Northbrook in 60 seconds
Seeking input on next village manager
Northbrook Village Manager Rich Nahrstadt is retiring this summer after 30 years of service, including the last 13 as village manager.
In addition to using a search firm to help find a replacement, the village is seeking public input through several means.
One of those ways is through a survey available by going right to the front page of the village website, www.northbrook.il.us, under "Northbrook News."
People's thoughts are sought on a new manager's skills, characteristics, qualifications and experiences. The nine-question survey closes Feb. 19.
The village also will be offering a pair of virtual community forums on the topic from 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 16-17. Information on how to join the forums will be forthcoming on the Village Manager Recruitment section of the village website.
Plus, people are encouraged to send their thoughts to village consultants by emailing northbrookvillagemanager@govhrusa.com.
As Village President Sandy Frum said at Tuesday's board meeting, "We are definitely looking for community input."
Library reopening
The Northbrook Public Library will reopen with limited services Feb. 22.
To maintain distancing, a maximum of 50 patrons will be allowed at one time, with visits limited to one hour. All people over the age of 2 are required to wear masks.
The library can provide curbside pickup or homebound delivery to those unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition.
People can browse and check out materials - using new self-check machines, as the circulation department is not currently accessible - pick up held items and make an appointment to use computers, study rooms and the Collaboratory makerspace.
Starting Feb. 22, the library will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Collaboratory is open by appointment only to Northbrook Library card holders.
For complete information of what the library will offer after Feb. 22, visit www.northbrook.info.
Vaccine questions
A partnership between the Northbrook and Glenview libraries will offer a remote program on COVID-19 vaccine information from 7 to 8 p.m. March 11 on Zoom.
Jeff Thiel, assistant vice president of pharmacy for NorthShore University HealthSystem, will address the effectiveness of the vaccine, differences between the approved vaccines, known side effects and the rollout of vaccines at NorthShore HealthSystem. Participants will be invited to ask questions.
Advance registration is required. Once registered, participants will receive a link in email the morning of the program.
To register, go to visit.northbrook.info/event/4876010.
Kid nutrition
The parent-teacher organizations of Maple, Wescott and Willowbrook schools will offer a virtual event, "Nutrition for Kids: A Health Talk with Robin Goldberg Nutrition + Wellness," at 7 p.m. Feb. 25.
A certified nutrition and wellness consultant, Goldberg will provide Zoom participants with the knowledge, tools and strategies to help ensure that children, despite being picky eaters, get the nutrients needed to grow and thrive.
For information on Goldberg, visit her website, robingoldbergnutrition.com.
Police report of the week
The Northbrook Police Department's bulletin of Feb. 3 logged a report of battery at the Mariano's grocery store on the 700 block of Skokie Boulevard. The complainant reported that while in a checkout lane, an unknown subject struck them with their shopping cart.
Trivia and chili
Youth Services' annual Firefighter Chili Cook-Off and Trivia Contest fundraiser is going virtual at 7 p.m. Feb. 20.
The contest is for groups of 10, hosted by Whaddayaknow Trivia. Chili packages through Coarse Italian restaurant are available, as are sponsorship opportunities.
For more information and to register, visit www.ysgn.org.
Teachers and students
On Monday the Glenbrook High Schools District 225 board reviewed 2021-22 staffing levels developed by Brad Swanson, assistant superintendent for human resources.
Due to an anticipated drop in student enrollment, the 2021-22 full-time equivalent (FTE) staffing level would be 394.20 for District 225, a decline of 10.45 over this year's 404.65 FTE and nearly 25 less than the district's five-year peak of 419.15 staff in the 2019-20 school year.
Enrollment is projected to dip at both Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South by a combined total of 154 students, to 5,120. Much of the decline is expected at Glenbrook South, which is expected to lose 136 students from this school year's enrollment of 3,202 students.
The student-teacher ratio would remain at 13 students per instructor, the same figure as this year.
The FTE allocation also includes staffing for services such as counselors, social workers, administrators and special programs.