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GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 9, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

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With Honors

Back to our routines 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 MEET THE NEWS TEAM Cassandra Dowell, news editor 847-231-7524 cdowell@shawmedia.com Jesse Carpender, reporter 847-231-7528 jcarpender@shawmedia.com ADMINISTRATION J. Tom Shaw, publisher 630-427-6210, jtshaw@shawmedia.com Dave Lemery, managing editor 630-427-6250, dlemery@shawmedia.com ADVERTISING 847-223-8161 DISTRIBUTION 800-589-9363

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It’s been a bitter cold end to the holiday season, but kids are back at school, and it’s back to business as usual.

Though it’s closed to the public, there’s activity at Six Flags Great America as crews brave the snow to maintain the park and build a new roller coaster.

Find out what goes on behind the gates in the winter on Page 3.

See Lake County dressed in white in our gallery of reader-submitted snow photos on page X. On Page 4, Lake County Division of Transportation reveals its plan for what state and county roads around Gurnee will look like in 2040.

Stay warm by the fire of a pottery kiln at Gurnee’s Ceramics For You, where anyone can become an artist. Read

Jesse Carpender Reporter about the store on Page 8.

On Page 6, check out upcoming activities in and around Gurnee.

Visit us online for daily news, features and more at www.GurneeSuburbanLife. com and on Facebook at www. facebook.com/Gurnee SuburbanLife.

For a listing of upcoming events throughout the county, visit PlanitLake at www. planitlakecounty.com.

Gurnee Suburban Life is determined to provide you with the news you care about.

Photo provided

At the Dec. 11 Lake County Fire Chiefs Meeting, Ret. Fire Chief Sam Dada (center) was presented with his 60-year service pin from the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. In 1954, Dada followed in his father’s footsteps to become the fourth fire chief of the Gurnee Fire Department and served a total of 35 years until his retirement. Dada served on the executive boards of the Northeastern Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and the Lake County Fire Chief’s Association, and as a director of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.

COMMUNITY CORNER: JULIE WITCZAK, CARING CLOWN Gurnee has its very own Patch Adams in resident Julie Witczak, a minimal make-up clown and teacher at Deerfield’s Caruso Middle School.

Witczak isn’t your birthday party kind of clown. She’s a volunteer for Caring Clowns International, an organization that donates funds from clowning gigs to international nonprofits that help children.

In February, Witczak and three other clowns were chosen to accompany Komedy Plast, a group of Seattle-based plastic surgeons, to a hospital in Peru where the surgeons provided free plastic surgery for children in need.

Witczak and the clowns were there to lift spirits and aid healing, she said.

Witczak talked about her experience as a caring clown with Gurnee Suburban Life reporter Jesse Carpender.

What was your trip to the Peru hospital like?

I was picked as one of four people in the U.S. to go to Peru for 10 days in February. At the hospital there were 200 kids in

I don’t know Spanish. We did a lot of slapstick. I have giant Converse shoes so we had a “machine” where we’d put in a small shoe and the big shoe would come out.

The thing I remember the most was the compassion the kids had for each other.

We were handing out red noses and a kid wanted an extra nose.

It turned out he wanted it for a kid in the next room who was badly burned.

Photo provided

Julie Witczak, of Gurnee, brings joy to children in a hospital in Peru last February as a member of Caring Clowns International.

line to see if they qualified for free surgery.

I was nervous about crying.

When we got out of the taxi, we saw two kids sharing a wheelchair – but they were so happy to see us.

It’s that moment when you feel so fortunate, and fortunate to be there to make them smile.

There was a language barrier.

What makes clowning meaningful?

Volunteering is giving back with your heart, but there’s that piece of laughter, and engaging kids one-on-one so nobody feels different.

How can Gurnee teens learn to be a clown?

I’m teaching a session on clowning from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

March 16 at Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee.

For information about Caring Clown International, visit www.caringclownsinternational.org.

VISIT US ONLINE Visit our website at gurneesuburbanlife.com for breaking news, updated features and event coverage. You also can like us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/Gurnee SuburbanLife.

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@ gurneesuburbanlifecom.

WHAT’S INSIDE In Their Life...................................4 Lead story.....................................3 NewYear’sBaby...........................11 PlanItLake.....................................6 Sports.........................................19

ON THE COVER Jim Brando of Gurnee sands a fiberglass horse for the Columbia Carousel in the sign shop at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee.

(Photo by Candace H. Johnson) See more on Page 3.

3

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Six Flags maintenance crews work into winter

By JESSE CARPENDER jcarpender@shawmedia.com Once the gates close at Fright Fest’s end, most people don’t think about Gurnee’s Six Flags Great America over the winter, said Brandon Bruce, public relations specialist.

Forgotten by most visitors during the winter, the park is blanketed in white. Icicles hang from the steel coasters.

The reflecting pond freezes, and the iconic merry-goround is bagged and eventually topped with snow like a gigantic birthday cake.

Service corridors and the park’s midway are plowed, but not every nook and cranny. Smaller rides frost over, and the roller coaster cars are taken into a warehouse to be refreshed for next summer.

Although Six Flags’ employee base goes from its summer high of more than 4,000 to a winter low of 150 people, there’s still lots of work to do behind the scenes, especially for maintenance staff.

“The coaster cars are on a maintenance schedule just like your car,” Bruce said.

Mark Walaszek, mechan-

ABOVE LEFT: Figurines being rehabbed for the 2014 season are stacked together in the fiberglass shop at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. ABOVE RIGHT: Matt Schmitt of Kenosha, Wis., a ride mechanic, works on the rear car of the V2 roller coaster. ical-electrical manager, said the snow and weather are challenging in the off-season.

“We try to have everything inside before Thanksgiving,” Walaszek said. “What’s good is we have a much more regular schedule than when the park’s open.”

Gesturing around a warehouse packed with Raging Bull, Demon and other coaster cars and parts, Bruce said, “In the summer, everything you see here is out in the park.”

During the summer, the warehouses are full of games and merchandise. In another part of the building, the maintenance team strips down cars for cleaning and repairs.

Lucky for Walaszek and the crew, the coaster tracks outside don’t require winter maintenance.

Katy Enrique, communications manager, said, “The rides are meant to be outside structures. The motors are taken apart [before Thanksgiving], and some rides are

stripped to the bones. But the tracks aren’t pre-treated with anything before it snows.”

Just outside the warehouse and over the train tracks are the wooden bones of the new giant coaster, Goliath. A special crew with experience working in winter weather was brought in to build the roller coaster, Bruce said.

The ride, slated to open around Memorial Day this year, is planned to break three world records as the fastest wooden roller coaster

in the world and to feature the world’s tallest and steepest drop, according to park president Hank Salemi.

At this point in the build, the ride is about 15 percent done, Enrique said. The crew is installing wood stacks, which will act as the base for the track, into anchors which were placed before the ground froze. Each stack is built laying down and installed with a crane, Bruce said.

Hoses run through the ground attached to a machine that melts the snow around the work site.

The workers don’t have to battle any animals who make the park their winter home, Enrique said.

“We don’t get any deer,” Enrique said. “There are squirrels, raccoons, sometimes families of cats – but as soon as the park opens and people are around, they’re gone.”

Enrique said the best thing about Six Flags in the winter is to see it covered in snow.

“It’s cool to see the park totally disrupted before they plow it,” she said.

The park is slated to open in May.

• Thursday, January 9, 2014

Photos by Candace H. Johnson

The new Goliath ride, under construction on a cold day in January at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, will open this year.

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 9, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

4 PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW Christensen: Lake County is unique because of environmental issues like the lakes and wetlands. We don’t have a grid system, so moving traffic is problematic. In general, our goal is to make the system operate better.

PAULA TRIGG AND BRUCE CHRISTENSEN LAKE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION With the end of 2013, the public comment period for the Lake County Division of Transportation’s 2040 Transportation Plan also ended.

Public response has been positive regarding the plan’s emphasis on the long-anticipated Illinois Tollway project connecting Routes 53 and 120, as well as development of Lake County’s non-motorized transportation, according to Paula Trigg, director of transportation.

Trigg and Bruce Christensen, transportation coordinator and project manager, talked with Gurnee Suburban Life reporter Jesse Carpender about what the future holds for Lake County’s roadways.

Why project Lake County’s roads 26 years into the future?

Christensen: The 2040 plan is a cog in a bigger wheel. It’s our planning process after the regional initiative, which provides population forecasts and employment forecasts.

Trigg: We’re required by law to have a long-range plan.

We’re currently working on projects in our 2020 plan, and our five-year plan is the actual implementation for projects in the long-range plans. CMAP (Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning) does all the regional planning for Northeastern Illinois (and provides demographic projections).

What roadways are included in the plan?

Trigg: The maps show road networks on county highways and state highways and recommend state and county highways to be widened.

Any roadways already in the current (five-year) plan are not included and assumed to be done. This plan assumes the Route 53/120 project will be completed by 2040.

What’s the status of the proposed Illinois Route 53/120 project? (It would extend Illinois Route 53 to four lanes from Lake Cook Road to just south of Illinois Route 120 and create a Ilinois Route 120 bypass From east of Wilson Road to east of U.S. Route 45 along with other improvements.)

Trigg: The Illinois Blue Ribbon Advisory Council (made up of mayors, county board members and transportation officials) recommended that we move forward with the plan to extend Route 53 to Route 120.

We’re very excited to be working with the Illinois Tollway.

There are two studies being done – feasibility analysis, from which we expect results in one year with recommendations, and CMAP is under way with a corridor land use plan.

We should have that recommendation next week.

Christensen: There are 103,000 vehicles on Lake Cook Road each day from Route 53, and traffic is dispensed to Wisconsin or McHenry. It puts tremendous pressure on one point in the system. We’re using 2020 dollars for this proj-

What’s the next step for the 2040 plan?

Trigg: We’re reviewing public comments and will take it to the Lake County Board for adoption in the spring.

What are the major projects for 2014?

Trigg: Fairfield Road and

Photo by Jesse Carpender

Paula Trigg and Bruce Christensen stand in the room where Lake County Passage monitors the roads on video feeds at the Lake County Division of Transportation in Libertyville. ect, and the expectation is that it will be under construction in 2020. It’s not often that you work on a $2.6 billion project.

(A finance committee is researching funding feasibility.)

Trigg: We’re encouraged and hopeful that there’s momentum now.

Christensen: I’m 67, and this (53/120) has been in every transportation plan since 1962.

This is the closest it’s come to implementation.

What parts of the 2040 plan will affect Gurnee the most?

Christensen: The 53/120 project is also being called the Central Lake County corridor, and that would affect Gurnee.

South of Grayslake, it will split east and west to Route 12 and hook into 120 in the east.

We’ve incorporated some bicycle path plans that the village of Gurnee has adapted into our plan. Gurnee has been a more active community in Lake County when it comes to providing bike paths.

The market study of existing Pace bus routes recommended a Gurnee shuttle that will certainly help Gurnee, because it has the large generators of Gurnee Mills and Six Flags. Pace routes had not been looked at in 30 years, and Lake County’s population center has shifted with so much

growth in the western part of the county like Round Lake.

We’re pushing for an extension of the Metra service up to Wadsworth. We did analysis a few years back and recommended that to Metra.

What were the most important factors to consider when creating the plan?

Christensen: We know it’s critical to connect people to jobs. We think there are a lot of people finding it difficult to get to work, particularly the elderly or physically impaired.

One of the things that holds the suburbs back is that our development does not support traditional bus routes. We’ve responded to that with Call N Ride (for eligible people, like seniors and those with disabilities), which enables residents to phone bus drivers directly, and by offering some deviated bus routes which have a fixedroute system that drivers can go off for certain parts of the day.

Trigg: We’re working with CMAP to create more dense developments in Lake County (to support public transportation.

Arlington Heights and Palatine are examples of highly developed areas.) There’s been redevelopment in Libertyville, and Mundelein got a grant for a study.

176, Rollins Road and Route 83, Delany Road and Sunset Avenue. Completing the Washington Street corridor.

We have two more projects planned between Lake Street and Hainesville Road to widen Washington to two lanes.

Petersen Road corridor will be widened from Route 45 to Route 83 and from Route 83 to Alleghany Road.

What do you observe about roads in your own towns?

Trigg: (In Waukegan) I see a lot more people walking or riding bicycles – that’s why we’re working so hard on our bike network and improving bike route safety. It’s a healthy choice and an environmental choice, so we want to support that.

Christensen: (In Wauconda) I see Route 12. My parents moved to Lake County in 1952 when I was five, and Route 12 is the same today as it was in 1952 with more traffic. There’s a tremendous need for a capacity increase.

What do you want people to understand about transportation?

Trigg: That even a simple project takes six years or more. It takes a lot of planning. We used to just build a road. Now we make cosmetic improvements, non-motorized options and consider what’s best for that community. It’s different than it used to be.

See Lake County Division of Transportation’s full 2040 Transportation Plan at www. lakecountyil.gov/transportation.

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Two of Illinois’ biggest and most controversial laws passed in 2013 – concealed-carry gun permits and medicinal marijuana – which officially took effect Jan. 1.

However, their impact won’t be seen for months, according to government agencies.

Illinois State Police began to accept online applications to carry a concealed handgun starting Jan. 5, and recently announced the acceptance of paper applications beginning July 1.

More than 2,000 registered concealed-carry instructors already are listed on the State Police website, spokeswoman Monique Bond said, but the first permits won’t be issued until early April.

“It could be sooner, but we

are going to use the full 90 days to give us enough time to make sure we do it right,” Bond said.

In order to obtain a standard five-year concealed-carry permit, Illinois residents must already have a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card, pay a $150 fee, submit to a background check, and undergo 16 hours of firearm training with a certified instructor.

Applications will be processed by the State Police, which will issue or deny the card within 90 days. Denied applications will be reviewed by the governor-appointed Concealed Carry Licensing Board, whose members have yet to be named.

For similar reasons, medicinal marijuana will not be accessible until well past Jan. 1.

Not only will there be a time lapse to process applications for distribution and cultivation

overseeing different aspects of the law.

Arnold said progress is slow, • A new $50 minimum fine for littering, including cigarette butts however. Even key elements of • Interstate speed limits increased to 70 mph the law, such as how to approve • People younger than 18 cannot use tanning equipment dispensaries and certification • Regarding child pornography possession, each individual item counts as a requirements, remain undecidseparate violation ed.

• Public school sexual education classes for sixth through 12th-graders must “It’s not going to happen cover abstinence and contraception overnight,” she said. “[The • Drones can be used by law enforcement for a missing person search if it delay] really is because of the is not a criminal investigation, or if the agency is using the drone solely for [magnitude] of it and making crime scene photography sure we are responsible and do • 17-year-olds can vote in a primary election if they will be 18 by the upcom- it in a responsible way.” ing general election While still a long way off, • School districts can install cameras on school buses to track drivers who the eventual effects of both pass stopped buses illegally concealed carry and medicinal • Those who buy a pet with an undisclosed illness can receive a refund, remarijuana will be significant, placement or reimbursement for reasonable veterinary costs from the seller according to the laws’ proponents and opponents.

• Law enforcement outside their jurisdiction can conduct temporary quesRichard Pearson, exectioning or make an arrest if they become aware of the immediate commitutive director of the Illinois ment of a criminal offense State Rifle Association, said he expected that the state centers, Illinois Department of moving pieces,” Arnold said. would see a decline in the Public Health spokeswoman “We’re working as quick- crime rate as more gun ownMelaney Arnold said, but gov- ly as we can to get it out.” ers are allowed to carry a ernment agencies still are deter- The Department of Public weapon on their person.

Those worried about mining the specifics of the law’s Health is in charge of the certification process for doctors a n i n c r e a s e i n g u n s o n implementation.

“I would like to give a time and patients, but several other See LAWS, page 9 frame, but there are so many departments and agencies are

Other new laws as of Jan. 1

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Effects of new laws will take months to show

5

EVENTS

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 9, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

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5 T I N A L THE P KS

TOP PIC S ’ K E E THIS W O DO T S G N I FOR TH UND O R A & IN NTY U O C E K LA

1

WINDY CITY WEDDING SHOW

WHERE: Holiday Inn Gurnee Convention Center, 6161 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday Jan. 12 COST & INFO: $15 a person. This wedding expo has more than 250 wedding professionals on hand to answer all wedding needs, from Chicago bridal salons to honeymoon travel specialists. Also attend the fashion show featuring the latest dresses from David’s Bridal and formal wear from The Men’s Warehouse. For information, call 847-278-1050 or visit windycityweddingshow.com.

GRANDWOOD PARK PARK DISTRICT CRAFT NIGHT

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WHERE: Grandwood Park Community Center, 36630 N. Hutchins Road, Gurnee WHEN: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 COST & INFO: 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. Cost is $10. For information, visit www.grandwoodpark.net/programs.

4 KARAOKE NIGHT WHERE: Savanna House, 38905 Route 41, Wadsworth WHEN: 9:30 p.m.

Saturdays COST & INFO: Bring friends out and sing along to favorite karaoke tunes. Enjoy the drink specials and dinner from Savanna House’s large menu. Free admission.

JUMP & JAM FRIDAYS

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WHERE: Jump America, 880 Lakeside Drive, Gurnee WHEN: 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday COST & INFO: $15 a person. There’s plenty of jumping and jamming going on Fridays at Jump America.

Admission includes a live DJ, three hours of jump time and access to more than 16,000 square feet of trampolines including two dodge-ball courts, foam jumping pit, kids zone and more. For information, visit www.JumpAmerica.com.

NAMI SUPPORT MEETING

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WHERE: Warren-Newport Public Library, 224 N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 COST & INFO: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Lake County is a non-proit, self-help organization of families, friends, users of mental health services and professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons affected by neurobiological brain disorders (commonly known as mental illnesses), such as schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, autism and depression.

This free meeting offers support to families and friends.

NAMI membership is not required to attend.

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Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

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| Gurnee Suburban Life

8

Photos provided

A Gurnee Days Great Gurnee Adventure team stopped at Ceramics For You last year for a painting challenge.

Become an artist at Ceramics For You “A lot of people told me to open up in Gurnee, that it was too far to Antioch,” she Painters of all ability levsaid. “Antioch is more of a els leave Gurnee’s Ceramics destination, where [in] GurnFor You feeling a great sense ee people are out shopping of accomplishment, said and stumble upon us.”

Tracy Schultz, owner of the The studios offer unpaintpaint-your-own-pottery store. ed bisque pieces in all kinds “It’s funny because when of shapes – from plates and they pick up their piece, cups to animals and seasonal whether [the art] is good or decor. Patrons can select a bad, they’ll look at it like it’s piece to paint as they wish, the best thing in the world,” but employees have tips and said Schultz, of Lindenhurst. techniques if help is wanted, “It’s a way for them to create Schultz said. their own unique master“People will say, ‘I’m not piece.” an artist,’ but the cool thing Gurnee’s Ceramics For about ceramics is that [the You opened in October 2012. design] can be as detailed Before that, Schultz owned or as simple as they want,” Ceramics For You in Antioch Schultz said. for six years.

The most popular piece to Peg Bora of Gurnee never paint is a simple white plate. minded driving her sons “It’s a blank canvas for Connor Bora and Shane them,” she said.

Bora to Ceramics For You Some of the better painted in Antioch. But, she’s happy pieces are made when somethere’s a store closer to home one comes in with an idea of now. what they want to do, like a “Connor’s been doing plate with the Chicago BlackTracy’s summer camps for hawks logo, she said. Many years,” Peg Bora said. “I people come in to make a gift like that she works with all for someone. different mediums [in the “It’s an easy way to camps] -- clay, glass, pottery personalize. If they like the wheels. Being a parent, I color blue, flowers and a cerlove that they can experience tain saying, you know what different things.” to do,” she said.

Schultz said there was If patrons aren’t sure high demand for her to what to paint, staffers can open a Gurnee location, and suggest trending inspirashe continues to operate tions like the song by Ylvis, the shops in both locations “What Does The Fox Say?” today.

“Foxes started becom-

By JESSE CARPENDER

jcarpender@shawmedia.com

Photo provided

Sawyer Langille paints at Ceramics For You last year in Gurnee. ing popular because of that song,” Schultz said. “Lately we see lots of things with monograms.”

Schultz said painting pottery brings people together.

Her studios host families, friends – even lovers.

“It makes a great date night,” she said. “We had an anniversary couple come in and paint things for each other.”

Before becoming the studio owner, Schultz was a regular of Antioch’s Ceramics For You. She befriended the owner, Judy Fletcher, bought a kiln

and was offering on-the-go services when Fletcher asked her if she wanted to buy the business. Eventually, Schultz gave in.

“I love people and I love art,” Schultz said.

Fletcher, of Salem, Wis. said, “When these [pottery painting] stores became popular in the 90s, it was a new thing. Before that, ceramics was for little old ladies.”

Creating bisque molds was a hobby of Fletcher’s mother, and now Fletcher’s daughter and granddaughter do it too.

“I find it peaceful,” Fletch-

er said. “You buy molds and cast the clay.”

Fletcher still supplies some pieces to the Ceramics For You locations.

The studio offers parties, classes and special events like ladies’ nights. The next class, on painting Stanley the Snowman, will be at 6 p.m.

Jan. 16 at the Gurnee location, 6695 Grand Ave. Call 847-855-2022 to register.

Beginning later this year, Ceramics For You also will offer canvas painting, Schultz said.

For information, visit www.ceramicsforyou.net.

• LAWS the street needn’t be, he said.

“You’re looking at people who have gone through extensive training and gone through the same background checks that a police officer gets,” he said.

Colleen Daley, executive director for the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence and an opponent of the bill, said that while the law has some positives, such as increased background checks, extensive training requirements and prohibited locations, its effect is unclear.

She said she expects to see lawsuits challenge the law but said people need to be educated.

“People are going to be

9

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Continued from page 5

around others who are carrying legal, loaded guns,” she said.

“Some are deeply concerned, some aren’t, but the average citizen should be aware that something like this is happening.”

Eldon Trame, president of the Illinois State Medical Society, said many of the more than 12,000 current and retired doctors in his organization were taking a “waitand-see” attitude toward medicinal marijuana and that members were neither encouraged nor discouraged from prescribing it.

“Some physicians are very much in favor of the law, and some are very much not in favor of the law,” he said. “But I, at least, will certainly have an open eye and open mind to this.”

• Thursday, January 9, 2014

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GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 9, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

10

Photo provided by Erik Jensen

LEFT: It was a snowmen’s tea party at Reese Mates’ home in Barrington Hills.

ABOVE: River Trail School in Gurnee sits undisturbed under a blanket of snow.

Shaw Media’s humor columnist Judi Veoukas’ husband, Stan, is “blowing out the candle on his birthday cake” in Lake Villa.

Winter wonderland?

Because of freezing temperatures early this week, there were closures of Gurnee schools and services – including districts 50, 56 and 121 and Warren-Newport Public Library. A number of programs at Gurnee Park District also were canceled.

The National Weather Service issued a winter chill warning for the

northeastern Illinois region from 6 p.m. Sunday to noon Tuesday.

Gurnee Suburban Life asked readers to submit their snow photos through Facebook and email.

To share photos with Gurnee Suburban Life, email editorial@ gurneesuburbanlife.com, and you might see them in print.

Photos provided

Patton Hawkins’ pups enjoy playing in the snow in Beach Park.

11

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

NEW YEAR, NEW LIFE Crystal Lake couple welcomes Lake County’s first baby of the year

By TARAH THORNE tthorne@shawmedia.com Lake County’s first baby of the new year was born at 12:31 a.m. Jan. 1 at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington.

Baby Maci Joyce Curtin weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces.

The New Year’s newborn was 20 inches long.

First-time parents Erin and Jason Curtin checked in to the hospital early afternoon Dec. 31. Erin Curtin, 29, was in labor for about 12 hours. Baby Maci was delivered two days after she was due.

Lake County’s second baby was delivered just two minutes later – at 12:33 a.m. on New Year’s Day at NorthShore University HealthSystem Highland Park Hospital, officials said.

Advocate spokeswoman Ro Ostergaard said Good Shepherd’s next New Year’s baby was not delivered until several hours later, around 3 p.m.

Maci Joyce Curtin 12:31 a.m. Jan. 1, 2014 6 pounds, 4 ounces • 20 inches

BELOW: Erin and Jason Curtin of Crystal Lake hold their newborn Maci, the first child of the new year born in Lake County.

• Thursday, January 9, 2014

Photos by Kyle Grillot - kgrillot@shawmedia.com

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 9, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

12

Pace modifies several Lake County bus routes • Route 561 Castlecrest via • Route 571 Zion: schedule McAree: schedule changes changes and route adjustments • Route 562 Gurnee via Sunset: in Zion and downtown Wauke-

LAKE COUNTY SUBURBAN LIFE editorial@lakecountysuburbanlife.com A service restructuring effort spanning several months that involved collaboration among Pace, Lake County, the College of Lake County and other local stakeholders – along with surveying and other public input – is now under way.

Modified bus services became available throughout the county Dec. 22.

Although the scale and scope of changes varies by route, the goal of the project was to respond to changes in demand by updating the decades-old service model for the county’s bus service. Many of the timing and routing changes are designed to improve on-time performance, which has been plagued by rail crossings and an overall increase in traffic on county roads.

“Improving on-time performance and service reliability is critical to attracting and retain-

schedule changes

gan

• Route 563 Great Lakes Naval • Route 572 Waukegan GraysStation: schedule changes and lake Westfield Hawthorn: Will minor routing changes

no longer operate south of Col-

• Route 564 Jackson/14th: lege of Lake County (eliminatschedule changes and minor ed route portion to be covered routing changes by new Route 574), more fre• Route 565 Grand Avenue: quent service, new extension to extended to the College of Lake Waukegan Metra Station, new County, more frequent service, route name, (Washington) later evening service and a • Route 574 Hawthorn College routing change at Gurnee Mills of Lake County: All-new route Photo provided • Route 568 Belvidere: sched- covers former southern portion Changes to the Pace schedule went into effect Dec. 22. ule changes and minor routing of current Route 572 routing changes and will provide service once ing riders,” said Pace ChairPassenger notices detailing • Route 569 Lewis: service per hour Monday through Satman Richard Kwasneski. “We the changes for each route, frequency reduced from 30 urday worked with riders and other along with updated bus sched- minutes to 60 minutes during • Round Lake Area Call-n-Ride: stakeholders to build a plan ules, are being distributed. Pas- midday schedule changes that will improve on-time per- sengers also can see the new • Route 570 Fox Lake Gurnee • Vernon Hills Mundelein Callformance, ease connections be- schedules and notices at www. Mills via CLC: Will no longer op- n-Ride: schedule changes tween bus routes and increase PaceBus.com. erate between College of Lake • Downtown Waukegan bus service on corridors with heavy The changes can be summa- County and Gurnee Mills (this stop changes: Passengers must demand.” rized as follows: connection to be provided by board and exit buses at postThe service changes were • Route 272 Milwaukee Ave- new Route 565 extension), and ed bus stop signs. Also, routes discussed at a pair of public nue North: weekday schedule new route name (Fox Lake 565, 571 and 572 extended to the hearings in August. changes CLC) Waukegan Metra Station.

Court receives grant to keep nonviolent offenders out of prison LAKE COUNTY SUBURBAN LIFE editorial@lakecountysuburbanlife.com Counties across Illinois, including Lake, will receive nearly $7 million to divert nonviolent offenders out of prison and into community services, according to a Dec. 30 news release from the Office of Gov. Pat Quinn.

The money will be chan-

neled through Adult Redeploy Illinois, the release said, which provides financial incentives to counties or judicial circuits to create or expand diversion programs.

Of Adult Redeploy Illinois’ 18 grants covering 34 counties, the Lake County Circuit Court will receive $215,835.

“Community-based programs are more cost-effective

and produce better results in rehabilitating non-violent offenders,” Quinn said. “Everyone benefits when we can help offenders turn their lives around and become productive members of society without filling up our prisons.”

Adult Redeploy Illinois, administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), provides fi-

nancial incentives to counties or judicial circuits to create or expand diversion programs that employ evidence-based practices and encourage the successful local supervision of eligible offenders.

The results are better outcomes for offenders which improves public safety at a lower cost to taxpayers, according to a release.

The awards were determined by the Adult Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board.

“Adult Redeploy Illinois was built on evidence-based practices that give non-violent offenders the tools and services they need to turn away from crime while saving the state millions in incarceration costs,” ICJIA Executive Director Jack Cutrone said.

By LAKE COUNTY SUBURBAN LIFE editorial@lakecountysuburbanlife.com GRAYSLAKE – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Jan. 3 that it awarded Lake County Housing Authority $150,977 grant to help residents receiving housing assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program gain access to education, job training and employment.

“I’m excited about the success of our clients has had as it relates to Family Self-Sufficiency,” said LCHA Executive Director/ CEO David A. Northern, Sr. “This grant award will ensure more of our clients will be able to obtain

Family Self-Sufficiency.”

HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency Program (HCV-FSS) helps public housing authorities across the country hire or retain more than one thousand service coordinators who will work directly with families to connect them to the supportive services that meet their individual needs and to become gainfully employed.

Lake County has three HCVFSS grant funded positions.

“This is a modest investment that can make a world of difference for families looking to find their path to self-sufficiency,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

For information, visit www. lakecountyha.org.

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• Thursday, January 9, 2014

WAUKEGAN – Two Lake County men were arrested on felony drug charges after allegedly posting a Craigslist ad selling prescription pills.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office learned about the post – that listed 120 Hydrocodone pills for sale for $360 – from the McHenry Police Department.

Detectives from Lake County met Thomas Brown, 20, of Lake Villa, and Daniel Swan, 22, of Fox Lake, at a Walgreens in Fox Lake to purchase the pills.

Both Brown and Swan were charged with unlawful possession of a look-alike substance and possession with the intent to deliver.

Brown also was charged with

unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brown attempted to evade arrest by ramming a minivan he was driving into an unmarked squad car, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. He was stopped a short time later.

For that, he also was charged with criminal damage to government supported property, resisting arrest, aggravated reckless driving and a handful of other traffic offenses, including driving without insurance and on a suspended license and leaving the scene of an accident.

Neither man had posted bond as of Jan. 2. Brown needs $2,500 to be released from the Lake County Jail, and Swan needs $500.

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Discover the

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Police: Two tried to sell drugs through Craigslist

“If someone’s determined to really hurt another person, a piece of paper certainly isn’t going to shake logic into their thought process.”

| Gurnee Suburban Life

Rep. Barbara Wheeler, R-Crystal Lake, sponsor of bill

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 9, 2014

14

Grieving family seeks change in domestic abuse law

By CHELSEA McDOUGALL cmcdougall@shawmedia.com The first time he attacked her, Diane Kephart’s ex-boyfriend pinned her down, held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her.

She managed to break free from the man.

Shaken and scared, the Vernon Hills woman obtained an order of protection and moved in with her parents in Antioch.

Just a month later, on March 15, Paul Neff ignored that court order and followed through with the threat he had made just one month earlier.

According to media reports, Neff, armed with a 6-inch, butcher-style knife, paced outside Kephart’s parents’ home. When she left for work, he attacked and killed

her as her parents slept. Neff, 57, of Mundelein, later killed himself.

Kephart, a mother and grandmother who was described as selfless and too good to see the bad in people, was one week away from turning 62.

As Kephart’s daughter, 27-year-old Jamie, learns to live in a world without her mother, she’s determined not to let Diane’s death be in vain, not to let her become another statistic.

Jamie Kephart is working with state Rep. Barbara Wheeler, R-Crystal Lake, on a new law that would change the criminal code to provide that judges, as a condition of bond, can place GPS monitoring devices on defendants charged with a slew of violent crimes. Those crimes include aggravated domestic battery,

which Neff was charged with after the knife incident with Diane Kephart.

Neff was charged in Lake County but posted 10 percent of his $50,000 bail and was released. A month later, Diane Kephart was killed in her parents’ driveway, which is in Wheeler’s district.

“We just think that had things been different, this [proposed law] could have possibly saved her,” Jamie Kephart said. “We can’t say that for sure, but going forward, we don’t want anyone else to go through what we had to endure.”

The bill – HB3744 – is one of the first major pieces of legislation for Wheeler, a freshman lawmaker.

Simply put, an order of protection doesn’t go far enough, she said.

“That order of protection,

it’s just a joke,” Wheeler said.

“It’s a piece of paper. If someone’s determined to really hurt another person, a piece of paper certainly isn’t going to shake logic into their thought process.”

In crafting the bill, Wheeler consulted McHenry-based criminal defense attorney Ed Donahue. The option to use GPS monitoring as a condition of bond is already available but rarely used, Donahue said.

“The law makes it incumbent upon the judge determining bond to make a finding whether it’s appropriate [to order GPS monitoring],” Donahue said.

Advocates of the HB3744 pointed to an altercation that is eerily similar to Kephart’s.

Earlier in December, a Crystal Lake woman was held hostage by an ex-boyfriend in her

mother’s Arlington Heights home.

Eric Anderson, of Niles, also was ignoring an order of protection and found the woman at her mother’s house.

He shot at officers, who fired back and killed him. The woman and her mother were unharmed.

Anderson was out on bail for harassing the woman.

“These are people’s lives/ These are not statistics.

They’re real people. They’re real stories,” Jamie Kephart said. “I just don’t want to see this happen to someone else.”

As the bill sits in the House Rules Committee, Donahue, Jamie Kephart and her brother, Tom, are expected to testify before in January or February in Springfield.

HB3744 also recently was sponsored by state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo.

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| Gurnee Suburban Life

Children, parents can get fit together

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 9, 2014

16

Almost everyone makes the resolution to get active, be more fit, hit the gym more. Instead of resolving to work out more, why not resolve to work your children out more and hit some of the open gyms in our area.

It’s a great way to beat cabin fever and wear those little ones out. Hopefully, they will have so much fun that they nap the afternoon away and you can work out, or work on your resolution.

Parent/Tot Gym 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays Sullivan Community Center Gym, 635 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills If you have an early riser, this is the gym for you as it starts earlier than any other.

Drop in and enjoy toys, scooters, big wheels, balls and more. For ages 1 through 4. Cost is $3 a resident, $4 per non resident. Call the Vernon Hills Park District for information at 847-996-6800.

Tot Open Gym 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays Grayslake Recreation Center, 240 Commerce Drive, Grayslake Open, unstructured, parent-supervised playtime.

Drop in for ages 6 and younger. Cost is $3 per resident or $5 non resident (free for parents). Call the Grayslake Community Park District at 847-223-7529 for information.

Toddler Open Gym 9 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays Hunt Club Community Center, 920 North Hunt Club Road, Gurnee Bring your toddler to play with scooters, beanbags, balls and more. Fee is $3 a

Melissa Haak

resident and $4 per non resident child (free for parents).

Call the Gurnee Park District at 847-623-7788 for information.

Imagination Playground Open Play 10 a.m. to noon, first and third Tuesday of the month Leisure Center Sports Arena, 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion Trained staff are on site to facilitate creative play during the open hours. For ages 2 through 12. Cost is $2 a child, accompanying adult free. Call the Zion Park District at 847-746-5500 for information.

If you have older children, many of the local gymnastics studios offer weekly or monthly open gyms on Fridays, and most park districts have open basketball time.

With winter just getting started, we’ll be visiting all these and more to keep everyone from climbing the walls of my house! You can find more things to do at the Little Lake County Calendar at www.littlelakecounty. com/calendar.

• Melissa Haak blogs about fun and educational activities kids and their parents can enjoy in or close by Lake County. She lives in Grayslake with her husband and children. Email her at lcjedit@lakecountyjournal. com or visit her blog at littlelakecounty.com.

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SAFE HOUSE Farm may have ties to gangsters, Underground Railroad activity

By STEPHANIE KOHL editorial@lakecountysuburbanlife.com

ABOVE: Barrington’s SafeHouse Farm, 25550 W. Cuba Road, was built prior to the Civil War. The farm’s name is derived from its possible connection to the Underground Railroad.

LEFT: In 1934, the FBI bricked up the entrance and exit to a tunnel at SafeHouse Farm before collapsing the structure.

Photos provided

to me, ‘If you ever find Baby Face Nelson’s machine gun, it would be worth a million,’ ” Tomaszek said.

What: The Olde Alpaca In 1934, the FBI bricked Shoppe at SafeHouse Farm up the entrance and exit to Where: 25550 W. Cuba Road, the tunnel and collapsed it.

Barrington Tomaszek said in spring and When: 3 to 6 p.m. Wednessummer, indentations in the days; noon to 6 p.m. Thursland indicate where the tundays; 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays; and nel might have been.

1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Although whether or not the tunnel was actually used as part of the Underground tunnel in the event they need- Railroad is unconfirmed, Toed to escape. Tomaszek said maszek said he was told if he he is not sure whether there is ever gets into the tunnel, he any truth to this tale. should look for fish bones.

“An FBI agent once said Since that is what the escap-

If you go

Special Kids Day is a non-for-profit organization providing celebratory events for children with disabilities and their families in environments designed to accommodate their special needs.

ing slaves were often fed, it could provide some confirmation about the tunnel, he said.

SafeHouse Farm is not Tomaszek’s first run-in with possible gangster connections, he said.

“I grew up in the city, and behind my grandmother’s house was a factory people rented out, and one time the mob rented it,” he said.

Tomaszek’s grandmother sometimes chatted with the gangsters and once overheard that Baby Face Nelson hated his nickname and preferred to be called Jimmy, Tomaszek said.

Our events are always free for the children and their families.

To help our mission, donations may be made on our website

www.specialkidsday.org For questions email us at: info@specialkidsday.org

• Thursday, January 9, 2014

BARRINGTON – Ever since Jim and Karen Tomaszek moved into SafeHouse Farm in 2001, people have been stopping by to regale them with stories about the home.

While all they know about the history of the home is rumor and lore, the Tomaszeks still find it interesting. Among the tales of the home include connections to notorious gangster Baby Face Nelson and the Underground Railroad.

“When we moved in, we were not told anything about the gangsters,” said Jim Tomaszek.

SafeHouse Farm is now home to an Alpaca farm and is one of the largest alpaca breeders in the state, with 50 alpacas on site.

In 2013, they opened The Olde Alpaca Shoppe at SafeHouse Farm, carrying a full clothing line, including socks, hats, scarves, sweaters, gloves, blankets, rugs and home-grown yarn.

According to things Tomaszek has heard, the original home on SafeHouse Farm burned down before the Civil War. When the home was rebuilt, a tunnel was dug from the basement to the woods behind the house.

The tunnel may have been used as part of the Underground Railroad system, helping escaped slaves flee from the south to northern free

states and Canada.

“That’s why we call it SafeHouse Farm,” Tomaszek said.

“It was [possibly] a slave escape route, and now it’s a safe house for alpacas.”

In November 1934, there was a running gun battle on U.S. Route 14 between Baby Face Nelson and other gangsters and FBI agents, sometimes referred to as the Battle of Barrington. Baby Face Nelson spotted FBI agents heading toward him, and when they passed, made a U-turn and began chasing them.

After a while, the two vehicles ended up in the area that is now Langendorf Park, where they engaged in a shootout.

Baby Face Nelson killed the two FBI agents and was shot himself.

“By all accounts, Nelson was shot 17 times before he collapsed,” Tomaszek said.

Nelson escaped and was transported by his fellow gangsters to a safe house in Wilmette, where he died.

According to stories Tomaszek has been told, while police were investigating the incident, they allegedly asked around about where Baby Face Nelson was hiding out.

He is alleged to have been staying at what is now known as SafeHouse Farm, at 25550 W. Cuba Road.

It is possible that reputed gangsters like John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson had heard about the underground tunnel at SafeHouse Farm and were interested in using the

17

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

“

That’s why we call it SafeHouse Farm. It was [possibly] a slave escape route, and now it’s a safe house for alpacas.

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 9, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

18

The kick continues for the Catlow Theater In-house effort raising money for remodeling

By TARAH THORNE tthorne@shawmedia.com BARRINGTON – It’s an old theater with a fresh face. While the Catlow becomes more and more modernized, theater owner Tim O’Connor shares the one historical aspect he refuses to change.

“It will always be a one screen theater,” O’Connor said.

The Catlow Kickstarter campaign raised over $150,000 to keep the theater open in July 2012 when O’Connor realized it would take drastic measures to afford a digital projection system. All new films would be digital-only and O’Connor said he had no other option.

O’Connor and fiance, Roberta Repata had mentioned to bank personnel that theater may need a loan to modernize and stay open – but the bank’s response was worrysome.

“They asked what we would use for collateral,” O’Connor said. “That seemed like a pretty good indication that we needed to seek alternative funding.”

The digital projector would cost $100,000 and Barrington resident Cindy Waltenspiel said she immediately donated $100 to keep the theater running.

“My husband, Herb, and I had been visiting the Catlow for 10 years,” Waltenspiel said.

“I didn’t want to see it close.”

O’Connor said 1,393 other generous donors followed suit and the Kickstarter campaign achieved its $100,000 goal in less than one week.

“We spent every last dollar on this huge upgrade project, plus another $30,000 of our own” O’Connor said. “The support was a huge surprise for us.”

Having now installed a digital projector, a new movie screen, electrical lighting and 200 new seats, as well as upgrading surround sound and media equipment, remodeling the lobby, expanding the women’s bathroom, and repainting the large Main Street vertical sign and marquee outside the theater, O’Connor said it has been a labor of love fulfilling

“

“So many people saw their first movie or had their first date here.”

Cindy Waltenspiel owner

“We want to see it survive for future generaitons.”

Tim O’Connor owner

the Catlow’s promise to its donors.

Donors received compensation for their gifts in the form of movie passes, refreshments, Boloney’s meals, photo and name listings and low-priced onscreen ads for business owners. More big ticket favors included a private movie party for up to 200 people or the opportunity to be the theater’s projectionist for a night before the digital conversion.

“One donor had his entire group of friends and family visit to see the Blues Brothers,” O’Connor said.

Waltenspiel has visited the Catlow post-remodel and said she was quite impressed.

“The movies are very clear and the sound is great,” Waltenspiel said. “You can see the feature from any seat. Plus, the seats are comfortable with cup holders – something we had always wished for in the past.”

The Waltenspiels recently purchased two new seats for the Catlow and received four movie passes and four free Boloney’s sandwiches in return.

Cindy Waltenspiel said the Reuben sandwich is the couple’s favorite, and they make sure to arrive at the theater early to secure their new seats with their name plates on the back.

“It makes us feel special,” Cindy Waltenspiel said. “It’s a beautiful, ornate theater and the owners are very kind. Tim and Roberta make us feel like a part of the Catlow family.”

The Waltenspiels vote online for the new movies they would like to see at the Catlow and Cindy Waltenspiel said she would like to continue visiting

“

to see a movie at least twice a month – more often in the summer months.

“I would love for the Catlow to continue to flourish while keeping its original charm, warmth and great prices,” Cindy Waltenspiel said.

An additional in-house Catlow campaign for new seats wrapped up Tuesday, Dec. 31 and O’Connor said this campaign raised enough money for 222 new seats to be installed in the next few months.

Prior to the Kickstarter campaign, the Catlow housed 706 retro theater seats. It now has 625 seats – a mix of old and new – and O’Connor said the number of total seats will continue to decrease as new seats are purchased and installed.

“We would rather have people sit comfortably than feel cramped the whole time,” O’Connor said. “We are leaving extra room for wheelchair patrons and walkers.”

O’Connor said anyone who wishes to preserve some of the old seats in the Catlow can purchase a name plate for their seat and it will stay as is. Moreover, O’Connor will be selling non-reserved old seats once the newer replacements are installed – much like he did with the first installation in June.

“The last batch literally flew out the door,” O’Connor said.

“One man bought an entire row for his home theater.

Others bought the old seats for their business waiting rooms, homes or as gifts for friends and family. They’re a hot item.”

O’Connor said he hopes the upgrades will bring in a more

Tarah Thorne – tthorne@shawmedia.com

ABOVE: The Catlow Theater has been open at 116 West Main Street in Barrington since 1927.

LEFT: Cindy Waltenspiel is one of hundreds of Barrington community members who have donated seats to the Catlow Theater. Waltenspiel enjoyed a showing of “The Hunger Games 2” on Jan. 4.

Photo provided

continuous flow of business and allow the theater to become self sufficient.

“We want to avoid having to bother anyone by asking for financial assistance ever again,” O’Connor said.

The Catlow owner echoed Cindy Waltenspiel’s appreciation for the theater’s historical charm.

“So many people saw their first movie or had their first

date here,” O’Connor said. “It’s one of the last single screen theaters in the area – an anchor to the community – and it would be a shame to see anything bad happen to this building.”

O’Connor said that for as long as he owns the Catlow, he will do whatever he can to keep it alive and thriving.

“We want to see it survive for future generations,” O’Connor said.

By GURNEE SUBURBAN LIFE editorial@gurneesuburbanlife.com

Photo provided

Celebrating a first place combined team finish at the recent Hawaiian Pineapple Meet in Schaumburg are the Level 9 and 10 girls from Ultimate Gymnastics of Gurnee. Pictured are (from left) Katie Schroeder (L9), Carrie Grumhaus (L9), Ally Hoyer (L10), Emily Basara (L10) and Lauren Marshall (L10). bar title, while her sister, Gabrielle, competing in the 13 and older age group, won four gold medals, with just the vault title eluding her. That honor went to Leah Medenwaldt, who also tied with Gabrielle for gold on beam. Jessica Pasquesi shared the top spot on floor and placed second in the all around.

In the Level 4 session, Ultimate girls took top all-around honors in all age groups, with Isabella Ross,8, Anna Becker 9, Ana Raquel, 10, Madeline Medica, 11, and Sophie Prozument, 12, all celebrating wins. There also was a first place finish for Lucia Rodriguez on floor exercise in the 11-year-old division.

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Level 5 girls took runner up honors in the team competition, and 9-year-old Ashley Derrick won four gold medals in her age group, including all around.

In the 10-year-old division, Kayleigh Glickley was second in all-around, and Amanda Britton won gold on vault. Carlyn Berke, 11, took home three bronze medals; Gianna Pasquesi was runner up on beam.

Jordan Ann Scott was third on vault among 13-year-olds.

The Level 3 girls, coming off a strong performance at the Make a Wish meet, also took second place as a team. Emma Haas, 9, was second in the allaround, runner up on bars and third on beam. Madison Miks took bronze on floor. In the 8-year-old division on floor, Chloe Byrne took gold, and bronze went to Jamie Santos.

Maddie Friel, 10, took the beam title and third on floor and all around, and there was a bronze for 7-year-old Julia Blasinski, also on floor.

Sylvia Raquel, Level 8, won gold on beam and floor exercise.

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The girls from Ultimate Gymnastics were basking in the warmth of some well-earned success at the recent Hawaiian Pineapple Meet.

The competition, held in Schaumburg, was the perfect opportunity for the Gurnee-based gymnasts to showcase their routines as the 2013-2014 season gets under way.

Foremost among the successes was a first-place finish for the combined Level 9 and 10 teams. Between them, the three Level 10 girls and two Level 9 gymnasts won a total of 12 gold, six silver and two bronze medals. Celebrating a clean sweep of all five gold medals was Gurnee’s Emily Basara. The Warren High School Junior took top honors on all four events and in the all-around in the 17 and older age group. Meanwhile, her Level 10 teammates Lauren Marshall and Ally Hoyer split the five gold medals between them in the 14-16-year-old age

group. At Level 9, all-around gold went to Lake Forest’s Carrie Grumhaus, who also placed first on beam and second on vault. Katie Schroeder came away with silver medals on bars and floor exercise.

Three other teams also celebrated first place finishes at the meet. The Level 4, 6 and 7 teams all came out on top in their respective sessions. At Level 6, two gymnasts claimed all around gold. Olivia Roebuck took the top spot in the 11-yearold division and placed first on floor and beam. Lea Alatzakis won all-around gold in the 13 and over age group with first place on beam and vault and silver on bars and floor exercise.

Top honors on floor went to Delaney Jones. In the 12-year-old division, Riley Finnegan placed second in all around and tied for silver on beam with Katelyn Chung.

At Level 7, Grace Miller won the all-around title in the 12-year-old age group and was first on beam. Teammate Sabrina Panlaqui took the uneven

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Gurnee gymnasts turn up the heat at Hawaiian meet

19

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 9, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

20

MORE BEARS COVERAGE AT HUBARKUSH.COM

Just how far away from Playoffs are Bears?

Hub Arkush

Of the 12 teams that started the 2013 playoffs, the Bears only played four of them. In five games against Green Bay (2), Cincinnati, New Orleans and Philadelphia, the Bears were 2-3.

The Bengals game was the first game of the season and the Bengals did as much or more to lose it as the Bears did to win it, kind of like Cincinnati’s third consecutive first round playoff exit last Sunday.

Their other win over the Packers was accomplished without Aaron Rodgers as quarterback. Including the Bears game in which Rodgers went out after their first possession, the Packers were 2-5-1 without Rodgers including losses to the Giants, Lions and Steelers.

The Bears losses to New Orleans and Philadelphia were their only two

losses of the year in which they were noncompetitive, and their other five losses besides a loss to the Packers were to Detroit (2) and the last place Rams, Vikings and Redskins.

The Bears are clearly not in the same league with this year’s playoff teams.

For starters, the Bears need to get better at quarterback. Seven of the 12 playoff starters including Nick Foles, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick (91.6) had better passer ratings than Jay Cutler and all but Kaepernick were at least 12 points better at 101.2 and above while Cutler was 89.2.

The other five Alex Smith (89.1), Andy Dalton (88.8), Cam Newton (88.8), Tom Brady (87.3) and Andrew Luck (87.0) were all almost even with Cutler in rating, all of them threw more touchdowns and only Dalton and Newton threw more picks.

You tell me, other than Dalton is there a QB in the group you wouldn’t take over Cutler?

The Bears are very competitive

with all of these playoff clubs at running back and wide receiver. With the possible exception of the Broncos, the Bears are better than any of those clubs at those positions.

The only 2013 playoff teams that aren’t clearly more talented on the offensive line than the Bears are Indianapolis, San Diego and Green Bay. The Bears line was effective most of the time this season, but it’s not capable of taking over games the way the 49ers, Eagles, Seahawks, Panthers, Broncos, Patriots and Chiefs can at times.

If you’re a Bears fan you already know that defensively they just don’t match up, particularly in the NFC. Seattle, the number one seed in the NFC also is first in the NFL in scoring defense. The second seeded Panthers are second in the league in fewest points allowed, the fifth seeded 49ers are third and the sixth seeded Saints are fourth.

In the AFC, the Bengals and Chiefs tied for fifth in the league in scoring defense, the Colts were ninth in the league, the Patriots 10th and the Char-

gers were actually 11th.

Nine of the 12 playoff teams are in the top 11 in scoring defense. In that top 11 only the Cardinals – seventh in points allowed and 10-6 – and the Dolphins – eighth and 8-8 – failed to make the playoffs.

The Bears were 30th in scoring defense in 2013, tied with the Redskins and only the Vikings were worse.

The Bears dramatic improvement on offense under Marc Trestman this year was exciting and at times a lot of fun to watch. But their decline from fifth in the NFL in total defense in 2012, eighth vs. the run and third in points allowed is the reason they fell from 10-6 to 8-8 and are not currently a legitimate contender.

It is quite possible the Bears will improve at quarterback as Cutler spends more time with Trestman, but the only way they’re going back to the playoffs for the first time in four seasons and just the second time in the last eight is by turning over the defensive half of their roster with a lot more talent.

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$2 million guaranteed; and Ryan Fitzpatrick, Titans, two years, $6.5 million, $1.75 million guaranteed.

Those quarterbacks, though, all signed with teams that did not just throw $54 million guaranteed at its starter.

Of the teams paying the most guaranteed money for its starting quarterback, only one rewarded its backup more than $1 million in base salary last season: the Lions paid Shaun Hill $2.4 million (Kyle Orton restructured his deal to lower his base salary after Tony Romo got paid).

Backups for Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are still on their rookie deals, Joe Flacco’s backup – Tyrod Taylor – made a little more than a half million, while Matt Ryan’s backup – Dominique Davis – made $480,000. McCown’s brother, Luke, made $840,000 as Drew Brees’ backup.

The Bears would need to find an amount that works for McCown, but also isn’t dedicating too much 2014 money to the quarterback position, one

that doesn’t need nearly as much improvement as the other side of the ball.

That’s a reminder that we don’t know how McCown fits in the Bears’ priorities during the next few months with a defense to fix, but we have a good idea where he is among Cutler’s priorities.

“I’d like to see him come back,” Cutler said after signing his seven-year contract. “I know we’d love to have him back. I know Phil touched on it. We’d like to have him back in the building just because of the amount of work he does behind the scenes with the younger players and myself. Just the experience he brings to the quarterback room, it’s very valuable.

“We’ll see how that works out.”

McCown will have his suitors, and he’ll keep in mind his four kids that live in North Carolina as he decides what’s best for his family. By the time free agency opens on March 11, the Bears will have a better grasp on their cap situation, how McCown would fit into the fold and if they can bring a fan and team favorite back next season.

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• Thursday, January 9, 2014

Jay Cutler received the richest check the franchise has signed, but what’s next for his backup?

Josh McCown played sensational football in his five starts and time in relief in two other games, while also igniting a quarterback controversy (albeit, outside the walls Josh of Halas Hall) during McCown what coach Marc Trestman referred to as Cutler’s best season.

McCown, who turns 35 in July, completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 13 touchdowns and one interception, good for a passer rating of 109.0.

“Love to have Josh back. I’ve expressed that to him,” general manager Phil Emery said Thursday. “Josh, through his play, has earned the right to have choices, and he’s got a lot of them and he’ll have a lot of them. He does

know he has a home here and that we’ll do everything we can to make it work if he decides he still wants to play here.”

Can the Bears afford McCown? It may seem like a ridiculous question when talking about a 35-year-old backup, journeyman quarterback who made $840,000 in 2013. But, as Emery said, McCown will have options.

The Bears signed Jason Campbell to a $3.5 million deal in 2012 with a $2 million signing bonus, so McCown and his representation could use that as a place to start.

Or, they could look at the highest-paid backups in the league. Here are some of the noteworthy and lucrative backup quarterback contracts signed last offseason (all contract details per Spotrac): Chase Daniel, Chiefs, three years, $10 million, $4.8 million guaranteed; Matt Moore, Dolphins, two years, $8 million, $4 million guaranteed; Matt Hasselbeck, Colts, two years, $7.25 million, $3 million guaranteed; Matt Cassel, Vikings, two years, $7.4 million,

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Can Bears bring back Josh McCown?

21

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, January 9, 2014

| Gurnee Suburban Life

22

Drop jean sizes with martial arts weight loss challenge

By TARAH THORNE tthorne@shawmedia.com BARRINGTON – Eight weeks, a few workouts and heavy commitment. That’s all Barrington Martial Arts trainer Master S. Morris is asking for as he helps those with a New Year’s resolution to lose weight and drop two jean sizes.

The 8-Week Weight Loss Challenge began at Barrington Martial Arts one year ago, when Deer Park resident Lisa Walston, 50, lost 10 pounds.

“It really changed my life,” Walston said. “My body looks better. I’m wearing tighter clothes and tighter jeans.”

Challenges now are run up to three times a year, and the next one will kick off Monday, Jan. 13. Participants are asked to bring in a pair of jeans that are currently two sizes too small.

Morris said that 100 percent of challenge members who follow the program – meal plans, consultations and workouts – will be able to achieve results and fit into the snug jeans. Clothes that become too big will be donated to WINGS of Palatine (Women In Need Growing Stronger) – a service organization for homeless and abused women and children.

Up to 18 people can register a session. Morris said he expects a lot of people to sign up at the last minute with their New Year’s resolutions in mind.

The eight-week program costs $499 with a $100 promotional discount being honored until Jan. 13. Participants are asked to attend a minimum of three workout classes each week (six maximum). Morris said classes are offered during the day, evening hours and on weekends.

“It’s rewarding to see moms and other clients up their self esteem,” Morris said. “They get stronger. Their body gets toned. They go from wearing baggy clothes to wearing skinny jeans.”

Walston was one of Morris’ first clients ever to try the challenge. The Barrington Martial Arts mom said she was not active at all before she began Morris’ programs. Walston

said she heard about the adult fitness classes while bringing her sons to Tae Kwon Do classes.

“I was so sore the first time I tried an endurance cardio class,” Walston said. “But I kept going back. I love it.”

Walston said the challenge classes usually last an hour, with cardio mixed with body and light weight exercises.

“It started pretty slow at first,” Walston said. “I would recommend it to anyone. This is the longest I’ve ever stuck with anything in my life.”

Aside from meeting new friends, Walston has dropped a total of six jeans sizes since beginning Barrington Martial Arts cardio and kickboxing classes three years ago.

Walston, who now wears a size four, said the eight-week challenge was a bonus to lose stubborn pounds.

“We would weigh in privately and analyze our diet patterns,” Walston said. “There wasn’t much competition. Everyone was there for the same goal.”

Previous challenge participants like Walston will visit during the program’s seminar and counseling days to share their own success stories and offer advice to new members.

“I would tell people to be ready to be committed and do exactly what Master Morris says,” Walston advised. “Don’t stop. I was so scared after my first class, but I’m glad I stuck with it.”

Morris said the challenge begins with an evaluation to gauge where participants are at – both physically and mentally.

“We want it to be safe,” Morris said. “We are proud to say we don’t have people getting injured in our program.”

Morris said the challenge follows a “doctor’s model, do no harm” motto by addressing knee, back and hip injuries before workouts begin.

The challenge draws all sorts of people – those who already work out, returning members who want to drop even more weight or goal-driven newcomers who want to drop quick pounds for a specif-

ic event like a wedding or reunion.

Morris said the challenge is set up for success with periodic mental/physical check-ins, strategic “cheat days” for dieting and scenario talk.

“We talk about social eating scenarios like parties,” Morris said. “I advise people to eat something healthy before they go to a party so that they are not hungry and deprived by the time they arrive.”

Each Barrington Martial Arts 8-Week Weight Loss Challenge is scheduled by demand.

Last year, additional programs were scheduled for getting into spring break shape.

“It’s a joy for me to be able to help people,” Morris said.

“I want to see everyone build strength and be able to have Photo provided more fun with their families by becoming more active. I hold Lisa Walston, 50, of Deer Park, vacations with her sons, Benton and their hand through the whole Peyton Walston (center), after completing the Barrington Martial Arts 8-Week Weight Loss Challenge. process.”

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

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

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

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

Financial Wellness Month/ Financial Planning & Retirement

National Belly Laugh Day!!

Puzzle Day

Presented by a local community bank

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

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

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

Tours le Availab e Anytim

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

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

First time tours receive a free gift card

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