September-October 2005

Dear Neighbor:

Another summer is nearing its end and another school year has started. Now we can look forward to cooler autumn weather, fall colors, Halloween, lots of football and the World Series – to mention only a few constants in our lives.

Another constant is the North Wheatland Township Homeowners Association (NWTHA), which has begun its 32 nd year of community service. According to our by-laws, this service includes improving “the conditions of life, education, work, recreation, health, and safety” in the northern part of unincorporated Wheatland Township .

Each year that means sponsoring social activities for our members and their children. It means publishing this bimonthly newsletter and our annual directory of members and area services, as well as maintaining our new website at www.nwtha.com And it may mean writing letters to or attending meetings held by local municipalities when there is an issue that may affect many of us.

It also means holding our annual picnic and general membership meeting – which is coming up very soon – on Sunday, September 25.

2005-06 Membership Drive

As in past years, we are sending this and the previous (July-August) issue of our newsletter to all 569 addresses in our membership area – which currently includes 514 member families.

In order to continue the community services we provide, we need the sup-port of you unincorporated residents. Therefore, we always strive to add new members (and secure renewals) to help defray the cost of such services.

Hopefully, you have already received membership and picnic sign-up forms from NWTHA Membership Chair Barb Angelos (420-0991) – asking you to renew or initiate your membership and to join us for our annual family picnic on September 25.

NWTHA membership continues to be a bargain at $12 per year per family for renewals – or a total of $32 for new members, which includes the a one-time Legal Fund assessment of $20. (The Legal Fund enables us to take quicker legal action when necessary, rather than going door to door for contributions each time such action is warranted.) Please call Barb if you have not received the membership/picnic registration forms.

31 st Annual NWTHA Family Picnic

This year's (2004-05) edition of the annual NWTHA family picnic and general membership meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, September 25, at DuPage River View Park on Royce Road .

The cost is $3.50 per person (children under age three are free), which will cover PRIZES, entertainment and food. As mentioned above, you can sign up for the picnic – and renew/initiate your membership – by returning the forms already sent to you by Barb Angelos. Hopefully you mailed them by September 10, so that you will be eligible for the GRAND PRIZE drawing. (Instead of being mailed to you, your tickets will be handed out at the picnic check-in table.)

The food will be served from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. ONLY – while it is fresh and safe to serve. This year we've added some new items to the menu, which will include Italian beef sandwiches, fried chicken, chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, cole slaw, rolls, and buttered corn on the cob (provided by Brown's); veggie twist pasta, BLT salad, Broccoli raisin salad, grandma's potato salad, and mozzarella and tomato salad (from Jewel); and red grapes, garlic marinated mushrooms, Clausen garlic pickles, potato salad, black olives, Jay's curly chips, cheese balls, Doritos and Goldfish crackers (all from Sam's Club). In addition, there will be a relish tray and beverages (soda, juice and bottled water). The food will be served in the barn-like shelter at the entrance to the park – which has electrical outlets. Also, washroom facilities are available nearby.

While we will provide the plates, cups, plastic tableware, napkins and tables, you will need to bring lawn chairs and/or a blanket to use on the ground – and possibly some insect repellent (in case it's needed).

Although we are providing almost all of the food, please remember another popular NWTHA picnic tradition and bring a family-favorite dessert for our special share-a-dessert table.

Entertainment will be provided by:

1. The Pink Notes , a group of talented girls from Waubonsie Valley High School . They will sing for us for about 30 minutes after lunch.

1. Buttons the Clown (Robert Cordero), who will make balloon animals, paint faces and put on a show.

1. Caricature artists Angel Contreras and David Levi (there will be a drawing for those who want a sitting).

1. The Moon Jump, donated by MidAmerica Bank (we need adult/teen volunteers to supervise it).

1. Children's games , with lots of prizes.

1. “Guess the number of candies” for the kids.

1. A 50-50 drawing for the adults.

NOTE : DuPage River Park is about 1.5 miles east of Knoch Knolls Park . Just take 87 th or 95 th Street east to Washington Street . Turn right and go south on Washington to where it intersects with Naper Boulevard . Turn right and go south on Naper to first traffic light, which is at Royce Road . Turn left and go to the park entrance, which is less than a half mile east on the right on Royce. Look for the silo and white barn (shelter). Follow the entrance road to the parking lots at left. Don't be confused by the sign that says DuPage River Park at the intersection of Royce and Naper. An extension of the park (with tennis courts) is located at this spot, but it is not our picnic location (turn left and go east on Royce, per directions).

PRIZES!! PRIZES!! PRIZES!!

Even if it's raining (a rare occurrence), we will gather for food, fun, the general meeting, and, of course, the PRIZES. In fact, a committee consisting of Jean Donovan, Amy Skarr, Owen Wavrinek and other Board members is busily calling on local businesses (hotels, restaurants, golf courses, and many others) to seek prize donations. NOTE: If you would like to donate a prize, please call Jean (961-9127) or Owen (983-6153) as soon as possible.

So far, the Grand Prize donations (all valued at about $75 or more)

include:

•  A & G Rental – Tune-up of lawn mower or 2-cycle snow blower

•  Allied (BFI) Waste Services – a year of household/yard waste pick-up

•  Bike Line – a bike tune-up

•  Brunswick Zone – Two two-hour parties for six

•  Carriage Greens Country Club – Foursome of golf with carts

•  Chef Amaury's Restaurant – Weekend dinner for two, value up to $75

•  Chicago Blackhawks – two tickets to 2005-06 game

•  Chicago Sun-Times – a year's subscription

•  Citizens Financial Services – Two $75 U.S. savings bonds

•  Country Lakes Country Club – Round of golf for four with two carts

•  Great Clips – a year of haircuts from NWTHA member Mike Broad

•  Eyecare services ($75) from NWTHA member Dr. Alan Knotek

•  Holiday Inn Select ( Naperville ) – one night stay in deluxe room with breakfast buffet or Sunday brunch for four

•  Lambert Technology Solutions -- $100 wireless network installation from NWTHA member Stew Lambert

•  Marriott Towne Place Suites ( Naperville ) – one night stay

•  NLSB Bank -- $100 U.S. savings bond

•  Oxford Bank – $100 U.S. savings bond

•  Paramount Arts Centre – two complimentary tickets to a 2005-06 show

•  Plantation Equestrian Estates – two 30-minute riding lessons

•  Rialto Square Theatre – 2 tickets to Nov. 3 Olivia Newton John concert

•  Rush-Copley Healthplex – 3-month family membership/enrollment fee

•  Schwinn Sting-ray Scooter from NWTHA member Gerry Chambers

•  Seabreeze West Construction – 8 hours of “Honey-Do List” Home Services provided by NWTHA member Keith Druek

•  Shedd Aquarium – Four VIP admissions ($80 value)

•  Spanish lessons provided by NWTHA Board Member Tom Hayek

•  Sparks Complete Car Care – Full-service oil change w/ 41-point safety inspection, tire rotation, and special car wash

•  Tamarack Golf Club – 18 holes of golf for four

•  Taxing Times – $150 in state/federal tax preparation services from NWTHA members Rachel & Rick Wion

•  Village Pontiac – $500 in paint and collision repairs at Village body shop

•  Zano Salons – $75 haircut and style

Among the donors of door prizes as of Sept. 11 were Angeli's Restaurant,

All Seasons Ice Rink, Keller's Farmstand, Turtle Wax Car Wash, Hooters Restaurant, Applebee's Restaurant, Sybaris Inn, Traverso's Restaurant, Dairy Queen (Naperville-Plainfield Road & E. Chicago Ave.), BP (gasoline certificates), Succulent Seafood (87 th Street & Route 59), GiGi's Restaurant, Odyssey Fun World, Chicago Wolves (2 tickets), Gino's East Pizza, Jewel Foods Store (95 th Street), New Star Jewelers, Parkside Lanes, KT Thai Restaurant, Chili's (provided by Fry Properties), Golf Galaxy, Chicago Fire (autographed team picture), AMC Theater tickets (with popcorn and drinks) from NWTHA members Darren and Laura Dooley, Cabernet and Company, Brick House Pizzeria, Yen Ching Restaurant, Canterbury Shop, Jimmy's Grill, Eatza Pizza, Thai Orchid Restaurant, Walker's Charhouse Restaurant, Spaghetti Warehouse, Pieroni's Pizza and Grahamcracker Comics.

NOTE : A family member over the age of 18 must be present at the picnic in order to receive a Grand Prize.

Please Acknowledge Prizes

Those of you who attend the picnic and take home a prize(s), please remember to thank or acknowledge the donor. If, for example, you use a restaurant gift certificate, ask for and thank the manager. Each year, a few grand prize donors decline to give us anything because they didn't get any response or thank-you from the previous year's winner.

Vote Registrar to Attend Picnic

As in past years, we also plan to have someone at the picnic who can register new residents and/or anyone who isn't currently registered to vote. This is an easy and convenient way to take care of this privilege/responsibility. But, re-member to have a couple picture IDs and something that shows your current address if you plan to register.

General Membership Meeting

At about Noon, prior to the serving of food at the picnic, we will have our annual General Meeting of members. The agenda will include the election of NWTHA officers and Board members for 2005-06, as well as votes on the minutes of last year's meeting, the 2004-05 Treasurer's report, the 2005-06 budget (see below), and changes to our by-laws (see below). This meeting also provides an opportunity to ask questions or discuss any community issues or problems that may be on your mind.

Proposed Budget – 2005-06 Revenues Expendi­tures

Opening Cash Balance (9/1/05) $10,136.37

Membership (520 members) 6,240.00 $ 300.00

Welcoming 0.00 300.00

Children's Social 0.00 2,200.00

Picnic 850.00 4,600.00

Newsletter 4,200.00 5,000.00

Annual Directory 2,900.00 1,500.00

Website 200.00 150.00

Community Service (includes donations) 0.00 1,400.00

Insurance 0.00 650.00

Interest (Checking account) 30.00 0.00

Miscellaneous ___ 0.00 __ 160.00

TOTALS $14,420.00 $16,260.00

Estimated Cash Forward to FY 2006-07 (8/31/06): $8,296.37

Candidates – Officers

President - Jean Donovan – A resident of Sunset Ridge for six years – Born and raised in Maywood – Moved here after spending most of the 1990s in Wisconsin – Has a bachelor's degree in environmental biology from North-land College in Ashland, Wis. – Now a full-time homemaker – Served as president of Clow Elementary School PTA – Currently serving as chair of Clow PTA's Service Committee and as vice president of the Indian Prairie Parents Council – Served as co-chair of District 204's Citizens for Class-rooms Referendum Committee – Served as chair of NWTHA's Children's Social Committee before becoming NWTHA president a year ago.

1 st Vice President – Amy Skarr – Resident of Country View Estates for

four years – Born and raised in unincorporated Naperville – Graduated from Naperville Central High School in 1988 – Has a B.A. degree in urban (land use) planning from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich. (Upper Peninsula) – Worked for Kane County's Planning and Zoning De-

partment for five years, first as zoning administrator and then as economic development director – Also worked in the private sector for 1-1/2 years, serving as a planning consultant for Planning Resources Inc. in Wheaton – Has been a full-time stay-at-home mom since 1998 – Enjoys outdoor activ-ities such as hiking – Appointed to NWTHA Board in 2003 – Served as chair of Community Liaison Committee before being elected 1 st Vice President two years ago.

2 nd Vice President - Owen Wavrinek – Has lived in Country View Estates for 32 years – Born in Chicago, but grew up in south suburban Matteson – Has B.S. in journalism from Cornell University – Currently a self-employed public relations professional after 23 years as writer, editor, and photographer for Amoco Corporation – Retired four years ago after 21 years as a member of the District 204 Board of Education, including four years as Board presi-dent – Owen Elementary School (in West Glen) was dedicated in his honor two years ago – Former volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Metro Chicago – Served as An NWTHA founder and former NWTHA president – Editor of NWTHA newsletter and annual directory.

Treasurer – Ken Hagenbaumer – Has lived in Wheatland View since

1984 – Moved to our area from Quincy, where he was born and raised – Has an Associate Degree in business management from Northwest Missouri State University – He's been in swimming pool business for almost 30 years – He started working for Pool and Spa Works in 1990 and became its owner in 1995, with offices in New Lenox and Shorewood – Has served on the Naper-ville Fire Protection District Board of Directors for 14 years, including the past seven years as its president – He was appointed to the NWTHA Board in August 2003 and has served as NWTHA Treasurer for the past two years.

Secretary - Sherie Wilks – Resident in Shannon's Way section (on Curtis Lane) of Wheatland View for eight years – Born and raised in Kansas – Received bachelor's degree from Emporia State U. in Kansas – Lived in Mid-Atlantic states (working variety of jobs) for a few years before moving back to Kansas, where she was active in PTAs – Moved to Chicago area (Whisp-ering Lakes) 11 years ago – Has sold real estate for Coldwell Banker for 10 years – Previously a volunteer at Crone Middle School and Neuqua Valley High School – Former chair of NWTHA Membership Committee. -- Has served as NWTHA Secretary for the past three years.

Candidates – Board of Directors

Dan Firks (3-year term) – Has lived in Wheatland View for about two

years – Born and raised in Fon du Lac, Wisconsin – Completed service in U.S. Navy (stationed in Long Beach, Calif.) – Then lived, worked, studied, played in Florida and New Jersey (where he was a private chauffeur) before moving to Naperville in 1993 – Has been selling real estate for REMAX for nine years – Loves to travel – Volunteers at Edward Hospital – Appointed to the NWTHA Board earlier this year – Currently serving as a member of Community Liaison Committee -- He will be the new chairman of our Welcoming Committee.

Manley Keeler (3-year term) – Moved into home on 95 th Street (now on Mayfield Court ) 34 years ago – Previously lived in Downers Grove , where

he was born and raised – Has a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois in Champaign – Works in product design for System Sensor in St. Charles, where he has been the past 22 years – For eight years, he was a member of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Northern Region Advisory Council, which he also chaired for one year – Served as a member of a task force that sought ways to improve relations between DCFS and foster families – He and his wife, Pat, have three bio-logical sons, three adopted daughters and two adopted sons – They also have been foster parents to more than 25 children – In addition, they were involved in and chaired School District 204's Parent-Teacher Council – He is a member of the Board's Community Liaison Committees.

Cathy Olenz (1-year term) – Moved from Brook Crossings Estates to Wheatland View 14 years ago – Born in Evergreen Park, Ill., lived in Orlando, Fla., area for awhile, then moved back to Chicago area in 1972 –

A graduate of Naperville Central High School , she has been married for

15 years and has a son and daughter – She was a computer programmer at Lucent Technologies, but retired after 18 years and became a full-time mom – A member of Clow Elementary School's PTA, she is in charge of its Mar-ket Day program – She's also an avid golfer who still participates in the Lucent Women's Golf League – Last October, she was appointed to the NWTHA Board and is chair of our Children's Social Committee.

Proposed Changes in NWTHA By-Laws

The following changes to the by-laws will be presented for your approval during the general meeting:

ARTICLE IV: DUES AND ASSESSMENTS

As bylaws now read:

•  Dues shall be payable no later than October 1 of each year.

Proposed change:

•  Dues shall be payable no later than December 1 of each year.

ARTICLE V: ORGANIZATION

As bylaws now read:

•  The Board of Directors shall consist of nine members of the Association

elected at large as provided by Article VII below. The term of office shall be three years. Officers and the immediate past president shall be ex-officio members of the Board of Directors.

Proposed changes:

B. The Board of Directors shall consist of 13 members of the Association – including five officers and eight directors – who will be elected at large as provided by Article VII below.

Officers shall be ex-officio members of the Board. Their term of office will be one year, unless reelected by the general membership at the Annual Meeting.

The term of office of the directors shall be three years, unless the director is being elected to replace another who has resigned prior to the end of his/her three-year term – in which case the new director will be elected to a one- or two-year term, depending on the date of the resignation.

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS AND VOTING

As bylaws now read:

I. The Board of Directors must meet at least once quarterly and must report the results of each meeting to the general membership. The newsletter published directly after each Board meeting, and containing the results of each Board meeting, may constitute compliance with this section. A simple majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business at any Board meeting for which proper notice has been given. Proper notice shall be given to every Board member, personally, by mail or by telephone.

Proposed changes:

I. The Board of Directors must meet at least once quarterly and must report the results of each meeting to the general membership. This will be accomplished by publishing these results in the newsletter, and by posting the official minutes of each meeting, once approved by the Board, on the Association's website.

A simple majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business at any Board meeting for which proper notice has been given. Proper notice shall be given to every Board member, personally, by mail, by email, or by telephone.

ARTICLE VII: ELECTIONS

As bylaws now read:

E. A nominating committee shall be appointed by the President, which shall consist of at least three members, to recommend candidates for officership and for the Board of Directors. Written notice of the recommended slate shall be distributed to the general membership at least ten (10) days, but not more than thirty (30) days, prior to the date set for the election.

Proposed changes:

E. A nominating committee shall be appointed by the President to recommend candidates for officership and for the Board of Directors. Written notice of the recommended slate shall be distributed to the general membership at least ten (10) days, but not more than thirty (30) days, prior to the date set for the election.

ARTICLE IX: FINANCES

As bylaws now read:

C. Checks drawn on any bank account of the Association shall be signed by any of the Association's officers and the Treasurer.

Proposed changes:

C. Checks drawn on any bank account of the Association shall be signed by the Treasurer and at least one other Association officer whose signature is recorded on the bank's signature cards.

As bylaws now read:

E. The financial report of the Treasurer shall be audited after its presentation to the general membership at the Annual Meeting by an audit committee composed of two Board Members (neither of whom shall be the Treasurer) as appointed by the President of the Association at the Annual Meeting. The audit committee shall report its findings to the Board of Directors at its next scheduled meeting, which report shall then be reported to the general membership in its next report to the general membership.

Proposed changes:

E. The year-end financial report of the Treasurer shall be audited after its presentation to the general membership at the Annual Meeting by an audit committee composed of two Board Members (neither of whom shall be the Treasurer), as appointed by the President of the Association. The audit committee shall report its findings to the Board of Directors at its next scheduled meeting. These findings shall then be presented to the general membership via the newsletter and website .

Thanks to Bette and John

We'd like to thank outgoing NWTHA Board members Bette Lawrence-Water and John Mai for their service to our association. Bette decided to resign her position as chair of the Welcoming Committee and will be replaced by Board member Dan Firks. In John's case, he chose not to run for reelection, after completing his term and service as chairman of our Roads, Traffic and Safety Committee, which will be chaired by Board member Tom Hayek in 2005-06.

If You Are Moving…

If you are planning to move, just sold your house, or notice a “For Sale”

or “Sold” sign in your neighborhood, call Dan Firks (637-9009), who will be our new Welcoming Committee chairperson.

Remember To Visit NWTHA Website

Don't forget that the NWTHA has its own website – www.nwtha.com

We'll be posting pictures from this year's picnic and upcoming events.

But, even if you have no interest in these photos, we encourage you to visit the website and take advantage of its many features. Thanks to our advertisers – Seabreeze West Construction, Taxing Times, and Coldwell Banker Realtor Sherie Wilks -- the website almost pays for itself. There are lots of information and plenty of pictures – and many, many links to area attractions, services, and governmental agencies.

Children's Christmas Party

It's time to circle your calendars -- NOW. The NWTHA's annual Children's Christmas Party is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, in the commons Main 1-312-464-1000 Fax 1-312-464-9140

area of Gregory Middle School . Santa will arrive bearing gifts after entertainment is first provided by Jelly Bean Productions. Look for more details in the next newsletter.

Proposed 87 th Street ‘School' Must Meet County Requirements

The new owners of the home at 28W495 87 th Street have met with various Will County officials – representing zoning/land use, health and fire depart-ments – to discuss their plans to convert the dwelling into a school called The Learning Vine Academy and Enrichment Center. As indicated in the last issue of our newsletter, the owners' plan is to serve about 25-40 students (pre-kindergarten through high-school – all of whom are being home-schooled) from 8 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. each week day. Further, the facility would be used by various clubs and for meetings.

During the meeting with county officials, the school's owners were told that – before they could use the house as planned, they would first have to meet all zoning, health and fire department requirements – including sprinklers, a reengineered septic field with increased septic capacity, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provisions, etc.

Also, many of the neighbors who live near this property have met with NWTHA President Jean Donovan, NWTHA 2 nd Vice President Owen Wavrinek, NWTHA attorney Rick Tarulis, and Will County Board Member Chuck Maher to discuss their concerns about this proposal. Further, Will County Board member Susan Riley has been a big help in getting information from the county, as well as speaking out on our behalf. And Board Member Terri Ann Wintermute recently has taken an active interest in this proposed land use.

Last Brush Pick-up During Week of October 10-14

Following the Wheatland Township Highway Department's fourth 2005 brush pick-up during the week of September 12-16, the last pick-up is scheduled for the week of October 10-14.

All branches and other brush must be out on the edge of the roadway by

7 a.m. on the first day of each designated week. Place the brush as neatly as possible with the cut ends toward the street and parallel to each other. ( NOTE: Do not cut branches into short pieces; long branches work best. Don't include small twigs/snippings, clippings, roots [which can hide stones]. Don't put out bags or cans filled with clippings. And don't tie the brush in bundles.) Finally, please remember that no evergreen branches/clippings will be taken – no exceptions.

The brush becomes wood chips that are good mulch, which is available free to unincorporated township residents. To place an order for the chips (delivered by the truck load), call 851-8330, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon.- Fri.

Will County's Yard Waste Burning Ordinance Still Applies

As we approach autumn, falling leaves could become a problem again. Therefore, for those who may have missed it previously – here is a review of Will County ordinance 93.018 (Location of Fires), which deals with the open burning of leaves and all other landscape or yard waste :

• “Fires shall be located not less than 50 feet from any property line or any neighboring structure, with adequate provisions to prevent spreading of the fire.”

• “Only dry landscape waste – dry leaves, branches, or bushes originating on owner's property” can be burned.

• “All fires shall be constantly attended by a competent person until such fire is extinguished. This person shall have a hose connected to a water supply or other fire extinguishing equipment ready for use. This person shall be responsible for notifying the local fire depart-ment before starting the fire.” (See item about required permit.)

• With regard to not burning within 50 feet of any “neighboring structures,” such structures are defined as “any and all buildings, whether structured on a foundation or mobile, including but not limited to houses, garages, sheds, and pole barns.”

• Court appearances and fines of $25 to $200 are possible if county officials issue a citation.

Due to that part of the ordinance that specifies “not less than 50 feet from any property line,” most NWTHA members and other residents of unincorporated subdivisions in our area cannot legally burn yard waste in their back yards. That's because most of our properties are only 100 feet wide.

If You CAN Burn Legally, A Permit Is Required

Even if your property is large enough and you CAN burn legally (DRY yard waste only) under Will County 's ordinance, the Naperville Fire Protection District requires you to have a permit to do so. Although the County does not call for such a permit, our local fire district does.

There is no fee for this permit, but you have to apply for it in advance each time you plan to burn. You can start the permit process by calling 420-6746 .

However, please remember that even though you may be burning legally and have completed the permit process, the Naperville Fire Department will likely ask you to stop burning if someone complains.

Let's Try to Be Good Neighbors, Avoid Disputes

Considering that some people still are not aware of this county ordinance, we continue to think that every effort should be made to TALK THINGS OVER FIRST. In other words, we suggest that, if a neighbor is burning leaves or other yard waste and you're thinking of reporting it, please take the neigh-borly approach FIRST – by talking to that neighbor and explaining that the smoke is creating a health or other problem for you.

Further, if you are able to burn legally, please consider whether it's a windy day and where the smoke from your fire will be blowing. And, if it's the weekend – when kids play in back yards and families entertain – consider that this may not be the best time to be burning yard waste. Pick a cold, cloudy day.

Dist. 204 Board Seeks Community Input on Space Problems

District 204's Board of Education is implementing a new way to get feed-back from the community regarding the school building space challenges it is facing at the middle- and high-school levels. Through a series of informa-tional emails, the Board will ask for input in order to develop a community consensus about how to solve the space challenges in our district.

The Board is looking to first reach consensus on enrollment over the next 10 years. To develop its enrollment projections, the Board started with students currently enrolled in kindergarten through ninth grades. This provided a solid foundation, because it is known that these students are already in our system and it is known when they will be entering middle- and high-school. The next step was to look at the few remaining parcels of vacant land in the district. Through working with the cities of Naperville and Aurora , the District knows the development plans for 75% of the remaining parcels, which increases the certainty of how many students will be coming from new construction. The District then calculated the number of homes to be built on each parcel and the resulting number of new students from those homes, and added these numbers to our existing enrollment to create a range that is a reasonable projection of middle- and high-school enrollment through 2015.

This information – included in the District's first email – is a brief summary of this topic. Residents are being asked to review the complete information online and then answer a short online survey that will take less than one minute to complete. The complete enrollment information and survey can be accessed at http://www.ipsd.org/newsevents/n e ws_item_detail.asp?id=5768

Pumpkins, Goblins, Apples & Other Autumn Extras

As the leaves start to change colors and the nights become increasingly cool, our thoughts turn to apple cider, pumpkin pie, jack-o-lanterns, ghosts and goblins, s'mores and hayrides. Here are some family activities that will keep you entertained:

Pumpkin Festival in Sycamore

If you've never been to Sycamore's annual Pumpkin Festival, you've missed out on a lot of fun – including plenty of pumpkin pie, pie-eating contests, pumpkin carving and decorating, a pig roast, a pancake breakfast, craft shows, a house walk, a carnival and a fantastic Sunday afternoon (1 p.m.) parade. This year, the festival will run from Wednesday, October 26, through Sunday, October 30 (Halloween). For more info, check out the Festival website at www.sycamorep u m pkinfestival.com

Apples, Pumpkins, Christmas Trees at Kuipers Farm

When Wade and Kim Kuipers founded their 71-acre pumpkin patch back in 1998, their goal was to provide a place for families to experience a true farm atmosphere. With the purchase of neighboring Pine-Apple Orchard in April 2002, the Kuipers can now provide that farm experience along with tons of farm fun from September through December.

With over 150 acres, the farm boasts acre after acre of apple orchards, a thriving pumpkin patch, and a wide variety of Christmas trees. The farm is also home to two gift shops that can provide your home with everything from the perfect fall and winter decorations to gourmet jams, jellies and apple cider. And make sure to visit their on-site bakery – you won't be able to resist taking home some of Kuipers home baked pies or their famous fresh apple cider doughnuts.

While families can spend an afternoon apple picking (limited picking

this year due to late-spring frost), pumpkin picking, or cutting the perfect Christmas tree – the fun doesn't stop there. For example, the farm's Scare-crow Acres (open Sept. 17 through Oct. 30) offers hay rides, pony rides, a professionally designed haunted forest, corn mazes, a huge straw mountain made just for climbing, a pedal tractor derby, petting zoo, and more. And stop in at the Corncrib Cafe -- because fresh autumn air can sure work-up an appetite. Also, there is a relaxing Nature Walk.

The Kuipers Family Farm, located at 1N318 Watson Road , in Maple Park , Ill. – phone: (815) 827-5200 – is open Tuesday through Friday (9 a.m. to

6 p.m.) and Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) September 17 through October 30 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during November and December. For more information, see the farm's website at www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com

Keller's Corn Mazes Open

Through October 30, Keller's Farmstand operates two corn mazes – 14 acres in total – at its Plainfield location, 721 S. Route 30 (at the corner of Routes 30 and 126). Complete the inner maze by finding all the check points marked on the map and making it out again. The other – outer/perimeter – maze is a race against the clock or your friends. For more information about the mazes, call 815-439-0420.

Haunted Houses and Other Scary Good Times

The following activities will provide you and your family with some additional opportunities to enjoy the autumn and Halloween seasons:

Navy Fun & Fear, Halloween at Navy Pier – 10/1 - 10/30. Features The Haunted Ship of Navy Pier®, which will sail into port for guests to experience an excitingly new and eerie adventure. The H.M.S. Bounty is transformed into a haunted vessel where you will weave your way through the ship's cabins and quarters. Around every corner, a new scare from ghosts of past shipmates will shock and terrify you. In addition, there will be free trick-or-treating, costume processions, kids' craft corner and entertainment. Navy Pier, Chicago . 312-595-PIER.

Harvest Pow Wow – 10/1 - 2. American Indian dancing, cultural demonstrations, children's games and crafts, special presentations and more. Saturday 11 a.m.- 10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. $8 adults, $5 seniors and youth (6-12), 5 and under are free. Weekend passes are $12 adults and $7 seniors and youth (6-12). For groups of ten or more, call 773-585-1744 or visit www.midwestsoarring.org Presented by Midwest SOARRING Foundation.

Octoberfest – 10/6 - 9. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Naperville, this four-day event has been named "Best Fall Fest in Illinois " by the Illinois Festival Association. It features authentic German food by My Chef Catering, cold beer, um-pah-pah music by the popular Johnny Wagner Band, dancing, singing, and laughter. Sunday is Family Day with a variety of activities for children provided by the Heritage YMCA. The hours are: Thursday, 6-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Noon-11 p.m., and Sunday, Noon-6 p.m. Admission is $5/ person. But children are free on Sunday. For more information, log onto: www.napervillerotary.org or call 630-357-6900. Visitors can "follow the yellow signs" to the event.

Scarecrow Festival – 10/7 - 9. 20 th annual award-winning family festival. More than 100 hand-crafted scarecrows to view and vote for, an art & craft show, live entertainment, carnival & more in St. Charles . 377-6161.

Catch the Twain – 10/9. Experience a bit of history as Mark Twain, legendary American writer and humorist, tells his story. The whole family will love listening to this literary legend. Limited seating. 7-8 p.m. $6/person, $5/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Members.

Weed Ladies Fall Show and Sale – 10/13-16. This annual sale features creative seasonal arrangements and dried bouquets. Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Admission is free.

All Hallow's Eve – 10/21 & 22. Join the fun at Naper Settlement for a hair-raising event themed around some of the most chilling literature from the 1800s. Follow the sounds of laughter and screams while walking through the completely decorated living history village. All Hallow's Eve will feature a cast of characters that includes traveling gypsies, ghosts, storytellers and the headless horseman. Kids of all ages will discover more trick-or-treat fun and surprises as they play on-line games at www.napersettlement.org and see scary vignettes. Also, refreshments, music, hayrides and Halloween crafts. 6:30 - 10 p.m. Fee charged. Naper Settlement. 305-5555.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast – 10/28 - 30, 11/4 + 5. Presented at North Central College 's Pfeiffer Auditorium, 310 E. Benton Avenue . Friday and Saturdays performances begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Adults $15, students and seniors, $10. Call (630) 637-SHOW (7469) for tickets. Contact Brian Lynch for more information at 637-5368.

Cemetery Walk – 10/29. Visit Naperville 's historic cemetery and learn about headstones, mourning customs and people from Naperville 's past. 3-4 p.m. $5, all ages.

Halloween Happening – 10/30. Enjoy this safe alternative to door-to-door trick or treating. Fun and games for kids 1-10 years old. 1- 4 p.m. at Naper Settlement. Free admission. Presented by the Naperville Park District.

Kids Will Enjoy “Little Red Riding Hood”

Mark your calendars. The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation (IPEF)

has scheduled another children's play to be performed by AlphaBet Soup Productions, now in its 20 th season of putting on unique, original renditions of well-known fairy tales. This fall's selection will be ”Little Red Riding Hood,” which will be presented at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 12 , at the Waubonsie Valley High School auditorium (at Eola Road and Route 34 or Ogden Ave.). Well-received by kids/adults, the AlphaBet Soup productions are popular because they're good and inexpensive – only $5.00 per ticket.

You can get tickets by sending a check payable to IPEF and a stamped,

self-addressed envelope, by November 3, to Bob Biedron, Project Chairman, 10607 S. Sunningdale Court , Naperville , IL 60564 . Ticket orders received after that date will be available for pick-up at the Waubonsie ticket office at

12:15 p.m. on the day of the performance. Also, ticket info will be available by calling Janet Buglio at 375-1013.

Any profits from this event will go to support educational enrichment pro-grams and projects for District 204 students – sponsored by the Foundation, which has raised and donated more than $1.6 million for such enrichments since its inception in 1988. The Foundation receives contributions from area businesses, civic groups, foundations, parents, and staff members.

Walk-to-School Week Promotes Pedestrian Safety

The week of October 5 has been declared Walk to School Week in Naperville and many other communities in the U.S. In fact, Wednesday, October 7, is International Walk-to-School Day in schools/ communities worldwide.

This program strives to promote the many benefits of walking to school, including:

• Increased physical activity
• Reduced traffic congestion and vehicle speed near schools
• Teaching safe walking skills to children
• Promoting pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, and
• Increased awareness of environmentally friendly transportation options.

For more information, contact your school or the City of Naperville (420-6709), or visit the event's website at www.walktoschool.org

ICE Your Cell Phone

We have been told that paramedics will turn to a victim's cell phone for clues to that person's identity, you can make their job much easier with a simple idea that they are trying to get everyone to adopt – called ICE, which stands for In Case of Emergency.

If you add an entry in the contacts list in your cell phone as ICE, with the name and phone # of the person (s) whom the emergency services should call on your behalf, you can save them a lot of time and have your loved ones contacted quickly.

Since it only takes a few moments to do, and since paramedics know what ICE means and they look for it immediately, ICE your cell phone NOW!

NWTHA Residents Victimized by Vandalism, Burglaries

We've had several reports of vandalized mail boxes and other property, as well as a couple burglaries. So please be a good neighbor and keep your eyes open for suspicious vehicles or people in your subdivision. Keep your garage doors shut and outdoor lighting lit at night. Also, be sure to report any and all incidents to the Will County Sheriff's Department – so that they are fully aware of what's going on in our area. Hopefully, such reports will result in increased police patrols. For sure, if you don't report the incidents, we're not likely to get adequate protection.

Crown, Allied Will Take Evergreen Yard Waste

One of our members called to indicate that she found a solution to disposing of evergreen yard waste, which the Wheatland Township Highway Depart-ment does not accept. If you bundle the evergreens appropriately, attach a sticker, and leave at roadside, Crown Recycling & Waste will pick it up. Call Crown at 1-877-775-1200 for more info. Also, Allied (BFI) Waste Services (892-9294) will pick up evergreens if cut up and put in yard waste container.

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