MAYOR

ROBERT E. LEE, JR.

Good day Berkeley residents and business owners, The Berkeley Matters newsletter is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job and obligation to the Berkeley community. It allows me to maintain the flow of information regarding how the Village Board of Trustees and all Village employees work every day to provide the quantity and quality of services for all while still providing me with an opportunity to reach out to you all with timely information. I am pleased to report and update you today on our work in progress for the 1st quarter of 2015 with plans that are in play for fiscal year 2015/2016. We are currently working to prepare the upcoming budget which offers many factors to consider at all levels of government. We welcome a new administration at the state level and we wish Governor Bruce Rauner well as he works with all levels of state and federal government to bring fiscal

responsibility back to the state. The promise of fiscal change, however, will affect Berkeley as well and to what level of impact still remains to be seen. Annually our budget process is affected by the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago in ways both large and small. This year, Illinois is proposing to cut the local municipal share of income tax revenue by 50% which could affect our own revenues by as much as $250,000.00 for 2015/2016. While the Rauner proposal is an initial trial balloon susceptible to negotiations, the truth is that change is coming and we will all need to sacrifice in order to right the ship. As a Village, we will anticipate some revenue compromise while maintaining our own level of responsibility for growth and improvement at the local level. In all honesty, we gladly accept grants and outside revenue streams from non-local governmental entities to ease the burden when they are available and awarded. The fact that budget cuts and compromise is in the air comes as no surprise, which makes our preparation all the more important. The City of Chicago also affects how we do business and in this case you know that based on the continued water rate increases over the last four years. Our work continues with our municipal organizations to try to minimize future rate adjustments down the road. That is some of the troublesome news I have to share with you today, but I am happy to say that there is always an upside. As I recall the year we had in 2014, I am looking forward to future successes in 2015. Berkeley’s business landscape expanded during 2014. The Village welcomed Dottie’s and Elsie’s Place (both video-gaming establishments), Super Wonder Nail Salon, Truck Service Management, the Berkeley Laundromat, Mobile Rail Solutions and Bravo Bakery to the business community. Not only did Berkeley welcome new businesses, but we also witnessed the active decision of two businesses to decide to stay in Berkeley when the growth of their industry required them to seek other options. Honey-Can-Do Intl. relocated from McDermott Dr. to the former Walgreens building on St. Charles Rd. and that choice allowed Johnson Bros. Metal Forming Co. to move into one of the remaining Honey-Can-Do buildings. Of even greater significance is the continuing domino effect that these decisions have had, where two more businesses are about to move into buildings previously occupied by Johnson Bros. Coupled with the effort to redevelop our TIF district, 2014 shines as a move in the right direction for the Village’s economic development plan. Hats off to Superintendent Robert Larem and his devoted staff as they continue to deal with one public works project after another with great efficiency. Bob has managed our city streets, storm and sanitary sewers and our water supply for over 20 years now. Thank you Bob, for your knowledge, determination and professionalism. From overseeing the continuation of our sanitary sewer lining project to continuing the effort to remove trees damaged by the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, the Village’s Public Works staff has been hard at work servicing the needs of its community. That staff also changed a bit during 2014 with the addition of Gary Buerger, a former Village Dispatcher who has now become a critical part of the team.

Robert E. Lee Jr.

Village President

Marian Gibson

Village Administrator

Jackie McCulloch

Village Clerk

William J. Daugherty

Village Trustee

Raymond Grenier

Village Trustee

Jerry Perez

Village Trustee

Diane Salemi

Village Trustee

Peggy Stanko

Village Trustee

George Stratton

Village Trustee

Phil Smith

Police Chief

Mike Kuryla

Fire Chief

Bob Larem

Public Works Superintendent

Ellen Hurley

Deputy Village Clerk

Joseph Wagner

Berkeley Matters

With the recent installation of our new Fire Chief, Chief Mike Kuryla, a process that was begun back in September came to its completion and promises greater things for the future of the department. Chief Kuryla brings 38 years of fire service and management experience to the Village of Berkeley. I am certain that his leadership, communication and management skills will serve the Berkeley community very well. As his first official act, Chief Kuryla named Captain Mike Dravo as the new Deputy Fire Chief. Congratulations to you both.

In a continuing trend, the Berkeley Police Department also saw leadership changes as its new Police Chief, Chief Phil Smith, was introduced during the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. Chief Smith has made significant additions within the department. Officer Tim Larem was appointed as the Neighborhood Watch coordinator and was chosen to guide the newly created Citizens’ Police Academy. The Chief initiated ordinance changes to provide balance and consistency throughout town and continues to press forward with innovations to better serve the community.

In the Administrative department, the Village welcomed Marian Gibson as its Village Administrator, arriving with 28 years of public service experience. Additionally, Chris Hecklinger was hired as the Village’s Code Enforcement officer and Building Commissioner, coming to us with 30 years of building and codes knowledge. Rounding out the additions to the Administrative team, Tim McPhillips joined the Village as its Finance Officer and Joe Wagner, formerly of the Village Public Works department, filled the newly created Executive Assistant’s position.

Coupled with the strength and history of the existing Administrative staff, the department successfully initiated the redevelopment of the TIF District, began an exhaustive effort to codify all of the Village’s ordinances into one coherent format, started the Berkeley Above and Beyond recognition program, created a replacement for the vehicle sticker program that begins May 1 (see the article in this issue of Berkeley Matters), implemented an Electric Aggregation program, successfully reached out to our Village Veterans and those residents who suffered flooding loss and have all contributed greatly in many of the successes already mentioned in other departments.

In 2015, the Village will continue every effort to remain one of the most fiscally responsible municipalities in the Chicagoland area. The Village’s FY 2014-2015 Budget (May 1, 2014 – April 30, 2015) served as the foundation for many of the successes observed in 2014. The Village Board and I have made a commitment over the last couple years to keep taxes as low as possible during these tough economic times and that has paid off as the economy has begun to improve.

Unfortunately, in order to present a balanced budget for the water and sewer system and continue to fund necessary capital improvements, the Village has once again been forced to increase water and sewer rates. In response to the City of Chicago’s 15% increase of the water rate; the Village increased water rates by 15% from $8.20/1,000 gallons to $9.43/1,000 gallons effective February 1, 2015.

In 2015, the Village will seek to further explore options that will provide relief from the regional and local flooding that has impacted our area. As many of you are aware, flood surveys were distributed with water bills and made available online in 2014 to gather flood details and build a map of flood-prone locations. I thank you for your timely response to this survey. To date, over 330 responses have been tallied and we have used such information to better illustrate our need during our conversations with FEMA, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to devise a large scale plan for water mitigation. On a local level, our current plan will create a water retention area at the north east section of town to help with flooding issues north of St Charles Rd. Look for future announcements regarding a Town Hall meeting to explain the Village’s direction in greater detail and present smaller scale remedies that can impact individual homes. The Village would also like to help create a Historical Society for the community. Our small town has some big history and there is no time like the present to begin preserving it. A Historical Society

The Village of Berkeley is pleased to award its annual academic scholarship to graduating seniors or individuals wishing to pursue higher education for the first time. Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of school and community involvement, work experience, academic standing, and need for financial assistance. Applications can be downloaded from the Village’s website at www.berkeley.il.us or picked-up at the Village Hall, 5819 Electric Avenue. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2015 for the 2015-2016 school year.

Legislation giving veterans their own unique Illinois drivers’ licenses and State ID cards has passed both chambers of the General Assembly, sponsored by State Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry). It is aimed at raising awareness about resources available to veterans, helping vets take advantage of special discounts and incentives provided to them by industry, while also providing emergency responders with valuable information when treating veterans during emergencies.

“This legislation is a common-sense way we can connect veterans with the resources they’ve earned because of their service,” Althoff said.

The initiative was the number one

recommendation of the Illinois

Discharged Service Members Task

Force, which was charged with finding

ways of helping veterans after their

years of service are complete.

For additional information, visit the

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at

http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vh

ic/index.asp .

would collect, preserve and showcase the rich history that our town is built upon. An announcement for the organizational meeting will come in the near future, so be on the lookout for it. We are looking for motivated residents to attend.

In closing, there are many upcoming events that I hope you will come out to support. I encourage you to come out and vote during the April elections. Your voice should be heard, so share your opinion with a vote. Our annual Youth Baseball Parade will be held on April 26th. As cold as it is now, I am sure it is hard to imagine that spring is on the way, but I assure you that even the winter must come to an end. The Village Golf Outing is planned for May 16th and again, we are given a reason to look forward to warmer days. Also, the annual Memorial Day Parade will wind through the streets of Berkeley on Monday, May 25th. Last year was a great turn-out and we hope you will join us in honoring our Veterans that day.

Finally, it is with a heavy heart and a tremendous sense of pride that I dedicate the preceding article to a 60 year Berkeley resident, coach, and mentor, Mr. John Pezza. John was a Village Trustee for 20 years, a BYBA coach for just as many, and a friend to all that met him. Rest in peace Coach Pezza, you will be missed.

Respectfully,

Robert E. Lee, Jr. Robert E. Lee, Jr. President of the Village of Berkeley

Ted and Marian Quednau were honored for the impact they have on the Berkeley community. They have lived in Berkeley for many years and their history of service together is as profound as their genuine love for the community. In fact, their volunteerism is a quality that they both define almost daily. For their selfless dedication to the Village of Berkeley, Ted and Marian received the shared honor of Citizens of the Year. Historically, the Village of Berkeley has had civic groups whose impact has been great upon the community as a whole. Dating back to the early 1980’s, the Village enjoyed the efforts of its first Community Garden Club at the height of its output, sharing the love of gardening with the public and cultivating a can-do attitude within the Village. The current incarnation of the Community Garden Club has honored that history through its motivated membership and infectious enthusiasm. Berkeley’s Community Garden Club received the award for Community Group of the Year. The Chamber of Commerce also takes time to recognize its own membership each year. This year, Berkeley’s very own Trustee, Peggy Stanko, was awarded two honors. The Chamber acknowledged Stanko as its Member of the Year as well as its Director of the year. The Village is proud of each of its recipients and congratulates them all for a job well done.

The Village of Berkeley was proudly

represented during the Hillside/Berkeley

Chamber of Commerce’s “Night of

Excellence” held on February 24th

at Emilio's

Tapas Restaurant in Hillside. During the

evening, Berkeley residents received awards

honoring Citizens of the Year, Community

Club of the Year and Chamber Member and

Director of the Year.

VILLAGE HALL

5819 Electric Avenue Berkeley IL, 60163

OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesdays

8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Telephone: 708-449-8840

FAX: 708-449-6189

POLICE DEPARTMENT

5819 Electric Avenue Berkeley IL, 60163

Emergency Phone: 911

Non-Emergency Phone: 708-449-8224

FAX: 708-449-8660

FIRE DEPARTMENT

5819 Electric Avenue Berkeley IL, 60163

Emergency Phone: 911

Non-Emergency Phone: 708-449-9444

FAX: 708-449-2557

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

1201 Wolf Rd. Berkeley IL, 60163

Telephone: 708-449-8840

FAX: 708-449-6189

Collection of yard waste will also begin in April on Thursdays with weekly garbage services. Unlimited Yard Waste collection is provided to all Berkeley residents. Yard waste consists of grass clippings, twigs, leaves and plant material. Yard waste is to be set out in 30 gallon Kraft paper bags designed for the collection of yard waste or in suitable refuse cans as described above. Residents are asked if using a conventional refuse container (32 gallon can) for yard waste to clearly mark the can “YW”. Yard waste bags or containers are not to exceed 50 pounds when full. Do not use plastic bags for yard waste (they cannot be ground up for composting). Rocks, sod, bales of hay and landscape timbers are not landscape waste and should not be placed in yard waste cans or bags.

Each issue of the Berkeley Matters will include pick-up days in the calendar section and are listed online at www.berkeley.il.us in the Village calendar.

Spring is on the way and the American Legion Post 1016 will be busy! During the month of March, we will be selecting our candidates for Boy's State, Girl's State and Americanism essay winners. When April arrives, we will be preparing for Poppy Days and marching in the annual Berkeley Baseball Parade. When May comes around, we will be in full swing, holding our annual Poppy Days a week earlier than usual; May 14

th through the 16

th. Then, we will see you during the Memorial

Day Parade on Monday the 25th

, starting at the MacArthur School parking lot at 9:30 a.m. and rolling through the streets of Berkeley toward the Memorial Corner at Taft and Electric Avenues. We hope to see all of the organizations in Berkeley join in the parade and ceremonies and that you will join us afterward in the Fire House for light refreshments.

Beginning this April, large tree branches and brush collection will begin. The Village of Berkeley Public Works offers its Brush Pick-Up program on alternating Mondays and requests that residents do not use any binding when bundling large branches or brush bundles. Branches that are put in garbage cans will not be taken on brush pick up day. Canned brush will be taken on Thursdays during regular garbage pick-up.

The Village adopted a motor vehicle tax ordinance dedicated for the purpose of improving and maintaining the streets and other public roadways within the Village. The tax eliminates vehicle stickers and is collected on monthly utility bills and assumes that each home or business has one vehicle. A $2.00 tax will be applied per month to a home and $8.00 per month for each business or commercial establishment as part of the owners’ utility bill.

No tax would be imposed where the owner is 62 years of age or older, for owners’ that are units of local government or a school district or an owner who is in active military service pursuant to the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940, where the owner is a disabled Veteran who has a State Disabled Veteran’s license or finally, if the property owner does not own a vehicle. The April water bills will include a form to complete and return to the Village Hall to receive exemptions. If you have any questions about whether or not you would qualify for an exemption, please contact the Village at 708-449-8840.

The File of Life Program provides a

mini-medical history that can be hung

on a refrigerator in the home to

provide vital medical information in

the event of an emergency where a

homeowner cannot provide that

information themselves.

The File of Life card enables EMTs to

obtain quick medical history when a

patient is in distress and cannot

answer for themselves. “The card

eliminates the risk of a patient, in a

frightened state, forgetting to

mention something important.”

The card is kept in an easily

identifiable red plastic packet and

contains patent name, emergency

medical contacts, medications and

dosages, allergies, recent surgeries,

religion, doctor’s name and a health

care proxy.

The Berkeley Fire Department urges

residents to stop by to pick up a

packet at the Fire Station or Village

Hall for anyone who has a medical

condition, is on medications, or even

has allergies. Each individual that lives

in a residence and meets these

emergency medical needs should

consider participating at no cost.

Please call the Fire Department at

708-449-8224 for more information.

Superintendent Bob Larem and Berkeley Management Analyst Brandiss West. “I owe the

panel a debt of gratitude,” said Mayor Lee. “They received 23 applications from qualified

individuals spanning several years of fire safety experience and leadership.” The selection

panel, accompanied by the Mayor, interviewed five final candidates and narrowed their

recommendation to the Village Board down to three individuals. The Board voted on

December 22, 2014 to arrive at the selection of Michael N. Kuryla III as the Village of

Berkeley’s next Fire Chief.

Chief Kuryla previously served the Village of Hillside for over 20 years as the Chief of their

Fire Department and has guided the training of local firefighters for 28 years as a faculty

member at Triton College teaching in their Fire Science Program. With a history in

emergency services that dates back to his days as a teenager, Chief Kuryla’s wealth of

knowledge has been recognized by his peers as evidenced by his elected terms as President

of the Cook County Fire Chief’s Association and Vice-President of MABAS Division 20.

Chief Kuryla holds an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science Technology as well as a

Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science Services. Among the many certifications that

Chief Kuryla possesses, including certifications as an Arson Investigator and assorted

Command certificates, he is also the recipient of a certificate of recognition for a vertical

wall rescue at the Hillside Stone Quarry in 1981 and has received a Humanitarian Service

Medal for his efforts during the Hurricanes of Katrina/Rita in 2005 and Gustav/Ike in 2008.

Chief Kuryla, having worked for the neighboring Village of Hillside since 1977, comes to the

Village of Berkeley well aware of the Fire Department’s tradition of excellence in fire safety

and is eager to share his knowledge and experience to make the department even stronger

as Berkeley’s newest Fire Chief. Shortly after being sworn in, Chief Kuryla addressed the

Board and all in attendance to thank them for the opportunity to serve the Village and to

conduct his first order of business, announcing the appointment of Captain Micheal Dravo

as the Village’s Deputy Fire Chief.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will highlight preparedness and safety topics each month to safeguard against being caught off guard by events like natural disasters, severe weather, cyber security and more. The intent is to educate people to be better prepared for themselves, their families and their workplaces. Providing a one-stop location on the internet for preparedness on a variety of hazards, www.Ready.Illinois.gov offers steps for prevention, protection and preparation in all manner of unexpected situations. You can also find more information at on Facebook. Ready Illinois

Village of Berkeley Mayor Robert E. Lee, Jr. and the Trustees of the

Village of Berkeley were present to officially welcome Michael Kuryla

as the Village’s new Fire Chief during the Board meeting of February 3,

2015 where he was officially sworn into his new role.

In September of 2014, Mayor Lee created a hiring committee to fill the

vacated role of Fire Chief that included Tom Rafferty, former Fire Chief

of both Leyden and Westchester, Berkeley Police Chief Phil Smith,

Berkeley Village Administrator Marian Gibson, Berkeley Public Works

GOOD TO KNOW

Tornado Sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of

each month

Board Meetings are scheduled for the first and

third Tuesday of each month and are held in the Village Hall Bicentennial

Room at 6:30 p.m.

Plan Commission / ZBA Meetings are scheduled

for the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Economic Development Commission Meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month

at 6:30 p.m.

When your side of town is scheduled for Brush Pick-Up, it is also your turn for

Recycling Pick-Up

BY THE NUMBERS

Roy Strom (Refuse, Recycling and Yard Waste)

708-344-5000

ComEd (Electrical Provider)

1-800-EDISON1

Nicor (Natural Gas Provider)

1-888-642-6748

Proviso Township Residents Assistance

708-449-4300

GOAL The Citizen’s Police Academy is designed to help the residents of Berkeley better understand how the police department works within their community. It is hoped that all graduates of the Citizen’s Police Academy will get to know more about the men and women who are protecting their community and why they make the decisions they do while performing that duty. When residents take a more personal interest in their village, and the protection of their community and neighborhoods, they will enjoy a safer and closer relationship with their neighbors. The Citizen’s Police Academy will allow them to have a more interactive association with the police department.

WHY ATTEND? Community Oriented Policing plays an important and vital role in reducing crime in any community. Therefore, the Berkeley Police Department instituted the Citizen’s Police Academy to improve communication and obtain citizen input and support throughout the village. It is hoped that the graduates will become partners with the Berkeley Police Department in identifying problems and solutions to the crime issues that are affecting the community. Graduates will take their knowledge back to their neighborhoods where they can use it to enhance the quality of neighborhood life. Graduates will also be allowed to participate as a Berkeley Auxiliary Citizen Police Officer through the Berkeley Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association. Enroll Now Individuals who apply for the Citizen’s Police Academy must be 18 years of age and reside or work within the Village of Berkeley. Applicants will also be subjected to a criminal background investigation. The Berkeley Citizen’s Police Academy is scheduled to begin April 8, 2015, and continue each Wednesday until June 24, 2015. A Citizen’s Police Academy application (PDF) and waiver form (PDF) can be found at the Village Hall or online at www.berkeley.il.us and must be returned by March 25, 2014, by mail, e-mail or FAX:

Officer Tim Larem

Berkeley Police Department 5819 Electric Avenue

Berkeley, IL 60163 (708) 449-8660 (FAX) tlarem@Berkeley.il.us

Questions regarding the program can be directed to Village of Berkeley Chief of Police, Phil Smith or to Program Director, Officer Tim Larem at (708) 449-8224.

The Citizen’s Police Academy is a program designed to give the participants a working knowledge of the Berkeley Police Department. It consists of a series of classes, discussions and hands-on demonstrations. Classes are held once a week from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for 11 weeks and the classes are limited to 25 students.

The classes provide an in-depth view into various areas of law enforcement. It is an educational and informative program that allows citizens the opportunity to learn about the issues that affect law enforcement efforts in the Village of Berkeley.

Trustee Corner Library Board of Trustee meetings are open to the public and scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on March 18

th and April

15th

.

The Library Board of Trustees currently has a vacancy. If you would like to actively support your local public library, please contact Willie Ashford, Board President, at WAshford.bpl.board@gmail.com.

Adult Computer Classes Adult computer classes are back! Hands-on, introductory workshops include 2 sessions. During Week 1 we will teach you PC basics; and Week 2 will include an introduction to the Internet. Space is limited. Please register in person or by contacting Lenora at (708) 544-6017.

New Library Card Catalog Coming The Berkeley Public Library, in connection with 76 other libraries in the SWAN library consortium, will migrate to a new online catalog in April of 2015. The catalog will be easier to search and will offer many new features. Additional information will be provided on the library website as it becomes available, and our staff will be available to help patrons learn how to use the new catalog.

Service for the Homebound The BPL offers homebound service to BPL cardholders in good standing who are unable to come to the Library due to a temporary or permanent disabling condition. Deliveries are scheduled twice each month. If you wish to have library materials delivered to your home, please contact Lenora at (708) 544-6017 or via email at lberendt@berkeleypl.org.

Coffee Mornings

Enjoy a FREE cup of java, read the

paper, or chat with a neighbor on

Mondays and Wednesdays from

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Berkeley Public Library 1637 Taft Avenue – Berkeley IL, 60163

Phone: 708-544-6017 / FAX: 708-544-7551

www.berkeleypl.org

Library Programming & Technology

Children, Teen and Adult Programs

Please visit www.berkeleypl.org for reading lists, activity schedules and additional special programs for Children, Teens and Adults.

Wii Game Days Please join us for an afternoon of gaming fun! Contact the for dates and times for youth and teens!

Adult Book Club Meetings will be held on March 11

th (Major

Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson), April 8

th (Husband’s Secret by Liane

Moriarty) and May 13th

(Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas) at 7:00 p.m. and newcomers are always welcome.

Mad Science Craft Day Join us on Wednesday, March 25

th and May

20th

at 4:30 p.m., for a science-related craft! For details, contact Brett at (708) 544-6017.

Read to the Dogs Reading a book to a trained therapy dog helps motivate youngsters by helping them to feel more comfortable reading out loud, read more often, and look forward to reading. So, join us on March 7

th at 1:00

p.m. for Read to the Dogs! Space is limited and is recommended for kids ages 6 to 12. Please register at the library or call (708) 544-6017 to reserve your space.

Crochet and Needlework Group Bring your needlework and join us every other Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on March 5

th &19

th, April 2

nd, 16

th & 30

th,

and May 14th

& 28th

.

Holiday Closures The Berkeley Public Library will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on May 25, 2015.

BPL Newsletter Check out the Berkeley Public Library’s quarterly, electronic newsletter at http://www.berkeleypl.org and click on “Spring 2015 BPL Newsletter”. Print copies are available at the library.

LEGO Build & Play Join us for our monthly LEGO Build Night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Monday March 9

th, April 13

th and May

11th

. Recommended for kids age 3 and up.

Tollbooth Reading Adventures Club Each month one book will be assigned for everyone to read and will lead to a special discussion with snacks and activities. Club meetings are at 4:00 p.m. on March 13

th,

April 10th

, and May 8th

. Recommended for ages 8 to 12. Please register by calling (708) 544-6017 or email us at mail@berkeleypl.org.

Book Sale The Spring Book Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 2

nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00

p.m. A wide variety of books, DVDs, magazines and miscellaneous items will be available for sale.

Youth Origami Join us at 1:30 p.m. on March 28

th to learn

origami, the ancient art of paper folding and sculpture. All materials will be provided. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Teen Book Club will be held March 21st

at 1:30 p.m. for a discussion of the young adult novel Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson. Copies of the book will be available at the library by February 25

th. Recommended for teens grades 6 and up.

Mar 03 Board Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Mar 05 Recycling east of Taft Avenue Mar 11 Adjudication Hearing – 2:00 p.m. Mar 12 EDC Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Recycling west of Taft Avenue Mar 13 American Legion Meeting – 7:30 p.m. Mar 17 Board Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Mar 19 Recycling east of Taft Avenue Mar 26 Plan Commission / ZBA – 6:30 p.m. Recycling west of Taft Avenue

Apr 02 Recycling east of Taft Avenue Apr 03 Village Hall Closes @ Noon Apr 06 Brush Pick-Up begins – Both Sides of Town Apr 07 Board Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Apr 08 Adjudication Hearing – 2:00 p.m. Citizen’s Police Academy – 6:30 p.m. Apr 09 EDC Meeting – 6:30 p.m.

Recycling west of Taft Avenue Apr 10 American Legion Meeting – 7:30 p.m. Apr 13 Brush Pick-Up east of Taft Avenue Apr 15 Citizen’s Police Academy – 6:30 p.m. Apr 16 Recycling east of Taft Avenue Apr 20 Brush Pick-Up west of Taft Avenue Apr 21 Board Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Apr 22 Citizen’s Police Academy – 6:30 p.m. Apr 23 Plan Commission / ZBA – 6:30 p.m. Recycling west of Taft Avenue Apr 27 Brush Pick-Up east of Taft Avenue Apr 29 Citizen’s Police Academy – 6:30 p.m. Apr 30 Recycling east of Taft Avenue

May 04 Brush Pick-Up west of Taft Avenue May 05 Board Meeting – 6:30 p.m. May 06 Citizen’s Police Academy – 6:30 p.m. May 07 Recycling west of Taft Avenue May 08 American Legion Meeting – 7:30 p.m. May 11 Brush Pick-Up east of Taft Avenue May 13 Adjudication Hearing – 2:00 p.m. Citizen’s Police Academy – 6:30 p.m. May 14 EDC Meeting – 6:30 p.m.

Recycling east of Taft Avenue May 18 Brush Pick-Up west of Taft Avenue May 19 Board Meeting – 6:30 p.m. May 20 Citizen’s Police Academy – 6:30 p.m. May 21 Recycling west of Taft Avenue May 25 Village Hall Closed – Memorial Day Parade May 26 Brush Pick-Up east of Taft Avenue May 27 Citizen’s Police Academy – 6:30 p.m. May 28 Plan Commission / ZBA – 6:30 p.m. May 29 Garbage Pick-Up due to Holiday

Recycling east of Taft Avenue

Berkeley baseball final registration will be held Saturday March 14

th, at Village Hall from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The Berkeley Youth Baseball Association is proud to announce this year’s Grand Marshall for the Opening Day Parade. On Sunday, April 26

th, please join us for our opening day parade led by lifetime Village

resident, Trustee and 2015 Grand Marshall, Diane Salemi.

Mrs. Salemi is a lifetime resident of the Village of Berkeley and is celebrating 20 years of service as an elected official. Berkeley Youth Baseball would like to thank her for her commitment and sacrifice in making our community one of the finest in the western suburbs. The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Berkeley Village Hall and proceed down Taft Avenue to Bohlander, taking Bohlander on to Wolf Road, and then finishing at the baseball fields behind Macarthur and Sunnyside schools. Come out and support the youth of our town and enjoy the unofficial start of spring!

As spring approaches, the Berkeley Community Garden Club would

like to invite you to join us in making Berkeley an even more

wonderful place to live. Are you interested in growing your own food,

learning about your environment, or just meeting new, fascinating

people? Join the BCGC! Some exciting events we have planned for this

year include: garden tours, butterfly workshops, entertaining field-

trips, and our hugely successful Spring and Harvest Fests. Our next

event is a maple tree tapping adventure and tasting on March 7th

.

Our meetings are scheduled twice a month. The next one is one

March 16th

at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library. Come out and

enjoy the fun!

Contact the Berkeley Community Garden Club through our email at

berkeleycommunitygardenclub@comcast.net, by calling us at

630-481-6442 or visit us on Facebook and give us a “like” at

www.facebook.com/BerkeleyGardenClub.

Village of Berkeley

5819 Electric Avenue

Berkeley, IL 60163

ECRWSS

Postal Customer Local

Berkeley, IL 60163

Presorted

Standard

ECRWSS

U.S. Postage

PAID

Melrose Park, IL 60160

Permit No. 292