Hello, Lombard. Has anybody looked at the District 44 calendar this year, the one they sent home? It’s pretty interesting because none of the Christian holidays are listed on there and I am very offended by it. I would like to know who made this decision, seeing as every other holiday is listed except for the Christian ones.
Jay Wojcik, director of communications for District 44, responded that she and Superintendent Dr. James Blanche “have made a sincere effort to address all the questions that had come from our families and our community about the rationale that was used to list religious dates on the 2009-10 school handbook/calendar entitled, ‘Inside Your Schools.’” She added, “We have also included an explanation in the November issue of the ‘44 Reporter’ that was mailed to every home in District 44 the first week of November.” The article states that since most Christian holidays were non-attendance days, they were not listed. Also, non-Christian holidays were listed that fall during school attendance days “to be more sensitive with the religious diversity of our families and because their observance often begins the night before the actual date of the holiday.” The district acknowledged that the rationale for the Christian holiday omittance was not included in the calendar/handbook, but concerns from parents prompted the district to include the Christian holidays on its Web site version of the calendar. The complete message is available on the superintendent’s blog page, which can be located through the district's Web site—www.sd44.org.—JAC
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I just wanted to know the status on a pistol range that was supposedly approved by the Village of Lombard to open up around Cortland and Lombard Avenue. We’re wondering if that’s still going to happen or if it’s been cancelled.
William Heniff, director of community development for the village, responded: “The village has been informed that the owner is proceeding with the indoor shooting range project. They are finalizing necessary agreements, and once completed, he will start construction on the facility. He will also be finalizing the requisite federal approvals as well. He anticipates opening in 2010.”—JAC
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Not too long ago Yeager Fotografix received a $15,000 grant, I believe from Lombard, to open a photography studio next to their art studio. Shortly after that Yeager closed. Did Lombard get the $15,000 back from that? Maybe you guys could find out.
William Heniff, director of community development for the village, explained: “Yeager Fotografix applied for a $20,000 retail business grant in 2008, but the village board approved a $10,000 grant only, subject to conditions. The funds were a grant rather than a loan, so direct repayment was not required. However, the retail business grant program requires funds to be used for capital improvements and while their business is no longer operating there, some of the paid costs went into tenant improvements that made the space easier to rent for the current tenant. The village board also amended the grant program in 2009 which clarified permissible applications and created additional requirements.”—JAC
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Lombard calling. Who’s responsible for the maintenance of Highland Avenue south of Roosevelt Road? Lombard says it’s not theirs; the county says it’s not theirs. The holes in the road had better be fixed before winter.
Carl Goldsmith, director of public works for the village, responded that in June 1970, the village and county “entered into an intergovernmental agreement” regarding maintenance and funding for three roadways, one of which was Highland Avenue between Roosevelt Road and 20th Street. The village maintained the roadway until late 2008, spending roughly $3 million for concrete rehabilitation, he stated, adding that the village/county agreement had initially been for only 10 years, so officials determined “that the maintenance responsibility for Highland Avenue [Roosevelt to 20th] is the obligation of DuPage County.” Goldsmith said the State of Illinois Department of Transportation has told village staff that the jurisdiction of Roosevelt to Butterfield roads is actually IDOT’s, while the county states that the Roosevelt to 20th section was “never transferred from the state to the county.” Therefore, he continued, the jurisdiction is IDOT’s. Goldsmith said the village has contacted IDOT and also several state politicians to intervene, and that it would accept a transfer agreement if IDOT will make the improvements or if funding is provided to do so. “The village is growing increasingly concerned over the safety of this roadway in unincorporated DuPage County and has received numerous complaints and claims for damages as a result of the pavement conditions,” Goldsmith indicated, adding, “As such, the village has begun to perform minimum maintenance repairs to ensure the safety of the motoring public. The village will be seeking reimbursement from IDOT for any and all work performed on their roadway.”—JAC
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Hi, this is Lombard calling. I see that Villa Park’s skate park is getting a lot of press. Hey, Keith, how about bringing us a skate park to Lombard?
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This is to the individual who called stating that a grief counselor is a waste of money. I’m sorry that you lost those people back when you were in school through the suicides. Perhaps if a grief counselor had been made available to the kids of your generation, you wouldn’t have such an embittered outburst like you had in last week’s SPEAK OUT. Mental illness is a very misunderstood problem—depression and anxiety are roaring rampant in this country and people around our generation, and I’m of the same generation as you, need to understand that and know that mental health professionals are here to help and listening to what they have to say may make you a little happier.
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I read in SPEAK OUT where AT&T U-verse said they wouldn’t come into Lombard in many places because of an uncompetitive contract with the village. Wouldn’t that mean that you guys are just charging too much for the services people want in our village? Once again. I think as long as you have an attitude like this, our downtown will never flourish.
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Who are you? The person who hides behind the veil of darkness for the quick, warped thrill of throwing a construction horse through a senior citizen's picture window. You almost killed a sweet, caring, innocent senior citizen because of your thoughtless vandalism. If some day when something you proudly own is vandalized, remember your own senseless act. How would you feel if someone in the dark of night smashed the car window of a car you proudly owned? God is in your heart and always will be. Listen to Him. Do a kind act for a senior citizen like raking leaves, cleaning gutters, cutting grass, shoveling snow, etc. You seem to have a lot of time on your hands—use it by doing good and you will find true happiness. I pray this message reaches you.
