Niles 11-26-15

November 26, 2015 vol. 60 issue 8

to all all of of our our readers! readers! to

News Truth in Taxation Niles residents speak out against library tax increase

see page 2

Schools Save or Secure

District 64 moves forward with plans for security upgrades see page 3

News Mayoral Power Niles voters will again consider procedures on filling trustee vacancies

see page 4

Community Naming Rights

Morton Grove Library puts naming rights up for bid

see page 14

sports All-Area Football Six locals named to squad

see page 7

By Igor Studenkov B u g l e S ta ff The village of Niles purchased the Leaning Tower from the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the offer.

The YMCA owned the Leaning Tower of Niles since 1964. In 1995, it has leased the structure out to the village, with Niles assuming responsibility for maintenance and repairs.

The village plans to pursue a National Landmark designation.

As previously reported by the Bugle, this could potentially allow the village to qualify for grants to help with building repairs.

Mayor Andrew Przybylo touted the acquisition as a boon for the local economy, describing it as a way to draw in tourists and increase the village’s sales tax revenue. But several residents who spoke during the meeting expressed skepticism.

Former village trustee Chris

Hanusiak argued that Niles had more important priorities to consider, which he said are being neglected. The Leaning Tower of Niles is a half-scale replica of Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was built by industrialist Robert Ilg as a centerpiece of a park for Ilg Hot Air Electric Ventilating Company employees. In 1964, the Ilg family donated the land, as well as the structure, to the YMCA on the condition that the tower would be regularly maintained and would not be torn down before 2059.

When the village took over responsibility for the structure’s maintenance, it undertook a two-year project to rehab the tower and the surrounding plaza. Despite that, the tower has seen gradual deterioration largely due to water seeping into concrete and the corresponding expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes.

see ‘tower’ page 10

Thursday, Novem ber 26, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

library news

Residents speak out against library’s proposed tax increase Vote moved to Nov. 30 to comply with state law

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

Niles residents came out in full force to the Niles Public Library’s Truth in Taxation hearing, urging the board of trustees not to raise the tax levy.

The board was originally scheduled to vote on whether to set the levy after the Nov. 18 hearing but the vote was moved to Nov. 30 to comply with state law, according library spokesman Sasha Vasilic. The amount the board

planned to levy wasn’t determined until a special meeting held Nov. 5, and state law requires the board must wait at least 20 days before a vote.

This year, state law allows the library to raise the levy above the standard cap, which is set based on property values and the consumer prince index, among other factors. Because the library lowered taxes for two years in a row, it is allowed to raise taxes up to $7,207,440.

During the Nov. 5 meeting, the board decided to raise the levy to $6,718,474. While this is below this

year’s cap, it is higher than amount allowed under the standard cap and $617,635 higher than last year’s levy.

Vasilic told the Bugle that, if the tax levy gets approved, property owners would have to pay an average of $37 more than last year. The number was calculated using the average value of a home in Niles, which the library said was $290,000.

During the Nov. 15 hearing, Board President Linda Ryan told residents that there were several major expenses that loomed in the library’s future – the development of the new strategic plan, the costs of running and

see library | page 11

Photo By Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff

Niles Public Library trustee Danette Matyas (left), Carolyn Drblik and Barbara Nakanishi wait for the start of the Nov. 18 hearing.

T h ur sday, Novem ber 26, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

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Schools > District 64

Save or Secure District 64 goes out to bid for new security measures

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 Board of Education voted 4-3 to give the staff a goahead to develop bid packages for secure school building vestibule projects.

If approved, the projects would add new, more secure lobbies in all of district schools. They would also include renovations of the office and nursing spaces.

In schools where the main office isn’t located close to the main entrance, the office would be relocated as well, and classrooms would be moved into the former office spaces. The total cost of the project is estimated at $5.11 million.

Staff is expected to develop the bid packages by the end of January, with the board voting on whether to go to bid during its Feb. 22, 2016, meeting. Staff is also expected to prepare a district-wide security plan by Jan 26. If the board decides to go out to bid, the contract is expected to be approved in time to start

the projects during the summer months.

According to Board President Tony Borrelli, the idea of adding secured vestibules was originally raised in February 2015. During a special Nov. 5 meeting, FGM Architects presented the preliminary project plans to the board.Those plans were developed with input from the Niles and Park Ridge police departments, as well as RETA Security, the district’s

“Any type of security is an added benefit to us. I don’t weigh the cost of security to see if [we can save money]. I weigh security costs against what we’re getting for that money.”

- Board member Tom Sotos

security consultant. The plans also drew upon guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security.

During its Nov. 15 meeting, the board was scheduled to vote on whether to give staff a go-ahead to prepare bid documents for the summer construction programs.

District Superintendent Laurie Heinz said this was something she wanted to implement for a while.

“[Adding secured vestibules] has been a goal of mine since [my] first day,” she said. “It’s been a recommendation of RETA and a recommendation of our first responders.”

Heinz described it as part of a district security protocol that includes the recently implemented visitor management system, development of monitoring and alerting, and staff training.

“We want to make sure that the staff knows the procedures and we have a level of accountability for those procedures,” she said.

“When we have protocols, it’s going to be up to every one of us to enforce those protocols.”

While the secured vestibules wouldn’t necessarily eliminate threats, Heinz said they would impede any potential intruders.

“The main recommendation is that layered security slows people down,” she said. “We want to make sure [anyone] who’s in the building, that they have to be approved to go in the building.”

While preventing school shootings was factored into the plan, the superintendent said the district also wanted a better way to screen out sex offenders, disgruntled employees and parents. Heinz added that it would help the school better enforce restraining orders and deal with custody agreements, as well as make the flow of visitors more manageable.

Finally, Heinz noted that, out of all elementary school districts in northern Cook County, District 64 is the only one without secured vestibules.

The issue has proven to be controversial, with residents, parents and teachers divided on whether the new security measures were a good idea to begin with.

Joan Sandrik, of Park Ridge, was one of several residents to raise concerns about spending money on something that they felt didn’t get enough scrutiny.

“I do feel that this is a bit of a runaway train,” she said. “I feel you need to take a step back. You need to slow down.”

Nathan Dziedzic argued that since school shooters tended to be students who were bullied or dealing with mental issues,

the district would be better off spending money on helping vulnerable students before they are pushed to the brink.

“Reinforced vestibule is an easy answer,” said Dziedzic. “The real answer is much harder.”

Paul Sheehan was one of several residents to speak who were in favor of the project. He said that if the projects would make children safer, saving as much money as possible shouldn’t be the biggest priority.

“And I daresay that a vast majority of my neighbors feel the same way,” he added.

Teachers and staff members who spoke were also divided, and several board members voiced their concerns. Board member Tom Sotos said he wasn’t

see secure | page 14

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Thursday, Novem ber 26, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

village news > niles

Voters to consider restoring mayoral power to fill trustee vacancies

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The village of Niles Board of Trustees voted unanimously to place two advisory referenda and one binding referendum on the ballot for the March 15, 2016, election. If approved, the binding referendum would reverse a 2014 referendum that stripped Niles mayors of the power to fill trustee vacancies. The referendum, which was submitted by Niles resident Joe Makula, required all trustee vacancies to be filled during the nearest municipal election – unless the vacancy happens less than 196 days before the election. In that case, the vacancy wouldn’t get filled until the following municipal election. The referendum passed with 76.2 percent of the vote.

The new referendum would restore the previous rules regarding trustee vacancies, which gives the mayor the power to make an appointment that the board of trustees votes on.

When Makula’s original referendum was on the ballot, Mayor Andrew Przybylo argued that the vote could bring the village government to a halt. At the time, attorneys from the law firm Ancel Glink told the board that there are certain votes that would need to be approved by at least four trustees. That includes votes on emergency disaster relief, lease of equipment and machinery, rejection of interest arbitration decisions in village union contracts, issuing bonds for water and sewer repairs, and transferring funds between village departments.

Przybylo argued that if more than one trustee position was vacant at one time, it could paralyze village government.

Trustee George Alpogianis made a similar argument during the Nov. 17 meeting.

“We don’t want our citizens to be put in this situation,” Alpogianis said.

Trustee Joe LoVerde said he had his own reservations about the results of the original referendum.

“This referendum, when it went on, was very confusing,” he said.

“It didn’t give any other options.

If I wanted to run for mayor, my seat would be open for two years.

I support trying to get this [issue] worked out.”

Makula spoke out strongly against the proposed referendum.

“One of the rights of being an American citizen is the right to vote and have an impact on the decisions that govern every life in our community,” he said. “There is no good reason to give that to the mayor, so he can pick people that are answerable and loyal to him.”

Makula decried the new referendum as a waste of taxpayer money.

“This board should be ashamed of themselves to even bring this nonsense up,” he said.

“There are families in Niles... that are struggling to pay their mortgages, their property taxes, household expenses and school expenses for their children.”

Former village trustee Louella Preston also expressed her opposition to the proposed referendum.

“Mr. Makula has spoke to it, I urge you to vote against it,” she said. “Follow what the voters want.”

Przybylo said the arguments that described the previous arrangement as an abuse of power didn’t make sense, saying both he and the trustees are elected officials. “[The trustees] are all elected,” he said. “I am elected. Why don’t we take all those things and [have all residents] phone the vote in. You elected us to make decisions. If three vacancies occur, government stops. If two vacancies occur, government stops.”

Advisory referenda The board also approved two advisory referenda.

The first referendum dealt with whether the village should continue to fund social services such as the Niles Department of Family Services, Niles Senior Center and Niles Teen Center.

The second dealt with whether Niles should enhance the Leaning Tower of Niles site with stores, entertainment options and other amenities.

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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 Karen S. Hameson, 43, 1100 block of South Troy Street, Chicago, was arrested at 6:09 p.m.

Nov. 11 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.

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Crystal An Horvath, 57, 9300 block of Aston Martin Road, Las Vegas, Nevada, was arrested at 5:35 p.m. Nov. 11 in the 8500 block of Golf for retail theft.

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Enrique Sandoval, 45, 9000 block of Stevenson Drive, Des Plaines, was arrested at 12:02 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.

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Jesus Gonzalez, 35, 8800 block of Dee Road, Des Plaines, was arrested at 10:11 p.m. Nov. 12 in the 7100 block of Milwaukee for aggravated driving under the influence and criminal trespassing.

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Lewis C. Chamberlain, 41, 1800 block of West Lake Street, Chicago, was arrested Nov.

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14 in the 9200 block of Milwaukee for retail theft.

Joseph A. Hawel, 28, 9300 block of Hamlin, Des Plaines, was arrested at Nov. 14 in the 9200 block of Milwaukee for retail theft.

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Matthew R. Sturgeon, 37, 1200 block of East Washington, Des Plaines, was arrested Nov. 18 in the 8500 block of Golf Road for retail theft.

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Park Ridge

Tony T. Fondren, 40, 30400 block of North Bareback Trail, San Tan Valley, Arizona, was arrested at 9:38 p.m. Nov. 14 at Waukegan and Niles Terrace for suspended license.

Feranando S. Ochoa, 43, 1289 Diane Lane, Elk Grove, was arrested at 10:06 p.m. Nov. 7 in the 700 block of Busse for DUI, no valid proof of insurance, improper lane usage and failure to reduce speed.

Heelmar Samperio, 26, 3400 block of West Evergreen Ave., Chicago, was arrested at 11:57 p.m.

Nov. 14 at Milwaukee and Ozark for suspended license and speeding over 35 mph.

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Timothy L. Moore, 29, 3131 Clark St., Chicago, was arrested at 6:15 a.m. Nov. 10 in the 1700 block of South Dempster for a warrant.

Francisco J. Ayala, 23, 6100 block of Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove, was arrested at 4:03 a.m. Nov. 15 in the 7800 block of Caldwell for DUI and speeding over 40 mph.

Heather L. Springer, 20, 2010 RW Gordon Drive, Springfield, Tennessee, was arrested at 9:39 a.m. Nov. 10 at Touhy and Grace for driving while license suspended and disobeyed traffic control device.

Daniel Jumatate, 35, 6100 of North California, Chicago, was arrested at 11:29 a.m.

Nov. 17 in the 6100 block of Touhy for retail theft.

Christian L. Barrezueta, 18, S. Cumberland, Park Ridge, was arrested at 1:11 p.m. Nov. 10 in the 1100 block of South Dee for possession of drug paraphernalia.

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Nora Sanders, 51, 4400 block of North Laramie, Chicago, was arrested at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.

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T h ur sday, Novem ber 26, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

5

Thinking About Health > Opinion

EDITORIAL

Obamacare policyholders question rising deductibles

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Maureen Vitacco

$240 to the hospital. Counting Is health insurance really the premium and another $100 affordable? That’s the question or so for drugs, the monthly thousands of Americans who outlay for medical expenses signed up for policies under totaled about $600, more than a the Affordable Care Act are quarter of her monthly income. beginning to ask as third This year when the premium year open enrollment gets increased to $406, still with the underway.

By Trudy same subsidy, she said no, and A few weeks ago, a 63-year- Lieberman Rural Health filed a new application hoping old woman, a reader of these News Service to find something cheaper that columns, contacted me would also let her continue to about the health insurance policy she had bought through the see the doctors she liked. Luckily she Illinois exchange. She lost her coverage discovered she had been paying smoker after her husband died and had been rates but was not a smoker. The new uninsured for nearly two years before premium based on non-smoker rates Obamacare came along. She had some is $216, about the maximum she can health problems and worried, she afford.

A new study from the actuarial firm said, that she was “playing the odds.”

She was just the person the law was Milliman just confirmed what the Illinois woman and others already intended to help.

Realizing she could lose everything know. Next year’s premiums have if she had a serious illness, she signed increased overall compared to 2015 for up for a Blue Cross Blue Shield bronze a variety of reasons such as higher costs plan, the kind with the lowest premiums for medical care, especially prescription and highest deductibles. Her monthly drugs, and lower payments to insurers premium for the first year was an from the government to cushion the affordable $93 because her low income— impact of covering lots of sick people.

Milliman compared the second about $25,000 a year working part time at an insurance agency—qualified her lowest cost silver plans for a 27-yearold and found increases varied with for a tax subsidy of $451.

The catch, of course, was the $6,000 some states like Mississippi and Indiana deductible. She also had to pay the experiencing decreases and others like full price of her drugs, which didn’t Illinois, South Dakota and Nebraska count toward the deductible, although experiencing increases, some significant. once other medical bills exceeded the In South Dakota, for example, the deductible, drugs were covered in full. average increase was 25 percent.

States with fewer insurers tended She didn’t use the policy because she didn’t “have $6,000 lying around” for to have higher increases. That’s hardly surprising since competition in health some recommended tests.

The second year the premium insurance does seem to keep premiums zoomed up to $258—tougher to pay but somewhat lower.

No one buys exactly the average she still managed to “squeak by.” She needed knee surgery. But because of the policy, of course, or pays exactly the large deductible, she had to pay the first average premium. But it’s clear that large $6,000 out-of-pocket, and for most of numbers of Obamacare policyholders the year she made monthly payments of will be paying more next year, and

that worries researchers, government officials, and supporters of the health law.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Urban Institute recently reported that only 35 percent of people eligible for a subsidy—like the one the Illinois woman received—had signed up for a policy last year, and most of them were individuals and families with the lowest incomes. About 80 percent of those with low incomes had chosen policies while only 30 percent with middle incomes in the $40,000 to $60,000 range did not.

“People are looking at this and saying ‘Man, I can’t afford it,’” says Washington insurance consultant Robert Laszewski.

He has long argued policies are too expensive and deductibles too high for all except those who get the highest subsidies—in other words, those with the lowest incomes.

Laszewski predicts even higher increases for next year along with higher deductibles and a smaller choice of doctors and hospitals. That’s what the Illinois woman is afraid of.

“I didn’t expect these kinds of increases year after year,” she told me. “It was like the first year was a big come-on.

Everybody gets in and the second year they sock it to you.”

And for next year?

“Who knows,” she says. “Still counting down to Medicare.”

What kind of rate increases are you seeing? Write to Trudy at trudy. lieberman@gmail.

The Rural Health News Service is funded by a grant from The Commonwealth Fund and is distributed through the Nebraska Press Assn. Foundation, Colorado Press Assn., South Dakota Newspaper Assn., Hoosier (IN) State Press Assn. Foundation, Illinois Press Foundation, Wyoming Press Assn. and California Newspaper Publishers Assn.

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NOVEMBER 26

Jo Herzog Memorial Thanksgiving Day Family Exercise Class. 8 to 9 a.m. at the Centennial Fitness Center, 1515 W. Touhy Ave., Park Ridge. All Ages. Free with food donation. Take time to workout before the turkey comes out. This family exercise class gets you moving to burn calories and have fun together before you sit down to your Thanksgiving meal.

NOVEMBER 27

National Day of Listening.

1-3 p.m. at Niles library. Join us in

celebrating the Eighth Annual National Day of Listening. Get lost in conversation instead of Black Friday’s long shopping lines! Listen to, record and share the stories that are all around you using the free StoryCorps app.

NOVEMBER 28

Niles Holly Jolly Market. 3 to 9 p.m. at Oasis Waterpark, 7877 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Join the village of Niles in celebrating the holidays at the annual Holly Jolly Festival. The Holly Jolly Market and Tree Lighting includes a wide variety of entertainment including live music, beer and wine, a

fire pit, children’s craft activities, horsedrawn carriage rides, a petting zoo and a special market where businesses will be selling holiday trinkets and food items.

The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held outdoors at 5:30 p.m. This is a free, family friendly event. Come meet Santa, bundle up for a horsedrawn sleigh, sit around the fire while Niles Public Library staff read holiday stories, free children’s activities and crafts. Vendors at the Christmas Market will be set up selling all sorts of goodies including holiday ornaments, roasted nuts, poinsettias and more!

see calendar | page 13

FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE 5 MINUTES FOR YOURSELF Thursday, Novem ber 26, 2015 | Ni lesbug le.com

Aries

MARCH 21 To APRIL 20

Use a mouth guard to protect you from grinding your teeth.

In the week to come you may struggle to escape from the tight, uncomfortable space that exists between a rock and a hard place.

gemini

M Ay 2 2 T o J U N E 2 1

Remember that the person who never made a mistake probably did nothing at all. In the week ahead your significant other might be grouchy or somewhat critical.

Remain supportive.

leo

J U Ly 2 3 T o A U g U S T 2 1

Bring a friend home to dinner. Embrace an opportunity to treat a friend like a family member. To do your best work in the week to come to seek peace and quiet in out of the way places.

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vESSEL 69 ASIAN LANgUAgE IN A REgIoN fAMoUS foR TIgERS 70 __ vAULT 71 LETTER BEfoRE TEE 72 LA BREA dISCovERy 73 fILLEd WITH WoNdER

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librA

SEPTEMBER 24 To oCToBER 23

Breaking up isn’t always hard to do. In the week to come you might seamlessly leave some relationships behind.

You may learn which people are fully trustworthy and which ones aren’t.

sAgittArius

NovEMBER 23 To dECEMBER 22

Funnel frustrations into a formula for success.

Efforts may be unrewarding when you don’t receive encouragement. In the week ahead maintain a low profile and avoid controversy.

AquArius

JANUARy 21 To fEBRUARy 19

It may be boring or soothing to do the same thing over again, as long as it isn’t a mistake. This week you may be able to ride the rocking horse of repetitive actions into the winner’s circle.

Sudoku

tAurus

A P R I L 2 1 T o M Ay 2 1

Don’t get off on the wrong foot with the guy or gal in your life. In the week to come make rational explanations and convince a special someone of your sincerity before things get out of hand.

cAncer

J U N E 2 2 T o J U Ly 2 2

Make smart choices. If you stay on your toes this week you can make friends in high places and a few extra dollars, too. Put extra effort into charming customers, contacts and co-workers.

virgo

AUgUST 22 To SEPTEMBER 23

Everything comes full circle in the end. The balancing act you must perform to please family on one hand, and the demands of a career on the other, might finally come to a peak this week.

scorpio

oCToBER 24 To NovEMBER 22

Reaching the top is never final. You must continue to travel through the dips and then climb up the peaks again. You may feel invincible this week but it is wise to tread cautiously.

cApricorn

dECEMBER 23 To JANUARy 20

Think twice without over thinking. You may experience something similar to writer’s block in the week ahead. You may be discouraged by a temporary inability to get ahead.

pisces

fEBRUARy 20 To MARCH 20

There is no reason to beat your head against the wall when the door is right around the corner. As this week unfolds don’t be discouraged. The solution to a problem is in plain view.

Jumble

Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2015

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

Jumbles:

• MUSIC • RANCH • TEACUP • NIBBLE

Answer:

WHEN THE SToRM HIT, THE PILoT’S dECISIoN To LANd WAS -- “UP IN THE AIR”

THursDay, noveMBer 26, 2015

page 7

>> iNside: JohNsoN, borlaNd Tabbed poy page 8

football

collIS & COMPANY Six locals on all-area squad

With the 2015 season in the books, here is the 30-man Voyager Media All-Area Football Team.

MeekAh beN-isRAeL Joliet West senior leader totaled 53 tackles and five tackles for loss as a defensive tackle for Joliet West.

tuf BorlAnd Voyager Media Defensive POY had 165 tackles, 11 for loss to lead Bolingbrook.

JohN cARNAGio A junior quarterback from Minooka, Carnagio helped the Indians return to the playoffs this past season, throwing for 1,787 yards and 14 touchdowns.

“He will re-write the record books here at MCHS,” Minooka coach Paul Forsythe said. “Set school records for completions in a season (143) and for yards.

Completed passes to 9 different Minooka receivers in 2015. John has tremendous ability as a passer and look for him to only be better in 2016.”

MAtt chMieLewski A 6-foot, 3-inch, 310-pound offensive lineman, Chmielewski was a big part of Lockport’s strong finish to the 2015 season.

“Matt is a three-year varsity starter,” Lockport coach Daniel Starkey said. “Matt consistently graded out at a championship level, leading our offensive players each week. Matt was a physical presence and allowed our two tailbacks (Matt Skobel

and Sheldon Snapp) to rush for over 1,000 yards combined. Matt has several D1 FCS offers and has verbally committed to Southern Illinois University.”

bRiAN coLLis Maine South senior was a threeyear starting quarterback for the Hawks. He finished his senior season 218-of-335 for 2,690 yards and 21 touchdowns. He was a team captain and MVP.

JAcksoN DeLFosse The senior offensive lineman from Notre Dame led the rushing attack for the Dons. He helped the offense finish with 1,970 yards passing and 1,902 yards rushing and an 8-2 record.

tiM DoNNAhue The defensive end from Plainfield North contributed 61 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks.

“He is a fast edge rusher that was difficult to block for many teams,” North coach Tim Kane said.

“He plays with great energy and relentless effort to the ball. He led our team and set a school record with 13.5 sacks this season.”

JD ekowA Plainfield North three-year starting quarterback had 1,765 yards passing and 17 touchdown passes. Was a dual-threat with 385 yards rushing and eight scores on the ground.

“JD has been a three-year

See all-aRea | page 9

pHoTo BY marK gregorY

Brian Collis is a member of the Voyager Media All-Area team.

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

8

Thursday, Novem ber 26, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

football

Johnson, Borland honored as Players of the Year

By Mark Gregory sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

At the beginning of the season, the Joliet Catholic Academy offense seemed to be set for the long haul with several talented athletes in the backfield.

When Harry Davis was injured, however, senior running back Michael Johnson was tabbed to carry the load of the offense.

He did so to the tune of 1,986 yards on 260 carries, an average of 7.6 yards per rush. Johnson tallied 26 touchdowns on the ground, adding five more scores through the air, adding more than receiving yards.

For his success, Johnson is the Voyager Media 2015 Football Offensive Player of the Year.

“He is one of the best backs in the area. He can run the ball out of the wing position or the tail position,” said JCA coach Dan Sharp. “He is a great downhill

runner, a great edge runner and has great hands and is excellent in the passing game and he blocks very well. He is an all around offensive threat. He is the type of guy that can make big plays, but can also sustain drives with some hard runs up the middle.

“I don’t know of a back in the area that has all of the skills that he has. He is a good of a back as we have had and he will be a great back on Saturdays, no matter what college he picks. He is a great choice for the player of the year.”

Johnson said he knew what he had to do when Davis was lost for an extended time.

“I knew I had to put the team on my back and go hard.

I knew I had to take on that responsibility,” he said. “I came here and put it all on the line for my team every game. But, I wouldn’t be anything without those big guys up front. They

knew they just had to get a key block for me and I would go and when I was in the open field, I was gone.”

Not only did Johnson shoulder the workload for the Hilltoppers, he also helped groom Davis’ fill in, sophomore Ke’Von Johnson – Michael’s cousin.

“It was great playing with him,” Michael said. “I knew what he could do, so I could push him.”

Michael said that he knew from the offseason that he would have to put work in to be the best he wanted to.

“In the summer, I knew I needed to come out here and prove to people that I am a good running back and I needed to get more schools looking at me,” Michael said. “And I guess I did it.”

DEFENSIVE POY This

season,

Bolingbrook

see all-area | page 10

PHOTO BY mark gregory

Joliet Catholic running back Michael Johnson is the Voyager Media 2015 Football Offensive Player of the Year.

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

T h ur s day, Novem ber 26, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com all-area | from page 7 starter for us and was great leader in our program,” North coach Tim Kane said. “His numbers speak for themselves in terms of how much he led our offense this year. He set numerous school records for passing yardage and TDs.”

Mitch Ganassin The senior from Plainfield South was a key playmaker on defense and special teams. He had 29 solo tackles as a corner, four interceptions and returned two punts for TD’s and blocked a FG. “Always drew the opponents best receiver,” South coach Ken Bublitz said. “Strong, fast as a pass defender and very effective as a run support player.”

Isaiah Hill The Minooka junior is setting school records for receiving. In 10 games he amassed 54 receptions (school record) for 803 yards with eight TD’s. He also accumulated 376 yards in return yardage.

“Isaiah has tremendous quickness and skill in route running along with the ability to score from anywhere on the field when the ball is in his hands,” Minooka coach Paul Forsythe said.

“He also earned much of his yards and catches while being double teamed. Expect great things from him in 2016.”

Zach Jarosz A wideout from Plainfield North, Jarosz had some huge games during the season, finishing with 47 catches for 842 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“Zach has to have some of the top stats around for a WR,” Kane said. “He was a game breaker for us and proved to be a very difficult matchup for many teams. He also set numerous school records for receiving yards and TDs.”

Kevin Jarvis The CSL South Lineman of the Year had 37 pancakes for Maine South in his junior season. He is getting looks from Big 10 schools.

“Will be second best linemen to play for Maine South only behind Dave Butz of Washington Redskins,” Maine South coach Dave Inserra said.

Eric Johnson A senior from Plainfield South, Johnson finished with 74 tackles, 29 tackles for loss and 12 sacks from his defensive end position.

“He is very difficult to single block,” South coach Ken Bublitz said. “He has quickness off the ball and utilization of exceptional

technique along with athleticism made him very difficult to contain.”

Michael Johnson The Voyager Media Offensive POY had 1,986 yards rushing on 260 attempts with 26 touchdowns for JCA.

Dylan Koch A Plainfield East senior and Ball State commit, Koch had four touchdowns on offense and had nine tackles for loss and four sacks on defense.

“Played both sides of the ball a majority of the time,” East coach Mike Romeli said. “He is one of the best blocking tight ends in the midwest as multiple recruiters stated over the spring, summer and fall.”

Zach Lukasik Joliet Catholic senior is a 6-foot, 2-inch, 225-pound senior was the East Suburban Catholic Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year. He was also the kicker for the Hilltoppers.

Donald Manning Plainfield East senior had 15 tackles for loss and 10 sacks this year. Is committed to play at Ball State University.

“He is an impressive athlete with tremendous upside,” East coach Mike Romeli said. “Donald dominated the line of scrimmage at times and made it very difficult to do anything to his side.”

Alec McEachern Two-way player for Benet had 81 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six pass break-ups, three interceptions and six forced fumbles. On offense he ran 106 times for 608 yards and eight touchdowns.

Mark McGrath Lisle junior finished the season with 114 carries for 504 yards and 17 catches for 430 yards. He added 560 yards passing with 14 total touchdowns, 25 extra points and converted four field goals. On defense he tallied 31 tackles and two interceptions.

“Mark led our team to a 7-2 record and a spot in the state playoffs,” Lisle coach Paul Parpat said. “He in my opinion was the most complete player in the Interstate Conference. He was our teams MVP. Two-time allconference. One of the best players in the area without a doubt.

Sean McNulty Maine South junior kicker and punter converted 9-of-12 field

goals and 42-of-44 extra points and had 35 percent of his kickoffs go for touchbacks this year. He also averaged 36.7 yards per punt and was a vital piece to the Hawks’ playoff win over Plainfield North, constantly putting the Tigers deep in their own territory.

Blake Parzych Minooka senior lineman had 58 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.

“Overall undisputed leader of our team for two years,” Minooka coach Paul Forsythe said. “Blake finished his career with 16 sacks and 51 TFLs. He demanded a double team from most if not all teams we played. A tremendous second effort player.”

Danny Saracco The senior from Plainfield South was a three-year starter and SPC Defensive Player of the Year. He finished the year with 98 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and six sacks.

“He is excellent to the ball, finishes tackles, made defensive adjustments, aggressive and

9

complete as a run and pass defender,” South coach Ken Bublitz said. “He is an exceptional defensive contributor.”

pass and run blocker for us. We haven’t had a whole lot of big D-I players here and he is one of the top ones.”

Tim Simon

Jack Sznajder

A do-it-all player from Notre Dame, the senior was rarely off the field during a game. He finished the season catching 39 passes for 814 yards and 11 touchdowns. On defense he had 33 tackles and three interceptions.

He contributed 315 yards in punt returns with a touchdown. He converted 9-of-12 field goals and 37-of-40 extra points, averaged 33 yards per punt and also kicked off for the Dons.

The senior quarterback from Benet completed 165-of-281 passes for 1,981 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the Redwings to a playoff victory and missing one game due to injury.

Erik Swenson A 6-foot, 5-inch, 285-pound senior offensive lineman from Downers Grove South, he committed to the University of Michigan.

“He has been a four-year starter and a kid that has progressively gotten better,” said South coach Mark Molinari. “He is a guy that we could count on to be a good

Deiondre Taylor Taylor is a three-year varsity player at Lockport, doing a little bit of everything for the Porters.

He had over 900 yards of offense as a quarterback, running back and receiver. He ran for five touchdowns, had three receiving scores and added a passing TD. He also had an INT return for a touchdown on defense and returned kicks.

“Deiondre’s versatility and big play capability on offense allowed him to excel at multiple positions,” Lockport coach Dan Starkey said.

see all-area | page 10

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10

Thursday, Novem ber 26, 2015 | Ni lesbug le.com Poy | from page 8

feAturIng

Jessica Simon

JolIet catHolIc acaDeMy VolleyBall What do you use twitter for? To keep in contact with my friends and find out how other people are doing. It is easy to keep in touch with friends in college.

Who do you like to follow? I like volleyball problems. I literally relate to every problem and tweet they have.

How often are you on twitter? Quite often.

Whenever I have a free minute I am on there.

How often do you tweet? a couple times a day. I have my streaks where I don’t tweet at all or tweet a lot. I like to favorite stuff.

senior Tuf Borland posted 165 total tackles, 103 of them solo, including 11 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

However, the linebacker would have traded in all of his personal stats to add to the win column of the 5-5 record for the Raiders this season.

“Honestly, the only thing I worry about are wins and losses,” Borland said. “It is my competitiveness, I think. I know the only thing that is important are wins and losses and that is what I tried to help the team do.”

Borland was a starter as a freshman for the Raiders and in his career, he has posted a record of 31-13, advancing to

all-aRea | from page 9

tyler tSAgAlIS Notre Dame senior quarterback was 144-of-241 passing for 1,970 yards and 18 touchdowns. He added 667 yards rushing and nine touchdowns on 99 carries.

toWeR | from page 1 A 2014 engineering study commissioned by the village estimated that it would take about $600,000 to repair the damage.

During the Nov. 17 meeting, trustee George Alpogianis introduced a resolution that would authorize Niles to send a letter to the YMCA that expressed the village’s interest in buying the tower.

The village offered to pay a token sum of $10.

In a statement to the press, Richard Malone, president and CEO of the Leaning Tower YMCA, thanked the village for its partnership.

“We’re grateful for the village of Niles’ longtime investment and are pleased that community members and visitors can continue to enjoy the Leaning Tower replica for generations to come,” he said.

On his part, Pryzbylo touted the acquisition as a boon for the village.

“We are lucky to have an iconic treasure in our community, and by that I am of course referring to the Niles Leaning Tower, which we are committed to maintaining well into the future,” he stated. “The tower will be a focal point to the recently created Touhy Arts and Culture

Corridor Tax Increment Financing District, and once we have refurbished the tower to its former glory, we will pursue designation as a historical site under the National Historic Preservation Act.” Later during the same meeting, the board approved an advisory referendum that would ask Niles residents whether the village should “enhance the Leaning Tower property and properties adjoining, with initiatives providing for stores, open space and entertainment.”

The referendum would go on the ballot for the March 15, 2016, primary election.

The village board also approved a $548,200 contract with Morton Grove-based Design Installation Systems for repairs to the Leaning Tower.

Hanusiak, who strongly opposed spending any money on the Leaning Tower while he was a trustee, reiterated his previous arguments that Niles shouldn’t have started leasing the structure in the first place.

“This is another bailout of the private property,” Hanusiak said.

“It’s never been explained why we should be leasing the tower.”

Buying the structure, he insisted, wasn’t much better.

“At no time did you explain why we’re buying the Leaning Tower,” the former trustee added. “Why are we buying someone else’s problems?”

He denounced the idea of turning the tower into a tourist destination as a “another grab-bag, delusional project,” noting that ongoing flooding in the Grennan Heights

the playoffs every season and winning four post season games.

Borland’s individual stats and hunger to help his team win has made him the Voyager Media Defensive Player of the Year for the second-straight season.

He is the only winner of this award, after Voyager Media created different winners on each side of the ball.

Even with the accolades, Borland wanted more wins.

“The season didn’t pan out the way we wanted it to. We just couldn’t find it,” Borland said.

“We put some things together at the end of the year. We had some chances in the playoff game with Naperville Central. We just couldn’t pull it off.”

Next season, Borland is headed to one of the epicenters of winning in college football, as he attends Ohio State University.

The Buckeyes are 38-3 in three seasons under coach Urban Meyer, including a national championship last year.

“They are a great program and have a great tradition and are known for winning. I am extremely luck and blessed to be able to go to school and play there,” Borland said.

Borland plans to follow other former Raiders and graduate from Bolingbrook early and enroll early at Ohio State.

“Going into high school that was something I wanted to do.

I saw (Antonio) Morrison do it and he had success, so I knew it was something I needed to do,” he said. “Talking to the Huffs ( Jacob and Julian) and Micah (Dew-Treadway) and Parrker (Westphal), they have all done it and they had all positive feedback.”

LucAs wARReN

the Year from Benet registered 113 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and an interception for the Redwings.

Bolingbrook defender helped lead one of the state’s top defenses.

Warren finished the year with 113 tackles and 13 tackles for loss.

tyLeR witt

The ESCC Defensive Player of

Joliet Catholic senior is a 6-foot, 3-inch, 300-pound senior two-way lineman was the ESCC Lineman of the Year.

area and other parts of eastern Niles haven’t been addressed.

Another former trustee, Rosemary Palicki, had supported spending money on the Leaning Tower repairs until she discovered that the village didn’t own it outright. When asked how she felt about Niles potentially

buying the structure, she told the Bugle that she had reservations.

“I don’t think I have enough info, and I don’t think the board has enough info either,” Palicki said, adding that she was particularly curious about long-term maintenance costs.

chARLie weiDeNbAch

News about local businesses in your community T h ur sday, Novem ber 26, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

11

village news

Niles votes to raise tax levy by 3.9 percent Trustee LoVerde criticizes increase

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The village of Niles Board of Trustees voted 4-1 to approve a 3.9 percent increase for next year’s property tax levy at its Nov. 17 meeting.

According to Niles Finance Director Scot Neukirch, property owners would have to pay between $8 and $12 more than they did this year. Board documents indicated that property tax revenue would be allocated for contributions to the fire and police department pension funds and the village’s waste removal services. Most of the village’s day-to-day expenses are funded through other taxes.

Trustee Joe LoVerde, who chairs the Niles Finance Committee, cast the sole ‘no’ vote. He argued that the village shouldn’t raise its tax levy when it has $17 million in reserves. But Mayor Andrew Przybylo framed the increase as a painful but necessary stop to shore up the pension funds before the funding situation gets worse.

Originally, the board was expected to raise the tax levy by 4.9 percent, to $5,016,239.

library | from page 2 maintaining Creative Studio and Wonder Ground spaces, and the potential addition of either a kiosk or a smaller library branch space to serve unincorporated Maine Township. The money would also go toward addressing a projected budget deficit.

Because of the large number of residents who attended the hearing, the board decided to move the meeting to the building’s main event space. The overwhelming majority of those residents urged trustees not to raise the levy.

Andy Beierwaltes, a deacon at St. John Brebeuf church, said many Niles families are struggling, and the increase would only make their situation worse.

“I can tell you right now that there are lots of families that can’t put food on the table, that can’t put gas in their cars,” he said. “We have to learn how to do more with less.”

Resident Jack Achille agreed.

“We have to work within a budget,” Achille said. “Even when

“When you sit on financial reserves, I think it’s irresponsible to raise taxes.”

- Trustee Joe LoVerde

But during the meeting, Trustee George Alpogianis introduced an amendment to change the increase to 3.9 percent, setting it at $4,968,244. The amendment was approved 4-1, with LoVerde voting against the amendment. Trustee Denise McCreery was absent due to illness.

“This is not a percentage issue,” LoVerde said. “This is an issue of raising property taxes.”

In 2014, the finance committee contemplated a 4.9 percent increase, but it was voted down, and the board decided to keep the tax levy the same. In 2015, the committee voted down the increase 3-1. Committee votes are advisory, and the village board can choose whether to follow recommendations.

LoVerde told the board that the village has $17 million in reserve funds that have not been

it’s a little money, it adds up.”

He added that he was worried the library was trying to get money for the sake of getting money, without a plan on how to use it.

The one person who didn’t urge the library not to raise the levy was However, resident Steven Yasell spoke in favor of the levy increase, saying improving library employee retirement benefits would be a good thing.

Before the meeting, the Bugle asked library director Susan Lempke whether the past budget cuts had any impact on the library’s operations.

“One result was that reducing the materials budget by 10 percent meant that we had to stop purchasing adult non-fiction almost entirely for the last quarter of [2014] because the money was gone,” she said. “We had been told that we could overspend the budget if necessary, so that budget went over by $16,000, and a lot of purchasing was left to the new budget year.”

Lempke added that the hiring

committed anywhere – funds he said could be used to cover the revenue generated by the increase and still have money left over.

“When you sit on financial reserves, I think it’s irresponsible to raise taxes,” he said.

While emphasizing that he didn’t want to place blame on what past boards may or may not have done, LoVerde noted that some of the $17 million was originally meant to go into pensions. “[It’s] money that has been collected from taxpayers in the years where we should have funded pensions but didn’t,” said LoVerde.

Przybylo argued that pensionfunding shortfalls needed to be addressed as soon as possible.

“When do we do it, after $17 million is used up,” he asked.

The mayor also said that cutting expenses wouldn’t address the pension shortfalls, either. He added that he was concerned that the state would decrease the village’s share of state income tax revenues.

“If the state government cuts our income tax share by 50 percent, we’d have to scramble,” Przybylo said.

The mayor argued that the village needs to continue spending money on attracting businesses and a number of programs it

couldn’t afford to cut, such as the Department of Family Services and the Niles Teen Center.

“This is about principle – you have to fund what you believe in,” Przybylo said. “You can’t cut Peter to pay Paul.”

Trustee Dean Strzelecki, who retired as chief of the Niles Police Department last year, acknowledged that he had a stake in any vote on pension funding but maintained that the levy was the right thing to do.

“You don’t want to kick the can down the road,” Strzelecki said.

Trustee John Jekot said raising the levy was a difficult decision but a necessary evil. Alpogianis noted the effects of the state’s budget crisis on his decision to raise the levy, saying he would rather be safe than sorry.

“I just don’t want to be caught shorthanded,” Alpogianis said.

Before the vote was cast, a number of residents urged the board not to raise the levy, noting that Niles has many seniors on a fixed income.

Former trustee Chris Hanusiak went one step further, pointing out that Przybylo signed a petition urging the Niles Public Library Board not to raise its tax levy.

“You go to a different taxing body, you sign a petition asking them not

freeze, which was implemented in the summer of 2014 and continued until this summer, caused its own problems.

“The hiring freeze meant that some of the program budget went unspent, because we didn’t have

the staff to be able to do what we had planned,” she said. “There was a good deal of stress and strain on the supervisory staff to fill the scheduled slots on the desk, as well as their time going to that rather than something more productive.”

to raise taxes, and you raise taxes here,” he said.

Hanusiak himself signed the petition, as did LoVerde.

Przybylo told the Bugle that these are different situations, saying that he felt the library was raising taxes without a clear purpose in mind.

“On principle, I’m against taxes that are misspent,” he said. “But, also on principle, you have to understand that we have obligations, and we have to live up to our obligations to fund pensions.

To say that ‘you did one and not the other’ is tomfoolery.”

12

T h u r s d ay, N o v e mb e r 2 6, 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.

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T h ur sday, N ovem ber 26, 2015 | boli ng brookbug le.com calendar | from page 5

DECEMBER 2

Holidays Concert with the Irving Sisters. 7:30 to 9:20 p.m. at The Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect, Park Ridge.

Holidays are more special with the Irving Sisters! Experience a celebration of classics and pops by the Orchestra, joined by the 40’s-style trio singing White Christmas, Sleigh Ride and more.

“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” performed by Samuel Weiser rounds out this engaging start to the holiday season. Tickets are $20 for seniors, $25 for adults, and free admission for ages 18 and under. For ticket information, call 847-692-7726 or visit www. parkridgecivicorchestra.org.

Book Talk: Top Books of 2015! 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Civic Center, 6140 Dempster St., Morton Grove.

The December Book Talk will focus on the best books that were published in 2015. Come to the talk to add to your must-be-read list of books! Learn about the mosttalked-about, most-recognized books of 2015 at this month’s book talk.

The Eastland Disaster: 100th Anniversary. 12:302:30 p.m. at Park Ridge Park District Centennial Activity Center, 100 S. Western Ave. This ship sank before it even left the Chicago River on July 24, 1915 and killed 844 people. It is one of the worst disasters in American history, yet hardly anyone knows about it. It has been called “America’s Forgotten Tragedy.” John Boda has researched this event in great detail with many interesting facts, stories and pictures. Many Chicagoans today have direct connections from family to this event, yet few know anything more than a ship turned over that morning. Fee is $17 Member/$19 Guest. Please register in advance.

Contact the Centennial Activity Center at 847-692-3597 for more information.

NaNoWriMo Ending Celebration. 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. National Novel Writing Month is over, and whether or not you finished your novel, the Morton Grove Public Library would like to celebrate making it through the month! This event will feature some of the work completed in the month as well as serving as the inaugural meeting of the MGPL Writers Workshop.

Holiday Cards and Decorations with the Silhouette Cameo. 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St..

Design and print holiday cards and decorations on the Silhouette Cameo. For more information, visit www.nileslibrary.org/events.

DECEMBER 3 - 5

Candy Cane Lane Shoppe.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 5. At the Maine Park Leisure Center in Park Ridge. Ages 12 and under. This kids-only store is geared for the junior shopper.

Inside, your child can buy that special gift for family members, pets, friends or neighbors. Elves are on hand to assist with the purchase and even help shoppers wrap their gifts. This is a great opportunity to learn how fun it is to give presents.

DECEMBER 5

Breakfast with Santa. 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Maine Park Leisure Center. Hosted by the Park Ridge Park District. Ages: Ages 2 and up.

R/NR: $15/$20. Join at Maine Park for a great breakfast buffet catered

by All on the Road Catering. You have two seatings to choose from.

Children can talk with Santa and have a professional photo taken.

Before or after breakfast join us for some holiday shopping at our Candy Cane Lane Shoppe. Fee is per person and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone attending must be registered.

Registration deadline: Nov. 26.

Niles Garden Club: Winter Container Project. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St. Gardeners will create the annual winter arrangements for the library entrance containers and the underground window well. This is an “in the dirt” garden experience!

Dress for the weather. For more information, visit www.nileslibrary. org/events.

Silver Bell Express Trip 1.

7:15 p.m. at Morton Grove Train Station. On Christmas Eve, many years ago, a young boy took a journey to a magical place. Travel with the park district as we venture on a memorable train ride. Santa awaits your arrival at the North Pole and will join us aboard the train for milk and cookies.

DECEMBER 6

Holiday Family Photos. 2 to 4 p.m. at the Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St. Bring your family and have your picture taken in the

13

Creative Studio for a Holiday card.

You will receive one print and the digital file. For more information, visit www.nileslibrary.org/events.

Holiday Karaoke Party. 2 to 4 p.m. at the Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St. Come to the Creative Studio and jam out to your favorite holiday songs in front of a green screen. Please avoid wearing green or you’ll blend in with the screen. For more information, visit www.nileslibrary.org/events.

DECEMBER 8

Funniest, Heartwarming Moments in Christmas Movies. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St. Come revisit some of the greatest moments from modern and classic holiday movies at this holiday season celebration. Be prepared to laugh (and cry?) as we view these nostalgic films. Steven Frenzel from Marquee Movie Presentations will be our narrator.

For more information visit www. nileslibrary.org/events.

DECEMBER 9

Holiday and Winter Ornaments. 3 to 4 p.m. at the Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St. Make holiday and winter ornaments with the 3D Printer and Laser Cutter. For more information, visit www.nileslibrary.org/events.

DECEMBER 11

Maine South Holiday Concert. 7 p.m. at Maine South Auditorium. For more information visit, http://south.maine207.org/ events/.

Gingerbread House Decorating. 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Maine Park Leisure Center in Park Ridge. Ages 4-12. $27 for residents, $30 for non-residents. Decorate your very own gingerbread house.

All the cookies, candy, and frosting is provided. Just bring your imagination! Registration required.

Register online now at www. prparks.org.

DECEMBER 12

Breakfast With Santa. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Howard Leisure Center, 6676 Howard St., Niles. Join Santa for his annual breakfast buffet with Niles Park District. Every year, Santa makes a stop at the Howard Leisure Center, to enjoy breakfast, visit, and of course pictures with the children. It’s a jolly time. All adults and children in attendance must register for this event. Res $10, Non-Res $12. For more information, visit www.nilesparks.org.

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14

Thursday, Novem ber 26, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

Community > Morton Grove

Library asks donors to name that room

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The name of the Morton Grove Library auditorium is now up for grabs – so long as you have $250,000 to donate.

The space is currently known as the Baxter Auditorium, or the Baxter Room. It got its name after Baxter Travenol Laboratories, which was headquartered in Morton Grove, made a large donation to the library.

However, the Morton Grove

Library Foundation has announced its intentions to offer naming rights for a period of 20 years to a number of building spaces in exchange for sizable donations.

During the Nov. 12 board meeting, the library’s director, Debra Stombres, reported that she reached out to the company, now

secure | from page 3 necessarily against the security vestibules but added that he wasn’t sure office renovations should be part of the projects. He also felt that the board didn’t get a chance to fully consider other options or gather input from teachers.

“Any type of security is an added benefit to us,” Sotos said. “I don’t weigh the cost of security to see if [we can save money]. I weigh security costs against what we’re getting for that money.”

Board member Dathan Paterno said he wasn’t convinced by the arguments in support of the proposal and had reservations about the accuracy of the data presented. He added that there

known as Baxter International, to see if they would be interested in donating $250,000 to keep Baxter Auditorium’s current name. But, as the director explained, the company politely declined, stating that it was against their current donation policy. This clears the way for the library to offer the naming rights to someone else.

The library foundation is also offering naming rights to the building itself for a $500,000 donation, the rights to the recently opened Media Lab for a $10,000 donation, the rights for the large study room for $7,000 and the rights for the smaller study rooms for $5,000 each. A $15,000 donation would get the donor’s name on either the Teen Room or the newspaper and magazine lounge area.

wasn’t enough support for the projects to justify spending the money.

“I agree that [the projects] would provide additional safety, but it needs to be significant enough to justify the costs,” Paterno said.

Board member Mark Eggemann felt that the board should have taken more time to consider the issue and agreed with Paterno’s concern about community consensus.

He argued that the projects need to be approved by voter referendum.

Board member Vicky Lee said she felt the measures were long overdue. Board member Bob Johnson said he would vote for starting the bidding process, but added that he would prefer

the district develop a more comprehensive safety plan before the projects actually go out to bid.

Borrelli said he was inclined to support the projects after considering all arguments. He singled out testimony from principals about a number of “disconcerting” incidents where individuals tried to enter the building. However, he agreed that the district should come up with a comprehensive safety plan before the board has to consider whether to send the projects out to bid.

Ultimately, the board authorized staff to prepare the bid, with Sotos, Paterno and Eggemann voting against the plan.

T h ur sday, Novem ber 26, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

community

Center of Concern program looks to help isolated seniors Adopt-a-Senior to deliver gifts to homes in December The Center of Concern in Park Ridge announced it will launch its Adopt-a-Senior program Dec. 1 on #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that looks to harnesses the collective power of individuals and communities to encourage philanthropy and generosity.

The Adopt-a-Senior program and #GivingTuesday is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to kickoff the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

Adopt-a-Senior looks to brighten the lives of isolated seniors and others with a personalized Poinsettia gift and message hand delivered by Center of Concern volunteer. Seniors receiving gifts include those living at home or in assisted living, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities during the week of Dec. 7. All of the gifts will be hand-delivered by volunteers, many of whom already assist seniors with daily telephone reassurance calls, weekly friendly visits and help with shopping and

transportation, according to the Center of Concern. Individuals can place a Poinsettia gift order anytime during the month of November or on #GivingTuesday.

“This exciting new Adopt-aSenior program delivers beautiful flowers to the older adults we serve or to family members, neighbors, colleagues or friends with the added benefit of supporting the center’s social services programs,” spokesman Greg Eklund said in a press release announcing the program.

Additionally, the Retirement Research Foundation will match individual donations to the center’s Adopt-a-Senior program on #GivingTuesday. Donations will be matched 1:1, up to $5,000.

“With two-thirds of seniors in suburban Maine Township living alone and increasing numbers of retired adults without family members to assist them, the Center of Concern’s case managers and volunteers deliver human services to effectively address challenges related to aging,” said John McNabola, executive director of the center of concern. “Lack of mobility, loss of friends and family, and heightened anxiety all contribute to senior isolation.”

To learn more about Adopt-aSenior on #GivingTuesday, visit www.centerofconcern.org/givingtuesday or call 847-823-0453.

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