Park District cancels on-site summer programs, closes Willow Stream Pool; tennis, Pickleball courts and disc golf reopen

Willow Stream Pool will not open for the 2020 season

It’s a mixed bag of news for residents who use Park District facilities or participate in programs.

Citing “the pace at which things are progressing regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and the likelihood that we will not be able to open facilities in time for summer programs” the Park District has cancelled all on-site programs.  Tennis and Pickleball courts have reopened.

Additionally, Willow Stream Pool will not open for the 2020 season. The Spray and Play facility will also remain closed, although Park District officials say there is a chance of that facility possibly opening in late summer, depending on how the guidelines change regarding playgrounds and aquatics facilities. “

With on-site programs cancelled, the Park District will offer virtual programming and plans to release a monthly schedule beginning May 25. The District has also removed its summer programming guide and registration materials from its website.

                With the cancellations, the first session of summer camp has also been canceled, with virtual camp programs being offered instead.  The Park District will monitor the progress of the pandemic to determine if the second session of camp that runs from July 13 through August 7 can be offered. That decision, Park District officials say, will be made sometime in June.

                “Even though our in-person programs at our facilities won’t be able to happen as we head into summer, our staff is working hard to provide the community with opportunities to engage in recreational activities online,” said Park District Executive Director, Ryan Risinger. “Being that there really is no way to know when our facilities will be able to reopen, we have decided to temporarily shift to shorter monthly programming periods.  This will give us the opportunity to adapt as necessary, while saving the District thousands of dollars on producing printed publications in advance for programs that might not even happen.” 

Tennis, Pickleball courts reopened

While on-site programming has been axed, the Park District has reopened all of its tennis and Pickleball courts, as well as the two disc golf courses.

                Additional rules have been posted at the entrances to the tennis and Pickleball courts that specify that everyone waiting for a court must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet apart, and must wait outside of the fence until a court becomes available.  Additionally, anyone playing doubles must wear a mask at all times.

                Because the disc golf courses are not enclosed, fenced in areas, no additional restrictions have been implemented, other than that social distancing must be maintained. One disc golf course is located at Willow Stream Park, the other at Twin Creeks Park.

                Other Park District facilities that remain closed include all playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, the skate park, inline rink, and the Happy Tails Dog Park.

                For updated information as things change, please visit the Park District website at bgparks.org.

Drive-by-Pride to replace Pride Parade

            With the second annual Pride Parade in Buffalo Grove cancelled due to restrictions in place because of COVID-19, organizers are planning a “Pride Drive” in which spectators will drive through the village checking out decorated lawns and homes and waving hello to fellow participants. Carolyn Pinta, who coordinated last year’s Pride Parade, told The Daily Herald that participants there will be "There will be 70 different places that people could go to visit," throughout the village.

            The event is scheduled from noon to 3 on Sunday, June 7. Pinta indicated to The Herald that “since it is taking place at people's homes, there is basically no time limit.”

            Pinta has been meeting with village officials to determine how the Pride Ride would be handled. She has requested a special event permit which is being reviewed by staff with a decision possible by the end of the week.

According to Deputy Village Manager, Jennifer Maltas, “Based on the fact that experts are indicating the peak for COVID in Illinois will be mid-June and current statistics show that our region will likely not move to Phase 3 by the time of this event, we are reviewing the event as if we will be under the same restrictions were are today,”

When the event does take place, Maltas says there will not be a specific route.  “It will be similar to when the village did the Halloween decoration competition and posted a map of the participating homes,” Maltas says.  She says there was discussion of a specific route, but there were concerns of a what she called “a major traffic issue.”

            Information about the Pride Drive is available at pintaprideproject.com/pridedrive or by email at thepintaprideproject@gmail.com.

BGPD offers tips to prevent package theft

Citing an increase in package thefts in Buffalo Grove, particularly on the north side of the village, the Buffalo Grove Police Department recommends residents consider following these tips to keep their deliveries safe from the “porch pirates”:

•           Leave a note asking delivery drivers to ring your bell if leaving a package. This way you can bring in your delivery immediately.

•           Schedule the delivery for a day when you will be home. We all want our stuff as soon as possible and love free one or two-day delivery options.

•           If that Bluetooth speaker and pair of sunglasses can wait an extra day or two until you will be home to receive the package, however, that may be the best option for you.

•           If having items delivered to you at your place of work is an option, that is often safer than leaving packages to sit at your front door all day. Plus, you can impress your co-workers with the deal you scored on that sweater from Banana Republic and those flats from Nordstrom Rack.

•           Amazon has secure locker locations where your package will be secure until you pick it up. There are two Amazon locker locations in Buffalo Grove and many more in surrounding suburbs. They are available 24 hours a day and you do not have to go into a business to access them. The Buffalo Grove locations are at the Chase bank, 175 McHenry Rd., and the other at the Speedway gas station at 201 N Milwaukee Ave.

•           Is there a less conspicuous place than your front door to leave the packages? Consider leaving instructions for packages to be left behind the bush near your front door or next to the air conditioning unit on the side of your house. Just be sure to clearly identify where the packages should be placed.

•           Ask a neighbor to grab your packages if they ever notice them sitting outside

•           If you are getting something particularly valuable delivered, UPS and FedEx offer the option to require a signature for delivery.

•           Take advantage of the "Ship to Store" option when ordering from retailers. Install a video doorbell or a security camera. It is a lot easier than you think.
*         Sign up for delivery tracking. Most online retailers and delivery services, such as UPS,  the United States Postal Services and DHL offer tracking and text notifications of delivery status. UPS also offers an online map that tracks the location of the truck making your delivery.

There are other options that may apply to someone's particular situation, but these tips are sufficient for the majority of residents in Buffalo Grove.

Library lists programs

The Indian Trails Public Library is offering a variety of programs for readers of all ages. The Middle School Book Club is slated for students in grade six to eight from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 14. Students can participate in a discussion on the book, Sweep by Jonathan Auxier. Interactive questions will be posted online every weekday from May 14-28. Registration not required. Click here for information on how to join the book discussion.  Participants can access the e-book through Hoopla.

Super Saturday: Dinosaur Encounter with Children's Author Janet Riehecky is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 16, 2020.

This program is suggested for ages 5 and older with a caregiver. Janet Riehecky is the author of over 35 children’s books on dinosaurs. Her entertaining and educational presentation showcases her extensive collection of fossils and museum-quality replicas of real dinosaur bones while exploring the latest theories about dinosaurs. The program will be posted on ITPLD YouTube Channel

Four students named scholarship winners

            Four Buffalo Grove students have been named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as recipients of $2,500 National Merit Scholarship.

They include Nicholas C. Castaneda; probable career field: actuarial science; Buffalo Grove High School, Matthew J. Li, probable career field: environmental policy; Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Kiran R. Mohan, Buffalo Grove; probable career field: medicine; Adlai E. Stevenson High School, and Erin Y. Yuan, Buffalo Grove; probable career field: chemistry; Adlai E. Stevenson High School.

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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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Package thieves hit village

Buffalo Grove police continue their investigation into a rash of thefts of packages left near the front doors of several homes. According to police reports, five thefts occurred on May 5.  A resident in the 2500 block of Waterbury reported packages with contents estimated at $400 taken from his front door while another resident in the 2100 block of Apple Hill Lane told police a package valued at $30 was taken from his front door.  In another incident, a resident in the 2400 block of Waterbury reported a package contained nearly $50 in household goods was taken from her doorstep, while a homeowner in the 2400 block of Palazzo Drive told police a package with contents valued at $70 was taken from his doorstep. A fifth incident was reported to police by another resident in the 2400 block of Waterbury Drive in which packages with contents totaling $50 was reportedly taken from the front door.

Residents who had active video doorbell systems told police the person who allegedly took the packages was wearing a black hoody, dark pants and surgical style gloves.

A person fitting that description reportedly stole packages from front door steps in Lincolnshire, also on May 5.

Two cases of domestic battery reported --- A 44-year old Buffalo Grove man faces two counts of domestic battery after an incident on May 4.  Police reports say the man allegedly punched his wife and pushed her into the door during an argument. The woman told police there had been altercations before and this was not the first time she had been struck in the face by her husband.

            In another incident, a 45-year-old Buffalo Grove man was charged with domestic battery and domestic battery / bodily harm after an argument over use of the family vehicle escalated.

  Reports say the man threw a prescription drug bottle at his wife, causing a cut to her forehead. Buffalo Grove police say an increase in calls about domestic disputes has led to the development of a video on YouTube by Police Social Worker Brittany Wilson about domestic violence.  It can be found here.

Suspicious persons – A clerk at the 7-11 in the 1100 block of Weiland Road contacted police after two people reportedly walked through the store before buying some food.  On the way out. the two made a remark about robbing the store. According to reports surveillance cameras captured a license plate number enabling police to contact the two and tell them there were not welcomed back in the store.  Reports say the two had requested food from the “roller grill” – which would make anyone suspicious.

Pot luck visit? – Police reports indicate that an officer observed a vehicle pull into the parking lot of a shopping plaza at the corner of north Arlington Heights and Old McHenry Road. After noticing a lack of movement by the vehicle or its occupants, the officer drove by the vehicle and noticed that the occupants appeared to be wearing masks. The vehicle, police reports note, left the center and traveled south on McHenry Road and then east on Deerfield Parkway where several additional BGPD units assisted in pulling the vehicle over.

            Police reports say the vehicle in which the three occupants, all Chicago men, occupied had a heavy odor of marijuana.  Police searched the vehicle, and found only a small amount of marijuana.  They told police they had visited a friend who moved from Chicago to Buffalo Grove and after visiting pulled into the shopping plaza to smoke mariujuana as they did not want to smoke marijuana outside their friend’s house.   They apologized and were released.  At least they were wearing masks.

Burglary from a motor vehicle – Just like the swallows come back to Capistrano and the buzzards to Hinckley, Buffalo Grove Police responded to a report of a theft from a motor vehicle.  Same day, different vehicle, same report:  A person contacted police to report that her purse and keys were stolen from her car.  You know the rest, right?  The car was unlocked.  Next case, your honor.

Drone, drone off the range – A 44-year-old Buffalo Grove man probably wishes he had stayed sheltered in place on May 3 instead of trying to fly his drone near the Spray and Play lot on McHenry Road. Reports say the man reported his drone lost. The responding officer happened to be a canine officer and let the BGPD’s canine do a “property search” for the errant drone.  Reports say the dog showed interest in an item near the edge of wetlands near the park.  It appeared to be the drone, but it as too far for the man, the officer or the dog to retrieve it.  It was a classic case of “knick-knack paddywhack, can’t give the dog a drone,” so rather than send that old man home, the officer sought assistance from the Buffalo Grove Fire Department, which responded with a ladder truck.  Even with its ladder fully extended, they were unable to retrieve the drone.  According to reports, the man “wanted to walk out and try and retrieve the drone, but it was strongly suggested he not because it wasn't safe to do so.”  Good suggestion.  

Community News

 Board to decide fate of 2020 Farmers Market Monday

            With Buffalo Grove Days and Fourth of July events axed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Buffalo Grove Village Board is expected to vote on whether to allow the Farmers Market to be held this year.

            The Village Board is reportedly reviewing recommendations by the Illinois Farmers Market Association (IFMA) for holding Farmers Markets during the pandemics. Guidelines include prohibiting sampling, use of cash for sales and entertainment. The complete list can be found here.

            In regard to Buffalo Grove Days and the Fourth of July events., Village Board President Beverly Sussman said in a message to residents “This was not an easy decision to make, but we believe it is the right decision for Buffalo Grove. Since the start of this pandemic, we have done everything that we can as a Village to plan for the safety and welfare of our community members. Health officials have stated that summer gatherings are discouraged for safety reasons due to the spread of the virus, and since the July 4th celebrations fall into that time period, that decision was relatively straightforward.”

            The next Village Board meeting is at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18 and will be available via Zoom.

TIF hearing set for June 22

            After the cancellation due to the state’s Stay-at-Home order, the village is planning to hold a Public Hearing on the development of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district on June 22.  According to village officials, the meeting is scheduled to be at Village Hall, 50 Raupp Blvd.  However, in the event it cannot be held there because of state mandates restrictions, or if it is limited capacity, it may be done as a virtual meeting utilizing zoom. More information pertaining to the meeting information and links to the virtual meeting will be made available at this link.  

Domestic abuse video available

            Citing an increase in calls about domestic disputes during the Stay-at-Home period Brittany Wilson, social worker at the Buffalo Grove Police Department, offers tips for coping with domestic abuse and violence in a video.

Village newsletter available online

            The May/June issue of the village’s newsletter is available online as a .PDF file. Residents can access it at this link. Copies will not be mailed.

Chabad plans celebration

Northwest Suburban Chabad will host a Lag BaOmer celebration on Zoom from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12 (tomorrow). Persons interested should sign into Zoom.  The meeting ID is 845 6144 0084. 

Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day of the Omer count is a festive day on the Jewish calendar. It is celebrated with outings (on which children traditionally play with bows and arrows), bonfires, parades and other joyous events. Many visit the resting place (in Meron, northern Israel) of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the anniversary of whose passing is on this day.

            For more information, call (847) 808-7770.

Lag BaOmer is always on the 18th day of the month of Iyar. Why the name Lag BaOmer? The word “Lag” is made of the Hebrew letters lamed (ל) and gimel (ג), which together have the numerical value of 33. “BaOmer” means “of the Omer.” The Omer is the counting period that begins on the second day of Passover and culminates with the holiday of Shavuot, following day 49.

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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