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Neighbor to Neighbor – Summer 2015

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.

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Neighbor to Neighbor – Spring 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Recently the Village had the pleasure on honoring two young Willow Springs residents who achieved their goals with dedication, hard work and sense of giving back to their community: Gabriel and Malik Thalji. Both were recognized at a Board meeting in March for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.

Each of these Eagle Scouts accomplished projects that affected their community: Gabriel spearheaded the construction of an outdoor classroom at Pleasantdale School, and Malik led the installation of an outdoor fire pit and seating area at Pleasantdale Park District.

With the usual recap of negative events and misfortune we see too often in the news, I welcome the opportunity to laud the spirit of community and citizenship these young men, ages 17, and 20, display. Congratulations to their parents, and the staff and members of Troop 69 for their nurturing and support.

Also worth noting, is the recognition our community received by the real estate website, Movoto.com, which contacted the Village to relate that it had made its “Top 10 Chicago Suburbs” list, based on amenities per capita, standard of living, total crimes, violent crimes, high school graduation rate and average commute time. This recognition, in addition to being named last year the “Safest Suburb in the Southland” area, helps improve the image of our small, but proud, town, and further protects our property values.

The coming months entail a busy schedule of infrastructure improvements to improve roadways, parking and drainage in the Village. Returning revenues back into basic services remains the goal of this Village Board as it ensures that our lifestyle and values are protected.

I am pleased to note that our recycling program continues to grow each year. We can all be proud of our efforts to maintain a “Green” community. As the weather warms, don’t forget to check out our Dog Park and Splash Pad at Lion’s Park. Also, be reminded that Tuesday, April 7, is Election Day in Willow Springs. Please take time out of your often busy schedule to ensure the Village is represented by your choice of the candidates most qualified to lead our Village. With summer just around the bend, please watch for children playing, bicyclists and motorcycles on our roadways.

Kindest Regards,

Alan