Massage therapists protest ban on stand-alone parlors

Massage therapists turned out this week to oppose the Elk Grove Village move to ban stand-alone massage parlors.

Despite trustees unanimously approving the ban, it seems most of the therapists heard what they wanted to from Mayor Craig Johnson.

Johnson said a massage establishment could open in the village if it's affiliated with a doctor or hospital.

For Christine Pusateri, who works for a chiropractor as a massage therapist, that was welcome news in case she decides to open her own place.

Under the new rules trustees approved, massages could still be offered at spots tied to a spa, health club or medical facility.

The stricter village law followed a prostitution arrest last month at the village's only stand-alone massage parlor.

Higgins Spa, 830 Higgins Road, agreed to relinquish its business license to operate after the arrest by an undercover officer.

However, not everyone was pleased with the village action. Some felt the village was stigmatizing legitimate businesses because of a few problems.

Audrey Vercillo, who operates out of the park district's Pavilion, said she felt the village has done her profession a "disservice."

Her job won't be put in jeopardy because of the village's changes, but she said she felt like speaking up to show solidarity with other massage therapists.

"You're hurting all of us," she said to the village board.

New city manager?: Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia said he expects the council will make a decision regarding a new city manager next week at the earliest.

The three finalists include Acting City Manager Jason Bajor.

"Aladdin Jr.": The Spotlight Theatre of the Elk Grove Park District will present Walt Disney's "Aladdin Jr." at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 and at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Feb. 9.

Performances will be held at the Prairie Lakes Theatre, 515 E. Thacker St. in Des Plaines.

Tickets are on sale now at the customer service desk, 1000 Wellington Ave. in Elk Grove Village.

Tickets are $10 each for general admission.

For more information, call (847) 690-1184.

West Park project meeting: Des Plaines Park District officials are looking for some feedback on the renovation of West Park.

From 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 4, there will be a forum to present plans.

It will be held at the West Park field house, 651 S Wolf Road.

Conceptual drawings will be available for review and input, and park district staff will be there to answer questions regarding this project.

The renovation project is tentatively set to start in spring 2009.

Public input is invited.

Plans call for renovating existing outdoor facilities at the park site, as well as the addition of new features.

If you cannot attend this meeting but still want information, call Paul Cathey, superintendent of parks, at (847) 391-5700.

Anyone can view a conceptual plan of the project at www.desplainesparks.org.

District 59 registration: Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 kindergarten and new student registration for the next year will be held from Feb. 1 through March 14.

All 11 of district elementary sites will accept registration weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A special evening registration session will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. March 5.