YMCA sets table for council vote
An agreement detailing specific programs and their oversight for a proposed YMCA facility in Forest Park was agreed to by the board of directors for the nonprofit association, according to the chairman of the group. During a morning meeting on Dec. 5, the West Cook YMCA board voted in favor of the conditions negotiated over the course of several months with the village. Chairman Jim Lencioni said he expects the YMCA’s vote should clear the way for commissioners in Forest Park to give their approval at an upcoming Dec. 15 meeting. The two sides have been at the table for years in an effort to bring a sprawling recreation facility to the west side of town. Of late, however, contracted deadlines in an initial agreement are applying more pressure to finalize the deal. The new YMCA, pending more approvals, is expected to open in 2011.
Lagging schools focus of grant
Illinois high schools that sit on the bottom of the list in terms of academic performance could benefit from a grant given to state officials. The National Association of State Boards of Education awarded $10,000 to the Illinois State Board of Education to help develop policies on how best to improve chronically underperforming high schools. The grant is for one year and is expected to help in the areas of strategic planning, according to a statement released by the national board.
Register for winter recreation
A recreation program that targets people with disabilities is accepting registrations for its winter programs. West Suburban Special Recreation Association, which serves Forest Park and other area neighborhoods, has been accepting walk-in registrations for several weeks. Beginning Dec. 15, families and participants may register by phone.
West Suburban Special Recreation Association provides social and athletic activities for people affected by various disabilities and their families. Many of the programs are run in conjunction with local park districts.
The group’s offices are at 2915 Maple in Franklin Park and open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Staff can be reached at 847-455-2100.
