Niles 5-5-16

May 5, 2016 vol. 60 issue 31

Niles West off to strong start

see page 7

News Smoke Shops

Niles Village Board passes 6-month smoke shop moratorium see page 2

NEws Niles Gas Tax

Village approves 1.5 cent per gallon increase to motor fuel tax see page 2

Forum Special Voices

Special Olympics Illinois opens minds, hearts in Springfield see page 5

Schools She Kills Monsters Spring play looks at loss through Dungeons & Dragons see page 10

Calendar This Week

See what’s happening around town

see page 13

Featured Sports

questions answered

Thursday, M ay 5, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

Niles Village Board passes 6-month smoke shop moratorium Village began working on zoning code rewrite in 2013

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

One month after approving Niles’ second smoke shop, the village’s board of trustees voted unanimously to impose a sixmonth moratorium on this type of business.

Like the existing moratoriums on gun shops and medical cannabis dispensing facilities, this moratorium is designed to give the village time to consider whether they should change the way those businesses are approved. Niles has been working on a zoning code rewrite since 2013. But, it may take less than six months to resolve the smoke shop issue.

According to trustee Denise McCreery, the first hearing on the revised zoning code is scheduled for May 23. Under the current zoning code, any business that sells tobacco must get a special use permit. Niles had businesses that sold tobacco products before but the last two years saw applications for something that didn’t quite fit the mold.

In 2014, Tony Chiba applied for a permit to open a “smoke shop,” which would sell hookahs, electronic cigarettes and accessories alongside cigars and

Sen. Mulroe talks state budget with village board

By Igor Studenkov bugle staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

Under current zoning code, any business that sells tobacco must get a special use permit. Concerns raised about whether the current regulations adequately address smoke shops that sell hookahs, electronic cigarettes and accessories.

cigarettes. In 2016, he applied for a permit for another smoke shop on the other side of town.

In both cases, the permits were eventually granted.

McCreery told the Bugle that a moratorium was suggested by the Niles Building and Zoning Committee, which she currently chairs.

There were concerns about whether the current regulations adequately address smoke shops like Chiba’s.

“The [new] zoning code is not approved; we felt it was important to take a step back and review it,” she said.

Niles Community Development Director Charles Ostman told the Bugle that in recent months a number of other business owners expressed interest in opening up smoke shops in the village. He said staff will look at whether they should still be treated as tobacco stores for the purposes of special use permit applications, or if it needs to be classified as a separate type of use.

Illinois State Sen. John Mulroe, D-Chicago, attended the Niles Village Board’s April 26 meeting to talk about the work he’s been doing in Springfield and answer questions from local officials.

While Mulroe touched on many topics, the ongoing stalemate over the state’s fiscal 2016 budget cast a long shadow over his visit. The state senator said he was disappointed by the way things panned out, but he took some solace in the few aspects of the budget that have passed.

Mulroe added that he remains hopeful that the budget – or, at least, the portion that would cover spending for the first half of this year – wouldn’t remain in limbo much longer.

While the General Assembly passed the fiscal 2016 budget, Gov. Bruce Rauner refused to sign it until major aspects of his “turnaround agenda” are approved. He did sign into law certain portions of the budget, including funding for K-12 education and the Illinois lottery.

Some spending was mandated through court rulings and consent degrees.

However, much of the remaining budget – including funding for state colleges and universities, funding for MAP grants for lowincome students and social service funding – remained in limbo for the past 10 months.

On April 22, a bipartisan coalition of state legislators approved a measure authorizing a portion of higher-education funding to keep

colleges running. It amounted to about 30 percent of the previous year’s funding. Rauner signed the bill into law April 25.

Reflecting on the current situation in Springfield, Mulroe didn’t mince words. He described it as “a mess” and said that social service agencies throughout the state had to cut back their funding, which negatively impacted people who were trying to improve their lives.

“That progress – we lost lots of it,” he said. “But, not all of it.”

Still, Mulroe was happy that at least some progress was made.

“We saved higher education, MAP grants, which was good,” he said. “We all agreed... In our state, we need to educate our kids.”

At the same time, he emphasized that challenges remained, especially, social service funding.

“It’s a tough time right now in Springfield, but I’m committed to doing my best,” Mulroe said.

Trustee John Jekot, who serves as the executive director of the Golf Maine Park District asked whether the budget stalemate would affect the grants the park district received for park improvements.

Mulroe replied that, if they were fully approved, the state would be obligated to pay them. But, he said he wasn’t sure if they ultimately would be fuly approved.

“There’s a possibility those grants will be swapped,” he said.

Mulroe added that the state Senate will be working on overriding some of Rauner’s vetoes to get other budget appropriations through.

Trustee Joe LoVerde said he appreciated everything Mulroe did on behalf of his constituents.

Sen. John Mulroe, D-Chicago

“I just wanted to thank you, senator, for all that you do,” he said.

“We know it’s difficult for you.”

Mulroe told trustees that if they need anything, to call him and he’ll do his best.

“I’m your voice,” he added.

Trustee George Alpogianis asked whether there was any truth to the rumors that the remaining parts of the fiscal 2016 budget won’t be approved at all before the next fiscal year starts July 1.

Mulroe responded that, with 10 months without the budget, it would be hard to cover everything the state would have normally spent during the second half of 2015.

“Last year, I’m not sure; but this [calendar] year, we can pass appropriation bills that will give the governor authority to spend those dollars,” he said.

Mulroe added that he hoped the state would be more conscious of what sort of commitments it makes in future budgets.

Illinois State Senate District 10 runs through parts of Chicago and its northwest suburbs, including most of Niles southwest of Milwaukee Avenue and most of Park Ridge northeast of the Metra tracks. Mulroe has represented the district since 2010. During the March 15 primary, he was the only Democratic candidate on the ballot, and there were no Republican challengers.

Village board approves 1.5 cent per gallon increase to motor fuel tax

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The village of Niles Board of Trustees voted unanimously to increase one fee and delay the decision on another.

On April 26, trustees approved raising the motor fuel tax from

$0.025 per gallon to $0.04 per gallon. According to the board packet, the village estimates that the increase will raise an extra $375,000. The money will be used to prop up the general fund, which covers most of Niles’ day-to-day expenses.

The board was also scheduled to vote on whether to raise the village water rate. If approved, it would

have gone up from $8.44 per 1,000 gallons to $8.86 per 1,000 gallons.

However, Mayor Andrew Przybylo made a motion to delay the vote until the June meeting.

“The city of Chicago hasn’t decided on the amount they’re going to increase,” he said. “I thought it would be prudent to wait until June.”

Like most other surrounding

municipalities, Niles receives its water from Chicago.

Przybylo said that the last few years saw the city raise its rate at higher levels than before. While the village tried to avoid passing the increases on to residents, he added that there is only so much it could do.

“We have to raise water rates,” Przybylo said. “We don’t do it

lightly – it’s because of the costs imposed by the city of Chicago.”

Przybylo said he wrote a letter to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke, the chair of the city’s finance committee, urging them to keep the costs down, both for the sakes of their own residents and the residents of the suburbs that buy their water.

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Thursday, M ay 5, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

village news >> niles

3

Niles looking to raise money for community garden Residents will be able to rent 1 of 24 plots

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The village of Niles is looking to raise money to build a community garden on what used to be part of Niles’ very first park.

The garden would be located at 7087 N. Franks Ave. on a piece of land behind the Department of Public Works building.

Now, the village hopes to turn it into the community garden, where residents will be able to rent one of the 24 plots of land.

It will also have two special plots that will grow food for the Niles Department of Family Services’ food pantry.

Mayor Andrew Przybylo welcomed the project as a way for residents to grow their own food, especially the residents that live in multiunit buildings and don’t have any land for gardening.

However, before the project can get off the ground, the

village wants to raise $10,000. If everything goes well, residents will be able to start reserving plots of land at the beginning of next year.

According to the Niles Historical Society 1999 centennial retrospective, the Niles Playground and Recreation Board started work on building the village’s first park sometime in 1940.

The location was chosen because it was east of what was then the village school. Originally, it was simply known as the Niles Park, but after the Niles Park District was established and more parks were created, officials started looking for a more distinctive name.

In 1960, it was renamed Jozwiak Park, after the Recreation Board chair Joseph Jozwiak.

In 1997, the village decided to move the part west, near the intersection of Touhy and Harlem avenues, to make room for the public works building.

The new park was since

Photo By Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff

Hadley Skeffington-Vos, left, and Katy Darr pose in front of “Harvey the Carrot” fundraising meter. renamed Pioneer Park and continues to welcome visitors.

The community garden project was developed by Assistant Village Manager Hadley Skeffington-Vos and Katy Darr, the village’s project management coordinator.

According to Niles Director of

Communications Hayley Garard, Darr got involved in the project because of her background.

“Katy has a passion for sustainability and a substantial background - including a degree in environmental studies - so she has taken the lead on the community garden with the support and direction of Hadley,” she said.

The garden would be built on a roughly circular section of the lot that will be surrounded by a fence to keep out wildlife.

During the April 26 board of trustees meeting, Skeffington-Vos went into some detail on what it would look like. There will be a total of 24 4-by-8-foot raised plots of land that village residents can rent.

Two plots will be maintained by volunteers, and they will grow fresh produce for the Niles Food Pantry. One of those plots will be known as the intergenerational garden, and it will be specifically used as a place where senior citizens can teach younger residents gardening skills.

The garden will also have a handicapped accessible path running through the middle, four rain barrels, three compost bins, three water spigots and a community tool shed.

Skeffington-Vos emphasized that while the village will manage the garden, it will be up to volunteers to actually maintain it. The village will also be looking for volunteers to help with construction.

Skeffington-Vos said that the village hopes to get the garden off the ground as soon as possible.

“With the funding in place, we’ll begin construction this summer,” she said. “Rental applications will open in January [2017].”

The garden doesn’t have a name yet, but Skeffington-Vos said the village will be running a naming contest on its official website.

Przybylo praised the project.

“I really must say – this is a great thing to build the community,” he said. “This is an opportunity for folks who don’t have [land] to have a piece of ground to plant holistic foods.”

www.cookcountycrimestoppers.org • 800.535.stop

Thursday, M ay 5, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com 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 Michael L. Brembry, 66, 7800 block of South Coles Street, Chicago, was arrested at 11:56 a.m. April 23 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.

Miriam Y. MontesinosHernandez, 30, 2500 block of Victor, Glenview, was arrested 2:41 p.m. April 27 in the 9000 block of Greenwood for no valid license.

9

Tashaundra S. Johnson, 44, 900 block of South Wellington, Chicago, was arrested at 3:55 p.m.

April 27 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.

10

Marili R. Millan, 24, 9000 block of North 75th Street, Milwaukee, was arrested at 12:48 a.m. April 24 in the 9100 block of Golf Road for domestic battery.

Karen Mitchell, 50, 7700 block of Davis, Morton Grove, was arrested at 12:09 a.m. April 24 in the 6900 block of Oakton for DUI.

3

Argenis Hernandez-Cruz, 32, 8800 block of Root, Niles, was arrested at 2:08 a.m. April 24 in the 8700 block of Milwaukee for DUI.

4

Denise A. Gatz, 58, 8200 block of Wisner, Niles, was arrested at 8:30 a.m. April 24 in the 8200 block of Wisner for domestic battery.

5

Omar J. Lopez-Tirado, 21, 9500 block of Terrace Place, Des Plaines, was arrested at 10:44 p.m. April 24 in the 9400 block of Hamlin for battery.

6

Adam R. Koval, 50, 18100 block of Robinson Drive, Gulfport, Mississippi, was arrested at 7:50 p.m. April 25 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for DUI and illegal transport of alcohol.

7

Aviles L. Perez, 36, 500 block of Piper Lane, Mount Prospect, was arrested at 11:58 a.m. April 26 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.

8

14 12

13

24 19

4

18 17

Park Ridge

1

2

2 6 1 7 8 9 10

21 22

5

Saul Hernandez, 28, 92 North Branch, Northfield, was arrested at 1 a.m. April 18 in the 6400 block of North River Road for DUI and speeding.

26 20 27

3

11

23

15 16

Anthony Ramirez, 20, 3900 W. Chase Ave., Lincolnwood, was arrested at 7:48 p.m. April 18 at Ballard and Greenwood in Niles for suspended, revoked driver’s license.

12

George R. Colley, 49, 6551 N. Ozanam, Chicago, was arrested at 8:29 p.m. April 19 in the 6500 block of North Ozanam for a warrant.

13

Brian M. Cerny, 25, 1706 Court, Mount Prospect, was arrested at 4:56 p.m.

April 19 at Ballard and Western for possession of drug paraphernalia.

14 Frediani

Theresa Tornesha Walker, 20, 3441 W. Madison St., Chicago, was arrested at 10:30 p.m. April 19 in the 600 block of Busse Highway for suspended, revoked driver’s license.

15

Latoya M. Dowell, 30, 5820

16 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, was arrested at 3:02 p.m. April 20 at Busse Highway and Elm for suspended, revoked driver’s license and operation of uninsured motor vehicle.

Richard M. Rosenbaum, 57, 429 Wisconsin Ave., Oak Park, was arrested at 5:15 p.m. April 20 in the 1800 block of Dempster for

17

battery.

18 River Mill Parkway, Wheeling,

Waqas A. Mirza, 43, Morton was arrested April 22 at Lincoln and Gross Point for driving while license revoked.

was arrested at 8:34 p.m. April 24 in the 1700 block of Dempster for four foreign warrants.

23 Plaines,

Leon Michael Spektor, 36, 746

Morton Grove

22 Grove,

Donald J. Schufman, 44, Des was arrested April 22 in the 6300 block of Oakton for retail theft.

Khadijah Sanny Nasolo, 38,

Oscar Roman, 23, Niles, was

21 in the 8600 block of Waukegan for theft by deception.

and Waukegan for driving while license suspended and a warrant.

20 Keontai Chicago,

Lipscomb, 18, was arrested April 20 in the 5600 block of Dempster for identity theft.

25 Markham, was arrested April

Laquita V. Brown, 50, Morton Grove, was arrested April 21 at Menard and Lincoln for DUI.

26 Chicago,

19 Wilmette, was arrested April 24 arrested April 22 at Dempster

21

Emmanuel

Ojeda,

26,

23 at Markham Police Department for a warrant.

Opeyemi M. Agboola, 45, was arrested April 23 in the 6100 block of Dempster for driving while license suspended.

Reid N. Cool, 26, Skokie, was

27 arrested April 24 at Dempster and Central for DUI.

Send us your feedback at nweditor@buglenewspapers.com

Thursday, M ay 5, 2016 | ni lesbug le.coM

5

coluMn >> special voices

Celebrating Capitol Day editorial

Special Olympics Illinois opens minds, hearts in Springfield assistant editor

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facebook.com/thebuglenewspapers twitter.com/buglenewspapers instagram.com/buglenewspapers EdItOR’S NOtE: the opinions expressed in guest columns, editorial cartoons and letters to the editor belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the the Bugle or its staff.

By daniel Smrokowski Bugle Columnist

SPeCial VoiCeS By daniel Smrokowski

On April 13, more than 100 members of the Special Olympics Illinois family flocked to Springfield for the first-ever Special Olympics Illinois Capitol Day. This was a day when we educated and thanked Gov. Bruce Rauner and our legislators for their support of Special Olympics Illinois.

This was a day when we came together to open minds and hearts for those of us with special needs.

We were divided into nine groups consisting of those of us who were Special Olympics athletes, family members, unified partners, Special Olympics staff and members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. One of the top members of leadership that we had the honor to visit was Gov. Bruce Rauner. Our Special Olympics family stood outside two large wooden doors that marked where Gov. Rauner’s office was located.

Near the front, Special Olympics Illinois President and CEO Dave Breen stood with Kristen McInerney, my friend from Willowbrook and fellow SEASPAR teammate. McInerney presented Gov. Rauner with a framed Special Olympics lottery ticket to thank him for the state’s support of Special Olympics.

Rauner took lots of selfies with us as we told him about how Special Olympics

impacts our lives.

We thanked our legislators for two pieces of legislation that have created additional funding for Special Olympics Illinois. One piece was the Special Olympics lottery ticket.

Since February 2015, $5.5 million in Special Olympics Lottery tickets have been sold.

This would not have been possible without many dedicated legislators who helped to carry the bill.

Take Sen. Mattie Hunter, for example, who was instrumental in helping to carry the lottery ticket bill to the Senate.

When my group met with Sen. Hunter, we thanked her for all the hard work that she did for this piece of legislation.

We educated Sen. Hunter about how Special Olympics has given us opportunities.

These are opportunities not just on the playing field but opportunities to make friends from across the state, to showcase our leadership such as at Capitol Day, and to advance our employability within the community.

For the first time, Special Olympics Illinois has an Income Tax Check-off on the Illinois Income Tax Schedule G. These funds will help to create more opportunities for all those involved in Special Olympics throughout Illinois.

Within my group, Woodridge police officer Daniel McIntyre devoted his time at Capitol Day in showing his support of Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run program.

In 2015, the Law Enforcement Torch Run program raised more than $4.1 million in support of Special Olympics.

At the end of a long day in the Capitol building, we had a reception at the Pasfield House Inn. This reception was sponsored by Special Olympics Illinois Board member John Penn’s Midwest Region of Laborers International Union of North America.

It was here at the reception where McIntyre told me about the amazing moment that Jack Klawitter had on the Senate floor. Jack, diagnosed with Down syndrome and one of the youngest Global Messengers, had the opportunity to meet with Sen. Michael Hastings. Jack was invited up to sit in the President of the Illinois Senate’s seat and Jack’s picture appeared on the big screen of the Senate identified as “Mr. President.”

Throughout Capitol Day, everyone involved opened mind and heart to a lesson on how our state’s politics work and the impact of Special Olympics.

Join me and let’s open our minds and hearts to the impact that those of us with special needs have on our community. daniel Smrokowski was born three-and-athird months premature and was diagnosed with learning disabilities and a severe language disorder. He is an athlete and global messenger with Special olympics Illinois on the Southeast association for Special parks and recreation team. daniel is the founder of Special Chronicles nonprofit new media company, a pioneering network that gives respect and voice to people with special needs. Come join us at www.

SpecialChronicles.com.

letter to the editor

Take our trees, like it or not Perhaps residents do not want the added responsibility of maintaining trees Morton Grove Action Party Trustee Thill has responded to residents who have indicated they don’t want a tree in their parkway.

He pointed out that the parkways are village property and he did not feel homeowners should have a choice in the matter.

Evidently, Trustee Thill has no regard

for the rights of homeowners. Years back, I served on the Morton Grove Tree Commission where there were various discussions about what kinds of trees would be allowed and preserved on resident property.

Ultimately, an agreement was reached about replacing valuable trees. However, there was no discussion about forcing residents to accept trees on their parkways.

The village has a 50/50 plan, whereby residents can select a tree of their choice and pay for half of it. Does Trustee Thill expect residents to pay for half a tree they don’t want?

It would be different if the village were

to maintain the trees they plant in the parkways.

As it turns out, there is almost no follow up on many of these parkway plantings, so either the resident is forced to maintain them by watering, weeding and pruning, or the trees just die.

I have seen several in my neighborhood die repeatedly in the same spot because nobody was taking care of them.

Perhaps, these residents do not want the added responsibility of maintaining these trees. Also, they may not want an encumbered view of the street.

The village wants to plant 300 trees this year.

Hopefully, they will not force them on residents who don’t want them.

Sherwin dubren, Morton Grove resident

for WheN you WaNT To TaKe 5 minutes for yourSelf Thursday, M ay 5, 2016 | ni lesbug le.coM

Aries

tAurus

mArch 21 TO April 20

A p r i l 2 1 T O m AY 2 1

Forge your own destiny and upgrade your reality. Be prepared to embrace opportunity this week. Even little things are like puzzle pieces that when put together create a whole picture.

gemini

cAncer

m AY 2 2 T O J u N E 2 1

J u N E 2 2 T O J u lY 2 2

Grab the brass ring on the merry-go-round of life.

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leo

AugusT 22 TO sEpTEmBEr 23

Implement a purposeful plan of action that runs smoothly. Start something of importance in the first part of the week while ambitions and energies are spurred on by good luck and optimism.

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virgo

J u lY 2 3 T O A u g u s T 2 1

Across

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librA

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scorpio

sEpTEmBEr 24 TO OcTOBEr 23

OcTOBEr 24 TO NOvEmBEr 22

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cApricorn

sAgittArius

DEcEmBEr 23 TO JANuArY 20

NOvEmBEr 23 TO DEcEmBEr 22

Start new projects early in the week to ensure fairness and honesty. Your efforts will be rewarded with financial success. Your ability to create mutually beneficial bargains is at a peak.

AquArius

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pisces

JANuArY 21 TO FEBruArY 19

FEBruArY 20 TO mArch 20

Take an active interest in your future security and much can be accomplished. In the upcoming week expect honesty and commitment from others and you will not be disappointed.

Sudoku

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Jumble

Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2016

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ThE mOrTiciAN sOughT A cArEEr chANgE BEcAusE hE hAD A -- DEAD-END JOB

Thursday, May 5, 2016

page 7

>> INSIDE: kovacevic looks to take next step at state page 8

baseball

Niles West answering questions with strong play

By Mark Gregory sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

Heading into the season, the Niles West baseball team had some questions to be answered.

How would the pitching staff come together? Would the young players contribute? Would the early season weather impact the Wolves?

So far, West has answered all of those questions.

“We are off to a good start,” said Niles West coach Garry Gustafson.

“The kids are playing hard and doing the little things that help us win. We have let a couple games slip away late, but for the most part, we are swinging the bats well and we have had good pitching from our staff and have played pretty good defense.”

Gustafson brought three players up and all have contributed thus far.

“We have a lot of young talent,” junior Johnny Pabst said. “We have a lot of guys that came back and a lot of new sophomores that are playing great. (Brandon) Kaihara is pitching great, (Sam) Butera is pitching great. Diego Acosta is behind the plate doing a lot of good work for us and all three have stepped up and played to the varsity level. We have a lot of trust and confidence in each other.”

Senior shortstop Christos Tountas agrees he likes the young players and what they bring.

“I was proud to have them called up this year because I knew they could play,” he said. “Coach trusts us as long as we work hard. We have worked hard especially in practice.

He always says it all starts in the dugout.”

Tountas and Butera are a couple of the players Gustafson said jumped out to a hot start.

“The middle of our order with Christos Tountas, Michael Gunartt, who is hitting over .500, Samuel Butera hits in the four or five spot for us and (Sam) Rukin has set the

photo by mark gregory

Diego Acosta has been a big part to Niles West’s success this year. table for us at the top of the order,” he said. “So, we have a lot of guys off to a good start for us. We have nine guys in the lineup and we count on all of them and if we go to our bench, we have confidence in them, too.”

The bats were a known strength

for the Wolves this season, but the pitching was an unknown.

“Our starters for us are Rukin, Butera, (Bryan) Maldonado and Kaihara,” Gustafson said. “We have to do what we have with what we got. They are young kids – two of them are sophomores and they are

getting experience every time they go out. We knew going into the year that one of the challenges would be how deep the staff would be. Up to this point, we have been OK.” One of those starters knows he just has to pitch to contact and let the defense do his job.

“Going in the pitching was a question, but it has worked itself out and we have arms coming in every game and we should be in a position to win every game,” Rukin said. “I just trust my fielders.”

see strong | page 9

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

8

Thursday, M ay 5, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

tennis

Kovacevic ready to take next step at state

By Scott Taylor sports editor

staylor@enterprisepublications.com @Taylor_Sports

Last year as a freshman Danilo Kovacevic overcame a brutally tough sectional to advance to state for Maine South.

Using that experience to his benefit, Kovacevic is hoping to do it again and then make it further at state this year after going 4-2 last year and advancing to the second of three days.

“I want to make it to state again, obviously,” he said. “I want to make it farther at state, finish with more wins and make it farther in the main draw. I want to beat some players I lost to last year. Missing out on the (last) day last year really

motivated me this year.”

With all of the cold weather early in the season, the sophomore was a lot more prepared for it this time around and will be if it comes back before the end of the season.

“I learned to be prepared because it is going to be cold a lot,” Kovacevic said. “I didn’t prepare myself last year. I came in shorts and t-shirts and this year I’m bringing coats and sweatpants.

I’m getting better warmed up. It is irritating to play in the cold.”

He has done several things to make him a better tennis player on and off the court.

“I’ve gotten more power and I am faster,” Kovacevic said. “I am

see kovacevic | page 9

Anthony Imbordino @Coach_Imbo Congratulations Romeoville HS Football Alum Perez Ford signing with the Oakland Raiders!

Nartey_1™ @mnartey01 Congrats to The Ville legend Perez Ford.

Headed to the Oakland Raiders!

BHS Athletics @BHSRaiders Congrats to former Raider Football great Antonio Morrison (‘12) on being the FIRST EVER Raider drafted in the NFL! #RaiderPride PHOTO BY scott taylor

Joliet Catholic @JCAonline Congrats to former Hilltopper @JoshFerguson_6 ‘11 on signing with the @Colts! @HilltoppersFB

Maine South sophomore Danilo Kovacevic is looking to advance further at the state meet this year.

INSTAGRAM: Readers, attending a game in your area? Take a photo and tag @buglenewspapers for a chance to be featured!

Thursday, M ay 5, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

9

roundup

Maine South softball rolls to win over Waukegan Maine South softball rolled to a 21-1 win over Waukegan. Maddie Rog struck out 11 and allowed two hits and one unearned run in the circle. Julia Bork (3 RBI) and Sarah Hoffman (2 triples, 6 RBI) each had three hits, while Victoria Ottaviano had two hits with a double and two RBI. •Niles West fell to Evanston 15-5 as Shannon McHugh had two hits with a double and Emma Greene had two RBI for the Wolves.

BASEBALL Maine South scored four runs in the top of the seventh to top Niles West 7-5. PJ Teahan and

PHOTO BY scott taylor

Sarah Hoffman had two triples and six RBI in Maine South’s 21-1 win over Waukegan last week. strong | from page 7 As for beating the early season cold temperatures, Gustafson has a simple philosophy for that.

“I always say it is 10 degrees warmer when you are winning,” he said. “So, jump on them and get a lead early and it makes for a better

kovacevic | from page 8 smarter on the court than last year.

That has really helped me this year.

I feel less pressure because last year I was less used to it and now I am more prepared and know how to play the schools.

“I worked on my fitness a lot,” Kovacevic said. “I worked on a

game. We can’t control the weather and neither can anyone else, so we just go out and play baseball. It is simple as that.”

And play good baseball is all he asks the team to do.

“I never set real firm goals, because I feel the goals should be to

go out and play hard every day and if we do that, good things will come our way,” Gustafson said. “Our main goal is to play the game the right way and let everything else fall where it may. I hate putting a win, loss goal on them. If we play hard, we will win plenty of games.”

backhand, my volley and my serve. Hopefully I can just keep getting better. I go to the net more than I did last year.”

It will be another tough trek for Kovacevic again this season with the difficult Central Suburban League South conference and another tough sectional draw,

but that should benefit him if he returns to state to make another strong showing at the state meet.

“It is good to have a tough conference because you really have to work yourself to make it to state and then when it comes to state it won’t be as hard as it should be,” Kovacevic said.

Nick Cecela (triple) had two hits each with Austin Mose adding two RBI. Michael Gunartt had a triple, homer and two RBI to lead the Wolves.

•Notre Dame tallied 13 runs in the third inning as it beat Marian Central Catholic 14-2.

Matt Segovia had three hits with two doubles and two RBI, while Kevin Garcia had three hits with two home runs and five RBI. Sam Ferri also had two hits and Ranko Stevanovic had a home run and three RBI. John Hendry (3 hits allowed) and Max Rimac (6 strikeouts) combined for the win.

News about schools & education in your community

10

Thursday, M ay 5, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

education >> district 64

schools >> Maine East

Spring play looks at loss through Dungeons & Dragons ‘She Kills Monsters’ is a 2011 play by playwright and fight director Qui Nguyen

By Igor Studenkov

Submitted Photo

bugle staff

District names new principal for Franklin Claire Kowalczyk appointed principal of Franklin School, effective July 1 At its April 25 meeting, the Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 Board of Education approved the appointment of Claire Kowalczyk as principal of Franklin School, effective July 1.

Kowalczyk is replacing Dan Walsh, who is leaving the district June 30.

An experienced administrator, Kowalczyk comes to District 64 most recently from a fouryear post as principal of Lincoln Elementary School in North Shore School District 112 in Highland Park. Previously, she served as principal of Betsy Ross Elementary in Prospect Heights School District 23 for four years and was the assistant principal for a year at Kimball Hill Elementary School in Palatine Community Consolidated School District 15.

Earlier in her career, Kowalczyk taught for a decade in Palatine as a classroom teacher and in self-contained special education classes.

She also earned her National Board Teacher Certification and mentored other teachers in achieving this highly esteemed credential.

“She has a rich background in instructional best practices and a deep understanding of the role data plays in guiding instruction,” said superintendent Laurie Heinz.

“Dr. Kowalczyk also is sensitive to

the particular needs of engaging with a diverse community of families, like Franklin’s. To that end, Dr. Kowalczyk has earned an English Language Learners endorsement from NationalLouis University.”

In addition, Heinz noted that Kowalczyk has a lengthy track record of leading building and districtwide initiatives, which align well with those underway at Franklin and within District 64, such as launching a 1:1 technology initiative and a standards-based curriculum aligned with the Common Core, implementing bilingual programming, as well as bringing a building-wide focus to social emotional learning.

Kowalczyk received her doctorate from Roosevelt University and holds master’s degrees from Northern Illinois University and National-Louis University. She is a graduate of St. Norbert College.

Kowalczyk was selected from a pool of 65 candidates. Three seated principal finalists were interviewed by an administrative committee, and then returned for further interviews with a 24-person committee of Franklin staff and parents, a District 64 Board of Education member, as well as central office and building administrators before Heinz selected Kowalczyk for the principal post.

“As the school year begins to draw to a close, we will schedule time for Dr. Kowalczyk to visit Franklin and meet with Franklin parents, staff and students to ensure a smooth transition to her new role,” Heinz noted.

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

Over the years, Maine East High School has put on a number of high school theater staples - “Romeo & Juliet,” “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and “Cats.” But the school’s fine arts department isn’t afraid to take on less conventional choices, such as “The Rimers of Eldritch.”

This spring’s play falls into the latter tradition.

“She Kills Monsters” – a 2011 play by playwright and fight choreographer Qui Nguyen – deals with the subject of loss through the prism of the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. The Maine East production featured elaborate costumes, extensive fight choreography and even some special effects. But to audiences and actors alike, the play shined because of its complex characters and themes. Its humor didn’t hurt, either.

Set in 1995, “She Kills Monsters” centers around two sisters – a 25-year-old teacher named Agnes (Vi Kakares) and 15-year-old Tilly (Karisma Kohli). As the play’s hooded narrators put it, Agnes was as average as a average person could be, and she didn’t understand her younger sister’s interest in geeky topics, such as Dungeons & Dragons. But that changes when her entire family, including Tilly, perishes in a car accident. The grieving Agnes finds Tilly’s notes for a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, where the characters must save the protagonist’s soul from an evil villain’s clutches.

Hoping to learn more about her sister, Agnes decides to try to play it. With the help of her sister’s friend, she finds herself caught up in an adventure where the life between fantasy and reality are blurred – and discovers just how little she knew about her sister, and

Submitted Photo

the struggles she had to deal with.

Maine East theater teacher Veronica Lynn, who served as the play’s director, said it was this mix of fantasy and reality that drew her to “She Kills Monsters.”

“It’s set in this fantastical world, but the themes and emotions and heart of the story are very real,” she said. “That’s what drew me to the script. And that’s why I knew these students would be great. They have amazing imaginations, and I also find that they are not afraid to dive deep into the emotional lives of the characters. They’ve been wonderful.”

Kohli said she appreciated Tilly’s unique personality and emotional complexity.

“Playing Tilly was definitely a dream come true,” she said. “I always wanted to play a character that has an amazing personality and diverse feelings. It was just amazing to see how Tilly evolved in the show.”

Kakares told the Bugle that she appreciated a chance to play Agnes because of how much the character grew and evolved over the course of the play.

“My character was so average, but what I loved about her was her growth,” she said, citing Agnes’ emotional growth and the way the character became more comfortable with Dungeons & Dragons as the play went on.

Lynn said many of the cast members played Dungeons & Dragons, and the cast did a short game to get everyone familiar with how the game worked.

“It was incredible to see how many little light bulb moments went off as they realized, ‘Oh, yeah, we do this in the play, and this is just like my character!’” she said.

“It was a great bonding experience.”

Lynn said that Chicago fight choreographer David Gonzales showed the cast how to fight in a way that was exciting and safe for everyone involved. Rogue Steel Company, of Brookfield, supplied the prop weapons.

Kohli told the Bugle that to her, fighting was one of the highlights of the show.

“It was so much fun,” she said.

“Every character in that show was a badass.”

“She Kills Monsters” ran during the evenings of April 28-30.

When approached after the April 29 performance, resident Josef Haas was effusive in his praise.

“It was a brilliant play that was profound and very well directed,” he said. “It was beyond everything we expected from it. It wasn’t just fun – it was very meaningful.”

Kyle Melersky, a student at Maine South, also praised the play.

“I thought it was very good,” he said. “It was funny, and it had a lot of emotion, too.”

When asked if he knew anyone in the production, Melersky that his friend, Ebad Khan, played Agnes’ boyfriend.

Kohli told the Bugle that putting on the play had been “intense” and that she was happy to see the audience respond to it.

“To see so many people enjoy it, it means the world to me,” she said.

Kakares is graduating this year, and she said having “She Kills Monsters” as her last play at Maine East was a great capstone to her high school theater career.

“Getting to end the journey as a senior [with this play], it’s amazing,” she said.

News about local businesses in your community

Thursday, M ay 5, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

11

news >> morton grove

Village simplifies event permit application process Staff hope proposal will encourage more events in village

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The Morton Grove Village Board unanimously voted in favor of establishing a special events permit for residents, businesses and community organizations.

According to Village Administrator Ralph Czerwinski, applicants previously had to fill out a number of different permits for different aspects of the event.

The new permit brings all of those applications together.

He added that Morton Grove is looking to encourage special events, and display the link to the application prominently on the village website.

The proposal was originally introduced to the village board during the April 11 meeting.

According to the meeting notes,

Trustee Bill Grear said Morton Grove wanted to encourage festivals, concerts and other events because they would create “vibrant and interesting community.”

But in many cases, those events require the village to allocate personnel and equipment, which could cost money and potentially expose it to liability. A permit would help cover the costs. Czerwinski told the Bugle that it wasn’t as if Morton Grove wasn’t receiving any revenue from special events before the special event permit process was approved. There were multiple permits applicants had to get. “[The applicant] would need an amplified music permit, we had a food permit, we had a block party permit – all of that was simplified into into one permit,” he said.

The ordinance that created the permit specifies that the permit would apply to any “activity on public or private property that requires the village to provide special services.” Those special services include street closures, traffic rerouting, police protection, street cleaning, garbage removal

Dave Says

Condos are fine, but do your research Do your research be thorough Dear Dave, I know when it comes to investing you like mutual funds and paid-for real estate.

What do you think about using condominiums as investment properties instead of singlefamily homes?

Jason Dear Jason, I don’t really have a problem with condos as paid-for investments.

I own a couple of them myself.

When it comes to making this kind of investment for the first time, however, I would advise that you keep a few things in mind.

Based on equal price and equal neighborhood, the average singlefamily home will probably increase more in value over the years. Now, a nice, well-placed condo will obviously go up in value faster than a traditional house in a lesser neighborhood. You have to think about what you’re getting into

dave says

By Dave Ramsey

and also take into consideration a number of variables. What are the HOA dues or condo fees going to be? Is the condo association being managed well? A lot of condo associations are very poorly managed. And if they don’t provide proper maintenance or keep a certain percentage of the complex owner-occupied versus rental, the condo association or complex can lose the ability to get normal permanent financing.

— Dave

Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business, and CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven 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.

and putting in special signage.

The ordinance does make some exceptions, including visits by state and federal elected officials and block parties.

If the event doesn’t involve the sale of alcohol and is expected to have less than 500 people, the application has to be filed at least 90 days ahead of time. Otherwise, the application must be submitted no later than Sept. 1 of the year before the event date. For example, if the applicant wants to hold an event Sept. 4, 2017, he or she must apply for the permit before Sept. 1, 2016.

Once the application is submitted, the village administrator will review the application.

If the administrator doesn’t want to approve it as is, he or she must contact the applicant and try to figure out something that works for both of them. If they agree to something, the administrator will approve it with conditions and/or changes. If they don’t, the administrator will deny it.

The ordinance also indicates that there are situations when a

village administrator can revoke a permit.

That includes putting false or incomplete information in the application, unpaid debts to the village, violations of permit terms and conditions, the discovery that the event violates local, state and/or federal laws, or creating nuisance or hazard during the course of the event.

The applicant can appeal the administrator’s decision to deny or revoke the permit through the village adjudication hearing process. The applicant has to prove that the manager “abused his/her discretion.”

The application fee is $200 and applicants are also required to pay a user fee, which would be calculated based on village expenses involved in organizing and managing the event.

The resolution establishing the special event permit went up for the second and final reading during the village board’s April 25 meeting.

Grear emphasized that the fees weren’t about trying to get as much

money as possible.

“We don’t want to create an expenditure – we want people to enjoy events in the community,” he said, adding that fee was simply about covering expenses to the village and giving the village more oversight of the events. “I think it’s an ordinances that’s going to protect us and enhance our ability to govern some of those activities.”

12

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Business & Private Party Classified Ads: $16 per week, 20 words or less. Weddings, Births & Engagements: Black & White - $25, Color - $35. Obituaries: $35.

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upcoming events in your community

Thursday, M ay 5, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

13

MAY 6-7

Gemini Junior High Presents Don Zolidis’ Game of Tiaras. At Apollo Elementary School, 10100 Dee Road, Des Plaines.

Directed by Drama Teacher Kathy Martin and Language Arts Teacher Jordan Smith, the 26-member cast comprises a mix of seventh and eighth grade students. Tickets for Game of Tiaras are $1 for students and $6 for adults, and are available at the door. Call 847-493-8511 for more information.

MAY 7

So Long, Friends: An Elephant and Piggie Farewell. 2 to 4 p.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. Join to celebrate the Elephant & Piggie series and unveil the newest, and last Elephant & Piggie book, The Thank You Book.

MAY 9

Scribble Monster Music. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. Sing, think, play, dance and share with Scribble Jayne and Scribble Jim, the famous musical duo known as the Scribble Monsters. This interactive and fun musical concert will get your toddler or pre-schooler movin’, groovin’, and learnin’. For more information about this event, visit www.mgpl.org or call 847-965-4220.

MAY 14

Award Winning Writers on Polish Literature Today.

3 p.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion with some of Poland’s most distinguished and acclaimed writers - Krystyna Dąbrowska, Zygmunt Miłoszewski, Magdalena Tulli, Agata Tuszyńska, and Antonia Lloyd-Jones – as they discuss modern Polish literature with Susan Harris, editorial director of Words Without Borders. To register or for more information about this event, visit www.mgpl.org or call 847-965-4220.

MAY 16

Video Game Makerspace: Kirby. 6 to 7 p.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. Bring your creativity to this video game themed program. Create art, toys, and games to complement the video game of the month. For May, the video game is Kirby! To register or for more information about this event, visit www.mgpl.org or call 847965-4220.

MAY 17

Des Plaines River Clean Up. 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley St., Park Ridge. Scout troops, community groups, school groups, church groups, and individuals - come out and help clean up the environment. Garbage bags, pick-up sticks, and rubber gloves are provided. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

MAY 18

English as a Second Language Conversation Group. 3 to 4 p.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. This is a group that will facilitate conversations in English in an informal and friendly setting. The group will discuss a variety of subjects relating to practical, everyday and general interest topics. To register or for more information about this group, visit www.mgpl.org or call 847-965-4220.

MAY 19

Healthy, Well-thy & Wise Senior Expo. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Centennial Activity Center, 100 S. Western Ave., Park Ridge. Get Healthy, Well-thy, and Wise this year at the Park District’s active adult expo.

Enjoy demonstrations, raffles, screenings, educational discussions, service exhibits and much more. Admission is free with a donation of a canned good benefiting the Maine Township food pantry.

MAY 21

National Readathon Day. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. Come to the library to participate in a variety of bookish activities: listen to a story, get cool book suggestions, take a silly picture with your favorite book, win bookish prizes and read, read, read. For more information about this event, visit www.mgpl.org or call 847-965-4220.

Send us your feedback at sweditor@buglenewspapers.com Thursday, M ay 5, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

community

Daily lunch, activities available to area seniors Program is sponsored

by Evanston-based Mather LifeWays and AgeOptions A new program is giving older adults in and around Skokie the option to enjoy a nutritious midday meal, followed by a variety of social and program offerings, every week day.

The program is sponsored by Evanston-based Mather LifeWays and AgeOptions and takes place Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ethical Humanist Society, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave. It includes a lunch made with fresh, healthy ingredients, and attendees have the option of staying for socializing, wellness classes and games.

Although the program was created to serve low-income older adults, anyone age 60 or older is welcome, regardless of income or which town they live in.

No pre-registration is necessary, and a $2 donation is suggested but not required.

“Studies have shown that socialization is so important in staying vital and healthy,”

said George Van Dusen, village of Skokie Mayor. “Providing an affordable lunch and ways to engage with others every weekday is an extraordinary service, and we’re so pleased to be able to work with these groups to offer this program to area residents.”

Jonathan Lavin, president and CEO of AgeOptions, said many seniors live without adequate food, shelter and healthcare, among other basic services.

“We provide federal and state funding to local service providers so that these community members can enjoy the quality of life they deserve,” he said.

Mary Leary, president and CEO of Mather LifeWays – a 75-yearold non denominational not-forprofit organization – agreed.

“We are pleased to offer a program that serves older adults in the Skokie community, and to provide them a place to socialize, share ideas, access resources and information, as well as enjoy a quality meal,” she said.

The site of the luncheon, near the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Howard in Skokie, is convenient to public transportation, including Pace bus #210, and offers on-site parking. For more information, call 847-644-6071.

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Thursday, M ay 5, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

15

Crazy Hats Day kicks off year long Summit initiative Sponsorship is one of the three embarked on this year, specifically aimed at seniors Crazy Hats Day was the first event of a year-long Summit of Uptown sponsorship for the event Seniors Together at Recreation – held recently at Centennial Activity Center, 100 S. Western, Park Ridge.

Those attending the event could pose in one of eight themed hats provided by Summit and receive an instant souvenir photo to take home.

The sponsorship is one of the three embarked on this year, specifically aimed at seniors. STAR is a program of the Park Ridge Park District that offers activities, programs, events and services for

people 55 years of age and older.

The other two sponsorships have been coordinated with Center of Concern – a non-profit social service agency providing services and housing solutions to seniors, the disabled and others in need – and MaineStreamers – the senior division of Maine Township that provides educational programs and recreational activities for people 55 years of age and older.

“These partnerships with organizations in Park Ridge are some of the hallmarks of our commitment to improve the quality of life in Park Ridge across the board

making it better for all citizens,” said Irene Sawka, Summit’s executive director.

To find out about other programs, activities, services and amenities at Summit of Uptown, visit www. summitofuptown.com call 847825-1161or visit the Summit Facebook page.

Submitted Photos

(From left, going clockwise) Cathy DePrizio strikes a pose in her love hat at Crazy Hats Day. ; Arlene Rice (left), Chris Willis and Lillian Hall model their choice of eight themed hats provided by Summit of Uptown at the recent Seniors Together at Recreation luncheon. ; Earl Nicholas sports a money hat at Crazy Hats Day.

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