Monday, June 25, 2007

District 20 Wind Turbine Plan: Herald Article

The Daily Herald published an article entitled, "District 20 drafts wind turbine plan to cut energy costs,"today. It highlights some of the challenges facing our educational institutions and new ways of thinking that we must consider in order to deal with these challenges.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Relay For Life of Bartlett/Hanover Park/Streamwood

Having the opportunity to address the participants of the Relay for Life on June 23rd was an honor for me as so many individuals continue to dedicate their life in remembrance of their lost family and friends to Cancer. We also celebrate life with the number of Survivors present over the dreaded disease. My message included an invitation to everyone present to sign the petition to urge our State Lawmakers to pass the Smoke-Free Illinois Law without exception. Workers deserve to work in an environment that is healthy and free of the airborne pollution cigarettes provide. Petitions can also be signed on-line: http://www.smokefreeillinois.net/

Friday, June 22, 2007

Meeting with Dr. Myers of Anne Fox School: Kids at Hope

On June 19th, Mayor Craig had a meeting with Dr. Nicholas J. Myers who is the Principal of Anne Fox School here in Hanover Park. Dr. Meyers is working to make a difference in our community, and he has created an opportunity for partnership between the school and the community.

Dr. Myers, along with his staff, has received a $25,000 grant to fund the adoption of "Kids at Hope" in the school and the surrounding attendance area. The funds will facilitate training for the Anne Fox staff and community partners. The goal of this innovative project is to provide participants with a common vocabulary and cultural strategy that provides hope and support to the children in our community.

Kids at Hope operates from the fundamental belief that all children are capable of success - no exceptions! Anne Fox School has been a model of change the past few year and the successful environment is becoming a habit. The school was recently recognized by the University of Illinois Alumni Magazine for efforts to improve learning and students' lives. (You can view the article entitled "Early Learners" at the Magazine's Web site.)

Mayor Craig was happy to learn that the Village of Hanover Park is being offered slots to participate in this program on November 5, 2007. Mayor Craig looks forward to attending and inviting other community leaders to participate.

For more information, visit the Kids at Hope Web site.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

May/June Minute with the Mayor

(Originally published in the May/June Hanover Park HiLighter)

My inaugural message to the residents of Hanover Park begins with congratulations to our newest Trustee Toni Carter and to returning Trustee’s Lori Kaiser, and Joe Nicolosi. The recent election process was challenging for everyone committed to the well being of our hometown. Thanks to those who took the time to vote. Finally, as your new Village President, I look forward to serving the needs of our hometown and working with the elected Board.

During my walking door to door these past few months, I learned how our hometown has changed and evolved in a short period of time. I discovered that the Township Social Services are being worked as never before. The growth of subsidized housing and the influx of new residents are affecting change within our schools and our neighborhoods. I’ve heard from our residents, and along with the other taxing bodies’ elected officials, I plan to seek solutions to
meet our changing society. I also discovered that the residents of Hanover Park appreciate and value the rich diversity of our hometown. Now, we need to participate together as we learn much about our differences. The activities within our schools are a successful model of cooperation toward shared goals. This is a positive example for all of us to follow. Many challenges lie ahead of us. Many residents and business leaders have shared their belief that
together, with everyone’s involvement, we can make a difference.

2008 is the 50th anniversary of Hanover Park. We are looking forward to organizing events that will celebrate and include all organizations and residents. Expect to hear more about our hometown’s Birthday Party activities in future columns.

In early May, the Hanover Park Baseball Association began their season with a nice event. Unfortunately, family business had us in Arkansas at the time, so I was unable to attend. Our teams are the pride of Hanover Park, and the spirit of good sportsmanship and excellence builds character in our youth. Good luck to all our families and young people engaging in team sports and other healthy activities this summer. Enjoy every moment.

Finally, I’m most proud of the volunteers who are active in Village sponsored programs. A large contingent of our Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) has taken on the additional training and skill building to support the Fire Department with Rehab at a fire scene. On May 20th, we all converged on the University of Illinois Fire ground training facility. We experienced many new skills and learned how firefighters survive and control a fire in a building. The outcome provided the volunteers an understanding of what a firefighter needs when seeking recovery.

I look forward to serving everyone and making myself available via open communication. Hanover Park is our hometown. Take an opportunity to get involved.

Sincerely,
Rod