HIGH SCHOOL MAY SELL NAMING RIGHTS

Financial times are tight at School District 225, and the board of education may be turning to the private sector for help.  Members asked Superintendent Dave Hales to look into the idea of selling naming rights for various school facilities after residents of Vernon Hills and Libertyville agreed to play football at “Rust-Oleum Stadium.”  The national paint company, headquartered in Vernon Hills, will be handing the school a check for $100,000 every year for the next 20 years.

Hales concluded such deals would “be a gigantic leap for the district,” and urged board members to think long and hard about appropriate business partners.  Coca Cola, for example, offers direct payments for the exclusive right to sell its products in schools, but given public concerns about obesity, Hales questioned whether District 225 wants to cozy up to Coke.

“I don’t want to have kids’ nutrition affected, and I don’t want to have any commercials in the classroom, but a Kraft music center or calling a new pool the Allstate Pool, that wouldn’t offend me at all,” board member Elias Matsakis said.

According to Pioneer Press reporter Sara Loeb, member Wayne Berzon was also willing to consider sponsorships, but only for big bucks.  “If you’re going to talk about naming stadiums, building hallways, doing the music centers, creating science wings,” he said, companies should be willing to shell out at least a million dollars.

That proposal raised doubts for Board Vice President Skip Shein who wondered if global companies based here would be interested in spending so much for local exposure.

Board President Donna Torf rejected the idea outright, noting students are a captive audience who should not be subject to marketing in their school, even for a “worthy cause.”  She added that companies could fall into disrepute or controversy, creating a public relations problem for the district.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs Craig Schilling was also hesitant, saying such deals could create a conflict of interest when big corporate sponsors decide to appeal their property tax bills.  District 225 routinely opposes such requests.

The board agreed to include some questions about the issue on an up-coming telephone survey of district residents.

DISTRICT 34 WANTS PUBLIC HELP TO FIX FINANCIAL PROBLEMS

Faced with its own worrisome financial future, Glenview’s largest elementary school district is looking for volunteers to serve on three committees.  The first will look at ways to cut expenses.  A second will search for new revenue, and a third will set long-term goals for the district – goals that could help guide spending.

Planners say the district would spend $3 million more than it takes in during the 2006-2007 school year unless changes are made, and the gap would grow to $4 million the following year.

The committees will include district staff and members of the teachers’ association, members of the PTA or local school councils and district residents with financial background.  To volunteer, call Superintendent Gerald Hill at 998-5005 or e-mail ghill@glenview34.org.

COUNTY IN DEEP DEBT – COMMISSIONERS WANT REFORM

In the wake news that Cook County faces a $300 million deficit next year, Commissioners Larry Suffredin and Forrest Claypool are calling for a change in the way President John Stroger does business.  The two accused Stroger of “poor planning, last-minute decision-making, lack of data and inaccurate financial projections.  For the past three years, President Stroger has presented a budget at the last possible moment, requesting large tax increases to fund his spending,” said Claypool. 

Suffredin and Claypool say four changes could fix the problem.  They propose:

-- Formalizing the way the county comes up with its annual budget.

--  Delivering the spending plan at least 45 days before it takes effect.

-- Releasing an audited financial report within six months of the last fiscal year.

-- Auditing during the year to allow corrections.

PARK DISTRICT TALLIES ITS LOSSES

-- An early morning fire on Sunday, September 18 destroyed the field house at Crowley Park on Huber Lane. A newspaper delivery man reported the blaze by cell phone around 5:30 a.m., and firemen were on the scene within minutes.  Possible evidence of arson was recovered from the scene, and Glenview police are now investigating along with local firemen and the state fire marshal.  Most of the district’s field houses were built from brick, but this one – along with eight others constructed in the 50’s – resembled a log cabin and was made entirely of wood. 

-- The district is awaiting a bill for about $5,000 to replace damaged doors at its main golf course on Shermer Road.  Burglars broke in there last month, and golf course director Cliff Bosworth slept in the pro shop one night – guarding merchandise until a damaged burglar alarm could be repaired.  Nothing was taken, but the district says several sprinkler heads on the course were destroyed, tee markers were stolen and rakes were tossed into a pond. 

-- A maintenance company hired to clean the Glenview Tennis Club says it will pay the full cost of restoring fixtures damaged when a crew used the wrong chemical to scour the locker rooms.  The product caused chrome and stainless steel fixtures to fade and rust.  Grout between tiles was also damaged.

MORE PARK DISTRICT PATTER

-- Finances at Park Center remain tight, and the district is calling for more cuts in staff and wages to help balance the 2005-2006 budget.  

--  The park district is looking for ways to improve parking at Park Center where spaces routinely fill up between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays.  Negotiations continue with Attea Middle School next door.  School District 34 has jealously guarded its bus lanes, contending any additional traffic there could put children at risk. Meanwhile, the park district says it will make spaces on Chestnut Street more convenient by building a sidewalk from the street to the Park Center lot.   

-- Period housewares, candles, art work, jewelry, crafts, books, field guides and toys are expected to go on sale Monday when the Grove opens its gift shop in the interpretive center. 

-- Kennicott House will mark its 150^th anniversary at The Grove next year.  Wood repair and painting of the exterior have begun with inside improvements set for the winter and spring.

-- Construction on a visitors’ center at Wagner Farm could begin early next month after the park district awarded a contract at last week’s board meeting.  Construction is expected to take 10 months, making a grand opening of the Wagner Farm Heritage Center possible next summer.

-- The district will host its annual Halloween Spooktacular on October 28 at Park Center.

TOWNSHIP DISTRAUGHT OVER NEIGHBORHOOD SLOB

Northfield Township Supervisor Jill Brickman has been on the phone to the state’s attorney’s office – asking for help in getting Steven Rothbart to clean up his mess. 

Rothbart lives at 915 Highland Lane, surrounded by trash, old vehicles, dead rodents and an illegal shed.  The property is just over the line from incorporated Glenview, so it’s governed by county zoning rules rather than village ordinance. 

Rothbart has successfully evaded officials trying to serve him with court orders. When he was forced to go before a judge in late 2003, he was ordered to bring proof of a clean-up within 30 days. The messy Mr. Rothbart returned with photos that prompted the judge to dismiss charges. Later, the Glenview Announcements says, the court learned those pictures were of another property. 

In late 2004, other charges were dismissed after Rothbart removed junked vehicles from his yard.  One day after the court hearing, he had them towed back. 

GLENVIEW POST OFFICE OPEN LATE

Hoping to increase its share of the booming global delivery business, the U.S. Postal Service is expanding its hours at hundreds of busy branches around the country including Glenview and 33 other north and west suburban locations.  The building on Prairie Street is now open until 6 p.m. – making it possible for commuters from the city to post letters and packages before heading home.  “A lot of people get off the train and want to come to the post office,” Glenview Postmaster Alonzo Young told the Pioneer Press.  “If it helps out the community, that’s what we’re here for.”

Glenview is also one of 2,500 post offices offering a machine that does what clerks have traditionally done.  It can weigh packages and issue the right amount of postage, look up zip codes, help customers send Express Mail or sell stamps to anyone with a credit card.

RESTAURANT ROW

-- Starbucks and Caribou Coffee have a formidable new competitor at 1107 Waukegan Road, and her name is Mary Sopcic.  The petite blonde mother of two grown sons fulfilled a life-long dream Saturday – opening Sweet Dreams Bakery and Cafe just south of Glenview’s historical society.  Mrs. Sopcic (pronounced SOPP-chich) came to this country from Croatia and has been baking for most of her life – winning raves from friends and family at weddings, birthday parties and anniversaries.  Now, she’s sharing her French and Croatian-style pastries in an upscale but cozy spot furnished with Brazilian hard wood tables, fine carpets, sofas, easy chairs and bookshelves that invite patrons to linger and relax. Sweet Dreams’ menu features the usual espresso drinks, tea and hot chocolate along with fresh juice and light entrees. Mary’s particularly proud of the cheese strudel made with low-fat ricotta cheese and sour cream.  Does she recommend it to those on a diet?  “Everything in moderation,” she says.  There’s also quiche and grilled sandwiches served with greens, a soup of the day, potato and beet salads. The pastry list is even longer:  cream puffs and éclairs, rum, walnut and coconut bars, fresh fruit strudel, cookies, tarts, banana bread, carrot cake, muffins and apple coffee cake.  It’s all made from scratch using organic, fair-trade and locally-produced ingredients where possible, and the menu identifies items suitable for vegans.  For details, visit the bakery’s website (organicisbetter) or call 657-1092.  There’s parking behind the café. 

-- An Italian deli and café will soon share the first floor of Renneckar’s former home with Dinner by Design, a catering and cooking spot.  L’Appetito already has two stores – one in the Hancock Center and another on E. Huron Street.  It will offer baked goods, sandwiches, subs, salads, antipastos and pizza.  The second floor of the building has been leased by Anetta’s Wellness Center and Spa which hopes to open, along with the restaurant and cooking center, in November.

-- An upscale Brazilian steakhouse similar to Chicago’s Fogo de Chao and Sal y Carvao is now open on Milwaukee Avenue at the site of the former restaurant owned by Jim McMahon. “Churrascos,” a Portuguese word meaning “barbecue,” is owned and operated by Haeng S. Koo, proprietor of Delmonico’s in downtown Chicago.

-- Another Greek Islands restaurant may open in Wheeling.  Village officials say they’ll sell property along Milwaukee Avenue to a developer who plans to build the new eatery.  Gus Couchell, one of the restaurant’s owners, says Greek Islands already serves half a million diners at its Chicago and Lombard locations.

-- Cy's Crabhouse on Milwaukee has closed, and the site is for sale as is Buona Sera in Wheeling, and Leona’s restaurant at Dundee and Wolf has reopened as Priscilla's Bar and Grill.

VON MAUR PLANS EXPANSION

A slow start at The Glen Town Center has not deterred Iowa-based Von Maur from planning new suburban and city stores.  Dubbed “the stealth department store,” by Crain’s Chicago Business, Von Maur says it would like to open at Woodfield Mall, wants a store in the fast-growing southwest suburbs and could open on North Michigan Avenue if the right site opens up.

The news comes at a time of consolidation for retailers.  Federated Department Stores recently acquired May Department Stores and Saks is selling hundreds of outlets including the 30-store Carson Pirie Scott chain.  Crain’s says Von Maur is hoping to get a good deal as larger competitors unload overlapping and poorly performing stores. 

THE GREEN SCENE

-- Residents are invited to help improve the banks of the Chicago River in Glenview from 9 a.m. until noon, Saturday. October 1.  School and scout groups are welcome to join in the removal of weeds and brush, making way for wildflowers and native grasses that provide a suitable home for birds and butterflies.  Meet at Kohl's parking lot on Willow Road. Wear old work clothes and shoes. Long pants and gloves are highly recommended.
Large groups should RSVP to Rob: 847-729-3487.

-- Glenview has finally installed signs at the Techny Conservation Area and built a trail along the man-made waterway known as the North Navy Ditch.  (Predictably, Village Hall has called it the “North Navy Ditch Trail.”  Now there’s poetry for you.  Anyone up for a contest to give this new natural area a more appealing moniker?) The conservation area west of Heatherfield and east of  Kohl’s on Willow Road remains short on trash cans, although the tiny Peninsula Park adjacent to it has not one but two. (The park district apparently understands these things.)  On a brighter note, tall stands of native grasses are now growing along a path west of the Chicago River, providing a natural barrier to trash that had been blowing in from the North Shore Corporate Park and the shopping strip.

NORTHBROOK CONSIDERS TIF FOR SKOKIE-DUNDEE

Northbrook may use tax increment financing to promote development at Skokie Boulevard and Dundee Road. Trustees will hold a public hearing October 11 on whether to set-up a TIF for the 14-acre site. A $110 million development is proposed for the site.  It would include a nine-story hotel, 66 condos, restaurants, a fitness center and office space.  School districts 225 and 28 are expected to object, since TIF-ing the property would divert potential tax revenue from those districts to the development. 

UNITED WAY HOPES KATRINA WON’T HURT CHARITY AT HOME

The North Suburban United Way is hoping the generosity shown to the victims of Hurricane Katrina will extend to hometown needs. The charity kicked off its $450,000 fund drive last week.  Money raised will be given to programs that help children or assist people in crisis in Glenview, Golf, Northbrook, Deerfield, Bannockburn and Riverwoods.

`

KATRINA SUPPORT CONTINUES

Local fire stations remain open to collect non-perishable food, toiletries, games and other goods for displaced Gulf Coast residents, and the department is asking for cold-weather clothing for evacuees now living in this area.  Field School at 2055 Landwehr is also collecting gently used clothing, toys and shoes for hurricane victims, and Oakton Community College is allowing any college students displaced by the storm to enroll at district rates.  For more information or to learn about the many generous businesses and individuals involved with hurricane relief, read the Glenview Announcements’ story:  http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/localnews/current/gv/09-22-05-690200.html

SAVE THE DATE

-- The next meeting of the Glenview village board has been moved from 7:30 p.m. October 4 to October 6.  The trustees will meet with the library board Monday, October 10 at Village Hall to discuss the future of a new or renovated library, and the downtown planning committee will also meet at Village Hall Thursday, September 29 at 7 p.m.

-- The North Glen Business and Professional Women will hold a dinner meeting on Tuesday, October 25 at Five Seasons Country Club, 1300 Techny Road, Northbrook -- just west of Waukegan Road. The guest speaker will be Gwen Wolken, an independent area manager for Arbonne International.  Her topic will be “Anti-Aging and the War Against Time.”  Gwen will discuss how to look and feel better using herb and botanically based products. Cocktails and networking begin at 6 p.m.  Dinner will be served at 6:30.  Call Cindy Pfeiffer at 847-331-6631 for information and reservations.  Members - $22; non-members - $25.

READERS WRITE

RS takes exception to JAS who said residents of Dewes Street and those who called for ‘no right turn on red,’ at the Chestnut and Lehigh railroad crossing should ‘grow up. You are responsible for yourselves.  It’s a cold, cruel world out there,’ she wrote: “This really irks me,” says RS. “We are taking responsibility for ourselves and our children. That wasn't the point. What needs to be done is to have some kind of enforcement or control of cars doing 40 m.p.h. in a 20 m.p.h. zone. Sounds like JAS could be one of those people we are complaining about.”

And KEI offered these thoughts: “I hope the attitude reflected in the comments by JAS are the extreme rather than the norm.  Those of us who are concerned about traffic issues in Glenview are not asking for more traffic restrictions but rather a way to enforce existing traffic restrictions.  Those existing restrictions are in place to protect residents, especially children.  Driving faster than the speed limit, not stopping at stop signs and other traffic violations are not victimless crimes.  Those of us with children work very hard to make them defensive pedestrians, but drivers must also obey the rules. Anyone who suggests that police, firefighters, school officials and village government are not there to protect the smallest and most vulnerable members of our community is sadly mistaken.  We must protect our future by protecting our children.”

JH doesn’t like the attitude of some Dewes Street residents: “I would, on occasion, drive down Dewes to avoid Glenview Road. In the spring I noticed some children waiting for the school bus with their parents and a large German shepherd, which was off the leash. It would run towards my car as I approached the stop sign and then stop abruptly at the curb, I always braked hard, expecting the dog to go into the street. After this happened a number of times, I rolled down my window and asked the people if the dog could be put on a leash, as I was concerned that one day someone would hit it. I was told, with a smirk, that they were doing it on purpose to stop ‘people like me’ from speeding. I found this very offensive, not only was it done at a stop sign, where everyone has to stop, but I wasn’t speeding.  Intimidating drivers by using a dog off the leash is breaking the law, just as is speeding, and we as a community should not condone or support those who break any laws.”

FM gives “kudos to DK's suggestion about a book/video pick-up and drop-off in the Glenview library parking lot.  Why does Glenview pay experts to research ideas from other libraries, when our own citizens can tell them what we need?   Arlington Heights has a very successful and well-used library.  Didn't anyone look there for ideas?  They also have a special room for genealogy research with a few experts available to help.”

EB doesn’t think we’ll need extra parking downtown once postal employees move on: “In the many years we have resided in Glenview, only one time was it necessary for me to park on the street when visiting the library. When the post office is finally out of   downtown Glenview all the streets within blocks of the library will be open for parking.  In case you haven't noticed, postal employees use much of the area’s parking each day.  So let’s don't spend big bucks on fancy parking garages.”

Noting so many restaurant closings in Glenview, Mr. D remarks, “Too much competition from The Glen? Who would have guessed that the village (via TIF funds) would have been the local restaurant’s biggest competitor!”

JA reports driving westbound on Lake Avenue one evening, backed up at the Milwaukee Avenue light well before the 294 underpass: “While waiting, large chunks of cement fell into the eastbound lanes of Lake from the underpass.  Fortunately, there were no cars coming at the time. I immediately called 911.  A good samaritan pulled off the road, ran into to eastbound lanes and cleared the chunks to prevent damage to on-coming traffic. I hope that the 294 bridges both on Lake and on Milwaukee are surveyed to ensure their safety.”

The Watch replies:  We contacted Glenview’s Communications Director Janet Spector Bishop, and she told us, “The village is also concerned and has reported this problem to IDOT.  We've had no response to date but will keep trying!”

Mark Ganchiff laments the condition of a large cottonwood tree at Waukegan and Overlook that “might be one of the oldest trees in Glenview -- perhaps more than 100 years old. It’s being killed.  What appears to be the expansion of the Avon parking lot (more asphalt, just what we need in Glenview) has cut the tree's roots.  Now the leaves are turning yellow and falling off.  Given how close the backhoes have cut and the construction debris piled around the trunk, this old tree appears to be another victim of the paving of Glenview.” 

Spector Bishop offered this reply: “Although the tree is in poor condition, recent work in the area has had little or no impact on it.  Our Tree Preservation Officer took a look, and there has been no disruption of the critical root zone by grading, no piling or excavated earth or construction material around the tree, nor any construction vehicles parked in the root zone.  In his professional opinion, the leaf drop is a symptom of the overall poor health of the tree -- possibly made worse by the drought.”

Natural Resource Commissioner and award-winning science teacher Rob Blomquist agreed: “The tree is heavily stressed, but that may have as much to do with the drought as with the parking lot work.  The cottonwood in question is probably one of the largest in Glenview, though it may not be as old as many other trees in the community. (Cottonwoods grow fast and large and are relatively short- lived compared to oaks and maples.) Village Tree Preservation Officer Dan Roseman tells me he inspected the tree and saw little evidence of root damage, although there were large construction vehicles parked near the trees in violation of local ordinance.  Those vehicles have now been moved, but I would encourage concerned citizens to keep watching, and if they ever see earth movers or bobcats parked close to the trees, call 847-657-3030 and report that to Roseman.”

AL writes: “Have you noticed on northbound Greenwood Ave at Lake Ave the new traffic light configuration is confusing and potentially dangerous?  What I'm referring to is that there are four lanes of northbound traffic at the light, with two designated to the left/westbound turn.  There are four overhead traffic lights, and one would assume that they are for the respective lanes.  But the second light from the left is not for the second left turn lane.  Inquiring minds would like to know what can be done.”

Assistant Village Manager Joe Wade tells The Watch: “The village has contacted the Cook County Highway Department about the Lake and Greenwood traffic signals.  We have advised them that the signal configuration is confusing to motorists as the alignment of signals to lanes causes drivers to confuse the thru lane signal with the left turn signal.  We sent along a photograph and have requested their review of the signal configuration for improvement.”

JS wonders about parking two-wheelers at the Metra station: “I have noticed several mopeds, motor-driven cycles and motorcycles parked in the bicycle racks. They do not display a commuter parking pass.  On the other hand, there are few motorcycles that park in the lot just north of The Noodle, and they display parking passes. They use the small unusable space at the end of the rows where a car would not fit -- unless it's on a day when the fool in the burgundy SUV parks sideways and occupies the car spot and the small wedge at the end, in a village where “Character Counts.” 

“My questions: Are motor-driven cycles or motorcycles exempt from the requirement of a commuter parking pass in the village? Are the bicycle racks an acceptable alternative to occupying a car space in the normal parking lot?  If I get the new Honda Goldwing I've been eyeing, can it be parked in the bicycle rack at no charge? (Between free parking and lower gas costs, maybe I can justify a motorcycle to the wife after all!)

According to Spector Bishop, “Village ordinance requires motor vehicles to park in a designated parking space. They can not park in any other area, including bike racks.   Motorcycles, mopeds,  and motorized scooters are considered motor vehicles and 

should not be parked in the bike racks.  Their owners do need to pay for parking. 

An officer in our traffic division recently checked the bike racks at both commuter lots and didn't find any violations, however the officers who enforce the parking restrictions around the commuter lots will be keeping an eye out for this violation.”

One of our British readers, Barry Gardener notes the generosity of Glenview residents and says his community is also helping victims of Hurricane Katrina: “City rations bound for Katrina victims were packed by Portsmouth dockyard workers and airlifted to the survivors. Planes crammed with half a million military ration boxes are heading for the devastated southern states from the city's production line. Each  4,000-calorie pack usually keeps a soldier going for 24 hours and contains a 'boil in the bag' breakfast, main meal and dessert, plus powdered drinks, savoury snacks, sweets and other essentials.”

Biff Thiele’s been thinking about plans for a new library in Glenview: “Our house is 66 years old. We wouldn’t dream of building a new house, when the old one is still in very good condition. When we have needed to expand, we have built additions. When our roof leaked, we fixed it. When the A/C finally went, we replaced it. If the electrical and plumbing become problems, we'll get an electrician or plumber to come in and make repairs. And we’re not alone!  The New York Times recently reported that the Smithsonian museum had a run down HVAC system, water stained ceilings, broken pipes, roofs in disrepair and collections in peril. Sound familiar? If you removed the dollar amounts and the Smithsonian name, you might mistake the story for one about the Glenview Public Library. The difference, of course, is that the Smithsonian staff never had any intention of using this as an excuse to tear down a 160-year-old structure that can be added-on to and repaired. They are working with what they have and salvaging as much as they can -- a perfect example of fiscal responsibility for our own village and library boards to consider.”

YOUR TURN:  Write to glenviewwatch@aol.com or 3537 Maple Leaf Drive, Glenview, IL 60026. 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