook South freshman football team have recovered from viral meningitis, but officials at Springman Middle School say the disease has broken out there. While not as serious as bacterial meningitis, the illness put one high school student in the hospital with a high fever and severe headache. On the advice of public heath experts, GBS cancelled practice for 10 days and sent a letter to parents advising them of the situation. Students were told to minimize their risk by washing hands frequently, but one new case involving a senior girl has been reported and some family members have also gotten sick.

Scott Furch, who played football and wrestled for Glenbrook South High School in 1997, is at Lutheran General Hospital recovering from a serious motorcycle crash at The Glen. Furch was riding toward Town Center on West Lake Avenue September 3 just after 7 p.m., when he said he hit a patch of gravel or sand, lost control of the Suzuki SX7 and jumped the curb. As he flew off the bike, Furch's leg caught on a parkway tree and was torn off at the knee.

A friend who was following Furch in his car called 911, and a witness, Northfield resident Jack Brannigan, rushed to assist the victim. Recalling a first aid class from high school more than 30 years ago, Brannigan removed his belt for use as a tourniquet.

Seconds later, local physician Elyse Elrich stopped to help and was relieved to see the tourniquet in place. Even with Brannigan's quick action, the victim lost about 6 pints of blood. Dr. Elrich provided additional first aid. She was soon joined by another physician, Gabriel Berlin, and by Glenview paramedics.

Furch was taken to Lutheran General Hospital where he underwent two surgeries. Doctors say he's making a good recovery in part because he's in excellent physical condition. The 26-year-old works for a local heating and air conditioning contractor and lifts weights. He is now undergoing physical therapy and could be released later this month.

Brannigan said he was glad to be able to help but has no plans to abandon his career in publishing. "The paramedics are the real heroes in this," he said. "They deal with this every day. They choose to. They did a great job."

Lab tests show drugs and alcohol were not a factor in this accident, but police say the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed. A report edited to conceal confidential information makes no mention of road conditions, but one witness says there was sand and gravel all over the roadway adjacent to The Glen Club golf course. When this witness returned to the scene later Friday night, he says the road appeared to have been swept clean. Village officials say all roads in Glenview are swept six or seven times a year.

Get well wishes can be sent to Furch at Lutheran General Hospital, 1775 W. Dempster St., Park Ridge, IL 60068.

Two architects spent nearly two hours in Glenview last week, trying to get a better sense for what library board members want in a new building at their present site. Library trustees expressed a preference for prairie style or colonial architecture. Arlene Anthony said she hoped the village would steer clear of anything modern. She called Northbrook’s contemporary library "cold and ugly."

Board member Dick Clark disagreed, saying traditional architecture might feel more comfortable at first, but might not "wear well." On the other hand, he said the public could get accustomed to a bold new look and come to love it. Richard Murphy agreed, saying he thought a contemporary building would be more inviting to residents.

Downtown businesswoman Jennifer Kozicki worried that a modern building would soon look dated, but architect Chris Frye assured her "good architecture stands the test of time."

The board wondered whether its new building should mirror neighboring structures such as the downtown train station and the park district headquarters on Prairie Street. Anthony thought it unnecessary to mimic their architectural style, but she stressed that the new building should harmonize with its surroundings.

Members also debated the need to consider plans for downtown redevelopment in designing the new library. From the front row of the audience, Village President Larry Carlson advised them to consult the downtown redevelopment commission but not to wait for that group to make its plans. Architect Randy Gibson said the library could, in essence, "define the future of downtown," and board member David Johnson liked the idea of being "a trendsetter."

The panel thought brick and stone would be the best building materials, but when Anthony suggested the use of something called "Renaissance stone," the architects seemed to shiver. Without using the word "cheap," Chris Frye told Anthony that Renaissance stone is "nothing more than cast concrete, used by builders who can’t afford limestone."

Library administrator Jane Berry said she hoped there would be plenty of glass to brighten the new library and give staff a view of the outside world. The architects agreed that "transparency" was important, allowing the public to see what was going on inside – inviting them to enter.

Glenview Development Director Mary Bak said village residents generally like buildings with prominent roofs that "make a statement on the skyline." The architects worried that a three-story building with a pitched roof might be too tall to comply with village code, but Carlson said the village board might exempt them from such limits. "This is a very important civic building," he told the architects. "Every variance that you need will be looked at very seriously."

The group agreed that closing Prairie Street and the alley behind the current library to create a campus of sorts – allowing residents to move easily from the library’s new plaza or courtyard to Jackman Park and the park district’s headquarters. "That will give you more green space, more land," Carlson said.

Architect Gibson said he thought "the opportunity to create a public plaza – an outdoor space that people can use – is one of the really exciting possibilities for this development. Without that, you’re just a building."

Gibson and Frye promised to return in about four weeks to show the board two different designs. They assured the board that both would have plenty of parking plus places to drop off books and pick up children. Once the library trustees choose the look they prefer, the architects said they would begin to modify their drawings. To see some libraries designed by Gibson and Frye’s firm, go to http://www.psa-ae.com/ie/projects/PSA.html.

Editor’s note: Glenview has already paid for drawings of a possible library at The Glen – plans that cost big bucks and were thrown in the garbage. Now, on the assumption that Prairie Street can be closed, the paint store seized and the post office moved some time soon, the architects are heading back to the drawing board. We know that the library board is anxious for a new building – frustrated by all the delays, but we urge members to wait until details of the site are confirmed. We also think this process deserves a great deal more public input. Last week’s hearing was poorly publicized, with an official announcement from the library going out by e-mail late on the afternoon of the meeting. What’s more, we see no reason why architectural sketches could not be put to a public vote. After all, not one member of the library board was elected for his or her architectural savvy.

Glenview’s historic preservation commission will consider proposing landmark status for the park district headquarters on Prairie Street – a building that opened in 1929 and served as Village Hall for 50 years. The structure is still owned by the village and is leased to the park. The commission will discuss whether to ask the village board to landmark the building at 7:30 p.m. Monday, September 13 in the board room of Village Hall.

The 31 Flavors ice cream shop at 3124 Glenview Road remains closed after a disastrous accident on August 28. A man in his early 70's hit the accelerator of his car instead of the brake and crashed through the door of the shop, narrowly missing a support beam and owner Andy Taylor.

The crash occurred at 9 a.m., before the store had opened, and no one was injured, but damage to the property was extensive. A brick pillar came down, two windows shattered and three freezers were damaged beyond repair. Taylor, who says he was pretty shook up, managed to call 911, and firemen housed just a few blocks away were at the scene in minutes.

Last week, repairs to the brick exterior were completed, and crews installed a new door and windows. This week, Taylor planned a major clean up to remove dust and glass. An insurance payment permitting, he also hoped to have new freezers in place in time to reopen by week's end.

A Thai restaurant at the Glen Oak Plaza near the corner of Lake Ave. and Waukegan Rd. is open for business after the letter "C" in its outdoor neon sign exploded, causing a fire that damaged the building’s exterior. The center’s management was relieved that the fire occurred during the day when it was quickly reported and extinguished.

WLS-TV paid a visit to The Glen Town Center Friday with restaurant critic James Ward giving Town Center a mixed review. After his story aired on the 10 p.m. news, a print version appeared on the station's website. For those who missed it, here's what Ward had to say:

"Up in north suburban Glenview, there's a spectacular new development called The Glen, and Food Critic James Ward says it's worth a trip to see and sample! Welcome to the wonderful world of The Glen.

"Presto! Over the past few years — almost instantly — a brave new world has risen on the vast acreage where the Glenview Air Station once stood. The liveliest thing about The Glen happily centers on food, especially on a market and café that's become a classy hangout for locals. More than a place to live, it's a lifestyle, a pricey pinnacle of perfection where time stands still in quiet tranquility. This city boy has never seen anything like this — sanitized luxury, perfection by planning!

"If you liked Pleasantville, you'll love The Glen! The Town Center is pretty, pretty with flowers, a fountain, and tidy park — a pseudo-urban setting! Instant nostalgia with a quick salute to past reality!

"Amidst the upper-middle stores and shops, you'll find the food — all of it familiar, safe-taste-solid chain stuff but there are two upscale places new to Chicago: the predictably good Mitchell's for fish, and the unpredictably-better Bravo Cucina Italiana with its stylish taste and color!

"Now, let's go shopping at the nearby Market, a favorite of The Glen foodies! Of course, it has all of the usual deluxe touches: a dazzling display of organic flowers, vivid varieties of fruits and vegetables, a choice deli selection, and a hot case section of slow-roasted meats. They also offer dry-aged prime beef and sparkling fresh fish and seafood.

"And don't miss the bargain-priced Grab and Go Meals as well as the abundance of breads, baked goods and goodies. The Market is also justifiably proud of its wine collection. but the large offering of cheese is unfortunately shrink-wrapped a la Trader Joe's. On the other hand, the spectacular display of prepared foods is the heart of The Market — larger and better than Fox and Obel. Try the grilled basil polenta or the praline sweet potatoes.

"Also special to The Market, is their adjacent Espressos Café — with free internet tables — offering some of the best eat-in or take-out food I've ever had — from gorgeous custom-created salads and rare burgers made with Wagyu beef to a variety of glorious gelato.

"The woman in charge of all The Market's food is Chef Deborah Landfear, whose pride and joy is the second level space. It features a cooking school which also becomes a full service restaurant on weekends. And the whole of The Market is a delightful and delicious community place. Says Marilyn Hebler, food lover and homeowner, "I read an article about The Market so I came here to check it out and I like it so much I ended up buying a house in The Glen." So, never underestimate the palatable power of food! It can sell a lifestyle!"

Former Village Manager Paul McCarthy probably got more than he bargained for in retiring to sunny Florida this summer. The community where he built a new home is known as Fiddler’s Creek, and developers say it offers "unsurpassed elegance and luxury amongst a tropical paradise." On average there are fewer than two homes per acre, and properties sell for up to $4 million. Residents have access to a 54,000-square-foot club and spa, a multi-pool complex, two golf courses, tennis courts, a couple of restaurants and a yacht club.

None of that matters, however, to hurricanes. While damage from Francis was light, residents are being ordered to evacuate again with the approach of Hurricane Ivan. "We’re boarding up this time," said one employee of Fiddler’s Creek as she prepared to head north to Tennessee.

With only eight trees diagnosed with Dutch elm disease and only 1,200 of them on local parkways, Glenview is taking a conservative approach to prevention – cutting down diseased trees on public property and urging residents to innoculate elms on private property at a cost of $350-$700.

Evanston, which has 3,300 elms on public property, recently voted to begin immunizing all of them. The disease blocks the supply of food and water to the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown.

Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin is urging the public to join him on Saturday, September 18 (National Public Lands Day) from 9 a.m.-noon and from 1- 4 p.m. for a cleanup of Harms Woods. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Tools will be provided, and the work will be done rain or shine. Park in the lot just west of Old Orchard Road. For more information, call 864-1209 or e-mail mdevine@Suffredin.org

New Trier Township needs volunteers to help advise the community on distribution of funds for social services and to monitor their use by local agencies. If you’d like to get involved call 446-8203 or visit the township’s website to download an application: www.newtriertownship.com/newsandevents.

With a summer of closures on Sunday now behind them, Glenview public library employees are back to business seven days a week, offering a range of activities. Here are a few:

– Learn to better use the web for research by signing up for Intermediate Internet Navigation, or find out how to construct your family tree through an Online Genealogy Resource Workshop. Sign up at the information desk or call 847-729-7500, extension 112.

– You can also sign up for personal tutoring with a librarian who’s familiar with all of the databases the library has to offer. Go to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=yjtbn7n6.0.gxdfo7n6.gozwjwn6.71&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.glenview.lib.il.us%2Ftutorial_form.html

Glenview’s government watchers have their hands full this week with meetings almost every night of the week in the board room at Village Hall.

– At 7:30 p.m. Monday, September 13 the Historic Preservation Commission will consider recommending landmark status for the park district headquarters on Prairie Street. Dedicated in 1929, the building has been home to the village (until 1979), the public library and as a meeting spot for the Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion and the Masons.

– On Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. the plan commission will consider a new townhome development in southwest Glenview near the tollway and a proposal from Staples office supply to locate at the Osco site near Waukegan Road and Lake Avenue.

– At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 15 the Glen Redevelopment Commission confers, and Thursday the Downtown Redevelopment Commission holds its meeting at 7:30 p.m..

The Plan Commission and GRC can be seen on channels 17 or 6, depending on your cable company.

B. Tidwell was upset by our report on staffing of the fire department. While the number of fires is down, manpower is up: "I have no doubt that through technology and fire code enforcement, the overall number of home and building fires has been reduced. The problem when considering a reduction in staff is that fires generally don't give first responders prior warning. If Chief Bonkowski had a crystal ball that told him when and where emergencies were going to be ahead of time, I'm certain that the department ranks could be reduced. You noted that 12 paramedics had gone to the scene of a motorcycle accident involving one man. How many would you have sent? What if there had been more than one victim? What if the initial information was wrong? And I reject your suggestion that local firemen be asked to do community work when they’re not battling blazes or making emergency medical runs. Since 9/11, we've asked our first responders to become technicians in the handling of hazardous materials, chemical and biological weapons, explosives as well as the everyday firefighting and emergency medical services. Reducing their operational effectiveness by having them do neighborhood beautification projects is not the answer."

The Watch replies: We didn’t say anything about reducing the force, B. We were celebrating the good fortune of this community to have "more than a few good men." Our only point was that perhaps our firemen -- who are a civic-minded bunch -- could help with other community projects when they're not otherwise occupied. We’re not sure how that would detract from their operational effectiveness. The guys take their fire trucks to go grocery shopping and still manage to provide Glenview with excellent service.

PD also got the idea we were knocking Glenview’s finest: "I was shocked and dismayed to read the cold and callous remarks made by someone who obviously has no knowledge of what it takes to prevent a tragedy. This person did not have an ‘injured leg.’ His leg was severed. If it was one of my family members, I would want all the help that was available, as this is a life threatening situation. If the doctors and firemen had not performed above and beyond, this person may not be living today. He arrived in stable condition because of the extraordinary efforts of all the people involved. I am personally very grateful to live in a place where the fire department is so well trained. For the record, there was a home that burned on Sunday night. If it wasn't for the response of the fire department, it might have burned to the ground. Unfortunately, damage was extensive, but thank goodness we have a group of well trained and dedicated people who instead of running out of the building run into it in order to save people and sometimes give up there own lives to save others."

The Watch replies: Our information about the nature of the injury came from the fire department’s report. Our story did not quibble with the fine work of the department, and we agree it’s great to have so many great paramedics and firefighters in Glenview.

Kathryn Hall offers thanks to that good Samaritan who witnessed the crash on West Lake between Shermer and Monterey: "The first person to respond to the motorcycle accident last Friday night was not a doctor but Jack Brannigan, a magazine publisher who happened to be driving by and had the presence of mind to use his belt as a tourniquet on the driver's severed leg. The police told the Brannigans that the victim would have bled to death if Jack had not taken action."

Ms. D has a couple of questions: "Where can I get crime information on Glenview online, and when will the next election for village president and trustees be? I am most upset about the TIF funding for the schools, marketing money given to The Glen, and politicization of the library location."

The Watch replies: The next election will be held in April 2005. As for police activity, your best source is the Pioneer Press. Go to www.pioneerlocal.com, select the Glenview Announcements, click on News and then click on Police Blotter in the upper left corner of your screen.

Fritz decries more spending at The Glen: "All you have to do is go look at the second lot on the east side of Monterey at West Lake to see how the village is wasting TIF funds. A house will, no doubt, be built on that property, yet the village went to the expense of laying down sod in the parkway and pouring a sidewalk there! Obviously the sod will be damaged once construction gets underway, and the sidewalk might not survive an assault from heavy equipment. The village just got finished taking out whole sections of the curb and replacing them at the opposite end of Monterey. Why? Because of small dents and dings from driving all the construction equipment over the curb when building the houses."

And GN has had it with tax increment financing: "Complaints from School Districts 225 and 30 are too little, too late. They are finally complaining about how the TIF is going to hurt their funding. Did they really think the TIF would end in 2010? If so, they were dreaming!"

TSM wonders what’s doing at the old Renneckar’s site: "It seems like the renovations have stopped, and there’s a ‘For Lease’ sign out front. Do you know what’s happening?"

The Watch replies: The ‘For Lease’ sign is for office space on the second floor of the building, accessible from an elevator lobby being built on the west side of the building. The main floor will be occupied by a fancy French restaurant called Vis a Vis and its martini bar, V2, now planning to open in mid-November.

Terry Shaner asks what’s up with Harley Davidson’s unfinished building on Willow Road: "What is the status of the unfinished building? What is going on there?"

The Watch replies: The project appears to have stalled. The developer, Barry Brown, originally blamed construction problems for the delay, insisting he wants the building to be done right. Lately, however, Brown has been silent, and an employee at his Chicago store says no date has been set for an opening in Glenview. Harley Davidson also declines to comment on the situation, and the village board, which could take legal action to compel completion of the building, has done nothing.

Annette Barbier makes a case for the arts in Glenview: "As a long-time Glenview resident, it's been disheartening to see so little attention in the form of public support given to the arts in such a wealthy community. When talking about the redevelopment of the downtown area, why not consider providing subsidized space for artists? Other communities have found that the presence of artists boosts the reputation and the economic profile of an area. See this article on Paducah, KY and their downtown redevelopment scheme: http://www.artcalendar.com/Paducaharticle.htm Other suburbs have cultural centers and reputable, professional galleries. Why can't Glenview? Especially in such a diverse community, it makes sense to support the arts. Good artists transcend barriers between cultures. They recognize what we have in common as human beings, telling stories that help us see our commonalities rather than what makes us different. Nothing was done at The Glen. Now we have another opportunity."

Bill Dose is glad plans for a shopping center on the northwest corner of Willow and Waukegan are not going forward – at least not yet: "As someone who has been professionally involved with the local retail scene for many years, I would like to share my sense of relief that tenants for the proposed North Shore Village at Willow and Waukegan have been impossible to find. This fundamentally demonstrates that our area has reached its saturation point for shopping. I bemoaned the idea of North Shore Village when it was first announced -- a formulaic, ersatz and Disneyesque "instant village" mall, pretending to be upscale but really only offering the same dreary pool of mass-market vendors who fill these places because, quite frankly, only the most banal national chain retailers can afford newly constructed space. Consumers in this region don't need yet another source for Dockers and Ralph Lauren."

BP is tree watching and wondering: "We have received lots of information in the village about how to protect our elm trees from Dutch elm disease ( at a healthy cost to homeowners) but there seems to be no attention paid to the substantial number of dead and dying elm trees
located on the north side of Willow between Waukegan and the stop light to the west. Removal of diseased trees as soon as the disease is apparent is very high on the list of steps to be taken to protect our elms. The property in question is most likely Northbrook. Still the village aborists must see this and cringe! That is a well traveled stretch of roadway. Surely someone has noticed."

Barbara Hines asks local residents to think globally and act locally: "Due to a powerful response from the public, the federal government has extended the public comment period until November 15 for a proposal to allow roads in our national forests. The Roadless Rule protects these forests from logging. Roads will make it possible for timber companies to engage in wholesale cutting of the wild forests. Don't let the Bush administration wipe out the Roadless Rule. Go to the following web site to read about it and voice your concerns: http://wildforests.com/wildforests.asp?id=11&id4=TAFsent"

YOUR TURN:  Write to glenviewwatch@aol.com or 3537 Maple Leaf Drive, Glenview, IL 60025. If you haven’t already done so, please consider making a contribution to support The Watch. Non-deductible checks should be payable to Glenview Watch. Thanks for your support and for reading. Dean Schott and Sandy Hausman, Co-Editors.

To read past issues of Glenview Watch, Click Here