Ex-village president to lead Buffalo Grove arts commission

Former Buffalo Grove village president Elliott Hartstein is making a return to village hall.

Hartstein, who held the village president's office for 12 years and also served as a village trustee, was appointed this week as chairman of Buffalo Grove's Arts Commission.

"I'm very excited about this opportunity," said Hartstein, who replaces outgoing chairman Linda Rosen. "I know that I have got some big shoes to fill. There is no question that Linda Rosen and the entire commission have done a tremendous job over the last 14 years."

The commission oversees the village's annual Invitational Fine Art Festival, as well as the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band and the Limelight Cafe, a performance event for teen artists.

Village President Jeffrey Braiman chose Hartstein to lead the commission, and village trustees approved the appointment Monday.

Hartstein invited trustees and members of the community to share their ideas with the commission and attend its meetings.

"There are a lot of exciting things we can do in our community," he said.

Braiman also appointed former village trustee Bruce Kahn to lead the board of fire and police commissioners, appointed Adriane Johnson to the board of fire and police commissioners and appointed Alan Nudelman to the arts commission.

Braiman also recognized retiring commission chairs for their years of service, including Rosen, Albert Viehman, who is stepping down as chair of the board of fire and police commissioners, and Bruce Entman, who retired as the longtime chairman of the zoning board of appeals.

"The lifeblood of our community is the many volunteers who serve on our numerous commissions and committees," Braiman said. "What residents don't know and realize, and what they may not appreciate, is the time and commitment that it takes not only to participate as a member of one of our commissions, but especially the time commitment to act as chairman."