Olson Lake open for business

Hit the beach and beat the summer heat. It was announced that the beach is now open at Olson Lake inside Rock Cut State Park.


Link and text from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources web site:

http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R1/ROCKCUT.HTM#Beach


Olson Lake Beach will be operated this summer (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend) by contract of Beachwater Lifeguard & Lake Patrol. The Lake is open from 12:00PM to 7:00PM and the cost is $1 per person. For additional information call 815/885-9084. or view their website at www.beachwatch.net

Have a safe and cool summer!

Young at Heart pictures

Young at Heart went well this year with one of the nicest weekends to boot. The Loves Park Firfighters' Association did well at their annual food tent and this year held a raffle to benefit the association. First prize was a mini 55cc chopper second prize was $250 and third was $100. Congratulations to all those who won (none of my tickets were drawn, but more importantly I am glad to continue my support for our brave firefighters. Remember they are well trained, dedicated and sometimes we forget volunteers) and to the association for another successful year.

This was my son's first Young at Heart and we look forward to the many more to come.

Young at Heart Parade

What a difference a nice day makes when walking the Young at Heart Parade route. It was a beautiful day a little humid, but still beautiful whether you were walking or watching. Rain or shine (mostly rain) citizens from all over come to line the route and celebrate Memorial Weekend as we give tribute to our troops both past and present. Veterans, elected officials, public safety departments (police, fire and ambulance vehicles and personnel), girl & boy scouts and many local businesses participated. This parade always has good participation and attendance.

Saturday started with a bang as we the Loves Park Officials led the parade along N. Second from Woodward Governor to Windsor Rd. The day will continue with other YAH events around the city and the night will end with a bang as we fire off one of the largest firework displays yet at 9pm. Come to the festival grounds or find a seat near by; the fireworks can be seen from practically anywhere in the city. Hope you enjoy the weekend and remember to honor all those who serve our country.

Riverhawks' Opening Night here in Loves Park

The new River Hawks' Stadium in Loves Park.
Alderman Clint Little, Rocko & Mayor Lindberg at the Opening Day game. This is the first game played in the new Loves Park Stadium.

Wed., May 31, 2006 is the opening day for the Riverhawks in their new stadium here in Loves Park. That night all City Officials, staff along with many from the Loves Park community will be on hand to support our home team as they start another great season.

Visit the Riverhawks at their web-site:

http://rockfordriverhawks.com/

May 25, 2006 - The RiverHawks will open their new stadium with a celebration over a two-day period, linking Rockford’s rich baseball heritage with the modern amenities of the new era for baseball in the region, including the Chicago White Sox World Series Trophy and fireworks.


The celebration begins with the following communities declaring May 31--the date of the RiverHawks' home opener--as “Rockford RiverHawks Day”, reinforcing the regional nature of the RiverHawks and their new, state-of-the-art multipurpose entertainment facility: Pecatonica, Durand, Byron, Rockton, South Beloit, Roscoe, Beloit, Belvidere, Rochelle, Poplar Grove, Rockford, and Loves Park.

The fun continues with an old-fashioned pep rally Tuesday, May 30 at 11:30 a.m. in downtown Rockford near Stewart Square. A Dixieland band will warm up those in attendance during the lunch hour, and American Bottling will provide free beverages. The stage—supplied by Rockford Park District—will include several RiverHawks players; Rockford Mayor Lawrence Morrissey; three Rockford Peaches: Doris Johnson, Aldine Thomas, and Helen Wayatt; Mark Herrman portraying Rockford native, and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, Albert Spalding; Rockford baseball historian Ken Griswold; a Rockford Cubbie representative; Loves Park Mayor Darryl Lindberg; and Rocko the RiverHawk mascot.

At 12:30 p.m. the assembly will caravan in a trolley to the Discovery Center Museum on North Main Street. In front of dozens of school children, the staff will compare pitches thrown by a RiverHawks player and Spalding, who will pitch in the manner of the earliest players with a replica ball from that time period. Spalding organized the Rockford team that was one of the founding members of today’s National League of Professional Baseball. The Museum will also display a RiverHawks uniform in their sports in action exhibit. The caravan will continue to the site of Beyer Stadium, where the Rockford Peaches played during World War II, at approximately 1:30. The Peaches will play catch with today’s RiverHawks and will discuss the history of the team.

The caravan will leave at about 2:15 to go to Marinelli Field, where a Rockford Cubbie re-enactor will play catch with a current player in the stadium used by the Rockford Reds, Cubbies, Royals, Expos, and RiverHawks. There will be a talk on the history of the teams that used to call Rockford home. The caravan will then make its way to Midway Village & Museum Center where the ball that will be used as the first official ball in RiverHawks Stadium will be stored in a display case overnight.

The fun continues the next day, May 31, beginning around 4:30 pm. The Midway Marauders, Midway Village’s old-time “Town Ball” team, will play catch with today’s RiverHawks. The trolley caravan will then carry participants to RiverHawks Stadium. At the stadium, the caravan will be greeted by the 2005 Chicago White Sox World Series Trophy, which will be on display beginning at 5:00 p.m. Fans may have their pictures taken with the trophy.

On-field festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. The participants will include representatives from Rockford regional youth boys and girls baseball and softball teams, the Junior RiverHawks, a youth travel team. The mayors of the communities listed above will throw out ceremonial first pitches. The Rockford Peaches will be recognized on-field. Miss Rockford 2006 Christina DeVoe will welcome visitors to the park.

There will also be post-game fireworks sponsored by U.S. Cellular and Cumulus Media. Fans are encouraged to get their tickets now for Opening Night, as they are selling fast and are in limited supply. Also, fans are reminded that only season ticket holders are assured of an opportunity to meet Danica Patrick at the ballpark on July 18.


The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 10-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 14th season in 2006. All games are broadcast live on WRHL-FM, 102.3 – the Hub. Advertising, season-ticket and suite information is available by calling the box office at (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

Invensys Building Systems Aquired

It was announced that a France based company has purchased Invensys Building Systems here in Loves Park and in Asia. Here is their press release from the Schneider home page.

Link to the Schneider Electric web-site:
http://www.schneiderelectric.com/wps/myportal/!ut/p/.cmd/cs/.ce/7_0_A/.s/7_0_P9/_s.7_0_A/7_0_P9

Press Releases
2006/05/24 - Rueil Malmaison, France - May 24, 2006 – Pursuing its strategy of selective targeted acquisitions, Schneider Electric announced today that it will acquire Invensys Building Systems operations (IBS) in North America and Asia, subject to regulatory approvals....


2006/05/24

Schneider Electric further consolidates its global position in building automation!

This acquisition follows the acquisition of Invensys Advanced Building Systems (ABS EMEA) completed in July 2005 and will be very complementary with Schneider Electric’s building automation platform. IBS generated revenues of $142 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, with operating profit of $20 million. The company is a leading provider of building automation products and services in North America with interesting positions in Asia. IBS has over 100 years of experience in the industry and benefits from excellent reputation and renowned brands such as Barber-Colman and Com-Trol.


The market of Building Automation and Control systems represents significant growth potential for Schneider Electric. The acquisition of TAC in June 2003 enabled Schneider Electric to become a major player in this market. The subsequent merger between TAC and Andover Controls, acquired in July 2004, and the acquisition of ABS EMEA in July 2005, further re-enforced Schneider Electric’s position, both in Europe and in the US. The IBS acquisition will bring significant revenue and cost synergies, forefront distribution channels and an experienced management team. IBS will significantly enlarge TAC’s installed base, expand its distribution capability in North America and Asia and bring the Schneider Electric Building Automation platform to a new scale.


IBS’ acquisition fits perfectly with Schneider Electric’s growth strategy developed over the last 3 years. Jean-Pascal Tricoire, CEO of Schneider Electric, commented: “ IBS North America and Asia fits logically and naturally in our building automation platform. TAC and IBS teams will be joining forces to grow their business on a global scale and to bring increased benefits to their customers.”


Subject to regulatory approvals, Schneider Electric will pay $296 million in cash to acquire 100% of the IBS business on a cash-free debt-free basis and to obtain the benefit of a 338 (h) (10) US tax election which has a total net present value of around $60 million. Schneider Electric expects that this acquisition will meet its Return on Capital Employed criteria within 3 years from completion.


About Invensys:

Invensys is a global automation, controls and process solutions Group operating in more than 60 countries worldwide.

About Schneider Electric:

Schneider Electric is the world’s power and control specialist. Through its world-class brands, Merlin Gerin, Square D and Telemecanique, Schneider Electric anticipates and satisfies its customers’ requirements in the residential, building, industry, energy and infrastructure markets. With 92,000 employees and operations in 130 countries, Schneider Electric generated sales of €11.7 billion in 2005 through 13,000 distributor outlets.

About TAC :

TAC is a leading provider of building automation solutions based on Open Integrated Systems for Building IT. TAC's mission is to provide added value through building environment services for indoor climate, security and use of energy, delivered with advanced technology to end users and property owners throughout the world. With over 80 years of experience in the HVAC, building automation and security areas, TAC has over 3,700 employees worldwide with partners and branches in 75 countries.

Alderman Clint Little's Audio Welcome

Alderman Little, wife Annetta and their son Wade Alexander.

North Second/Illinois 251 Redevelopment Project

As the subscribers of my free newsletter know the Loves Park City Council has been working on revitalizing the North Second Corridor. We approved last year hiring a consultant to study and develop a TIF proposal. This was the same consulting firm that developed the 173 Corridor TIF District for Machesney Park. Recently a new firm has taken this project over and they are finalizing the proposal. A preliminary meeting was held for the public, Community Development Committee and other elected City Officials to view possible visions of the corridor. Photos of properties enhanced by vegetation and facade changes along with adding open spaces, parking and pedestrian friendly amenities (bike racks, bus shelters, benches, ect.). Those who attended the meeting liked what they saw and had a lot of comments and praise. Surveys were sent to those in attendance to fill out and return to the city. We have received many responses and look forward to the next steps.

Bus stop at Riverside and N. Second. A bus shelter was added along with a bench, trash receptacle, vegetation and new cement work with inlaid brick asphalt design. Notice the new facade on the building

Signage is a big deal! Look at the signage before then after also notice inlaid brick asphalt cross walks and vegetation.

Inlaid cross walks, reduced signage, added vegetation and similar facade. These improvements are small and fairly inexpensive, but have a high impact on the N. Second Corridor.

Multiple occupant buildings combine facades with added vegetation. With the help of the TIF these simple examples could be accomplished.

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There are many more examples along with discussions on public parking areas and parks; the possibilities are almost endless.

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The Community Development Committee that I sit on met Last night, Wed., May 24, 2006 to get an update on the progress of the TIF and discuss possibilities for commercial layouts along with other attributes for the corridor.

Our committee will also start meeting regularly to discuss design standards, commercial layouts, pedestrian mall/walkways and any all items pertaining to this corridor. We were told that if the progress of the TIF District continues we could have it in place by the end of the year.

This District will help Loves Park and the many other taxing districts that it lies within. I know that public input is very important and I continue to strive to involve and inform you of what is going on here in Loves Park; if you have any questions or suggestions for the TIF contact me and I would be more than happy to talk with you.

New Board Member chosen

The Harlem School Board will meet May 31, 2006 at a specially scheduled meeting to choose one of seven candidates to fill the vacancy left by Debbie Kerr's resignation. The School Board meetings start at 7pm in the Harlem Administration Center, 8605 N. Second St. Machesney Park and these meetings are open to the public.

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Harlem School District web site: http://www.harlem122.org/index.html

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Check back for the official announcement of the newly appointed School Board Member!

Update:

The Board vacancy has been filled by Heather Kelly. She has worked with the district in the past as a volunteer on the Superintendent's public-relations committee.

Everyone here in the community wishes her and the District well.

Weed/graffiti code violation enforcement

It is that time of year again when the rain comes and the weeds and grass are growing like (excuse the pun) "weeds". Remember, if you are having problems with surrounding property owners in regards to property maintenance send me an e-mail so I can contact you to resolve the problems. Also, everyone knows since being on the council I have truly been combating graffiti in our district and the City. We have taken this unlawful attack on our community very seriously and have made great strides in eradicating it from Loves Park. As stated in previous publications I have pushed for stricter guidelines for removal along with better police and code enforcement cooperation to reduce and eliminate this here in our city. As long as we work together to identify these areas we can remove it quickly leaving the criminals no canvases for their work. This is the best solution other communities have found. The criminals’ goal is for the graffiti to stand for all to view so it becomes useless for them to paint property only to have it removed. Once again if you see graffiti here in Loves Park please notify either me directly or City Hall.

We have already had a bit around the city this year, but it has been removed and we will continue to do so with your help.

Tobacco Compliance Sting

Local retailers in the area have a responsibility to restrict minor access to tobacco products not to mention it is the law. Recently, 38 local businesses were targeted for compliance and all 38 Loves Park businesses passed.

I am glad our businesses see how important it is to comply with the law and also protect our children from the dangers of these products.

Loves Park Dare graduates 75

With the growing need to educate and protect the lives of our children about the dangers of using drugs the DARE program is doing just that. Loves Park is on the offensive largely with the efforts of Officer Randy Jones. Here is a recent article regarding the latest graduates from one of our local grade schools.

Rockford Register Star Article Link:

http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060511/NEWS0104/60510017/1008/NEWS0104

Officer Jones talks with youths and their parents at the annual Police exhibit at Cherryvale Mall

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This weekend (Fri., May 19- Sun., May 21) at Cherryvale Mall center court the Loves Park Police Department has a display booth with a squad car and our Dare corvette that was seized from a past drug bust. Take your kids with you to visit the booth and say hi to Officer Jones. There are many other police departments and armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines) with booths. While attending this year's exhibit I had the opportunity to try the Army's virtual training range, better than any video game on the market (though not a toy). This is a great educational event for adults and children and gives you the opportunity to meet our officers in a positive environment

Young At Heart Festivities

http://youngatheartfestival.com/index.html

Young at Heart(YAH) will be held Friday, May 26 – Monday, May 29 at the Loves Park City hall grounds 100 Hart Blvd. just off Riverside Blvd. This has been a wonderful memory growing-up in Loves Park for me and I am glad to be apart of the festivities. There will not only be attractions at City Hall, but events happening around the city such as the YAH fishing derby in Martin Park and YAH parade on North Second Street. For a full schedule of events, button and ride ticket information please visit the Parks Chamber web-site listed above. Remember if you are going to the festival to buy your buttons in advance to take advantage of the reduced button prices. Have a safe and enjoyable time and I will see you there.

Opening ceremonies will start 5pm Friday, May 26, 2006.

What do you like most or would like to change about the festival?

www.clintlittle.com

Greetings,

I created http://www.clintlittle.com/ to help inform and involve those I represent here in Loves Park. This Blog was added along with many other tools for you to use and enjoy. I welcome your input and encourage you to be as active as your time allows.

Remember to sign-up for the free e-newsletter "Around the Park with Alderman Little" it contains information regarding current issues and those that we will face in the near future. I also invite you to submit local events to the on-line calendar here on the site so others may view and participate. These are all free and useful tools to help promote our community. You can also take advantage of this blog. Submit a topic or article for others in the Loves Park community to read and discuss.

If you feel there are features vital to serving you, this district or Loves Park that would be beneficial and I have missed, please let me know.

As, always if there is something I can do or help you with give me a call or e-mail.

Warmest regards,

Clint