Successful Event Benefits Niles Sister Cities Program

The Village of Niles hosted the fourth annual International Taste of Niles (formerly known as the Taste of Sister Cities) on Sunday, November 23^rd at White Eagle Banquets, located at 6839 N. Milwaukee Avenue.  The event featured culture and cuisine from eighteen local restaurants, representing more than eight countries around the globe.  Also on hand were live musicians, dancers and other entertainment that reflects the culture and history of the Niles sister cities in Greece, Ireland, Italy and Poland.  In addition, the International Taste of Niles featured a silent auction and a complimentary prize drawing.  For the kids, there was a special children’s activity area. 

According to Acting Mayor Robert Callero, “The Taste was a wonderful opportunity for people to explore the heritage of the different ethnicities found in our community.  Many people have never sampled the traditional dishes of their own heritage, much less the favorite foods of other cultures and countries.  This is a great chance to enjoy old family favorites or try something new and different—and it all benefits the Sister Cities Program.”

Participating restaurants included:

Filipino
Filipiniana Restaurant

The International Taste of Niles is an annual event and serves as the primary fundraiser in support of the Sister Cities Initiative, whose mission is to “promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, & cooperation – one individual, one community at a time”.  Niles is proud to have four Sister Cities:  Nafplion, Greece; Leixlip, Ireland; Pisa, Italy and Limanowa, Poland. 

For more information on the International Taste of Niles, please contact Denise Joseph at (847) 588-8449.  For more information on the Sister Cities program, please visit www.sister-cities.org.

The Niles Village Board elected Trustee Robert M. Callero to the post of Acting Mayor Tuesday night.   Callero will serve in the position until April 2009 when regular municipal elections are held.

Mr. Callero fills the office left vacant by the retirement of long-time Mayor Nicholas Blase.  Blase served the Village for 47 years prior to stepping down on Monday.

Mr. Callero was appointed as Village Trustee on April 25, 1995, and has been a Niles resident  since 1958.  He is a representative to the Niles Police and Fire Pension Board since January of 1975 and a member of the Village’s Cable Committee, Finance Committee, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Committee and Environmental Practices Committee. Mr. Callero is a certified public accountant and has worked in Niles since 1960 when he and his brother formed Callero & Callero LLP, CPA’s and Consultants.   With his knowledge of business and finance, he wants to keep Niles government fiscally responsible for its citizens.

Two Niles residents and two of their friends are making an epic 850 miles trip – on longboards!  Mike Kosciesza and Arthur Swidzinski are on their skateboards riding from Chicago to New York City.

They’ll be videotaping their monthlong trip — and all of the adventure and drama they encounter — and making it into a documentary called “Shred America.”

The Mayor of Niles, Nicholas Blase, has contacted the longboarders “on the road” and has wished them a safe and successful trip. 

Check their progress on the ShredAmerica blogsite.

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