Mayor says Steinbach’s accusations too late
Civil allegations that Mayor Anthony Calderone spied on a former Forest Park commissioner’s e-mail account are invalid, according to a motion filed on behalf of the mayor, because the statute of limitations for making such claims has lapsed.
In a motion filed with the U.S. District Court this month, attorneys for Calderone are asking that the case against him be dismissed. Former commissioner Theresa Steinbach has claimed that Calderone and two other defendants hacked into her municipal e-mail account. That discovery was made in July 2006, and it is from this date that the clock begins ticking, according to Calderone’s attorneys. The defense argued that Steinbach had only two years to file allegations that the mayor violated federal privacy laws, and 12 months for violations of applicable state laws.
In an amended complaint filed in December 2008, Steinbach named the mayor as a defendant. She first filed suit against the village and three unnamed defendants in August 2006.
No ruling has been made on the motion and Steinbach’s attorneys have not yet filed a response.
College scholarship program
A scholarship program for high school girls planning to study public affairs and other related fields in college is accepting applications. The Zonta Club of Oak Park is offering $1,000 to the applicant who demonstrates an interest in community service, international issues and can explain the role that women have had on these fronts. According to a statement released by the group, high school seniors with an interest in public policy, non-profit work and media studies are eligible.
Copies of the application are available from Betty Van Wyk at bettyvanwyk@sbcglobal.net, or by calling her at (708) 386-6170. The deadline for applicants is Feb. 28. The recipient will also be eligible for further scholarship funding provided by Zonta International.
Helping women get ahead
A charitable partnership between a local jeweler and a Chicago nonprofit is attempting to outfit inner city women with business-appropriate attire. Team Blonde, 7442 Madison, is collecting donations of women’s clothing that can be worn in the work place or on job interviews, according to a statement released by the shop. Store owners Heidi Vance and Jayne Ertel will also make freshwater pearl earrings to donate to the cause. The store is partnering with Bright Endeavors, which provides job training and other assistance to at-risk young women.
The clothing drive runs until Jan. 31. Additional information on the program can be found online at www.brightendeavors.com, or www.teamblonde.com.
The wonders of science
A science fair featuring the works of middle school students in District 91 will be open to the public this evening, Jan. 28 beginning at 6:30. Students in sixth and seventh grade displayed their projects for judging on Tuesday morning, and eighth-grade students will do the same on Wednesday. Eighth-grade science teacher Jennifer Hays organized this year’s science fair at the Forest Park Middle School, 925 Beloit, and is encouraging the community to stop by.
