Village of Westchester December 2014 Newsletter by Village of Westchester, IL

Village of

Westchester December 2014 Newsletter

From the Desk of The President WESTCHESTER IN PICTURES

FIRE DEPARTMENT

POLICE DEPARTMENT

4 President Sam Pulia joins Mariano’s CEO Bob Mariano, State Senator Kimberly Lightford and Store Manager Ivan Chavez at the Grand Opening Gala of the new Mariano’s Fresh Market in Westchester

PARK DISTRICT

LIBRARY

SCHOOL DISTRICT

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Christmas has come early to the Village of Westchester! During the month of November, two major initiatives have come to fruition.

His vision will be one of the most notable viable economic engines that the Village will enjoy for years to come. Praise also needs to be mentioned for Mariano’s parent company ROUNDY’S SUPERMARKETS, MARIANO’S OPENS IN WESTCHESTER INC and Mr. Dan Farrell, Vice President for Real On Monday, November 3, 2014, I along with all of Estate. Village Manager Janet Matthys, Community the Westchester elected officials, department heads, Development Director Melissa Headley, Building administrative staff and invited guests attended a Commissioner Anthony Saviano, Fire Chief Jim Grand Opening Gala at the new Mariano’s Fresh Adams,Fire Captain Jeff LeBeda,Plumbing Inspector Market located at 3020 Wolf Road.This is the site of Andy Esposito, and Finance Director Maureen the former Dominick’s grocery store that had closed Potempa deserve special recognition for either December 28, 2013. For those who have been engineering the economic incentive agreement, following the transformation of the building from 50 providing inspectional services for Westchester thousand square feet to nearly 81 thousand square Code Compliance for building a safe structure, as feet, many opinions were that it was not going to be well as assuring compliance with the aesthetic completed this year. I must compliment Regency properties associated with our Plan Commission Center, the owner of the Westbrook Commons recommendations. shopping plaza and their staff, Nick Wibbenmeyer, As my wife Maureen and I arrived at the Gala, Regional Vice President and Matt Hendy, Senior we were greeted personally at the door by Bob Investment Manager, as well as Jon Beer, Senior Mariano, as was every guest that attended. I gave Project Manager, for completing the construction Bob a Westchester lapel pin with our unique and in time for the early November opening just before beautiful crest that he immediately put on his lapel. the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. At the actual ribbon cutting, Mr. Mariano thanked Mr. Bob Mariano deserves a great big THANK YOU See PRESIDENT, page 5 for having the vision in filling a void for Westchester.

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Pictures

Fire Department DECEMBER 2014

Fire Department Fire Safety Tips The Holidays are a time for celebration and that means cooking and with cooking regrettably home fires and injuries. Unattended cooking fires account for 33% of these fires. Other leading causes are placing combustible items to close to the heat source and various electrical defects. The most common reason for unattended cooking fires is when the cook becomes distracted and leaves the kitchen. To increase your safety when cooking follow these safety tips.  

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Stay in the kitchen: don’t leave cooking unattended (stand by your pan!) Wear short or tight fitting sleeves loose clothing is more likely to catch on fire or get caught on pot handles Enforce a kid free zone of three feet around stove Keep area around stove clear of all combustible items papers, pot holders, dish towels Cook at indicated temperature settings rather than higher settings Keep pot lid handy to smother pan fires do not attempt to pick up a pot or pan that is on fire turn off heat and cover with lid

Keeping the Wreath Red The Westchester Fire Department wishes all the residents a Merry Christmas and safe holiday season. Each year a tradition of fire departments across the country is to hang a wreath at their stations with all red bulbs the wreaths hung are part of the Keep the Wreaths Red safety campaign . When a fire is caused by holiday decorations a red bulb is replaced with a white bulb. The wreaths are hung as a reminder to practice fire safety during the holiday season. The Westchester Fire Department wishes to keep the wreath red this year below are some holiday safety tips to keep your home safer during the holiday season. Here are a few ways to help firefighters keep their wreaths red: Trees- Look for “fire-resistant” labels when buying artificial trees. Although it doesn’t mean the tree won’t catch fire, it does mean it won’t burn as easily.- Check live trees for dryness by bouncing the tree and grabbing a branch and pulling. Very few needles should fall off a healthy tree.- Keep trees away from fireplaces and radiators; take traffic patterns into account when setting up your tree.- Make sure your tree is secure in its tree stand, and keep the stand filled with water. Candles- Keep burning candles in sight. Always extinguish all candles before you go to bed or leave the house.- Keep candles away from flammable items such as trees, decorations, curtains and furniture. Keep them away from pets and children, too. Lights- Check each set of Christmas lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wire, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets.- Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire. - If you use an extension cord, make sure it’s rated for the intended use.

Make a Fire Escape Plan

DO NOT USE WATER!! It will cause splashing and spread fire. 

Treat burns immediately with cool running water and seek medical care if needed.

In the event of a fire, remember - time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.

Important      

Practice escape plans every month. Plan two ways out of each room. Immediately leave your home when a fire occurs. Never open doors that are hot to the touch. Designate a meeting location away from your home. Once you're out, stay out!

Important Having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month and changed with new ones at least once a year. Also, consider replacing the entire smoke alarm every ten years, or as the manufacturer guidelines recommend.

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Utility Worker Scam Beware of strangers appearing at your door purporting to be utility workers from the telephone, electric, cable, or gas company etc., etc. These con artists for the most part target the elderly.The con artist simply wants to gain entry and find jewelry and currency kept in your home. DO NOT allow any stranger to enter your residence, without proper identification or prior scheduled service. Don’t fall for the stranger(s) that purports to be from our water or sewer department. Keep your distance and verify their credentials by calling their office. These innocent property crimes can go bad and turn into violent crimes. Unfortunately there are con artists that go one step further and identify themselves as police officers in order to gain entry into your home. Don’t hesitate to question the identity of any such stranger. Call the police and check the credentials of these strangers when in doubt, we will be glad to assist you and will understand your concern. Dial 911 for any such encounter. Better to be Safe than to be Sorry. It may be time to purchase an inexpensive intercom system that is easily installed. This way you don’t have to have any face-to-face contact with a con artist and you can summons the police before it’s too late. SEE IT ~ HEAR IT ~ REPORT IT

Police blotter

1) At 7:44am on October 28, 2014 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported on the 800 block of Suffolk. The resident reported that they discovered damage to their kitchen window. It appeared to have been caused by a BB pellet. 2) At 6:11pm on October 28, 2014 a Felony Retail Theft was reported at the Walgreens located at 10345 Roosevelt Road. A male subject was arrested and charged with felony retail theft. 3) At 6:39pm on October 29, 2014 a Theft of Bicycle was reported at the Westchester Public Library located at 10700 Canterbury. The bicycle owner reported that unknown person(s) removed an unlocked bicycle from the bike rack. 4) At 7:55am on November 1, 2014 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported on the 1400 block of Portsmouth. The resident reported that unknown person(s) attempted to gain entry to a ground floor window. The window was damaged but entry was not made to the residence. 5) At 7:13am on November 3, 2014 a

Theft of Motor Vehicle was reported from the 9900 block of Drury Lane. The resident reported that their vehicle was taken from their driveway sometime during the previous evening. At approximately 2pm the vehicle was located by a neighboring police department and the vehicle owner was notified. 6) At 5:25pm on November 4, 2014 a Theft was reported on the 10200 block of Canterbury. The resident reported that unknown person(s) removed chairs and fire pit accessories from their backyard. 7) At 8:45am on November 10, 2014 a Theft from Motor Vehicle was reported from 2 Westbrook Corporate Center parking lot. It was reported that a laptop was taken from their vehicle between 8:00am and 8:20am while making several trips from their vehicle to an office inside 2 Westbrook Corporate Center. There did not appear to be any damage to the vehicle and may have been unlocked.

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sidewalk replacement program on hold. Of course, this information came after the Village took applications from Continued from page 1 residents. Who knew when we began taking applications that there would all who made the smooth transition be a concrete shortage in the fall? The possible in creating the flagship store project is usually started and completed bearing his name. Bob, in his true form in a matter of a few weeks.It appears that of community involvement, made we cannot guarantee that the removed a donation to the Westchester Food sidewalk squares will be replaced in a Pantry of five thousand dollars. Ms. MEDICAL MARIJUANA PUBLIC HEARtimely manner. The last thing we want Judy Saraceno-Swenson accepted the ING is to have a missing square that is snow On Monday, November 17, a Public covered creating a greater trip hazard. large replica check from our host and expressed the groups’ appreciation. Hearing was held at the Westchester At my suggestion at a recent board Throughout the night, all of the guests Village Hall regarding the possibility of a meeting, the Village will honor the bid were in awe over the facility and the medical marijuana dispensary opening price residents were quoted of $73 way it was transformed to represent a in Westchester. Only one dispensary (50% of $146 construction cost) per will be authorized and approved by square. This price guarantee applies “Roman Holiday.” For those in attendance it was certainly the State of Illinois in the boundary to those residents who had applied for of the total area representing Proviso, the 2014 50/50 sidewalk program only. “A NIGHT TO REMEMBER.” Leyden, and Norwood Townships. We will be rebidding the program early Please be clear that there will NOT be next year. If the bid price is reduced, we MAYFAIR RESERVOIR EXPANSION one dispensary in each township. The will pass that savings to the applicants. Over 220 trucks loads of dirt have been highly regulated State of Illinois Medical removed from the Mayfair Reservoir Marijuana program will make available almost daily since November 3rd to a regulated amount of cannabis to those HONORING RETIREMENT Firefighter Dennis Keeffe retired on make way for expanding the capacity persons with certain debilitating illness of storm water storage that has plagued or diseases to relieve their pain and October 26th from the Westchester the southern portion of Westchester suffering on a prescription basis. At the Fire Department. He was honored at since the mid 1960’s. V3 Companies time of this writing, the State of Illinois the Village Board Meeting on Tuesday, chief engineer Greg Wolterstorff has not made a site selection. Based on November 11th in appreciation and estimated based on foot acres that the the regulations, the only place available recognition of his thirty-four years of expansion will add approximately 11 in Westchester to have such a site is in professional service and dedication million gallons of storm water storage the commercial district located near to the Village of Westchester and the to the 23 million gallons held before the Roosevelt and Suffolk. The Village was protection and safety of our citizens. expansion began. This long overdue approached in August by a petitioner Enjoy your retirement, Dennis! project is a result of many meetings and requesting to make application for venting of frustration since my taking a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in office in 2009 and the severe flood Westchester at 10031 Roosevelt Road. JEWEL GRAND RE-OPENING On November 19th, the Westchester event of July 2010. The Village Board, at the September Recently, I came across a Westchester- 23rd Board meeting, passed a resolution Jewel held a grand re-opening to Hillside Flood Study done by Harza ratifying the submission of a letter to showcase its newly remodeled store. Engineering dated June 1971 that was the Illinois Department of Financial & Store Director Jim Keleher thanked all of paid for by the Metropolitan Sanitary Professional Regulation in support of the store department managers, Village District of Greater Chicago,now MWRD. an application for the operation of a officials and the construction team Chapter one identifies the flooding Medical Marijuana Dispensary within for their cooperation and assistance problems both villages sustained in the Village of Westchester. Notices were during the store upgrades. In the spirit October 1954, July 1957, September sent to persons residing within 250 feet of community, Mr. Keleher presented 1961, May 1966, and July of 1969. of the potential site. Three residents a $1,000 donation to St. Joseph High As a result of this study, construction attended the Public Hearing as well as School.We wish Jewel/Osco continued of the Mayfair Reservoir began in 1975 me and Village Manager Janet Matthys. success! which was completed in 1977. The A representative from MMRE, LLC the report goes on to say that “continued petitioner, addressed the Westchester urbanization in the Salt Creek Plan Commission members in LIBRARY REVEALS NEW TEEN ROOM The Westchester Public Library Watershed will tend to increase peak attendance and answered questions flows and water surface elevations in from the residents in attendance. held a grand opening of its new teen Salt Creek adjacent to Westchester. The The Plan Commission Members room on Saturday, November 15th. Salt Creek channel improvement plans unanimously approved the Petition to The renovation was made possible currently underway in Du Page County approve a Special Use for the Medical by a charitable contribution from the will further contribute toward higher Marijuana Dispensary. We understand Pokorny Family. The teen room holds peaks and stages in Salt Creek near that there have been nine applications gaming systems, including a PS4. The Westchester.” by petitioners to provide a Medical furniture was selected by a committee Mayor Joseph Tamburino and I, along Marijuana Dispensary in the three- of teens. Movies are shown on flat with Mayor Frank Pasquale from township area. The award is expected screens. Library Director Fidencio Bellwood, will be meeting with our to be made by the State of Illinois early Marbella says “There is a definite need here in Westchester for a place for respective engineering firms in early next year. teens to socialize and study. We hope December and will certainly review this room provides a comfortable, safe the finding of this study in an attempt 50/50 SIDEWALK PROGRAM PUT ON environment for all local teens to enjoy.” to address the flooding problem our HOLD As a result of the Village being told of communities have been facing dating a shortage in the material used to make back to the early 1950’s. As a youth growing up here in concrete, we have had to put the 50/50 YARD WASTE PROGRAM ENDS FOR Westchester, I can only remember the July 1969 flood where I saw canoes paddling down Boeger Ave. from Cermak Rd. Apparently, based on the study that was done in 1971 there were several flood events in our area that the village fathers were addressing and attempting to mitigate.

THE SEASON As reported on page 26 of the November Newsletter, our contract with Waste Management for yard waste pick-up ended November 29, 2014. The program will begin again in April 2015.

LEAF PICK-UP ENDS FOR THE SEASON Village Public Works crews have attacked the dropping leaves with a frenzy this season. Each day throughout the village, crews were seen sweeping, pushing and collecting leaves from the street. I even had the Cook County Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP) crew raking leaves on Sunday, October 19 on Gardner Road and Bristol between I290 and Roosevelt Road. The group did an excellent job collecting over 50 bags of leaves from the parkway and street. I would like to thank the numerous residents who raked, bagged and removed the leaves from their property, curb line and, in some cases, assisted in the removal from their neighbor’s homes. I know the 5 bags that we deliver to each single family residence is a drop in the bucket for the number of leaves that drop each fall.

COOK COUNTY SWAP HELPS CLEAN UP WESTCHESTER Some of you may have noticed how nice the railroad embankment looks on the south side of the Canadian National Railroad tracks just north of 1107 Mannheim Road. On November 10, 10 SWAP crew members,along with myself and PW staff Eric Détente and Clint McDonald, cleaned the embankment to prevent tree limbs from falling onto municipal vehicles using the pathway to the Village Hall complex. I truly believe that using the help of these non-violent supervised offenders in the community benefits our whole Village. Unfortunately, we can only schedule them once a month.

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING UPDATE The Village has received several complaints regarding television sets being left on the parkways for pick-up on garbage day. Illinois State Law prohibits our carrier Waste Management from taking these items to a landfill. Waste Management cannot pick-up your old televisions and electronic devices left at the curb. For the past several years, from April to October, on the 2nd Saturday of the month, the Village of Westchester has held electronic recycling drop-off service behind Fire Station Number 1 on Roosevelt Road. Members of the Environmental Sustainability Commission, with the

See PRESIDENT, page 6

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PRESIDENT

is often used instead of a live tree in order to retain the Christmas spirit and decorations without the care and Continued from page 5 maintenance of a cut tree. help of volunteers, have been taking The tree was traditionally decorated charge of the event. In November, with edibles such as apples, nuts, or we have been notified by our current other foods.In the 18th century,it began electronic device recycler Vintage Tech to be illuminated by candles which that they will now charge a $250 fee were ultimately replaced by Christmas for each truck load of electronics they lights after the advent of electrification. pick up at the village hall site. Between Today, there are a wide variety of now and April, we will be attempting to traditional ornaments, such as garland, locate another vendor to accommodate tinsel, and candy canes.An angel or star our program, hopefully without a fee. might be placed at the top of the tree to Please refrain from putting these items represent the angel Gabriel or the Star on the parkway. Public Works will not of Bethlehem from the Nativity. be picking them up, and residents will The custom of the Christmas tree be required to remove them from the developed in early modern Germany parkway. We ask you to store these (where it is today calledWeihnachtsbaum items in your garages until the recycling or Christbaum) with predecessors events start up again in the spring. that can be traced to the 16th and possibly 15th century, in which “devout Christians brought decorated trees into CHRISTMAS TREE DONATION their homes”. Christmas trees were This year the PublicWorks Department hung in St. George’s Church, Sélestat received ten submissions from residents since 1521. It acquired popularity seeking to donate their evergreen for beyond Germany during the second consideration as our Village Christmas half of the 19th century.The Christmas Tree. This year, the selection committee, tree has also been known as the “Yulecomprised of PW staff Steve Crowley tree”, especially in discussions of its and Eric Détente, Village Manager Janet folkloristic origins. Matthys and Management Assistant Jessica Spencer, selected the beautiful North America evergreen tree from the front yard at The tradition was introduced to Canada 1514 Concord. The tree belonged to in the winter of 1781 by Brunswick John and Mary Scalera, 30 year residents soldiers stationed in the Province of of the community. The tree was Quebec to garrison the colony against removed with ease due to its front yard American attack.General FriedrichAdolf location, free of charge, by Sinnott Tree Riedesel and his wife, the Baroness von Service, our contracted tree trimming Riedesel, held a Christmas party at Sorel, service. It is amazing how a tree that delighting their guests with a fir tree large just dangles in thin air prior to decorated with candles and fruits. being placed on our trailer for transport. A woodcut of the British Royal family I would like to thank all of the residents with their Christmas tree at Windsor who nominated their trees for adorning Castle, initially published in The our village during this holiday season. Illustrated London News December Just outside my window, I am looking 1848, was copied in the United States at PW employees Steve Crowley, Ted at Christmas 1850, in Godey’s Lady’s Zimmerman and Eric Détente, the “light Book. Godey’s copied it exactly, except man,” in our bucket truck putting on for the removal of the Queen’s tiara and the lights, garland, and tree trimmings. Prince Albert’s moustache, to remake These three are the “Old Pros” and have the engraving into an American scene. been decorating the Village Christmas The republished Godey’s image became trees for several years and have done the first widely circulated picture of a an outstanding job of it. They will also decorated evergreen Christmas tree in be decorating the two large trees at the America.Art historian Karal Ann Marling Westchester Park District pathway. called Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, shorn of their royal trappings,“the first I know last year I received many influential American Christmas tree”. an email and letter chastising me for Folk-culture historian Alfred Lewis calling and labeling the tree the “holiday Shoemaker states, “In all of America tree.” I was reminded that there is not there was no more important medium a Holiday Tree. So this year I typed the in spreading the Christmas tree in the words Christmas tree into Wikipedia decade 1850–60 than Godey’s Lady’s and learned the following: Book”. The image was reprinted in 1860, and by the 1870s, putting up a A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, Christmas tree had become common in usually an evergreen conifer such as America. spruce, pine, or fir associated with the Several cities in the United States with celebration of Christmas. An artificial German connections lay claim to that Christmas tree, usually made from country’s first Christmas tree: Windsor polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a man- Locks,Connecticut,claims that a Hessian made replication of such a tree and soldier put up a Christmas tree in 1777

while imprisoned at the Noden-Reed House, while the “First Christmas Tree in America” is also claimed by Easton, Pennsylvania, where German settlers purportedly erected a Christmas tree in 1816. In his diary, Matthew Zahm of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, recorded the use of a Christmas tree in 1821, leading Lancaster to also lay claim to the first Christmas tree in America. Other accounts credit Charles Follen,a German immigrant to Boston, for being the first to introduce to America the custom of decorating a Christmas tree. August Imgard, a German immigrant living in Wooster, Ohio, is the first to popularize the practice of decorating a tree with candy canes. In 1847, Imgard cut a blue spruce tree from a woods outside town, had the Wooster village tinsmith construct a star, and placed the tree in his house, decorating it with paper ornaments and candy canes. German immigrant Charles Minnegerode accepted a position as a professor of humanities at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1842, where he taught Latin and Greek. Entering into the social life of theVirginia Tidewater, Minnigerode introduced the German custom of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmas at the home of law professor St. George Tucker, thereby becoming another of many influences that prompted Americans to adopt the practice at about that time. The lyrics sung in the United States to the German tune O Tannenbaum begin “O Christmas tree”, giving rise to the mistaken idea that the German word Tannenbaum (fir tree) means “Christmas tree”, the German word for which is instead Weihnachts. In other words from now on I will be referring to the donated evergreen tree put on display as a “CHRISTMAS TREE.”

December 3rd promptly at 6:00 p.m.

WESTCHESTER CHAMBER GETS INVOLVED Chamber Board Member Maria Gamino took charge of the business-sponsored Christmas trees along the park district path and did an excellent job. This year, in addition to the business-sponsored trees, the Village has placed 10 residentsponsored trees that will be decorated with a cultural flair.

SNOW SEASON IS UPON US

I’m in my office writing this newsletter article, shivering from the unseasonably cold weather we are experiencing in mid-November. I’m hoping for an early spring already, but I know we have only just begun to experience the winter season in Chicago. I knew we were going to be in trouble as I removed the leaves from my son’s home on Portsmouth and they were stuck in ice that had formed at the bottom of the gutter. Just a reminder, it is against Village ordinance to push snow into the street. Realistically, I know sometimes it is impossible to keep it off of the street,but with a little effort pushing or blowing the snow side to side perpendicular to the drive will keep the majority off the street. Again, it is impossible to keep the plows from putting snow on the driveway aprons. The goal of the PW crews is to make the streets clear. Snow routes and alternate side parking restrictions will again be in effect as they have for many years. Please familiarize yourself with the restrictions based on what side of the street you live on (odd/ even addresses). Take a moment to look at the signs posted at the ends of the block. We have purchased about 2500 tons CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING of salt to keep our streets as ice-free One again this holiday season, the as possible again this year. Our state Village of Westchester, the Westchester purchase price was $134.95 per ton Park District, and Westchester Chamber which is more than double what we of Commerce have come together to paid for our allotment last year,but lower welcome the season“Westchester-style”. than what we had to pay when the On Wednesday, December 3rd at 6pm frozen Mississippi River did not allow we will again light up our Christmas barges to travel north from Louisiana trees at the Westchester Park District where our salt supply comes from office at 10201 Bond Street, the path and we had to truck it from adjacent along the west end of the park, as well states at a premium. Unfortunately, our as the donated ChristmasTree at the Fire storage bin at the village hall only holds Station. I have received confirmation so much salt, and we have no alternate from Mrs.Claus that she will be bringing covered location where an additional her husband Santa to Westchester on amount can be stored. both Wednesday, December 3rd and Thursday, December 4th. Mrs. Claus has been baking her delicious cookies and selecting the best chocolate for the hot SCOUTS COLLECT FOOD Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troop chocolate she plans of handing out along the park pathway. In order to keep the 73 deserve a shout out for running reindeers fresh for their Christmas Eve their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. December 24th trip around the world, The scouts passed out flyers and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving by See PRESIDENT, page 11 a horse drawn carriage on Wednesday,

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of the public buildings; ie., library, park district lobby, etc.

to appeal at the Board of Review. There are several exemptions available to property owners. Continued from page 11 The HOMEOWNER EXEMPTION WATER RATES TO INCREASE reduces the equalized assessed value collected several hundred pounds of TheVillage ofWestchester purchases its (EAV) by $7K. nonperishable food items and personal water from the Broadview Westchester The SENIOR CITIZEN EXEMPTION care items to be donated throughout Joint Water Agency (BWJWA). BWJWA reduces the EAV by $5K the community. During the holiday purchases the water supply from the The SENIOR FREEZE freezes the EAV season, the Westchester Food Pantry City of Chicago. The City of Chicago to the level prior to the tax year in is a very busy place as there are many will increase its water rates 15% as of question families in need of assistance. I would January 1, 2015. This is the last of the 4 RETURNINGVETERAN’S EXEMPTION like to give a special“Thank You”to all of years of scheduled increases placed on is for property owners returning from the residents who opened their hearts users receiving Lake Michigan drinking ACTIVE duty armed conflict. The to make a difference again this year. water via the City of Chicago. Based exemption reduces the EAV of the on the increase in the City of Chicago property by $5K for the taxable year water charges, BWJWA has approved an DISABLED VETERAN’S EXEMPTION CHICAGO ITALIAN AMERICAN CHARIincrease in its water rate of 15% of the is for veterans with a service connected TABLE ORGANIZATION existing rate or $.60 per 1000 gallons disability as certified by the US Dept. of This will be the 4th year that the of water consumed effective January 1, Veteran Affairs are eligible for this annual Village of Westchester has been 2015. exemption. A disability of at least 75% is involved with CIACO to deliver“Baskets Based on the increase in the Village’s eligible for a $5K exemption in EAV. A of Love” to those less fortunate that cost of purchased water, the Village disability of at least 50%, but less than reside in Westchester. The “Baskets water rate per 1000 gallons will be 75%, is eligible for a $2.5K reduction in of Love” are actually crates weighing raised by the $.60 increase in the EAV. over 50 pounds each which include a Village’s purchase price of the water DISABLED PERSON’S EXEMPTION full turkey. Each basket holds enough to cover our increased costs. This will To receive the annual reduction of $2K food for Thanksgiving and beyond. result in a water rate increase charged in EAV, the property owner must be: This year, 15 families received a box to consumers from $7.75 to $8.35 per Disabled or became disabled during of food assembled at the Buona Beef 1000 gallons effective January 1, 2015; the tax year. Owned and occupied the Commissary in Berwyn, Illinois. Village this represents a 7.7% increase in the property as of January 1 of the tax year officials delivered the boxes personally Village’s water rate. in question. on Sunday, November 23, just in time for TheWest Central Municipal Conference For more information contact Thanksgiving. Thank you to CIACO for last spring presented an idea to our State the Cook County Board of Review their contributions and all those who Representative Emanuel Chris Welch at 1-312-603-5542 or www. support the organization and their good and State Senator Steven Landek, to CookCountyBoardofReview.com. deeds. sponsor HB4288 and SB2907 creating Taxpayers may access pertinent the Water Rate Protection Act which information regarding their property provides for the creation of a regulatory such as property descriptions, tax TOYS FOR TOTS & FOOD DRIVE agency to monitor the increases in water billing history, and tax appeal deadlines The Westchester Citizens Advisory increases, however the bill has not been at www.cookcountypropertyinfo.com. Board (CAB) participates in the TOYS brought out of committee. FOR TOTS collection each year. Boxes 6 TIPS FOR SMART YEAR-END TAX are located at the Westchester Village COOK COUNTY BOARD OF REVIEW PLANNING Hall, the Westchester Park District On Monday, November 10th, Procrastination rarely pays. That’s buildings, Paul’s Pizza, Joe’s Place and Palm Beach Tanning. Donations will Commissioner Dan Patlak from the particularly true when it comes to be accepted until December 12th. Cook County Board of Review hosted taxes. Since most tax-smart strategies Please donate a new, unwrapped toy a Town Hall Meeting at the Village of take time to implement and come with and brighten the holidays for those Westchester to explain the Property a December 31 deadline, an early start less fortunate children. Nonperishable Tax Appeal Process. The Cook County can save you money and stress.Wouldn’t food items will also be accepted for the Board of Review is an independent you rather be enjoying the December quasi-judicial elective office that reviews holidays than scrambling to meet a tax Westchester Food Pantry. and adjudicates property tax assessment deadline? appeals. Proviso Township Assessor Many of the smart tax moves for 2014 WARMING CENTER OPEN Steven Zawaski was also present to are familiar ones—such as contributing The Village is offering a warming answer questions from residents. to tax-advantaged retirement plans and center for any residents in need of Property owners have the right to increasing deductions—but there are a short term shelter facilities in case of appeal the assessed valuation of their few new twists. emergency HVAC or utility breakdowns. property if they believe it is over “Regardless of your income or tax Any resident(s) requesting use of the assessed. The Board’s mission is to situation, one rule applies to everyone,” warming center should register at the ensure that property owners pay no says Mark Luscombe, principal federal Police Department. The Village provides more than their fair share of property tax analyst for accounting research and cots. Anyone utilizing the village taxes. Property owners may appeal software provider Wolters Kluwer, CCH. warming center should be prepared their assessments once within each “The sooner you get started, the more to bring their own pillows, blankets, tax cycle. The appeal deadline for the effective you can be in managing your food, etc. for the duration of their stay. 2014 tax levy which will be assessed taxes.” There is a drink vending machine in 2015 was November 21st. If you are Here are some tips to get you started. available. NO animals will be allowed appealing your own home, condo, or 1. Contribute to a tax-advantaged in the warming center, unless they are mixed-use building, you may represent savings plan. registered service animals. Alternative yourself or hire an attorney unless the Contributing to a 401(k) or an IRA warming centers available in town property’s title is incorporated, LLC, or may be the smartest tax move that most during normal business hours are any any other legal entity. There is NO COST taxpayers can make. Not only does it

reduce your taxable income for the current tax year and allow your potential earnings to grow on a tax-deferred basis, it also helps get you closer to achieving your retirement savings goal. Contributions to your 401(k), 403(b), or similar workplace retirement plan must be made by December 31, 2014, to impact your 2014 taxes, so you need to act quickly to increase your deferral. The 2014 401(k) contribution limit is $17,500 ($23,000 for people age 50 or older).With an IRA, you have until April 15, 2015, to make a 2014 tax-deductible contribution of up to $5,500 ($6,500 if you’re age 50 or older). Other possibilities for tax-advantaged plan contributions are a Simplified Employee Pension plan (SEP), for selfemployed individuals, or a Health Savings Account (HSA). Contributions to either of these plans can be made up until April 15 and still apply to 2014. 2.Adjust your withholding. Ideally, the amount of money withheld from your paycheck or sent to the IRS in quarterly payments should come very close to your actual tax liability. Withhold too little and you could have a big tax bill when you file your return. Withhold too much and you’re giving the IRS what amounts to a tax-free loan of money that you could be using to pay down debt or save for retirement (and, potentially, reduce your taxes). There’s still time to adjust your withholding for 2014 by making changes to the W-4 you have on file with your employer, or, if you make quarterly payments, by increasing or decreasing your payments between now and when the last 2014 payment is due in January. Keep in mind that the longer you wait, the fewer pay periods you’ll have to reach your target. 3.“Harvest” your investment losses. If you have capital gains outside of your retirement accounts, you may be able to lower your tax liability through tax-loss harvesting. That simply means selling losing investments that no longer fit your investing strategy and using the loss as a write-off against some or all of your gains. If you employ a tax-loss harvesting strategy, you must be aware of the wash-sale rule that disallows the write-off if you purchase substantially the same investment 30 days before or after the loss sale. 4. Contribute to charity. Contributing to charitable causes before the end of the year is a tried-andtrue tax-reduction strategy for taxpayers who itemize deductions. But remember to get a receipt for every contribution you make, not just those over $250. Also, if you want to be more strategic, you could open a donor-advised fund, which offers several advantages for managing your charitable-giving activity. You could, for example, contribute a

See PRESIDENT, page 12

DECEMBER 2014

PRESIDENT

work tirelessly to serve the less fortunate. Unfortunately, there are also fraudulent charities that prey upon the generosity Continued from page 11 of Illinois citizens. Fraudulent charities may make misleading solicitations or lump sum to the fund before December solicit for phony causes. These con 31, take the entire deduction on your artists take advantage of citizens and 2014 tax return, and then instruct the harm legitimate charities. fund to use the money to make next To ensure that your donation goes year’s gifts. to a legitimate charity, give wisely. Ask One strategy that offers two tax questions, gather information and benefits is donating appreciated donate only when you are satisfied that securities, such as stocks or bonds, to your money will be used in ways you charity.The tax code allows you to use consider appropriate. the current market value of the asset as Today, more than 25,000 legitimate a deduction without having to pay tax charitable organizations are on the capital appreciation, so you get registered with my office. These the charitable contribution deduction organizations regularly provide my and avoid capital gains tax. office with information about their 5. Use your annual gift tax exemption. income, expenditures, programs and An individual can give up to $14,000 administrators. If you are interested a year to as many people as you choose in learning more about a particular ($28,000 if you and your spouse both organization,or want to know if a charity make gifts) to help reduce the amount that has solicited you for a donation is of your estate and help reduce or avoid registered, please contact the Charitable federal gift and estate taxes. This may Trust Bureau at 312-814-2595 (TTY: include cash,stocks,bonds,and portions 1-800-964-3013). of real estate. However, anything above Tips for Donating $14,000 per person per year may be Find out if the solicitor is a paid fundsubject to gift taxes, so it’s important to raiser. If the solicitor is paid, a portion keep track of this information. For more of your contribution will pay the salary. information,speak with your tax adviser Illinois law requires paid fund-raisers to andreview IRSPublication559,Survivors, identify themselves as such and to name Executors, and Administrators. the charity for which they’re soliciting. If you would like to contribute money Ask how much of your contribution toward a child’s education, consider will go to the charity.Illinois law requires a 529 plan account. Contributions are professional fund-raisers to disclose this generally considered to be removed information if asked. from your estate. You can also make Request written information. A a payment directly to an educational legitimate charity will provide you institution and pay no gift tax. with information outlining its mission, 6.Accelerate deductions. how your donation will be distributed, In addition to charitable contributions, and proof that your contribution is tax other types of deductions offer some deductible. flexibility. If you make estimated state Pay attention to names. Some phony or local tax payments, for example, you charities intentionally use names that could send in the January payment sound or look like those of respected, before the end of this year. And maybe legitimate organizations to mislead you. you could do the same with a property Contact the charity. Find out of the tax bill that’s due near the beginning of organization has authorized the use the next year. Other possibilities include of its name. If it is not aware of the accelerating payments for medical solicitation, you may be dealing with a services or purchasing work-related sham solicitor. items, such as uniforms, for which you Be skeptical if a solicitor thanks you for are not reimbursed.Recognize,however, a pledge you don’t remember making. that increasing your tax deductions Check your records and don’t pay for a only makes sense if you have enough of pledge you didn’t make. them to exceed the standard deduction Refuse high pressure solicitations. of $6,200 for single taxpayers, $12,400 Legitimate charities won’t push you to for married couples filing jointly, and give on the spot. $9,100 for heads of household. Be wary of charities that offer to pick Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/ up your donation. fidelity/2014/11/05/6-tips-for-smartDon’t feel obligated. If charities send year-end-tax-planning/ you unsolicited goods such as labels and INVESTIGATE BEFORE YOU DONATE note cards in the mail, you are under no During the holiday season my obligation to contribute and may keep home, like yours, gets inundated with any unsolicited merchandise without information on a host of topics all having donating. to do with donations. I have located a Consider fund-raising costs.When you guide authored by our Attorney General buy merchandise or receive free goods Lisa Madigan that may prove helpful. as part of your donation, these items are Every day, charities throughout Illinois paid for out of your contribution. That

means less of your donation may go to the charity. Be wary if you are promised sweepstakes winnings in exchange for your contribution. You never have to donate to be eligible to win. Never pay in cash. For security and tax record purposes, pay by check. Write the official name of the charity on your check–do not use initials. How to Report Charity Fraud You can help combat charity fraud in Illinois by reporting suspicious solicitations. Whenever possible, keep notes detailing the date and time of the call, the organization’s name, and the name of the solicitor. Try to remember their “pitch” as well as any other pertinent information. To report possible charity fraud, call 312-814-2595, TTY: 1-800-964-3013 or contact any of the Attorney General’s main or regional offices around the state.

COLD AND FLU SEASON I know all of you read last month’s newsletter where several pieces of information were highlighted about the Ebola Virus,the Enterovirus D68,and the flu season. All are reminded to Cover your Cough to stop the spread of germs that can make you and others sick. The CDC recommends and reminds us to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, NOT your hands. You may be asked to put on a face mask to protect others. Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based had rubs or sanitizers, and when available wash your hands. The Flu Shot People who can get the flu shot: Different flu shots are approved for people of different ages, but there are flu shots that are approved for use in people as young as 6 months of age and up. Flu shots are approved for use in pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions. People who can’t get the flu shot: Children younger than 6 months are too young to get a flu shot. People with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine. This might include gelatin,antibiotics,or other ingredients. Special Considerations need to be taken Regarding Egg Allergy for more information about egg allergies and flu vaccine consult with your doctor. Note: There are certain flu shots that have different age indications. For example people younger than 65 years of age should not get the high-dose flu shot and people who are younger than 18

years old or older than 64 years old should not get the intradermal flu shot. The Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine People who can get the nasal spray vaccine: The nasal spray vaccine is approved for use in people 2 years through 49 years of age. People who can’t get the nasal spray vaccine: •Children younger than 2 years •Adults 50 years and older •People with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or to a previous dose of any influenza vaccine •People who are allergic to eggs •Children or adolescents (2 years through 17 years of age) on long-term aspirin treatment •Pregnant women •People with weakened immune systems (immunosuppression) •Children 2 years through 4 years who have asthma or who have had a history of wheezing in the past 12 months •People who have taken influenza antiviral drugs within the previous 48 hours •People who care for severely immunocompromised persons who require a protective environment (or otherwise avoid contact with those persons for 7 days after getting the nasal spray vaccine). For more information www.cdc.gov

PREVENTING FALLS With snow and Ice right around the corner I would like to share some information I read in a SAFE SENIOR booklet from the National Fire Safety Council I picked up. Each year, nearly 2 million seniors citizens are taken to hospitals for fall injury treatment and over 7,000 senior citizens die as a result of falls. Half of the falls could have been prevented. Poor health is a contributor. General Health: Balance and gait, sensory changes,and changes in reflexes can contribute to fall risk, especially in seniors who already have a fear of falling. Medical conditions and medications can increase the possibility of a fall injury. Follow the directions on all medications- prescription and over the counter. Schedule regular eye exams. Impaired vision can cause unsteady walking. Monitor your blood pressure. Report any dizziness to a doctor immediately. Get up slowly after eating, resting, or lying down. Exercise to build strength and muscle tone and to keep joints, tendons, and ligaments more flexible. Rugs, Runners, & Stairways Yearly about 2500 people over 65 are treated in emergency rooms for injuries from tripping over rugs and runners. Intsall a long handrail on staircases and grab bars by bath tubs, toilets, and in showers. Tighten any loose fixtures. Secure carpet, rugs, or stair runners

See PRESIDENT, page 22

DECEMBER 2014

St. Joseph 14

DECEMBER 2014

St. Joseph DECEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014

Insuring your life helps protect their future. Bruce Horek CLU ChFC, Agent 10440 Cermak Rd Westchester, IL 60154 Bus: 708-562-2772 www.brucehorek.com bruce@brucehorek.com

1203087

It can also provide for today. I’ll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs. GET TO A BETTER STATE. CALL ME TODAY. ®

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI), State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL

DECEMBER 2014

Westchester News and Notes

WINTER IS HERE Snow Removal Reminders It is illegal to blow, plow, or shovel snow from private property onto the street. Snow shall be removed from public walkways following a storm.

Keep Your Water Pipes From Freezing Inside water pipes could be more susceptible to freezing this time of year when the air temperature outside is below freezing for more than a few days. To avoid frozen pipes you should make sure your basement is heated where the water meter and water pipes are located. Also insulate water pipes which are against outside walls. Make sure all windows or cracks which allow cold outside air in are sealed.

DECEMBER 2014

Library 20

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PRESIDENT Continued from page 12

that are not fastened down. Wear well-fitted shoes or slippers with non-slip soles. Take your time when walking. Use walking aids when needed. Avoid deep pile, dark colored, or patterned carpeting that can make it difficult to see the step’s edges clearly. Avoid sharp changes in flooring levels such as from high carpet and low vinyl. Stools and Ladders Falls are the #1 cause of accidental death in persons 55 and over. The majority of accidental falls occur in homes during everyday activities. Ask for help before climbing for something out-of-reach or use a long handled grab-style reacher aid. Use a step stool with a handrail. Make sure the stool is fully opened and stable before using it. Never use a step stool or ladder that is broken. The article goes on to say that of those who fall,only half are able to return home to live independently.

WISHING YOU A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON We here at the Village of Westchester

want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season filled with family,friends,happiness, and above all positive thoughts and reflections of those who have passed and the impact they have made on our lives. The United States is a melting pot of people from all cultures, creeds, religious beliefs, or not. We all have a part to play on this earth - please make the best of it. At the end of the day, look at the back of every piece of paper money you have in your wallet. The four words reflected there say it all.

At the October 28th Committee of the Whole meeting, the following items were discussed under new business: Proposed Honorary Street Designation Safespeed Contract Extension Consideration of Issuance of an Additional Class D-1 Liquor License Water Rate Increase

At the November 11th Board meeting, there was a presentation honoring the retirement of Firefighter Dennis Keeffe. After the presentation, the following FROM THE BOARD: items were approved under the Consent At the October 28th Board meeting, the Agenda: following items were approved under Approval of the Record of Bills ending the Consent Agenda: 11-06-2014 in the amount not to exceed Approval of the Record of Bills ending $1,466,467.53 10-23-2014 in the amount not to exceed Approval of Minutes of the October 8, $419,616.78 2014 Special Village Board Meeting, the Approval of minutes of the September October 28, 2014 Village Board Meeting, 23, 2014 Village Board Meeting, minutes and the October 28, 2014 Committee of from the September 23,2014 Committee the Whole Meeting of the Whole Meeting and the minutes Approval of Departmental Monthly from the September 23, 2014 Executive Reports, including the Community Session Development Department, the Fire A Resolution Authorizing the Execution Department, the Police Department, and of an Agreement by and Between Public Works Department the Village of Westchester and Kane, An Ordinance Amending Chapter McKenna Capital, Inc. 11.68, Entitled “Honorary Streets,” of Title An Amendment to a Professional 11, Entitled “Vehicles and Traffic,” of the Engineering Services Agreement Westchester Municipal Code in Order to between the Village of Westchester and Designate “George Zanoni Way” Christopher B. Burke Engineering A Resolution Authorizing the Execution

of a One-Year Renewal Option of a Photo Enforcement Program Agreement with Safespeed, LLC A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a Proposal from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. Companies of Illinois, Ltd. For Construction Engineering Services for the Village Hall Generator Project in the amount of $17,000.00 was discussed on the active agenda. An executive session was held under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) for the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body and under At the November 11th Committee of the Whole meeting, the following items were discussed under new business: 2014 Tax Levy Renewal of Ambulance Billing Services Contract Amendment of Number of Class D-1 Liquor Licenses – Blackhawk Restaurant Group d/b/a Betty’s Bistro Police Staffing Review of Executive Session Minutes Cancellation of the December 23, 2014 Board and COW Meetings Cook County No-Cash Bid Process The Chicago Water Rate Increase and Health Inspection Fees were discussed under old business.

School District DECEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014

Janna Dutton

Kathryn C. Casey

Chicago 312.899.0950 Suburbs 847.261.4708 contact@duttonelderlaw.com www.duttonelderlaw.com Offices in Arlington Heights, Chicago, Skokie, and Westchester, Illinois.

PRACTICE AREAS u Estate Planning u Special Needs Planning u Long-Term Care Planning u Probate and Trust

u Elder Law u Medicaid Planning and

u Guardianship u Will and Trust Litigation u Abuse, Neglect, and

u Mental Health Law u Care Navigation and

Administration

Financial Exploitation Litigation of Vulnerable Adults

Applications

u Senior Housing Contracts,

Admissions and Discharges

Advocacy

Clinical social worker, who is also a certified care manager, on staff.

Public Works 26

DECEMBER 2014

chamber

commerce

DECEMBER 2014

See our Westchester Chamber of Commerce Tree’s at the Park District’s Holiday Party! Drs. Sullivan & Suchy Dentist Practice Serving Westchester for 30+ Years! 1200 Highridge 708-562-4474

Palmer Florist / 1-800 Flowers 1926 S. Manheim Road (708) 531-9800

1860 S. Manheim Road (708) 531-0800

St. Joseph High School Open House, Dec 7th 1-3 pm 10900 W. Cermak Road (708) 562-4433

3075 S. Wolf Road (708) 562-CATS (2287)

BKF Computer Services Personal or Business 708-562-6819

Support the Westchester Public Library. Become a Member Today—Only $5! 708-562-2200

PLEASE VISIT, CALL OR SUPPORT OUR TREE SPONSORS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

CELEBRATE WESTCHESTER! A Chamber Event for the Entire Community Post-Partum Depression Program 9855 W. Roosevelt Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 (708) 223-7175

www.hascares.org We provide clinical evaluations, individual and family therapy, support groups, psychiatric evaluations, medication monitoring,

health education, and case management to women experiencing or at risk for developing PPD.

Alpine Banquet Haus Saturday, January 24, 2015 6-10:00 pm Join us for dinner, drinks and Special Persons of the Year Awards. 6:00 pm: Open Bar and Hors d’oeuvres 7:00 pm: Dinner Advance Reservations are Required. Business Casual Attire Encouraged. Cost: $60 per Person For more information or to RSVP contact Mary Bakas, Chamber Secretary (708) 240-8400 or Mary@WestchesterChamber.org.

1835 S. Manheim Rd (708) 865-9080

Fred’s Movers

Call Owner John Lorenzo at 708-343-5191 for a Competive Quote Today!

DECEMBER 2014