Big Bucks on Buildings and a New Facebook Goal: Feedback Friday

Let me just say how wonderful it is that I can hope and pray we'll get to 450 Facebook likes, and see a lovely 462 a week later!

Thanks so much for another week of support for Chicago Heights Patch. We appreciate all the feedback and comments every single week, and our way of showing that is with this weekly series. 

So without further rambling, let's get to the most important subject of the day: you! 

Shiny New Debt for Rich District 227

Earlier this week, community members and even board members were shocked to find out School District 227 had put $4.2 million toward a new district office. 

Board members David Morgan, Cheryl Coleman and Shelia Hester-Whorton were angry about the decision, as they had been encouraging community members to petition against the expenditure only to find out their efforts were futile. 

We asked Facebook fans for feedback on the decision and we got a heartfelt response from Tina Zagone: 

As a taxpayer in the Rich 227 school district; I think it is irresponsible to spend money on additional property (fix-ups or otherwise), at this time. We should be investing money in the current facilities and making sure our children have what they need for a well-rounded education. WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR THIS BUILDING (Isn't this the old Mr. Benny's restaurant?) What can a school possibly do with this building?

Kelly Gildersleeve Schimanski also disagreed with the decision: "This is a waste of the peoples money!! I know they could find a MUCH cheaper space!!!"

Only time will tell if the new building was worth the money and anger from the community. 

Read the whole story: Rich District Reform Board Members: We Own It?

Chowdown Choices

As usual, we called upon the voices of the many to decide what three restaurants would go head-to-head-to-head in the Chowdown Showdown. 

This time it was all about barbecue ribs, and we got tons of responses:

Tina Zagone: ‎3 Star Liquor in Chicago Heights has great food! Tucked away but with perfect "summer" atmosphere and bocci ball courts, who could ask for anything more.

Tina Zagone: In Olympia Fields we have FLAVOR on Vollmer & Governors.... mmmmmm good.

Ellen Cox: Years ago there was a place called The Rib Cage on Route 30. Okay, many years ago

Kristin Kassela: Isn't there a BBQ place in the plaza in Chgo Heights (Joe Orr Road)? It was good...I think it's still there, but the name of it escapes me at the moment.

Pamela Hamilton: Twisted Q is good on Chicago rd north of steger rd.

Star Kaminski: You have to go to Twisted Q/Dari Whip in Steger on Chgo Ed. Best BBQ around!

Cheryl Krause: Twisted Q is awesome!!!!!

Jodie Mitich: I'd say Twisted Q as well. 

We ended up throwing Twisted Q and Smoke Pit BBQ in the mix, while H-F Patch readers added Glenwood Oaks to the competition. 

Read the whole story to see who won: 

Should We Meet?

Finally, I asked this very important question on Facebook this week:

Facebook can be so impersonal. Maybe I should go out and meet some of the wonderful Facebook fans of Chicago Heights Patch. I'm sure you all have awesome ideas for how we can serve Chicago Heights, Olympia Fields and South Chicago Heights better! 

So what does everyone think? Should I meet with a new Facebook fan every week?

The responses were great. Some were encouraging, some were inviting and others were down right funny, but it was nice to get feedback on my potential "meet the Facebook fans" campaign:

Dennis Rasinski Are you going to come to our house to visit?? Come on down.....only 500 miles:-)

Belinda Weiss-Moore Go for it. Good luck.

Rickey Dorsey You really need to hire a staff member to cover Park Forest and Matteson better!!!

Mame Gammie Come on over! We're neighbors!

Wagner Cervera What about having a meeting place for Facebook fans... Say once a month meeting in the Bloom library.

The idea of having a group meeting with several Facebook fans once per month sounds interesting to me. Maybe this is something we can set up. 

In the mean time, I'll make it goal to meet with at least one Facebook fan each week, perhaps starting with Mame Gammie. 

Thanks again for another wonderful week. Let's see if we can work toward 500 Facebook likes!