Northbrook news in brief
Rowitz named trustee of firefighter fund
Following certification of Firefighters' Pension Investment Fund election results on Dec. 4, Jeff Rowitz was selected for a two-year term as an executive trustee. Rowitz is the Village of Northbrook's deputy village manager and chief financial officer.
"Just as Jeff keeps the village on track financially, I know that he will provide that very same service to the Firefighters' Pension Investment Fund," said Village President Sandy Frum in a news release.
The fund was established in December 2019 to consolidated Illinois suburban and downstate firefighters' and police pension funds into two new investment funds in order to fund pension benefits and reduce the burden on taxpayers. The firefighters' fund combines 296 funds with estimated assets of $6.3 billion.
Rowitz had been appointed to a nine-member board of trustees, as an employer representative. He currently serves at FPIF trustee and treasurer, with his new term starting Jan. 4, 2021.
Life hacks
Northbrook recently partnered with Family Service Center of Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook and Kenilworth to develop and implement two new programs to support mental health and wellness: the Resilience Builder Program (RBP) and the Coping During COVID-19 Program.
RPB is a weekly group process for youth to enhance social competence and self-regulation skills. This is essential during a pandemic when youth are isolated and at greater risk of anxiety or depression.
Coping During COVID is designed for adults who have limited time to designate for self-care. A 10- to 15-minute weekly presentation of psychological principles is coupled with an opportunity to understand how those principles work in people's lives. By intentionally setting aside this time, people may adjust habits in thinking and behaving in order to maximize healthy coping.
For information, reach Family Service Center at (847) 251-7350 or at info@familyservicecenter.com.
Fa-la-la-la-la
The Northbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry alerts us to some holiday entertainment options.
From 7-8 p.m. Dec. 17, the Northbrook Public Library will present a virtual holiday concert from the John Erickson Trio. It's part of the jazz-based Chicago public radio station WDCB's "Jammin' in the Stacks" series. For questions on viewing the concert call (847) 272-2830 or email fictionmedia@northbrook.info.
On Dec. 19-20, the North Shore Chamber Music Festival is presenting a pair of free, livestreamed music events, dubbed "Children for Children." The Betty Haag Academy will perform composer Joseph Haydn's "Toy Symphony" and other classical works, with special guest Vadim Gluzman, a classical violinist. The Dec. 19 performance is scheduled for 11 a.m.; the Dec. 20 performance is set for 5 p.m. For information visit nscmf.org/onstage-offstage.
Hark!
The Northbrook Park District will also offer several upcoming holiday-themed items, done virtually through Zoom.
A family trivia night, with the focus on holiday movies, will be held starting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18. One registration is required per family. The winning family receives a gift card to a local business.
At 7 p.m. Dec. 19, the Park District will offer a holiday-themed session based on "Family Feud," also good for a prize for the winning team.
On Dec. 19 as well, Northbrook Theatre will present two performances of the musical showcase "Home for the Holidays." The show features talented community members singing holiday favorites. The one-hour shows, presented on Zoom, have showtimes of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., with registration required.
For each of these opportunities, register at nbparks.org.
Fun and fitness within
The Northbrook Park District 2021 Winter Guide is online only this year. It contains a variety of at-home and virtual activities and special events.
Some of the activities include Winter Break Boxes, a Kid's New Year's Eve Kit, and virtual Zoom programs for seniors. Private sports lessons include those for basketball, lacrosse, pickleball, soccer and tee ball.
The Winter Guide offers updates from the new Techny Park Activity Center, scheduled to open in January 2021. It includes information about fitness and wellness classes as well as the virtual Fitness on Demand platform that provides members with streaming access to top fitness experts.
Visit the Northbrook Park District website at nbparks.org.
Dig in
An effort to aid Northbrook restaurants continues through Dec. 31.
Customers who spend at least $50 at any Northbrook restaurant have a chance to win a $50 restaurant gift card. The request is to submit a photo of a receipt showing date of purchase and the order total to business@northbrook.il.us.
Every submitted receipt is one chance to win. Up to 10 winners (with a limit of one winner per residence per week) will be selected each Monday through Jan. 4 and will be notified by email.