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Fri – Sat: 9AM to 5PM
Sun: 1PM to 5PM
4613 N Oketo Ave
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
708-867-7828

4613 N Oketo Ave, Harwood Heights, IL 60706 708-867-7828

Mon – Thur: 9AM to 9PM | Fri – Sat: 9AM to 5PM | Sun: 1PM to 5PM

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March 19, 2026 Island Within A City Committee Meeting

by | March 21, 2026

The Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees Island Within A City Committee March 19, 2026.

CALL TO ORDER

President Magnelli called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

ROLL CALL

Present: Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Parent, Ringelstein, Ross, Zaporowicz-Short Massaro, Stam, Blubaugh.
Absent: McPhillips.
Also Present: Wittmann, Bacarella, Storelli, Tomzik (7:25 P.M.), Sciaccotta (7:26 P.M.) Lewis (7:26 P.M.), Furfori (7:29 P.M.), Bitters 7:32 (P.M.).

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS

Editor, Jennifer Storelli was in attendance.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no public comments.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

There were no minutes to be approved.

Island Within A City

A. Island Within A City Book

i. Progress Report

1. Style Guide—
Julie and Director Wittmann developed a style guide and incorporated revisions as needed. Trustee Zaporowicz-Short raised a question about including a disclaimer and suggested possibly referencing the communities of Norridge and Harwood Heights. Trustee Magnuson noted that doing so would be consistent with the style guide.

2. Veteran’s Chapter—
Director Wittmann spoke with Tiffany Lewis and noted that they do not have a way to directly contact individuals, though they may have some general information on veterans. They do not collect or maintain personal data, but may feature a page acknowledging veterans with general photos. They will check whether Harwood Heights has any additional information available. Director Wittmann advised that they will speak with Ray Murphy, the Veterans Affairs representative in Norridge. Rich also mentioned that Joanna may have a list of veteran names from the Memorial Day ceremony, and that the list may be available elsewhere. Trustee Magnelli will reach out to the Mayor of Harwood Heights.
Additionally, Ridgewood has a Vietnam memorial in its courtyard. Rich noted that there is a military museum that may include Norridge and Harwood Heights.

3. Reconciling Essays with Release Forms
They are reviewing the essays and release forms to ensure all required forms have been received. They will also verify that all names are accurate.

4. Photo Sourcing—
Annamarie and Chris Clark will explore sourcing photos and capturing additional high-quality images. They have a list outlining the photos needed. Director Wittmann will share the spreadsheet with the Board.
Julie is continuing to review remaining comments and gather title suggestions. Jennifer and Julie have a meeting scheduled with Marisa Palese, the daughter of the founder of Nancy’s Pizza.

ii. Book Designer Proposals-Innovations Graphic Design—
Trustee Ringelstein received two proposals, and Jennifer Storelli received the Innovations Graphic Design proposal. Trustee Ringelstein expressed a preference for Joann Pantano’s proposal, noting her rate of $70.00 per hour.

Alex Gilbert’s design estimate was somewhat higher. It was suggested that Ridgewood students could create the cover as a more cost-effective option. Jennifer noted that she is familiar with both Joanna and Dana, and that both follow the provided guidelines. Alex and Joann each submitted samples of their work. Jennifer added that one of the main challenges will be ensuring all images are in the correct resolution. A proof will be provided prior to finalization. She also reported that the document currently exceeds 200 pages at 8½ x 11 size. Samples from the selected designer will be shared with the Board.

The proposals will be added to the April agenda for the Board to review and vote on.

Trustee Ringelstein offered to prepare a proposal for the cover and she could consult with Ridgewood to confirm whether it is appropriate to solicit student submissions. Trustee Magnelli suggested opening the opportunity to all students, not just those in high school. There was discussion regarding the appropriate group to invite for cover design submissions. The committee decided that a contest for the cover may not be the best idea. 

Trustee Parent proposed using a satellite image of the area to highlight the community’s location on the cover. Trustee Magnelli asked about the timeline, and Director Wittmann indicated that the cover is needed by next month. He also noted that each Trustee is welcome to submit ideas for the cover.

iii. Second Complete Draft-Committee Read Through—
Jennifer suggested waiting until the layout is complete before conducting a full read-through.

iv. Next Steps

B. Next Meeting Date
The committee will meet next on April 16, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. 

OTHER BUSINESS

Rich thanked Stacy, Julie, and everyone involved, noting that they are doing an excellent job and expressing appreciation for all their work. Jennifer also recognized Dan and Penny for their contributions.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Zaporowicz-Short, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried. The Committee Meeting was adjourned at 7:38 P.M.

Categories: Board Documents.

March 19, 2026 Island Within A City Committee Meeting

by | March 21, 2026

The Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees Island Within A City Committee March 19, 2026.

CALL TO ORDER

President Magnelli called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

ROLL CALL

Present: Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Parent, Ringelstein, Ross, Zaporowicz-Short Massaro, Stam, Blubaugh.
Absent: McPhillips.
Also Present: Wittmann, Bacarella, Storelli, Tomzik (7:25 P.M.), Sciaccotta (7:26 P.M.) Lewis (7:26 P.M.), Furfori (7:29 P.M.), Bitters 7:32 (P.M.).

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS

Editor, Jennifer Storelli was in attendance.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no public comments.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

There were no minutes to be approved.

Island Within A City

A. Island Within A City Book

i. Progress Report

1. Style Guide—
Julie and Director Wittmann developed a style guide and incorporated revisions as needed. Trustee Zaporowicz-Short raised a question about including a disclaimer and suggested possibly referencing the communities of Norridge and Harwood Heights. Trustee Magnuson noted that doing so would be consistent with the style guide.

2. Veteran’s Chapter—
Director Wittmann spoke with Tiffany Lewis and noted that they do not have a way to directly contact individuals, though they may have some general information on veterans. They do not collect or maintain personal data, but may feature a page acknowledging veterans with general photos. They will check whether Harwood Heights has any additional information available. Director Wittmann advised that they will speak with Ray Murphy, the Veterans Affairs representative in Norridge. Rich also mentioned that Joanna may have a list of veteran names from the Memorial Day ceremony, and that the list may be available elsewhere. Trustee Magnelli will reach out to the Mayor of Harwood Heights.
Additionally, Ridgewood has a Vietnam memorial in its courtyard. Rich noted that there is a military museum that may include Norridge and Harwood Heights.

3. Reconciling Essays with Release Forms
They are reviewing the essays and release forms to ensure all required forms have been received. They will also verify that all names are accurate.

4. Photo Sourcing—
Annamarie and Chris Clark will explore sourcing photos and capturing additional high-quality images. They have a list outlining the photos needed. Director Wittmann will share the spreadsheet with the Board.
Julie is continuing to review remaining comments and gather title suggestions. Jennifer and Julie have a meeting scheduled with Marisa Palese, the daughter of the founder of Nancy’s Pizza.

ii. Book Designer Proposals-Innovations Graphic Design—
Trustee Ringelstein received two proposals, and Jennifer Storelli received the Innovations Graphic Design proposal. Trustee Ringelstein expressed a preference for Joann Pantano’s proposal, noting her rate of $70.00 per hour.

Alex Gilbert’s design estimate was somewhat higher. It was suggested that Ridgewood students could create the cover as a more cost-effective option. Jennifer noted that she is familiar with both Joanna and Dana, and that both follow the provided guidelines. Alex and Joann each submitted samples of their work. Jennifer added that one of the main challenges will be ensuring all images are in the correct resolution. A proof will be provided prior to finalization. She also reported that the document currently exceeds 200 pages at 8½ x 11 size. Samples from the selected designer will be shared with the Board.

The proposals will be added to the April agenda for the Board to review and vote on.

Trustee Ringelstein offered to prepare a proposal for the cover and she could consult with Ridgewood to confirm whether it is appropriate to solicit student submissions. Trustee Magnelli suggested opening the opportunity to all students, not just those in high school. There was discussion regarding the appropriate group to invite for cover design submissions. The committee decided that a contest for the cover may not be the best idea. 

Trustee Parent proposed using a satellite image of the area to highlight the community’s location on the cover. Trustee Magnelli asked about the timeline, and Director Wittmann indicated that the cover is needed by next month. He also noted that each Trustee is welcome to submit ideas for the cover.

iii. Second Complete Draft-Committee Read Through—
Jennifer suggested waiting until the layout is complete before conducting a full read-through.

iv. Next Steps

B. Next Meeting Date
The committee will meet next on April 16, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. 

OTHER BUSINESS

Rich thanked Stacy, Julie, and everyone involved, noting that they are doing an excellent job and expressing appreciation for all their work. Jennifer also recognized Dan and Penny for their contributions.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Zaporowicz-Short, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried. The Committee Meeting was adjourned at 7:38 P.M.

Categories: Board Documents.