Hellos, Goodbyes and Hibachi Grills

Meet Your Merchants

Owners of Thomas Photographic Services, Colin and Angela Thomas, reached out to the Homewood Village Board to encourage them to participate in and spread the word about "The Homewood Project", a “yearbook” of sorts, which aspires to feature a portrait of every H-F family, employee and business owner in front of their houses and places of work respectively.

“We need people to participate, we don’t want to go knocking on doors saying you have to do this," said Thomas. "It’s completely by choice, but we’re hoping that people show as much pride in this town as we do, and decide to take part in it.”

After the completion of the project, the Thomas’ hope to showcase their work for free on their website, at the library in a hardcover book and at the Homewood Historical Society.

Brian Latman also addressed the board to inform attendees of his newly opened business, Just Turkey.

“[Just Turkey] offers a very unique type of product,” said Latman. “Everything in the restaurant is turkey, with the exception of two items, corn and French fries.”

The restaurant, which opened in March, is located at 17947 S. Halsted and offers a range of items including turkey ribs, turkey burgers, turkey tacos and turkey nachos with cheese.

Latman, who is a twenty-five year resident of Homewood, felt that the place he has called home for so long would be a perfect location to open his restaurant.

“I have always loved this town and always wanted to open a restaurant here," said Latman.

Presentations

Surrounded by friends and family, five part-time firefighters and one police officer were sworn-in. After taking their oaths of office each man was pinned with a badge presented to them by Fire Chief Bob Grabowski.

The newly appointed firefighters and police officer include: Timothy Boomsma, Sean Sullivan, James Janchenko, Michael Peterson, Brian O’Malley and Daniel Alexander (police officer).

Liquor License Reclassification

The Village Board approved a request from the for a liquor license change.

The restaurant will now hold a Class 4A 75/25 restaurant with bar liquor license, instead of a Class 7 Beer and Wine only license.

The liquor license approval comes just in time as plans to reopen under the name Tokyo Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar this upcoming Saturday, June 15 at 2033 Ridge Road.

The larger location will feature a full bar, eight hibachi grill tables and Tatami rooms.

Homewood Days 2011

President of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, Marty Mitchell, addressed the Board to notify them of changes Homewood Days would be undergoing.

The event, which is scheduled to be held from July 8-10, will no longer be planned solely by volunteers. Instead, the Chamber has sought out an outside company to help plan and execute the event.

“Over the years sponsorship for Homewood Days has markedly decreased,” said Mitchell. “So by working with an outside company it will mean an opportunity for increased revenue since they are able to help us find national sponsors.”

Additional changes include more carnival rides, attractions and a larger emphasis on showcasing more local restaurants.

Bid Awards

The bid for the 50/50 Cost Share Sidewalk Replacement Program was awarded to JJ Newell Concrete Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $101, 250,000.

The Mark-It Corporation was awarded the pavement marking services contract for the 2011-2012 year.

Village Manager Franz bids adieu

After eight years as serving as Village Manger, Mark Franz finished out his term at the June 14 meeting.

Franz, who plans to move to Glen Ellyn to act as their Village Manager, was clearly saddened to be leaving Homewood.

“I will miss calling Homewood home,” said Franz. “My wife and I have fallen in love with Homewood, and have watched our kids grow up here.“

After finishing his speech he was met with a standing ovation from his colleagues and board meeting attendees.

Other News

A motion was approved to replace the Village Hall Auditorium roof. The cost to replace the roof will be shared by both the Park District and the Village.

However, the Village has agreed to pay the total amount of the cost up-front, and allow the Park District to pay their portion of the cost over a three year period after the project is completed.