BridgeViews

Lions Honor Those Who Serve

2012-02-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek (left) with Pastor W.W.
Clark and the Lions Club's Ray Jachim.

The Bridgeview Lions Club and the Village of Bridgview continued their annual tradition of honoring residents who serve the community at their annual Super Sunday Appreciation event last month.

The Lions gathered on Jan. 22 at Toyota Park to recognize residents who exemplify the club’s motto of “We Serve.”

Residents and their awards were:

Lifetime Ministry Award to the Rev. William W. Clark Jr., pastor at First Baptist Church of Bridgeview, for 40 years of service to the community.

Outstanding Service Award to the Bridgeview Emergency Management Agency and its Director Marty Vilimek for devotion to the communities of Bridgeview, Justice, Bedford Park, Summit and Willow Springs from 1960 to the present.

Educator of the Year Award to Sandra Poole, first-grade teacher at Brodnicki School, for outstanding dedication to the students of Indian Springs District 109.

Veteran of the Year Award to Donald J. Rosenberg, Air Force Airman First Class from Jan. 4, 1951, to Dec. 14, 1954, for loyalty and service to our country.

Citizen Meritorious Award to Sean McClafferty and Daniel Little for assisting a Bridgeview police officer in apprehending a violent offender on Nov. 3, 2011.

The Lions also honored several members of Bridgeview senior organizations and others for volunteering on Lions Club Candy Day.

The Lions have been selflessly serving the Bridgeview community since May 6, 1975. Each member shares a common bond of service in helping others.

The club’s most famous event is its annual Candy Day for the Blind on the second Friday in October. All monies raised at Candy Day are used to benefit the blind and hearing impaired.

Bridgeview Emergency Management Agency Director Marty Vilimek and Trustee Patt Higginson
(center) stand proudly with members of the EMA team, honored by the Lions Club.

Join the Bridgeview Golden Agers

2012-02-06T15:25:00.000-08:00

Bridgeview's work with seniors recognized

Trustee Mary Sutton holds the Aging Well Community Action
Team's traveling Service Award. The award recognizes our
village’s participation in keeping our senior citizens healthy
and socially and physically active.

Bridgeview Trustee Mary Sutton invites village residents 55 and older to join the Bridgeview Golden Agers at the Bridgeview Community Center on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month for fun and friendship.

Sign-in begins at 11 a.m. and the meetings begin at noon.

Activities include bingo, raffles, field trips and other events such as holiday parties, anniversary party and summer picnic.

Transportation to the Community Center is available if needed. Call the Community Center at 708-458-4675 the day before the meeting or event to schedule a bus pick up.

Potential members may attend two meetings at no cost before joining.

Trustee Sutton hopes to see you at the next meeting.

Senior Movie Day on Feb. 15

2012-02-06T15:20:00.001-08:00

All Bridgeview residents 55 and older are invited to enjoy a movie and lunch at Senior Movie Day from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Bridgeview Community Center.

Each month, enjoy a movie, guest speakers, have lunch and play 10 games of bingo (optional).

A two-year membership costs $1.50.

Need a ride? Call the Community Center the day before an event at 708-458-4675.

Senior Movie Days are held on the third Wednesday of every month.

Take Charge of Your Diabetes

2012-02-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

A free program called “How to Take Charge of Your Diabetes” will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays from Feb. 7 through March 13 at the Bridgeview Community Center.

Sponsored by the Community Center and Age Options, the program is a series of six classes taught by two trained class leaders.

Topics include:

Coping with fatigue, frustration, and isolation related to ongoing health conditions
Exercising to maintain and improve strength and flexibility
Using medications
Communicating with family, friends and health professionals
Practicing good nutrition
Evaluating new treatment options

For information and to register, call the Bridgeview Community Center at 708-458-4675.

Register for free health screenings

2012-02-06T15:18:00.000-08:00

Life Line Screening is offering five preventative health screenings on Friday, March 2, at the Bridgeview Community Center that are safe, painless, non-invasive and typically not offered as part of a routine physical exam.

These screenings are recommended for anyone 50 years and older, or for those 40 years and older with cardiovascular risk factors. They are non-invasive, painless and take 60-90 minutes to complete. The results, which are mailed directly to you, will help you and your doctor protect your health.

The screenings will be for Carotid Artery Blockage (causes stroke), Atrial Fibrillation, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Peripheral Arterial Disease and Osteoporosis (bone loss).

Stroke, Vascular and Heart Rhythm package ranges from $129 to $159.

To register, call 1-888-653-6441 or visit www.linelinescreening.com/community-partners.

Fire Season Tickets Now on Sale

2012-02-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Fire will kick off their 2012 home season on Saturday, March 24, when they face the Philadelphia Union at Toyota Park at 7:30 p.m.

Season tickets are now on sale and start at $199.

For information or to order tickets, call 888-657-3473, visit the club’s website at http://www.chicago-fire.com, call Ticketmaster at 312-559-1212 or visit www.ticketmaster.com or go to the Toyota Park box office on the east side of the stadium.

The Fire will appear on national TV broadcasts 13 times in 2012: NBC (one game), NBC Sports Network (five games), ESPN (one game), ESPN Deportes (one game) and Galavision (five games).

With the league’s expansion to 19 clubs in 2012, the Fire will once again take part in the 10-team Eastern Conference, playing an unbalanced 34-match schedule.

For the Fire’s complete 2012 season schedule, visit the team’s website http://www.chicago-fire.com.

Fire Teams Up With Quaker Oats

2012-02-06T15:15:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club and the Quaker Oats Co. are kicking off a season of food, fitness and fun for the city's soccer fans and families.

The club named Quaker as the official Breakfast Foods & Nutritious Snacks Partner of the Chicago Fire, and the centerpiece of the partnership is the new 2012 jersey, which prominently features the famed Quaker logo in a powerful yet classic design. This is only the Fire's second jersey sponsor in the club's 15-year history.

Throughout the partnership, Quaker and the Chicago Fire will team up to reach thousands of families, on-and-off-the-field and demonstrate the importance of eating right and staying fit. As part of this shared commitment, Quaker will provide the Chicago Fire players with nourishing breakfasts and snacks to help them fuel their performance throughout the season.

"It's an honor to partner with a trusted Chicago-based brand like Quaker Oats that shares the same sense of community as the Chicago Fire," said Chicago Fire owner Andrew Hauptman. "As a sports team, we know the importance of staying active, eating right and hope to inspire others to do the same. Our players are incredibly proud to don the Quaker name as they hit the field during the 2012 season."

"Quaker Oats has been providing nourishing breakfasts and snacks to families for more than a century. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle," said Jose Luis Prado, President, Quaker Foods and Snacks North America. "We are excited to work with the Chicago Fire to make a positive impact in the community and across the country."

In addition to the redesign of the Chicago Fire jerseys, Quaker Oats and the Fire will unveil a variety of exciting activities as the season gets under way next month. Key partnership highlights include:

As a trusted food brand, Quaker will connect with more than 6,000 families nationwide and locally in Chicago as the title sponsor of the Chicago Fire Juniors, the Fire's youth player development program and the premier youth program in Major League Soccer.

Toyota Park will now feature the "Quaker Corner" a new seating section dedicated to an exciting experience for Chicago Fire supporters, where they can show their passion and love for the game, catch great views of the action on the field, enjoy delicious Quaker products and score fun prizes.

As an official Breakfast Foods Partner of Major League Soccer, Quaker Oats will also have a presence at MLS First Kick, the MLS All-Star Game and the MLS Cup.

City of Chicago Raises Water Costs

2012-02-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

Chicago sells water to Bridgeview and nearly 50 other suburban communities. Recently, the mayor of Chicago proposed raising water rates 55 percent over three years. The first increase, effective 2012, will be 25 percent. In 2013, the increase will be 15 percent, and in 2014 it will be 15 percent.

This 25 percent increase for 2012 means higher costs for each and every water user in Bridgeview. This entire 25 percent increase will be our money sent to the City of Chicago.

Bridgeview won't benefit from this increase, and it's important to note that this increase is beyond the control of your locally elected officials.

Mayor Steven Landek and mayors of other communities are meeting to discuss this increase and to decide a course of action to oppose Chicago's increase upon suburbanites.

In addition to water cost increases, the Village of Bridgeview received a price increase for the weekly scavenger services. This cost increase will be reflected on the monthly billing statement. Your village board will be seeking alternate pricing for this service in the coming months.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Brownie Troop Sees it in Action

2012-02-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

Bridgeview Active Party President Rich Struzik presents a check to Brownies Jessica Lewis (center left) and Morgan Johnson, along with Troop Leader Cindy Johnson (right). Back row: Trustees Michael Pticek, Claudette Struzik & Mary Sutton, and Mayor Steve Landek.

The strength of Bridgeview is in its community organizations helping the village and each other.

“Many of our needs and issues can be resolved by people helping people,” said Mayor Steven Landek. “We don’t always need government to solve every problem. The community is the first line of service.”

This was readily demonstrated when the Bridgeview Active Party presented a check to Bridgeview Brownie Troop 1517 to help with start-up costs.

Rich Struzik, president of the Active Party, quickly jumped into action to lend a hand when he heard a new Brownie troop was forming with students from Bridgeview School.

This is just another example of Bridgeview residents helping each other for our youth and showing that things can happen by working together.

Help Firefighters by Adopting a Fire Hydrant

2012-02-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

Bridgeview Trustee Patt Higginson and the Bridgeview Fire Department are asking residents to adopt a fire hydrant.

Higginson said it is important for residents and businesses to keep nearby fire hydrants clear of snow and ice during the winter months. This saves firefighters valuable time when they arrive to fight a fire.

Higginson also said residents should be sure to check on their elderly and infirm neighbors, especially during harsh cold and snowy weather.

Beat Winter Blues at the Sports Complex

2012-02-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

Bridgeview’s Sports Complex has a number of ways for residents to beat the winter blues.

The park district racquetball courts are available for racquetball, handball and wallyball, which is volleyball played on the smaller racquetball court.

Permanent court times (one hour for one day for 10 weeks) are available for both racquetball and wallyball.

Non-scuff shoes are required for all court sports.

Eye protection is recommended for racquetball. Participants must provide their own equipment. No rental racquets are available.

Wallyball equipment will be provided, but players are responsible for setting up and taking down the nets.

Racquetball fees are $5 per hour for pass holders and $10 for non-pass holders. Guests must pay $3 per visit. Wallyball fees are $20 per hour (covers all players) for pass holders and $25 for non-pass holders.

Open Gym

The park district offers open gym time anytime there are no scheduled gym events or activities.

Open gym rules and regulations apply and all participants must wear non-scuff shoes.

Fees are $3 for pass holders and $6 for non-pass holders.

The gym also can be rented for groups of 10 or more for $100 per hour for athletic events.

Permits and payment is required 30 days prior to date of event.

For information on renting the gym or open gym, call the park district at 708-594-1818.

Hunter Safety Workshop

A free Hunter Safety Workshop, conducted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will be held Saturday, March 3, and Sunday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park district’s Muehe Center, 89th Street and Harlem Avenue.

The workshop is for all ages, but anyone 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Topics will include gun safety, game identification, and first aid. You must attend both days to receive certification. There is a 50-person maximum.

There will be a lunch break both days.

Instructor will be Herb Martin.

Breakfast With the Easter Bunny

The Bridgeview Park District is bringing Peter Cottontail back for its annual all ages Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 31, from 10-11:30 a.m.

Everyone will enjoy breakfast with the guest of honor. Afterward, there will be games and the park district’s annual “egg scramble” for valuable prizes.

Guests are invited to wear their finest Easter bonnets for judging in the Easter Hat contest.

Cost is $6 per child and $3 per adult.

You must register by March 25.

Library to Host Blood Drive

2012-02-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

The Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W. 79th St., will be holding a blood drive with Heartland Blood Centers on Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 2-6 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, please call 708-458-2880 ext. 105 or stop by the Reference Desk. Donors will have to show a photo ID on the day of the donation.

Donors will receive an exclusive T-shirt as a way of saying “thank you” for your life-saving donation.

For qualification questions, please call 1-800-7TO-GIVE.

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. There are several appointment slots still available.

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.

Bridgeview Library adds 3 databases to website

The Bridgeview Public Library has added three new databases to its website.

A to Z the USA is a web-based encyclopedia of detailed editorial content and images for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories. The database covers more than 100 topics for each entry, including maps, demographics, crime statistics, weather and climate, education, government and politics. Each entry features the state or territory flag, history and official symbols.

A to Z World Travel provides travel information for more than 150 cities across the globe. This is the perfect site to visit before planning your next trip. There are city views, facts, insider travel guides and recommendations for activities, restaurants and lodging.

Both A to Z databases are great resources for students who need information about states and countries for school reports.

The third database is Job & Career Accelerator, which combines everything you need for a successful job search into one easy-to-use online application.

This database allows you to:

Explore detailed information on more than 1,000 different occupations.
Match your interests and skills with the career that's best for you.
Search more than 5 million up-to-the-minute local and national job postings.
Create professional resumes and cover letters.
Practice and master interviewing skills.
Get invaluable tips and advice every step of the way — from your initial search to accepting an offer.
Conveniently organize and track your job-search progress all in one place

Library card holders can find these new resources under Library Databases on the Bridgeview Public Library website.

For information, call 708-458-2880 ext. 105 or stop by the Reference Desk.

Making Changes for a Better Bridgeview

2012-02-06T14:44:00.001-08:00

Mayor Steven Landek is always looking for new and better ways to service Bridgeview’s residents.

Sometimes, it is necessary to change personnel and vendors.

Over the past six month, the village has changed its health insurance company, the food service vendor at Toyota Park, the liability insurance vendor, and advertising vendor for Toyota Park.

Mayor Landek also made six new appointments to the zoning, personnel and pension boards. New Zoning Board members are Karen Civinelli, chair, William Macklin and Maher Khattab. Named to the Personnel Board was Naser Gholeh. New to the Police Pension Board is Mike Porfirio.

Looking ahead, Mayor Landek will be reviewing scavenger services, the stadium parking vendor and first aid vendor, and further changes on village boards.

New Lights to Shine on Harlem Avenue

2012-01-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

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/.

Underpass Project Makes Progress

2012-01-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

Work on the 71st Street Underpass project has continued without weather-related delays.

Relatively nice weather has allowed work to continue without delays on the 71st Street Underpass project in Bridgeview.

The new entrance to Toyota Park at gate S-1 has been constructed, 80 percent of the new storm drainage lines have been installed and pilings have been installed at the rail crossing that will support a temporary track so that abutment walls can be constructed on the north and south sides of 71st Street.

In the first week of January, work will begin to move the 84-inch storm line, the 16-inch water line and the relocated gas line under the tracks. When this is completed, the installation of the storm lines can continue along with the other utilities that need to be relocated.

By the first week of February, workers are expected to be setting the temporary track on the pilings so that the abutment walls can be constructed.

New Year, New Beginning at Park District

2012-01-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

Senior Fitness classes for those 55 and older will use music to get your body moving. Classes will include cardio, weightlifting, stretching and balancing.

This is a great class if you have arthritis or other physical injuries.

The weight-lifting portion of the class is held in the weight room. If you have a yoga mat, please bring it for the stretching portion of the class.

The class will be taught to each person’s ability and range of motion.

Classes run on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from Jan. 9 through Feb. 27. Fee is $35.

Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates Fusion for Seniors

Tai Chi is training on standing and balancing movements with your breathing. It decreases blood pressure, stress, bodily pain and fat around the waistline. It improves mental and emotional stress. It increases vitality, aerobic capacity and improves heart rate.

Tai Chi floods the body with endorphins and rejuvenates the immune system. It removes toxins from the body and awakens the body’s own healing mechanism. Everyone can and should do Tai Chi.

The Yoga and Pilates portion is for toning and stretching the entire body. Learn how to eliminate aches and pains, get a flat stomach, strong back and work on whole body flexibility.

Classes are for those 55 and older. They run on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from Jan. 11 through Feb. 29. Fee is $35.

Party and Get Fit with Zumba Gold!

Zumba Gold takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the active older participant, as well as those just starting their journey to fit and healthy lifestyle.

What stays the same are all the elements the Zumba Fitness Party is known for – the zesty Latin music, such as salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton, the exhilarating, easy to follow moves; and the invigorating, party-like atmosphere.

Zumba Gold is the perfect fit for those who want to work out in a friendly party atmosphere! It’s a 60 minute dance-fitness class that is a calorie burner and body tightening workout.

Classes are for anyone 18 and older. They run on Thursdays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. from Jan. 19 through March 8. Fee is $35.

BEST Wii Bowling League Begins a New Season

Bridgeview’s Exceptional Senior Team for ages 55 and older kicks off an eight-week season on Friday, Jan. 13.

Players will wear comfortable clothing and enjoy a fun time of Wii bowling. Players will use a light-weight hand-held remote instead of a bowling ball.

Four players on a team will bowl a game. Each team will bowl one match per week. A match consists of two games.

Players can register as a team or sign up as an individual to be placed on a team.

There will be a bowling banquet with awards at the end of the season.

Matches are played at 9:30 a.m. on Fridays from Jan. 13 through March 2. Cost is $12 for eight weeks of bowling.

Polar Express Was a Huge Success

2012-01-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

Bridgeview Park District’s Polar Express Into Christmas Town was a huge success.

Nothing beats seeing the smiles and looks of wonderment on our youngsters’ faces (and adults, too)!

The sounds of the event included songs of cheer, laughter, train whistles and hearing the kids claim, “This is awesome!” None of this could have happened without the direction of the Bridgeview Park District team, a full cast of dedicated volunteers, the Village of Bridgeview and local businesses who supported the project in various ways.

The Park District wishes to thank the following for “giving our dream wings to fly”:

Santa and Mrs. Claus for taking time out of their busy schedules to spend an afternoon with Bridgeview families.

Talerico-Martin Bakery for donating cookies for the children to decorate.

Fasano’s Pizza for donating gift cards for prizes, and pizzas for the volunteers.

Bridgeview Church of God Choir, which sang Christmas carols in the Train Depot.

Vicki and Kim Choate for giving out snowflake kisses.

Sue Kasten for helping the children in the North Pole papery.

Boy Scout Troop 13, which volunteered at three locations in Christmas Town.

Girl Scout Troop 50287, which volunteered with the hot cocoa and cookies in the caboose.

The Bridgeview Park District Gymnastics & Cheerleading coaches who volunteered at many locations throughout event.

The Starlets for their performances.

The Bridgeview Club Soccer for volunteering in Christmas Town.

The Bridgeview Emergency Management Agency and many, many other volunteers of all ages.

We also hope you enjoyed the Polar Express coupons included in your boarding pass packets.

Thank you to the following Bridgeview businesses for participating in this offer:

• Culver’s of Bridgeview
• Lindy’s Gerties of Bridgeview
• McDonald’s at 79th and Roberts and 77th and Harlem
• The Patio
• Subway at 103rd and Harlem
• Zaccareli’s Pizza

On behalf of the Bridgeview Park District, we hope we uplifted your spirits with this event and look forward to seeing you soon at the Park District. And remember “there’s no time to waste, there so much to celebrate.”

Happy New Year!

Business is Bullish on Bridgeview

2011-12-05T13:44:00.000-08:00

Trustee Claudette Struzik with owner of Midway Autohaus Peter Koperdowski.

Businesses are finding that Bridgeview is still a good place to set up shop.

And Harlem Avenue continues to be Bridgeview’s economic anchor, even as the village faces challenges from the ongoing economic slump.

Business improvements in Bridgeview include Fifth Third Bank, which is constructing a new building at the northwest corner of 87th Street and Harlem Avenue.

The village also welcomed Blast Fitness Center, which recently opened in the same shopping center at 87th and Harlem.

A heating and air conditioning parts distributor also recently opened at 8508 S. Harlem Ave.

Midway Autohaus is expanding from its current location at 7401 S. Harlem Ave. to 7300 S. Harlem. The corner site, which once housed a florist and wedding chapel, will be home to hundreds of high-end used cars for sale.

These businesses are important to Bridgeview because more jobs are created by small to medium-sized companies than major corporations.

Our community benefits financially from these businesses through a 1 percent sales tax, village aesthetics are enhanced by having great looking establishments within our boundaries, and the business owners have a wonderful opportunity to become successful in Bridgeview.

The village continues to be a business-friendly community through programs such as the new illuminated street signs along Harlem Avenue, which were obtained through a federal grant. The signs are great directional aids for consumers and help make sure local businesses are easy to find.

Shopping in Bridgeview Pays Off

2011-12-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

QueBall owner Gus Kezios with Trustee Mary Sutton and from See Thru Kitchen are Chee Kong Tang and Sue Lin.

Did you know that shopping in Bridgeview pays a dividend?

When you shop in the village, you pay sales tax. Most of that tax money goes to the state and other taxing bodies. But 1 percent of the sales tax you pay stays in the community. And even though it’s only a penny, those pennies add up fast.

Three-quarters of Bridgeview’s budget depends on sales tax revenue. The weak economy has taken its toll on all of us, and it’s reflected in lower tax collections. That means less money to operate our local government, more dependence on property taxes, reduced personnel and fewer programs.

If you look first to spend your money in town, you help keep Bridgeview fiscally fit through lower property taxes and you support the municipal services that the village provides.

Bridgeview is home to a host of retailers including supermarkets, auto dealers, restaurants, gas stations, clothing stores and shoe stores. All of them make Bridgeview economically strong. Shopping local first will keep our community strong.

Chicago water costs scheduled to jump

2011-12-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

Chicago sells water to Bridgeview and nearly 50 other suburban communities. Recently, the mayor of Chicago proposed raising water rates 55 percent over three years. The first increase, effective 2012, will be 25 percent. In 2013, the increase will be 15 percent, and in 2014 it will be 15 percent.

This 25 percent increase for 2012 means higher costs for each and every water user in Bridgeview. This enitre 25 percent increase will be our money sent to the City of Chicago.

Bridgeview won't benefit from this increase, and it's important to note that this increase is beyond the control of your locally elected officials.

Mayor Landek and mayors of other communities are meeting to discuss this increase and to decide a course of action to oppose Chicago's increase upon suburbanites.

Recycling Saves Money at Toyota Park

2011-12-05T13:22:00.000-08:00

William Green (right), Toyota Park's Lead Maintenance Worker, explains to

Bridgeview Trustee Michael Pticek the cost savings the village realizes through

the recycling program at Toyota Park.

Recycling efforts at Toyota Park in the past year saved almost $4,000 and diverted more than 38 tons of paper and plastic from the trash heap.

From Nov. 1, 2010, to Nov. 1, 2011, Toyota Park recycled 38.8 tons of material, reports Trustee Michael Pticek. That’s the equivalent of 78,000 pounds.

Recycling efforts reduced the number of trash pickups at Toyota Park by 11, which saved more than $2,000. Cutting the amount of trash that had to be removed saved almost $1,800.

This is just another way the Village of Bridgeview is working to make the best use of its resources for the betterment of the community and the planet.