Village's arts group changes its budget
The Hoffman Estates Arts Commission's Michelle Pilafas went in front of the village board Monday to talk about some changes in this season's programming.
Pilafas, the commission's chairwoman, detailed some of the changes to the group's budget.
A big change was nixing the teen concert, which took place over the summer at the Virginia Hayter Village Green.
The commission regularly has its acclaimed summer concert series but has struggled to attract teens. The teen concert sought to fix that, but wasn't as successful as hoped.
Instead, the commission is going to take the $1,000 it was to spend on the teen concert and use it on another "Chalk It Up" event for September, where residents create murals with chalk.
The commission also elected to spruce up its Fourth of July float. For the $700 it was going to spend on June's speaker forum, the commission will have a $300 float and a $400 band playing music on the float.
It's 20 degrees outside while I type this. I don't think it's too early to think about the July weather. And if that isn't enough for you, here's a stunning revelation: It's only 26 days until pitchers and catchers report for Major League Baseball's spring training.
Comcast beware: Bruce Anderson, the village cable TV coordinator, said Monday that residents will soon have a new TV service vendor.
AT&T is finally set to offer its TV services through the Dish Network. Those services, which will compete with Comcast, among others, will be available during the first quarter of this year, Anderson said. Pricing isn't available.
Anderson also fielded questions Monday from the village board about Channel 6.
Trustees said some residents claim its sound isn't balanced, making it difficult to hear. The problem depends on what program is being shown.
I don't watch Channel 6, as I'm lucky enough to attend all the Hoffman meetings in person. So, please, let me know if you're having trouble with your public access TV experience. I'll make sure to forward the feedback to the village.
Soccer star: Hoffman Estates native Rauwshan McKenzie participated this week in Major League Soccer's Superdraft Combine in Florida.
McKenzie, a defender, attends Michigan State University, where he's a first-team All Big 10 selection and four-year starter on the Spartans. He graduated from Fremd High School.
The combine helps talent evaluators check out potential professional soccer players.
• Got any interesting Hoffman Estates story ideas? Contact Ashok Selvam at (847) 427-4475 or asel-vam@dailyherald.com.