Despite the fact he is facing possible impeachment, Gov. Rod Blagojevich today is expected to name former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate seat once held by President-elect Barack Obama.
Blagojevich is accused by federal prosecutors of trying to sell the Senate seat in exchange for campaign cash, a job or appointment for himself or his wife. Democratic leaders in the Senate have promised they would not seat any appointment made by the embattled governor.
Burris, 71, had not previously been considered a serious contender for the spot. Blagojevich will make the news official this afternoon at a 2 p.m. news conference.
What do you think of this latest move by the Illinois governor who already has been disgraced after his arrest on federal charges and could also be impeached by a legislative committee currently discussing his fate? Should Burris go along with this appointment?
Is Blagojevich just trying to make a statement that he is still in charge? What is your reaction to his latest move? Comment about it here.
The first week of winter break for Bolingbrook students was sort of a study in extreme weather patterns.
First came the snow storm, then the ice storm and freezing temps, then the big meltdown, complete with flooding and threats of thunder storms. After a week of gazing out the window at various forms of precipitation, this week should give kids a chance to get out and burn off some energy before returning to school in January.
Here are a few ideas of activities right here in The Brook:
Wacky Water Week at Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park is 12:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Games and activities are planned to a theme that changes each day.
Rocket Ice Arena has special holiday-themed skating events each day this week. Don't miss skating with Woody and Buzz on Tuesday or the Disco Skate on Wednesday.
Fountaindale Public Library is featuring a craft related to famous authors as part of its Winter Break Fun programming.
And if the freezing temperatures kept your family away from the Symphony in Lights production at The Promenade, you still have time to see the show each evening at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. through Dec. 31.
Happy Day After Christmas! This is historically one of the best shopping days of the year. It's the day we are all supposed to take the money and gift cards we collected on the 25th and head out to find deep discounts on those items we really wanted, but didn't find under the Christmas tree.
But I have a feeling today will be more of a stay inside and enjoy-what-you-do-have kind of a day for many people.
Sure. The price cuts are enticing. But even with the message boards along Boughton Road asking shoppers to spend their money locally, it seems many people simply don't have much money to spend.
How about you? Will you be heading out in search of some great deals this weekend?
This holiday season has seen a dramatic shift from years past. We have been such a society of consumers, making room for gadgets and tools to fit every whim in our fully-equipped kitchens, professionally-stocked workshops and full-to-the-brim playrooms.
Toymakers this year even came up with the biggest, most elaborate big-ticket items to wow a generation of children who seem to have it all.
I couldn't believe the life-size stuffed pony large enough for a child to ride on display in several stores. The $250 plush pony has moving eyes, ears and a swishing tail and responds to a child's voice. Then there were toys like Pleo the Camarasaurus Dinosaur, which is described as a remote-control lifelike "pet", sold for $260.
Nice to marvel at in the store, but those kind of gifts weren't going to happen this year. (Not that we would have room in our house anyway.)
But all of this lack of shopping is taking its toll on businesses not only nationwide, but also right here in The Brook. The Office Depot on Weber Road is the third major retailer on the west side of town to announce it's going out of business. Circuit City and Linens N Things are in the final stages of their store closing markdowns.
Restaurants also are feeling the crunch. Woodlands Grill at The Promenade announced it will be going out of business, following chain-restaurants Bennigan's, Joe's Crab Shack and Applebees, which all have closed in the last year.
If retailers are having this much trouble now, during what is supposed to be the busiest shopping season of the year, what will the new year bring? What do you think?
Did you reduce your spending this Christmas, and what did you do differently? Do you see the economy improving any time soon? Post your comments here.
The Village of Bolingbrook has an amazing display of multicultural holiday greetings on the lawn of the Town Center. The words in bright glittering letters are flanked by a scene of Santa's sled carried by leaping reindeer on one end and the nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus Christ on the other. Frosty the Snowman and a Jewish Menorah are scattered in the middle.
Town officials pretty much have their bases covered, I would say.
While many government bodies and schools are working to downplay the religious significance of Christmas and enforce one generic greeting of "Happy Holidays", village officials have chosen the route of inclusion.
As someone who celebrates the birth of Christ at Christmas, I have to say that I much prefer this attempt to span all religions and beliefs this time of year, rather than brushing over the December holidays with one big "Season's Greetings" or leaving out the "Merry Christmas" all together.
When I was growing up, it seemed like our government offices and schools pretty much focused on the Santa Claus element of Christmas, but no one questioned actually wishing someone a "Merry Christmas" or singing a carol or two along with "Up on the Housetop" at the holiday program.
But in recent years, the words "Merry Christmas" have come to be treated like swear words in many public schools, government buildings and even some retail stores.
Some schools in the area restrict parents from sending anything with an overt "Christmas" message in treat bags, even snacks and favors depicting Santa Claus. The winter concerts are often absent of traditional Christmas carols or even seasonal favorites like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" that include the "C" word.
These days, the effort to make December celebrations politically correct has become the subject of some hilarious sarcasm on web sites like this and this.
"Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion as well as those who choose not to practice a religion at all..." reads the politically correct holiday greeting posted on several web sites poking fun at all of the fuss.
But there is no getting around the subtle signs that the official federal holiday that falls on Dec. 25 is still called "Christmas Day". For example, public libraries, local banks and many stores post signs on their windows reminding patrons they will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 in honor of -- you guessed it -- "Christmas".
It seems strange to me how differently our schools and government bodies have approached Christmas versus other national holidays. When children are released from school on Columbus Day or Veterans Day, they are encouraged to spend time learning about the origins of that special day, rather than seeing it as only an opportunity to sleep late and overindulge on video games.
The same can't be said of Christmas. Teachers are now asked to go out of their way not to utter the possibly offensive "Merry Christmas" words to a student.
It reminds me more of how several southern states, until recently, treated another national holiday -- the birth of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Several years ago, I happened to be in Mississippi on the third Monday in January, which is the national holiday to celebrate the Jan. 15 birthday of the civil rights leader. I noticed a city parade was about to take place, but I was shocked to learn there would be no mention of King that day. The school children were marching in a parade to celebrate the birth of Gen. Robert E. Lee, the confederate war hero, who was born on Jan. 19.
Choosing to ignore the birth of one of the trailblazers of American history didn't make him go away. And regardless of one's religious belief, much can be learned from the story of the life of Jesus Christ.
I really don't mind my children learning about religious leaders and cultures other than our own. In fact, I think it's essential for them to have an understanding of the diverse world in which we live and to make informed choices about what they believe. But if we are going to be inclusive, why does it seem schools and government bodies often go overboard to exclude Christmas?
I much prefer the approach taken down on the lawn at Town Center.
So, go ahead and wish me an "Eid Mubarak", the Muslim greeting meaning "blessed festival". Give me your best, "Happy Diwali" to celebrate the Hindu holiday of the festival of lights. Or just say, "Season's Greetings." I won't be offended.
And in return, I will wish you a "Merry Christmas".
With all of the allegations coming out about our state's governor, it seemed there couldn't be too many more surprises in the news this week. But, then again, this is The Brook. And we still have our most well-known resident to add some shock value.
Former Bolingbrook Police Sgt. Drew Peterson is engaged again, according to news reports today. His bride-to-be is a 23-year-old Bolingbrook resident. Nevermind that he's still married to Stacy Peterson, who has been missing for more than a year.
Judging from his quotes in the news, Peterson, 54, didn't seem happy that reporters had found out about his engagement. If they marry, the woman would be his fifth wife.
"I can't believe this is happening," he told a reporter. "How the f--- did this get out?"
Peterson's fourth wife, Stacy, has not been seen for more than a year. While Peterson is a suspect in her disappearance, he contends that she left him for another man.
He was still married to his third wife, Kathleen Savio, when he got engaged to Stacy. Savio was found dead in a bathtub in her Bolingbrook home only weeks before her divorce from Peterson was finalized.
When a friend from my church started organizing a collection effort to help Bolingbrook's Operation Christmas, I admit my first reaction was to sort of tune out his requests for donations.
Already feeling overwhelmed with the busyness of the season, my mind was full of excuses: When would I find time to clean out our closets and basement? How would I box up all of that stuff and deliver it? Could my contribution really make a difference?
But after hearing about the needs of hundreds of families here in The Brook, I realized that the toys my children no longer touched, the clothes that didn't fit and the coats that were shoved in the back of the closet could be welcome treasures in the hands of another family.
My fears about overcoming the logistics of dropping it all off were alleviated, as well, when I pulled up at the Operation Christmas drop-off site, which is behind Town Center. Three workers rushed to my minivan in the pouring rain and quickly unloaded the boxes and bags.
They organized my meager offerings into neat sections lining the Performing Arts Stage, which has been transformed into a department store of new and used items for families who otherwise might not have anything special for Christmas.
But the collection site wasn't nearly as packed as volunteers would like to have seen it this week when residents began arriving at designated times to "shop" for free groceries, household goods, toys and clothing for their family members. Donations are down 25 to 50 percent in many areas, said Gwen Bettig, co-chair of the Operation Christmas committee.
With so much bad news about our nation's economy, lost jobs and closed businesses, many Bolingbrook residents seem to be holding tighter to what they have, rather than donating it.
"Maybe people can't afford new ones (toys and clothing), so they're making do with what they have," said Bettig, who has been volunteering her time to help run the effort for more than 30 years.
Operation Christmas started 35 years ago to help families in financial need during the holiday season. More than 500 Bolingbrook families were served last year, and the group is expecting the need to be even greater this year.
Since Dec. 1, more than 250 families have signed up for a time slot when they will be allowed to pick up three bags of groceries, as well as clothing, household items and two toys for each child.
Businesses, community groups and schools make donations to stock the collection site and also provide gift cards and cash contributions. Individuals are welcome to drop off their gently-used or new items, as well.
When Bolingbrook resident Chris Urosevich was looking to organize a community service project at the church he attends, he called the village and found out about Operation Christmas. He coordinated a collection effort through CrossTown Church. Urosevich said he saw it as an opportunity to teach his children about the need to help others and to "try to be a reflection of Christ" in the community.
"What I've been trying to do with them is give them some experiences so they have a better appreciation and understanding of how blessed and fortunate they really are," said Urosevich, who has taken his daughters with him to help with several other community projects in the past.
Along with his three girls who are 10, 7 and 4, Urosevich spent a recent Saturday morning helping Operation Christmas volunteers sort through donated items and organize the collection center to get it ready for families that started arriving this week.
"It is really opening their eyes to the need that exists around them," said Urosevich, a vice president at the financial firm Smith Barney.
Those who need help this Christmas can continue to enroll in the program and make appointments to pick up goods until Dec. 20 by calling (630) 759-9494. Those interested in donating items also can drop them off until Dec. 20 at the Performing Arts Center, 375 W. Briarcliff Road, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
If residents have larger items, like furniture they can't transport, they can call Operation Christmas staff, who will pick it up, if possible. The number is (630) 226-8429.
The larger items will be sold at a community garage sale Jan. 9-10 at the Performing Arts Stage. Money raised from the sale will be used to purchase products for next year's Operation Christmas effort.
With one former Illinois governor doing time in federal prison, the arrest today of Gov. Rod Blagojevich makes a shocking allegation about the state of politics in Illinois.
"If it isn't the most corrupt state in the United States, it's certainly one hell of a competitor," FBI special agent Robert Grant was quoted as saying in news reports. "Even the most cynical agents in our office were shocked."
Federal authorities arrested Illinois' Democratic governor this morning on allegations he went on a "political corruption crime spree" that needed to end. Blagojevich is accused of attempting to "sell" the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.
With the sole power to fill that seat, Blagojevich allegedly decided to use his authority for his personal gain, according to charges by U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald, whose investigation led authorities to show up at the governor's home for a wake-up call complete with handcuffs at 6 a.m. today. Blagojevich is accused of seeking a job for himself, a job for his wife, political contributions or a cabinet post in exchange for an appointment to the Senate, authorities said.
"The conduct would make Lincoln roll over in his grave," Fitzgerald said at a news conference after the arrest. Fitzgerald quoted Blagojevich as saying the Senate seat is "a bleeping valuable thing. You just don't give it away. ... I've got this thing and it's bleeping golden."
Authorities also allege that Blagojevich tried to pressure the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers who were critical of his administration. Blagojevich threatened to withhold substantial state assistance to the Tribune Co. in connection with the sale of Wrigley Field to prompt the newspaper to fire some of its writers, according to the complaint filed against him.
The shocking allegations against the governor come just weeks after the high-profile move by Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, requesting lame-duck President George Bush commute the prison sentence of former Gov. George Ryan, who is serving six years on corruption charges. Ryan has served less than a year in prison after his conviction on charges the secretary of state's office took bribes in exchange for licenses for unqualified drivers.
Making the accusations against Blagojevich even harder to swallow is the fact the current governor campaigned on a pledge to clean up the pay-to-play politics that had tarnished Ryan's reign in Illinois.
What happens now? Blagojevich certainly should resign from office, and if he doesn't, the Legislature should act quickly to impeach him. With one Illinois governor in prison and another now facing federal charges, the state's shady politics are a national joke.
Will Illinois politicians ever learn? Are they so giddy on the power handed them when they are elected that they lose the ability to control themselves? Or is there something tainting the water in Illinois that is causing our public officials to act with so little respect for the people who have elected them? Let's hope not, since we are sending one of our own to lead not only the state, but the nation.
The Bolingbrook Park District is making it easier to start that New Year's resolution to get in shape. The winter brochure for the district came out this week, and it's showing a big drop in the price of memberships at its fitness centers.
The park district also is offering free childcare for members, as well as 60 minutes of racquetball for only $5 with a membership.
But will LifeStyles Fitness Center be able to compete with the more upscale workout facilities at Lifetime Fitness and LA Fitness, which have been attracting area residents to their newer health clubs?
The changes are meant to bring in more members and help close the gap in the Bolingbrook Park District's budget, which has been running at a deficit the last few years. The park district has been feeling not only the pressure from privately-owned centers, but the crunch of a tight economy.
The district's revenue-generating facilities, such as Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park, LifeStyles Fitness Centers and Boughton Ridge Golf Course, operated at a combined deficit of nearly $450,000 in 2007, according to published reports.
An annual membership to LifeStyles Fitness Center dropped to $249 from the previous cost of $314 a year for residents, according to the new park district brochure. The booklet lists only one fee for both residents and nonresidents.
Prices also dropped from $384 for a resident to $299 for a combined annual membership to both the fitness center and Pelican Harbor. Membership at the park district does not include an initiation fee, as with memberships at privately-owned facilities.
So, what do you think? Will the improved pricing structure attract more members?
I'm not sure the Bolingbrook Park District will be able to bring back residents who have already bought a membership somewhere else and become accustomed to a more upscale workout facility.
But perhaps the lower prices will draw in new customers, especially in a strained economy when people are watching their spending. Adding free childcare is definitely a plus, but the park district lacks more sophisticated services, like a computer room for older kids, offered at the corporately-owned fitness centers.
The change in prices is great for people who want an individual membership at the aquatic park, which even attracts swimmers from neighboring towns like Naperville and Plainfield to the indoor and outdoor waterparks.
An aquatics membership is now a flat $63 a year for residents and $103 a person for nonresidents. Previously, an individual membership for a resident was $145, or $197 for a family of two. Each additional family member cost an extra $26.
However, those with larger families won't see the same savings. For my family of five, we would pay $315 a year instead of $275 previously. Too bad that price didn't drop. Our family would have considered extending our aquatics membership from summer-only to year-round.
What do you think? Will the lower prices bring more members to the park district? Or will the facilities end up losing money by cutting prices?
If you have chosen to go elsewhere, what is the biggest attraction? And for those who stay at the park district, is it because of convenience, quality, affordability or loyalty to local facilities?
Comment about it here by clicking the "comments" link at the top of the page.
Well, the reports are in. Retailers say that Black Friday was a bit gray.
Many consumers still rolled out of bed to hit the mall at 4 a.m., but they were focusing on deep discounts and small-ticket items, according to news reports.
What about you? Are you planning to spend less this holiday season? How is the economy affecting your budget and your shopping this December? Or are you planning to spend just as much as you have in past years? Or maybe you are determined to take the materialism out of Christmas this year?
If only I were 5 years old again. I could dance with abandon to the sound of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at The Promenade like the little boy moving and shaking his body to the music as my family watched the Symphony in Lights recently.
The sights and sounds of the impressive light show are sure to get residents in the holiday spirit. But The Promenade isn't the only place to get a fix of holiday cheer around The Brook. Whether you are looking for breakfast with Santa or a live nativity scene, here are some stops you don't want to miss.
Live nativity Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital will recreate the scene of Jesus' birth in a manger in Bethlehem with a living nativity event Dec. 11 and 12. The free 20-minute performances are at 7 p.m. in English and 7:30 p.m. in Spanish on the front lawn of the hospital, 500 Remington Boulevard. Hospital employees will take on the roles of Joseph, Mary, the three wise men and other characters. The event will feature live animals, including a sheep, cow, camel, donkey, goats and lambs. A community choir also will perform.
See Santa
Whether you want to take a photo of your children with Santa Claus or have breakfast with St. Nick, you have several chances next week. Breakfast with Santa at The Promenade is 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 13. Cost is $8, and children 3 and under are free. While in The Brook, Santa will stop over at the Bolingbrook Golf Club on Dec. 14 for breakfast from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $18.95 for adults, $11.95 for children 12 and under, and children 3 and under are free.
Shopping for a cause
The Hope for the Holidays shopping bazaar is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Naperville Christian Church. The non-profit gift boutique will provide income to artisans in impoverished areas of Asia, South America and Africa.
House decorating
If your decorating skills go way beyond a few flashing lights on the front lawn, maybe its time to get in on The Promenade's decorating contest. Residents must set their lights to the music of a song by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to compete. The winner of the national contest will receive a trip for two to Chicago on New Year's Weekend to see a performance by the orchestra. The deadline to enter is Dec. 12.
Symphony in Lights
Make sure you don't miss the light show each evening at The Promenade. More than 250,000 lights dance to the music during the 15-minute show at the top of the hour at 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31.
After the first real snowfall of the season, the major streets around Bolingbrook were clear of snow this morning. But the side streets in my neighborhood are still a sheet of ice.
Village workers seem to be clearing the snow, but the ice is another story.
How are the streets in your neighborhood? Have you been slipping and sliding all the way to Boughton Road, Weber Road or Rt. 53? Or have snowplows also been dropping salt in your neighborhood?
Emily Neal is a 30-something wife and stay-at-home mom in Bolingbrook with three children. She also has a long history as a journalist.
