Niles 12-17-15

DECEMBER 17, 2015 VOL. 60 ISSUE 11

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Featured Sports

notre dame moves to 7-1 on the season

NEWS Media relations

Police look to improve relationship with media

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NEWS free bus routes

Niles board approves several changes to Free Bus routes

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NEWS talcott lawsuit

Park Ridge considers reponse to ruling in lawsuit

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FORUM Mental health

Make your New Year’s resolutions of action

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BUSINESS green biz

BBJ Linen wins Niles first green business award

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SPORTS

Photo by Igor Studenkov | bugle Staff

Men’s basketball

Free throws cost Hawks unblemished record

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Captain gabriela t. Swanson and Major eric Swanson, both u.S Marines veterans, pose with their daughters and the village of niles board of trustees after receiving keys to the City.

Thursday, DECEM BER 17, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

police > Park Ridge

Police chiefs look to improve media relations Event brings police, journalists to the table

He noted that police officers don’t always do the right thing, and that there was nothing wrong with reporters looking into possible misconduct.

“We’re not 100 percent [right]; we don’t always do the right thing,” said Kaminski.“When you mess up, fess and fix it.”

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The Illinois Association of Police Chiefs hosted what they hope will be the first in a series of presentations designed to improve the relationship between police and media.

The event was held at noon Dec. 8 at the Park Ridge Country Club. In his opening remarks, Park Ridge Police Department Chief Frank Kaminski said he hoped the event would help clear up misunderstandings, and allow journalists and police officers to help each other do their jobs without getting in each others way.

Rob Johnson, a news anchor for CBS 2 Chicago, gave a presentation that laid out the issue from the perspective media professionals.

After that, police chiefs and other police officers from across Chicagoland had an opportunity to ask questions and talk about their experiences with the media.

Media’s Take

Photo by Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff

CBS anchor Robert Johnson (center) answers police chiefs’ questions, as Park Ridge Police Chief Frank Kaminski (left) and Park Ridge Deputy Chief Lou Jogmen listen.

The Illinois Association of Police Chiefs worked together with the North East Illinois Police Public Information Officers Association. Police officers from Niles, Winnetka, Evanston, Chicago, Naperville and other municipalities attended.

Kaminski said that getting information to the media could help police catch criminals.

He cited a case from February 2014, when Deangelo Fountain, of Evanston, stole a car with a 5-year-old boy sleeping inside, as an example. Kaminski noted that

many police officers are wary of media but said this was something they had to get past.

“Many [officers] would rather go in a dark alley with 20 offenders than talk to media,” he said. “But I think we really ought to work past that.”

Kaminski recalled a course he took in 1988 at the FBI’s Quantico training facility that put the issue in perspective. He said the course taught him that if journalists want to get information, they’re going to do it whether police cooperate or not.

Ultimately, Kaminski argued, it is in the police’s best interests to try to work with reporters – even if they couldn’t always share the information the reporters wanted.

“When we work on criminal investigations, there are certain things you don’t want released,” he said. “I think we can work things out. I’m not sure how, but I think we can have a dialogue.”

While Kaminski didn’t directly discuss the recent controversy over the delayed release of the Laquan McDonald shooting, he did mention “dash cam videos.”

Johnson spoke next, saying he welcomed a dialogue and cooperation between police and journalists. He added that there are “bad eggs” in every group, including reporters.

Johnson explained why it is important for the police to keep the media informed as much as they can.

“We want to get the story right, and the more you can tell us the better off we’ll be, because we know the information is [accurate],” he said. “We’re going to get the information. It’s a better story if you can get accurate information.”

If the officers don’t get back to reporters with questions, Johnson said, they have to find out the information about the incident

see police | page 6

T h ur sday, DECEM BER 17, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

3

village news > niles

Board approves Free Bus route changes Changes were largely identical to the proposal released in the spring

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The village of Niles Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve significant changes to the Niles Free Bus system during its Dec. 8 meeting.

The changes were largely identical to the proposal released in the spring. However, in response to significant flashback, Pace suburban bus transit agency decided not to completely eliminate service for two destinations – the St. Andrew Life Center retirement and care facility, and a loop formed by Maynard Road, Wendy Way and Huber Lane. The buses will only serve those destinations a few times a day rather than once every 30-40 minutes. Pace also said that it would introduce fare cars that would allow Niles residents to ride route 270 Pace bus for free – the move designed to compensate for the loss of the Free Bus service on the section of Milwaukee Avenue south of Touhy Avenue.

The service changes are expected to take effect sometime in Spring 2016. In the meantime, Pace and

the village of Niles will be working together to let the residents know about the changes.

Under the changes approved by the board, current Niles Free Bus route 411 will be split into routes 411 and 410. While the former will cover most of current route 411 western half, route 410 will cover similar territory as its eastern half. Route 413 will be canceled, and routes 410 and 411 will be extended east to fill in some of the gaps.

Like the current Route 411, both routes will go in both directions, running between Golf Mill Shopping Center and the Village Crossing.

Once they reach their end points, the routes will switch.

During the Dec. 8 meeting, Alex Garcia, Pace’s Senior Service Planner, noted that Route 413, which is currently the only Niles Free Bus route to serve Village Crossing, doesn’t run on weekends. The fact that a majority of Niles residents will be able to use the Free Bus to travel to the shopping center seven days a week, without making transfers, is a major service improvement.

Route 412 will continue serving northern Niles. While it would no longer directly serve Brookdale

Plaza, the west end section would be extended past Golf Glen shopping plaza, serving Terrace Square condominiums.

The routes will run seven days a week, running once every half an hour on weekdays and every 30-40 minutes on weekends. In a major change, the routes will start running two hours earlier, but they will also end about an hour earlier.

During the June 23 public hearing, residents voiced a number of complaints about the plan. They noted that the proposal didn’t provide any service to the Maynard Road loop and on the portion of Milwaukee Avenue south of Touhy Avenue. They also noted that, unlike the current route 413, route 410 wouldn’t stop directly in front of the Leaning Tower YMCA entrance.

The closest stops were along Touhy Avenue, but residents complained that it would require them to cross a busy street and use a “terrible” bus shelter that they said was prone to flooding.

At the time, Michael Bolton, Pace’s Deputy Executive Director of Strategic Services, told the residents that it was the matter of avoiding potential legal issues.

“We expose our buses [to legal liability] every time we go to the YMCA,” he said. “When we go into big malls, we have agreements

with big malls. And we’ve stopped service when we couldn’t reach an agreement.”

The plan approved by the village board strikes a compromise, adding less frequent service. Route 412 would travel to Maynard Loop along the same route as before. Route 411 would stop in front of the facility, turning southwest on Milwaukee and turning southeast on Harts Road until it rejoined the regular route at Touhy. Pace decided to stick with its plans for Leaning Tower YMCA routing.

“We try to really minimize our exposure, and exposure at the Y has been very significant,” Bolton told the village board.

Trustee Denise McCreery asked why Pace wanted to end service earlier in the day.

“What we’re looking at is ridership patterns,” said Garcia.

“Our ridership was quite low in the evening hours, so it’s not an efficient use of our resources.”

He said that the service would start earlier to attract more students and workplace commuters. Under the current schedules, route 411 starts too late to drop off students at any Niles schools.

When McCreery asked whether the ridership pattern was the same for regular Pace routes, Garcia responded that regular routes tend

to see more evening riders who leave work in later hours.

Mayor Andrew Przybylo asked Pace officials if they were able to do anything to accommodate riders along the segment of Milwaukee that will be losing free bus service.

That section is served by route 270, but Free Bus riders have complained that, because it charges regular Pace fares, it wasn’t a viable alternative.

“With Ventra, we have an ability to create an [area-specific] card,” replied Bolton. “We can create a series of versifiers for those cards.”

He later told the Bugle that the details of how those cards would be distributed will be negotiated with the village of Niles before the service changes take effect.

“We have to work out the terms and conditions with Niles since they would be responsible,” said Bolton. Przybylo also said that he was prepared to do something for the riders who get on the Leaning Tower YMCA. He said he had a computer he could spare, and he was planning to ask Bill Shaw, the Niles IT Director, to set it up in the building lobby. The computer would display information from Pace’s real-time bus tracker, so the riders would know when they need to leave in order to catch a bus and spend less time outside.

position, she was in charge of its security, logistics, and information and supply management.

During their service, the couple earned a number of medals and awards. Mr. Swanson earned the Meritorious Service Medal, a Certificate of Commendation, a Navy and Marine Corps

Commendation Medal with Two Gold Stars and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Three Gold Stars. Mrs. Swanson earned the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

The couple attended the ceremony with their three daughters.

As Przybylo prepared to give them the Keys to the City, he noted that Eric Swanson outranks his wife. He jokingly asked if Mrs. Swanson has to follow her husband’s orders at home.

“We are a team,” responded Mrs. Swanson.

cover story

Marine couple gets keys to city

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

Over the past few months, Mayor Andrew Przybylo gave Keys to the City to a number of Niles veterans – but Dec. 8 marked the first time he gave the keys to a married couple.

Major Eric Swanson and Captain Gabriela T. Swanson both served in the U.S. Marine Corps before being honorably discharged in September 2015 and May 2009, respectively.

According to the village resolution, Swanson enlisted in June 1997. For the first seven years of service, he was a reservist, serving largely in an administrative capacity. In 2005, he was deployed to Iraq as part of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. While serving in Ar Rutbah, Iraq, he established the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program. In 2006, he was deployed to Rawah, Iraq to manage linguists

support in the battalion.

In 2012, Swanson was deployed to Delaram, Afghanistan, this time as part of the 6th Marine Regiment. He served as the Task Force HR Officer to numerous units. In 2015, he was deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, where he organized a team of advisors that would assist the Iraq Army as it faced the threat of ISIS. Gabriela Swanson joined the Marines in May 2004. She trained in Quantico, Virginia to become a military police officer. Between February 2005 and March 2006, she was deployed to Al-Taqaddum, Iraq with Combat Logistics Regiment 25, where she helped provide security for vehicles, supplies, personal and visiting VIPs. When Mrs. Swanson returned to the United States, she was stationed at the Marines base in Lejeune, North Carolina, where she rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the base’s Services Officer. In this

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4 community > park Ridge

THURSDAY, DECEM BER 17, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

City to consider response to ruling in Talcott lawsuit Ruling based on decision to block proposed 400 W. Talcott Road mixed-use project

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The Park Ridge city council will look at whether the city would appeal the ruling overturning the Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision to block the proposed 400 W. Talcott Road mixed-use project.

The city council originally intended to accept the decision.

But after residents argued that the proposed plan violated the zoning code, the aldermen asked the staff to look into it. The aldermen will discuss it during the Dec. 14 Committee of the Whole meeting.

The city has until Dec. 23 to file an appeal.

In 2014, Developer John O’Flaherty applied for permission to built a four-story building that would include commercial spaces on the first floor, indoor parking spaces and 22 condominium units.

The proposal resulted in immediate backlash from neighborhood residents, who expressed concerns about the building’s size and what kind of residents it would attract.

In September 2014 the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to reject the proposal. O’Flaherty sued to have the decision overturned,

arguing that his application followed the Park Ridge zoning code, which permitted residential units in B-1 commercial districts if the units are above first floor commercial spaces.

In addition to naming the commission and city staff, the lawsuit named all of the residents that spoke against the proposal.

In a November 2014 post on the Popehat blog, attorney Ken White argued that O’Flaherty was simply following the letter of Illinois law and existing legal precedent.

“What is unusual is that Illinois law (1) requires you to name, as a defendant, all ‘parties of record’ to the underlying decision, and (2) defines ‘parties of record’ ridiculously broadly,” he wrote.

“The developer has a very credible argument that the neighbors who spoke at the zoning meetings are ‘parties of record’ and that they are required under Illinois law to name them as defendants.”

According to White’s post, O’Flaherty’s attorneys cited the 1972 O’Hare Int’l Bank v. Zoning Bd. of Appeals, City of Park Ridge case.

In that case, the Illinois Appellate Court found that, because the neighbors had an active interest in

the outcome of the case, because a new project would affect their property values and neighborhood aesthetics.

The residents were subsequently removed from the lawsuit.

Since the lawsuit was filed, the city council changed the zoning code to make projects like O’Flaherty’s impossible. But because development projects are regulated by whichever laws were in force at the time of application, it wouldn’t affect this project.

On Nov. 23, 2015, Judge Kathleen Pantel ruled in O’Flaherty’s favor.

During the Dec. 7 council meeting, city attorney Julie Tappendorf advised the aldermen to simply accept the ruling. But the residents who spoke during the meeting – many of whom were parties to the lawsuit – urged the city to find some way to stop the project.

“There are many things to do with the property – acquire it, rezone it, sell it [another] developer,” said Karen Sloma, one of the parties in the lawsuit.

Tappendorf replied that there wasn’t anything Park Ridge could do.

“Once [a property] complies, the only thing it needs is a site review

and a zoning permit,” she said.

Resident Pat Livensbarger argued that it wasn’t the case, because B-1 zoning at the time of application only allowed residential units above non-residential floor. The parking garage, she argued, counts as residential use.

Third Ward Ald. Marc Mazzuca asked the staff to investigate the claim. Acting Mayor Marty Maloney – who also serves as the alderman of the Seventh Ward, where the project would be located – also asked for the estimate of the costs of appealing the lawsuit.

At press time, the city posted the meeting documents for Dec. 14 meeting, They indicate that the appeal will cost between $5,000 and $7,500.

They also indicate that Park Ridge zoning code specifically defines residential use – and a parking garage isn’t one of them.

“Parking is determined based on the residential use and it is an accessory of the use similar to hallways, lobbies, staircases and utilities,” the document states. “These uses, while related to a residential use, have not been considered individually as residential uses in other projects.”

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village news > niles

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Village board discusses policing in the wake of Chicago controversy Strzlecki said all officers have to deal with stress – something that tends to be underestimated

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

As protests triggered by the release of the video of the shooting of Laquan McDonald continued throughout Chicago, the Niles officials weigh in on the controversy and what it means for the village.

On Oct. 24, 2014, Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke shot 17-yearold Laquan McDonald sixteen times. He was among the several officers who arrived in response to reports that McDonald was behaving erratically and slashing car tires with a knife. The incident was recorded on a dashboard camera, but the city of Chicago resisted releasing the footage until ordered by the Cook County Circuit Court judge. The footage revealed that, contrary to the reports of the officers on the scene, McDonald didn’t lunge at any of the officers with the knife, and that Van Dyke started shooting as soon as he got out of the car.

During the Dec. 8 village board meeting, Mayor Andrew Przybylo said he wanted Niles police chief Dennis McEnerney and former police chief and current trustee Dean Strzlecki to give their

“[They gave] de-escalation training, how to talk the subject down, how to bring the subject in without using lethal force. We are doing everything to make sure [incident like the McDonald shooting] doesn’t happen in Niles.”

- Niles police chief Dennis McEnerney

perspectives on the situation.

Strzlecki said that all police officers have to deal with stress – something that tends to be underestimated.

Over the past few months, the Niles Department of Family Services has been working with the officers to reduce stress, which helped.

But Strzlecki said that he had one concern. When officers retire and their positions aren’t filled quickly enough, the remaining officers get greater workload.

“That’s extra stress,” said Strzlecki. “I’d like [the village] to hire people and get them in place prior to someone leaving. I think it’s important for us [to have] someone take over as soon as a person retires.”

McEnerney said he agreed with everything his predecessor said.

The Niles police officers, he said, go through extensive training to try to avoid the situation like the Laquan McDonald shooting.

“Obviously, the last resort is shooting someone, said McEnerney.

“What happened in Chicago – that’s unfortunate.”

That said, the chief added, he didn’t think the shooting, while unfortunate, wasn’t necessarily unjustified.

“The subject had a knife,” said McEnerney. “You want to contain him, but you don’t want the officers [hurt].”

When asked to elaborate about it by the Bugle after the meeting, he said that he didn’t want to make definitive statements because it wasn’t his jurisdiction and he may not have all the facts.

McEnerney also told the board that Family Services has been training officers on how to defuse volatile situations. “[They gave] de-escalation training, how to talk the subject down, how to bring the subject in without using lethal force,” he said. “We are doing everything to make sure [incident like the McDonald shooting] doesn’t happen in Niles.”

Trustee Joe LoVerde asked whether the police department was thinking of getting body cameras for police officers.

On Aug. 12, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a law that established regulations on how police departments throughout Illinois should use body cameras, but didn’t require police departments to use them.

McEnerney said that it was under

consideration.

“There is a huge cost involving storage, server you have to put [the footage] on,” he said. “But we’re going to look at that.”

LoVerde also asked about the police’s ability to respond to terrorist incidents such as the San Bernardino attack.

“Every day, we get reports from Homeland Security, so we’re kept well in the loop,” said McEnerney.

In response to question from trustee Denise McCreery, he said that officers have trained to deal with active shooters.

Trustee George Alpogianas voiced his support of the police department.

“I just want to say how proud I am of the police force here and the way they handle things,” he said.

“I think people forget that police officers are human, just like us.”

www.cookcountycrimestoppers.org • 800.535.stop Thursday, DECEM BER 17, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

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

arrested at 11:56 p.m. Dec. 8 in the 7700 block of Harlem for possession of cannabis.

Srdan Sterleman, 31, 1800 block of Oakton, Park Ridge, was arrested at 3:06 a.m. Dec. 5 at Oakton and Prospect for driving under the influence.

Danislava I. Dramasazova, 25, 500 block of East Seegers, Arlington Heights, was arrested at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 for theft.

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Hernando G. Gonzalez, 52, 4000 block of Lavergne, Chicago, was arrested at 1 a.m. Dec. 6 in the 6800 block of Milwaukee for domestic battery and criminal damage to property.

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Cynthia S. Knutson-Gearheart, 21, 9100 block of Knight, Des Plaines, was arrested at 3:08 p.m.

Dec. 8 at the Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.

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Edward J. Hennigan, 19, 7100 block of Odel, Chicago; Jacob T. Peters, 20, 2000 block of Old Glenview Road, Wilmette; and Bryan L. Caspersen, 20, 1000 block of Westview Road, Rochelle, were

5

police | from page 2 another way – and misinformation can creep in. The lack of response could also lead to reporters chasing after stories that aren’t actually urgent. He suggested that there would be an officer on duty who would at least be able to give basic information about what happened. He also recommended using verified social media accounts to get information out.

Before taking questions, Johnson cited the press conference in the wake of the recent mass murder in San Bernadino, California, as an example of a good balance between the needs of police and the needs of the press. He also cited the Lake County Major Crime Task Force’s interactions with press during the recent investigation into the death of officer Joe Gliniewicz as an example of something to avoid.

Johnson said the police involved in that case brushed aside any

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Lena B. Heqial, 40, 7000 block of Greenleaf, Niles, was arrested at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at Shermer and Greenleaf for no valid driver’s license.

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Niles

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Park Ridge

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Tommy E. Rice, 43, 8039 Keating, Skokie, was arrested at 3 p.m. Dec. 1 in the 2300 block of Oakton for suspended, revoked driver’s license and failure to reduce speed an accident.

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Paula I. Barnett, 56, 2714 W. Ainsley, Chicago, was arrested at 7:10 p.m. Dec. 2 in the 1900 block of South Cumberland for suspended driver’s license, suspended registration, no proof of insurance and no driver’s license on person.

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Dariusz Nadborski, 27, 1128 Tyrell, Park Ridge, was arrested at 8:55 p.m. Dec. 3 at the residence for domestic battery.

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Susan E. Battista, 34, 1417 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, was arrested at 8:06 p.m. Dec. 4 at Northwest Highway and Dee for driving while license suspended, no proof of insurance and expired registration.

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possibility that Gliniewicz killed himself and “smeared” the Lake County coroner who talked to the Chicago Tribune.

Winnetka Police Chief Patrick Kreis said that when police withhold information it’s usually for good reasons.

“I hope you understand and your colleagues understand that our desire to keep the information limited is to protect someone else’s privacy,” he said, adding that it’s usually about keeping names of victims and witnesses concealed.

In those types of cases, Johnson suggested that officers tell reporters their reason for withholding information and said reporters should be accommodating.

Anthony Sciaronne, chief of the Island Lake Police Department, said he is concerned that media reports of shootings wind up glorifying the perpetrators. Johnson said he thinks there’s a time and a place to give information about a shooter,

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Morton Grove Zain Ali, 20, Chicago, was arrested Dec. 1 in the 9000 block of Waukegan for suspended driver’s license.

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Daniel Chaudry, 21, Winnetka, was arrested Dec. 2 at Austin and Dempster for suspended driver’s license.

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but added that the decision is not made lightly.

“We debate this all the time, about not giving those guys publicity and giving publicity to the victims,” he said. Johnson said the policy in his newsroom is to talk about the perpetrator first and focus on the victims once the information is out.

“After the initial report, we refer to them as “‘shooter,’” he said. “We really try to focus on [the victims] after we’ve done the initial story on the shooter.”

Aside from Johnson, the organizers extended invitations to other area media outlets.

Several other reporters attended, including CBS anchor and reporter Mai Martinez.

Martinez argued that profiling shooters does serve a purpose, saying that it could help people spot red flags.

Robert Marshall, the Naperville Police Chief, asked how ratings

Pamela Johnson, 34, Chicago, was arrested Dec. 3 at Dempster and Ozark for suspended driver’s license and a warrant.

13

Karina

Melkonian, 56, was arrested Dec. 5 at TJ Maxx, 7250 Dempster, for retail theft.

14 Northbrook, 15

Hermes Dervishi, 21, Chicago, was arrested Dec. 5 at Church

affect news coverage. Johnson responded by saying that ratings are important to every TV station’s bottom line but said they don’t trump integrity.

“I’ve never heard anyone say – ‘if you don’t get the story, just make something up, because we want to get ratings,’” he said. “We’re guided by our ratings, but it doesn’t cloud us from doing the job right. If you all don’t trust us, that doesn’t help us, because trust and credibility is our currency.”

Lou Jogman, Park Ridge Police Department’s Deputy Chief and community relations officer, asked what police officers should do if an issue with reporters arises. Johnson replied that the officer should bring his concerns to the reporter first, and if that doesn’t work, talk to the reporter’s superior.

Kaminski told the Bugle that he was happy with how the event turned out.

“It’s a good opportunity to open

and Lehigh for revoked driver’s license.

Nathaniel

Hickman,

41,

16 Evanston, was arrested Dec. 7 in the 5900 block of Dempster for retail theft.

Jacek Radkiewicz, 35, Chicago, was arrested Dec. 8 in the 8000 block of Mango for a warrant.

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up dialogue,” he said. “I think that’s important.”

Jogmen said he hoped it would be the first in a series of similar events.

“We are thinking about maybe bringing it to the south suburbs and maybe to the western suburbs,” he said.

Send us your feedback at nweditor@buglenewspapers.com

T h ur sday, DECEM BER 17, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

7

To Your Mental Health > Opinion

Start your resolution now EDITORIAL

Putting off change only delays development of healthy habits

ASSISTANT EDITOR

ANDREA EARNEST aearnest@buglenewspapers.com

815.436.2431 ext.118

LAURA KATAUSKAS • MARK GREGORY • IGOR STUDENKOV

By Jason Florin | For The Bugle To resolve means to make a firm decision or commitment. And while a new year provides an By Jason excellent opportunity Florin To Your Mental for self-evaluation and Health plans for positive change in the months ahead, there’s no reason you have to wait for the calendar to turn in order to begin a transformation.

Taking even the smallest steps now

will make it more likely that you follow through on your commitment to work toward self improvement in the New Year. It also establishes a pattern of behavior that will help make next year’s holiday season more manageable.

The end of the year can be a challenging time to initiate change, although it also presents a unique opportunity. While the hectic pace of holiday shopping and planning family gatherings gives us ample reasons to indulge our harmful habits, this may also be the best time to start healthy ones.

A behavior does not become a habit right away. In fact, a 2009 study done at University College London suggests that people need an average of 66 days

to develop a new habit. Putting off change only delays this timeline from beginning.

An important first step is focusing on a specific, active behavior. Some of the most common resolutions involve losing weight, quitting smoking, and reducing or stopping alcohol use.

All of these are admirable goals, yet they are missing an important element.

None of them involves actions; instead, they are all the absence of action. In order to be successful in these goals, you will need to begin new behaviors that will take their place. What will you be doing when you are not smoking, when you are in shape and when you are no longer drinking? The image that comes to mind is the action that you can take.

Getting motivated for new behaviors is a crucial part of making the commitment necessary for change to happen.

see resolution | page 11

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By the time this letter appears in the paper, the village of Morton Grove would have voted on the agreement to allow the construction of a new restaurant.

The restaurant is an Italian Pizzeria called Moretti’s who have several other locations around this area.

There is an appearance of deliberate lack of announcements to the residents about this deal that comprises the construction of a restaurant at the former location of Maxwell’s on Dempster. Other restaurants have tried unsuccessfully to go to this same location, but were opposed by nearby residents because of noise and congestion issues.

We can now add video gambling and bars to that list. I would encourage concerned residents to contact the mayor to express your disfavor with the gambling and additional liquor bars on a prime spot of the village.

Not informing the residents in the newspapers or other village publications gives the appearance that the mayor and trustees didn’t want the public to know about this deal, until it was too late to stop or amend it.

The village will use money from the TIF fund to lure these investors in and also give very generous tax breaks, as well. As much as we need revenue and new businesses in the village, was this

the way to go about it? It remains to be seen whether the village will ever recoup the value of this land with its improvements.

Morton Grove formerly received an award for the best family suburb, but with all the video gambling and bars opening up, this will certainly put us out of future consideration and will discourage families with young children from moving here. Also, there was the choice of food available that will lean heavily on pizza. Don’t we have enough pizza restaurants in our area?

Sherwin Dubren Morton Grove Resident

Protecting funds for energy assistance The General Assembly just passed and the governor signed a bill that released nearly $3 billion of alreadycollected money sitting in dedicated funds. Among these are utility ratepayer contributions to the Illinois Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, which supplements the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

These ratepayer contributions are collected through our utility bills and placed in a public trust for the exclusive purpose of aiding our state’s elderly, people with special needs, veterans and poor with the high cost of heat and electricity. I commend the General Assembly and governor for finally releasing these funds as the winter

months approach.

Despite this step forward, the bigger budget discussion continues and these funds are still in danger. These SLEAF funds are not general revenue funds and should be off the table as Springfield considers solutions to the current fiscal year and FY17 budgets.

Thesefundscombinedwiththefederal funds only satisfy a small fraction of the state’s overall need. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity estimated that under current state and federal funding levels LIHEAP would only help 35 percent of the roughly 926,000 eligible households in Illinois this year.

The SLEAF fund also helps keep all ratepayers’ bills lower by reducing the

“uncollectables” the utilities recover in everyone’s rates.

Given the escalating utility costs, the harsh Illinois winters our residents have had to endure in recent years, and the ongoing hardships due to the budget stalemate and slow economic recovery, these funds are needed more than ever.

Challenging fiscal decisions must be made; however, any budget solutions cannot include consideration of redirecting these much-needed funds into the general revenue fund or reallocating any portion of these funds. It is imperative that the Illinois SLEAF, which aids our most vulnerable residents, be protected.

Miguel del Valle, Commissioner, Illinois Commerce Commission

FoR WHEN you WaNT To TaKE 5 minutes FoR youRSElF Thursday, dECEM BEr 17, 2015 | ni lEsBug lE.CoM

Aries

MARCH 21 TO ApRIl 20

You may sparkle and dazzle the general public with your outgoing style. However, those who are in close connection may be quite busy and leave you feeling isolated for a few days in the early part of the week.

gemini

M AY 2 2 T O j u N E 2 1

Your views on social issues can shift drastically in the week ahead. Someone may pressure you to adopt a more broadminded attitude. If you remember to be respectful and discreet you can mingle with dissenters without fear.

leo

j u lY 2 3 T O A u G u s T 2 1

You know how to spin a tale. You could even share a whopper of a fish story in the upcoming week. Your exaggerations are unlikely to cause any serious problems unless you overestimate the health of your bank account.

Across 1 pARlOR ACTION 5 DORM pEER lEADERs: AbbR. 8 lIDlEss CONTAINER 14 pAlM THAT pRODuCEs puRplE bERRIEs 15 CpR GIvER 16 MIssOuRI RIvER CITY 17 “YOu DON’T lOOk A DAY OvER 29,” pRObAblY 19 ONE MAY usE A TElEpROMpTER 20 IM GuFFAW 21 HusTlED 23 pOINTs IN MATH ClAss 24 DIDN’T COME TO pAss 28 CHORus FOR THE vIllAIN 29 “DANG!” 30 FEllOW 31 DRINk WITH susHI 32 COW OR sOW 35 FlOORING pHRAsE 40 pROMOs 41 GENERAl ORGANIzATION? 42 TETRA HOlDER 43 REINING WORD 44 “GIvEN THE CIRCuMsTANCEs ...”

47 sO As NOT TO bE NOTICED 51 sTORIEs OF THE AGEs 52 INvAlIDATE 53 vACATION DEsTINATION 56 WANTED bADlY 59 DEvICE FOR ExpOsING THE END OF 17-, 24-, 35- OR 47-ACROss 61 __ pIE 62 GREAT bAsIN NATIvE 63 ORkIN vICTIM 64 pull OuT OF THE WATER 65 TD’s HAlF-DOzEN 66 GORIllAs, E.G.

Down 1 GO THROuGH A lOT OF TIssuEs 2 TuNNEl EFFECT 3 HElp FROM bEHIND 4 GATHER DusT 5 “I CAN __” 6 __ CuRIAE: FRIEND OF THE COuRT 7 TOuGH TO ClIMb 8 NAv. NONCOM 9 WORD bEFORE bAsE OR bAll 10 kINGDOMs 11 skYWAlkER AssOCIATE, FAMIlIARlY 12 MONAsTIC GARMENT 13 INDuCING THE WIllIEs 18 sEA EAGlEs 22 kITCHEN DWEllER OF sONG 25 spANIsH 101 vERb 26 COOk quICklY, IN A WAY 27 HAlF-NOTE FEATuRE 28 ObEY 30 CAMpus NO. 31 FARM HOME 32 uNIT bETWEEN lEvEls

33 pRINCE IN “FROzEN” 34 lARGE GRAzER 36 COWARDlY lION plAYER 37 bOuNCY pACE 38 MIssOuRI RIvER CITY 39 suNDANCE kID’s GIRlFRIEND 43 bOll EATER 44 ACTOR WIll OF “THE lEGO MOvIE” 45 MANY DINER DIsHEs 46 NOT WORkING 47 sTREss-RElATED AIlMENT, pOssIblY 48 lANGuAGE ON A lONGsHIp 49 16TH-CENTuRY CIRCuMNAv -IGATOR 50 TuRN OuT’ 54 pREpARE FOR A sHOT 55 sONG AND DANCE 57 FORMER AbbEY ROAD sTuDIOs OWNER 58 “GOODFEllAs” bOss 60 IRA suGGEsTER

librA

sEpTEMbER 24 TO OCTObER 23

Get back in the loop in the second half of the week.

Responsibilities and necessity may put a damper on your social activities. The new people you meet this week might not be as charming as they seem will offer a refreshing change of pace.

sAgittArius

NOvEMbER 23 TO DECEMbER 22

You can ask for forgiveness, but don’t overdo it. You may end up like the famous Peter who cried wolf once too often. In the week ahead you might realize that you can’t take anything or anyone for granted.

AquArius

jANuARY 21 TO FEbRuARY 19

This is a good week for creative planning and networking. You can use foresight and wisdom to plan ahead, especially with your health, job or work. Some people you meet may not say what they mean.

Sudoku

tAurus

A p R I l 2 1 T O M AY 2 1

You don’t need a sledge hammer to swat a fly. You may be so busy juggling a busy schedule that you are heavy-handed with loved ones. Count on partners to offer the support and inspiration in the last half of the week.

cAncer

j u N E 2 2 T O j u lY 2 2

Your tactics are deemed to be trustworthy. You might not always be able to get your way in the week ahead, but no one will doubt your sincerity. You will be able to sidestep misunderstandings like a toreador.

virgo

AuGusT 22 TO sEpTEMbER 23

You may become a victim of the too much, too little, too late syndrome in the week ahead. Your generous instincts may send you off on a shopping spree only to find that what you want to buy is out of your price range.

scorpio

OCTObER 24 TO NOvEMbER 22

Don’t burn a hole in your credit card in the week ahead. In the enthusiasm of the moment you might make promise you cannot fulfill. Hold off on purchases that might, in hindsight, prove to be unneeded extravagances.

cApricorn

DECEMbER 23 TO jANuARY 20

Use your charm to instill trust. Those who are suspicious of your motives might be willing to listen to your ideas later in the week. You may overlook mistakes or be somewhat blind to your own social blunders.

pisces

FEbRuARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Your reaction to someone’s surface insincerity can spoil your prospects. As this week unfolds you may realize that spur-of-the-moment purchases are not the best idea. Work hard and don’t fall prey to doubts and fears.

Jumble

Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2015

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

Jumbles:

• CHANT • NEEDY • ACHING • FORMAT

Answer:

WHAT THE MARRIAGE COuNsElOR DID WHEN HE uRGED THE COuplE TO spEAk FREElY -CHARGED THEM

Thursday, DECEMBER 17, 2015

page 9

>> INSIDE: Hawks lose first game of the year page 10

basketball

Dons rolling Notre Dame opens season 7-1

By Scott Taylor sports editor

staylor@enterprisepublications.com @Taylor_Sports

With a tough schedule throughout the season, Notre Dame has gotten off to a fast start with a veteran cast, going 7-1.

Included in those wins were back-to-back nights at Hinsdale Central and against Lincoln Park.

“We’re playing good competition and teams we don’t see that much,” Notre Dame coach Tom Les said. “We aren’t playing teams in our neighborhood, which is good, also.”

“So far we started pretty good,” Notre Dame senior Ammar Becar said. “I think we learned from the loss to evanston and it made us a lot better coming into today.”

In the win over Hinsdale Central, Becar totaled 20 points.

“I thought we played with a better sense of urgency and I think we wore them down a little bit,” Les said in the win over Hinsdale Central. “We have bigger size and I think that hurt them a little bit.

But they shot the ball really well.

That is a good team. They are well coached and play very hard. We’re happy to get out of here alive.”

33

points by Becar in win over lincoln park

“It was a great team win,” Becar said. “We knew we had to come on to their court and we owed them from last year because they got us at home. We played a great game overall.”

Becar added 33 points as the Dons topped Lincoln Park 76-71 in overtime.

Even with the tough opponents, it hasn’t been a surprise the Dons got off to a strong start as they bring back four starters from last year’s regional championship squad.

“I think so,” Les said of having high expectations. “We have four starters back, so expectations are high. We just have to take one game at a time. We’ve got to get the ball inside and play insideout.”

“Having all these guys back definitely helps,” Becar said. “The chemistry is huge. We hang out, we practice together, we come early to work on our offense. I think that will be a big key heading into March.”

Last year it was Joe Mooney who was in charge of taking the

see dons | page 11

7-1

Dons record to open season

photo by scott taylor

Jeameril Wilson and Notre Dame are off to a hot start this year.

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

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Thursday, DECEM BER 17, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

basketball

PHOTO BY mark gregory

Jon Arenas scored 20 points in Maine South’s loss to Rockford Lutheran Sunday.

Free throws cost Hawks unblemished record

By Mark Gregory sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

At the end of a hard-fought basketball game, it isn’t the size of the school or the size of the players that matter.

It comes down to who can execute.

Rockford Lutheran showed that Sunday afternoon as it beat Maine South 47-44 in Lisle at the Benedictine University Shootout, handing the Redhawks their first loss of the season.

“Rockford Luthern did a really nice job,” said Maine South Tony Lavorato.

After leading early and seeing that lead slip away, Rockford rallied back. Maine South had chances to pull away but could not execute, as the team made only two of seven fourth quarter free throws. For the game, Maine South was three of eight from the line (38 percent). The Hawks also shot only 23 percent from behind the three-point arc, making 3 of 13 shots. All three came from Milos Ljiljak, who buried three of his five attempts.

“Our guys didn’t quit,” said Rockford coach Tom Guse. “We knew we would be the smaller

team and we felt like our speed was going to make a difference, but they were quicker than we thought.”

Rockford was able to take away some of that size difference when Maine South’s 6-foot, 11-inch center was forced to sit in foul trouble.

“What really helped was getting the big kid to the bench early in foul trouble,” Guse said. “But we fought and outrebounded them in the second half and that was all heart and determination. It is nice beating a quality opponent like them. We are a 2A school playing up and we know our kids fight hard every possession. Sometimes it’s good enough, sometimes it’s not and today it was.”

Rockford placed fourth in the state a year ago in Class 3A and plays in shootouts such as the one at Lisle to see good opponents and get help them improve.

“I went to school at Benedictine and coach (Keith) Bunkenburg always gives me a quality team to play,” Guse said. “If you are going to get better throughout the course of the season, you have to play quality teams and Maine South is that and we are really excited to

see hawks | page 11

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 17, 2015 | ni lEsBug lE.CoM DoNS | from page 9 big shots throughout the game.

While the team has plenty of options offensively, Becar is the go-to player, as has been the case early in the season.

“We have a very talented team, but last year Mooney was the first go-to guy and I was the second and this year I took upon the role to help the team when we get down, along with a bunch of guys,” Becar said. “We move the ball really well and find the open guy. We have a lot of threats.”

After giving state champion Stevenson its closest playoff game last year, the Dons hope to make it even further this year.

haWkS | from page 10 get the W.” Jon Arenas paced Maine South in the loss, scoring 20 points as

“We want to go back to where we were last year when we lost to Stevenson by one,” Becar said.

“I feel like we should get even further this year. Everyone wants to play deep in the tournament.”

To make it that far, however the Dons will have to use their size to their advantage.

“Keys will be how we handle pressure and if we can get the ball inside,” Les said. “When we get the ball inside, we can be pretty effective.”

“I think we are the biggest and most physical team in state,” Becar said. “That is just my opinion.

We have worked really hard and I think one of our biggest keys is

Ljiljak added 16. Only four Hawks scored in the game with Perry and Tommy Gardiner each adding four. Perry led the team with 12

playing big inside. We also have a lot of guys who can shoot threes.”

Before they get to the playoffs though, the Dons still have a host of difficult games left on their schedule.

“We have Fenwick, Marian Catholic, Lake Forest, Hinsdale Central, Benet,” Becar said. “Our schedule is stacked. “I’m looking forward to it.”

The Dons topped Nazareth Friday 96-58 behind 18 from Matt Stritzel, 16 from Becar and 11 from Anthony D’Avanzo.

Notre Dame topped DePaul Prep the following day 62-52 as Stritzel and Becar scored 18 points each.

rebounds.

Maine South will travel to Waukegan Friday for a 7:30 p.m. tip off.

11

FEAtURING

Brian Collis

MaIne South football What do you use twitter for? I use it to talk to coaches a lot and to message friends and family. how important is it to keep a positive profile for recruiting? It is very important. you don’t know who is going to be looking at your posts. I’ve never had a problem with that. I just

reSolutIoN | from page 7 Consider making a list of reasons why you want to make a change. Do you want to look better, feel better, save money or eliminate health problems? Maybe it’s about being alive longer for your family or setting an example for your children. You can make your reasons public or keep them private. Just keep them in mind as you continue on your path.

For people already in recovery from alcohol and other drug problems, here are some other important things to remember: Have a backup plan in place If you find yourself in a highstress, high-risk situation, be prepared to leave or call someone you trust to be a support. Don’t test yourself by assuming you should be able to handle a difficult situation.

As the old recovery saying goes, “If you hang out at a barbershop long enough, you’re going to get a haircut.”

Keep doing what works Focus on the healthy habits that have been effective in your recovery. That might include attending support group meetings, being part of a faith group or church, surrounding yourself with sober friends, talking to a sponsor, eating well, or exercising. These

use it for friends and professionally.

What is you favorite account to follow? I’m a big car guy, so I follow a lot of car accounts. how often are you on twitter? I will probably check it once a day to see what is happening and what everyone is up to.”

are the same habits that will help you successfully navigate stressful times in your life while keeping you focused on your goals.

If you slip, get back up – Relapses, or slips, are part of many people’s experience in recovery. Dwelling on the mistake or feeling ashamed about the behavior are generally ineffective and unhelpful. On the other hand, acknowledging the poor choice and taking steps to do better are highly effective. Stop the slide by recognizing that you are in control of your actions. Then back up and do the behaviors that were working before.

Finally, remember the words of famed explorer Sir Francis Drake: Sic Parvis Magna, or “Greatness from small things.” The actions you take now may seem insignificant, but over time they can make a huge impact. Next month we will check in on your resolutions and discuss how you can stay on track, and how to get back on track if your plan gets derailed. Until then, have a safe, happy and healthy holiday!

Jason florin has 15 years of experience working in mental health and substance abuse treatment. he is currently an assistant professor and coordinator of human Services at college of Dupage. he holds a master’s degree in health Science from governors State university, in addition to national and state certifications in addictions counseling.

News about local businesses in your community

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Thursday, DECEM BER 17, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

business > Niles

BBJ Linen wins first village’s green biz award Award designed to encourage environmentally friendly business

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The village of Niles has awarded the first Niles Green Business Award to BBJ Linen Rental. The award was originally developed by the Niles Environmental Practices Committee and the Assistant Village Manager Hadley Skeffington-Vos in the summer of 2014. It was designed to encourage environmentally friendly business practices throughout Niles.

The village planned to give out the first award later that year but didn’t receive any entries. In March 2015, the committee and SkeffingtonVos decided to try again, tweaking the rules to encourage more submissions.

The Environmental Practices Committee was chaired by Trustee

Photo By Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff

BBJ Linen Rental Logistics Manager Frank Mendoza, Regional Sales Director Eve Katz Rosenblum, Chief Financial Officer Marcia Anderson accept the first Niles Green Business Award from Mayor Andrew Przybylo on their company’s behalf.

Rosemary Palicki, who lost the 2015 municipal election. It last met on May 5, a month before the new board was sworn in. The committee is no longer listed as an active committee on the village website.

BBJ Linen, 6125 W. Howard St., rents out tablecloths, chair covers and other linen products for events throughout the Chicagoland. In its application, the company listed a number environmentally friendly initiates it implemented over the years, including using energy-

efficient light bulbs, installing a system that lets them reuse rainwater, finding ways to reuse worn-out tablecloths, using steam to heat water and investing in a laundry machine that uses 2.7 gallons less per pound than regular laundry machines.

Niles Mayor Andrew Przybylo said that he had a chance to visit BBJ Linen Rental’s facility and he was impressed with what he saw.

“It’s a fabulous plant,” he said.

“The amount of linen they send all over the world is quite impressive.”

For more information, or to submit your own listing, email legals@buglenewspapers.com

T HURSDAY, DECEM BER 17, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

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T h u r s d ay, D E CE MB E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5 | ni les bug le.co m Business & Private Party Classified Ads: $16 per week, 20 words or less. Weddings, Births & Engagements: Black &

For more information, or to submit your own listing, email legals@buglenewspapers.com

T HURSDAY, DECEM BER 17, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

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For more information, or to submit your own listing, email legals@buglenewspapers.com

THURSDAY, DECEM BER 17, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

For more information, or to submit your own listing, email legals@buglenewspapers.com

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For more information, or to submit your own listing, email legals@buglenewspapers.com

THURSDAY, DECEM BER 17, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

For more information, or to submit your own listing, email legals@buglenewspapers.com

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For more information, or to submit your own listing, email legals@buglenewspapers.com

THURSDAY, DECEM BER 17, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

For more information, or to submit your own listing, email legals@buglenewspapers.com

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TWITTER: Readers, Send us a #selfie of you reading @Buglenewspapers & you could be featured in an upcoming issue!

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community

Senior wellness program seeks volunteers 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.

DECEMBER 18

SCRAM-Holiday Burglary Prevention. 10 to 11 a.m. at the Niles Senior Center, 999 Civic Center Drive.

Winter Break Reading Club Kickoff. 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. Kick off your winter break the right way by heading to the library! There will be bingo games and prizes, cool crafts, and button making. Sign up for the Winter Break Reading Club during the kickoff with Youth Services at 847-929-5201.

DECEMBER 20

Santa Skate. 2:30 to 4 p.m. at IceLand, 8435 Ballard, Niles. Come to IceLand and skate with Santa and his elves to holiday songs! For kids and adults, families. Fee: $5, skate rental $3.

Holiday Skating Recital.

4:20 to 6:15 p.m. at IceLand, 8435 Ballard. Watch skaters from Skate School perform to favorite holiday songs. All are welcome to attend and watch. FREE with a food, toy or monetary donation to Niles Family Services.

DECEMBER 31

New Year’s Eve Celebration. 5 to 8 p.m. at Centennial Fitness Center, 1515 W.

Touhy Ave., Park Ridge. Ages: 2 and up. $18 per person. Enjoy together a fantastic dinner and dessert buffet, DJ entertainment, inflatables, tot play area, miniature golf, and a countdown to midnight (8 p.m.).

This is a family oriented event; alcohol is not permitted. Fee is per person and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone attending must be registered.

Registration deadline: Dec. 20. For more information, visit prparks.org.

New Year’s Eve Skate. Noon to 2 p.m. at IceLand, 8435 Ballard.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at IceLand.

Fun music, hats, noise makers and games for the kids. Countdown and toast at “midnight.” Fee: $5, skate rental $3.

JANUARY 21

Family Spirituality. 7 p.m. at St. John Brebeuf Church, 8307 N. Harlem Ave., Niles. This free event is part of the SJB 2015-16 Speaker Series, held in the Rev. Thomas P. May Ministry Center. Speaker: Rev. Pawel Komperda. For more information, call 847-966-8145 or visit www.sjbrebeuf.org.

JANUARY 31

Synod of Bishops in Rome regarding Family Issues.

7 p.m. at St. John Brebeuf Church, 8307 N. Harlem Ave., Niles. This free event is part of the SJB 201516 Speaker Series, held in the Rev. Thomas P. May Ministry Center.

Speaker: Dr. Daniel J. Olsen, PhD. For more information, call 847-9668145 or visit www.sjbrebeuf.org.

FEBRUARY 18

Teen Years, Family Life. 7 p.m. at St. John Brebeuf Church, 8307 N. Harlem Ave., Niles. This free event is part of the SJB 201516 Speaker Series, held in the Rev. Thomas P. May Ministry Center.

Speaker: Dr. John Mayer, PhD. For more information, call 847-9668145 or visit www.sjbrebeuf.org.

Volunteer facilitators are asked to share only one or two hours per week Norwood Life Society’s volunteer program, norVOLution, has launched NorWell, a new series of initiatives, and is looking for those who want to enhance the lives of seniors through a variety of wellness sessions. NorWell programming will take place in Norwood Crossing s Brain Fitness lab, Healthy Harvest Café, the library, and Meditation Room, at Norwood Crossing, 601620 N. Nina Ave., Chicago.

There are opportunities for volunteers to facilitate short sessions for the mind, body and soul, including computer-based brain training, yoga, stretching and movement activities, aromatherapy, meditation and reflection, logic and brain games, cultural immersion, trivia, poetry, short story discussions and much more. Volunteer facilitators are asked to share only one or two hours per week.

“The purpose of the initiatives is to raise the whole person wellness of residents, while enriching the lives of senior volunteers through delivery of impactful volunteerism,” said Kate Roche, Director of norVOLution.

Brain Fitness volunteers assist residents to boost their cognitive skills through a planned curriculum that improves memory, attention to detail, sequencing skills, and visual and audio processing in the morning, or puzzles and games in the afternoon.

Meditation Room facilitators work on yoga, stretching and movement activities in the morning, and meditation, aromatherapy and mindfulness in the afternoon.

Library facilitators lead discussions about books, short stories, old time radio and current events. The series of sessions offers many choices to

residents.

Studies have shown that wellness has resulted in elderly people increasing cognitive functioning, boosting mobility and enhancing quality of life, while decreasing use of medication, anxiety, depression and hospital visits.

Aside from personal satisfaction, volunteer facilitators also receive a 25 percent discount on purchases at the Norwood Life Society Thrift Shop, free lunch in the employee lounge on the day of volunteering and one year membership in the Norwood Seniors Network.

“This is a great way to give back,” said Roche. “Share the passion inside you with others who are eager to absorb your enthusiasm and learn new interests.”

For more information, call Lupe Arceo de Carpintero, Wellness Program Lead, and overseeing the program, at 773-577-5334.

To volunteer, call Kate Roche, norVOLution director, at 773-5775329.

Page 24 | Th u rsd ay, D E C E MB E R 1 7, 2 0 1 5 | nilesbugle. com