KCC-12-25-2015

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December 25, 2015 • 75¢

K ANE COUNTY

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LIVELY HOLIDAY

St. Charles family embraces 1st Christmas with triplet boys, older brother / 6

No longer opponents ‘The hockey world is a small world,’ especially at Fox Valley Ice Arena / 17

SPORTS

WHERE IT’S AT

‘A long week’

Advice....................... 21, 23 Classified...................25-27 Comics.......................22-23 Cover story...................6-7 Horoscopes.....................21 Local News.................. 2-10 Obituaries.......................10 Opinions..........................16 Out & About......................3 Puzzles............................ 24 Sports..........................17-19 Weather............................ 5

St. Charles East takes fifth at invite, ready for break / 18-19 LOCAL NEWS

Court date set for teens 3 teen boys to appear next month in court after being charged with vandalism to St. Charles Park District property / 7

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, December 25, 2015

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GETTING STARTED LOTTERY ILLINOIS LOTTERY Pick 3 Midday: 0-8-2 Pick 3 Evening: 6-1-5 Pick 4 Midday: 8-3-5-2 Pick 4 Evening: 8-6-7-0 Lucky Day Lotto Midday: 16-22-23-24-31 Lucky Day Lotto Evening: 9-2021-23-34

By Sandy Bressner, photo editor at the Kane County Chronicle

Lotto: 5-7-23-29-49-50 (17) Lotto jackpot: $18 million MEGA MILLIONS Est. jackpot: $104 million POWERBALL Est. jackpot: $255 million

ON THE COVER Jonny (center), Jimmy (left) and Timmy Murphy (right) play in their St. Charles living room as their family decorates their Christmas tree. Brandi and James Murphy welcomed identical triplet boys last December, and also are parents to Tommy, 3.

Sandy Bressner – sbressner@shawmedia.com

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS Accuracy is important to the Kane County Chronicle, and we want to correct mistakes promptly.

Please call errors to our attention by phone, 630-845-5355; email, editorial@kcchronicle.com.

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T

o say Brandi and James Murphy of St. Charles have their hands full is an understatement.

I spent some time with the family a couple of weeks ago

as they decorated their home for Christmas. Three-year-old Tommy – along with 1-year-old identical triplets Jimmy, Jonny and Timmy – also wanted to help decorate.

I was in absolute awe as Brandi and James juggled the three toddlers and kept Tommy engaged and happy. All this with smiles on their faces as they decorated a tree that they

were pretty sure wouldn’t last the weekend.

All people are welcome, but children age 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Refreshments will be provided.

For information, call Mary Ochsenschlager at 630-643-4922 or email maryoxie@sbcglobal.net or call Robb Cleave at the Kane Forest Preserve Office at 630232-5980. Participants should meet in the inner parking lot.

Country Public Library will host a New Year’s-themed event with Mr. Nicky and Watson, the library’s mascot. It will be at 6 p.m. Monday at the library, 320 E. North St., Elburn. Participants are invited to ring in and sing in the new year with a concert by Mr. Nicky, wishing everyone, including Watson, a happy 2016. Everyone is welcome. You can listen to the Watson song at www.elburn. lib.il.us/youth/dress-watson.

Check out Mr. Nicky’s Face-

book page at www.facebook. com/mrnickychicago.

– Sandy Bressner; follow me on Instagram @kcchronicle and Twitter @sbressnerKCC

LOCAL BRIEFS Volunteers needed for habitat restoration

SUGAR GROVE – A habitat restoration workday will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Bliss Woods Forest Preserve, 5S660 Bliss Road, Sugar Grove.

Volunteers are needed to help cut and stack small to medium invasive shrubs. Interested people should dress in layers, bring gloves and wear long pants and sturdy, warm shoes. Participants may bring their own hand cutters, but tools are supplied.

Library to host New Year’s-themed event

ELBURN – The Town and

Comedy coming to Batavia

BATAVIA – The Bean and Bailey Comedy Show will be at 7 p.m.

Jan. 8 at The Holmstad, 700 W. Fabyan Parkway in Batavia. It features the humor of straightlaced Bradley Bean and free spirit Jackson Bailey. To reserve a spot for this free performance, visit www.TheHolmstad.org or call 877-226-7310.

–Kane County Chronicle

K ANE COUNTY

CHRONICLE

Get to know Jay Weber Batavia resident Jay Weber, 14, was at Panera Bread in Geneva when she answered 12 questions for the Kane County Chronicle’s Brenda Schory.

Where did you grow up? Columbia, Missouri Pets? A Boston terrier-miniature pinscher mix named Molly, from Rover Rescue Who would play you in the movie of your life? The older version of me What do you want to be when you grow up? An author or a journalist A book you’d recommend? “The Unwanteds” by Lisa McMann Favorite charity? To Write Love on Her Arms. It supports people with depression and anxiety.

Words of wisdom? You are the center of your own universe. Without you, the universe would disappear.

Favorite ice cream flavor? Superman at Batavia Creamery Do you play an instrument? Violin Favorite local restaurant? Charlie

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New Horizons Preschool plans open house event

WHAT: The New Horizons Preschool is opening its doors to allow parents the opportunity to meet teachers, explore classrooms and learn more about the play-based program. Children also are welcome to attend.

WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 26 WHERE: The preschool is located inside the Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St., Batavia. New Horizons Preschool is a program of the Batavia Park District.

INFORMATION: Call 630-406-5282 or visit www.bataviaparks.org

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Vaughan Athletic Center New Year’s Eve party

WHAT: Guests are encouraged to register by noon Wednesday to guarantee admission, party favors, activities and a snack. Advance tickets are $7 a person (ages 2 and older). Children under 2 are free. Day-of registration is $10 a person, but the event often sells out.

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday WHERE: Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trial, Aurora INFORMATION: Party favors and snacks are not guaranteed for those who register on the event day. For information,

call the Vaughan Athletic Center at 630-907-9600 and follow updates on the Vaughan Center’s Facebook page.

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Lazarus House Christmas Brunch

WHAT: For those able to cook, a dish to pass is appreciated.

WHEN: From noon to 2 p.m. today WHERE: St. Charles Free Methodist Church, 214 Walnut St., St. Charles INFORMATION: To participate or contribute to the meal, call Beth at 630-5872144 or email her at holidays@lazarushouseonline.com.

Kane County Chronicle staffers pick the best of what to do in your free time

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Holiday lights at Mooseheart

WHAT: The annual holiday light show continues at Mooseheart. The cost is $10 a car.

WHEN: It is open from 5 to 9 p.m. through Thursday WHERE: Mooseheart campus directly north of Mooseheart Road on Route 31 between North Aurora and Batavia.

INFORMATION: Visit www.mooseheart. org.

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Rhonda’s Annual New Year’s Day Bird Walk

WHAT: The walk is in honor of Rhonda Nelson’s many years of leading this event.

She has retired and may join the walk, weather permitting.

WHEN: 9 a.m. Jan. 1 WHERE: Hickory Knolls, 3795 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles. The walk is followed by optional lunch at Rookie’s at 1545 W. Main St., St. Charles.

INFORMATION: Contact leader Nancy Schnaitman at 630-365-9595.

TODAY’S WEB POLL

YESTERDAY’S WEB POLL RESULTS

What best describes how you feel on Christmas Day? • Merry • Tired • Overwhelmed • Excited • It’s just a regular day for me

Where is the best place to visit Santa Claus?

1. Other (36 percent) 2. At a mall (29 percent) 2. At a community festival (29 percent) 3. At a parade (6 percent)

VOTE ONLINE: Voice your opinion at www.kcchronicle.com. Poll is at the bottom right of the homepage.

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Copyright 2015

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• Friday, December 25, 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Fox’s in St. Charles What about all the bracelets you’re wearing? These three skull bracelets were made by my friend … and I like to think of them as a tribute. I’ve lost some friends to suicide. It was a really rough toll on me, and I’m also suffering from depression and anxiety. So I like to remind myself every day that I can still fight. And that’s why I like Jared Padalecki [and his] Always Keep Fighting. He’s an actor who suffers from depression and anxiety.

What is an interesting factoid about yourself? I wear cat ears every day to show that I’m being myself as much as I can, because it’s something unique and different and not many people have the guts to wear cat ears to school every day.

3

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Going back to Guatemala to serve St. Patrick parishioners plan medical mission trip for June

By ASHLEY SLOBODA asloboda@shawmedia.com ST. CHARLES – Physician Graham Woodward had, as he said, “no idea what I was getting into” when he decided to participate this year in a medical mission trip to rural Guatemala.

“I felt called to serve,” the St. Patrick Catholic Church parishioner said, describing it as living his faith.

He and fellow church member Melissa Baumgartner, who works at Burlington Central High School as a nurse, were part of a team that tended to 900 people in four days, Baumgartner said.

She said they saw a “wide range of illnesses” – including skin rashes, back pains, infected cuts and upper respiratory conditions – and served all ages, from “teeny babies” to senior citizens.

The two have since teamed up to lead another medical mission trip to Guatemala set for June 10 to 19 through their recently formed, faithbased, nonprofit charitable foundation, Healing Hands Medical Mission.

“We have a much better idea now [about what to expect],” Baumgartner said.

They plan to return to the people of San Antonio de Padua Parish, which covers

“We have a much better idea now [about what to expect].”

Melissa Baumgartner Nurse

a “huge geographical area” in eastern Guatemala, with a well-rounded group of medical providers, including physicians, urgent-care doctors, nurses, a dentist and – hopefully – an optometrist, Woodward said.

Most people he and Baumgartner helped during their first mission trip didn’t

have running water and had a “huge medical need,” as they lived hours away from the nearest hospital and had limited access to doctors, Woodward said.

“You feel very appreciated,” Baumgartner said.

Her daughter Rachel, a sophomore at Northern Illinois University who went on the 2015 trip, agreed. She said she brought candy for the residents and was swarmed not just by kids but their parents, too.

Woodward recognized the help Healing Hands Medical Mission has received from St. Patrick Parish in St. Charles.

Most of the volunteers are from the church, he said, and

Know more Visit www.healinghandsmission. com for information about Healing Hands Mission.

Msgr. Steve Knox has been a “tremendous support.”

“We couldn’t do it by ourselves,” Woodward said.

Healing Hands Medical Mission is accepting donations for the trip, for which a $20,000 goal has been set, Woodward and Baumgartner said. Information about how to donate is available at www.healinghandsmission. com.

Tri-Cities housing market shows mixed growth in November

By CHARLES MENCHACA cmenchaca@shawmedia.com The prices of some Tri-Cities homes showed an increase this November compared to November 2014, but actual home sales slowed during the same time period, according to the latest data released by the Mainstreet Organization of Realtors.

Median sale prices went up in St. Charles and Batavia in November compared to one year ago, according to the data.

St. Charles’ median sale price went up to $295,000, a 13.5 percent increase from last year. And Batavia’s median price reached $253,000, a 7 percent increase compared to November 2014.

Geneva posted a slight decline in its median sale price for homes overall. In November, the median price was $281,438, a decrease of 5.1 percent from the same period last year.

The median sale price of detached, single-family homes across the Chicago suburbs increased 5.6 percent year-to-date for November, according to the

organization’s statistics.

The number of detached, single-family homes sold yearto-date in the Chicago suburbs rose by 9.6 percent in November, according to the data.

There were 59 homes sold

in November in St. Charles, an 11.3 percent increase compared to November 2014. Batavia posted a 19.4 percent decrease, and Geneva posted a 5.9 percent decrease over the same period.

St. Charles had the largest percentage decline of short sales in November, with three homes sold, down 25 percent from the four homes sold during the same month last year.

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, December 25, 2015

4

There were no short sales in November in Geneva, and Batavia had one short sale. Geneva and Batavia in November 2014 had no short sales, according to the data.

WEATHER

5

Bill Bellis

Chief Meteorologist

National Weather

TODAY

SAT

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

Mix of sun and clouds; mild

Cloudy and mild; few light showers

Windy and colder with clouds and sun

Mostly cloudy; some rain and snow late

Occasional snow, sleet and rain

Mostly cloudy and chilly

Partly sunny and remaining chilly

35 23

29 17

28 19

44 35

47 33

35 24

33 27

Tri-Cities Almanac

Harvard

42/32 McHenry Statistics through 4 p.m. yesterday Belvidere 43/34 Temperatures Waukegan 44/34 42/34 High/low ....................................... 41°/32° Normal high ......................................... 32° Rockford Crystal Lake Deerfield Record high .............................. 55° (1982) Algonquin 44/35 44/35 43/37 43/34 Normal low .......................................... 18° Hampshire Record low ............................. -22° (1983) Schaumburg 43/35 Elgin 43/37 Peak wind ......................... WSW at 26 mph 44/36 DeKalb Precipitation 44/35 Tri-Cities Chicago 24 hours through 4 p.m. yest. ........... 0.01” 44/35 44/37 Month to date ................................... 3.87” Normal month to date ....................... 1.80” Oak Park Year to date .................................... 40.15” 45/39 Aurora Normal year to date ........................ 37.29” Dixon 45/35

UV Index

The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index™ number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

45/37

Sandwich 46/37

Orland Park 46/39

Regional Weather 10 a.m.

Noon

2 p.m.

4 p.m.

0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very High; 11+ Extreme

Air Quality

Reading as of Thursday

City Arlington Hts Aurora Deerfield Des Plaines Elgin Gary Hammond Janesville

Today Hi Lo W 44 37 c 45 37 c 43 37 c 44 37 c 44 36 c 48 40 c 51 43 pc 42 33 c

Saturday Hi Lo W 44 35 r 46 35 r 44 35 r 44 35 r 44 34 r 51 40 r 56 40 r 43 34 r

City Kankakee Kenosha La Salle Morris Munster Naperville Tinley Park Waukegan

Today Hi Lo W 49 38 c 43 34 pc 46 38 c 47 38 c 46 39 c 45 38 c 46 40 c 42 34 pc

Saturday Hi Lo W 51 37 r 43 32 r 47 35 r 47 36 r 48 38 r 45 35 r 47 37 r 43 33 r

Fox River Stages 0-50 Good; 51-100 Moderate; 101-150 Unhealthy for sensitive groups; 151-200 Unhealthy; 201-300 Very Unhealthy; 301-500 Hazardous Source: Illinois EPA

Weather History

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day.

Record cold gripped the East and the Ohio Valley Christmas Day of 1983. Daily record low temperatures were set in 124 cities in 24 states. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati dropped to 12 degrees below zero; Philadelphia hit 1 degree.

Fld: flood stage. Prs: stage in feet at 7 a.m Thursday. Chg: change in previous 24 hours.

Station Fld Prs Chg Station Fld Prs Chg Algonquin................. 3 ....... 1.56 ..... +0.05 Montgomery........... 13 ..... 13.01 ..... +0.31 Burlington, WI ........ 11 ....... 8.89 ..... +0.24 New Munster, WI .... 19 ..... 10.19 ..... +0.11 Dayton ................... 12 ..... 10.78 ..... +0.63 Princeton .............. 9.5 ....... 7.22 ..... +0.08 McHenry .................. 4 ....... 3.55 ..... +0.05 Waukesha ................ 6 ....... 4.29 ..... +0.35

Sun and Moon Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset

Today 7:19 a.m.

4:27 p.m.

5:11 p.m.

7:05 a.m.

Saturday 7:20 a.m.

4:28 p.m.

6:11 p.m.

7:57 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

City Anchorage Atlanta Baltimore Billings Boise Boston Charlotte Chicago Cincinnati Dallas Denver Des Moines Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Kansas City Las Vegas Los Angeles

Today Hi Lo W 25 23 sn 76 65 pc 70 55 sh 16 3 sn 27 12 pc 59 44 pc 74 63 pc 44 37 c 57 50 r 73 65 c 31 12 sn 42 34 pc 82 71 pc 80 69 t 55 44 c 46 41 pc 49 33 pc 60 44 pc

World Weather City Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Buenos Aires Cairo Calgary Jerusalem Johannesburg London Madrid Manila

Today Hi Lo W 63 48 s 62 40 s 43 25 s 49 43 pc 86 66 s 69 49 s 9 -6 s 56 40 s 88 60 t 57 55 sh 56 31 pc 87 74 s

Saturday Hi Lo W 28 23 c 77 63 c 57 54 r 20 8 s 23 11 s 49 42 r 77 60 c 45 34 r 66 58 r 75 54 r 17 9 sn 41 25 r 82 72 pc 78 68 c 61 47 r 49 28 r 48 30 s 61 39 s

City Louisville Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York City Oklahoma City Omaha Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh St. Louis Salt Lake City San Francisco Seattle Washington, DC

Today Hi Lo W 59 55 r 84 75 pc 41 33 pc 34 29 c 69 63 t 80 69 sh 65 50 pc 63 53 pc 39 34 c 85 66 pc 70 52 r 59 39 pc 58 45 r 56 47 c 29 13 sn 51 39 pc 40 30 pc 73 55 sh

Saturday Hi Lo W 69 62 r 83 75 pc 42 32 r 32 16 sn 75 67 c 80 69 c 52 50 r 60 30 r 38 20 sn 84 67 pc 56 51 r 56 40 s 63 57 r 62 42 r 25 5 pc 52 36 s 41 33 pc 58 53 sh

Saturday Hi Lo W 59 46 s 63 37 s 41 18 pc 56 47 c 88 67 s 69 52 pc 13 8 s 57 40 pc 81 59 t 58 50 c 57 34 pc 86 74 s

City Mexico City Moscow Nassau New Delhi Paris Rio de Janeiro Rome Seoul Singapore Sydney Tokyo Toronto

Today Hi Lo W 73 44 pc 36 32 c 84 73 pc 67 43 pc 55 47 sh 94 77 pc 60 38 pc 37 29 s 88 79 pc 77 66 pc 56 43 c 47 33 pc

Saturday Hi Lo W 74 48 pc 38 24 c 84 72 pc 70 48 pc 55 45 pc 93 78 s 58 36 pc 42 14 s 88 77 c 84 65 t 55 43 pc 43 38 r

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Dec 25

Jan 1

Jan 9

Jan 16

Forecasts and graphics, except WFLD forecasts, provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2015

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, December 25, 2015

Seven-Day Forecast

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, December 25, 2015

6

COVER STORY

CHRISTMAS IN TRIPLICATE Triplets and older brother celebrate season with parents

By BRENDA SCHORY bschory@shawmedia.com ST. CHARLES – Threeyear-old Tommy Murphy dodged his three 1-year-old brothers as he collected unbreakable ornaments to put on the family Christmas tree.

Identical triplets Jonathan Joseph, Timothy William and James Patrick were born Dec. 19, 2014, to Brandi and James Murphy of St. Charles. At six weeks early, they spent nine days in a neonatal intensive care unit at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield before coming home, their mother said.

For the Murphys, this year will be a Christmas in triplicate – plus one – as it will be the first holiday with all of the kids at home, James Murphy said.

“It’s fun at home with the kids,” said James Murphy, 29. “[The triplets] were in the hospital last year [for Christmas] when they were born.

It’s even more fun with [Tommy] understanding Christmas.”

Any family with four small children can be challenged while trying to decorate a Christmas tree, and the Murphys’ dizzying hive of little-boy activity fit the bill for sure this year.

“Sometimes they can get a little crazy,” said Brandi Murphy, 29. “We try to keep it as normal as possible.”

“Possible” is the operative word here.

The boys recently wore identical green Christmas outfits with only their socks designating who was who – green for Jonny, blue for Timmy and red for Jimmy.

The front door has an extra latch to prevent escape, and the kitchen doorway is gated.

But since Tommy has learned how to use the couch to launch himself over the gate, his dad spent a lot of time retrieving him and redi-

Photos by Sandy Bressner – sbressner@shawmedia.com

ABOVE: Brandi and James Murphy decorate a Christmas tree in their St. Charles living room with Tommy, 3, and 1-year-old identical triplets Jimmy, Jonny and Timmy. LEFT: James Murphy holds Tommy, 3, on his shoulders as 1-year-olds Jonny (left) and Timmy (right) play at his feet.

James and his wife, Brandi, welcomed identical triplet boys last December.

recting him back to the tree while they were decorating it.

After the triplets’ birth, Brandi Murphy left her job as a substitute teacher in St. Charles School District 303.

James Murphy, a Bensenville firefighter/paramedic, started his own business, Mercy Electric and Home Im-

provement, as a side job.

“I’m always tired,” James Murphy said, taking a moment to sit down before chasing the boys again. “I work 70 hours a week between the two.”

The Murphys were taken by surprise after hearing news of the triplets – an ultra-

sound revealed them at eight weeks, Brandi Murphy said.

“I saw two blobs and I said, ‘OK, it’s twins,’ ” Brandi Murphy said.

Then they told her it was triplets.

“I said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me. I need to see a doctor who actually knows how to read an ultrasound,’ ” Brandi Murphy said.

A doctor confirmed there were three.

“I just looked at my husband. He didn’t know what to say,” Brandi Murphy said. “I started crying.”

“It was quite a shock,”

James Murphy said. Then he asked if she was OK. “ ‘I’m just overwhelmed,’ ” Brandi Murphy said she told her husband. “Then, a couple of minutes later, I was crying again. … I said, ‘It’s going to be all boys. I know it’s going to be all boys.’ ” Her husband didn’t believe her – but then weeks later, he did.

“It was even more a surprise when we found out they were identical boys,” James Murphy said. “No girls for her.”

See HOLIDAY, page 7

ST. CHARLES

7

ing addresses.

They are accused of damaging facilities at James O. Breen Community Park and Otter Cove Aquatic Park at Peck and Campton Hills roads in western St. Charles, police have said.

Police have described the damage, which happened Saturday, as “extensive” and said it included broken doors, broken windows, broken computer monitors and broken printers. The teens reportedly also broke refrigerators in a concession area, destroyed a lightning detection system, carved into walls and discharged a fire extinguisher.

A preliminary estimate placed the damage at more than $32,000, police have said.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will include trips to Mass, the grandparents’ • HOLIDAY

Continued from page 6 ••• Brandi Murphy said she structures nap time and meals as a priority and then goes to parks and on walks when the weather allows. She even goes jogging while pushing a quad stroller with all four kids inside.

“I try to play with them as much as possible,” Brandi Murphy said. “They are so cute. If I get down on the floor, all three are climbing on me. ... I had no idea what it was going to be like. They all play together and play off one another. It’s really cute to see.”

When the triplets are down for a nap, Mom makes special time for her oldest, Tommy, doing crafts, cooking and baking together.

Usually the triplets are dressed differently, but for occasions like Christmas, their outfits are often identical, Brandi Murphy said.

This holiday, Brandi

Murphy said they will go to Christmas Eve service at St. Peter Catholic Church in Geneva, go to James Murphy’s family for dinner, then go to Brandi Murphy’s mother’s house for dessert and gifts.

Everyone is local, as Brandi Murphy graduated from St. Charles East in 2005 and James Murphy graduated from Geneva High School in 2004.

On Christmas Day, she

said the children will open their gifts from Santa, then go to his parents’ house for brunch and then to her mom’s house in the afternoon.

But most of all, the Murphys will enjoy each other, their children and their families.

“I always wanted a big family, growing up,” Brandi Murphy said. “I definitely didn’t know it was going to happen.”

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Route 38 Collision and Paint, 33W672 Route 38, West Chicago, has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to offer truck and trailer rentals, as well as towing supplies.

Route 38 Collision and Paint offering U-Haul rentals KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE editorial@kcchronicle.com A local business has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Geneva community, according to a news release.

Route 38 Collision and Paint, 33W672 Route 38, West Chicago, offers U-Haul trucks, truck sales, trailers, towing equipment, pre-tow inspection, support rental items and in-store pickup for boxes.

Route 38 Collision and Paint owner Don Cinkus is proud to team with U-Haul to better meet the demands of Kane County, the release states.

U-Haul and Route 38 Collision and Paint strive to benefit the environment through sustainability initiatives, according to the release.

Truck sharing is a core U-Haul business practice, al-

lowing individuals to access a fleet of trucks larger than what they could access on an individual basis, the release states.

Every U-Haul truck placed in a community helps keep 19 personally owned, large-capacity vehicles, pickups, sport utility vehicles and vans off of the road, states the release.

Hours of operation for U-Haul rentals at Route 38 Collision and Paint are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and on-call Sunday. An after-hours dropoff option is available for customers as well.

Residents can reserve U-Haul products and learn more by calling 630-3134107 or by visiting www. uhaul.com/Locations/ Truck-Rentals-near-GenevaIL-60134/041213.

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ST. CHARLES – The three teens accused of causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage to St. Charles Park District property are due in court next month, online records show.

Nicholas P. Zamecnik, 18, Kyle J. Wandle, 19, and William J. Donlevy, 18, are expected at 9 a.m. Jan. 14 at the Kane Nicholas County Judicial Zamecnik Center in St. Charles Township for a status hearing, according to online court records.

They are each charged with burglary and criminal damage to government property, which are Class 2 felonies. Kyle Wandle Their bond was set at $10,000 each. All of them were released from jail Tuesday on $1,000 bail, William Kane County Sheriff’s Office Donlevy spokesman Lt. Pat Gengler wrote in an email.

The teens are from Campton Hills, although St. Charles and Elburn are used in their mail-

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LOCAL NEWS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

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Volunteers bring gifts, cheer to Marklund residents

By BRENDA SCHORY bschory@shawmedia.com BLACKBERRY TOWNSHIP – Rambo the therapy dog was dressed in his Christmas best, with a red jacket and Santa hat strapped to his head, when he let Lisa Wilke pet him.

The dog was an extra treat for Christmas Eve at Marklund at Mill Creek near Geneva, where 270 volunteers came to help residents with severe developmental disabilities open their presents.

Laura and Rick Albanese of North Riverside brought Rambo and a bunch of gifts.

“Today for Christmas Eve, it means so much to be able to be here with the residents on such a happy occasion,” Laura Albanese said.

Wilke, 31, a Marklund resident since she was 3 years old, has developmental disabilities, said her mother, Barbara Wilke of Glendale Heights.

She and her husband, Albin Wilke, sat with their daughter amid gifts brought by volunteers.

“It’s kind of exciting for them,” Wilke said.

Another parent, Virginia Fritz of St. Charles, was with her youngest son, Mike Fritz, 35, as he tried to open a present. She praised the event.

“It gives some other people that live nearby an opportunity to give something to somebody special, who does not have all the other things the rest of us have,” Virginia

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Fritz said.

Even staff brought gifts for those they care for, such as Keaira Banks, who brought items for Sophia Esparaza, 28.

“After working with them ... you just grow to love each other,” Banks said.

To Esparaza’s mother, Ondrea Snyder of North Aurora, the extra measure of giving means her daughter is truly cared for by the people who take care of her.

“It means so much because I need to feel comfortable – like she’s loved here,” Snyder said. “So, when they come here and do these additional things, they are extending love. They are an extension of family. … And today is important. I do believe that my daughter feels the love and the caring, even though she can’t express it.”

Jodie Paetz, developmental training manager at Marklund, said the expressions of sharing gifts and time with residents are important because they show the generosity of the community.

“It gets people involved,” Paetz said. “It allows them to have new experiences, as well as have great interaction with our clients.”

Brenda Schory - bschory@shawmedia.com

TOP: Rick Albanese of North Riverside introduces Rambo, a therapy dog, to Marklund at Mill Creek client Lisa Wilke on Christmas Eve. Wilke’s mother, Barbara, said her daughter, who has developmental disabilities, has lived at Marklund facilities since she was 3 years old. RIGHT: Mike Fritz opens a present on Christmas Eve, with help from his mother, Virginia Fritz of St. Charles. About 270 volunteers brought gifts.

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Girl Scout tree wins Geneva History Museum contest

OBITUARIES JIMMIE W. LEWIS Jimmie Wayne Lewis, age 62, of Aurora, Illinois and Norfork, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, December 23, 2015.

He was born on March 14, 1953

Vivian Maier book event to be held Monday

GENEVA – Jenny Riddle provides a dramatic book review of “Vivian Maier: Out of the Shadows” from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Geneva Public Library, 127 James St., Geneva. Riddle portrays Maier, a 1960s North Shore nanny and a Chicago street photographer whose gift for photography has posthumously taken the world by storm. To register, visit www.gpld.org or call 630-2320780.

day, after voting closed at 4 p.m.

Emma said – of the re-

maining vote donations for the other trees – the history museum will get $900, and another $900 will be divided among the other nonprofit groups.

The other trees were decorated by volunteers from Geneva Beautification, Fox Valley Hands of Hope, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Covenant Care Hospice, Hearts of Hope, Marklund, the Greater Geneva Art Guild, Lazarus House, the Association for Individual Development, The Salvation Army, American Cancer Society, Geneva Women’s Club and Rover Rescue.

In its eighth year, the Giving Tree promotion allows the community to support local nonprofits by buying a ticket for $1 and then using the ticket to vote for the tree of their choice.

in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and grew up in Sandwich, Illinois.

His love for the family farm in Norfork, Arkansas was surpassed only by the love he held for his family. He had just recently retired to the famlly farm where he could be seen daily, driving his tractor and keeping up the farm.

Jimmie was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, but he will be

remembered most for his love of cooking. No family event was complete without his cheesecake and baked beans.

Jimmie is survived by his wife, Anita (Altepeter) Lewis; his brother, Curtis Lewis; daughters, Amy (John) McGuire, Sarah (Terrence) Johnson, and Rebecca Lewis; his son, Kyle (Nikki) Lewis; and his grandchildren, Bethany

Skowronski, Jeremy Reichling, Cooper McGuire and Emmett Lewis.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Thompson; his father, Russell Lewis; his grandparents, Hoyd and Elsie Lewis; and his aunt, Mildred Frances.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 26, 2015 from

Saturday, Dec. 26, at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State St. (Route 38), Geneva, followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Dr. Mark Tusken officiating. Private burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Geneva.

Stephen P. Thomas: The visitation will be from 11 a.m.

until the funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State St. (Route 38), Geneva, with John Klasen officiating.

Joseph G. Vokoun Jr.: The memorial visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main

St., St. Charles. The memorial funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, at St. John Neumann Church, 2900 E. Main St., St. Charles. Burial will be private.

Bernice V. Wenberg: The funeral service will be at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Evan-

By BRENDA SCHORY bschory@shawmedia.com GENEVA – The Girl Scout tree won the most votes out of the 14 total Giving Trees at the Geneva History Museum this holiday season, director Terry Emma said, so the Scouts will get $517.61, represented by the $1 tickets used to measure the votes.

“That’s pretty significant,” Emma said. “Most of the votes come in dollar by dollar.

That’s almost 517 people who voted. Some voted online with credit cards, but that’s still a pretty high number.”

The 61 cents was counted, too, as some people just drop random coins into the vote boxes at the Geneva History Museum, Emma said.

The Girl Scout tree represented 43 troops in Geneva.

Votes were tallied Wednes-

LOCAL BRIEFS

Photo provided

The Girl Scout tree won the most votes among the 14 nonprofit groups featured in the annual Giving Trees promotion at the Geneva History Museum.

Forest preserve has plans for Jan. 1

ST. CHARLES – The Forest Preserve District of Kane County has planned a New Year’s Day program, to take place from 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 1 at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. This free hike is for parents and children of all ages. Participants will look for the first animal tracks made in

the New Year’s snow.

There will be coffee and cocoa inside Creek Bend Nature Center after the hike. Advance registration is required. Call 630-444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com to register. For information, visit www.kaneforest.com.

Watch a classic film at Messenger library

NORTH AURORA – Messenger Public Library will host “Reel Reads Books Into Movies,” which this month features “Arsenic and Old Lace.” It will be from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the library, 113 Oak St., North Aurora. Copies of the book will be available for checkout. Discussion will follow the movie screening.

Refreshments will be served.

The event is for those ages 13 and older. For information, call 630-896-0240 or visit www. messengerpl.org.

– Kane County Chronicle

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Daleiden Mortuary, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, IL In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, 273 Dearborn Ct., Geneva, IL 60134 and/or the North Central Arkansas Food Bank, 14215 Hwy. 5 S, Norfork, AR 72658.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS Terry L. Cryer: The visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State St. (Route 38), Geneva, followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mary F. Oswalt: Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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gelical Covenant Church, 1314 W. Main St., Batavia. There will be visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. for family and friends to gather and reminisce about their memories of Bernice before the service. Interment will follow the funeral service at West Batavia Cemetery.

Get Things Done.

Find someone to do it for you in the Service Directory of the classified section.

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KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, December 25, 2015

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, December 25, 2015

14

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, December 25, 2015

16

OPINIONS

EDITORIAL

BOARD

Jim Ringness General Manager

Kathy Balcazar Editor

Al Lagattolla News Editor

Kevin Druley Sports Editor

GUEST VIEW

Military families deserve support this holiday season Most troops have returned home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Fewer than 10,000 U.S. soldiers remain in Afghanistan, down from a peak of more than 100,000 in June 2011. Only about 3,000 remain in Iraq, down from more than 166,000 in October 2007.

But life isn’t necessarily back to normal for service members and their families.

While we have fewer troops on the ground, we’re still covering the skies and the seas. Our naval presence is as high as it’s been for decades. Turmoil in the Middle East, Europe and the Asia-Pacific has our military in a state of constant readiness.

All that adds up to this: Times are not getting easier for the men and women of the military and their families. They need our support today as much as ever. And as we enjoy the holiday season, we should remember this fact.

The demands on our servicemen and women remain high, and I’m not just talking about those who are forward-deployed. Anyone who has served at home knows that stateside duty is demanding in its own right.

When you’re overseas, you’re expected to miss birthday parties, graduations and anniversaries.

Your family understands why you’re not there.

But when you’re back home, your family expects you to be around, even though much of your time still is not your own. The schedule is strenuous, the hours are long and you’re often focused on preparing for the next deployment.

You get a few hours to rest, then it’s back to work. Your family still needs you – and you need them – but your obligation to the service is ironclad.

Civilians have taken to calling this work-life balance. Military families have long known it simply as the way life is.

I bring this up because while we rightly praise the service and sacrifices millions of servicemen and

THE FIRST

AMENDMENT

GUEST VIEW Rick Hunt women have made for our nation, we rarely give enough credit to the families. They’re the ones who help service members stay resolute.

Veterans and their families deserve our support and resources. It’s too easy to ignore the many sacrifices these families make each day.

Fortunately, policymakers – including military veterans, by no coincidence – have come through on this front.

Child development centers help young military families make ends meet. Base housing eases the stress of frequent moves. First-rate medical care helps keep service members and families healthy. And access to counseling – whether before deployment or after – helps families work through their demanding lifestyle.

Even seemingly little things matter, like the cheaper groceries at on-base commissaries.

Continued government support helps, but it isn’t enough. Private-sector programs for veterans and their families help fill the gap.

At my firm, Raytheon, we recently pledged $10 million over five years to fund scholarships for veterans through Student Veterans of America, along with educational support for military families through Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

There still is more we can all do.

We should collectively advocate across public and private sectors to increase support for our service members and veterans.

We must make clear to our servicemen and women that our commitment to them and their families is unwavering.

• Retired U.S Navy Vice Adm. Rick Hunt is vice president of the Raytheon U.S. Business Development organization. Feedback on this column can be sent to editorial@kcchronicle.com.

ANOTHER VIEW

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus Note to readers: This timeless piece was written by Francis Pharcellus Church, an editorial writer for the New York Sun, in response to a letter from the daughter of a Sun reader. It originally was published Sept. 21, 1897. We reprint it today – in an edited version – on Christmas.

Dear Editor: I am 8 years old.

Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.

Papa says, “If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.”

Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon 115 West Ninety-Fifth Street VIRGINIA: Your little friends are wrong.

They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or

children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus.

It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Contact Sports Editor Kevin Druley at 630-845-5347 or at kdruley@shawmedia.com.

CHICAGO STEEL

‘SMALL WORLD’ MADE WONDERFUL Fathers reunite as sons share Steel ice

By KEVIN DRULEY kdruley@shawmedia.com GENEVA – Sometime between the delivery of their latest one-liner and the moment their sons emerged from the Chicago Steel locker room, Ken Sweezey and Jeff Walker uttered variations of a familiar phrase.

Pass through the glass doors of Fox Valley Ice Arena, walk under the 17 United States Hockey League Ken b a n n e r s d a n - Sweezey gling from the foyer ceiling and choose a rink on either side. Chances are, you’ll hear someone deliver the sentiment Billy again. From the Sweezey stands, from the bench, during a stoppage in play.

“The hockey world is a small world,” the saying goes, and shouldn’t Sweezey and Walker know? Here were two men who have known each other since skating as opponents in Boston’s developmental circles more than three decades ago reuniting because their sons now played the same game for the same team.

Sweezey’s son, Billy, is a 19-year-old defenseman committed to Yale. Walker’s son, Johnny, also 19, is an Arizona State-bound power forward.

“We had been keeping tabs on each other, kind of,” Billy Sweezey said. “We knew about each other, but never actually formally met.”

While Billy Sweezey has played in 26 of the Steel’s 28 games, Johnny Walker ultimately can be classified as a Steel stopgap. The 2015 draftee joined the club for three games this month amid sever-

Sean King for Shaw Media

Forward Johnny Walker played just three games for the Chicago Steel this month but wound up delivering plenty of memories for his father, Jeff, just the same. al player absences for national junior competitions before returning to Minot (North Dakota) of the lower-tiered North American Hockey League.

The hockey world also is a fast-paced, mobile world, so Walker may skate again with the Steel during the 2015-16 season. Should he return, he’ll be hard-pressed to replicate the night of his USHL debut.

Days after joining the team and hours after his dad flew in from Phoenix, Walker used a dazzling, high-slot move to score the shootout winner in a victory against visiting

Youngstown (Ohio) on Dec. 10.

Talk about timing.

“Oh, this was phenomenal.

This was great,” Jeff Walker said. “I think he had a tough game. He was, like, minus-2 or something like that and I know it was kind of bothering him, so it was kind of nice to see him recover like that, you know. He really wanted to make this team last spring when he tried out, and he was pretty heartbroken. For him to be invited back and to be able to do that was pretty awesome.”

Steel coach Dan Muse

tapped Johnny Walker for shootout duty given his knowledge of the move – seen on film, during training camp and then up close in practice.

In some respects, Johnny Walker’s send-up of his own style figured to disqualify him for the responsibility.

“I’ve always been kind of saltier to play against. Never really liked anyone I played against,” he said. “So not out there to make friends, for sure. Definitely looking to bring the physical edge to that. Then just work hard and everything will fall into

place.”

That last part especially resonates with Ken Sweezey and Jeff Walker, whose highest level of shared competition came in NCAA Division I in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Ken Sweezey, a former center at Providence, used Jeff Walker’s noggin as a prop when recalling his pal’s days as a goaltender at Boston College.

“Can’t you tell?” Ken Sweezey grinned. “He’s still red up there.”

See STEEL, page 19

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, December 25, 2015

SPORTS

17

Have some sports news?

Two Hannahs, one inspiration Hannah Zimmer and Hannah Olsen, despite both being St. Charles North products, didn’t compete alongside one another in high school. Their first turn as teammates came this year at Illinois-Chicago.

But both were heavily influenced by the same coach, a coach one of the two Hannahs calls mom.

Olsen’s mom, Jennifer, is an assistant varsity swimming coach at North.

Hannah And while her Zimmer connection to her daughter is obvious, she’s had a big impact on the lives and women’s swimming careers of both of these Hannahs.

“Obviously she’s been there for me my whole life with my swimming, in and out of the pool,” Hannah Olsen said. “I think we do a very good job separating our relationship, her being my mom off the deck and being my

ON CAMPUS Vinnie Duber coach on the deck. It can get kind of difficult sometimes, but I think we do a pretty good job of it. I don’t think I would be where I am without my mom as my coach.”

“She was a really great coach for me all throughout Hannah high school.

Olsen And having her almost as a second mom to our whole team, really, was just really encouraging,” Zimmer said. “She always had something to say about our swims or our practices.

She was just really supportive no matter how we swam and always had something to suggest for how to improve. She believed in me before I would believe in myself sometimes,

which is really important for me and my swimming career.”

Olsen, a freshman at UIC, didn’t attend North until her senior year, meaning she missed competing with Zimmer, a sophomore, on the high school team. But the two are teammates now, and though Zimmer didn’t know Olsen quite as well as she knew Olsen’s mom, she was thrilled when she learned Olsen would be joining her in Chicago.

“I was really excited when I found out Hannah Olsen was coming here,” Zimmer said. “I was just really excited to see another familiar face around the city and training. And just becoming good friends with someone from home was a really cool and kind of a special experience that not a lot of other people have in college swimming.”

Even though Olsen’s mom has the expertise, Olsen said her parents gave her the freedom to choose where she

wanted to attend college. And she couldn’t be happier with her selection of UIC. “My parents have never really put a ton of pressure on me to do anything I didn’t want to do or even swim in college if I didn’t want to,” Olsen said. “So picking where I wanted to go, it was kind of my choice. I didn’t really pick any huge Big Ten schools or anything, I just wanted to be a part of a great team. They wanted me to be happy, and I think I definitely found what I was looking for here at UIC.” While partially establishing a bit of a North Stars alumni association at UIC, success has followed. The Hannahs both are in the early stages of strong seasons.

Still in their underclassmen years, they have their sights set on bright futures with the Flames.

“Our girls team’s been doing really well this year. Just a difference from last year in seeing how much closer the team has grown friend-wise

and having more success in the pool,” Zimmer said. “It’s been a lot of fun just seeing the passion that this team has for competition and supporting each other in and out of the pool.

“We’re just looking toward building off what has been happening in the past and just working toward improving our placing at conference [the Horizon League]. I know a second-place finish behind Oakland (Michigan) is kind of in the back of everyone’s mind, something we’re really striving for even this year.

Just working on growing into a program that other people see and recognize, kind of look at us and say, ‘That’s something we want to be a part of.’ So that’s been a goal for us.”

• Vinnie Duber writes the weekly On Campus column on area athletes competing in college. If you have a column idea, contact him at vinnieduber@gmail.com.

PREP BOYS SWIMMING NOTES

East, North looking forward to break

By CHRIS CASEY ccasey@shawmedia.com NAPERVILLE – It was by no means an excuse from St. Charles East senior boys swimmer John Tarpey, but he and his fellow teammates were awfully tired at their fourth meet in seven days at Saturday’s Neuqua Valley Invite.

After previous recent

meets at Barrington, Huntley and West Chicago, it seemed fitting that a meet with some of the state’s top teams and individual talent would be the end of that stretch.

“It’s been a long week for us,” Tarpey said after the Saints took fifth overall at Neuqua Valley. “It’s the last week before break, and I know a bunch of us are real tired and some are sick, too.

It’s a rough week for everyone, even the seniors who have been here and done it all before.”

Tarpey said the break until the Jan. 7 dual meet between East and St. Charles North gives the Saints not only time to work on specific things they lacked during the past four meets, but a chance to recover in a non-meet environment.

Fellow East senior Nick Boryk felt the same way when asked about how the Saints can recoup in a fairly short amount of time after so much swimming.

“We sleep a lot,” Boryk said with a laugh. “We eat a lot. I mean, we’re tired right now, but I guess it’s a good sign that we’re not as tired as we thought we’d be. But a break will still be pretty nice.”

The time off will also give the Saints a chance to continue to “get in shape,” something East coach Joe Cabel said is at the top of the priority list as to getting where it needs to be.

The North Stars also do not have a meet until they host the Saints in the new year, and coach Rob Rooney said

See SWIMMING, page 19

Restaurant Est. 1982 Valid 12/25/15 ONLY Limit 2. Not valid with any other offer.

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, December 25, 2015

| SPORTS

18

FREE MINI ITALIAN BEEF w/purchase of French Fry and large drink

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PREP SCHEDULE

NBA New Orleans at Miami, 11 a.m., ESPN Bulls at Oklahoma City, 1:30 p.m., ABC Cleveland at Golden State, 4 p.m., ABC San Antonio at Houston, 7 p.m., ESPN L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m., ESPN

• SWIMMING

“I think any time you can have meets with a younger team, you’re never going to complain,”

Continued from page 18 he thinks competing against some of the top talent in the state was perfect entering a break where North only is training.

“We have a few weeks here of just training and no meets, which I kind of like,” Rooney said. “We saw some of the things that other teams are doing well that we may need work on.”

Exact opposite for Cadets:

With finals for Marmion students just finishing Dec. 18, the Cadets swim team has quite the opposite schedule of East and North.

Coach Bill Schalz said it was interesting for the finals to go that late into December,

Bill Schalz Marmion swimming/diving coach far from where we need to be, but I think having these meets quick in a row shows some of the shape you need to be in and Jeff Krage for Shaw Media endurance you need to have to Nick Boryk and the St. Charles East boys swimming team happily compete at the top level in this welcomed a respite from competition after taking part in Saturday’s sport.”

Neuqua Valley Invite.

Marmion won its home triangular with St. Patrick and “I think any time you can Benet Tuesday, and will have but, nonetheless, gives his young team more experience have meets with a younger meets at Naperville North Satand an opportunity to work on team, you’re never going to urday before hosting Brother things in meets. complain,” Schalz said. “We’re Rice on Dec. 29.

Pair first met at summer camp

SPORTS BRIEFS GHS announces Hall of Fame class

GENEVA – Geneva High School recently announced the induction class for its 2015-16 Athletic Hall of Fame. Former girls basketball coach Gina Nolan, Class of 2009 member Taylor Whitley and Class of 1986 member Tom Rogers comprise the class. The induction ceremony is set for Feb. 5. More details will follow at a later date.

provide coffee and donuts for attendees.

For information, call the Cougars at 630-232-8811. “Meet the Diamondbacks” tickets are available by phone or online at kccougars.com.

Batavia plans turf fundraiser

BATAVIA – Batavia High School and the Batavia Boosters are set to host Tee Off for Turf, a fundraiser for the school’s effort ‘Meet the Diamondbacks’ to bring a new turf surface to BHS, from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. event set for Jan. 29 17 at Topgolf Naperville, 3211 GENEVA – The Cougars will Odyssey Court. welcome their soon-to-be-anCost is $75 a person or $450 nounced 2016 field staff and for a group of six. The day organizational brass when the includes golf, a satellite cash club hosts a “Meet the Diabar, bottomless soda, iced tea mondbacks” hot stove event and water, and a catered food at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark on spread featuring chicken and Jan. 29.

Admission is $49, and includes beef sliders. A 50/50 auction also is planned, and various an all-you-can-eat buffet and sponsorships are available. draft beer. Doors open at 6 Those wishing to pay by credit p.m., with a speakers series and question and answer session to card can visit www.TeeOffForTurf.ezregister.com. If paying start at 7.

The following day, Jan. 30, the by check, make the check Cougars will host a free baseball payable to Batavia High School or Batavia boosters and return coaches clinic from 9 to 11:30 to the Batavia athletic office by a.m. at the ballpark’s upper deck level. Instructors from the Jan. 15. For information, contact Julie Stuttle at julie.stuttle@ Cougars and Diamondbacks bps101.net. organizations will lead various – Kane County Chronicle seminars, and the Cougars will

• STEEL

Continued from page 17 The men found the wisecracks hardly had left them during a rendezvous in Arizona a few years ago.

A mutual friend persuaded Ken Sweezey to take up men’s league hockey, a pastime Jeff Walker had favored after the family relocated to The Grand Canyon State in 1993.

The Scottsdale-Tempe region hosts the Arizona Hockey Classic, one of the largest amateur hockey tournaments worldwide. In this instance, it doubled as a reunion venue for Ken Sweezey and Jeff Walker.

“Like most people,” Ken Sweezey said, “we lost touch for probably 15, 20 years because we had our own lives.”

Turns out they shared a few other things in common, namely professionally. Ken Sweezey owns a fencing company, while Jeff Walker runs a hotel function facility.

Their sons’ worlds first intertwined during Steel camp in the summer.

Billy Sweezey’s arrival in a trade from Dubuque (Iowa) put him in the Steel organization alongside Johnny Walker.

“It was like, ‘Sweet.

They’re together,’ ” Jeff Walker said.

“That was the first time our kids ever met, and we’ve known each other since we were little kids,” said Ken Sweezey, gesturing to Jeff Walker. “So it was kind of weird that way.”

Billy Sweezey happily showed Johnny Walker around and introduced him to his billet family in St. Charles, with whom Johnny Walker stayed during his brief tenure.

For now, Billy Sweezey and Johnny Walker are united on the Steel stat sheet, as well. Both have scored one goal for the club, although Sweezey’s role as a stay-athome defenseman ultimately limits his offensive contributions.

Should they share the Steel locker room a few more times before college, the competition to create distance in that department will be on.

You need look no further than their fathers for proof.

Billy Sweezey took a hard hit during the Youngstown game and appeared to be wobbly, but Jeff Walker kept the faith.

“He’ll be all right. Tough kid,” Jeff Walker grinned.

“Unlike his father. His father would be out for a couple weeks.”

• Friday, December 25, 2015

WHAT TO WATCH

Cadets not where they need to be, but meets provide key 19 SPORTS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Saturday Boys basketball: Kaneland vs.

Chicago Hope at Plano Christmas Classic, 9 a.m.; Batavia vs. Metea Valley at York Invite, 10 a.m.; Geneva vs. Belvidere North at DeKalb Chuck Dayton Tournament, 10:30 a.m.; Marmion vs.

Sterling at DeKalb Chuck Dayton Tournament, 12:15 p.m.; St. Charles East vs. DePaul Prep at Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic, 3:45 p.m.; Burlington Central vs.

Lisle at Plano Christmas Classic, 8:30 p.m.; St. Francis at Glenbard West Tournament, TBA Girls basketball: Batavia vs.

Kenwood Academy at Montini Invite, 9:45 a.m.; Burlington Central vs. Crystal Lake South at Dundee-Crown tournament, 4 p.m.; Geneva vs. Evanston at Montini Invite, 4:45 p.m. St. Charles North vs. Prospect at Dundee-Crown tournament, 8:30 p.m.; St. Charles East at Wheaton North Tournament, TBA; St. Francis at Lisle Tournament, TBA Boys swimming: Marmion at Naperville North, 1 p.m.

Monday Boys basketball: St. Charles North vs. Curie at Pontiac Holiday Tournament, 10:30 a.m.; Batavia at York Invite, TBA, St. Charles East at Hinsdale Central Tournament, TBA, Geneva, Marmion at DeKalb Chuck Dayton Tournament, TBA, Kaneland, Burlington Central at Plano Classic, TBA Girls basketball: Batavia, Geneva at Montini Invite, TBA, St. Charles North, Burlington Central at Dundee-Crown Tournament, TBA, Rosary at Dixon Tournament, TBA, St. Francis at Lisle Tournament, TBA Wrestling: Bishop McNamara, Brother Rice at Marmion, 9 a.m.

Boys swimming: St. Francis at Lincoln-Way Central, 10 a.m.

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, December 25, 2015

20

NEIGHBORS

How to submit Neighbors is news for readers by readers about readers. Have news to share? Send it to neighbors@kcchronicle.com.

GETTING AHEAD Recalling all the new year celebrations at the old tavern

Below are promotions and accomplishments recently announced by area professionals. Additional announcements and headshots can be emailed to neighbors@kcchronicle.com. Questions can be directed to the Kane County Chronicle at 630-845-5355.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

As thoughts head toward the year to come, I customarily get nostalgic about the New Year’s Eves and New Year’s Days way back when.

Since the family business was a local tavern (The Oasis) I acquired a young girl’s perspective, as a spectator, for when grown-ups celebrate.

Keep in mind that as much as many of my peer group’s parents decried the tavern as somehow a place of evildoings and labeled me with suspicious character, I came to recognize these finger-pointers as customers at the bar or liquor store. So many lessons to be learned.

The New Year’s Eve celebration began after dark, when the big box of paper hats and noise-makers was brought up from the cellar. No need to chill the Champagne – these folks were a shot-and-beer crowd, with an upgrade to a Highball or a Seven and Seven.

Sticking with a customary drink was the wisdom on

JOAN KNOWS Joan Arteberry how not to get into trouble with some foolish substitute.

There were only about a dozen bar stools, so an early arrival was a good idea for regulars, such as Roy and Alice Anderson; “Tweet” Weber; our all-star bartender’s wife, Mamie; our out-of-town relatives; and a cadre of single ladies and bachelors, all at least 40 years old. Always anticipated was shy Johnny Morise, a local butcher who could claim a kiss from all the ladies.

The Wurlitzer juke box was at the ready for someone to drop the quarter into the slot at the stroke of midnight and select the Guy Lombardo orchestra version of “Auld Lang Syne.” The paper hats were strapped in place, and the horns were blowing.

Hugs and kisses. A round of drinks on the house.

At some point in later years, when I was mostly off

to nursing school, at midnight a skinny guy with a deep voice grabbed a kiss.

Fast forward to 2015. The family has long since been out of the tavern business.

The place at Second Street and Indiana – now known as Second Street Tavern – next to the red brick house, has become once again a happening place, as described by owner Mark R. Hoffman, Craig Bobowiec and Carrie Kallgren Rogers. Check out their New Year’s Eve format on Facebook.

As usual, I’m grounded home in the wheelchair.

Think I might drag out an old neon Blatz beer sign and wake up Mister Z to join me in a diet root beer toast to 2016.

Oh, did I mention three different New Year’s Days in Pasadena?

• Joan Arteberry is a longtime resident of St. Charles.

Her columns are featured in the Kane County Chronicle’s Neighbors section every other Friday. Write to her at editorial@kcchronicle.com.

Field of Dreams receives $2,500 grant from foundation KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE neighbors@kcchronicle.com MAPLE PARK – Field of Dreams Horse Rescue and Adoption has received a $2,500 grant from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley.

“With this generous grant, we are able to purchase four new solar water tanks for our rescue horses,” states a news release from Field of Dreams. “Our horses are turned outdoors

daily, and having the solar tanks will be invaluable in providing our rescues with access to fresh water during the cold winter months. The generosity of the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley helps us fulfill our commitment to educate people on the plight of unwanted horses and to help horses that are in between homes to be healthy in mind, body and spirit.”

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Val-

ley is a nonprofit philanthropic organization based in Aurora that administers individual charitable funds from which grants and scholarships are distributed to benefit citizens of the greater Aurora area, the Tri-Cities and Kendall County.

For information about the foundation, visit www.communityfoundationfrv.org.

To learn more about Field of Dreams, visit www.fodonline.org.

Geneva resident Adam Lynch, 39, has been named one of Chicago’s 40 Under 40 by Crain’s Chicago Business. Lynch, senior director of shared services at the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council, was named to the list for his influence within the region’s health care industry. “It’s truly humbling to be named to this list in the company of such talented and respected peers,” said Lynch in a news release. “I owe many thanks to Crain’s and to my nominators for considering me for the honor.” Lynch, originally from the Madison, Wisconsin, suburbs, is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and currently resides in Geneva with his wife and two children. Outside of the office, he is the president of the Healthcare Financial Management Association’s First Illinois Chapter.

Lisa Hodge, township clerk for Blackberry Township, was unanimously elected to serve on the Township Officials of Illinois Board of Directors during the association’s 108th annual Educational Conference in November. Township Officials of Illinois serves as the largest statewide organization of its kind and annually conducts a series of training programs and educational conferences, states a news release. “Township officials must rise above challenges every day as they make decisions for their residents,” said Township Officials of Illinois Executive Director Bryan E. Smith in the release. “Lisa is a prime example of the type of leader we need in township government, and I look forward to her service on the board of directors.”

Engineering Enterprises Inc., based in Sugar Grove, has announced that Eric J. Meschewski has joined its staff as a “Senior Project Engineer I.” He will be working primarily on municipal infrastructure projects, according to a news release. Meschewski is a 2009 graduate of Purdue University, with an undergraduate degree in civil engineering. He also is a 2013 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, earning a master’s degree in civil engineering, with a structural emphasis. He brings more than six years of construction experience with him, which he can apply to Engineering Enterprises many ongoing projects, states the release.

“Eric will be a great asset to our firm,” said Brad Sanderson, vice president of Engineering Enterprises, in the release. “We are pleased that he has joined us and look forward to a long-standing professional relationship.“

Note to readers: This column is an update of one that originally appeared in October 2012.

if your son has hearing loss, minor surgery can protect him. The most common surgery is to insert tiny plastic tubes through the eardrum.

These tubes essentially do what the Eustachian tube should: They keep the pressure in the middle ear the same as in the air around the child, which reduces the tendency of infected fluid to get into the ear. Also, if an infection does develop, the infected ear fluid can drain into the outer ear and out of the body.

The surgery is called a “myringotomy” (pronounced meer-in-GOT-ame). It is quick, usually less than 15 minutes.

As with any surgery, there are risks, but they are minimal. Before the surgery, your son will be given medicines that make him temporarily very sleepy, and he won’t feel or remember the brief surgery. There is a small risk that the hole made in the eardrum won’t heal, but this is rare and can be fixed.

Most children go home once they’re awake and feel well enough to leave.

Your child may be a bit groggy, cranky or nauseated from the medicines.

Most tubes fall out within a year or two, sometimes sooner. They are so tiny that they generally slip out unnoticed.

Rarely, they have to be removed.

It’s often OK if the tubes fall out, because as the child’s head grows, the Eustachian tube starts to work again.

The little myringotomy tubes have served their purpose.

• Write to Dr. Komaroff at askdoctork.com, or Ask Doctor K, 10 Shattuck St., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02115.

Dr. Wallace: My younger brother and I live with our grandparents. I eat properly and am not overweight. My brother is allowed to eat anything and everything including lots of cookies and candy. The result is that he is very fat. I’ve talked to my grandma about this problem and she just always says “not to worry” because my brother will shed some of his “baby fat” as he gets older and then he’ll be a normal weight. Is this true?

I want him to be healthy. I am also sometimes embarrassed to have my friends see him, because he is a blimp! – Nameless, Monmouth, Illinois Nameless: Grandma is mis-

taken in assuming that your brother’s extra weight will vanish when he is older.

According to Dr. Pat Crawford, co-director of the Center for Weight and Health at the University of California, obesity in childhood sets the stage for health problems well into adulthood, including Type 2 diabetes.

Statistics show that up to 70 percent of obese 10- to 18-yearold children remain obese as adults. Unless healthy changes are made, overweight children become overweight adults.

While genetics play some role in being overweight, Dr. Crawford puts most of the blame on high-calorie, high-fat foods and too much time watching television or staring at a com-

’TWEEN 12 & 20 Robert Wallace puter screen.

Overall, boys are more likely to be overweight than girls.

Schools are a part of both the problem and the solution. Many school districts have trimmed or eliminated physical education. This, I believe, is a huge mistake!

Dr. Wallace: My best friend’s father made a pass at me when I was at their house. I was shocked and told him I wasn’t that kind of girl and immediately left for home. The next day I told my friend what happened and she said it was no big deal because her father flirts with all pretty women. I said her father scared me and she said she would talk to him and have him apologize to me.

Now I’m really confused and don’t know what I should do.

My best friend is the only one I’ve told. – Scared, Halifax, Nova

Scotia Scared: First, tell your

parents exactly what happened.

They will know what should be done. Do not visit your friend’s house or talk with her father for any reason. Do not accept an apology.

Continue being friends with this girl, but do not bring up the

issue of her father. Your best friend should not be blamed for the unacceptable behavior of a parent.

Dr. Wallace: No lectures about teenage drinking, just answer my question. Is it all right for a designated driver to carry out his duty if he has had some alcohol but is completely sober?

– Nameless, Dallas, Tex. Nameless: Any amount of

alcohol in a driver’s system will cause a drop in alertness to some degree. Therefore, designated drivers should never drive after consuming alcohol in any amount.

Dr. Richard Heyman, chairman of the substance abuse committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics, conducted a survey on teenage drinking.

When it concerned designated drivers, nearly two-thirds of the participants between the ages of 16 and 19 said they always select a designated driver, but that 80 percent said they think it is all right for the designated driver to drink, just so long as he appears not to be intoxicated.

Now you are in the 20 percent who know that this is not acceptable. Be a good teen by informing your friends that the designated driver will never allow alcohol to pass through his lips!

• Email Dr. Robert Wallace at rwallace@galesburg.net.

HOROSCOPE

By EUGENIA LAST Newspaper Enterprise Association TODAY – Put your heart and soul into everything you do. Your accomplishments will be great if you listen to your heart, but you must be practical about whatever adjustments you make. Focus on love, stability and a lifestyle that promotes a safe and secure environment.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) – Make today special for all those you love. A kind gesture or thoughtful dialogue will help you understand the trials your friends or relatives are experiencing. Romance is in the stars.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) – Bring about positive change. If you show confidence and take action, you will grab everyone’s attention with your innovative intelligence and fortitude. A gift or offer will surprise you.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) – You will reminisce about what’s transpired this year.

Keep busy entertaining or contributing to

the festivities going on around you in order to lift your spirits. Something special is heading your way.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) – Don’t judge others. A softer outlook will help you get along with difficult people. Focus on the ones you love, not the ones who try your patience.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) – Your openness and sincerity will bring you closer to a friend or relative. A special offering will come your way from someone you love. A romantic gesture is encouraged.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) – The gift of love, a token of your appreciation and the initiating of positive personal change should highlight your day. Moderation will help make this day even better.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) – An unusual surprise will turn out to be the best gift ever. Good news will highlight your day.

Romance is in the stars, and special plans for two should be made.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) – You can’t please everyone all the time. Don’t let your

generosity be taken advantage of. Personal changes will bring the best returns. Don’t feel that you have to buy love.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) – You’ll leave a lasting impression at family gatherings.

Your intelligence will shine through and your thoughtful, practical gestures will be admired. A romantic gesture will bring you closer to someone you love.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) – Emotions will mount due to family dilemmas or separations. You may have to be apart from the people you really want to be with. Be positive and make the best of your situation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) – You can make a difference. Offering your services, visiting an elder in the family or setting aside time to nurture an important relationship will bring you the greatest joy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) – Stick to what you can afford, and don’t overdo it when eating or drinking. Restraint and discipline will be necessary. Offering your services and doing your share of the work will ensure positive feedback.

21

• Friday, December 25, 2015

Dear Dr. K: My toddler gets frequent ear infections. His doctor wants me to consider surgery, but that seems much too aggressive to me. Am I wrong?

Dear Reader: I’m not sure what kind of surgery your pediatrician is recommending, but I’ll bet it involves putting in ear tubes. I’ll explain that below.

Ear infections are very common and can make children miserable.

Most go away and don’t cause problems, even without treatment. But a few can lead to complications, including more serious infections of the bone near the ear or even the brain.

Also, many ear infections in a child can lead to hearing loss. Often the hearing loss is temporary, but if it occurs when a child is learning to talk, it can make it difficult for the child to acquire language.

Ear infections are often caused by the failure of a little tube called the Eustachian tube to work as it should. All of us have this natural tiny tube, which connects the inner part of our ears to our nose. The Eustachian tube keeps the air pressure in the ear the same as the pressure in the nose and the air around us.

However, in many young kids whose heads are growing, the tube can get twisted and partially blocked. Negative pressure forms in the ear, sucking bacteria that live in the nose up into the ear and causing an ear infection. Then, because the tube is partially blocked, the infection cannot drain out of the ear and into the nose.

If your child has had recurring or persistent infections, particularly

ASK DOCTOR K Anthony L. Komaroff

Overweight children too often turn into overweight adults

ADVICE & HOROSCOPE | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Minor surgery needed for child’s ear infections

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, December 25, 2015

22

COMICS Arlo & Janis

Garfield

Big Nate

Frank & Earnest

Crankshaft

Soup to Nutz

Frazz

The Born Loser

Dilbert

Rose Is Rose

Blondie

Pearls Before Swine

Real Life Adventures

Citizen in Florida Dear First-class: It ap-

pears your husband is as cowed by his father as your mother-in-law is or this wouldn’t be happening.

He could have put a stop to it years ago by simply getting up from the table and helping you and his mom clear the dishes while Dad kept himself company.

If you prefer your little girl not grow up in an atmosphere like this, see less of your in-laws.

Be sure to tell your MIL why. And if you “must”

DEAR ABBY Jeanne Phillips subject your daughter to her grandfather’s presence, point out to her that “Gramps” acts this way because his thinking is outdated. Explain that it is his attempt to make himself feel important, even if he isn’t.

Dear Abby: While waiting for my chemotherapy to finish along with two other patients (all three of us have little time left), one of them made a comment about his wife. She was sitting next to him as a visitor, continuously using her cellphone. He said, “She always plays games or talks on her phone while I just sit here!” He looked so sad.

I understand, because my husband does the same thing and has for years.

Yesterday morning my husband came out of the bedroom and said, “How are you this morning?” I turned around and asked, “Are you talking to me?”

It took a moment for me to realize he was actually addressing me and not someone on the other end of the phone. How sad! –

Near the End Dear Near: I agree that

it’s sad. Your spouses will have the rest of their lives to regret the meaningful conversations they missed having, and the important things that were left unsaid because they were too busy hiding from reality on their cellphones.

To my readers: A very merry Christmas to you all!

• Write to Dear Abby at www.dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

• Friday, December 25, 2015

The Argyle Sweater

Dear Abby: Over the years I have come to realize that my father-in-law is condescending toward women.

He expects his wife will do all the cooking, cleaning and housework despite the fact that she has a demanding, full-time job and he doesn’t work outside the home.

When we go to dinner over there, it is expected that the women will clean up and do the dishes while the men sit and talk at the table.

I have never seen him lift a finger to help, and he frequently makes demeaning comments about his wife’s cooking, among other things. He considers himself an expert on everything and frequently interrupts people (mostly women) to prove he “knows better.” His behavior is rude and I am offended by it.

I am pregnant with my first child -- a daughter -- and I’m concerned about her growing up in this atmosphere. I don’t want her raised thinking that men know better than women and that women are supposed to wait on men.

My husband doesn’t want to confront his father over this. How do we handle the situation? – First-class

23 COMICS & ADVICE | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Unborn daughter will be taught to ignore grandpa’s old ideas

Beetle Bailey

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, December 25, 2015

24

PUZZLES CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

BRIDGE by Phillip Alder

Questions come over the holiday

CELEBRITY CIPHER

First of all, I wish all of my readers a very happy holiday season.

When you have a few minutes – or more? – to spare, enter my annual Christmas Competition.

1. South is in four hearts. West leads the diamond 10. How should South plan the play? Do not be influenced by these East-West hands.

When the answer is given on January 22, they will change.

2. After East opens one diamond, suggest a bidding sequence.

3. Look only at the East hand.

After opening one diamond, what should he rebid when West responds (a) one heart; (b) one spade; (c) one no-trump; (d) two clubs; (e) two notrump, balanced, no four-card major, game-invitational; (f) three spades, a splinter bid showing good diamond support, at least game-going values and a singleton or void in spades.

4. Look only at the South hand.

North opens one club, South responds one heart, and North rebids (a) one spade; (b) two diamonds; (c) two no-trump. What should South do now?

5. Look only at the West hand.

South opens one no-trump (15-17), and North raises to three no-trump.

What should West lead?

6. Look only at the North hand.

South opens two hearts, a sane weak two-bid. What should North do?

Mail your entry to Phillip Alder, c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64106 to arrive by January 20, 2016. Or e-mail it to phillip@bridgeforeveryone.com.

Please take as read all of the usual disclaimers, and remember that this is primarily for fun.

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