Niles 7-7-16 by Bugle, Sentinel & Enterprise Newspapers

JUL Y 7, 2016 VOL. 60 ISSUE 40

elk’s Club in Pontiac is a steal

see page 7

NEWS Medical Move?

Medical equipment company looks to relocate to Niles

see page 3

POLICE Attempted Arson

Niles police say man threatened to burn down house see page 4

OPINION enough.

State’s ongoing budget battle must end

see page 5

BUSINESS

All Business

Longtime Niles Chamber employee says farewell after 16 years see page 11

COMMUNITY

Summer fun

St. John Brebuef to hold summer carnival July 7-10

see page 15

SPORTS Worth the drive

Pontaic Elk’s golf course offers a great experience at great price see page 7

NeW Code CReATeS SPeCIAl ZoNING foR MIlWAukee AveNue’S CoMMeRCIAl AReAS (Red) ANd Touhy TRIANGle (GReeN).

featured sports

WORTH THE TRIP

Thursday, July 7, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

Village adopts new zoning code Most changes affect commercial, industrial districts By Igor Studenkov bugle staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

After almost four years of deliberations, the village of Niles voted to approve a new zoning code. The village felt that the previous zoning code was outdated and didn’t allow for the certain types of developments it wanted. The two major changes are geared squarely at development, creating special zoning for Milwaukee Avenue’s commercial areas and zoning the Touhy Triangle – an area formed by Touhy Avenue, Lehigh Avenue and Gross Point Road. The zoning code also addresses several zoning controversies, including gun shops, firearms training centers and smoke shops, while keeping regulations on medical cannabis-related businesses unchanged. For the most part, the version of the zoning code that went up before the village board June 28 was similar to changes discussed last August during a Niles Plan Commission workshop. Some details were changed during a recent plan commission meeting in May, and trustees made several amendments before casting the final vote. In the end, they unanimously approved the new zoning code. As with the version from August 2015, most of the zoning changes deal with commercial and industrial districts. The new code creates a C-3

commercial district classification. It is specifically designed for the largely commercial stretch of Milwaukee Avenue between Monroe Street and Albion Avenue, as well as some retail areas nearby. This zoning classification is designed to encourage development that follows the Niles South Milwaukee Corridor Plan. The plan calls for the creation of pedestrian-oriented storefronts, as well as taller mixed-use buildings with rear parking lots. It also calls for more public spaces, sidewalk improvements and more amenities for pedestrians and bicyclists. The new zoning code also creates two commercial zoning district types that aren’t part of the new zoning map, but which may be added in the future. C-4 would be similar to C-3, but it would encourage mixed-use development instead of purely commercial

development. C-5 would allow developers to create “urban village” type environments. The new code also divided up what was previously an industrial district. The Touhy Triangle has been zoned as an “entertainment mixeduse” district. The classification allows art studios, entertainment facilities, bars, restaurants and offices. Meanwhile, office and research facilities owned by Shure Incorporated, which are located across the railroad tracks from the “triangle,” are now zoned OR. This zoning classification allows office and research facilities, but not manufacturing and warehouse uses. With the new zoning code, the moratoriums on gun shops, cannabis-related businesses and smoke shops will automatically lapse. Gun shops and firearms training

centers will be prohibited from being located within 1,000 feet of any educational facility. Under the old zoning code, tobacco stores could operate in B-1 commercial areas and the store’s owner had to apply for a special use permit. The new zoning code makes a few minor changes, putting shops that sell tobacco products and hookah lounges under the same category. These establishments would be allowed to operate in C-2 and ENT-MU districts. Business owners still must obtain special permits. The new zoning code doesn’t change most regulations for medical cannabis-related businesses, save for one small alteration. Under the old zoning code, medical cannabis dispensaries had to be located at least 1,000 feet from any school or daycare center. The new code adds that dispensaries can’t be within

500 feet of any “place of worship, amusement facility, or park or playground.” The new zoning code also established regulations for a few types of businesses not mentioned in the previous version. Adult businesses and adult entertainment venues are not explicitly restricted to manufacturing districts, but they must be located at least 2,000 feet from any residential area, place of worship, educational facility, park or playground, or cultural facility, as well as any other adult business. Additionally, the village established regulations for solar panels and wind turbines. Before the village board voted for the new zoning code, trustee Denise McCreery introduced a series of amendments. Most notably, they reversed two major changes the plan commission made during its May 23 meeting. The commission added language allowing rooftop decks on top of first-floor buildings, as well as “accessory dwelling units.” These dwelling units are residential spaces that are somehow separated from the main single-family home. The examples in the board documents include a converted garage and a basement unit. According to Mayor Andrew Przybylo, McCreery had concerns about the way the additions were worded. The trustee and plan commission chair Tom Kanelos talked with Niles Director of Community Development Chuck Ostman and Niles Senior Planner Bruce Sylvester. Ultimately, McCreery’s amendments were based on that conversation, Przybylo said.

Niles awarded grant for Farm on Franks

Grant is part of the ComEd Green Region Program to fund municipal efforts

The village of Niles and Niles Park District announced that ComEd and Openlands has awarded them with an $8,000 ComEd Green Region Program Grant June 27. The grant is part of the ComEd Green Region Program to fund municipal efforts to plan for,

protect and improve open land in ComEd’s service area of northern Illinois. The Green Region Program Grant will go towards a community garden, Farm on Franks, in Niles. The village of Niles established a goal in its 2030 Comprehensive Plan to provide opportunities for increased public participation in environmental advocacy. In the 2013 Niles Environmental Action Plan, the village went further to establish the goal of creating a community garden program. Through the efforts of village staff members in the Niles Sustainability Committee and some key citizens,

the village is moving forward to complete their goal of establishing a community garden program. The village and park district plan to hold volunteer days to help with the building and maintenance of Farm on Franks and will have more details available at a later date. Farm on Franks will be located at 7087 N. Franks Ave. in Niles. More information is available on the village’s website, www.vniles.com/910/Farm-onFranks.

see more news briefs on page 14

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Thursday, July 7, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

business

Medical equipment company looks to relocate to Niles Village board approves tax incentive for potential Summit Industries location

Photo By Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff

After some deliberation, the village of Niles Board of Trustees voted to support a tax break for what will soon be a new home to medical equipment manufacturer Summit Industries. The Niles property, located at 7555 N. Caldwell Ave., has enough space to suit their needs.

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

After some deliberation, the village of Niles Board of Trustees voted to support a tax break for what will soon be a new home to medical equipment manufacturer Summit Industries. Company president M. Thomas Boone said the company’s current Chicago location didn’t offer enough room to expand. The Niles property, located at 7555 N. Caldwell Ave., has enough space to suit their needs. The building’s owner, Eddie Jhin, said it would need to be renovated to accommodate the new tenant – an investment that wouldn’t be feasible unless it received the Class 6(b) tax classification. Mayor Andrew Przybylo and some trustees initially had reservations because Summit wouldn’t be hiring anyone new from Niles. Ultimately, they were won over by the fact that, even with the new classification, the property would generate more in property taxes than it currently does. They also noted that the renovations could bring in another

business somewhere down the line, and that having more people shop and eat in Niles would benefit the village economy in the long run. According to a bulletin created by the Cook County Assessor’s office, Class 6(b) is a property tax classification designed to encourage and attract new industrial businesses and support existing industrial businesses. It’s granted to applicants that want to build new industrial facilities, rehabilitate existing industrial facilities or reuse abandoned industrial

buildings. The property that gets this classification is assessed at 10 percent of its market value for 10 years, 15 percent for the 11th year and 20 percent for the 12th year. Industrial properties are typically assessed at 25 percent. The bulletin indicates that if the tax incentive is granted, the property owners can apply for a 10year extension after 10 years and reapply for it as often as they want. The classification has to be approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, but not

before the applicant gets support from the municipality where the property is located. The village board considered the issue during its June 28 meeting. Summit Industries is currently located at 2901 W. Lawrence Ave., in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood. Boone told the village board that after 32 years of operating at the same location, they were looking to expand. “This community will give us an opportunity and edge to grow,” he said.

Boone also said the new location would help with recruitment. “We have a great deal of trouble recruiting people in Chicago,” he said. “We thought this location will help us.” The president also mentioned that he had personal reasons to want to succeed. The company was purchased by another company a year earlier, and if he doesn’t improve Summit’s profits, he might not be able to keep his job.

see medical | page 13

government

Area lawmakers say more work needed after state approves stopgap budget 10th District would receive $5.4 million in revenues generated by Motor Fuel Tax A series of proposals passed by the Illinois General Assembly last week provided the governor with spending authority for outstanding budget items not already covered by consent decree. State Sen. John G. Mulroe, D-Chicago, voted in favor of the omnibus budget proposal, which he said contained a 12-month spending plan for K-12

education, capital for IDOT, as well as higher education funding and funds for human services. “After all this time, we now have an agreed spending package for the remaining portions of the budget,” Mulroe said in a press release. “This proposal isn’t perfect, but I am happy that all parties met in the middle to find a solution.”

State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, also voted for the temporary budget. “First and foremost, I’m embarrassed that it took us over a year to fund these critical programs that protect the frail elderly, abused and neglected children and the developmentally disabled,” he said in a statement. “While some of my colleagues may applaud themselves, I’m beyond frustrated. This budget impasse has hurt the most vulnerable in our communities, and while this is a

step toward healing those wounds we still have much work to do.” Two smaller measures that give Chicago autonomy in making decisions about the way its school district funds education and teacher pensions also passed the Senate. Communities in the 10th District would receive $5.4 million in revenues generated by the Motor Fuel Tax. Typically, the funds pay for road salt and snow plow repair, as well as pothole patching and other road projects and maintenance.

“The stopgap budget also ensures funding for our institutions of higher education and need-based financial assistance so low-income students can better afford college,” D’Amico said. “Critical funding for important programs, such as rape crises centers, assistance for children with disabilities and state funding for in-home care for the elderly was also included.” All the proposals found bipartisan support and passed the General Assembly. The governor signed the stopgap budget plan on June 30. “This can’t be a victory lap,” Mulroe added. “There is still a lot of work to be done. We should use these negotiations and the lessons of the past couple years as a springboard for next year.”

www.cookcountycrimestoppers.org • 800.535.stop Thursday, July 7, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

police >> niles

Police say man threatened to burn down girlfriend’s house Woman told police that her boyfriend was intoxicated and upset Niles police officers responded to a residence in the 6500 block of

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

Serguei Pirkhalo, 42, 0-100 block of Macarthur Court, Buffalo Grove, was arrested at 12:40 p.m. June 24 in the 8200 block of Golf Road for revoked license and obstructing peace officer.

Aleksey Pirkhalo, 38, 700 block of North Cypress Bridge, Lake Zurich, was arrested at 12:40 p.m. June 24 in the 8200 block of Golf Road for obstructing peace officer.

Rodney S. Fehsenfeld, 54, 6700 block of South River Road, Des Plaines, was arrested at 10:25 p.m. June 24 in the 7800 block of Milwaukee for no valid license.

Malgorzata Gorska, 43, 9400 block of Bay Colony, Niles, was arrested at 1:49 p.m. June 23 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.

Rita J. Johnson, 21, 300 block of East Kensington Ave., Chicago, was arrested at 5:25 p.m. June 22 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.

Fantacia L. Bishop, 19, 11400 S. Forestville Ave., Chicago, was arrested at 5:25 p.m. June 22 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft and assault.

Ebinger Drive in the early morning hours of June 26 for a report that a man was threatening to set his girlfriend’s house on fire. A Niles woman told police that her boyfriend, Harvey E. Moore, 43, was intoxicated and upset for an unknown reason, and began pouring gasoline on the back porch while saying he would burn the house down. The victim became

the night. The Niles Department said it contacted the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services about the incident. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved one count of attempted aggravated arson, a Class 1 felony, against Moore.

worried and called 911. Moore allegedly left the home in an unknown direction, and officers found him in the immediate area. Upon arrival at the house, officers could smell an obvious odor of gasoline on the rear porch, according to the police department. A gas canister was located and inventoried. The victim and her two children left the residence for

Harvey E. Moore, 43

Francisco J. Mendez, 50, 2900 block of North Kilbourn, was arrested at 11 p.m. June 20 in the 7700 block of Caldwell for DUI.

Shawn M. Smith, 43, 200 block of Porter Court, Bartlett, was arrested at 3:01 p.m. June 20 in the 8500 block of Golf Road for retail theft.

6 1 4 2 5 9

13 10

Carl J. Kalas, 54, 4000 block of Oakley Ave., Chicago, was arrested at 3:04 p.m. June 21 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.

Elzbieta LozowskaGolebiewska, 41, 7800 block of Oleander, Niles, was arrested June 21 in the 8400 block of Dempster for violation of order of protection.

Entjen Xeka, 22, 8200 block of Catino Terrace, Niles, was arrested at 2 a.m. June 18 in the 7800 block of Milwaukee for speeding.

18 16 14

Wallid Awshana, 31, 7800 block of Nordica, Niles, was arrested at 4:30 p.m. June 19 in the 900 block of Civic Center for retail theft.

Park Ridge

Lisa Renee Hahn, 28, 5620 N. Kimball Ave., Chicago, was arrested at 5:45 p.m. June 23 in the 1700 block of Dempster for battery.

Jennifer J. Wimunc, 40, 5326 S. Harper Ave., Chicago, was arrested at 7:11 p.m. June 24 in the 1900 block of Cumberland for retail theft.

Abiu Chavez, 31, 4736 N.

Keeler, Chicago, was arrested at 12:04 a.m. June 25 at Northwest Highway and Tyrell for no driver’s license and disobeyed traffic control device. Caravello, 46, 3450 16 Michael Emerson Ave., Boulder, Colorado, was arrested at 12:57 a.m. June 25 in the 1500 block of Vine for DUI and disobeyed stop sign.

Walfer H. Casasola-Salguero, 37, 8506 S. Kildare Ave., Chicago, was arrested at 1:37 a.m.

June 26 at Cumberland and Crescent for DUI, operation of uninsured motor vehicle and improper lane usage.

Patrick M. Ide, 45, 2933 W. Fulton St., Chicago, was arrested at 7:11 p.m. June 26 in the 1300 block of South Cumberland for suspended or revoked driver’s license and operation of uninsured motor vehicle.

Morton Grove Lawrence J. Sims, 37, 1400

19 block of Spaulding, Chicago, was arrested June 22 at Golf and Waukegan for hit and run. Mark A. Daniels, 59, 900 block of Washington, Glenview, was arrested June 22 in the 7300 block of Dempster for public indecency.

Send us your feedback at nweditor@buglenewspapers.com

Thursday, July 7, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

column >> special voices

pride on parade editorial

Disability Pride Parade to celebrate special needs community July 23 assistant editor

aNdREa EaRNESt aearnest@buglenewspapers.com

815.436.2431 ext.118

production

LauRa KatauSKaS • MaRK GREGORy • IGOR StudENKOv

By daniel Smrokowski Bugle Columnist On July 23, members of the community will come together to celebrate the 13th annual Disability Pride Parade in Chicago. This year’s theme is “Continuing the Drive: Inclusion Matters.” The parade is a day for the community to come together and celebrate those with and without special needs. It’s a day where we can come together to include those of us with differences. It’s a day where we can accept people for who they are and change attitudes to appreciate the uniqueness in each person. Last year, I had the opportunity to attend the Disability Pride Parade with my alma mater, Roosevelt University, marching with the Academic Success

By daniel Smrokowski Bugle Columnist Center’s disability services office. In addition to our group, there were approximately 60 other organizations from access living groups to other therapeuticandsupportiveorganizations for those with special needs walking in the parade. As our group marched in the parade, we all wore bright green T-shirts with the words “Label Clothes, Not People” displayed on the front. On the back of our shirts was the letter “R” for Roosevelt University and “Academic Success Center.” I personally feel much gratitude towards Roosevelt and towards the embracing support of the Academic Success Center during my years as a

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advertising deadlines. Space and copy deadlines for display and classified ads is at noon the Friday before date of insertion. Email classifieds@buglenewspapers.com | Legals, obituaries and happy ads are due at noon Friday. Email announcements@buglenewspapers.com. Email Legals@buglenewspapers.com editorial deadlines. Calendar & News: 3 p.m. Monday, three weeks before date of publication. sweditor@buglenewspapers.com

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.

[editor’s Note: Approximately 65 illinois daily and weekly newspapers are running editorials through the beginning of July on the need for an end to the state budget standoff. the State Journal-Register editorial board shared this editorial days before the General Assembly announced June 30 that it had passed a stopgap budget.] Illinois’ budget standoff must be resolved, and must be resolved now. Whether or not our leaders manage to pass a stopgap funding measure this week, Illinois still needs the stability of a full budget to restore the health of our state and its economy. For a year, our state’s elected leaders have engaged in what can only be called political malpractice. Illinois is the only state in the country that doesn’t have a budget. For a year, because of that failure, it has stiffed small businesses, social service agencies and its higher education system, leaving them trying to operate without money they’re owed. State operations have been cobbled together through a patchwork of

court orders, and the state gets deeper in debt by the minute. Gov. Bruce Rauner said June 27 the state was on the verge of crisis, and that it would be an “outrageous, tragic failure” if schools don’t open on time this fall. With all due respect, Governor, the state is already in crisis and the budget standoff has already been an “outrageous, tragic failure.” A stopgap may delay imminent emergency and we desperately need that. But it’s still not enough. As legislators return to Springfield today – for the first time this month – Illinois’ historic, serious problems have been made even worse by the failure to compromise on a balanced, long-term spending plan. The political war between Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan has been confounding and unconscionable. Rauner has insisted on passage of the so-called Turnaround Agenda, a series of pro-business measures, as a condition of the budget. Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton have seemed focused primarily on thwarting the governor.

student and beyond. The Disability Pride Parade was “a great day of community, ability and joyfulness for who people are,” said Nancy Litke, director of the Academic Success Center at Roosevelt University. “To celebrate the lives of people with and without disabilities but mostly to showcase the ability side and how we are a better world with more diversity.” As a community, we can truly come together and be proud for the abilities and joy that those of us with special needs bring to our community. This year, let us remember how as a community we can celebrate the abilities that those of us with special needs bring to the world. Join us at this year’s Disability Pride Parade to celebrate inclusion in our community. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. July 23 at 401 S. Plymouth Court in Chicago.

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.

Neither the governor nor the legislature has put forth a balanced budget. Decades of delaying action and willfully ignoring issues like the state’s epically ballooning pension obligations have devastated its financial stability. The state must make cuts, and yes, more revenue will be needed to stanch the economic bleeding. The consequences of having no budget have been harsh and far-reaching. The state’s colleges and universities, which ought to be linchpins for growth and economic development, instead have been starved. Hundreds have been laid off, programs have been shuttered. High school graduates look at this mess, fear for their future, and enroll in outof-state colleges. Our best and brightest may not come back after they complete their education elsewhere. Meanwhile, more than 130,000 lowincome students have had financial aid snatched away. Do these students who wish to better themselves and their future job prospects through education have other resources to continue? In most cases, no. One million of Illinois’ most vulnerable people -- the poor, the at-risk kids, the elderly, the mentally ill, the homeless, the victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault -- have been directly harmed by the state’s dereliction of duty, as social service agencies cut services. Hospitals and medical providers

see eNougH | page 13

foR WheN you WANT To TAke 5 MINuTeS foR youRSelf Thursday, July 7, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

Aries

maRcH 21 TO aPRIL 20

Declare Independence Day all week long. Do what you want to do, with those you want to do it with. An invisible bodyguard keeps new admirers, who act like your groupies, from entering your private space.

gemini

m ay 2 2 T O j U n E 2 1

Sharp words can create fireworks. In the week ahead don’t go to extremes or enter into debates. Focus instead on making your financial situation better by insisting on having the very best that money can buy.

leo

j U Ly 2 3 T O a U G U s T 2 1

Go for the goodness. Find peace and tranquility in quiet places this week and recharge your inner child. Co-workers and business relationships might take up a great deal of your time. Use sympathy to soothe ruffled feathers.

Across 1 PRIncIPaL InTRODUcTIOn? 5 LaDyBUG LUncHEs 11 HanDLE FOR a cHEF? 14 “yIkEs!” 15 BULLy 16 ‘60s-’70s nEWs FOcUs, InFORmaLLy 17 aLLOWancE FOR FOOD, VET VIsITs, ETc.? 19 OLD sPORTs ORG. UsInG cOLORFUL BaLLs 20 PLacE TO PLay 21 Pc kEy 22 sOmE ExEcs 23 BEDTImE FOR BaTs? 27 annUaL nEW EnGLanD aTTRacTIOn 31 mUTT 32 “__ a TRaVELER ...”: “OzymanDIas” 33 DOLTs 36 FIRsT POET LaUREaTE OF VERmOnT 40 THREW a TanTRUm aT BaLLET scHOOL? 43 yOU mIGHT WakE UP TO OnE 44 saTIRIsT OncE DUBBED “WILL ROGERs WITH FanGs” 45 HEaVILy sIT (DOWn) 46 DRaFT cHOIcE 48 LOsT IT 50 DEcIsIVE “sTaR WaRs” VIcTORy?

THE DEPREssIOn, sE-OR?”? 66 POETIc PREPOsITIOn 67 LanDLOckED aFRIcan cOUnTRy 68 WHEn sOmE TIEs aRE BROkEn, BRIEFLy 69 cLEaR 70 GRanT 71 PaRT OF csny

Down 1 “UP In THE aIR” OscaR nOmInEE FaRmIGa 2 aIRcRaFT PIOnEER sIkORsky 3 GIVE In 4 IDEaL WORLD 5 DIPLOmaTIc VIP 6 LITTLE, In LILLE 7 WEnT aFTER 8 HasTInGs HEaRTH 9 TaB aLTERnaTIVE 10 PLay aREa 11 mUDDLED sITUaTIOn 12 FIFE-anD-DRUm cORPs InsTRUmEnT 13 IT Has a mED scHOOL In WORcEsTER 18 aVIs aDjEcTIVE 22 cROOkED 24 aWEsTRUck 25 THEy mIGHT caUsE jITTERs

26 snIT 27 maInE FOREsT sIGHTs 28 aRaBIan sULTanaTE 29 TOy FOR an asPIRInG aRcHITEcT 30 REPEaT 34 DOT aGcy. 35 THE “E” sOUnD In “TanDEm” 37 cERamIc POT 38 DInnER On THE FaRm, mayBE 39 EnTER, In a Way 41 WHERE TO nOsH On a knIsH 42 WIRE sERVIcE?: aBBR. 47 caPTIVaTE 49 sT. PETERsBURG’s RIVER 50 mORE BOORIsH 51 cOmIc cHERI 52 sInGLE 53 sOmE FLOaTs 54 EssEncE 58 “LET’s DO IT!” 59 c-cTEL FRUIT 60 THEy may BE InFLaTED 61 aUTHOR WHO cREaTED zUckERman 63 BaRBEcUE sEasOnInG 64 PREFIx WITH mETER 65 caRPEnTER’s TOOL

librA

sEPTEmBER 24 TO OcTOBER 23

Show off your diplomacy and people skills. By the middle of the week your good taste in is full force for purchases of finery and clothing. Guard against business offerings that might be too good to be true.

sAgittArius

nOVEmBER 23 TO DEcEmBER 22

Duck for cover. You will have much better luck staying at home than dealing with group dynamics in the week ahead. Focus on family interactions and home based activities to derive the most satisfaction.

AquArius

janUaRy 21 TO FEBRUaRy 19

Shake the trees. Something might fall out that makes you smile. Your verve and interest in others will brighten any gathering this week. Some friends will leave your life as soon as they arrive, but others will last.

Sudoku

tAurus

a P R I L 2 1 T O m ay 2 1

Distill your thoughts. This is a good week to think through problems and form worthy goals. Avoid making snap decisions that could impact your bank account, Concentrate on making lasting progress.

cAncer

j U n E 2 2 T O j U Ly 2 2

Get back in the saddle. As this week unfolds you will find you can make a fresh start with something that has been on the back burner. You may revisit childhood creative endeavors or develop healthier habits.

virgo

aUGUsT 22 TO sEPTEmBER 23

Read the tea leaves. Your imagination may be on overtime and you can easily develop a picture of a rosy future and make it a key objective. Avoid sharp words in public places in the early part of the week.

scorpio

OcTOBER 24 TO nOVEmBER 22

Energize your friendships. As this week unfolds you will be surprised at how often you sparkle in group settings including the work environment. You will find tackle jobs with enthusiasm and resourcefulness.

cApricorn

DEcEmBER 23 TO janUaRy 20

Think happy thoughts. Imagine a pleasant future and it will happen. You could hold the reins of power in community events, clubs or business organizations. Develop lasting friendships in the week ahead.

pisces

FEBRUaRy 20 TO maRcH 20

Focus on making yourself healthy, wealthy and wise in the week to come. This can be a good week to begin a new health regimen or to express your creativity. Focus on being sympathetic rather than argumentative.

Jumble

Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2016

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

55 EcLEcTIc OnLInE REaDER 56 sLImE

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

57 TREacHEROUs TyPE

Jumbles:

62 BEaDs On BLaDEs

Answer:

63 ansWER TO “WHaT DID PEOPLE LIsTEn TO DURInG

• FEWER • TRUTH • OVERDO • GIBLET WHaT THE maRGInaL WORkER DID TO BETTER HIs LOT -- a LOT BETTER

Thursday, July 7, 2016

page 7

>> INSIDE: all area baseball team announced page 9

golf review

Elkâ€™s Club in Pontiac is a steal By Scott Taylor sports editor

staylor@enterprisepublications.com @Taylor_Sports

I was given a scoop on a course down south, so I had to check it out. The Pontiac Elks Lodge and Golf Course is the farthest south we have traveled for a review and we were not disappointed. It is a semiprivate course, which offers membership rates for both Elks members ($725) and non-Elk members ($1,025). Those prices include unlimited golf, but do not include cart fees, which are $16 for 18 holes. Green fees are cheap at just $22 during the week and $26 on weekends and holidays, making it a steal of a weekend tee time. With those prices, some may assume the course isnâ€™t kept up well, but that is not the case. The course was fast and firm and the greens were in very good shape. With all of the slopes, the greens were among the hardest Iâ€™ve played on. Rarely was there a straight putt and if you had one, you were either putting uphill or downhill. It was also imperative to be on the right portion of the green. If the pin was in the front of the green and you were in the back, it was a long, downhill putt, making it a difficult three-putt. It is also important to not shortside yourself around the green or the prospects of making it upand-down for the average player are slim to none. As for the course layout, the first hole is a 389-yard par-4

that doglegs left. It is important to keep to the right side of the fairway with your drive as a large, mature tree hangs over the left side of the fairway, blocking the green. The second hold is 360 yards with water all down the left side and a large amount of trees on the right side. The third hole is a 479-yard par-5. It is definitely reachable in two, but the second shot is difficult as the hole doglegs right near the green, making you carry trees to hit the green. A safe layup to the left side of the fairway is a smart play. That is followed by a 176-yard par-3 over water, with a severely sloped green. Next up is the hardest ranked hole on the course and also was one of my favorite. It is a downhill par-4, playing 378 yards with a treelined background. Water comes in to play on the left off the tee, but I thought there was plenty of room right. There is a large bunker guarding the green, which I guess makes the hole more difficult than I think. The sixth hole is a par-4 at 397 yards, which has a bit of a dogleg right. The seventh hole has a slight bend right and plays at 538 yards. No. 8 is a 215-yard par-3 with water to the right and bunkers guarding the front sides of the green, making it a very difficult hole. The ninth hole doglegs left with a bunker down the lefthand side to guard against cutting off the dogleg. It is possible to carry it, but a pushed attempt right can run through the fairway into the

photo by scott taylor

The green on the par-4 18th requires an over water approach shot. water. At just 344 yards, the second nine starts with a shorter par-3, which doglegs right. A great drive can lead to a very short approach shot if you can cut the dogleg around the trees. No. 11 is a 509yard par-5 that has a bunker in the middle of the fairway under 100 yards from the green, making your layup strategy more important. The 12th hole is one of the straightest holes you will find on the course and that is followed bar a 128-yard par-3. The 14th hole is a difficult par-4 that has a sharp dogleg right. But it is hard to cut the dogleg with a pond to

the right of the fairway. Bailing out left could lead to driving it through the fairway or into houses to the left. An iron off the tee may be the safest play, but at 391 yards, that would lead to a long approach shot. A par-5 follows at 529 yards. On this day it played down wind and was reachable in two. However, there is a pond to the front right of the green and the subtle dogleg right leads to many fairway shots going into the rough off the tee. The 16th hole is a 216-yard par-3 with bunkers on both sides of the green. The 17th is a dogleg left, which leads to my other favorite hole,

the 355-yard, par-4 final hole. It is a dogleg left over water and downhill, but you need to be on the right side of the fairway as trees block the green on the left side. The green is fairly hidden and the easy play is to hit the practice green (which I did after being blocked by the tree). While this course is a long drive (especially if you are in the north suburbs) it is well worth the trip. It not only costs less than many of the suburban courses, there is less play on it, meaning the chances of a long round are slim. Especially for the price on the weekends, this is well worth taking an extra hour trip to play.

Page 8 | Th u rsd ay, J u ly 7, 2 0 1 6 | n i l e s b u g le. c om

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baseball

Garner headlines all area baseball team By Scott Taylor sports editor

staylor@enterprisepublications.com @Taylor_Sports

After two successful seasons at the varsity level, Plainfield North’s Josh Garner was going to take no opponent by surprise this year. However, he did step up his game to a new level, leading the Tigers to state for the first time in program history. His success this past year has made Garner the 2016 Voyager Media Baseball Player of the Year. “In the offseason I put more time in and started a new routine,” Garner said. “It helped me because I became more consistent throughout the season. I couldn’t have done this without my teammates It was such a great group of guys.” For the year Garner went 7-1 with a 1.35 ERA with 67 strikeouts on the mound. At the plate he batted .410 with 12 doubles, four homers and 44 RBI. “Josh has been a three-year

starter for us,” North coach Dan Darlington said. “He has been voted the SPC baseball MVP. Josh is a very competitive kid and it shows every time he takes the mound.” Perhaps the most memorable performance of the season for Garner came in the sectional semifinal game against Plainfield Central. He got the start in the game and was pulled in the fourth inning and the Tigers trailed 7-0 at one point in the game. However, he came up big offensively down the stretch, with three RBI hits, including the game-winner in the bottom of the seventh to keep the season alive. “I was pretty shocked,” Garner said. “We had to focus and I had to give my team a spark and get us back in the game. I didn’t feel any pressure.” Garner will now continue his baseball career at St. Louis University, where he is projected to be a starting pitcher, although

he hopes he can crack the lineup as a hitter as well. The rest of the Voyager Media AllArea Baseball team consists of:

KONNOR ASH Plainfield South junior went 9-3 with a 1.60 ERA and 87 strikeouts, while picking up regional and sectional final victories. Batted .316 with 20 RBI.

JOE BUTLER Minooka senior was a key cog for the regional champs, batting .354 with 12 doubles, 17 RBI and a .452 on base percentage. “He’s a five-tool player and can do it all,” Minooka coach Jeff Petrovic said. “He has a great arm and great range. He has tons of power and is a really nice player.”

MATT BUNETTA Plainfield Central senior was a three-year starter for the Wildcats. He batted .405 with 11 doubles and 29 RBI. “He has been a rock behind the

plate,” Central coach John Rosner said. “He did not throw many people out this year, but that is because his reputation proceeded him and not many people even attempted to run on him. He threw out over two thirds of the base stealers that tried. He has been an anchor at the three spot in the lineup for the Wildcats as well, leading us in virtually every category. He started off the year reaching base in his first 12 plate appearances, and has continued to come up with clutch hit after clutch hit for us.”

SAM BUTERA Niles West ace went 5-1 on the mound with a 1.02 ERA and 49 strikeouts.

BRANDON CALLENDER Ace from Plainfield Central went 5-4 on the mound with a 2.10 ERA, striking out 46. At the plate batted .316 with seven doubles and 20 RBI. “Brandon has been our ace

on the mound for the second consecutive year,” Rosner said. “His ability to throw three pitches consistently for strikes has made him near unhittable at times. He only gave up 12 earned runs in the conference season, and he pitched much better than his record indicates. He has also played very well in the infield for the Wildcats throughout the season. At the plate, Brandon is a base hit machine. He rarely strikes out, and always puts the ball in play. He has delivered several game-winning hits throughout the year.”

ANTHONY COCCO A senior from Lockport, Cocco hit .348 with 11 doubles, three triples, four homers, 32 RBI and 29 runs scored. “Anthony led our team in every category on offense while providing steady defense in our middle infield,” Lockport coach

see all area | page 10

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all area | from page 9 Andy Satunas said. “He was a three-year starter for our varsity team and was someone everyone on our team followed due to his leadership and work ethic.”

BRADY CORRIGAN Plainfield North junior went 10-2 on the year with a 1.06 ERA and 85 strkeouts. Got the win in the sectional championship game. “Brady is a very confident player and feels that we are going to win every time he pitches,” Darlington said. “He is committed to Arizona State University.”

LUKE DEBENEDETTI Joliet Central senior hit .382 with 12 doubles, four homers and 18 RBI, while scoring 25 runs. “Luke has been an integral part of our program for the past four years and will be continuing his baseball career at Joliet Junior College,” Joliet

Central coach Kevin Fitzgerald said. “Luke was the starting varsity shortstop for three years and also at the top of the order in the lineup. Luke was the most consistent player on our team and has the stats to back it up.”

DREW DEMUMBRUM A senior from Plainfield East, DeMumbrum overcame an injury to help lead the Bengals to their first regional title. He batted .372 with seven doubles, four triples, two homers and 19 RBI. On the mound he went 4-1 with a 1.167 ERA and 23 strikeouts. “He has been with me since freshmen year and is one of the best all around players in the area,” East coach Adam O’Reel said. “He gets it done on the mound, at the plate, defensively and on the base paths. One of the best athletes to come through East.”

JOE DONOVAN

Westmont junior hit .523 with 11 doubles, four triples, 10 homers, 44 RBI and scored 56 runs. “Joe broke the single season record for batting average and also tied his single season home run record from 2015. One of the best players in the state and is committed to Michigan.”

.345 with 12 doubles and 14 RBI and scored 25 runs. “David was our leadoff hitter the entire you and he helped set the tone for our team,” DGN coach Chad Isaacson said. “He had a great run in the postseason with leadoff home runs against Wheaton south and Hinsdale South.”

JAKE DUNHAM

MICHAEL GUNNART

Catcher from Plainfield North hit .422 with 10 doubles and 23 RBI in his senior season for the Tigers. “Jake has been a three-year starter,” Darlington said. “He is one of the best catchers we have ever had here at Plainfield North. He is a leader on and off the field. He is committed to Northern Illinois University.”

Despite missing several games during the year, Gunnart still led Niles West with a .400 average to go along with six doubles, three triples, five homers and 21 RBI on the season.

NICK ENLOE Junior from Plainfield South hit .370 with seven doubles, 25 RBI and 20 runs scored.

DRAKE FELLOWS The Joliet Catholic senior capped his stellar career with an 8-1 record to go with a 1.00 ERA and 93 strikeouts. Also went .424 at the plate with five doubles and 26 RBI.

SAM FERRI

BenetRedwings ‫@‏‬BenetRedwings “Register for Frank Kaminsky’s Basketball Camp which will be held at Benet Academy. #frankthetank” Coach Stephan Bolt@LadyTrojanHoops “2-4th grade summer BBall camp comes to an end...what a great week! Great job campers & @ LadyTrojanHoops players!” James Fox ‫@‏‬JamesFox917 “Former NFL player and @LTHSfootball Star @ Playmaker57 on his way to becoming an NFL official.” Joliet Slammers ‫@‏‬jolietslammers “Slammers’ Boo Vazquez has signed w/ Kansas City Royals @Royals! Congrats Boo! Wishing you success in the Royals Org! ”

Senior from Notre Dame is an Arizona State University commit and a four-year starter. He batted .412 with eight doubles and 24 RBI. “One of the most advanced baseball players in the state as far as approach and handling a pitching staff,” Notre Dame coach Nelson Gord said. “Understands the game at a high level and always looking to help coach up his teammates.”

JORDAN JACKSON Batted .418 with six doubles, eight homers, 29 RBI and 27 runs scored for Bolingbrook. “Jordan had an outstanding year at the plate,” Bolingbrook coach Scott Thyer said. “He worked extremely hard in the offseason and he had a great junior year thanks to his great work ethic.”

ZACK JONES University of Illinois recruit had seven wins and 63 strikeouts with a 1.32 ERA for Downers South.

JEREMIAH LEBRON Batted .519 with eight doubles, six homer and 26 RBI, adding 27 runs scored for Bolingbrook. “Jeremiah was one of the best hitters in the area and always puts the ball in play hard,” Thyer said.

AUSTIN MAROZAS Hard-throwing junior from Plainfield South, Marozas was clocked at 90 miles per hour in the supersectional game and pitched in four of the Cougars’ five playoff games. He went 6-2 with a .89 ERA and had 74 strikeouts.

Louisville recruit hit .506 with 33 RBI and 37 runs scored, while stealing 25 bases.

MATT SEGOVIA Four-year varsity starter at Notre Dame hit .422 with 13 doubles, three triples, 29 RBI and 31 runs scored. “In addition to being one of our top offensive producers, he played a stellar third base and recently took over behind the plate for Sam Ferri and has handled our staff without skipping a beat,” Gord said. “All out every play and loves to win.”

NICK STEFANOWICZ Senior from Notre Dame went 7-1 with a 1.47 ERA and had 49 strikeouts. “Nick wants the ball every day,” Gord said. “He fits perfect into our system because he is a great contact pitcher who gets in and out of innings pretty quick with his four-pitch mix.”

RANKO STEVANOVIC Notre Dame senior hit .456 with 33 RBI, eight doubles, three triples and three homers, while scoring 35 times. “Mostly a corner infielder throughout his career who stepped up to the challenge and played a great SS for us this season,” Gord said. “Team leader in most offensive categories and brings the energy every day.”

ALEX TASSOS Benet’s leader batted .406 with four homers and 26 RBI for the regional champs.

ALEX TIBBLE Senior from Joliet West hit .409 with seven doubles and three triples in his first varsity season.

RYAN GABRIEL

JACOB NAGEL

JUSTIN YEAGER

Lockport pitcher went 6-1 with a 2.05 ERA and 32 strikeouts. “Ryan led our pitching staff with six wins as a junior,” Satunas said. “His ability to compete on the mound against one of the toughest schedules in the state made him one of the best junior pitchers in the area.”

Nagel, a pitcher from Bolingbrook, went 7-2 with a 2.07 ERA and 47 strikeouts. “Pitched a no-hitter vs. Sandburg,” Thyer said. “Jacob was our best pitcher and gave us a chance to win every game he pitched in against some of the best teams in the area.”

DAVID GIULIANO

DANNY ORIENTE

Senior outfielder from Plainfield North batted .368 with seven doubles and scored 26 runs for the Tigers. “Justin has been our most improved player,” Darlington said. “He worked hard in the offseason after a season-ending injury last year. It has definitely shown on the field. He is committed to Southern Illinois University.”

Downers North outfielder hit

Downers South senior and

News about local businesses in your community

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community >> niles

Brenda’s Business Longtime Niles Chamber executive assistant says farewell after 16 years By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

On June 30, Brenda Zielinski walked out of the Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry office one last time. For the past 16 years, she has been a fixture at the organization, handling much of its day-to-day operations. She was the first person members would see when they entered the office, and her name could be found at the bottom of most chamber emails. Her current and former colleagues spoke warmly of Zielinski, describing her as a vital asset to NCCI and commending her creativity and dedication. On her part, Zielinski said that while she will miss the chamber, she looks forward to relaxing and spending more time with her “terrific grandchildren.” Zielinski has been a Niles resident for 50 years. She told the Bugle that she and her husband still live in the

Brenda Zielinsk Longtime Niles Chamber executive assistant same house they moved into upon first coming to Niles 50 years ago. They raised their daughter, Jamie, in that house. Jamie married a fellow Niles resident, Larry, and the couple are currently raising their own children in Arlington Heights. Zielinski said the Niles chamber has changed in a number of ways over the years. When she started, smartphones didn’t exist, and the chamber relied on mail or telephone to communicate with its members. Technological advances changed the way the Chamber and

its members do business, she said. “We used to mail an invitation for one monthly networking event and wait for responses by phone or fax,” said Zielinski. “Now, we have multiple events per month; all promoted by email, Facebook and our website. We receive replies almost immediately and keep guests up to date with regularity.” The other major factor that affected the village’s business community, she said, was the shift in demographics. Niles has long been a destination for immigrants. Much of northwest Chicago’s Polish-American community moved to Niles between 1950 and 1970; immigrants from Russia and other eastern European countries moved into the village in the 90s; and more recently, the village has seen an influx of immigrants from countries such as Korea. Zielinski said that while more diversity has been good for Niles and its business community, it also created new challenges. “Our businesses reflect many different ethnicities,” she said. “[It] is nice to see so many people opening their own business and trying to live that ‘American Dream,’

but it comes with challenges - both language and cultural, especially for getting people to join the Chamber.” Through those changes, the Chamber kept working to assist existing Niles business and attract new businesses. Zielinski’s colleagues said the retiring executive assistant was an important part of that effort. Village trustee Denise McCreery served as the chamber’s executive director from 1993-2003. She told the Bugle she was surprised that Zielinski decided to fully retire. Given how much she was involved with the chamber, McCreery expected her to stay on in some capacity. “She was a huge asset to the chamber, and always went above and beyond to do her job,” the trustee said. One thing that always impressed McCreery about Zielinski was how much creativity she put into her work. Village trustee Dean Strzelecki served as the Chamber’s president when McCreery left the position in December 2004 to devote more time to her children. Her

Dave Says

No more guilt trips Dear Dave, My parents left their six-figure jobs to enter the ministry when I was in high school. That was 10 years ago, and my mom still regularly asks me to share my money with them. I don’t mind helping out once in awhile, but this has been going on for a long time and I’ve started feeling bitterness about the requests and their bad financial decisions. My mom also tries to make me feel bad sometimes if I can’t afford to give them as much as they want. She constantly references their calling, and that I should want to help with that. How can I stop this pattern? Renee Dear Renee, This is not a healthy situation for anyone involved. By consistently giving or loaning your parents money, you’ve lost respect for them in the process. The relationship has become strained, and that’s

dave says By Dave Ramsey

a tough thing for anyone to deal with – especially in a parent-child situation. On top of all that, your mom sounds like a travel agent for guilt trips. It seems like she’s working you over while implying it’s all really for God. That’s toxic. Going into the ministry is an admirable thing. However, I remember a guy in the Bible named Paul who made tents while he conducted his ministry. I’m paraphrasing, of course, but his line was something like, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” He had a

job, remember? So, suggesting that someone work outside the ministry while trying to do God’s work isn’t mean or unfair. No one should do this to their child, and it’s going to be hard to unravel it all and turn it into a respectable situation. I hope everyone will consider sitting down with a mature third party, and developing a situation where you’re no longer giving or lending them money. In the meantime, read a book called “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud. After that and some objective intervention, I think this situation will become a lot healthier for everyone. —Dave

Finding the right motivation Dear Dave, My husband and I make $180,000

a year combined, and we have a net worth of about $1.6 million. We’ve been blessed financially, and lots of times motivated by a survival point of view, but what do you do when you’re not motivated by that kind of thing anymore? How do you find and live out God’s purpose for your life? Lisa Dear Lisa, Congratulations on your success! You guys really have been blessed, and it sounds like you’ve worked hard for your wealth. If you’ve ever studied psychology a little bit, you may remember Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Basically, once you get physiological and safety needs met, you feel a need to find other things to motivate you. It sounds like you’re a performanceoriented person. So am I. People like us get our relaxation and even fulfillment away from work in different ways than most people. My suggestion would be to start thinking about ways you can serve and help other people or causes you care about. This could even mean

replacement, Katie DiMaria, didn’t take office until Feb. 17, 2004. In the intervening months, Zielinski took on the director’s responsibilities and kept everything going; that was something Strzelecki said he’ll always be grateful for. “I will never forget her,” he said. “Brenda was a great lady, and she was vital for the Chamber.” Current Executive Director Katie Schneider said Zielinski was a valuable part of the organization. “Brenda has been a true asset to our Chamber,” she said. “As a nonprofit, we work with limited resources and budgets. She always put in extra time and effort to make sure projects were completed and successful. We will miss her amazing organizational skills and keeping us all on track.” Schneider said Zielinski always made the chamber members feel relaxed and welcome at all of its events. And while her help would be missed, the executive director wished the departing executive assistant nothing but the best. “I know the members will miss her,” said Schneider. “We wish her the very best in this next phase and hope she enjoys every minute.” Zielinski said she doesn’t really have any retirement plans at the moment. “I’m not sure what immediate plans I have for retirement, but I know I will rest, relax and see my grandkids more.”

becoming a stay-at-home mom for a while and really pouring into your kids, if you have them. If it’s something else, that’s okay too. How about this? You’ve obviously been thinking about this stuff for a while. Take a day all to yourself, away from everything and everybody, and bring along nothing but some food and drink, a bunch of notepads and pencils, and a Bible. Open up your mind and your heart to the things you care about and all the possibilities. You have to have a goal that is worthy in your mind, and you don’t have that right now. I can’t tell you what your calling is, Lisa, but I can say this. There’s tons of joy and fulfillment to be found when you’re working in a way to serve the people and things that matter most in your life! —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. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

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Thursday, July 7, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com enough | from page 5 are owed hundreds of millions in unpaid state employee medical bills and delayed Medicaid payments. Countless business owners, large and small, have struggled to survive because they haven’t been paid. Cities and small towns have been left holding the bag for unpaid state bills. And yet, it could get even worse. More than $2 billion in active road construction projects might be shut down, leading to as many as 25,000 workers losing their jobs. The state’s corrections system says it’s on the verge of not being able to feed inmates and operate prisons. Social services agencies will continue to turn away the ill, the homeless, the elderly. The state’s schools were spared last year by a separate appropriation. But this year, many districts face the very real possibility of not opening or not being able to stay open.

But what have citizens seen from the Capitol? We have seen political posturing. We have seen a governor who campaigned as a practical business leader dedicated to finding fixes instead act as an ideological purist. We have seen elected representatives apparently unable to stand up to Madigan, Cullerton and Rauner to demand a resolution to the crisis. We have not seen compromise. Perhaps the most damaging longterm effect is the toxic cynicism and frustration this crisis has created among its residents, who have to wonder at this point if Rauner, Madigan and Cullerton simply view the toll on Illinois’ people as mere collateral damage. At a recent Better Government Association panel on the impasse’s impact, multiple social service providers said flatly they don’t believe leaders care about their plight. Many longterm changes are needed to restore Illinois to solid ground. Redistricting reform is a critical piece of restoring true political competitiveness that will lead to legislators facing more accountability to the voters they represent. But the day has come. Illinois’ people cannot be held hostage for a second year without a budget. Voters must revolt and demand better. Enough.

medical | from page 3 “We were given a challenge and an opportunity to double our business in five years,” he said. “I’ll keep my job if I [succeed].” The company would be relocating to a building in the heart of Niles’ industrial district. It would be close to the Edens Expressway, and Pace bus route 225 stops in front of the building, connecting it to the Jefferson Park Transit Station in Chicago. The station is served by several bus routes, including CTA Route 81, which serves Summit’s current location. In a letter to the village, Jhin explained that the Caldwell Avenue building has been vacant since Dec. 1, 2014, when his business, Jinny Beauty Supplies, moved to another location. He hired industrial property broker Brett Kroner to find a tenant, to no avail. “It’s not for the lack of trying,” Kroner told the board. “We had two tenants interested, including Coca-Cola, but they pulled out. We’ve been losing a lot of deals to Elk Grove [village] because of 6(b).” Ross Klicker, economic development coordinator for

the village, told the board that Jhin currently plans to divide the building up into two spaces. Summit would take up 60 percent, and the remaining space would available for someone else. But to make the necessary renovations, the property would need to get 6(b) classification. Klicker said the property is currently assessed as vacant. Even with the Class 6(b) classification reducing the property tax, it would still bring $2,143 more than it currently does. Klicker also argued that bringing Summit to Niles would improve the village’s reputation as a destination for medical equipment manufacturers – and the high-paying jobs that come with it. He told the board that Niles was already home to three medical equipment manufacturers. Trustee Denise McCreery said that she was concerned because, while five of the employees already live in Niles, most of them will be coming from Chicago. While she felt that having those employees shop and eat in the village would help its economy, she wasn’t sure reducing the property tax was a good trade-off.

Kroner replied that the property owners were planning to do more then interior renovations. Their plans included repainting the exterior, replacing the windows, doing landscaping and making parking improvements. McCreery said that, with that in mind, she was okay with them getting Class 6(b). Trustee Dean Strzlecki said that he had similar concerns, but Kroner put him at ease. “I feel much more comfortable now because you’re going to improve the structure,” he said. Before the vote, former trustee Louella Preston said she opposed granting the property Class 6(b). “Everything this board awards another 6(b) tax classification, our taxes go up,” she said. “And I hope someone worries about residents’ taxes being frozen as opposed to businesses.” Resident Mary Ann Miller took a different tact. “The money that you’re reducing is going to be brought back with people eating and shopping,” she said. “I don’t like [increased] taxes either, but I don’t think this will affect my taxes, because it’s a vacant property.”

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news briefs

Des Plaines mayor named president of Northwest Municipal Conference On June 22, Des Plaines Mayor Matthew Bogusz was sworn in as the 2016-17 President of the Northwest Municipal Conference. The inauguration took place at the NWMC Annual Gala in Rolling Meadows, where 177 members and guests gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of outgoing President and Rolling Meadows Mayor Tom Rooney and welcome incoming President Bogusz. In his welcoming statement to the audience, Bogusz thanked Rooney for his long-standing dedication to the organization. “The efforts of the NWMC and its leadership make it possible for members to stay on top of issues that affect our communities on a daily basis,” stated Bogusz. “I appreciate that we support each other’s efforts to help save big money and make sure our common interests are heard at both the state and federal level. I’m looking forward to the year ahead and working together to realize positive outcomes to help shape our futures.” The Northwest Municipal Conference is a member-

Thursday, July 7, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

supported association of 44 municipalities and one township. Established in 1958, the conference represents over 1.3 million Illinois residents and serves to support and enhance intergovernmental cooperation in the north and northwest suburbs.

County property tax bills due Aug. 1 Cook County’s Second Installment property tax bills for tax year 2015 are being mailed to nearly 1.8 million owners of homes, businesses and land with a due date of Aug. 1, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said. Owners of taxable property should pay before the due date to avoid interest of 1.5 percent per month for late payment. On-time payments can be made: Online at cookcountytreasurer.com. Chase Bank locations in Illinois. Checking or savings accounts at more than 200 participating community banks. By mail with a U.S. postmark no later than Aug. 1 Second Installment bills include any property tax reassessments and exemptions calculated by the County Assessor and tax rates calculated by the County Clerk. Further information is available at cookcountytreasurer. com.

Send us your feedback at sweditor@buglenewspapers.com Thursday, July 7, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

upcoming events in your area

JULY 7

Science Night. 6 to 7 p.m. at Wildwood Nature Center, 529 Forestview Ave., Park Ridge.Turn your family into scientists and explore fun science concepts. Make cool discoveries through experiments, projects and play. Different activities each class. For more information, visit www. parkridgeparkdistrict.com.

JULY 8

Penny Carnival Night & Wild Daisy. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Oak Park, at Main and Ottawa streets. Come out and enjoy the first concert of the season with Wild Daisy and a Penny Carnival. Wild Daisy plays upbeat country music with a few pop and rock songs thrown in. Children will enjoy playing Penny Carnival games created by Niles Park District Campers. Friday Night Live. 7 to 9 p.m. at Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley St., Park Ridge. Friday Night Live Club is a fun, safe club designed for students in fourth and fifth grade (ages 9-11). Pre-register or pay at the door. Concessions (pizza/hot dogs, pop, water, candy and chips) are available. For more information, visit www.parkridgeparkdistrict.com.

JULY 9

Playdate with Nature. 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Wildwood Nature Center, 529 Forestview Ave., Park Ridge. Join for an hour of games, crafts, and educational activities based around the seasonal nature theme of the day. Program is free, but registration is required. For more information, visit www.parkridgeparkdistrict.com. Playbill Performance. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Niles library, 6960 Oakton. Enjoy the exclusive premier of an original play created entirely by talented local teens. Laughter and refreshments guaranteed. Winter in July. 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Centennial Aquatic Center, 1515 W. Touhy Ave., Park Ridge. It’s hot outside, so come celebrate winter at Centennial Aquatic Center. See how accurately you can throw a snowball, make a snowman the quickest, and how fast you can freeze your face. For more information, visit www.parkridgeparkdistrict.com. Chair Yoga . 9:30 to 10 a.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. Join certified yoga instructor Bri Maloney from North Branch Yoga for a relaxing and invigorating yoga class. Chair yoga is best for those with limited mobility or balance issues. This seated class will focus on breathing, flexibility, and meditation. To register for this event or for more information, visit www.mgpl.org or call 847-965-4220.

JULY 10

Trifecta Triathlon. 8 to 10 a.m. at Centennial Park, 100 S. Western Ave., Park Ridge. Challenge yourself to compete in our annual timed Trifecta. Prizes are awarded to the top female and male finishers. For more information, visit www.parkridgeparkdistrict.com. Survivors Speak: George Levy Mueller. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. Mueller was born in Germany to Max and Lucie Levy. In 1938, George and his family were forced out of their home and forced to live in a Juden Haus (Jew House). On November 9, during Kristallnacht, George’s father and uncle were arrested and taken to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Meet George and check out his memoir, entitled Lucie’s Hope, available for purchase in the Museum’s Legacy Shop. Second Sunday Family Program: Magic for the Win! 2-3 p.m. at Niles Library, 6960 Oakton St. The Great Scott’s Magic is sure to amaze and delight audiences. Expect to be dazzled by winning tricks. Every routine in this hysterical, interactive show ties into the world of sports, but sporty and non-sporty alike will laugh.

Summer carnival set for July 7-10

St. John Brebeuf’s summer carnival will feature Beatles tribute band American English

The entire community is invited to attend St. John Brebeuf’s summer carnival, scheduled July 7 through July 10. Famed Beatles tribute band American English will deliver a special performance July 9 at 7:30 p.m. There is a $5 admission charge, and the show is limited to those 21 years old and older. The event will feature a beer garden sponsored by Chasers Bar and Grill. Tickets are $25 for a single-day with unlimited rides. An Advance Sale Megapass, which includes unlimited rides for all four days is $60 and available only at the SJB Parish Office, 8301 N. Harlem Ave., Niles. Hours for the fest are 6-10 p.m. July 7, 6-11 p.m. July 8, and 1-11 p.m. July 9 and July 10. For more information visit www. fantasyamusements.com or call 847-966-8145.

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