Wednesday, September 30, 2009

LP YOUTH HAVING THEIR SAY

La Grange Park Trustee Scott Mesick likes the idea of junior high and high schoolers sharing their opinions about the issues of the day with the village's elected leaders.
And while the monthly civics lesson dubbed the Youth Advisory Commission regular meeting gets underway, observers say it's the closest exercise to the real thing.

On the second Monday of every month, young students from Park Junior High School in La Grange Park and both Lyons Township High School in La Grange and Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park assemble in the Village Hall meeting room at 7 p.m. -- and just like their real-life counterparts -- they debate and discuss every issue in that month's standard board packet.

When all is said and done, after the young pseudo-government representatives reach consensus on the issues they have reviewed and researched all weekend, they choose one of their own to appear at the following night's real Village Board meeting to report on their opinions.

"It's real interesting; it gives us a read on what young people are thinking," said Mesick, a father of six elected to the board in 2007. "One youth sits in at every meeting and we ask questions. It's interesting how they went about reaching their decisions ... but some are more vocal than others."

Mesick said society seems to think the kids in that age group are glued to the TV screen, computer monitor or busy texting, emailing or calling their friends every night. These are kids who "take the initiative" to make their voice and opinions count.

"The Youth Commission is a very workable thing," he added. "We really have seen some good ideas expressed. If we just listen to them we might learn something."

Assistant Village Manager Julia Cedillo is the staff liaison to the youth panel and admits in her seven years of municipal work in Cook, DuPage and DeKalb counties -- she worked for Woodridge's village manager for six years before coming here a year ago -- she has never heard of anything of the sort. She also worked for the City of DeKalb.

"Youth Advisory is a great commission and is really one of the (unique) programs as far as villages are concerned," she said.

The program, which selects students based on applications downloadable on the village website, has been around since 2002 and its revolving 10 members are appointed by Village President Jim Discipio for 2-year terms. Members must attend the 7th through the 12th grade.

Current members include Daniel Golden from Nazareth, Grace Flaherty from LT, Grant Lundahl from LT, Abby Gies from Fenwick, Mitchell Serafin from Nazareth, Aubrey Aikens from Park, Margaret Brewick from Nazareth, Matt McGuinn from Park, Jack Roache from Nazareth and Jordyn Faron from LT.

The students receive a packet, just like trustees, delivered to their home once a month, on the Thursday before each monthly meeting, at which the Roberts Rules of Order govern the parliamentary procedures at every session. They assign a new chairman for every meeting to keep things fresh and to give everyone the chance to assume the leadership position.

"I am just impressed with the level of engagement and discipline they bring to each issue," Cedillo said. "I am amazed they have such (well-researched) view of the issues."

She cannot recall a time when the young commissioners changed a board's viewpoint. And though the kids neither call or are counseled by the trustees, they just so happen to agree with them on most matters. They often come to meetings with opinions, ready to debate.

Cedillo said the kids are learning "an incredible skill" by discussing and researching the pros and cons of municipal issues.

And, she said, they are also learning that not everyone attends public meetings, as evidenced by many of the Village Boards in the region, including their own.

"I wish they would (attend)," said Cedillo, noting how fascinatng it is to see the kids at work. "They're seriously dedicated."

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

CITIZENS' COUNCIL SWITCHES GEARS

Long before Katie Justak became chair of the Citizens' Council of La Grange, the La Grange wife and mother had an idea to transform the decades-old nonpartisan candidate-recommending organization into one that will help educate its members and the community year-round about the practices, policies and day-to-day issues of the government leaders they need to know about every election season.
And now that Justak has firmly taken hold of the reins of the Council's 2009-10 season, this may be a year that goes down in the history books for the organization that has usually only shown its face in the six months preceding local elections for the village, park and library boards.

This season is also an intriguing one for the always hoped-for 88-member group (representing 11 geographically precise districts) because it has experienced some growing pains in the past few years, perhaps due to changing demographics in town but more visibly in the impact candidate selections have on the community and just how that delicate process is laid out. The group changed its bylaws and took on new leadership.

For the first time in its history, the Council is hosting monthly public information forums in which various government officials, both elected and appointed, can meet face-to-face with the public and field questions from them. The first such event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, and features Village Manager Robert Pilipszyn following a brief business meeting.

Former chair Orlando Coryell and others have occasionally brought in speakers in the off-season past, but not as concerted of an effort or as regularly as the current Council hopes to do this coming year.

"I asked (Pilipszyn) to focus on the process (and) how he works with the board," said Justak, but she's not sure how he will handle the task. "or he may choose to be more interactive."

She hopes the night is well-attended and said they will be ramping up their efforts to bring more public awareness to its activities. If for no other reason, changing things in this manner could bring about more enthusiasm in local politics and a more informed electorate.

For those who like to mark their calendars, Public Library Director Jeanne Dilger-Hill is slated to appear before the Council, along with a Library Board member, in January 2010.

The Council is exploring the airing of its meetings on cable, although she said that's fell on deaf ears in the past.

At the Council's first meeting since the spring elections held Sept. 9, some 20 people showed up, the typical core of die-hard members plus a few newbies anxious to join its ranks. No district boasts the maximum number of members allowed just yet and a few have none, as usual.

"We got the ball rolling and we've decided as a council to re-look at the process we use (in candidate vetting, evaluating and choosing," she said, noting a committee will be formed this fall charged with producing two or three options by the spring."

Justak believes she is leading "a solid group of people dedicated to the mission of the Council."

This fall, members Robert Wessel and Carolyn Pann dropped out. Pann is the wife of Nicholas Pann, who was recommended by the Council in 2007 but failed to win. One new member has been inducted: District 1 member Peggy Carlson, who also is a member of the village's Economic Development Commission.

The Council, she implored, is in dire need of District 2 members, or those coming from the north side of the village between the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and the east side of Brainard Avenue. District 2 is in the same straits and covers the opposite side of Brainard to the village's western limits.

The first meeting also resulted in two main objectives: to focus on the variety of publicity outlets to explore to more efficiently get the word out and to appoint so-called "board reporters" to serve as liaisons between the Council and the three main elected municipal boards in town.

Member Ray Bishop also has been named parliamentarian, a role Justak said may or may not be needed but one that will help meetings and debates on issues run more smoothly.

"We're excited about the year ahead with the speakers and are just plugging along," said Justak. "We have some real work ahead of us."

A new beginning
The Council may not have met formally until last month, but Justak said "a couple laid-back meetings" with core members this past summer helped everyone get up to speed with the coming year or two.

"It was basically done to let me know what their thoughts and ideas are and possible agenda items," she said. "I definitely think we're in a new different place. The members we have are excited to be members and want many people to be part of it. They want to make sure at slating time, we have good, honest discussions like never before."

She said she asked those who showed up to the informal July sessions to speak what was on their minds and to tell her, their new chair, why they were involved with the Council. And, she said, they were more than open to the idea and gave her some new perspectives to consider.

In the last couple of years, there was a lot of talk amongst members who expressed displeasure with what was happening during meetings, how vetting and slating was carried out, and so new bylaws were enacted to address some of those issues.

"We are moving forward; now we have a clear set of (rules) that will help govern us better," she added.

Justak said one goal she raised was for greater visibility and publicity, even in the off-season.

"People don't know what the Citizens' Council is about," she said, noting she would love to have a stronger community presence at fairs, festivals, parades and other civic events. "I would like to propose a grassroots effort of reaching out to people more."

She said the Council wants voters to know it is taking a closer look at how it carries out the slating process so they, too, can become more educated about the selection of candidates its members deem most qualified and why.

"We want to move toward a Council that can help educate the community on what they're doing so they can develop solid questions at slating time," she added. "This can provide some real insight."

In turn, more residents may decide to join the Council, to have a voice, a pride in ownership of the process and "to have their finger on the pulse of the community" regardless of whether they feel comfortable speaking publicly or normally have time to attend meetings. The Council typically only meets monthly, except perhaps at slating time every two years.

Justak wants to develop an email list of anyone and everyone interested in Council affairs so they can be regularly updated when things are going on.

In recent past, there was a lot of questions raised at meetings about the integrity of the group and people with political agendas who try to alter the process. So, the bylaws were updated to ensure that was harder to happen.

For instance, immediate family members cannot vote for each other, such was the case of a couple years back when a member voted for her husband who is now a sitting trustee.

Others were concerned about members individually speaking to the media "who were not representing the Council in a good way" because they had different goals.

"We're a non-partisan organization within the community whose charge is to recommend qualified candidates to the community and that's about it," she said, adding the oft-criticized closed meetings are only those in which secret votes are cast for slated candidates.

The bylaws have also stiffened up what membership means by strengthening attendance requirements.

"This (coming) year," said Justak, "you have the opportunity (through the Council) to educate yourself on how local government works."

Monday, September 21, 2009

UPCOMING LIBRARY EVENTS

La Grange Public Library Offers Program on Sept. 30
to Help People Change One Thing

Author and executive image consultant Anna Soo Wildermuth will present a program called Change One Thing at the La Grange Public Library on Wednesday, September 30 at 7 p.m.

Wildermuth will present tips from her book, Change One Thing, on how to discover what’s holding you back and fix it by changing something in your life. Whether you’re a job seeker, soccer mom, or CEO, you’ll learn something new from this program. Wildermuth will focus especially on changing one’s image and improving communication skills.

Registration is strongly encouraged for this free program. To register or for more information on Change One Thing program or other programs at the La Grange Public Library, visit the Library’s website at www.lagrangelibrary.org or call (708) 352-0576.

La Grange Public Library Presents Comedy Night on Oct. 2
Kid’s Comedy Corral Offers Parents a Night Out

The La Grange Public Library will present a Comedy Night on Friday, October 2 at the Library from 7 to 8:45 p.m. The evening features performances for adults and teens, as well as a special comedy program for kids ages 5 to 10.

The evening will open with Lyons Township High School senior and budding comedienne Emily Toops and finish with The Improv Commandos. A long-time student at Second City, Toops will jumpstart the evening with her humorous take on the life of a teenager in the western suburbs. Next, The Improv Commandos will continue the fun with their hilarious routine and improvisational games based on current events and issues relevant to the audience.

The Comedy Night is appropriate for people ages 16 and up.

On the same evening from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m., the Library’s Youth Services Department will offer a Kids’ Comedy Corral for children ages 5-10. Funny films and humorous activities will be offered.

Since space is limited for both kids and adults, registration is required at least one week in advance. To register or for more information on the Comedy Night or Kids’ Comedy Corral, visit the Library’s website at www.lagrangelibrary.org or call (708) 352-0576.

Lyric Opera Lecture on Faust is Featured at La Grange Public Library on October 4

The La Grange Public Library will host a Lyric Opera lecture featuring the opera Faust on Sunday, October 4 at 2 p.m.

A docent from the Lyric Opera of Chicago will present the lecture with an emphasis on the story line, character analysis and music. The second opera of the Chicago season, Faust is one of the most popular operas ever composed.

Registration is strongly encouraged for this free program. To register or for more information on the Lyric Opera lecture on Faust or other programs at the La Grange Public Library, visit the Library’s website at www.lagrangelibrary.org or call (708) 352-0576.

Monday, September 14, 2009

GAYLON & JOYCE LIGHTNER RECOGNIZED

When Joyce McCain Lightner came to La Grange from her hometown Lynchburg, Va. with sister Bernie in 1955, the village was a whole different place than she expected it would be.


Thinking her move up north would be a breath of fresh air, away from all the prejudice and discrimination she faced since her youth and through her young adulthood back home, she unfortunately was dead wrong.


She found a comfortable neighborhood of fellow African-Americans living between East Avenue and the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad tracks, but soon learned the stigmas associated with the so-called East Side.


Some people who lived there had their homes physically picked up and moved decades earlier from the West Side of town into the East Side because of their race, and it didn't stop there. Any blacks who wanted to lease apartments west of Bluff Avenue found none available.


She was glad to see city-like merchants lined up along what was then referred to as Fifth Avenue (present-day La Grange Road), but she quickly learned her "people" were not allowed to cross Fifth Avenue to patronize the dress shops, at least not when white folks were there.

And in an almost Rosa Parks-esque "back of the bus" incident, more discriminatory practice reared its ugly head when blacks were not allowed to sit at the dime store lunch counter.

But not long after that injustice come to light than does Joyce recall a group of young men who exercised their not-yet legalized civil rights and staged a sit-in. Within time, the restriction was lifted.

That's just a microcosm of the African-American experience in La Grange and that faced by Joyce and her husband of 37 years, Gaylon Lightner, a couple of the community's earliest civil rights activists who were behind such accomplishments as the village's open housing ordinance in June of 1972, activism in many NAACP committees, initiatives and events.

At Sunday's 18th Annual Race Unity Rally sponsored by that same group, a yearly celebration acknowledging society's cultural and racial differences, The Lightners were presented with a lifetime achievement Diversity Award by their peers -- before a diverse crowd of neighbors and town leaders.

The award was given out by the Rev. Sherri Robinson, pastor of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on East Calendar Avenue. A prolonged standing ovation followed.

"This lifetime achievement award is for Joyce and Gaylon's outstanding support of diversity," she said, noting their efforts "in helping to make our community a better place to live."

"They were always a team working with the La Grange Area NAACP," said the Rev. Robinson, who noted Gaylon and Joyce were both former board members and members of committees who attended annual state, regional and national conventions. In present day, they are active members of the CommUNITY Diversity Group.

The daughter of a former 8th Avenue fish market owner, Joyce was a village planning commissioner in the early to mid-1980s, about the same time she coordinated the LaGrange leg of the Hands Across America fundraiser. She was secretary of the Eastside Neighborhood Preservation Area Committee, registrar for the La Grange Share Food Program, member of the Gregory Topps Medical Fund Committee and helped organize the La Grange Sunday Mixed Bowling League in 1960.

Gaylon, who joined Joyce in the league when they started dating around 1967 and still bowls with her religiously every week, has served with the Citizens Council of La Grange that helped usher in the first African-American trustee, served on educational panels and neighborhood preservation groups and, like his bride, was a board member of the CommUNITY Diversity Group, which formed n 1992 following the Rodney King beating and the racial strife that ensued.

He chaired the Eastside preservation panel, was a member of the now-defunct Main Street downtown marketing organization and the La Grange Rotary Club. And he was a member of the most recent Comprehensive Plan for Northeast La Grange Committee.

The couple also are longtime parishioners of the LaGrange/Brookfield Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Upon receiving the award in front of a roomful of longtime neighbors, friends and supporters, the Lightners gracefully accepted the recognition.

"I really feel some of you are here because of us being here," said Joyce, her 6-foot-4-1/2-foot husband towering over her and, as always, standing close. "But we still have a long way to go."

As humble as they always are, Gaylon also shared his appreciation for their accolades.

"It wasn't something we went after (or) looked for," he said, "we were about community ... We do what we do we don't anticipate any awards or accolades. We do things because we feel it's necessary."

To that, CommUNITY Diversity Group President Linda Eastman added, "We could never fill their shoes, especially Gaylon's ... we are just the extras."

A portion of the 29-member CEP Youth Leadership "Watch My Feet" perfomance group then entertained the 100-plus crowd with a multi-ethnic diversity skit to "Man in the Mirror," a once-popular tune of the late Michael Jackson, which brought tears to some eyes in the room.

The group comprised of Argo Community, Fenwick, Lyons Township, Nazareth and Riverside-Brookfield high schools performed interpretive dance as a loudspeaker seemed to do the rest about effecting change.

"If you want to make the world a better place, look around yourself and make a change," Jackson sung, the words undeniably resonating with the crowd.

A couple of children seemingly most impressed with the afternoon affair -- which included a unique flower-sharing ceremony and group picture -- were Josie and Jamie, the 7-year-old daughter and 5-and-4-month-old son of Park District of La Grange Commissioner Timothy Kelpsas.


"It was real good," said Josie, a second grader at Ogden School. "I like that we shared flowers."


Jamie, clutching a large bouquet of red and white carnations he collected from everyone he could, said he really liked the dancers.

"But I like the flowers most," he said.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

The 18th Annual Race Unity Rally

Friday, Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m.

FREE MOVIE AND DISCUSSION
Theme: Quality Education for All Our Children
La Grange Public Library
10 W. Cossitt Avenue
Refreshments will be served


Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009 at 3:00 p.m.
Village of La Grange Village Hall
53 S. La Grange Road, La Grange

Featuring: Henri Boyd Banks, of Johns Hopkins University, formerly of La Grange
Also featuring:

CEP Youth Leadership “Watch My Feet” Performers
Introduction of Dr. Timothy Kilrea, Supt., LTHS Dist. 204
and Dr. Warren Shillingburg, Supt., Dist. 102
Village of La Grange Unity Proclamation
Achievement Award to Joyce and Gaylon Lightner

Sponsored by the CommUNITY Diversity Group
For more information, contact Linda Eastman, 708-579-5114

UPCOMING LIBRARY EVENTS

La Grange Public Library now offers downloadable audiobooks
Best-selling and classic titles available anytime, anywhere

The La Grange Public Library has expanded their services with the addition of download audiobooks and eBooks. Library card holders can check out and download digital media anytime, anywhere by visiting www.lagrangelibrary.org or www.mediaondemand.org.

Patrons may browse the growing collection of best-selling and classic titles. To check out, users will need a valid library card, personal computer, and Internet connection. Once downloaded, digital titles can be enjoyed on the computer or transferred to a supported device, like an MP3 player. Many audio titles can also be burned to CD to enjoy in the car. At the end of the 14-day lending period, titles will automatically expire and are returned to the collection. There are never late fees or damaged items.

In order to use the program, patrons will need to install free software on a Windows operating system or Mac. To read eBook titles, patrons will download the reader software for Adobe and Mobipocket eBooks.

This free and easy to use service is provided by the La Grange Public Library and powered by OverDrive, Inc. To check out and download audiobooks and eBooks, visit HYPERLINK "http://mediaondemand.org" http://mediaondemand.org or for more information on the Media On Demand program, visit the Library’s website at HYPERLINK "http://www.lagrangelibrary.org" www.lagrangelibrary.org or call (708) 352-0576.


Travelogue on Iran to be presented at La Grange Public Library on Sept. 21


On Monday, September 21 at 7 p.m., the La Grange Public Library will present a program on Modern Iran, Ancient Persia.

World traveler Bill Helmuth will take participants on a virtual voyage to Iran to discover the people, culture, geography and politics of this ancient land. Learn more about the history and the current state of this country that borders Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan.

Registration is strongly encouraged for this free program. To register or for more information on Modern Iran, Ancient Persia program or other programs at the La Grange Public Library, visit the Library’s website at www.lagrangelibrary.org or call (708) 352-0576.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

CALL FOR YOUNG ARTISTS

Jr High and Middle School students in the greater LaGrange area are invited
to enter "Colorcopia", an adventurous competitive art show in October
sponsored by the LaGrange Art League in recognition of Illinois Arts and
Humanities Month.

Young artists are encouraged to submit 2-D and 3-D work which was done
independently or as a school art project. Absolute deadline for entries is
Saturday, October 3. The show will be up Saturday, October 10, thru
Saturday, October 17. A reception with awards, music and refreshments will
close the show on Saturday, October 17. Reception hours - 4:30-7pm.

Entry forms which include all necessary information are available at the
LaGrange, LaGrange Park and Western Springs' Thomas Ford Libraries as
well as at the LaGrange Art League, 122 Calendar Av, LaGrange. Hours
10am-5pm 708-352-3101

www.lagrangeartleague.org

WSWE Presents Passion and Profitability

Event October 15, 2009, by West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs

West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs (WSWE) presents “Passion and Profitability,” from 8 a.m. to noon October 15 at William Tell Banquets, Holiday Inn, 6201 W. Joliet Road, Countryside. Advance registration is encouraged.

How do small business entrepreneurs take their passion and make it profitable during challenging economic times? Ellen Rogin, an often-quoted expert in the field of life and wealth planning who has appeared on PBS’s Chicago Tonight, will moderate a panel of three successful women business founder-owners who will explore passion as a critical attribute of success, while keeping a sharp eye on the bottom line.

Panelists are: Maureen O’Brien of exterior remodeling company O’Brien & Son, Inc.; Catherine Riddick of XPonent Group, Ltd.; and Nancy Sharp of Food for Thought in Chicago.

Major event sponsors at release time are Itasca Bank & Trust Co., Chef Joe’s Cookies and XPonent Group, Ltd.

West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs was founded in September 2002 to educate, facilitate and support entrepreneurial women in the western suburbs. Monthly meetings feature speakers on a variety of relevant topics as well as informal networking.

The event includes full breakfast. Details, registration forms and online registration can be found at www.wswe.org. For additional information, contact Sheila Welsch at 630-954-6336 or Sheila_welsch@ml.com.