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P age 2a | Th u rsd ay, D e c e mb e r 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 | nilesbugle. c om
DECEMBER 10, 2015 VOL. 60 ISSUE 10
dominated Maine South returns 11 seniors
see Page 7
NEWS Water Warning Boil order set for some Morton Grove residents
see Page 3
NEWS library oks levy Board votes to raise its property tax levy
see Page 3
POLICE niles robbery
Police investigate robbery at video game store
see Page 4
FORUM Come to order
Get ready for an organized new year
see Page 5
SPORTS Basketball
Maine East returns a balanced team that will look to compete see Page 8
BUSINESS Moretti’s
Restaurant looks to open in Morton Grove
see Page 10
Featured Sports
SeNIor
Thursday, Decem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com
cover story
Writers find groove in Morton Grove
Photo By Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff
Robert Klein reads an excerpt from ‘You’ll Catch Your Death,’ a novel he worked on during National Novel Writing Month.
National Novel Writing Month spurs Morton Grove Library’s new writers group By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
Aspiring novelists in Morton Grove have a new new place to hone their craft. Writers who took part in National Novel Writing Month met at the Morton Grove Public Library Dec. 2 to talk about their progress, read excerpts from their work and discuss plans for the library’s new writers workshop.
The event also doubled as the first meeting of the library’s new writing group. The writers discussed what they wanted from the workshop and came up with a tentative name – the Writers Grove. The workshop will meet every first Wednesday of the month, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with the first full-fledged meeting scheduled for Jan. 6. During November’s National Novel Writing Month, participants tried to write 50,000 words. Over the past few years, many libraries throughout the Chicago area
hosted write-ins and write-ups. Earlier this year, Morton Grove librarians Chad Comello and Emily Whitmore decided to try it at their library. The write-ins were informal, as participants could simply come in on Tuesday evenings to work toward their goal. The Dec. 2 celebration began with writers summarizing what they wrote. One of those writers, Miguel Sandoval wrote in his native Spanish. While he ultimately wrote several different pieces during National Novel Writing Month, the story he spent the most time on was a drama involving two cousins – one who fell into a life of crime, and one who stayed on the path of righteousness. Sandolva’s wife, Celeste, also took part in the month-long writing challenge for the first time. While she originally wanted to write about her brother, she settled on writing a children’s story about an adventurous ant named Marvin. Another writer, Vivian Chazen, said she successfully wrote novels for NaNoWriMo in the past but found that she couldn’t meet the 50,000 word goal this time around. Chazen said she realized that simply putting the words down and leaving
the editing for later wasn’t enough for her. “I spent a lot of time learning things and try to figure out the plan,” she said. “I talked to a writing coach, friends who’ve been published. I didn’t finish this year, but I’m kind of glad I didn’t, because I took more time to be deliberate.” Chazen noted that after she finished novels in the past, she didn’t really do anything with them. This year, she wanted to change that. She said planning the novel became more important to her. Currently, Chazen is working on a romantic thriller about a woman who became an FBI agent after her husband’s death. On the other hand, writer Cindy Mabe successfully completed the 50,000-word goal, writing a “totally whacko” urban fantasy novel featuring FBI agents who were secretly creatures from another dimension. She said that she reused characters from a previous work. “My characters are all in my head, but you aren’t supposed to use previously written [work],” said Mabe. “So I just took the characters and used them.” She added that she was surprised to discover how much she enjoyed meeting NaNoWriMo goals.
“I love those little [digital] badges,” Mabe said. “I always wondered why kids get motivated by getting stickers, but now...” Other writers had to adjust their styles to meet the NaNoWriMo goal. Linda Schwert said she had experience writing greeting cards, but noted that a novel required a bit of a mental adjustment. “Writing small is fun, and writing big is a challenge,” she said. While Schwert didn’t achieve 50,000 words, she did make some progress. Her novel deals with a woman who wants to be an artist, but real-life concerns keep getting in the way. Schwert admitted that the subject was partially inspired by her own personal experience. “I know the beginning, I know the end and the middle is just going to have to happen,” she said. Robert Klein wasn’t able to meet the goal, either, but said he was happy with what he wrote. Klein said he was able to complete the first in what he hopes will become a series of mystery stories featuring detective Ian Asher. “I had so much fun doing it,” Klein said. “I really liked it. I liked the characters. Those are the
see writer | page 4
T h ur s day, decem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com
neWs briefs
Boil order set for some Morton grove residents Order prompted by mechanical failure to water system The village of Morton Grove issued a boil order for some residents Dec. 5, after its water system experienced a mechanical failure earlier the same day. According to a village press release, the failure resulted in low or no water pressure for residences and businesses located west of the North Branch of the Chicago River. The boil order is in effect for Morton Grove residents west of the river and residents of the village of
Golf. The village said it expected the boil order to be in place until Dec. 9, and issued the following guidelines to assist residents and businesses with the order. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for a minimum of 5 minutes prior to drinking. This is a precautionary measure due to possible contamination that can occur at times of low pressure. Showering water or water used to clean dishes does not need to be treated, the village added. Residents seeking additional information should contact the Morton Grove Public Works Department at 847-470-5235 or the police department at 847470-5200.
toys for tots drive ends dec. 18 More than 100 area children received gifts in 2014 The village of Niles and the Niles Fire Department are asking for donations for the 12th annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and village of Niles Toys for Tots drive and community food drive. Toys for Tots is a charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that provides toys to children in need during the holiday season. “In years past, Niles residents and employees have demonstrated their spirit of giving and generosity,” village of Niles communications coordinator Hayley Garard said in a news release, noting that 2014 donations helped provide toys to more than 100 local children. “We anticipate that the local need for toys and food will continue to rise and are hoping for a successful collection of food and toys again this year.” For many, Toys for Tots embodies the spirit of the holiday season by providing children in need with a new toy to enjoy. The gift of a new toy also provides children with
a reminder that someone cares and they were not forgotten. “Every child deserves a special holiday and your donation can make a difference,” Garard added. The Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program has distributed more than 469 million toys to more than 216 million children since it began. The following Niles locations will be collecting non-perishable food items benefiting Niles Family Services and new toy donations during regular business hours until Dec. 18. Niles Village Hall, 1000 Civic Center Drive; Niles Fire Department, 8360 W. Dempster St. and 6611 Jarvis; Niles Teen Center, 373 Golf Mill Center; Niles Police Department, 7000 W. Touhy; Niles Senior Center, 999 Civic Center Drive; Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton; Niles Chamber of Commerce, 8060 Oakton St. #101; Niles Public Services, 6849 W. Touhy Ave.; and Parkway Bank, 7601 N. Milwaukee Ave. U.S. Marine Corps guidelines require all toys be new and unwrapped. Used toys cannot be distributed. The village of Niles added that donations are deeply appreciated by the USMC, village, and the families and children they are distributed to.
3
library neWs > niles
Library board votes to raise tax levy Average homeowner will pay $37 more than last year
Photo By Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff
niles residents arrive at the niles Public library board meeting, as trustees prepare to finalize the tax levy.
By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesIlNews
The Niles Public Library Board of Trustees voted 4-2 to raise the tax levy by $617,635, setting it at just under $6.72 million. According to library estimates, this would mean that an average homeowner would have to pay $37 more than they did last year. The vote proved to be as contentious as the meetings leading up to it, with trustees Carolyn Drblik and Danette Matyas arguing that the rest of the trustees wanted to raise money for the sake of raising it, and that it was the board’s duty to reduce the financial strain on taxpayers and spend the money more carefully. Residents who attended the meeting also spoke out against the increase. The remaining trustees argued that the increase would be more financially prudent in the long run due to the money it expects to spend on future projects, as well as potential deficits several years down the line. As previously reported by the Bugle, the library’s tax levy is usually capped based on a complex formula that includes local property values and the Consumer Price Index. Under normal circumstances, this would have capped at $6,149,646. But because the board cut the levy two years in a row, state law allowed the library to raise the tax levy up to $7,207,440. Greg Pritz, business manager for
the library, said the library would automatically go back to the usual cap next year. During the Oct. 21 meeting, Pritz told the board that, if the levy was kept at 2014 levels, the library would start to see deficits by 2017. During the previous meetings, Board President Linda Ryan has also argued that the board would need more money for its strategic plan, the increased costs associated with managing Wonder Ground and Creative Studio spaces, and possible projects to bring services to northwestern Niles and unincorporated Maine Township. Because the library board didn’t agree on what tax levy to set, it had to vote on whether to approve it during a Nov.30 special meeting. Ryan reiterated the earlier arguments in support of the tax levy. She argued that, if the board didn’t cut taxes before, it wouldn’t have to raise the levy by as much as it did. “No one likes to increase taxes,” Ryan said. “It is necessary because of the action of the previous board – lowering the levy two years in
a row – put us in this unfortunate position.” Trustee Karen Dimond drew a parallel to the state of Illinois’ current financial situation, arguing that the state government had been reluctant to make cuts to its programs while also avoiding raising taxes – which, she said, only made its finances worse. “I don’t want the Niles Public Library to end up like the state of Illinois,” Dimond said. She also noted that, when former Board President Morgan Dubiel proposed lowering the tax levy in 2013, it was described as a one-time gesture to help the Niles taxpayers. Dimond added that residents’ concerns that the increase would make it harder for them to pay their bills gave her pause, but she ultimately decided that the increase was for the best – especially since it was still lower than what was levied in 2012. Trustee Tim Spadoni argued that the money that goes into the
See tax levy | page 15
www.cookcountycrimestoppers.org • 800.535.stop Thursday, Decem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com
police
Niles police investigate video game robbery
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Robbery occurred at Niles GameStop The Niles Police Department is asking the community for information related to a robbery that took place Nov. 28 at a video game store in the 9600 block of Milwaukee Avenue. Police said a white male between 35 and 45 years of age entered a Niles GameStop location and inquired about purchasing several different gaming systems. After about 30 minutes, the suspect asked the employee for Xbox One and Playstation 4 gaming systems. The suspect then said he was taking the systems, pushed the employee to the floor and said
writer | from page 2 characters that could continue on [in multiple stories]. Comello and Whitmore also took part in NaNoWriMo, but neither of them met the goal. “I got 26 pages in, which is more than I would do normally,” Whitmore said. “I think I much prefer writing non-fiction and personal essays and observations.” Whitmore added that she had a very good idea but realized she wanted to take some time and plan her writing. Next year, she said she would have an outline and a better idea of what the characters were like ahead of time.
Beyond NaNoWriMo After discussing their works, the hosts held a lottery drawing, and participants got to choose different prizes. Comello and Whitmore then asked the group what they’d want the writer’s workshop to be like. After some discussion, they settled on having each session focus on a single aspect of writing, such as characterization or plotting. Participants would have a chance to read their work
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he had a gun. The man did not display a gun and fled the store on foot with the two gaming systems. According to police, the man was approximately 6 feet, 2 inches tall, slender in build, and wore a grey jacket, baseball cap and sunglasses. Niles police asked that anyone with information contact the police department at 847-5886500.
aloud and get feedback, but that part would be strictly voluntary. The group brainstormed a name, and Schwert suggested “Writers’ Grove.” Comello told the Bugle that the writing workshop is open to anyone in the area, and that he hopes to attract more members as the workshop gets off the ground. The evening ended with an opportunity for the writers to read their work. Klein was the only participant to volunteer. Whitmore said she was happy with how the NaNoWriMo writeins turned out. “We got a good turnout, and we’re starting to create a community of writers, which is awesome,” she said. While she and Comello didn’t have concrete plans for next year’s NaNoWriMo, Whitmore said it would probably involve more “hands-on” activities. She said she was hopeful that the writer’s workshop would turn out well. “I think it would be a great addition to the library,” said Whitmore. “I think we’ll have a lot of fun, and it would be a good support for writers in the community.”
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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 Rooyia Hakimi, 37, 2600 block of West Hunt, Chicago, was arrested at 5 p.m. Nov. 27 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.
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Brandon J. Mottley, 25, 400 block of Callan Ave., Evanston, was arrested at 2:03 a.m. Nov. 28 in the 7200 block of Dempster for suspended driver’s license.
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Sherifi Onikeku, 49, 9900 block of Holly Lane, Des Plaines, was arrested at 7:33 p.m. Nov. 29 in the 9300 block of Milwaukee for suspended driver’s license.
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Karen S. Jameson-Chavez, 43, 9600 block of Golf Terrace, Des Plaines, was arrested at 2:20 p.m. Dec. 1 in the 9000 block of Golf for retail theft.
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Park Ridge Ecaterina Pascal, 24, 4416 N. Kostner, Chicago, was arrested at 8:50 a.m. Nov. 23 in the 0-100 block of South Prospect for no driver’s license and failure to yield, turning left.
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Lawrence B. Arndt, 34, 33 N. Clifton, Park Ridge, was arrested at 7:55 p.m. Nov. 23 at Clifton and Touhy for DUI and driving without lights when required.
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John A. Kronon VI, 25, 5859 N. Kirby, Chicago, was arrested at 8 a.m. Nov. 26 in the 900 block of Cleveland for criminal trespassing.
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Jillian A. Hollingshead, 29, 1921 Touhy, Park Ridge, was arrested at 6:55 p.m. Nov. 28 in the 1900 block of Touhy for domestic battery and two counts of battery.
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Morton Grove Chole Armstrong, 24, Yorkville, was arrested Nov. 24 in the 9500 block of Harlem for a warrant.
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Courtney Scott, 19, Chicago, arrested Nov. 24 at Dempster and Birch for suspended driver’s license.
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Phillip Golz, 40, Naperville, was arrested Nov. 26 in the 5700 block of Dempster for battery.
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Erdenechimeg Dansuren, 44, Chicago, was arrested Nov. 27 at Golf and Overlook for DUI.
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Richard Shin, 70, Flushing, Michigan, was arrested Nov. 27 in the 5500 block of Theobald for DUI, aggravated assault to peace officer and resisting arrest.
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Danial Monckton, 44, Morton
14 Grove, was arrested Nov. 30 in the 9000 block of Waukegan for DUI.
Send us your feedback at nweditor@buglenewspapers.com
T h ur s day, Decem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com
5
Come To Order > Commentary
EDITORIAL
Get ready for an organized new year
ASSISTANT EDITOR
ANDREA EARNEST aearnest@buglenewspapers.com
815.436.2431 ext.118
PRODUCTION
LAURA KATAUSKAS • MARK GREGORY • IGOR STUDENKOV
While we enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this special holiday time, we know that seemingly all too soon, another year is coming to an end. Here are some By Sue Becker ideas to help you Guest Columnist end the year in an organized way, and get the New Year off to a great start: Organize your decorations Consider letting go of holiday decorations you don’t use this year. You might want to donate them to a senior home or to someone in a new home who doesn’t yet have their own decorations (e.g., a recent college graduate). Sort and put away your remaining decorations according to which room you’ll use them in. Next year you you’ll be able to easily decorate room by room. Return and exchange gifts promptly Don’t let unwanted items create clutter in your home. Put a date on your
calendar to get to the stores and return or exchange gifts that you otherwise won’t use. Organize your gift cards Put them in an envelope, in your wallet, in your car, or somewhere else you’ll easily find and remember them. You might want to make a list of which gift cards you have and keep that list somewhere you’ll see it (e.g., on your refrigerator) to serve as a reminder to use those cards. Make notes for next year Write down what you liked and didn’t like about this year’s holiday celebrations. Store that list with your holiday decorations, in your planner, or in some other spot so that you’ll find it next year. Take advantage of the wisdom you gained about this year’s celebrations to make next year’s holidays even more enjoyable. Put away all your gifts Along with the fun of receiving new things comes the responsibility of finding a home for them. That may require you to let go of some things
(for example, if you received some new clothing items, consider donating the items they replace). It may also require you to get containers (e.g., a bin to hold your burgeoning collection of gloves and mittens). Organize your financial information Before the deluge of year-end financial statements and tax info begins, clean out your files and pare down your piles. Let go of items you no longer need (information that’s available online, monthly information that comes as an annual summary at year-end, etc.) and set up a system to corral the coming year’s paperwork. Just a bit of effort will have you in great shape for an organized new year.
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.
letters to the editor
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Thanks to Navy Day supporters
SALES REPRESENTATIVES Phil Besler
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Maureen Vitacco
On Thanksgiving Day, the American Legion Post 134 celebrated their ninth annual Navy Day. The post entertained 32 Navy recruits from Great Lakes. The Thanksgiving committee wants to thank all the volunteers, friends, guests, organizations and businesses who made the day a very successful event. Thanks to: American Legion Post members, auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and Legion Riders; village of Morton Grove Mayor Dan Dimaria, village officials and department members; AT&T for providing free phone
service all day long; Lanel Clay and Linda Gavin; Golf School District 67, School Superintendent Beth Flores and Ted Anton; Kappy’s for catering a full turkey dinner and George D. Alpogianis; Sweet Table – various merchants, donations from legion families, friends guests, and volunteers; Costco (Niles) pies – Kevin Gilbert; Costco (Randhurst, Mt. Prospect) red bull – Cherise Schaffner; Costco ( The Glen) Red Bull-Michael Anderson; Maier’s Bakery (Morton Grove) – Antenella Salvo; Produce World (Morton Grove) fruit tray – Hector, George; Village Creamery (Niles) ice cream – Ann and Lito Valeroso; Dean’s Food (Franklin Park) milk – Maureen Dohoney; Eli’s Cheesecake- (Chicago) – Erin Arceo; Jewel Foods (Elk Grove)
milk and pop – manager Jim Brejcha; Jewel Foods (Fox Lake) water and pop – Manager Jim Pugliese; Mariano’s (Glenview) coffee – manager Jeff Swanson; St. John’s United Church of Christ (Arlington Heights) cookies – Dee Koontz; magician entertainment – Bill Cook; ABT (Glenview) Xbox 360 unit – Cari Boyk; Family Video (Glenview) DVD movies and Xbox 360 games-Brianna; RAC Rentals (Niles) computers- Jackie; Minstrel Music Ltd. (Niles) guitars – John Sizos; Minuteman Press (Morton Grove) programs – Ken and Bea Lipski; Numerous monetary donors; and American Legion Post 134.
opening statements set the tone for a contentious board meeting. Trustee Dimond chimed in with her doom and gloom scenario of another major inaccuracy. She voiced her concerns about the library running out of money! I reminded Trustee Dimond that on Nov. 18, our auditor confirmed the library has $8,970,673 in cash and investments. This does not include the anticipated property taxes the library will receive this fiscal year. The library is financially sound. However, based on the lack of experience, knowledge and continuous inaccuracies which resonate from the library’s administration and board members, spending will continue at a rapid unjustifiable rate. With over
$8 million on hand, the library board majority voted 5 to 2 to increase the levy $800,000. The reason for the levy increase is for additional library presence in the northwest sector, expansion of the newly created media lab/digital services area, and strategic planning. Business Manager Greg Pritz was not in attendance. Neither Director Lempke, President Ryan or Attorney Walsh were able to explain Ordinance 15-07, which did not reflect these items. Niles residents will certainly reconsider the exorbitant price tag for our current library.
Casey Bachara Thanksgiving Committee Chairman
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
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.
Current library comes with exorbitant price tag The Niles Library special board meeting held Nov. 30 began with a statement by President [Linda] Ryan of inaccurate information, misconceptions, false statements, and of course, zero facts or numbers to substantiate any of her erroneous claims. When I asked President Ryan to provide specific details about her false claims that departments and programs were adversely affected by a past levy decrease of $1 million, she could not identify any. Once again, President Ryan’s deceptive
Carolyn Drblik, Niles Library Trustee
FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE 5 minutes FOR YOURSELF Thursday, decem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com
Aries
MarCH 21 TO apriL 20
Rub two sticks together. Friction will heat things up and could cause a fire. In the upcoming week your desire for risk taking or tendency to be rebellious could rub someone the wrong way. Steer clear of heated arguments.
gemini
M aY 2 2 T O J U N e 2 1
You have more sex appeal and charm than usual, but that doesn’t mean that you should push for a commitment or a promise. Use your prowess to make a favorable impression on the job or at the workplace this week.
leo
J U LY 2 3 T O a U G U S T 2 1
Stick to business as usual. Giving in to whims and uncontrolled desires can land you in the doghouse. Sticks and stones as well as words can hurt you. Don’t encourage minor spats and disagreements in the week ahead.
Across 1 BeGiNNiNG ON 5 NO OrDiNarY parTY 9 keiSTer 13 BiG iSLaND COFFee reGiON 14 Sap-SUCkiNG iNSeCT 16 pUT ON BOarD 17 LearNiNG CTr. 18 “BeiNG JOHN MaLkOviCH” DireCTOr 20 BiT OF DUST 21 reaDieS FOr aNOTHer vOYaGe 22 “Mr. & MrS. SMiTH” CO-STar 26 pOrTiONS OUT 29 ONe MakiNG waveS 30 SeaN LeNNON’S MOM 31 OCCaSiONaLLY 32 THree-TiMe HOpkiNS rOLe 34 aT HaND 35 SLaNGiLY, OveriMBiBe; LiTeraLLY, wHaT THe STarTS OF 18-, 22-, 49- aND 54-aCrOSS CaN DO 38 FiCTiONaL arCHaeOLOGiST CrOFT 40 BakerY arraY 41 prOMiSeS 44 “Hawaii Five-0” aCTOr DaNieL __ kiM 45 CeLLULar MeSSeNGer 48 aMBieN Maker 49 SaDDLe STOraGe area 51 LONGHOrN rivaL 53 MaNDLikOva OF TeNNiS 54 NervOUS HaBiT 58 prOpHeT’S CONCerN 59 prOMGOer’S CONCerN 60 reaLLY eNJOY 61 ONe OF 28 MONOpOLY
CarDS 62 pLaCeS FOr HaTS 63 Jazz SiNGer HOrNe 64 iCeLaNDiC LiTerarY wOrk
Down 1 wiTH HaNDS ON HipS 2 NOrTHerN MexiCaN STaTe 3 GM NaviGaTiON SYSTeM 4 MeaNT TO Be 5 __-reLieF 6 ipHONe pUrCHaSe 7 See 12-DOwN 8 eNJOY THe paCiFiC CreST TraiL 9 LiTerarY arCS 10 reDeeMeD FrOM CapTiviTY 11 CarpeNTer’S TOOL 12 wiTH 7-DOwN, pUNNY MeSSaGe SiTe 15 Make LeaNer 19 Leave aT THe aLTar 23 experT ON FeeT? 24 FOOT parT 25 wreCkS COMpLeTeLY 27 TeTLeY OFFeriNG
28 eSTONia, UNTiL 1991: aBBr. 31 DOOMeD 1588 FiGHTiNG FOrCe 32 GiGS FOr 22-aCrOSS, OFTeN 33 expreSSive rOCk GeNre 35 BriBiNG 36 reSCUe Op 37 SMeLL BaD 38 OLD DJ’S pLaTTerS 39 iNDia paLe __ 42 SHapeLeSS MaSS 43 STarT OF a SeLeCTiON prOCeSS 45 DiDN’T STaY pUT 46 “THaNkS, BUT i’M SeT!” 47 aCTreSS pLUMMer 49 HaCkNeYeD 50 __ iSLaND 52 BiBLiOG. CaTCHaLL 54 BrieF reFreSHer 55 SOLiTaire FOUNDaTiON CarD 56 wiMpLe wearer 57 CreDiT-weiGHTeD NO.
librA
SepTeMBer 24 TO OCTOBer 23
Ignore the urge to roam and romantic urges. Don’t go to extremes of behavior to impress a new potential lover in the week ahead. Be light hearted and optimistic about serious matters and serious about frivolous pastimes.
sAgittArius
NOveMBer 23 TO DeCeMBer 22
“No strings attached” should be your motto. Play the field and take promises with a grain of salt this week. A shift in relationships could be to your distinct advantage although it may not seem that way initially.
AquArius
JaNUarY 21 TO FeBrUarY 19
In one door and out the other. This week can stand out as a time you met people who would have made great strangers. Keep pushing on the revolving door to bypass connections that aren’t as nice as they seem.
Sudoku
tAurus
a p r i L 2 1 T O M aY 2 1
Accentuate the positive. Be willing to try on new tasks for size. You could be called upon to test your skills in a completely different venue this week. Stretch your muscles literally or figuratively without overdoing it.
cAncer
J U N e 2 2 T O J U LY 2 2
The light touch is the right touch. Don’t get too serious, make crucial promises or force someone to make a commitment. Don’t start anything of great importance this week as conditions could change in the blink of an eye.
virgo
aUGUST 22 TO SepTeMBer 23
Use good manners to gain a good opinion. The workplace could be filled with a sense of excitement and agitation. Don’t make spur-of-the-moment purchases or significant changes in your finances in the week ahead.
scorpio
OCTOBer 24 TO NOveMBer 22
Bide your time. Good things come to those who are patient. Minor frustrations can grow into major obstacles if you spin the roulette wheel with investments or purchases in the week to come. Wait and see.
cApricorn
DeCeMBer 23 TO JaNUarY 20
Too much change invites discord. You may feel your authority is challenged. Chill out and simply take it easy as the week unfolds. Making adjustments to new situations may be time consuming and difficult.
pisces
FeBrUarY 20 TO MarCH 20
You can’t pour anything from an empty container. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. In the week ahead put your affairs in order and find ways to bolster and strengthen your health.
Jumble
Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2015
PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS
PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS
PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS
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Thursday, December 10, 2015
page 7
>> INSIDE: Maine East brings back balanced team page 8
girls basketball
Senior dominated Maine South returns 11 seniors
By Mark Gregory sports reporter
mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard
To say that the Maine South girls basketball team is an experienced bunch would be a massive understatement. The Hawks graduated only two seniors from last season’s team and have the rest back. “We return 12 kids, 11 of whom are seniors, so we expect a lot from this group,” said Maine South coach Mark Smith. With the system the Hawks run, Smith said having so many returners is crucial. “We are ahead of where we need to be as far as implementing our system and it is a pretty complex one, so we are ahead of schedule there,” he said. “This is basically their eighth season. They had summer, freshman year, summer, sophomore, summer, junior, summer now senior, so they better have an idea of what is going on out there. But we have so many different sets so many different entries, it’s over 100. We don’t out athletic teams on a daily basis, so we have to outsmart teams and execute our stuff. When we do
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seniors return to the maine s. lineup
that, we are pretty tough to beat.” All things haven’t been perfect for Maine South through their first half dozen games. “We need to take care of the basketball better,” Smith said. “Through our first six games, we are averaging more turnovers than most.” But once they fix that, Smith is looking for the Hawks to compete in the Central Suburban League South Division. “New Trier has to be the team to beat in our league,” he said. “They went downstate last year and return most of their key players. But, we would like to think that we will compete. Glenbrook South will compete, Evanston, Niles West, it is just such an unbelievable conference with amazing coaches and I am proud to be a part of it.” Smith is looking for a group of those returning seniors to carry the load this year. “Riley (Eckhart) has really improved her game. She is just a gym rat,” Smith said. She is in the gym all the time and has really worked hard to get better. Sam
see south | page 9
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seasons smith says the players have been in system
photo by mark gregory
Sam Fagenholz is one of the 11 returning seniors for Maine South.
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Thursday, Decem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com
girls basketball
photo by mark gregory
Janelle Alba Garner is back to lead a balanced Maine East team.
Maine East returns a balanced team that will look to compete in the CSL By Mark Gregory sports reporter
mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard
This season, Maine East girls basketball coach Karol Hanusiak is expecting a solid season for no other reason than she feels this year, the Blue Demons are a team. The Demons were 10-16 a year ago and relied heavily on Janelle Alba Garner to shoulder the load. “This year, unlike last year, we
have more of a team,” Hanusiak said. “We have five kids who can share the load when last year all the pressure was on Janelle and it isn’t this year, although she is still doing her stuff.” The now-senior, Alba Garner will have more of a scoring role this season for Maine East, as she will be able to operate more without the ball as her sister, junior Lauryn
see east | page 9
INSTAGRAM: Readers, attending a game in your area? Take a photo and tag @buglenewspapers for a chance to be featured! T h ursday, Decem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com east | from page 8 Alba Garner, is taking over the point guard role this season. “Lauryn wasn’t quite ready last year as a sophomore to take on that role. I think she also didn’t want to take the spotlight away from Janelle,” Hanusiak said. “But she played hard this summer and she got a lot more confident. I sat them down and said ‘(Lauryn) is our point guard.’ We knew that if we were able to free Janelle up off the ball it would help everyone and that is what we are doing this year.” Hanusiak knows that the sibling connection will be something
SOUTH | from page 7 (Fagenholz) has shot the ball really well in games and has shown glimpses of what she did as a sophomore for us. That will build her confidence. Julia (Sirvinskas) has done a nice job handling the ball and Julia Spuria inside is the anchor of the defense and when she is healthy and on her game, she is awfully solid.”
dynamic, but she is also looking for the connection between all of the Blue Demon players to be solid this season. “Maddie (McTague) and Janelle have been on varsity for four years, but they have all played together,” she said. “So we have that good chemistry of players knowing where each other are and where they are going.” With the team playing together, Hanusiak is looking for the Blue Demons to compete in the Central Suburban Conference North Division. “We want to go out and compete every night. We think
we have a shot on our side of the conference. Niles North lost some key players from last year,” Hanusiak said. “Everyone knows each other so well and we have high hopes for conference, so we will see how that pans out. (Six games in) so far, so good. I like what I am seeing and we just keep looking at what we can do better and what can we build on. I thought there were flashes of what’s possible. “It is a great group of kids, they are working hard and they are fun to be around. They work hard and they are in very good condition. What more can you ask for?”
With the difficult conference and difficult schedule Maine South will face this season, Smith said they cannot look ahead at games later in the season. “The next game is always the biggest one for us,” Smith said. “We just have to focus on the next opponent.” Smith hopes that experience, concentration and system
knowledge will help Maine South make a run through the IHSA postseason, “We have beaten teams deep in the playoffs that are much better than us thanks to heady play of our players,” he said. “So we will continue to strive for that kind of play from our kids as the season moves on so we can try for another deep run.”
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business > morton grove
Moretti’s Restaurant looks to open new location Restaurant would be located within Lehigh/Ferris TIF district By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
The village of Morton Grove Board of Trustees will soon decide whether to give tax incentives to Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, which is looking to open a location at a long-vacant lot a few blocks from village’s Metra station. The restaurant would be located on a village-owned lot within the Lehigh/Ferris tax increment financing district. Under the redevelopment agreement, the village would sell the land to Moretti’s. Once the restaurant opens, the portion of tax revenue it
generates would be used to pay for the acquisition. The village board is expected to make a final vote on whether to approve the agreement during its next meeting, which is scheduled for Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Moretti’s is an Italian-American restaurant operated by Chicagobased Ala Carte Entertainment. It has locations in Bartlett, Fox Lake, Lake in the Hills, Mount Prospect, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates and Chicago’s Edison Park neighborhood. According to a village press release, the chain plans to open its Morton Grove location on the currently vacant lot at 6415 Dempster St., about three blocks north of the Metra station and
school briefs
District 64 schedules tax levy hearing for Dec. 14 Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 announced that it will conduct a public hearing on its 2015 tax levy Dec. 14 at the start of its regular board meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Jefferson School, 8200 Greendale, Niles. District 64 said the board will adopt a final levy later in the meeting. At its Nov. 5 meeting, the board adopted a tentative 2015 tax levy that is 4.53 percent greater than the 2014 tax extension. The district added that the impact on existing property taxpayers would be far less. “District 64 always adopts a higher tax levy to leave enough room to capture all new property equalized assessed valuation coming onto the tax rolls for the first time,” said Luann Kolstad, chief school business official. “This practice of levying a higher amount benefits existing local taxpayers, because it ensures that the District can take advantage of all ‘new’ monies it is entitled to receive.” District 64 said the 2015 levy request of 4.53 percent means that the district’s existing EAV property tax pool would only increase a maximum of 0.8 percent, as allowed by the Property Tax
Extension Limitation Law, while leaving 3.73 percent available to cover any new property added on. District 64 added that it anticipates receiving about $62.6 million in property taxes for its tax-capped operating funds through the 2015 levy. “Because of the timing of when tax levies are due in Cook County, local school boards must levy based on an estimate of new property, knowing that in the end, the County Clerk will always trim the levy to ensure that the increase in total taxes collected is within the tax cap limit for the year,” Kolstad added. District officials said it levied a 4.63 percent increase in 2014 but only received a 1.9 percent increase in its total levy, including new construction. In 2013, the board approved a tax levy request of 4.98 percent but received a final increase of 2.5 percent, including new construction. “But no matter how large the levy request is for 2015, District 64 will only receive a 0.8 percent increase linked to CPI, as allowed by the tax cap plus the taxes associated with new construction,” Kolstad said. The Nov. 5 levy presentation can be viewed on the District 64 website, www.d64.org.
within walking distance of village hall and the Morton Grove Public Library. The lot belonged to Maxwell’s Restaurant, which closed in 2003. Since then, there were several efforts to redevelop the property, none of which panned out. The village purchased the land in 2014 for $1.4 million. Moretti’s would take up approximately 10,000 square feet and accommodate about 350 patrons in three dining areas, a bar and an outdoor dining area. “The restaurant will be a family-friendly, casual dining establishment with dine-in, delivery and carryout options, a video gaming component, as
well as private event and catering services,” stated the press release. In an official statement, Mark Hoffmann, vice president of Ala Carte Entertainment, said the deal has been in the works for a while. “From the first time I saw this property, I thought it would be a great location for a Moretti’s,” he said. “After working with the [Morton Grove mayor Dan DiMaria] and his staff over the past few months on all the details of this deal, I am confident that this is not only the right site, but Morton Grove is the right community, for our newest Moretti’s development.” DiMaria has long advocated development for the lot, which would become a “gateway” to another project – mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly developments around the Morton Grove Metra
station. In the press release, the mayor described the deal as a “win-win” for Morton Grove. “The public will get a highly desired restaurant facility,” said DiMaria. “The developer will receive necessary financial assistance, and the village will turn a site, which has been vacant for several years, into a new restaurant and catering business. This will generate increased sales and property taxes, as well as attract other restaurants and businesses to the area. “ With a few exceptions, the Village Board approved agreements in two readings. To speed up the process, the first reading was scheduled for a special Dec. 7 meeting. The second and final reading will take place during the regular, Dec. 14 meeting.
Maine South to present holiday concert Dec. 11 Maine South High School’s fine arts department will present its annual holiday concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 11. Directing are Matthew Hanes (Choir), Dave Hutter (Band) and Martin Nocedal (Orchestra). Fine Arts Department Chair is Teralyn Keith. Admission is free. The concert will feature a pass-the-hat donation
to raise funds for new practice-room pianos to replace the 50-year-old instruments now in use. Highlights will include: From the philharmonic, string and beginning combined orchestras, the March from “The Nutcracker Suite”; from the jazz band, “A Chili Pepper Christmas”; from the glee and concert combined choirs,
“A Christmas Calypso”; from the concert and symphonic combined bands, “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” with narration; and more. The concert will end with Maine South’s traditional singalong, “A Tribute of Carols.” Maine South is located at 1111 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge.
Maine East presents winter concert Dec. 13 The Maine East High School Fine Arts Department will present an afternoon of great music Dec.13 at 2 p.m. Featuring the Maine East bands, orchestras and choirs, this concert offers a something for everyone. The orchestras will present music of legendary composers Nikolai Rimsky
Korsakov, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Johann and Josef Straus, and Sergei Prokofiev. The choirs will perform holiday vocal music from the renaissance to present. The bands will perform some magnificent wind band classic works, including Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite.” Direction is by Director of Choirs
Michael Boyle, Director of Orchestras Sarah Djordjevic and Director of Bands Pamela Holt. Edward Eubank is the fine arts department chair. The event will be held in the auditorium and is open to the community. Admission is free. Maine East High School is located at 2601 W. Dempster, Park Ridge.
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DECEMBER 10
Financing a 4-Year College Degree. 6-7:30 p.m. at Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St. Find out how obtaining a four-year college degree can be financially possible for you and your family. This presentation, sponsored by the Schuler Scholar Program in partnership with Maine East High School, will address high school academic planning, types of colleges and universities, financial aid options and community resources. All are welcome! The Frank Sinatra Centennial. 7:30 p.m. at Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. Admission $10, $7 for seniors. The theatre will be honoring Frank Sinatra-- two days before his actual birthday. They will be screening (on DCP) ON THE TOWN (1949). Also at the event will be special guests, a prize drawing and a short subject.
DECEMBER 11
Gingerbread House Decorating. 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley St., 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. Santa’s Holiday Express. 10:50 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ages 2 and up. R/NR: $21/$31. Join Santa and his holiday crew as they sing songs, talk with Santa, play games and enjoy face painting. Please bring a nut-free sack lunch to enjoy as Santa reads us a story. Ride on Santa’s Holiday Express train all the way to Santa’s barn (Harvard) where it turns around and heads back home to Park Ridge (Dee Road) station. Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in at the Dee Rd. Station. Winter Card Making. 10 a.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. Age 13 and up. Using laying techniques, stamps, paper punches, and other fun embellishments to create fun and unique greeting cards! Material will be provided. Registration is required. Meet Local Mystery Authors!: Mystery Author Panel and Book Signing. 1 p.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. Join for a discussion with three award-winning writers from the Chicagoland area – Lori Rader-Day
(Little Pretty Things), Susanna Calkins (The Masque of a Murder), and Lynne Raimondo (Dante’s Dilemma) - and learn about their newest books and their writing process. Teen Gingerbread Houses. 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St. Teens design gingerbread houses using graham crackers for the holiday season. For more information visit www.nileslibrary.org/events. Second Saturday Bingo Breakfast. 9:30-10:15 a.m. at Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St. 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.
DECEMBER 13
Trinity Lutheran Church Fine Arts Series 2015. 3 to 4 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. The New Tradition Chorus. Each of the many colors in a stained glass window represent a unique point of reference that together create composition that presents a complete image. So it is with the church. Come to experience and participate in the great song of the church. Bel Sonore Holiday Concert. 2 p.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. The Bel Sonore Chamber Ensemble of flute, oboe, and bassoon with soprano voice will perform a repertoire ranging from
early Baroque to Jazz Standards. Holiday Exhibition. 4:40 to 8 p.m. at the Oakton Ice Arena, 2800 Oakton St., Park Ridge. All ages. Don’t miss this special exhibition featuring participants from Oakton Ice Arena’s Competitive Edge and Learn-to-Skate programs skating to Holiday themed music. Skate with Santa. 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Oakton Ice Arena, 2800 Oakton St., Park Ridge. All ages. Join at Oakton Ice Arena to skate with Santa and his elves. Complimentary candy canes for all kids who attend. All skaters will be entered into a drawing to win two tickets to a Chicago Wolves hockey game. Grinch’s Candy Cane Hunt. 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley St., Park Ridge. Ages: 3-10. Cost: $7. The Grinch discovered that Santa’s elves have hidden candy canes at one of their favorite places – Maine Park! The Grinch is planning to find all of Santa’s candy canes and turn them green. Event begins with the story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” inside the Maine Park gym. Then head outside to find all the candy canes hidden in the park. Don’t forget to dress warm. Registration deadline: Dec. 1. Visit www.prparks.org. Maine East Winter Concert. 2 p.m. at the Maine East High School Auditorium, 2601 Dempster St., Park Ridge. For more information, visit, http://east.maine207.org/events.
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Second Sunday Family Program: Dance Around the World! 2-2:45 p.m. at Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St. Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to move with Chicago’s Dancing with Class, joining us for an interactive performance of dances from around the globe. Pick up free tickets in KidSpace 30 minutes ahead of time. Seating is limited.
DECEMBER 15
Santa’s Holiday Express. 10:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Ages: 2 and up. R/NR: $21/$31. Join Santa and his holiday crew as they sing songs, talk with Santa, play games, and enjoy face painting. Please bring a nut-free sack lunch to enjoy as Santa reads us a story. We stay on Santa’s Holiday Express train all the way to Santa’s barn (Harvard) where it turns around and heads back home to Park Ridge (Dee Road) station. Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in at the Dee Road Station. Register online now at www.prparks.org.
DECEMBER 17
White Christmas: A Holiday Songbook with Dr. Fischman. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St. Join for Senior Coffee Hour. Silver Bells, Let It Snow and The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting). Remember these tunes? Dr. Fischman ignites the Holiday Spirit as he sets down the snowy road of American Christmas music in this engaging seasonal (singalong) program.
NEWS ABOUT LOCAL BUSINESSES IN YOUR COMMUNITY
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Thursday, decem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com
dave says
Is loaning or giving helping? dear dave, The guy who has been my best friend since grade school recently asked me to loan him $5,000. All I have in savings dAve sAys Money advICe By is $5,000, but I dave raMSey would be willing to give him $1,000. The problem is that while he’s a great friend with a good heart, he’s always getting himself into binds when it comes to money. Do you think I should give him $1,000? israel dear israel, If I were in your shoes, and I was going to give this guy a fifth of everything I had, I’d want to know it was going to save his life. From what you’ve said, it sounds like he’s just out of control with his money while you’re trying to save. That being the case, I’m not sure you’d really be helping him. If you want to gift your friend some money, then do it. But there’s no way I’d tell you to give him
everything you’ve managed to save. And I certainly wouldn’t do it as a loan. Ask yourself if you believe deep down in your heart that giving this guy $1,000 would truly be a blessing to him or if, by doing it, you’d be acting as an enabler and basically just funding more of his stupidity with money. From what you’ve told me, I think there’s a good chance the answer is the latter. And if that’s the case, you can be a much better friend by saying you love him enough to not ruin your friendship. —dave
CoNFiRMAtioN oF PAyoFF? dear dave, After struggling with it for several years, I finally made the last payment on my Sallie Mae student loans this week. Do you think I should ask for a formal letter stating that it’s officially paid off? Angela dear Angela, Congratulations on finally kicking that old woman out of your house!
It feels great, doesn’t it? Sure, it couldn’t hurt anything to write and request formal confirmation that the book on your loans is closed and everything is paid in full. You can do this through email so you’ll have a record of contact, or you can send a certified letter, return receipt requested, through the post office. That way, you’ll have a record they signed for it. Following up on paid-off debts is always a good idea, Angela. You don’t want the hassle of possibly having to deal with greedy or incompetent collectors sniffing around three or four years down the road and no way to prove you’re free and clear! —dave dave ramsey is america’s trusted voice on money and business, and Ceo of ramsey Solutions. he has authored five New york times best-selling books. the dave ramsey Show is heard by more than 11 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations and digital outlets. dave’s latest project, everydollar, provides a free online budget tool. follow dave on twitter at @daveramsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.
FeAtURiNG
Megan Cladis
JolIet CatholIC volleyBall what do you use twitter for? keeping in contact with family and friends and from different states. how often are you on twitter? every day when I’m not in school or playing volleyball.
how often do you tweet? probably twice a day. who do you like to follow on twitter? JCa girls volleyball. It is really motivating.
CoACH M. HoWARd @RHsPARtANsBBALL “good win last night! spartans 54 plainfield central 49. London stamps 15, matt cappelletti 14, and mike salter 11” ALLiGAtoRARMy @ALLiGAtoRARMy “confirmed: #gators Antonio morrison returned after AcL tear faster than Adrian Peterson did.” NdCP BAsketBALL @NdCP_HooPs “Dons at #13 in the latest csn rankings. #weArenD”
JeRALd dAvis @CHiHoPseXPRess “kathleen Doyle scores 19 points in the 4th quarter but could not bring Benet back as they are upset by Morgan Park”
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Upcoming events for Seniors in the community T h ur s day, Decem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com
Wittstock John E. Wittstock, U.S. Army veteran, was the beloved son of the late Benjamin and Florence Wittstock; dear brother of Jerome (Arlene) Wittstock, Joan Nettle and the late James Wittstock; dear uncle of Brian and Katherine;
tax levy | from page 3 library ultimately benefits Niles as a whole. “I read a lot of research papers and there’s ample evidence that when you fund libraries, you put money in the economy, as well,” he said. Trustee Barbara Nakanishi pointed to the information provided in Pritz’s Oct. 21 presentation, arguing that the increase was necessary. She added that the increase wasn’t large compared to other tax levies. “The biggest share of my tax levy is going to schools,” said Nakanishi. “And, a very small percentage of my tax bill goes to the library.” Trustee Patti Rozanski said she was ultimately inclined to vote for the increase because of the library’s maintenance expenses, pointing in particular to the roof repair project. “The money has to come from somewhere,” she said. “It’s asinine of us not to put money into our roof and other things to keep this building afloat.” Later during the meeting, Drblik responded, noting that in 2014 the board transferred money from the general fund into the special reserve fund for precisely that purpose. Drblik reiterated her earlier arguments that the board should have looked for ways to cut expenses before approving the extension. She said she had seen no evidence that the previous tax increases hurt the library in any way. Library Director Susan Lempke previously told the Bugle that the decreases hurt the library’s ability to buy books for the adult collection. Drblik also reiterated an earlier argument that the library should have had a clear plan for how it was going to spend the money raised through the increase before proposing the increase. “We’re doing the same thing the state of Illinois does; we’re spending the money without having a plan,” she said. Trustee Danette Matyas, who also
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and great uncle of Riley Ann and Alyssa. Visitation was Nov. 28 from 8:30 a.m. until service 9:30 am. at the Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, to St. Juliana Church Mass at 10 a.m. Interment Maryhill Cemetery. Call 847-966-7302 for more information or visit www.skajafuneralhomes.com to sign a guestbook.
serves on the Niles Village Board, said residents asked her why she voted to increase the village’s levy but opposed the library’s increase. She said the village board, unlike the library board, had a plan on how to spend the extra money. “We have a fiduciary responsibility to keep the taxes low,” Matyas said. “Look at our money, look at our spending – we’re not doing it.” She added that, while she knew the levy would pass, she wanted to apologize to taxpayers before casting her ‘no’ vote. “I’m losing the vote, and I apologize that our taxes are going to be raised,” Matyas said. “[You] are being taxed for no rhyme or reason.” Before the vote was cast, Drblik said she felt that she didn’t have a chance to have her concerns about the budget and the tax levy addressed. Dimond said she and other trustees asked Pritz questions about the levy and were able to get answers. Matyas argued that any such questions should be answered in public. Both she and Drblik voted against the levy. Residents who spoke during the Nov. 30 meeting all decried the increase. Dennis Martin argued that the library shouldn’t be planning any kind of expansion given its financial situation. He added that while the library’s increase may not be as large compared to what other taxing bodies levied, it adds up. “When you roll all those increases up, you have to start [cutting] somewhere,” Martin said. Resident Mark Gittings also said he didn’t support the increase, but added that the way the board has been operating for the past few months, with arguments and accusations, has hurt discourse – which wasn’t good for anyone involved. “I can tell this is a hostile board,” said Gittings. “Let’s not point fingers. Let’s come together for the common problems we [should] try to solve. Let’s work together.”
Decades of Dresses presenter Ruth Thomas displays a pair of shows during the Nov. 16 event.
Summit fashion show displays style through the years Historical, social context of fashion highlighted during Center of Concern fundraiser More than 50 people enjoyed tea, some savory treats and a look at “Decades of Dresses,” a retrospective fashion show hosted last month by The Summit of Uptown. The Nov. 16 event was a fundraiser for The Center of Concern, a Park Ridge-based agency that serves housing and other needs of area seniors. The show’s presenter, Ruth Thomas, not only displayed a fabulous collection of dresses, hats and shoes from the late 1890s and early 1900s, but explained the historical and social contexts of the fashions.
Pictured from left to right: Kathy Rosling, a volunteer with Center of Concern; John McNabola, Center of Concern executive director; Ruth Thomas, the show’s presenter; and Irene Sawka, executive director of The Summit of Uptown, check out some of the fashions before the show. Pat Limper, left, Pat Henderson, Mary Cerakowski and Joan Mas get ready to enjoy the show. (Submitted Photos)
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T h ur sday, Decem ber 10, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com | Pag e 3A
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