Northbrook in 60 seconds

Palmer gets her kudos

When longtime Village of Northbrook communications specialist Cheryl Fayne-dePersio entered the ranks of the retired in early December, she also noted another village veteran who'd soon follow that path.

Retiring administrative assistant Janet Palmer received her own resolution of recognition by the Northbrook board Tuesday night.

Palmer's University of Illinois anthropology major likely came in handy. Since coming to the old Village Hall in 1986 out of the Chicago Crime Commission, she dealt with countless people and, as board President Sandy Frum noted in her letter of appreciation, "multiple commissions."

Frum listed a number of efforts Palmer performed over 34 years. In the village manager's office, the Northbrook woman supervised interns and high school students working there over the summer. She worked to distribute flu shots, helped with Earth Day programs, Student Government Day, Family Dinner, and assisted at ceremonies and receptions for officials who were new to the village or retiring from it.

But to the day-to-day visitor, her great value, as the resolution suggested, was simply providing patience, kindness and decades of expertise when people wanted questions answered.

"She was always the face, when you walked into the village manager's office area, that greeted you. And she always had gorgeous peonies," Frum said.

"She will be missed. Janet, thank you, and retirement well-deserved."

It took a village

People have recognized when considering their year-end awards that it's taken a village to get through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Such was the case when Sons of American Legion Post 791 Commander Jason Peiffer presented the post's annual awards in a video played at Tuesday's village board meeting.

Board President Frum noted the post usually presents "employee" of the year awards to departments. For 2020, Peiffer recognized the entire Northbrook Fire, Police and Public Works departments.

Peiffer visited each of the three departments to bestow his plaques to police Chief Roger Adkins Jr., retiring this year after 34 years in the department; fire Chief Andy Carlson; and Deputy Public Works Director Matt Morrison.

Construction bids are approved

The board of Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 on Jan. 7 approved 10 bid packages to support its Elementary Capacity Project at Wescott and Willowbrook schools.

Bids totaled $11,373,702 for construction and renovations at the two schools.

The Elementary Capacity Project at Wescott and Willowbrook adds eight classrooms and a gym at Wescott, in addition to extending the drop-off lane.

Relocating kindergarten at Wescott provides more classroom space at Willowbrook, which will see reconfigurations of its library and student services suite and additional parking.

Exterior construction will begin this spring and will be completed by fall 2021.

Police report of the week

On Jan. 2, the Northbrook Police Department took the report from a complainant on Farnsworth Lane stating that unknown subjects threw eggs at a family member.

Character Counts!

Winners have been announced for the Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 Character Counts! 2020-21 poster and video contest.

Students were challenged to depict one of the six "pillars" of character - trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Kindergarten through second-grade students and third- and fourth-graders created posters, while fifth- and sixth-grade students and seventh- and eighth-graders produced videos on the topic.

Aryahi Akash of Willowbrook School was the first-prize winner in the kindergarten through second-grade group. Liam Weissman of Westbrook and Camden Doan, a home-schooled student, placed second and third, respectively.

For third and fourth grades it was Gauri Raina of Glen Cove School judged with the best creation. Mallory Willis of Pleasant Ridge and Rozlyn Purtill of Willowbrook followed.

Among fifth- and sixth-grade contestants, Wescott's Samantha Hughes won first place. She was followed by Stephanie Tirpak of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Adriana Given and Katelyn Tarnoff of Maple School and, in fourth place, Rosina Lu of Willowbrook School.

The video contest winners for the seventh- and eighth-graders were Ethan Chiang of Maple School in first, followed by Mary Silva of St. Catherine School.

Barbara Littlefield, the poster contest coordinator and head of Youth Services at Glenview Public Library, said there were 62 entrants in the poster contest.

Tree disposal

Northfield Township Road District crews begin pick up of real pine Christmas trees in unincorporated areas only on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Trees should be left in the parkway, trunk side toward the street. Residents must remove lights, decorations, and stands and not leave trees in plastic bags. Wreaths, artificial trees, or other brush will not be accepted. For more information, contact Northfield Township Road District at ntroad@northfieldtownship.com or (847) 724-7055.

Wescott works

The Wescott parent-teacher organization is working to spread the word and support Crafty Hands, an initiative by community women who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

The ladies of Crafty Hands are sewing reusable, 2-ply cotton face masks for families to purchase or to donate back to agencies in need. They're selling them for $2 each, or five for $10.

Participating agencies are the Northfield Food Pantry, Bella Terra Nursing Home of Morton Grove, Balmoral Nursing Home of Chicago and Planned Parenthood.

For information, visit crafty-hands.org.

Young Explorers enrollment open

Northbrook District 28 Young Explorers Early Childhood Program is now enrolling students on a first-come, first-serve basis for the morning and afternoon sessions this fall at Westmoor School, 2500 Cherry Lane, Northbrook.

Young Explorers features a blended model to serve students identified as typically developing, at-risk, and in need of special education services. The program is open to all students in District 28 boundaries. Families interested must sign up for a screening. Call Helene Josephson at (847) 504-3809.

The morning session is for 3- and 4-year-olds; parents can register for a screening six months before the child's 3rd birthday. The afternoon session is for children who will turn 5 between Sept. 2, 2021, and Sept. 1, 2022. For details, visit northbrook28.net/YE

Dist. 28 kindergarten registration set for Feb. 2-7

Northbrook District 28 kindergarten registration for the 2021-22 school year will be conducted online Feb. 2-7. All children living within District 28 boundaries who will turn 5 by Sept. 1 should register.

Parents have the option to select a full-day or half-day option. Most students participate in the full-day program.

To prepare for registration, parents will need to supply appropriate documentation, including the child's birth certificate and to establish residency in the district.

Visit northbrook28.net/kreg to view a boundary map and additional registration instructions.