Downers Grove Community News

Familiar Foe Awaits Downers South in Second Round

2009-11-04T15:42:00.003-06:00

With a trip to Bolingbrook for Saturday’s 6 p.m. second-round Class 8A playoff game, Downers Grove South’s football team will have faced the Raiders more than any other opponent in the state since the 2007 season.
And if recent meetings are any indicator, a close game can be expected.

The Mustangs edged Bolingbrook 10-7 in the 2007 season opener, but the last two games have narrowly gone the Raiders’ way.
Bolingbrook (10-1) opened this season with a 16-14 win over Downers South (8-2), and also edged the Mustangs 21-20 in the 2008 opener.
“As a senior, this is my final chance to beat them, so it means a lot to us,” said Downers South linebacker Dan Miller. “This is what we were planning for.” (More)

Source: fnl.mysuburbanlife.com

District 58 Makes the Grade With AYP Standards

2009-11-04T15:39:00.001-06:00

Downers Grove Grade School District 58 was only 8 percent away from having every student in the district making adequate yearly progress.

Marybeth Webeler, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said the district is pleased with the results and will continue to work on weaker areas to keep high scoring on exams.

“I feel incredibly proud of the children in the district and the very strong performance,” Webeler said. “We have 92 percent of our students meeting and exceeding (state requirements).”

To improve education for students in District 58, Webeler said each year staff looks at each area being assessed, whether it counts toward making adequate yearly progress or not, and develops goals for improvement. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Another Home Granted Historic Landmark Status

2009-04-27T12:11:00.001-05:00

The Downers Grove Village Council has unanimously approved the home at 4943 Highland Ave. as a historic landmark during Tuesday’s, April 21, meeting.

This is the second home in Downers Grove to seek the designation under the village’s the Historic Preservation Ordinance.

The homeowner, Lea Wayne, requested the property be designated a historic landmark for several reasons including one of its former residents, Gustav H. Bunge. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Village Gears up for Restaurant Week

2009-04-21T07:07:00.001-05:00

The Downers Grove Hospitality Alliance and the Economic Development Corp. are sponsoring Downers Grove Restaurant Week 2009 from April 26 to May 2.

The event will feature 18 of the Downers Grove Hospitality Alliance members which will offer promotions through out the week.

Each restaurant will offer its own menus that include three-course meals and dinner for two among more.

Reservations are not required, but are encouraged. To view a list of the participating restaurants and their promotional menus, visit dineindownersgrove.com.

For more information, contact Cindy Klima, director of marketing and tourism for the EDC, at (630) 729-0380.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

‘Anything Goes’ to Take Stage at Downers South

2009-04-15T08:11:00.000-05:00

Students at Downers Grove South High School will perform “Anything Goes” as the spring musical Thursday to Sunday, April 16 to 19.

Shows are at 7 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 for adults; $7 for students and admission for senior citizens is free.

The students in the cast and crew are lead by drama directors Chris Blum and Jason Jaffe. Music is directed by Joy Belt-Roselieb and the pit orchestra is directed by Craig Roselieb. Nancy Bocek choreographed the show. Hunter Evans is the tech director and costume design was done by Holley McKee.

To reserve tickets, call the Student Activities office at (630) 795-8518. The high school is located at 1436 Norfolk St.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Good Sam Makes List of Top Hospitals for First Time

2009-04-08T11:00:00.001-05:00

For the first time in Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital’s history, the Downers Grove facility was listed in a recently released report of top 100 hospitals.

Good Sam also was named one of the top 20 large community hospitals in the nation in the 2008 Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals: National Benchmarks Study. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Local Humane Society to Hold Upcoming Events

2009-04-06T17:32:00.002-05:00

Adoptions by the numbers

In 2008, the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, adopted out 448 dogs and 277 cats. Executive Director Carolyn Mossberger said animals generally come to the humane society through animal control centers, “owner give-ups” and the society also takes its own animals back if an adoption doesn’t work out. To contact the society, call (630) 960-9600. Or visit wshs-dg.org. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Firefighters Endorse Three For Village Council

2009-04-03T06:43:00.000-05:00

The Downers Grove Professional Firefighters Association has announced its endorsements of candidates running for seats on the Village Council.

Candidates Robert Barnett, Marilyn Schnell and William Waldack were selected by the group following their responses to a questionnaire from the DGPFA Political Education Committee. (More)

Source: Downers Grove eporter

Downers Grove Police Department Tour

2009-04-01T06:38:00.000-05:00

One of the top priorities identified by the Village Council for 2009 was Facilities Planning, including design, funding, and public education.

The purpose of the Downers Grove Police Department Tour video is to provide information about existing conditions within the Police Station. The current building poses significant challenges regarding the space and security needs required by modern law enforcement.

Public Information Manager Marion Heintz narrates the tour and describes the challenges associated with the building.

Source: Village of Downers Grove

Yard Waste Collection Begins April 1

2009-03-29T10:58:00.000-05:00

Yard waste collection begins April 1st and continues through the last collection day of December (to be determined for 2009).

For more information and collection guidelines, visit the Yard Waste and Leaf Collection page.

Source: Village of Downers Grove

Park Board to Create Pool Committee Once Site is Public Knowledge

2009-03-27T07:08:00.001-05:00

The Downers Grove Park Board will develop another new pool committee, but only after an aquatic site or sites are disclosed publicly.

That motion, prepared by Commissioner Cathy Mahoney, narrowly passed 3-2 during Thursday’s Park Board meeting.

Mahoney said the board will continue to examine potential locations as they arise, but following a timeline for choosing sites is not practical. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Residents are Standing on Both Sides of Sidewalks

2009-03-26T07:18:00.002-05:00

Some residents in the northeast corner of Downers Grove have found themselves walking in different directions when it comes to sidewalk construction.

Sixth Street resident Cheryl Popielarz has lived in the village for about four years. She and her husband chose the neighborhood because of its rural appeal.

During the March 17 Downers Grove Village Council meeting, Popielarz said she became aware of the sidewalk matrix a couple years ago, which resulted out of the Total Community Development Two process in the mid-1990s. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

District 99 Candidates to Appear at Forum

2009-03-25T17:04:00.000-05:00

A candidate forum for the Community High School District 99 Board of Education will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Downers Grove North High School, 4436 Main St.

The forum is hosted by the Downers Grove North High School Parent’s Club.

The League of Women Voters will moderate the forum.

The candidates running for four open seats are Julia Kennedy Beckman, Allyn Barnett, Deborah Boyle, Alex Leventis, Terry Pavesich and Bill White.

The forum is open to the public and will take place in the school’s choir room.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Council Discusses New Police Station, Maintaining Current Village Hall

2009-03-25T17:01:00.001-05:00

The Downers Grove Village Council is discussing the possibility of building a new $33.5 million police station.

Village officials discussed a motion prepared by village staff at its March 24 council meeting.

The motion sets a timeline of three to five years, if the village’s financial situation allows, to build a 70,000 square-foot, $33.5 million new police station in the western commuter lot of the Village Hall/Civic Center property, 801 Burlington Ave.

The recommendation also calls for the village to maintain the existing Village Hall facility for at least 10 more years. Any major system maintenance or repair should not exceed $500,000 during that time period.

The Village Council is expected to vote on this motion at its next meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. April 7 at Village Hall.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Registration Open For District 58 Leap Into Kindergarten Program

2009-03-21T07:32:00.000-05:00

Downers Grove Grade School District 58 will offer Leap into Kindergarten summer sessions and registration is open.

The three-week programs are offered to incoming kindergarten students to work on reading and math activities and fine motor skills. Classes will be held at Hillcrest School, 1435 Jefferson Ave.

Sessions will take place from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. June 9 to 12, June 15 to 19 and June 22 to 26.

The last day to register is May 8 and space is limited. The cost is $95.

Registration forms are available at dg58.org or by calling (630) 719-5820.

The completed registration form and payment should be dropped off or mailed to District 58 summer school, c/o Belle Aire School, 3935 Belle Aire Lane, Downers Grove, IL 60515.

For more information, call Linda Jennings at (630) 719-5820.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Garbage Stickers to Increase as Part of Waste Contract

2009-03-19T06:42:00.001-05:00

The issue

The end of the month will mark one year since the village switched from Allied Waste and entered into a three-year solid waste removal contract with ARC Disposal and Recycling Inc. According to the village, ARC collects waste from about 14,000 households in Downers Grove. During the March 10 Village Council meeting, village staff presented an informational update about the status of the services provided by ARC.

What we knew

A few months into the transition, residents voiced some concerns including trash escaping from the trucks and missed pick-ups. Since then, ARC retrofitted the trucks to contain the waste. Also, truck drivers are required to come to a full stop when depositing trash into the truck. According to the village, some missed pick-ups were resulting from neighborhood construction. The village is modifying its internal communication process so that everyone is notified of construction and pickups are maintained. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Early Voting

2009-03-18T09:21:00.000-05:00

The Village of Downers Grove will be an early voting site for the April 7, 2009 Consolidated Election. Early voting will take place Monday, March 16, 2009 through Thursday, April 2, 2009 in the Committee Room at Village Hall, 801 Burlington Avenue.

The hours for early voting will be:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Early voting provides citizens the opportunity to vote before Election Day, at their convenience. Unlike absentee voting, one does not need a reason to vote early. If you are a registered voter in DuPage County, you may early vote at Village Hall.

Please contact the DuPage County Election Commission at (630) 407-5600 or Village Clerk April Holden at (630) 434-5535 for further information about early voting.

Unclaimed Property Auction

2009-03-17T08:25:00.000-05:00

The Downers Grove Police Department will be using the website Property Room.com to sell unclaimed property and surplus items. The following items will be posted on Property Room after March 23, 2009.

If you believe that any of the listed items are rightfully yours to be claimed, please contact Property Control Officer Dru Ingram at (630) 434-5637 prior to March 23. (More)

Source: Village of Downers Grove

District 58 Promotes Two to New Roles

2009-03-16T07:25:00.002-05:00

Two existing Downers Grove Grade School District 58 faculty members have been promoted to positions within the district.

The Board of Education voted Monday to make Lester School Principal Jayne Yudzentis the assistant superintendent for personnel and staff development.

Jason Lynde will step up from assistant principal to principal at Herrick Middle School.

Yudzentis began her career in education in 1990 as a middle school math teacher. She has been principal at Lester for six years. Prior to that, she served as assistant principal at Herrick for two years. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Downers Grove Cares to Host Another Forum

2009-03-15T09:14:00.001-05:00

Downers Grove Cares will host a District 58 Board of Education candidate forum at 7 p.m. March 19 in the lower level of the Moose Lodge, 1030 Warren Ave.

Candidates running for the Downers Grove Grade School District 68 board include John Cooper, Stephen Funk, Mary Jo Kominkiewicz, Gary Lester, Sallie Ann Moutvic Lupescu and Todd Krause will answer questions.

Downers Grove Cares has previously endorsed Cooper, Funk, Lester and Lupescu. Information about the candidates, including videos, are available at the group’s Web site, dgcares.org.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Police Increase Patrols to Catch Drunk Drivers Over Holiday

2009-03-13T08:12:00.000-05:00

The Downers Grove Police Department is currently conducting special patrols for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day weekend to catch drunk drivers.

“We are reminding everyone that if you drink and drive in Downers Grove this St. Patrick’s Day, you lose,” Police Chief Robert Porter said in a written statement. “If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a sober driver before the party begins. Be responsible or risk a DUI. Too often, St. Patrick’s Day can be a deadly and dangerous time on our roads because of impaired driving.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 851 people have died in motor vehicle crashes over the past five St. Patrick’s Day holidays. Of those incidents, 327 people were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver.

One death resulted from a drunk driver on St. Patrick’s Day last year in Illinois, according to the state’s Department of Transportation.

The legal state limit for blood alcohol concentration in Illinois is .08.

St. Patrick’s Day is Tuesday, March 17.

Rotary Accepting Applications for Scholarship

2009-03-12T21:15:00.001-05:00

The Rotary Club of Downers Grove is accepting applications for its annual “Charles Dickerman Music Scholarship.”

The $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior in the Community High School District 99 attendance area.

Dickerman was a founding member of the Rotary Club. He died in 2007. Dickerman had a degree in music and played the bagpipes. He worked as a nuclear engineer at Argonne National Laboratory.

Scholarship candidates must participate in music activities in high school or extracurricular music activities.

The application can be downloaded from dgrotary.org.

Applications must be postmarked by March 31 and mailed to Rotary Club of Downers Grove, Attn: Music Scholarship, P.O. Box 256, Downers Grove, IL 60515.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Officer Recognized as ‘Hero’

2009-03-11T09:05:00.000-05:00

A local police officer gave a man another chance at life in the parking lot of a Downers Grove fast food restaurant last year.

Officer Jay Johnson, 32, responded to Burger King, 1540 Butterfield Road, used an automated external defibrillator to save Bolingbrook resident Karl Staehlin, who suffered a heart attack.

Johnson said when he arrived, off-duty firefighters Ray Marquardt, of the Orland Park Fire Protection District, and Kevin Sievert, of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District, were performing CPR on Staehlin, who did not have a pulse. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Museum to Host Book Discussion For Women’s History Month

2009-03-10T22:33:00.000-05:00

The Downers Grove Park District Museum will recognize March as Women’s History Month with a discussion based on Karen Abbott’s book, “Sin and the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys & the Battle for America’s Soul.”

The selection is the featured read for the third annual Historic Book Club selection with the Park District.

“The book is the true story of two sisters who ran the world’s most famous brothel in Chicago,” Abbott said. “They are haled as part of Women’s History Month because they are some of the first women entrepreneurs.” (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Mullins Nets Academic All-American Honor

2009-03-08T18:10:00.001-05:00

For the third year in a row and just the fifth time in school history, the Saluki men's basketball team has an Academic All-American.

Senior guard Bryan Mullins was named to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America first team on Wednesday. In 2008, Mullins was a second-team Academic All-American, and so was Jamaal Tatum in 2007. Mike Glenn was a first teamer in 1976 and 1977. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

REGIONAL CHAMPS: Gorniak, Mustangs Rally to Title

2009-03-07T06:57:00.001-06:00

With its season and the career of coach Paul Runyon apparently nearing the end, Downers Grove South’s boys basketball team dramatically turned the momentum in the fourth quarter to defeat Mount Carmel 46-43 in Friday’s Hinsdale South regional final.

The Mustangs (23-5) advance to face No. 1 seed Hyde Park in the Hinsdale Central sectional on Tuesday.

A 7-0 run over the third and fourth quarters put Mount Carmel up 38-29 with 7:35 left in the game, but the Mustangs used great rebounding and Alex Gorniak’s fearless play in the clutch to rally. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

District 58 Holds a Special Services Meeting for Parents

2009-03-05T07:56:00.000-06:00

Downers Grove Grade School District 58 will hold a special services parent group meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 10.

The gathering will focus on mental illness and children. A representative from the National Alliance for Mental Illness will give a presentation.

The meeting will include information about caregiving, mental illness, medication, research, crisis management and coping skills.

The meeting will be held at Indian Trail School, 6235 Stonewall Ave., Downers Grove. Pizza and pop will be served at 5:15 p.m.

To reserve a seat, call Cindy Gilbert at (630) 719-5824.

Village Council Motors Forward With Prairie Avenue Project

2009-03-04T08:37:00.001-06:00

The Downers Grove Village Council has entered into an agreement with the state Department of Transportation for the reconstruction of a portion of Prairie Avenue.

As part of the agreement, IDOT will pay more than $1.17 million and the village will pay for $504,600 for the project, which will take place between Fairview and Forest avenues.

The village’s fiscal year 2009 budget includes $750,000 in funding for this portion of the capital project. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Siren Testing Resumes Today

2009-03-03T07:10:00.000-06:00

The Village will resume monthly testing of its emergency sirens on Tuesday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m. Sirens will be tested on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. through October.

Source: Village of Downers Grove

STATE CHAMP: Sims Swims to 500 Title, Breaks 20-Year-Old Record

2009-03-02T23:37:00.001-06:00

Burke Sims blew his competition out of the water to caputure the state's top prize Saturday in Winnetka and broke a 20-year-old state meet record in the process.

The Downers Grove North senior won the 500-yard freestyle title in 4:24.74 at the IHSA state finals. He touched the wall nearly six seconds before his nearest challenger, Lake Park's Bryant Honsa (4:30.43).

The time also established a new state standard, surpassing Brian Gunn of Hinsdale Central who swam 4:25.54 in the 1989 preliminaries. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Sheriff's Office Taking Book Donations

2009-03-01T10:09:00.000-06:00

Anyone who wants to donate children’s books to Shining Star Program, a DuPage County Sheriff’s Office initiative to promote reading for children, can drop off donations at the Sheriff’s Office radio Room, 501 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton.

The books will be distributed to children as part of Be A Cheerful Kid packets of materials given to children when traumatic situations arise, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Each packet contains about a dozen books.

According to John Zaruba, DuPage County sheriff, officers have been distributing books as part of the program since 2002. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Downers Wins Share of Gold

2009-02-28T16:14:00.002-06:00

Downers Grove South's Julius Staisiunas hit a game-winning free throw in overtime to give the Mustangs a share of the West Suburban Gold Conference title with a 53-52 win over Hinsdale South on Friday night in Darien.

The senior netted the second of his two attempts with 4.5 seconds remaining in the extra stanza.

With 40 seconds left in overtime, the Hornets took a 51-50 advantage on a three-pointer from Karl Ploger. However, 12 seconds later, Malcolm Herron gave Downers a 52-51 lead after netting a pair of free throws.

With 22 seconds remaining, Ploger made one of his two free throw attempts before Staisiunas hit the game-winner.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

O'Connell Inquiry Sought Opinions About District 58 Budget Transfers

2009-02-27T07:19:00.001-06:00

An Illinois Attorney General office’s response to School Board member Scott O’Connell appears to indicate O’Connell was seeking opinions about potential school district matters.

On Feb. 18, O’Connell said he filled out a form letter on the Attorney General’s Web site asking if the office has any information or if anyone has ever written them about state School Code articles involving working cash funds and inter-fund transfers of money. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Red-light Camera Fines Set to Begin Next Week

2009-02-26T06:59:00.001-06:00

While cameras have been patrolling a major Westmont intersection for only a few weeks, police are already seeing a large number of violations and are warning motorists that fines are coming.

Cameras began shooting video and pictures of violators beginning Feb. 1 at the intersection of Naperville Road and Cass Avenue. The village has been sending warnings to motorists caught by the cameras but will begin issuing $100 fines starting Monday, March 2. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Council Enters Agreement With IDOT For Payment of Prairie Avenue Reconstruction

2009-02-25T12:18:00.000-06:00

The Downers Grove Village Council voted Tuesday to enter into an agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the resurfacing and reconstruction of Prairie Avenue between Fairview and Forest avenues.

As part of the agreement, IDOT will pay more than $1.17 million and the village will cover $504,600 for the project.

The fiscal year 2009 budget includes $750,000 in funding for this capital project.

Prior to voting, the village council approved waiving the one-week waiting period for the consideration of this item.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Lester School to Host Science Olympiad Fun Night Tonight

2009-02-24T11:47:00.000-06:00

Lester School in Downers Grove Grade School District 58 will host its first Science Olympiad Fun Night from 6:15 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The evening will include events put on by representatives from United Airlines, the Lizzardo Museum of Lapidary Art and the School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education Center.

Participants will move through nine hands-on science activities. About 70 Lester parents will assist as guides and help lead events.

Science Olympiad is a national non-profit organization that gears toward improving education for students in kindergarten through seniors in high school.

Lester School is located at 236 Indianapolis St.

For more information, visit soinc.org.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Village Sends Capital Improvements to Springfield

2009-02-23T11:04:00.000-06:00

Mayor Sandack announced that the Village has provided local State Representatives and Senators with a list of Construction Ready Capital Projects. The Mayor and Village Council want to make sure that the Village is well positioned to obtain funding for projects within its Community Investment Program (CIP).

“If funding for capital projects is included as part of a federal economic stimulus package, the Village is prepared to use those dollars wisely on vital infrastructure improvements,” stated Mayor Sandack.

The CIP includes essential projects to improve public infrastructure. These improvements depend on revenue generated from local sales and property taxes. It is difficult to guarantee completion of these projects given the impact the current economic climate is having on these revenue sources. (More)

Source: Village of Downers Grove

BOYS BASKETBALL: Downers South Returns to 20-Win Mark

2009-02-22T07:42:00.001-06:00

Downers Grove South fourth quarter excellence in free throw shooting and defense produced a 50-41 win Friday at Addison Trail.

The victory marked the fifth time in seven years that Downers South (20-4, 10-1 in the WSC Gold) has reached the 20-victory mark in a season.

Leading just 35-30 with 6:18 left in the game, the Mustangs began a big closing run with a three-point basket by guard Alex Gorniak (17 points).

That trifecta began a 10-2 run over a span of over four minutes, capped by two free throws by Malcolm Herron (12 points, eight in the fourth quarter) with 2:02 left that stretched the lead to 45-32. The Mustangs made 9 of their first 10 free throws of the fourth quarter when the game was close. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

WINTER STORM WARNING: 2/20-2/21/09

2009-02-21T08:24:00.000-06:00

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in effect from 11:00 p.m. this evening (2/20) to 6:00 p.m. Saturday (2/21).

Snow is expected to begin falling late this evening and continue through Saturday afternoon with snowfall rates as high as 1 to 2 inches per hour possible at times. Total accumulation of 6 to 8 inches is expected by late Saturday afternoon. The National Weather Service issues a winter storm warning when 6 or more inches of snow are forecasted.

The Village has an adequate supply of road salt for this event. However, as is the case in any storm event, it is important for motorists to exercise caution as road conditions may become hazardous or to simply avoid traveling, if possible.

Source: Village of Downers Grove

Downers Grove Officer Named Heartsaver Hero

2009-02-20T07:02:00.000-06:00

Governor Pat Quinn recognized 22 Illinois citizens for saving a life using an automated external defibrillator or AED . The awards were presented at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago on February 13.

Among those honored was Downers Grove police officer Jay Johnson, who along with others, helped save the life of Karl Staehlin. On November 14, 2008, Staehlin was in the parking lot of a local restaurant when he suffered an apparent heart attack, causing his foot to hit the accelerator and lodge his car against a concrete pylon. The front tire began spinning quickly, producing a tremendous amount of smoke. (More)

Source: Village of Downers Grove

Downers Grove Will Allow Sale of Alcohol Earlier on Sundays

2009-02-19T06:58:00.001-06:00

The Downers Grove Village Council voted unanimously to allow Sunday alcohol sales to begin at 9 a.m. rather than noon.

Commissioners said a variety of information played a role in their decision, including keeping sales tax dollars in the village and starting Sunday liquor sales at a time similar to surrounding communities.

The change only applies to off-premise liquor license holders.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Reading Specialists Benefit More Than Students

2009-02-18T06:56:00.000-06:00

For the first time all 13 schools in Downers Grove Grade School District 58 have a full-time reading specialist — and they say the benefits are clear.

During the Jan. 12 Board of Education meeting, district staff spoke about how specialists used to split their time by traveling between schools to provide services.

Superintendent Paul Zaander said prior to this year, District 58 had 10 reading specialists. Three of those employees traveled between schools. Three additional reading specialists were hired for the current school year so there is one at all 13 district schools. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Downers Grove Considers Earlier Start to Sunday Alcohol Sales

2009-02-17T06:38:00.001-06:00

he Downers Grove Village Council considered starting Sunday alcohol sales three hours earlier than usual to stay competitive with surrounding communities.

The Village Council was scheduled to vote on amending the liquor ordinance Tuesday, Feb. 17, which would permit alcohol sales to begin at 9 a.m. rather than noon Sundays for off-premise liquor license holders. The end of liquor sales would remain the same at 1 a.m. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

DGS Students Honor Black History Month

2009-02-16T06:43:00.001-06:00

As part of Black History month some students at Downers Grove South High School will present a series of musical and narrative selections called, “The Road to Freedom.”

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, in the school’s auditorium, 1436 Norfolk St. Tickets are $5 at the door.

The cast includes Maame Antwi, Rochelle Burks, Amber Carpenter, Ashley Carpenter, Christina Hampton, Ronald Lacy, Monay Martin, Krystal McBride, Alexis Meadows, Beatrice San Miguel, Monique Summerville, Crystal Terry, Ariana Williams and Scottie Williams.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Downers Grove Public Works Director Working on Several Capital Projects

2009-02-15T06:41:00.002-06:00

With about one month on the job, Nan Newlon, the new public works director in Downers Grove, is working on several multi-million dollar capital improvement projects. Newlon said the department staff is working to overcome challenges from the struggling economy.

Q What are some of the immediate challenges facing the village in terms of public works projects? (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Buckle-up Your Valentine

2009-02-14T15:42:00.000-06:00

Child Passenger Safety Week is February 13 -19 and the Downers Grove Police Department reminds everyone to “Buckle-Up Your Valentine.”

While all passengers should wear a seat belt in accordance witih Illinois law, it is especially important that children under the age of eight be restrained in vehicles with an appropriate child safety seat.

If you are involved in a traffic crash, the child safety seat will improve the odds that your child will be safe – provided that the seat is installed correctly and your child is properly positioned in the seat. An estimated 85% of the children placed in child safety seats or booster seats are improperly restrained.

Make sure your car seat is the right fit for your child and your vehicle. Contact a Downers Grove Police Department child safety seat technician to show you the right way to Buckle-Up Your Valentine.

Downers Grove residents may call Tim Sembach at (630) 434-5636 to schedule an appointment.

Source: Village of Downers Grove

Downers Grove Chamber Recognizes Village Organizations, Individuals

2009-02-13T14:41:00.000-06:00

James Russ, Sr., of the Downers Grove National Bank was recognized for Lifetime Achievement. Dave Matthies of Matthies Builders was honored as Young Business Professional.

The Indian Boundary YMCA won the award for Community Contribution by a nonprofit. Midwestern University won the award for philanthropic Community Contribution.

Robert Bair Services won an honor for Business Excellence in the service category. Dr. Patrick O’Flaherty, D.D.S., and Dr. Jeffery Wascher, D.D.S., won in the Business Excellence Professional Category. Consider it Done owner, BJ Boyd, won the award for overall Business Excellence.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

North Speech Team Wins Big at IHSA Regional Championship

2009-02-12T05:46:00.002-06:00

The Downers Grove North High School speech team won the Illinois High School Association Regional Championship for the first time since 1983.

Jordan Frank, speech team captain, said the group’s hard work has paid off.

“This feels long overdue. We’ve been working hard for quite some time and now we’re hoping the rest of the state recognizes that,” Frank said. Click Here To View Winners

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Open House Scheduled for Facilities Planning

2009-02-11T10:11:00.001-06:00

The Village of Downers Grove will host an open house as part of the Facilities Planning Process. All are invited to tour current Village facilities on the following dates:

Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
The tour begins in the Village Hall Council Chambers, 801 Burlington Ave., and includes the Village Hall building and the Police Department.

The Facility Needs Assessment Study Report was completed in 2007 by PSA -Dewberry Inc. and includes the evaluation of and recommedations for Village Hall, the Police Station, Fleet Services Garage, and the Counseling and Social Services building at 842 Curtiss St.

Source: Village of Downers Grove

Downers Grove Park District Residents to Receive Resident Rates at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park

2009-02-10T09:30:00.001-06:00

The Downers Grove Park District has once again teamed up with Woodridge Park District to provide Downers Grove residents with resident rates at the award-winning Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park. Located at 8301 S. Janes Ave in Woodridge, Cypress Cove boasts an exceptionally safe, sparkling clean facility with lush landscaping and three new aquatic amenities coming this summer. New amenities include a state-of-the-art spray playground with slides, bubblers and dumping buckets that are sure to drench you from head to toe, a new program pool for open swim, swim lessons and lap swim, and a thrilling body flume slide geared for smaller kids. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Park District

Downers Grove Police Issue GPS Crime Alert

2009-02-09T17:03:00.001-06:00

The Downers Grove Police Department issued a crime alert Friday, Feb. 6, to remind residents to not leave global positioning system units in their cars.

Police have been receiving numerous reports of portable GPS units being stolen from cars. In many instances, a car window was broken to gain entry, according to police.

Residents are urged to remove the GPS and other valuables from plain sight when they park their cars. Police said removing the GPS unit out of sight is not enough of a deterrent if a mounting bracket still is visible. Doors should always be locked, police added.

Residents should also record the serial number of their GPS unit to keep at home. Having the serial number will assist police if the unit is recovered.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Mini Golf is Coming to the Library

2009-02-08T07:14:00.000-06:00

On March 8 the library will become an 18-hole miniature golf course for the first Downers Grove Public Library Foundation Mini Golf event. Residents of all ages will putt their way through holes set up throughout the library. Top golfers will be invited to participate in a playoff tournament at the end of the day.
Local businesses and organizations can participate as a sponsor of a tee or a green or by donating goods or services for a raffle that will take place during the day.

Source: Downers Grove Library

Council Approves Notification System

2009-02-06T07:15:00.000-06:00

The Downers Grove Village Council approved a three-year agreement with Blackboard Connect, Inc. at their February 3 meeting for the services of a community-wide notification system. The services will be paid for with money awarded to the Village from the PrimeCo settlement.

The selected product, Connect-CTY, has the ability to reach all Downers Grove residences and businesses with a pre-recorded message within 5 to 10 minutes of activation. The primary form of notification will be by phone, however residents and businesses will have the opportunity to register additional devices on which to be notified and may edit their account information at any time. (More)

Source: Village of Downers Grove

Village Sets Dates For Public Tours of Village Hall, Police Station

2009-02-05T07:15:00.000-06:00

Two open houses are scheduled for public tours of Downers Grove Village Hall and the police station.

The tours are at 7 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. Saturday Feb. 21.

The tour begins in Village Hall’s Council Chambers, 801 Burlington Ave. and will also include the police department, next door at 825 Burlington Ave.

Village Council is discussing how to move forward with addressing some improvements to Village Hall, the police department, the fleet services garage and the Counseling and Social Services building.

A Facility Needs Assessment Study Report done by PSA-Dewberry Inc., is available for viewing by the public on the village’s Web site, www.downers.us.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Get Out the Beads and Feather Masks for The Annual Ice Sculpture Festival

2009-02-04T04:41:00.001-06:00

Visitors taking the train into Downers Grove this weekend might question whether they got off at the right stop after the Main Street station is transformed into Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

“Bon Mardi Gras” is the theme for the 12th annual Ice Sculpture Festival, which takes place in downtown Downers Grove Friday through Sunday as ice carvers participate in the 2009 National Ice Carving Association’s National Championships. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Library Closed Feb. 6

2009-02-03T03:10:00.001-06:00

The library will be closed on Friday, February 6, for staff in-service training.

Source: Downers Grove Library

Downers Grove Sticks with Snow Removal Plan

2009-02-02T18:41:00.001-06:00

The winter of 2008-09 will go down as anything but normal, especially by those working snow removal operations for the Village of Downers Grove. Already, the Village has received 41 inches of snow fall, compared with the 17 inches usually expected by this time of year. Despite the high number of snow events this season, the Village has maintained a high level of customer service, guided by the Snow and Ice Policy.

Snow Operations
A team of 40 Village employees is trained in snow removal operations and ready to be called into action when needed. Large and small vehicles equipped with plows and computerized salt spreaders are used for clearing Village streets, parking lots and downtown sidewalks. (More)

Source: Village of Downers Grove

Police Warn of Online Scam

2009-02-01T08:34:00.000-06:00

The Downers Grove Police Department has been alerted to a new online “phishing” scam. Phishing is the act of sending an e-mail to a user and falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The e-mail directs the user to visit a website where they are asked to update or provide personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, social security number or bank account numbers. (More)

Source: Village of Downers Grove

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS Fight For Team USA Starts Here

2009-01-31T17:44:00.000-06:00

June 13, 2007 was arguably the most important day for mixed martial arts in Illinois after the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation to legalize and regulate MMA events.

Now Chicago’s suburbs are on the front lines of the MMA movement as the sport continues it rise from obscurity in Illinois and reaches out to the world.

“Of course there is growth,” said Master Bob Schirmer, who runs Combat-Do in Cicero. “It is on TV all of the time and people are wanting to become MMA fighters. We have classes with 30 or 40 people in them every night". (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Singles to Find Love at RA Sushi Valentine's Day Crush Party Event

2009-01-30T06:59:00.000-06:00

Don’t have a valentine this year? That’s no reason to stay home. Embrace your single self and take flirting to a whole new level at RA Sushi’s Crush Party. Enjoy an evening of cocktails and mingling from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. or later Saturday, Feb. 14, at the restaurant’s Lombard location, 310 Yorktown Center, and the Glenview location, 2601 Aviator Lane.

RA’s own Valentine’s Post Office is sure to deliver whether you’re looking for a new friend or something more. All attendees will receive a nametag with a three-digit number to their corresponding “mailbox.” Flirt by writing a message on one of the “pieces of mail” around the restaurant and then deliver it to the “post office” where a “postal worker” will deliver it to your crush’s mailbox. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

District 58 Event Promotes Healthy Eating, Fitness

2009-01-29T07:25:00.002-06:00

Whether it’s striking up the warrior pose or practicing putting, families in Downers Grove Grade School District 58 can find the exercise right for them at the upcoming Family Fitness Fair.

Indian Trail fifth-grade teacher Mary French is helping to organize the inaugural district-wide event. The fair is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, at O’Neill Middle School, 635 59th St.

French said the featured speaker is a doctor from the DuPage Medical Group who will speak at 8 p.m. about childhood obesity. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Bicek Swims to Bronze Medal at Junior Pan Pacific Games

2009-01-28T07:18:00.000-06:00

After an exciting and successful 2008, Adrienne Bicek kicked off the New Year with a big splash at the Junior Pan Pacific Games Jan. 8-11 in Guam.

The Downers Grove North senior earned the bronze medal in the 200-meter butterfly with her third place time of 2:11.20.

Bicek also swam personal best times in, the 100 butterfly (sixth-place 1:01.47), the 200 individual medley (2:18.49, placing ninth) and the 400 individual medley (12th-place 4:51.87). (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Village Looks at Salt Status, Discusses Sand and Beet Juice Options

2009-01-27T17:12:00.001-06:00

Not yet February and already the Western suburbs have been heavily blanketed.

But not in the warm, cozy way.

During the Jan. 20 Village Council meeting, Stan Balicki, assistant director of the Public Works Department, said as of last week, the village already had been the landing pad for more than 41 inches of snow.

“Last year to date, which turned out to be quite a busy winter itself, we only had about 19 (inches of snow) at this point in the winter,” Balicki said. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Carson Pirie Scott Stores to Hold Community Day to Benefit Local Nonprofits

2009-01-25T07:20:00.001-06:00

Many local nonprofit organizations are struggling to reach their fundraising goals due to the current economic environment. Carson Pirie Scott recently announced that groups may sign up now to participate in the store’s successful Community Day fundraising opportunity, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28. The program provides an opportunity for local 501(c)3 organizations to raise the funds needed to support their missions. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Museum Plans Event About The Tivoli Theatre

2009-01-24T06:57:00.000-06:00

The Downers Grove Park District Museum has planned a walk down memory lane at Tivoli Theatre.

Participants can share memories and talk about the history of the 80-year-old theater from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29.

Resident and president of Tivoli Enterprises Inc., Willis Johnson, will lead the discussion.
Participants must register and the fee is $5 for residents and $8 for nonresidents.

Registration is available at the Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., the Recreation & Fitness Center, 4500 Belmont Road, or online at www.dgparks.org.

The event will be held at the village’s museum, 831 Maple Ave.

For more information, call the museum at (630) 963-1309.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Park District to Celebrate Lincoln’s 200th Birthday

2009-01-23T08:54:00.002-06:00

In honor of President Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday on Feb. 11, the Downers Grove Park District Museum is hosting a celebration.

The event is from 7 to 8 p.m. at the museum, 831 Maple Ave.

Robert J. Lindsay, a professional re-enactor, will portray Lincoln at the event.

Free cake and ice cream will be served.

For more information, call the museum at (630) 963-1309.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Welcome to the Downers Grove TCD3 Project Website

2009-01-22T08:12:00.001-06:00

The TCD (Total Community Development) 3 is an extensive and comprehensive community outreach and resident participation process designed to maximize resident involvement and sustain a healthy and open dialogue about issues (both long-term and short-term) facing the Downers Grove community. (More)

Source: Village of Downers Grove

CDH Offers Scholarships for Students Pursuing Healthcare Careers

2009-01-21T07:20:00.001-06:00

Central DuPage Hospital’s Auxiliary will be awarding scholarships to high school, college and graduate students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

Scholarships will be issued to students attending a college, university or graduate program in the fall of 2009. In order to qualify, applicants must document academic excellence, plan to pursue a career in healthcare and live within Central DuPage Hospital’s service area.

Scholarship guidelines and applications will be available online starting Sunday, Feb. 1, at www.cdh.org. The completed application, personal statement, transcripts and reference letters are due by Tuesday, March 31.

For more information about the scholarship program, leave a message at the CDH Auxiliary voicemail at (630) 933-4119 or TTY (630) 933-4833 and your call will be promptly returned.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Potential Candidates for District 58 Speak Before Crowd

2009-01-20T16:45:00.001-06:00

It was standing room only in the basement of the Downers Grove Moose Lodge Jan. 8 as six potential candidates for the District 58 Board of Education sounded off.

Those individuals were asked seven questions prepared by an education advocacy group, DG Cares. Their responses were timed, and no questions were taken from the floor.

Members of DG Cares said they reached out to about a dozen people who have shown interest in running for a seat on the board and six joined the forum. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Still On Ice

2009-01-19T11:51:00.000-06:00

Rinks score big now, but scepticism remains

Mortgage crises, penny pinching and corporate layoffs have spread to and affected almost every facet of the U.S. economy.

But one area the crisis seemingly hasn’t touched is hockey rinks.

Whether it’s youth leagues, adult leagues, rat hockey or public skate, area ice arenas have so far been withstanding the economic pratfall.

“For the most part, the adult teams we have now have been here for a while,” said Jessica Hampton of the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva. “Even the club teams that starting at lower levels are sticking around each season.”

With Chicago’s winter weather sure to stick around well into March, the holiday season through early spring is boom time for many rinks.

“For our men’s leagues it’s usually up and down with the season,” said Davin Fennewald at Center Ice of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. “The men’s leagues about to start are our biggest of the year.” (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

County Committee to Examine Government Transparency, Accountability

2009-01-18T02:50:00.003-06:00

In an effort to expand the transparency of county government and remain accountable to taxpayers, DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom this week announced the creation of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Government Transparency and Accessibility.

The committee will work to reaffirm and expand the county’s commitment to transparency by examining what new practices and tools may provide greater accountability to the public.

During this process, Schillerstrom said the committee will examine current county practices, receive input from elected officials on their office policies, and invite good-government and public-policy organizations to share their insights on what steps can be taken to expand government transparency.

For more information on DuPage County, visit www.dupageco.org.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Mustangs Win Title by 600 pins; Trojans’ Niewold Rolls High Series

2009-01-17T12:10:00.003-06:00

The battle for second place was a close one, but the top spot seemingly belonged to Downers Grove South from the opening frame at the Ed Puck girls bowling tournament Friday at Willowbrook Lanes.

The Mustangs rolled a six-game total of 6,789, more than 600 pins ahead of runner-up host Hinsdale South (6,183). Downers North, led by Hallie Niewold’s 209 high average, was a close third (6,160).

Downers South was the only team to break 1,100 in a game and did it in four of the six games, never dropping below 1,000 in any round.

Audrey Yurek (194.67) led the Mustangs fifth-through-eighth place finishes, followed by Cayla Clark (193.33), Jessie Franklin (192.67) and Katie Jones (192.17). (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Center on Aging to Offer Series on Surviving in a Bad Economy

2009-01-16T07:14:00.001-06:00

The Southwest Suburban Center on Aging is sponsoring “Banking and Your Money/Investment Strategies,” the first seminar in a series called “Seniors and the Economy.” The program will be offered at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the facility’s office, 111 W. Harris Ave., La Grange.

The slumping stock market, spiraling housing prices, rising health costs and dwindling pensions have forced millions of seniors to assess their long-term financial situations. According to the Urban Institute, more than 94 million Americans aged 50 and older who are approaching retirement or already retired have been greatly impacted by the downturn in the economy. In the last 12 months, retirement accounts have lost more than 18 percent of their value. This session, presented by The Community Bank of Western Springs, will offer tips for protecting bank accounts and money and insight into rollover, cash out or leave in. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Heating Sites Available Across DuPage

2009-01-15T18:14:00.000-06:00

With temperatures forecast to drop into the single digits, DuPage County wants to remind residents that there are heating centers located throughout the county, should they need to take refuge from the extreme conditions.

By visiting www.dupageco.org, residents can find a complete list of heating centers in their community. These centers include libraries, municipal buildings, police stations and community centers.

Exposure to cold can cause injury or serious illness, such as frostbite or hypothermia. The likelihood of injury or illness depends on factors such as physical activity, clothing, wind, humidity, working and living conditions, and a person’s age and state of health.

To learn more on how to protect yourself from dangerous weather conditions, visit the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago’s Web site at www.chicagoredcross.org.

DuPage County also wants to remind pet owners about the dangers their animals face during extreme cold weather. The best prevention for pets is to keep them indoors whenever possible.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

DuPage Wants Residents to Prepare For Extreme Cold

2009-01-14T06:23:00.001-06:00

With temperatures forecasted to drop significantly the next few days, DuPage County is urging residents to be prepared for weather-related situations that may result from inclement weather.

The county encourages residents to develop a plan for their families at home, work, school, and when outdoors.

Residents are urged to identify a safe place to take shelter and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.

National Weather Service watches and warnings are available on the Internet, and residents should listen to radio and television for weather information. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

UPDATE: None of the Four School Board Members up For Re Election Are Running

2009-01-13T17:40:00.002-06:00

The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Board of Education includes four members whose terms expire in April, and none of them intend to seek reelection.

Member Claire Jaros: “I’ve seen a new enthusiasm of people coming forward, and I’m pleased by that. After 12 years of service, it’s time for a new chapter in my life. I’ve truly enjoyed it.”- Served three terms

President Joseph Leo: “It has been challenging and rewarding, but it’s a balance of time.” - Served one term. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

District 58 Meeting to be Held at Indian Trail School

2009-01-12T17:36:00.001-06:00

The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Board of Education meeting will be held at Indian Trail School Monday night.

The agenda includes a change order for the roof work at Lester School, and bids for re-roofing at O’Neill Middle School and Indian Trail School.

School officials said the meeting is being held at Indian Trail School as they are expecting a larger crowd than usual because of the roof discussions.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. The school is at 6235 Stonewall Ave.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

County to Hold Meetings on Human Service Grants

2009-01-11T07:01:00.001-06:00

DuPage County will be holding two informational meetings for any local nonprofit organizations interested in applying for a grant through the human services grant fund.

The meetings will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. Friday in room 1500B of the county administration building, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton.

The fund is a pool of money created by DuPage County to provide assistance to organizations that serve the human service needs of county residents. This year, the fund will distribute $1 million to grant recipients. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Sheriff’s Office Accepting Applications for Citizen Police Academy

2009-01-09T21:27:00.001-06:00

Residents are invited to attend the next Citizen Police Academy, offered by the DuPage County sheriff’s office.

Classes begin Feb. 11 and meet for 15 consecutive Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

While many citizen police academies expose students to law enforcement activities, the sheriff’s Citizen Police Academy also provides students with a hands-on look at the inner workings of the DuPage County Jail, courthouse and crime laboratory.

The academy’s curriculum includes of a variety of interactive experiences, supplemented by limited in-classroom lecture. Each week, students participate in exercises, such as re-enacting traffic stops, dispatching officers, using a firearms simulator and participating in courtroom proceedings. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

New Reagan Tollway Interchange to Open Today

2009-01-08T07:07:00.001-06:00

The final piece of the reconfigured Naperville Road interchange on the Reagan Memorial Tollway will open to traffic by mid-day Thursday, Illinois Tollway and DuPage County officials announced Wednesday.

The new Freedom Drive connector road was constructed to provide access to Diehl Road on the south and Warrenville Road on the north, and to relieve congestion on Naperville Road. The change is part of a larger traffic solution promoted by DuPage County to improve travel for drivers in the area, which is heavily-used by commuters.
(More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Fairmount Avenue Repaired After Partial Collapse; Firm Covers Cost

2009-01-07T06:35:00.003-06:00

The $3,000 in damage caused in the partial collapse of Fairmount Avenue will be paid for by the contracting company installing a new storm sewer line at the location.

Crews from Brothers Asphalt Paving Inc. will pay for the repairs to Fairmount Avenue near Briargate Drive, where work was ongoing by the company to install a new storm sewer line.

Though crews were not present when the Dec. 27 collapse occurred, the village believes the damage resulted from a combination of the storm sewer line installation and the heavy snow and rain at the time.

The damage was repaired by Dec. 30 and the intersection of Fairmount Avenue and Briargate Drive was reopened. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Group Hosts Forum For District 58 Board of Education Candidates

2009-01-06T10:13:00.002-06:00

Local advocacy group Downers Grove Cares will hold a candidate forum for the upcoming District 58 Board of Education election from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Downers Grove Moose Lodge, 1030 Warren Ave.

The terms for Board President Joseph Leo and members Marshall Schmitt, Claire Jaros and Mary Ellen Young will expire in April.

The event will take place in the lodge’s lower level and hot chocolate will be served.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

St. Joe’s Music Teacher Strives to Make it Fun For Students

2009-01-05T07:44:00.001-06:00

Rhythm runs through the breath and fingertips of Mary Schmitt.

The Naperville resident teaches music at St. Joseph School in Downers Grove, where she has worked for the past 13 years. On Dec. 18, Schmitt played the piano as the students participated in the annual Christmas concert.

“It’s not just traditional carols,” Schmitt said. “It’s different music.”

Schmitt’s father was born in Ireland and her mother was born in the Chicago area. When she was a little girl, her parents had their own Irish radio show. Her dad played the violin and her mother played the violin, piano and accordion. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Christmas Tree Collection

2009-01-04T17:31:00.000-06:00

Free Christmas tree collection is offered during the first two full-weeks of January on your regular collection day. Trees must be free of tinsel, ornaments and hooks and should NOT be placed in bags.

Source: Village of Downers Grove

Good Sam Announces First Baby of 2009

2009-01-03T07:10:00.001-06:00

Jeffrey and Jessica Gullang of Lombard are parents of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital’s first baby of 2009.

Their daughter, Katelyn, was born at 11:42 a.m. Jan. 1 at the Downers Grove hospital.

Katelyn weighs 7 pounds and is 20 inches long.

Shortly after Katelyn was born two more babies followed. Rocco Anthony Ciaccia was born to Ricky and Kathleen Ciaccia of Lockport at 11:55 a.m. Rocco weighs 9 pounds and is 21 inches long.

At 12:35 p.m. Farasat Ali and Zahara Malik of Downers Grove welcomed Zafar Ali Malik weighing 8 pounds 10 ounces and 20 inches long.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Recycle Christmas Trees Into Fish Habitats

2009-01-02T08:16:00.001-06:00

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County will be accepting Christmas trees at Northern Harrier Lake at Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve in Wayne from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 10.

The trees will be made into underwater structures called fish cribs, which structures will provide areas of cover and breeding locations for fish. As they break down, trees will also add nutrients to the water and aid plant growth.

The lake is scheduled to open to the public in summer of 2009, and fishing will be permitted at that time. The area will offer bird-watching and wildlife viewing, and a walking path will circle the lake.
Only natural trees free of tinsel and decorations will be accepted. Northern Harrier Lake is on Stearns Road, two miles west of Route 59.

For information, call (630) 933-7668.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Downers Grove Announces New Public Works Director

2008-12-31T07:38:00.000-06:00

Naneil Newlon has been named the new public works director for the village of Downers Grove, according to a news release sent out Tuesday.

Newlon will begin her role Monday.

“I’m looking forward to working with the Village Council, residents and staff in Downers Grove,” Newlon said in a written statement. “This position will allow me to use my education and experiences from both the public and private sector.” (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Road Closure: Burlington Ave.

2008-12-29T06:02:00.002-06:00

Burlington Avenue, west of Belmont Road, will be closed through January 23, 2009 to complete work to install storm sewers and water main under the north side of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) tracks across Burlington Ave.

Detours are posted:

Southbound traffic on Belmont, north of the tracks will be detoured west on Haddow to Chase, south to Burlingon.
Northbound traffic on Belmont will be detoured west on Haddow to Chase, south to Burlington.
Westbound traffic on Warren will be detoured north on Belmont to Haddow, west to Chase, south to Burlington.
Eastbound traffic on Burlington will be detoured north on Chase to Haddow, east to Belmont.

Source: Village of Downers Grove

Get Active During Winter Break With This To Do List

2008-12-28T10:19:00.001-06:00

Two weeks of winter break from school is a long time to keep the kids occupied.

This holiday hiatus is the best chance of the season for families to do something together. For those who cannot plan a long getaway and need help coming up with a quick idea, here is a to-do list of activities that should be easy to set up.

Visit a local museum

The big museums in downtown Chicago are hotspots, but they also can be crowded. Meanwhile, there are several museums in the suburbs with exhibits and activities targeted towards families. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

The Garden Walk

2008-12-27T08:45:00.001-06:00

The Downers Grove Public Library Foundation’s Garden Walk is growing, and your name will make it bloom! Purchase and personalize a brick as part of the expansion of the Garden Walk along the west side of the library. Commemorate a special occasion, honor a loved one, or just leave your mark at the library,

The expansion will feature a new brick path and landscaping. Donations will be used by the Foundation to purchase artwork and other enhancements for the library.

With a $100 donation, you’ll get a 4" x 8" brick inscribed with your name, favorite saying, or message. A $250 donation entitles you to personalize an 8" x 8" brick. Two benches are also available for sponsorship. Your contribution goes to the Downers Grove Public Library Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, and is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. You are also invited to contribute a story about your brick that we will feature on our website. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Library

Health Department Offers Help With Smoking Resolutions

2008-12-26T16:08:00.001-06:00

The DuPage County Health Department is offering help to residents resolving to quit smoking in the new year.

The department offers seven-week classes that help DuPage County residents quit smoking. These classes are offered throughout the county.

Upcoming classes include:

• Trinity Lutheran Church, Lisle, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 13. To register, call (630) 682-7400.

• Edward Hospital, Naperville, 6 p.m. Jan. 13. To register, call (630) 527-6363.

• Hinsdale Hospital, Hinsdale, 6 p.m. Jan. 14. To register, call (630) 856-7525.

• Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield, 6 p.m. Jan. 22. To register, call (630) 933-4CDH.

Call (630) 682-7400 to reach a health educator to answer questions and for placement in a nearby class.

The classes are free. Information on nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gum, lozenges, etc.) and non-nicotine medications is provided.

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2008-12-25T07:21:00.001-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM DOWNERS GROVE COMMUNITY NEWS

County Offers Winter Driving Tips

2008-12-24T15:50:00.000-06:00

DuPage County wants to ensure residents are taking the proper safety precautions when driving during snowy and dangerous conditions.

When heavy snow occurs, it is best to plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm. Make sure that you have items like a cell phone with charger, flashlight, first-aid kit, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit, booster cables, a compass and road maps.

During the winter months, try to keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Also, avoid traveling alone, and let someone know your travel schedules and routes. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Snow Event: December 23, 2008

2008-12-23T16:17:00.002-06:00

Event Summary: Current temperature is 28 degrees, which is expected to be the high temperature today. Wind speed of 20-25 MPH from the south. Forecasts predict 4-10” total coming in waves until Wednesday (12/24) morning. Wednesday night winds will pick up causing blowing and drifting to be a problem. The forecast for later in the week is for warmer temperatures with rain Friday and Saturday.

Village Snow Operations Update
For information about the Village’s Snow and Ice Removal policy and Street and Roadway Priority System, visit the Snow Removal page.

12-23-08 2:40 p.m. Road Conditions: Priority 1, 2’ and 3 roads are snow covered. Winter driving conditions need to be exercised on all roadways.

10 route drivers are currently plowing priority 1 streets and salting priority 1 streets, hills, curves and intersections. 4 crew members are plowing and salting in the downtown area.

Year-to Date Totals
Average snowfall for this time of year: 6.6”
Amount of snowfall this year: 14.2”
Amount of snowfall at this time last year: 11.1

Source: Village of Downers Grove

Deaf High School Students Working Part Time at Hospital

2008-12-22T15:05:00.001-06:00

Four students enrolled in Hinsdale South High School’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing program are working part-time at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital as part of a new partnership between the two organizations. The students work in various areas of the hospital, including the cafeteria, central supplies and linen department.

Students receive school credit and earn a paycheck funded by an Illinois Department of Human Services grant. They work one-hour shifts three days a week. Because the students use sign language, a job coach from the high school works with the students at the hospital to help them communicate with hospital staff. (More)

Source: mysuburbanlife.com

Whittier Students Send Letters of Appreciation To Noon Lions Club

2008-12-21T06:56:00.001-06:00

Lest anyone think that Thanksgiving gets short-shrifted and is just something to be gotten through before we can begin celebrating Christmas, let us linger over giving thanks a little longer.

This will be easy to do, courtesy of some lovely letters of gratitude written by students in Downers Grove. They were the result of an American Education Week resolution regarding Community Partners in Education, issued by the Downers Grove District 58 Board of Education under its president, Joseph A. Leo.

The resolution reads, in part, that board members express their gratitude “to the many organizations and groups in Downers Grove that give so generously of their time, expertise, financial support and facilities to help us provide the best possible educational experience for each and every one of our students.” (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Camping, Picnic Reservations Available

2008-12-20T15:56:00.000-06:00

Reservations for Forest Preserve District of DuPage County picnic areas and family and youth-group campsites for 2009 will begin Jan. 2.

Groups planning family reunions, church picnics or other gatherings can choose from 25 shelters and picnic areas, but should make reservations for holidays well in advance. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

County To Host 6th Annual Environmental Summit

2008-12-19T12:52:00.000-06:00

DuPage County will be hosting the 6th annual DuPage Environmental Summit, “’Greening our Transportation and Roads,” on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

This event will be co-sponsored by the Conservation Foundation and the DuPage Community Foundation, and will take place at the Benedictine University Krasa Center.

The summit will have a mix of presentations by industry experts including representatives from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the Regional Transportation Authority and the DuPage Environmental Commission, as well as professional exhibits and networking opportunities. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

Downers Grove Watch Honored By Advocacy Center

2008-12-18T06:40:00.000-06:00

The Downers Grove Watch Group received one of four awards handed out by the Citizen Advocacy Center in Elmhurst Dec. 10.

Watch member Andrew Clark said this is the first time the group has been honored with the Citizen Initiative Award, which was created by the center in 1997.

“We were very happy,” Clark said. “We like to get recognized for some of the work we do.” (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter

South High Art Students Craft Bowls For Needy

2008-12-17T06:51:00.001-06:00

Hundreds of students, teachers and family members attended the Downers Grove South High School Winter Art show Dec. 11, but ceramic students added a twist to this year’s annual exhibition.

Under the leadership of ceramics teachers Molly O’Brien-Prusa and Kathy Myles, three art classes donated about 40 student-made bowls to be auctioned off at the show to raise money for Potters for Peace. The nonprofit organization works to provide water filters for people in underprivileged countries without access to clean water. (More)

Source: Downers Grove Reporter