Wednesday, May 23, 2012

A big message from a little plot...


It’s difficult, at times, to non politicize public servants – especially in a village like Buffalo Grove.

It’s easy to associate them with a particular issue, position, or length of service.

They become the good guys or the bad guys, more likely the bad guys, because the only time someone really seems to care about a village board, school board, park board, plan commission or library board member is when there’s “an issue”

It’s easy to lose sight that they are residents, neighbors, or just plain folks who want to help the community.

Village Clerk Jan Sirabian is one such public official.  Village clerk is a thankless job between recording minutes, handling elections and, in the “old days” – vehicle stickers.

Sirabian does have her favorite causes.  Without fail, twice a year she reminds residents of ceremonies to remember the nation’s veterans.  Once is Veterans Day in November, and the other is Memorial Day.

During recent Village Board meetings, Sirabian has reminded residents about the upcoming ceremony at Knopf Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Monday.
 
Knopf Cemetery?  Where’s that.  It’s a tiny little plot just north of Checker Drive on Arlington Heights Road.  More than a plot, it’s part of Buffalo Grove’s history.  Founded in 1853, before the Civil War, the cemetery has graves going back not just years or decades – but for more than a century.

It’s sign is as subtle at the grounds itself.  Cracked and faded, the sign gently tells residents that its owned and operated by Kingswood United Methodist Church.  That’s it.  No requests for funds, no harsh warnings – just a simple wood sign.


But yet twice a year, the cemetery is host to ceremonies to honor the men and women of our armed services who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  And that’s all Sirabian wants to community to know.  It’s a simple, respectful ceremony.  Period. 

So before people rip into Sirabian for promoting an community activity, or criticizing her for the work she does for the village, they should take heed into what she wants to the community to do.

Remember those in the military whose efforts enable residents to have the freedom to criticize.

My guess is Sirabian is not looking for public acknowledgement, thanks, or gratitude for promoting the event.  My guess is the message she wants residents to remember on Monday is for the nation’s war dead.

It’s an easy one.

Thank you.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

This is the city....


Highlights taken from the Buffalo Grove Police Reports during April..

What the truck?
As the resident was driving on Vernon Lane, the driver of a pick up truck yelled at him. The resident stopped to find out what the problem was and the driver of the truck slapped the resident on the side of the head. The driver of the truck stated that the resident slammed the door of the truck closed, catching the driver’s arm between the door and the frame. No complaints to be signed.

This was not a Martha Stewart tip…
Resident reported the smell of smoke. The unit was checked and no source could be located. The adjoining unit was checked and nothing was detected there. It was later determined that the resident had placed a sponge into the microwave in order to sterilize it. The sponge was left for too long and it burned. 

Next time, get him decaf…
Complainant stated that she went to the store with her boyfriend. The boyfriend went in another direction and the complainant used her re useable bag to gather groceries for purchase. When finished, the complainant looked for her boyfriend and found him at the Starbucks. At that time a security person took her by the shoulder and he handcuffed her. The complainant cooperated and told the security person that she was going to pay for the items which she then did. The security person then told the complainant not to return and threatened the complainant with bodily harm.

Sounds like a Kodak moment..
Complainant stated that he threw some trash into a container and a subject came out of the store and took a photograph of the complainant and his car. When the complainant confronted the subject, the subject denied taking a photo. Officer located an address from the license plate furnished by the complainant and went there to speak with the subject. The subject stated that he has been followed for years and thought the complainant’s car may be the one doing the following. He stated that when he got home he realized it was not the car and erased the photo from his camera. The subject apologized for creating a problem. 

Duct, duct, goosed?
Resident received a call from a male subject who offered duct cleaning. The resident made an appointment and then tried finding the company on the internet but was unable to do so. The resident called the company who told the resident that no web site was needed for the company. The resident told the officer that he was uncomfortable to have the company come to his house. The officer advised the resident to cancel the appointment.

Good advice, officer
Complainant stated that a vehicle pulled next to his and the driver began swearing at him. Officer spoke with that driver who stated that the complainant swore at him first, and he does not back down from anyone. Both were advised to avoid each other.

‘Aw come on, it was their wedding day…
Officer responded to a report of loud music and found that a resident was having a wedding reception. The resident was asked to turn the music down and she complied. 

With a name like that, there’s always next year..
Resident reported a tan and white dog walking on the sidewalk. When the officer arrived, the owner claimed his dog Wrigley, and stated that the dog left the yard while he was cutting the grass. 

Nice vacation…
Resident’s husband went to Florida to work and took the wife’s pick up truck. He was to return in one week, but instead called stating he wanted a divorce, would not be returning to Buffalo Grove and was keeping the truck. The ASA would not approve theft charges and stated that the truck was part of marital assets and should be dealt with during the divorce proceedings. 

Good job!
Paper delivery person reported a garage door that had been open for several days. Officer did not receive an answer at the door or on the phone. Officers found the service door unlocked, entered the house, and found everything in order. A crime opportunity notice was left and the house was secured. 

Can you hear him now?
Resident reported that someone took one of her cell phones, and she believes it to be her ex boyfriend. After a conversation, officer determined that the phone was purchased and service is being paid for by the ex boyfriend, thus having a right to it. 

Aw, come on grandma…
Resident stated that she received a phone call from a male subject claiming to be her grandson. The resident suspected that the call was a scam and she hung up. Caller ID indicated that the call came from Montreal, Canada. 

Going out on a limb
Resident reported that his neighbor trimmed three of the resident’s trees without the resident’s permission. The resident did acknowledge that the trees have grown partially over into the neighbor’s yard. Officer was unable to make contact with the neighbor.

Next time, try H &R Block
Citizen stated that he found a binder, containing miscellaneous tax paperwork, lying in the middle of the intersection. Officer contacted the owner who stated that he had given the binder to his accountant. Officer then contacted the accountant who came to the station to pick up the binder.

You mean it does not come with a GPS?
Resident reported a black Lamborghini driving through the neighborhood at a high rated of speed. Officer located the vehicle traveling east bound on Dundee Road. The driver stated that he was lost and drove through that neighborhood to turn around but did not speed. The driver was given directions and he departed.

Yeah, right
Resident reported that someone requested to add her to Yahoo Messenger about a week ago which she accepted. Today, that person sent a message stating the he/she was feeling naughty and asked the resident if she wanted to have some fun. Officer discussed possible ways to block the offender from sending her any further messages. 

Something  fishy here..
Resident reported that he placed a fish tank up for sale on Craigslist and received a text message from a subject stating that a check would be sent. The message also stated that the check would be in a larger amount, and for the resident to cash the check, take the amount for the tank and send the remainder along with the tank. Officer called the number which comes back from Vermont, and a message stated that the voicemail box was unavailable. 

Typical cat…
Resident reported that an orange and white striped cat was sitting on her front porch. When the resident opened the door, the cat came inside. There were no tags or chip and the cat was transported to Kings Kennel.

The rain is tess, the fire’s joe and they call the wind annoying..
Complainant reported that a car door blew open due to high winds and damaged his Dodge Caravan. The complainant and the other car owner exchanged information. 

Not quite the friendly skies…
Resident reported that her ex friend used airline tickets that were not used to purchase other tickets. Since the resident had a falling out with the friend she cancelled her ticket but allowed the former friend’s ticket to stand since she paid half of the original tickets. The resident wanted this documented in case other issues arise. No contact with the ex was requested.

Aw, come on grandma…part 2
Resident received a call from a male subject claiming to be her grandson. The caller stated that he was in an accident in Panama City, Panama, and needed $3,000.00. The resident asked the caller specific questions which the subject could not answer. The resident hung up and the subject did not call back.

The wheels on the bus…
School bus driver reported a student that refused to sit in his seat and kept jumping over other seats. Officer spoke with the student who then agreed to behave and sit down. 

Just put him on the bus…
Mom reported that her son was refusing to go to school. The boy stated that he was not feeling well enough to go. After some conversation, the boy agreed and was driven to school. 

Doesn’t sound like Bill Gates…
Resident stated that he received a phone call from a subject claiming to be a Microsoft technician. The subject told the resident that his computer has been hacked and he needed to log on to a particular website for the technician to fix the problem. When the resident refused to do so, the caller started yelling profanities and the resident hung up. Officer attempted to call the phone number and either no one answered or there was a fast busy signal.