New Arlington Hts. trustee gives shout-out to his wife, Roz

Norm Breyer choked up a little after he was sworn in for another term as Arlington Heights trustee on Monday.

Typically, trustees thank their families and everyone who stuffed an envelope on their behalf. They thank people who voted for them and people who didn't.

Breyer, on the other hand, mentioned someone who wasn't able help his campaign like she used to.

"I want to thank Roz, my wife, who recently underwent surgery and is doing much better," Breyer said. "I'm happy for that. I'm sure she's watching right now."

She was, Breyer said later.

Norm and Roz have been married 45 years. They've lived in the Northgate subdivision for 40 years.

Roz has suffered serious knee problems for years. She underwent an orthoscopic procedure in 2006 and a knee replacement surgery in 2007 that didn't take. She had another knee replacement in late April, Breyer said.

"Because of all the scare tissue from the first surgery, she basically couldn't move her leg," Breyer said. "She was in lots of pain."

Now Roz Breyer is healing at home with the help of a home nurse and, of course, her husband.

After Monday's village board meeting, Norm went home to help Roz exercise her new knee.

"It was late," he said. "I remember falling asleep and told Roz to wake me when she was done.

"I haven't worked this hard in ages."