Northbrook in 60 seconds

Leadership Northbrook

An initiative by the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry to increase civic awareness and engagement, the Leadership Northbrook program is accepting applications through Aug. 23, with space limited.

A 34-year-old program, participants meet for eight monthly sessions, mainly the second Friday of each month from roughly 8 a.m.-noon, to learn about governmental bodies, nonprofit organizations and leading businesses in the area.

This year's itinerary starts Sept. 10 with a history of Northbrook, and includes future sessions on planning, the business climate, municipal services and more. Each class meets at a different location. Tours of different important Northbrook facilities also will be held.

The cost for Leadership Northbrook is $250, which includes meals and materials. Contact chamber President Tensley Garris for information at (847) 513-6006.

A complete description of the program, with an application, is available on the chamber website, northbrookchamber.org, on its landing page under "Recent News."

Rotary installs new board

The Rotary Club of Northbrook celebrated its 56th year with its Culmination and Installation of its 2021-22 board: Ron Knight, President; Mitch Portugal, President Elect; Carlos Früm, Immediate Past President; Denis Pollina, Sergeant at Arms; Ned Schechter, Secretary; Rick Rivkin, Treasurer; Helen Rivkin, Membership Chair; Kathi Quinn, Public Image; John Howard, Rotary Foundation; Michael Ellison, Vocational Service Chair; Mitch Portugal, Community Service Chair; Suzi Gantz, Club Service Chair; Jim Kucienski, Youth Service Chair; Andy Vass, Strategic Planning Coordinator; Rick Rivkin, Club Trainer; Jeff Tideman, International Service Chair; Gary Moriello, Fundraising Chair; Sandy Frum, Program/Greeter Chair; Debbie Madeley, Website Coordinator; David Masters; Grants Chair; Rick Rivkin; Virtual Meeting Coordinator.

"Our club is dedicated to serving to change lives! We build fellowship and camaraderie through service to our local community," says newly installed president Ron Knight. "We also help those in need in other regions or countries."

The Rotary Club of Northbrook meets weekly. For details, to join or to sponor an event, visit NorthbrookRotary.org.

Superintendent search

The Northbrook District 28 board of education has hired a search firm with local roots to conduct a superintendent search to replace Larry Hewitt when he retires June 30. The board interviewed three firms at a special meeting July 21 and voted to approve an agreement with School Exec Connect on July 27 meeting. The consultants who will lead the search are Linda Yonke, a retired superintendent from New Trier High School who lives in Northbrook, and Devon Horton, superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65. Board member Jennifer Gallinson said Yonke and Horton's references commented in detail about the excellent community involvement that was part of the search process: Their community felt heard and aligned with the board, she added.

The process will begin late summer/early fall with an organizational meeting with the board, followed by community engagement including a survey of staff members and the community, as well as focus groups. The consultants will use this feedback to develop a superintendent profile, then they will recruit a candidate pool and select a slate of candidates for the board to interview late fall or early winter.

This firm has recently worked with a variety of districts including Deerfield District 109, Elmhurst District 205, Barrington District 220 and Park Ridge-Niles District 64.

Meet the directors

Also courtesy of the Northbrook Chamber, its Aug. 26 "Leaders Lunch" will offer insights from Village of Northbrook Development of Planning & Services Director Michaela Kohlstedt and Deputy Director Chan Yu.

Kohlstedt, a 15-year veteran of village affairs before recently succeeding Tom Poupard as director, and Yu, who previously worked in Hinsdale, will discuss how their department interacts with local businesses and share trends they see shaping the future in Northbrook.

The lunch is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at Marcello's Restaurant, 1911 Cherry Lane. Cost is $25 for chamber members, $35 for guests.

Advance reservations are required, and COVID protocols will be maintained; unvaccinated people will be required to wear a mask.

To reserve a spot, visit northbrookchamber.org and select "Northbrook Leaders Luncheon" among its slate of Virtual Events.

Spokes people

Go Green Northbrook shared an announcement about a bike tour around Glenview's Techny Basin in celebration of the end of reconstruction of the bike path there.

After a ribbon-cutting by Glenview's Natural Resources Commission and a brief address on the area's significance, riders will go off on an 8.6-mile ride to view some of Glenview's green infrastructure and shoreline stabilization.

The event starts at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at the northern edge of Techny Basin, with parking available at Richardson Park, 1950 Westleigh Drive, Glenview. People must bring their own bicycle, helmet and water.

The tour is limited to 25 riders. To sign up, contact Robyn Flakne, (847) 904-4536, by Aug. 12.

'Dinner Under the Stars'

The North Suburban YMCA, 2705 Techny Road, is holding its Community Strong fundraiser, "Dinner Under the Stars," at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28.

Formerly known as the Ken and Alta Thiel Awards for Social Responsibility, this year the fundraiser will honor the Hunger Resource Network, its president, Dan Jariabka, and director Henry Fetta. As for the event itself, it raises funds for the North Suburban YMCA.

There will be an open bar, casino games, music, an auction and more. There is also a virtual kickoff on Aug. 22.

Tables for 6, 8 and 10 people are available, though if parties of less than 6 wish to attend, it may be possible by calling Kim Nyren, (847) 272-7250, ext. 1215. For information and reservations, visit nsymca.org, where both "Dinner" and the kickoff are listed.

The North Suburban YMCA also was honored with a Daily Herald Business Ledger "Diversity in Business Award." This and other organizations will be included in a virtual recognition webcast at 4 p.m. Aug. 12.

Police report of the week

Northbrook Police handled a complaint of criminal damage to property on July 26. Police took a complaint from Westcott School, on the 1800 block of Western Ave., that someone climbed on the roof and defaced a new air conditioning unit.