Niles 4-9-15

APRIL 9, 2015 VOL. 59 ISSUE 27

NEWS

capITaL prOJecTS, IMrF FOcuS OF FInaL BuDGeT MeeTInG First reading of budget scheduled for April 9

see page 3

NEWS City, park district urge severe weather preparedness Severe weather booklets available at Park Ridge City Hall

see page 2

NEWS Niles police release results of impaired driving crackdown St. Patrick’s Day campaign nets seven DUI arrests

see page 4 HOME + GARDEN

Springtime lawn care failures Expect a happy lawn all season with these steps

see page 11 MEDICAL MEMO

Explaining the Dangers of Glaucoma The eye disease is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S.

see page 14

SPORTS Dons determined Notre Dame built to win this year

see page 7

Park Ridge girl with autism uses art to inspire, communicate with others

Candy Waters was diagnosed with severe autism at age 3, but has gone on to inspire people worldwide with her art.

(Courtesy of Robert Waters)

parK rIDGe

BY DANIEL SMROKOWSKI | FOR THE BUGLE

c

andy Waters is an artist who has inspired thousands of people around the world, including a noteworthy list of celebrities and former athletes.

For the first three years of the Park ridge teenager’s life, she was just like any other typically developing toddler, talking and pointing. At the age of 3, candy regressed and lost her speech and fine motor skills. She was diagnosed with severe autism and became nonverbal.

This month is Autism Awareness Month, a time when the community celebrates the abilities of those diagnosed with autism.

Candy, 14, and her family are doing just that by showcasing her art to the world.

Candy will take part in the Autism Speaks Walk on May 16 at Soldier’s Field, and her art will be displayed at the Abilities Expo from June 12-14 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.

The young artist’s story began around the time she turned 6 years old and began attending Soaring Eagle Academy, a Burr Ridge school for children with autism and other special needs. Prior to the school opening, the director asked some of the children to create pieces of art.

Having never tried before, Candy and her parents were given some canvases and bought paints and brushes. She began drawing circles and lines that looked like a sun, but what occurred next shocked her parents to amazement.

“We thought it looked great,” said Robert Waters, with a chuckle. “Of course, anything she does is great to us because we’re her parents.”

Soaring Eagle set up a gallery of the children’s art and Candy’s painting sold for

Former NFL great Dan Marino holds one of Candy Waters’ paintings.

(Courtesy of Robert Waters)

$100. Despite her challenges, Candy’s parents said she is happy and cheerful whenever she is painting. For added enjoyment, her parents play music while she paints, and Candy especially loves the Beatles.

“As I say, where words fail, music and art

speak,” her mother, Sandy Waters, said.

Painting is also therapeutic and helps Candy improve her fine motor skills, according to her parents. She is now able to open doors and jars all by herself. Most importantly, Candy’s art gives her the ability to communicate without words.

“She gives us little glimpses into her world, letting us see, the world see, what she sees [and] what she feels,” said Robert. “By the looks of the paintings, it looks like a pretty good world.”

One of Candy’s most well-known works, titled “Mr. Sun,” captured the attention of the university of California of Irvine’s magazine.

The magazine used “Mr. Sun” for the cover of its Summer 2013 issue, which highlighted the university’s efforts to help those living with autism.

But, the reach of Candy’s art didn’t stop there.

Her Facebook page has more than 40,000 fans from around the globe, including celebrities such

See voICe | page 13

Thursday, apri l 9, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

City, park district urge severe spring weather preparedness Severe Weather booklets available at City Hall

By BuGLe STaFF nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @BugleNewspapers

Spring is in the air, and that means warmer temperatures and the potential for severe weather.

The city of Park Ridge and the Park Ridge Park District are reminding residents to be prepared for the different types of severe weather events that are possible in Illinois, including thunderstorms, lightning, floods, large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.

“Severe weather hazards have the potential to cause extensive property damage, injury and/or death,” Park Ridge Deputy City Clerk Cheryl Peterson said in a release. In addition to building an emergency preparedness kit and listening for severe weather alerts, residents can pick up Severe Weather Preparedness booklets at City Hall, 505 Butler Place.

Tornadoes can have rotating winds in excess of 300 miles per hour, and can cause fatalities and destroy neighborhoods in the blink of an eye, the city added.

These storms are most common in

the Midwest between late spring and early summer, and often time have little or no advance warning.

“Be alert and be prepared,” Peterson said. “Look for changing weather conditions.”

The city said residents should consider a dark, greenish sky, large hail and a large, dark, low lying cloud with possible rotation as signs of a forming tornado.

Tornados are also loud, with sound similar to a freight train.

Additionally, parks, athletic fields, pools, and golf and baseball facilities are protected by Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System from April to November.

The system is equipped with sensors that measure electrostatic charges in the air and at ground level.

Alarm horns provide an 8-12 minute warning to clear areas and seek shelter when conditions indicate that a lightning occurrence is probable. A 15 second warning horn blast will sound when a potentially dangerous weather situation is approaching.

“Clear the area immediately and seek proper shelter,” Peterson said. “Wait for the ‘All Clear’ (three short blasts) to resume activities.”

The Park Ridge Park District maintains the Thor Guard system.

Thursday, Apri l 9, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

3

village news > park ridge

Capital projects, IMRF focus of final budget meeting First reading of budget scheduled for April 9

By Tracy Gruen For the bugle

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @BugleNewspapers

The Park Ridge City Council discussed the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and future capital projects during the final of a series of budget workshops last week.

The IMRF was one of the items

on the agenda for the March 30 budget workshop, and staff said expenditures for the fund are budgeted at $1.95 million for fiscal year 2016, compared with $2.15 million in fiscal 2015.

“It’s the only pensions system in Illinois that is in essence fully funded,” said City Manager Shawn Hamilton, who said the contribution percentage for IMRF decreased by more than 1 percent since the 2014 amount.

Alderman Marc Mazzuca said the IMRF is doing so well and noted that percent contributions to the fund keep falling. He asked if the city should expect the police

Village of Niles, Maine East host Local Government Day About 80 Maine East High School students will participate in Local Government Day, a half-day simulation for students taking a senior-level government course.

The village of Niles and Maine East are hosting the event, which is in its second year, on Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon at the high school, 2601 Dempster St., Park Ridge.

“The village of Niles is excited to work with Maine East High School again this year,” Teen Center Director Mark Williams said.

After receiving a brief overview of village structure, services and funding, students will spend an hour meeting in small groups with a designated department head.

Maine East students will represent each village department and the board of trustees.

Students will be presented with a variety of potential options to increase revenues or cut expenses, and debate how to deal with a possible $1.5 million budget deficit.

and fire pension fund to also be performing well.

“Every dollar they can earn on returns in those pension investments is one less dollar that taxpayers’ have to pull out of their pockets,” said Mazzuca, following the meeting.

Mazzuca said IMRF is earning very strong returns and he wanted to make sure the police and fire pensions are also being properly managed locally.

City aldermen also decided to push up a project to replace the Park Ridge Public Library’s outdoor rear staircase and the retaining wall to the fiscal 2016

budget in the amount of $32,500.

“It’s in disrepair; if those same issues existed here or at a fire station, I think we’d be looking at fixing them,” Fifth Ward Alderman Daniel Knight said, adding that the steps are unsightly and could present a danger to the public.

One alderman questioned whether fixing the staircase would obligate the city to pay for other projects at the library, for example, if they needed a new roof.

“I don’t think it obligates us,” said Knight. “I don’t think it sets a precedent.”

Hamilton noted that the city owns the library building, saying

that there are certain aspects the city takes care of and others that are the library’s responsibility.

Other large capital projects in the budget are the annual sidewalk replacement for $150,000 and the replacement of all the emergency sirens in town for $140,000.

The first reading of the budget will take place on April 9, and the final budget is expected to be approved on April 20.

In the winter, Hamilton presented the budget as a “status quo” budget, with no new programs being added. Mazzuca said he is not sure if the budget will remain a “status quo” budget.

www.cookcoUNTYcRiMeSToppeRS.oRG • 800.535.STop Thursday, apri l 9, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Niles, Park Ridge and Morton Grove police departments. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.

13

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nILeS kevin T. clanzy, 52, of chicago, was arrested at 9:20 p.m.

March 26 on harlem and Jonquil for driving while license suspended.

1

3

Jerzy Brzozowski, 52, of chicago, was arrested at 11:22 p.m. March 26 on Milwaukee avenue and Mulford for driving under the influence.

2

11

4

9

6 15 2

Ryan kuta, 18, of park Ridge, was arrested at 1:07 a.m.

March 28 on dempster Street and Grand for possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia and possession of alcohol by a minor.

3

5

alex diaz, 28, of chicago, was arrested at 2:14 a.m. March 28 on Milwaukee avenue and Monroe for speeding.

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8

10

1

7

parK rIDGe hamza Bouslimi, 24, of the 5500 block of North Spaulding, chicago, was arrested at 8:15 p.m. March 23 on Touhy avenue and dee Road for driving without lights when required and driving while license suspended.

5

Frederick l. dunn, 39, of the 10000 block of linda lane, des plaines, was arrested at 10 p.m.

March 25 on Milwaukee and keeney for suspended driver’s license.

6

Miguel a. Ramirez-Montano, 26, of the 8000 block of west Belmont avenue, chicago, was arrested at 4:51 p.m. March 26 on Touhy and Summit for suspended driver’s license, no insurance and disregarding traffic control device.

7

Joseph F. Ruzicka, 23, of the 0-100 block of South chester, park Ridge, was arrested at 6:43 p.m.

March 28 in the 900 block of west Touhy for no valid registration.

8

MOrTOn GrOVe Myung k. Shin, 27, of Milwaukee, was arrested on March 24 on dempster Street and austin for possession of controlled substance, dUi-alcohol and driving on a revoked driver’s license.

9

liza a. Rodriguez, 21, of was arrested on

10 chicago,

March 26 on oakton and Menard for no valid driver’s license. karianne Rado, 26, of Niles, was arrested on March 26 in the 6900 block of dempster for possession of drug paraphernalia.

11

ajnur Genis, 32, of chicago, was arrested on March 27 on Gross point Road for hit-and-run.

Suspect was involved in an accident and initially left the scene.

12

alfonso Flores, 42, of Niles, was arrested on March 29 in the 7900 block of Golf Road for possession of controlled substance and theft.

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everett pullett, 24, of chicago,

14 was arrested on March 31 on church and central for driving with a suspended driver’s license.

Jaime Rodriguez-Sanchez, 23, of chicago, was arrested on March 27 on austin and oakton for dUi-alcohol.

15

police > niles

Police release results of impaired driving crackdown St. Patrick’s Day campaign nets seven DUI arrests

By BuGLe STaFF nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @BugleNewspapers

The Niles Police Department announced last week that it made a number of arrests and issued more than 25 citations during recent “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.

“Niles Police Department made seven drunk-driving arrests during the recent St. Patrick’s Day crackdown,”

Niles Police Sgt. Robert Tornabene said, adding that two drug arrests and one arrest for a suspended driver were also made.

Additionally, police issued two citations for using a cellphone without hands free activated, as well as 25 other citations during the campaign.

During the Illinois St. Patrick’s Day crackdown, Niles police joined forces with other state and local law enforcement and highway safety partners.

The campaign featured highvisibility enforcement and numerous outreach activities, including a strategic media campaign and additional enforcement activity.

The Niles Police Department announced last week that it made a number of arrests and issued more than 25 citations during recent “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.

The St. Patrick’s Day crackdown was funded by federal traffic safety funds through IDOT’s Division of Transportation Safety and is part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.

Send us your feedback at nweditor@buglenewspapers.com

guesT column

Thursday, apri l 9, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

5

editorial

Does Niles have enough pornography?

production

Laura KatausKas stewart warren • Mark GreGory • Mike Sandrolini

extension free expression?

When the Library Board Would it be OK if people had sex considered filtering all the at the Library? If a flasher were computers in the library against exposing himself in the parking nudity and pornography the lot or inside the library would argument against it was that that fall within his rights? Those the library is all about “access are all manifestations of free to information” and that we expression and, although they shouldn’t regulate what adults

By MOrGan are currently a minority, beliefs do. What do you think? Is DuBIeL that are fervently held by some pornography a good, neutral ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE people. Where does the person or bad thing for Niles? For who doesn’t want to be exposed pornography to be neutral it would have to have no effect on human to pornography fit in to this view of beings, but we know that pornography pornography as a fundamental right? Do isn’t neutral. It does, in fact, have an they get any say in the matter or, since effect on human beings, both physically these rights would be in conflict, does and mentally. Next, and for the sake of pornography become more important argument, let’s presume that it’s good. than the rights of other people? Where Should Illinois legislators mandate that do you keep the scale so that there’s pornography is a basic human right? Is balance?

If pornography is a good thing, pornography like our First Amendment freedoms that protect speech, the right to something that normal, healthy adults peaceable free assembly and freedom of do, when do we start teaching or exposing kids to pornography - high school or association and the freedom of religion?

Perhaps you view pornography as an grade school? Would our public officials, extension of free speech and by further police and firefighters be more effective

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

Dear editor, After the April 7 election, new Park Ridge-Niles District 64 School Board members will take an oath of office which requires them to promise they “will avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety which could result from [their] position, and will not use [their] board membership for personal gain….” Mr. Bublitz, a fulltime administrator in Maine East School District 63, was admittedly recruited to run for the School District 64 School Board by its teachers union, Park Ridge Education Association. Also, Mr. Bublitz’s spouse is a full-time teacher in District 64 and a member of the PREA union.

The problem is that, if elected, Mr. Bublitz will vote on how PREA members – including his own family – will be compensated. Nepotism at the school board level is legal in Illinois. Mr. Bublitz is a taxpayer and has a right to run. But, while not impermissible under law, it still is a conflict of interest to decide how much income comes into your own household. It is unethical and taxpayers understand that. When confronted about this very issue at the District 64 Candidate Forum by a local blogger, Mr. Bublitz refused to say whether he’d recuse himself from voting on the PREA contract. However, even if Mr. Bublitz is elected and does recuse himself, our community will still be underserved by having a board member who remains

Lisa rhein concerned District 64 parent

Action makes mockery of transparency award Dear editor, Changing an organization’s bylaws is akin to changing a country’s constitution.

It should not be done easily, on short notice, with little opportunity for debate, and for partisan reasons.

But, that is what happened at a recent Niles Library Board meeting.

On Feb. 18, Board President Morgan Dubiel, who has opposed extending Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund benefits to library employees (even though 95 percent of other Illinois libraries do so), proposed an amendment to the library bylaws which would make it difficult for the library to ever join IMRF. The bylaws do not impose similar requirements on any other type of board action or expenditure.

I and other members of the board expressed opposition to this proposed amendment, stating that it was unnecessary, inconsistent with bylaw requirements for any other measures, and suspiciously timed in light of the upcoming election.

The amendment was put over to the next regularly scheduled meeting on March 18.

if they watched more pornography?

Does pornography build strong marriages and does it help bring people closer together in a relationship? Does it humanize or dehumanize people? How does pornography affect users? Study after study indicates that pornography use causes emotional estrangement in couples. It increases dissatisfaction in their partner’s appearance and intimacy level. In male users, porn leads to greater casual sex, use of prostitutes and/or short shallow relationships.

World-renowned entertainment scholar professor Dolf Zillmann described the results of pornography viewing as producing a decreased respect for long-term, monogamous relationships and a reduced desire for procreation.

In short, pornography is anti-family, anti-child, anti-woman and, in actuality, anti-man and masculinity. There is nothing macho or heroic about it. Does Niles have enough pornography? You’ll have to decide, Dear Reader.

However, in the intervening time, President Dubiel called a “special” meeting, without checking to see if any of the members who opposed the amendment could attend on the date he selected. They could not. There was no emergency which warranted calling this meeting – except that not all of Dubiel’s supporters could attend the next regular meeting date on March 18. Hence, Dubiel could only get the three extra votes he needed to pass the amendment before the upcoming election by calling this “special” meeting.

With only his supporters at the“special” meeting, the proposed amendment got four votes. President Dubiel announced that his bylaw amendment had passed.

Recently, the Niles Library won a “Sunshine” award for transparency. But Dubiel’s manipulation of the board meeting dates and the bylaws to advance his own agenda make a mockery of that award. Whether or not voters are in favor of extending IMRF benefits to Niles Library employees, they should question whether they want to elect board members who employ these types of tactics to “rig the rules.”

Bylaws should not be toyed with; amendments should not be quickly rushed through; tinkering with bylaws for partisan purposes should not be allowed.

Regardless of how one might feel about IMRF, playing fast and loose with bylaws should not be tolerated.

Karen Dimond Vice president niles Library Board of Trustees

FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE 5 MINUTES FOR YOURSELF Thursday, apri l 9, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

Aries

MARCH 21 TO APRil 20

Resistance to your personal magnetism is futile. Advisors, loved ones and friends may urge you to experiment with something dramatically different this week. Focus your energies on positively transforming your life.

gemini

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

Restore a relationship by being sincere and truthful.

This may be a good week to speak frankly to children or to make amends with someone who’s crossed the line. Don’t be stingy or cut corners if you purchase a gift.

leo

J U lY 2 3 T O A U G U s T 2 1

A surprise is in store that may open a door. Your partner or significant other might have some startling news or offer highly creative financial ideas. Remain broadminded and agree to test out some new methods in the week ahead.

Across 1 MOOiNG CRiTTER 4 ANCiENT REGiON sURROUNdiNG ATHENs 10 REAGAN ERA Mil. PROGRAM 13 disGUsTEd GRUNTs 15 REsidENT Of TiBET’s CAPiTAl 16 MUsClE sPAsM 17 illEGAl ACTiviTY AdMiTTEd BY lANCE ARMsTRONG iN JANUARY 2013 19 WRiTER fOR WHOM THE EdGAR AWARd is NAMEd 20 NOT sACREd 21 sECRET MATTERs 23 BABA WHO sTOlE fROM THiEvEs 24 siNGER WiTH CROsBY, sTills & NAsH 27 GlAss CONTAiNER 29 ACTREss CANNON 30 PETER fONdA’s TiTlE BEEkEEPER 31 OPPOsEd (TO) 34 HURTs WiTH A TUsk 37 EsPN sHOW WiTH AN “iNsidE PiTCH” sEGMENT 42 WillEM Of “PlATOON” 43 100-lAWMAkERs GROUP 44 “PETER PAN” PiRATE 47 HANG AROUNd 49 PRETORiA’s lANd: ABBR. 50 TROUssEAU HOldER 53 sTOMACH-PUNCH REsPONsE 55 sTART Of THE liNE THAT iNClUdEs “WHEREfORE ART THOU” 56 fEMAlE sTAR 60 COMfY ROOM 61 vOlCANiC HAWAiiAN lANdMARk, ANd A HiNT TO THE fiRsT WORd Of 17-, 24-, 37- ANd

50-ACROss 64 NiGHT’s OPPOsiTE 65 __ PiE: iCE CREAM TREAT 66 REACHEd BAsE iN A ClOUd Of dUsT 67 “TAsTY!” 68 UNsETTliNG lOOks 69 ARid

Down

1 BABY BEARs 2 lOOk AT lAsCiviOUslY 3 “sO WHAT?” 4 AlAN Of “M*A*s*H” 5 likE ROsEBUsHEs 6 PUB sPiGOT 7 “WOE __”: PATRiCiA T. O’CONNER GRAMMAR BOOk 8 GONdOliER’s “sTREET” 9 HOPPiNG MAd 10 ONE Of MiNN.’s TWiN CiTiEs 11 siNGER WARWiCk 12 fRiGid HisTORiC PERiOd 14 ARETHA’s GENRE 18 551, AT THE fORUM 22 dAd’s NEPHEW 25 AERiE HATCHliNGs 26 PlAYiNG AN ExTRA NBA PERiOd, sAY 27 QUiCk BlOW 28 GARdNER ONCE MARRiEd TO

siNATRA 29 REfUsiNG TO lisTEN 32 UsE, As A COUPON 33 ENTREPRENEURAidiNG ORG. 35 OPTiMisTiC 36 OPPOsiTE Of WsW 38 COME iN lAsT 39 lAsAGNA-lOviNG CAT 40 GROWTH CHART NOs. 41 BREWEd dRiNk 44 POORlY MAdE 45 WElls’ “THE islANd Of dR. __” 46 ARNOld PAlMER OR sHiRlEY TEMPlE, dRiNkWisE 48 WHERE CHARiTY BEGiNs 51 fORMAllY GivEs UP 52 RAisE, As A sAil 53 Old fORT NEAR MONTEREY 54 sOUNds Of WONdER 57 GRANdsON Of AdAM 58 dEPilATORY BRANd 59 HOT TUB sWiRl 62 AliAs lETTERs 63 fORMER RUssiAN sPACE sTATiON

librA

sEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

You may seem to others like the steady Freddy of your crowd. People will trust you to “know” and understand their problems, hopes and dreams as the week unfolds. You attract those who’ll support your ideals through thick and thin.

sAgittArius

NOvEMBER 23 TO dECEMBER 22

Follow your inner bliss. While others are treading water, you’re buoyed up by inspiration. Your inner muse and wise mentors will give you a sense of direction this week. You’ll be able to accomplish more through teamwork.

AquArius

JANUARY 21 TO fEBRUARY 19

That mirror, mirror on the wall may find you the fairest of them all. You’ll feel like a celebrity with all the extra attention you receive this week. People respond favorably to friendliness, so little effort is needed to make friends.

Sudoku

tAurus

A P R i l 2 1 T O M AY 2 1

Be sure that your actions add to the greater good rather than feeding your fantasies. In the week ahead, you can nudge along beneficial reforms even if it only seems like a drop in the bucket. You are someone’s shining light.

cAncer

J U N E 2 2 T O J U lY 2 2

The foreign and exotic might simultaneously attract and repel you. Put aside preconceived notions and embrace beneficial changes throughout the week. You’ll never know how good something is until you try it.

virgo

AUGUsT 22 TO sEPTEMBER 23

A simple apology will yield significant results. Grease the wheels of social interactions by being prompt with explanations and quick to act contrite. Your advice may be sought; you’ll be considered a leader in the week ahead.

scorpio

OCTOBER 24 TO NOvEMBER 22

New starts and processes may be implemented successfully. A changing of the guard at work might give you a chance to try your hand at different tasks. Be willing to experiment in the week ahead.

cApricorn

dECEMBER 23 TO JANUARY 20

Actions speak much louder and forcibly than words. Go out of your way to prove that you mean what you say. A special someone might appreciate your companionship whenever you have a few spare moments in the week ahead.

pisces

fEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Let past conflicts drop by the wayside. As this week unfolds, you’ll work best when teamed with members of the opposite sex. Fun and relaxation might take some extra effort and planning but will be well worth it.

Jumble

Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2015

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

Jumbles:

• AGENT • BOOTH • MORGUE • CANOPY

Answer:

WHAT THE PiCNiCkERs THOUGHT Of THE sWARMiNG iNsECTs -- “GNAT” MUCH

THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015

page 7

>> inside: baseball, soFTball, Volleyball roundup page 9

BaseBall

doNs

DETERMINED Notre Dame built to win this year

By MIKe SanDrOLInI sPorts rePorter

mike@nilesbugle.com @Voyager_Sport

Mother Nature didn’t grant many favors to area baseball teams last month.

Following a stretch of warmer weather during the middle of the month which enabled teams to get outside, six inches of snow fell March 23 and another dusting of snow greeted the area last Friday morning.

But once the fields dry out and the weather turns seasonable, look for teams such as Notre Dame, Maine South and Niles West to be competitive while Maine East is hoping to improve on a 2-26 campaign a year ago.

nOTre DaMe Dons coach Nelson Gord means no disrespect to opponents when he says it’s probably more difficult to win the ESCC than it is trying to advance in the postseason, but he believes it’s one of the toughest conferences in the state.

“That’s going to allow us to be battle-tested going into playoffs,” said Gord, whose 2014 club finished 20-16-1.

Like last season, the Dons played their first two 2015 contests at Heritage Park in Wheeling, whose baseball diamond has all-weather turf.

And Notre Dame won both, 8-3 over Prospect March 19 and 2-0 versus Evanston March 26—a game in which Gord used seven pitchers, each whom pitched

one inning.

Gord routinely sends multiple pitchers out to the mound each game because that way, opposing hitters can’t adjust to a pitcher they’ve seen for a few innings.

“That’s something I really believe in,” he said. “We talk a lot about it and kind of explain why we do it (to all the pitchers). We had five 1-2-3 innings (on March 26).”

Returnees Scott Kutschke, Brandon Nowak, Joe Rimac—all lefties—and right-hander Adnan Sator each went an inning, as did Nick Stefanowicz, Tim Simon and Sam Ferri, whose fastball touches 90 mph. Ferri, who had initially verbally committed to Notre Dame, has switched and now has committed to Arizona State.

Ferri is the team’s closer and its starting catcher. Ferri and Rimac (first base) are two of five Notre Dame seniors in the infield with three years of varsity experience—the others being shortstop Tom Norton, third baseman Matt Segovia and second baseman Mike Ferri, Sam’s brother.

“I think this particular group of kids have a special bond and special makeup,” Gord said. “We kind of put all our eggs in one basket (for this year). There’s no reason why we can’t be contention for a conference title and make a run at state.”

The Dons have lost by identical

See baseball | page 8

phoTo BY Mike SaNdRoliNi

Mike Ferri and Notre dame look to make a deep playoff run this year.

8 baseball | from page 7 2-1 scores in each of their past two regional title games.

“It’s just a matter of hitting,” Gord said, “We definitely have the right people. If we do that (hit), I don’t think there’s any reason why we shouldn’t be able to do well.”

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

Thursday, Apri l 9, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com MAINE SOUTH The Hawks’ track record of success over the past five years reads as follows: four regional championships, two sectional crowns, two CSL South titles and a runner-up finish last spring, while going 25-7 overall.

Prior to the snow, and the

temperatures turning sharply colder, the Hawks took part in four games—two varsity, two junior varsity—at a tourney in downstate Jacksonville on an all-weather field. They defeated Marmion, 5-0 and Carmel, 6-2, in the varsity contests, and also won the JV games.

“We got a lot of kids in, which is good,” said coach Bill Milano.

The pitching staff looks solid with returning right-hander Hank Schau leading the way.

Milano also has been impressed with senior Brandon Ranieri, while juniors Jimmy O’Brien and Kyle Zajdel round out the rotation.

“They all pitched well (in Jacksonville),” Milano said.

“Brandon just pounds the strike zone. Over the summer he was probably our most consistent pitcher. He throws nothing but strikes.”

Caleb deMarigny, a senior, returns at short for his third varsity campaign, and senior allCSL team member Zach Parker, a Lewis University recruit, is back at catcher. Seniors Phil Bork and Steve Sakowicz, an all-conference pick last spring, man first and second base, respectively. Senior Matt Houck, and juniors P.J. Teahan and David Fleita, are vying for the starting job at third.

In the outfield, senior Joe Guzaldo is in left, while junior Tyler Short plays center when Schau is pitching. In right is senior Jarret Gustafson, who started there early last season before getting injured.

“We’re really strong up the middle,” Milano said. “That’s key for any baseball team. We have good team speed. We try

to use our speed and skill to manufacture runs.”

NILES WEST Coach Garry Gustafson’s team is coming of an 18-13 season, and this year he’s done something that he hasn’t in 25 years of coaching: have four sophomores on the varsity club.

One of those sophs, Michael Gunartt, started as a first baseman and outfielder in 2014, and likely will hit in the No. 4 spot this season. Sophomore second baseman Bobby Lochner may very well join older brother Kevin—the Wolves’ third baseman and lone left-handed hitter in the lineup—as an infield starter. Christos Tountas has varsity experience at shortstop, and senior Michael Byrne returns behind the plate.

The outfield is set with a number of seniors: threeyear varsity performer and all-conference selection Tyler Stegich, who’ll likely hit third; speedy Jeremy Pignato, who’ll lead off; George Georgevich; Ryan Chepulis; and Tommy Galanopoulos, star quarterback of the Niles West football team who didn’t play baseball last spring but should see action both in the outfield and at short.

“We’ll move him around a little bit from outfield and infield,” Gustafson said. “He will swing the bat well for us. I think we’ve got some bats in the lineup.”

On the mound are Stegich, Blake Kons, Adrian Santiago and Kevin Lochner, along with Brian Stranz (all are seniors). Johnny Atans and Marvin Maldonado are junior pitching hopefuls.

“We have some senior pitching and they’ll have to step up for

us to be successful,” Gustafson said.

Overall, Gustafson said he feels the Wolves will get better as the season progresses.

“Our conference is loaded,” he said. “It’s going to take a little time to put everything together.

We should get better as the season goes on.”

MAINE EAST The Demons took their lumps last season, but coach Ron Clark welcomes back four three-year starters, three of whom are pitchers/position players.

Dylan Kuffell, Lukas Parker and Jake Devitt all will take the bump, and junior Bradley Augustyn also got experience on the mound. In addition, Clark has 6-3 freshman left-hander Antoine Kelly.

Kuffell will be in the infield when he’s not pitching, and Parker will be catching. Devitt is an outfielder. Augustyn can play either infield or outfield, and Kelly lines up at first base.

Junior Jose Trujillo, an infielder, also is in his third year as a starter, while senior David Ulis is a second-year starting outfielder.

Freshman Jusuf Zvizdic can play multiple positions and may see innings on the hill.

The Demons have already equaled their victory total from last season with wins over Northridge Prep (17-7) and Luther North (10-0).

“This will be a talented and very experienced team,” Clark said. “We have very good pitching depth and are strong up the middle defensively. We will be much improved offensively as well. I am confident that we will compete very well this season.”

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

Thursday, Apri l 9, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

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roundup

Bork’s 4-RBI day lifts Maine South to victory Maine South pounded Hinsdale Central 10-4 in a non-conference game April 1 behind winning pitcher Kyle Zajdel, who struck out four in five innings, and the hitting of Phil Bork, who had four RBIs with a double and single.

Hank Schau also had two hits and two RBIs, and Robby Coggin drove in two runs. Caleb deMarigny and Joe Guzaldo each drove in a run, and Stephen Sakowicz doubled.

Earlier last week, the Hawks suffered a 3-2 loss to McHenry.

Sakowicz and Coggin each had RBIs, and Zach Parker double for the Hawks’ only extra base hit.

•Maine East went 1-3 last week, defeating Elmwood Park 6-4 on April

1, but bowing Fenton 7-2 March 30, 5-3 to Hoffman Estates March 31, and 11-0 to Taft last Saturday.

The Demons scored all six of their runs in the win vs. Elmwood Park during the fifth inning. Jake Devitt was the winning pitcher, with Antoine Kelly picking up the save. Ryan Sands went 3-for-3 with a double, and Lukas Parker also doubled.

Maine East held a 3-2 lead during the sixth inning of its loss at Hoffman Estates, but Hoffman scored three runs in the bottom of the inning.

Jose Trujillo had two hits, including a double.

Bradley Augustyn and Jusuf Zvizdic each had two hits and an RBI in the loss to Fenton. David Ulis also

doubled.

•Niles West on April 2 outslugged Elk Grove 10-7. Kevin Lochner got the win on the mound for the Wolves, and Blake Kons set the pace offensively, collecting four RBIs with a double and three hits in three at-bats.

•Notre Dame split a doubleheader last Saturday against Jacobs, winning the opener 5-1 but falling in the nightcap, 7-3. Joe Rimac started and was the winning pitcher, going the first two innings. He also had three RBIs and two hits. Michael Ferri tripled for the Dons’ only extra base hit.

In the Game 2 loss, Kevin Johnson doubled and drove in a run.

Last Thursday, Westmont—the

state’s third-place finisher in Class 2A last season—opened up a 5-0 lead, but the Dons tied it with five runs in the fifth and then won it in the bottom of the seventh, 6-5, taking advantage of a Westmont double error.

Michael Ferri notched the victory in relief, and Matt Segovia cracked a home run and had two RBIs. Rimac hit two doubles, Tommy Norton tripled, Ian Steigerwald doubled, and Tim Simon and Sam Ferri each had two hits.

SOFTBALL Niles West walked over Wheeling 7-1 on March 31 as winning pitcher Maya Caballero struck out 12.

Caballero helped herself, driving in

two runs with a homer and single.

Hailey Fishman added a double and two RBIs, Hope Cherian had two hits, including a double, and an RBI, and Emily Butera went 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL Notre Dame slipped to 2-5 overall on the season after dropping a threegame match to Niles North on April 1, 27-25, 21-25, 23-25.

Conor O’Neill had five kills and seven digs, Angelo Giannoni added 11 assists and 13 digs, and Daniel Messina got four kills and nine digs.

Luke DiMeo chipped in with nine assists and eight digs, and Tyler Pierson finished with 11 digs.

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

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Thursday, apri l 9, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com downers grove norTh

q & a with local athletes ARE YOU MORE OF A TWITTER OR FACEBOOK PERSON? More of a Twitter person personally. It’s more interactive for me; I like it a lot better.

HOW MANY FOLLOWERS DO YOU HAVE? I think I’m up in the 300s IS THERE ANYONE IN PARTICULAR YOU LIKE TO FOLLOW? I follow Troy Tulowitzki with the Rockies. I’ m a Rockies’ fan; I was born in Colorado. It’s kind of like a fan page so it’ll be pictures and stats and stuff like that.

Do you think the Cubs did the right thing by starting Kris Bryant in the minors?

yes

FEATURING

dallton baran

JuNIOR 3RD BASEMAN/2ND BASEMAN

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO MOST ON TWITTER? I just like to see what my friends are up to that’s what I use it pretty much for.

ANY INTERESTING OR HUMOROUS EXPERIENCES YOU RECALL WHILE USING TWITTER? There was a Smack High (tweet). Hinsdale South tweeted at us, “you guys post pictures in your uniforms and we beat you all the time.” The past couple of years we’ve gotten back at them.

no

60% 40% FraNK KaMINsKy @FsKPart3 “oNe. MoRe. GaMe. #TheGrandFinale”

How far will the Blackhawks go this year?

• WIN CUP • LOSE IN CUP FINALS •LOSE IN SECOND/ Third rounds •LOSE IN FIRST ROUND

@eSpNcBB: wisconsin’s Frank kaminsky has been named ap player of the Year. he received 58 of 65 votes.

MeChelle voePel @MeChellev “Jewell loyd played all 40 minutes, finishes with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists. Sc threw all it could defensively at her.” aNgelo dI Carlo @aNgdICarloWdNu “Muffet McGraw gives big kudos to Uconn’s Morgan Tuck on how talented and good she is.

Says Tuck was best player vs Nd in december.”

News about local businesses in your community Thursday, Apri l 9, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

home + Garden

Springtime lawn care failures Expect a happy lawn all season long with these steps

Lawn care is undoubtedly a national obsession. As this year’s seemingly endless winter finally fades away, homeowners will be faced with the same challenge they are faced with every single year. Just how does one keep that beautifully dark green and healthy lawn looking its best all year long?

Unfortunately, many homeowners will make mistakes that set back the health of their lawn, and they don’t even know it, according to Thomas Kelly, founder of BeeSafe Lawns.

“When it comes to having a nice lawn, ironically the lawns worst enemy is the person who thinks they are helping,” said Kelly who has been a lawn care professional for more than 20 years. “Tinkering too much is a terrible thing when it comes to lawn care.”

In an effort to make sure those homeowners are starting the year off on the right foot, BeeSafe Lawns has announced “Six Epic Spring Time Lawn Failures.” Kelly said

that if a homeowner follows basic organic turf maintenance standards and avoids the following pitfalls, they can expect a very happy lawn all season long.

Don’t Jump the Gun Right out of the gate, it’s important to know that “More isn’t always better.”

The inclination is to load up the lawn with products that the lawn doesn’t really need. Your lawn is experiencing one of its most healthy phases about two weeks after it breaks dormancy. Both roots and shoots are growing at a tremendous pace and sometimes tinkering can interfere.

Don’t Over-Water One of the worst things to happen to even the best lawns is the introduction of an unlimited supply of water.

The rule of thumb is that you should water three times per week for 40 minutes per zone and only when rainfall is not present.

Remember the saying, April showers bring May flowers? If it’s raining – Do not water!

Don’t Bag Your Clippings Your lawn wants to be fed naturally.

Mulching the clippings back into the soil creates an additional source of nutrients, especially nitrogen, and the goal of any lawn care program should be to reduce inputs.

BeeSafe Lawns is the nation’s leading provider of alternative lawn care and is represented locally by Acorn Landscaping in Niles. To get an estimate for your own BeeSafe Lawn contact Peter Morjal at 847-965-1606 or visit www.acornlawns.com.

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T h u r s d ay, A pr i l 9, 2 0 1 5 | ni le s b ug le .co m Business & Private Party Classified Ads: $16 per week, 20 words or less. Weddings, Births & Engagements: Black & White - $25, Color - $35. Obituaries: $35.

Thursday, Apri l 9, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com voice | from page 1 as Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss, director David Lynch, graphic artist Peter Max, and golfer Ernie Els. Former NFL great Dan Marino, who has a son with autism, is another of Candy’s fans. In 2014, Candy’s “Ray of Hope” painting was prominently displayed in the Dan Marino Foundation’s newly constructed Marino Campus.

The campus, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a postsecondary school for students age 18-28 who have been diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities. All of the art displayed throughout the Marino Campus was created by individuals with autism.

“We were very pleased when Candy gifted one of her paintings to Marino Campus,” said Mary Partin, chief executive officer of the Dan Marino Foundation.

Based on her growing number of fans, it’s clear that Candy has not let challenges get in the way of her creativity. “We would have never dreamed when she was diagnosed that people would be liking her art from around the world,” Robert said.

Additionally, Candy’s parents are helping spread their daughter’s inspirational message.

Robert and Sandy are in the early stages of writing a book about the benefits of transcendental meditation for those affected by autism.

“Your disability shouldn’t hold you back, and you can do whatever you want when you’re disabled,” Robert said. “We’re trying to give other parents hope that no matter where they are, if their child has a severe disability, there’s still hope they can do something with their life.”

Readers who are interested in viewing Candy’s art can visit her Facebook page, www.facebook. com/candywatersautismartist.

Robert G. Bianchi

Edmund Itner

Robert G. Bianchi, WWII Army Veteran, beloved husband of the late Shirley; loving father of Bruce, Beth (Brad) Weigel, Craig (Claudia) and Glenn (Mary Kay); devoted grandfather of Colin, Katie and Owen Bianchi; dear brother of Elaine Hick, Marie Plazewski, Georgene Burud, Virginia Buchanan and the late Roy, Delores Forster, Richard and Ralph. Visitation was at the Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, on Friday, March 27, from 3 to 9 p.m.

Funeral was Saturday, March 28, at 11:15 a.m. to St. John Brebeuf Church Mass at noon. Entombment at All Saints Mausoleum. For more information, call 847-966-7302 or visit www.skajafuneralhomes.com.

Edmund Itner, age 89, of Niles, was the beloved husband Adele, nee Skorupski; loving father of Irene (Paul) Kruse and John (Karen) Itner; cherished grandfather Karen, Michelle, Catherine, Kevin and Bryan; great grandfather of Zachary, Ryan and Evan; and fond uncle of many. Visitation was Thursday, March 26, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Funeral was Friday, March 27, at 10:15 a.m. to St John Brebeuf Church Mass at 11 a.m. Interment at Maryhill Cemetery. For more information, call 847-966-7302 or visit www. skajafuneralhomes.com..

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for active seniors in your community

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Thursday, Apri l 9, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

medical memo

Explaining the Dangers of Glaucoma The eye disease is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S.

By David Lewis for the bugle

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @BugleNewspapers

Do you remember the song, “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever”? No matter the weather, your eyesight is the most precious of your five senses.

When was the last time you had your eyes checked for glaucoma?

The American Glaucoma Society recommends yearly comprehensive eye exams for everyone over age 40.

Glaucoma is a generally irreversible

eye disease that injures the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells that bring vision from the eyes to the brain.

More than one million Americans are diagnosed as having glaucoma, and another million are unaware they have the condition. It is estimated that nearly 120,000 U.S. citizens are legally blind in both eyes resulting from glaucoma, and about 1.5 million Americans have some loss of peripheral vision from glaucoma. According to the AGS, glaucoma is the second leading

cause of blindness in the U.S. and around the world.

Rarely, infants and children are susceptible to glaucoma.

Childhood glaucoma, also referred to as congenital glaucoma, pediatric glaucoma or infantile glaucoma, occurs in babies and young children and is usually diagnosed by age 1. The Glaucoma Research Foundation advises parents to watch for these indicators in their children: Unusually large eyes, cloudy eyes, excessive tearing and light sensitivity.

As we age, we are at increased risk for developing glaucoma.

People that have relatives with glaucoma are also at increased risk of developing the disease, but the genetic mechanism for inheriting glaucoma is poorly understood.

Other risk factors include diabetes, Latin and African-American heritage, hypertension (high blood pressure), and myopia.

There are more than 40 different types of glaucoma, but the most common are open angle glaucoma or narrow angle glaucoma. The eye continuously manufactures fluid that drains out of the eye through a drainage meshwork and channel.

Similar to an automobile’s tire pressure, the eye also has pressure.

Glaucoma causes the pressure in the eyes to be elevated. An eye physician detects the elevated eye pressure of open angle glaucoma at an early stage before the optic nerve is injured and then treats the condition to preserve the patient’s

Stuart Sondheimer, MD examines a patient in his office. (Submitted Photo)

vision.

In the U.S., most patients with glaucoma enjoy excellent vision for their entire lives, but some have severe vision loss and blindness.

Stuart Sondheimer, M.D, is an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon with offices in Deerfield, Park Ridge and Skokie. He has been treating patients for glaucoma and other eye-related illnesses for more than 30 years.

An eye physician can detect loss of vision, elevated eye pressure, and injury to the optic nerve and retina upon examination.

“A visual field test tells me if a patient is losing or is at risk of losing the ability to see clearly,” Sondheimer said. “If the test is positive, the patient’s eye pressure must be lowered. “There are other conditions that mimic glaucoma such as brain tumors, interrupted blood flow to the eye or brain, and congenital abnormalities that must be ruled out.”

Using prescription eye drops that either reduce the production of fluid in the eye or increase the flow of fluid out of the eye will effectively treat most patients with open angle glaucoma. However, if the patient doesn’t take the eye drops as recommended or if the medications don’t work well, continued elevated eye pressure and damage to the optic nerve and retina may require laser or conventional surgery to lower the eye pressure, increase the flow of fluid from the eyes, and stop the progression of glaucoma and vision loss.

What about future glaucoma preventatives? A recent study of more than 500,000 older adults with high cholesterol levels indicated that those who were taking cholesterollowering statin drugs for a two-year period were eight percent less likely to develop open-angle glaucoma.

Further research will determine if statin drugs could potentially be used to help treat glaucoma.

Thursday, Apri l 9, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

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