Thursday, July 31, 2008
Why can't we debate with civility?
The Daily Herald has hit the hammer on the head with this Editorial, Why can't we debate with civility?. When we observe the slanderous statements that are made in the internet and comments that are unqualified are attached to articles on newspaper Web sites, these are essentially the same sort of tactics as the school yard bully. Residents expect good debate on the issues, not the mud slinging of a few cowards. Our residents expect discussion of real issues that are grounded in facts and data. They expect elected officials to make decisions that make their lives better. They expect meaningful debate with substance that moves issues forward.
School hopes new windmill bill will keep things turning
Here is an article published in the Pioneer Press about our efforts to bring tax savings via sustainable energy to our area:
School hopes new windmill bill will keep things turning
By JOSH SINGER jsinger@pioneerlocal.com
A school district eyeing windmills to reduce energy costs is counting on a new law to help it benefit from the alternative source of electricity.
School District 20 in Hanover Park first proposed erecting a 300-foot-tall wind turbine next to the Greenbrook School and a forest preserve but was stymied by village zoning ordinances. The $5 million turbine would generate enough electricity to power the district's schools, recouping $300,000 annually.
"If we're not spending money on electricity, we're spending money on kids," said Gary Ofisher, District 20 operations director. Approximately 1,700 students attend schools in the district, which includes 15 children at the Phil Rock Center and School for those who are both deaf and blind.
When the school district suggested moving the turbine about 140 miles away near the rural village of Downs, Ofisher said ComEd balked at the proposal. A letter from ComEd to the school district furnished by Ofisher states: "Meter aggregation, as you suggested ... does not compensate the utility for transmission service."
Read the entire article at:
School hopes new windmill bill will keep things turning
School hopes new windmill bill will keep things turning
By JOSH SINGER jsinger@pioneerlocal.com
A school district eyeing windmills to reduce energy costs is counting on a new law to help it benefit from the alternative source of electricity.
School District 20 in Hanover Park first proposed erecting a 300-foot-tall wind turbine next to the Greenbrook School and a forest preserve but was stymied by village zoning ordinances. The $5 million turbine would generate enough electricity to power the district's schools, recouping $300,000 annually.
"If we're not spending money on electricity, we're spending money on kids," said Gary Ofisher, District 20 operations director. Approximately 1,700 students attend schools in the district, which includes 15 children at the Phil Rock Center and School for those who are both deaf and blind.
When the school district suggested moving the turbine about 140 miles away near the rural village of Downs, Ofisher said ComEd balked at the proposal. A letter from ComEd to the school district furnished by Ofisher states: "Meter aggregation, as you suggested ... does not compensate the utility for transmission service."
Read the entire article at:
School hopes new windmill bill will keep things turning
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Hanover Park Celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a Parade and Car Show
Press release for upcoming festivities:
________________________________
Hanover Park Celebrates its50th Anniversary with a Parade and Car Show
The Village of Hanover Park will be holding a 50th Anniversary Parade on Saturday, August 16, 2008. The parade steps off at 10:30 AM. The parade’s theme is “A Celebration of Hanover Park Youth.” Hundreds of marchers from local youth organizations will be participating along with High School Bands, floats and fire engines!
The parade begins at Ahlstrand Park (Walnut and Catalpa) and travels west on Walnut to Center Ave, North on Center Avenue to Sycamore Avenue, east on Sycamore Avenue to Church Street, south on Church Street to Park Avenue, east on Park Avenue to Pinetree Street, south on Pinetree Street to Walnut Avenue and then west on Walnut Avenue to Community Park.
A car show will be held Sunday, August 17, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 PM at the Hanover Park Commuter Lot located on Lake Street at Barrington Road. Over 300 cars are anticipated to participate. Trophies will be awarded in several classifications. A DJ will provide entertainment.
Hope to see you there! Contact Kim Benedix at 630/372-4218 for additional information.
________________________________
Hanover Park Celebrates its50th Anniversary with a Parade and Car Show
The Village of Hanover Park will be holding a 50th Anniversary Parade on Saturday, August 16, 2008. The parade steps off at 10:30 AM. The parade’s theme is “A Celebration of Hanover Park Youth.” Hundreds of marchers from local youth organizations will be participating along with High School Bands, floats and fire engines!
The parade begins at Ahlstrand Park (Walnut and Catalpa) and travels west on Walnut to Center Ave, North on Center Avenue to Sycamore Avenue, east on Sycamore Avenue to Church Street, south on Church Street to Park Avenue, east on Park Avenue to Pinetree Street, south on Pinetree Street to Walnut Avenue and then west on Walnut Avenue to Community Park.
A car show will be held Sunday, August 17, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 PM at the Hanover Park Commuter Lot located on Lake Street at Barrington Road. Over 300 cars are anticipated to participate. Trophies will be awarded in several classifications. A DJ will provide entertainment.
Hope to see you there! Contact Kim Benedix at 630/372-4218 for additional information.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Matsui Ribbon Cutting
Village President Rod Craig, Presidentof Matsui International Hironobu Matsui, and President of Matsui America Hideki Kubo
This ribbon cutting event opened the new MATSUI America, Inc. facility in Hanover Park.
MATSUI is a worldwide corporation that supports the plastic molding business with dryers. This is the only center located in the USA. We are honored to have them call Hanover Park home.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Congratulations to U-46
Congratulations to School District U-46, in Hanover Park we celebrate their success.
Recently, School District U-46 became the first known Illinois school district to be ISO 9001:2000 certified as a quality management system.
ISO 9001:2000 certification is an internationally recognized standard for quality management that was developed by the International Organization for Standardization. An independent review found U-46 conforms to international quality management system standards in several key areas, including: ·
-Plant Operations;·
-Transportation;·
-Human Resources;·
-Information Systems;·
-Business Services;·
-Food and Nutrition;·
-Curriculum;·
-District Records;·
-Capital planning; and,·
-Safety and security.
Recently, School District U-46 became the first known Illinois school district to be ISO 9001:2000 certified as a quality management system.
ISO 9001:2000 certification is an internationally recognized standard for quality management that was developed by the International Organization for Standardization. An independent review found U-46 conforms to international quality management system standards in several key areas, including: ·
-Plant Operations;·
-Transportation;·
-Human Resources;·
-Information Systems;·
-Business Services;·
-Food and Nutrition;·
-Curriculum;·
-District Records;·
-Capital planning; and,·
-Safety and security.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Commissioner Schneider to Speak at August 7th Board Meeting
I am happy to announce that Timothy O. Schneider, 15th District Commissioner to the Cook County Board who represents Hanover Park will address the Hanover Park Village Board at our regularly scheduled meeting on August 7th at 7:30pm.Commissioner Schneider will discuss the recent sale tax increase and other issues facing the county and our village.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Press Release: Hanover Park Progress
For Immediate Release, July 22, 2008
Hanover Park Residents Take a Stand for Progress in Their Community
HANOVER PARK, IL-Hanover Park residents gathered today at Atmya Plaza to form a new political party. This new party, Hanover Park Progress, has been created with an eye toward the April 2009 municipal election. Open government, funding for police and public safety, and support for the Hanover Park Wind Turbine Alliance were some of the issues discussed at the organizing meeting.
"We are concerned citizens of Hanover Park," commented Rick Roberts, Chairman of Hanover Park Progress. "We have been longtime community volunteers, who have worked hard to make our town a great place to live. We are concerned about the events going on in our village government, and we see important opportunities. It's our goal to make sure we act on those opportunities."
Party leaders filed the paperwork with the county and state organizing Hanover Park Progress as a new political, local party. Hanover Park Progress will have a booth at Hanover Park's upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration from August 14-17, and they will be organizing several fall events to bring residents together to raise support for their cause.
"We chose the name 'Progress' because it represents our goals for Hanover Park," stated Laura Roehrig, Hanover Park Progress Secretary. "We want Hanover Park to move forward. We live in an era of continuous change, so the 'same old, same old' won't cut it. We want responsible government that solves problems and helps residents."
Several residents in attendance at the organizational meeting expressed concern how the existing Village Board make decisions. It seems politics take precedence over the needs of the residents.
“It is time to end the agendas of revenge that seem to drive our Village Board meetings,” commented Gary Johnson, Hanover Park Progress Treasurer. “We have been impressed with the leadership of Mayor Craig and Trustee (Toni) Carter, but over the last year, it has become clear that the rest of the Village Board is not interested in solving problems and meeting the needs of the people. It’s our goal to make the Village listen to the needs of the people and treat residents with the respect they deserve.”
For more information about Hanover Park Progress, visit their Web site at http://www.hanoverparkprogress.com.
Hanover Park Residents Take a Stand for Progress in Their Community
HANOVER PARK, IL-Hanover Park residents gathered today at Atmya Plaza to form a new political party. This new party, Hanover Park Progress, has been created with an eye toward the April 2009 municipal election. Open government, funding for police and public safety, and support for the Hanover Park Wind Turbine Alliance were some of the issues discussed at the organizing meeting.
"We are concerned citizens of Hanover Park," commented Rick Roberts, Chairman of Hanover Park Progress. "We have been longtime community volunteers, who have worked hard to make our town a great place to live. We are concerned about the events going on in our village government, and we see important opportunities. It's our goal to make sure we act on those opportunities."
Party leaders filed the paperwork with the county and state organizing Hanover Park Progress as a new political, local party. Hanover Park Progress will have a booth at Hanover Park's upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration from August 14-17, and they will be organizing several fall events to bring residents together to raise support for their cause.
"We chose the name 'Progress' because it represents our goals for Hanover Park," stated Laura Roehrig, Hanover Park Progress Secretary. "We want Hanover Park to move forward. We live in an era of continuous change, so the 'same old, same old' won't cut it. We want responsible government that solves problems and helps residents."
Several residents in attendance at the organizational meeting expressed concern how the existing Village Board make decisions. It seems politics take precedence over the needs of the residents.
“It is time to end the agendas of revenge that seem to drive our Village Board meetings,” commented Gary Johnson, Hanover Park Progress Treasurer. “We have been impressed with the leadership of Mayor Craig and Trustee (Toni) Carter, but over the last year, it has become clear that the rest of the Village Board is not interested in solving problems and meeting the needs of the people. It’s our goal to make the Village listen to the needs of the people and treat residents with the respect they deserve.”
For more information about Hanover Park Progress, visit their Web site at http://www.hanoverparkprogress.com.
Welcome Dr. Torres
Today's Daily Herald ran this nice article about Dr. Jose Torres, "New U-46 Superintendent Takes Control". I have had the honor to meet with Dr. Torres, and it was a pleasure to welcome him to our area on behalf of the residents of Hanover Park.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Wind Turbine Alliance Power Point & HB6660
We are very excited about the work of the Wind Turbine Alliance. I wanted to share our progress in this Wind Turbine Alliance Power Point. I have also pasted the status of HB6660 below. This bill would amend the Public Utilities Act to allow for partnerships between schools, community colleges, and municipalities to create wind turbines. This bill is sponsored by Representatives Fred Crespo, George Scully Jr., Harry R. Ramey Jr., Mike Boland, and Robert F. Flider.
HB6660
House Sponsors: Rep. Fred Crespo - George Scully Jr. - Harry R. Ramey Jr. - Mike Boland - Robert F. Flider (Click the down triangle to view larger version.)
HB6660
House Sponsors: Rep. Fred Crespo - George Scully Jr. - Harry R. Ramey Jr. - Mike Boland - Robert F. Flider (Click the down triangle to view larger version.)
Melanoma Skin Screening @ Alexian Brothers
Wanted to pass on some info…
Alexian Brothers Hospital is offering FREE Melanoma Skin Screening for anyone 18 years or older on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 from 5 pm – 8pm.
The screening is conducted at St. Alexian Medical Center 1555 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169. An appointment is required – call 1-866-253-9426.
Alexian Brothers Hospital is offering FREE Melanoma Skin Screening for anyone 18 years or older on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 from 5 pm – 8pm.
The screening is conducted at St. Alexian Medical Center 1555 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169. An appointment is required – call 1-866-253-9426.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Sale Tax Hike Presents Challenges for Hanover Park
The recent Cook County sales tax hike has gotten a great of press over the past week. For more info about it, you can take a look at "Sales Tax Hike In Effect; Will Shoppers Revolt?" from CBS2 Chicago.
This presents challenges for the overall health of Hanover Park, since part of our community is in Cook County and part is in DuPage. I commented on this in my last Minute with the Mayor in the Hanover Park Hi-Lighter. Here's what I said:
I’m not pleased that Todd Stroger, President of Cook County Board, hit all of Cook County with an additional sales tax increase of 1%. Every suburban Mayor that I have had the pleasure to meet works very hard to keep taxes under control. Perhaps, Mr. Stroger should educate himself in the practice. I am pleased to see that Tim Schneider, Cook County Commissioner who represents Hanover Park, did not support the increase and has been there to support Hanover Park. The tax is estimated to produce an additional $900,000 to Cook County from Hanover Park sales.
This presents challenges for the overall health of Hanover Park, since part of our community is in Cook County and part is in DuPage. I commented on this in my last Minute with the Mayor in the Hanover Park Hi-Lighter. Here's what I said:
I’m not pleased that Todd Stroger, President of Cook County Board, hit all of Cook County with an additional sales tax increase of 1%. Every suburban Mayor that I have had the pleasure to meet works very hard to keep taxes under control. Perhaps, Mr. Stroger should educate himself in the practice. I am pleased to see that Tim Schneider, Cook County Commissioner who represents Hanover Park, did not support the increase and has been there to support Hanover Park. The tax is estimated to produce an additional $900,000 to Cook County from Hanover Park sales.
4th Facts & Fireworks Safety
As the 4th of July approaches, I wanted to send along some info that was shared with me.
First, is this Web site from the Census Bureau: Facts and features about the 4th of July from the US Census Bureau (originally published a couple of years ago.)
Here's a good fireworks safety site: US Consumer Product Safety Commission's Fireworks Safety tips
This info was forwarded to me via email:
---------------------
Using Fireworks Safely
For Americans, summer means picnics, barbecues, parades, fireworks displays and other fun activities. Unfortunately, summer holidays are also identified with backyard firecrackers, bottle rockets, cherry bombs and other dangerous explosives.
Despite efforts to educate people about the hazards of home fireworks, the problem persists. In 2000 (most recent available figures), 10 people were killed and 11,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries.
Almost half of the injuries happen to children 15 and younger. Almost two-thirds of the victims are male. Firecrackers, bottle rockets and sparklers cause most fireworks injuries, with firecrackers accounting for the 30 percent of the injuries. Even seemingly harmless sparklers burn at temperatures as high as 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause disfiguring burns. Most injuries result from misuse, including holding firecrackers too long, picking up lighted fireworks and having fireworks explode near a bystander. Common injuries include second- and third-degree burns, partial or total loss of sight, lacerations and fractures.
The National Safety Council strongly urges people to avoid all home fireworks. Some people, however, will still conduct backyard fireworks displays despite laws against their use and the great danger to themselves and others. For those people who insist on putting themselves at risk, the National Safety Council reluctantly offers the following suggestions to minimize the chance of injuries from fireworks to users and bystanders.
• Always light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.
• Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting the devices.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
• Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Always store fireworks in a dry, cool place and avoid rough handling that might damage the fuse or handles.
As a preventive measure, keep a bucket of water nearby when conducting a home display. Use the water to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off immediately. Cool water should be applied to burns. If a person suffers a serious injury, get immediate medical assistance.
Above all-the best way to have a blast this summer, without endangering yourself or others, is to watch and safely enjoy a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.
________________________________________
National Safety Council. (n.d.). Using fireworks safely. Retrieved June 4, 2008, from http://www.nsc.org
Published by permission from Workplace Solutions
First, is this Web site from the Census Bureau: Facts and features about the 4th of July from the US Census Bureau (originally published a couple of years ago.)
Here's a good fireworks safety site: US Consumer Product Safety Commission's Fireworks Safety tips
This info was forwarded to me via email:
---------------------
Using Fireworks Safely
For Americans, summer means picnics, barbecues, parades, fireworks displays and other fun activities. Unfortunately, summer holidays are also identified with backyard firecrackers, bottle rockets, cherry bombs and other dangerous explosives.
Despite efforts to educate people about the hazards of home fireworks, the problem persists. In 2000 (most recent available figures), 10 people were killed and 11,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries.
Almost half of the injuries happen to children 15 and younger. Almost two-thirds of the victims are male. Firecrackers, bottle rockets and sparklers cause most fireworks injuries, with firecrackers accounting for the 30 percent of the injuries. Even seemingly harmless sparklers burn at temperatures as high as 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause disfiguring burns. Most injuries result from misuse, including holding firecrackers too long, picking up lighted fireworks and having fireworks explode near a bystander. Common injuries include second- and third-degree burns, partial or total loss of sight, lacerations and fractures.
The National Safety Council strongly urges people to avoid all home fireworks. Some people, however, will still conduct backyard fireworks displays despite laws against their use and the great danger to themselves and others. For those people who insist on putting themselves at risk, the National Safety Council reluctantly offers the following suggestions to minimize the chance of injuries from fireworks to users and bystanders.
• Always light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.
• Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting the devices.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
• Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Always store fireworks in a dry, cool place and avoid rough handling that might damage the fuse or handles.
As a preventive measure, keep a bucket of water nearby when conducting a home display. Use the water to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off immediately. Cool water should be applied to burns. If a person suffers a serious injury, get immediate medical assistance.
Above all-the best way to have a blast this summer, without endangering yourself or others, is to watch and safely enjoy a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.
________________________________________
National Safety Council. (n.d.). Using fireworks safely. Retrieved June 4, 2008, from http://www.nsc.org
Published by permission from Workplace Solutions
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Wind Farm Under Construction in Indiana
Our neighboring state to the east, Indiana, is moving forward on a major wind farm that is under development through BP. You can read more information in this press release: BP And Dominion Welcome Governor Daniels to Indiana's Largest Wind Farm.
The creation of this wind farms bring many benefits to the state economy such as new jobs, cheaper energy, and revenue for local municipalities. I thought it was worth linking to this press release just to note that the efforts of the Hanover Park Wind Turbine Alliance are in line with many discussions occuring right now around the rest of the country.
For another view of this, watch this CBS News Sunday Morning video:
The creation of this wind farms bring many benefits to the state economy such as new jobs, cheaper energy, and revenue for local municipalities. I thought it was worth linking to this press release just to note that the efforts of the Hanover Park Wind Turbine Alliance are in line with many discussions occuring right now around the rest of the country.
For another view of this, watch this CBS News Sunday Morning video:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
