GLF-1-2-2014

GURNEE

Suburban Life YOUR NEW GURNEE LIFE

A HELPING HAND

SPECIAL-NEEDS STUDENTS WORK ON PROJECTS PAGE 13

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2014 | FREE | GURNEESUBURBANLIFE.COM

LISA WOLF 224.627.5600

www.designedFORSALE.com

wolfpartners REAL ESTATE

She lives here. She plays here. She SELLS here!

Gurnee’s

ex pert!

ex pert!

Postal Customer Gurnee, IL 60031 *********ECRWSSEDDM****

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 209

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 2, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

2

GURNEE

Suburban Life Gurnee Suburban Life is the successor publication to the Gurnee Life.

It is published weekly on Thursdays by Shaw Media.

Suburban Life Media GurneeSuburbanLife.com MAIN OFFICE/EDITORIAL 1100 WASHINGTON ST., SUITE 101 GRAYSLAKE, IL 60030 PHONE: 847-223-8161 FAX: 847-543-1139

PUBLISHER J. Tom Shaw

EDITOR Joan Oliver 815-526-4552 joliver@shawmedia.com

Looking ahead to 2014 The question on everybody’s lips is ‘What’s your New Year’s resolution?’ and Gurnee Suburban Life asked our Facebook friends to give us resolutions for the village.

Rick Selle, of Gurnee, said his resolution was to follow Rule 62 – ‘Don’t take yourself too seriously’ – and to volunteer with the Warren Township Historical Society. Getting involved with the Gurnee community seems like a great resolution.

The village of Gurnee is focused on staying connected with the local business community in the new year.

On page 6, Mayor Kristina Kovarik discusses the important role the proposed economic development coordinator will play in the future.

Learning across generations

Jesse Carpender Reporter On page 10, find out what village trustees thought was their most important achievement last year, and what their goals are for 2014.

Were you given a new e-reader recently? Warren-Newport Public Library can help you learn to use it.

Find out what e-book services are available at local libraries on page 4.

And on page 12, check out some fun local activities to kick off this year.

Photo provided

Junior high students at St. Patrick School in Wadsworth recently held a Christmas morning social for seniors. The students and seniors played various games and participated in a question-andanswer session in a cross-generation learning experience. The event was organized by the junior high faculty.

MANAGING EDITOR Cassandra Dowell 847-231-7524 cdowell@shawmedia.com

ADVERTISING 847-223-8161

DISTRIBUTION 800-589-9363

SUBSCRIPTIONS If you’re outside our delivery area, but would like to receive Gurnee Suburban Life each week, please contact customer service at 800-589-9363.

“Serving our communities to make them better places to live.”

VISIT US ONLINE

COMMUNITY CORNER: VALERIA RIOS, VOLUNTEER Instead of spending spring break living it up like other college students, Valeria Rios plans to help displaced families by working in a psychiatric clinic on a medical outreach trip to Alajuelita, Costa Rica.

Rios, a 2012 Warren Township High School graduate, is a biology major at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Rios realized she wanted to study medicine while taking athletic training classes at WTHS. In college, she became part of a health education committee for the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children. When she found out about the FIRC trip planned for March 21-29 to Costa Rica, she saw an opportunity to learn and serve others.

Rios pledged to raise $3,000 for FIRC, which will go toward maintaining stocked pharmacy shelves and operating community health outreach programs, and covers the cost of her housing, food and transportation. So far, she’s raised about half the money.

Rios shared her hopes for the trip with Gurnee Suburban Life reporter Jesse Carpender.

SUBMIT STORIES

Visit our website, gurneesuburbanlife.com.

Visit us there for breaking news, updated features and event coverage.

You also can like us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/GurneeSuburbanLife.

LETTERS Gurnee Suburban Life welcomes original letters to the editor on public issues.

Letters must include the author’s full name, home address and telephone number for veriication. Email your letters to editorial@gurneesubur banlifecom.

WHAT’S INSIDE Photo provided

Valeria Rios, of Gurnee, plans to spend her spring break on a medical outreach trip to Costa Rica.

What will your focus be during the trip?

We want your news tips and story ideas? Call us at 847-223-8161 or email editorial@gurneesuburbanlife. com.

FOLLOW US

Basically, there’s a lot of displaced, uninsured women and children in that area. The FIRC psych clinic there focuses on addressing trauma and caring for the families. While I’m there, I’ll help take vitals, shadow doctors and help out at the pharmacy filling prescriptions.

What is your goal after college?

I want to be a doctor and work with little kids.

I’m the oldest of a family of six, so I’m used to having kids around. This trip will give me a better

idea of if I want to study psychology or psychiatry during med school.

How can other Gurnee kids dream big?

Get involved in the community. Go to a soup kitchen or bake cookies for a nursing home. Volunteer at Teen Court. Explore different areas and find out what you’re passion is.

For information or to donate to Rios’ trip, visit www.give.fimrc.org/fundraise?fcid=281945.

Lead Story.....................................4 In Their Life...................................6 Pet Safety.....................................11 PlanitLake....................................12 Sports...........................................18

ON THE COVER Luke Pablo hammers a nail into a wooden airplane with help from his mother, Lorraine Pablo, at Woodland Primary School on Dec. 17.

(Photo by Jesse Carpender) See more on page 13.

3

The Annual

New Year Used Car

PRE-AUCTION PRE -AUCTION SALE 3 DAYS ONLY! DOORS OPEN AT 8:30 AM THURS. JAN 2ND, OFFER ENDS SAT. JAN 4TH AT 6PM! EXAMPLE of Pre-Auction Pricing:

2012 Chevrolet MALIBU Wh Whole Sale P Price:

KBB Value: $17,500

2012 Kia FORTE KOUP BLACK ON BLACK AND A HEAD TURNER! #K4998B

14,995

$

Whole Sale Price:

KBB Value: $28,998

14,998

$

In order to clear out last year’s inventory, every vehicle will be available at PRE-AUCTION PRICING! Buy them before they go to auction & SAVE BIG!

AYLE 3-D LESA

WHO ING! PRIC

For 3 Days Only You will be able to get...

25% UP TO

50

%

*

on Certified Pre-Owned and Used Cars!

2004 CHEVROLETT CAVALIER THIS CAR IS AN OUTSTANDING VALUE! #P10251 ............................................................................. $3,995 2005 CHEVROLET UPLANDER LT LOADED WITH LEATHER QUAD SEATING, DVD, POWER DOORS AND MUCH MORE! #30768A ... $6,789 2002 BMW 325CI CONVERTIBLE SAVE BIG NOW BEFORE SPRING COMES AROUND! #31615A ................................................... $6,995 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LTZ 4X4 WELL MAINTAINED AND GORGEOUS IN AND OUT! #P10258.................................. $6,995 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS AWESOME VALUE FOR THE MONEY! #K5713A .............................................................................. $7,779 2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS DALE ERNHARDT MINT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT WITH ALL THE GOODIES! #P10239...... $7,995 2006 KIA SEDONA VAN LOW, LOW, LOW MILES! REAR A/C & HEAT #31404A ..................................................................................... $8,498 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS V6 SUPER CLEAN AND A LOCAL TRADE IN! #K5720A ..................................................................... $8,789 1996 FORD F350 CREW CAB DUALLY DIESEL 4X4 WON’T FIND A CLEANER F350 IN LAKE COUNTY! #31509A................. $8,979 2000 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT AUTOMATIC AND IN PRISTINE CONDITION! #K5365B .................................................................. $9,789 2010 GMC SAVANA CARGO VAN MAKE LOTS OF MONEY WITH THIS XTRA CLEAN CARGO! #31423A ....................................... $13,990 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE GM CERTIFIED,WITH LOW MILES! #31972A ......................................................................................... $14,369 2008 MAZDA CX9 TOURING ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES! #P10186 ...................................................................................... $14,998 2007 BUICK LUCERNE THE NICEST LUCERNE ON THIS SIDE OF THE MISSISSIPPI ONLY 9K MILES AND LIKE NEW! #32097A ......... $15,990

PRE-

AUCT ION S ALE

TRADE ACCEP -INS TED!

WE’ EVENLL BUY YOU IF YOU R D S BUY O URS!ON’T

2008 CHEVROLET EXPRESS PASSENGER VAN VERY HARD TO FIND AND EVEN HARDER WITH 35K MILES! #32092A....... $16,777 2008 SATURN SKY CONVERTIBLE SAVE HUGE BEFORE SPRING! #31371B ............................................................................. $16,798 2008 AUDI A6 QUATTRO BEAUTIFUL AND DRIVES LIKE A DREAM IN THE SNOW! #K4822A ........................................................... $16,998 2012 HONDA CIVIC SI CPE DROP DEAD GORGEOUS! #K5065A ................................................................................................... $18,995 2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO LT2 RS PKG. SUPER SHARP WITH GAUGE PKG, SAVE BIG $$ BEFORE SPRING! #32208A ............... $19,997 2013 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING ALL THE TOYS IN THIS GORGEOUS VAN AND PRICED TO SELL! #P10256 ... $21,898 2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN HYBRID AWD TOP OF THE LINE, NAVIGATION, 3RD ROW, DVD, MOONROOF, & MUCH MORE! #P10237A ....$24,798 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT HARD TO FIND AND TOUGH TO BEAT! #P10228 ....................................................................................... $25,997 2012 CADILLAC SRX AWD LUXURY LOADED WITH NAVIGATION AND ALL THE LUXURIES A CADDY OFFERS! #31481A ................. $25,998 2008 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CPE A REAL HEAD TURNER! 6SPD, Z51 SUSPENSION PACKAGE! #29676A ............................... $28,998 2013 FORD MUSTANG GT PREMIUM SEXY!!! BLACK ON BLACK #31200A............................................................................. $29,995 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE PLATINUM AWD WOW! ENOUGH SAID #P10190 .............................................................................. $31,998 2013 GMC ACADIA AWD SAVE THOUSANDS AND GM CERTIFIED WITH ONLY 4K MILES! #30913A ................................................ $33,679 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 H 4X4 GM CERTIFIED WITH ALL THE GOODIES #32071B ............................................ $33,569

PRE-

AUCT ION S ALE

*50% off is on select used cars. Minimum of 5% of used car inventory will be available at 50% off as cited by Kelley Blue Book retail values. Values vary with miles and condition and prices are plus tax, title, license and doc fee. ^0% APR Financing for 36 months on new Malibus & Silverados, $27.78 per $1,000 borrowed. $0 down. To qualified buyers with approved credit, certain exclusions apply. See dealer for details. Offers expire 1/4/14.

2 LOCATIONS! — 3 DAYS ONLY! chevrolet.com

118 ROUTE

17 3

ANTIOCH

888-287-4197 Prices plus tax, title lic. and doc fee. See dealer for details.

kia.com

119 ROUTE

17 3

ANTIOCH

800-928-9798 Prices plus tax, title lic. and doc fee. See dealer for details.

• Thursday, January 2, 2014

GM CERTIFIED! #P10202

EXAMPLE of Pre-Auction Pricing:

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

^

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 2, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

4

E-book use on the rise at local libraries becomes unreadable on the device.

For those who don’t own a device, libraries offer e-readers Curl up in a favorfor checkout, but they’re in ite chair, grab an high demand.

“We have 20 Nook Simple e-reader and browse Touch devices at WNPL, but a local library there’s never more than two on the shelf,” Fifer said. Those to find a real fine-readers come pre-loaded with ger-tapping e-book. titles, so there’s no need to download e-books.

That’s what plenJacobson, of the Antioch lity of Lake County brary, said it helps for libraries to offer a variety of models so residents did in 2013 patrons can get familiar with – and local libraries each before they buy their own.

Some libraries, such as expect more e-book WNPL and Grayslake Public checkouts in the library, began offering another e-reader service this year – coming year.

Zinio. Zinio offers a collection of magazines for download.

As e-readers, tablets and That service is underused at similar devices become more WNPL, with only 500 checkouts accessible, e-book use is so far, Beda said. increasing at libraries around Thomas, of Grayslake Lake County.

Public Library, said a huge Warren-Newport Public Photos by Jesse Carpender benefit of Zinio is that “unlike Library in Gurnee has seen a Kathie Fifer, co-manager of Warren-Newport Public Library Adult Services, browses on one of the library’s the other digital formats, the 641 percent increase in annual Nooks available for checkout. magazines have no due date. e-book checkouts since it first Once you’ve downloaded them, offered the service in 2006. you can keep them.”

In May 2013, WNPL clients One of the E-readers aren’t all that popE-book classes checked out 3,528 e-books – draws of ular with middle school- and about twice as many e-books e-books is high school-age patrons, Fifer as they did in 2006. The total Patrons can take classes at that they said, “But lots of older people checkout count for 2013 was local libraries to learn how to use can be used 12,571 in December. have their own devices.” e-book services. on many While e-book use is up, the Beda said she knows an The next class is 2 p.m. Jan. 23 devices, number of unique patrons older patron who loves reading at Warren-Newport Public Library, including using the service is a “drop in e-books on his iPad because 224 N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee. iPads, the bucket” at 781 out of 40,000 he can zoom in on text. This is For information, visit http:// e-readers library card holders, said a benefit because not all print www.wnpl.info. and smart Kathleen Fifer, co-manager books are available in large phones. of Warren-Newport Public print, she said.

Library Adult Services.

Fifer said another beneGrayslake Public Library Services, said they expect even collection of audio books. ic e-reader devices. fit of using e-readers is that has seen an 85 percent increase more e-book checkouts this “If we were a stand-alone col“It has to do with licensing they come with dictionaries in e-book downloads comparing month when residents bring in lection, we’d have substantially digital rights,” Fifer said. “It embedded, and users can select fall 2012 with fall 2013, director the e-readers and tablets they less titles,” Beda said. gets very technical.” any word to see its meaning.

Roberta Thomas said. were given over the holidays, A local committee selects Cost also determines e-book E-readers also are portable, “Use of electronic formats and prepare for vacations in titles to be added to the collecavailability. enabling users to take multiple is increasing because of their the new year. tion – but the titles available “E-books are more expenbooks with them anywhere, burgeoning use in everyday life “The prices of e-books has are determined by publishers, sive for us to license than for Beda said. and also because the library come down, and the popularity she said. individuals to buy it,” Beda As for the future of e-books is increasing our offerings,” of e-readers has boomed,” Fifer “Not all publishers are mak- said. at WNPL, Beda said the Thomas said. said. ing e-book versions available E-books cost the Gurnee Antioch Public Library DisFifer hopes patrons will for every book,” Beda said. library about $14,000 a year, she library’s standpoint is to anticipate what the public needs or trict’s e-book use has doubled bring in their e-readers to learn Fifer said publishers are said. is interested in and meet those since 2012, said Becky Jacobhow to download the library’s hesitant to make more popular And the library doesn’t buy needs. son, public relations. offering of thousands of free titles available in e-book form fewer print books because of “Libraries are always on the “The increase was rather titles. at public libraries because any- e-readers, Beda said. “It’s an lookout for advancements in remarkable but still not at the Overdrive is the vendor for one can download and share added service.” technology,” she said. level of our print collection,” MyMediaMall, an online e-book the titles.

At WNPL, patrons get up to See a list of local libraries Jacobson said. library, which is used by librarAlso, each e-reader device – five books for 21 days and can that offer e-book services, and Sandra Beda and Fifer, ies across the state, Beda said. iPad, Nook and Kindle – offers put a hold on titles that aren’t browse libraries’ collections at co-managers of Warren-NewThe collection offers thoudifferent titles. Overdrive lists immediately available. After port Public Library Adult www.mymediamall.net. sands of e-books, as well as a titles by compatibility to specif- the due date passes, the book

By JESSE CARPENDER

jcarpender@shawmedia.com

DID YOU KNOW?: BACK PAIN FACTS

✔ ✔

One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper respiratory infections.

✔

Most casesof back pain are mechanical or nonorganic meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.

✔ ✔

Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain - and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.

Experts estimate that as many as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in their lives.

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION: EXPLAINED

Spinal decompression is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment for those suffering from chronic back pain.

Below are just some of the conditions that non-surgical spinal decompression is believed to help. Consult with your chiropractor to learn if it can help pain.

Herniated Discs

Decompression is believed to help to create more space between the vertebrae reducing painful symptoms.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Spinal Stenosis

Loss of disc height can be exacerbated by spinal compression, causing the vertebral bodies to move closer together. This can cause nerve compression and other forms of common back pain. Decompression is believed to eliminate the overwhelming pressure on degenerated discs reducing or eliminating painful symptoms.

Spinal Stenosis is created by the narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing may be caused by mechanical problems or by abnormalities in the aging spine. It may or may not result in low back pain, limping, and a lack of feeling in the legs. Ultimately, stenosis is a chronic condition that cannot be “cured” but it is believed that decompression can improve the condition, and these improvements can be maintained over the long term.

Facet Joint Syndrome Conceptually, facet syndrome causes pain due to arthritic changes in the vertebral bones.

THE SCIENCE

Symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the location of the herniation and the type of soft tissue involved. In many cases severe and unrelenting pain will radiate into the region served by an affected nerve root that is irritated or impinged by the herniated material.

Spinal Rejuvenation Therapy targets a specific disc or trouble area. It creates a vacuum effect inside the disc, allowing the center of the disc to be reabsorbed into its proper position. When the herniated material in the disc has receded, the nerves in the disc are able to heal, eliminating the patient’s pain.

It may sound painful, but it’s not. Patients are fitted with a support system, then positioned on a comfortable spinal decompression table. The support system stabilizes the patient’s body so the therapy can focus on the affected area of the spine.

Once on the table, an advanced computer system elongates the spine in a slow, gentle manner. This relieves pressure on compressed discs.

THE GOAL

Spinal decompression gently pulls the vertebral joints apart. It is believed this precise process produces a negative pressure inside the disc causing any herniated material to slowly recede away from the affected nerve root and back into the disc.

It is also believed through this process the disc is re-hydrated, aiding in its restoration.

The decompression doctor’s primary goal is to relieve the patient’s pain. It is extremely important to accurately diagnose the cause of the patient’s condition. The doctor will perform a physical evaluation, review all previously existing data such as MRI or X-Ray to be certain the patient is a candidate for the decompression procedure.

Take advantage of our New Patient Special to start living pain free! Call 847-901-3535 To Schedule Your New Patient Visit!

Healthy Disc. This is the goal of our treatment, to return your disc to it’s healthy state so you can live life free from pain and begin to enjoy life once again!

Better Health Begins Here At Superior Health & Wellness, we are committed to helping you overcome your pain or injury as naturally as possible. We provide high quality services to help restore each and every patient to optimal health and well-being.

When a new patient walks in our door, we design a completely personalized program using the most advanced combination of

diagnostics and treatment options available. We want to offer our patients relief from their pain, while also correcting the underlying condition causing the pain. Our patients who actively participate in their treatment program are the ones who experience the most success.

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL End Your Pain!

$

47

00 *Expires in 14 days. Special offers are for new patients only and Federal Entitlement Programs are excluded.

• New Patient Exam • Report of Findings • 2 X-Rays if Needed • Recommendations Chiropractic & Medical Working Together

847-901-3535 462 N. Green Bay Road WAUKEGAN

• Thursday, January 2, 2014

This is the most common spinal condition treated with decompression treatment, When the spine compresses it can cause disc herniations to expand, putting pressure on surrounding spinal nerve roots. It is believed that decompression

treatment takes the pressure off these damaged discs so that the disc bulge will return closer to its original size.

THE TREATMENT

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

STOP SUFFERING with Back Pain!

5

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 2, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

6 PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW in February. It really segues into partnering with the Gurnee Chamber of Commerce, and promoting and attracting businesses. That person’s going to need big shoulders because I keep adding to the list of what that person will do for us.

KRISTINA KOVARIK GURNEE MAYOR For each of the eight years she’s served as mayor of Gurnee, Kristina Kovarik has overseen the completion of major goals. In 2013, those goals were to open Macy’s at Gurnee Mills and the demolition of Gurnee Grade School. Both were accomplished.

Heading into the new year, the village of Gurnee has a balanced budget with fewer expenses than were projected for 2013, Kovarik said.

Kovarik shared her goals for 2014 and reviewed what the village achieved this year with Gurnee Suburban Life reporter Jesse Carpender.

What impact has the new Macy’s at Gurnee Mills had on the village?

It doesn’t feel like the same mall.

You can see how it’s impacted that entire wing. They’re seeing a lot more foot traffic and receiving positive feedback from residents, and it has attracted a lot more new stores.

Our sales tax is running a hair above what we forecast. [Since Macy’s opened] we’ve had visits from other big names, and now Mariano’s is coming in.

We started planning for Macy’s in 2009, so it could take 18-24 months [for a large project to become reality].

A lot of retailers are paying attention to the Gurnee name, and we expect even more growth in the next five years.

Has Neighborhood Watch meeting attendance improved this year?

Yes and no. We combined some neighborhoods’ [meetings], so it’s hard to tell.

It looks like there are more people attending the meetings, but there are fewer of them.

The neighborhoods with higher attendance get more phone calls alerting [the police department] of suspicious activity. This year during the meetings, we did active shooter training and a program on solicitations.

A lot of residents are frustrated by door-to-door salespeople, and the training explained what they can do.

Has communication with residents increased?

We’re still researching the best way to reach our residents. I don’t know if we’ve found the magic method that everyone in town signs up for and pays attention to.

NextDoor [an online forum for Gurnee neighborhoods that launched in July] is still growing.

[Erik Jensen, public information officer, said Gurnee has 11 percent of eligible households signed up.

Since it launched, a number of larger cities either announced or formally launched a partnership program with NextDoor, including Cincinnati, St. Louis, Houston and Fresno.]

We’re doing a survey on our Keeping Posted newsletter, and we’re using Facebook and Twitter.

Some people pay close attention to social media and others don’t use it, so we’re still finding that sweet spot where we can reach everyone.

Facebook has worked well for me personally. It’s a mash-up of my role as mayor and my friends and family. So, you’ll get a snowplow update and then something about what my grandchildren have done.

Are you expecting big retail developments this year?

Mariano’s is coming in, and we’ve had visits from other big names. Since Macy’s opened, we’ve had a lot of retailers interested in Gurnee as a potential location. We expect to have some this year, but more in the next five years.

What are your expectations for the budget in 2014?

Photo provided

Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik says she is looking forward to 2014.

What’s the status of Gurnee’s Got It (a website where local retailers offer discounts)?

We still run promotions, but it needs to be kickstarted. I’m going to formally propose hiring an economic development coordinator, so it will fall under that umbrella. I want Gurnee’s Got It to have added value other than just coupons, so once we have that person on board, they can develop a strategy. We haven’t spent much time on it this year. I don’t know if it will go away. It might look different.

What will the new village position look like?

A huge part of my role is advocating for the business community to make sure they’re successful, which in turn makes the village successful.

That’s become a full-time job, which is why I’m pitching [adding] an economic development coordinator.

There’s more we could be doing.

I have the vision, I have the idea and can describe it. But this is where my staff is great. They’ll do the research and look at similar positions, and we’ll decide what that position will be.

When Kenall left, we put in a lot of effort trying to save it. We can’t be the last to know when a business is leaving town. We need to be assertive in retaining our businesses. We need to attract businesses; consumers get tired of shopping the same places year after year.

The economic coordinator position will be huge. I’ll officially ask for it when we propose the budget

We still have to be very careful with our money, so no wild increases. We haven’t been doing enough investment in infrastructure, and we’re starting to see that. Once the economy tanked, in order to keep the doors open and staff on board, we didn’t keep up with maintenance we need to be doing on our roads every year. Now that we’re past the worst of it, we’re deciding what we need to do to stay on track. We can’t keep putting it off. The longer you put it off, the more expensive it is to do it.

What was a highlight of your year?

The most fun I had was that I got to drive a snowplow during Gurnee Days. They’ve never let me do that before. It was the first time I’ve ever driven one, and I kept it in the lane on the pavement, so that was a good thing. I love Coffee with the Mayor [events, on the third Saturday of the month]. I really look forward to those.

What will be a big deal in 2014?

Commercial waste hauling will be a big thing. The [new] economic development coordinator [position].

Mariano’s will get possession in mid-March and may open mid-April or early May. We’ll be making an announcement on what we’ll be doing with the old Gurnee Police Department property in early January.

Why is the village getting more involved with community events?

People want to come out and meet their neighbors and do things besides sit in front of the TV and play with their iPads. On Jan. 17, we’ll have Frosty Fest at Bittersweet Golf Course. The Park District takes the lead, the village provides the property. and Bittersweet will provide the food. The village needs to take the lead on these things going beyond Gurnee Days, and we’re going to make room for more events in the budget.

7

LAKE BLUFF • KNAUZ.COM

WE WISH ALL OUR FRIENDS A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

KNAUZ AUTOPARK • ROUTE

• Thursday, January 2, 2014

This year, the Knauz Auto Group celebrates 80 years in the automobile business.

It is astonishing to realize that what began as a small service station in Lake Forest in 1934 has grown into one of the largest and most respected automotive enterprises in the country.

Of course, certain things remain steadfast and unchanged since Karl Knauz began doing business eight decades ago.

We are dedicated to servicing and supporting our community.

We are customer centric, respectful and responsive to our customers’ needs and always here to help.

We continue to provide automotive products and services that satisfy the needs of those who appreciate quality, honesty, customer care and, of course, the finest automobiles in the world.

Thank you for your loyalty and many years of patronage.

May 2014 be a wonderful year for you and your family.

Enjoy the ride.

North

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 2, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

8

Holiday fires destroy 2 homes

By JESSE CARPENDER jcarpender@shawmedia.com Gurnee Police Department responded to a fire at a Lake Villa home at 8:34 p.m. Dec. 24.

No people or animals were injured and the cause of the fire is being investigated, according to Deputy Chief John Kavanaugh.

“The house is not inhabitable,” Kavanaugh said. The

home, located at 35809 Grant Ave. south of Rollins Road and Route 45, does not have a fire hydrant nearby, so eight Lake County fire departments brought tanker trucks of water to the scene.

The family, including homeowners Kenn and Anita Pahlman, were not home at the time of the fire, Kavanaugh said.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church of Mundelein, where

Anita Pahlman works as parish administrator, started a financial fund to help the family.

Mark Selbo, pastor at St. Andrew, said the family’s immediate needs are taken care of, but financial donations are needed.

“We have a fund called St. Andrew Cares Fund which is handling donations. Donations can be earmarked for Anita Pahlman,” Selbo said.

Greg Phillips of Lake Villa

Fire Department confirmed that another fire took place on Dec. 25 in Lake Villa at 501 Blackstone Court.

“The house is uninhabitable, but no one was hurt,” Phillips said, adding that the cause of the fire is under investigation.

“The family is staying with family in Gurnee and neighbors came out to lend a hand,” Phillips said.

New law bans e-cigarette sales to minors Barrington ordinance echoes Illinois state law

By STEPHANIE KOHL Barrington Suburban Life Contributor With the turning of the calendar to 2014, so comes a myriad of new state laws, including one that will ban the sale of alternative nicotine products, such as electronic cigarettes, to those under the age of 18.

The new law went into effect Jan. 1.

“Within the Village of Barrington, it will be against village ordinance to sell to and/ or possess the products by minors,” Barrington Chief of Police David Dorn said. “This ordinance will go into effect on Jan. 1, as well. Minors found in possession of these products may be cited. If they are cited, they will receive a court date, which will include a fine and/ or community service.”

Dorn said the Barrington Police Department has noticed an increase in use of e-cigarettes among minors, which matches a growing trend nationwide.

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are battery-powered devices that provide doses of nicotine and other additives to the user in an aerosol vapor form.

At Barrington High School, Chief Communications Officer Jeff Arnett said they have not had a significant problem with e-cigarettes in the school, though they have had a few instances of students having the items at school.

Photo provided

A new state law bans the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.

“They’re a bit of a novelty for students because they’re a new product,” Arnett said.

However, prior to the state law, Barrington High School already had a policy against student’s having such items at school.

E-cigarettes are prohibited under the provision of “cigarette look-alikes” within the district’s policies and have not been allowed in a student’s possession or used on school property or at school-sponsored events.

“What changes now is the state law brings greater awareness to the issue,” Arnett said.

Local health-care professionals advise against the use of e-cigarettes.

“One of the issues with the e-cigarettes is they are not FDA regulated,” said Megan Sanders, a tobacco cessation specialist at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington.

Sanders added that the cartridges in e-cigarettes still contain nicotine, and although the cartridge states how much nicotine it contains, there is no one regulating whether that is accurate.

Tobacco cessation specialist Danielle Rumachik said the e-cigarettes also still contain some of the same chemicals that are in regular cigarettes.

“There are less chemicals in an e-cigarette than in a cigarette, but we’re not sure of the long-term risks,” Sanders said. “That’s probably one of the problems, is the long-term effects have not been studied.”

The two agree that because these e-cigarettes are not regulated, they are not safe. Sanders added that teens are being drawn to e-cigarettes because companies offer vapors that have been flavored.

“It just leads them into other things,” Rumachik said. “The

main thing is making sure they educate themselves.”

An additional concern to the school district is that the cartridge within an e-cigarette can be refilled with other products, such as illegal substances, that can be difficult to detect.

“One way is for the e-cigarette to be used for ingesting cannabis in a liquid or wax form,” Dorn said. “It is difficult to detect because the user gives the appearance that they are using nicotine instead of an illegal drug.

“Our officers are trained and experienced in detecting the different means used to ingest cannabis, and this is yet another way for the user to hide the use of an illegal substance.”

Dorn added that if someone is caught using an e-cigarette in that manner, it will carry the same penalties as the conventional possession of marijuana.

Turkey Trot proceeds to help family, nonprofits

By JESSE CARPENDER jcarpender@shawmedia.com The proceeds from the 20th annual Jon Callaghan Memorial Turkey Trot were distributed Dec. 20 to four recipients, including a local family in need.

Mike Callaghan, father of Jon Callaghan who passed away from neuroblastoma at age 12, said it’s amazing to reach out to a local family with funds from the Turkey Trot. His own family received the run’s proceeds in 1996 to fund Jon’s medical treatment. Mike Callaghan has been running the Turkey Trot for 17 years. “[The family] was thrilled and very appreciative. They thanked us many times. They are going through a tough time as medical issued [for a Gurnee School District 56 student] mounted over,” Callaghan said of this year’s recipients.

The Gurnee Turkey Trot had approximately 745 registered participants for the annual 5K run/walk fundraiser. A total of $16,850 in net proceeds was raised and distributed to four local organizations, according to Gurnee Police Department.

Representatives from the Gurnee Turkey Trot Committee, including Mike and Kim Callaghan, Jon’s parents, presented the checks at Gurnee Police Department.

“Neuroblastoma is a very tenacious cancer, so we try to always give funds to research,” Mike Callaghan said.

Accepters included Laura Main and Michael Rivera for the Gurnee Community Church Youth Missions Program; Tamara Kroc, director of pupil services for Gurnee School District 56; Ryan Johnson and Tiffany King of the Warren Township Food Pantry; and Dr. Susan L. Cohn, from the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital’s neuroblastoma research program.

9

L A E D B!G

A Snowboard Package or One Day Lift Ticket!

Two great offers to choose from!

$

59

for a Snowboarding Package (a $200 value)

Package Includes: One all-day lift ticket (a $45 value), rental of snowboard with step-in bindings, boots, & a helmet (a $45 value), one 1-hour snowboard lesson (a $20 value), one additional all-day lift ticket for use on a second visit (a $45 value), one additional equipment rental for use on a second visit (a $45 value)

$

22

for One All-day Lift Ticket (a $45 value)

Go to PlanItLake.com!

• Thursday, January 2, 2014

e h t s ’ e r e H

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Snowboard

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 2, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

10

Village trustees reflect on 2013, share goals

By JESSE CARPENDER jcarpender@shawmedia.com The Gurnee Village Board turned its focus to economic development in 2013 as Gurnee gained Macy’s at Gurnee Mills and lost Kenall manufacturing to Wisconsin. Trustees shared their reflections on village achievements in 2013 and what they’ll focus on in 2014.

that companies are moving to Wisconsin or out of the area.

Having the new economic coordinator will help with that.

I’m in favor of commercial waste hauling. It keeps trucks off the roads and could be a good thing. I’m environmentally passionate and want to keep Gurnee green.

Greg Garner • Trustee since 2003 • Pain care specialist at Teva Pharmaceutical Board achievement: The

Jeanne Balmes • Trustee since 2001 • Former owner of Flowers By opening of Macy’s was a Balmes no-brainer.

Board achievement: The When I camopening of Macy’s was quite a coup, and our staff excelled at that effort. We continued to work toward updating ordinances this year, and our staff has been working hard to update zoning.

paigned 10 years ago, I wanted to redo the mall and bring in high-end retailers, so I Greg Garner was happy to see that happen.

2014 Goals:

Personal achievement: I try to spend less money and consider our taxpayers. The village bought Tahoes for the police department. I thought Ford Interceptors would have been just as good, and they were cheaper, but I lost on that one.

2014 Goals: I think we need to do more at Gurnee Mills Mall in terms of bringing in first-rate retailers. We need to keep our eyes on the east side and plant businesses in that Cheryl Ross area. Most importantly, we • Trustee since 2007 need to make sure we don’t in• Retired, chairwoman of Vis- crease taxes to the residents.

Our goal is to h a v e e v e r y Jeanne road resurfaced Balmes and to keep infrastructure strong. Hopefully Six Flags’ new roller coaster will be a great amenity to the village.

Bringing in new business is always a goal for us because the success of our private sector is vital for the success of Gurnee.

it Lake County Board achievement: Getting

Tom Hood • Trustee since May 2013 Personal achievement: I was • Attorney at Thomas B. Hood appointed to work on Visit Law Offices, P.C. Lake County.

Board achievement: WorkMacy’s open.

They do a great job promoting our Gurnee attractions. The social media part really imp r o v e d t h i s Cheryl Ross year.

2014 Goals: A concern is

ing in a unified fashion with the other board members, running the village as a whole seamlessly, getting Macy’s open.

Personal achievement: Connecting with the schools has been a passion for me. I attended the dedication of the

subscribe today my SuburbanLife com/subscribe

new addition at Warren’s O’Plaine campus, and I’ve been working with Transition Services to help students seeking employment.

My wife and I attended Citizens Police Academy at Gurnee Police Department.

I had an appreciation for them before, but to see the dedication and passion of ev- Tom Hood eryone there made me pretty proud of Gurnee.

2014 Goals: I’d like for the village board to become more involved with local businesses in this coming year and become more aware of our assets.

It’s always a goal to pass a budget that makes sense without being unduly burdensome on residents.

Losing Kenall made us more aware that we need to retain businesses.

Steve Park • Trustee since 2011 • Senior vice president at Alter Group Board achievement: I’m most pleased with Macy’s opening and the creation of the economic development commission, which started to focus on how to keep Steve Park businesses happy and attract new businesses in Gurnee.

Personal achievement: On the economic development commission, we synthesized six goals for improving the local economy and discussed Gurnee’s business potential.

2014 Goals: Infrastructure will be our No. 1 goal. If we don’t spend the money on our roads now, it will get more expensive. Residents will be unhappy, and it will be pothole city.

We can do better at caring for infrastructure.

I believe we can be more efficient in delivering services.

If we can deliver services that are cost effective and high quality, it’s the only thing that keeps taxes down.

Don Wilson • Trustee since May 2013 • Owner of Fun Times DJ, running for state Senate Board achievement: Going another year without instituting property tax. Passing an ordinance that keeps certain types of businesses separated, like a tattoo parlor from a smoke shop from a massage Don Wilson parlor, helps to preserve a community. If you can imagine living next to a strip mall that had a tattoo parlor next to a smoke shop, it attracts the wrong kind of crowd.

See TRUSTEES, page 11

NEW YEAR SPECIAL! $59 FOR 3 MONTHS BE FIT! BE HEALTHY! HAVE FUN! START TODAY!

Burn up to 600 calories 60 minutes!

Jazzercise Gurnee Grandwood Park Community Center 36630 N. Hutchins Rd. Gurnee, IL 60031 shaneice.jazzercise@gmail.com

224-358-9522 Offer valid at Jazzercise Gurnee Expires 01/15/2014

For more info

By LAKE COUNTY SUBURBAN LIFE editorial@lakecountysuburbanlife.com

• TRUSTEES Continued from page 10 Personal achievement: Making it so a copy of every request for proposal [RFP] goes to our Chamber of Commerce, so local businesses know about village projects first. I worked with the owner of The Salvation Army on Grand Avenue to get that building painted.

About a month after I took office, I worked with Gurnee Park District to get trees and brush put in at the back of Christine Thompson Park.

I was able to get lunch and breakfast for sandbagging volunteers [during the flood in April] donated by Avalon

Stay local. Save local.

www.PlanitLife.com

For information on pet safety, call the Lake County Health Department’s Animal Care and Control facility at 847-949-9925 or visit health.lakecountyil.gov.

Photo provided

Getting outdoors for some exercise helps pets weather the winter, but it’s best for them to spend most of their time indoors. door dog, he or she should be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his or her body heat.

The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw.

The house should face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof covering or heavy plastic.

Pets that spend a lot of time

outside during the winter need more food because keeping warm depletes energy.

Make sure to routinely check your pet’s water dish to make sure water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls, because when the temperature is low, the pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to the metal.

Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet.

Wipe the feet with a damp tow-

el before your pet licks them, which could irritates its mouth.

Antifreeze is a deadly poison that has a sweet taste, which may attract animals. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. If possible, use antifreeze coolant made with propylene glycol. If this is swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets.

Do not allow your dog to run freely on open ice. It can be difficult to judge the safety of the ice, and your dog could be at risk of falling through.

During the winter, it is best to keep your pets inside with the family. The happiest dogs are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but are kept inside the rest of the time.

BARRINGTON HILLS – An autopsy Thursday, Dec. 26 proved inconclusive in revealing the cause of death for a Wauconda man whose body was found in the 300 block of Bateman Road, in the Spring Creek Valley Forest Preserve, Barrington Hills, on Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Robert Hovinen, 38, of 25220 Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda, was reported missing Monday, Dec. 23 from Skeeters – a Carpentersville bar about 2.5 miles from the forest preserve.

Cook County Forest Preserve spokesman Don Parker said forest preserve police responded to the scene after the body was reported by a visiting equestrian.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the matter.

Toxicology reports will take four to six weeks, according the Cook County Medical Examiner.

– Suburban Life Media

and Fatman’s.

2014 Goals: I’d like to see schools receiving RFPs and for every RFP to reach out to local businesses for whatever the village needs. I’d like schools to do the same to keep money within the district and spend within our means so we don’t have to institute a property tax.

In the last board meeting, we increased what we spend on dental insurance for village employees by 12 percent.

Health insurance rates will make a difference when it comes to the budget. I’d like to see improvements on the east side as far as new businesses and overall aesthetics. I want all of Gurnee to look beautiful.

50% Off

All Websites

Company Websites Starting at

$299!

Located in Gurnee, Elegant Web Studio provides beautiful business websites.

We offer everything that you need for all your internet advertising, including: • Beautiful 100% Custom Websites • SEO to Get Your Website on 1st Page of Google, gle, Yahoo & Bing • Hosting and Free Monthly Website Updates

Contact Us Today at Local: (847) 409-5011 Toll-Free (800) 543-4215 Visit Our Website at www.elegantwebstudio.com m

• Thursday, January 2, 2014

Not only can winter weather be a time of illness and injury if people fail to take appropriate health and safety precautions, but harsh conditions can be tough on pets, as well. Following are some tips from the Lake County Health Department/ Community Health Center on how to help keep your pet safe and healthy this winter.

Do not leave dogs outdoors when it becomes uncomfortably cold. Most dogs and cats are safer indoors except when taken out for exercise.

Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young or old dogs, and all cats should never be left outside without supervision.

Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. If your pet is shivering, it’s time to bring it inside.

No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet’s life. If your dog is an out-

No cause of death for Wauconda man

11

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Health department offers pet safety tips

8IN BRIEF

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 2, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

12

EVENTS

E: V I F T I AN L P E H T EK’S E W S I TH KS C I P P O T ND U O R A IN & TY N U O C LAKE FAMILY MOVIE SCREENING

LIFETREE CAFE TALKS HEALTHY EATING

2

WHERE: Warren-Newport Public Library District, 224 N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3 COST & INFO: Free. The Warren-Newport Public Library will host a screening and discussion of “Now You See Me.” This PG-13-rated ilm features an elite FBI squad in a game of cat and mouse against The Four Horsemen, a super-team of the world’s greatest illusionists.

For this after-hours program, doors open at 6:45 p.m. and close at 7:15 p.m. Registration is required at www.wnpl.info or 847-244-5150, ext. 4.

HEALTH SCREENING

4

WHERE: Warren-Newport Public Library District, 224 N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 COST & INFO: Free. The Community Care Connection, a mobile health unit from Rosalind Franklin University, will visit the library. Free health screenings are offered for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass and waist measurement. No registration is required.

For information, visit www.wnpl.info.

1

WHERE: Lifetree Cafe, 749 S. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 COST & INFO: Free. Lifetree Cafe will host “Dangerous Food: Is Your Supermarket Killing You?” Special resources will offer help in locating healthy food sources, and participants will discuss the role the government should play in deciding food choices. Lifetree Cafe is a place where people gather for conversation on life and faith in a casual coffeehouse-type setting. For information, visit www.Lifetreecafe.com.

MEET THE AUTHOR

3

WHERE: Warren-Newport Public Library District, 224 N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee WHEN: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 COST & INFO: Free. Meet bestselling author Lisa Gardner at the Warren-Newport Public Library. Gardner will discuss her new novel, “Fear Nothing.” The book features the return of Detective D.D. Warren, who is working against time and injury to stop a serial killer. Books will be available for purchase and signing by Lake Forest Book Store. Registration is required at www.wnpl.info or 847-244-5150, ext. 4.

CRAFT NIGHT

5

WHERE: Grandwood Park Community Center, 36630 N. Hutchins Road, Gurnee WHEN: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 COST & INFO: COST $10. If you like to scrapbook, make cards, build models, etc., the park district has a space for you to work in while sharing good conversation with friends and neighbors. For information, visit www.grandwoodpark.net/programs.

A project of their own

13

By JESSE CARPENDER jcarpender@shawmedia.com

“This gives us a glimpse of how they interact with their parents – and some of them come to life when their parents are around.”

L

Debbie Rottweiler Structured learning paraprofessional

• Thursday, January 2, 2014

orraine Pablo held her son Luke’s arm steady as he hammered a nail into a wooden plane the pair was building Dec. 17 at Woodland Early Childhood Structured Learning Parent Involvement Day. During the parent involvement days, which happen once a quarter, educators get the chance to see another side of their special-needs students, and parents such as Pablo can learn techniques to communicate with their children.

The Dec. 17 event activities were developed for children with autism.

“A lot of times they teach us how to deal with our child’s behavior. Sometimes it’s so hard to manage,” said Pablo, of Gurnee.

Luke was diagnosed with autism at age 3, and daily activities such as brushing his teeth can be challenging, she said.

“Parent involvement days educate us on the activities of daily living,” she said. “Everything takes steps. It’s a good program.”

Two employees from Gurnee’s Home Depot oversaw the plane-building station at the event, which provided instructions, tools, materials and orange aprons for students.

Heather Stewart, human resources manager at the Gurnee Home Depot, said the store offers kid-friendly, hands-on activities for the public the first Saturday of every month. The next workshop, where children can make desk calendars, will be at 9 a.m.

Jan. 4. at the store, 6625 Grand Ave. “I think it’s wonderful for kids to learn this way,” said Stewart, of Wadsworth, and a former preschool teacher.

Sharis Sork, an early childhood structured learning teacher, said the teachers and aides designed each of the stations, which were centered on visual learning. For example, a bowling station featured drawings of each step to play the game.

“We send home all of the visuals for parents to use and reinforce what we’re teaching,” Sork said. “The feedback we get from parents is that it’s very helpful. In the fall, we used visuals when we went to a pumpkin farm, and sent them home so parents could return to the farm and do them on their own.”

Sork said most children on the autism spectrum learn best visually, and early education can be their first

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Hands-on events help special-needs students, parents communicate

Photos by Jesse Carpender

TOP: John Stach and his son, Evan Stach, build a wooden plane at Woodland Early Childhood Structured Learning Parent Involvement Day on Dec. 17. ABOVE: Luke Pablo (left) hammers a nail into a wooden airplane with help from his mother, Lorraine Pablo. experience learning from visuals.

“If you show them a picture of what you want them to do, they will understand,” she said.

“Other school districts usually combine programs for special-needs kids, but our program is only geared toward kids on the [autism] spectrum.”

Gurnee resident John Stach said parent involvement days allow him to see his 4-year-old son Evan’s teacher

and get updated on how he behaves at school.

“They showed us how to talk to him with picture cards, and it helped greatly,” Stach said. “We didn’t know how to communicate with him before.”

He said it’s also good to chat with other children’s parents.

“We see them on the playground, so we all know each other,” he said. “It’s a small world.”

As Evan played at a sand station, his teacher, Debbie Rottweiler, a structured learning paraprofessional, told his father about the sounds Evan makes to communicate with teachers.

“Some kids do things differently with us than at home,” Rottweiler said.

“This gives us a glimpse of how they interact with their parents – and some of them come to life when their parents are around.”

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 2, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

14

Better Business Bureau: Don’t wait to return gifts LAKE COUNTY SUBURBAN LIFE editorial@lakecountysuburbanlife. com The day after Christmas brings another rush to the stores – the return of unwanted Christmas gifts – but consumers need to be aware the return policies for some retailers have changed and may not necessarily be to the benefit of the consumer.

A number of big-name retailers have shortened the amount of time they give for returns and have made specific changes to their policies that affect different types of merchandise.

Impacted most will be returns of electronics and appliances. The number of days allowed for these returns have been shortened considerably compared to previous years.

“Many retailers can change policies to place restrictions on returning items this year,” said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Where consumers have been used to having as many as 45 days to return their unwanted gifts. In some case that has been reduced to 30 days but can be as few as nine days.”

These changes mean that consumers must take extra care in understanding the return policies of the stores where they shop and should not rely only on what they may be told by a sales clerk.

They should look for and read the stores’ written policies, which by law must be displayed.

“Shoppers need to keep in mind that returns are a customer service and are not required by law unless the merchandise is defective,” Bernas said.

The Better Business Bureau offers these tips:

• Know the store’s return policy. Ask what specific return policy applies to the item you are purchasing. Do not assume the regular return policy applies to sale or clearance items. Some merchants consider sale items to be a final purchase.

Photo provided

Shortened return periods this year mean consumers shouldn’t wait to return holiday gifts.

• Save your receipts. They are usually needed for returns. Ask for a gift receipt.

• Keep the original packaging. Don’t remove electronics or similar products from their boxes before wrapping, as the original packaging may be required for a return.

• Know the online return policy. If you are shopping online, read the posted return policy before buying. If returns are permitted, be sure to print a copy of what procedures and time frame need to be followed, along with complete contact information for the business from which you are ordering.

• Remember that returns are a courtesy. If you are the gift recipient, do not assume you have the right to return or exchange an unwanted present. Like the shopper, you are bound by the merchant’s return policy.

• Understand unusual policies. For example, health regulations can prohibit the return of certain items such as hats and intimate apparel.

Consumers should be aware that retailers are reacting to yearly losses in the billions of dollars that are due to return fraud and that some have taken the additional step of using a computer database to track customer returns and catch fraudulent or excessive returns.

Retailers that use The Return Exchange to monitor returns will ask customers for a driver’s license or some other government-issued identification for a return.

For information about holiday returns, visit www.bbb. org.

Photo provided

The Lake County Health Department is encouraging county residents to eat less and increase physical activity to get healthy in the new year.

Get moving with your New Year’s resolutions mill while watching a movie; use an aerobics or pilates exercise tape; participate in a The Lake County Health recreational sport; join an acD e p a r t m e n t / C o m m u n i t y tivity club; or dance to music Health Center is encourag- in your house. ing residents to make a New • Put activity at the top of Year’s resolution to be a your to-do list. Make fitness a healthier person in 2014. priority and schedule an apSome of the best ways to pointment every day to do a meet that goal are to increase physical activity. Make it just physical activity and eat as important as any other aphealthier foods. pointment.

Many people tend to de• Be prepared. Always have crease their activity and comfortable walking shoes increase their food intake with you. You can keep an exduring the winter months, but tra pair in your car or office, following a healthy lifestyle so that you are ready at any throughout the year has mul- time to get out and walk. tiple benefits.

• Walk everywhere. Walk to “Healthy eating and active your appointments. Park your living are vital to improving car farther from the entrance our health as well as prevent- so you will walk more. ing and controlling chronic • Walk while you wait. If you diseases,” said Tony Beltran, are waiting for an appointexecutive director of the Lake ment or a plane or train to County Health Department/ catch, walk around instead of Community Health Center. sitting or standing still.

“A healthful eating plan can • Bring a friend. Physical acdecrease risk of diseases, such tivity is more enjoyable when as type 2 diabetes, hyperten- you have a buddy. Enlist a sion and certain cancers, as co-worker, friend or family well as help achieve a healthy member to participate in an weight.” activity with you.

Here are ways to move Here are some healthy eatyour activity level up a notch: ing tips:

LAKE COUNTY SUBURBAN LIFE

editorial@lakecountysuburbanlife.com

snack during the day, keep a serving or two of your favorite fruit or vegetables handy wherever you are.

• Try to avoid saturated fats and cholesterol.

• Slow down. Eat your meals more slowly to give your body a chance to register the fact that you’re filling up.

• Put your fork down between bites if necessary. You’ll eat less in the long run.

• Check portion sizes. Many portions today are so large you may not realize what a true portion or serving is.

• Train yourself by using smaller plates, spoons and cups.

And learn to use common visual cues to understand servings. For instance, one serving of whole-grain cooked pasta is about the same size as a hockey puck.

One of the goals of the health department is to encourage and assist residents to increase their physical activity and eat healthier foods.

For information, visit the Health Department’s Healthy Eating, Active Living web pages at www.health. lakecountyil.gov/Population/Page /Healthy%20Eat• Add some fun to your phys• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and ing%20-%20Active%20Livical activity. Walk on a tread- vegetables. If you need a quick ing.aspx.

OffTheDeepEnd

Discover the

Best Bargains at 6515-352 Ave, New Munster, WI 262-537-4407

Visit us at: www.bestbargainsinc.com

Hours: Mon- Fri 9-5, Wed 9-6, Sat 8-4, Sun 9-4

Visit Our Cash & Carry Outlet Highway 50 & KD, 8 miles east of Lake Geneva

Check Our Website For Special Restaurant And Tavern League Member Specials

Wholesale Food Service • Bar & Restaurant Distribution • Or Stock Your Pantry

Judy Veoukas

SALEDATES: DATES: Wed., Wed.,June Jan. 12th 1st --Tues., SALE Tues.,Jan. June7th, 18th2013 2013 Supplies Limited No Rain Checks

Holiday Seafood

ensemble.

I called to my husband, “Do we still own a sewing machine?”

“You’re going to sew?” he said, startled. “Have you forgotten the one-legged jumpsuit?”

“Our granddaughter wants to be a potato pancake for her school’s holiday costume contest, and she wants me to make her an outfit.”

“Order a Mr. Potato Head one, and take off the face when it gets here,” he suggested.

Our drama queen sashayed back into the room. I explained Grandpa’s plan to her.

“Grandma,” she said, hands on hips, “I asked you to make me a costume. And, Mr. Potato Head kind of doesn’t look Jewish.”

I unearthed the sewing machine, bought brown canvas, and proceeded to “sew.”

Next day she tried it on.

“Grandma,” she sighed, “you sewed the bottom together.”

We had no choice but to order a Mr. Potato Head costume via express delivery and remove his facial features when he showed up the next day.

I wrote, “Hanukkah potato pancake” where the eyes had been. I sprinkled it with onion salt, olive oil, and had her carry a side of applesauce.

Because everyone gets an award for everything these days, including just participating, she received a trophy for “Showing up in Best-smelling outfit.”

We, however, were called to the principal’s office for a competency evaluation.

• Judi Veoukas, an award-winning columnist, who writes from her home in Lake County.

subscribe today my SuburbanLife com/subscribe

JUMBO KING CRAB 6-9ct............................$20.95lb KING KING CRAB 12-14ct .............................$14.95lb SNOW CRAB 10 & up .......................................$11.95lb LOBSTERS: WARM WATER .................... 14-16oz & 16-20oz $20.95lb COLD WATER....................... 10-12oz & 20-24oz $24.95lb SHRIMP COOKED, TAIL ON...16/20ct & 16/30ct $12.95lb SHRIMP RAW, SHELL ON....................... 10/15ct $11.95lb BLACK TIGER RAW, SHELL ON ........... 13/15ct $11.95lb .................................................................... 16/20ct $10.95lb ....................................................................... 21/25ct $8.95lb HERRING CREAM SAUCE OR WINE.................12ct $7.95lb SMOKED SALMON............................................ $7.95lb

Beef/Pork

PRECOOKED SAUSAGE PATTIES.............. $2.39lb MAPLE BACON............................................. 3.5lb $9.95 ITALIAN PIZZA PATTIES ................................ $1.99lb

Pizza/Pasta

RIGATONI ......................................................... 5lb $14.95 LASAGNA SHEETS ............................................ $1.79lb MEAT LASAGNA .......................................... 6lb $10.95 VEAL RAVIOLI ...................................................3lb $7.99 DELUXE PIZZA...............................................21oz $4.99 RISING CRUST CHEESE PIZZA .....................$2.00

Potatos/Veggies

Butcher Specials

MINI POTATO PANCAKES...........................3lb $4.49 POTATO PANCAKES.......................................5lb $9.95 SEASONED WEDGES ...................................5lb $4.49 CHOPPED SPINACH ......................................3lb $2.49 CALIFORNIA BLEND .....................................2lb $2.99

Deli Specials

DOUBLE FUDGE 3- LAYER CAKE.................$7.95 PEPPERMINT CHEESECAKE .......................$11.00 MANGO RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE ......$11.00

Appetizers

BREADED CHEESE CURDS .......................3lb $7.50 STEAK MINI CHIMICHANGAS ..................2lb $3.00 XMAS COOKIES ...............................................2lb $3.95 MIXED CHIPS .............................................10bags $2.00

SELECT T-BONE .................................................. $5.49lb SELECT PORTERHOUSE ................................ $5.99lb SELECT NY STRIP.............................................. $4.99lb FRESH CUT PRIME RIB.................................. $6.99lb BABY BACK RIBS .............................................. $2.99lb JUDY’S COTTO SALAMI................................... $1.99lb CRACKED PEPPERED SLICED TURKEY $2.29lb LEMON PEPPERED SLICED TURKEY .. $2.49lb ITALIAN BREADED MOZZ STICKS .... 4lb $16.75 BEER BATTERED ONION RINGS ............2lb $6.25 BREADED ZUCCHINI OVAL SLICES ........... 2.5lb $6.50

Chicken/Turkey

BONELESS WING ZINGS ........................ 5lb $18.25 DINO CHICKEN NUGGETS BREADED......34oz $2.99 GROUND TURKEY...........................................3lb $5.00

Seafood

Desserts Misc

Squeeeeeky Steve Deals 3/8 WAGON BRAND CHIP .......6/4.5lb case $8.25 3/8 CRINKLE CUT ..................................6/5lb $12.95 CHICKEN POT STICKERS W/ SAUCE 5lb case $6.95 CHEESE RIGATONI ...........................12lb case $12.50 PORK CHILI VERDE

SNOW CRAB MEAT ......................................5lb $6.95 SHARK STEAKS .................................................. $4.99lb

AWESOME CRACKER TRAY Includes 1 Meat & 4 Cheeses .......................... 16”

BEST CRACKER TRAY Includes 4 Cheeses......................................... 16”

MINI EMPANADAS ......................10.13lb ... 10.13lb ........

10. case $1 $10. $10.50

$25.95 $22.95

ULTIMATE SANDWICH TRAY

$32.95 SHRIMP TRAY .............................. 12” $26.95

Includes 3 Meats & 4 Cheeses......................... 18”

HOLIDAY PRIME RIB HEADQUARTERS Specializing in custom cuts. Contact Ray in the meat department.

Please call ahead - 262-537-2993.

Monday Only!!

Tuesday Bargain Bucks

For every $100 purchase we will give you $10 in Mad Money to spend another day.

For every $100 purchase you will receive $10 in Bargain Bucks to spend another day.

Limit 5 per day. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Limit 5 per day. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Checks Accepted • ATM Available We reserve the right to limit or correct printing errors.

Wednesday Senior Discount Day Discount for private parties only, excludes businesses.

www.BestBargainsInc.com

Thursdays Only!

Double manufacturer coupons. Pick up your free ticket at the Deli for Friday’s meat raffle drawing.

Maximum $1.00 coupon.

10 coupon limit.

We Accept the SNAP CARD and Manufacturers Coupons (Excluding internet coupons.)

15

• Thursday, January 2, 2014

“My school’s having a winter holiday costume competition. I want to be a potato pancake.”

My 10-year-old granddaughter, who’d been staying with us, announced this two days before the contest. “Can you sew me a costume?” she pleaded.

Me? Sew? I’m the woman who’d last used a sewing machine in 1973, and instead of repairing a torn seam, inadvertently sewed a jumpsuit’s pant legs together.

“Can’t you be the ghost of Christmas Past?” I envisioned a white sheet.

“Grandma,” she said, “my school’s progressive. We choose to represent whatever we want. I picked a potato pancake to honor Hanukkah.”

“You couldn’t be a sugarplum fairy and honor Christmas? I could buy that getup online.”

“I’d have to wear a pink fluffy tutu, carry a fairy wand, and put a stupid tiara on my head. Honestly, Grandma, you must still think I’m a child!”

Visions of sugarplums danced from my head.

“Is there more to the contest than being a potato pancake?”

I asked.

“I’ll tell the history of its connection to Hanukkah.”

“Do share,” I said.

She recited, “The oil for cooking the latkes [potato pancakes] is symbolic of the oil from the Hanukkah story that kept the Second Temple of ancient Israel lit with a long-lasting flame that is celebrated as a miracle.”

“Wow!” I said. “You’ve been doing some intense listening at Hebrew School.”

“It’s from Wikipedia,” she said. “Now I’m going to practice my speech in front of the mirror.”

Following her lead, I Googled “potato pancake costumes.”

Up came Mr. Potato Head outfits, and one Couch Potato

nd

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

My granddaughter the potato pancake

OPEN to the PUBLIC No Membership Fee

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 2, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

16

Aidan Schmeling, 9; her sister, Kelsey, 11; and Caroline Maciej, 12, all of Gurnee, sled at Warren Township Community Woods on Sunday.

Mark Ofenloch, 26, of Gurnee, takes his dog, Henry, an 8-year-old beagle, for a ride at Christine Thompson Park in Gurnee on Sunday.

It’s all Joe Salabounis, 9, of Gurnee, makes his way down the sled hill at Warren Township Community Woods in Gurnee on Sunday.

DOWNHILL Photos by Candace H.Johnson

Tammi Salabounis, of Gurnee and her son, Paul, 8, try out the hill at Warren Township Community Woods on Sunday.

Sledders head uphill at Christine Thompson Park in Gurnee on Sunday.

Lydia Howard and Grace Comerford, both 10, of Gurnee, enjoy the snow at the Warren Township Community Woods on Sunday.

17

Lake Barrington’s Lou Bolchazy was inspired by the classics

By TARAH THORNE tthorne@shawmedia.com

L

• Thursday, January 2, 2014

adislaus “Lou” Bolchazy lived to see a lot of things. He lived through the Nazi occupation of Slovakia during World War II. He took advice from guys many times his age. Copernicus was one of his favorites.

Above all else, Bolchazy went out with a great flare – in the midst of his family’s most successful year of business in 2012.

Bolchazy founded Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers Inc. in Wauconda in 1978 with his wife, Marie (Carducci) Bolchazy. The couple met in Chicago several years after Lou moved to the U.S. from Slovakia in 1949.

Lou Bolchazy will be honored Jan. 4 with a posthumous Distinguished Service Award from the American Philological Association at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Marie Bolchazy, 75, recalls her the legacy of her late husband of 47 years.

“Lou would have been so proud,” she said.

Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers Inc. relocated to Mundelein five years ago when Lou and Marie’s son, Allan Bolchazy, joined the family business.

With a 12-person staff, the publishing company has generated more than 450 book titles, most printed in scholarly Latin.

Having published 26 new books in 2013, Marie Bolchazy said she hopes to slow down in the coming year.

“I know I could retire any day now,” she said. “But these books are a service to the community. We continue to honor our motto of building a better future from lessons past.”

Marie and Lou Bolchazy have a common background in education.

Lou was a classics professor at Loyola University in Chicago, and Marie Bolchazy taught language arts and writing on the East Coast before working as a school consultant in the Naperville and Barrington school districts.

Marie Bolchazy has lived in Lake Barrington for 21 years.

“The community has been so supportive, especially when Lou was sick,” she said.

Allan Bolchazy, 47, joined the publishing company with previous engineering and project management experience. He said that with his father aging, he knew his parents were looking for someone to see the company through its transition to

Mundelein.

Before Lou Bolchazy passed away July 28, 2012, he commissioned a 75th birthday present to himself – a book, of course. “The Red Flare: Cicero’s On Old Age” was his final project.

“Cicero was one of Lou’s favorite classicists, and he talked about the benefits of aging,” Marie Bolchazy said. “Lou was so proud and passionate about it.”

Lou Bolchazy was diagnosed with stomach cancer July 3, 2012 – less than a month before he died. His wife cannot remember a time when he dwelt on the news.

“His only concern was that his family would be taken care of,” Marie Bolchazy said. “He asked Allan and I to bring two huge briefcases to the hospital, and he would always be talking to the nurses about the classics.”

Allan Bolchazy joked that his father’s briefcases became “black holes” of paperwork.

“It took months for us to clean out his office,” Allan Bolchazy said.

“Each briefcase was a little time capsule. He would carry one for a certain amount of time and then move on to a new one.”

Lou Bolchazy was fluent in English and Slovak but spoke Latin, Greek, Russian, German and French, as well.

Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers Inc. started out as a small commercial print shop with Lou Bolchazy digging up out-of-print titles with expired copyrights. The business expanded over the years to print everything from colorful, scholarly textbooks to Latin Dr. Seuss works and children’s titles. 2012 remains the family business’ peak year, with $2.2 million in sales.

Marie Bolchazy said her husband had a vision to start a Latin-focused publishing company when other companies were giving up on the topic.

“Lou was convinced we would do well,” Marie Bolchazy said. “He would never have wanted to think we could do it without him, but the company has thrived.”

Marie Bolchazy said the most rewarding feedback comes from teachers and classicists who now think of the Bolchazys as colleagues.

“We know that the bulk of our money is going to come from textbook sales,” Marie Bolchazy said. “A lot of our commissioned titles are meant to be more fun – a service to our readers and the classics community.”

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

A legacy in print

Photo provided

Lou Bolchazy (right) received the Lad Ludovita Stura III Award at the Bratislava Castle in Slovakia on Aug. 31, 2007. Bolchazy will be honored Jan. 4 with a posthumous Distinguished Service Award from the American Philological Association.

“Cicero was one of Lou’s favorite classicists, and he talked about the benefits of aging.

Lou was so proud and passionate about it.”

Marie Bolchazy Tarah Thorne - tthorne@shawmedia.com

Marie (Carducci) Bolchazy and Allan Bolchazy of Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, Mundelein, display two Dr. Seuss children’s books that the company has reprinted entirely in Latin.

Wife of the late Lou Bolchazy

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 2, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

18

Mohapp leaves Warren after 17 seasons

By BILL PEMSTEIN

You finish every year, and you think about the peaks and valleys. I just need a little break.

editorial@gurneesuburbanlife.com Warren Township High School football coach Dave Mohapp still can recall his favorite game – even after 175 games, or 17 seasons.

That memorable game happened far away from his home turf in Gurnee. It happened in Edwardsville.

It was a Warren playoff game on the road in the fall of 1999.

“I think we ran 12 offensive plays in the first half,’’ Mohapp said. “We were losing, 14-0. In the second half, things went our way. We won on a field goal. We kept on competing. It was a remarkable game.”

Mohapp, the biggest winner in school history, has decided to step down as Warren’s head coach.

“I’ve really enjoyed the X’s and O’s,’’ he said. “I loved breaking down film.

But being a head coach has its pluses and disadvantages like every job has.”

Mohapp’s last team at the school reached the second round of the playoffs.

“That was a good football team,’’ he said. “The last two years, I’ve had some

Dave Mohapp Retiring football coach Photo by Candace H. Johnson

The varsity football team rides on their float down O’Plaine Road during Warren The Warren Devils ran Township High School’s 2013 homecoming into a tough Wheaton North in parade in Gurnee. the state quarterfinals and lost, unbelievable kids.”

When Mohapp took over the football program, athletics director Mark Pos was the athletic trainer at the high school. “[Mohapp] was a phenomenal coach,” Pos said. “He was extremely dedicated to his program. His hours were very long, but he never complained about it.”

Mohapp’s most successful club was the2001teamthatwoneightgames.That included wins over Bartlett and Chicago Lane in the playoffs.

61-6.

Along the way, Mohapp ran into some pretty good players, such as running back Matt Van Daele.

“What a phenomenal player,’’ he said.

Mitchell Moore and Marcus Lewis were two more excellent backs.

Mohapp said he may return to high school athletics as a football coach, but it might just not be at Warren.

“You finish every year and you think about the peaks and valleys,’’ Mohapp said. “I just need a little break.”

A football coach makes certain sac-

rifices, such as missing his children’s activities. Mohapp’s daughter, Emily Mohapp, was a gifted volleyball player at the high school.

“He missed a lot,’’ Pos said. “Mostly, he missed Emily’s volleyball games.

Maybe on a Saturday, he got to see her.”

Mohapp looks back at 17 years at Warren and wonders where the time went.

“Man, it flies by,’’ he said. “But every year is different. That’s the part of coaching I’ll miss. Every coach has his philosophy. It’s really how you stay upon that path.”

And when it’s time to get his players ready for weightlifting, he won’t be there.

“I had my time and really enjoyed it,’’ he said. “I really like high school football. Right now, I’m enjoying my Christmas break. This will give me more time with my parents. I’ll fill the void.”

With 13 playoff appearances in 17 seasons, it’s clear the Mohapp era has been a success, Pos said.

“Warren football is in a better place because Dave Mohapp was coaching here.’’

lake Central): A definite three- top scorer (injury). Now that This gifted athlete filled in for

By BILL PEMSTEIN editorial@lakecountysuburbanlife. com

• Ben Carlson (Wauconda):

• Alex Lennartz (Grayslake

Very capable of a double-dou- Central): The football team’s ble on a nightly basis. It quarterback isn’t shy. He’s doesn’t hurt that he stands 6-6. become one of Central’s top • Steve Dunning (Grant): scorers.

• Joey Lovelle (Wauconda): The Bulldogs’ inside threat.

Dunning already has had a Dead-eye free throw shooter.

In one game, he made 16 of 17 29-point game this season.

• Adrian Deere (Warren): from the foul line.

• Charlie Anderson (Grays- The Blue Devils missed their • Eric Gillespie (Warren):

• Ricky Sidlowski (Wauconda): The Bulldogs’ inside threat is in great shape for hoops season. He’s also a gifted cross country racer.

• Greg Swain (Warren): Has a way of getting to the hoop in a hurry. Might be a surprise player for the Devils this winter.

Masterbrand Cabinetry All Brands!

Team Rankings 1. Carmel: The Corsairs got off to a great start and have height.

2. Wauconda: With a number of players who can score, the Bulldogs might have a big year.

3. Warren: Now getting healthy, the Blue Devils are on the cusp of a good campaign.

4. Grant: These Bulldogs have some good players, so it promises to be a good season in Fox Lake.

5. Lakes: These Eagles had a number of football players who are ready to take off.

6. Grayslake Central: The Rams won the battle with North.

Central also could make noise.

7. Antioch: Led by their strong guard Marsiglio, the Sequoits could chalk up wins in the division.

8. Grayslake North: The Knights are struggling early, but North will straighten things up.

9. Round Lake: Explosive scorer Wright should be able to help this club win.

4001 COUNTRY CLUB RD. WOODSTOCK, IL

815-356-8600 160 SOUTH LOVES RD CORTLAND, IL

815-756-4824 100 BARNEY DR. JOLIET, IL

815-725-0030 99 E. CENTRALIA ELKHORN,WI

On Sale NOW!

262-723-3230

Up to 10% OFF Thru Jan. 31st, 2014!

• Thursday, January 2, 2014

Another boys basketball season has kicked off in the Lake County Suburban Life area. A few of those clubs are off to great starts.

It’s been decades since Carmel Catholic has fielded a winning program, but Carmel’s Tim Bowen is an excellent coach.

Wauconda seems to have a few big scorers, and that’s helped the Bulldogs get off to a good start.

Warren welcomed back, its top scorer, Adrian Deere, and the Blue Devils may be on the verge of a winning streak.

It’s early in the season, and plenty will happen before playoffs begin next year. But it’s time to pull out some of the best players in our area and give them their due.

Who are the best teams our area? Again time will tell.

Deere is back, watch out for the injured Deere with severWarren. al high-scoring games. Now • Aidan Einloth (Grayslake he can play his own game.

North): The Knights are off • A.J. Marsiglio (Antioch): to a slow start, so it’s good to The Sequoits’ top scorer, Marhave Einloth, who can score siglio is equally capable from and hit the boards. the free throw line and with • Dion Head (Wauconda): He the 3-pointer, too. is the Bulldogs’ more prolific • Karnell Wright (Round scorer. Has already scored 31 Lake): The Panthers’ top scorpoints in a contest this sea- er by a wide margin. son.

• Ryan Noda (Grant): This • Billy Kirby (Carmel): This gifted baseball player is this 6-6 senior gives the Corsairs team’s point guard. He also more power under the boards. finds ways to score.

Naturally, he can score also.

• Ethan Sage (Lakes): Anoth• Jack George (Carmel): er football player who’s mak• James Betori (Warren): Clearly the tallest player to ing a statement on the basketSteady and can hit the three watch in this area. The 6-10 ball court. Sage can get to the and get to the hoop in a hurry. Carmel center is a key player. basket quickly. point threat. Anderson has stepped up this year and added scoring.

• Devin Bald (Grant): Returning to the lineup after missing last season (injury). A powerful inside scorer for these Bulldogs.

• Jake Balliu (Lakes): Another capable scorer for the Eagles. This football player from the fall season brings in toughness.

• Michael Barr (Carmel): Another key senior in Carmel’s lineup. A solid player who helps in a number of ways.

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

High school hoops season off to great start

19

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 2, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

20

MORE BEARS COVERAGE AT HUBARKUSH.COM

Bears face daunting task for 2014 season Hub Arkush

Marc Trestman scored well in many areas in his first season as Bears head coach, specifically in overseeing the dramatic improvement of one of the league’s weakest offenses and a significant thawing of the icy relationship Lovie Smith had with the Bears’ faithful.

An objective look at the Bears’ 2013 season, however, shows the team also took some steps backward.

Smith was fired for going 10-6 in his ninth year as the head coach but failing to make the playoffs.

Is it reasonable to laud Trestman for going 8 -8 and also failing to make the playoffs after getting blown out in Week 16 by the Eagles and then losing at home on the last day of the season to the Packers when one win would have

clinched the division title?

While Trestman should be applauded for the almost surreal growth of Josh McCown, upgrades to Jay Cutler and significant gains on offense, as the boss, he also has to shoulder the weight for the descent of one of the league’s better defenses under Smith to one of the worst in the NFL. Where does general manager Phil Emery fit in all of this?

Irrespective of what Brian Urlacher may have had left, the decision to not bring him back doesn’t look good.

Would it be different if D.J. Williams and Lance Briggs had stayed healthy?

Perhaps, but the fact is the last really good game the Bears’ defense had was against Seattle in 2012 – until the final minutes when Urlacher’s season ended with a hamstring injury.

Urlacher is irrelevant, though, because his tank was near empty, and the real problem is where does the defense go from here?

Opening day starters Corey Wootton, Henry Melton, Williams, James

Anderson, Tim Jennings, Major Wright and Charles Tillman are free agents, as is recent addition Jeremiah Ratliff.

Youngsters Chris Conte, Shea McClellin, Jonathan Bostic and Khaseem Greene have been disappointing, and that’s probably too kind to Conte and McClellin.

Julius Peppers had his worst year as a pro and appears to have lost something, and counting on Briggs to stay healthy in his mid-30s is a crapshoot.

There isn’t a single player to rebuild the “D” around.

Remember that as impressive as the offensive turnaround and the rebuilding of the offensive line were, Cutler, McCown, Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall were in place for Trestman to build around.

It’s also impossible to ignore that while Trestman’s earned our trust as a man who knows offense, Cutler, McCown, Matt Slauson and Roberto Garza are free agents, and Emery has a tough call to make on Cutler.

Lost in the tremendous upward

and downward mobility of the offense and defense has been the fact that Joe DeCamillis’ special teams suffered a precipitous drop from where they were under Dave Toub, and Devin Hester also is a free agent after eight years with the Bears.

Here is one more disturbing truth about these 2013 Bears: The winning percentage of their 16 opponents was .465, giving them the softest schedule of the six teams that finished 8-8. The only good news is that earns them the 14th pick in the first round of the 2014 draft when they could have picked as low as 19th, where the Dolphins (8-8) stand.

A bit more alarming is the fact that of the 13 teams with worse records than them, only the Lions played an easier schedule.

Once the balance sheet is laid bare in front of us, it is hard to call this season a success or these Bears anything more than somewhat below average.

The trip into this offseason is as paved with uncertainty as any we’ve seen in a number of years.

Masterbrand Cabinetry

4001 COUNTRY CLUB RD. WOODSTOCK, IL

All Brands!

815-356-8600 160 SOUTH LOVES RD CORTLAND, IL

815-756-4824 100 BARNEY DR. JOLIET, IL

815-725-0030 99 E. CENTRALIA ELKHORN,WI

On Sale NOW!

262-723-3230

Up to 10% OFF Thru Jan. 31st, 2014!

Time is running out!

Chevy’s Giving More But Only Until January 2nd

$

3,000 Total Cash

2014 CHEVY MALIBU. Tax, title, license, documentary fees and optional equipment extra. $2,000 Customer Cash plus $1,000 Bonus Cash for $3,000 Total Cash. Price not available with special finance or lease offers. Must take delivery by 1/2/14. See dealer for details.

2014 Malibu

36

MPG HWY

In the end, Cutler is Cutler sports@nwherald.com

He is who he is.

In the first half, his offense showed the bad as it stalled on four three-and-outs, although it also showed the good.

On his second drive, an eight-play, 80-yard series, Cutler stormed downfield, completing three passes. He topped it off with a 4-yard throw to running back Matt Forte through the cold, misty air, giving his team a 7-0 lead and its only points of the first half.

Cutler couldn’t control much of what happened after that, though.

He couldn’t control Alshon Jeffery fumbling a precise pass in the second quarter, setting up a Green Bay field goal.

He couldn’t control that

Over 1000 Chevys to choose from!

the defense allowed 20 second-half points, or that he threw the ball 24 times, the fewest he has attempted in a full game since last December’s Bears-Packers matchup.

Those looking for answers won’t find any, as the quarterback quandary may be delayed another year with a franchise tag estimated to be worth more than $16 million.

On Sunday, Cutler was neither the demon slayer nor the utter failure. He was, simply, Jay Cutler. Calm-tempered, scruffy-faced, strong-armed, up-and-down Jay Cutler.

After the game he stood at the podium, wearing gray and black and a tired gaze.

He answered questions about plays and then the postseason.

“I’d love to (come back),” he said before changing the topic. “[Green Bay] controlled the clock well. Early in the

H. Rick Bamman – hbamman@shawmedia.com

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler watches a replay from the sidelines during Sunday’s game against the Packers at Soldier Field. The Bears lost, 33-28. game, we went three-and-out too much.”

A reporter picked at the web, asking about contracts.

“I think we’ll deal with that later in the week,” Cutler said. “Right now, [I’m] kind of living in the moment.”

Another reporter asked him how he thought he did against the Packers.

“We didn’t make enough plays to win,” he said. “That’s what it boiled down to.”

After a question about his hoarse throat – he had a cold – there was silence. No more questions.

“All right,” said Cutler.

“See you guys.”

He hustled from the podium and left the room.

The Military’s ONLY Choice Since 1987 Tattoo Museum After Care Products Piercing & Jewelry Military Discounts

Your hometown dealer!!!

Buckley Rd. & Hwy 41 118 Route 173, Antioch, IL 847.395.3600 RaymondChevrolet.com

®

847-689-2618

FREE SHUTTLE 3 Minutes from Great Lakes

• worldfamousmoderntattoo.com

• Thursday, January 2, 2014

CHICAGO – The tangled web of the Jay Cutler narrative was supposed to be straightened out Sunday.

His last game on contract, a 33-28 thriller won by the Packers, was going to make it clear. Play well, Good Jay, forget your 1-7 record against Green Bay, and all is OK. Play poorly, Bad Jay, throw a few picks, and it’s time to go.

“The speculation is, ‘Let’s see how he does in this kind of stage,’ ” coach Marc Trestman said after the game.

“I thought Jay played well enough for us to win tonight.”

But the web twisted even more during the game as fans and media sought the answer to the beaten question: Who is he – Good Jay or Bad Jay? The answer, though, lies in the question itself.

ANALYSIS

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

By MAREK MAKOWSKI

21

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 2, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

22

Local wrestling club building on success

By BILL PEMSTEIN editorial@lakecountysuburbanlife.com FOX LAKE – The meeting took place at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Doing the talking was veteran wrestling coach Ryan Geist of Grant High School wrestling fame. Listening was one of his former wrestlers, Sean Quirk.

“He said, ‘What do you think of a feeder program?’’’ Quirk said of that fateful meeting.

Five years later, 100 young wrestlers have joined up to create one powerful wrestling club.

It’s called the Fox Lake Wrestling Club, and it indeed is a feeder program for Grant High School.

And who can argue with the results?

There is something called the Grant System of Wrestling, and it translates into victories.

The high school wrestling team has won nine straight division titles. In addition, there have been eight regional titles, seven NSC champions, 40 state qualifiers, 20 state placers and

The Fox Lake Wrestling Club has grown to include about 100 wrestlers. nine years straight with an IHSA state finalist.

Club President Laura Rogan, who is a teacher and a parent, was drawn to the program after watching her boys achieve success with it.

“The coaches are amazing,’’ Rogan said. “Ryan Geist has been phenomenal. We get 100 wrestlers Monday through Thursday. In January, we’ll host a huge tournament with 300 wrestlers.”

It’s clear that Rogan also is a huge fan.

“We have some of the best coaches in the area working with our kids,’’ she said. “Our coaches promote the physical, mental and moral development of the children through wrestling endeavors.”

One of those wrestlers is Tucker Rogan. Yes, one of her boys.

“I’ve been in it for four or five years,’’ said Tucker Rogan,

noted that there were plenty of fliers to hand out to target wrestlers from kindergarten through eighth grade.

As a result, word about the program has spread. But its main focus remains the Grant High School area.

“It’s about 95 percent,’’ Quirk said. “But I don’t turn kids away. Some kids come from Grayslake and Richmond, and we are glad to help.”

The teachers and coaches adhere to the rules of the Grant Photo provided System of Wrestling. The rules of scholastic-style wrestling are taught with a heavy emphasis who also plays baseball and on sportsmanship and fair play. football. “It gets you stronger.”

With practices three to four While other sports charge times a week and tournaments more than $500 for a program every week, it’s a busy schedule such as this, the club collects for wrestlers and coaches. The just $175 for its services. program also gets help from “We didn’t want kids not parent coaches. to wrestle because of money,’’ “We have good wrestlers Quirk said. “That’s the last and good people here,’’ Quirk thing we want them to wor- said. “This is the one sport in ry about. We just want to help the world where no one has an kids. That’s our goal.” advantage.”

Building the program from For information on the club, scratch took hard work. Quirk call 847-651-9697.

Think you’re you’re Think a football football pro? pro? a See if if you you can can outpick outpick See our experts! experts! our To play, play, go go to to shawurl.com/upickem shawurl.com/upickem To

WEEK #17 RESULTS OVERALL LEADERS headfirst, Madness, bellagio, WAD160, webgoers Hub Arkush

Dan Hampton

Last Week’s Record 13-3 Overall Record 166-89 The Weekly winner gets a $50 gift card from the official pro football fan site!

Ed Graafsma Alexander Lumber

Football Analyst HubArkush.com

Last Week’s Record 13-3 Overall Record 165-90

Last Week’s Record 12-4 Overall Record 159-96

The Overall winner receives a trip for two to Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas in Los Cabos, Mexico provided by Apple Vacations, America’s Favorite Vacation Company!

The Survivor Game winner takes home an autographed jersey and football from Bears Hall of Famer, Dan Hampton!

WEEK #17 WINNER Tim Kovac, Oswego, IL

23

On Sale NOW!

Up to 10% OFF

Thru Jan. 31st, 2014!

4001 COUNTRY CLUB RD. WOODSTOCK, IL • 815-356-8600 160 SOUTH LOVES RD • CORTLAND, IL • 815-756-4824 100 BARNEY DR. • JOLIET, IL • 815-725-0030 99 E. CENTRALIA • ELKHORN, WI • 262-723-3230

The Military’s ONLY Choice Since 1987

®

Tattoo Museum After Care Products Piercing & Jewelry Military Discounts

Buckley Rd. & Hwy 41 ® FREE SHUTTLE 3 Minutes from Great Lakes 847-689-2618 worldfamousmoderntattoo.com

Over 1000 Chevys to choose from!

Your hometown dealer!!!

118 Route 173, Antioch, IL 847.395.3600 RaymondChevrolet.com

• Thursday, January 2, 2014

All Brands!

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Masterbrand Cabinetry

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 2, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

24

You’re Invited to Heritage Woods of Gurnee’s...

JANUARY EVENTS Tuesday, January 7 at 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 14 at 11:30 a.m.

An Elvis Birthday Celebration & Social

Financial Wellness Month/ Financial Planning & Retirement

Entertainment at 1:30 with refreshments to follow!!

Presented by a local community bank

Friday, January 24 at 10:15 a.m.

National Belly Laugh Day!!

Come enjoy this fun filled event with Jenney and a “laughter yoga” Session!!!

Give us a call to learn how you or your loved one can start living a care-free lifestyle.

Tours le Availab e Anytim

Open House Every Wednesday From 4 - 7 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served.

First time tours receive a free gift card.

Wednesday, January 29 at 2:30 p.m.

Puzzle Day Come in for a tour & stay to play PUZZLE BINGO and have refreshments

Special Open House & Tours Thursday, January 16 4:30 - 7 p.m.

Come in for a tour and enter to win a raffle!

Long-term care insurance and VA aid and attendance are accepted.

847-623-6300

Financial assistance available to those who qualify

Community located on 3775 Grand Ave · Gurnee, IL 60031 · www.hw-gurnee-slf.com Managed by BMA Management,Ltd. · Touching Lives by Providing Digniied Lifestyles