Criticism of 50th plans unwarranted

I would like to respond to Mr. Gollay's letter of March 3, 2008 regarding Buffalo Grove's 50th Anniversary events.

Buffalo Grove does not need a 50th Anniversary celebration to boast of our accomplishments. We do that with our services to our residents every single day. Buffalo Grove is very well known outside of our circle. We are known and respected throughout the area, throughout the state of Illinois, and in certain cases, throughout the United States.

Mr. Gollay refers to several ideas that he had for our celebration. He has never shared any of those with the 50th Anniversary Committee, which has been holding meetings for well over two years. Mr. Gollay has never attended a meeting, nor has he contacted any member of the committee.

I believe Mr. Gollay had referred to honoring the 50 residents most responsible for shaping the village of Buffalo Grove. There is absolutely no way that we could pick only 50 individuals to honor. The list of people who gave of their time and talents to make Buffalo Grove what it is today would number many, many times 50.

When I agreed to work with this committee, I said that I would do so only if I could plan events that were available to every resident in the village. I do not want to compete with any other communities having similar celebrations, and try to be bigger and/or better. I want to acquaint Buffalo Grove residents with the history of the community in which they have chosen to live. I want to plan events that are either free or a nominal cost, so that no one is excluded from an event because of expense. I want to plan events that are fun.

I am sorry that Mr. Gollay is disappointed in our plans, but for the rest of the community, we have many events planned throughout 2008, and we hope that every resident will find at least one event in which to participate and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUFFALO GROVE!

Janet Sirabian

Buffalo Grove