Video: Have You Seen The Theatre Yet?

I was impressed by this video on the new Des Plaines Theatre.....made me proud of this local DP icon.  Try and see a show there and support a local restaurant while you're at it!

You Like Birthdays? I Like Birthdays.

The American Cancer Society is creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays.  The Relay for Life Des Plaines / Park Ridge is kicking off their year.  Here are the details: 

February 7, 2012 at 6:30pm
Club Casa Cafe @ The Des Plaines Golf Center
353 North River Road, Des Plaines, IL
Questions? Contact Rachel at 847-368-1166 or at rachel.schindler@cancer.org

DP Social Service Agencies: Get Ready

Each year the City of Des Plaines allocates funds for local social service agencies that address critical needs of residents. In 2011 the City awarded grants to 19 agencies through the Social Service Fund. The 2012 Social Service Funding applications are available at www.desplaines.org/HHS beginning January 18, 2012. Applications are due by February 15, 2012. For further information on the application process, please contact the Health and Human Services Division at 847.391.5480 or HHS@desplaines.org.

Snow Golf is Harder Than It Looks

The Des Plaines Park District did an excellent job organizing this year's annual Chili Open.  The Golf Center proved far more challenging than the snowy track at Lake Park.  There's always next year, I guess....

Des Plaines: Open For Business

Big night at Council.  Chase Bank sought approval for signage for their new location at Oakton & Lee Streets.  New construction, jobs, and a well manicured lot will be far superior to the vacant Arby's and the perennial Xmas tree lot.  Later in the evening came some even better news.  Our staff has worked for months negotiating a deal to bring Warehouse Direct into Des Plaines (from a neighboring community).  They're getting a tax incentive to move and we're anticipating over $650,000 in new tax revenue, a serious return on our investment of staff time.  Bottom line: our aggressive approach towards business recruitment is starting to pay off. 

Get Your Tree On The Curb ASAP

Public Works crews were out last weekend collecting Christmas Trees and ARC disposal will be grabbing trees along their regular garbage routes through the middle of January.  Make sure to get your tree to the curb this week or early next week.  

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

Consider donating to the Des Plaines Self Help Pantry or to the USO and help an American Hero call home this holiday season.  

Honor Our Veterans - Friday @ Library

Friday, November 11  -  12pm-3pm

Des Plaines Public Library, Friends Room C
1501 Ellinwood Street

Experience living history - All ages welcome - FREE!

12pm-3pm:
Pearl Harbor display, Veterans Day craft projects, write a letter to a to an active duty soldier/sailor, try on reproduction military uniforms from the Revolutionary War, World War II, Military books and movies available for checkout

1-3pm:
VISIT WITH A VETERAN - VFW Post 2992 presents a special opportunity to visit with local veterans.  Learn the fascinating stories of men and women who served in World War II through the present day.

For more information call the History Center at 847-391-5399 or visit www.desplaineshistory.org

Street Light Out Near You?

I've received more calls/emails about street light outages in the last week that in my first 2.5 years as Alderman.  If you have a light out near you please email me (matt@3rdward.org) and I'll coordinate with staff to get ComEd out to the location quickly.

October 20th Budget Hearing Postponed

Thursday, October 20th's budget hearing has been postponed to allow for Aldermen to absorb, consider, and react to the details provided during the first two budget hearings.  Former Councils would cruise through budget materials.  We are investing considerable time and effort to ensure we get it right and avoid the mistakes of the past.  We are working to nail down the rescheduled hearing date.  I anticipate meeting in the first two weeks of November.  More to come.