Niles 7-24-14 by Bugle, Sentinel & Enterprise Newspapers

INSIDE

NEWS Village to recognize green businesses

SPORTS Palucki twins double trouble for foes

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Your Community, Your News

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JULY 24, 2014

Vol. 58 No. 42

niles

library board struggles to find interim director Business Manager Greg Pritz stepped down from the interim position BY Alex HernAndez staff reporter

ahernandez@buglenewspapers.com @TheaVHernandez

BY Alex v. HernAndez STAFF REPORTER Niles’ St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Community hosted its Big Greek Food Festival over the weekend. The food was a major draw and included Fried Calamari, Greek Sausage, Saganaki, Souvlaki, Athenian Chicken and Dolmades. “The weather is beautiful,” said George Retso. He was waiting in line for the food tent on July 20. When asked which his favorite dish at the festival was he couldn’t choose just one thing. “I like everything here. I’m Greek,” he said. In addition to food and live music from the Greek band Rythomos the festival also featured films showcasing Greece’s islands and performances by the Elias Dancers of Chicago, the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society and the Dionysos Dance Troupe. The festival also had carnival games and face painting, workshops on how to cook Greek food and a merchandise tent with novelties, music and jewelry for sale. (top photo, going down) John Harris and his son Paul play carnival games at the festival. the food at the fest included Souvlaki, Athenian Chicken, Moussaka and Dolmades. Peter Georganos playing the bouzouki with the Greek band rythmos at the festival. PHOtOS By ALeX V. HerNANDeZ

Resignations and staff complaints have begun to define the Niles Public Library Board’s search for a new director. During the board’s July 15 meeting, Business Manager Greg Pritz stepped down from the interim position he had held since the retirement of Library Director Linda Weiss at the end of June. Pritz had previously told The Bugle that during that executive session, the board approved a $1,500 stipend on top of his $92,500 annual salary. In emails to the board, he said that the added pay was not equal to the added responsibilities of performing the two jobs, one of which he was untrained for, at the same time; with no clear end date in sight. Pritz refused that offer and gave the board a 120 days to find a permanent replacement while also presenting an alternative compensation plan for the time he was the interim director in an effort to force the board to move faster. Instead, the board accepted Pritz’s resignation from the interim role and voted to make assistant library director Susan Lempke and Barb Kruser co-interim directors at the library.At press time, they had not been offered a compensation package for their new roles but did receive an unrelated 3.4 percent salary increase. Library Trustee Barbara Nakanishi had previously gone on record to say that both Kruser and Lempke have more experience >> see director | page 8

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

news in brief

News Niles

Village wants to recognize businesses HandsOn Suburban Chicago striding for green building, sustainability Contest meant to encourage businesses in Niles seeks volunteers for after More Info to adopt environmentally sustainable practices School Tutoring Programs

Arlington Heights

Volunteers must be at least 14 years or older HandsOn Suburban Chicago (HOSC), a nonprofit 501(c)3 agency, is pleased to announce that their after school tutoring programs in District 21 and District 59 will continue for the 2014-2015 school year. The objective of HOSCâ€™s After School Program is to provide homework help and support to high need students in the northwest suburbs, as well as provide their parents with resources and engagement opportunities to become more involved in the program and school in general. HOSC is currently seeking volunteers to serve as tutors during the after school programs at Cooper Middle School in Buffalo Grove, London and Holmes Middle Schools in Wheeling and Grove Jr. High School in Elk Grove Village. Training and orientation is provided. Volunteers must be at least 14 years or older. For details and an

More Info

Volunteers must be at least 14 years or older. For details and an application please contact Mhari Goldstein at Mhari.goldstein@ volunteerinfo.net for more information on how to apply.

application please contact Mhari Goldstein at Mhari.goldstein@ volunteerinfo.net for more information on how to apply. HandsOn Suburban Chicagoâ€™s mission is to inspire, equip and mobilize people to volunteer and take action that builds vibrant and prosperous communities. HOSC recruits and refers 10,000 volunteers annually to over 200 nonprofits and schools, and provides support to local charitable organizations, via consultations and trainings. Part of the national HandsOn Network, HOSC serves 44 communities in Chicagoâ€™s north and northwest suburbs, a population of over 1.4 million. Visit www.HandsOnSuburbanChicago.org for more information

Practices Committee, the Village of Niles Economic Development Coordinator and a member of the Niles Chamber of Commerce. The application for the award was created by Village staff and the Environmental Practices Committee to encourage businesses in Niles to adopt environmentally sustainable practices, such as waste reduction, conservation of water and energy efficiency. The Village hopes to inspire business to reduce electric and water utility costs, effectively use building materials, enhance health and productivity,improve long-term economic returns and reduce environmental impact. The Village of Niles has established itself as a committed partner to improving the environment and encouraging sustainable practices, and recognizes the importance of government, residents and businesses working together

All businesses located in the Village of Niles are eligible for the award. Download and complete an online application and email or mail in the form to Village Hall:

Village of Niles, Attn: Assistant Village Manager 1000 Civic Center Drive Niles, IL 60714 hsv@vniles.com

Winners will be announced at the Village Board meeting in October.

to reach ambitious goals of environmental sustainability. Businesses are asked to fill out an application to report all their sustainable business practices such as recycling, energy saving efforts, water conservation, and more. Each application is scored by each member of the selection committee. A winner is chosen based on the highest score, and other businesses with strong showings may be awarded honorable mention.

News COOK COUNTY

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

Niles

New report shows tax collections Village wants to recognize businesses with innovative down in Cook County suburbs Revenue for the 284 suburban TIF districts decreased by 2 percent in 2013, from $266 million in 2012 to $261 million C o o k County Clerk David Orr unveiled an online, i n t e ra c t i ve TIF mapping tool as he released the 2013 TIF David Orr Report on Cook County Clerk July 16. The report details the $683 million in revenue collected by 435 active TIFs in Cook County. Data show both Chicago and suburban Cook County TIF districts experienced revenue declines, 7.65 percent and 2 percent respectively. “TIF revenues declined in 2013, but there is still nearly $700 million collected by TIFs countywide, which taxpayers, for the most part, do not have a detailed, transparent accounting of,” Orr said. While the city of Chicago terminated three TIF districts and nine were terminated in the suburbs, the 105th/Vincennes TIF in the 34th ward was expanded dramatically and a dozen new suburban TIFs came on line. Chicago will collect $422 million in TIF revenue for its 151 TIFs in the 2013 tax year, or $35 million less than 2012.This dip follows an increase of less than one percent last year and an 11 percent drop in 2011. The city’s 2013 TIF revenue amount is its lowest since 2005, when Chicago collected $386.5

million in TIF revenue. Since 1986, $5.9 billion has been collected from Chicago TIFs. Revenue for the 284 suburban TIF districts decreased by 2 percent in 2013,from $266 million in 2012 to $261 million in 2013. The single largest factor for the decline in TIF revenue is the expiration or cancellation of TIF districts. Chicago terminated three TIFs (Stockyards – Industrial Corridor, Near West – MadisonRacine, 89th/State), and nine were terminated in the following suburbs: Bridgeview, Calumet Park, Matteson, Northlake, Richton Park, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg and Wheeling (2). However, about 200 TIFs countywide experienced revenue decline,including a few with sharp decreases from 2012 to 2013. For example, Chicago LaSalle Central decreased by $6,289,784, a 31 percent drop. The second largest decline monetarily was Rosemont-1 which decreased by $1,769,584,a 10.5 percent decline. Also in Chicago the Addison South TIF decreased by $716,270, a decline of 29 percent from 2012. In an ongoing effort to bring more TIF transparency, Orr released a new TIF mapping application called “TIF Viewer.” This new tool comes shortly after taxpayers received tax bills with TIF information for the first time. “These are but two efforts by my office to bring greater transparency to the TIF process,” Orr said. “So many property owners don’t even know if they are in a TIF District, let alone how much of their property tax bill is going to the TIF.” The new TIF Viewer, accessible

More Info

Other suburban Cook County TIF highlights: The largest suburban TIFs are: Glenview-Naval Air Station ($30.7 million); Rosemont-1 ($15.0 million); Rosemont-River Road ($11.5 million); and Cicero-1 ($10.1 million)100 existing TIFs had revenue increases. 103 TIFs had revenue declines.78 TIFs did not collect any revenue in 2013.

by desktop or mobile device via cookcountyclerk.com, gives visitors a birds-eye view of the county and its TIF districts and allows them to zero in on any TIF district from an intuitive dropdown menu. Users can: Go down to map-level to select a TIF Zoom to City of Chicago Wards Find aTIF by address or Property Identification Number (PIN) View and export TIF Revenue information for research and analysis Make their own maps with drawing and text tools Links to other County Clerk websites,TIF Information, and the “Understanding TIFs” video Orr’s website, cookcountyclerk. com, already provides reports, maps and a TIF property search tool that allows taxpayers to see if they are in a TIF and the portion of their bill that was diverted to that TIF fund. Key Chicago highlights from Orr’s report: >> see tax | page 17

green building projects Each business will be scored on overall sustainability

Businesses will soon be recognized for their green initiative pursuits in the Niles community. As part of the Environmental Action Plan and the Niles 2030 goals the Village of Niles will award businesses that demonstrate sustainable practices with a Green Business Award, which promotes environmentallyfriendly business practices in Niles.Applications for the Green Business Award will be available starting July 15 on the Village website and should be returned to Village Hall by September 30. Each business will be scored on overall sustainability, which includes Waste Reduction & Recycling, Water Conservation & Stormwater Pollution Prevention, Energy Conservation, Transportation, Public Education/Awareness, and Innovation. The selection committee is composed of the Environmental Practices Committee, the Village of Niles Economic Development Coordinator and a member of the Niles Chamber of Commerce. The application for the award was created by Village staff and the Environmental Practices Committee to encourage businesses in Niles to adopt environmentally sustainable practices, such as waste reduction, conservation of water and energy efficiency. The Village hopes to inspire business to reduce electric and water utility costs, effectively use building materials, enhance health and productivity, improve long-term economic returns and reduce environmental

More Info

All businesses located in the Village of Niles are eligible for the award. Download and complete an online application and email or mail in the form to Village Hall: Village of Niles Attn: Assistant Village Manager, 1000 Civic Center Drive, Niles, IL 60714 hsv@vniles.com Winners will be announced at the Village Board meeting in October.

impact. The Village of Niles has established itself as a committed partner to improving the environment and encouraging sustainable practices, and recognizes the importance of government, residents and businesses working together to reach ambitious goals of environmental sustainability. Businesses are asked to fill out an application to report all their sustainable business practices such as recycling, energy saving efforts, water conservation, and more. Each application is scored by each member of the selection committee. A winner is chosen based on the highest score, and other businesses with strong showings may be awarded honorable mention. All businesses located in the Village of Niles are eligible for the award. Download and complete an online application and email or mail in the form to Village Hall: Village of Niles Attn:Assistant Village Manager 1000 Civic Center Drive Niles, IL 60714 hsv@vniles.com Winners will be announced at the Village Board meeting in October.

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

news in brief

Park Ridge

Police thank motorists for buckling up during holiday

Intensified enforcement effort was done primarily as safety enforcement zones

Park Ridge Police Thank Motorists for Buckling Up During the Independence Day Holiday The Park Ridge Police Department recently conducted

enhanced Independence Day Holiday traffic enforcement, focusing on both drunk and unbuckled drivers. The intensified enforcement effort was done primarily as safety enforcement zones. 51 motorists were cited for seat belt violations, 10 cited for no proof of insurance, and 20 cited for No cell phone.

health

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital achieves excellence In U.S. News & World Report, Lutheran General Hospital ranks 7th best hospital in Illinois

Park Ridge, IL – Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is among the finest hospitals in Chicago and Illinois, according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2014-2015 Best Hospitals list. In the rankings announced today, Lutheran General Hospital appears on the list as the seventh best hospital in the state of Illinois. U.S. News & World Report also ranked Advocate Lutheran General Hospital’s orthopedic program among the 50 “best” in the country. Lutheran General also achieved “high performing” ratings in 11 medical specialties including cancer; cardiology & heart surgery; diabetes & endocrinology; ear, nose & throat; gastroenterology; geriatrics; gynecology; nephrology; neurology & neurosurgery; pulmonology; and urology. Lutheran General Hospital is one of four Advocate hospitals to make the best hospitals list. Others include Advocate Christ Medical Center, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. U.S. News uses key outcome measures to analyze and then rank the hospitals. Those measures

More Info

Lutheran General Hospital is one of four Advocate hospitals to make the best hospitals list. Others include Advocate Christ Medical Center, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

include, among others, patient survival and safety data, as well as the adequacy of nurse staffing levels. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is the premier academic referral hospital for northwest Chicago and north Chicagoland. The 638-bed research hospital offers the most advanced care in its Level I trauma center (the highest level), Cardiovascular, Orthopedic, Advanced Surgery, Oncology and Neuroscience institutes. Lutheran General Hospital has been rated 15 times a 100 Top Hospital® by Truven Health Analytics and was the first hospital in the area to be awarded the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s prestigious Magnet designation. In addition, it is one of only 30 hospitals in the nation to achieve exemplary outcomes for surgical patient care by the American College of Surgeon’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Located on the campus of Lutheran General Hospital is Advocate Children’s Hospital - Park Ridge, one of the 14 largest children’s hospitals in the country. Lutheran General Hospital is part of Advocate Health Care, based in Downers Grove, Illinois, which is the largest health care provider in the state and one of the nation’s top health care systems.

News police

Teens throw fireworks at man before attacking him near Taste of Park Ridge When the group saw the police arrive, some members reportedly began to flee the area By Alex Hernandez staff reporter

ahernandez@buglenewspapers.com @TheAVHernandez

Police are charging three teenagers for reportedly attacking a Park Ridge man on July 12. In a release, the department said officers responded to a report of battery in the area of 25 N. Busse Highway around 9:54 p.m. Once on the scene, the responding officers saw a group of about 200 young people in Hinkley Park. The incident happened about a mile and a half south of the city’s Taste of Park Ridge festival, which was winding down at the time. When the group saw the police arrive, some members reportedly began to flee the area. Officers soon found the 48-year-old victim and saw he

During their had minor injuries to investigation, police his head and face. After identified Jordan giving his statement Gonzalez, 18, Mac the victim was treated Piazza,18,and a 16-yearfor cuts and bruises and old juvenile as the was diagnosed with a teens that reportedly concussion. attacked the victim. “Victim and witness Gonzalez, of Park statements indicate that the victim was in Jordan Gonzalez Ridge, and Piazza, of Chicago, are each the park, attempting to COURTESY PARK RIDGE PD being charged locate his son, when an with one count of unknown person threw aggravated battery lit fireworks near him and one count of mob and a group of young action. Meanwhile the girls,” said the release. 16-year-old is being When the victim petitioned to juvenile attempted to figure out court for one count who was responsible for of aggravated battery throwing the fireworks, and one count of mob he was reportedly Mac Piazza action. surrounded by the group COURTESY PARK Gonzalez was of teens and verbally RIDGE PD ordered held on assaulted before one of them allegedly pushed him to $40,000 bond at the Skokie District Courthouse at a July the ground, police said. Once he was on the ground, 16 bond hearing. At press time three teenagers reportedly Piazza’s bond was still pending. began punching and kicking Gonzalez’s and Piazza’s next him repeatedly, the victim and court date is Aug. 14 at the Skokie witnesses told police. District Courthouse.

SCHOOLS • DISTRICT 64

District to extend funding of 1:1 Initiative to grades 6-8 Chromebooks Action is intended to provide immediate financial relief to middle school parents The Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 Board of Education at its meeting on July 14 approved a further investment in student learning by utilizing its available funds to cover the entire grades 3-8 Chromebook initiative, as well as the improved ratios of iPads for grades K-2. According to a “shared funding” plan adopted by the Board earlier this spring, parents of students at the grades 6-8 middle school level were to have purchased a Chromebook device for their child from the District for $322.00 including sales tax. The District had already approved directly funding the devices provided to students in grades K-5. The action will provide immediate financial relief to middle school parents. The Board assumed responsibility for the purchase of the grades 6-8

devices, but is requiring parents to share responsibility through a $30 allowance toward device upkeep. According to Chief School Business Official Becky Allard, new information became available on District 64’s financial performance since the Board approved the shared funding formula on April 28. “This information also was not available to the Board Advanced Technology Committee during the time it was finalizing its recommendations to the Board on funding options,” she noted. In reviewing its tentative budget draft #2 on July 14, Allard noted that the upcoming year is anticipated to end with an estimated operating funds surplus of $1.7 million. She also reported that District 64 had just concluded the 2013-14 fiscal year in strong condition, increasing its fund balance by $3.37 million more

than it budgeted. The Board agreed to invest about $500,000 from the 201415 tentative budget to cover the grades 6-8 parent-paid portion of the 1:1 learning plan, which will reduce the expected surplus for the year to $1.2 million. In addition to providing financial relief, Director of Innovation & Instructional Technology Mary Jane Warden noted that the Board’s action would give District 64 complete ownership of all devices across all grade levels and the ability to manage them exclusively. “It will allow the District to more freely establish the best conditions for success for an anytime, anywhere 21st century learning ecosystem,” she noted. “Given the age of the young adolescents that will be utilizing these devices, District 64 feels strongly that it is in everyone’s overall best interest to exercise as much control as possible over this online learning environment,” Warden stated.

News niles

Police investigate fatal bike accident Victim was hit by Mazda Miata that was heading west, said Niles Deputy Chief Joseph Penze BY Alex HernAndez staff reporter

ahernandez@buglenewspapers.com @TheaVHernandez

Niles Police are investigating what caused a fatal bicycle accident last week in Niles. Jeremy Ghisols, 39, of the 5500 block of North Mulligan

Avenue, Chicago was biking on a trail in the 6800 block of West Howard Street on July 9.Around 8:40 p.m. he veered off the bike path for some reason and was hit by a Mazda Miata that was heading west, said Niles Deputy Chief Joseph Penze. He was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in

Park Ridge and was pronounced dead at 12:49 p.m. on July 11 from multiple injuries sustained in an accident involving a bicycle and motor vehicle, said the Cook County Medial Examiner’s Office. An autopsy completed July 13 ruled Ghisols’ death an accident. “That’s still under investigation at this time,” said Penze.At press time no citations had been issued to the driver.

des PlAines

Presence Holy family Medical Center invites community to get healthy Family Fun Fest will welcome hundreds of families out for an afternoon of free activities and health screenings Presence Holy Family Medical Center’s (PHFMC) Family Fun Fest will welcome hundreds of families out for an afternoon of free activities and health screenings on Saturday, August 2, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at its Des Plaines campus, 150 N. River Road, Des Plaines. Families can “Ask a Doctor” about any medical-related concerns and receive free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, body mass index, sleep disorders, vein and feet. Plus smoking cessation counseling will be available. Activities include a climbing wall by the YMCA, interactive germ-glow stations, bean bag toss, a book exchange, chair massage by the hospital’s rehabilitation department massage therapists, and free makeovers provided by Avon. The first 100 kids ages 5-17 to enter Fun Fest will receive a free backpack with school supplies. “Fun Fest promises to inspire community members to get healthy minded by learning more about their conditions, preventing illnesses, while having fun doing it,” said John D. Baird, regional president & CEO. “Many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes can be prevented, so getting regular health screenings are important and we

“Many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes can be prevented, so getting regular health screenings are important and we want to do our part in making these screenings accessible and fun, ultimately keeping the community healthy.” want to do our part in making these screenings accessible and fun, ultimately keeping the community healthy.” This year’s Family Fun Fest is made possible through partnerships with the Des Plaines Police Department, State Senator Dan Kotowski, State Representative Marty Moylan, Des Plaines Health and Human Services, Lattof YMCA, and the Des Plaines Public Library and Park District, to name a few. Founded in 1961, Presence Holy Family Medical Center (HFMC) is a faith-based LongTerm Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) in Illinois, and the only such hospital in the Northwest Chicago land area. Holy Family operates 105 LTACH beds and specializes in providing care for patients who are critically ill with complex conditions and must be hospitalized for an extended period of time. HFMC is the only specialty hospital campus in Illinois with comprehensive outpatient services including: same-day surgery, G.I. lab, medical imaging, Women’s Imaging Center, Wound Healing Center, sleep disorder treatment,

aTTenD The eVenT what: Presence Holy Family Medical Center’s (PHFMC) Family Fun Fest when: Saturday, August 2, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. where: Des Plaines campus, 150 N. river road, Des Plaines. Cost: Family Fun Fest will welcome hundreds of families out for an afternoon of free activities and health screenings. More info: For more information: http:// holyfamilymedicalcenter. reshealth.org/sub_hfmc/ default.cfm

a Pain Center, cardiology, and physical, occupational and speech therapies, and the Keys to Recovery substance abuse treatment program. About Presence Health: Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care have joined to form Presence Health, a family of Catholic, not-for profit, healthcare services providing advanced medical care and exceptional service with compassion and hope. With locations in Chicago and its collar counties, as well as in East-Central Illinois, it is the largest Catholic health provider in Illinois, encompassing 12 hospitals, 27 long term care and senior residential facilities, numerous outpatient services, clinics, home health services, hospice, private duty, and comprehensive Behavioral Health services. Presence Health is sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, the Sisters of the Holy Family, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the Sisters of the Resurrection. Visit www.provenaresurrection.org to learn more.

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

Police Blotter

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

9 1

6 3 10

2 4

12 11

The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Morton Grove, Niles, and Park Ridge Police Departments. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.

Niles

No reports available at press time.

Park Ridge 1

Martin C. Swanson, 70, of 1300 block of Harding Ave, Des Plaines was arrested July 3 in the 1700 block of West Dempster for criminal trespass to state supported land.

Susan F. Imbo, 57, of 9000 block of W Heathwood, Niles, was arrested July 8 in the 1500 block of West Touhy for DUI, driving without valid insurance and disobeying a red light.

Alvaro Santos-Hernandez, 45, of 6100 block of N Hoyne, Chicago, was arrested at the intersection of Oakton and Greenwood for driving without a valid driver’s license and no insurance and unlawful use of a cell phone.

Charles R. Crimaldi, 35, of the 6900 block of N Owen, Chicago, was arrested July 8 at the intersection of Touhy and Western Avenue for driving without a driver’s license and unlawful use of a cell phone.

Pawel A. Gebala, 22, of 6000 block of W Peterson, Chicago, was arrested July 9 in the 200 block of South Vine for assault and disorderly conduct.

A 15-year old from Park Ridge was arrested July 9 1200 block of North Western for consumption of alcohol by a minor.

Justin J. Thornton, 20, of the 400 block of Pleasant Lane, Des Plaines, was arrested at the intersection of Potter and Ballard for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Pilar Morales, 37, of 2500 block of N. Marmora, Chicago, was arrested July 12 at the intersection of Touhy and

Dee for driving without a valid driver’s license and insurance and failure to signal.

Mario Montes, 41, of 9000 block of Senate Dr, Des Plaines, was arrested July 12 at the intersection of Ballard and Robin for driving without a driver’s license and unlawful use of a cell phone. Mac Piazza, 18, of 6200 block of N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, was arrested July 12 in the 0-100 block of Busse Highway for battery.

D. Allen, 35, of 3600 11 Brian block of N. Claremont, Chicago, was arrested July 13 at the intersection of Higgins Road and Vine Avenue for

driving without a license and no seatbelt. Aloysius H. Godinez, 21, of 6000 block of W. Melrose, Chicago, was arrested July 13 in the 1900 block of S. Cumberland for Possession of Cannabis.

Rebecca A. Cox, 51, of 3000 block of W. Allen, Chicago, was arrested at the intersection of Prospect and Summit on a Foreign Warrant from Forest Park PD.

Morton Grove Noel E. Nape, 49, of Morton Grove was arrested July 11 at the intersection of Dempster and Lehigh for DUI.

ForuM Post your thoughts!

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

illUstrAted oPinions

You’re invited to use the Forum page of The Bugle to express your opinions about matters that aﬀect our community. E-mail your letter to our newsroom at nweditor@buglenewspapers.com. For more information, call (815) 436-2431. Letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number for veriﬁcation purposes. Please try to limit your comments to 500 words or less. The editors

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letters to tHe editor

are we getting the best deal on electric? Why are Morton Grove residents paying 7.84 cents per kilowatt-hour? Morton Grove has changed the electric supplier to FirstEnergy Solutions with a rate of 7.84 cents per kilowatt-hour. The village bases their selection on bids supplied from a list of companies from a consulting company called NIMEC. They chose what they considered the one with lowest rates and no fees. They selected FirstEnergy Solutions for a threeyear contract. This same consulting company that Morton Grove uses has been able to acquire a rate of 6.62 cents

per kilowatt-hour for a 36-year period for neighboring suburbs Buffalo Grove,Arlington Heights, Palatine, Wheeling, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, and Vernon Hills with Constellation Energy. Why are Morton Grove residents paying 7.84 cents per kilowatthour? Checking individual rates on the monthly list from the web site of Citizens Utility Board can give residents an idea of how rates are fluctuating. It is not clear who is paying for the consulting fees. The village maintains that they pay nothing and the fees come from the suppliers that reach an agreement. I find it disconcerting that the village

uses a consulting firm to provide suppliers, when that firm makes their profits on commissions paid by those companies that sign agreements. Morton Grove has not gone beyond the list supplied by their consultant to look for possibly lower rates. The village current plan may not be the best for each resident, so I suggest that watching the market might be in their better interests. I would not enter any variable length agreement with any company. I also suggest the village rethink their current agreement Sherwin Dubren, Morton Grove resident

illinois last in business owner satisfaction While government spending is out of control in Illinois, that isn’t the worst thing about doing business here

I run a family business in Illinois. We deliver currency to and from banks, and our livelihood is directly related to the business health in this state. So I watch the trends and research that affect business in Illinois. I wasn’t shocked to read a recent study by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation that showed Illinois ranked as the least “small business friendly” state in the nation. Small businesses employ the majority of Illinois residents, but the lifelong politicians in Springfield are driving small businesses out of

our state through incompetence, corruption, and taxation. While taxes and government spending are out of control in Illinois, that isn’t the worst thing about doing business here. What’s worse is the endless bureaucratic red tape. Politicians and the patronage employees they employ choke the businesses here with bad service, incompetent processing, and excessive regulation. Time is money, and spending 400 hours a year working on regulation compliance, arguing with a government worker with

no qualifications other than supporting some politician, takes away from finding new customers, creating new products,and making the very profits the government is so eager to overtax. Business owners want just one thing – an honest and efficient government. I love this state and would be the last one to leave my home, but businesses are leaving and taking their jobs with them. If we don’t start making Illinois more business friendly, many Illinois residents will find it even harder to find a job. Mel Thillens, Republican Candidate for Illinois State Representative – 55th District

News

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

Willowbrook

Celebrity chefs help make Goodwill’s Backyard BBQ a hit Attendees who donated were treated to small-plate samplings from celebrity chefs Suburban residents came out in droves to support a good cause and eat good food, during Goodwill’s Backyard BBQ on July 11. Attendees who donated gentlyused clothing and household items were treated to small-plate samplings from celebrity chefs and received a 30 percent-off

coupon during the event, which took place at the Goodwill Store and Donation Center in Willowbrook. The celebrity chefs on hand were Sarah Simington and John Conley, previously featured on The Food Network. Simington began her culinary career young and has never looked back. After the opening of the Blue Moon Café in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1996, her restaurant became an East Coast landmark. It was featured in GQ, Southern Living and on “Diners, Drive Ins,

Photos Courtesy of Goodwill

Judges for Goodwill’s Celebrity Chef Cook-Off, from left, Willowbrook Police Chief Mark Shelton; Erin Traynor, store manager of Goodwill’s Willowbrook location; Jim Hassett, owner of Giordano’s Pizza; James Dague, ScribbleBooks author Sirrius XM kids DJ; Allison Golinvaux, Whole Foods; and Tracy Wolniakowski, a Club Goodwill member, toast the winner, chef John Conley.

and Dives.” Conley bought Salsa Brava, Flagstaff, Arizona, during his senior year at Northern Arizona University. After 25 years, he has turned it into a Route 66 staple with an appearance on “Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives.” He is also the owner of Fat Olives pizzeria in Flagstaff.

>> director, from page 1 within the library and was surprised that neither was chosen for the interim director position once Weiss retired. Combined, the two women have worked more than 30 years at the library. Kruser and Lempke were both moved over completely to their current assistant director positions in May of 2012, Lempke said in an email. Both women have a background in library and information sciences. However, on July 17, two days after she was made cointerim director, Kruser tended her resignation from the Niles Library in order to become the new director of the Helen Plum Memorial Library in Lombard. “It was just a great opportunity that came up at this time. I have many friends who live in that area and I drive there frequently,” Kruser told The Bugle.“I love that area and I love Lombard. I had never been to the library before and when I finally visited, I loved the staff.” Kruser’s final day at the Niles library will be Aug. 8. She’ll be taking over for the Lombard library’s outgoing director of 25

PHOTO BY ALEX V. HERNANDEZ/STAFF REPORTER

Niles Library Board meeting July 15.

years. “I guess it does look suspicious because of the timing,” said Kruser. “But it is not why I interviewed and accepted the position.” Library Board President Morgan Dubiel had pushed for Pritz to become interim director at previous meetings because he was “instrumental” to helping Weiss complete the library’s $5 million renovation project. He also said he wanted to complete the library’s proposed budget before hiring a permanent replacement

for Weiss and that Kruser and Lempke would be part of a wider net of candidates the board would eventually consider for the position. At the July 15 meeting, he said the board wouldn’t be rushed into finding a new director and began suggesting that the library hire a consultant to look at staffing and come up a better organizational plan on how the library should operate because he said the current one was confusing to him.

Simington and Conley battled for the “Amazing Goodwill Dinner Plate” trophy during the event’s Celebrity Chef Cook-Off. In the end, “celebrity judges” such as Willowbrook Police Chief Mark Shelton named Conley the winner. “Goodwill Industries of Metropolitan Chicago sees this

promotion as a fun way to get to know our neighbors and encourage residents to reduce, reuse and recycle by donating to a nonprofit that provided services to over 61,000 individuals last year,” communications manager Cheryl Lightholder said in a release.For more information, visit www.goodwillsew.com.

“Greg Priz…has begun looking at our processes and procedures in all areas, from technology, marketing, and circulation to our accounting practices. He has already implemented many cost and time saving ideas and many more are in the works. We are confused as to why we would want to spend money on hiring an outside consultant who would provide similar input without the inside knowledge,” read a letter submitted to the board that was signed by 29 library employees. The letter also criticized recent budget cuts to library materials and staff pay, the merging or cutting of library positions, the hiring moratorium and the delay in finding a new permanent director. “We need a strong, qualified leader to be hired expressly, transparently and with care, but the board has declined to even begin the hiring process,” the letter said. At one point an employee, frustrated at the idea of hiring a consultant instead of beginning a search for a permanent director in earnest, stormed out of the meeting while loudly saying, “So what, we can run [this library]

without a director then?” Board Vice President Karen Dimond and trustee Linda Ryan also urged the board to start seriously looking for a director and said that it should be the chief priority of their fellow trustees. Ryan especially said she didn’t understand why a consultant should be hired and called the action “putting the cart before the horse.” “Any chief executive coming in will want to shape the position to their personal operating style,” said Pritz about hiring a consultant. However these arguments fell on deaf ears as the board eventually voted in favor of creating a request for proposals to be sent to executive search firms to manage the search for a new director. These could be approved as early as next month’s library board meeting.Once a firm is selected, the consultant would review potential candidates and present them to board. “This is the most important decision the board will make,” said Dubiel.“So we don’t have to rush it. I don’t want us to feel like we have to meet some arbitrary deadline.”

tAKe 5 Aries

MArCH 21 TO APriL 20

You’ll never know how good you can be unless you reach for the stars. In the week to come, you can focus on achieving the dreams you once thought were impossible. Use your skills to climb the ladder of success.

gemini

M AY 2 2 T O J U N E 2 1

Love and relationships aren’t always logical. Banish preconceived notions and follow the lead of your partners. If you need forgiveness for a wrong or transgression you will be able to ask for it this week.

leo

J U LY 2 3 T O A U g U S T 2 1

The excitement of new places and faces can be exhilarating in the week to come. Escape from routines. Your imagination and inspiring ideas make you a welcome addition to any crowd and attractive to romantic partners.

Across

Down

1 iTALiAN fOr “LiTTLE riBBONS” 11 SiTE Of THE dELiCATE ArCH 15 HigH ANxiETY? 16 COLd CALLEr’S rEwArd 17 iriSH fOLk SONg THAT wAS A grAMMY-wiNNiNg vEHiCLE fOr METALLiCA 19 MONTrEAL LABEL 20 ANxiOUS TiMES fOr SOME 21 ONE Of THE HALOgENS 22 PrESSUrE SOUrCE 23 CriTiCizE 24 MAkE SOME CONCESSiONS 26 NEUrOLOgiST’S CONCErN 29 “gET rEAL!” 30 OLd AUTOCrAT 32 PrOBLEMATiC LigHTiNg? 33 SEE 11-dOwN 34 CrANkY 36 BE A BUrdEN TO 37 COME ABOUT 39 CAvE-dwELLiNg PriNCESS iN dONALd dUCk COMiCS 40 MAriNEr’S Org. 41 gOLdBriCkS 43 riSE TO THE TOP 45 UNifYiNg idEA 46 grEAT LAkES CATCH 47 “EPiTAPH fOr A SPY” NOvELiST 49 “THE gOdfATHEr” OSCAr NOMiNEE 50 UNiON BUSTErS Of THE 19TH CEN. 53 wOOLf PACk? 56 vENTiNg vENUE 57 irON MAN ANd CAPTAiN AMEriCA, E.g. 58 __ MArTiN: COgNAC BrANd 59 ONE wHO gOES OUT rEgULArLY

1 PLAY THE SYCOPHANT TO, wiTH “OvEr” 2 AgrEE BY rEPEATiNg 3 BArBEr SHOP rEqUEST 4 SET-__: rOwS 5 HOMEOwNEr’S CONCErN 6 SUBCOMPACT THAT dEBUTEd iN 1975 7 NOT AS fOrTHCOMiNg 8 wiNgEd UNivErSiTY Of MiAMi MASCOT 9 wriTEr wHO SAid “wHAT i CANNOT LOvE, i OvErLOOk” 10 BUSY wiTH COUrSES 11 wiTH 33-ACrOSS, SATUrN Or MErCUrY SiTE 12 ASiAN ALUMiNUM ExPOrTEr 13 frEEd frOM rAdiO MUSiC 14 PrESENT 18 SHOUT Of TriUMPH 22 ONE-STAr wriTE-UP 23 HEiNEkEN diSTriBUTOr iN JAPAN 24 STANdArd OiL OffSHOOT 25 LATE 1990S

librA

SEPTEMBEr 24 TO OCTOBEr 23

NASdAq PHENOMENON 26 SHArkS wHOSE TEETH wErE USEd iN MAOri JEwELrY 27 OLd TONgUE THAT gAvE US “rOTTEN” ANd “Egg” 28 gAELiC MUSiC STAr 29 THiCk-SOLEd SHOE 31 SPEAk dEriSivELY 34 fOr NOw 35 SEEMEd TO OwN THE rUNwAY, SAY 38 fOCUS Of AN ANNUAL fESTivAL iN NEw MExiCO 40 PENPOiNT 42 ONES fOr THE rECOrd BOOk 44 STrONgLY MOTivATEd 46 “CHEErS” rOLE 47 48-dOwN, E.g. 48 M.’S COUNTErPArT 49 CLEvEr 50 iT gETS fLAT OvEr TiME 51 STEAk-ANdkidNEY-PUddiNg iNgrEdiENT 52 ABBEY NOOk 54 wAS TAkEN iN 55 fLY __

Don’t be content to play second fiddle. You might think you have to bow to someone else’s opinion, but you may have a brilliant solution if you merely speak out. Exude confidence in the week ahead.

sAgittArius

NOvEMBEr 23 TO dECEMBEr 22

Pay attention to the inspirations that pop into your head this week. Pursue the latest fad or most popular entertainment. You’re at your best with a congenial companion who shares your interest in exotic delights.

AquArius

JANUArY 21 TO fEBrUArY 19

There’s no such word as “impossible” in your dictionary. You can make your fondest dreams come true this week through good will or by following the guidance of others. Grab every opportunity.

Sudoku

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

tAurus

A P r i L 2 1 T O M AY 2 1

The week ahead offers you a chance to improve a situation that involves your home or family. Your judgment may be better than usual and you may be given an opportunity to make your dreams come true.

cAncer

J U N E 2 2 T O J U LY 2 2

Don’t let money become an issue or give in to moments of irrational possessiveness during the upcoming week. Top off every day with blissful moments of togetherness with a congenial companion.

virgo

AUgUST 22 TO SEPTEMBEr 23

Put practical matters at the front of the line. You may prefer to be an impractical dreamer in the week ahead, but it is more important to put your ideas to work in viable ways. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or favors.

scorpio

OCTOBEr 24 TO NOvEMBEr 22

You can learn to give without feeling used and learn to love without feeling abused. In the week ahead, you may have an opportunity to move forward and leave your suspicions in the dust.

cApricorn

dECEMBEr 23 TO JANUArY 20

Your ship might come in if you sent it in the right direction in the first place. Go ahead and flatter the boss or ask for a favor from a friend. Use every opportunity to achieve a worthy goal in the week to come.

pisces

fEBrUArY 20 TO MArCH 20

You can play the part of the diplomat in the upcoming week. You may have quite a lot of work on your desk or a daunting schedule, but you’ll have plenty of time to help straighten out someone’s problems, too.

Jumble

Tribune Content Agency 2014

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

Jumbles:

• CHASM • BANJO • POLLEN • BEAUTY

Answer:

THE zOOkEEPEr dESCriBEd CLEANiNg THE LiON CAgE AS -- A “BEASTLY” JOB

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

Bugle Kids

INSIDE: Chase Elliott wins at Chicagoland Speedway, page 12; Illinois Women’s Open returns to Mistwood, page 13

nilesbugle.com

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

Palucki twins double trouble for foes in different sports By mike sandrolini For the bugle

mike@buglenewspapers.com @voyagersport

Being identical twins opened up unique opportunities for recent Maine South grads Andrew and John Palucki to, well, have a little fun and keep friends and family, even teachers, on their toes. “In grade school, sometimes we would switch classes to mess with the teacher,” Andrew said. The twins played basketball and volleyball throughout elementary school, and Andrew recalls a particular basketball game in which he and John both scored 19 points. “That was kind of funny,” he said. But having someone who looks exactly like you walking the halls between classes routinely led to cases of mistaken identity, as John can attest. “Our freshman year in high school that happened a lot,” John said. Classmates would come up to John, thinking that he was in, for example, Andrew’s Spanish class, and ask him what the homework assignment for that class happened to be. Or, again believing John was Andrew, students would ask, “Did you change your clothes?” “There’s been times that’s happened,” John said,“and I had to tell them, ‘I’m not Andrew.’ ” Opposing volleyball and basketball teams must be glad the Palucki twins are moving on because they certainly left foes seeing double throughout their varsity careers—particularly during their senior campaigns. John played two years on the varsity volleyball squad with coach Gary Granell. An outside hitter, John didn’t see a lot of playing time his junior

year because the Hawks already had two senior outside hitters, Michael Hopkins and all-stater Nate Wolf, in place. However, John moved into the starting lineup this past spring and excelled. He banged down 224 kills and also did the job defensively with 160 digs as the Hawks advanced to a regional title game. For his efforts, he was named to the All-CSL team and the Voyager Media All-Area team. “It was always John who got the ball when we needed a big point,” Granell said. “He was always looking at two blockers most of the time. The defense knew that he was going to get the ball, and he always had people waiting for him, but he was good a hitting the ball past and through blocks.” During his two years as a starting guard for coach Tony Lavorato’s Hawks, Andrew helped lead Maine South to consecutive regional titles and a 53-11 record over that span. He was on the varsity three years, earning All-CSL and Voyager Media All-Area honors last winter. “What made him special last year was his leadership,” Lavorato said. “We challenged him to make people around him better, and that’s tough to do. I couldn’t be more happy with watching his maturation develop in front of our eyes. He had a wonderful year and was a complete player.” Lavorato experienced some challenges of his own when Andrew and John came walking into his annual summer basketball camp for the first time as fourth-graders. “It was pretty special and it makes me feel old, too,” Lavorato laughed. “Obviously, >> see TWINS | page 13

Mike Sandrolini/Bugle Staff

Andrew Palucki was a key member of the Maine South basketball team.

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

Sports

Nationwide field chases rookie Elliott By Mark Gregory sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

After talking to the Bugle last week about his early success in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Chase Elliott led 85 of 200 of the EnjoyIllinois.com 300 Saturday night at Chicagoland Speedway to claim his third win of the season. The win ties Kyle Busch for most wins in the series so far this season, each with three visits to victory lane in the first 19 races. “This is an unbelievable night,” Elliott said. “We were fortunate enough to be in contention on that last pit stop, the guys busted their butts for me and that was the deciding factor. As a team, we completed our task tonight. And that was the difference. I am very proud of our effort.” Elliott took the lead for the fourth and final time on Lap 177 and held on for the final 23 laps, winning by 1.7 seconds over Trevor Bayne. “We got our car turning there at the end,” Bayne said. “Had it stayed green for another 15, we might have had it, but that’s 15 laps we’ll never know about.” Sprint Cup regulars Kyle Larson and Kasey Kahne were third and fourth, respectively, while Ty Dillon was fifth. “Chase did a great job tonight,” Larson said. “He seems to be good at every type of track we go to. He seems like he is the one to beat every week.” Elliott’s win also vaulted him from third to the top of the Nationwide points standings. He now leads Jr. Motorsports teammate Regan Smith by seven points and Elliott Sadler by eight points. Smith, who was the points leader coming into the race, struggled with a loose car all race and finished 16th. “Over the last couple weeks, we have had fast race cars and unfortunately, something has happened,” Elliott said.“It hasn’t been a lack of fast race cars, we have just had some kind of hiccup during the race, but if we clean those up, hopefully we can do this again real soon.”

DASH FOR CASH Pole-sitter Brian Scott earned >> see ELLIOTT | page 13

Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff

Rookie Chase Elliott celebrates his win at the EnjoyIllinois.com 300 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet Saturday night. It was his third win of the season.

Sports

Jeff Zelevansky/NASCAR via Getty Images

Brian Scott won a $100,000 bonus in the Nationwide Dash4Cash.

>> ELLIOTT, FROM PAGE 12 a $100,000 bonus in the Nationwide Insurance Dash 4 Cash for finishing sixth, ahead of fellow D4C competitors Chris Buescher (eighth), Elliott Sadler (10th) and Regan Smith (16th). Scott, the pole sitter, led 20 laps early, but could never get back once he gave up the lead. “I would trade this check in

>> TWINS, FROM PAGE 11 parents can look at them and tell them apart. When we first had them in camp, you really have to concentrate. I had (older brother) Matt (who was an integral part of Maine South’s 2009-2010 supersectional team) come through the program and I know their parents (Ron and Mary Lou) are special parents.” The Palucki brothers did play together in the front row on the freshman volleyball team. Andrew is left-handed, and John right-handed so opponents had volleyballs coming from Paluckis at all different directions. “Andrew was more emotional at the time,” Granell said.“Garrett (Fechner, who coached the twins as freshmen and is now a varsity assistant) was telling me when he came up with a big spike or big block, Andrew was really excited. John doesn’t show it as much.” Andrew and John agree. “I’d say I’d wear my emotions

for the trophy and the win,” Scott said. “But, the bonus comes at a really good time. The team has momentum going into Indianapolis where we were second last year, so, hopefully we can hey in victory lane and collect another $100,000 there.”

While Elliott is making a splash in his rookie campaign, another up-and-comer made

his NNS debut Friday in Joliet. Eighteen-year-old Erik Jones ran his first race in a NASCAR stock car debut in the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Jones was the youngest NASCAR Camping World Truck Series winner in series history last November at Phoenix International Raceway and he won his second career NCWTS race last weekend at Iowa Speedway for Kyle Busch Motorsports.

on my sleeve and he’s (John) more of a calming force,” Andrew said. “I second guess myself a lot,” John said. “He’s more assertive; he’s more of a doer. I’m more cautious.” Andrew, technically, is John’s older brother … by 18 minutes. But John doesn’t see it that way. “I usually said, ‘I let him out first,’ ” John said. “I was being polite.” Freshman volleyball turned out to be the only time Andrew and John would be on the same court throughout high school. Andrew wanted to play AAU basketball, and that season conflicted with spring volleyball, so Andrew decided to concentrate solely on hoops. “It was really fun,” said Andrew in regard to playing volleyball with John as freshmen. “He was obviously the better player, but it was really fun playing with him, and he really did well his senior year.”

The Paluckis are going their separate ways next month. John will join Matt at Washington University in St. Louis, where Matt is captain of the men’s basketball team and averaged 14.4 points and nearly seven rebounds per contest last season. John is going into premed and science, either biology or chemistry. “I think we’re ready for that,” John said. “We’re pretty independent from each other and I think we can survive without each other, but it’ll be strange not coming back home (every day after school) and talking about each other’s days.” Andrew, meanwhile, will be attending Michigan State and majoring in mechanical engineering. “We don’t always see eye-toeye, but at the end of the day, I love him,” Andrew said. “It’s going to be really different not seeing him every day, but he’ll do just fine.”

FIRST TIMER

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

Sports

mark + scott’s

review

bolingbrook

Precisely perfect Course challenging, yet fair When the Bugle Newspapers first featured Bolingbrook Golf Club, I was still recovering from back surgery and wide right not able to get by mark gregory out and play with Scott, so I was excited to have a shot at one of the local public gems we have in the Voyager coverage area. The round opens with a straight, par-4 that plays roughly 390 from the whites and it is a hole that sets the tempo for the course. The secret - stay straight and in the fairways and you will be just fine. That, however, is easier said than done, as I managed to be in the sand more than the cast of Baywatch, finding both the fairway and greenside bunkers often on the first three holes. Hole No. 2 is the first of many times water comes into play on the course, as the fairway is dissected by the pond. Length is needed off the tee box here if you are to clear the water, as well as accuracy on your second shot to stay out of the green-side bunker. The third-hole plays a long 500plus yard par-5 which has a pair of fairway bunkers, one on each side of the landing area. If you wind up in one, the smart play is to navigate out safely and not be a hero, which

could land you in one of two more traps guarding the green. Some relief comes on a playable par-3. This is one of my favorite holes on the course, as the buildup behind and to the right of the green gives you the feel of playing a secluded, valley hole. Take advantage of the quaint hole because it is followed by a daunting par-5 that plays 600 yards from the tips (566 from the whites) and requires solid golf shots to navigate water on the left and sand on the right. The sixth is another precision hole that leaves you with decisions, as the hole features two bunkers to the right of the fairway, two to the left and one in the middle. No matter if you decide to lay-up or try and carry the center bunker, be precise. A small, slightly elevated green awaits a solid next shot. No. 7 has plenty of room to the left and plenty of water to the right. A solid tee shot will allow you to carry the water that splits the fairway from the green, but a short drive makes you choose. Personally, I was left off the tee, but short and had no problem finding the water as I made the wrong choice on my second shot. The eighth is an intimidating par3.Only playing 139 from the whites, the green features a picturesque retaining wall, branded with the club logo.The narrow green has a bunker to the left, forcing players

bolingbrook golf club Location: bolingbrook, IL best feature: an open, playable course to a player that can keep the ball in the fairway.

quick tip: lay up to stay out of the sand. easier said than done with the well-placed bunkers

Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff

The par-3 15th hole at Bolingbrook Golf Club features an island green.

to attempt to just carry the wall and sit nicely in the center of the putting zone. I can tell you from experience, don’t hit the wall, the bounce off will make a spectacular splash, but not a spectacular score.The smart move here is just to stay out right and take the bunker out of play.The right side offers the most green and has a grassy landing area next to it, so a miss would still offer a cleaner chip shot than if you were in, or behind the sand. The front nine ends with a 400yard par-4 that, like the rest, is playable if you miss the water that lines the fairway to the left and stay out of the fairway and greenside hazards. The par-5 10th is a very favorable hole, playing less than 500 yards

from the whites and only two bunkers that are avoidable with plenty of room in front of the green to work with. Two well-hit shots could leave you putting for eagle. After a friendly, 365-yard par4, players will need to navigate a long, dog-leg right par-5 that winds around a lake that guards the right of the fairway. Number 13 is the longest of the par-3’s, playing 185 from the whites. Don’t be afraid to be a little short here, as there is room to play with in front of the green.The 14th has water on the left can be taken out of play with the large fairway, but if you want a better approach shot and you have precision off the tee, flirting with the pond is the way to go.

Next is the club’s signature hole and there is no question why. The 127-yard par-3 (156 from the tips) requires a soft approach over water to an island green. There is room on the back of the green, so being long here is a better play than short, but figuring out the wind and choosing the right club here is key. After the par-3, the round ends with three long, but playable par4s. Number 16 has one of the largest landing areas for your tee shot, but one of the smaller greens on the course.The 17th is a slight dogleg right that has the green wrap around the water, while 18 brings you home with water on the right. Stay straight and long here and you will end your round happy.

Sports

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

Mistwood again hosts Women’s Open By Scott Taylor sports editor

staylor@enterprisepublications.com @Taylor_Sports

The 20th Annual Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open returns to Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. This year’s Women’s Open will take place Monday, July 28 to Wednesday, July 30. The IWO is a 54-hole stroke play event. After the second round July 29, the low 40 percent and ties will qualify for the final round. Entries were eligible to all female professionals and all female amateurs with a USGA Handicap Index of 15 or less. The players must be at least 17 years old as of July 28, 2014, but special exemptions were possible. The entry fee was $275. As of press time, tee times and a field list were not posted. The total purse was not posted, either. After Aimee Neff won backto-back titles in 2008 and 2009, there have been four different winners the past four years. Last year Elise Swartout of Ann Arbor, Michigan defeated Nicole Jeray of Berwyn in a playoff. Both finished the tournament with a 213 total, 3-under par. Chelsea Harris of Normal and Caroline Powers of East Lansing, Michigan, both finished one stroke off the pace. The defending champion, Samantha Troyanovich, finished in a tie for 25th at 13-over par. Last year there were several locals who competed in the open, including: Jessica Yuen (Bolingbrook), Brittany Johnston (Plainfield), Tiffany Boak (Woodridge), Krystal Garritson (Lockport), Rachel Oberheide (Park Ridge) and Liz Schwartzers (Downers Grove). A field list/tee times will be available at www.mistwoodgc. com/iwo at least 72 hours prior to the start of the tournament.

Last year was the second year of the new renovation of the course at Mistwood and the accolades for the course continue to pour in. Most recently, Golf Inc. Magazine selected Mistwood third in the world among public renovations over $1 million. The only courses ranked higher were Camelback Golf Club in Phoenix and Doral’s Blue Monster in Florida, the host of the World Golf Championship’s Cadillac Championship. Tiger Woods has won the event seven times, including twice since the move to Doral in 2007. The criteria for the review were based on routing, playability, maintainability and aesthetics. It was also based on before and after photos, as well as how the project met its budget and goals. “This most recent award by Golf Inc. is a major recognition,” Mistwood owner Jim McWethy said in a press release. “As the owner, I am proud beyond words of this recognition, and am extremely thankful to all those who put in their heart and soul to turn a dream into this wonderful course.” Earlier in the year Mistwood was also recognized by Golf Digest and GOLF magazine with the honor of “Best U.S. Renovation You Can Play” award. “Placing third in a worldwide competition like this was a very significant accomplishment and being recognized by my peers and selected alongside these other great projects was humbling and thrilling at the same time,” course architect Ray Hearn said in a release.“The renovation improvements we completed at Mistwood have helped to elevate the course into a ‘must play’ category among the elite courses in the Midwest. My work for this great course was a true labor of love.”

Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff

Elise Swartout is the defending Illinois Women’s Open champion.

sPorts

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

TOP 10 of the WeeK FAVOrIte GOLFerS

TWEETS OF THE WEEk

PlAinField eAst

chase elliott @CHaseeLLIoTT

“What a night!! Guys worked were on it this weekend and the pit stops were on point! Can’t thank them and @ NAPAKnowHow enough!!#di9” rorY McilroY @mCILroYrorY

1 JONAtHAN ByrD

“Celebrating with the Claret Jug!! Thanks for all the support and well wishes this week! #TheOpen #3outof4”

2 ryAN PAlMEr 3 scOtt stAlliNGs

ricKie foWler

4 PHil MicKElsON

“#RyderCup!!!!!!”

@rICKIefoWLerpga

5 ricKiE fOWlEr 6 ADAM scOtt 7 GrEG NOrMAN 8 MAtt KUcHAr 9 JAsON DAy 10 lUKE DONAlD disagree with scott? tweet your top 10 to @Hear_the_Beard

#voyagertop10

sergio garcia

@NIKoLamIroTIC12

“Just short but what an amazing week again @The_ Open. Congrats @McIlroyRory very much deserved! I’ll try it again at Saint Andrews next year!” roush Yates eNgiNes @roUsHYaTes

“Congrats to @chaseelliott on winning tonight at @ ChicagolndSpdwy. Also great run by @Tbayne21 coming in at P2! @roushfenway”

feaTurInG q & a with andreana Johnson local athletes Basketball

Favorite social media outlet that you use? Instagram How many followers do you have on Twitter? About 1,412 followers. who is your favorite pro athlete? why? Paul George How often do you use social media? who is your favorite person to follow? i use it everyday to post pictures, see others and stay in touch. i like to follow Wale to see his style. what is your most memorable sports moment? Senior Night. Have you ever tweeted a famous person? Did they respond? Yes, Wale.

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

schools

Help kids stay organized for fresh start By studying smarter, staying organized and keeping motivated, students can learn to juggle it all

(StatePoint) Back-to-school time means another year of tests, team tryouts and club meetings -- but it also means an opportunity for students to have a fresh start. Whether your kid is an ace academic or has found it challenging to stay on top of a todo list, there are many ways to get prepared for a successful school year. By studying smarter, staying organized and keeping motivated, students can learn to juggle it all.

Study Tips Cramming at the last minute doesn’t work. Encourage your student to start studying well in advance of test day. Pacing during study time gives the brain a better opportunity to absorb information. In many ways, the pen is mightier than the computer, particularly when it comes to taking notes. Writing notes down >> tax, from page 3 Since 1986,$5.9 billion has been collected from all Chicago TIFs. Three Chicago TIFs were cancelled in 2013. Including the Near West TIF, which averaged $13.5 million in revenue per year over the last five years of its life. (See Chart A). No new TIFs were added in Chicago, but the 105th/Vincennes TIF was expanded from 192 to 4,575 parcels. The current version of this TIF dwarfs its 2012 boundaries, which is now a small corner in the southwest portion of the district. (See map) The largest Chicago TIFs in 2013 by revenue are: Near South ($65.2 million); Canal/Congress ($19.9 million); Chicago/ Kingsbury ($19.0 million); Kinzie Conservation ($18.6 million). 30 TIFs had revenue increases. 21 TIFs – including three that were terminated – did not collect any revenue. 103 TIFs deceased in revenue.

Suburban Cook County In recent years, the number of TIF districts in suburban Cook County has steadily grown. There are now 284 suburban TIFs in 92 suburban municipalities. That means there is at least one TIF in 69 percent of suburban villages

calculators. Encourage students to decorate notebooks and binders with stickers and drawings, or choose their supplies based on favorite styles and colors. Just be sure the items chosen are highly functional. Multi-use supplies, such as the Five Star Flex Hybrid NoteBinder, acts like a notebook and works like a binder, making it easy for students to have everything they need in one convenient area.¬†

is almost like etching them into your subconscious. Formulating the words and reviewing them as you go is the best way to retain materials.

Organize When it comes to lockers, backpacks and school supplies, organization is everything. Different systems work for different students. For example, some prefer to arrange their lockers by sequence of the day, whereas others prefer to sort items by subject or color. The important thing is finding a system that works and sticking to it. Use tools to support the system and help maximize sought-after real estate. For lockers lacking shelf space, consider creating your own -- just be sure the solution is durable. The Five Star Stackable Locker Shelf is made with heavyduty plastic, can hold up to 150 pounds and can be stacked one

and cities. “It’s interesting to note,” Orr said,“that as the city of Chicago is lowering the number of TIFs, they have increased in the suburbs.This only shows that the need for real transparency with TIFs is just as strong in suburban Cook County as it is in the city.” Suburban TIF revenue decreased by 2 percent in 2013, from $266 million in 2012 to $261 million in 2013. Four suburban municipalities collected more than $10 million in total TIF revenue in 2013: Rosemont ($32.8 million), Glenview ($30.7 million), Hoffman Estates ($26.4 million), and Cicero ($11.5 million). Other suburban Cook County TIF highlights: The largest suburban TIFs are: Glenview-Naval Air Station ($30.7 million); Rosemont-1 ($15.0 million); Rosemont-River Road

Stay Focused

on top of the other for double the shelf space.

Customize Your locker is a home base during the school day, so make it your own with artwork, photos,

($11.5 million); and Cicero-1 ($10.1 million) 100 existing TIFs had revenue increases. 103 TIFs had revenue declines. 78 TIFs did not collect any revenue in 2013. Twelve new TIFs were created in Evanston, Glenview, Hanover Park, Harvey, McCook, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Phoenix, Richton Park, and Rosemont. Of those new TIFs, only three generated revenue in 2013 (see Chart B). Three TIFs were expanded to include new parcels (Bedford Park, Evanston, Lemont), while 12 TIFs were cancelled or had parcels removed (see Chart B). To view data on each TIF district, see these PDF sections of the TIF Report: Countywide summary, Chicago summary, Suburban summary,Tax Increment Agency Report.

and a dry erase board. It’s also an area to refresh -- so consider hanging a mirror, like the Five Star Foam Mirror + Storage accessory which not only acts as a mirror but also a space to hang notes and store pens, pencils, cell phones or

If your kid is rocking out to their favorite song, while texting their best friend about the latest gossip, then you can guarantee they aren’t concentrating on homework.Turn off the distractions and the work will get done faster and more accurately. More study and organizational tips can be found at www. MeadFiveStar.com. For better grades and more success, get this school year started on the right foot.

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

BusiNess & reAl estAte

dAve sAYs

Don’t leave an estate with life insurance The only people who will tell you to use a policy to leave an estate are life insurance salesmen

Dear Steve, This is a good question. You don’t use life insurance to leave an estate. It’s a bad idea. You leave an estate by saving and investing. The only people who will tell you to use a life insurance policy to leave an estate are life insurance salesmen. Unless she’s ill, I wouldn’t BY dAve rAmseY keep the policy. Instead, I’d do for the bugle DaVeramseY.Com some long-term investing. It won’t take long Dear Dave, to get to $250,000 My mom is 71 with $7,200 a year. It’s and debt-free. She’s the kind of thing that investing $600 a sounds like it’ll take month in a universal forever, but you’ve got life insurance policy to remember you’ve worth $250,000 got growth and interest because she wants in the equation. to leave something Dave saYs I wouldn’t put behind when she MONey ADVICe money into a life By DAVe rAMSey insurance policy at dies. age 71, unless there’s What could she someone being left behind invest this money in, other who really needs the money than the life insurance policy, — and it doesn’t sound like in order to leave an estate? there is in this case. Steve

It would probably take about 13 years for the money to turn into $250,000. Assuming she’s healthy, I’d rather do that and bet on her living. That way, she can leave an estate and avoid the expense and rip-off part of the universal life policy. —Dave

no treating student loans like a mortgage Dear Dave, I have a very large amount of student loan debt. Where would that go in your Baby Steps plan? Jade Dear Jade, Baby Step 2 is where you pay off all debt except for your house. The fact that it’s a large amount of student loan debt doesn’t change anything. Hopefully, with your very large amount of student loan debt, you also have a very large income.

Remember, your income is your largest wealth-building tool. You can’t save and plan for the future when all your money is flying out the door to pay back debt! Believe it or not, there are some really sad situations out there where people have gone $200,000 into debt for a fouryear degree in a field where they make $50,000 a year. That kind of thinking and behavior is ridiculous, but it’s out there. Whatever you do, Jade, don’t treat this student loan debt as if it were a mortgage. In other words, don’t let it hang around for years and years and years. You’ve got to get focused and intense about paying off this mess and getting on with your life. Remember, your income is your largest wealth-building tool.

You can’t save and plan for the future when all your money is flying out the door to pay back debt! —Dave

* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

Senior Style

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

Golfers Needed The Niles Senior Center is looking for men and women for the upcoming golf season! Contact Jaymi at (847)588-8420 for more info!

Niles Senior Center

Yoga in Chairs Yoga is all about f lexibility… and we are f lexible about whether you sit, hold on or stand. Thursdays, July 3-31, 10:45am-11:45am. $30M/$35NM

50+ Sports Challenge Kick Off Winning never gets old! Join us for an afternoon at the NSC to learn about participating in or volunteering for the first 50+ Sports Challenge. This year’s Challenge will be held at the Niles Senior Center as well as the Niles Fitness Center.

Niles Senior Center

For a detailed description of programs & activities or to ask about membership or registration requirements, please check the Naturally Active Program Guides or call the Niles Senior Center at 588-8420. Information about the Niles Senior Center can be found on the Village of Niles Website at www.vniles. com. Click on “Departments” (upper left), and then Click on “Senior” You can now see what’s new at the Senior Center. Advanced registration is required for programs. For a detailed description of programs & activities or to ask about membership or registration requirements, call the Niles Senior Center at 847-588-8420 Individuals must be a registered member of the

Hooked on Fishing All outings meet at 8:00am at the designated location. Cost includes: morning snacks, juice, bait and lunch. Register for the outings at the Niles Senior Center. Maps available at the Front Desk. $15M/$20NM. Little Bear – Friday, July 25; The Glen – Friday, Aug. 22.’

Thursday, Aug. 7, 1:30-3:30 p.m., FREE Senior Center 999 Civic Center Drive Niles, IL 60714

If you are 50 or better, this may be your chance to chase the golf! First, join us for a viewing of the Age of Champions documentary. Light refreshments will be served after the film. Thursday, Aug. 7, 1:30-3:30 p.m., FREE

Niles Senior Center to receive the member price. Non members are invited to participate in programs at the non-member price. For more information about membership and programs, contact the Senior Center. Issues in the News • 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays This dynamic, refreshing class is led by long time leader of this program, Arlene Golub. This group is filled with folks from all walks of life, retired or not, who want to keep abreast of a broad spectrum of what is occurring locally and worldwide. Issues for discussion are brought up by class participants, and everyone’s opinion is valued. Please call the NSC at 847-588-8420 for more information.

Got the dot? It may save your life Assist first responders with the information they need. Become part of the Illinois Dot Program. The Illinois Dot Program is a statewide initiative designed to provide vital medical information on vehicle drivers and passengers. Information contained on the medical card can assist first responders in the “Golden Hour” immediately following a serious crash. This can very well mean the difference between life and death. For more information, please contact the Niles Senior Center (847 5888420). Social Bridge players needed! Every Tuesday, 12:30pm, contact Jaymi at the Niles Senior Center for more information.

Weekly Dinner & Movie Every Tuesday evening we will be showing a movie at 5:15pm. Dinners can be purchased at the NSC front desk. Registration is required. July 29 – August: Osage County Aug. 5 – Grand Budapest Hotel Aug. 12 – Grudge Match 50+ Sports Challenge Kick Off Winning never gets old! Join us for an afternoon at the NSC to learn about participating in or volunteering for the first 50+ Sports Challenge. This year’s Challenge will be held at the Niles Senior Center as well as the Niles Fitness Center. If you are 50 or better, this may be your chance to chase the golf! First, join us for a viewing of the Age of Champions documentary. Light refreshments will be served after the film. Thursday, Aug. 7, 1:30-3:30 p.m., FREE

Open MIC Night Get out of the house and onto the stage! There is limited amount of time slots, so reserve your spot today! Guitar players, singers, comedians, poets, musicians of all styles wanted! Contact Jaymi at (847)588-8420 to reserve your spot. Open to everyone! Registration required. Monday, Aug. 18, 6 to 8 p.m. $7M/$10.50NM Includes: Glass of wine, coffee & light refreshments. Puttin’ on the Ritz (The Life & Music of Irving Berlin) Luncheon With John Boda. This presentation is a combination of both pictures, interesting tidbits, and music of Irving Berlin songs performed live in between, including “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” Hear other songs as well such as “Cheek to Cheek” “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”, “Always”, “Blue Skies”, “Easter Parade”, “God Bless America” and more! Berlin was the most prolific and important songwriter of the 20th Century, 1000 songs in his long life of 101 years! Each song performed is prefaced with a brief detail on how and where it was written. Berlin’s life will be traced in this enjoyable program. After the presentation, enjoy delicious cheeseburgers, chips, and dessert! Wednesday, Aug. 27, 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. $10M/$15NM.

Park Ridge Senior Center Senior Center Memberships Senior Center membership begins at age 55. Our quarterly new and prospective member meetings will you >> see seniors | page 22

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

>> seniors, from page 21 give information on the many activities, programs, events and services offered. Membership dues are: Single: $46 Resident, $65 Non-Resident Couple: $70 Resident, $99 Non-Resident Over 90 Single: $23 Resident, $32.50 Non-Resident Over 90 Couple: $35 Resident, $49.50 NonResident Enjoy these Senior Center Membership benefits: Priority registration and special rates for Active Adult programs, events & trips; A drop-in social center open 7 days a week; Free members-only unique monthly programming and activities; A variety of free clubs for many interests and hobbies; Monthly Newsletter delivered to your home; and Volunteer Opportunities. Enjoy these facility amenities as a Senior Center Member: Large meeting hall; Classrooms; Full service kitchen; Stage with sound system; Ceramic room and kiln; 2 large screen TVs; Game tables; 4 ping pong tables; Variety of solitary and group activities for member use; Members art displays; Free Lending Library; and Free Medical Lending Closet (limited quantities) For more information, call 847-692-3597. Bridge If bridge is of interest there are several opportunities to enjoy the game. Groups meet on Friday mornings, Sunday afternoons, and Couple’s Bridge meets the first Thursday of the month. Call the Center at 847-692-3597 for more information or to be put in touch with one of the group moderators. Senior Center Clubs Men’s Club: 1st & 2nd Tuesday of the month. Join us as we plan fun and exciting events, as well as make a difference in our community. Book Worms: 1st Thursday of the month, 1 p.m. Love to read? Join us every month

for a discussion pertaining to a variety of books . One per month . Camera Club: 4th Tuesday of the month, 10 a.m. Join our camera club as they provide instruction and interesting slideshows on a variety of different topics . Money Matters with Chris Valentine: 1st & 3rd Monday of the Month, 10 a.m. Chris Valentine from Edward Jones presents a program of financial tips and answers your questions Opera Arts Club with Leo Rizzetto. 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, Noon. Do you have a love for opera and/or musicals? Leo Rizzetto, opera aficionado, presents a variety of majestic operas and toe tapping musicals. Computer Club: 1st Wednesday of the month, 1:30 p.m. Need a computer refresher course or just help learning the computer? Join Richard Brandt as he leads the group . Come with questions. Handicrafters: every Friday, 10 a.m. Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, cross-stitch, or embroider? We make items for the Annual Holiday Bazaar and the V .A . Hospitals . We provide the supplies for these events, or you can work on your own project . Beginners are welcome! Ongoing activities Following are number of ongoing activities at the Center: • Woodcarvers meet Thursdays at 9 a.m.…a free activity: • Gamers, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Fridays play dominos, hand and foot, scrabble for rummikube … also free. • Ceramics students meet 9:30 a.m. to noon Mondays and Tuesdays and work on projects of your choice. There is a charge of $7 per class. • Pinochle players meet the second Monday, Third Thursday and every Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. • Table tennis players start play at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. All abilities are welcome for this free activity. • Have you ever thought of tap dancing? This is a fun way of exercising. The class is at 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays. The fee is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

Seniors Park Ridge

ONGOING

Volunteer help needed at the reception desk of the Center of Concern in Park Ridge

Volunteer Help needed

Volunteer help needed at the reception desk of the Center of Concern in Park Ridge. This 35 year old social service agency helps maintain senior citizens in their homes and provides housing assistance enabling them

The Center of Concern

The mission of The Center of Concern is to provide housing assistance, support services, and counseling for seniors, the disabled, and others in need, enabling them to live with dignity and independence. The Center’s web site is www. centerofconcern.org. Volunteer needed Volunteer help needed at the reception desk of the Center of Concern in Park Ridge. This 35 year old social service agency helps maintain senior citizens in their homes and provides housing assistance enabling them to live with dignity and independence. Call Jim at 847-823-0453. Very flexible hours and other volunteer opportunities are available.

to live with dignity and independence. Call Jim at 847-823-0453. Very flexible hours and other volunteer opportunities are available.

Calendar of Events Unless otherwise noted, all services are offered at The Center of Concern offices at 1580 N. Northwest Hwy., Suite 310, in Park Ridge. For services that require an appointment, call 847-823-0453 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or 9 a.m. to noon Friday. • Wed., July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30—Grief and Loss Counseling • Wed., July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30—Consultation appointments for supportive services for isolated seniors and family caregivers of Maine Township • Mon. July 7, 14, 21, and 28—Employment counseling (by appt. only) • Sat., July 12 and July 26—Legal counseling (by appt. only) • Sun., July 20—Coffee and Classics (Intergenerational Car Show), Park Ridge Public Library Parking Lot, 9:00 a.m.

-11:00 a.m. • Sat., July 26—Blood pressure & blood sugar testing, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. (no appointment needed) Preparation of simple wills and durable powers of attorney for health care and property also is available by appointment. Homeowners desiring additional income, companionship, or the ability to remain in their homes may wish to consider The Center of Concern’s shared housing program. Residents are matched with screened applicants who possess a temperament suitable to shared accommodations. The Center of Concern also offers friendly visitors for the homebound, programs designed to prevent homelessness, and volunteer opportunities in the office and in the field. The Center’s web site is www.centerofconcern.org.

seNiors

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014

Jill on moneY

are markets a little too quiet this quarter? Financial Stress Index fell to its lowest level since 1993, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve BY Jill sCHlesinger tribuNe coNteNt ageNcY

www.jillonmoney.com

Within days of starting the third quarter of the year, U.S. stock market indexes were breaking records again and this time, they were also marking new milestones. The Dow Jones Industrial crossed over the 17,000 mark, nearly eight months after breaching 16,000 (the seventh-fastest 1000-point gain in the index’s history); the Standard & Poor’s 500 was knocking on the door of the 2000-level; and 14 years after hitting the 5,000 level the first time around, the NASDAQ Composite seemed ready to recapture its old glory, just 12.5 percent below its record set in March 2000. You might think that the Wall Street cheerleaders would be out there celebrating with a noisy show, but something strange is going on...despite records, milestones and smart year-to-date gains, it’s eerily quiet right now, perhaps too quiet. Investors are feeling mellow, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve, which announced that its Financial Stress Index fell to its lowest level since the regional bank started tracking the data in 1993. Through the July 3rd close, the S&P 500 has gone 54 sessions in a row without closing up or down more than one percent, the longest such stretch since 1995. And the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) - often referred to as the“fear index” - closed at 10.32 just before the Independence Day weekend. To put that in perspective, the VIX soared above 80 during the financial crisis. The VIX is down nearly 25 percent from the beginning of the year; is nearing its lowest level since 2007, when it fell below 10; and appears to be on path to challenge its all-time low of 9.31, reached on Dec. 22, 1993. Just because the environment seems calm doesn’t mean that something bad is brewing. In fact, there have been various periods when markets have been downright boring. But it would be unwise to let down your guard against the risks that are ever-present for investors, the biggest one of them all allowing your emotions to

The current placid market conditions may allow you to gloss over the gyrations experienced during the financial crisis and subsequent bear market. guide your decision-making. A recent New York Times article called attention to something you probably already know: humans have physical reactions to extreme risk that can help protect us (touch that hot stove and your brain tells you pull it back in a hurry), but also can lead us astray. Author John Coates explained that “under conditions of extreme volatility, such as a crisis, traders, investors and indeed whole companies can freeze up in risk aversion.” You may have experienced just such feelings in 2008 and 2009 and perhaps even sold everything in your portfolio to make those feelings go away. The flip side of freezing up is getting lulled into a false sense of security. The current placid market conditions may allow you to gloss over the gyrations experienced during the financial crisis and subsequent bear market. Even more dangerous is the fact that a calm period can lead to a new round of risk taking. “When opportunities abound, a potent cocktail of dopamine - a neurotransmitter operating along the pleasure pathways of the brain - and testosterone encourages us to expand our risk taking.” Because human risk preferences can change as market conditions shift, you may be wondering,“How can I protect myself from myself?” The answer is clear: to adopt a diversified investment strategy that incorporates your risk tolerance, time horizon and financial goals. Let me state unequivocally: the strategy does not work perfectly in the short-term. When markets crashed in 2008 and 2009, almost every asset class plummeted in unison, and in the first half of this year, everything from stocks to bonds to commodities increased

in value. That said,asset classes might gain or lose value simultaneously for a period of time, but typically not by the same magnitude and not over a longer time horizon. During times of crisis or times of extreme calm, you may question the benefits of diversification. When you do, remember that when markets are either very noisy or quiet, the subsequent period may be far less so. Stick to your game plan - you will be happy that you did. (Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is the Emmynominated CBS News Business Analyst. A former options trader and CIO of an investment advisory firm, Jill covers the economy, markets, investing and anything else with a dollar sign on TV, radio (including her nationally syndicated radio show), the web and her blog, “Jill on Money.” She welcomes comments and questions at askjill@ moneywatch.com. Check her website at www.jillonmoney.com) (c) 2014 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC

stoCK Photo

The VIX is down nearly 25 percent from the beginning of the year; is nearing its lowest level since 2007, when it fell below 10; and appears to be on path to challenge its all-time low of 9.31, reached on Dec. 22, 1993.

THE BUGLE JULY 24, 2014