Hoffman Estates to honor local teen

Avni Bavishi's dad proudly held his camcorder Monday night, capturing another milestone moment in his young daughter's life.

Mayor William McLeod declared that Hoffman Estates would celebrate Avni Bavishi Day, recognizing the 14-year-old Hoffman Estates High freshman's achievements. Earlier this year, she was among 10 finalists for this year's Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

I could have sworn from the online reader comments on the Sept. 18 Daily Herald story about Avni that it a reader suggested the village proclaim a day for her. I do read the comments at the end of stories, despite the propensity for some anonymous barbs to make my head ache. Avni Bavishi Day was actually a good idea.

Avni's family met with the board and even had the courtesy of sitting through a meeting item or two before finally having the good sense to leave. Next time, don't worry, you can leave after receiving your award. No one's feelings will be hurt by heading home before the meeting ends.

Congrats Avni.

Firefighters in demand: The Hoffman Estates Fire Department has received 760 job applicants, Fire Chief Robert Gorvett told me Monday. After the first round of testing, 176 remain, and will run the obstacle course on Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26. Those tests will take place at the Carol Stream Fire Protection District's station. Candidates will drag dummies, hoses and scale ladders. With shaky economic times, so-called recession-proof jobs like firefighter are in demand. Qualified applicants will be added to the new firefighter candidate list that will replace the current one, which expires on Jan. 13.

Make up your mind and vote: Early voting is in effect in Hoffman Estates. Village Clerk Bev Romanoff says more than 1,000 had already cast their ballots as of Monday. Officials are saying if your mind is made up, save some time and avoid the lines on Nov. 4. They're projecting a record turnout. It's going to be a busy day, which makes me glad the Hoffman's local election aren't until next year.

• Have a Hoffman Estates story idea? Contact Ashok Selvam at (847) 427-4475 or aselvam@dailyherald.com.