My daughter’s school has a very active PTO with one of the groups being the Washington School Playmakers which is an original script for a musical comedy that is written, produced, and acted by parents. This is the 49th year for Playmakers and is my 8th (and final) year on stage.
This year’s play is called ‘The Melting Plot’ which is a play based upon ‘the melting pot’ that makes up America. One of our main characters is the Statue of Liberty, and I’m very excited that Liberty Bank for Savings has agreed to be the show sponsor! Thank you once again to Kane Connell for being so supportive of both the Community and of our District 64 Schools!
The performances are the last weekend in February and first weekend in March – please plan to attend and bring your families as it’s a family show! Let me know if you’d like to sponsor as little as $25.
Last Thursday evening, the Chamber’s monthly Business After Hours Networking was held at The Heritage of Des Plaines, 800 S. River Road.
There were over 30 who attended, took tours, enjoyed the networking and fellowship of other Chamber members and prospective members. Goodies bags were handed out and a gift certificate for a spa service was the grand prize in the business card drawing which Rick Pucci won!
Thank you to The Heritage of Des Plaines for hosting the event in their lovely facility and also to the chef for the fabulously delicious handmade appetizers (shrimp, beef slices, stuffed mushrooms, crudités, fruit, and so much more!).
It was a stress-free evening of fun and frivolity!
We had almost 50 women (and 2 men) attend the Women in Business Monthly Networking Breakfast last Friday! Catherine Johns always draws a good crowd and everyone was ready to network! She talked about the best words to use in your elevator speech intro’s and why they were so important. You can reach Catherine at:
Chicago Hypnosis Center, 4801 West Peterson Avenue, Suite 601, Chicago 60646 773-725-3200
Breakfast was catered by Panera Bread and they brought in various breakfast sandwiches, big bowls of fresh fruit, coffees and juices.
Thank you to our 3 co-chairs: Lisa Arreguin, Kustum Kribs Baby Boutique; Jay Crowley, Keller Williams; and Deborah Oberschelp, Affordable Interiors.
Note that for February, the Women in Business will also be here at 720 Garden again and the keynote speaker will be Kim Uhlig, Economic Development Director, "What’s Happening with Park Ridge Business and City Hall". Catering by All On The Road Catering and Bakery.
February 4, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Entrepreneurial Knowledge Group (EKG) meets at Regus, 350 S. Northwest Hwy, Suite 300. The group of entrepreneurs meets to discuss common issues among small businesses. Chaired by Lynda Tourloukis, You Can Say Yes! Motivational Guidance Services. No charge for Chamber members.
February 4, Thursday, 4:00pm – 6:30pm Multi Chamber Chocolate & Champagne Networking Event, 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook – Mingle with members of 12 local Chambers and network while you enjoy chocolate, champagne and light appetizers. Sponsorships and exhibit table opportunities available. $25 Call Chamber to RSVP.
February 5, Friday, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Membership Committee Meeting. Join Chair Theresa Olson, Resurrection Health Care, as the committee works on acquisition, retention, and satisfaction of Chamber members.
February 10, Wednesday, 11:30am – 1:30pm Monthly Networking Luncheon Affresco Restaurant, 11 N. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge. Gloria Jean H. Waber with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Bad Check Restitution program, The diversion program has been able to recover $4.5 million in restitution for businesses during this time. Special Agent Andy Staley, United States Secret Service, assigned to the Chicago Field Office as part of the counterfeit squad. $25 member $30 prospective member.
February 11, Thursday, 8:45 – 10:15 Technology Forum: Microsoft Windows 7 Event/Falkor Group LLC Chamber Office, 720 Garden Street. Technology Forum is open to all Chamber members. Topic: Operating Systems.
February 16, Tuesday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for ATI Physical Therapy, 951 W. Touhy Ave., Park Ridge. Please join the Chamber Board, Ambassadors, Mayor Schmidt, and other City Officials as we celebrate the opening of a new business in Park Ridge! Feel free to invite your staff and co-workers.
February 20, Saturday 4:30pm-10:00pm Chicago Wolves Hockey & Dinner The Elks Club, Des Plaines at 4:30/Allstate Arena at 6:30 COST IS $28.00 for adults, $22 for kids.
February 23, Tuesday, 9:00am – 10:00am New Member Orientation, Chamber Office at 720 Garden Street – All new members are invited to this Ambassador Reception to meet Chamber Ambassadors, Chamber Executive Director, a Board of Directors Representative and other new members. Get your questions answered and discover how to maximize your membership investment.
February 23, Tuesday, 10:30 – 11:30am PREN 2 Park Ridge Executive Network, Chamber Office at 720 Garden Street – Leads and referral networking group with one person representing each profession. Call Chamber to discover if your spot is available! Included in membership dues.
February 25, Thursday, Business After Hours, Park Ridge Community Fund, 720 Garden Street. Come out and network with fellow Chamber members and have refreshments at the Park Ridge Nonprofit Center!
February 26, Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.,Women in Business Networking Breakfast Chamber Office at 720 Garden Street – Speaker Kim Uhlig, Economic Development Director, "What’s Happening with Park Ridge Business and City Hall". Catering by All On The Road Catering and Bakery. $10 Members; $15 Prospective Members.
Members I visited recently:
Panino’s Pizzeria
Panera Bread
Park Ridge Park District
Park Ridge Public Library
The Park Ridge Nonprofit Center “officially” opens its doors at 720 Garden Street
We’re so pleased to announce the “official” opening of the Park Ridge Nonprofit Center at 720 Garden Street. As many know, the building began limited operations when the Chamber relocated its offices to 720 Garden in September. Now, we are beginning our operations as a multi-tenant nonprofit center that will serve the nonprofit organizations of the Park Ridge community. Our hope is that the Park Ridge Nonprofit Center will become a collaborative of nonprofits sharing workspace, meeting space, and eventually offering workshops and additional resources. On February 15th, we’ll begin offering office, meeting, and event space at below market rates to local organizations. We encourage you to read more about us on our insert in the Chamber newsletter and contact us at info@ParkRidgeNonprofitCenter.org for more information.
Imagine having easy access to coupons, sales, and events for your local chocolate shop! Join our Facebook Fan page at "Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Park Ridge" Now!
The Park Ridge Public Library Board of Trustees Presents
CHICAGO in History and Mystery
Saturday, February 27, 2010
6:45 – 10 p.m.
Featuring Geoffrey Baer, WTTW personality and expert on all things Chicago – Rick Kogan, author and host of Sunday Papers on WGN and three Chicago mystery authors: Gillian Flynn, JA Konrath and Henry Perez
Join us for an evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres and Chicago celebrities. Profits from this evening’s event will be used to redecorate the Children’s Department.
Tickets $50 in advance, $60 after February 20 or at the door if tickets remain.
Dress is business casual – 21 and over.
*The Library is still accepting donations of raffle prizes and sponsorships for this event. All donors will be acknowledged in the evening’s program and in the May/June issue of the Library’s newsletter.
Tots on Tuesdays : Tues. Feb. 9th at 11:15 am
Join us for kids' story time every second Tuesday of the month from 11:15-11:45 am. This Tuesday we're reading "Papa, Do You Love Me?" a heartwarming and beautiful story set in Africa, by Barbara Jossee. Appropriate for all ages.
Green Spa Night: Wed. Feb. 17th from 7-9 pm
Natural soapmaker Eleanor Reily teaches us how to make indulgent, eco-friendly spa products from delicious Fair Trade foods (ie, cocoa, olive oil). You'll get to test the green spa products, enjoy light refreshments, and leave with recipes and tips for home use. $10. RSVP required, limited space available - call (847) 720-4084 or email customerservice@globalhandmadehope.com.
Global Handmade Hope
428 W. Touhy Ave. Park Ridge, IL 60068
M-F 10-6:30, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5
(847) 720-4084
www.globalhandmadehope.com
Joshua Nichols of Unbound Technology sponsored and competed in, "The Great Midwestern Trivia Contest," this weekend. It's a 50 hour trivia marathon based in Appleton, WI. Questions like "According to George Orwell, what did Bozo call the pavement artists in London's Embankment?" are broadcast on the radio and streamed over the Internet. Teams then phone in correct answers within the allotted time. Topics range from music theory to geopolitical history to film.
Joshua's team, "Chicago Trivia Authority," came in 7th overall and 1st among teams playing outside of the Appleton area. They had a great time, and went through three pounds of coffee in the process! If you'd like to hear more about the "World's Longest Running Trivia Contest," you should talk to Joshua or see: http://www.lawrence.edu/sorg/trivia/
Can you answer the following questions:
1. Do you know your mortgage rate(s)?
2. Do you know your principal balance(s)?
3. Do you know the value of your home?
4. Would you give up $50,000?
If you answered no to any of the questions above you need to review your mortgage situation. I would like to explain your options which often result in tremendous savings. I work 7 days a week and am available 24/7. I return calls either same day or within 24 hours and e-mails typically get an immediate response. I understand your busy schedule and work at times that fit your needs. If you are interested in a 5 minute conversation please contact me at 773-305-7016 or my cell 7 days a week at 773-848-4144. There is no upfront cost to review your situation, why not take 5 minutes?
Christine DePaepe, Senior Mortgage Consultant
A and N Mortgage Services, Inc., 1945 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60642
P: 773.305.LOAN (5626) ex. 135 D: 773.305.7016 C: 773.848.4144
E: chrisd@aandnmortgage.com
Rainbow Hospice
Women’s Bedside Choir Makes its Debut in Chicagoland
Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care hosts Chicago’s First Threshold Choir
Everyone here has a different story. Some have a background with song and voice, others have little singing experience. More than a few have their own strong memories and experiences with music and death. The one thing in common for everyone at the inaugural meeting of the Rainbow Hospice Threshold Singers, is a joy of singing and a desire to bring the gift of voice to the very sick.
Threshold Choirs women singers trained to sing in groups of two and three at the bedside of those who are sick and dying. The songs sung by these women are generally traditional or simple rounds, chants, lullabies and hymns that can be chosen to respond to musical taste and spiritual direction.
The concept of the Threshold Choir is also a relatively new phenomenon that began on the cusp of the new millennium. Threshold founder, Kate Munger, took her own experience singing for a dying friend and brought together the first choir gathering in El Cerrito, California. Since its inception, the idea of the Threshold Choir has spread from the original 15 members of Kate’s troupe to a phenomenon across more than 17 states nationally and over the Atlantic to the U.K. and Iceland.
You own a business and in order to survive you must take checks and credit cards but what happens to your profits if those checks are forged or the credit cards stolen? Here are a few tips that may help you prevent becoming a victim.
Ask for identification!
• Always ask for proper photo identification on all checks. These IDs include an Illinois Driver’s License or Identification card or a military ID. Accept photo IDs only.
• DO NOT accept a pre-printed identification number on the check or a hand written number. Often times the suspect will have a story about how their wallet or purse was stolen and they do not have their ID with them. Do NOT sympathize with them.
• Examine the identification to ensure it is legitimate. Is the photo laminated on someone else’s ID card? Feel the card for raised areas indicating tampering. When you see the lamination has separated be extra cautious.
• Does the written physical description match that of the presenter? Check eye color, height, weight?
Forgers and credit card thieves
• Normally do not look like a criminal, although if we knew what one looked like, this information would not be needed! Don’t expect them to be nervous. When told there may be a problem, experienced thieves will remain extremely calm.
When dealing with checks,
• Compare the signature on the ID to the signature completed in your presence. They may say or pretend to sign the check in line. Have them sign it again.
• Check the spelling. Forgery suspects often misspell the name they are trying to forge.
• Do NOT accept checks that are not legible, appear to have been wet then dried, or written with a felt pen. Checks should be written in ink.
• Be cautious when customers are writing checks for merchandise with maximum cash back.
• Be cautious of checks drawn on out of state banks or listing the account holder’s address as not in the area of your location. Ask yourself, “Why is this customer shopping at your store instead of one like yours near their own home?”
Credit Cards
• Use the same precautions as you would with a check.
• Always check the signature of the signer with the signature on the back of the card
• Ask for a photo ID and again compare the signatures
• If you have suspicions, call the credit card company.
Finally…Listen to your instincts! If something does not feel right about the transaction, the situation or the person, you are probably right! Don’t forget to attend the Chamber luncheon on Feb 10 to learn more about protecting your business from con artists!
Healthy Choices
Where:
Park Ridge Plaza Building
350 S. Northwest Hwy
1st Floor Conference Room
Park Ridge, IL 60068
When:
February 09, 2010 at 06:00 PM -to-
March 16, 2010
You Have Options!
This Boot Camp will be offered
In Person
Tuesday Nights at 6pm
Parrk Ridge Plaza Building
350 S. Northwest Hwy
Park Ridge, IL
In Teleconference call:
Thursdays
February 11th-March 18th
1:00 - 2:00pm
7:30 - 8:30 pm
Let me know your preference
Susan Frangos, CBK
Chief Butt Kicker and Wellness Coach
Higher Level Wellness, LLC
847 361-6185
Please join us and support teen substance abuse prevention programming in Maine Township!
Cheeseburger in Paradise
February 23, 2010
5-8 p.m.
All you can eat – soft drinks included. Live, engaging, musical entertainment by Victor Pacini (Author, Speaker, Entertainer). Raffles & Prizes. For tickets call Vickie at 847-391-5403
Or mail check to MCYAF
2720 S. River Rd. Suite 128
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Bring family and friends.
Please forward to any and all.
Support Teen Substance Abuse Prevention Programming in Maine Township
MCYAF
Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation
2720 S. River Rd. Suite 128
Des Plaines, IL 60068
847-858-7090
Illinois Workforce Compromised and Threatens Drug-Free Workplace (pg. 9, lines 2-6, pgs 19-20, lines 26, 1-6)
• This bill will not permit the ingestion of cannabis in the workplace but will permit the ingestion before entering the workplace. The bill nullifies drug-free workplace laws by stating that the employee is not considered to be under the influence “solely because of the presence of metabolites or components of cannabis that appear in insufficient concentration to cause impairment.”
• The bill establishes a mythical level of “impairment”. Unlike alcohol whose level of impairment is .08, a level of impairment for marijuana has never been established and remains zero.
• Emerald Steel Fabricators Inc. v. Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries; court found that , by discharging the temp to hire employee because of his medical marijuana use the employer failed to reasonably accommodate complainant’s disability. (September 2007)
Dominic is having a 20% discount for all Chamber members – just need to mention you’re a member. Good through Valentine’s Day!!!
In addition, buy one cooking class, get one half off!
116 Main Street – 847.698.1255
Morningfields, 800 Devon Ave, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
Check Out Our Website
www.Morningfields.net
Please be our guest for a Valentine's Day wine tasting event on Thursday February 11th from 4-7pm! We will be sampling various red and white wines from Heritage Wine Cellars, Southern Wines & Spirits, Trinchero Family Wines and Wirtz Beverage Illinois!
We will have food and dessert spreads for sampling and everything in the store will be 10% off for that night only! So make sure you show up with your friends, an appetite and your shopping list!
Maine Township Celebrates Local Government Week with Open House
Families and all residents are invited to come and get a closer look at historic Maine Township Town Hall, 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge, and learn more about the wide variety of services offered by the Township’s departments. The Township is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, March 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is free but donations of non-perishable food will be gratefully accepted for the Emergency Food Pantry.
Highlights of the evening will include tours of Town Hall, light refreshments and a prize drawing for children. Town Hall was designed in the late 1950’s by the son of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was originally used as a church but later sold to the Township. The facility was renovated several years ago, reflecting the improvement efforts of Township leaders.
“We are very proud of what we do at Maine Township and take special pride in our Town Hall building,” says Carol A. Teschky, Supervisor. “We invite all our residents and their families to stop by on March 10 and help us celebrate the third annual Local Government Week.”
For more information on the Open House or other Township events, please call 847-297-2510. Information is also posted on the Township website www.mainetownship.com.
St. Mary’s Mardi Gras for Haiti 2010
February 13, 2010, Cocktails from 6 to 7 p.m., Dinner from 7 to 8 p.m. Live Entertainment.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 306 S. Prospect Ave, Park Ridge, 847-823-4126
Due to the human tragedy occurring in Haiti as a result of the earthquake and its aftershocks, this year we will be donating ALL proceeds from our annual Mardi Gras fundraiser to help our Haitian brothers and sisters. Please come and celebrate with us, knowing that your donation will help the members of the one of the world's most impoverished nations in its time of desperate need.
Purchase keys to unlock hope for Haiti and for a chance to win fabulous prizes. If your key “unlocks” the bells you have won a prize!
Unlock the Box and Raffles from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets and keys on sale now! Buy Keys, Win prizes! To purchase call 847-823-4126
$50 single * $100 couple * $40 senior single * $80 senior couple *
$75 balcony single (Premium seating and drinks included)
$150 balcony couple (Premium seating and drinks included)
The Bells of St. Mary's now ring for Haiti! Buy one key for $10 or six for $50! And don't forget that our Mardi Gras celebration includes music by Joe Lill's Six of One, auctions, fabulous prizes, delicious Cajun food, and more!
Sponsored by the Park Ridge Community Health Commission:
We are organizing a Park Ridge Weight Loss Challenge aka Park Ridge’s Biggest Losers… as a community outreach program for our citizens. It will involve asking people to organize a team of any number and come and weigh in with their team for a series of 6 weeks, every Monday Feb. 8th-March 15th (right before spring break).
The team who loses the most weight will be crowned the Champions of the Park Ridge Weight Loss Challenge and win some prizes yet to be determined.
It is open to everyone and there is no charge for this activity.
We will meet at the Public Works Building and people can come between 7:30 pm and 9:00 to weigh in. I am recruiting organizations and businesses to participate in a mini health fair each Monday that we meet so people will have access to resources that can help them obtain a healthy lifestyle.
Teri Collins, Community Liaison and Member
Park Ridge Community Heath Commission
Email with questions: Teri Collins tcato3@att.net
Her cell: 847-456-8267
Gail Haller
Executive Director
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
720 Garden Street
Park Ridge, IL 60068
phone: 847.825.3121; fax: 847.825.3122
email: gail.haller@parkridgechamber.org website: www.parkridgechamber.org
Thank you to our Platinum members!
1. Accounteque Services Inc.: 847.768.9100
2. All on the Road Catering & Bakery, Barbara Tyksinski: 847.518.8958
3. Aqua Plumbing, Heating and Cooling: 847.459.7900
4. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
5. barrett-TECH, John Barrett: 847.823.1830
6. Cardinal Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
7. Catalyst Marketing-Public Relations, Inc.: 847.298.8748
8. Falkor Group LLC: www.falkorgroup.com
9. Global Handmade Hope: 847.720.4084
10. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
11. J.C. Lilly Windows & Doors: 773.588.4332
12. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
13. le Flour Bake Shop, Nicole Bujewski, 773-631-1400
14. Leys, Kirsten; Prudential Financial Services: 847.627.3950
15. Park Ridge Community Fund: 847.825.5311
16. Periodontics of Niles, P.C. Dr. Dorothy Anasinski: 847.685.6686
17. Perry's Pizzeria & Ribs/Catering, Nick Straub: 847-823-4422
18. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
19. Resurrection Health Care, Theresa Olson: 847.813.3210
20. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates 847.825.1002
21. Sebastian Co. Real Estate; Don Sebastian, Jr.: 847.823.3117
22. Subway of Park Ridge at 2618 Dempster: 847.813.9552
23. The Juniper Center, Margo Jacquot: 847-759-9110
24. Unbound Technology, Joshua Nichols: 847-235-4994
25. You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services, Lynda Tourloukis: 847.401.5787
26. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
27. You can be here!
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