Park Ridge Herald-Advocate

Keep records of vital information for elderly parents

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:26:23 -0500

Sometimes we make assumptions about the information that we have or don’t have when it comes to our parents, grandparents or other seniors in our lives. Unfortunately the moment we realize that the information we need is not available is usually during a crisis.

Taking stigma off incontinence

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:14:03 -0500

Watching daytime TV, and all of the commercials for incontinence products, one might think that incontinence is a normal part of life and aging.

This Apple has sour taste

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 07:42:03 -0500

Dear Fixer: I cannot download any apps on my iPhone. It says my account is disabled. After I sent a request to the Apple support email address, I received a response from an iTunes adviser who said it appeared that my account had been disabled due to “chargeback orders” they had received from my credit card issuer.

Art of compromise is what’s needed now

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 07:42:03 -0500

In the aftermath of last week’s election, I’ve been listening to my friends on the right and the left. They are saying the same thing, and that’s what worries me.

Christmas shopping, philosophically speaking

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 07:42:03 -0500

Now that that pesky presidential election is over, it’s time to concentrate on what’s really important. Christmas shopping. But before you can shop, you have to decide what to get friends and family, collectively known as loved ones.

Stop ‘straw buyers’ of guns

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:10:01 -0500

For years Chicago and Cook County officials have been pushing a law that would help close the spigot of guns flowing illegally into the city. So far, the National Rifle Association has blocked the law in Springfield, but officials here should keep pushing. The so-called “lost or stolen” law would require gun owners to report a lost or stolen gun within 72 hours of noticing it is missing. It would help discourage “straw buyers” who purchase numerous guns legally in the suburbs and then sell them to felons in Chicago. Straw buyers often say their weapons were lost or stolen …

How about veggie McDonald’s here?

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:16:04 -0500

McDonald’s is opening two vegetarian-only restaurants. Not, unfortunately, in one of the hipper neighborhoods of Chicago, or even somewhere in California. But in India — in Amritsar and Katra. This makes sense. For reasons of religion and tradition, Indian diets tend to be low in meat, with about 30 percent of Indians eating no meat at all. But vegetarians are growing in number in this country, too, and we’re pretty sure a veggie McDonald’s would fare well in or around Chicago. Our first reaction when we read the news about a vegetarian-only McDonald’s was to laugh. Aren’t these the folks …

To parents: Teen-drinking parties have host of consequences

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:49:00 -0500

First, the Park Ridge Police Department congratulates the graduating seniors at Maine East and Maine South high schools. We are all very proud of the work our students did this year and wish them success in their futures. The department also recognizes all of the other students in our community. Your hard work has paid off and summer is here. It’s a time to relax and to have fun. However, we all have to work together to be safe. Parents play a major role in their children’s choices about alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. In a national survey of parents …

Guest essay: Understanding Park Ridge’s budget is key to fixing problems

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:51:31 -0500

As covered in the local press, the just-concluded Park Ridge City Council budget process for the 2012-13 fiscal year has raised some questions that residents deserve to have addressed. First, let’s talk about the overall budget deficit of $4.7 million. The city budgets for 12 separate “funds” for a variety of special purposes. One of those — the General Fund — acts as the main operating account for day-to-day business. In formulating this 2012-13 budget, the council focused primarily on balancing the General Fund. And it did so, passing a budget that actually shows a $450,000 surplus in that fund, …

Letter to the editor: Support for District 207 foundation appreciated

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:47:21 -0500

As the District 207 Educational Foundation prepares for its annual Benefit Dinner, it has much for which to be thankful. Previous donations by community members, alumni, local businesses, parents, and teachers have made it possible to award grants which benefitted students at Maine South, West, and East in a wide variety of ways. Just to name a few, the fabulous new glass mosaic that graces the main staircase at Maine West was funded, in part, by a Foundation grant. The Maine South Constitution Team, preparing to compete in Washington, D.C. is another grant recipient. Judy Tyler, advisor to the Gifted …

A ‘Moneyball’ lesson in life: ‘Get on base’

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:54:00 -0500

I’ve decided that the correct answer for just about any question this spring is: “He gets on base.” That answer comes from one of last year’s best movies, “Moneyball.” That simple phrase answers the questions put to Billy Beane, general manager of the Oakland A’s, about why he wants certain players over other players on his team. Because, Billy’s assistant answers every question, “He gets on base.” If only every move were that simple. But it is spring, and with spring comes a new baseball season. Here in Chicago, every baseball fan must be full of hope. It is clear …

Shimkus: Senator Kirk is coming back

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:42:30 -0500

Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed piece submitted by U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, regarding the status of U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park, who is in recovery from a stroke he suffered in January. As a member of the Illinois congressional delegation, I have been besieged by questions on the status of U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk. These well-intended queries come from colleagues from around the country, congressional staffers, the professional employees of the government, local Republican leaders, and the general public. When I went to visit Senator Kirk, he was clearly very happy to see me. Family …

Why we will no longer endorse in elections

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:32:46 -0500

The publications of Pioneer Press are no longer going to be endorsing candidates in local, state and national elections. This editorial tells you why.