New Lights to Shine on Harlem Avenue

Mayor Steven Landek observes the installation of a street light on Harlem Avenue.

The final phase of the Harlem Avenue streetlight project has begun.

New brown aluminum light poles are being installed along Harlem, part of a project to replace a lighting system that is more than 40 years old.

“The new light poles should be installed by January with the light switch being turned on by early February,” said Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek.

“This is another great upgrade for our important retail shopping corridor for the convenience and safety of Harlem Avenue shoppers,” Landek said.

Over the past eight months, electricians have been working diligently installing new underground wiring, pouring new pole bases and setting lighting control boxes along the entire length of Harlem Avenue.

The new system will be more energy efficient, the lights will shine more directly on Harlem and a few more poles have been added to eliminate some dark areas along the road.

The entire project has employed many skilled Americans and it has used American-made products.

Federal dollars were used to pay for 80 percent of the project and 20 percent were local funds.

In an additional savings, the old light poles will be recycled and used in other areas of Bridgeview to improve lighting around municipal buildings and Toyota Park.

Life Storage Wins Commerce Award

Trustee Claudette Struzik and Life Storage manager Nancy Warrer look over one of the storage units.

Life Storage has been selected for the 2011 Best of Bridgeview Award in the Mini & Self Storage category by the U.S. Commerce Association.

The storage facility at 7700 W. 79th St. in Bridgeview is the fourth largest in Illinois, said manager Jeffery Helms. He and co-manager Nancy Warrer received the award on Dec. 21.

The award is presented to companies that have exceptional marketing success in their local community, said the USCA in a release.

The 95,000 square foot facility opened three years ago, said Helms.

“We have more than 1,000 units,” he said. “We have only indoor units with climate controls. We also have truck docks and office suites.”

Helms said the Bridgeview facility is spread out over a larger area than most LifeStorage facilities. “Most of our facilities are vertical, we’re more horizontal,” he said.

The Best of Local Business award program recognizes outstanding businesses across the country, the USCA said.

The USCA is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

For more information, call Life Storage at 708-546-3249 or visit them at http://www.lifestorage.net/.

Trustee Claudette Struzik and Life Storage managers Nancy Warrer and Jeffery Helms sit in the cozy lobby.

Seniors Enjoy Good Life at Christmas Party

The Loreleis performed at this year's Christmas party.

A record number of seniors enjoyed the good life at the annual Christmas party held in the Stadium Club at Toyota Park.

Mayor Steven Landek and the board of trustees greeted all 410 guests and special guest state Rep. Mike Zalewski stopped by to extend a holiday greeting.

Dinner was provided by Levy Restaurants with dessert donated by Culver’s of Bridgeview.

The Lorelies, a dance troupe of high stepping grandmothers and great-grandmothers, entertained everyone with an energetic show.

In between acts, raffle prizes from Bridgeview Bank, Toyota Park and the Bridgeview Park District were given out to the winners.

Congratulations to all and to all a Happy New Year!

Longtime crossing guard Mary Richardson honored by village

Retired crossing guard Mary Richardson (center), surrounded by her family, Mayor Landek and village trustees, was honored for her 37 years of service in keeping our schoolchildren safe.

Retired school crossing guard Mary Richardson was honored by the village at the Dec. 21 village board meeting for her years of dedicated service.

Mary was presented a commemorative plaque by Police Chief Russell Harvey to honor her 37 years of keeping our school children safe, and she received a standing ovation by the audience and village board members.

Cake and coffee were served after the meeting.

Tax Forms, Free Tax Help at Library

The Bridgeview Public Library will be offering free tax help provided by the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide starting in February.

The library will again be providing tax forms to the public. Please stop in to pick up what you need. The federal government and the State of Illinois are pushing electronic tax filing this year, so all tax forms may not be available.

Please stop by or call the Reference Desk at 708-458-2880 ext. 105 for more information.

Youth Services to Start a Lego Club

The Youth Services Department at the Bridgeview Public Library is seeking donations of Lego blocks to start a Lego Club at the library!

If you have extra or unwanted Legos at home, please consider dropping them off at the library for all of the children of Bridgeview to enjoy.

Winter Reading programs

The 2012 Winter Reading Program will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 3, and continue through the end of the month. You can sign up at the Youth Services desk to track your reading and win great prizes, including hats and other Chicago Wolves gear!

Winter storytime sessions will begin on Jan. 23. Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5) will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 24 and Jan. 31. Toddler Storytime (ages 18 months-2 years) will be held at 11:10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25. Preschool Craft will be held at 1 p.m. on Mondays, Jan. 23 and Jan. 30. Music, Movement, and More will be held at 11:10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 27. K-2 Club (grades K-2) will be held at 4 p.m. on Jan. 25.

Library to Start Baby Storytime

The library is starting a new storytime program just for babies. Baby Storytime will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 30.

This program is a great way to introduce baby to the library with rhymes, songs, stories, and finger plays, with time to play and socialize after. Bring a blanket or yoga mat, but no toys or snacks please!

Craft Programs

Kids in grades K-6 are invited to Craft Night at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24. On Thursday, Jan. 26, come celebrate the Year of the Dragon at our Chinese New Year Celebration at 5 p.m.

If you’re in grades 3-6, the library has two new programs for you.

If you love making (and eating!) food, try out our new no-bake Cooking Class at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26.

If you love computers and want to create your own blog, join Computer Class at 3:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 3.

Teens in grades 7-12 have their own Craft Night at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

All programs are free and require registration. Visit the library or call 708-458-2880 ext. 106 to sign up for programs. Find out more about programs at http://kids.bridgeviewlibrary.org/.