You can't beat fun at this ballgame...

It’s one of many events on the Buffalo Grove Days Schedule.

Saturday, 4 p.m. at Kendrigan Field at Twin Creeks Park – the Buddy Baseball game.

While many attendees to Buffalo Grove Days may crave the variety of food, the music, the parade, this event is one that shouldn’t be overlooked.

This is for residents who have special needs and not for those who have a need to be special.

It’s an even where children with special needs get a chance to shine on the baseball diamond aided by residents who volunteer to help them feel special.

Sponsored by the Commission for Resident’s with Disabilities, Joanne Johnson, of the Buffalo Grove committee wrote that the highlight of the event is that it is “..Another fine example of Buffalo Grove’s sense of community.”

Imagine that -- demonstrating a sense of community.  No me-first attitude, no one taking the spotlight.

Just volunteers helping special needs kids have a good time.

The way the game works is simple.  Young people with physical challenges get to play baseball aided by a buddy – a resident who volunteers his or her time.  Quite simply, Buddy Ball pairs children with special needs with able-bodied volunteers who help the players throw or run.

It’s not a one-time event, games are held throughout the spring and summer.  The Buffalo Grove Days event has a special importance because, like the rest of BG Days, it’s a community event and a chance to showcase how residents can team up to enhance life in the village.

Worth it?  Participants and parents from Buddy Baseball games around the country seem to think so: 

•        “I love the non-competitive nature. The coaches were amazing with all the kids…they could turn a melt-down around in a flash! 

•      “This was a wonderful experience for our whole family. Thank you so much!”  

So inbetween the music, food, art, rides and parade – don’t miss a baseball game that is not all about winning or losing – but bringing happiness to a group of ballplayers who love the game and relish the chance just to play.

You’re other option is watching the Cubs.

Seems like a no brainer to me.  And you don’t have to wait until next year.

It's time to give them the boot...

It’s time.

Amid the usual mudslinging by folks who label themselves as community activists, there’s a tendency to overlook other news in the village.

Yes, there is other news in the village.

As you look through the various board, commissions and departments that make up Buffalo Grove, there’s one that stands out.

The reality is this – It’s time to give them the boot.

Period.

There’s no sense in waiting – the action needs to start as soon as possible – say this Friday.

That’s when you’ll find members of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department at the intersection of Lake-Cook and Arlington Heights roads collecting money for MDA as part of its Fill the Boot campaign.  The fire fighters will be at Buffalo Grove and Dundee roads on Aug. 31.  They will be at the intersections from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days.

It’s another example of how we look past the obvious and the controversies, or alleged controversies, and take for granted our public servants. 

Which is too bad because most of the time we hear only about problems.  While some residents give up their time to complain, the fire fighters give up their time to raise money.

 

A lot of it, by the way.  Last year the fire fighters raised over $22,200.  Since 1994, they have raised $286,000.  The money goes to a variety of things including wheel chairs, summer camps, and home modifications for persons with MD.

And if you think it comes from big donations – think again.  A couple of years ago I stopped to talk with some of the fire fighters as they collected.  Interestingly enough, they said drivers in high-end cars zip right by while folks who drive older cars and appear to be more “every day” people – stop and donate.

Go figure.

The bottom line is the efforts by the Fire Department are unprecedented.  And don’t think it’s the only the fire fighters do.  They’re also sponsoring a blood drive at the main fire station, 1051 Highland Grove Drive.

The day before the MDA drive.

It’s activism at its best.

The blotter reveals more than just silly calls...

OK, so it’s late. 

There are just some things that take priority, especially when you are touring France.  Every so often, as I heard the annoying dual tones of a French emergency vehicle did I wonder what was happening on the home front.   But I got over it.  Quickly.

Now back on terra firma, I continued to check the blotter to see what the men and women in blue were up to during July.

Yes, I know, it’s late.

It is interesting to see what people say about my entries about police activity.  Some love it, some don’t – this is life.

When I happened on the blotter, I was amazed at some of the, well, strange reasons people called the police.  Amid the serious problems that arise, there are those that seemingly defy logic.  Some seem bizarre, but if you take the time read between the lines, there are situations that may have far reaching implications.

Here’s a look at some of the “highlights” from July.

• Company official reported that someone unknown took the sewer grate from the parking lot. Officer placed safety cones around the opening and a garbage can inside the opening. Building management will be notified. At first glance, you may wonder why someone would steal a sewer grate – the fact is, in a down economy (no matter what Obama says) folks are looking for easy money.  Taking sewer grates and man hole (person hole?) covers and selling them for scrap metal has increased.  If you see an unprotected sewer opening, call the police – really.

• Salon official reported that a customer called stating that she was dissatisfied with the color of her hair. The customer was advised that the hair could be re colored in two weeks. The bank returned the customer’s check to the salon stamped stop payment. Officer advised the official that this is a civil matter. --  Just let nature take its course

• Driver stated that an errant golf ball struck her windshield and shattered it. The incident was reported to the pro shop. – Two things come to mind, promote lesson and call the insurance company.

•  Resident advised that his neighbor’s grass and weeds have grown in excess. Officer checked and found no one at home. Another officer had previously left a citation on the door. – I guess it’s all a matter of civic pride.  But, really, the village has strict ordinances about lawn height.  The police are not the Terrors of Turf builder, they’re just serving and protecting.

• Bartender reported a verbal dispute at a wedding reception.  – Not a good sign.  Blame the mother-in-law.
•  
• Resident received a call from a male subject who would not give his name or the company he works for. The caller stated that he was confirming an appointment to install a cable box filter in her home. – There are many reports of incidents like this.  Be vigilant, not gullible, and call the police.
•  
• Resident reported an ongoing issue of her son’s grave being vandalized, by pulling off all of the petals from the flowers and scattering them. – There’s only one word for this – disturbing.  Outside of some comments at a Village Board meeting, it’s the ultimate example of disrespect.

• Resident reported that her neighbor allows his cat out to wander freely in the hallway. The resident stated that the cat has hissed at her making her fearful. The resident has spoken with the neighbor who was not receptive to keeping the cat in his unit. Officer spoke with the neighbor and told him to keep his cat inside.  – Another example of how are men and women serve and protect.  I’m sure there’s an ordinance for vicious cats.

•  Resident reported smelling burnt cannabis through her ventilation system. Officers went to the suspect units and found no one at home. Officers did not smell any odors. – Talk about a nose for news.

• Resides in Rolling Meadows. (Charges) DUI, Illegal Lane Usage, Driving While Sending/Reading/ Composing Text Messages.  – Really now, what don’t some people get?  Don’t complain about the village being vigilant in traffic enforcement.

• Suspended Driver’s License, Speeding, Not Wearing a Seat Belt.  – See above. 

• Resident reported a male subject that came to the door asking for water. Officer located the subject who was selling magazine subscriptions for Strictly Business 1 Inc. The subject did not have a permit and was told to stop his door to door activity. – Another good call.  Now, if the village could do something about the solicitors at intersections – especially those who dress like Col. Sanders.

• Resident stated that someone egged the house and threw spaghetti sauce on the house. The car on the driveway also had spaghetti sauce and pancake syrup on it. – Vandalism isn’t funny, but this was bit unusual.

• Resident reported receiving five unwanted calls from his girlfriend’s husband. The resident stated that he has now ended his relationship with the woman until she gets a divorce. He requested the officer to contact the couple and have them stop communicating with him, which the officer did.

• Resident reported a black Dodge Charger that was circling the neighborhood. Officer located the vehicle and the driver stated that he was attempting to burn off the old gas in the car before putting in new gas. The driver and car went home. – Talk about a pain in the gas…