Book News

Landmark Children's Book Store, Crocodile Pie - Closing!

We learned some sad news earlier this week about the fate of the Crocodile Pie book store in Libertyville - It's set to close in a couple of weeks. Current owners Amy Moran (no relation) and Kim Zizic purchased the store about a year ago - in hopes of saving the store from imminent closing. Unfortunately, economic conditions have given the store no other option than closing down. Crocodile Pie has been a great asset to the village for years - I wish everyone at the store the best in their future endeavors. This store has been around for several generations of children in Libertyville - it will be missed! Read more in the Daily Herald.

Cook Library Board Accepting Applications for New Board Member

The Cook Memorial Library Board is now accpeting applications from those interested in filling the Board's vacant position - created when library board president Aaron Lawlor resigned to take a position on the Lake County Board. Those interested are asked to fill out this application.

Here is the job description from the Cook Library's website -

"The Cook Memorial Public Library District is looking for a candidate to immediately fill a recently vacated position on its Board of Trustees. The candidate should be someone who is interested in serving the Library District, has time to devote to the library, and is interested in improving library services.

Applicants must be at least eighteen years of age, registered voters, and residents of the Library District which encompasses Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Green Oaks, Mettawa, Indian Creek, an unincorporated area north of Libertyville, and a portion of Mundelein. Library Board meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. In addition, Trustees are expected to attend occasional committee meetings and specially scheduled meetings and/or events.

The appointee will complete the unexpired portion of the open trustee’s term through the spring of 2011 after which they may run for an elected term.

Please complete the attached application and mail to Cook Memorial Public Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, Illinois, 60048 no later than August 12, 2009. For more information, please call Dan Armstrong, Library Director, at 847-362-2330, ext. 100."

A Look Ahead!

I just got back in town after spending a few days out on the West Coast - the trip was great! (Anytime I get to enjoy an In & Out Burger, life is good! We really need one in Libertyville!) Anyway, I am a little behind in updating some upcoming events. This is a busy week in and around Libertyville - here are a few highlights of what's going on:

Lake County Fair Kicks Off
(Libertyville Resident Buys First Ever Beer at Fair!)

The Lake County Fair kicked off another week of summer fun yesterday - marking a new year in a new location. The Fair has moved closer to Libertyville, near Peterson Road and Midlothian, in Grayslake. In addition to beer sales, this year's fair also features more well-known music entertainment, including Blake Shelton performing on Saturday night.

Mickey Finn's Backlot Brew Fest!

One of the "must attend" events of summertime in Libertyville is the Mickey Finn's Backlot Brewfest! Festivities kick off Thursday night, with most of the outdoor festivities taking place Friday and Saturday night. The food and atmosphere is very conducive to a great time! On Friday night you'll be able to catch hula and Polynesian fire dancers - that sounds like fun! They'll also be live entertainment all weekend too! Oh, did I mention the beer tent? Find out more information on the MickeyFinnsBrewery.com website.

Farmer's Market & Out to Lunch!

Also, don't forget the weekly Mainstreet Libertyville events going on this week! The weekly Libertyville's Farmer's Market is tomorrow from 7am - 1pm. I'll be there early for crepes and coffee!! Out to Supper with the Village Band at 7:30pm Thursday night in Cook Park. And, of course - Friday's Out to Lunch event runs from 11am - 2pm. Also, in other MainStreet news - tickets for this year's Street Dance and now starting to go on sale! Make sure you mark your calendar for Saturday, September 26th!

America's Most Wanted Fugitive Caught In Libertyville!

A 38-year-old Wisconsin man featured on a recent episode of America's Most Wanted was arrested yesterday, after he was found living near downtown Libertyville!

According to the AMW website, Ray Cooper was wanted for the sexual abuse of a young girl in Columbia County, Wisconsin. Columbia County is a bit north of Madison. Someone called the America's Most Wanted tip line and said Cooper was living in Libertyville, in an apartment that had recently suffered fire damage. After a short search, Libertyville Police found that Cooper was living in an apartment on Grant Court, under his own name!

Brainerd Building Looked at For "Most Endangered" List

(This is from the 1939 Nautilus yearbook - Marlon Brando's freshman year)

The president of the Libertyville's Brainerd Community Center (John Snow) spent yesterday leading a tour of the former high school building for the Landmark Illinois preservation organization. Landmark Illinois is in the process of reviewing possible sites for the next "Most Endangered Historic Places" list. According to an article in today's Daily Herald - the Landmark Illinois group has narrowed it's list of potential "Most Endangered" buildings to 30 - the final list features 10.

If the Brainerd building can be named to the list - this could help fundraising efforts. Right now, the Libertyville Village Board is in the process of reviewing a request by the Brainerd Center board to give their support to the restoration process. The support the Brainerd board is looking for isn't necessarily monetary, but more of a chance for the village board members to say this project is a priority in the community, and encourage others to get involved with the project.

I have been a member of the Brainerd Community Center Board since last fall - I was also a third generation high school student at the building. This is a project I feel very strongly about. Not only does the building need to be saved from a historical perspective - but, Libertyville is also in dire need of a community center for youth programs. Could you imagine how cool it would be for your children to learn acting on the same stage Marlon Brando acted on while he was a student at Libertyville High School? How about having a drop in day care center? After school programs? Art and music programs? All of this can be a reality with the completion of this project.

The best way you can help is to get involved is to visit the BrainerdCenter.org website. Whether it's a check for $100 or donating some of your time recruiting your neighbors to get involved or taking part in a service day trimming bushes, there is plenty available for you to do. Please get involved. E-Mail me with any questions.

Casa Bonita Opens TODAY!

The long wait is finally over - The Casa Bonita restaurant is finally open!

My parents have been big fans of their Waukegan location - I've never tried it, but am looking forward to heading over to the Casa tonight once I get off the train!

I was thrilled to receive an e-mail from MainStreet Libertyville earlier this week with the news:

CASA BONITA, a classic old world Mexican cantina, opens its doors this Friday, July 24, for lunch and dinner, right on the corner of Lake Street and Milwaukee Avenue. They are a 20-year Waukegan icon, and we are absolutely thrilled to have them in downtown Libertyville. And we guarantee you will be too!All of their famous menu items have arrived intact. If you want fun, food, and a fine margarita, then you have found your Libertyville headquarters!

Go to www.casabonitarestaurant.com for more information.

Casa Bonita Restaurant ~ 633 N. Milwaukee Avenue ~ 847.362.4400

(My next question is: When does Tommy's open??????)

News & Notes Update July 22nd

A few items of note:

New Cook Library Board President:

As we reported last week - Aaron Lawlor had stepped from the Cook Memorial Library Board to take a seat on the County Board, leaving a vacancy on the library board. At last night's meeting, Cook Library Board veteran and a great example of dedication and leadership in the Libertyville community, Bonnie Quirke was named President of the library board. The board still has a trustee position open - there has been no word yet on who will fill that vacancy.

ROADWORK (& Headache) ALERT!!

Road construction has begun along Milwaukee Avenue between Route 137 and Church Street - this is part of an IDOT repaving project. The work is expected to start in the downtown area, working North as the project progresses. According to today's Daily Herald - the project is expected to last the next seven weeks.

Goose Dropping Tickets Are Available Online!

Your chance to win $35,000 is just a few clicks away! The Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Club has tickets available online for their ever-popular Goose Dropping Contest! This year's top prize is $35,000, with a second place prize of $3,500 and 3rd - 5th place prizes of $1,000 each.

The 4th Annual Goose Dropping event will take place on Saturday August 22nd at the Libertyville Sports Complex. A full list of the day's activities is available at the http://www.goosedropping.com/ website.

This weekend: BROADWAY SATURDAY NIGHT!

The signs have been up all over town for weeks promoting this weekend's Musical Summer Showcase 2009 at Austin's Saloon and Eatery. Unfortunately, I'll be out of town this weekend - but, from the reviews I've heard - this show is a must see!

The event features "the finest entertainers performing the best of Broadway in a cabaret style setting." The show's headliner is LHS grad, Ian Liberto, who is currently starring as Bobby in the Broadway touring company of A Chorus Line.

There will be two shows Saturday night, 6:30pm and 9pm - tickets are only $20 and are available here or at the door.

The show will help raise money for the Liberty Town Productions organization, a not-for-profit group dedicated to "Celebrating talent on life's stage."

Mark Kirk makes run for Senate official!

At a press conference earlier this morning, our 10th District U.S. Congressman Mark Kirk announced he has officially put his name into the running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Rolland Burris. As I've stated before, Congressman Kirk has a proven track record of integrity and independent leadership that Illinois has been lacking for years. Please join me in supporting Congressman Mark Kirk's run for U.S. Senate.

Kirk's official website for his senate run is: www.KirkForIllinois.com

LHS GOLF OUTING BENEFIT

I love to golf. I also love to help out a worthwhile cause. I really love when I'm able to do both at the same time - which is why I was happy to see this write-up in today's News-Sun newspaper promoting a golf outing next month at Pine Meadows, and will benefit boys and girls golfers at Libertyville High School.

The outing is set for Thursday, August 6th at the Pine Meadows Golf Course. The cost is $175 per golfer, which includes golf and dinner.

It's Friday in Libertyville!

Everyday that I head into downtown Chicago for my job, I think about how much I miss working in Libertyville. For many reasons, I always thought it was great to live and work in Libertyville - I remember when a trek to Vernon Hills seemed a little far! haha. Now, I'm back working in the Loop five days a week. Some days I don't seem to mind it - after all, Chicago can be a fun place! However, every Friday during the summer - I miss being around Libertyville during the day. For those of you who are able to take advantage of being close to downtown Libertyville around lunchtime - I encourage you to stop by Out To Lunch in Cook Park! Not only is there a great variety of food, but the social aspect it always fun. Out To Lunch runs all summer, every Friday from 11am to 2pm.

Politics

Mark Kirk Expected To Announce Run For U.S. Senate

After much speculation, our 10th District U.S. Congressman Mark Kirk is expected to announce on Monday, his intentions for a run at U.S. Senate. Congressman Kirk has an outstanding record of independent leadership in Washington and is exactly the type of representation Illinois has been lacking, and sorely needs, in the Senate chambers.


A great website to follow developments in the 10th Congressional District, and Congressman Kirk's run for Senate is available here: http://www.teamamerica10th.blogspot.com/

New Parking Garage Will Feature Security Cameras

Some bad news for high school students hoping for a new make-out spot in Libertyville - It's being reported in today's News-Sun newspaper that the Village Board has voted to install 26 cameras at the new parking garage at Lake Street and Brainerd Avenue. That works out to one camera for every 14 parking spaces! According to Ed Collin's piece in the paper - the project will only cost about $50,000 - which is money well spent if it can prevent a rape, mugging or some other violent crime.

UPDATE: One thing I forgot to point out - I had to use the News-Sun coverage of the Village Board meeting because I wasn't able to make the meeting in person. It would be great if the Village Board will revisit the idea of broadcasting the meetings, or at least having an online video available for download or stream. One of the reasons the Village Board thought broadcasting the meetings would be a waste of time is that they felt no one in the village would watch them. I disagree. If you feel the same way I do, please call or e-mail members of the Village Board.

Mainstreet Libertyville Events

Mainstreet Libertyville is in the heart of the busy summer schedule - a few events still to take place this week:

Farmer's Market: Cook Park - today until 1pm

Out to Lunch: Cook Park - Friday July 17th 11a-2p


Also, registration in continuing for Labor Day weekend's 5k Twilight Shuffle - Registration information is available on the Mainstreet website.

Finally, right now is a great time to either become a member of Libertyville Mainstreet or renew your existing membership - Membership forms are also available on the Mainstreet website.

It's the money that's raised through the memberships that allow for outstanding programs, such as last night's Car Fun on 21!

- This Cobra was my favorite car at the Car Fun event last night - it seem every month there are more cars and more people coming out to look at the cars! If you haven't been to one yet, the next Car Fun on 21 car show is Wednesday August 19th.

Libertyville Lizard Update - IT'S BEEN CAUGHT!

For those of you who saw my parents on TV or in the newspaper a few weeks ago - I'm happy to report that the infamous Libertyville Lizard has been apprehended!

See the NBC 5 Story on the Lizard.

UPDATE: The latest Daily Herald story.

Kathryn Kerrigan Needs Your Vote - to become America's Emerging Entrepreneur of 2009!!!

Libertyville based Kathryn Kerrigan Shoes is in the running for Entrepreneur Magazine's Entrepreneur of 2009! Make sure you visit this link to cast your vote for Kathryn.

Also, make sure you visit the Kathryn Kerrigan website to learn more about her shoe company. Kathryn has customers from all over the world, and is based locally, right behind Caribou Coffee on Milwaukee Ave.

Road Construction Alert!!!!

I would like to thank my County Board representative, Ann Maine for this information. She does a great job at communicating with her constituents in her county board district via e-mail. If you're interested in signing up for her e-mail alerts - send her a note @: amaine@lakecountyil.gov.

Two Milwaukee Ave. Road Construction Projects:

Here is the e-mail I received this morning:

Dear Neighbors,

A quick update on additional road construction projects in your area. The Lake County DOT project adding turn lanes at Rt. 21 and Winchester Road will start this week. Work on various signal and interconnect relocation should start on Friday July 17th. Other privately owned utilities such as a Com Ed Pole and an AT&T manhole will also need to be moved before the additional turn lanes can be added. The project is expected to run through the end of the year mainly due to the lead time for traffic signal equipment orders and installation.

IDOT is starting their resurfacing project on IL 21 from IL 137 to downtown Libertyville (Church St.) the week of July 20th, most likely Wednesday the 22nd. Signs are posted now. The work will begin with milling the existing road. This project is expected to be completed in 2 months.To check other construction projects, use the "Quick links" box to the left.Please feel free to contact me about this or other issues.

Sincerely,
Ann Maine
Lake County Board and Forest Preserve District 21
amaine@lakecountyil.gov
847-374-9787

Car Fun on 21! Tonight - July 15th!

If you're looking for something to do tonight - Don't forget Mainstreet's Car Fun on 21! Things kick off at 6pm - for more information, visit the Libertyville Mainstreet website.

Cook Library Board President Steps Down to Take Seat With The Lake County Board

Former Cook Library Board President Aaron Lawlor has been voted in to replace outgoing Lake County Board member Pam Newton - Here's the latest Chicago Tribune Story. Lawlor was first appointed to the Library Board in 2005, and was reelected this past spring. He's credited with leading a renovation and construction projected that includes a complete renovation of the Downtown Libertyville location, plus the construction of a permanent Vernon Hills branch. I've heard that since the temporary library in Libertyville has opened, in the old Tuesday Morning location at 176 and Milwaukee Ave, requests for library cards have significantly increased! As far as Aaron's replacement on the Library Board, there has been no word yet on how the Board will choose to fill the vacancy - in the past there has been an application and interview process with the members of the library board.

New Updates!

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I've had time to make updates to the blog - starting today, we'll have updates on a regular basis once again! If there is anything you'd like to promote or see included in the blog, or would just like to submit feedback, please e-mail me at jimmoran77@gmail.com.