Neighbors in the news: Vernon Township welcomes new supervisor
Tim Kobler, who has served as the Vernon Township Clerk since 2021, was sworn in as Vernon Township supervisor on April 1.
A 20-year Buffalo Grove resident, Kobler is a retired municipal police sergeant whose career in law enforcement spanned 25 years.
He succeeds Supervisor Jonathan Altenberg, who was elected in 2017, and resigned in January due to family and work obligations.
As the township’s new supervisor, Kobler says he will focus on enhancing resident experiences and implementing cost efficiency measures where they are needed throughout the township. He also believes it is crucial that township residents are aware of and have access to the many services available through the township.
“I’m excited to be given this opportunity to help lead the township,” Kobler said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the residents of Vernon Township as their clerk and I will ensure that the high quality of service they are accustomed to, and deserve, continues.”
Congratulations to Suzanne Walzer, a first grade teacher at St. Mary School, Buffalo Grove, who was recognized by The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) with an award for Special Recognition in this year’s Those Who Excel Awards.
According to ISBE, “Educators presented with the Award of Special Recognition have connected with their school community and made a positive impact.”
Walzer will be recognized by ISBE along with the other Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year honorees at a banquet on May 18.
East Maine School District 63 Board of Education appointed Rebecca Lim as director of technology. Currently a D63 instructional technology coach, she will step into her new role on July 1, when current director Keith Shaffer retires.
Lim began her career as an educator in 2012, joining District 63 in 2021. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Nebraska's Peru State College and a master's degree in education administration from California State University, Northridge. She also holds a graduate certificate in instructional technology from UMass Global in Irvine, California.
“We are delighted that Ms. Lim is stepping into this new role,” noted Superintendent Dr. Shawn Schleizer. “Her diverse background as a kindergarten and fifth grade teacher, student-centered approach, and extensive knowledge of instructional technology are a few of the many reasons she was clearly the right fit for our director of technology position. In her three years as an instructional technology coach here in the district, she has made significant contributions, including spearheading technology integration efforts, securing funding for technology initiatives, and facilitating equitable access for our students.”
Prairie Grass Cafe, Northbrook, was honored for its Sensory Friendly Hour program at the 18th annual Disability Matters North America Awards, held April 4 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“On behalf of my staff, my partner George Bumbaris and consultant, Hannah Rose Higdon, we are honored to have Prairie Grass Cafe recognized by Disability Matters for this prestigious award,” said Sarah Stegner, co-owner/co-chef, Prairie Grass Cafe. “This is important to us because it acknowledges our efforts to create a safe space. We hope that other restaurateurs take notice and follow suit,” she said.
Prairie Grass Cafe's Sensory Hour provides an inclusive atmosphere for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy a meal in a relaxed and crowd-free dining experience with limited people and contact. The program is held on the last Saturday of the month and runs through Saturday, June 29.
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