Niles 9-10-15

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015 VOL. 59 ISSUE 49 Featured Sports

THE PLAYBOOK

upCoMIng FootBall gaMe prevIeWS get the lowdown on the upcoming games in for your local team

see page 8

SCHOOLS Snack Wars

Parents, students protest District 63 snack ban

see page 2

NEWS vacant Seat

Candidates come forward to fill Park Ridge alderman vacancy see page 3

FORUM Come to order

Planning now will make end of year smoother

see page 5

SPORTS

Wildwood Tavern brings tradition, contemporary eats to Niles

By Igor Studenkov | FOR THE BUGLE after almost a year under construction, the Wildwood tavern restaurant opened in niles.

Wildwood tavern will be located at the intersection of Caldwell and touhy avenues. It was founded by mark freedman, who used to run the iconic myron & Phil’s steakhouse in lincolnwood. after that restaurant burned down, freedman eventually decided to start fresh. In June 2014, he applied for a permit to open Wildwood tavern in niles.

See tHe Full Story on page 11

demons set to defend Maine East looks to repeat as CSL North champs

see page 7

SENIORS Jill on the money

Get more out of Social Security with ‘file and suspend’ see page 15

Photo by Igor Studenkov

Wildwood tavern’s “coming soon” sign, which has been up for months, was finally taped over after it opened on aug. 27.

Thursday, Septem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

School News

Parents, students protest District 63 snack ban more info Niles resident Amy Seeley said the parents understood the concerns about the snacks’ impact on students’ health, so they would support only allowing snacks that are healthy – such as fruits.

Photo by Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff

Nelson Elementary School parents and students protest District 63’s blanket ban on midmorning snacks during the Sept 2 board meeting.

Education board approved ban last spring

By Igor Studenkov bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The East Maine District 63 ban on midmorning snacks, which took effect in the beginning of this school year, has caused an unexpected backlash.

During the Sept. 2 District 63 Board of

Education meeting, a group of Nelson Elementary School students and parents came to urge the board to reverse their decision. They complained that the ban made it harder for students to concentrate and left them hungrier. The protesters urged the board to allow students to get snacks, so long as those snacks were healthy.

According to Janet Bishop, the district’s

director of communications, the ban was recommended by the district’s Wellness Committee. The board of education approved it last spring.

Superintendent Scott Clay told the parents that he would be willing to discuss the issue with them directly and urged them to attend future Wellness Committee meetings. The Wellness Committee is made up of district staff, medical professionals, parents and community members. It developed the district’s original Wellness Policy in 2006 and has subsequently recommended several changes.

According to the fact sheet provided to the Bugle, the across-the-board ban was recommended to create consistency.

“Some schools [previously] did not allow snacks, others left it up to the individual teachers,” the fact sheet stated. “Thus, some students at a school were having mid-morning snacks, others were not. The goal was to create consistent application of policy.”

The amended policy, which the board

adopted last spring, did allow snacks during “special occasions.” It also made exceptions for students who had to get snacks because of medical conditions, or because their Individualized Education Plans or behavioral plans allowed it.

However, a number of Nelson parents and students took issue with the new policy.

Niles resident Amy Seeley urged the board to reconsider the ban. “[I’m speaking on] behalf of hundreds of District 63 parents that request reinstatement of mid-morning healthy snacks,” she said.

“We believe this recent decision does not benefit the health and wellness of District 63 students.”

Seeley said the parents understood the concerns about the snacks’ impact on students’ health, so they would support only allowing snacks that are healthy – such as fruits.

One of the students also spoke to the board, saying that some of his peers arrive at Nelson early and don’t get lunch until the last lunch period. The student said they needed something to tide them over.

The parents gave the board a petition signed by parents, students and teachers.

Clay thanked them for coming to the board meeting, and asked Seeley if she and other parents would be interested in having a meeting with him to discuss their concerns.

“That would be great,” Seeley responded.

T h ur sday, Septem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

Schools > Board Briefs

District 63 adopts budget for 2015-16 school year

Village news > Niles

Field trip to Costa Rica also greenlighted

submitted photo

Niles’ 13-member Art and Culture Advisory Council held its first meeting Aug. 26.

By Igor Studenkov bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The East Maine District 63 Board of Education unanimously approved the budget for its current school year.

According to David Bein, the district’s assistant superintendent of business services, there are a few small differences between the final budget and the preliminary budget presented to the board during the July 1 meeting.

Those differences, Bein explained, were because the district hasn’t finished hiring teachers for this school year, and couldn’t factor in the salaries and benefits for the new hires until the hiring process was actually complete.

However, he emphasized that the differences were small.

As previously reported by the Bugle, the preliminary budget had a $2.7 million deficit.

During the July meeting, Bein explained that the deficit was due to the costs of capital projects for Nelson, Washington and Apollo elementary schools. He subsequently told the Bugle that district issued bonds to pay for the project – the revenue from it was included in last year’s budget, while the expenditures showed up in this year’s budget.

Bein reiterated that point during the Sept. 2 meeting.

Arts and Culture Advisory Council hold first meeting Photo by Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff

District 63 Board President Janet Kaczkowski, left, gives Niles Department of Public Works employes certificates for their fundraising effort.

“We borrowed money last year to pay [for the projects],” he said. “When we take out those experiences, we are actually passing a flat budget.”

Costa Rican Spring break The board of education also unanimously voted to allow Gemini Junior High School to send a group of seventh- and eighth-grade students on a field trip to Costa Rica during the 2016 spring break.

According to Gemini principal Richard Groeling, the trip is covered entirely out of the parents’ pockets. Each parent paid $2,595 per student. The trip is being organized in collaboration with EducationFirst Education Tours, a Lucerne, Switzerland based educational trip organizer.

Groeling said that the trip would be about more than immersion in another culture and language.

Students will use their knowledge

of geology and biology to conduct experiments in the field.

“It’s very safe, very wellplanned,” said Groeling. “The academic combination is pretty awesome. It checks a lot of boxes.

If you say ‘yes’ – thank you very much!”

The board asked if it would be possible for the students to give a presentation to them once the trip is over.

“Absolutely,” said Groeling.

“What a great idea.”

He noted that the first board meeting after the spring break would take place at Gemini, so it would work out perfectly.

Niles Public Services recognized District 63 Board of Education used the Sept. 2 meeting as an opportunity to thank the Niles Department of Public Services

see budget | page 13

city news > park ridge

Candidates come forward to fill Third Ward alderman vacancy

Interview committee has been formed consisting of 5 individuals

Candidates have come forward to fill the alderman’s vacancy left behind following the death of

3

Robert Wilkening.

Park Ridge has received two applications, one from Leonard Berg and another from Richard Van Roeyen, both who have expressed an interest in serving as Third Ward Alderman.

Berg has been a resident in Park Ridge for the last 20 years. Van

Roeyen, an eight-year resident of the city, ran against Wilkening.

An interview committee has been formed that consists of five individuals: Dave Keller, Melissa Hulting, Bob Brandenburg, Lloyd Godfrey and Matt Coyne. The city is currently in the process of setting a date for the interviews.

13 voting members and staff are eager to build a strong base of support The Arts and Culture Advisory Council held its kickoff meeting Aug. 26 at the Niles Historical and Cultural Center.

The village of Niles said the 13 voting members and staff are eager to build a strong base of support within the participating agencies and the community.

The council has representation from the Niles Park District, Niles Historical Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Niles Public Library, Niles Sister Cities, Niles Chamber of Commerce, East Maine School District 63 and local artists.

The meeting started with a

presentation from Senior CMAP planner Stephen Ostrander, who said he was appreciative of the community’s accomplishment.

Ostrander was the lead writer for the CMAP document “Arts and Culture Planning: A Toolkit for Communities.”

The council also voted unanimously to support the Niles VFW Post sponsorship of the “Traveling WWII Memorial,” coming to the Niles Senior Center Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. This sponsorship will be sent to the Board of Trustees for approval.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this council, which is dedicated to the betterment of our Niles community through the use of Arts and Culture. I see many opportunities for all of us to work together in the future,” said Council Chair, Lindsay Brubaker.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 21 at 5 p.m.

www.cookcountycrimestoppers.org • 800.535.stop Thursday, Septem ber 10, 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.

Niles Elaine D. Medygral, 70, 800 N. Greenview, Chicago, was arrested at 5 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.

1

Gabriel G. Ciupeiu, 41, 5600 Washtenaw, Chicago, was arrested at 8:36 p.m. Aug. 26 in the 5700 block of Touhy for an out of state warrant-counterfeiting.

2

Marvin Garcia, 29, 600 block of Piper Lane, Prospect Heights, was arrested at 11:38 p.m. Aug. 28 in the 9400 block of Milwaukee for no valid license.

3

Hector Romero-Salas, 22, 10300 block of Micheal Todd Terrace, Glenview, was arrested at 5:25 p.m.

Aug. 29 at Golf Mill Center for retail theft.

4

Ashley Sanchez, 19, 2700 block of Meade, Chicago; and Noreyma Salgado, 18, 3800 block of Neva, Chicago, were arrested at 2:16 p.m. Sept. 2 at the Golf Mill Shopping

5

Center for retail theft.

Park Ridge Antonio Rosales, 47, 1300 block of Carol, Park Ridge, was arrested at 3:39 p.m. Aug. 24 at Northwest Highway and Berry for no valid driver’s license and defective windshield.

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10

1 4 3 5

12

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11

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Michelle Napierala, 18, 4200 block of North Ozanam, Norridge, was arrested at 4:38 a.m.

Aug. 25 in the 1000 block of Garden for zero tolerance, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no insurance.

16

Monserrat Velazques, 22, 2500 block of East Ballard, Des Plaines, was arrested at 1:52 a.m.

Aug. 29 in the 300 block of South Greenwood for no valid driver’s license and improper lane usage.

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7

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Morton Grove Nicholas T. Rogers, 19, Morton Grove, was arrested Aug. 26 at Davis and Merril for hit and run.

9

Georges Mansour, 24, Morton

10 Grove, was arrested Aug. 30 at

Golf and Waukegan for driving under the influence.

11

Julia Irineo, 54, Morton Grove, was arrested Aug. 31 in the

7100 block of Dempster for battery.

suspended.

Daquinn K. Smith, 22, Chicago, was arrested Sept. 1 at Austin and Monroe for driving while license

Darnell D. Clay, 25, Evanston, was arrested Sept. 3 at Beckwith and Washington for no valid driver’s license.

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Send us your feedback at nweditor@buglenewspapers.com

T h ur sday, Septem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

5

Come to Order > guest column

Get remaining summer to-dos done

EDITORIAL

Planning now will make for smooth sailing later

ASSISTANT EDITOR

ANDREA EARNEST aearnest@buglenewspapers.com

815.436.2431 ext.118

PRODUCTION

LAURA KATAUSKAS • MARK GREGORY • MIKE SANDROLINI

Ready or not, here it comes – for those of us in the northern hemisphere, the first day of fall will be here in just a few weeks. What did you plan to do this summer that you haven t done yet?

Go to the beach? Hold a garage sale? Clean out come to order the gutters? It s not too late with sue becker to get those unfinished warm-weather tasks and activities accomplished; it just takes a bit of planning to turn your intentions into commitments. Pull out your calendar or planner (you do have one, don t you?) and schedule when you re going to do the things you ve been meaning to do all summer.

I’m certainly not trying to load up your calendar or to-do list, but just so nothing slips through the cracks before

SEPTEMBER 10

ADVERTISING

Sew Simple. 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Niles library. Make your own lanyard or ribbon headband using our KidSpace sewing machines! See how simple it can be to make something usable or wearable. All materials will be provided. Fifth and sixth grade only.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Phil Besler

pbesler@buglenewspapers.com 815.436.2431 ext. 107

Joliet, Crest Hill Lockport, Romeoville Nicole Austin

naustin@buglenewspapers.com 815.436.2431 ext. 105

Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Westmont, Woodridge & Lisle 4

ENTERPRISE NEWSPAPERS, INC. 23856 Andrew Road #104 Plainfield, IL 60585 Phone: (815) 436-2431 Fax: (815) 436-2592 MON - FRI: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pat Ryan

pryan@enterprisepublications.com 815.436.2431 ext. 106

Plainfield, Shorewood

Maureen Vitacco mvitacco@buglenewspapers.com 815.436.2431 ext. 108

Niles, Morton Grove, Des Plaines & Park Ridge

ADVERTISING DEADLINES. Space and copy deadlines for display and classified ads is at noon the Friday before date of insertion. Email classifieds@buglenewspapers.com | Legals, obituaries and happy ads are due at 12 p.m. Friday.

Email announcements@buglenewspapers.com.

Email Legals@buglenewspapers.com EDITORIAL DEADLINES. Calendar & News: 3 p.m. Monday, three weeks before date of publication. sweditor@buglenewspapers.com

Niles Songwriters Group. 7-9 p.m. at Niles Public Library District, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles. Local songwriters meet to discuss their craft and share their music. Acoustic instruments are welcome.

SEPTEMBER 11-12

Backyard Campout. 5 p.m. (Friday) to 10 a.m. (Saturday). Wildwood Nature Center, 529 Forestview Ave., Park Ridge. Camp out with your family in the Park District’s backyard, outside at the Wildwood Nature Center. Participants must bring their own tents and bedding.

Fee is per person. Register online at www. prparks.org. Ages: 2-10 Cost: $10 R/$15 NR. Ages: 11 & up Cost: $14 R/$19 NR.

SEPTEMBER 11

Park Ridge 9/11 Memorial Service. 8 a.m. at Park Ridge City Hall. 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.

SEPTEMBER 12

Morton Grove Farmers Market.

8 a.m. to noon at 6210 Dempster St. Enjoy delicious fresh produce, baked goods and more and show support to your local community. Oct. 17 will feature the last

the snow starts flying, here are a few things you might want to consider scheduling: Clean out the garage – It sure would be nice to fit your vehicle in the garage where it will be warm and dry this winter.

Clean out your vehicle – It will be a lot more pleasant to get the trash and other extraneous items cleared out before the cold numbs your fingers.

Prepare your vehicle – Get your car serviced for the upcoming season: change the oil, check and rotate the tires, etc.

Tune up the snowblower – As much as you may wish otherwise, the snow is coming and you’ll want to be ready.

Prepare your holiday lists – Rather than wait until the chaos of looming deadlines is upon you, start planning your gift list now, and even start doing

day of the Farmers Market and include a Halloween Costume Contest. Special hours for the last market are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Park Ridge Farmers Market. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prairie Avenue, between Main Street and Garden. Market is host to a great selection of fruits, vegetables and other food products available every week. Kids events and music are scheduled every week. Fore more info, go to www. parkridgefarmersmarket.com.

Second Saturday Breakfast Bingo. 9:30-10:15 a.m. at the Niles library. Kids and families are welcome to enjoy some breakfast treats as we play Bingo. Enjoy a kick-start to your weekend with a morning of family fun at the Library.

Grades K-8.

World Language Storytime: Russian. 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at the Niles library. Join us for stories in Russian!

Craft and snack included. For ages 3 and up with a parent or caregiver.

Niles Garden Club: Composting 101. 10-11 a.m. at Niles Public Library District, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles.

Confused about composting? We will look at basic techniques and clear up myths that may be keeping you from composting.

SEPTEMBER 13

Second Sunday Special: Stars on Strings. 2-2:45 p.m. at the Niles Public

some of the shopping. Order your holiday cards (and get a family photo if that’s your thing) before the rush.

Make medical appointments – If you have a flexible spending account, you’ll want to be sure you spend all the money in your account so you don’t lose it. Plan your annual physical and dental exam now to avoid the end-of-the year rush.

Although you may prefer to spend these last days of summer relaxing and lounging, a bit of planning now will make for smooth sailing at the end of the year. And you ll still have time to savor the sights, smells and sounds of summer.

Sue Becker is a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization who helps individuals and businesses discover the simplicity, harmony, and freedom of being organized and productive. She also speaks to companies and organizations about how to get organized and make the most

of their time. Sue can be reached at www.

PilesToSmiles.com or 630-724-1111.

Library District, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles. Bring the whole family to check out this traveling zoo! Enjoy an up close and personal encounter with some very cool animals. For all ages.

SEPTEMBER 15

Dating Photographs from Clothing. 7-8 p.m. at the Niles library.

Family photographs are hard to date as generations pass away. Many people have unidentified photos in their collection. This is where costume dating can be helpful.

Become familiar with certain popular silhouettes to assign a date range to a photograph. Basic facial recognition will also be covered. Please bring photographs with you to the lecture. Presented by Ellie Carlson.

SEPTEMBER 16

National Play-doh Day. 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Niles Public Library District, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles. What’s fun to play with, not to eat? Play-doh! Celebrate the 50th birthday of creatable, colorful, makeable fun on National Play-Doh Day.

SEPTEMBER 17

Movies in the Underground: The Maze Runner. 4 p.m. at Niles Public

Library District, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles. It’s Throwback Thursday! Revisit popular high school movies from the not-too-distant past. Pizza will be served during “intermission.”

see calendar | page 10

FoR WHEN you WANT To TAKE 5 minutes FoR youRSElF Thursday, sepTem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

Aries

mARCH 21 To APRIl 20

Don’t put the cart before the horse. You might think you have all your bases covered in the week ahead, but events may not unfold as you’d originally hoped. Keep a calm, cool head in the face of distractions and disturbances.

gemini

m AY 2 2 T o J U N E 2 1

Avoid people who are overly optimistic. While it’s good to a have a positive view of the world, those who refuse to acknowledge the downside of a situation are just being foolish. Don’t rely too heavily on others to follow through on promises this week.

leo

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

Know when to say when. While your latest passion may be all you can think about this week, there are other aspects of your life that deserve equal time. Be wary of making new purchases, as your tastes may have strayed a bit off center today.

Across 1 sARDINE CoUsIN 5 “mY TAKE Is ...”

10 PRINCEss fRom AmPHIPolIs 14 IoTA 15 oNE-UP 16 “HEAD WITH PIPE” ARTIsT NolDE 17 WATCHAblE, IN A WAY 18 JAR foR lEAfY vEGETAblE sToRAGE? 20 2000s WoRlD #1 fEmAlE GolfER 22 NURTURE 23 WoRD WITH CAKE oR bREAK 24 ACToR JACKIE’s PET fIsH? 27 “__ lovE” (mARooN 5 HIT) 29 smoKING, PERHAPs 30 HAlf A sCoRE 31 1959 NovEl IN WHosE fIlm vERsIoN mARY CRANE bECAmE mARIoN CRANE 33 GIANT 36 RAbbIT’s fRIEND 37 oPINE ... oR CREATE foUR loNG ANsWERs IN THIs PUzzlE? 41 lITERARY __ 42 moRE THAN HAmmER HomE 43 vIDEo GAmE sEGmENTs 45 JR.’s JR. 46 sPoT foR A soAK 49 WITH 60-DoWN, oNlY soUTH KoREAN WoRlD Golf HAll of fAmE INDUCTEE 50 EmUlATE AN INvETERATE sWINDlER? 53 smAll soNGbIRD 54 WoRK oN A CANvAs? 56 UNfoRTUNATE 57 vEssEl WITH lImITED sPACE? 61 bARD’s vERb

62 “sEE DAD RUN” sTAR 63 sTEER sNAGGER 64 mIsHmAsH 65 TRIPADvIsoR AlTERNATIvE 66 “No WoRRIEs” 67 WHITE sIDE, mAYbE

Down 1 2 3 4

moRE THAN PECK HEAD __ bEsIDEs PlYmoUTH’s CoUNTY 5 oRG. WITH A mUlTIRING loGo 6 “No __!”

7 WHITEWATER fIGURE 8 PITCHER? 9 GREEN sAGE 10 sURvEY TAKER, AT TImEs 11 TExT ClARIfIER 12 ComPlImENT oN A CoURsE 13 ANTACID bRAND WoRD 19 olD PC moNIToRs 21 mARTIN’s sTART? 25 HollYWooD GlITTERATI 26 sAmbUCA flAvoRING 28 oN A sUGAR HIGH, sAY 31 PsYCHoloGIsT’s

CoNCERN 32 QUAKER HoNEY GRAHAm __ 33 ToAsT, WITH “A” 34 U.s.-U.K. sEPARAToR 35 “TRUTH Is moRE of A sTRANGER THAN fICTIoN” WRITER 37 THE WoRKs 38 sECoND sECTIoN of vERDI’s “REQUIEm” 39 fIT NICElY 40 QUARTERs, E.G. 44 DAffY DUCK HAs oNE 46 movE oN A sCREEN 47 sHAKEsPEAREAN HEIREss 48 “bUT I DIGREss ...”

50 TRAINEE 51 mARINE PREDAToRs 52 bYGoNE bIRDs 53 mANGo TANGo smooTHIE sERvER 55 PREfIx WITH CARDIAl 58 PosT-sPIll NEED 59 __-AzTECAN lANGUAGEs 60 sEE 49-ACRoss

librA

sEPTEmbER 24 To oCTobER 23

The usual routines hold no allure today. Your craving for adventure and excitement in the week to come leads you to seek out new places to explore and new people to meet. Inviting a loved one to accompany you on your journey could double the pleasure.

sAgittArius

NovEmbER 23 To DECEmbER 22

Don’t get too big for your britches. There’s little to be gained by being overconfident if you don’t have the skills to back it up. This week, you can’t go wrong by sticking with what you know and only using facts from verified sources.

AquArius

JANUARY 21 To fEbRUARY 19

Lady Luck may not be smiling on you today. Sometimes it can be fun to take a chance, but sometimes it’s just not worth the risk. As for the things that bring you true happiness, there’s no risk involved because they are constant. Seek them out this week.

Sudoku

tAurus

A P R I l 2 1 T o m AY 2 1

Let your cheering section urge you on. You should ignore your own doubts and pay attention to those who have every confidence that you’ll succeed. In the week to come, spend money only on necessities and save extravagant purchases for later.

cAncer

J U N E 2 2 T o J U lY 2 2

Follow your head, not your heart. Being overly generous to accommodate someone else’s needs could just be inviting them to take advantage. In the week ahead, you can still be helpful by showing others how to help themselves.

virgo

AUGUsT 22 To sEPTEmbER 23

Don’t bite off more than you can chew. There may be a tendency for you to allow your ambition to overcome your reason and take on a task that is simply beyond your means.

Let your common sense guide you in all things today.

scorpio

oCTobER 24 To NovEmbER 22

Sometimes the simplest solution works best. Don’t over-think things when it comes to solving a problem, as the answer may be quite obvious if you approach it objectively. To give is divine, but be careful not to let your generosity get out of hand this week.

cApricorn

DECEmbER 23 To JANUARY 20

Be the voice of reason. In the week ahead, a friend or loved one may get carried away with a short-sighted scheme or exaggerate the truth, and it could fall to you to set them straight. You can make your point much easier by being reassuring and positive rather than critical.

pisces

fEbRUARY 20 To mARCH 20

Don’t rock the boat. In the coming week, you may feel the need to stir things up or argue debatable points, but all you’ll succeed in creating is friction. When troubles arise, take a passive approach, as more than likely. problems will take care of themselves.

Jumble

Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2015

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

Jumbles:

• PUDGY • KETCH • PRAYER • NINETY

Answer:

ImPoRTANT To Do IN TRYING TImEs -- KEEP TRYING

Thursday, September 10, 2015

page 7

>> INSIDE: Previewing this week’s top football games page 8

roundup previews

Demons

set to repeat Maine East looks to defend its CSL North division title

By Mark Gregory sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

Maine East is coming off a season where they were CSL North and IHSA regional champions after posting a 9-1 league record and a 23-10 mark overall.

With talented players returning, Maine East is looking for more of the same.

“Our goal is to repeat as conference and regional champions,” said coach Anne Bezek. “We also want to win the ZONI Sportsmanship Award again this year.”

The ZONI Award is the Zebras of Northern Illinois and is given

by ZONI officials voted this team the best for overall player, coach and fan sportsmanship across all of the schools and teams that ZONI members worked during the season.

Maine East returns key players from a year ago.

Outside hitters Maggie Chwieralski comes back after posting 127 kills and 33 assists last year. She is joined by fellow outside Kelli Lindberg.

Middle hitter Niki Ahlstrand posted 150 kills a year ago and is joined by fellow returning middle Annie Turbak.

Defensive specialists Miranda Duro and Courtney Depa return as does setter Gloria Majka and hitter Maddie McTague.

Joining the team and expected to contribute are setter Erika

Christiansen, outside hitters Maria Skoufos and Mahin Wadia, middle hitter Alex Villalobos and defensive specialist Michele Wen. They will all need to step up to accomplish the goals the team has set.

“Our conference is always tough,” Bezek said. “Glenbrook North is consistently one of the top teams in the conference.

Highland Park, Deerfield, Niles North and Maine West are all strong programs. It’s going to be an exciting season in the CSL North.”

• Maine East topped Maine South 25-21, 20-25, 25-20.

Chwieralski had nine kills and 15 digs, Ahlstrand had nine kills and seven blocks and Duro had three aces and eight digs. Depa added eight digs.

The Demons fell to Niles West the following day 25-20, 25-18 despite 12 digs and four kills from Chwieralski and six kills from Ahlstrand.

MAINE EAST SOCCER A season ago, the Demons were an even 10-10-2 on the season.

Maine East this season returns seniors Wilson Noriega, Sebastian Kielbasa and Mumen Hussein.

“They are three key senior returning players that we believe will have big roles this year,” said Maine East coach Jeff Bishop.

Junior Sergio Ortiz is the top newcomer for the Demons.

see demons | page 9

File photo

Gloria Majka and Maine East are looking to repeat as CSL North champions.

8

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

Thursday, Septem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

GAME 3:

Maine South @ Deerfield The details: After a brutal pair of opening games, Maine South enters Central Suburban crossover play against Deerfield, which went 4-5 last year.

Maine South features several Division-I prospects and gave Montini a great battle to open up the season.

Deerfield only has one game under its belt as Harlan forfeited

the season opener, giving Deerfield the automatic win.

Keys to the game: Even though Deerfield faced a solid St. Viator team in Week 2, to say Maine South is a little more battle tested would be a major understatement. Deerfield will have to quickly adjust to the talent level differential from its previous opponent, or it could get out of control early. The Hawks

game time 7 p.m. Friday will need to focus on taking care of the football and execute well to preserve victory and get them ready for CSL South play.

-compiled by Scott Taylor

GAME 3:

notre da,me @ benet The details: There may be no tougher conference of multidivisional schools than the East Suburban Catholic. Benet opens league play with a game against Notre Dame.

Junior Jack Sznajder leads the Redwing offense, while Karl Schmidt serves as the primary pass catcher.

The Dons operate behind senior

quarterback Tyler Tsagalis.

Keys to the game: The key here is to get a win. With teams like Joliet Catholic Academy and Nazareth in the ESCC any game against someone else could be the difference in a playoff berth or not.

With Benet going 5-4 a year ago and making the playoffs and Notre Dame missing at 4-5, both teams

game time 7:30 p.m. Friday know the importance of coming away with an ever important W to start the conference campaign.

-compiled by Mark Gregory

GAME 3:

Niles West @ Niles North The details: The annual rivalry is back between the two schools that would like nothing more than to beat each other.

Niles West got off to a slow start defensively this year, allowing 45 points to Buffalo Grove in the season opener.

Meanwhile, Niles North was busy lighting up the scoreboard with a 63-point showing against Shepard.

Both teams qualified for the postseason last year, but both

teams went home in the first week. The winner of this game will have the postseason edge after this game.

Keys to the game: It appears like Niles West will be able to put up points. The question will be if it can stop Niles North enough.

Rivalry games are always interesting because there is a different level of excitement and motivation heading into and at the start of the game.

The team that can control its

game time 1 p.m. Saturday emotions the best in the first quarter and jump out to an early lead will have an advantage.

However, with the points these two teams can put up, there is no room to relax with a lead.

-compiled by Scott Taylor

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T h ur s day, Septem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

9

cross country

Maine South looks to return to state as a team Demons hope for improved performances

By Mark Gregory sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

The goal every season for the Maine South girls cross country program is the same every year – advance to state.

The team has reached that goal five of the last seven seasons.

Last season, the Hawks missed state as a team, but had one individual, Kalina Gardiner, advanced, as she placed 83rd at the state final.

“She is one of the leaders of a close-knit group that has been successful in cross-country and

demons | from page 7 “We think will impact this team greatly,” Bishop said.

Bishop said the team looks to compete this season.

“Our goal is to compete in every game we play and by the end of the year be able to compete for a conference title,” he said.

NILES WEST SOCCER First year coach Milo Cejovic takes over a Niles West boys soccer program that went 7-13 a year ago.

“We are looking to improve on our overall record, as well as our conference record and possibly make a push in the playoffs,” Cejovic said.

Returning to help the Wolves reach those goals are Carlos Lome, a 5-foot, 7-inch, 178 pound junior goal keeper, Kevin Sanchez, a junior defender/midfielder, senior forward/midfielder Mario Bajric and senior forward Denis Soldo.

Joining the mix will be junior midfielder Alen Radeljic, sophomore midfielder Esteban and sophomore forward Dani Younathem.

track and are motivated and dedicated to reach the goal of the team qualifying to the state meet,” said head coach Jeff Downing.

Gardiner also advanced to the state track meet in the spring in the 3200 meter relay.

She is one of three senior captains on the cross team this season along with two of her 3200 team, Casey Bomrad and Julia Sirvinskas.

The fourth member of the relay team is sophomore Olivia Niziolek, who posts the team’s best mile time (5:15).

Also returning are juniors Olivia Holmes, Maura Lally and Maddie Dingle and sophomore Kathleen

“We have been working very hard this off-season and hope to surprise some people,” Cejovic said. “Our conference is always tough, maybe the toughest. We just have to stick to our strengths and limit the mistakes.”

MAINE SOUTH BOYS GOLF While it is nice to have experience returning to any team, it is even better to have a state qualifier back.

The Maine South boys golf team returns Tim Zelek, a senior that carded an overall 171 at the state meet last season, placing tied for 101st.

That experience will help guide sophomores Michael George and Joe Tonioni.

Other players with varsity experience will be seniors Michael Gorman, Michael Sell, Tyler Guest, Austin Mose and Will Parilla and juniors Danny Touhy and Joey Rogowski.

“We will rely on Tim Zelek to anchor the team,” said coach Steve Scholl. “His experience as a two-year varsity player as well

will show up as we get closer to the conference and state series meet.

In that way if we can compete well against those teams, we should have a good shot of qualifying to the state meet.”

Glockner.

While the top eight are returners, Downing says the team could see impact from juniors Anna Seenarain, Sydney Richter, Katie Syer, Alexa Narel, sophomores Marlow Bangeman, Alexis Kachiroubias, Chloe Sassan and freshman Lauren May. “We have had a very nice summer of running and are optimistic that we will improve to the point where we will be considered on the better teams in the area,” Downing said.

“In the CSL, we expect that New Trier will be as good as they always are, and Glenbrook South will be very good. The hope is that we can compete well against these other two teams. In that sense, we hope that the summer training

The Maine East girls cross country team has been working hard all off season to lower their times individually, which in turn will help the team with a higher place in races.

Hannah Flood, Rosie Perez and Kajal Modi return to the Demons, while Patrycja Pekala and Emily Hurtarte come to the varsity team ready to help the team.

“We want to try to improve upon previous year times,” said coach

Scott Schultes. “We want to lower the average finish time of our top seven runners on varsity, junior varsity, sophomore and freshman teams at the conference meet.

“Our conference is always a very challenging place to compete, so if we could place as a team in the top half, I would be pleased. I also believe we have the ability to place a few all conference athletes this year.”

Schultes likes the work the team has put in.

“The girls have been training hard all summer to lower their personal records,” he said. “We will continue to race and train at a high level to challenge our limits.”

-previews based on coach submissions

as two up and coming players like George and Tonioni who are only sophomores should give us three solid scores each match.

The Seniors who hope to make solid contributions are Gorman, Guest and Mose. Other players that might surprise the team are

Touhy, Parilla and Rogowski.”

• Maine South defeated Wheeling 161 to 180. Touhy and Declan Digan tied for medalist honors, shooting a three-over 39.

• Highland Park topped Maine East 158-205. Kevin Beneda (49), John Basnik (51), Robert Kanczuga

(52) and Catherine Valeroso (53) scored for the Demons.

Deerfield beat Maine East 171208. Beneda (47), Basnik (52), Kanczuga (53) and Ryan Sands (56) scored for the Demons.

-previews based on coach submissions

MAINE EAST

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

10

Thursday, sepTem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com CaleNDar | From page 5

SEPTEMBER 19

mortoN grove FarmerS market. 8 a.m. to noon at 6210 dempster St. enjoy delicious fresh produce, baked goods and more and show support to your local community. oct. 17 will feature the last day of the farmers market and include a halloween Costume Contest. Special hours for the last market are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FeaturIng

Ashley Shook

PlaInfIeld Central volleyball What do you use twitter for? I use it to promote our high school games to get people to try to come. I also use it to say great game ladies and stuff like that.

Who do you follow on twitter? I follow all the girls on texas volleyball and girls on the uS national team and friends in general and from club.

How often are you on twitter? not that often, maybe a little bit at night. I try to stay off it so it doesn’t consume my time.

How often do you tweet? not often, but it is more during the high school season.

park ridge FarmerS market.

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prairie avenue, between main Street and garden. rain or shine, this market is host to a great selection of fruits, vegetables and other food products available every week. kids events and music are scheduled every week. fore more info, go to www.parkridgefarmersmarket. com.

25th aNNual Fall artS & craFtS adveNture. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. hodges Park, 101 S. Courtland, across from City hall. exhibitors located on grass along sidewalks, which wind around and through the park. located in busy upscale Park ridge in the uptown shopping/ business district. woNdergrouNd

nICkI JHaBvala @nICkI JHaBvala “Kapri bibbs on Trevor Harman trying to hurdle him: ‘ I don’t know what he was thinking. I was standing straight up.’ ”

MICHIgan FootBall @uMICHFootBall “ty isaac takes his first carry in a michigan uniform and picks up five. Both teams trade penalties, u-m now on utah’s 49. #goBlue”

andreW MaSon @MaSedenver “you don’t try that stuff on Kapri bibbs.”

MIke klIS @MIkeklIS “through 3 Qtrs: montee Ball 13 carries, 31 yards, 2.4 per. kapri Bibbs 4 carries, 22 yards.”

“ah-ha!”

tour. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the niles

Public library district, 6960 W. oakton St., niles. grades k-4 are welcome to join us for a quick tour and activity in the Wonderground.

Stay tuned for Steam programming announcements.

SmaShBoX weekeNd. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the niles Public library

district, 6960 W. oakton St., niles. use your imagination to make with a sewing machine, vinyl cutter, laser cutter and 3d printer. Create a podcast, music video or newscast in our Creative Studio. Join us for ongoing activities throughout the day.

11 a.m. -4 p.m.-Where in the World is glummy? get your picture taken with glummy in different countries around the world. 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Create your own newscast. 12-12:30 p.m. -goPro demonstration. 1-2 p.m.

-lipsynch Idol, make a music video for your favorite songs. 2:30-3:30 p.m. -Podcast talk Show, be our guest on a talk show. We will interview you about a topic you choose. 3:30-4 p.m.

-goPro demonstration

SEPTEMBER 20

gettiNg eXcited aBout ScieNce. 2-3 p.m. at the niles

Public library district, 6960 W. oakton St., niles. to celebrate the grand opening of the Wonder ground, Scientist Steve belliveau returns with

a surprise-filled program especially geared toward elementary schoolers! tickets will be available at the kidSpace desk beginning at 1:30.

SEPTEMBER 21

yoga For kidS. 4:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m. at the niles library. Join us the third monday of each month to learn yoga poses and breathing techniques and feel relaxed and energized afterward. no experience needed. Please bring a large bath towel with you and wear comfortable clothes. Caregivers need to stay in the room with children through grade 2. ages 4 and up. homework help. 6:30-8 p.m. at the niles library. the niles Public library is hosting area high school students to offer a little homework help monday nights. enthusiastic teens will be available to help your k-5 students work on their weekly homework assignments.

SEPTEMBER 22

90-SecoNd NewBery. 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the niles library. adapt your favorite newbery award winner into a short film for the annual 90-Second newbery festival. this workshop will meet six times over the course of the fall as we choose a book, write the script, create costumes and props, rehearse, shoot and edit.

News about local businesses in your community T h ur sday, Septem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

11

cover story

Wildwood Tavern brings tradition to Niles Wildwood Tavern’s bar arger than its predecessor’s, TV monitors installed Continued from Page 1 Occupying the building that formerly housed Christopher’s Off the Bone Grill, Wildwood Tavern officially opened the evening of Aug. 27. During the establishment’s busy opening week, a mix of new customers and former Myron & Phil’s regulars visited Wildwood for a bite. Some of these customers told the Bugle that they enjoyed the restaurant and its menu, and looked forward to eating there again.

Myron & Phil’s has been a Lincolnwood staple for 43 years.

Myron Freedman, Mark Freeman’s father, co-founded the steakhouse with his brother, Phil. The younger Freedman has been working at the restaurant since he was 11, and he became an assistant manager in 1980s.

In May 2013, a fire severely damaged the building the same night that Myrion Freedman died in his sleep of natural causes. At first, Mark Freedman was determined to rebuild, but he eventually decided to build another restaurant.

Christopher’s Off the Bone closed in August 2013. In June 2014, Freedman applied for a permit to move into the building.

At the time, he said he chose to open at that location because it was a high-traffic area and because he thought Niles was a great community to do business

in.

The restaurant would also be located close to Chicago’s Edgebrook neighborhood, where he currently lives.

Originally, Freedman planned to open in September 2014, but the process of securing funding and construction itself took longer than expected. Charlie Freedman, Mark Freedman’s son, told the Bugle that it took considerable effort to get it open.

“I helped [my dad] a little bit, just doing whatever he needed,” he said. “The summer was rough, but we got it done.”

Wildwood Tavern had a small “test drive” opening Aug. 21 for family and investors. It opened to customers Aug. 27.

The former Christopher’s Off the Bone building was extensively renovated. Wildwood Tavern’s bar is larger than its predecessor’s, and TV monitors were installed above the liquor cabinets in the middle to allow customers watch sports no matter what side of the bar they’re sitting on. The booths have been replaced with smaller tables. The south half of the building was converted into a sit-down dining area. The interiors were remodeled to evoke a cabin, complete with a fireplace and wooden bear sculpture by the door.

Ron Bourdon, of Harry’s Lumber Co., was one of the people who built the interiors. He came to Wildwood Tavern with a friend because he wanted to see what he

helped to create. He told the Bugle that he was proud of his work. “[Freedman] is a friend of mine, and one of my customers,” said Bourdon. “He’s a nice guy.”

Wildwood Tavern offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, BBQ items and desserts. Some items hearken back to Myron & Phil’s, including the Original Myron & Phil’s skirt steak sandwich, Original Myron & Phil’s bruised brisket of beef and Original Myron & Phil’s baby back bibs. But the menu also had its share of new selections, such as Wildwood baby back ribs, Wildwood turkey BLT sandwich, Wildwood Chicken Wings and Freedman Burger.

A quote at the bottom of the menu summed up Wildwood Tavern’s mission statement.

“From the family that brought you Myron & Phil’s, it’s our pleasure to serve up the Wildwood Tavern interpretation of quality food that feeds the soul and brings friends and community together. We welcome you to be a part of it!”

Randee Estes, of Lincolnwood, was a Myron & Phil’s regular. She came with a friend to see what Wildwood Tavern is like. When she spoke to the Bugle, she hadn’t had a chance to try any of the food, but she said she liked what she had seen so far.

“I’m very excited to stop by,”

atmosphere. I’ll say if you live, in Park Ridge or Edgebrook, this is a good restaurant and bar.”

To him, the big advantage was that it gives him a place to meet up with his friends, who live in Edgebrook and other nearby areas. The location, said Gruss, would ensure that they will be

“I helped [my dad] a little bit, just doing whatever he needed. The summer was rough, but we got it done.”

- Charlie Freedman

said Estes. “The wine is delicious.

Myron’s was our go-to, so I hope this will be our go-to.”

Park Ridge resident Henry Gruss has never been to Myron & Phil’s., but a friend of his was a regular customer. He invited Gruss to see the Wildwood Tavern, and he said was impressed.

“I like the big bar, the open bar concept,” said Gruss. “It’s got great

regular customers.

He added that while he liked the drinks, he hadn’t tried the food – but he said he would try it next time.

Charlie Freedman stopped at the bar during the Bugle’s visit.

When asked how Wildwood Tavern compared to his father’s previous restaurant, he didn’t mince words.

12

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News about schools in your community

T h ur sday, Septem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

13

education

District 64 holds Parent University Parents will learn about Google Drive, how it works, the suite of apps students can use

District 64’s Parent University will return for a second year offering a series of evenings tailor-made for parents and community members to extend their own learning.

Google Apps for Education will be the focus at the first event Sept.

10 at 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Franklin School’s Learning Resource Center, 2401 Manor Lane, Park Ridge.

Google Apps for Education have become an integral part of District 64’s learning ecosystem over the last few years. Students have been given the opportunity to use this powerful productivity tool in their learning environments.

In this Parent University

budget | from page 3 employees for their successful supply drive.

The department has collected supplies for students in schools that are located in Niles – Gemini Junior High and Twain and Nelson elementary schools.

The employees collected over 300 folders and 245 other items, including glue sticks, pens, pencils and post-it notes. They also collected 50 backpacks filled with school supplies.

Board President Janet Kaczkowski offered heartfelt

more info Google Apps for Education will be the focus at the first event Sept. 10 at 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Franklin School’s Learning Resource Center, 2401 Manor Lane, Park Ridge.

session, you will learn about Google Drive, how it works and the suite of apps students can use to promote creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills.

The session will go over the basics of Google Drive and highlight some of the great ways Google Apps can be used for student learning.

District 64 Instructional Technology Coaches Allison Sobotka (Franklin) and Kevin Michael (Carpenter) will facilitate the evening.

All parents and adult members of the community are welcome to attend this free event. More information is available on the District 64 website: www.d64.org.

thanks to the department employees.

“Public works has been really helpful, especially for Mark Twain [Elementary School],” she said.

“So thank you very, very much for everything you do.”

Board member Kryztal Zec said she was there when students received backpacks filled with supplies, and she was touched by how excited students were to get them.

Later, Kaczkowski personally thanked department director Mary Anderson.

“You have a great group of people at Public Works,” she said.

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14

Thursday, Septem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

education

Preschool utilizes new technology for learning Creative Corners Pre-school will be one of first in state to use SMART technology

When the 2015-2016 school year opened on Sept. 8, students in Des Plaines Park District’s Creative Corners Pre-school will be among the first in Illinois to benefit from brand new SMART technology included in their daily lessons.

“We are so excited about bringing this to our preschool students,” said Karyn Roth, the recreation supervisor in charge of the district’s early childhood programs.

“Creative Corners is designed

submitted photo

to prepare kids for kindergarten and elementary education, and these tools will help make sure they are ready for the new wave of classroom learning.”

Each of the two Creative Corners classes will be equipped with a SMART Table and a SMART Board, where teachers and students can work in groups, and with tablets for teachers to use one-on-one with a student.

The hardware and the educational software programs are produced by SMART Technologies, Inc., the company that developed the first interactive whiteboard in 1991. Teachers plug in the programs to start the learning sessions, and the SMART technology engages the students by allowing them to touch the tables, whiteboards and tablets, interact with their teachers and fellow students, and create a richer experience that is more meaningful and more fun as well.

“When the students work together on a lesson, they are also learning socialization skills that are critical to their future success,” said Roth.

“This SMART technology does not replace traditional educational concepts,” said Linda Traina,

Each of the two Creative Corners classes will be equipped with a SMART Table and a SMART Board, where teachers and students can work in groups, and with tablets for teachers to use one-on-one with a student.

superintendent of recreation.

“Story time, arts and crafts, creative play and healthy outdoor activities will always be included in Creative Corners curriculum, because they are vital to a child’s development.”

The purchase of the SMART technology was made possible by a $36,000 grant from Rivers Casino, in Des Plaines, which will also allow the district to install two new iMac computers in the Teen Center, located at 2222 Birch St. “We are very grateful to Rivers Casino for making this possible.” said Don Miletic, executive director of the park district. “Their commitment to the community, and to education in particular, has just been fantastic.”

For more information on Des Plaines Park District’s Creative Corners Preschool and Early Childhood Education Classes, call 847-391-5700 or visit www.

DPParks.org.

Upcoming events for Seniors in the community T h ur sday, Septem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

15

Get more out of Social Security with ‘file and suspend’ more info

To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you need to have worked at least 10 years

By Jill Schlesinger Jill on the Money In honor of Social Security’s 80th anniversary, I devoted the better part of August to the popular government program. Last week I covered how the system’s financing works, and today we start digging into strategies.

To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you need to have worked at least 10 years. You can check out where you stand with SSA’s easy-to-use online benefits statement, which will provide your estimated monthly payment at your full retirement age (FRA). FRA varies on when you were born: if that was before 1938, your FRA is 65 years old; from 1938 to 1942, your FRA rises by two months for each additional year; between 1943 and 1954, it’s 66; from 1955 to 1959, it rises two months per year; and from 1960 on, the age is 67.

Although you can claim benefits as early as age 62, if you do so, your benefit will be permanently lower - for some as much as 25 percent less. This may not only be bad news for you, but if your spouse plans to claim one half of your benefit, he or she also will face a lifetime of lower benefits. Many experts believe that the single worst decision that seniors can make is to claim early.

But for those who need income, claiming early is not a choice; it is essential for monthly cash flow.

If the system penalizes you for claiming early, it rewards you for waiting to claim benefits beyond your FRA. For every month you delay, you are entitled to delayed retirement credits, which are worth 0.67 percent per month, for a total of 8 percent per year, until

The earnings test is why Social Security expert Mary Beth Franklin calls 66 “the magic age,” because it is “the age when you can collect your full retirement benefit - even if you continue to work.” It’s also when you can employ creative strategies that can help maximize benefits.

stock photo

age 70. Of course, you are forgoing the monthly income for those years between FRA and 70, but delaying can add up to big money, provided you live long enough for the trade-off to work. In essence, when to claim is often a bet on life expectancy.

If you do claim benefits early and wish to continue working, you will be subject to an annual earnings test, which for those people reaching FRA after 2015 is $15,720, and for those reaching FRA in 2015 is $41,880. Social Security withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above that year’s threshold, until you reach full retirement age.

The ratio changes to $1 for every $3 earned during the year you reach full retirement age.

The earnings test is why Social Security expert Mary Beth Franklin calls 66 “the magic age,” because it is “the age when you can collect your full retirement benefit - even if you continue to work.” It’s also when you can employ creative strategies that can help maximize benefits.

One of the most popular is “file and suspend,” which allows one married spouse to apply for benefits and then immediately suspend collecting. At the same time, the other spouse (or dependent children) can start collecting spousal (or dependent) benefits.

Here’s the best part: The first spouse can wait to claim benefits until age 70, which increases the future value of his or her benefit.

File and suspend can be useful for some married couples, especially where one spouse has earned significantly more than the other during their careers. Before pulling the trigger, you need to review the numbers and take into account the health of both spouses. According to Franklin, file and suspend can also be used as an insurance policy:

“Those who file and suspend benefits have the right to request a lump sum payment during the suspension period but forfeit any delayed retirement credits earned during that period. This is particularly valuable for those

who need a lump sum payment now rather than a bigger monthly payment later.”

Contact Jill Schlesinger, senior business analyst for CBS News, at askjill@JillonMoney.com. (c) 2015 JILL SCHLESINGER DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC

File and suspend can be useful for some married couples, especially where one spouse has earned significantly more than the other during their careers. Before pulling the trigger, you need to review the numbers and take into account the health of both spouses.

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