A newsletter for and about the Village of Fox River Grove

FOX RIVER GROVEQUARTERLY

Village News

FALL 2013

FRG Fireworks - Thank You Everyone!

Art in the Barn celebrates its 39th year on Saturday and Sunday, September 28th and 29th on the grounds of Advo-cate Good Shepherd Hospital, Route 22, Barrington.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with 170 artists presenting their works in many different media. Children’s activities include pony rides, easel painting and pumpkin decorating. The main stage features entertainment throughout the weekend to include musicians, and dancers.

Admission is $5.00 for everyone over the age of 12. Parking is free. Sponsored by the hospital auxiliary, net proceeds will benefit the hospital.

Halloween Tricks Or TreatsHalloween falls on Thursday this year and the Police

Department recommends trick or treating from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. to promote safety.

On Saturday, October 26th from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., the Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual Halloween Walk at Stone Hill Center and Foxmoor Crossings. Children should dress in costumes and can trick or treat at the participating stores. Parents, please be sure to park in the large lot next to Harris Bank.

Here are a few safety tips for all the ghosts and goblins: • Children should always be supervised by an adult.• Costumes and bags should be bright and easily vis-

ible to motorists.• Add reflective tape that will glow in a car’s head-

lights.• Masks, hats and scarves should fit well and provide

adequate ventilation without obstructing vision.

• Costumes, masks, beards and wigs should be made of flame-resistant materials.

• Be sure costumes fit and do not drag on the ground. Made sure shoes fit, too.

• Avoid costumes with flimsy materials and big, baggy sleeves or skirts.

• Have an adult examine the candy for evidence of tampering. Throw away any candy not properly wrapped.

HAVE FUN and enjoy Trick or Treating !!

20th Annual Fox Chase 5k and Youth Mile

The Fox Chase Run is an annual event to benefit youth sports in Fox River Grove. It will be held on Sunday, October 6th. The 5k kicks off at 9:00 am and the Youth Mile at 10:00 am. The 5K races over a challenging but fun course through the streets of FRG. The Youth Race is a one-mile cross-country race for kids up to age 13.

This fun filled morning is planned by the FRG Recreation Council. It is chip timed and USATF certified. There are cash prizes for top finishers, fantastic goodie bags, and awesome athletic shirts given to all registrars! Fun for the whole family!

Check out our web page for more in-formation at: www.frgrc.info/foxchase. Or friend us on our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/FoxChase5kAn-dYouthMile.

The Village would like to thank the following people, organizations and businesses for their participation in our Fireworks event.

• Algonquin Township• Buck Brothers• Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce• Cary-Grove Jaycees & Ambassador Jaycees• Cary Grove Masons • Fairway Golf Cars, Inc. • Fox River Grove Fire Protection District • Fox River Grove Harbor Team • Fox River Grove Lions Club • Fox River Grove Lioness Club • Fox River Grove Police Department• Fox River Grove PTO• Fox River Grove Streets & Parks Department• Marty Monti & Rick Cornwall from WFRG

Mobile Radio• McHenry County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Unit• Melrose Pyrotechnics• Operation Click • Ricky Cornwall • Bob & Marylou Nunamaker • Trustees Michael Schiestel & Tom Anderson• John & Kathy Plesz

We appreciate everyone’s help and couldn’t have done it without each of you. A big thank you to this year’s sponsors, too! Please be sure to give them your business, if possible!

• Allan Environmental Services, Inc.• Baxter & Woodman, Inc.• Blohm Family• BMO Harris Bank ~ Fox River Grove• Brunch Café• Car X Auto Service• Cary – Grove Area Chamber of Commerce• Cary-Grove Foot & Ankle Center• Eder, Casella & Company• Fox 14 Marina, Inc.• Fox Mechanical, Inc. • Grove Plating Company, Inc. • “Haunted Forest” FRG Firefighters• Joseph D. Foreman & Co.• Kaplan Commercial• Karma Yoga+• King Pin Lanes• Kitchen Wholesalers Inc.• Kondraros Family• Lake Julian Contracting, Inc.• Lake Julian Mini Storage• Mr. Beefy’s• Norge Ski Club• Pieceful Gathering Quilt Shop• Robert D. Blumberg, CPA, LTD• Rosenthal, Murphey, Coblentz & Donahue• Sirius Technologies, Inc.• Spic & Span Cleaning Service• Top Shelf Liquors• Urban Forest Management• Villa Bleu

The President’s Letter

Robert J. NunamakerPresident, Village of Fox River Grove

Well, we made it through the “big flood of 13” as it will be called by the old timers of the next decade. First it was the river, then it was the “125 year” rain storm. I want to thank all the people who worked long hours to get us back up and running after the events.

The Village engineers are currently evaluating the probable causes and the so-lutions that are available. But, while we are on the water problems, I want to strongly call your attention to the Village and storm water management requirement that all sump pump discharge must NOT be put into the sewer mains.

Why? Well, when you do that it causes downstream basement sewers to back up and in the worst case it overloads our plant and can cause raw sewage to discharge into the river. Please help and check yours today.

Now, onto more pleasant topics. As I talk with our businesses in town, they point out that other locations have many “special events” in the business area. And of course they are right.

I can think of chocolate fests, wine tast-ing, carnivals, petting zoos, pie eating, car shows, and dog shows. Everybody is doing something. Our business people would like this as new people are introduced to the shops.

So, where am I going with this? I am starting up a “Special Events” committee to gather ideas and get them organized for our Village. How about a taste of FRG, or craft beer tasting, maybe a longboard contest combined with a climbing wall for the kids. I am excited and I am looking for six or seven people to be on the committee.

We will have a small budget and a sti-pend available. Please send me an email or call if you can join and get in on the ground floor of the fun - R.nunamaker@foxrivergrove.org

Have a great Fox River Grove day!

NEW!! FRG 50/50 Tree Program

The Village of Fox River Grove is offering a new cost-sharing program for residents and business-owners who wish to purchase a new tree for their parkway. Under this 50/50 tree planting program, the Village will

reimburse those who purchase a new tree for their parkway area.

Those wishing to participate in the program can contact the Village Hall at 847-639-3170 or submit a request through the Village's Service Request system (www.foxrivergrove.org). Village staff will then be in contact with you to confirm the location of the tree and program eligibility. There is also a preferred and approved list of trees on the website.

• To eligible for the program, the tree must be planted in the parkway. If an acceptable park-way location does not exist, the Village may approve a location in the front yard.

• Participants will be reimbursed 50% of the cost of a single tree including installation and delivery up to $200, excluding sales tax.

• Program dollars are reimbursed after the pur-chase and installation of the tree.

• Households can participate once per year. • Participants must submit a receipt to Village Hall

for reimbursement. • Reimbursements are on a first come, first serve

basis as budgeted funds are available. For more information, please contact Village Hall

at (847) 639-3170.

Storm Drains Don't Like Leaves!If you listen carefully, you may soon be able to

hear the first golden leaf quiver, quake and fall to the ground. Not too long after that, you’ll look out the window one day to find your entire yard covered in a patchwork mosaic of yellow, orange and red leaves and you’ll wonder, “Where has the summer gone?”

Beautiful as the fall leaves are, they mean lots of yard work for homeowners. One option for reducing your workload is to use a mulching lawn mower to mulch leaves into your yard. It is less time intensive than raking and the shredded leaves act as a natural fertilizer during the fall.

While you are tending to your yard, take a mo-ment to sweep or rake leaves and branches out of the street in front of your house. Left in the street, they can clog storm drains, contributing to localized flooding. When washed into nearby creeks, streams and the Fox River or ponds via storm drains or ditches, the leaves become a major source of phos-phorus, the nutrient that allows algae to bloom in the summer. Dispose of leaves by composting them in your yard, or bagging them for curbside pick-up.

There will be nine weeks of free yardwaste pick-up during the months of October and November. Each Friday (except after Thanksgiving, pick-up will be Saturday), Waste Management will pick up your leaves that are placed in kraft bags or containers. You do not need to place stickers on them.

The dates are: • October 4, 11, 18 and 25 • November 1, 8, 15, 22 and Saturday, November

30th Please keep leaves and yardwaste out of the regu-

lar garbage, and never dump them in parks, ponds, wetlands or the river – it’s illegal!

Over-The-Counter PermitsThe Village has started a new way of processing

simple building permits. Permit requests for projects that do not require plan review can be handled at the office counter. You would fill out the application, pay for the permit and it will be issued at that time.

FRG Lioness Club Pasta DinnerThe Fox River Grove Lioness will be hosting their

annual major fundraiser — the Pasta Dinner. This is a "family friendly" evening of delicious pasta, a silent auction, fun for the kids, 50/50 raffle, and a great time to visit with friends and neighbors!

This year it will be Sunday, November 3rd from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Fox River Grove Middle School. Advance ticket sales are $8 for adults, $5 for kids, and children 3 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased from any Lioness member or at the Village Hall.

The Lioness are very excited to host this event. We hope you’ll bring your children, parents, grandpar-ents, friends and neighbors to enjoy a delicious meal and your checkbook to bid on the great auction items

that have been donated. Proceeds of the dinner will benefit local causes. For more information on the Lioness check out www.frglioness.com.

Your project will still be inspected (it will be noted on the permit card when the inspections are needed), but you will not have to wait to receive your permit and can begin your work right away. This will be a great convenience and we are excited to offer it!!

Prevent Sewer Back-UpsSewer overflows and back-ups can cause health

hazards, damage home interiors, and threaten the environment. A common cause of sewer overflows is pipes blocked by items flushed down the toilet. When you use your toilet, shower, washing ma-chine or dishwasher, wastewater leaves your home through pipes that connect to the Village sanitary sewer system.

Recently the Village has had problems with mop heads being flushed down toilets. This has happened several times and has caused serious damage to our system. Putting the wrong things down the drain can damage the sewer system, cause sewer backups in your home, and sewer releases to the environment. Anyone who uses the sanitary sewer system is re-sponsible for what they flush or pour down drains.

Flushing non-human waste down the toilet wastes water. Every time you flush the toilet, it uses about three gallons of water, depending on the toilet. It also increases your water bill if you’re a habitual trash-flusher.

Do not flush the following items:• Disposable diapers (dispose of in the trash)

FRG Middle-Schooler Attends Junior National Young Leaders Conference

One of our residents, Lars Petersdorff, a 6th grader at Fox River Grove Middle School, was nominated by his teacher to attend this confer-ence. Lars experienced six days in Washington, D.C. attending educational activities, presenta-tions and exploring the different museums and memorials. His favorite event was seeing the White House.

“The aim of the conference is to inspire stu-dents to recognize their own leadership skills, measure their skills against those of current and former leaders and return home with new confidence in their ability to exercise positive influence within their communities.” Con-gratulations, Lars, on this excellent opportunity. It sounded like a great time!

Hydrant Flushing Time Again in FRGThe Public Works Department flushes, in-

spects and flow tests all fire hydrants twice a year – spring and fall. The entire water distribu-tion system is flushed clean to improve water quality and assure that all fire hydrants are in good operating condition for emergencies.

Residents are urged to check for hydrant flushing signs posted at major intersections and at entrances to subdivisions. There may be some loss of water pressure at the time of the flushing. We also ask that residents check for discoloration of water before doing laundry. Turn on the cold water until it runs clear.

• Cigarette butts (contain chemicals and should be thrown in the trash)

• Floss (not biodegradable)• Cotton balls and swabs• Mini or maxi pads, tampons, condoms (dispose

of in the trash)• Unused medications (can be disposed at the

FRG Police Department)• Cleaning wipes of any kind• Facial tissue• Bandages and bandage wrappings• Hair• Mop heads• Motor oil, transmission fluids, anti-freeze• Unused chemicals, paints, and cleaning supplies

Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)Grease in sewer pipes causes sewer maintenance

problems for property owners and the Village. Never pour grease in your toilet or sink drain and try to use your garbage disposal less. Instead, freeze it and throw it out with the trash.

Following these guidelines will help maintain the integrity of the sanitary sewer system and also reduce water usage.

Sign Up For Free NotificationsBe aware and up-to-date of happenings in the

Grove. You can get regular emails from the Vil-lage and Police Department letting you know of news, events, local road closures, etc.

Visit our new and improved website at www.foxrivergrove.org, click on email and sign up.

Drop Box ReminderThe Village has an after hours depository outside

the front doors of the Municipal Center at 305 Illinois Street. It is a large gray box, similar to a mailbox. You may place any payments, correspondence, or Village business into this box any time the Village Hall is closed.

Our regular office hours are M – F, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and 9 a.m. until Noon on Saturday. We empty it every morning. It is there for your convenience to avoid late or missed payments.

School Is Open, Drive SafelyJust a reminder that school is open and you

should be aware of the children going to and from school. A state law says you may not talk on your cell phone when driving in a school zone. You will be ticketed. Slow down for safety!

Nicor NewsNicor is offering a FREE energy saving kit

from their Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program. You can visit NicorGasRebates.com/kits or call 800-831-8383 ext.2129. You will need to have your Nicor Gas account number to place your order. Kits are first come…….

Norge Ski Club Mark your calendars for Norge’s 28th Annual

Summer Jump on October 5th & 6th. They expect that several members of the USA Ski Jumping Team will be present this year, which will allow Norge to showcase future Olympic hopefuls and some of the best jumpers in the country.

Events will take place Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 5th & 6th) starting at Noon and running to 4:00 pm. One Admission will be valid for both days. Buttons are $10 if purchased at local merchants before Octo-ber 4th; $11 if purchased online or will-call; and $15 at the gate. Children under 12 are free.

On Saturday, the tournament will begin with Junior Jumping on the smaller hills and end with the Large Hill (K70) competition.

On Sunday, the Tournament will take place on the Large Hill exclusively and include a Junior National Championship Qualifier, for those athletes compet-ing for a spot to represent Norge at the National Championships to be held in Anchorage Alaska in March. In addition, there will also be a Long-Standing competition, where jumpers will risk injury to jump as far as they can for cash prizes.

Open HouseCheck out the fire equipment at

the Fox River Grove Fire District’s Open House. It is on Sunday, Oc-tober 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Firefighters will be there to answer all your questions and tell you what it is like to be on their team! Mark your calendar and don't miss this fun event!

A view up the ski jump at Norge

This newsletter is published by the Village of Fox River Grove,305 Illinois Street, Fox River Grove, IL 60021Phone (847) 639-3170 • Fax (847) 639-9876www.foxrivergrove.orgvillage@foxrivergrove.org

Editor - Donna M. BrouderLayout - Chris Erbach

PresidentRobert J. Nunamaker

TrusteesThomas AndersonSuzanne BlohmJoanna Colletti Steve KnarAndrew MigdalMichael Schiestel

***ECRWSS***POSTAL PATRON LOCAL

FOX RIVER GROVE, ILLINOIS 60021

Presorted StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 23

Fox River GroveIL 60021

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

◆ Art in the Barn .................................................September 28th & 29th .......Good Shepherd Hospital Enjoy this Annual Art Show with over 170 artists of varying media.◆ Norge Fall Jump ..............................................October 5th & 6th ..................................Norge Ski Club Watch the daring jumpers fly through the sky.◆ Fire Protection District Open House ........October 6th .....................Algonquin Road Fire House Check out the equipment at the fire station from 1 – 3 p.m.◆ Chamber Halloween Walk ..........................October 26th ....................................... Stone Hill Center Join the fun from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Dress in costume.◆ Halloween Trick or Treating .......................October 31 .............................................Fox River Grove Suggested Hours ~ 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.! Have Fun!!◆ FRG Lioness Pasta Dinner .......................... .November 3rd ..............................FRG Middle School Mark your calendar to enjoy this great family-oriented annual Lioness fundraiser.◆ Friends of the Library Book Sale ................October 24, 25 & 26..................FRG Memorial Library They will begin accepting donations October 1st. ◆ FRG Firefighters Poultry Party ....................November 22nd .............Algonquin Road Fire House Support the Firefighters and win your Thanksgiving Turkey at their annual raffle!!◆ Tree Lighting ....................................................December 7th ............................................................ARS Enjoy some crafts and entertainment while waiting for your picture with Santa!

Visit the Village of Fox River Grove web site at www.foxrivergrove.org for all the latest information on events, regulations, policies, etc. Village Hall hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Ways to Save WaterAre you using more water than you thought?

Take a look at your bill. You would be surprised at how much water you are using and money you can save by following these water saving tips:

• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning around your home.

• Repair dripping faucets by replacing wash-ers. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year.

• Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food col-oring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for a worn out flapper. Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available and easily installed. (Flush as soon as test is done, since food coloring may stain tank.)

• If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.

• Take shorter showers by two minutes and save an hour of running water per month. Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.

• Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded. Set the water level for the size of load you are using.

Try to do one thing each day that will result in saving water. Don’t worry if the savings are mini-mal. Every drop counts. You can make a difference!