Dear Friends and Neighbors:
Just about a year ago, after changing our Fire Department service from part-time to full-time firefighters, the Village’s fire protection rating climbed from its existing “9” rating, to a ”3.” That change occurred due to upgraded equipment, staffing and general readiness of our firefighters. Today I am pleased to announce that Willow Springs’ rating has achieved a rating of “2,” the highest residential fire rating attainable. Besides lowering insurance premiums for business owners and residents alike, the bottom line is our residents are assured of the best possible firefighting and ambulance service when seconds count. Congratulations to the dedicated team of professionals at Tri-State and the Black, Gold and Red divisions who work out of our firehouse at 8259 Willow Springs Road.
The Village continues to move forward with initiatives to improve the quality of life for local residents while working within the balance of nature that blesses our community. Last month, the Village learned it is one of a handful of communities selected to receive a planning and technical assistance grant to better accommodate pedestrian and bicycling traffic in our area. Active Transportation Alliance will work together with our staff for the next 18 months on goals that will connect existing and plan additional bike trails and pathways. The “walkability” of a community is one of the criteria that many home shoppers research when deciding where to live. Trails and walkways further enhance property values. It is also another option for residents and visitors to access local businesses and amenities.
Thank you all who helped make the 2015 Illinois State Road Championships a great success last month. More than 500 bicycle riders and their families participated in the races on July 19, bringing more positive exposure and consumers to Willow Springs. Thanks to our Public Safety team that kept traffic moving smoothly and ensured the safety of participants and spectators.
Please be sure to come out to support our Annual Benefit Car Show on Thursday, August 7, from 4 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. in the Village Center. Live music, grilled food and beverages will help you enjoy the 400-plus show cars this event attracts. Beneficiaries this year include: Honor Flight Chicago, Wounded Warrior Project, our American Legion Post 832, and Viet Nam Veterans of America. Free shuttles will run continuously from the Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 Archer, and from Our Lady Mother of the Church, 116 Hilton. Local businessman, Mike Lavery, brings his “Whiskey Road Band” to entertain the crowd of around 3,000.
If you have a taste for locally brewed beer, or simply want to listen to music and enjoy a selection of food, the Midwest Brewers Fest will host more than 50 area brewers and 3 live bands from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, in the Village Center. Proceeds from this 501c3 organization are donated to charity.
Please enjoy the rest of the summer and slow down to keep our streets safe for our children.
Kindest Regards,
Alan
To view the full summer 2015 newsletter, click here.