Pioneer center open for business
The new Pioneer Park Community Center is finally open at 500 S. Fernandez Ave. Classes and activities were moved to other community centers during the center's construction, which took more than a year.
The new, one-story Pioneer community center is 22,450 square feet and includes an 8,910-square-foot gymnasium and five multipurpose rooms. The existing community center and maintenance building were demolished to make room for the new one.
The Arlington Heights village board approved the $6.7 million project in September 2006.
Pioneer had the first pool to be completely renovated in 1999 and first community center renovated in 2007. An open house is scheduled for next month.
The new gymnasium is also open. To find out when it's available, call (847) 577-3035.
Early voting open: If you've already made up your mind for the presidential election, early voting for the Feb 5 primary runs through Jan. 31. Arlington Heights residents interested in early voting can visit Wheeling Township Hall, the Rolling Meadows courthouse and any other locations listed at www.voterinfonet.com.
Village credit cards: Eight village employees were recently granted "procurement cards." Trustees approved them during the Jan. 7 village board meeting.
The cards went to department heads and work exactly like credit cards but "with stricter controls," said Thomas Kuehne, director of the village's finance department.
"They're used for some supplies, maybe travel expenses and internal purchases such as IT equipment," Kuehne said.
The purchases aren't pre-approved, but are reviewed later, he said.
The yearly limit for all eight cards is about $60,000.
Mental illness stories: Three people will talk about their struggles with mental illness at the National Alliance on Mental Illness Northwest Suburban meeting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Alexian Behavioral Center, 3350 Salt Creek Lane in Arlington Heights. Along with the struggles, the three will also talk about their small successes and hopes for recovery.
For more information call (847) 899-0195.
• Sheila Ahern covers Arlington Heights. She can be reached at (847) 427-4563 or sahern@dailyherald.com