Apr 25, 2019

Recycling, redevelopment and recounts focus in village


New recycling program, cart replacement begin Wednesday
Residents can replace existing refuse carts for a different size starting Wednesday. The 2019 replacement program runs through May 31.  Residents who want to replace their garage or recycling carts should call Waste Management at 800-796-9696. Residents should note that exchanged carts may not be new; in most cases, existing carts will be exchanged with a used cart.
 The new At Your Door (AYD) program starts May 1. Residents can begin to schedule pick-ups May 1for hazardous or difficult to dispose of items, including automotive products, garden and swimming pool chemicals, electronics, and more. For additional information and a full list of accepted items, click here.

Prairie View development becoming a priority
According to reports in the Daily Herald, “..now that Buffalo Grove trustees have integrated the Prairie View Metra Station Area Plan into the village's comprehensive plan, officials are moving forward to make its proposals a reality…” Details can be found at Prairie View development.

Lee files for ‘discovery recount’
Soojae Lee, who lost to incumbent David Weidenfeld for a spot on the Buffalo Grove Village Board by two votes, has filed for a ‘discovery recount’ with the Lake County Clerk. The date for the discovery recount will be determined by the Clerk’s office. Candidates have until this Monday, April 29 to file for a discovery.  The date for filing for a discovery recount in Cook County is also Monday. Full details are at Lee seeks recount.

Rotary Village Green renamed
Rotary Village Green, 265 N. Buffalo Grove Road, will be renamed in memory of longtime community volunteer, Ernie Karge. Rotary Green, Renaming to honor Karge

Farmers’ Market seeks volunteers
Volunteers are needed for the Buffalo Grove Farmers' Market. Anyone interested in helping is welcome to attend the next planning meeting, Tuesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. at Buffalo Grove Village Hall, 50 Raupp Boulevard. For questions or to learn more about how to become a volunteer, contact Peggy Starczowski at pstarczo@vbg.org or call 847-459-2530
The 10th season of the Buffalo Grove Farmers' Market opens June 16 and will take place every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through mid-October. The market will offer locally grown fruits and vegetables, condiments, specialty cheeses, freshly made donuts and more. Entertainment and special events will also be included, in addition to booths showcasing local businesses and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit the Farmers' Market Facebook page here.

Pride parade taking shape


More than 90 participants and 50 sponsors are set to participate in the June 2 Pride Parade. The parade, being coordinated by 13-year-old Molly Pinta and her family’s non-profit organization, The Pinta Pride Project Inc., will begin at 10 a.m. on Checker Drive between Carry Lane and Ridgefield Lane. After the parade, a Uniquley Us Festival sponsored by the Buffalo Grove Park District from noon to 4 p.m. at Mike Rylko Park.



End of Passover events set
The Northwest Suburban Chabad will hold Yizkor memorial services at noon on Saturday, April 27, the last day of Passover, at Club Hose, 285 Cobbler Lane, Buffalo Grove. Also scheduled is a Moshiach Seudah, the last meal of Passover, at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. It will be at 550 LaSalle Court, Buffalo Grove.

Defense tactics course set
Learn the basics of punching, blocking, kicking and other safety tips in a fun and interactive environment.
Buffalo Grove Police will host a series of three, free Defense Tactics classes on May 2, 9 and 16, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive.
Certified Defensive Tactics instructors will teach personal safety basis, along with other tips. Attendees should wear comfortable clothing. Contact the Buffalo Grove Park District to register at 847-850-2117

From the Police Reports
  • A resident contacted police after a man saying he was with AT&T knocked on her door saying he need to remove a piece of cable from her property.  The woman contacted AT&T and found out the man was not an AT&T employee.  The man left while she was on the phone with police.
  • A woman allegedly drove off with a man’s car while they were getting gas at the Speedway station at 201 N. Milwaukee.  The woman and man were two of four people in the car who got out while they were getting gas.  The woman then returned to the car and drove off.  The car was later found in Grayslake and returned to its owner undamaged.
  • An employee of Eye Q Optique reported a pair of Coach frames valued at $62 were taken by a patient. Police contacted the patient who, after denying she took the frames, admitted that she did and returned them.
  • Police observed a man going through the garbage cans behind Walgreen’s, 1701 N. Buffalo Grove Road.  He told police he was looking for receipts because, say reports, “he like to complete the customer service survey that is on the bottom of the receipt.”  Police told him and that he should not be going through garbage cans.
  • Nearly $270 worth of Nexium and Nicorette gum was taken from the Mariano’s in the 400 block of Half Day Road.
  • A man said he had a scam phone call from someone saying they were with the Social Security Administration  and that his identity was stolen. The resident realized it was a scam and did not follow the caller's instructions.
  • A woman reported to police that she responded to an email seeking individuals to work as secret shoppers. She received a letter saying she had to buy three “Google play cards” at $500 each. She was told she would receive a cashier’s check for the total.  She purchased the cards, but soon suspected a scam when a second letter arrived. She was asked to forward the cards, but did not and was able to return all three cards.
  • A 22-year-old Arlington Heights man was charged two counts of DUI after police received an anonymous compliant about a man who was apparently asleep in his car.  Police located the man and suspected h was intoxicated. His BAC was .168. Police also found drug paraphernalia in his car.  He received a ticket for violating a village ordinance regarding possession of less than 10 grams or less of cannabis and drug paraphernalia.
  • A Park City woman was cited for driving without a license, operating an uninsured vehicle, obstructing window.  Police discovered the woman’s license was revoked in 2009.


School Notes

Volunteers needed for fourth–grade state fair
The fourth–grade Illinois State Fair arrives at Half Day School on May 16. Four volunteers from each class are needed – two to help with set up and decorations on May 15 and two to help on the day of the event. Please sign up through the PTO's Sign-UpGenius.
Second grade game night May 3
The PTO second–grade game night will take place from 6:45–8:00 p.m. Friday, May 3 at Sprague School. The event is for students as well as siblings and parents. This year the event will feature a variety of the school’s own games to play as well as games provided by GameWright Games! GameWright makes many Sprague favorites including Sleeping Queens, Hiss, Zeus on the Loose, and Loot. Volunteers are needed to help set up, clean up, assist with game instructions, and sell games. Most of these roles will allow you to still spend time with your family. Please consider helping out to make the event a success. Sign up on SignupGenius.


Student Voices

Read the student newspapers at Stevenson and Buffalo Grove high schools at these links:

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If you have news about your club, school, church, synagogue or other community organization, please submit news, information and story ideas to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.  Articles should include a contact name email and phone number. Commentary articles are also welcome.  They should be limited to 350 words and should include contact information as noted above. All submissions may be edited for style, spelling, and libelous content. Questions about B.G. News & Info. should be sent to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

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Apr 19, 2019

Weidenfeld, Lee remain neck-and-neck in Trustee race

Soojae Lee
Dave Weidenfeld
With Lake County votes listed as official and Cook County votes to be certified by the end of Tuesday, incumbent Village Board Trustee David Weidenfeld holds a two-vote lead over challenger Soojae Lee. The Cook County Board of Elections provide for discoveries of vote totals if, according to its website, “A losing candidate whose vote is equal to at least 95% of a winning candidate’s vote has the statutory right to a discovery recount. [A discovery recount cannot change the results of an election; it provides an opportunity to gather information about an election.]” The deadline for filing fir a discovery is April 29th.  Complete details about the Cook County process can be found at Cook County Discovery.




Sussman avoids censure with apology
A resolution of censure of Village Board President Beverly Sussman was withdrawn Monday, April 15 after she apologized for comments made during and after the April 2 election. Sussman had been chided for remarks she made in various media outlets about opponent Mike Terson and former Village President Jeff Braiman whom she defeated in 2015. Sussman apologizes


Berman honored for service
Outgoing trustee, Jeff Berman, slices
cake at reception in his honor.
Outgoing Village Board Trustee Jeff Berman was honored before and during the April 15th Village Board meeting. A reception was held is honor prior to the meeting and Village Board President Beverly Sussman read a proclamation citing Berman’s nearly three decades of service to the village. Trustees Lester Ottenheimer III, David Weidenfeld, Eric Smith and Joanne Johnson each made statements reflecting on the impact Berman has had on their tenure on the Board. Trustee Andrew Stein was not in attendance. Berman honored, Fond farewell for Berman,






Tributes pour in for Richard Drazner

Richard Drazner
An emotion-filled Dane Bragg reflected on Richard Drazner, Buffalo Grove Park District Commissioner who died suddenly April 5. Bragg’s comments came during the April 15 meeting of the Buffalo Grove Village Board meeting. Bragg recounted Drazner’s impact on not only the Park District Board, but also Rotary Club.  Bragg is an active member of the Buffalo Grove Rotary club as was Drazner. “He always had smile,” Bragg said. “He was taken way too soon.” BG Park Commissioner, Drazner, Drazner mourned









Bragg gets contract extension
The Village Board Monday night approved a contract extension for Village Manager Dane Bragg. The new contract keeps Bragg in the fold through 2022. Bragg's contract extended, Board approves extension for Bragg


BG, Lincolnshire mull farmland future
The Countryside Reminder reports that Buffalo Grove Village Manager Dane Bragg and Lincolnshire Village Manager Brad Burke told the paper that why land owners have not indicated an intent to sell, discussion about its future was the topic at a recent Lincolnshire Village Board meeting. Farmland

Rotary offering scholarships
The Buffalo Grove Rotary Club is offering academic scholarships for up to $2,000 each to current students or graduates of Buffalo Grove High School or Adlai Stevenson High School. Applicants must be accepted into a Bachelor Degree college program and be preparing to obtain a four-year degree.
Completed applications and all required supporting documents must be submitted by June 1, 2019 for consideration. The scholarships are one-time grants.
"The Buffalo Grove Rotary Club raises funds every year for a variety of great causes, and providing scholarships for our local students is one of those great causes," said Buffalo Grove Rotary Club President Shawn Collins. "We invite our community members to pass this information along to current or former students of Buffalo Grove or Stevenson who are working to obtain a four-year degree."
Applicants must provide a completed (and legible) scholarship application with other documentation, including: Two letters of reference, High school or community college (if applicable) transcripts for all institutions attended, an essay of up to 500 words explaining how the applicant has demonstrated the Rotary Motto of 'Service Above Self'
Applications can be downloaded at bgrotary.org and once completed can be emailed along with supporting documents to Pat Johannes, Academic Scholarship Chair at atricejohannes@att.net.

From the Police Reports

Buffalo Grove police responded to the following complaints:
**         Retail theft from a grocery store in the 400 block of Half Day.  Reported missing $1,850 worth of over the counter medications including Zantac, Pepcid, Crest White strips, Nicorette gum.
**         Three complaints from residents at the same apartment/condo complex regarding issues with the Homeowners Association. Complaints include papers being torn out of a resident’s hand, a resident being struck by the HOA president, and a report of torn papers being found in front of a resident’s door. All three issues seemed to stem from information posted on a bulletin board in the common area. Complaints were advised to contact an attorney.
**         A complaint by an employee at a bank in the 400 block of east Deerfield Parkway about a customer whose accounts were closed due to “questionable” money transfers and international transactions.  Police reports say the man reportedly opened a pocket knife and was “going to kill” the person responsible for closing the accounts. The man left, but bank officials wanted a police report on file to warn the employee named by the customer.
**         A complaint by a resident of “someone urinating on his front porch.”  According to reports, the resident in the 2900 block of Bayberry received two packages from Amazon.  Video footage showed a female delivery driver dropping two packages on the front porch.  She started to leave but then returned to the front porch, and according to police reports “walked to the far corner (right side of front door) behind the bushes, pulls down her pants and then urinates on the patio.  She then pulls up her pants and walks away.”  The report notes that a short time later, a “M/W subject in his 60s shows up on the porch and appears to take a picture of the packages that were delivered and the leaves the area on foot.  They both drive away in what appears to be a Mazda hatchback.
The resident notified Amazon.  Police do not think it was a hate crime or that it would happen again, saying “it appeared more likely someone who made a poor decision out of necessity.”  No report if the resident had Amazon Prime.
Traffic:
**         A 20-year old Palatine woman was charged with speeding, driving with a revoked license, operating an uninsured vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia.
**         Buffalo Grove police reported three arrests for driving while under the influence.
**         One person was charged with driving with revoked license, and operating a motor vehicle with a lighted lamps violation (burned out).

School News

BG Students recognized -- Several Buffalo Grove students were among those honored by High School District 214 at its annual contest recognition evening. Contest reception.

BGHS students National Merit Scholarship winners - -Several Buffalo Grove High School students have been named recipients of National Merit Scholarship winners. BG National Merit recipients
Stevenson students advance in national math tournament
Several Stevenson High School math whizzes will be in New York April 29th to compete in the finals of a national tournament organized by Philadelphia-based Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) and sponsored by MathWorks, M3 Challenge. Math tourney

Take a closer look at…
Countryside Reminder columnist, Aileen Simons profiles a local pediatrician with a unique passion. Aileen Simons Column

Student Voices

Read the student newspapers at Stevenson and Buffalo Grove high schools at these links:

Got News?
If you have news about your club, school, church, synagogue or other community organization, please submit news, information and story ideas to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.  Articles should include a contact name email and phone number. Commentary articles are also welcome.  They should be limited to 350 words and should include contact information as noted above. All submissions may be edited for style, spelling, and libelous content. Questions about B.G. News & Info. should be sent to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

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Apr 12, 2019

Sussman censure showdown set at Monday's Board meeting

The Village Board Monday is expected to discuss and vote on a “Resolution Reprimanding Village President Beverly Sussman” for remarks she made during the recent campaign about former Village Board President Jeff Braiman and Mike Terson who opposed her during the April 2 election for Village Board President. The three-page resolution is based on the development in December 2009 “...creating a Code of Behavior and Conduct for elected and appointed officials…” If the resolution is adopted, it will be the second time a Village Board president has been censured.
Beverly Sussman
Former Village Board President Elliott Hartstein was censured after the 2010 after he mocked former Trustee Lisa Stone after she was removed from the position by recall vote.
The resolution (which can be found at April 15 agenda) specifically cites Sussman’s comments to the Daily Herald and Journal-Topics after the April 2 election in which she said “I feel social media played a very big part in this race—a very negative part,’ she said, taking particular aim at comments from former village president Jeffrey Braiman, who publicly endorsed Terson. “And his comments were disgusting and untrue,” she said…
Trustee Joanne Johnson told the Daily Herald that “…"Her remarks reflected poorly on the village and the people who supported her during the election," Johnson said. "I was surprised that our village president and the leader of our community would speak in such a manner and would not have been prepared on election night to handle any outcome."  Colleague Eric Smith, who won re-election April 9, told the Herald that in addition to the apology Sussman reportedly made to Board members, more is needed. “I responded to that and I told her I accept her apology, but I think the apology needs to be done to the residents," Smith said. "She needs to make it right. She needs to do that in all mediums."
Trustee Lester Ottenheimer III told the Herald that "For us to sit by and do nothing would mean that we condone what she said," he said. "It's a shame. Nobody likes to do this. The board can't sit back and say, "It's OK. She can do that.' We can't condone that type of behavior."
Buffalo Grove News and Info (BGNI) contacted Johnson, Smith and Ottenheimer for additional comments, however all three did not respond.
When contacted, Sussman told BGNI that “I already apologized in the newspaper article.”
That apology, as reported in both the Daily Herald and Journal-Topics, was  “I represent the village of Buffalo Grove, all our residents and the board and the staff, and I must always be professional," she said. "I must always try to tie the community together. We all have to work together and there should be no negativity, but especially on election night. There was no place for that and it should not have happened. It did, and I apologize for that."
Trustee Andrew Stein told the Journal-Topics that “I am disappointed that Beverly’s emotion on election night led her to say what she said.” He will not be at Monday’s Board meeting. Stein, a staunch supporter of Sussman, added that he would not vote in favor of the resolution because Sussman’s comments “were not premeditated.”
Outgoing trustee Jeff Berman called Sussman’s comments ““profoundly stupid,” adding that he expected the  matter to be “resolved” on Monday. “It casts her and the board and the village in negative light when at a time she could have chosen a different path far more typical of a prevailing candidate on an election night,” Berman told the Journal-Topics.
The Daily Herald’s coverage can be found at Trustees prepared.. while reporting by the Journal-Topics is at Buffalo Grove Board Looks...

Village mourns Park commissioner
Buffalo Grove is mourning the loss of Buffalo Grove Park District Commissioner Rick Drazner, a dedicated community volunteer who served as the board's president, as well as a member of the local Rotary Club, chamber of commerce and Congregation Beth Judea. Full details can be found at Park commissioner mourned

Berman to be honored
Longtime Village Board Trustee Jeff Berman will be honored for his 28 years of service at a reception at 7 p.m. Monday in Village Hall. Prior to being elected to the Village Board in 1999.  He had, notes a proclamation citing his service, served on the Plan Commission “for a decade”. Berman and his wife, Jane, have lived in Buffalo Grove since 1988.

Farmers' Market volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed for the Buffalo Grove Farmers Market, which  opens June 16, 2019, for its 10th season. The next planning meeting is 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30 at Grove Village Hall, 50 Raupp Boulevard. For more information, contact Peggy Starczowski at pstarczo@vbg.org or call 847-459-2530

The Farmers' Market takes place every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and runs through mid-October. Along with new vendors, many of the community's favorite vendors are scheduled to return. For more information, visit the Farmers' Market Facebook page here


Nominations for Bill Reid Award sought
The Buffalo Grove Rotary Club is seeking  nominations for its annual Bill Reid Award.  The award honors Reid, a longtime Buffalo Grove Resident and village trustee. Details are at Reid nominations sought and Reid Award

From the Police Reports

In a quiet week, among the calls Buffalo Grove Police responded to included:
** A report of a rear auto window in the 0-100 block of Carlyle Lane smashed by a large “football size” rock. Police report the damage did not allow access to the vehicle, which was still locked when police investigated.
** A report of another car window being damaged, this one in the 300 block of Willow Parkway by what police say appeared to be a BB or pellet. The vehicle’s owner said it was the third time his windshield has been damaged while the car was parked in the same area.  Previous damage appeared to be done by a baseball bat and BB or pellet.
** The Public Works Department reported vandalism to a drainage wall in the 1100 block of Johnson Drive.
** Traffic enforcement resulted in three arrests for revoked or suspended license and two DUIs

School News

Workshop on youth stress set
The District 103 PTO is sponsoring a parent education event, "Keep Calm & Carry On...Helping Children Cope with Stress & Identifying Anxiety and Depression in Our Youth" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, in the Daniel Wright Junior High School cafeteria. To learn more about the qualification of speaker Mark Reinecke, PhD., please visit the Eventbrite sign up page.

Student Voices

Read the student newspapers at Stevenson and Buffalo Grove high schools at these links:
Got News?
If you have news about your club, school, church, synagogue or other community organization, please submit news, information and story ideas to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.  Articles should include a contact name email and phone number. Commentary articles are also welcome.  They should be limited to 350 words and should include contact information as noted above. All submissions may be edited for style, spelling, and libelous content. Questions about B.G. News & Info. should be sent to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

Subscribe by email
If you want to receive Buffalo Grove News & Information right to your email box, send you email address to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com

Domestic battery charges / Restaurants closing / Cultural Fair flap at ASHS

  From the cop shop ** Domestic battery – A 35-year-old Buffalo Grove man is facing domestic battery charges following an incident in the...