Downers Grove 5-13-15

MAY 13, 2015 VOL. 7 ISSUE 24

BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

see page 9

NEWS Downers Grove bids farewell to outgoing commissioners Three new council members, mayor sworn in

see page 3

NEWS Westmont announces 2015 public works projects Water main replacement, road reconstruction among scheduled work

see page 3

SCHOOLS District 58 swears in new school board members Board also names new president, vice president

see page 4

SPORTS

GYMNASTS STATEBOUND

Downers North, South qualify individuals for state

see page 11

Taiwanese Dance Troupe shares music traditions, culture with Westmont

BY JOAN RYKAL | FOR THE BUGLE

usic and dance are truly a universal language.

That language was on display last week as the Taiwanese Dance Troupe from the College of Indigenous Studies at National Dong Hwa university gave a group of westmont officials and press a preview of an upcoming performance.

To celebrate Taiwanese American Heritage Week, the troupe planned a performance for the public at Westmont High School on May 6.

But prior to the main event, the group offered a preview during a press conference Monday, May 4, at the Cultural Center of TECo in Westmont.

TECo is an acronym for Taipai Economic and cultural office.

In addition to the dance performances, the troupe also had a cultural student exchange at Westmont High School on Tuesday. Students were invited to come and interact with the troupe and learn more about their dance techniques and artistic expression. see ‘DANCE’ on Page 8

Taiwanese Dance Troupe from the College of Indigenous Studies at National Dong Hwa university gave a group of westmont officials and press a preview of an upcoming performance.

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village news > westmont

Village bids farewell to outgoing Full slate of public works projects commissioners announced for upcoming year Mayor, three new council members sworn in

By Christine M. Demma for the bugle

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @DownersGrvBugle

The Downers Grove Village Council said goodbye to three commissioners last week, and the newly-elected council members took their seats for the next four years.

Commissioners Becky Rheintgen and Sean Patrick Durkin lost their re-election bids during the April 7 election, and Commissioner Geoff Neustadt, whose seat expired, lost his mayoral campaign against incumbent Mayor Martin Tully.

Tully recognized each commissioner during the meeting, which were followed by standing ovations from the large crowd gathered at Village Hall.

Rheintgen served for four years on the council, and brought fresh perspective and new ideas to the governing body, according to Tully.

Rheintgen said she has learned and gained so much during the last four years.

“Every difficult decision I had to make challenged me and taught me that often the correct choice is the most difficult one,” she said. “I never compromised my integrity and always did what I thought was best for our village.”

Mayor Martin Tully takes oath of office during village council meeting. He was re-elected to a second term on April 7 (Photo By Christine M. Demma | For The Bugle)

Rheintgen said the council had appeared to lose its sense of community over the past few months, and she offered some advice to the incoming commissioners.

“This new council and community need to try and build bridges, not walls,” she said.

Rheintgen also recognized the other outgoing commissioners for their commitment to the community, saying Durkin is a “straight-shooter” and that is what she appreciates about him.

“He has a heart of gold,” she added.

Having met Neustadt while serving on the community events commission, Rheintgen said he showed composure and professionalism under difficult circumstances. She added that he helped show her the ropes when she was elected to the council.

“He has been a true definition of a public servant,” she said.

Tully said Neustadt, who served eight years on the council, has always an advocate for village staff

Water main replacement, road reconstruction among scheduled work

By bugle staff nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @DownersGrvBugle

Geoff Neustadt receives a round of applause during May 5 village council meeting.

(Photo By Christine M. Demma) and there is no bigger supporter of Downers Grove.

Neustadt thanked everyone who supported him since 2007, when he was first elected to the Downers Grove Village Council.

“Serving this community has been an exceptional experience,” he said.

Discussing his recent loss, Neustadt said it only renewed his purpose to educate others about local government. He said

see farewell | page 10

A week after announcing its spring and summer street resurfacing schedule, the village of Westmont issued a release detailing a variety of additional 2015 infrastructure projects.

“Each year, the Village of Westmont budgets for various infrastructure improvement projects based on needs and available resources,” says Acting Public Works Director Mike Ramsey said the work, which includes the $1.63 million street resurfacing project, is based on need and available resources.

The village’s annual budget sets aside funds for infrastructure improvement.

“In recent years, the village has

been very aggressive in addressing the needs of our community,” Ramsey said. “At this time, we’ve determined the projects that will be slated for 2015.”

At the top of the list is a modification project at the Jamestown detention basin.

The basin, located on Oakwood Drive and 35th Street, currently experiences outflow issues, according to the village.

Work to modify the outlet pipe of the basin and improve water flow from the basin is expected to begin this summer. The project will include outlet modification, a new storm sewer and other related work. Construction is expected to wrap up this fall.

The village is also partnering

see works | page 16

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education > Downers Grove Grade School District 58

District 58 swears in three school board members Board also names new president, vice president

By bugle staff nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @DownersGrvBugle

Downers Grove Grade School District 58 swore in three members,

including one newcomer, to its Board of Education last week.

Incumbents Doug Purcell and John Miller and new member Elizabeth Sigale took their oaths of office during a special board reorganization meeting Monday, May 4.

“We are so fortunate in District 58 to have a supportive community that truly values education, and are thankful for the continued contributions and leadership of Doug Purcell and John Miller,”

Superintendent Kari Cremascoli said in a release. “We look forward to welcoming Elizabeth Sigale as a new board member in our district.”

Sigale, who currently serves as the District 58 PTA Council vice president, has three children in District 58 schools.

“I’ve had children in District 58 for eight years so far, and we have six more years ahead of us,” Sigale said. “I’m very excited for this opportunity to give back to

the community and serve the District.”

She replaces Liz Davis on the District 58 school board. Davis, who was honored last month, recently retired from the board after serving District 58 for 12 years.

In addition to swearing in the recently elected board members, Board President Sallie Lupescu nominated Vice President John Cooper to the president’s seat. The board appointed Cooper president and Purcell vice president.

education > district 99

District 99 recognizes 24 seniors in the top 2 percent of class Superintendent: ‘Students achieved very high level of academic performance’ Community High School District 99 in Downers Grove recognized 24 seniors, including students from North High School and South High School, who are part of the top 2 percent of their senior classes academically in 20 15.

“The students in the top 2 percent in their class have consistently achieved a very high level of academic performance throughout their high school years,” District 99 Superintendent Mark McDonald said. “Their participation in various extracurricular and athletic programs also shows they are well-rounded people, and wellprepared for success in the future.”

Submitted Photos

(Above) North High Principal Scott Kasik (back row, left) stands with students Katelyn Edel, Zachary Christensen, Zachary Jahn, Darius Daugvila and Adam Behnke, and Allison Kirkegaard (front row, left), Samantha Young, Clare Lohrmann, Megan Scantlen and Emma McDonnell. (Below) South High seniors Timothy Arnold (front row, left), Summer Bakr, Kyla Swain, Rachele Wen, Allison Williams, Abigail Kargol and Reese Richardson, and Michael Baer (back row, left), Zachary Kennedy, Eric Wynne, Cody Becker, Karthik Pillalamarri, Brett Cohen and Christopher Plantz.

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guest column > Thinking about health

Long-term care hits a nerve for many EDITORIAL

Editors Note: The Rural Health News Service is funded by a grant from The Commonwealth Fund and is distributed through the Illinois Press Association, among others.

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LAURA KATAUSKAS • MARK GREGORY • MIKE SANDROLINI

Never has a column inspired more emailed messages than one I recently wrote about private long-term care insurance and the lack of a national system to pay for Thinking about health nursing home and with Trudy Lieberman community services for the country’s aging population.

And once again, the emails illustrated the pickle families find themselves in.

One email from a 63-year-old man in Jacksonville, Illinois, described an alltoo-typical predicament—Premiums for policies he and his wife bought when they were in their late 50s were rising so high they could no longer pay them.

Last year, they went up 83 percent.

He said he had to shorten the annual benefit and the number of years the policy would pay in order to keep it in force, hardly an ideal solution. He says he will probably drop the policy in the next couple of years, another bad solution. The carrier said to expect another rate increase in 2016.

Marty Callahan, who edits the Greeley Citizen in Greeley, Nebraska, told me costs are escalating at nursing facilities in his area and more and more

of his readers are entering facilities as Medicaid residents. That means those families had no money to pay the nursing home tab, which in Nebraska now averages $72,000 annually for a semi-private and $80,000 for a private room.

Other emails offered more evidence.

One woman in Burlington, Colorado, told me about her mother’s Medicaid spend-down to pay her nursing home bills. Her mother had worked hard on the farm and supplemented the family income working in restaurants, cleaning houses, and as a caregiver. She spent “very little” of the $50,000 left over from the farm sale, and continued to work. At age 89, she broke her hip.

Eventually, she went to a nursing home, and the family paid the bill from the $50,000 cashing out the CDs when the bills came due. When that was gone, she went on Medicaid, and the facility moved her from a small private room to a shared room. In the end, she had less than $2,000 in the bank.

An 81-year-old woman from Rome City, Indiana, wanted me to know that the monthly premium for a policy she bought for home care 19 years ago had increased from $60 to $124, but she would not drop the policy because she couldn’t afford the cost of a new one.

She wants care at home, and the

policy will pay for some of it. But if she needs a nursing home, she may have to go on Medicaid like thousands of other Americans.

I turned to Bonnie Burns, a national long-term care expert who also works with California Health Advocates. These emails are typical, she said.

Most people spending down are just short of being considered low-income, and “they exhaust every little bit they have.” As for the larger thread running through them, it shows “we leave it up to every single family to figure it out on their own.”

Burns has spent the last two decades trying to improve long-term care insurance in California, a state that has been a leader in consumer protection standards such as reforming home care benefits and “three serious attempts to regulate rates.” The intent, she explained, “Was to prevent the large rate increases we see today. All three have failed.”

Legislation on the table in California would create a task force to consider the feasibility of a statewide long-term care program. It would examine everything from fragmentation of services to payment.

California may well lead again, but it might take collective voices from across the country to effect change.

We’d like to hear about your experiences with end-of-life issues.

Write to Trudy at trudy.lieberman@ gmail.com.

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MAY 14

Read the Dogs. 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. Share a story with some good doggy listeners. Therapy dogs will be here to listen to children read stories to them.

Reading to these dogs can improve children’s reading and communication skills while also being fun. For more information, call 630-960-1200 or visit www.dglibrary.org.

MAY 15

Public Works Open House. 3-7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Works Facility, 5101 Walnut Ave. All ages are invited to attend this event where we take you behind the scenes of public works. Visitors can tour the facility and ask questions of the staff about their jobs and public works operations. Bring a non-perishable food item and help “Load the Loader” for the FISH Food Pantry. Family activities included with this event. For more information, visit www.downers.us.

Germany Travel Program. 7:30 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. Past presenter Jon Satrum will show scenes from his trip to Germany, including the BadenWurttemberg areas, Lower Saxony and north to Bremerhaven, a port city on the North Sea. The May “Adventures in Travel” program is hosted by the Downers Grove Friends of the Library.

Members and non-members are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Admission is free. No reservations required. For more information, call 630-515-0230.

MAY 16

Free Electronics Recycling. 8 a.m. to noon at the Downers Grove Township Highway Department’s Westmont location, 318 E. Quincy St. The department will continue its free electronics recycling drop-off every third Saturday of the month (except for holiday weekends). The electronics recycling vendor for this program is

COM2 Recycling Solutions. For a list of electronics acceptable for drop-off, visit www.com2recycling.com.

Woodridge Rotary Recycling Extravaganza. 8 a.m. to noon at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park, 8301 Janes Ave., Woodridge. The Woodridge Rotary Club and partner groups will hold the Sixth Recycling Extravaganza.

For more information, visit www. woodridgerotary.org.

Bicycle and Miscellaneous Property Auction. 8:45 a.m. at the Westmont Police Department, 500 N. Cass Ave. The Westmont Police Department will conduct a public auction of bicycles and miscellaneous unclaimed property. Preview of items at 8:45 a.m. and auction begins at 9 a.m. No credit or debit cards will be accepted. For more information, call 630-981-6300.

see calendar | page 19

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crime > woodridge

Former boyfriend pleads guilty to murder of Woodridge woman Adam Belmont could serve 20-60 years in prison By bugle staff nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @BugleNewspapers

A Northlake man entered a blind plea of guilty to first-degree murder on Monday for the 2012 stabbing death of his former girlfriend.

The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Downers Grove, Westmont and Woodridge police departments. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.

Downers Grove Salvador Varela-Campos, 26, 6724 Park 3, Westmont, was arrested at 12:58 a.m. April 30 in the 6500 block of Fairview for no insurance and no valid driver’s license.

Nora Martinez, 38, 504 Princeton Drive, Bolingbrook, was arrested at 8:05 a.m. May 1 on Butterfield Road and Gray for driving while license suspended.

Joanna M. Iodice, 21, 164 Sunset Ave., Glen Ellyn, was arrested at 1:09 p.m.

May 1 in the 800 block of Burlington for retail theft.

Pedro Dimas-Aguilar, 46, 3 S. 517

Alyssa back to those Adam Belmont, 26, who loved her and miss will face a penalty of 20her, perhaps it will help 60 years in the Illinois them begin to gain some Department of Corrections measure of closure in for the murder of Alyssa this horrible chapter Van Meter of Woodridge. of their lives,” DuPage Belmont also entered County State’s Attorney a blind plea of guilty to one count of aggravated Adam Belmont Robert Berlin said.

On the evening of Dec. criminal sexual assault, 15, 2012, Woodridge which carries a sentence of 6-30 years. The sentences would police officers responded to a burglary/death investigation call be served consecutively.

“While his admission of guilt on Forest Drive.

Upon their arrival, officers in this horrific case will not bring

Elizabeth Ave., Warrenville, was arrested at 3:19 p.m. May 1 on Belmont and Chicago for no valid driver’s license.

Michael S. Coleman, 33, 358 Blossom, Crest Hill, was arrested at 3:41 p.m. May 1 at the Downers Grove Police Department for a warrant.

Tomasa Garduno, 56, 2417 Spring, Woodridge, was arrested at 3:43 p.m. May 1 on Prentiss and Woodward for no valid driver’s license.

Steven M. Cain, 60, 2548 Waterbury Lane, Woodridge, was arrested at 9:33 p.m. May 1 on Main and 63rd streets for driving while license suspended.

Jarel J. Nicholas, 36, 1654 Virginia St., Downers Grove, was arrested at 11:36 p.m. May 1 at the residence for violation of an order of protection and domestic battery.

Kate M. Steinhoff, 27, 309 Northridge, Bolingbrook, was arrested at 3 p.m.

May 2 on 55th Street and Lindley for a warrant.

Westmont Sometime between noon and 12:30 p.m. April 27, an unknown offender(s) stole a cellular phone in the 400 block of North Cass Avenue.

Total loss is $300.

At approximately noon April 29, officers responded to the 0-­100 block of West 63rd Street for a theft.

Officers arrested Alison Levy, 28, 306 S. Cass Ave. #2, Westmont, for retail theft after she stole groceries from a business.

Sometime between 10:15 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. April 29, an unknown offender(s) stole a grill from a residence in the 100 block of North Cass Avenue. Total loss is $80.

At approximately 12:05 a.m. April 30, officers conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Linden Avenue for an equipment violation.

Officers arrested Kimberly Williams, 42, 5832 N. Merrimac Ave. #1, Chicago, for driving with a suspended driver’s license. She was cited for failing to dim headlights and operating an uninsured vehicle.

discovered Van Meter’s body on the bedroom floor of her apartment with one stab wound to her chest.

An investigation by the Woodridge Police Department showed that Belmont went to Van Meter’s apartment complex at approximately 9 p.m. earlier that evening.

Police said he gained entry into her apartment by climbing up the outside balcony and climbing through a window.

Investigators found that a physical altercation occurred once

Belmont was inside, leading to him choking Van Meter until she was unconscious. Belmont then stabbed her one time in the chest, piercing her heart. Prosecutors said Belmont sexually assaulted Van Meter after stabbing her.

Following the murder, Belmont fled the scene but was arrested later that evening without incident.

Belmont’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 15 for return of the presentence report, and his sentencing date is set for June 23.

At approximately 8:10 a.m. April 30, officers conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of East 63rd Street for a license violation. Officers arrested Charles Rogers, 28, 8 W. 174 Buckingham Lane, Villa Park, for driving with a suspended driver’s license. He was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle.

driver’s side tires of a parked vehicle.

At approximately 12:50 p.m. May 2, officers conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of West 55th Street for a moving violation. Officers arrested Kenneth Harbin, 20, 3371 Kentshire Circle, Aurora, for driving with a suspended driver’s license and two outstanding traffic warrants. He was cited for improper lane usage.

Sometime between 3 p.m. May 2 and 7 a.m. May 3, an unknown offender(s) entered a vehicle parked in the 400 block of Whipple Lane and stole an electronic device. Total loss is $20.

Woodridge A criminal damage to vehicle occurred sometime between 10 p.m. April 24 and 7:30 a.m. April 25 in the 1200 block of Meadowwood.

Unknown person slashed the

At approximately 9:04 p.m. April 25, Justice Martin, 18, 525 S. State St., Chicago, and Joseph Dolman, 20, 300 N. State St., Chicago, were both charged with possession of cannabis. Anu Patel, 19, 4639 Howard St., Skokie, was charged with possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia, following a traffic stop in the 3300 block of 83rd Street.

At approximately 3:41 p.m. April 28, Todd Steck, 36, 8408 Alden Lane, Darien, was charged with possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia, following a traffic stop on 83rd Street and Beller.

A residential burglary occurred sometime between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

April 28 in the 2400 block of Spring Street. Unknown person made entry into an apartment through an unlocked door and removed two game systems.

For more Downers Grove, Westmont and Woodridge police blotter, visit www.buglenewspapers.com/ policeblotter.

FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE 5 MINUTES FOR YOURSELF Wedn esday, M ay 13, 2015 | bug leneW spapers.coM

Aries

MaRCH 21 tO aPRIL 20

You may feel a need to act on your beliefs, but guard against offending others in the week ahead. Physical exertion through sports or work around the house burns off steam in a constructive manner.

gemini

M ay 2 2 t O J U n E 2 1

Ask before acting. Family members offer sound advice. You’re prone to being flim-flammed in the week ahead. You may be easily led astray by your enthusiasms, or could turn a blind eye to potential pitfalls and problems.

leo

J U Ly 2 3 t O a U G U S t 2 1

It’s better to get ahead of schedule than get left behind.

Pay attention to the nagging voice of responsibility that tells you a job needs to be completed. Use your organizational skills in the week ahead to clear up a messy situation.

Across

Down

1 OVERSEaS COUnty 6 ZURICH HIGHLIGHt 9 GOLdEn GatE ELEMEnt 14 SaVEd fOR LatER, In a way 15 aRCHItECtURaL PREfIx 16 PROVIdERS Of addEd LIGHt 17 EMERGEnCy StRatEGIES 20 MattEREd 21 nBa GREat 22 BUSH LEd It fOR aBOUt a yR. In tHE ‘70S 23 POSt-ELECtIOn GOVERnMEntaL MEEtInG, PERHaPS 32 MaRCH MIddLE 33 tHEy May LEad tO RISky MOVES 34 Many a REfEREnCE BOOk 35 LIkE SOME tEMPERS 36 “REVERSaL Of fORtUnE” OSCaR wInnER 37 BRIMLESS Hat 38 HOME Of PHILLIPS UnIVERSIty 40 SECREtaRy Of StatE aftER COLIn, faMILIaRLy 41 Candy __ 42 nUMBER? 45 SEInfELd SPECIaLty 46 ELECtRICaL PaRtICLE 47 takES an OPPOSItE POSItIOn 56 aLtERS SOME GaME PaRaMEtERS 57 GREat EntHUSIaSM 58 CLaSSIfIEd aBBR. 59 PaRt Of a MEEt 60 dISEnGaGES, aS fROM a HaBIt 61 HIGH dEGREE 62 COMES UP SHORt

1 2 3 4 5

aRISE (fROM) “__ naGILa” JOBS nEwS Of 2010 MOVES BaCk fORMER GEORGIan PRESIdEnt SHEVaRdnadZE 6 fREEZE BEGInnInG 7 HERO In tREECE’S “VInLand tHE GOOd” 8 MaGIC wORd 9 MId-CaLf PantS 10 tHat MUCH OR MORE 11 GRaIn LayER 12 OMaR’S ROLE In “tHE MOd SqUad” 13 nO EffORt 18 SEttLES 19 BaRE tHInGS 23 SUIt MatERIaL 24 HERSEy’S BELL tOwn 25 fROnt VIP 26 LESLIE Of “fanny” 27 danISH CaPItaL 28 EntHRaLLS 29 wHItS 30 aRaBIan PEnInSULa natIVE 31 MytHICaL LIOn’S HOME

39 SUddEnLy OCCURS tO 41 1/100 Of a BRaZILIan REaL 43 HyBRId CatS 44 LOw-COSt StOPOVER 47 StICkInG PLaCE 48 MEMORaBLE naPPER 49 RadaMES’ LOVE 50 fLIGHt fEatURE 51 “wE’RE In tROUBLE!” 52 CaLL fOR 53 tHEy USUaLLy HaVE fOUR StRInGS 54 BIRdS SEEn By PLayERS Of 53dOwn 55 BOdy SHOP fIGS. Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2015

librA

SEPtEMBER 24 tO OCtOBER 23

Your phone may ring off the hook as this week unfolds.

If you listen carefully, you may hear sound advice that will help you negotiate profitable transactions. Incorporate beneficial ideas without losing sight of goals.

sAgittArius

nOVEMBER 23 tO dECEMBER 22

Things are as they should be. You may prefer to hide away in a peaceful nook and meditate during the upcoming week. Your penny-pinching ways will prove worthwhile, as extra cash is on hand when needed.

AquArius

JanUaRy 21 tO fEBRUaRy 19

You shouldn’t be resting on those comfortable laurels when work is required. Get pumped up and fulfill your obligations this week. Have faith that the plans you put into motion will blossom if you try hard enough.

Sudoku

tAurus

a P R I L 2 1 t O M ay 2 1

All that glitters is not gold - or even authentic bling.

Don’t make a sizable investment in the week ahead unless you’re willing to do your homework. Your business sense will keep the wolves from the door.

cAncer

J U n E 2 2 t O J U Ly 2 2

Remain clear headed in the upcoming week.

Someone could perform a sleight of hand with paperwork or possessions. Negotiations could be subject to misunderstandings. Read the fine print before signing.

virgo

aUGUSt 22 tO SEPtEMBER 23

Hey, you, get off of that cloud! You may spend more time daydreaming than getting things accomplished in the week ahead. If you don’t pay close attention, you could cause a dustup with someone near and dear.

scorpio

OCtOBER 24 tO nOVEMBER 22

To thine own self be true. Don’t rely too heavily on the opinions of others. Misguided sympathy could create some discomfort in the week to come. Delay decision making or signing paperwork.

cApricorn

dECEMBER 23 tO JanUaRy 20

Make wise choices with finances during the week ahead.

Put your quarters in the bank instead of the gumball machine. If you remain friendly and outgoing, someone may drop a valuable idea in your lap.

pisces

fEBRUaRy 20 tO MaRCH 20

Make a new friend. Community service may lead to advantageous publicity or a new network of business contacts. Attend a local art auction, make a donation, or join a book club in the week ahead and show off your skills.

Jumble

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

Jumbles:

• SCOUR • GLOVE • IMPOSE • SUPERB

Answer:

HELPS GEESE CROSS tHE ROad -- GOOSE BUMPS

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2015 Westmont

Local Eats

dance | from paGe 1

For space info: Nicole Austin 708-218-5904

“We have learned a lot about the culture since you have opened the doors to the center here in Westmont,” Westmont Mayor Ron Gunter told the group on Monday. “We are honored that you are performing here in Westmont. The whole village is excited.”

The troupe, all of whom are students at the university, is on a 13-city tour throughout the U.S. and Canada to celebrate Asian Heritage month. In addition to Westmont, the tour will stop in Indianapolis, Houston, New York and Toronto.

An Tzu-Pin, executive director of troupe, said it has 40 dancers in total but only 20 were chosen to make the trip. Selection was based on seniority, Tzu-Pin said.

The students are not dance majors at the university. Instead, they comprise a wide range of areas of study including education, communication, language arts and social work.

The troupe has been in existence for 10 years and was formed so that young members of tribal communities from all over Taiwan could share and learn more about the beauty of the music and dance traditions of the Taiwanese indigenous tribes.

Before Monday’s performance, the troupe, dressed in authentic costumes representing 16 different tribal groups. They warmly greeted the audience members and then proceeded to the stage for an energetic performance that included singing, dancing and live musical accompaniment.

PHoTo BY JoAN RYKAL

Taiwanese Dance Troupe has been in existence for 10 years. The troupe was formed to share the music and dance traditions of Taiwanese indigenous tribes.

Tzu-Pin said the performances combine a mix of old and new music and dances.

“We work to combine traditional dances and yet have the young people bring in their new music,” he said.

To prepare for the trip, the troupe rehearsed several hours a day, twice a week.

In addition to celebrating Asian Heritage month and Taiwanese Heritage Week, the purpose of the trip is to provide a cultural exchange.

Roy Yen, director of the Culture Center, said that exchange is the most important mission.

“We invite our American friends to enjoy the performance and a taste of authentic indigenous Taiwanese culture,” Yen said.

Wedn esday , M ay 13, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com | pag e 9

weddings

‘Gifts should come from the heart,’ and not the appliance section (NewsUSA) If you’re reading this story, you’re probably one of the approximately 825,000 couples who’ve just gotten engaged since Thanksgiving and are now planning your wedding.

So here’s perhaps the single most important reminder -- and grooms do seem to need more reminding than brides -- anyone will offer: Tradition holds that you both exchange wedding presents.

(Yes, grooms, even though you just bought her an engagement ring.)

But what to get?

“Gifts should come from the heart,” says WeddingChannel.com. Well, yeah. But that still leaves a lot of room for error.

So here’s some tips to keep in mind whether you two opt for some type of jewelry -- the

traditional and most popular choice -- or something else.

Practicality can wait Etiquette dictates that gifts be exchanged at one of three times: the night before the wedding, the morning of the ceremony, or right before you leave on your honeymoon. So you could see where this has the potential for becoming a bigger disaster than Chernobyl if the groom’s idea of “practical” is, say, a toaster.

Being uniquely personal is appreciated One of the best examples we’ve heard of is a guy who had a photographer secretly capture the moment he proposed in New York’s Central Park, and then presented the results to his bride on the day of their wedding. “So cute!” read a typical blog post.

The downside, of course, is that pulling it off requires imagination and -- in this instance -a lot of advance planning.

“Gifts should come from the heart,” says WeddingChannel.com. Well, yeah.

But that still leaves a lot of room for error.

Jewelry can be “traditional” without being boring Case in point: the very hot Argyle diamonds trend (www.diamondswithastory. com), which fulfills the quest of even the most

ecominded couples for diamond fashion jewelry since the stones are produced in a socially and environmentally responsible way from the Argyle mine in Australia. And the diamonds, themselves, come in gorgeous neutral shades like champagne, cognac, silver and gray.

“If your bride likes something different from what all her friends have,” says jewelry and style expert Michael O’Connor, “then the Argyle diamond bracelets, necklaces and earrings are perfect and available at many retailers across the country -- I’ve even spotted women at gyms wearing the diamond pendants. And the cufflinks for men are truly elegant.”

Perhaps because prices start at as little as a few hundred dollars for some pieces, O’Connor calls them “the ideal gateway gift.”

Meaning, you can use other occasions -- think birthdays and anniversaries -- to add to your collection through the years.

Yes, brides and grooms, you’ll soon have to start planning your next milestone together.

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10

W ednesday, M ay 13, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com farewell | from page 3 continued engagement from the community will help the council move forward.

Neustadt also recognized village staff, saying they are “the heart” of the village and crediting their support and guidance for the difference he was able to make while on the council.

Durkin was the longest-serving commissioner to bid farewell during the meeting, having been on the council for 10 years.

Tully said Durkin served admirably and capably, and always advocated for things he thought were important.

Durkin said his children are excited he will have more time to spend with them, and that helped put this election into perspective.

“The real winner in this election is my family, because I can be a full-time husband and, more importantly, a full-time dad,” he said.

Looking back on the last decade, Durkin said it wasn’t easy to make hard votes, but added that he does not regret a single vote he cast.

“We need to come together as a community because it’s what makes Downers Grove a great community,” he said.

After the outgoing commissioners said goodbye, seats were shuffled and the William “Bill” White, William Waldack and Gina Vattimo were sworn in. Tully, who will serve as mayor for the next four years, also took the oath of office.

The second-term mayor also made several new appointments during the meeting, naming Commissioner David Olsen mayor pro tem and deputy liquor commissioner. Vattimo was appointed ex-officio to the Economic Development Corporation, and Waldack will serve as ex-officio to the Downtown Management Corporation. White was appointed chairman of the Community Events Commission.

Wednesday, may 13, 2015

page 11

>> InsIde: abello sIsTers sHIne In dIFFerenT sporTs page 12

gYmnastics

gymnasts STATEBOUND Downers North and South sending representatives to meet

By Mike sanDrolini sports reporter

mike@buglenewspapers.com @Voyager_sport

Being in the same sectional as three-time defending state champion Wheaton Warrenville South, which hosted its own sectional May 6, made things tougher for the remaining eight teams that night, including Downers North and Downers South.

Nevertheless, the Trojans and Mustangs, who finished fifth (134.45 points) and eighth (122.55) in the team standings, respectively, will be sending individuals to this weekend’s state meet that will be held at Hinsdale Central.

Downers north Senior Jake Graham missed all of last season due to torn cartilage in his wrist, but he’s made up for lost time this season. The Trojans’ parallel bars specialist secured the fifth and final automatic state qualifying spot out of the WWS sectional in p-bars after scoring an 8.4.

“It’s very exciting,” he said. “I was hoping to make state last year and obviously couldn’t have that opportunity, but to be back here and put myself in a position to go, it’s exciting.”

Graham got a taste of what it’s like to compete at state two years ago because he was a part of the Trojans’ 2013 statequalifying team. This weekend,

he’ll be experiencing state as an individual performer.

“That was extremely exciting and I definitely learned a lot,” said Graham, who’s twice scored an 8.7 this season. “This next time around it’s more individual, more focused and it’s exciting. It’s a little nerve-wracking but hopefully I do better than I did tonight.”

“We’re really excited about him getting his shot at the state meet this year,” said Downers North coach Tony Ciezadlo.

Junior Mike Greenwalt is advancing to state after him and Naperville Central’s Karl Jungquist tied for fifth in the floor exercise with 8.7s.

Ciezaldo noted that Greenwalt has bounced back nicely from an ankle injury he suffered at the start of the year.

“We are very fortunate to have him back in the lineup on floor and vault,” Ciezaldo said. “He also competes on p-bars, but because he has been unable to work out, we focused on the floor exercise and vault.

“He is one of the best all-around athletes in the gym. We haven’t seen his best and we hope he will shine at state.”

Michael Kudelka advanced as an at-large in the pommel horse (7.65) as did Jeremy Guinn (7.25).

Kudelka also advanced in the high bar (6.7).

“Mike Kuldelka had a great meet,” Ciezaldo said. “He did

see state | paGe 15

PHoTo BY MIKE SANDRoLINI

Evan Baird of Downers South advanced to state in multiple events, including the all-around.

TWITTER: For up -to-the-minute coverage of upcoming local sport events going on in your area, follow @VoyagerSport

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W ednesday, M ay 13, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

feature

Abello sisters share spotlight in different sports

By Mark Gregory

sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

submitted photo

Benet’s Stephanie Abello (below) and Kerry Abello are committed to Big 10 schools.

Stephanie and Kerry Abello share parents, they share DNA and they share a last name.

Both excel in athletics are headed to the Big Ten to continue playing after finishing up at Benet Academy.

That is where their similarities end – athletically at least.

Stephanie, a senior, is a lefthanded, hard-hitting catcher for the Benet softball team who is headed to the University of Illinois next season, while Kerry, a sophomore, is a goal-scoring machine for the Redwings’ soccer team who is already verbally committed to play for Penn State University.

Their choice of different sports was not something that was based on them entering high school.

Kerry said it was known from an early age.

“Growing up we tried every sport and we just ended up staying with the sport we fell in love with,” she said. “We have completely different skill sets. She was given the handeye coordination and I just wasn’t.

I was in softball for one summer and quickly found out it was not my thing.”

Stephanie agreed.

“We found out pretty quickly that we should stick to our own sport,” she said.

The sisters are happy they are on different athletic paths.

“I love that we play different sports,” Kerry said. “I have learned so much about softball and I’m sure she has learned about soccer and I enjoy watching her because her skill set amazes me because I am so bad at everything she is able to do and she feels the same. It makes things more interesting that we excel in different sports.”

They have both excelled this season – sometimes on the same day.

“There was one day early in the season where I hit two home runs and she scored two goals in the same day,” Stephanie said. “There is nothing cooler than that. It is cool to excel at my own sport, but it is really neat to watch her excel at hers.”

Watching each other is an issue at times because they play during the same season.

“She comes and watches me play when she can and just last week, I

had a game before hers, so I went over and watched,” Kerry said.

“But, with games and practices, our schedules are pretty busy.”

It also makes it tough on their parents.

“Most of the time they can get to both of us but sometime they have to pick and choose, but we have enough games where they can usually get to both of us,” Kerry said.

“We figure it out,” Stephanie said. “It is a lot of driving, but it works.”

While she is a sophomore, Kerry did not play for the Benet High School team last year, instead focusing on her club team.

“I was moved up a year in school, so last year my club team was in eighth grade still, so we had state and maybe nationals to play for, so I decided to play with the club,” she said. “This year, all of my club team is in high school, so I decided to play for the school team. It was an easy decision and I certainly missed out last year because high school soccer is so much fun.”

She said that heading into this season, Stephanie helped her prepare to play for the Redwings.

“When I chose to play club soccer, she told me I was missing out and that I would enjoy it,” Kerry said. “That was the right decision then, but she made the transition easier when I decided to play this year.”

Although Kerry is playing for the Redwings this season, she has been forced to miss some games as she competes with the Under 17 Women’s National team.

“I am in that pool fighting for a roster spot for the Under 17 World Cup in 2016,” she said. “I had to miss games because I was in a camp in California. It is hard on my team I know and I hate missing because I like high school soccer. It is hard to miss school too, but it is doable and worth it. I am extremely blessed and motivated. This is an incredible opportunity.”

While Kerry is scoring for Benet and trying to make the National team, Stephanie is enjoying watching her sister leave her own legacy on the Redwings.

“It is amazing. I am so happy for everything she has accomplished,” Stephanie said. “There is nothing that makes me more proud than being able to watch her score and play with a bunch of my friends that are seniors.”

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13

roundup

Downers North shares badminton title Downers Grove North tied for first in its own badminton sectional with Hinsdale Central.

The two schools finished with 11.5 points each.

Advancing to state for the Trojans are Kiley Porter (2nd), Rachel Schubert (4th) and the doubles team of Shatien Jordan and Maria McConaughy (3rd).

The state meet takes place this weekend at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

•Downers South senior Allison William is headed to state after placing fourth in the Naperville North Sectional.

SOCCER Benet topped Marian Catholic 7-0. Jacquie Kaufman scored four goals, while Kate Hennessy, Betsy Keefe and Ellie Bumpus also scored goals.

The Redwings (14-2-3, 7-1-0) fell to Carmel 1-0.

SOFTBALL Benet fell to Carmel 17-10 as Allie Goettsch, Jessica Brown and Megan Stoppelman (3 RBI) each had two hits. Stephanie Abello had a home run and four RBI. The Redwings lost to Nazareth 2-1 as Goettsch had two hits and Stoppelman struck out seven and allowed two runs on four hits, with one earned run.

Benet (11-13) dropped a 10-4 decision to Carmel. Emily York

was 3-for-3 with a double and Abello had two hits and two RBI with a homer.

•Lisle fell to Coal City 7-5 as Erica Krause and Jennifer Cail each had two hits.

The Lions topped Timothy Christian 12-4 as Melissa Ericson had three hits with a double, triple and five RBI. She also got the win on the mound, striking out eight.

BASEBALL Downers South topped Hinsdale South 3-0 as Ty McCulloch pitched the shutout, allowing five hits and struck out eight. Zach Radde went 3-for-3.

The Mustangs topped Glenbard West 12-7 as Ryan Taylor went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. Joe Lacivita (homer, 2 RBI), Joey Engel and Ben Ficht all had two hits.

DGS (20-3) beat Morton 5-0 as Peter Hamot struck out eight and allowed one hit in six innings.

Engel went 3-for-3, while Danny Oriente added a pair of hits.

•Lisle fell to Coal City 3-0 as George Swedie struck out six and allowed four hits and three earned runs in six innings.

The Lions fell to Coal City 15-4 as Christian Grego had two hits and David White totaled two RBI.

VOLLEYBALL The sectional pairings came

out last week and all three local schools are in the Oswego East Sectional.

Benet is the No. 3 seed and opens in the Wheaton Warrenville South Regional against the winner of No. 14 West Aurora and No. 19 Plainfield East at 5:30 p.m. May

26. The regional final is at 6 p.m.

May 27, as is all of the regional finals.

Downers North is the No. 7 seed and plays at 6:30 p.m. May 26 against the winner of No. 10 Plainfield North and No. 23 Lemont at the Glenbard East

Regional.

No. 8 Downers South opens play at 6:30 p.m. May 25 against No. 25 Montini. A win puts the Mustangs at the May 26 match at 7:30 p.m. against likely foe No. 9 Oswego.

-compiled by Scott Taylor

TWITTER: For up -to-the-minute coverage of upcoming local sport events going on in your area, follow @VoyagerSport

14

W ednesday, M ay 13, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

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Wedn es day, M ay 13, 2015 | bug leneW spapers.coM

15

featuring

Joe swoboda

MAINE EAST BoYS VoLLEYBALL

Did you like the Chicago Bears’ draft?

yes no 44.4% 55.6% Which softball team will advance the farthest?

PLAINFIELD CENTRAL • DOWNERS SOUTH • LOCKPORT • OTHER want to PartiCiPate in our READER POLL? GO TO OUR WEBSITE:

state | from paGe 11 outstanding.”

The top five placewinners in each event from each sectional automatically qualify for state; then those gymnasts with the top 25 scores in each event from all the sectionals (five total) received at-large berths.

“I felt really great (coming into sectionals),” Kudelka said. “I came in thinking I’m going to hit my sets. If I was going to make state, that’s awesome, but if I don’t there’s always next year.”

Downers south First-year coach Dan Fenton, a volunteer coach at Downers North last spring, inherited a team that became the first in school history to qualify as a team for the state meet.

However, the Mustangs took a hit when their top gymnast in 2014, Dominic Tommasone, opted for club, and their No. 2 gymnast, sophomore Brock Herion, underwent shoulder

avCa @avCavolleyBall “Make sure you all congratulate @LewisMVBall for a fantastic season. No doubt they are a team to always be remembered.”

lewis Men’s v-Ball @lewisMvBall Seniors Geoff Powell and Greg Petty were both named to the All-Tournament Team.

ChiCagolanD sPeeDway @ ChiCagolnDsPDwy BREAKING: @bretteldredge to perform on 9/20 prior to the @ NASCAR race!

surgery and missed the entire season this year.

“He’ll be cleared in the next week or two,” said Fenton, referring to Herion, “so he’ll be in summer camp working out in the offseason. He can’t wait (to get back).”

But there was good news coming out of the sectional for DGS in the person of junior Evan Baird, who punched his ticket to state by placing second on the high bar with an 8.3, and tying for fifth on vault, scoring a 9.0.

It’s the second consecutive trip to state for Baird, whom Fenton calls “the most talented athlete I’ve ever seen.”

“I competed in gymnastic at Downers Grove North when I was in high school and I’ve worked in clubs and he’s the most talented gymnast I’ve ever seen in my life,” Fenton said. “He has natural ability. He’s put in a lot of work and that’s going to translate at the state meet.”

Baird’s 9.0 on vault is a

noteworthy achievement given that he’s been hampered by a sprained ankle, an injury that occurred three weeks ago.

“I’m just trying to get back into it,” he said. “It’s painful but I’m getting through it.”

Baird also qualified at-large in the all-around 47.05 and floor exercise (8.65).

“Every meet he’s been getting better and better I think his allaround score up until the last meet had gone up every single week,” Fenton said. “His high bar has improved a lot.”

Baird, the team’s co-captain along with senior Carlos Garcia, will be approaching the state meet from the mindset of not only trying to do the best he can, but also having fun.

“Honestly, state is more fun than any other meet,” he said.

“It’s the most fun I’ve ever had competing so far. There are totally nerves, but I guess that’s kind of the fun in it. It’s more pressure, but just kind of enjoy it.”

What types of social media do you use?

Instagram the most and Facebook second. I rarely go on Twitter. I made a Twitter account a long time ago but can’t tell you last time I’ve been on there.

What do you like about Instagram?

The reason I like it the most is that it’s convenient. It’s something I like to do in my

free time.

What specifically do you like to do when you’re on Instagram?

Just scroll for people’s pictures just to see what they’re doing, and see what’s going on in people’s lives.

How many followers to you have?

I have 321 followers.

16

News about local businesses in your community W ednesday, M ay 13, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

business

Lextech names new principal experience designer Yana Carstens will lead company’s user experience team Downers Grove-based Lextech announced last week that the mobile app developer promoted Yana Carstens to principal experience designer.

Carstens will lead Lextech’s user

experience team, where she will help create new approaches to enhance customer service from the company’s mobile apps. She joined Lextech in August 2014 as senior experience architect.

“Lextech focuses on developing the right mobile apps to solve real business issues and that are easy to use,” said Alex Bratton, CEO and chief geek at Lextech. “Yana understands this mission and has

quickly established herself as a [user experience] visionary in a male-dominated industry.

“We are proud to have her lead our talented design team,” he added.

Prior to joining Lextech, Carstens was a user experience designer with The Nerdery. She also held user experience design positions with Walgreens and Elevate Studios in Chicago, and Stevens Advertising in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

works | from page 3 with property owners along St. Joseph’s Creek to address a common streambank erosion issue. A streambank stabilization project will involve land transfers and physical construction of stabilization methods, such as stone toes and natural vegetation.

The project will cost $338,470, and construction, which began in early March, should be completed by summer.

Additionally, the village will reconstruct a “substandard” section of Cumnor Road between 59th and 61st streets.

The current width of the roadway varies between 16 feet and 18 feet and is showing signs of base failure, according to the village. This project, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year, will include reconstruction of the roadway using pervious concrete, curbs, storm sewer, sidewalk, street lighting and other related work.

Other work set to begin this summer is the replacement an 80-year-old section of water main on West End and Park Street. The village will replace 2,800 linear feet of 6-inch cast iron water main with new 8-inch PVC water main by directional drilling. This project is in design and bid has not been completed, but the village said it is expected to be completed by fall.

Finally, the Illinois Department of Transportation will perform a standard resurfacing of Route 83 between Knollwood Road and Route 56. Though not a village project, Westmont officials reminded residents that their commute could be impacted.

Ramsey said much of the planned work depends on the weather, adding that crews may have to work on numerous projects in different locations at the same time. ”We appreciate everyone’s patience during this process,” he said.

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Wednesday, May 13, 2015 | buglenewspapers.com

Easy tips for a healthy lifestyle #buglehealth Wedn esday, M ay 13, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

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medical memo with Dr. Stuart Sondheimer, MD

What In The World Is Keratoconus?

About 1 in 2,000 people are affected by this progressive eye disease

cannot be corrected with glasses.

In severe cases, the irregular astigmatism cannot be corrected with contact lenses.

Keratoconus affects about 1 out of 2,000 people. Its inheritance is poorly understood, although Keratoconus is a progressive about 15 percent of people with keratoconus have relatives disease that causes the with the disease. outermost layer of the Frequent eye rubbing eye, known as the cornea, and rigid contact lens to become steeper, wear may contribute thinner, cone shaped and to the development distorted. of keratoconus. Many The name patients are found to “keratoconus” is derived have keratoconus in from the Greek words Dr. Stuart adolescence. In many “kerato,” meaning cornea, Sondheimer cases, the condition and “conus,” meaning cone-shaped. Keratoconus usually stabilizes for people in their 30s or affects both eyes, but it can be 40s.

Some people have vulnerabilities far more advanced in one eye or the other. An ophthalmologist that cause them to develop a can determine steepening of the keratoconus-like disease called cornea through the use of corneal “corneal ectasia” when they topography – a topographical map have eye surgeries that weaken of the cornea – or keratometry the cornea such as LASIK or keratectomy – an optical instrument that photorefractive measures the steepness, flatness, (PRK) to treat nearsightedness, astigmatism and regularity of the farsightedness or astigmatism. cornea. Keratoconus patients have An ophthalmologist should be increasing amounts of astigmatism, able to detect most, but not all, which can become “irregular” and patients who are likely to develop

calendar | from page 5 Volunteer to Help Clean the East Branch. 9 a.m. to noon. Join others from the Woodridge community in helping to clean up the East Branch of the DuPage River. For more information and to sign up, email jknight@vil. woodridge.il.us.

MAY 17

Community Open House.

9:30 a.m. at the Downers Grove Community Church, 6600 Fairview.

If you are looking for a progressive church, come and check out the Downers Grove Community Church. The praise team will play

lively, inspiring music to invite the presence of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Howard will speak. Charming gift bags will be given to all visitors.

For more information, visit www. dgcc.org or call 630-969-3320.

Sidewalk Art Contest. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Gregg House Museum, 115 S. Linden Ave., Westmont. The Westmont Park District will provide the chalk. Just bring your ideas and drawing skills.

An expert chalk artist on hand to demonstrate drawing techniques and give pointers for making a great work of art. Program is free.

For more information, visit www. westmontparks.org.

corneal ectasia following LASIK by performing special tests such as corneal topography or corneal tomography.

Some candidates for refractive surgery to lessen dependence on glasses or contact lenses are discouraged from having such surgery because of elevated risk factors for developing postoperative ectasia including young age, thin corneas or significant nearsightedness.

Patients with keratoconus commonly complain of decreased vision. Some see multiple images.

In milder cases, glasses or soft contact lenses correct a patient’s vision. In more severe cases, vision may be corrected with gas permeable or hybrid contact lenses. Plastic corneal implants called intacs may help improve vision. In severe cases, corneal transplant surgery may be required to restore vision.

Internationally, and in the U.S., there are new treatments, including Corneal Collagen Crosslinking, which can stop the progression of keratoconus and post-LASIK and post-PRK ectasia of the cornea.

In some cases, CCC lessens the

Summer Reading Club Kickoff Party. 1-4 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. Summer Reading Club: League of SuperReaders is here.

Stop by for giveaways, snacks, pictures with superheroes and your SRC entry form. Prizes will be awarded all summer. For more information, call 630-960-1200 or visit www.dglibrary.org.

Concert–Classical Guitar.

1 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. Brian Riggs performs on the guitar, while discussing the music and composers. Refreshments provided.

Dr. Stuart Sondheimer examines a patient. steepening and irregularity of the cornea caused by keratoconus or ectasia. In CCC, the cornea is first treated with drops of riboflavin that is absorbed by the cornea after receiving successive drops over time. Originally, the soft outer covering of the cornea was removed prior to administration of the drops, but now many patients are treated without disrupting the cornea. Next, ultraviolet light is focused on the cornea. This causes the riboflavin-treated cornea to form new “crosslinks” that stiffen the cornea and stop the progression of keratoconus and corneal ectasia.

Salute to Summer BBQ. Noon to 5 p.m. at McCullom Park, 6801 Main St., Downers Grove.

The Woodridge Jaycees on behalf of Legacy Corps presents the inaugural Salute to Summer BBQ. Veterans eat free. Family fun games for all ages: Bags, soccer obstacle course and apple pie eating contest. Proceeds will help veterans transition home or to a new facility. For more information, visit www.woodridgejaycees.org.

Broadway’s Best and Movie Magic Music Program. 2 p.m. at the Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive. Celebrated concert vocalist Maureen Christine will

A contact lens is placed on the eye after treatment and antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are used. CCC can also treat bacterial infections of the cornea that are resistant to antibiotics.

This treatment is welcome news to people with keratoconus and is indicative of the progress being made in modern ophthalmology.

Dr. Stuart Sondheimer, MD is an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon with offices in Park Ridge, Deerfield and Skokie, Illinois. The advice contained in this article is for informational purposes only. Readers should consult with a physician to evaluate any illness or medical condition. Call 847677-2794 or: www.drsondheimer.com

delight with songs from Broadway (“Wicked”, “Annie”) and hits from favorite movies (“Titanic”, “The Lion King”). Gifted jazz pianist Don Stille will accompany Maureen during this music performance.

This is a free concert, open to the public with registration requested online at woodridgelibrary.org or by calling 630-487-2577.

MAY 20

How to Optimize your Day. 7-8:30 p.m. at The Birches Assisted Living, 215 55th St., Clarendon Hills.

How to optimize your day – Jackie Raschke, CDP. Free program with registration. For more information and to register, call 630-581-7350.

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