Next week will serve as the last week to drop off donated cell phones at the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, located at 101 Schaumburg Ct., to benefit the rainforest. Old cellphones are being used to prevent illegal logging in the Amazon Rainforest. Donations are being sought as part of Joey Young's Eagle Scout project. The old phones will be reprogrammed to act as covert listening devices on alert for the sound of chainsaws in the rainforest. The collection box will be available through Friday, July 29.

Catch the Summer Breeze in Schaumburg

Schaumburg's popular Summer Breeze concert series is underway and will continue through August. Concerts are held at 7 p.m. lakeside on the grounds of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, 101 Schaumburg Ct. Upcoming concerts include the following:

July 23 The Neverly Brothers
Aug. 13 Harpeth Rising
Aug. 20 Mason Rivers Band
Aug. 27 Frank Winkler & The Symphonic Pops Orchestra of Chicago

Concerts are free. For more information, visit the village's website.

Stitches Midwest August 4-7

Stitches Midwest will be coming to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel August 4-7. The event, which is the ultimate experience for knitters and crocheters, includes classes, shopping, market sessions and more. This two-day event is open to the public. For registration and additional information, visit their website.

Clint Black Coming to Boomers Stadium August 19

Tickets are available for country singer Clint Black who will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 at Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road. Reserved seats, outfield general admission and lawn seats are all available for $32.50. Tickets for children 12 & under are $10. Gates to the event will open at 6 p.m. the day of the show. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.

Village's Second Cycle of Brush Collection Begins Aug. 1

The second collection cycle of the village's brush collection program will begin the week of August 1 and continue through the end of September. Please visit the website to determine your zone and schedule. Brush must be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. of the Monday of your scheduled week. It may take crews up to five days to complete collection in each zone. The program is open to single family residences only. Please dial 311 in Schaumburg with any questions.

Participate in the Comprehensive Plan Update Process

The village is encouraging the public to participate in the process underway to update the village's comprehensive plan. There are several ways to get involved, many of which are as easy as visiting the website to provide feedback via the online maps and surveys. For more information, contact Julie Fitzgerald or dial 311 in Schaumburg.

For Businesses:

Members of the village's business community are invited to share issues, concerns and insights at the Comprehensive Plan Business Workshop. The event will be held 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2 at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg.

Applications Being Accepted for Miss Septemberfest

Young ladies between 16 and 19 who are U.S. citizens, residents of the Village of Schaumburg and never married are encouraged to participate in the Miss Septemberfest Contest, held in conjunction with Septemberfest. The 2016 Miss Septemberfest will participate in festival activities and various events throughout the year. The winning contestant and her court begin their duties by presiding over opening ceremonies for the fest and the Septemberfest parade. For additional information, visit the website or call the Septemberfest Hotline at (847) 923-3636.

State. Senator Laura Murphy's District Office Attending July 29 Schaumburg Farmers Market

State Sen. Laura Murphy's District Office will be providing outreach and constituent service at the Schaumburg Farmers Market on Friday, July 22. Sen. Murphy's staff helps 28th District residents with various issues and concerns ranging from senior services, veteran concerns and healthcare needs to name a few. District Director Marty McAlpin and Administrative Assistant Andrew Gomberg from the Senator's staff will be available to answer questions and take inquiries. They will be available from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the market.

The market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located in the parking lot of Trickster Art Gallery, 190 S. Roselle Road.

Become a "Friend of the Fest"

Residents and families (non-business) who want to support Schaumburg's Septemberfest festival held on Labor Day weekend can do so by becoming a Friend of the Fest. Three levels of sponsorship are available for a $25, $50 and $100 contribution.

For additional information on the various levels of sponsorship along with a Friend of the Fest form, visit the website, contact Roxane Benvenuti or dial 311 in Schaumburg.

Speaking of Schaumburg

Speaking of Schaumburg is a monthly program where Mayor Al Larson offers his own unique insight and knowledge of the village and its history through interviews with village staff, officials and prominent residents. Watch the July 2016 Speaking of Schaumburg.

This weekly e-newsletter provides timely information on general news and events from the Village of Schaumburg.

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60th Anniversary Fun Fact

The Turret House, currently the home of Schaumburg's Family Counseling Center, was constructed around 1901 by master builder and carpenter Louis Menke who designed and built many other structures in the budding community.

Schaumburg Mourns Passing of Maggie Atcher

The village is mourning the passing of Marguerite "Maggie" Atcher, the wife of Schaumburg's second Village President Bob Atcher and longtime supporter of the arts who passed away this week from an extended illness.

Not only was Atcher the wife of Schaumburg's second Village President Bob Atcher, the singing cowboy who prominently served the village from 1959 to 1975, Atcher was instrumental in the planning and realization of Schaumburg's Prairie Center for the Arts. The Prairie Center theatre is named after Maggie Atcher, who was a performer and ardent supporter of the arts. A plaque is dedicated to Atcher outside of the 442-seat theatre in tribute to her legacy.

"Without Maggie Atcher, I don't know if there would have been a Prairie Center for the Arts where residents and visitors today have the opportunity to embrace and support cultural arts in the community," Schaumburg Village President Al Larson said. "She was the driving force who realized the importance of celebrating arts in this community."

Atcher served as the chairman of Schaumburg's Cultural Commission and inspired the development of the Prairie Center for the Arts, which was opened in 1986 on the grounds of the Schaumburg Municipal Center.

Funeral arrangements are pending through Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral Home, 330 W. Golf Road in Schaumburg.

Additional history on Maggie Atcher's role in the community as provided by the Schaumburg Township District Library:

For many years Bob Atcher was both master of ceremonies and a performing star of the WLS Radio National Barn Dance at the Eighth Street Theater in Chicago. He met Marguerite (Maggie) Whitehill there in 1946 and they were married on November 29, 1947. Maggie adjusted from operatic singing to country ballads and often appeared on his shows.

During his continued success at WLS and with U.S. Columbia Records, Atcher bought the former Lowell D. Kern home in Schaumburg Township in 1955 that architect Paul Schweikher had renovated from a barn to a home in 1939. His wife, Maggie, performed with him on the Barn Dance and was active in many village projects including the Schaumburg Township Historical Society, Schaumburg Cultural Commission and volunteering at the Conant High School Library. They continued to perform together at county fairs throughout the Midwest after the mayor retired from government life.

Excerpt from Oct. 2, 1968 article of The Daily Herald:

Mrs. Atcher attended the Northwestern University School of Music, is a member of the Committee for Continuing Conservation in Schaumburg and is an active member of the 13th District Republican Woman's Club.

She is a charter member and Township Historical Society, past president of the Countryside Auxiliary of the Illinois Children's Home and Aid Society, a former member of the board of Northwest Community Hospital and was Schaumburg chairman of the Cancer Crusade in 1967.

Mark Your Calendars for National Night Out on August 2

The Village of Schaumburg is proud to announce its participation in the 33rd Annual National Night Out event, a night where the public is encouraged to meet some of their neighbors as well as Schaumburg's first responders and raise awareness about crime prevention and safety in the community.

This year's event will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2 with Neighborhood Watch Groups, associations and interested neighborhood groups participating. Schaumburg dignitaries and police officials will be visiting various block parties.

As part of the event, participants may receive a visit from the police bike safety patrol, Police K9 unit, a Crash Dummy, McGruff or even one of the Schaumburg fire trucks. For more information, visit the website.

Benevolent Association Donates Check to Loyola Burn Unit

Last week, members of the Schaumburg Firefighters Benevolent Association presented a check for $25,000 to the Loyola University Medical Center Burn Unit. The money was raised during the association's annual firefighter softball tournament, which has taken place in September for the last 22 years. In addition to the donation to Loyola, $5,000 was donated to the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry and $5,000 was used to purchase Christmas gifts for 12 families last year. Over the past 22 years, the tournament has raised more than $620,000.

Loyola's Burn Center uses the money to purchase specialized equipment to be used exclusively in the care of burn victims. This year's donation will help with the purchase of new furniture for patient rooms allowing the family to stay with the patient. Some of the past items purchased include blanket warmers, a bladder scanner, specialized pediatric therapy equipment and a vein scanner to help locate the veins on a burn patient.

Hot Weather Safety and Cooling Center Information

With dangerously hot and humid temperatures continuing through the weekend, the village is reminding the public to practice hot weather safety and seek air conditioning whenever possible. For those who need to access air conditioning, consider visiting Woodfield Mall, the Schaumburg Township District Library or Schaumburg Park District Community Recreation Center (CRC) as a few options to keep cool. Additional information and hot weather safety tips and resources is posted on the village's website. The public is reminded to always dial 911 in an emergency to request assistance from the village's police or fire department.

Lane Closures Coming to Higgins Road, Expect Delays

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that daily and nightly lane closures will take place on Higgins Road (Illinois 72) from Lexington Drive to east of Interstate 290 in Schaumburg beginning, weather permitting, Friday, July 22. The closures are necessary for a project to resurface and improve various intersections along Higgins Road.

To complete the work, daily and nightly lane closures will take place on Higgins Road from Lexington Drive to east of Interstate 290 including east and west Interstate 290/Illinois 53 Frontage Roads and the northbound Interstate 290/Illinois 53 exit ramp at Higgins Road. Permanent closures will take place on shoulders in order to perform widening work.

The project consists of pavement widening, resurfacing, new sidewalks and traffic signal modernization. The overall project is expected to be completed in summer 2017.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and remain alert for workers and equipment.

Construction Updates

Meacham Road and American Lane Pedestrian Enhancements

Beginning July 22, the contractor will begin placing new asphalt. This work will be completed during the nighttime hours of 9 p.m. through 6 a.m., weather permitting. Should weather delay the placement of the new asphalt, these activities will be rescheduled for the week of July 25. The decorative pedestrian enhancement installations are scheduled to begin August 1, weather permitting. The project is anticipated to be complete by August 26. For additional information, please contact the village at (847) 923-6681.

Schaumburg Court Improvements

Improvements will continue between July 22 and the week of July 25, weather permitting. Schaumburg Court will be opened to vehicles for this weekend's events. Providing the weather cooperates, the improvements will be completed by July 29. Any remaining landscaping and irrigation improvements will be completed after the roadway has been opened to traffic. Signage is directing traffic to utilize the entrance to the Prairie Center for the Arts off of Schaumburg Road to enter the Municipal Center while Schaumburg Court is closed. Both the Municipal Center and Prairie Center for the Arts is remaining open during the duration of the project. For additional information, please contact the village at (847) 923-6681.

Wiley Road Improvements

Work continues on Wiley Road between Plum Grove Road and Tower Road. Contractor Arrow Road Construction, Inc., is performing a variety of improvements in the area including roadway patching and resurfacing, drainage structure adjustments, removal and replacement of driveways, curb and gutter, and parkway restoration. Additionally, there will be concrete improvements on Tower Road just west of Meacham Road. The project is anticipated to be complete by October. For additional updates on this project, visit the village's website.

I-90 Tollway Updates

The Meacham Road project will continue to have daily lane closures for roadway lighting work through the end of next week. There will be some storm sewer work starting in the medians and outside edges to complete connections.

Expect to be driving across the new west half of the Roselle Road bridge by the end of next week. The contractor is planning a small stage change on Wednesday, July 27. Anticipate daily lane closures early next week to support that change. The new traffic pattern will put all southbound traffic onto the new pavement south of Central Road and across the new bridge. This change will also push all Central Road traffic to the northern edges of the roadway on both sides of Roselle Road.

Please use extra caution next week. New traffic patterns involve new striping changes to traffic signal locations. The public is reminded to remain alert. Visit the village's website for further information and other updates on this project.

Calendar of Events

July 22: Farmers Market

This weekly event is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday through October 28. The market is held in the parking lot south of Trickster Art Gallery in Town Square at the intersection of Roselle and Schaumburg roads. For more information, visit the website.

July 23-24: Windy City Pet Expo

The Windy City Pet Expo will be coming to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel July 23-24. Learn about pet care, volunteerism, grooming, pet behavior and training with your pet, different types of pets/breeds, veterinarian FAQ, fun activities for you and your pet and more. The event offers free admission and parking. For more information, visit their website.

July 25: Petra's Recession Seven

Enjoy an all-star line-up of Chicago musicians with Petra's Recession Seven who will be performing in Schaumburg's Town Square at the corner of Schaumburg and Roselle Roads. The event will take place 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Monday, July 25. For more information, visit the website.

July 26: Child Passenger Safety

Buy Buy Baby in partnership with the Village of Schaumburg is offering a free class on what to know about child passenger safety that will feature the Schaumburg Police Department's certified national child passenger safety technicians. The class will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 580 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg.

July 26: Life Reimagined

Sponsored by the Schaumburg Committee on Aging and AARP, seniors are invited to participate in a free checkup on their life during the two-hour presentation of "Life Reimagined." A trained guide will help seniors understand where they are in life and what their next move could be. The class will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the senior room of the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Please R.S.V.P by calling (847) 490-7026.

July 27: Pok�mon Mania

All ages are invited to enjoy Pok�mon Mania at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 27 at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Children ages 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will engage in making crafts and watching a movie before going across the street to Schaumburg's Town Square to catch Pok�mon. No fee or registration is required for this program. For more information, contact the library at (847) 985-4000.

July 31: WACO Wingfest

Savor the flavor and participate in the 16th annual Woodfield Area Children's Organization (WACO) Wingfest that will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 31 at Drink, 871 Algonquin Road, Schaumburg. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website or email Sonia Illescas.

Aug. 1: Piano Man

Don't miss the spot-on renditions of hits from Billy Joel and Elton John in Schaumburg's Town Square at the corner of Schaumburg and Roselle Roads. The event will take place 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1. For more information, visit the website.

Aug. 3: Sunset Yoga

Relax with outdoor yoga in Schaumburg's Town Square at the corner of Schaumburg and Roselle Roads. The event will take place 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3. For more information, visit the website.

Quick Links:

Customer Service

Boomers Baseball

Meet Chicago Northwest

Prairie Center for the Arts

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About the Village

of Schaumburg

Schaumburg is the largest center of economic development in the State of Illinois, outside the City of Chicago, but it is also very much a community of neighbors and neighborhoods. Quality of life is important to us and we are constantly working to enhance it. Visit the website.

Employment Opportunities:

Visit the village's Employment Section on the website to view and apply for specific positions. For more information, contact the Human Resources Department at (847) 923-3900.

Disclaimer:

The Village of Schaumburg accepts no liability for the advertisements in this newsletter and does not endorse any product advertised. Any advertisement does not necessarily represent the view or support of the Village of Schaumburg.

If you attend a local festival or village function and the event is photographed, your image may be used for news and promotional purposes.