Here’s the place to tell us what’s on your mind — while I try to shake my summer doldrums (concerning this blog).
I will be back later today or tomorrow with a post I’ve been writing in my head for days. In the meantime, feel free to suggest future topics.
Wonder, if Illinois will have a state Budget pass before the end of summer.
DGN catcher Dan Sheppard was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the June 10 amateur draft! Way to go Dan!! Good Luck!
I have alot of respect for the Tivoli Theatre but the parking lot for the building needs, if not the actual resemblance to a parking lot rather than an abanonded lot, at least a level surface that does not pitch gravel all over the sidewalk.
amen to that Kelly… it’s been that way for as long as I can remember… and that’s a long time!
Although two toots caters to kids, what a great greasy burger for adults too!!!!!!!!!!!!
Summer is hear now. What are the chances that the PD will find a way to build us a terrific community, PD sponsered and funded pool in the next two years? Without Art Jaros?
I hope everyone enjoys the new 25 MPH sign that our village put up as you leave downtown going south on main street. The new sign is located on the light pole just past Maple Avenue, on Main street. The sign has only been there a few weeks now.
I have first hand knowledge of how this area can be confusing to a driver. I thought the speed limit was 35 MPH once you got out of town past Maple Avenue, going south on Main street. The nice officer on duty that evening made sure I was aware that the speed limit in fact was 25 MPH. I made sure he was aware that there was no posted speed limit sign until after the new fire station which is 35 MPH, hence the reason why I was traveling at 42 MPH. He did advise me that the village has a 25 MPH speed limit unless otherwise posted for all village roads. In my haste to return home from activities in the downtown area I failed to take that law into account. I apologized to the very nice and informative officer and went on my way.
After polling some friends and neighbors at to what the posted speed limit was in that area they all thought the speed limit there was between 30 – 40 MPH but were not really sure. I thought it would be a good idea to let the village and the Police Department know that there may be an signage issue at that location. I added that a posted sign like the one the north side has just after you pass the BP station on Main Street may help with some traffic calming in that area. Just to give drivers a little reminder. At least now the speed limit is clearly marked so people like myself have no excuse for exceeding the speed limit there. I want to thank Louis in public works for all of his efforts on this project and others that I have worked on with him in the past. Thanks Louis!
hmmmmm? I thought the fact that Art Jaros was not re-elected was just confirmation that the community really doesn’t want a public funded pool. No disrespect, Art was very articulate and was an excellent voice on the commission. But, thank goodness he didn’t get his way. The combination of the economy with the poor June weather would of been crushing to the DGPD this year had AJ gotten his way.
I knew the pool issue would surface again. It always does on this blog every summer. Especially, once the heat index gets above 85. But, by September it goes away. Let’s focus our PD tax dollars towards year round activities.
Our bet is, despite the poor economic conditions, that our school boards will continue to provide handsome pay and benefit increases to top district administrators and staff.
Further evidence that, even though private sector jobs are being slashed, benefits cut or eliminated, and management and other white collar professionals take mandatory or voluntary pay cuts to keep their jobs, our public educators and school board members are not in touch with taxpayers.
Isn’t it great that Illinois has found a way to balance their budget without raising taxes and cutting human services in half? Isn’t it about time for foster kids, the mentally and physically impaired to go out and get a real job? Sure it is!
Illinois State Legislators have been called back to Springfield next Tuesday and let’s hope the state budget problems can get resolved.
I find it interesting that one of our Downers Grove residents has allegedly bilked investors of over $11 million dollars and then skipped town.
The person in question has thrown the Chicago media into both a feeding frenzy and into chaos with allegations over who knew what with whom and so on yet DG Report has been totally silent on this matter.
Gosh “Informed” are you suggesting that our intrepid blog hostess is in cahoots with that shyster Hernandez?! Have millions been bilked from this blog?
Maybe she’s “shaking ( her) summer doldrums” with a pair of maracas on a sandy atoll somewhere!
Sorry, Informed Observer, Mom has stepped away from the computer to recharge her batteries and, yes, try to bring in some of that filthy lucre, albeit by legitimate means.
In the meantime, a few stories eluded me and that bugs me, too. Competition thy name is journalist.
I’ll try to roust myself for a better showing next week.
I never intended to suggest that EJ with the alleged shyster.
I simply thought a local perspective would be interesting. I happened log onto a couple of radio blogs and, oh my gosh, the postings are unbelievable from folks we know to on the air personalities, letting it all hang out. Several prominent OTA folks have gotten burned on this one.
Illinois has not fould a way to balance a budget without raising taxes. Illinois lawmakers are facing the worst state budget in their lifetimes. The deficit is between 8 and 11-billion dollars. Several social services learned they will lose at least 50% of their budgets. Illinois’ most vulnerable will likely suffer. For example: some children who have been sexually abused may not get counseling, many elderly may no longer receive in-home care, and numerous children with autism may not get treatment. Republican Representative Mike Bost from Murphysboro, IL. He said he would vote for an income tax increase if the money were used to reduce state debt and spending on new programs were stopped. I wish there would be a legal way to stop using Human service programs, and state parks in Illinois as a political football during the budget process.
I am appalled at the poor, near gravel, state of the roads in the area of Valley View and Foster. Is this some kind of unincorporated area ? As long as nothing is done I’ll avoid all the “special places” this town supports.
The state of IL needs to cut some fat gang. There are plenty of programs that could be cut or reduced in size. I agree that certain social services such as the one Earl mentioned should be left alone for the most part.
Having said that…Welfare programs that are being abused should be cut. I think there should be legislation introduced where if you are on any form of public aid you have to be drug tested randomly every 6 months or so. I do not want people who do not want to help themselves sucking off the government, doing drugs and committing crime. I think that is fair, what does anyone else think? Obviously, the people on drug treatment programs may need to be cut some degree of slack until they get the toxins out of their systems, but I have no sympathy for that person living off food stamps and other welfare programs. I have first hand knowledge that people are asking their employers not to give them raises just so they can stay on public aid. That is wrong and it happens ever day. What happened to “ask not what your country can do for you”?(JFK the last decent Democrat elected to any office)
IL Senate GOP Pushes for Redistricting Reform
Ending Illinois’ system of gerrymandering legislative and congressional districts is the goal of a new state constitutional amendment (SJR-CA 69) filed by State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon). Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno has called for a special legislative session in September to take up the issue. The Illinois Reform Commission, appointed by Governor Pat Quinn, had harsh words for Illinois’ winner-take-all system of drawing legislative and congressional districts, declaring that “regardless of which party wins, the people of Illinois are the losers…”
Here’s my opinion, (not that it matters) this is Illinois elected officials chance to show the rest of country a model of how to Redistrict for 2010; by having an independent commission made up of nonpartisan types of leaders from different fields. Example, these leaders would be from the business communities, education departments, charity organizations, small business owners, etc. or something to that effect. Let us get rid of that of label of: “If it isn’t the most corrupt state in the United States it’s certainly one hell of a competitor,” Robert Grant, head of the FBI’s Chicago office, has previously stated. This is our time as voters to restore “that government of the people for people” works regardless of what political party is in control. In this time of new democracies evolving in the world stage, this our chance to show the world how to deal with political parties going back and forth passing and blaming on each other. Let us voters raise to the occasion and show the world we can rise above the chaos of Illinois’ history corruption, began a new of era of transparency with the internet age in play having an nonpartisan commission setup our state’s redistricting in the near future. As crazy it sounds, I believe that if controlling political party (the Illinois Democrats) work this commission out with the Republicans that it would restore Illinoisans’ faith in Illinois State government and that state government serves for the greater good and restore faith in our elected officials at the same time. This plan if implemented would be a win-win situation for both political parties and most important the taxpayers/voters of Illinois.
Why is BP closing stations in Downers Grove? First, it closed the station at 63rd and Main. That was a year or two ago. Now, it just closed the station at 75th and Lemont. I just assumed that when the Dunkin’ Donuts store closed, that it would become a Wild Bean or AM-PM Minimart.
It’s a pain, because my dealer recommended that I switch to BP, after 3 fuel injectors went bad before the warrenty expired. That was 8 years ago, and I haven’t had a problem since.
Now, I either have to drive all the way to Ogden and Main or Belmont and Maple.
According to our own state’s financials, Illinois is a step behind CA, MI, and NY in the bankruptcy race. The two biggest categories of expenditures are the state’s portion of Medicaid and public pensions.
According to government stats, approx 60% of Medicaid is spent on illegals. This is absolute madness and must stop immediately!
Public pensions are also out of control especially in the educational “industry”. Retired school teachers and administrators enjoy rich benefits (75% of their last 4 year’s avg pay for life!) that hardly anyone has in the private sector. Add to that, most educators retire in their mid to late 50′s and almost entirely at taxpayer expense!
They aren’t alone. Look at your tax bill and you will find taxpayers support the pensions of 10 different classes of “public servants”. From educators to police to fire to park district and municipal workers, etc. Ask yourself, who is paying for my retirement? Answer? No one except you and maybe a paltry contribution by your employer! Social security in the future? That system is going bankrupt so don’t count on that. And even if you do, its a mere pittance of payout vs the lucrative pensions the public unions have carved out for themselves. Politicians also suck from the taxpayer nipple by serving a minimum of one term!
Meanwhile, the private sector taxpayer has seen their own retirement funds decrease by 30-40% over the last 9 months. This madness has to stop or the state will either go BK or we will be facing massive tax increases to continue this unfair and unsustainable luxury.
WAKE UP PEOPLE! Contact your state rep and senator and tell them to vote NO to any tax increase and to end or drastically curtail public pensions. We can no longer afford such a benefit for those who call themselves “public servants”!
With the Gov. Mark Sanford, former Senator Larry Graig, Senator John Eric Ensign and former Senator Packwood, do you think the GOP is the party of moral valves still? I bet the GOP regrets wasting taxpayers money and discovering the older man enjoy youner ladies with the Ken Starr Report. I think Thomas Jefferson was right, that politications shouldn’t mess with politications’s personal lives.
About the GOP and Moral Values, who can forget about former congressman Foley.
And it was OK for Bill Clinton (a sitting President) to get oral sex in the oval office. Please don’t lecture the GOP on morality Earl. Thanks.
It is not like a President could hail a taxi and check in to the Holiday Inn. I am not saying what he did was correct and/or honest. Just think about an adult’s biological needs whether it’s JFK, Ben Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton; thank goodness for the Kinsey studies at IU in the 5o’s, or society would be scared of a sex discussion in the public forum. I hate when I talk like a topic on the Oprah show, I move onto a different topic.
Wow…If this kind of thinking is indicative of the youth of America we are doomed.
Just to expand on my last statement for a second. If Earls opinion is prevalent in our society in general, no matter the age group, we are in trouble.
Chad, Earl has a conveniently short memory when it comes to Democrats and their sexual and moral improprieties. In my lifetime, I think the most serious of all incidents involved a certain Senator from MA who crashed his car over a bridge while drunk, killing his girlfriend, and then walking away from the accident without ever facing the true legal consequences of his actions.
Then there was his brother John Kennedy, John Edwards, Elliot Spitzer (and his successor), NJ Gov Jim McGreevey, FL Rep Tim Mahoney – all guilty of sexual inuendos. Add to that mix, MA homosexual Reps Barney (I’m not responsible for the mortgage meltdown) Frank who ran a male prostitution service from his residence and Gerry Studds who was censured for a sexual relationship with an underage male, both in the 80′s. And let’s not forget about the cocaine using DC Mayor Marion Barry or WVA Senator Robert Byrd, a ex-KKK member! These are just a few to remind Earl that the Democrats are not as pure as the wind-driven snow.
Point being; the human species is born imperfect and we are all prone to committing sin in our lives, regardless of political party. What I find interesting is that people like Earl seem to hold politicians on either side of the aisle to different moral and ethical standards. Is it because Republicans – while guilty of some of the same improprieties as Democrats – still attempt to uphold the traditional Judeo-Christian standards this country was founded upon?
It is my opinion that a party that still aims high (but at times falls short of the mark) is still preferred to a party which seems to have reached the conclusion that “anything goes” and no one can judge the actions of anyone else.
What really bothers me is that our society has melted down so drastically on a moral, social and political basis. I would venture a guess that 99% of all American’s really don’t follow the laws that our politicians are passing. Our politicians don’t even read the bills they are signing. I don’t even know if the average American cares. It is quite frustrating.
American’s are ok with paying some of the highest taxes in the FREE world. I don’t even thing most American’s know the taxes they pay. Lets just say you pay more than just pay role, property and sales tax gang. It baffles me that people are ok sucking off the government. What ever happened to ask not what your country can do for you?
I urge everyone to please re-read your Declaration of Independence and let me know if any of our politicians over the past few decades have come even close to respecting that document. (http://www.ushistory.org/Declaration/document/index.htm)
I’m reading all the comments about politicians morals and I don’t understand why no one else gets this… it’s not about Democrats or Republicans. It’s about a society that focuses on sex regarding everything from condoms to toothbrushes! And now everyone is shocked when people, that are actually just like everyone else in the big scope of things, stray off the path of morality! What exactly do we expect???
The only difference, really, between the lawmakers and the little guy is their paychecks! I would venture a guess that if a poll was able to be done, just as many “little” people cheat on their spouses! The only difference is the “little” people don’t have TV cameras following them everywhere!
DGLIFER is right is not about political parities, but human nature. I know two wrongs don’t make a right, but since the contract with America crowd made such a big deal about it in the late 1990′s: As a congressman, Sanford voted in favor of three of four articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton, citing the need for “moral legitimacy.” I know, I am not perfect but to state that old saying, “people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”
Regardless of political party or even church, hope and pray this is the last of the sex scandals. I think we have more serious problems in this nation and in the world to worry about people’s bedroom lives.
Anyone know what type of business is going in North of the Community Bank of Downers Grove?
According to the 1/5/09 Planning Commission minutes:
- Larsen Eye Center is building an outpatient eye clinic/optical shop at the NW corner of Forest and Warren (where the DG National “Little Bank” used to be).
- Larsen already has offices at the Good Samaritan campus on Highland and in Hinsdale, but apparently wanted to expand into downtown Downers.
- Typical operating schedule will be M-F 8a-6p w/ some weekend hours.
dgombudsman:
Yes, a 3,150 square foot outpatient eye clinic.
For details, see http://www.downers.us/assets/production/agenda_related_doc/file/1950/Active_c.pdf
DGLIFER is right is not about political parities, but human nature. I know two wrongs don’t make a right, but since the contract with America crowd made such a big deal about it in the late 1990’s: As a congressman, Sanford voted in favor of three of four articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton, citing the need for “moral legitimacy.” I know, I am not perfect but to state that old saying, “people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”
The measure passed in 1994, the earlier deadline took effect, and for 6 of the first 7 years, lawmakers finished their work by May 31. But in recent years, that hasn’t happened. In the last 2 years of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s rule, House and Senate members worked well into the summer, despite clear incentives for them not to do so. Post-May 31 rules requiring legislation to receive more votes to pass and limiting expense money for lawmakers haven’t had the desired effect.
It could be argued that the May 31 deadline is a failure, and that the original June 30 deadline is more realistic. This year, it would have given lawmakers an extra month to conceive a commonsense budget, rather than waste precious weeks as the July 1 start date approaches for a draconian budget that threatens to slash human services to the bone
Back to School Fair
School Supply Drive
August 5, 2009
11:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
DuPage County Fairgrounds
2015 W. Manchester Rd., Wheaton
Purpose: A one stop resource event coordinated by Catholic Charities of health and human services for families living on low incomes in DuPage County with children ages newborn to 18 years.
Last year: Last year over 3,000 children attended this annual event; however the Regional Office of Education only had enough backpacks to distribute to 1,500 students. Backpacks continue to be a huge need!
This year: The Regional Office of Education is organizing a School Supply Drive with the emphasis on funding for backpacks. The need here in DuPage is growing every day . . . the economy has affected so many making the annual Back to School Fair a most valued resource for families needing assistance preparing their children for the return to another school year. It is our goal to hand out a backpack to every child who attends the fair.
We need your assistance: If you could help us out with a monetary contribution, it would help us achieve our goal of providing these students with the necessary tools to help them learn and succeed for the next school year. We have a vendor who will provide us with backpacks for $7 each.
In return: Recognition will be given to sponsors in, banners, newsletters, and post event report on the Regional Office of Education website for their support.
Send checks to: DuPage Educational Foundation
c/o DuPage Regional Office of Education
421 N. County Farm Rd.
Wheaton, IL 60187
Questions: Call Cindy Langemack, (630)407-5783
THANK YOU! Dr. Darlene Ruscitti
Regional Superintendent of Schools
Increasing the income tax is a contentious matter because some lawmakers do not want to burden constituents during a difficult economic time.
With the 2010 elections approaching, lawmakers also are concerned that if they vote to raise taxes, they will lose voter support.
The House voted on Quinn’s tax proposal last month, but the measure failed, with Democratic lawmakers split on the issue.
The Senate passed a bill that would have permanently increased the income tax from 3 to 5 percent, but the House did not consider the proposal.
Just read in the Reporter where a certain D58 school board member wants to stop the bond issue to fix the roofs at the remaining grade schools. MT…EJ…either of you want to do a story on this? Seems like a hot issue. Personally, I would like it to go to a referendum. If the support is there it should pass…RIGHT? And if these bonds are issued where is D58 going to cut back or keep static in order to control costs?
Heard about this last week, Chad, but couldn’t run with it myself as it posed a conflict of interest (my husband is on the committee that first heard of O’Connell’s interest in stopping the bond issue). Glad the Reporter picked it up.
Got ya, thanks.
Chad…
Sam Adams wrote, “No people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and Virtue is preserved. On the Contrary, when People are universally ignorant, and debauched in their Manners, they will sink under their own weight without the Aid of foreign Invaders.”
Are we there yet? Methinks.
How much longer does DG have to wait to get AT&T U-Verse? It seems that other towns have had U-Verse for a year or two. I wrote to the Village last year, and I was told that AT&T had pulled the permits to start installing the system. They were going to check and see when AT&T would start the work.
I got fed up with Comcast and switched back to AT&T in early ’08, but I’m not interested in bolting a dish to my house, which is what AT&T keeps trying to sell me.
My friend just 2 blocks away has the Att Uverse. My block of course does not have the service yet. Funny how that works.
The distribution cabinets are in place, look for the beige boxes in the parkway, usually with an electric meter next to them. But don’t expect the service to be much better… or cheaper. And if you have televisions with Comcast cable plugged directly into the back, you are going to need an AT&T box for each.
Why does DG not work out a way to fix that horrible road with the “Dangerous Intersection” that serves popular businesses like Rossi, Olive Garden, Melting Pot, etc….. It’s a shame to have that broken down, weedy mess as a feeder to dining and shopping.
That road is privately owned. DG has nothing to do with it, other than police it.
I must be getting old… the DGY Motosport sign is starting to irritate me, at first it was funny, the spacing of it anyway….
“Get Her Wet PWC Sale”
Anyone check out the steam engine that blew threw town yesterday at around 6:30 PM? Quite impressive.
Yup. There were probably 100 people on the platforms at Main Street. I got a movie and one still photo.
John, please share both if you can.
I want to thank congresswomen Judy Biggert for not rushing on this health care reform issue. Judy and her staff work very hard on our behalf. I feel Judy has the best interests of the majority of her constituents in mind on this issue. The bill as it is written is not a viable solution. People from all over the world come to our country to get the care that their failed nationalized systems could not provide. I am confident that Judy is going to make sure that any health care reform bill that she votes for will be a system that rewards innovation, efficiency and provides the highest level of care in the world that Americans have grown accustomed to. Thank you Judy!
Biggert Jr. works as a lobbyist for Ins. Co. hmmm.
Viva Le France’
Emo Fan,
I know your not insinuating that Congresswomen Biggert is being influenced by insurance company lobbyists. Unless you can substantiate your insinuation with fact, I would refrain from posting rumor.
I found a cool website where you can test your political tendancies! cool site! You may even find out something about yourself. I did. If you are a facebook friend of mine you can check out how I did!
http://www.gotoquiz.com/politics/political-spectrum-quiz.html?fbqt=104713&ref=mf
Village Discontinues Subsidized Leaf Collection
Village officials announced that Downers Grove will discontinue the subsidized Leaf Collection Program this fall. The move helps to address a revenue shortfall within the Village’s 2009 Budget due to the slowing economy and subsequent reductions in several major revenue sources.
The optional program was first introduced to residents last fall as a result of a new three-year contract with ARC Disposal that took effect April 1, 2008. Leaves were collected for a six week period between October and December without the use of a sticker at an annual Village subsidy of $140,000.
As in years prior to the Leaf Collection Program, leaves are considered yard waste and are subject to the Yard Waste regulations.
Leaf volume can easily be reduced by mowing over them prior to bagging. The ratio of bags to leaves is reduced by seven to one, thereby saving residents money on sticker costs. Leaves also make an excellent addition to any compost.
Please remember that it is against Village ordinance to burn leaves or to rake them into the street.
Residents with questions about yard waste collection may call the Community Response Center at (630) 434-CALL (2255) or send an email to Community Response Center.
I understand the need to cut the budget but I don’t have to like it! LOL
There is over a 6 million dollar surplus in the Water Fund. How about a $100 credit to each user, that buys alot of stickers.
Correction, a pharmaceutical lobbyist at $230,000.
The village should discontinue the Subsidized bus system and start really saving. That would be according to the proposed budget, 112 transportation section, page 312 a 1.8 million savings. If I read that correctly
that’s page 3-12
Greg,
3-12 of what document exactly?
Morning,
The document was the “Fiscal Year 2009 Recommended Budget, Section III, Fund Summaries (excl. General Fund)”
Emo,
Lobbyists need to be reigned in- all lobbyists….but this “government good/private sector bad…very bad” – attitude of the controlling party is not sustainable…either is the proposed healthcare bill. Government isn’t the answer to all of our life’s problems….
Last time I looked, there was consolidation in the pharma industry not many new companies opening up. You find tendancies for the best venture capitalists with the most money to invest, staying WAAAAY clear of new pharma ideas. Cause the risks of bringing new drugs to market (time and money) far outweigh the financial benefits. If you disagree, feel free to put all of your financial nest egg in pharma stocks….
Ps
maybe we can use the 6mm in the water fund to pay for….let me think…the replacement of our 100 year old water mains…. and for that matter sewers.
1. I know this is not a local topic 2. I know what I might say is premature and “crazy” sounding. Besides being 6-7 years early. But how about the sound of Senator Al Franken for President?
Did he just say Al Franken? OMG! We don’t need Stuart Smally in the White House. It’s bad enough and proof enough that any can be a senator already!
Businessman,
Here is a talkin point for you.
The Democratic party now claims that socialism has replaced the “N” word. So anyone who says we are becoming socialist nation is now a racist in the eyes of the Democratic party. There is a talking point! Talk your way out of that!!!
Al Franken can run against Dick Cheney….This way we can have two extremes duking it out. I love the fact that now Al Franken is considered the poster child of the Democratic Party….We Repubs certainly will be using it over the next few election cycles…..I have a few good ones to put out there….They come from his worst moments…
His worst moments!! You must mean his whole SNL career! LOL
Who was the B Film Actor who starred in that 1951 film Bedtime for Bonzo? (Thanks for the clear Sunshine skies here today in Dixon for his new Statue unveiling by the Rock River.) Is it fair to compare Senator Franken to him, probably not; but then again anything possible in the US.
I Knew Ronald Reagan, Sir….And AL FRanken ain’t NO Ronald Reagan
…If that was your weak attempt at a comparison…Oh Boy….you are going to be in trouble. Now Sony Bono was a congressmen..but NOT a Senator. But then again, even community organizers can become senators…so I guess comedic acting and radio experience would be an upgrade.
9-11-01…My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of everyone affected by that fateful day! Never forget! God bless America!
No Olympics for Chicago. Oh well. No feather in Daley’s cap. So sad.
Thanks Mr. Chad D. Walz for opening up Open Thread forum again. With the new fall season of TV programs in full swing, what’s your take? I enjoy Community and Glee; of course happy, funny TV always is a hit with me. I was just in Downers last week and every time I comeback the less I recognize it.
Sorry you feel that way about our fine village Mr. Earl McGuire. I happen to like the direction our village is headed. Maybe it is a blessing that you live were you live and a blessing that I live where I live. Funny how things have a way of working out.
Earl-For some reason I am comforted by the fact that Downers is becoming unrecognizable to you. Very comforted.
Hmm. I took that as he doesn’t recognize it as you might not recognize a grown-up you knew when they were a child, not neccessarily anything negative.
Just a thought, gentlemen.