GLF-12-5-2013

GURNEE

Suburban Life YOUR NEW GURNEE LIFE

READY ROBOT GURNEE TEAM GETS SET FOR COMPETITION PAGE 4 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 | FREE | GURNEESUBURBANLIFE.COM

Furnace Cleaning Special Call Today to Schedule .00 $98 Your Annual Furnace Clean & Check

Parts Extra

(Additional units $92.00 each)

683 E. Center Grayslake, IL 847-223-8877 www.northernairsys.com

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

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 209

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

| 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

Gurnee-area residents set up for success This week, Gurnee Suburban Life brings you examples of how residents set each other up for success – from learning an instrument to helping veterans in need.

Local dads are preparing Woodland Middle schoolers for the engineering-focused future and an upcoming robotics competition. Read about their innovative FIRST Robotics lab in a Gurnee basement on page 4.

On the softer side of learning is Veritas Music and Learning Center, where

Jesse Carpender Reporter Nancy Hibdon and her master musicians teach aspiring maestros of all ages. Read about Hibdon’s inspiring background on page 14.

Meanwhile, staff at a new Walk-In Center for Homeless

Veterans are working to keep service members out of the cold. Read one woman’s story of how she came close to living in her car, and how she found help on page 6.

On page 8, find out how locals are kicking off December with a host of events.

Do you have photos from a sports or school event you’d like to share with the community?

Email Gurnee Suburban Life at editorial@gurneesuburbanlife.com and you might see them in print.

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 news you care about.

Contact me at 847-231-7524 or by email at jcarpender@ shawmedia.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

J. Tom Shaw

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

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.”

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

VISIT US ONLINE COMMUNITY CORNER: MARY DORSEY, MARY’S GREENHOUSE Mary Dorsey, owner of Mary’s Greenhouse, is surrounded by poinsettias this time of year. Throughout the holiday season, she’ll drop them off at churches around Gurnee, she said.

A holiday open house will take place from 3 to 8 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 6, at Mary’s Greenhouse, 555 S. O’Plaine Road.

Dorsey worked at the greenhouse when it was called Luhtalas until the owners retired. For eight years since, she’s tended to the greenhouse and lived on the property, she said.

Dorsey shared the details of the holiday season at the greenhouse with Gurnee Suburban Life reporter Jesse Carpender.

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 Jesse Carpender – jcarpender@shawmedia.com

How do you grow poinsettias?

In very late July, they come in as cuttings, and we pot them up and try to keep them cool.

We water and fertilize them.

There’s so many different varieties. My mother thinks all poinsettias need to be red, but they come in whites, pinks and a lovely ice punch.

FOLLOW US

What’s going on at the holiday open house?

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.

Darlene Sizemore (from left), Mary Dorsey and Lisa Haukla, staff of Mary’s Greenhouse, stand together in front of ice punch poinsettias, Dorsey’s favorite.

We’ll have crafters, giftware, winter berries and minty greens. Local artisans will be there, and we’ll have complimentary treats. We also have wreaths. They’re really varied, from fluffy green ones to ornamental ones. It’s a pretty event with the greenhouse all lit up, one of my favorite nights.

Why do you love

growing?

I just love watching things grow. When I was young, my mother bought seed packets and roses bloomed, it was perfect. There’s an old saying, “He who plants the seed beneath the sod, and waits to see, believes in God.” ••• For information, visit www. greenhousegurneeil.com.

Lead Story.....................................4 PlanitLake......................................8 Column.........................................13 Sports....................................20-23

ON THE COVER Alex Kuscsik and Leo Forney, both 12 and members of the FIRST Tech Challenge Dynamic Signals Team 7351 work with Alex’s father, Steve, a mentor, on finding a solution to lift their robot off the ground at the Margis family home in Gurnee. Margis’ son Kevin also participates on the team.

(Photo by Candace H. Johnson)

3

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! & have teamed up with

&

AutoTrader.com representatives will be on-site to help you use its Trade-In Marketplace tool to get an instant cash offer1 on your vehicle. We will buy your car even if you don’t buy one during this event!

Kelley Blue Book representatives will be here to help you use the KBB.com Price Advisor to find the Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price for a new vehicle.

Every buyer will receive 10 to 50 OFF on ALL used cars! %

%

2

Discounts on used cars are based on the Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value.

2 DAYS ONLY! DECEMBER 6th & 7th Held Exclusively at 2 Convenient Locations!

Ray Chevrolet 39 N. Route 12 Fox Lake 888-729-2438

Raymond Chevrolet 118 Route 173 Antioch 888-300-5647

Instant Cash Offer is based on offers that dealers have made for similar vehicles and is subject to verification of condition. Offers are generated by an appraisal tool operated by a third-party service provider. 2 Minimum 5% of used inventory will be made available at both 10 and 50% off Kelley Blue Suggested Retail Value.

1

RayandRaymondDeals.com

• Thursday, December 5, 2013

for a Consumer Assistance Sales Event!

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

| Gurnee Suburban Life

4

Gearing up Gurnee team prepares for robotics competition

By JESSE CARPENDER jcarpender@shawmedia.com GURNEE – Steven Margis’ basement in his Gurnee home transforms into a lab each week when Dynamics Signals Team 7351 gathers to build a robot that will be able to pick up blocks and put them in a basket, raise a flag and compete against others at a FIRST Tech Challenge qualifying tournament Jan. 25.

“We are proud to be the first FIRST Tech Challenge team ever from Gurnee,” Margis said.

His FTC team is at the middle-school level, while Warren Township High School’s 60-member Robotics Club participates in FIRST Robotics Competition each year.

Margis hopes to form an FTC developmental program at Woodland Middle School.

FIRST is a national organization that works to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities, including self-confidence, communication and leadership.

“What I really like is that statistics show that there are a lot of scholarships out there for kids who go through this program,” Margis said.

“There is a high demand [for professionals] in technology

ABOVE: Alex Kuscsik, 12, of Gurnee, a member of the FIRST Tech Challenge Dynamic Signals Team 7351, talks about prototypes to be used as an extension of his team’s robot’s arm to pick up blocks and put them in a crate at the Margis family home in Gurnee.

LEFT: Kuscsik points to the name of the robot, called Yamaki after Hiroshi Yamaki, a mentor from Underwriters Laboratories.

See ROBOTICS, page 5

Photos by Candace H. Johnson

3960 N. Johnsburg Rd., Johnsburg, IL

SUNDAY - DECEMBER 8 11AM - 11 PM Hosted by:

*Raffles *Prizes * 50/50 17 Bands & Acoustic Acts

Donations For Victims Will Be Going To The Following Organizations To Be Distributed: Manhattan/Frankfort AreaManhattan Girl Scout Service Unit 716 Coal City Methodist Church Diamond Village Hall Mazon Bank - Donations to the Diamond Relief Fund Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund - Peoria/Pekin Highview Church of God - Washington Crossroads United Methodist Church - Washington For More Information, Visit: www.mandyzandruralrouteone.com or Facebook: Mandy Z & Rural Route One - Events

• ROBOTICS

Photo by Candace H. Johnson

Alex Kuscsik, Kevin Margis, and Leo Forney, all 12 and members of the FIRST Tech Challenge Dynamic Signals Team 7351, work on their robot at the Margis family home in Gurnee. be an engineer when he grows up.

“We can build whatever we want and see if it works – stuff no one has ever come up with,” he said. He worked with Forney to develop an arm out of a metal piece typically used to slide drawers.

“We need it to extend, and then we need something to hook and grab the bar,” he told Forney.

Forney came up with the

idea by Google-searching parts companies use for a similar purpose.

Meanwhile, Kevin Margis and Fritz Clark, Woodland seventh-graders, were working on the gears to spring the arm.

Kevin Margis said he’s interested in the programming side of engineering, and programmed his bedroom door to open by sensor. He changed it slightly when his dog kept set-

Holiday Sale Dec. 9th thru Dec. 15th Mon.-Sat. 10-5; (Open Thurs. to 8p.m.); Sunday 12-5 21,000+ Square Feet

Antiques & Decorative Arts ng, Americana, Military Items, Primitives, Furniture, Lighting, Jewelry, Glass/Crystal, Silver, Pottery/China/Porcelain,, Toys, Mid-Century, Art, Ephemera, Holiday Items, Advertising, Native American Items, ETC. 5742 Northridge Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031 (Near Cracker Barrel & Olive Garden)

847.782.9094 From I-94 Take 132 East Turn Right at Dilleys Rd (1st Stop Light) Follow Dilleys Rd. as it winds around and turns into Northridge Drive.

Look for the big red barn at the turn around.

Big Holiday Savings

5

• Thursday, December 5, 2013

careers.”

The team started with Margis and Steven Kuscsik and their sons Kevin Margis and Alex Kuscsik, and grew when the boys invited their friends Leo Forney and Fritz Clark. They’re on a “quest from Edison to Einstein as we seek to establish a sustainable program for Gurnee kids throughout the FIRST program continuum,” Steven Margis said.

On Nov. 6, the four team members and two coaches met to work on building an arm capable of grasping a horizontal pole 32 inches off the ground and pulling the robot up.

The Dynamics Signals team named their basement lab Edison Field as a reference to the FIRST Championship’s Einstein Field. A bust of Edison decorates the space, which has an open area to practice maneuvering the robot.

Alex Kuscsik said being on the team has made him closer with his dad, and he wants to

can choose from two programming languages.

Teams are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition, as well as community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments, Steven Margis said.

Many of the robots’ parts are available in a kit from FIRST, but additional parts are bought online using funds from sponsors such as Underwriters Laboratories, where Steven Margis is director of certification programs.

The Dynamics Signals team stays connected with other teams in the area. “[In November] we had mentoring sessions with FTC Teams in Highland Park and Elgin,” he said. “Each site has a team that made last years’ world championships. We learned about FTC firsthand at the season’s first Block Party Scrimmage. We also were treated to an ‘engineering’ exchange and tour with staff at Arens in Arlington Heights.”

Follow the team at www.

7351.us. For information on FIRST, visit www.usfirst.org.

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Continued from page 4

ting it off, he said.

Steven Margis said that as someone who came of age at the beginning of the video game and personal computer era, it’s amazing to see middle-schoolers sitting at a computer, rendering a robot in 3D to figure out what they should build.

“It’s amazing to see them using professional grade software at age 12,” he said.

Before they became an FTC team, Steven Margis and his son Kevin competed in FIRST LEGO League, building robots out of LEGOs. Steven Margis said he’s seen his son Kevin’s confidence increase. “He was normally very reserved, but toward the end of the [FLL] season, he really wanted to answer judges’ questions and couldn’t contain his enthusiasm.”

At the Jan. 25 competition, students will compete head-tohead using a sports model. In pairs, teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete against other teams on a 12-by-12-foot field.

Robots are built from a reusable platform and teams

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

| Gurnee Suburban Life

6

Homeless vets learn about resources New walk-in mental health clinic offers link to needed service options

By JESSE CARPENDER jcarpender@shawmedia.com NORTH CHICAGO – Genevieve Wimp-McCann became homeless after losing her job in 2012.

She stayed with friends, but her anxiety grew as she realized that living in her car was a possibility, she said.

Wimp-McCann, a Vietnam-era U.S. Air Force veteran, was receiving psychological treatment at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago’s walk-in mental health clinic when she was recommended for the homeless veterans program.

Veterans facing homelessness today can use Lovell FHCC’s new Walk-In Center for Homeless Veterans, which provides homeless veterans immediate help with resources and information, including

emergency housing. It is open three days a week at the main hospital.

Bill Flood, homeless program manager, said social workers at the walk-in center help homeless veterans and those at risk learn about housing options offered through several federal grant programs, as well as resources at Lovell FHCC and in the community.

Since June, Wimp-McCann has lived in one of the FHCC homeless program’s three residential buildings.

“I have a nice room, regular meals and the opportunity to do therapeutic work while I prepare for my next job search,” she said.

Wimp-McCann, a Shimer College graduate, was a resident of Mundelein before losing her job and her apartment.

See HOMELESS, page 10

Photo provided

Staff celebrates the opening of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center’s Walk-In Center for Homeless Veterans during a ceremony Nov. 4.

Warm Up With Holiday Savings!

Remote Car Starters

$169.99* Installed!

Inst

Don’t Let Cold Weather Ruin Your Drive! *With coupon only. Offer expires 12/31/13 Some vehicles may require additional parts & labor.

TRY Remote Start

DRONE!

& Keyless Entry ARM/DISARM REMOTE START/SHUTDOWN TRUNK RELEASE GPS TRACKING PUSH NOTIFICATIONS WEB CONTROL MULTI-VEHICLE CONTROL

$449 Installed!

*With coupon only. Offer expires 12/31/13 Some vehicles may require additional parts & labor.

10% OFF WINDOW TINTING Car Stereos • Remote Starters • Alarms Video Navigation • Window Tinting GPS Tracking • Satellite Radio Custom Fabrication and Installation

*With coupon only.

Offer expires 12/31/13

22221 W IL Rt 173 • Antioch, IL

847-838-6646 www.PremiumSoundAndSecurity.com Facebook.com/premiumsas

7

Nor th

SALES EVENT!

USED CAR CENTER

ALL MAKES AND MODELS

AREA’S LARGEST ALL-INDOOR USED CAR SHOWROOM ROUTE 41

JUST SOUTH OF

SHOP OVER 100 VEHICLES IN HEATED COMFORT!

RT 137

2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 4X4 Nav SALE PRICE:$42,590 Stock #:CI1470

2003 Jaguar S-TYPE 4.2L V8 One Owner Please Call Stock #:CI1537

2005 Acura TL One Owner W/ Power Moonroof SALE PRICE:$13,595 Stock Number: CI1430

2013 Dodge Journey SE 7 Passenger Just Over 12k Miles Stock #:CI1473

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Please Call Stock #:CI1539

2007 Dodge Nitro SLT 4X4 Power Sunroof SALE PRICE:$13,995

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited SALE PRICE:$15,599 Stock #:CI1533

2010 Acura TSX 2.4 One Owner SALE PRICE:$22,390 Stock Number: CI1483 2010 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro Premium One Owner SALE PRICE:$23,390 Stock #:CI1488

2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 Quad Cab SALE PRICE:$14,879 Stock #:CI1540 2012 Ford Transit Connect XLT 20k miles SALE PRICE:$21,795 Stock #:CI1500

2008 Audi A6 3.2 Quattro W/Premium Package SALE PRICE:$23,499 Stock #:CI1450

2009 HUMMER H3 SUV 4X4 Luxury SALE PRICE:$18,999 Stock #:CI1475

2008 BMW 328i Premium Package SALE PRICE:$16,999 Stock #:CI1432

2007 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 w/Nav SALE PRICE:$10,650 Stock #:CI1446

2007 BMW 530i Premium Package W/Nav. SALE PRICE:$17,395 Stock #:CI1527

2010 Honda CR-V EX-L 4WD One Owner SALE PRICE:$21,999 Stock #:CI1452

2007 BMW X3 3.0si Premium Package SALE PRICE:$16,395 Stock #:CI1508

2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L Rear Entertainment System And Nav SALE PRICE:$23,399 Stock #:CI1465

2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara W/Nav, Hard & Soft Tops SALE PRICE:$25,390 Stock #:CI1523

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT BUYS. Just a small example...

2007 Lexus IS 250 AWD 1 Owner 20,000 Miles SALE PRICE:$25,699 Stock #:CI1498 2005 Mazda 3 S 2.3 Hatchback 1 Owner SALE PRICE:$9,399 Stock #:CI1449

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0L 69k miles One Owner SALE PRICE:$6,599 Stock #:CI1448

2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 4MATIC® Please Call Stock #:CI1536

2007 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 VR6 4MOTION SALE PRICE:$13,775 Stock #:CI1515

2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 4MATIC® SALE PRICE:$14,490 Stock #:CI1493

2008 Volvo XC70 3.2 AWD Wagon With Premium Package SALE PRICE:$19,935 Stock #:CI1501A

2003 Nissan Pathfinder Leather And Sunroof Please Call Stock #:CI1542

2005 Volvo XC90 T6 7 Passenger AWD SALE PRICE:$10,999 Stock #:CI1444

2008 Nissan Quest 3.5 Van Passenger SALE PRICE:$14,999 Stock #:CI1538 2007 Saab 9-3 2.0T Sedan Moonroof SALE PRICE:$11,295 Stock #:CI1442

2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 SALE PRICE:$29,975 Stock #:H30741A

2011 Buick LaCrosse CXS SALE PRICE:$26,990 Stock #:CI1480

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Ult Pkg SALE PRICE:$8,599 Stock #:CI1421

2006 Buick Lucerne CXL V8 Please Call Stock #:B40254

2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS Please Call Stock #:CI1541

2012 Kia Optima SX T-GDI Sedan With Power Sunroof SALE PRICE:$23,599 Stock #:CI1437

2011 Buick Regal CXL One Owner SALE PRICE:$21,490 Stock #:CI1520

2011 Infiniti FX35 All Wheel Drive Power Sunroof SALE PRICE:$27,999 Stock #:CI1263

2012 Land Rover LR4 7 Seat LUX Pkg SALE PRICE:$42,995 Stock #:CI1511

2012 Smart Fortwo Passion SALE PRICE:$14,790 Stock #:CI1291

2007 Lexus ES 350 Great Value SALE PRICE:$16,599 Stock #:CI1456

2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium AWD SALE PRICE:$22,495 Stock #:CI1451

2006 Lexus GX 470 Nav & Rear Seat Entertainment SALE PRICE:$20,499 Stock #:CI1485

2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 4X4 SALE PRICE:$15,499 Stock #:CI1407

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 3LT Package Plus Navigation SALE PRICE:$39,999 Stock #:CI1453 2013 Chevrolet Spark LS 4 Door Hatchback Automatic 37MPG Highway SALE PRICE:$10,999 Stock #:CI1422

2003 Infiniti G35 W/ Premium Pkg Please Call Stock #:CI1547 2007 Infiniti G35x AWD Premium Pkg SALE PRICE:$20,595 Stock #:CI1510

2011 Volkswagen CC Luxury Sedan Nav SALE PRICE:$21,999 Stock #:CI1467

2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 SALE PRICE:$19,999 Stock #:CI1504

2006 BMW X5 4.4i Sport & Premium Packages SALE PRICE:$17,995 Stock #:CI14782011

2006 Kia Optima LX V-6 Only 49,000k SALE PRICE:$8,490 Stock #:CI1447

2011 Toyota Prius Four Hybrid 25k miles SALE PRICE:$19,990 Stock #:CI151

2007 Saab 9-3 2.0T With Premium Pkg SALE PRICE:$11,495 Stock #:CI1445 2011 Scion TC 3 Door Liftback 1 Owner SALE PRICE:$17,390 Stock #:CI1474

GREAT FINANCING TOO! Many One-Owner vehicles... loaded with features. For more vehicles and details, scan this QR Code. Or go to KnauzNorth.com. Certain cars may be sold prior to publication.

2009 Smart Fortwo Low Miles SALE PRICE:$9,995 Stock #:CI1513

2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder SALE PRICE:$10,495 Stock #:CI1388A

AREA’S LARGEST ALL-INDOOR USED CAR SHOWROOM

Nor th

ROUTE 41, JUST SOUTH OF RT 137 • 2950 N. Skokie Hwy., North Chicago

Call 866-938-1758 • KnauzNorth.com

• Thursday, December 5, 2013

2003 Acura MDX 3.5L W/Touring Pkg 4WD SALE PRICE:$9,395 Stock Number: CI1526

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Starts Today! BIGGEST PRE-OWNED

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

| Gurnee Suburban Life

8

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

HOLIDAY PET PHOTO SHOOT

The photographer will photograph pups for Christmas, using a variety of props. For a $20 donation, you will receive an 8-by-10 photo. Christmas cards, ornaments and other gift items with your dog’s picture also will be for sale. For information, call 847-672-6188.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AND CHILDREN’S PLAY WHERE: Warren Township High School Almond campus, 34090 Almond Road, Gurnee.

WHEN: Breakfast runs from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

COST & INFO: The Warren Township High School Alumni Foundation, in conjunction with

2

the Warren Theatre, will host a Breakfast with Santa and Children’s Play. For breakfast, tickets are $7 for ages 11 and up, $5 for ages 3 through 10, and free for ages 2 and under. Breakfast includes eggs, bacon, pancakes, and choice of juice, coffee and milk. Children can have their picture taken with Santa for $5. The Children’s Play, “Alice in Wonderland,” features WTHS students. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for school-age students. For information, contact Kim Lobitz at klobitz@wths.net.

CRAFT NIGHT

4

WHERE: Grandwood Park Park District Community Center, 36630 N. Hutchins Road, Gurnee WHEN: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 COST & INFO: If you like to scrapbook, make cards, build models and more, the Grandwood Park Park District has space for you to work in while sharing good conversation with friends and neighbors at the same time. Bring a snack to share and your beverages. The cost is $4. For information, visit www.grandwoodpark. net/programs.

1

WHERE: Central Bark Gurnee, 3880 Grove Ave., Gurnee WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 COST & INFO: Capture the Moment Photography will be at Central Bark Gurnee.

LUNCH WITH SANTA WHERE: Grandwood Park Park District

3

Community Center, 36630 N. Hutchins Road, Gurnee WHEN: Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 COST & INFO: Have lunch, visit with Santa, do a craft and enjoy story time. Admission is free. For information, visit www.grandwoodpark.net/programs.

HEALTH CARE PRESENTATION WHERE: Warren-Newport Public Library,

5

224 N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee WHEN: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 COST & INFO: Admission is free. The library will present Health Care Reform: 5 Things You Must Know.” Find out the latest information on health-care reform. Carrie Espinosa from Horizon Beneit Services will give a presentation covering the following points: how coverage already is being impacted; introduction to the marketplace: how to buy insurance in 2014; soon every American must have health insurance or pay a penalty; how to know if you qualify for a subsidy; and what you need to do to navigate the new changes. For information, visit www. wnpl.info.

Handmade Specialities

$19 for the rest of the year!

Give a Unique Handmade Gift Shop Local

Crafters Wanted

Mary’s Greenhouse

Stay Healthy! Be Fit! Have Fun!

Jazzercise Gurnee Grandwood Park 36630 N Hutchins Rd, Gurnee, IL 60031 224-358-9522 shaneice.jazzercise@gmail.com

GURNEE’S HOLIDAY PACKING & SHIPPING EXPERTS

555 S. O’Plaine Rd. • Gurnee

847-336-5910

OPEN DAILY 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Swinging Season!

Happy Holidays and all that jazz!

Small Acoustic Guitars Electric Guitar with Amp Full Size Acoustic Guitar

Friday, Dec. 6th • 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

We carry all season: Poinsettias Wreaths Arrangements Garland Greens by the Pound Holiday Berries & Various Branches

$99 & Up $249 & Up $179 & Up

while supplies last

All guitars set up in our shop!

Yes, we have ukuleles!

Accessories and Sheet Music

www.a-majormusic.com •

623-8565 •

3701B W Grand Ave. • Gurnee

• Thursday, December 5, 2013

202 E. Main Street • Round Lake (847) 546-0632 handmadespecialties.com

Why wait for the New Year? Start your fitness goals today!

Call 847-223-8161 to advertise your holiday specials here next week!

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Shop Gurnee

9

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

| Gurnee Suburban Life

10

To learn more about the program

• HOMELESS Continued from page 6 She struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder from military sexual abuse, she said.

“There’s no shame or stigma to mental illness, though your own head might want to stick that in,” she said.

She sought help because she “did not want to be an embarrassed 60-year old woman. It’s just life. With all of the PTSD stuff, now I’m flexible enough to ask for help.”

With her history, it was difficult for Wimp-McCann to get used to being one of two women in a building of 55 homeless veterans, she said.

The building has two floors, and the veterans share a kitchen and have their meals in a dining hall.

“Everyone has their own room,” Wimp-McCann said. “It’s a sociology experiment. You learn to be in a community and get along with people who are struggling with their own issues.”

Classes on leisure, education, coping skills and work readiness are available in the living facility, she said.

There also are rigid rules – the veterans need passes for everything from leaving for the weekend to visiting a business, and turn in their car keys when they return.

“There is a sense of shared experience as veterans dealing with any number of mental health issues,” she said.

She said being able to listen to other veterans’ compelling stories has given her insight into “how we got here.”

The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, 3001 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, is an integrated medical facility between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. It serves active-duty military personnel, their families and veterans.

During operating hours, Walk-In Center for Homeless Veterans staff may be reached at 224-610-1148.

Outside operating hours, veterans may call 224-5880009 for assistance.

Jeff Willgale, the Health Care for Homeless Veterans coordinator, said that when a veteran walks into the new clinic for help, the three clinicians go to work to get them familiar with the resources available.

“If someone had a problem today, our first priority is to get them sheltered,” he said.

To do that, they work with community partners and the Lake County Veteran’s Assistance Commission, he said.

Flood said homeless programs at Lovell FHCC are an integral part of health care, as the Department of Veterans Affairs is in “year three of a five-year plan to eradicate homelessness among veterans.”

Wimp-McCann is actively looking for a job, with a tentative program release date of Jan. 15, and wants to be a peer-to-peer recovery specialist.

She stresses the importance of asking for help.

Community comes together to help area seniors in need GURNEE SUBURBAN LIFE GRAYSLAKE – McHenry County and Lake County area communities came together to help Comfort Keepers collect 1,925 pounds of food through its Feed Seniors Now food drive for local seniors in need during September and October.

“We asked the community to help make food donations to help local seniors and raise awareness of the growing epidemic of senior hunger and malnutrition, and they came through with open arms,” Karen Larsen, sales and marketing director for Comfort Keepers, said in a news release.

“It is obvious the people of Lake and McHenry counties care about helping our elders, and with this kind of support, we will be able to help our senior neighbors live healthy, independent lives by getting the food and nutrition they need.”

The food drive campaign runs through the end of De-

Celebrate The Holidays at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center

Santa in Residence December 7, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. • December 14, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Visit & have your picture taken with Santa. Pictures 4x6 for $10 by Sharrett Studio Photography.

Join us for: Face Painting • Balloon Art • Magician • Raffles and Prizes

Belly Flop® Deal!

Buy 3 Bags for $27, Get 2 Bags FREE (Reg. $9 per 2-lb. bag)

Free Video Train Tours 9 a.m.–4 p.m. • Free Candy Samples!

JELLY BELLY VISITOR CENTER 10100 Jelly Belly Lane, Pleasant Prairie, WI (corner of Hwy 165 & Green Bay Rd.) Store Open Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m* • 1-866-868-7522 • JellyBelly.com *Call for holiday hours and activity times. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. ®, TM, © 2013 Jelly Belly Candy Company, Fairfield, CA 94533 U.S.A.

cember, so there is still time to donate.

Comfort Keepers partnered locally with The Regent Center of Mundelein, Spring Meadows of Libertyville, Paradise Park (in Fox Lake), Fairhaven Medical Supply (in Mundelein), Carillon North (in Grayslake), Wauconda Care, JourneyCare (in Barrington), Sunrise of Gurnee, Manor Care of Libertyville, and the Grayslake Comfort Keepers office to place food collection bins at their communities.

Heritage Woods of Gurnee also has signed on as of Nov. 1.

People from these communities can help by dropping off nonperishable food items.

Most boxes are in the front lobbies.

There are prizes for first and second place depending on how many pounds of food is collected from each location.

For information on the local Nourish Senior Life campaign, call Comfort Keepers office at 847-231-4100.

Has Amazing Results Do You Suffer From?

Creaky Joints Old Injuries Stiffness

Knee Pain Arthritis Balance Problems

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. In OA, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away, resulting in pain, swelling and loss of motion of the joint. In most individuals joint damage develops gradually over years. The cause of osteoarthritis is unknown. Factors that might cause it include the following: • • • •

SAY GOODBYE TO KNEE PAIN THE NON-SURGICAL WAY! Call to schedule your FREE consultation today!

Being overweight Getting older (wear and tear) Joint injury Joints that are not properly formed (alignment/imbalance problems)

• A genetic defect in the joint cartilage • Stresses on the joints from certain activities including sports, work and leisure activities.

Considering Surgery?

People who suffer from knee pain typically try supplements or pain medications before seeking help from a doctor. When all else fails and the pain is too much, some feel that surgery is the only option.

What is available to treat knee pain?

After careful study and several trials the FDA approved a new treatment aimed at helping those with knee pain. Hyaluronan is similar to substances that occur naturally in your joint and help replace the joints natural fluid.

When will I feel results?

Most people feel better in a matter of weeks and can begin enjoying everyday activities.

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

• Thursday, December 5, 2013

FIND OUT

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Knee Pain Treatment

11

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

| Gurnee Suburban Life

12

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

DECEMBER EVENTS December 11

National Re-Gifting Day A special WHITE ELEPHANT BINGO!

2:00 p.m.

December 18

December 20

Holiday Open House with Ornament Giveaway!

Holiday Presentation “Stress & the Holidays” How to get by

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m. presentation from VITAS hospice

Refreshments Served

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.

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

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

• Judi Veoukas is an award-winning columnist who writes from her Lake Villa home.

Supplies Limited No Rain Checks

Meat Dept Specials

Beef/Pork

FRESH CUT PRIME RIB.................................. $6.99lb FRESH CUT PORK CROWN ROAST......... $2.99lb FRESH CUT BEEF BONELESS STRIP LOIN ROAST........................................... $5.99lb WHOLE BONE IN HAM 20-25lb..................... $1.59lb HALF HAMS .......................................................... $1.89lb SMOKED BONELESS HAMS ...................... $1.39lb

BEEF MEATBALLS ............................................. $1.99lb BEEF LITTLE SMOKIES ........................ 3lb bag $3.95 DICED HAM ....................................................... 8oz $1.09 SWEDISH MEATBALLS ................................6lb $9.50

Deli Specials PRECOOKED AND SLICED PEPPER FLAVORED TURKEY ..................... $2.29lb PRECOOKED SLICED SMOKED TURKEY.............................................. $2.29lb SLICED PASTRAMI............................................ $2.59lb PAULS HOLIDAY SPECIAL PRECOOKED PRIME RIB Sliced to your Specifications (24hr notice required) ...... $5.49lb

Appetizers BREADED GREEK CHEESE STICKS .....3lb $9.90 BREADED SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN BITES ........................................2lb bag $3.99

Chicken/Turkey WHOLE TURKEYS ...................................................99¢lb BUFFALO STYLE BREADED CHICKEN BITES ............................................10oz $1.99 BREADED CHICKEN NUGGETS...............5lb $7.50 SWEET & SMOKEY POPCORN CHICKEN ...........................5lb bag $6.95lb

Seafood COOKED WHOLE SHELL ON WHITE CLAMS ..................................................2lb $6.50 COOKED SHRIMP TRAYS.....................40oz $14.50 BATTERED POLLOCK....................................... $1.49lb BREADED SUNFISH .................................. 5lb $28.50

Pizza/Pasta PALERMOS CHEESE, 3 MEAT, MARGHERITA 11-12” $1.75 LASAGNA SHEETS ............................................ $1.79lb CLASSIC PIZZAS .......................................... each $2.75

Potatos/Veggies JUMBO CARROTS ...................................................49¢lb TWICE BAKED POTATOES..........................6ct $4.20 KID SMILE FRENCH FRIES .......................5lb $3.99 MASHED POTATOES FROZEN........................4lb $2.49 GREEN BEANS ..............................................16oz $1.39 CORN ..................................................................16oz $1.39

Desserts RED, WHITE & BLUE PIES .............................$3.99 UNBAKED PUMPKIN PIES........................10” $3.99 LEMON BARS.................................................44oz $6.50 PEACH PIES .............................................................$3.99

Misc DINNER ROLLS ............................................. 36ct $3.99 VANILLA ICE CREAM ..................................1gal $4.59 CLASSIC LAYS CHIPS...................................1lb $2.50

Squeeeeeky Steve Deals SWEET POTATO WEDGES ................ 6/5lb $11.50 ½ STEAK FRY’S.......................................6/6lb $14.95 BREADED MOZZARELLA STICKS . 6/2lb $18.00 BREADED JALAP POPPERS ............. 12lb $18.00 BREADED ONION RINGS PREFORMED. 4/5lb $9.95 SALAMI & CHEESE STICKS FROZEN ........... $1.89lb

ShurFine

ShurFine

SPAGHETTI NOODLES

SPAGHETTI S SAUCE

1lb

79

¢

Retail $1.29 • Limit 4

99

¢

Retail $1.49 • Limit 2

12/4 - 12/10/13

cent tube lights on either side of it. This illumination helped us to spread our makeup to perfection, some much better than others. I wasn’t so good.

A boy at school called me Dorito Face.

Calling me that was bad enough, but if my grandfather hovered anxiously outside the bathroom clearing his phlegm-filled throat (think cat coughing up a hairball in Yiddish), I was lucky if I got the makeup on at all, or that I could shave my caterpillar uni-brow into two separate critters.

Gathering my hair into a sleek middle pony-tail was out of the question, and I was ridiculed in high school because said pony tail came off the side of my head.

If it wasn’t Grandpa rushing me out, it was one of the five sisters or Grandma, all insisting I’d been stationed there since the night before.

Yes, we had other mirrors, mainly on the back of our three tiny closet doors, but there was always an aunt or two sashaying in front of one just in case on that day the male of her dreams showed up where she worked.

One winter morning, when we were all in a particular rush, I got to school only to remove my coat and realize I’d forgotten to wear a skirt. I was sent home with a note.

These days, I live in a house with three bathrooms and one other person. I have mirrors galore.

Trouble is, I can’t see so well. Recently my husband said, “Honey, your face looks way too orange.”

He has no idea why I threw a bag of Doritos at him.

SALE SALE DATES: DATES: Wed., Wed., Dec. June 4th 12th- -Tues., Tues.,Dec. June10th, 18th 2013 2013

12/4 - 12/10/13

Judi Veoukas

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

Please call ahead - 262-537-2993 or 262-215-1330.

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.)

13

• Thursday, December 5, 2013

“This bathroom is so, so small!” the woman on one of TV’s house hunting shows whined.

“There’s no way my husband and I can get ready together in the morning!

And, the mirror is so ugly!

I even look ugly in it.”

To me, the bathroom looked the size of the Taj Mahal, and the mirror just fine, a true reflection.

The real-estate agent appealed, “It has heated floor tiles and a rain-forest shower, plus the Jacuzzi bath cleans itself, and you can put a queen-sized bed in here . . .”

“It lacks panache,” the woman interrupted, as she stormed out.

Lacked panache? What was she babbling about?

I grew up in an apartment where the ONE 5-by10- foot bathroom served eight. The room contained all necessities for survival: a toilet, sink, bathtub, a few towels, Ivory soap and tooth-brushing equipment, which meant toothpaste and brushes, not an ultrasonic dental hygiene apparatus that requires its own room nowadays. Most importantly, it contained a mirror – with lights.

The eight of us who shared this precious space included my elderly grandfather whose need for the room occurred every five minutes.

It had been my mother’s bright idea to move back to her parents’ apartment after my father’s death.

It wasn’t bad for me until I entered high school and realized that in order to fully cover my pimpled face with Tangerine Glow pancake-makeup early each morning, I needed to peer into the mirror above the wall-mounted bathroom sink.

The sink, the size of something I spit into at my dentist’s office these days, was the most sought-after fixture in the room, well, except by Grandpa. Its popularity developed because of the fluores-

nd

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Mirror on the wall often tells tall tales

OPEN to the PUBLIC No Membership Fee

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

| Gurnee Suburban Life

14

‘We treat all students like maestros’ Veritas Music and Learning Center gives all learners chance to be best they can be

By JESSE CARPENDER jcarpender@shawmedia.com GURNEE – Nancy Hibdon’s piano professor got angry because her small hands couldn’t hit the notes the way he wanted. He abruptly ended the lesson and sent her home.

She was devastated that her “twinkie pinkies” had gotten in the way of playing piano, she said.

But then she came across a photo of a great composer’s hands that seemed to resemble her own. “I brought the photo back to my professor and said, ‘Do you think Chopin was great? And don’t his

hands look just like mine?’”

Now, Hibdon teaches piano at Veritas Music and Learning Center in Gurnee, which she owns with her husband, Brian Hibdon.

“Some teachers only want to teach students that are motivated and talented,” she said. “I don’t mind changing around an arrangement or fingering patterns even if my students have twinkie pinkies or missing fingers.”

Veritas will hold its Winter Music Recital, open to the public, in 50-minute sessions from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at Crossroads Church, 1350

Route 137, Grayslake.

Students will perform piano, voice, guitar, violin, cello, flute, drums, banjo, clarinet and trumpet, as well as language class presentations.

Nancy Hibdon, a Gurnee resident, said that rather than having students practice piano pieces they can master quickly, she teaches larger pieces that will take them a long time to learn.

“I used to tell them, ‘When you’re 72, you’ll thank me.’

Now that I’m older, it’s ‘When I’m 72, you’ll thank me,’” she said.

See VERITAS, page 15

Jesse Carpender – jcarpender@shawmedia.com

Brian and Nancy Hibdon own Veritas Music and Learning Center in Gurnee.

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 #13 RESULTS OVERALL LEADERS WAD160, headfirst, webgoers, Sub-Par, bellagio Hub Arkush

Dan Hampton

Last Week’s Record 9-7 Overall Record 117-74 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 10-6 Overall Record 123-68

Last Week’s Record 11-5 Overall Record 119-72

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 #13 WINNER Ray Gieselmann, Chicago, IL

• VERITAS

Nancy Hibdon Co-owner, Veritas Music and Learning Center in Gurnee

Brian Hibdon said they consider the school to be a great supplement to traditional education.

When it comes to her teaching style, Nancy Hibdon said, “I make them work but I try to make it fun.”

She uses music that excites her students, and watches YouTube videos to write music for more obscure songs.

Once, a student brought in a musical birthday card and she was able to compose a piece with it.

Carol Cavitt, Gurnee resident, said her three children all learned piano from Nancy Hibdon.

“They started with another teacher, and needed a higher level of experience so we went to Nancy,” Cavitt said.

“We followed her when she started Veritas. She’s a great teacher and a good motivator,” Cavitt said.

Nancy Hibdon has three students who have moved abroad whom she still teaches via web camera – two in Israel and one in Turkey.

“She uses a prize system for practicing so that they can earn little prizes,” Cavitt said.

Each time a student practices, they get a stamp on a card that they can cash in for games and toys.

Veritas also offers academic classes and tutoring. Some unique classes they offer are chess scholars, hands-on science and computer programming and coding.

For information, visit www.veritascenter.net.

15

Seeing Is Believing...

We bring our showroom to YOU! Seeing a large, beautiful, Heat & Glo® gas insert on your fireplace makes all the difference.

That is why we bring lifesize photo displays to your home.

A Natural Gas Fireplace Insert will: • Keep a large natural view • Dramatically increase heat output and efficiency g fireplaces • Fix poorly functioning and warms your fireplace room m • Enjoy true warmth from your fireplace every night of the week • No sales tax charged on products delivered to Illinois

We Come to You FREE in home estimates s

800-554-0557 554-0557 nfireplace com Alaskanfireplace.com 9820 DURAND AVE (HWY 11) STURTEVANT, WI 18mi N of the IL border

• Thursday, December 5, 2013

Many experienced piano teachers take only students who will be maestros and leave less talented students to less experienced teachers, Nancy Hibdon said. She doesn’t work that way.

“Kids who are gonna be maestros are easy to teach,” she said. “But only 1 percent will be that. Music benefits everyone. When I sit down at my piano, all my problems go away. I want that for my students. Kids come to class with so much on their minds – dad moved out this weekend, or parents with cancer – and it’s hard because I care. I want them to learn well and give them a way to cope.”

Brian Hibdon said, “[Nancy] really likes to see kids grow and change. It’s really rewarding.”

Nancy Hibdon has been playing piano since age 16.

Her mother played piano, and her grandmother taught piano to most people of her hometown of Effingham, Ill. “It’s a legacy I want to pass on,” she said.

Nancy Hibdon gave lessons at home for years, but the music was taking over the house.

Brian Hibdon said they decided to open Veritas Music and Learning Center, 6121 Washington St., Suite 201, in 2010 at the height of the recession.

He handles the business side, while she handles the education side.

They started with only six piano teachers and now employ 40 teachers, including masters of almost every instrument and instructors of 11 languages, including Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Hindi.

“We provide an economic boost for people who have specialized talents and skills,” Brian Hibdon said.

When all seven classrooms are full on a weekday afternoon, sounds of pianos, violins, trumpets and languages flow into the common area.

Students come to Veritas because they’re behind in school or want to stay ahead, Nancy Hibdon said.

“We offer what a lot of schools are cutting due to [small] budgets,” she said.

“Music benefits everyone. When I sit down at my piano, all my problems go away. I want that for my students.

Kids come to class with so much on their minds ... and it’s hard because I care. I want them to learn well and give them a way to cope.”

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Continued from page 14

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

| Gurnee Suburban Life

16

SAVE

50%

OFF OR MORE!

NOW OPEN! Shop locally for holiday gifts on PlanitLake.com.

Vouchers and items to popular local stores and restaurants are perfect for hard-to-buy-for friends, family and coworkers – they even make great stocking stuffers! Make sure to log on to PlanitLake.com now to catch the savings!

THESE DEALS WON’T LAST LONG!

$50.00 VOUCHER

$40.00 VOUCHER

Paradise Jewelry in Fox Lake is family owned and operated and brings a home feeling to all our customers. Stop in to get your jewelry cleaned, fixed or come in and say, Hi! Come in and see our selection of fine jewelry, diamonds, gemstones, gold, silver, watches, stainless steel, candles, and much, much more! We buy gold and silver!

On site jewelry repairs!

Locally owned and operated, 1776 Restaurant uses fresh, flavorful ingredients to do all of their authentic American cooking. Choose from a unique menu that features fresh fish, wild game dishes and prime rib that can’t be beat.

Featuring the best wine list in the greater Chicago area and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, 1776 Restaurant is a dining experience you don’t want to miss!

Check website for more details and restrictions.

Check website for more details and restrictions.

$50.00 VOUCHER

SHAW MEDIA WINE CLUB VALUED AT $90.00

Dolphin Swim Club is a learn-to-swim facility committed to bringing confidence, self-esteem, and safety to every child.

Our professionally trained teachers accomplish this by creating a fun learning environment in which children see challenges in a positive way. In addition to providing the area’s best swimming lessons, we also offer water aerobics, baby swim and prenatal classes – making Dolphin Swim Club the only one of its kind in the area.

The Shaw Media Wine Club brings a worldly selection of six stellar wines to your door. Our experts specialize in finding wines that are benchmarks of their style and type, at prices that put more expensive bottlings to shame. If you think a wine we’ve selected isn’t up to snuff, no problem —we’ll arrange for a replacement, no questions asked.

Check website for more details and restrictions.

Crystal Lake, IL

Check website for more details and restrictions.

Crystal Lake, IL

By JESSE CARPENDER jcarpender@shawmedia.com

Jesse Carpender – jcarpender@shawmedia.com

Ben Friel, firemedic with the Gurnee Fire Department, serves sprinkles as Fire Chief Fred Friedl looks on Nov. 21 at Woodland Intermediate School’s ice cream social.

By JESSE CARPENDER jcarpender@shawmedia.com GURNEE – Woodland Intermediate fourth-graders celebrated completing a fire escape plan with scoops of ice cream Nov. 21.

Steve Odden, fire inspector with the Gurnee Fire Department, said students who completed a fire escape plan and turned it in were rewarded for using what they’ve learned from the fire department’s school visits since they were in kindergarten.

Besides the ice cream, they got a certificate signed by Gurnee Fire Chief Fred Friedl and Mayor Kristina Kovarik.

It’s the 12th year of the fire safety program, Odden said.

“It’s impressive that 85 percent of them turned it in,” Odden said. A month before, he showed the fourth-graders a video of a house on fire and asked them what went wrong.

“They all paid attention and answered that [the home owner] didn’t have a plan,” he said.

The students designed a plan based on whether they lived in a house, apartment or condo and practiced.

Fourth-grader Justin Moran said he practiced the plan on his own to discover the

fastest way out of his home. “I learned that we have five fire alarms,” he said.

Fourth-grade teacher Sara Kaiser said, “We’ve had students in the district who’ve had fires in their homes. If kids don’t know what to do when something happens, they panic and freeze or hide under beds or in closets, which makes it harder for the firefighters to rescue them.”

Students chose ice cream as a reward.

“Ice cream, before lunch?”

Kaiser said with a smile. Popsicles and other options were available.

Fourth-grade teacher Natalie Housh said her students look forward to visits from firefighters.

“They look up to them.

They’re role models and heroes, so having them in the school is exciting for our students. We tried to stress that making the plan was not enough, they needed to practice it.”

She said she was surprised when her students asked whether she had a home escape plan.

“They wanted to know if it was important for me,” Housh said.

“It’s really important for everyone.”

said. Seventy-two Dominick’s stores, owned by Safeway, are in the Chicago region; four of them have been sold to Jewel-Osco.

In November, local officials including Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz and Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmit said they had no forewarning from Safeway that it would be closing and trying to sell Dominick’s in both towns.

In Lake County, Dominick’s stores are located at 6655 Grand Ave. in Gurnee, Route 176 and Midlothian Road in Mundelein and at 1258 S. Route 12 in Fox Lake.

Safeway also owns two stores in Buffalo Grove and one each in Lake Zurich and Lake Bluff.

Schmitt said the the Fox Lake store “is not a big producer” of sales tax in the town. The village of Mundelein earns $250,000 annually in sales tax from Dominick’s, Lentz said.

BUFFALO HERD ESTABLISHED 1973

WHY BUFFALO?

• Low in Cholesterol • Heart Healthy • Never Tasted Soooo Good!

Amish Country Hand Rolled Butter

See Us at GRAYSL the AK MARKET E SATURD AYS 10-2

Organic

Cheese & Organic Turkeys, Grass Fed Cheese salted or unsalted Pork & Pork Crown Roasts, Bison Roast & Tenderloins for the Holidays

The Lester Family would like to wish your family a safe & wonderful holiday season!

COME SEE US AT LESTER’S COUNTRY STORE ON THE RANCH AND VISIT THE BUFFALO STORE HOURS: MONDAY - SATURDAY 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. • SUNDAY 10 A.M. - 4 P.M.

JUST

(847) 343-8240 OR (262) 537-3779 31807 60TH ST., SALEM, WISCONSIN 53168-9557 EAST OF HWY. W ON HWY K (60TH ST.) NORTH OF HWY. 50 WWW.LESTERSBISONFARM.COM

We also ship directly to your door

• Thursday, December 5, 2013

Fire safety program ends with ice cream

Roundy’s Inc. plans to acquire 11 Dominick’s stores from Safeway Inc., including the Gurnee location, in a $36 million cash and lease assumption transaction the company announced Dec. 2.

Roundy’s Inc. expects to close the transaction in the second half of December 2013.

There will be a transition period of about one to two months, during which Roundy’s will take possession of the stores and convert them to their Mariano’s banner, a release stated.

Jessica Handley, who has worked in Gurnee Dominick’s in-store Starbucks for five years, said she’s already applied to work at Mariano’s coffee shop.

“I’m glad our store was bought, but we’re still not sure about our jobs,” Handley said. “Older people who’ve

been working [at Dominick’s] for 44 years probably won’t be going to Mariano’s.”

Handley, of Libertyville, said she would be happy to work at Mariano’s because she likes how they run their store and “it’s always busy and has more in stock than Dominick’s.”

“These key locations will seamlessly integrate into and complement our existing base of 13 Mariano’s locations as well as our five additional 2014 Mariano’s locations now under construction,” Robert Mariano, chief executive officer of Roundy’s, said in a news release.

The Fox Lake and Mundelein Dominick’s stores were not included in the list of 11 stores acquired by Roundy’s.

Safeway Inc. planned to have closed all of its Chicago and suburban Dominick’s stores by Dec. 28 if they were not sold, Safeway director of public affairs Lauri Sander

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Gurnee Dominick’s set to become Mariano’s

17

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

| Gurnee Suburban Life 18

19

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

| Gurnee Suburban Life

20

MORE BEARS COVERAGE AT HUBARKUSH.COM

Cowboys, Bears going in opposite directions Hub Arkush

The Dallas Cowboys will come calling Monday Night at Soldier Field in front of a national TV audience, traveling a course that could be the exact opposite of where the Bears are heading.

After jumping out to a 3-0 and 4-2 start to the season, the Bears have lost four of their last six, including division games to the Lions and Vikings.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, come in at 7-5 and winners of five of their last seven, including division wins over the Giants, Eagles and Redskins.

While the Bears are running away from the playoffs, the Cowboys just might be running into them.

Dallas has struggled to run the ball all season, ranking just 27th in rushing, but they are 15th in the league in

passing. Tony Romo is second in the league in avoiding interceptions, and the Cowboys are eighth protecting the passer and fourth in scoring, just ahead of the sixth-place Bears.

On defense, the Cowboys have been awful, dead last in the league in yards allowed, 27th vs. the run, 31st vs. the pass and 22nd in points allowed.

Statistically, the Cowboys and Bears have a lot in common.

They also have a lot in common on the defensive line, where each has one of the best players in the game – DeMarcus Ware for the Cowboys and Julius Peppers with the Bears. Beyond those two, both clubs have been devastated by injuries.

Dallas has had 19 different players get reps on their defensive line this season.

One constant for the Cowboys, though, is Romo, who’s taken every snap at quarterback this season and is again playing at a very high level.

Romo has completed 64.8 percent of his 440 attempts for 3,140 yards, 24 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.

His passer rating of 97.3 is eighth in the NFL, oddly right behind Josh McCown, who is seventh at 103.6.

As luck would have it and as badly as the Bears’ run defense needs a break, the Cowboys are coming off their best rushing game of the season, racking up 144 yards on 30 carries Thanksgiving Day against the Raiders.

DeMarco Murray is the bellcow and, in addition to 63 yards on 17 carries against the Raiders, he notched three touchdowns on the ground.

The Cowboys really only have two receivers who scare you, but Jason Witten is a future Hall of Famer at tight end, and at 6-2 and 222 pounds, Dez Bryant is one of the only receivers in the league who can match Brandon Marshall’s production.

Since the beginning of 2011, Bryant has caught 223 passes for 3,206 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Dallas’ offensive line is average at best, but left tackle Tyron Smith is athletic enough to battle Julius Peppers.

Former Northern Illinois Huskie Doug Free, at right tackle, could be too much

for Shea McClellin.

In addition to their struggle to keep defensive linemen healthy, the Cowboys also have been without their second best defensive player, middle linebacker Sean Lee, who’s been out the past three weeks with a hamstring injury. But he plans on returning versus the Bears.

Brandon Carr has been a solid free agency acquisition at one cornerback spot, but Morris Claiborne, who Dallas traded up to draft in the first round last year, is suffering a bit of sophomore slump. Dallas also has really struggled at safety, where J.J. Wilcox and Barry Church are the starters.

Dallas’ special teams are among the league’s best in all categories and most of their special teamers were coached until this year by Bears Special Teams Coach and Assistant Head Coach, Joe Decamillis.

This game has all the makings of a shootout, much like the Cowboys’ 31-30 loss to Detroit five weeks ago, and it’s one the Bears have to have to retain any hope of a trip to the playoffs.

herma Tru Doors

4001 COUNTRY CLUB RD. • WOODSTOCK, IL

815-356-8600 100 BARNEY DR. • JOLIET, IL

815-725-0030 160 SOUTH LOVES RD • CORTLAND, IL

815-756-4824 99 E. CENTRALIA • ELKHORN, WI

262-723-3230

On Sale Now! 10% OFF NOW THRU DEC 31

ST

Danimal’s 2014 Chevy Silverado • Best In Class Max Trailering Package Delivers 11,500 lbs. of Towing Capacity • Best In Class EPA Estimated 23 MPG Highway HALL OF FAMER

DAN HAMPTON

Hall of Fame Sweepstakes

No purchase necessary.

Register to Win @ ChevyDrivesChicago.com

By J.C. TALON Fantasy football writer

The

Military’s

ONLY Choice

TE

LICEN

S

OS

SINCE 1987

H

A

ED

ED

ST A

®

C E RTIF

I

CUSTOM TATTOOING AT ITS FINEST ✯ Tattoo Museum ✯ ✯ Authorized Sailor Jerry Retailer ✯ ✯ After Care Products ✯ ✯ Piercing & Jewelry ✯ ✯ Military Discounts ✯

POPS SERVED IN THE U.S. NAVY FROM 19691973. HIS ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND PERSONABLE CHARACTER HAS MADE MODERN TATTOO A FAVORITE WITH THE PERSONNEL AT NAVAL STATION GREAT LAKES.

FREE SHUTTLE 3 Minutes from Great Lakes Buckley Road & Hwy. 41

847-689-2618

• worldfamousmoderntattoo.com

dling teams – the Packers (Mason Crosby) and Ravens (Justin Tucker). Denver, the league’s highest-scoring team, has the league’s fifth-highest scoring kicker in Matt Prater.

The high-flying Saints have the No. 11 kicker in Garrett Hartley.

The same challenge exists in selecting a fantasy defense.

The best defenses aren’t always the best defenses in fantasy. For much of the season, Houston had one of the NFL’s top-ranked defenses, but it ranked dead last in terms of fantasy production.

The Cowboys have one of the

league’s worst defenses – they are ranked No. 31 against the pass – but they are No. 7 in fantasy points.

Are there defenses or kickers on your league’s waiver wire that can help deliver a championship to your team?

Let’s start with kickers.

Blair Walsh, Garrett Hartley and Caleb Sturgis are likely available, but all three face a brutal schedule in the upcoming weeks. Stay away. Adam Vinatieri has lit it up two of the last three weeks. He may not be available, but even if he is, the Colts are at Cincinnati this week and at Kansas City in three weeks. He does have a nice matchup at home against Houston sandwiched in between.

Three likely available kickers have ideal upcoming matchups. Dan Carpenter of Buffalo is at Tampa, at Jacksonville and home against Miami. The Chiefs’ Ryan Succop

is at Washington, at Oakland and home versus Indianapolis. Nick Novak of San Diego is at home versus the Giants, travels to Denver and is at home against the Raiders in week 16.

It might be a bit tougher to find an available defense.

Arizona is available in 56 percent of ESPN leagues.

They have St. Louis at home, travel to Tennessee and then travel to Seattle. The first two games look like nice matchups, but you can’t rely on them in Week 16 in Seattle.

The Cowboys are available in 73 percent of ESPN leagues and have some intriguing matchups. They face the Bears on Monday night.

In Week 15, they have the Packers at home. It’s a great matchup for them if Aaron Rodgers does not play. In Week 16, they face another struggling team when they travel to Washington.

Over 1000 Chevys to choose from!

Your hometown dealer!!!

118 Route 173, Antioch, IL 847.395.3600 RaymondChevrolet.com

• Thursday, December 5, 2013

Kickers and defenses have become an afterthought in fantasy football.

There’s good reason for this: Because of most scoring systems, a solid output from your kicker or defense – say, 11 points – would be a disappointment from your starting running back or front-line receiver.

Still, having the right kicker and defense can be the difference between a fantasy championship and an early round playoff exit.

There’s a certain editor of a certain media company (rhymes with “claw”) who can tell you all about the importance of a fantasy defense.

We squared off in 2006 with our league’s championship on the line. Headed into the night game, he held a 30-point advantage. With nothing

but my defense remaining, the game was all but over.

That evening, Rex Grossman delivered several balls to the Green Bay defense … thus delivering a championship to yours truly.

For the most part, picking the right defense and/or kicker is a crapshoot. Some owners use the strategy of playing week-to-week matchups, picking their defense and/or kicker from the waiver wire.

The problem with this strategy – especially as it relates to your defense – is that you are continually selecting the best of the worst.

The conundrum with selecting a kicker is that the highest-scoring offenses don’t always produce the best fantasy kickers. The top-scoring fantasy kickers are Stephen Gostkowski (Patriots) and Steven Hauschka (Seahawks).

OK, that makes sense, but Nos. 3 and 4 are from mid-

21

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Kickers, defenses can help with your title push

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

| Gurnee Suburban Life

22

A look back at year’s best in football Gurnee Suburban Life names All-Area team

By BILL PEMSTEIN editorial@lakecountysuburbanlife.com Another high school football season has passed. And for the teams in the Suburban Life area, there were some special times with teammates and coaches.

Now comes time for the first All-Area football team for Gurnee Suburban Life. Thanks to the area coaches for their help.

Our first player of the year

is Warren quarterback Andrew Nickell. A season ago, Nickell was a backup quarterback.

“Andrew is a very intelligent young man’’ Warren coach Dave Mohapp said. “We had a very good group on offense this season.”

Nickell took to the air and found great success. And he didn’t play favorites when throwing the football around.

See ALL-AREA, page 23

herma Tru Doors

4001 COUNTRY CLUB RD. • WOODSTOCK, IL

815-356-8600 100 BARNEY DR. • JOLIET, IL

815-725-0030 160 SOUTH LOVES RD • CORTLAND, IL

815-756-4824 99 E. CENTRALIA • ELKHORN, WI

262-723-3230

On Sale Now! 10% OFF NOW THRU DEC 31

ST

• ALL-AREA Continued from page 22 Two of his receivers caught 37 passes. A third snared 35 passes. Officially, he was 174 out of 276 good for 2,619 yards and 25 TDs. Special mention: Grayslake North QB Merrick Gentile.

Missed being a 1,000-yard rusher by seven yards. Combine that with 1,335 yards passing and 13 TDs, and this player had a terrific season.

Honorable mention: Lakes quarterback TJ Edwards (injury hurt him) and Antioch QB Zach Andre.

•••

Grayslake North running back Titus Booker was a handful for North’s foes this year. He finished just five yards short of a 1,300-yard season. He was helped along by a few 200-plus-yard rushing days. Booker also scored 13 touchdowns.

Special mention: Warren’s undersized but hard-charging back Max Sorby. Let’s be honest, the Devils did plenty of passing, but when it was time to run the ball, they gave it to Sorby. He ran for 859 yards and eight TDs. Honorable mention: Lakes Cameron Johnson, Wauconda back Alex Payne, Grayslake Central runner Malcolm Reed and Lakes’ Mike Brey.

•••

Wide receivers Take your pick of those fine Warren receivers. Zach Rappel and Javon Charleston both caught 37 passes this season from their quarterback Nickell. Rappel netted 641 yards and three TDs. Charleston rang up 491 yards and seven TDs. Special mention: D a n ny Rockingham of Warren with his 35 catches, good for 581 yards and four TDs. And Grayslake North’s Brad Baker, who snared 39 passes for 591 yards and six TDs. Honorable mention: Grayslake Central’s Matt Loef-

Kyle Grillot – kgrillot@shawmedia.com

Grayslake North sophomore Merrick Gentile escapes Crystal Lake Central Eric Jensen’s tackle attempt during the third quarter of the high school football game Oct. 4 against Grayslake North Gentile received special mention for player of the year honors.

Photo by Candace H. Johnson

Warren quarterback, Andrew Nickell goes down with the ball next to Barrington’s Ryan Blair in the first quarter during the Class 8A second round playoff game at Warren Township High School. Nickel is the Gurnee Suburban Life player of the year in football. fl, Warren’s Caleb Reams, Wauconda’s Josh Anderson and Antioch’s tight end Tyler Lazarz.

thing of beauty).

Special mention: Adam Rosuck (Warren)

Honorable mention: Wesley Zegan (Antioch)

•••

Offensive linemen Had to rely on the coach’s for these selections. Ryan Mullen (Lakes), Matt Bloom (Warren), Sawyer McCaffrey (Warren), Troy Kinkaid (Lakes), Special mention: Ian Pearce (Grayslake North), Ben Celeslie (Grayslake Central), Joe Zumpano (Warren) Honorable mention: Dan Krajewski (Grayslake North) •••

Kicker Grayslake Central’s Kevin Dunk (his pooch kicks were a

•••

Defensive linemen Again, the coaches helped with these selections. Nate Magiera (Wauconda): What a monster year this player had.

Here’s a defensive lineman who paced his team in tackles (85). Magiera also set a school mark in tackles for loss (31).

Kyle Whitmer (Warren), Tommy Riggin (Warren), Nick Turner (Warren), Eric Infante (Grayslake Central).

•••

Linebackers Bryson Eppinger (War-

ren): Forget about those two concussions that he went through this year. He was there when the Devils needed him. He still had 62 tackles. R.C. Cox (Carmel): A three-year starter for the Corsairs. In his final season, he notched 74 tackles. Ravon Spruill (Warren): Mark down five interceptions for this player, and two went back for touchdowns.

Special mention: R y a n Aoki (Grayslake Central), Kasper Kulesza (Wauconda), Jesse Davis (Grayslake North) Honorable mention: Nick Turner (Warren), Mike Brierton (Warren), Graham Miller (Wauconda), Spencer Davis (Grayslake North) •••

Defensive backs Christian Norris (An-

tioch): Count out five interception for this senior. And one he took back all the way.

Joe Berg (Carmel): Credit this player with 61 tackles. He also recovered a fumble and picked off a pass.

Special mention: Kacey Adams (Grayslake Central), Jerry Powe (Warren), Roderick Pompey (Warren), Joe Sadauskas (Grant) Honorable mention: Jake Zimmerman (Lakes) •••

Coach of the Year Dave Mohapp (Warren): This veteran coach turned his offense around and dominated through the air. It took the Blue Devils to the second round of the playoffs.

Special mention: Steve Wood (Grayslake North): Graduation hit the Knights hard, so they rebuilt in a hurry.

Honorable mention: Brian Glashagel (Antioch), Ben Ault (Grayslake Central)

• Thursday, December 5, 2013

Running back

Gurnee Suburban Life | GurneeSuburbanLife.com

Area players earn recognition for season

23

24

| Gurnee Suburban Life

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!

GurneeSuburbanLife.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013

has teamed up with

& for a Consumer Assistance Sales Event!

AutoTrader.com representatives will be on-site to help you use its Trade-In Marketplace tool to get an instant cash offer1 on your vehicle. We will buy your car even if you don’t buy one during this event!

Kelley Blue Book representatives will be here to help you use the KBB.com Price Advisor to find the Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price for a new vehicle.

Every buyer will receive 10 to 50 OFF on ALL used cars! %

%

2

Discounts on used cars are based on the Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value.

2 DAYS ONLY! DECEMBER 6th & 7th Raymond Kia 119 Route 173 Antioch 800-928-9798 Instant Cash Offer is based on offers that dealers have made for similar vehicles and is subject to verification of condition. Offers are generated by an appraisal tool operated by a third-party service provider. 2 Minimum 5% of used inventory will be made available at both 10 and 50% off Kelley Blue Suggested Retail Value.

1

RaymondKia.com