Thursday 31 December 2015

This Day In History - December 31st



1879

Edison demonstrates incandescent light




In the first public demonstration of his incandescent lightbulb, American inventor Thomas Alva Edison lights up a street in Menlo Park, New Jersey. The Pennsylvania Railroad Company ran special trains to Menlo Park on the day of the demonstration in response to public enthusiasm over the event.

Although the first incandescent lamp had been produced 40 years earlier, no inventor had been able to come up with a practical design until Edison embraced the challenge in the late 1870s. After countless tests, he developed a high-resistance carbon-thread filament that burned steadily for hours and an electric generator sophisticated enough to power a large lighting system.

Born in Milan, Ohio, in 1847, Edison received little formal schooling, which was customary for most Americans at the time. He developed serious hearing problems at an early age, and this disability provided the motivation for many of his inventions. At age 16, he found work as a telegraph operator and soon was devoting much of his energy and natural ingenuity toward improving the telegraph system itself. By 1869, he was pursuing invention full-time and in 1876 moved into a laboratory and machine shop in Menlo Park, New Jersey.

Edison’s experiments were guided by his remarkable intuition, but he also took care to employ assistants who provided the mathematical and technical expertise he lacked. At Menlo Park, Edison continued his work on the telegraph, and in 1877 he stumbled on one of his great inventions–the phonograph–while working on a way to record telephone communication. Public demonstrations of the phonograph made the Yankee inventor world famous, and he was dubbed the “Wizard of Menlo Park.”

Although the discovery of a way to record and play back sound ensured him a place in the annals of history, the phonograph was only the first of several Edison creations that would transform late 19th-century life. Among other notable inventions, Edison and his assistants developed the first practical incandescent lightbulb in 1879 and a forerunner of the movie camera and projector in the late 1880s. In 1887, he opened the world’s first industrial research laboratory at West Orange, New Jersey where he employed dozens of workers to investigate systematically a given subject.

Perhaps his greatest contribution to the modern industrial world came from his work in electricity. He developed a complete electrical distribution system for light and power, set up the world’s first power plant in New York City, and invented the alkaline battery, the first electric railroad, and a host of other inventions that laid the basis for the modern electrical world. One of the most prolific inventors in history, he continued to work into his 80s and acquired 1,093 patents in his lifetime. He died in 1931 at the age of 84.

Sauk Village Police Department Progress Report


Sauk Village Police Department

Progress Report


-Arrests: For a period between 9/14/2015 thru 12/29/2015 the Sauk Village Police Department had a total of 62 arrests.  Of the arrests reported 31 were felony arrests and 31 were misdemeanor arrests.

-Case of Interest: On 12/20/2015 PD received a call of an armed robbery at the wireless store by Family Dollar...2 subjects wearing ski masks entered the store brandished weapons and fled the area. Because of the good job our officers getting information disseminated in a timely manner Harvey PD apprehended two suspects allegedly involved with the armed robbery.  Detective Grossman conducted the investigation and was able to secure felony armed robbery charges for both suspects.


-CalCom Radio Calls Dispatched:  For a period from 9/29/2015 thru 12/29/2015 CalCom 911 Dispatch Center dispatched 3554 calls to the Officers in Sauk Village.  In addition the police department implemented a new reporting system called Capers.
 
-New Hire:  The Police Department is currently finalizing the requirements needed for a new officer recruit to participate in the Chicago Police Department POWER (fitness test).  If the recruit passes this test he will start training to become a Sauk Village Police Officer on January 11th.  In addition the Sauk Village Detective is conducting background investigations to hire a replacement officer for an officer who left Sauk Village for a position with Arlington Heights PD.


-LEADS Audit: On October 14th the Illinois State Police, Program Administration Bureau conducted an audit on our Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS).  The results of the audit were recently received and disclosed that of the 30 rules, regulations and procedures they rated in the report 27 of them applied to the Sauk Village Police Department.  The police department was found to be in non- compliant with 15 of the points and compliant in the other 12.  We have addressed all the deficient points and will respond to the Illinois State Police on the resolution.

New Year's Eve Safety Tips: 6 Ways To Ensure You Bring In 2016 With No Regrets



It's New Year's Eve again. Here are some safety tips to make sure you can stay safe as you ring in 2016.



Whether your 2015 was a good or a bad year, you’ll most likely want to send it off with a bang this New Year’s Eve. While it’s no secret that many will enjoy a few drinks and party well before and after the big countdown to 2016, there’s no point in starting off the new year with regrets. To help avoid that, here are six safety tips to ensure your celebration doesn’t go awry.

  • Transportation

Don’t drink and drive. Unless you’re hosting a New Year's Eve party, you’ll most likely be heading to a friend’s place or a bar to celebrate the end of the year. If you find yourself at a friend's house, don’t be afraid to ask to spend the night. A rough night’s sleep on a sofa is far better than a DUI, or worse, an accident.

If sleeping away from home isn’t an option, you’ll have to plan ahead and assign a designated, sober driver. Write down the number of your local cab company and keep that information on you all night. Alternatively, services such such as Uber and Lyft can be a little expensive on holidays, but well worth it to get you and your loved ones home safely.

There’s no excuse for drinking and getting behind the wheel, so make sure you’ve got a plan in place before you clink your first glass.

  • Safety in Numbers

Everything is better with friends anyway, so make sure you don’t find yourself alone on New Year’s Eve. A good portion of the population will be drinking, and therefore the streets will get more dangerous. Traveling in a group will help ensure that nothing bad happens to you or those you care about.

In addition, always know where it is you’re going. Use a map application on your smartphone or plan your night ahead of time to ensure that you’re spending the least amount of time possible walking or driving outside. Above all, go with your gut. If a street or bar feels unsafe, leave.

  • Dinner

It’s the end of another year. That calls for a nice dinner with friends. Even if you just sit around eating a PB&J before getting dressed for your night on the town, having a full stomach before drinking is always smart idea. Not only will it soak up some of the alcohol, it will also keep you from snacking on candy or appetizers at a bar or party.

  • Drinking

We’re all adults here. If you’re going to drink, New Year’s Eve is a pretty fun time to do it. That said, it’s no excuse to hurt yourself or others. Know your limits and stick to them. Drinking a glass of water in between mixed drinks is always a great way to ensure that you don’t get too dehydrated or intoxicated.

If you or one of your friends over drinks and begins to vomit or pass out, don’t hesitate to call it an early night on their behalf. Be on the lookout for the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and call 9-1-1 or Poison Control -- (800) 222-1222 -- if you think someone is in real danger. It’s better to kill the party than to let alcohol kill a friend.

  • Communication

It’s been said that the best-laid plans often go awry. No matter how many of the above tips you follow, your night can always take an unexpected turn. What if someone in your group wants to go home with a stranger? What if your driver has to leave due to an emergency? What if you get separated from your group?

All of these problems can be easily fixed by staying in constant contact with your friends or family. Someone with you should be aware of where you are at all times. New Year’s Eve is not the night to ignore your phone messages and calls, nor is it the night to rely on the kindness of strangers. Keep your phone fully charged and bring a charger in your purse or pocket if you can. If you can’t always be within earshot of your loved ones, at least be reachable on your cell.

  • Fun

Last, but not least, remember to have fun this New Year’s Eve. Whether that means going downtown, or spending time at home with a few close friends and Netflix, always remember to not feel pressured to do anything that isn’t fun for you. After all, the New Year is supposed to be a fresh start, so why kick off 2016 somewhere you don’t really want to be?

Happy New Year!




Sauk Village Fire Department Report - December 15, 2015


Over the past 2 weeks, the fire department responded to 22 calls. The fire department responded to 4 vehicle accidents, 5 fire alarms, 4 medical assist, 2 CO alarms, 2 gas leaks, 1 wash down, 2 assist other agency, 1 child locked in the car, and 1 gas leak.

Wednesday 30 December 2015

CEDA - Water Bill Assistance


CEDA's Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) program is offering Water Bill Assistance to residents with low incomes who are delinquent with their water bill.

Qualifying applicants can receive up to $400.00 towards their delinquent bill by demonstrating their ability ti make four consecutive payments on the account first. The long-term goal is to build good budgeting and bill-paying habits.

This program will run through February 15, 2016 or when funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.



Meeting with Sauk Village Businesses, Churches and Schools


Had a great time meeting with representatives from Sauk Village Businesses, Churches and Schools this morning. The meeting was called to discuss public safety and provide resources for employees and staff.

Thank you to Trustee Washington and Trustee Myers for scheduling the meeting and spreading the word through the Neighborhood Watch Committee.


Below is information passed out to those in attendance
           








Kudos Police Chief Kowalski


Chief Kowalski had a "LEADS" audit performed on October 14, 2015, by the Illinois State Police, Program Administration Bureau on Sauk Village's Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS).  Chief Kowalski wanted to know the status of the department as Sauk Village's newly appointed Chief. 

While the results were surprising since the board was lead to believe the department was in compliance it also confirmed my decision as Mayor that change and a fresh set of eyes were needed to lead this department. 

The results of the audit were that the department was not in compliance prior to Chief Kowalski's appointment however, that has been reversed and Chief Kowalski worked with the Illinois State Police to resolve non-compliance issues.

The report disclosed that of the 30 rules, regulations and procedures they rated in the report 27 of them applied to the Sauk Village Police Department.  The police department was found to be in non- compliant with 15 of the points and compliant in the other 12.  

I'm able to inform the residents of Sauk Village that under the direction of Chief Kowalski the 15 non-compliant issues have been addressed and he continues to work with the Illinois State Police on making sure the Sauk Village Police Department and our officers are and remain compliant.


This Day In History - December 30th


1853

Southern U.S. border established




James Gadsden, the U.S. minister to Mexico, and General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, the president of Mexico, sign the Gadsden Purchase in Mexico City. The treaty settled the dispute over the location of the Mexican border west of El Paso, Texas, and established the final boundaries of the southern United States.

For the price of $15 million, later reduced to $10 million, the United States acquired approximately 30,000 square miles of land in what is now southern New Mexico and Arizona.

Jefferson Davis, the U.S. secretary of war under President Franklin Pierce, had sent Gadsden to negotiate with Santa Anna for the land, which was deemed by a group of political and industrial leaders to be a highly strategic location for the construction of the southern transcontinental railroad.

In 1861, the “big four” leaders of western railroad construction–Collis P. Huntington, Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker–established the Southern Pacific branch of the Central Pacific Railroad.

Monday 28 December 2015

This Day In History - December 29th


1808

Andrew Johnson is born


On this day in 1808, future President Andrew Johnson is born in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Johnson’s career took him from mayor of Greeneville (1834) to the Tennessee legislature (1835) and then to the U.S. House of Representatives (1843). He went home to serve as Tennessee’s governor from 1853 to 1857, but then returned to Washington as a U.S. senator in late 1857.

In 1864, he accepted Abraham Lincoln’s offer to run with him as vice president for Lincoln’s second term. Lincoln was shot on the night of April 14, 1865, and died the next day, making Johnson the 17th president of the United States.

In February 1868, the House of Representatives charged Johnson with 11 articles of impeachment for vague “high crimes and misdemeanors.” (For comparison, in 1998, President Bill Clinton was charged with two articles of impeachment for obstruction of justice during an investigation into his inappropriate sexual behavior in the White House Oval Office. In 1974, Nixon faced three charges for his alleged involvement in the Watergate scandal.)

The main issue in Johnson’s trial was his staunch resistance to implementing Congress’ Civil War Reconstruction policies. The War Department was the federal agency responsible for carrying out Reconstruction programs in the war-ravaged and socially disrupted southern states and when Johnson fired the agency’s head, Edwin Stanton,

Congress retaliated with calls for his impeachment.

Of the 11 counts, several went to the core of the conflict between Johnson and Congress. The House charged Johnson with illegally removing the secretary of war from office and for violating several Reconstruction acts. Johnson was also accused of hurling libelous “inflammatory and scandalous harangues” against Congressional members.

On February 24, the House passed all 11 articles of impeachment and the process moved into a Senate trial, which lasted until May 26, 1868. Johnson did not attend any of the proceedings and was not required to do so. After all the arguments had been presented for and against him, Johnson waited for his fate, which hung on one swing vote. By a vote of 35 to 19, Johnson was acquitted and finished out his term.

When Johnson’s presidency ended, he and his wife Eliza moved back to their home state of Tennessee. In 1869, they suffered tragedy: His son, an alcoholic, committed suicide. In early 1875, he launched a political comeback and was re-elected to the Senate in June of that year, but was never able to assume office. He suffered a stroke and passed away on July 31, 1875.

10 Tips for Safe Winter Driving

 

How to manage challenging road conditions

                

Winter has arrived, and with the change of seasons comes the threat of nasty weather. Before winter strikes in full force, make sure you and your car are ready. As you head to the roads during this busy holiday travel season, following our tips can help ensure you get to your destination and back home safely.

Keeping up with car maintenance year-round is important, but it carries added significance in the winter when being stranded can be inconvenient due to holiday travel plans, as well as being downright unpleasant waiting at the side of the road. As always, try to time your routine maintenance ahead of long-distance travel. Putting off service today can turn into an expensive problem down the road.

As winter driving safety is so impacted by traction, it is key to make sure your tires are in top shape. Check tire pressure monthly, topping off as necessary. (Cold winter temperatures can lower tire pressure.) Inspect your tires for tread depth, an important factor in wet and snow traction. The tread should be at least 1/8 an inch, easily gauged by using a quarter and measuring from the coin's edge to Washington's head. Look for uneven tread wear, which typically indicates poor wheel alignment or worn suspension components. If you do invest in new tires, be sure to have your vehicle's alignment and suspension checked before having the tires mounted to avoid premature wear.

With the car prepped for travel, keep these 10 tips in mind:

  • Clear off the snow and ice before driving. If snow has fallen since your car was parked, take the time to thoroughly brush it off the vehicle--including the roof--and scrape any ice from the windows. "Peephole driving" through a small, cleared spot on your windshield reduces your visibility and is quite dangerous.
  • Accelerate slowly to reduce wheel spin. If starting from a standstill on slick snow or ice, start in second gear if you have a manual transmission or gear-selectable automatic so the vehicle is less likely to spin the tires.
  • Reduce your speed and drive smoothly. In slippery conditions, tires lose their grip more easily, affecting all aspects of your driving: braking, turning, and accelerating. Keeping the speeds down will give you more time to react to slippage or a possible collision, and it will lessen the damage should things go wrong.
  • Allow longer braking distances. Plan on starting your braking sooner than you normally would in dry conditions to give yourself extra room, and use more gentle pressure on the brake pedal.
  • Don't lock your wheels when braking. Locked wheels can make the vehicle slide or skid. If you have an older vehicle without an anti-lock braking system (ABS), you may need to gently apply the brakes repeatedly in a pulsing motion to avoid having them lock up the wheels. If your vehicle has ABS, simply depress the brake pedal firmly and hold it down. The shuddering sounds and pedal feeling is expected (don't lift off the brake); the system is doing its job.
  • Perform one action at a time when accelerating, braking, and turning. Asking a vehicle to do two things at once--such as braking and turning, or accelerating and turning--can reduce your control. When taking a turn on a slippery surface, for instance, slowly apply the brakes while the vehicle is going straight.
  • Avoid sudden actions when cornering. A sudden maneuver--such as hard braking, a quick turn of the steering wheel, sudden acceleration, or shifting a manual transmission --can upset a vehicle's dynamics when it's taking a turn. Rapidly transferring the weight from one end or corner to another can throw a car off balance. In slick conditions, this can cause it to more easily go out of control.
  •  Be ready to correct for a slide. Should the rear end of the vehicle begin to slide during a turn, gently let off on the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. This will help straighten it out. Electronic stability control will also help keep control in a slide situation. But remember, safety systems may bend the laws of physics, but they can't overcome stupid.
  • Don't let four- or all-wheel drive give you a false sense of security. 4WD and AWD systems only provide extra traction when accelerating. They provide no advantage when braking or cornering.
  • Be extra wary of other motorists. They may not be driving as cautiously as you, so leave extra space, avoid distractions, and be predictable, signaling clearly ahead of any turns or lane changes.

This Day In History - December 28th


1869

America’s first Labor Day


The Knights of Labor, a labor union of tailors in Philadelphia, hold the first Labor Day ceremonies in American history. The Knights of Labor was established as a secret society of Pennsylvanian tailors earlier in the year and later grew into a national body that played an important role in the labor movement of the late 19th century.

The first annual observance of Labor Day was organized by the American Federation of Labor in 1884, which resolved in a convention in Chicago that “the first Monday in September be set aside as a laborer’s national holiday.” In 1887, Oregon became the first state to designate Labor Day a holiday, and in 1894 Congress designated the first Monday in September a legal holiday for all federal employees and the residents of the District of Columbia.

Saturday 26 December 2015

This Day In History - December 27th


1932

Radio City Music Hall opens

 
At the height of the Great Depression, thousands turn out for the opening of Radio City Music Hall, a magnificent Art Deco theater in New York City. Radio City Music Hall was designed as a palace for the people, a place of beauty where ordinary people could see high-quality entertainment. Since its 1932 opening, more than 300 million people have gone to Radio City to enjoy movies, stage shows, concerts, and special events.

Radio City Music Hall was the brainchild of the billionaire John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who decided to make the theater the cornerstone of the Rockefeller Complex he was building in a formerly derelict neighborhood in midtown Manhattan. The theater was built in partnership with the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and designed by Donald Deskey. The result was an Art Deco masterpiece of elegance and grace constructed out of a diverse variety of materials, including aluminum, gold foil, marble, permatex, glass, and cork. Geometric ornamentation is found throughout the theater, as is Deskey’s central theme of the “Progress of Man.” The famous Great Stage, measuring 60 feet wide and 100 feet long, resembles a setting sun. Its sophisticated system of hydraulic-powered elevators allowed spectacular effects in staging, and many of its original mechanisms are still in use today.

In its first four decades, Radio City Music Hall alternated as a first-run movie theater and a site for gala stage shows. More than 700 films have premiered at Radio City Music Hall since 1933. In the late 1970s, the theater changed its format and began staging concerts by popular music artists. The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, which debuted in 1933, draws more than a million people annually. The show features the high-kicking Rockettes, a precision dance troupe that has been a staple at Radio City since the 1930s.

In 1999, the Hall underwent a seven-month, $70 million restoration. Today, Radio City Music Hall remains the largest indoor theater in the world
 

Happy Birthday to the Love of my Life

 

Happy Birthday Linda

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pictures - Past and Present
 










































 


 
 


This Day In History - December 26th

 

1972

Truman dies


On this day in 1972, former President Harry S. Truman dies in Independence, Missouri.

Then-President Richard Nixon called Truman a man of “forthrightness and integrity” who had a deep respect for the office he held and for the people he served, and who “supported and wisely counseled each of his successors.”

Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri, in 1884. The son of a farmer, he could not afford to go to college, so he too worked as a farmer before joining the army in 1916 to fight in World War I. After the war, Truman opened a haberdashery in Kansas City. When that business went bankrupt in 1922, he entered Missouri politics.

Truman went on to serve in the U.S. Senate from 1934 until he was chosen as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fourth vice president in 1945; it was during his Senate terms that he became known for his honesty and integrity.

Upon FDR’s death on April 12, 1945, Truman became the 33rd president of the United States, assuming the role of commander in chief of a country still embroiled in World War II. With victory in Europe was imminent, Truman agonized over whether to use nuclear weapons to force Japan to surrender.

Just four months into his tenure, Truman authorized the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan in August 1945. He and his military advisors argued that using the bombs ultimately saved American and Japanese lives, since it appeared that the Japanese would fiercely resist any conventional attempt by the Allies to invade Japan and end the war.

The use of the new weapon, dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in early August, succeeded in forcing Japan’s surrender, but also killed, injured and sickened thousands of Japanese and ushered in the Cold War.

Although harshly criticized by some for his decision to use the devastating weapon, Truman also displayed integrity and humanitarian virtues throughout his political career. In 1941, Truman drove 10,000 miles across the country in his Dodge to investigate potential war profiteering in defense plants on the eve of World War II. As president,

Truman pushed through the Marshall Plan, which provided desperately needed reconstruction aid to European nations devastated by the war and on the verge of widespread famine. He also supported the establishment of a permanent Israeli state.

Truman served as president for two terms from 1945 to 1953, when he and his wife Bess happily retired to Independence, Missouri, where he referred to himself jokingly as “Mr. Citizen.” He was hospitalized on December 4, 1972, with lung congestion, heart irregularity, kidney blockages and failure of the digestive system.

He died on December 26. A very subdued and private funeral, fitting for the down-to-earth Truman, was held in Independence according to his and his family’s wishes.

Friday 25 December 2015

This Day In History - December 25th


1914

The Christmas Truce



Just after midnight on Christmas morning, the majority of German troops engaged in World War I cease firing their guns and artillery and commence to sing Christmas carols. At certain points along the eastern and western fronts, the soldiers of Russia, France, and Britain even heard brass bands joining the Germans in their joyous singing.

At the first light of dawn, many of the German soldiers emerged from their trenches and approached the Allied lines across no-man’s-land, calling out “Merry Christmas” in their enemies’ native tongues. 

At first, the Allied soldiers feared it was a trick, but seeing the Germans unarmed they climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy soldiers. The men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and sang carols and songs. There was even a documented case of soldiers from opposing sides playing a good-natured game of soccer.

The so-called Christmas Truce of 1914 came only five months after the outbreak of war in Europe and was one of the last examples of the outdated notion of chivalry between enemies in warfare. In 1915, the bloody conflict of World War I erupted in all its technological fury, and the concept of another Christmas Truce became unthinkable.

Christmas Message




The night Jesus was born the Angles came to shepherds in a field with a message for all.

It was three simple points that we can still live by today.

1) Give Glory to God 2) Peace and 3) good will toward men

Merry Christmas & Remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season


Thursday 24 December 2015

This Day In History - December 24th


1923

Coolidge lights first national Christmas tree


On this day in 1923, President Calvin Coolidge touches a button and lights up the first national Christmas tree to grace the White House grounds.

Not only was this the first White House “community” Christmas tree, but it was the first to be decorated with electric lights–a strand of 2,500 red, white and green bulbs. The balsam fir came from Coolidge’s home state of Vermont and stood 48 feet tall.

Several musical groups performed at the tree-lighting ceremony, including the Epiphany Church choir and the U.S. Marine Band. Later that evening, President Coolidge and first lady Grace were treated to carols sung by members of Washington D.C.’s First Congregational Church.

According to the White House Historical Association, President Benjamin Harrison was the first president to set up an indoor Christmas tree for his family and visitors to enjoy in 1889. It was decorated with ornaments and candles. In 1929, first lady Lou Henry Hoover oversaw what would become an annual tradition of decorating the indoor White House tree. Since then, each first lady’s duties have included the trimming of the official White House tree.

Coolidge’s “inauguration” of the first outdoor national Christmas tree initiated a tradition that has been repeated with every administration. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan began another custom by authorizing the first official White House ornament, copies of which were made available for purchase.

Wednesday 23 December 2015

Scott's Law Day - December 23, 2015




December 23, 2015, is Scott's Law Day 2015! This is a governor appointed day of recognition in Illinois, established to bring awareness to the move over law. The goal is to reach new people, and educate them about the law and the dangers faced when working the roads.

Participation is easy...

1. Wear your ‪#‎moveover‬ gear.

2. Order a wristband or decal if you don't already have one. www.moveoverillinois.org...


3. Share our posts and ask your family and friends to do the same.


4. Submit your own posts to our page about why Scott's Law matters to you.


5. Move over or slow down every day and every time for emergency and maintenance vehicles, including tow trucks.

This Day In History - December 23rd


1783

George Washington resigns as commander in chief



On this day in 1783, following the signing of the Treaty of Paris, General George Washington resigns as commander in chief of the Continental Army and retires to his home at Mount Vernon, Virginia.
Washington addressed the assembled Congress:


“Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States of becoming a respectable nation, I resign with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffidence; a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task; which however was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven.


Washington’s willingness to return to civilian life was an essential element in the transformation of the War for Independence into a true revolution. During the war, Congress had granted Washington powers equivalent to those of a dictator and he could have easily taken solitary control of the new nation. Indeed, some political factions wanted Washington to become the new nation’s king. His modesty in declining the offer and resigning his military post at the end of the war fortified the republican foundations of the new nation.


Although he asked nothing for himself, Washington did enter a plea on behalf of his officers:


“While I repeat my obligations to the army in general, I should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge, in this place, the peculiar services and distinguished merits of the gentlemen who have been attached to my person during the war. It was impossible the choice of confidential officers to compose my family should have been more fortunate. Permit me, sir, to recommend in particular, those who have continued in the service to the present moment, as worthy of the favorable notice and patronage of Congress.


The patronage Washington requested seemed most pressing as the army had narrowly survived several mutinies and a near-attempted coup the previous autumn. The veteran officers who had helped to keep the army intact desired western lands in thanks for their service. Their claims would constitute a major issue for the new American government as it attempted to organize the settlement of what had been the colonial backcountry.


Washington concluded:


“Having now finished the work assigned to me, I retire from the great theatre of action; and bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take any leave of all the employments of public life.”


General Washington’s respite proved extremely brief. He was unanimously elected to the first of two terms as president of the United States in 1788.

Tuesday 22 December 2015

This Day In History - December 22nd



1941

Churchill and Roosevelt discuss war and peace



On this day, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrives in Washington, D.C. for a series of meetings with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on a unified Anglo-American war strategy and a future peace.

Now that the United States was directly involved in both the Pacific and European wars, it was incumbent upon both Great Britain and America to create and project a unified front. Toward that end, Churchill and Roosevelt created a combined general staff to coordinate military strategy against both Germany and Japan and to draft a future joint invasion of the Continent. Roosevelt also agreed to a radical increase in the U.S. arms production program: the 12,750 operational aircraft to be ready for service by the end of 1943 became 45,000; the proposed 15,450 tanks also became 45,000; and the number of machine guns to be manufactured almost doubled, to 500,000.

Among the momentous results of these U.S.-Anglo meetings was a declaration issued by Churchill and Roosevelt that enjoined 26 signatory nations to use all resources at their disposal to defeat the Axis powers and not sue for a separate peace. This confederation called itself the “United Nations.” Lead by the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, all 26 nations declared a unified goal to “ensure life, liberty, independence and religious freedom, and to preserve the rights of man and justice.” The blueprint for the destruction of fascism and a future international peacekeeping organization was born.

Sunday 20 December 2015

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year




Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 

from our family to yours


Tollway Position




**Deadline to apply is Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 11:59 p.m.**
o   Must be able to work from approximately May 15, 2016 through October 31, 2016.
o   One (1) year of customer service, cash handling, retail or bank experience is required. 
o   The ability to be available to work seven (7) days per week, twenty-four (24) hours a day, including nights, weekends, and holidays is required.
o   The ability to lift twenty-five(25) pounds is required.
o   Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
o   Must pass a written examination with a seventy five (75%) percent or higher score to qualify for an interview.
NEW UPDATE TO APPLICATION PROCESS:
As of September 10, 2014, the Tollway will begin using an on-line application system to assist prospective and current employees in the job application process. This system will allow users to create an individual account, create and maintain a profile of education, experience and certifications, identify job interest categories, search for open positions, and submit job applications. This system will automatically notify users of recently posted jobs based on the job interest categories chosen.
For the employee to be notified of open positions and submit job applications, this system requires the user to have an email account. This could either be a personal account (i.e. gmail, yahoo) or getipass.com account.
To apply for a posted position or to create a “Job Interest Card,” applicants should visit the Tollway’s website, www.illinoistollway.com.

Completed applications may be mailed to the Tollway or dropped off in person at the agency’s Downers Grove headquarters between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. All applications must be received within the dates indicated on the job posting.
The completed Illinois Tollway Employment Application is due Thursday, December 31, 2015 and can be completed on our on-line application system, which can be found at the www.illinoistollway.com under ‘Employment Opportunities’, or mailed or hand-delivered to Human Resources, 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515.
More information can be found at www.illinoistollway.com.
Questions should be directed to Human Resources at (630) 241-6800 ext. 2333.

The Illinois Tollway is an Equal Opportunity Employer.