Morton Grove Champion

Morton Grove Naval Day event successful because of you

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:10:34 -0500

MORTON GROVE — On Thanksgiving Day, the Morton Grove American Legion Post 134 celebrated the sixth annual Navy Day. The Post entertained 42 Navy recruits from Great Lakes. The Thanksgiving Day Committee wants to thank all the volunteers, guests, organizations, businesses, and those who donated, making this day a very successful event. American Legion Post 134, Auxiliary and SAL, Morton Grove Village President Daniel Staackmann, Village officials, numerous friends and volunteers. American Legion Post 134 Officer of the DayL Ray Ariaz American Legion Post 134 Chaplain: Joseph Piento, prayer Morton Grove Civic Center Hall Village coordinator: Jackie Walker O’Keefe AT&T, …

Skokie letter to the editor: Homeowners bearing burden of school retirements

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 06:04:23 -0500

I gasped a bit when reading the Sept. 27 Skokie Review piece on the District 219 budget with a 15-percent increase for employee benefits. I presume that figure includes pensions and retiree health care. From what I read, the Teachers Retirement System isn’t in the greatest fiscal condition, and the state is considering pushing more and more of the retiree cost onto homeowners. Is anyone out there giving any thought to older residents who work in the private sector and would someday like to retire and stay in their homes? And have something left over for food, heat and health …

Letter to the editor: Garbage transfer station fight was Democracy in action

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:52:36 -0500

The latest incident with the garbage-transfer-station owner deciding to withdraw his request is a great example of what happens when people get together. This was Democracy at its finest in action. People rallying for a cause. Last time I remember this happening was in the 1950s, when a developer wanted to put up condos where the stables are on Harms. The board was ready to approve the plan. We all got together to attend a board meeting at the council chambers above the fire station. The room was packed and people were standing on the stairs. The overflow was in …

Letter to the editor: Say no to school board’s tax increase

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 06:08:47 -0500

Again, the District 67 school board is asking for a tax increase. Again, this is wrong and should be voted down. If this and previous incompetent boards had acted correctly we would not be having this discussion. They talk about two areas. One is maintenance and repair. The problems they mentioned did not happen yesterday. Boilers don’t deteriorate and roofs don’t leak in one year. Where is the money they should annually have put aside for these things? The other area they discuss is personnel and programs. Face it! We’re in the midst of a depression. Anyone who has a …

Letter: Cat Grandma to the rescue

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:08:45 -0500

To the Grey Lantern: Call me Cat Grandma. I am a super hero, too. As Cat Grandma, I bring wrongs to right. You know the texting fool in front of you who doesn’t move when the light turns green? I, Cat Grandma, am the one who uses her horn to get the line moving. Surely you are aware of people who lose their doggy’s doo on a neighbor’s lawn. I, Cat Grandma, return it to the owner’s front porch. Yes, I admit it, I’m partial to kitties, so when dogs roam the forest preserve bike trail unleashed, I confront the …

Park Ridge letter to the editor: Fond memories of the Pickwick

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 06:05:46 -0500

Today I received an article from my friend in Park Ridge about the overhaul at the Pickwick Theatre. This brought wonderful memories to me, as I was raised in Park Ridge and the Pickwick was the place that my mother and grandmother went to on a regular basis. Especially on Wednesday evening when there were dishes given out and a drawing from a revolving large cage that was wheeled out on the stage during a intermission between films. I also remember the square section you entered first where the ticket man accepted your ticket and returned a torn-half back. When you …

Morton Grove letter to the editor: Waste-transfer station: Is there a worse idea?

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 06:05:39 -0500

MORTON GROVE — It is my understanding that the village of Morton Grove is negotiating to allow a garbage-transfer station to be erected on Oakton Street at the train tracks. If correct, I can’t think of any worse ideas. The village board voted down off-track betting and won’t allow a Twisted Tartan to come into the village. But evidently there is a welcome sign out for rats, mice, cockroaches and other vermin. I remember when a foundry company was forced to leave the village because people complained about the smells. That foundry smell would be considered perfume compared to the …

Morton Grove letter to the editor: Action Party board always independent thinkers

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:52:14 -0500

MORTON GROVE — An independent’s candidacy for mayor contains serious inaccuracies that need to be corrected. As the longest serving Trustee in Morton Grove (more than 23 years), I clearly and emphatically state that, during all my years on the board and with the Action Party, they never dictated policy to elected officials; that’s never been their goal. I am proud to be a member of that organization because their mission is — and continues to be — seeking out and encouraging the best people from all political persuasions who want to serve in our unique and diverse village; then help …

Letter to the editor: Grateful to ‘angel’ for help after accident

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:50:32 -0500

I was involved in a serious automobile accident on Touhy Avenue this month. As I sat in my car immediately after the accident in a dazed condition, someone entered the rear seat of my car and said he was a retired Park Ridge fireman, my guardian angel for the day. This man asked how I was doing and calmed me down, asked about my injuries and told me not to move until the paramedics arrived. And then, he disappeared. I want to express my deep appreciation to him for his concern and help. I would be remiss if I did …

Morton Grove Park District fireworks show a big success

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 06:05:41 -0500

MORTON GROVE — The Morton Grove Park District wishes to extend a big thank you to the superb efforts of the village of Morton Grove Police and Fire departments along with the Park District maintenance staff who worked hard to ensure a safe environment for the Park District’s fireworks show. In addition, the Park District wishes to extend a big thanks to all the people who attended the Independence Day fireworks show on July 4th and all the Park District staff who donated their time that evening. The Park District’s effort to promote and produce a spectacular fireworks show would not …

Letter to the editor: Patriotic gesture appreciated by neighbors

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 06:05:47 -0500

I would like to thank Cindy Miehlke, a Morton Grove resident who lives in my area, for her thoughtful, patriotic gesture on the July 4th holiday. Cindy and her husband distributed American flags, placing them in front of every home for many, many blocks in our neighborhood. It was a lovely sight when I came out of my home and saw all those flags flying in celebration of the Fourth. At a time when we are bombarded with “bad news,” and “evil doings,” it was a kind, thoughtful, “feel-good” deed that brightened people’s lives. Thanks, Cindy. Hope Hornstein Morton Grove …

Letter to the editor: Don’t take the humanity out of progress

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:49:47 -0500

Like you, I’ve had some dreams come true: walking the white beaches of the Bahamas, strolling the crooked streets of New Orleans, climbing the Eiffel Tower, sipping Chianti in a Tuscany trattoria. Then there was beholding both the Sistine Chapel and the Grand Canyon, struggling to explain either. But now Apple has come up with Siri — my very own voice-activated pocket-assistant. The app is available on the iPhone45, and it’s been selling in town briskly. Just speak into it and Siri will tell me where I am, where’s the nearest Chinese restaurant, call a cab ... oh, and tell …

Guest Essay: Open Meetings Act aids citizen involvement

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 06:09:25 -0500

Rumors have recently come about and certain individuals who will not be named — who aren’t even worth wasting newspaper ink to even mention — are starting figurative fires in Morton Grove. These people and the entire populous of the village of Morton Grove need a short lesson in how local municipal governmental agencies or a “public body” actually functions. There are two types of meetings: regular or “open” session meetings for the public to attend and see and hear about what’s happening in town; and “closed” session meetings, which are not open to the public, but minutes are taken …

Letter to the editor: ‘1000 Words’ resonates in home of reader

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 06:28:40 -0500

Just a word of thanks for publishing 1000 Words by Jack Higgins (June 14). His drawing of a lovely summer outdoor concert scene, being enjoyed by folks in their seats, on the lawn and even by birds in the trees, was a treat to see. One could almost hear the music being played, especially since Mr. Higgins was musically knowledgeable enough to print the actual music to Debussy’s Clair de Lune. It is such a peaceful, melodic scene that it is now posted in the place that is the most viewed in my home — the refrigerator door! Joanne Stucka …

Letter to the editor: Embrace wonder of youth, but let go of the past

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 12:44:43 -0500

Another season of college graduations — of diplomas, which proudly display all the years and lessons needed to reach this day. And yet, one wonders how many of us watching the ceremony can admit we lost almost as much as we gained from those four years? With each new book read and course passed, we gathered up what our professors and our culture define as knowledge and truth. Surely we believe “the truth shall make us free.” But here’s the funny thing: There was a trade-off taking place. The more knowledge and truth that filled our life, the less room …