JANUARY 21, 2016 VOL. 60 ISSUE 16
see page 8
NEWS Powerball ticket
$100k Powerball ticket sold in Park Ridge
see page 2
NEWS against gun shop
District 219 to support Safer Society’s lawsuit
see page 3
FORUMN to mental health
If change fails to take hold, check your motivation
see page 5
SCHOOLS D.219 Budget
Board reluctantly approves 2016-17 budget
see page 10
NEWS Pace free Bus
Pace approves changes to free bus routes
see page 14
NILES MAYOR ANDREW PRZYBYLO DELIVERS HIS STATE OF THE VILLAGE ADDRESS DURING THE NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY’S ANNUAL LUNCHEON. SUBMITTED PHOTO
SPORTS Dons fall to Benet Notre Dame struggles in loss to Redwings
see page 7
Featured Sports
Points elude hawks in loss
T h ursday, January 21, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
Pace launches study of Dempster Street Pulse $100K Powerball ticket sold in Park Ridge Park Ridge 7 Eleven, sold winning ticket The record Powerball drawing has come and gone. And while none of the winning jackpot tickets were sold in the state of Illinois, a smaller winner was sold right here in Park Ridge. A $100,000 winning ticket sold at a Park Ridge 7 Eleven, 555 W. Devon Ave., was one of the 45 total prizes of $50,000 or more won in Illinois during the Jan. 13 drawing. Two $1 million tickets, six $100,000 tickets and 37 $50,000 tickets were sold throughout the state.
Overall, more than 893,000 winning tickets with prizes ranging from $4 to $100,000 were sold in Illinois during the Jan. 13 Powerball drawing. The total jackpot was worth more than $1.5 billion, which lottery officials said is the largest lottery jackpot in world history. Stores that sold a $100,000 prize will receive a $1,000 bonus, and stores that sold a $50,000 prize will receive a bonus of $500. The winning numbers drawn were 4 – 8 – 19 – 27 – 34 and Powerball 10. Lottery officials said Illinois residents have one year from the drawing date to claim their Powerball prizes.
Study will run through 2016, with construction expected in 2018 By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
Suburban transit agency Pace recently launched a planning study for a new express bus service along Dempster Street. The study is part of Pace’s longterm plan to create a network of arterial rapid transit routes in some of its busiest transit corridors. These ART buses would make fewer stops than regular buses, and buses would get traffic signal priority under certain circumstances. Pace is currently working to build an ART route along Milwaukee Avenue, and its long-term plans call for ART routes along Harlem Avenue, Golf Road and Touhy Avenue. Pace spokesman Patrick Wilmot told the Bugle that the study process was still in the early stages,
Image Courtesy of Pace
so discussing many concrete details would be premature. But he indicated that the route would have the same alignment as the current Route 250. The agency is currently planning to finalize the design between 2017 and 2018 and launch the new service in 2019. Route 250 runs between the Purple Line Davis ‘L’ station in downtown Evanston and the O’Hare International Airport’s Kiss‘n’-Fly facility. For the most part, it follows Dempster, running through Evanston, Skokie, Morton Grove,
Niles, Park Ridge, Des Plaines and Rosemont. It makes stops at several regional train and bus hubs, including the CTA “Skokie Swift” Yellow Line’s Dempster-Skokie ‘L’ station and Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest Line’s Des Plaines station. At the O’Hare Kiss ‘N’ Fly facility, passengers can transfer to the Airport Transit System – an automated train system that runs between all of O’Hare’s terminals.
see pulse | page 4
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T h ursday, January 21, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
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cover story >> niles >> state of the village
State of the village focusses on sales tax growth, community cohesion By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
Niles Mayor Andrew Przybylo laid out his priorities for the future during the Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual luncheon, held Jan. 14. Echoing his comments during many recent village board meetings, Przybylo said Niles must grow its sales tax base in order to keep up with its financial obligations and support its programs and services. That,
the mayor added, requires the village to support local business, encourage redevelopment along Milwaukee and Touhy avenues, and do more to attract visitors to Niles. Przybylo also said that he would work to encourage community spirit and advance the long-awaited Cleveland Relief Sewer flood mitigation project. Niles mayors have traditionally used the NCCI Leadership & Recognition Luncheon to deliver a State of the Village address, outlying their priorities for the rest of the year. The mayors also use the
luncheon to swear in NCCI Board of Directors. Przybylo began this year’s speech by explaining that Niles is facing mounting expenses. That includes contractually required 2-3 percent annual salary increases for village employees, unpaid pension obligations, infrastructure repairs and $12 million for construction of the last remaining Tier 1 flood mitigation projects – the Cleveland Relief Sewer, which is expected to reduce flooding in eastern Niles. The mayor also cited four village community-orientated initiatives – the Niles Fitness Center, Niles Senior Center, Niles Teen Center
see village | page 13
village news >> niles township
D. 219 board member asks district to formally support Safer Society’s lawsuit 2nd time Skokiebased gun-control group has filed suit By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
Niles Township District 219 Board member Brian Novak urged his fellow board members to do more to support the People for a
Niles Township District 219 Board member Brian Novak
Safer Society’s lawsuit against the village of Niles. This is the second time the Skokie-based gun control advocate organization has tried to sue the village over its decision to grant a special-use permit to the
Sportsman’s Club gun shop and firing range. Its original lawsuit, which was filed in October 2014, was dismissed in June 2015. Because it was dismissed without prejudice, the organization was free to file an amended lawsuit. The new lawsuit named both the village and the gun shop as defendants. District 219 has expressed concerns about the gun shop since July 2014, arguing that the proposed gun shop was too close to Niles West and Niles Central high schools.
see gun shop | page 4
Photo By Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff
Local business owners, village employees and area officials mingle during the Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry luncheon.
www.cookcountycrimestoppers.org • 800.535.stop Thursday, January 21, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com pulse | from page 2 Route 250 passes near East Maine High School, Notre Dame College Prep High School, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and the All-State Arena. On school days, Pace runs special Route 250 buses that pick up and drop off students at Maine East and Maine West high schools. Wilmot told the Bugle that the planning study for what Pace has dubbed the Pulse Dempster Line is still in the very early stages. “We have not begun public or stakeholder outreach,” he said. “At this point we are working internally on project management and development.” Because of this, Wilmot explained that it was too early to talk about any plans for station alignments, service frequencies, schedules and other details. However, Pace’s application for congestion mitigation and air quality improvement funding lays out the basic concept for Pulse Dempster. It calls for a total of 16 stops. It would stop at all transit hubs along the route and most major intersections, including the intersections of Milwaukee and Dempster in Niles
gun shop | from page 3 Nanciann Gatta, the district’s former superintendent, personally attended several village of Niles meetings to urge village officials deny Sportsman’s a special-use permit. Novak, who is a member of People for a Safer Society, said the board hasn’t formally done anything about the issue since the April 2015 election ended with him and three other new members – current Board President Mark Sproat and Linda Lampert and Carlton Evans – winning seats on the board. He argued that their predecessors have spoken on
and Waukegan and Dempster and Austin and Dempster in Morton Grove. In Park Ridge, it would stop at Advocate Lutheran Hospital and Maine East. According to Pace’s official website, Pulse Dempster would have the same amenities as Pulse Milwaukee. Each stop would have a raised, handicappedaccessible platform, larger signage, passenger shelters, a display with real-time bus arrival information and bike racks. Pace would also buy special buses that will have on-board Wi-Fi and USB-based chargers. The grant application indicated that, as with Pulse Milwaukee and Route 270, Route 250 wouldn’t go away entirely once Pulse Dempster is launched. Just how often Route 250 would run hasn’t been determined, however. According to the CMAQ grant application, Pace estimated that project would cost a total of $26.46 million with $19.15 million of that coming from the grant. The project timeline posted on the Pace website indicates that the planning study will run through 2016. Actual construction isn’t expected to start until 2018, with the service launching in 2019.
the issue and they should do the same. “I’m just asking the board to, once again, make a formal declaration of opposition [to the gun shop] – whatever that is,” Novak said. After some discussion, the board decided to draft a letter of support for People for a Safer Society’s lawsuit. Nowak will write the letter, and the board would sign it, after checking with District 219’s attorney to make sure there are no conflicts with district policy. Sproat noted that the district couldn’t join in the lawsuit even if it wanted to. “We won’t join the lawsuit because it’s against policy,” he said.
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The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Niles, Park Ridge and Morton Grove police departments. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.
Niles Duane M. Lathan, 36, 600 block of Metropolitan Way, Des Plaines, was arrested Jan. 10 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.
1
Oscar Montiel, 20, 5300 block of West Roscoe, Chicago, was arrested at 5:11 p.m. Jan. 11 in the 9000 block of Milwaukee for no valid driver’s license.
2
Ainsley Harlton, 35, 8200 block of West Dempster, Niles, was arrested at 10:03 a.m. Jan. 11 in the 9500 block of Milwaukee for no valid driver’s license.
3
Sultana S. Isho, 38, 699 block of North Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, was arrested at 12:48 p.m. Jan. 11 in the 8500 block of Golf for retail theft.
4
Park Ridge Victor Terrell, 47, 1156 W. 51st St., Chicago, was arrested at 2:41 p.m. Dec. 31 at Northwest Highway and Summit for fleeing and eluding, no proof of insurance, improper lane usage, and speeding.
5
George R. Colley, 49, 210 Pear Orchard Drive, Goodlettsville, Tennessee, was arrested at 9:38 p.m. Jan. 3 in the 0-100 block of South Prospect for operation of an uninsured motor vehicle, suspended or revoked driver’s license, and expired registration.
6
Mery Elen, 33, 60 Rawls Road, Des Plaines, was arrested at 7:24 a.m. Jan. 5 at Busse and Oakton for no valid driver’s license and disobeyed traffic control device.
7
Augustin Popa, 50, 9805 Bianco Terrace, Des Plaines, was arrested at 3:47 p.m. Jan. 6 in the 1900 block of South Cumberland for retail theft.
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Joseph L. Hernandez, 33, 6950 N. Kenton, Lincolnwood, was arrested at 1:19 p.m. Jan. 9 at Devon and Talcott for no valid driver’s license and no insurance.
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Kenneth Lomax, 44, 1056 Court Apt. 2, Des Plaines, was arrested Jan. 9 at Northwest Highway and Washington for suspended driver’s license.
10 Arnold
Morton Grove Jesus C. Gonzalez, 20, Chicago, was arrested Jan. 5 in the 8700 block of Waukegan for suspended driver’s license and possession of cannabis with intent to deliver.
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Defone D. Lewis, 26, Virginia Beach, Virginia, was arrested Jan. 6 at Waukegan and Golf for driving while license suspended.
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Matthew Hively, 27, was arrested Jan. 6 in the 7900 block of Church for criminal damage to property and simple assault.
13
Dormin Ordonez, 26, Chicago,
14 was arrested Jan. 7 at Davis and Merrill for suspended license. Richard Mikhail, 38, Skokie, was arrested Jan. 10 at Shermer and Dempster for DUI.
15
Shaun A. Bong, 61, Morton
16 Grove, was arrested Jan. 12 in the 7400 block of Emerson for violation of an order of protection.
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T h ursday, January 21, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
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To Your Mental Health > Commentary
EDITORIAL
If change fails to take hold, check your motivation
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has been a smoker for many years and By Jason Florin | For The Bugle As the excitement of starting a new made a New Year’s resolution to quit in year begins to fade, often the well- 2016. This person may have grown tired intentioned pledges we made also lose of the expense of smoking, having to stand outside in the cold and steam. Maybe you promised might have experienced some to lose weight, to learn a new health issues. So he decided to language, to quit smoking or quit, which is great. to work out every day, and At this point, he was now you find yourself looking probably in the contemplation forward to 2017 as the year of stage and may have even taken change. some actions Jan. 1, such as According to the throwing out his pack and International Health, Racquet To Your Mental Health buying nicotine gum. After and Sportsclub Association, fighting through a week of there are almost 50 percent more gym enrollments in January than cravings, he bought a pack and had a during an average month throughout few cigarettes. This pattern is extremely common the year. This indicates that we start the year with the best intentions when beginning the process of change. before drifting down a path toward old A lot of people think they have failed, although in reality, any change is behavior. difficult and should be commended. Understanding change However, more work has to be done In the 1980s, researchers at the in the contemplation and preparation University of Maryland developed a stages before the change will take hold. If you can relate to the description unique way of understanding how people make changes. They described above, then consider taking some time a series of stages that everyone to evaluate your own process. Before experiences before, during and after trying a new action, did you have making a significant transition. This a concept of why you were making model, called the “stages of change,” the change, which is a critical part of is used by professionals in various moving out of contemplation? Also, did you put together a reasonable healthcare settings, and it is useful to anyone considering a change. The plan, the all-important preparation phase? If not, then now is a chance to approach involves five basic phases: • Pre-contemplation – A point where correct those steps to help you move we don’t have any plans to change; forward. On the TV show “The Biggest Loser,” • Contemplation – When we begin to consider changing and may even contestants compete to lose weight by make plans to change sometime in making major lifestyle changes. One of the tools used on the show involves the future • Preparation – Where we make a contestants writing down their No. 1 decision to change and create a reason for wanting to change and then making T-shirts with that statement. plan to make it happen • Action – When we follow our plan The slogans reveal the hopes and desires each person carries. and commit to the change Your own reason might be simple – to • Maintenance – Where we have established the new behavior as look good at the beach this summer or maybe to beat your dad in a 5k. As long part of our habits Let’s use an example of someone who as it pushes you to stick to your goal,
then it’s the right purpose. You can make your own shirt, or simply write the reason on a piece of paper, or maybe keep a picture with you that is a reminder of what you want.
Doing what works If you had these motivational elements in place but did not stick with the change, that’s still excellent. Now you can decide what worked for you and what didn’t, as you attempted a new behavior. Most of us don’t get things right on the first try. We live by trial and error, and what is effective for others might not work for us. Feel free to be creative and modify your plan as needed. Making a goal public is an effective tool for some people, while others do better quietly working toward a change. Whatever your goal is, use as many resources as you can find: read books and websites, listen to others stories, make mental notes of what is working, and be supportive of yourself as you do one of the most daunting things a person can do, which is to make a change. One of the hardest things to overcome is our past mistakes. Motivational speaker Andy Stanley has commented that experience alone does not make us wiser. In fact, we commonly repeat past behaviors, even if they were unsuccessful. Only by evaluating the experience and making necessary adjustments do we become wiser.
To sum up If you have started to slip in your changes, take some time to work back through the process to prepare for actions that will last. Find what’s driving you and decide what methods will work best for you going forward. And, keep focused on seeing yourself the way you want to be. Next month, we examine the question of whether today’s teenagers use drugs more than their parents did a generation ago. I look forward to sharing my findings with you. Jason Florin is an assistant professor and coordinator of Human Services at College of DuPage and has 15 years of experience working in mental health and substance-abuse treatment.
letter to the editor
A wonderful start to the new year I would like to relate my elation from reading the Op-Ed “Life doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be joyful” by Daniel Smrokowski. What a wonderful column to start the new year, joyful indeed. With the mass commercialization of the preceding holidays, he offered “some resolutions for how you can change the game for a more accepting and inclusive world.” His message of positive change,
perseverance, maximizing personal achievement and call for readers to consider the contributions by persons with special needs was in hard contrast to the divisiveness and acrimony that commands so much mass media coverage. Also, whatever limitations his medical condition causes him are not reflected in his articles, which appear in the Bugle.
Rather, Mr. Smrokowski’s journalism is instead completely cogent, well ordered and with an eloquence that far surpasses that of many other authors. By comparison, it is common to find columns by “professional” writers so inelegantly constructed as to be almost painful to read. Further, he does so while avoiding the strident advocacy and victimization that often diminishes similar pieces. Respectfully, Glenn Gabryel, Westmont
FoR WHEN you WANT To TAKE 5 minutes FoR youRSElF Thursday, January 21, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
Aries
mArCH 21 TO AprIL 20
You must play by the rules but you don’t need to make them. Remain obedient and deferential to those in charge. In the week ahead you will have ample opportunities to flaunt your unique skills and talents.
gemini
m AY 2 2 T O J u n E 2 1
Turn on the lights. You may be in the dark about a situation or blind to the facts this week. Patiently researching the details will allow you to come to a successful solution. A relationship could prove disappointing.
leo
J u LY 2 3 T O A u G u S T 2 1
Even non-turtles know that slow and steady wins the race. Stick to your routines at work in the week to come and eventually you will get to the finish line. Do not be stingy if asked to make a donation to a charity.
Across 1 pOpuLAr 6 SCALE SYLLABLES 9 drIvES AWAY 14 SImpLE-LIvInG SECT 15 GuITAr ATTACHmEnT? 16 pOpE JOHn pAuL II’S GIvEn nAmE 17 WArm-WATEr rAY 18 ZIEGfELd WITH fOLLIES 19 dOnALd Jr.’S mOm 20 OnE Of THE dEAdLY SInS 21 WHAT A fLAp mAY COvEr 22 fOur-TImE EmmY WInnEr fOr OuTSTAndInG drAmA SErIES 23 LOnGTImE LEHrEr pArTnEr 26 __ SpOOn 29 COnIfErOuS SECrETIOnS 33 “THE ImpErIOuS __ BrEEd mOnSTErS”: SHAKESpEArE 34 nEW EnGLAnd fOOd fISH 36 GOES BAd 38 EdIBLE pOCKETS 40 SIGn BEfOrE vIrGO 41 CAnAdIAn BOTTLE SIZE 42 COmpuTEr TEXT COdE 43 STurdY TrEE 44 BOnd’S CAr STArTEr? 45 pI-SIGmA LInK 46 “LIfE IS GOOd” rAppEr 48 pIG’S dIGS 50 LACKInG A mATE 51 BrOAdWAY SOnGWrITInG TEAm __ And EBB 53 STArTS frOm SCrATCH 55 urBAn CEnTErS, And WHAT THIS puZZLE’S CIrCLES rEprESEnT 59 STArT Of A SpELL 61 dOmE OpEnInGS
62 mELvILLE’S BILLY 65 CHInA nEIGHBOr 66 fABrIC InfOrmATIOn SpOT 67 ruSE 68 1953 CArOn fILm 69 HELpS WITH THE dISHES 70 mICHAELmAS mO.
Down 1 prIEST frOm THE EAST 2 mOGAdISHu-BOrn mOdEL 3 WEnCESLAuS, E.G. 4 ACApuLCO-TOOAXACA dIrECCI-n 5 GrEG’S SITCOm WIfE 6 SErIES Of BIOLOGICAL STAGES 7 C.S. LEWIS LIOn 8 SHELf-rESTOCKInG SOurCES 9 réSumé ESSEnTIALS 10 “__ nAGILA” 11 unWrITTEn 12 CHApLIn GrAnddAuGHTEr 13 dInEr SIdE 24 AnImAL In SOmE Of AESOp’S fABLES 25 mIL. rOAdSIdE HAZArd
26 TEAHOuSE HOSTESS 27 CErTAIn EXTErmInATOr’S COnCErn 28 mOrALES Of “LA BAmBA” 30 pupIL COnTrOLLEr 31 HAvInG SECOnd THOuGHTS 32 TOOK STEpS 33 BIT Of InSpIrATIOn 35 BAHA’I, E.G.: ABBr. 37 SHIpS 39 STrEnGTH 41 CAKE SECTIOn 47 COmpOSEr SCHOEnBErG 49 GETS BEHInd 52 “__ SAY!”: pArEnTAL WArnInG 54 rESuLTS Of GETTInG BEHInd 56 duELInG mEmEnTO 57 AndrOId mEdIA COnSOLE BrAnd 58 1997 fOndA rOLE 59 THE WHOLE LOT 60 CHInESE-BOrn ACTrESS __ LInG 63 fIST Bump 64 COmBO vACCInE, fOr SHOrT
librA
SEpTEmBEr 24 TO OCTOBEr 23
Stick around your own home and make repairs, clean up, or get organized. There will be plenty of time in the week ahead to enjoy social events, entertainment or fun. Start the week off with a clean slate.
sAgittArius
nOvEmBEr 23 TO dECEmBEr 22
Take time for traditions and curtsey to conventions. You may be temporarily frustrated by what seems to be a lack of respect or appreciation. This discomfort will be washed away in the week to come.
AquArius
JAnuArY 21 TO fEBruArY 19
An indiscretion or exaggeration might place a barrier between you and a partner. Later this week you may have a chance to repair the damage. Your plans may include asking for help with a work related project.
Sudoku
tAurus
A p r I L 2 1 T O m AY 2 1
Don’t take good luck for granted as this week begins. Follow up on agreements and send a formal thank you if a helpful friend grants a favor. If you must make a crucial decision, take time to sleep on it first.
cAncer
J u n E 2 2 T O J u LY 2 2
Put on a brave front as this week unfolds. Keep fears and doubts hidden as others may see these as weakness. Make your points clear to avoid misunderstanding. Your industry and take charge attitude are assets.
virgo
AuGuST 22 TO SEpTEmBEr 23
The sky is the limit. Your good judgment shines with the big things this week, but may slip a bit with the small things. In your rush to make material success realities don’t offer casual assurances to bystanders.
scorpio
OCTOBEr 24 TO nOvEmBEr 22
Adhere to the usual routines in the week ahead. Relationships may thrive due to a willingness to cooperate and someone may even bring you an opportunity. However, do not volunteer to take on new responsibilities.
cApricorn
dECEmBEr 23 TO JAnuArY 20
Use your heart rather than your head. Logic may dictate a course of action but compassion and understanding will achieve the best result in the week to come. Be sympathetic and aware of the needs of others.
pisces
fEBruArY 20 TO mArCH 20
Make a breakthrough in the week ahead. A fresh discovery or insight can alter your motivations or empower you to do better. You are more popular than usual but shouldn’t give your heart away until too quickly.
Jumble
Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2016
PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS
PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS
PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS
Jumbles:
GAWKY • ABASH • CLOTHE • EXCITE
Answer:
WHAT THE CrOOK dISCOvErEd WHEn THE pOLICE dOG CAuGHT HIm -- THE LAW HAS TEETH
Thursday, January 21, 2016
page 7
>> INSIDE: Maine South beaten by minooka page 8
basketball
at benet Notre Dame can’t stop Redwings’ juniors in loss By Scott Taylor sports editor
staylor@enterprisepublications.com @Taylor_Sports
Benet Academy is known for its three senior leaders, all of whom are averaging more than 10 points per game. However, in its 62-45 win over Notre Dame College Prep Thursday, it was a pair of juniors who stole the show. Liam Lyman scored 19 points, 15 in the second half on 4-of-5 threes in the second half, while Jack Nolan added 16 points in the Redwing win. “It’s awesome,” Lyman said. “We have five guys in the starting lineup who can score and put points on the board. My teammates found me and made the extra pass. They start three post players and we start five guards, so it is hard for them to chase us around screens and stuff.” “I think we just stepped up,” Nolan said. “We shot in the flow of the offense. People got us in the
right spots.” With playing such a tough early season schedule, the juniors were able to gain valuable experience that is paying off. “They have gotten their feet wet and have played in some big games. Any type of nerves or inexperience is kind of going away. On any given night we have five or six guys who can have big nights,” Benet coach Gene Heidkamp said. “I think that bodes well for our team.” It was a tight first half with Benet leading 27-23 at the break after a three-pointer by James Dockery to beat the buzzer for the Redwings. That was all the momentum they needed as they went on a 23-4 run in the second half to pull away. “The defense translated onto the offensive end and we started hitting shots,” Nolan said. “We knocked down shots at the right
see dons | page 9
photo by scott taylor
Chris Heinichen goes up for a basket in Notre Dame’s loss to Benet Thursday.
TWITTER: For up -to-the-minute coverage of upcoming local sport events going on in your area, follow @VoyagerSport
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Thursday, January 21, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
basketball
FEAtURiNG
Riley O’Donnell
JCa footBall @rIleyoD_ How many followers do you have? nearly 200 How many do you follow? Around 113 What do you use Twitter for the most? I like to check ESPN and Sportscenter and see what is going on there and check in on my friends. Who is your favorite follow
and why? our safety Bill Rotnicki. His Twitter is golden, it cracks me up. Have you ever tried to Tweet to a celebrity and did they reply? As a joke, I tried to slide into Selena Gomez’ DM and try and get her to go to Homecoming, but it didn’t work.
ProSPect league @ProSPectleague “The new team in lisle, Il to be ‘DuPage Drones’! #SummerBall” lewIS Men’S hooPS @lewISMBBall “Max Strus Number 1 on Sportscenter!!!!”
ndcP_enrollMent @ndcP_enrollMent “congrats @NDcPBowling on Regional championship! #DonsonFire” BrIan dunn @PnhSBoySBowlIng “congrats boys! An absolutely phenomenal day shooting 6599”
Photo By mark gregory
toomy Digan and maine south fell to minooka last week.
points elude hawks in loss By Mark gregory SpoRtS RepoRteR
mark@buglenewspapers.com @hear_the_Beard
Despite having a 12-4 record at this point in the season, the Maine South boys basketball team has been having a hard time making baskets the last few games. That was evident last week when the Hawks traveled to Minooka to face the Indians in a game that is part of the Galesburg
round robin tournament. Minooka played a slow pace and kept the score low, beating Maine South 44-37. “They did a nice job,” said Maine South coach Tony Lavarato. “They got a lead and then they played quarter to quarter basketball with the lead. This is our fifth year playing Scott (Tanaka’s) teams and he does such a good job. The other thing is Joe Butler – we have played him for four years and we
have won some and he has got his. They have been really close games.” Butler, the Minooka senior, paced all scorers with 14 points. Lavarato said the Minooka slow down game was not the main reason the Hawks struggled. “I thought they did a really nice job getting back in transition,” he said. “We need easier baskets and
See hawKS | page 9
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scheme in the second half, having opportunities to cut the lead to a one possession game. “We have some answers for that,” Lavarato said. “We had a stretch at the end of the third and the beginning of the fourth quarters where we had five stops in a row and we only scored one bucket. Then they came down and went three, three and we
went three, three. That is what we play for – a string of five to seven stops – and we had that, we just didn’t make the buckets.” The two three pointers hit by the Indians were both made by Keegan Graebner, who only tallied 6 points in the game. “When you are throwing an off speed pitch, they are going to hit it eventually,” Lavatrato
said. “Their fifth option hit two threes and he wasn’t looking to shoot it. We wanted one of those three guys to hit shots and they missed the first five before he hit two. If we score there and get it to a single possession, there is some pressure and it is a different game.” Maine South was paced in scoring by Jon Arenas who tallied
nine points, while Brad Perry and Tommy Gardiner each tallied seven points. Despite the lack of scoring recently, Lavarato is not concerned. He knows there are a lot of games left in the season. “It is one of those high school basketball things we just need to figure out,” Lavarato said. “I love my guys and we will work at it.”
time. Coach told us we needed to defend harder and we did. We started defending with more urgency.” “My teammates were getting in the lane and kicking it out to me,” Lyman said. “Coach got on us at halftime to get the defense to step up and we got it done.” The Redwings were strong on both ends of the court, while the Dons couldn’t stop the hot shooting. “I thought we not only made big shots, our defense was much better in the third quarter,” Heidkamp said. “I thought in the first half we weren’t playing as good of defense
as we are accustomed to and those things go hand in hand. We started moving the ball better and made some shots.” “They deserved to win,” Notre Dame coach Tom Les said. “They outplayed us in every facet. They shot it better. They played harder. They played better defense. They executed and we did not. This is a game where you get what you deserve and they deserved to win.” The Redwings finished the game 10-of-20 from three-point range and shot 48 percent for the game from the floor as they outscored the Dons 30-9 from three. “They shot it well, but we didn’t
defend it well in my opinion,” Les said. “Benet is very well coached and they run their stuff very well. They came out to play (in the second half ).” The win keeps the Redwings alive in the ESCC race as they have just one loss. “It is a big win,” Nolan said. “It is hard to win the conference with two losses, so we knew this one was big. We have to focus on one game at a time. Hopefully we can win conference and get a good seed in the tournament. It helps the confidence when we win a big game like this.” “It was a big win against a really good Notre Dame team,” Lyman
added. Meanwhile, it was a second loss for the Dons in the conference, which were led by Ammar Becar’s 13 points and Anthony D’Avanzo scored 10 points. “We have to play a lot harder and a lot better,” Les said. “I don’t think we played very well in any facet.”
Notre Dame took home the New Trier Regional championship Saturday with a 6,313 six-game total. Robert Van Houghton finished in second place with a 1,407, Connell Kelleher was fourth with
a 1,365 and Tom Ochal placed 12th with a 1,197. The Dons advanced to the Lake Park Sectional Saturday. The top six teams and seven individuals not on those teams will advance to the state meet the following weekend. Niles Co-op will also be at the sectional after placing second at New Trier with a 6,154. Avery Wolf placed third with a 1,378, Tyler Milbrandt was eighth with a 1,243, Eric Tran placed ninth with a 1,238, Steven Garth was 15th with a 1,187 and Steven Kushner was 20th with a 1,108. Maine South’s Ryan Habetler qualified individually with a 1,174.
GIRLS BBALL Points Per Game N. Ekhomu, JCA M. Barefield, Joliet Central H. Handy, Plainfield Central J. Green, Downers North J. Heberg, Plainfield North J. Alba-Garner, Maine East J. Smith, Romeoville K. Doyle, Benet N. Takahashi, Lisle S. Arlis, Minooka G. Smith, Bolingbrook M. Farrell, JCA J. Walker, Bolingbrook A. Carlson, Westmont E. Stout, Benet A. Johns, Plainfield North A. Wesolowski, Downers South O. Jenkins, Plainfield East R. Reed, Joliet West M. Jones, Joliet Central M. Mulder, Joliet West L. Onua, Plainfield East K. Campbell, Lockport M. Sidman, Plainfield East A. Hare, Joliet Central A. Carlson, Westmont K. Williams, JCA L. Kucharski, Lockport J. Masello, Downers South K. Rugienius, Downers South T. Edwards, Bolingbrook L. Marin, Romeoville Rebounds Per Game J. Smith, Romeoville J. Alba-Garner, Maine East K. Knopp, Plainfield North N. Gal, Joliet West
L. Onua, Plainfield East R. Reed, Joliet West K. Jaseckas, Benet J. Green, Downers North T. Edwards, Bolingbrook O. Jenkins, Plainfield East J. Masello, Downers South O. Latreille, Maine South A. Kretmen, Lisle M. Jones, Joliet Central G. Smith, Bolingbrook L. Kucharski, Lockport H. Handy, Plainfield Central T. Legrand-Melton, Lisle A. Wesolowski, Downers South M. Ericson, Lisle S. Newtoff, Plainfield C. S. Maas, Lisle Assists M. Collins, Plainfield North K. Doyle, Benet L. Marin, Romeoville K. Tyler, Joliet West S. Arlis, Minooka D. Dortch, Romeoville E. Stout, Benet M. Mulder, Joliet West K. Campbell, Lockport S. Fagenholz, Maine South S. Gersch, Joliet West S. Osborne, Romeoville B. Patrick, Bolingbrook M. Barefield, Joliet Central A. Smoldt, Plainfield East L. Porcelli, Downers North E. Woulfe, Lockport K. Rugienius, Downers South E. Lyne, Benet J. Walker, Bolingbrook
J. Neal, Plainfield East Steals K. Campbell, Lockport D. Dortch, Romeoville L. Onua, Plainfield East E. Stout, Benet K. Doyle, Benet J. Neal, Plainfield East O. Jenkins, Plainfield East S. Osborne, Romeoville M. Mulder, Joliet West B. Miller, Downers North L. Porcelli, Downers North E. Woulfe, Lockport H. Handy, Plainfield Central J. Smith, Romeoville L. Marin, Romeoville A. Smoldt, Plainfield East J. Walker, Bolingbrook K. Tyler, Joliet West M. Sidman, Plainfield East M. Barefield, Joliet Central J. Green, Downers North B. Patrick, Bolingbrook O. Latreille, Maine South B. Osborne, Romeoville T. Cogdell, Plainfield East J. Masello, Downers South Field Goal % R. Reed, Joliet West T. Edwards, Bolingbrook N. Gal, Joliet West E. Henly, Maine South C. Miller, Downers North E. Stout, Benet Free Throw % M. Farrell, JCA N. Takahashi, Lisle O. Jenkins, Plainfield East
A. Smoldt, Plainfield East T. Hopkins, Lockport O. Latreille, Maine South J. Green, Downers North M. Barefield, Joliet Central E. Stout, Benet B. Patrick, Bolingbrook
N. Ekhomu, JCA B. McDaniel, Plainfield Central A. Hare, Joliet Central G. Smith, Bolingbrook L. Porcelli, Downers North A. Wesolowski, Downers South 3-pointers
we didn’t get those easy baskets. “The game is tough if you have to play against set defense every single possession and what we are doing as a team right now is – whether it is a deflection, or whatever, it has been really hard for us to score as a team.” Maine South seemed to have figured out the Minooka offensive
dons | from page 7
21.6 20.1 17.4 16.9 16.1 16.0 15.5 14.9 14.6 13.8 13.7 13.4 13.1 13.0 12.2 12.2 12.1 11.4 11.1 11.0 10.9 10.5 10.2 10.0 9.8 9.5 9.4 9.3 8.9 8.9 8.4 8.4 12.3 10.0 9.2 9.1
7.7 7.5 7.1 7.1 7.0 6.9 6.8 6.7 6.4 6.2 6.1 5.9 5.9 5.8 5.4 5.3 5.1 5.1 95 62 55 54 42 41 40 40 40 39 38 38 35 34 34 33 32 30 30 28
27 72 52 48 41 40 37 34 33 32 31 30 29 29 29 27 27 26 26 25 24 24 22 21 21 21 20 .550 .544 .530 .520 .480 .480 .822 .800 .797
BOWLING
.750 .740 .730 .730 .730 .710 .704
.694 .690 .690 .682 .670 .667
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Thursday, January 21, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
Schools >> District 219
Board reluctantly approves 2016 budget Budget approved during Jan. 12 board of education meeting By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
The Niles Township High School District 219 board voted 5-2 in favor of approving the budget for the 2016-17 school year. Still, some of those board members who voted for the budget said they did so reluctantly. The budget, approved during the Jan. 12 board of education meeting, was passed after months of controversy. The board originally approved the budget Sept. 8 and that plan included cuts to several areas. After students, staff and parents complained that the cuts adversely affected District 219 students, the board ordered staff to revise the spending plan. Some of the most controversial cuts were removed from the new budget, while substituting reductions in other areas. Board members who spoke during the Jan. 12 meeting felt
that the budget had far too much waste and unnecessary spending, but added that the looming state-mandated budget deadline didn’t allow proper scrutiny. Those board members said they planned to examine the budget much more carefully when the 2017-18 budget process begins. Board President Mark Sproat said he had misgivings, but given the deadline, the board had no choice but to vote on the budget as it was presented. “I don’t think anyone is happy with the budget the way it is,” he said. “I think, for the next budget, we definitely need to have more oversight. We need to have a committee to look at monthly expenses.” Despite the looming deadline, board member Brian Novak said he couldn’t vote for the budget. “I proved in my service to the previous board that I’m fiscally responsible, and this budget is not fiscally responsible,” he said. He and board member Ruth
Klut voted against the revised budget. Jim Szczepaniak, community relations director for District 219, told the Bugle that the board felt the preliminary budget was too large and asked for ways to reduce spending. After the budget was revised, however, students, parents and teachers raised concerns that many of the cuts directly impacted students. Those reductions included cuts to funds for school field trips, art programs, the debate team and school supplies. The revised budget also completely eliminated funding for the Green Council for School Improvement and cut funding for the Technology Council for School Improvement. As a result of the feedback, Szczepaniak said staff was asked to go through the budget lineby-line to figure out different areas to make cuts that would not adversely affect students. According to a memo from Assistant Superintendent for
According to a memo from Assistant Superintendent for Business Eric Trimberger, the amended budget that went before the board on Jan. 12 increased operating expense per pupil from $24,496 to $25,414. The preliminary budget called for an OEPP of $26,593. Business Eric Trimberger, the amended budget that went before the board on Jan. 12 increased operating expense per pupil from $24,496 to $25,414. The preliminary budget called for an OEPP of $26,593. Additionally, the district said it would have to spend an additional $209,996 because of an increase in required contributions to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. To try and offset the increases, the district cut $540,000 that was allocated to purchase six new school buses and removed $100,000 from its transportation services budget by making cuts
to eight school bus routes during the second semester of the 201617 school year. Overall, the memo stated that the amended budget was still $5.3 million smaller than the preliminary budget. Sproat added that he felt the district spent too much money in many areas. “Just because we give a budget, that doesn’t mean it’s free reign and a go-ahead to spend the whole thing,” he said. “The next budget will be tighter financially.” Board member Linda Lampert echoed his sentiments. “It’s not the budget I hoped to pass in my first term in office,” she said. “The good news is that we will immediately begin working on the next budget, and that budget will be lower, with minimal student impact.” Board member David Ko said the district needs to strive to control spending without hurting education. “We all live in this community,” he said. “We can see benefits of the great school, but we need to be fiscally responsible.”
Schools >> St. John Brebeuf
St. John Brebeuf plans annual open house
Event will start at 9 a.m. on Jan. 31; will include family mass, school tours, snacks St. John Brebeuf School in Niles announced that it will host its 2016 open house activities Jan. 31. The event will start at 9 a.m. with a family Mass in the church, and school tours will be given from 10 a.m. to noon. The Holy Name Society Men’s Club will provide free hot dogs, chips, soft drinks, hot chocolate and coffee during the open house. The school said its popular ice rink will be opened that day with a blessing by Father Michael Meany and a special guest appearance by Chicago Wolves’ mascot Skates. A shoot the puck contest is scheduled for 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the ice rink (weather permitting) or in the school gym. Attendees can also take part in raffle drawings for fabulous prizes,
including many items donated by the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Wolves and local merchants. All participants will receive a raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased from school representative that day or in advance at the school office. A “name the ice rink” contest sponsored by The Bugle is underway, with a first-place prize of a $100 Sports Authority gift certificate and a second-place prize of a $50 certificate to Kappy’s Restaurant in Morton Grove. The winning entries will be selected by the Holy Name Society Men’s Club and Meany and announced at the open house. The SJB open house kicks off Catholic Schools Week, which runs Jan. 31 to Feb. 5. The week
submitted photo
St. John Brebeuf School in Niles will host its 2016 open house activities Jan. 31. will feature dress down days, teacher and student appreciation days, and a kick-off to the SJB School annual appeal, according
to principal Elise Matson. For more information on entering the name the ice rink contest, the open house and
other activities, call 847-9668145. Naming entries can also be submitted by email to icerink@ sjbschool.org by Jan. 22.
News about local businesses in your community T h ursday, January 21, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
library news >> niles
Library board approves changes to hiring rule By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
The Niles Public Library Board of Trustees voted 4-2 to allow the library director to hire staff without board approval – so long as the salary is less than 25 percent above the minimum salary. The change, which was voted on during the Dec. 16 meeting, was originally part of a package of changes proposed by library director Susan Lempke. She argued that the change would speed up the hiring process and help prevent potentially good candidates from accepting a position in another library where the hiring decision was made quicker. While most of the proposed changes were approved during the Nov. 18 meeting, the amended hiring rule proved to be controversial. Trustee Carolyn Drblik argued that the change would be against the Illinois Library System Act, which states that one of the board’s powers is to “appoint
and to fix the compensation of a competent librarian, who shall have the authority to hire such other employees as may be necessary, to fix their compensation, and to remove such appointees, subject to the approval of the board.” Lempke argued that the overwhelming majority of library boards in the Chicago area delegate that authority to directors. Morton Grove Library Director Debra Stombres seemed to support Lempke’s claim. In a recent interview, Stombres told the Bugle that she usually gives department heads the authority to hire their own staff and said the board doesn’t approve the hires. During the Dec. 16 meeting, the Niles Library’s attorney, Dennis Walsh, said the new policy wouldn’t violate the law. “If you adopt this policy, you are approving, you’re pre-approving the hires and giving the director, delegating to her the authority to make the decision on who to hire,” he said. When asked by trustee Patti Rozanski if speeding up hiring was the main reason for changing the
Niles Public Library Board of Trustees voted 4-2 to allow the library director to hire staff without board approval – so long as the new employee’s salary is less than 25 percent above the minimum salary. policy, Lempke said it wasn’t the only reason. “Another reason is just that its the library staff who has interviewed the person, gone through the resumes and knows what the needs of the position are,” she said. “It’s really not a thing that the board would have the knowledge of.” However, Drblik said the board needed to oversee hiring because the board is responsible for setting the library’s budget and salaries. Lempke noted that this wouldn’t be the only instance where the board delegates its powers to a director, “The statutes also say that the board has sole and exclusive use of the library’s funds, and the board has complete control over the buildings and the grounds, and
you delegated those things to me,” she said. The majority of trustees spoke in favor of letting the director fill positions without board approval. Board Vice President Karen Dimond and Treasurer Tim Spadoni suggested that board approval still be required for adding new positions. However, Lempke argued that fast-changing technology requires certain flexibility to redefine positions. She added that she would report new hires to the board so it would still have oversight. Trustee Danette Matyas didn’t oppose the change as vocally as Drblik, but said she saw no problem with keeping the current policy. “I don’t see why we can’t [approve all hires],” she said. “We’re supposed to be watching over the budget.” Before the vote, Board President Linda Ryan asked board members if they wanted to make any changes to the amended policy before it was voted on. After none spoke up, the board approved the amended policy.
Dave Says >> Guest Column
Thankfulness and boundaries important for young couples, in-laws Get to know each other before buying a house together Dear Dave, My fiancé and I are getting married in May. He ’s a youth pastor, and i’m in grad school. His mom and dad found a home they think we’ ll like and they want to gift us money for a down payment. I’ m not sure how I feel about this under our present circumstances. Do you think we should go ahead and accept when I’ ll still be in school and we’ ll still have debt to pay off? Emily Dear Emily, You need to get to know each other before you buy a house together. I always recommend that young couples rent for a year and concentrate on each other, the new marriage, cleaning up any debts you have and establishing an emergency
fund. Then, after another year or so when you’ve had time to take control of your finances, the idea of looking for a home becomes much smarter. It sounds like your future in-laws are really generous people. They re trying to do something nice for you two, but they kind of got out ahead of things with this idea. And in the process, they violated some boundaries in your relationship with your fiancé. My advice is to have a conversation with your fiancé about all this and get on the same page about what is the smart thing to do. Then the two of you need to have a loving discussion with his parents. Let him do most of the talking, and say thank you a lot, but let them know you both feel it would be best to start out by renting something for a year or so. Then after a little time has passed, tell them if they still want to help with a down payment you d both very grateful.
I think this approach would be good for the boundary issues and for your finances! —Dave
Welcome to life Dear Dave, Our son just turned 8 years old. Is it time to start giving him an allowance? Dan\ Dear Dan, There’s never a time for an allowance, no matter the child’s age. In my mind, that kind of thinking is the best way to plant the seeds of entitlement. You want your son growing up with the idea that he’s owed money simply because he’s alive. Instead, work out a plan to pay him commissions. Assign him weekly chores that are ageappropriate. Then, when the work gets done, he gets paid. And guess what? If the work doesn’t get done, he doesn’t get paid! Not only do we want to teach a healthy work ethic,
but we also want him to learn that work creates money. Of course, there are some things a child should be expected to do without financial reward. Everyone needs to pitch in and do certain things to help out when they’re part of a family. But once you’ve taught him about work, make sure to also teach him about the three uses for money—saving, spending, and giving. Lessons on the basic handling of money are some of the best teachable moments you can have with your child. Not only does it make them more knowledgeable about finances, it helps them learn about life! —Dave Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business as well as the CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 11 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations and digital outlets. Dave’s latest project, EveryDollar, provides a free online budget tool. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.
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Send us your feedback at sweditor@buglenewspapers.com T h ursday, January 21, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
JANUARY 21
Family Spirituality. 7 p.m. at St. John Brebeuf Church, 8307 N. Harlem Ave., Niles. This free event is part of the SJB 2015-16 Speaker Series, held in the Rev. Thomas P. May Ministry Center. Speaker: Rev. Pawel Komperda. For more information, call 847-966-8145 or visit www.sjbrebeuf.org.
JANUARY 22
YA After Hours Capture the Flag. 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Park Ridge Public Library, 20 S. Prospect Ave. Let the library become your indoor playground during these chilly months! For more information, visit www.parkridgelibrary.org.
JANUARY 23
Winter Fun: Sleigh Ride & Sledding. 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ride in an old fashioned sleigh pulled by Belgian draft horses through the scenic countryside of Harvard. Bring your sled and enjoy the junior sledding hill (about 30’ high) with your family. Please bring a sled and money for lunch. Fee is per person; children must be accompanied by an adult. Departs from Maine Park Leisure Center.
JANUARY 25
Brush UpYour Shakespeare. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton. High school students are invited to receive professional coaching from actors with The Shakespeare Project of Chicago. Get guidance on selecting and presenting the Shakespeare
Przybylo | from page 3 and the Department of Family Services. Przybylo said he wanted to increase evening and weekend activities at the Senior Center and put more resources into Fitness Center marketing. On Nov. 17, the Niles Village Board of Trustees voted to put an advisory referendum on whether the village should keep funding those services on the March 15 primary election ballot. Przybylo said that he wanted to put them on the ballot to underscore how important those services are to niles. “Even though they cost $2.3 million, it is the best that Niles does,” he said. During the Nov. 7 meeting, the village board voted 4-1 to raise the 2016 property tax levy by 3.9 percent. At the time, Przybylo argued that the increase was necessary to cover the village’s
monologue/sonnet that is right for you. Whether you are preparing for the National Shakespeare Competition or just want to get better acquainted with the Bard, this workshop will help you gain insight, confidence, and growth in your presentation skills..
JANUARY 26
Walt Disney World for Grown-Ups with Karen Luster. 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton, Niles. Join Karen Luster, avid Disney World fan and staff writer for the Disney website Magical DIStractions, as she proves that Walt Disney World isn’t just for kids and families! Find out about all the exciting options available for couples, or even adults traveling solo.
JANUARY 27
Job Seekers: Power Employment Workshop. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton St. This nationally recognized program, presented by Business and Career Services Inc. and Illinois workNet, provides expert guidance on SMART goals, resume writing, effective job searching, and interview techniques. Short breaks are provided. Brown bag lunch, snacks and covered drinks permitted. Contact Deirdre Junta at 847-437-7581 with questions. Registration required, online at www.worknetncc.com.
6140 Lincoln Ave. Learn how you can slash your cable bill by streaming TV and movies! Also will cover services such as Netflix and Hulu and devices such as Roku and Chromecast.You will also learn how to use Hoopla to stream music, movies and more for free with your MGPL library card. For more information, visit www. mgpl.org. How to Pay for College Without Going Broke. 7 to 8 p.m. at Park Ridge Public Library, 20 S. Prospect Ave. Do you have a student applying to colleges soon? The folks from My College Planning Team will detail how to save and pay for it without straining your budget. For more information, visit www. parkridgelibrary.org.
JANUARY 30
LEGO Day! 10-4 p.m. at Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton St. Enjoy some huge fantastic LEGO displays courtesy of the Chicago Lego User Group, plus spend a little time building your own creations.
JANUARY 31
Synod of Bishops in Rome regarding Family Issues. 7 p.m. at St. John Brebeuf Church, 8307 N. Harlem Ave., Niles. This free event is part of the SJB 201516 Speaker Series, held in the Rev. Thomas P. May Ministry Center. Speaker: Dr. Daniel J. Olsen, PhD. For more information, call 847-9668145 or visit www.sjbrebeuf.org.
p.m. With the Niles Public Library. Field Trip to the Chicago Screening of the 90-Second Newbery Festival at the Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St., Chicago. Free.
FEBRUARY 2
Robbie Malkowski returns with jazz pianist, Dave Turner, for a concert of love songs to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
FEBRUARY 12
Filing for Social Security: Flexibility for Your Retirement Income. 7 to 8 p.m. at Park Ridge Public Library, 20 S. Prospect Ave. Will you be filing for social security within the next five years? Mike Heatwole of Waddell & Reed will teach you how to optimize your benefits for retirement. For more information, visit www.parkridgelibrary.org.
Power Employment Workshop. 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Park Ridge Public Library, 20 S. Prospect Ave. This is a comprehensive workshop led by professionals from the Illinois Worknet Center. It includes resume and cover letter guidance, job search techniques, interviewing skills and connecting through social media. For more information, visit www. parkridgelibrary.org.
FEBRUARY 6 Niles Garden Club. 10 to 11 a.m. at Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton, Niles. Tomatoes, Tomatoes, Tomatoes! Librarian and avid Gardener Maryellen Essig will show you how to take your tomatoes from seed to eat. You will cover tomato varieties and how to choose which to grow. Maryellen will also discuss how to deal with common tomato problems.
Valentine’s Party with the Animals. 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Wildwood Nature Center, 529 Forestview Ave., Park Ridge. Show your love for the animals! Create handmade valentines for our cuddly friends. Spend some time with the critters - feeding, petting, playing and learning about them. Then enjoy a valentine snack and receive a valentine from the animals to you!
Winter Farmers’ Market. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Morton Grove Civic Center, 6140 Dempster. For more information, visit www. mgfarmersmarket.com.
FEBRUARY 10
Little Ladies Winter Dance. 7 to 9 p.m. at Howard Leisure Center, 6676 Howard St., Niles. It is that time of year again for Niles Park District’s Winter Dance. Girls, 3-12 years, ask that favorite man in your life for an evening of fun, dancing, games, prizes and refreshments. Fee is $32/couple Resident and $42/couple NonResident. Call 847-967-6633 for more information.
improvements. “Often, families would like to continue living in Niles but require more space with modern amenities,” he said. “We would like to offer incentives and ease of construction.” The mayor also said that he wanted to bring Niles residents closer together. “[We will] continue to build the sense of community through block parties, the Holly Jolly Market, Bike Niles, Maria SS Lauretana [Society Festival] and foster the Arts and Culture Advisory Council,” he said. The mayor also said that he was looking to work together with the Niles Park District to build an event space in the stormwater retention area at 9101 W. Greenwood Ave., near Golf Mill Park. “We envision a festival area where we can have a farmers market, an antique car show and other things other villages do but we couldn’t do,” he said.
Cut the Cable Cord. 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Morton Grove Public Library,
5th Annual 90-Second Newbery Screening. 3 to 5
“My Funny Valentine” - A Salute to the Songs of Valentine’s Day. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton, Niles. Senior Coffee Hour:
pension obligations. But during the speech, Przybylo ruled out raising property taxes any further. “Raising property taxes and fees is not a viable option,” he said. “It’s just won’t work. It’s not there.” Instead, the mayor said, the village needs to encourage businesses and activities that would increase sales tax revenue. Big box stores, which have long been reliable sales tax revenue generators, may not be reliable in the long run, argued Przybylo. “The concern is - in an era of greater e-commerce, what is the shelf life of the Big Box stores?” he said. “Accordingly, this administration is focused on growth of our smaller retail venues and growth in residential and commercial property values. We will do everything possible to keep our shopping centers prospering.” Przybylo also said that the revised zoning code, which is currently being finalized, aims to encourage development along Milwaukee
Avenue and throughout the Touhy Triangle area. The mayor said that wanted Touhy Triangle to become a “Rosemont style” entertainment destination. While most of the ideas for what should go there have been mentioned in the village’s “vision” for the area – including a hotel, boutique shops, multifamily residences, a new park near the Leaning Tower of Niles, and the new, more modern Leaning Tower YMCA building – Prybylo also mentioned a “Ravinia Parklike concert venue.” As previously reported by the Bugle, Milwaukee Avenue would have a special zoning classification that would encourage multimodel, mixed-use buildings. Przybylo’s speech also mentioned that he would establish “enterprise zones” around the intersections of Milwaukee Avenue and Dempster Street, Milwaukee and Oakton Street, and the spot where Waukegan Road splits off from
Milwaukee. “[Enterprise zones] will entail anything that we can do to incentivise development of properties and add additional sales tax [revenue],” Przybylo told the Bugle. When asked for specific examples, he said that it would include landscape improvements to make the area more attractive to businesses and customers, as well as improving parking options. “We are not going to spend taxpayer money,” Przybylo said. He added that, if the developer is willing to spend its own money, the village would help it in other, non-financial ways. Hayley Garard, communications director for the village of Niles, subsequently told the Bugle that the term “enterprise zone” referred to an idea rather than a legal designation. In his speech, Przybylo said he wanted the village to offer incentives to encourage home expansion and
JANUARY 28
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Thursday, January 21, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
transportation >> niles Bugle File Photo
Pace approves changes to Niles Free Bus service Niles will work with Pace to release information By Igor Studenkov
“[There will be] transit ambassadors at key locations to hand out information and also answer questions.” - Pace spokesman Patrick Wilmot
Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
The Pace Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve changes to the Niles Free Bus routes. Both the Niles Village Board and Pace were required to vote on the changes before they could take effect. The village board approved them Dec. 8, while the transit agency’s board of directors approved them during its Jan. 15 meeting. As previously reported by the Bugle, the plan is largely identical to what was released last summer. In response to residents’ feedback, Pace decided to retain some service to St. Andrew Life Center retirement facility and the Maynard Loop area. The transit agency and the village are also working on a plan to potentially allow Niles residents to take the Route 270 bus between Touhy Avenue and the Chicago
border at no charge. Under the nowapproved plan, none of the Free Bus routes would serve the area. Pace spokesman Patrick Wilmot said the changes would take effect sometime in the spring, adding that the transit agency hasn’t decided on a specific date. Pace and Niles will work together to release information about the changes long before they are implemented. Wilmot said this effort would include outreach through social media, direct mail, posted passenger notices, local media, and on the official websites for the village of Niles and Pace. Pace is also planning on sending representatives to major stops to inform riders about the changes. “[There will be] transit ambassadors at key locations to hand out information and also answer questions,” Wilmot added.
Send us your feedback at sweditor@buglenewspapers.com T h ursday, January 21, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
How to build, maintain strong bones Bone health is imperative for active seniors Osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become weakened and brittle over time, affects millions of people across the globe. The International Osteoporosis Foundation says an osteoporosisrelated fracture occurs roughly once every 3 seconds, accounting for more than 8.9 million fractures a year. Younger individuals typically heal from fractures more quickly than older adults, who often discover that fractures greatly impede their mobility and quality of life. Bone health is important at any age, but it is particularly crucial as a person gets older. Without a strong framework of bones, the body collapses on itself and rates of fracture increase. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep and maintain strong bones. Bones are largely made up of a protein called collagen, which is bound together by calcium and other trace minerals. Vitamin D and calcium work in concert, with vitamin D helping the body to absorb calcium so it can find its way into bones. Experts advise getting the right ratio of calcium, protein and vitamin D to safeguard against osteoporosis. The Institute of Medicine suggests that adults get between 600 and 800 international units (IUs) of vitamin D every day, and between 1,000 and 1,300 milligrams of calcium daily. Dairy products, such as low- and
nonfat milk, yogurt and cheese, are high in calcium. Dark green vegetables and almonds contain calcium in smaller amounts. Obtaining calcium and vitamin D through natural sources is always preferable, but doctors may suggest supplementation if foods are not providing what a person needs to meet the minimum recommended levels. Exercise is another important component of building strong bones. The National Osteoporosis Foundation says 30 minutes of exercise each day can help. Higherintensity exercises should be mixed with lower-intensity workouts for the best results. Weight-bearing exercises, such as hiking, dancing and stair-climbing, can build between 1 and 3 percent of bone. An exercise regimen also should include lifting weights or using resistance bands. Activities that promote good posture and flexibility can help improve balance and alignment of the body. Perform stretches smoothly and slowly after exercising to maintain your range of motion. Quitting smoking also can promote strong bones. Smoking has been linked to poor skeletal health in both men and women, and the longer one smokes, the greater one’s risk for fracture.
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