Village marks year of being smoke free

This past Monday marked the one-year anniversary of the smoking ban in Buffalo Grove.

In that year, the state has enacted its own ban that will go into effect Jan. 1. When Buffalo Grove first started talking about the smoking initiative, some trustees said they hoped their actions would push the state to put their own into place.

While Buffalo Grove's ban alone wasn't enough to push the state, Illinois will be smoke-free in public venues in three months.

That's some consolation to business owners in Buffalo Grove who lost customers this past year, but at least one is saying he'll have to wait to gain all those customers back.

"At this point, the damage has been done," said Bill Feldgreber, the owner of eSkape. "A lot of patrons that do smoke have found new homes. The impact over the last year was fairly substantial."

Feldgreber was the most outspoken against the ban when it was first being discussed because, he said, it was unfair to his restaurant and bar. Since he's so close to the Wheeling -- which does not have a ban -- it created an unfair situation for him, he said.

He's tried to combat some of that loss by creating an outdoor smoking area 20 feet away from the entrance. It's heated so that patrons can use it year-round.

For now, Feldgreber is looking to change his menu to attract more patrons.

"It's going to be a challenge," he said. "We have to get them back one at a time."

On the village end, the police department has only had to give out one ticket from the ban, according to police Cmdr. Steve Husak.

There have been a few complaints that businesses weren't complying, but those were all unfounded, Husak said.

The only violation was last year on Oct. 28 at Rack 'Em Up, 312 McHenry Road. The fine was $50.

Still hoping: While talking to Feldgreber about the smoking ban, I also asked him about a proposed off-track betting site at eSkape.

That proposal was questioned when the village found out eSkape was within 500 feet of the BAY Shul synagogue, a violation of state laws regarding betting.

Feldgreber said he's still talking to the congregation to work out a compromise.

A birthday ball: Canavan Research Illinois will hold its ninth annual charity ball Oct. 13 at the Hyatt Deerfield Hotel, 1750 Lake Cook Road.

Tickets are available by calling (847) 222-0736. Tickets are $70 each; tickets for children under three are free, and for those under 12 are $15.

For more information, visit www.canavanresearch.org.

Buffalo Grove's Ilyce Randell and her mom, Peggy Shapiro-Nyeholt, started the foundation for Randell's son, Max, who has Canavan disease.

The ball also will be celebrating Max's 10th birthday.

Get ready for the cold: Flu and pneumonia shots will be offered at the Buffalo Grove Park District, 530 Bernard Drive, from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 10.

There are no appointments; the shots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

The shots are available for those 11 years of age or older. For children 11 to 17 years old, a parent or legal guardian must be present. The shots are free for those with Medicare Part B; they must bring Medicare cards along.

All others are required to pay $28 for a flu shot and $40 for a pneumonia shot.

For more information, call the park district at (847) 850-2100.