Memorial still stalled by age limit

The most optimistic view is construction work on a children's memorial could begin in October in Hoffman Estates.

However, after three years of planning, the age limit continues to snarl the project. Under the current regulation, only those 22 and younger would be eligible for recognition, which some want to change.

The memorial, a circular brick display with surrounding trees and flowers, would be located across the corner from village hall, outside the east entrance on Hassell Road. Its aim is to honor deceased children.

The village board could green-light the project at its Oct. 9 meeting. If approval isn't granted, the project may have to wait until spring.

Scott Triphahn, head of the village's children's memorial commission, said Monday about half of the $28,000 needed to build the project has been raised. The center of the memorial would be home to an annual Christmas tree, encircled by a 16-inch-tall concrete seat wall and five bronze statues. The village's public works department, the Hoffman Estates Park District and trade groups have also offered to donate services toward construction, Triphahn added.

"I know the money is there," he said.

Originally, the age limit was for children under 18. The memorial was also to be confined to village residents. The age restriction was later changed to 22 and the memorial opened to include graduates of the local school districts.

Commission member Jan Kendra had a 24-year-old son who died of a heart attack in 1994, and she wants him included in the memorial. Another commission member, Adrienne Kosin, had a 40-year-old daughter who died in 2002. The pair don't understand the point of excluding any children.

"I don't care if waits till the spring," Kendra said.

Former Trustee Ed Frank helped come up with the idea and is tired of waiting for construction to start. He backs the age restriction.

"I'm going to be dead by the time this thing goes up," Frank said.

Bob Tiballi, an Elgin pediatrician, had earmarked $100,000 to build his own children's memorial on Shoe Factory Road, where the Lindbergh School once stood. Kendra said she wishes Tiballi would donate some of that money to the official village memorial, now that the Lindbergh site isn't an option for Tiballi. The two projects were separate, and the two parties have never communicated.

The commission continues to ask for pledges. Call the village at (847) 882-9100 for more information.