Pot Holes

All asphalt plants are closed this week for the holidays. Public Works is using the remainder of our cold patch stockpile today and tomorrow. We will resume next Monday after the plants reopen.

Waste Management

Waste Management is running a few days behind. They promise to have all garbage picked up and back on schedule by Wednesday, December 31. Thursday's route was almost complete today, but Friday remains in backlog due to snow and the holiday

100 Sailors to spend
Christmas Day
in Berwyn!

Christmas is a very special time of year when families and friends come together and share in the holiday spirit. Most of us will spend Christmas day with our families and friends. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2378 of Berwyn will open their doors on Christmas Day to 100 sailors’ from Great Lakes Naval Base that will not be able to go home for Christmas.
We need your help as we host our Third Annual Sailors Christmas in Berwyn. With a full day of activities, fun, gifts (gift cards only), and a Home cooked Christmas Dinner for the young military personnel that cannot be with their families on this very special day.
Join in and help us make this a special day for these brave men and women that will not be able to be with there families on Christmas Day. We can make difference in their Christmas.

Donations items needed:

Snacks:
Finger foods, chips, nuts, fruit, etc

Gift Cards
American Express or Master Card only – amount is open

Deserts:
Cookies, candy, cakes, pies, coffee cakes, etc.

Volunteers needed on
Tuesday 12/23 from 5pm to 8pm,
Wednesday 12/24 from 9am to 2pm,
Thursday 12/25 from 8am to 8pm

Drop off times and place:
Berwyn VFW Post 2378 – 1529 South Harlem Avenue
December 23rd – Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm
December 24th – Wednesday from 9am to 1pm

For more information, contact:
VFW Sailor Christmas Program Chairperson
Frank Amaro
at 708-359-3710 or 708-749-2378
email: VFW2378@yahoo.com.

A favor to ask, it only takes a minute... Thanks.?Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on 'donating a mammogram' -- for free (pink window in the middle). This does not cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate a mammogram in exchange for advertising. Here's the web site! Please pass it along to people you know. http://www.thebreastcancersite.com / AGAIN... PLEASE ASK 10 FRIENDS TO TELL 10 FRIENDS.

Local Mentoring Youth Crossroads

The YC Connections ProgramDates:Mondays & WednesdaysTime:From 3:30 pm to 6:00 pmDescription:6th-8th graders will work with volunteers to get help with homework, learn new skills, make friends, and have fun. Youth Crossroads is also looking for teen and adult volunteers who are interested in working with 6th-8th graders in this afterschool program.Location:Freedom Middle School3016 Ridgeland Ave.Berwyn, IL 60402For more info: Youth and volunteers can sign up by asking at school or contacting Amy Barth. Call 708-484-7400 or email abarth@youthcrossroads.org.

Christmas Cheer and Pasta too!

Celebrate the holiday season with the Berwyn Park District! Join us at Mraz Park as we decorate trees and listen to carolers sing holiday tunes. This event will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 3p.m. until 5 p.m. at Mraz Park which is located at Oak Park Avenue and Riverside Drive in Berwyn.

Then later that day, the Berwyn Park District will be serving up its second annual Spaghetti Dinner at the Liberty Cultural Center, 6445 W. 27th Place. Come experience their fabulous Italian cuisine and know that your money is going to a great cause. All proceeds from this event will go toward The Berwyn Park District Scholarship Program. The dinner will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 6 p.m. until 10:00 pm. Tickets for adults are $15 ($20 at the door) and for children are $5 ($8 at the door). Children under 3 are free. A cash bar will be available.

Transportation Rally

There will be a Transportation Rally with Congressman Dan Lipinski supporting the purchase of the EJ&E by the Canadian National Railway on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the North Riverside Village Hall, 2401 S. Des Plaines Avenue.Please plan to attend and show your support for this proposed acquisition. If approved, this transaction would mean less train traffic in our communities, less congestion on our roadways and a cleaner environment.

Bicycle Safety

Summer is here, which means that more people will be engaging in outdoor activities, like bicycling. Residents are encouraged to reacquaint themselves with bicycle safety rules that will help make their summer rides safer and more enjoyable.
Always Wear an Approved Bicycle Helmet:
A bicycle helmet should sit low on the forehead, just above the eyebrows. It should fit snugly and the two side plastic pieces on the straps should fit just under the ears. The buckle should be just under the chin, with one finger's width of space between the strap and chin. The helmet must always be buckled while riding. The helmet should not move more than 1/2 inch in any direction.
Know and Follow the Rules of the Road:
Know and follow the rules of the road contained within the Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC). Vehicle Code handbooks can be obtained through your local Police Department or Illinois Secretary of State Bicycle Services Office. Remember, bicyclists must obey the same laws as drivers of motor vehicles.
Ride with the Flow of Traffic:
Always follow lane markings and use appropriate hand signals. Ride single-file when in heavily congested areas.
Avoid Riding at Night:
If it becomes necessary to do so, wear light-colored or reflective clothing. Make sure your bicycle is properly equipped with ! reflecto rs and a front light, if possible.
Be Alert While Riding:
Watch for cars, pedestrians, and hazards in the roadway like potholes, drain grates, etc. Don't assume other people will yield to you. Be courteous and give the right-of-way to other bicycles and pedestrians. Don't use a cell phone while riding.
Walk Your Bike when Crossing A Street in a Crosswalk:
Always look left, right, and then left again--even when the light gives you the right-of-way.

Cook County Treasurer Info

Have you been asking where you can pay your property tax bills? How you can get your property tax refund? How you can see your payment or exemption history? How to find services for seniors?

Get answers to such questions from the Cook County Treasurers office’s website: www.cookcountytreasurer.com. The website has a wealth of information about the property tax system in 21 languages and about individual properties.

The Blight Fight

I love the story of the little engine that could and how appropriate. I have been trying since April of '07 to get a new fence installed on 29th between Lombard and Ridgeland. Today 5/31/08 the BNSF is replacing said fence. Here's my letter.

October 2, 2007

Paul E. Nowicki
AVP-Govt. & Public Policy
(312) 850-5678Fax: (312) 850-5677
547 W. Jackson Blvd., Ste. 1509
Chicago, IL 60661-5717

Dear Mr. Nowicki,

I have spoken to you twice in the last six months. I am requesting that a new fence be installed immediately at your property in the City of Berwyn. The fence is in grave disrepair and is an unsightly nuisance to the residents and the entire neighborhood. The fence is located on 29th Street and runs from Lombard Avenue west to Ridgeland Avenue. The blight ticket is a daily fee ranging up to $750.00 for each violation. I would like to work with you to avoid the issuance of these blight tickets. This will be a last resort and hopefully the City of Berwyn and the BNSF will be able to come to an agreement to the benefit of the beautication of the city and especially the 4th Ward. I look forward to your cooperation in this matter.

Respectfully,

Michele D. Skryd
Alderman 4th Ward
City of Berwyn

Free Well Baby/Well Toddler Program

The Berwyn Health District is offering a FREE Well Baby/Well Toddler Program and FREE Immunization Program. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! for Berwyn Residents. For more information or appointments, please call 708-788-6600.

Least Expensive Gas in Your Zip Code

This is pretty nifty. It even works in Hawaii. Just enter your zip code in the site below, and it tells you which gas stations have been cheapest prices (and the highest) on gas in your zip code area. It's updated every evening. http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx

SLOW DOWN--Big Brother's Watching!

Beginning in July the State of Illinois will use speed cameras in areas designated as "Work Zones" on major freeways. $375 ticket for first offense, second offense is $1,000 ticket and 90 day suspension. Drivers will also receive demerit points against their license, which allows insurance companies to raise your rates. Photos of both the Driver's face and License plate are taken.

Voter Registration

Voter Registration will take place in the City Clerk's office and the Berwyn Public Library from now until 30 days prior to the November Election.

Walk-n-Talk with the Alderman

The residents of the 4th Ward are invited to partake in “Walk and Talk in the Ward” this will be a great way to spring into fitness. All 4th Ward residents are invited to meet at the Elks Club on 26th Street and Ridgeland Avenue every Thursday beginning April 3rd at 6:00 pm.

Let’s get started. It's easy! Walking is one of the easiest and most profitable forms of exercise. All you need is a good pair of shoes, comfortable clothing, and desire.

If you're new to walking, start off with slow, short sessions and build your way up gradually. If you have any health concerns or medical conditions, be sure to check with your doctor for advice before you begin a routine.BENEFITS OF WALKING
· Burns calories · Allows time with family and friends
· Shapes and tones your legs · Strengthens back muscles
· Slims your waist · Cuts cholesterol
· Reduces risk of heart disease, diabetes, & more · Easy on your joints
· Reduces stress · Strengthens your bones
· Sleep better · Lowers blood pressure
· Improves mood and outlook on life · Can be done almost anywhere
· Requires no equipment · AND it's Free


I look forward to walking and talking with you. Lets Spring into action, get to know your neighbors and have fun!