LMR-12-20-2013

LEMONT

Suburban Life YOUR NEW LEMONT REPORTER/MET

LEMONT CONSIDERS NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PAGE 12

KEEPATAW NO MORE? Festival’s future uncertain

PAGE 4

Vol. 85 No. 52 | LEM | LMR

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 | $1.50 | MYSUBURBANLIFE.COM/LEMONT

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LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

| GETTING STARTED

2

LEMONT

Suburban Life

8COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

Lemont Suburban Life is the successor publication to the Lemont Reporter/Met.

Suburban Life Media mysuburbanlife.com/lemont Call: 630-368-1100 Newsroom fax: 630-969-0228 1101 W. 31st St., Suite 260, Downers Grove, IL 60515 Missed delivery & customer service: 630-368-1144 MEET THE NEWS TEAM Anna Schier, news editor 630-427-6248 aschier@ shawmedia.com Dan Farnham, reporter 630-427-6259 dfarnham@ shawmedia.com Administration J. Tom Shaw, publisher 630-427-6210, jtshaw@shawmedia.com Bill Korbel, local sales manager 630-427-6230 bkorbel@shawmedia.com Dave Lemery, managing editor 630-427-6250, dlemery@shawmedia.com

Photo provided

Century 21 donates dinners The Century 21 Affiliated Pro Team donates $500 to the Hope and Friendship Foundation on Dec. 17, which will be used for its Christmas dinner delivery program. Century 21 Affiliated took over for Century 21 Olsick in 2011 but has many of the same agents. Pictured are (from left) Century 21 agent Joanne Hayford, agent Emily Mansell, Hope and Friendship Foundation founder Terri O’Neill-Bor-

To place an ad: Display: 630-427-6230 Classified: 630-368-1100 Legal notice: 630-427-6275 Linda Siebolds lsiebolds@shawmedia.com General information Lemont Suburban Life is published every Friday and delivered to homes by Shaw Media, 1101 W. 31st Street, Suite 260, Downers Grove, Il., 60515.

Refund policy: Subscribers may cancel subscriptions within 45 days of first delivery. Refunds will be prorated. No refunds after 45 days. Postmaster: Send address corrections to Lemont Suburban Life, 280 Shore Dr., Burr Ridge, Il. 60527.

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ders, agent Maryann Rogers, Century 21 business development director Cheryl Hase and agent Alice Dombrow.

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Do you have a news tip or story idea? Please call us at 630-368-1100 or email us at msleditorial@shawmedia.com.

8CORRECTIONS

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Gift Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Go Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Planit Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Street Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Police Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sound Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Because of inaccurate information provided to the Lemont Suburban Life, a correction in the Nov. 29 edition about a District 113A tax levy hearing was incorrect. The hearing took place Dec. 17, as originally reported in the Nov. 8 edition.

8CRISIS LINES Don’t know where to turn for help? Visit the Cook County Sheriff’s Crisis Intervention Database at http:// shawurl.com/pnh. You can also call the national suicide and crisis hotlines at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

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

3

By DAN FARNHAM dfarnham@shawmedia.com

Smith, who is a lifelong Lemont resident, said she received donations from people who she had not seen in 30 years.

“It’s amazing how even if you don’t see them, how they come out to support you,” she said.

The sale raised $1,100.

O’Neill-Borders is also collecting donations on the Hope and Friendship Foundation website.

The week after the bake sale, O’Neill-Borders received good news. Two anonymous donors agreed to give enough money to cover the remaining amount needed to buy a used van.

O’Neill-Borders and Smith both believe the community donated because of Zach’s reputation as a caring and loving person.

“I know a lot of people, but he’s stole a lot of hearts,” Smith said.

Photo provided

Family and friends of Zach Wilkens of Lemont had a bake sale during the Hometown Holiday to raise money to replace the family’s handicapped accessible van.

D-113A approves tax levy amid public complaint

By DAN FARNHAM dfarnham@shawmedia.com LEMONT – The Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education approved its final proposed 2013 property tax levy during a special meeting Dec. 17.

Five board members voted in favor of the levy. Members Mike Aurelio and Brian Bushnell were absent.

The total proposed levy is for $24.54 million, an 8.09 percent increase from 2012, according to documents from the district.

District 210 passes proposed tax levy The Lemont High School District 210 Board of Education unanimously approved its final 2013 proposed property tax levy during a Dec. 16 meeting.

According to district documents, the total levy is for $22.51 million, a 6.2 percent increase from 2012.

Corporate and special purpose property taxes were up by 9 percent to $18.59 million, but property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases decreased by 5.6 percent to $3.91 million.

The levy includes $19.57 million from corporate and special purposes property taxes and $4.74 million for debt service commission leases, documents said.

The lone comment during

8YOUR WEEKEND FORECAST

the public hearing came from Lemont resident Laura Reigle, who wanted to abate the taxes for the debt service fund because of a $1.87 million balance.

Board member Al Malley

Source: National Weather Service

said the surplus is needed to make bond payments in case Cook County is late sending the district tax money, which has happened in the past.

The actual increase in the tax levy is not expected to be as high as the 8.09 percent proposed increase. The 2012 proposed levy was for $23.76 million, but the actual levy was for $22.7 million, according to district documents.

Increases are limited to the percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index, which is 1.7 percent this year, plus the taxable value from new properties.

Because taxing bodies do not know how many funds they can draw from new properties before they are required to submit the levy to the county, they typically levy more than they need in order to capture all the new property, knowing the county clerk will adjust the levy.

Whether property owners’ taxes go up will depend on the Equalized Assessed Value of their properties. A lower EAV typically makes the tax rate go up, but properties whose values decreased the least will see the largest increase in taxes.

8ON THE COVER

LEMONT

Suburban Life YOUR NEW LEMON

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

High: 33 Low: 29

High: 35 Low: 31

High: 33 Low: 12

A chance of rain before noon

Rain, snow and sleet possible

Mix of rain and snow likely

Erica Benson - ebenson@shawmedia.com

T REPORTER/ME

PAGE 12

KEEPATAW NO MORE? Festival’s future unce

rtain

FRIDAY, DECEMBE

R 20, 2013 | $1.50 | MYSUBURBANLIFE.

COM/LEMONT

s from our family Family Owned • Service Oriente to yours! d • Low Serving Commu nity for 25 Years! Prices • Vast assortm ent

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MADE IN THE U.S.A.

PAGE 4

Vol. 85 No. 52 | LEM | LMR

Happy Holiday

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T

LEMONT CONSIDERS NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMEN T

Dorian (left) and Dante Mordan ride motorcycles during the annual Keepataw Days held Aug. 31 in Lemont. The nonprofit that organizes the festival recently disbanded.

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LEMONT – Becky Smith of Lemont prays every time she uses her van to transport her son, Zach Wilkens.

Zach, 14, has cerebral palsy and needs a handicap van with access for his power wheelchair.

The van, which also is 14 years old, is in need of constant repair, she said. It’s rusting terribly, the running board is loose, the frame is shot and the steering box is going.

The Lemont community has responded to this problem with donations, and the Smith-Wilkens family now has enough money to buy a better van.

Smith said she reached out to Terri O’Neill-Borders of the Hope

and Friendship Foundation, who helped the family purchase their current van four years ago.

“I called Terri because I started panicking,” she said. “Something told me that ‘You have to get another van.’”

Smith said she has a fear of the van breaking down. Zach recently had surgery and has to go to doctor and therapy appointments.

O’Neill-Borders came up with the idea of a bake sale at the Aurora Rose boutique during Lemont’s Hometown Holiday on Dec. 7.

Kim Peters, the co-owner of Aurora Rose, said she had not met Zach or Smith before hosting the bake sale.

“We’re always looking to be able to help out in the community,” Peters said. “We were honored to be considered.”

GETTING STARTED |

Donations help family purchase new handicapped accessible van

Future of Keepataw Days in doubt, organizers disbanding

LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

| NEWS

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LEMONT – The nonprofit group that organizes the annual Keepataw Days said it can no longer afford to put on the 65-year-old Labor Day weekend festival.

Keepataw Days Festivals President Mike Carey said he informed Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves of the organization’s decision after multiple

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afford to hold the festival after seeing the amount of money this year’s Keepataw Days yielded.

“It wasn’t a decision that we wanted to make,” he said.

“None of us in the organization are happy about it.”

Reaves said the village of Lemont, Lemont Park District and Lemont Township will meet to discuss the future of Keepataw Days.

“It’s an opportunity to evaluate what the festival brought to town and determine whether or not to enhance it depending on if the budget allows,” he said.

Carey said the organization could run the event if another group were to fund it.

Lemont Historical Museum coordinator Sue Donahue said she remembers going to Keepataw Days when she was young and it was the town’s only festival of the year.

“Personally, I think that would be a sad chapter (if Keepataw Days ended),” she said.

Argonne of Lemont to lay off 50 employees

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Reaves announced the organization’s decision during the Dec. 16 Lemont Village Board meeting.

The Keepataw Days organization was formed in 2010 to operate and financially support the festival, which had previously been run by the Lemont Jaycees before they disbanded in 2009.

Carey said money generated by the event has been down the past couple of years and the organization has not received enough donations and public funding to continue the festival.

“It can’t survive on its own anymore,” he said.

With rain lowering attendance in recent years, the organization has tried to hold other events to fundraise, such as a Family Fun Festival during the summer and a Trans-Infinity Orchestra concert Dec. 13.

Carey said the organization decided it could no longer

LEMONT – Argonne National Laboratory will lay off about 50 employees in early 2014 in order to reach the 120 employee staff reduction announced in November.

According to Argonne media relations manager Steve McGregor, about 70 employees took the lab’s buyout offer, which was also announced last month.

McGregor said the staff cuts amount to 1.4 percent of the lab’s 3,400 employees.

“We don’t know yet where those cuts will take place,” he said. “We are conducting a review of those various operations.”

McGregor said the layoffs are a proactive step in response to uncertainty about

the funding the lab will receive from the federal government.

“We’ve advocated and will continue to talk for the need for sustained research funding,” he said.

Wes Prucnal, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 742, said he is waiting to see what the lab determines about where to cut employees.

He said he knows if the lab waits to make the layoffs, it could have to make larger cuts later.

Still, he said, it is sad the lab has to make these reductions due to the uncertainty of federal funding.

“If scientists don’t see a future in here, they will go to a different lab and a different environment,” he said.

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LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • LMR Suburban Life

D-113A to move 5th grade to River Valley

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Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

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LEMONT – The Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education unanimously approved relocating fifth grade classes to River Valley School starting next school year.

The board had informally endorsed the move during its Nov. 20 meeting and officially approved it during the Dec. 18 meeting.

Assistant Superintendent Mary Gricus said the administration “will make necessary communications to those affected and will start operational procedures in January.”

The fifth graders were relocated to Old Quarry Middle School from River Valley after Central School closed at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

According to a presentation by district administration, either school would be at

herma Tru Doors

Changes with the move According to a presentation by District 113A, relocating the fifth grade classes to River Valley School will require: • Hiring a part-time physical education teacher and music teacher, as well as either a part-time or full-time administrator.

• Turning nine rooms currently occupied by resource teachers into classrooms and moving the resource teachers into pod classrooms made from portable walls. capacity with the fifth grade classes, but River Valley offered curriculum advantages and the possibility of adding classrooms if needed.

Board President Cindy

See RIVER VALLEY, page 16

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Information in Police Reports is obtained from the Lemont Police Department. Individuals listed in Police Reports who have been charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court.

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LEMONT – Residents and some Lemont Village Board members expressed concern about the possibility of a business moving into the 600 block of State Street during the Village Board meeting Dec. 16.

Property owner John Ross has applied for B-1 zoning for his property, at 604-06 State Street, between East Custer and East Logan streets.

The rezoning would allow for business use on the property, which is currently zoned for residential preservation and infill development.

According to the board agenda, the property consists of a single family home at the 604 address, an empty commercial space at the 606 address and a 12-space parking lot currently being used for overflow from St. Alphonsus Church.

The proposed new tenant would be J-Stack HVAC, a heating and air conditioning business owned by Lemont resident Jeff Stachovic.

According to the agenda, the property received a special use permit in 2004 to allow a mortgage brokerage to operate out of the space.

However, the permit expired because the business space has been vacant for too long, and the special use permit is no longer offered by the village. Under the current Unified Development Ordinance, the property cannot be zoned for mixed use.

During the meeting, Ross, who purchased the property 10 years ago, reiterated his need to make use of the empty space, on which he currently pays taxes.

“If it’s not Jeff, I need to get somebody else,” he said.

History of a property Since the 1950s, the vacant business space at 606 State St., Lemont, has housed a bakery, beauty shop and mortgage brokerage.

At the meeting, some neighbors of the property argued against allowing its rezoning.

Carol Newton said her main concern is the use of an alley adjacent to both their properties.

She said the road surface in the alley is in poor condition and could get worse if vans from the HVAC business frequently use it.

She also said when a vehicle is stopped in the alley, it blocks her car from leaving her garage.

There also was concern that the rezoning would allow for future commercial development, conflicting with an area of Lemont comprised mostly of older houses.

Trustee Ron Stapleton said once the business zoning is allowed, there would be nothing stopping the property owner from tearing down the house to construct a new commercial building.

“There’s no way to tell me that commercial zoning isn’t going to affect everybody around them,” he said.

Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves said he understands the complexity of helping a property owner make use of a vacant space while protecting the interests of nearby residents.

He said village officials would consult with legal counsel to determine the options for allowing a business to move into the property while maintaining the residential character of the block.

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OPINIONS

11

45 PERCENT: Church services/events 23 PERCENT: Local hometown holiday events 17 PERCENT: Macy’s windows in Chicago 15 PERCENT: Going to see a holiday play or movie

POLL QUESTION: Do you choose a New Year’s Resolution? Vote online at mysuburbanlife.com.

Talking about the tax levy in District 210 Earlier this week, Lemont High School District 210’s Board of Education approved the district’s annual tax levy. The request was a 9 percent increase over the amount the district received from last year’s tax extension.

The amount District 210 will receive in property tax revenue will not increase by 9 percent. District 210 is restricted in its ability to collect tax revenues by the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law – more commonly referred to as the “tax cap.”

This term can be misleading, as the law does not cap COMMUNITY an individual’s property tax VOICE bill. It allows a taxing body Mary to receive a limited increase Ticknor in tax extensions on existing property. That limit is the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 5 percent, whichever is less.

For the 2013 levy, District 210 will receive a 1.7 percent increase on the amount of property taxes most recently collected from existing properties within its boundaries. The district has levied above the 1.7 percent CPI in order to fully capture property tax revenue from any new residential or commercial property that is added on its tax rolls. Individual tax bills are determined by several variables, ranging from the levy requests of taxing bodies to each property’s Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) – an amount determined by the county assessor’s office.

If a property value decreases from one year to the next, its corresponding tax bill does not necessarily decrease. Many DuPage County taxpayers saw a larger increase in the amounts paid to District 210 on their 2012 tax bills, even though many of them saw their property values decline from the previous year.

As a result of actions taken by the Cook County Assessor’s Office, District 210’s EAV – i.e., the total value of property – within Cook County dropped by 16 percent, or about $160 million, from 2011 to 2012. In DuPage County, the EAV dropped a little less than six percent. Individual tax bills in DuPage County were greatly affected by this shift. Cook County is responsible for more than three quarters of District 210’s total property value, and its EAV dropped at a rate nearly three times greater than that in DuPage County. As a result, our DuPage County taxpayers ended up with an additional $661,000 on top of their $5.1 million extension. The increase they saw in their most recent tax bills is not a result of the district asking for a significantly larger amount of money.

Our Board of Education and administration understand the financial decisions they make affect every resident who lives within the district’s boundaries, and they are committed to being good stewards of taxpayer contributions.

Mary Ticknor is the superintendent of Lemont High School District 210.

J.Tom Shaw, publisher jtshaw@shawmedia.com 630-427-6210

Dave Lemery, managing editor dlemery@shawmedia.com 630-427-6250

Photo provided

A mural of downtown Lemont from PC’s Pancake Cafe hangs in the Lemont Village Hall. Pictured are trustee Ron Stapleton, trustee Jeanette Virgilio, trustee and former restaurant owner Paul Chialdikas, Village Clerk Charlene Smollen, Mayor Brian Reaves, former owner Andy Avalos, trustee Cliff Miklos and trustee Ron Sniegowski.

A mural depicting the Lemont skyline recently found a new home. Originally a fixture at the now-closed PC’s Pancake Cafe, the painting hangs in Lemont Village Hall after a dedication Dec. 9.

Lemont residents recently gathered to celebrate during the Hometown Holiday event Dec. 7 in downtown Lemont. Complete with a tree-lighting, visits with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides and carolers, this annual event is a lovely way for Lemont residents to enjoy the spirit of the season.

8STREET TALK Q: What is the most memorable Christmas gift you have received?

“A Sleeping Beauty doll. It was a beautiful doll and it smelled so good.”

Toni Colt, Lemont Anna Schier, news editor aschier@shawmedia.com 630-427-6248

“My little coffee fairy music box.

My daughter got it for me.”

Barbara Wrobel, Lemont

“In 1960, my iancé got me a bottle of Chanel No. 5.”

Alice Birmingham, Lemont

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.

First Amendment, U.S. Bill of Rights

LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • LMR Suburban Life

n THIS WEEK’S WEB

OPINIONS |

n LAST WEEK’S WEB POLL QUESTION: What’s your favorite holiday event to go to in December?

Village to vote on housing complex

LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

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Breakfast for a Claus SUBURBAN LIFE MEDIA

LEMONT – Mr. and Mrs. Claus were in attendance at the Lemont Junior Woman’s Club’s Benefit Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 14 at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club.

In addition to the buffet-style breakfast, Santa was there to listen to children’s Christmas wishes.

Mrs. Claus told stories and provided crafts.

A magician gave tableside performances during the meal and horse-drawn sleigh rides were offered outside.

Each family was asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Jeff Anderson Children’s Foundation in memory of Earl Anderson’s son. Anderson, who has been portraying Santa for more than 40 years, will deliver the gifts to children in area hospitals.

By DAN FARNHAM dfarnham@shawmedia.com

Photos by Bill Ackerman - backerman@shawmedia.com

Magician Kevin Kelly has Ava Kane, 8, forgetting about her breakfast as he goes table to table entertaining families at the Lemont Junior Woman’s Club’s Benefit Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 14 at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club.

LEMONT – The village of Lemont has moved a step closer to approving a 19-house residential development near I-355 and 127th Street.

The Lemont Village Board agreed to vote next month on preliminary approval of a housing development plan on the 6.5-acre property east of Mayfair Estates.

Because of the number of houses that would be built on the property, the project would require rezoning from a low density to a medium density residential development.

John Ford of Tempo Development Inc. presented his initial proposal to the village board in July and has made multiple revisions to address concerns from the board and the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Lemont Planning and Economic Development Director Charity Jones said the board’s preliminary approval would mean the village approves of the concept of the project.

After further planning by the developer, the project would have to come back to the board for final approval before construction could start.

Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves said that the housing development would be the first of its size built in the village in at least five years.

“I think (Ford’s) done a phenomenal job as far as working within the constraints of the property, and I think it would add a lot of value to the area,” he said.

ABOVE: Madeline Faron, 6, of Lemont, has a private chat with Santa at the Lemont Junior Woman’s Club’s Benefit Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 14.

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LEFT: Drew Drzonek, 6, maneuvers a pair of tongs to get a piece of coffee cake during the Lemont Junior Woman’s Club’s Benefit Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 14 at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club. Drew’s parents say they attend every year.

630-368-1144

TOWNS The best holiday photos

Lorae Mundt - For Shaw Media

Anna Schier - aschier@ shawmedia.com

Two of Santa’s elves guide reindeer Nov. 30 down the parade route on Cass Avenue in downtown Westmont. The parade was part of the Holly Days opening ceremonies.

Erica Benson - ebenson@ shawmedia.com

Anna Schier - aschier@shawmedia.com

Girl Scouts Sabrina Potempa (from left), Scarlett O’Hara, Gia Pontrelli, Anika Potempa and Drea Sarno from troops 929 and 368 of St. Alphonsus/ St. Patrick School show off their seasonal face paint Dec. 7 at Nail Inn during Lemont’s Hometown Holiday.

Lorae Mundt For Shaw Media

ABOVE: Manny Wilkes gives Santa his wishlist Dec. 7 during the Lights of Lisle festival.

LEFT: Elaborate edible entries, such as this one by Sharon Macak and family, made voting for the best gingerbread house difficult during the Gingerbread Festival from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 in downtown Downers Grove.

Lorae Mundt - For Shaw Media

People pack The Promenade in Bolingbrook for the Symphony of Lights holiday lights show Nov. 23.

y p p Ha s y a d Holi

West Suburban Humane Society 1901 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515 (630) 960-9600 • www.WSHS-DG.org

LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • LMR Suburban Life

Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves (right) and Santa are about to light the Christmas tree Dec. 7 in Lemont during Hometown Holiday celebration.

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THREE DAY NEW YEARS HOLIDAY ESTATE AUCTION Auction to be held at the Tumbleson Auction Center, 1635 North Main Street, Princeton, IL, Located 100 miles West of Chicago, Il just off INT 80, Exit 56, South on Rt. 26. (Behind the Sherwood Antique Mall) on: MONDAY, DEC. 30, TUESDAY, DEC. 31 & WED., JANUARY 1, 2014 TIME: 10:00 A.M. (Preview: 8:00 A.M.) Each Day **SPECIAL PREVIEW OF ALL THREE DAYS: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2013 TIME: 4:00-6:00 P.M.** View Full Listing, Photos & Absentee Bid on website: www.tumblesonauction.com MONDAY, DECEMBER 30 – AUTOMOBILE & SCOOTERS: 2000 Ford Taurus Station Wagon-2009 CFMOTO Fa-Shion CF 250T Scooter 1950 & 1961 Cushman Scooters & Battery Operated Scooters. Many Pieces of Primitive Furniture, OVER 125 Pcs. of Quality Stoneware, Primitives & Antiques, Advertising Items & Lg. Collection of Oriental and Decorative Items from Father Ed Harkrader, Princeton, IL. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 – Over 150 Duck Decoys, Hunting Related & Fishing, Over 100 Firearms, Ammo & Related Items, Coin Collection & Group of Approx. 18 (Newer Collectors Edition) Lg. John Deere Toy Tractor & Implements-NIB. – 10% Buyer’s Premium & Proxibid Available for this Auction Day ONLY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 – Antique, Primitive & Collectible Furniture, Collection of Clocks, Contemp. Design Stained Glass Lamps, Quality Glassware, Sterling Silver Jewelry Including: Many Fine Diamond Rings, Necklace and Bracelet, Costume & Sterling Silver Jewelry, Many Nice Linens, Aprons, Doilies, Buttons, Purses, Dresser Sets & Perfume Bottle & Lg. Old Antique Paintings & Pictures/Frames: Many Religious & Old Framed Paintings and Pictures, Framed Custer Last Stand Picture.

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Propane bills too high?

Hardware store a constant in an evolving downtown

By DAN FARNHAM

Peterson’s on eBay

dfarnham@shawmedia.com LEMONT – There might not be an existing store that better exemplifies the old downtown Lemont business district than Peterson’s Hardware at 225 Canal St. Owner Elsie Peterson takes pride in the old-fashioned look of the business, which has had four different locations in that block since her father, Arthur Peterson, first opened it in 1930.

But at age 86 and with none of her children interested in ownership, Peterson said she has been trying to sell the store for several years, along with the rest of the buildings on the block she owns.

Peterson said the sale process has been slow because of the economy. She does not know what would happen to the property if it were sold, but she said that it would likely change.

“Most of the buyers we had were not considering it as a hardware store,” she said.

“They were buying it for property.”

Peterson said she first started working at the store when she was 14. She, along with her brother, Arthur, took over ownership in 1948 after their father

Wlodarski said the store is trying to sell overstock items remaining from when it was an outlet store for Ace Hardware. One way they are selling items is on eBay. Interested buyers should look for thejunkman225.

Dan Farnham – dfarnham@shawmedia.com

Elise Peterson, owner of Peterson’s Hardware in Lemont, has kept her store looking much the same over the years, including the antique tools on the wall. passed away.

While her brother worked in construction and took on other business opportunities, she has been primarily responsible for the store, she said.

Her brother has now retired, leaving her the sole active owner.

The store remains a family business. Peterson’s daughter, Karen Kempa, and granddaughter, Lisa Wlodarski, work there. Her son-in-law, Scott Wlodarski, has also been an employee for more than 40 years.

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| NEWS

14

The store was affiliated with Ace Hardware for about four decades but ended that association about eight years ago, Peterson said.

“We (would have) had to revamp the entire store, and, at our age, that was something we couldn’t do,” she said. “We couldn’t borrow a million dollars at our age.”

Peterson said the big-box hardware stores have changed the business, but she has tried to keep her store the same.

Scott Wlodarski said the employees try to have a personal relationship with the customers, listening to the fix-it problems they are having around the house.

“You’re kind of like a doctor and a priest all in one,” he said.

Peterson said the business still has a niche as a place to get hard-to-find items.

“People that work at Menards – Lemonters that work there – will recommend our store to somebody that lives two blocks away,” she said. “An employee at Menards will send them here because they don’t have that item.”

Peterson and Wlodarski are both concerned about the state of retail businesses in downtown Lemont.

Wlodarski said many retailers are going “up on the hill,” referring to places further away from the lower ground canal area that makes up the downtown.

He said if Peterson’s Hardware closes, it would further hurt the downtown business district.

“I think it would be a big blow to the town because of all the years we’ve been here,” he said. “Everybody knows we’re here. The town can’t afford to be losing another business.”

15 LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • LMR Suburban Life

LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

| NEWS

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OBITUARIES CLARENCE E. BARRY, SR. Clarence E. Barry, Sr., age 78, formerly of Lemont, U.S. Marine Corps.

Veteran.

Preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, nee Gehrts, Barry; his parents, Clarence and Jeanette, nee Szynkowski, Barry; an infant brother, Ronald; and three sisters, Nancy (late Gene) Carpenter, Carlisle (late Olin) Derby and Clara “Jean” (late Bernard) Blum.

Survived by his children, Debby (Ralph) Oliver, Patricia (late Michael) Hansen, Cindy (Randy) Metz, Vanessa (Tim) Griffin, Georgette Cochran, Adele (Ken) Korczak and Clarence Barry Jr.; 15 grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; his siblings, George (late Theresa) Barry, Bernice (late Howard) Martinson, and Estelle (John) Robertson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services Friday, December20, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the Markiewicz Funeral Home, P.C., 108 Illinois St., Lemont. Interment Saints Cyril & Methodius Cemetery.

Visitation Thursday, 2:00 – 8;00 p.m., and Friday, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Please omit flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Sociery, www.cancer.org, or Heartland Hospice www.hcr-manorcare.org

PHILLIP R. GENDEMAN Born: March 29, 1929; Hinsdale, IL Died: Dec. 13, 2013; Marion, IL Phillip R. Gendeman, age 84, passed away at 1:00pm on Friday, December 13, 2013, at Marion Rehab & Nursing.

Phillip was born on March 29, 1929, in Hinsdale, Illinois, to Phillip and Jeanette (Grimmenga) Gendeman. He married Irene Krass and was a devoted husband for 63 years.

Phillip was a talented musician and craftsman. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and spending time with his friends and family.

Survivors include, his wife, Irene Gendeman; daughters, Rene' Palassis and husband Teddy, Wendy Statkus and husband Ron; granddaughters, Victoria Statkus, Erin Bolen and husband Josh, Krista Hallbom and husband James; greatgrandchildren, Ashton Hallbom, Jayce Bolen, Skylar Hallbom; sister, Joyce Lang and husband Ron. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, George and Richard; and sister, Marion.

According to his wishes, Phillip will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Blue Funeral Home in Marion is

How to submit Send information to obits@ mysuburbanlife.com or call 866-817-3278.

Most obituaries appear online. To leave a message of condolence in the online guest book, go to obituaries. mysuburbanlife.com

assisting with arrangements.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home, 1704 N. Court St., Marion, IL 62959.

For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.bluefuneralhome.com

8SOUND OFF Grateful for neighbors My husband and I want to publicly thank our neighbors for all their concern and support during the past few months.

After my husband’s stroke in July, we have been amazed by the help we’ve received getting groceries, bringing over food, taking out the garbage, putting the newspaper by the door and phone calls to make sure we’re OK. A perfect example was after our snow fall Sunday, we had three different people clearing our driveway. It reminds us that despite the weather, Obamacare and all the troubles we all face, there is so much to be grateful for – and we are.

Merry Christmas!

Theft from teachers Suburban Life Media thinks the pension reform legislation that ripped off teachers of their retirements didn’t go far enough. Well, just like your brother stealing your money from your piggy bank for years and then just saying, “Oh sorry, I don’t have the money anymore. Too bad, you come up with it.” Come on. This was actual theft. We teachers who are retired and other public employees know that this is just first step toward their shirking of their responsibility, that being the state of Illinois.

Some homeowners negligent This is in response to “Rake

• RIVER VALLEY Continued from page 8 Kelly said the administration did a good job of informing the board of the issues involved

• POLICE Continued from page 9 after a traffic stop at 9:39 a.m.

Dec. 12 in the 14900 block of 127th Street.

• Marco Gasper, 26, of 716 Clement St., Joliet, was charged

How to Sound Off Want to contribute to Sound Off? Call 331-481-6089 or email mslsoundoff@shawmedia.com Guidelines • When calling, please speak clearly and slowly. Keep messages to a maximum of 60 seconds.

• Callers may speak on topics anonymously.

• We will not publish attacks of a personal nature or those accusing persons of crimes or illegal conduct that have not been previously published or documented.

• We will not print calls commenting on signed Letters to the Editor.

• Sound Off comments are the opinions of our readers and, as such, should not be taken as fact.

your leaves.” Everyone sees the negligent homeowner who doesn’t collect leaves.

They’re also the same ones who don’t mow their lawn regularly, have weeds and dandelions, never shovel the sidewalk and driveway all winter, their cars are in the streets, preventing the snowplow from clearing the street properly. These are homeowner duties. If they don’t like to do them, move to an apartment. I would like to see a village code against negligent properties.

Tip mail, newspaper carriers I think tipping [is important] for the holidays for people like the postal carriers and the newspaper delivery people.

I always make sure that I even give the substitute mail carriers some kind of tip during

the holidays. I make sure that the cards that are left by the Suburban Life carrier and the Tribune newspaper delivery people get a tip. After all, they’re working hard in the cold and the heat.

More on Mandela To the underinformed individual who declared good riddance to [Nelson] Mandela.

Perhaps the media should dig a little deeper into why Mandela was put in jail. It would find that he was put in jail because he was fighting the oppressive white government that were against the blacks of the country. It was called apartheid.

Taxes too high I’m sick and tired of the school system raising our taxes. Older people on a budget should be left alone. Enough is enough.

with making the move.

“I think it’s safe to say that we appreciate all the research that went into it that helped us to make the decision,” she said.

Kelly said there will be some mixed feelings among

staff and families about the move, but relocating the classes to River Valley is best for the students.

“I know they will be in wonderful hands over there,” she said.

with driving while license suspended and speeding after a traffic stop at 3:54 a.m. Dec. 13 in the 15800 block of New Avenue.

• Marco Ortiz, 21, of 223 McKool Ave., Romeoville, was charged with no valid driver’s license and speeding after a

traffic stop at 2:40 p.m. Dec. 15 in the 100 block of Main Street.

Property damage An exterior door was damaged between midnight and 10 a.m. Dec. 14 in the 100 block of Stephen Street.

By DAN FARNHAM dfarnham@shawmedia.com LEMONT – After three years in business, the Deja Vu Rack, 1243 State St., Lemont, will shut its doors Dec. 21.

Owner Kim Cochrane said sales had been declining at the consignment boutique since the Goodwill Store and Donation Center opened down the street earlier this year.

She said her store had seen steady increase in sales during the first two years and she was anticipating her first profit this year before the Goodwill store opened.

“You can’t compete with their cheap prices,” Cochrane said. “Everything they get is donated. They take anything.”

She said she is more selective about the quality of the items she accepts.

Cochrane said Wise Buys, a resale shop in Homer Glen, has closed since the Goodwill opened as well.

Ron Nalepa, manager of the Second Chance Thrift Shoppe in downtown Lemont, said his store has also seen a decline in sales since Goodwill’s opening.

Goodwill did not respond to request for comment.

Cochrane said she was frustrated that the village allowed the larger Goodwill store to open in Lemont.

“When I found out they were coming, I called (Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves) and asked ‘Why would you do this? Why would you let this big box store come in?’” she said.

Reaves said the village has no control over what businesses open in commercial spaces as long as they meet all the building and zoning requirements.

“The Village Board of Trustees does not vote on individual businesses coming to town,” he said.

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LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • LMR Suburban Life

WOMEN

Women of Distinction identiies women who have made a difference in their western suburban communities and who are representative role models as leaders in their ields and community. Honorees will be proiled in Suburban Life Magazine’s May issue and recognized at an awards luncheon in May.

NEWS |

Deja Vu Rack of to close d i s t i n c t i o n

17

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Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

18

Letters to

Santa Brought to you by

Suburban Life Dear Santa, I am so excited for Christmas and have been a good girl. If you thin so I would like Christmas dressed Hello Kitty, Elephant game and prince and princess barbies with fairy god mother. Merry Christmas, Olivia Dear Santa, I would like a Furby-Boo and a rubber band bracelet maker, a baby doll that talks and eats, Barbie and Raquel, Lala loopsey, Bell interactive storybook and CD, cupcake party. Daisy the cat, hello kitty radio, Rainbow Dash doll. I have been a good girl. I listen to my teachers. I play nicely with others. I listen to my parents and I am helpful.

Sincerely, Mila Dear Santa, I am so excited that Christamas is coming!

I have been a great boy! I would like Paper Mario Sticker Star, Mario Party 3DS, Set 70504 Final Battle Lego Ninjaga, WiiU with Mario. Merry Christmas, Colin Dear Santa This year I want a tetner ball, a air hogs a minecraft shurt, Harry Potter moves, Bow + arrow air hockey. Do the reindeer fly? I was good the year.

Conor

Dear Santa I have been a good girl. I help people. Dos rudof s nows rile glow. American girl doll bike, flashlight frend, big rainder stuffed animal, Caitlin Dear Santa, Today is December 2nd. I can’t wait til Christmas. What will I get me for Christmas? How do you get through the chimney? and do you give presents to the poor? I will buy a present for people in need. I hope it will be a nice Christmas for everyone.

Luca Dear Santa Claus, My name is Liam and I am 4 years old. I am in preschool. I am really excited about christamstime. I would like to know what I’ll get for Christmas.

Love, Liam From Rich to Santa Dear Santa, Please being me some Mickey toys Thank you, Lexi Matty Dear Santa I wat red and slver clos fr my American Girl doll.

Love Isabella

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Dear Santa this year I’ve been a little bad this year I will try to be better any way this is what I want this year. I want a electric moter cycle, and a Huge Derrik Rose poster and a I-pod and a Halkeyes poster, and a patrik kane jersy and a zip line, and the rainbow loom kit, and a pack of Halkeye tatos, and blue sunglasses, and a Halkeye chane decves, and some boxing glvoes and some wrestling shoes and a pack of sports illustrated and some funny teth I am wondering whats your favorite cookies so I can put it out for you. I can’t wait until I see all my presents I am wondering what I’m getting and I’m also wondering what I have in my stocking. P.S. Christmas in my favorite Holiday I been a little bit good and little bit bad.

I wat to no what your elfs do. I wat to no what your elfs macke. I wat to no wat you do whith your elfs.

Dear Santa and Peter the Elf What I wont for Christmas Please 1. Julie Albright 2. Mary poppins 3. Big minion 4. Barbie hair salon 5. Lala loopsey 6. Baullerim bunny 7. Cabbage Patch kid dressed like school 8. Baby carriage for Barbie’s baby Love Madelynn Thank you Dear SantaI am trying to be a good girl. I am sharing with my brother named Vinny. Daddy, Mommy, Vinny and me are all trying to be really good. Can you bring me a skating Dora and roller skates. Thank you Santa Annabella Dear Santa I hope you have a great x-mass. I would like a phone. If you would like me to have one. I would like a santa and Rudolph doll.

Regular show action figures. I would like an Elmo Jack-in-the-box. Wish you a safe trip to my house.

Love Sierra Cristmas List Dear Santa, this is what I want for cristmas.

1) Air Hogs atmosphere 2) Nerf elite rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster 3) Mega Centurion 4) Flashrider 360 5) Scarab bug

6) Digital light designer 7) Melt’n mold factory.

Thank you for all the great gifts.

Love Matthew Thank You Dear Santa Zummer Kittycat Horse Big KanGaroo GiraFFe Katilynn BarBiE Dream Dear Santa I would like a gymnastics bar. Also I would like some roller blades because my old ones are too small. Can you also get some chalk for the bar. I would also like a few new leotards for gymnastics practice.

Thank you Love Kate age 9 Dear Santa Like Starwars. You are magical. I live ya.

Everyone in family love.

Merry Christmas EvAN 4 Dear Santa, I would like to get a train to go around the tree.

Love Aidan Dear Santa – I hope you bring presents.

I Love You. I hope you like my Karate Moves.

I Love you Rudolph.

I hope you bring snow Please bring fire rescue city.

Thanks for everything.

Love Garrett Aurora Age 3 ½ Dear Santa, I love you Santa. I miss you Santa. I wish for a mirro charger car tracker and switch and go Dino’s.

My sister wishes for a baby. (real one) My dog wished for us to have another dog for her to play with.

I also wish for any families in need to have a pink & purple house with ham and macaroni and cheese to eat and juice to drink and bread.

Love Sebastian (4) Ramona (2)

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to

Dear Santa, I want to have lipstick, nail polish and make-up like my moms. I would also like a guitar like Sofia Hamrocks. Thank you and travel safe.

Love Luci P.S. You can also bring surprises.

Dear Santa, Thank you for last year’s gifts.

This year I would like a remote control car.

I would also like a guitar with strings and a lego set.

Love Sammy (a 4 y.o. boy) I love you Santa.

Kate Dear Santa, I’ve been a very good girl, please know I love you very much. I would love Doc McStuffin, and a equestrian girl sunset shimmer. Make sure Rudolph has his nose lit nice and Bright so he can Bring you to my house.

Love Aubrey Dear Santa She wants 100 Teddy Bears Chloe Dear Santa Ples Dren m nuthr maric For Samantha Dear Santa I want a covered lantern for Christmas like in my Bear book. It has handles, a breakable screen, and a wire to hang it by. Thank you Santa, for my other bikes and for all of my art supplies. Also thank you for letting us visit the North Pole.

Love Andrew Hi Santa This is Avery For Crrsmis I riley want a IPod Dear Santa, I would like Stomper Slippers, Pillow Pet, my own TV, Guitar Orange Bear, Cookie Monster set and Books. I really have been very good.

Love you, Olivia

Dear Santa, I hope you have a happy Christmas! I would like hex-bug fish and a robetic turtle. I would like bracelot loom and a Robertic real friend dog. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Love Leah

Dear Santa Hellow! How are you? I’m fine. How is the weather in the North Pole? Here it is a little chilly but not the cold. For Christmas I would like a 3DS please or a remote controlled helicopter Yours truly, Maddy.

Dear Santa I hope that I get lots of presents and I hope you are doing well. I want to get a puzzle maker and I’ll be happy what you give me thank you for being a Good person thank you so much.

Love, Hope

Dear Santa I am 9 years old and I want a blue Ipod 5 (touch) I believe in you it’s all right if you can’t give me an Ipod 5 but that’s what I want the Most.

Sincerely, Luke

Dear santa, Thanks for watching over me. Thank you for giving me toys. I look forward to seeing you this year.

From, Noah Dear Santa What I want for Christmas: 1. The American girl doll Saige and her assesories 2. Sport Bras, colors pink, blue, purple, neon green and yellow 3. Nike pro shorts colors, dark blue, pink and purple 4. Fake nails 5. Popcorn machine 6. Iphone 5 7. Makeup 8. Clothes from justice 9. I pod case 10. Cheer bows glittery 11. Tickets to a Justin Bieber front row 12. American girl doll suit case 13. The movie Frozen.

Love, Danielle Hi Santa this is Rylie I have Bean good for a wialle I am at my grandmas House for Chrismisst I relle want a IPod

To Santa Dear Santa Thak you for the presis tat you gave me.

Love Marissa Santa XOXO Anderson + Joshua Dear Santa, I have been very good this year. I would like Choo Choo train, Train Car/Freight Car, Drum, Teddy Bear, Train Crossing, Train Track.

Mason

Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a pretend taco food set, a joker set, a jumping baby, a guitar, play-doh, a fake sun, a toy car, a toy thing-a-ma-jig from cat in the hat and an Elmo toy Nicholas List Dog Sheet Set Magic Set Zoomer Dear Santa, Mic stand Mic ear peace bike or scooter AM/american grl doll stuff Saige American girl.

Julie S.

Roberto’s 483 Spring Road, Elmhurst

RISTORANTE

DeAr SANTA I woulb like a dirt bike. And foot gloves soccer cleats football sidepads Baskeetball Hoop Jordan, Age 4

Wishing You a Bright & Cheerful Holiday Season!

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www.robertosristorante.net Inquire about private parties • Catering & gift certificates available.

LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • LMR Suburban Life

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8EDUCATION NOTES

ACHIEVEMENTS • Leslie Kane of Lemont is a student admissions ambassador at Augustana College, assisting the Office of Admissions to recruit new students.

• Lemont native Catherine Chappell will be inducted into the Milwaukee School of Engineering Athletics Hall of Fame.

• Katie Colaianni of Lemont worked as a DJ during Lewis University’s WLRA Radio’s “To Kill a DJ” marathon to raise money for the Lewis University Family Assistance Fund at Advocate Children’s Hospital.

• The following Lemont High School students were honored with December “Student of the Month” accolades: senior Kristen Parham, nominated by the social studies department; junior Kyra Udziela, nominated by the learning resource center department; sophomore Taylor Campos, nominated by the English department; and freshman Jake Kirkman, nominated by the industrial technology department.

HONOR ROLLS St. Alphonsus/St. Patrick School, first trimester 3.7 OR ABOVE EIGHTH GRADE: Emma Bozue, Bruno Caruso, Ben Dirst, Declan

• CLOSE Continued from page 17 Reaves said he was sad to see the store close.

“As mayor of Lemont, it always troubles me when any business has to close in town,” he said. “We always as a village struggle to keep businesses and are continuously promoting to people to shop in Lemont.”

Cochrane said she has no plans to open a new store in

3.0 OR ABOVE EIGHTH GRADE: Elena Dziak, Thomas Harlovic, Elyssa King, Mathew King, Cormac Lee, Grace Lenz, Dana Rauch, Robert Vaughn and David Vera SEVENTH GRADE: Ryan Hussey, Aiste Kavaliauskas, Kateland Kirk, Joseph Klaff, Patrick Leyden, Emma Lynch, Maddie Pickerting, Julia Popper, Kaitlyn Reaves, Katherine Roenitz, Marissa VanDeVeer and Michael Yario SIXTH GRADE: Luke Celovsky, Zachary Clark, Sarah Kerfin, Nicole Komendant, Grace Magdziarz, Carson Michniak, Holly Porter, Mateo Salinas, Jennye Urbanick, Andrew Ward, Maddie Wasmund and Marina Zeglin FIFTH GRADE: Aidan Cocharane, Paige Connolly, Jeremy King, Lexi Laga, Ryan Madera, Melissa O’Neill, Al Pontrelli, Gabriela Salinas, Ela Svabek and Michael Valenti FOURTH GRADE: Sam Andreotti, Eileen Flynn, Connor Leyden, Bridget Murphy and Sabrina Potempa

another town because she does not think she can compete with the big box retailers.

“I have had a loyal following and I’m grateful for those that did shop in my store,” she said. “I just wish more would have.”

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Two Lemont High School graduates have been awarded scholarships by the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Marjorie Dallmann has been awarded the Illinois Women in Engineering Scholarship. Tomasz Jazowski has been awarded the Engineering at Illinois Scholarship.

Hayes, Olivia Michniak, Kevin Osborne and Joe Storti SEVENTH GRADE: Ryan DeWilkins, Alex Georgievski, Ethan Leyden, James Marshall, Maddie McGuire, Natalia Mendez and Bianca Pontrelli SIXTH GRADE: William Bozue, Kyle Kohn and Elizabeth Philip FIFTH GRADE: Christopher Calhoun, Jack Giobbia, Abigail Gorski, William Gorski, Connor Kirk, Kyle Kostes and Tatiana Simrayh FOURTH GRADE: Luke Alfonso, Vince Caruso, Ryan Egofske, Isabella Fairclough, Brayden Garrigan, Ian McGuire, Regan Notter, Scarlett O’Hara, Ryan Ondracek, Julia Phelan, Paige Pickering, Colin Treanor and Matthew Zintek

NEWS |

SCHOLARSHIPS

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| NEWS

PlanitLife.com organizes everything you need for affordable local fun! With our money saving vouchers and extensive events calendar you can always find something to do on Planit!

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Showcase SPOTL!GHT

8NEWS BRIEFS Animal shelter holding food drive at Chipain’s LEMONT – Shoppers at Chipain’s, 1100 State St., Lemont, can donate pet food for a food drive for the TLC Animal Shelter in Homer Glen.

A container for donations will be at the store through Jan. 11.

For more information, call 708-301-1594.

Library to host Christmas party for tweens

Coop’s Den in Bolingbrook offers a fun mix of food, cocktails and live entertainment. From blues to jazz to line dancing, there is something going on most nights.

The menu features a variety of appetizers, salads, burgers and more including favorites such as Karubi Ribs and the Coop’s Club. Open Tuesday through Thursday for dinner and Friday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Coop’s Den 148 W. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook 630-759-0148

Di Nico’s has been serving pizza and Italian cuisine for over forty years. Are you ready to take the Di Nico’s Challenge? Eat two of their “World’s Largest Pizza Slices” in thirty minutes or less and win a t-shirt. Offered on Mondays at the La Grange location. Dine in, pick up, delivery and catering available. Open seven days a week form 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Di Nico’s 42 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange 708-352-9800

LEMONT – Children ages 9 to 11 are invited to a Christmas Celebration at 4 p.m. Friday at the Lemont Public Library, 50 E. Wend St. Participants will make mini gingerbread houses and play Christmas Bingo and Present Scramble. Children should bring a wrapped book to exchange with friends.

Registration is required by

calling Mary Inman at 630-2576541 or visiting www.lemontlibrary.org.

Sheriff asks for help finding Lemont man LEMONT – The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office has highlighted Tom Roginski of Lemont as its Manhunt Monday pick of the week, according to a sheriff’s office news release.

Roginski, 21, whose last known address was in the 18W400 block of 91st Street, is wanted on a class 3 felony charge for the manufacturing or delivery of marijuana, the release said. He is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 155 pounds.

The sheriff’s office asks members of the public with information about Roginski to call the office at 630-407-2400.

– Suburban Life Media

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EVENTS

WHERE: Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, 11 W. Maple St., Hinsdale WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 COST & INFO: $18, $16 for seniors and students; www.acousticren.com ABOUT: A solstice show stars songwriter, entertainer and educator Joe Jencks (pictured) and touring songwriters Edie Carey and Heather Styka. The first hour will be broadcast live on “Folkstage” on WFMT 98.7. Jencks, who has performed in Carnegie Hall, is part of the folk trio Brother Sun. Carey is a Kerrville New Folk competition winner, and Styka is known for songs rooted in Americana.

Photo provided

2

TOY WONDERS

ARTISTS’ BAZAAR ENDING WHERE: Lemont Center for the Arts, 1234 State St., Lemont WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 19 to 22 COST & INFO: Free entry; 630-243-7375, www.lemontcenterforthearts.wordpress. com ABOUT: There is still plenty of time left to snag a last-minute gift from the extensive selection of homemade crafts and fine art that the Lemont Center for the Arts’ fourth annual Holiday Artists’ Bazaar has to offer. It officially comes to a close Sunday. Check the website for the center’s upcoming classes and exhibits.

TOP S ’ K E E THIS W : E V I F T UNITY I M N M A L O P THE OUR C Y D N U & ARO N I S K C I the go OU P events on S WITH Y TAKE U

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WHERE: 7511 Lemont Road, Darien WHEN: Open daily COST & INFO: Varies; www.oakridgehobbiesandtoys.com, 630-435-5900 ABOUT: Family-owned Oakridge Hobbies & Toys offers pointers to people puzzled about what’s on kids’ wish lists. A few of its hot items are Stuffies, the stuffed animals with secret pockets, and the original Rainbow Loom on which both boys and girls create bracelet designs, said co-owner Sue Robb. Mr. Robot shoots foam discs, added son Chris, store manager, noting battery-operated Build-a-road train sets even offer a working smokestack.

cod

ANIMA TO SING

4

WHERE: Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 COST & INFO: $10 to $22; tickets at www. animasingers.org, 630-858-2471 ABOUT: The internationally recognized Anima – Young Singers of Greater Chicago (formerly the Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus) will present “Masters and Mistletoe,” featuring music by Mozart, Haydn and Schubert paired with new carols and toe-tapping favorites.

Anima – which means breath, life, soul and spirit – turns 50 in 2014. Its four ensembles are open to grades K to 12.

Photo provided

GRINCH WHOBILATION

5

WHERE: Administration Building, 55 E. Richmond St., Westmont WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 COST & INFO: Free; 630-963-5252, www. wpd4fun.org ABOUT: The Grinch turns Santa’s workshop into his cave for one day at the Grinch Whobilation. There will be Grinch games in Whoville including a snowball toss and the Grinch slither, plus Grinchthemed crafts and treats. Participants can hop on the Long Eared Mules Wagon for a ride around the neighborhood to enjoy the holiday lights.

| PlanIt Life | LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • PlanitLife.com

1

SONGS OF SOLSTICE

PlanitLife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

| PlanIt Life |

24

MYSTERY DINER

Questions? Email msleditorial@shawmedia.com

Restaurant reviews

The Chew Chew tracks all the right notes RIVERSIDE – There are restaurants and then there are neighborhood institutions.

The Chew Chew in Riverside is the latter.

On a recent night, The Chew Chew was full of locals: a gathering of schoolteachers, buddies grabbing a burger and catching a Bulls game, and even a village official out for a quiet dinner with his wife.

The presence of locals at The Chew Chew is unsurprising, because if you ask anyone in Riverside where to head for dinner, this place makes the list. The Chew Chew serves the community in multiple contexts. The menu references awards for best neighborhood joint; food-focused social media websites rate it highly as a spot for locals and visitors alike; and the restaurant regularly gives generously to local causes and nonprofits.

Just like Riverside itself, The Chew Chew is full of history and local mythology, and is, in a word: classic. That’s not bad for a place founded in 1996.

But enough about all that; let’s talk food.

The Chew Chew’s menu strikes a nice balance between bar food and a higher end steakhouse. An $11 burger sits comfortably on the menu next to mid-priced pasta dishes, $30 steaks and rotating market fish. But with a twist, the menu also offers items not regularly seen on suburban menus, such as escargot, pate and zucchini pickles.

To get started, I ordered baked onion soup and one of the night’s specials: duck pate on crostini (toast) with pickled onion and crumbled, hard-boiled egg.

The soup arrived first – hot, but not boiling – with a crispy layer of Swiss cheese sitting atop croutons floating on pure onion goodness. On a frigid night, it was the perfect first course to beat the chill; a good balance of broth and onion – hearty without being heavy.

About the time I was fin-

Suburban Life Media photos

The Chew Chew on Burlington Street in Riverside is a restaurant where locals love to go.

The Chew Chew n Where: 33 E. Burlington St.,

Riverside

n Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Monday;

5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday n Dress code: Casual n Info: 708-447-8781, www. thechewchew.com

More photos online To see more photos from The Chew Chew, find this story online at PlanitLife.com.

ishing, my duck pate special arrived. When opportunity and mood align, always go with the special. It’s generally special for a reason. The pate did not disappoint. The pink, pickled onions added a subtle sweetness and color that struck a pleasing note.

The side arugula salad with halved grapes was a welcome accompaniment, as I alternated bites.

For my main dish, I

Pickled onion and crumbled egg garnish the duck pate on crostini, complemented by arugula salad Cooked perfectly to order is skirt steak with chimichurri, served with with grape halves for a tasty balspicy aioli and shoestring french fries at The Chew Chew in Riverside. ance of flavors. struggled with a decision between a penne pasta made with roasted chicken, tomato, applewood bacon and smoked Gouda cream vs. the grilled skirt steak and chimichurri. I ended up going with the steak, but know I’ll be back for the penne.

Whiskey and steak are a marriage made in heaven, so I ordered up Knob Creek neat, and made fine work of the meal. The steak was requested

medium rare and arrived medium rare. Juicy and flavorful with a side of shoestring french fries and a spicy aioli, it was exactly what I hoped it would be.

I wanted badly to do dessert, but didn’t leave room. If I had, I might have ordered another special that night: eggnog (the adult kind).

But, missed dishes and specials are just another reason to return, this time

with a partner (maybe a local resident), so I can sample their choices as well.

If you go where the locals go, you can’t go wrong.

The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at Suburban Life Media. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. Only positive dining experiences will result in published reviews.

EVENTS

Symphony in Lights, The Promenade Bolingbrook, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. More than 250,000 computer-controlled, brightly colored, energy eficient lights, choreographed to the thunderous sounds of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. For information, visit www.thepromenadebolingbrook.com.

Enchanted Railroad, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Jan. 5, Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Route 53, Lisle. Travel through an indoor winter wonderland. Free timed tickets with Arboretum admission; irst come, irst served. For information, visit www.mortonarb.org.

4th Annual Holiday Artists’ Bazaar, through Dec. 22, Lemont Center for the Arts, Lemont Village Square, 1243 State Street, Unit 101, Lemont. Shop handmade-original-unique art and craft gifts for the holidays. Open noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

For information, visit lemontcenterforthearts.wordpress.com.

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle.

See trees in a different light, along a mile-long, paved trail around the Arboretum’s Meadow Lake and down the Conifer Walk. For information, visit www.mortonarb.org.

DEC. 20 “It’s a Wonderful Life” Screening with ZuZu Bailey, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Hollywood Blvd. Cinema, 1001 West 75th Street, Woodridge and Hollywood Palms Cinema, 352 S. Route 59, Naperville. Hosted by special guest, Karolyn “ZuZu” Grimes.

Tickets are from $6 to $8. Showtimes: Dec. 20: 4, 7 and 9:30 p.m. at Hollywood Blvd.; Dec. 21: Noon, 3, 6 and 9:30 p.m. Hollywood Palms; Dec. 22: 12:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. at Hollywood Blvd. For information, visit www.atriptothemovies.com.

Holiday Breakfast, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Friday, Advodate Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center, 3551 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Includes entertainment and hot breakfast.

Cost is $2 and advance registration required. For information, call 800323-8622.

DEC. 21

GET YOUR EVENT LISTED Fill out the form at PlanitLife.com/forms

The Twelve Days of Christmas, 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Gregg House Museum, 115 S. Linden Ave., Westmont. See Christmas trees to match the lyrics of the beloved holiday song. Earn a small prize when you play the fun, mystery holiday game. Children can make a small craft to take home. For information, visit www.wpd4fun.org.

Live Nativity, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, through Christmas Day, Christ

Photo provided by Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

IN A TWO-HORSE OPEN SLEIGH WHERE: Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Road, Wheaton WHEN: Noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 26 to 30, and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays in January and February COST & INFO: Horse-drawn sleigh rides are offered all winter by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Bells jingle merrily as the center’s draft horses pull the sleigh over the ields and through the woods for 15-minute rides, departing every 20 minutes. A ire warms participants. For less than 4 inches of snow on the trail, a hay wagon is used instead. Tickets are available at Danada’s main barn beginning at 11:30 a.m. on ride days, and cost $5 per adult, and $2 for ages 5 to 12, by cash or check. Groups of 15 or more can reserve private rides, plus guided barn tours, at 630-668-6012. Visit www.dupageforest.org.

Church of Oak Brook, 501 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook. All are welcome. For information, call 630-468-2480 or visit www.cc-ob.org.

A Grinch Whobilation, 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Administration Building, 55 E. Richmond Street, Westmont. We’ll be playing Grinch Games in Whoville like the Snowball Toss, Grinch Gift Towers, the Grinch Slither and making Grinch crafts and treats. Play games inside, then bundle up and take a ride around the neighborhood to enjoy the holiday lights on the Long Eared Mules Wagon. Free admission. For information, visit www.wpd4fun.org.

Kenny Rogers “Christmas & Hits Through The Years,” 8 to 9:45 p.m.

Saturday, Pfeiffer Hall on North Central College Campus, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. With his unique storytelling ability and soulful voice, music legend and Country Music Hall of Fame member Kenny Rogers has enjoyed an incredible 50-plus-year career. He’ll be joined by special guest Linda Davis. For information, visit inearts.northcentralcollege.edu.

Acoustic Solstice Show, 8 p.m. Saturday, Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, 11 W. Maple Street, Hinsdale. Featuring Joe Jencks, Edie Carey, and Heather Styka performing lush harmonies on original songs as well as songs of the season. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors and students. For information, call 630-941-7797 or visit www.acousticren.com.

Breakfast with Santa at the Morton Arboretum, 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Morton Arbore-

tum, 4100 IL Route 53, Lisle. Children will enjoy a special breakfast, meet with Santa and receive a gift. Tickets are $31 for member adults, $38 for nonmember adults, $27 for member child (3-12), or $32 for nonmember child. Children ages 2 and under are free. Prices include gratuity and taxes. Register in advance as this sells out quickly. For information, call 630-725-2066 or visit www. mortonarb.org.

DEC. 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship, 4 p.m. Tuesday, Downers Grove Community Church, 6600 Fairview, Downers Grove. Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship with a message of “Christmas Joy” and carols. Child care will be provided. For information, call 630-969-3320 or visit www.dgcc.org.

Buy 6 Bottles of Wine for $36 (regular price $60) Call ahead to place your order. Good through 12-29-13

OR Entire * Your Holiday

15% OFF

Purchase

Good thru 12-29-13 *Excludes Beer and Handmade Items

Downers Grove Wine Shop 1202 - F 75th Street • 630-322-9100 (NW corner of 75th & Lemont Rd. Facing White Castle)

www.dgwineshop.com

Lunch Special Tuesday-Friday 11 am - 3 pm Only

Buy 1 Entree Get 1 Chef’s Special Indian Chinese Cuisine Vegetable Entree 2117 W 63rd Street, Downers Grove Phone: (630)541-9872 Fax:(630)541-9873 Daily Lunch Specials: 11:00am - 3:00pm Dinner: Tues - Thurs 5:00pm - 9:30pm Fri & Sat 5:00pm - 10:30pm Sun 5:00pm - 9:30pm • Closed Monday

FREE

Good Thru 12-31-13 Dine in only. 1 Coupon per table.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

| PlanIt Life | LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • PlanitLife.com

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Suburban Life media December 2013

LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

| LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE

28

Stumped for a gift idea?

Give the power to change the world (BPT) - Every year, office or classroom gift exchanges, thank you tokens for service providers, and last-minute items for acquaintances that drop in unannounced leave many Americans wrestling with a burning question: What can you give for $25 (the ubiquitous price point for this type of gifting)?

How about the chance to help change the world?

Microlending is the practice of making small loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries. The borrowers use the money - as little as $25 - to expand their businesses, educate their families and improve their communities. Now, it’s possible to give everyone on your list a gift card that will allow them to make such a loan. For roughly the price of a designer scented candle, you can give someone the chance to make a tangible, quantifiable, powerful difference in the life of people around the world.

How it works By going to www.kiva.org/gifts, you can choose an amount, purchase a Kiva Card and select the delivery option that works best for you. Print it yourself and keep some cards on hand for drop-in guests. Or, send it via Facebook, email or U.S post to recipients anywhere in the world.

Recipients redeem the Kiva Card at Kiva.org by selecting the specific borrower who will receive the loan. The website provides detailed information about each borrower and how he or she will use the loan to build their business and create opportunity for their families and communities. It’s possible to find borrowers who appeal to the passions of virtually every gift recipient.

If your giftee is a foodie, perhaps she’ll choose to give her loan to a beekeeper in Kenya or organic coffee farmer in Mexico. If the card recipient believes in promoting green energy, he may choose as his

beneficiary an entrepreneur who brings solar power to a region of Tanzania where there is no electricity.

Have an art or craft fan on your gift list? He or she may choose to lend to a weaver who supports his family and preserves an ancient art form through the products he weaves and sells.

The gift that can truly keep on giving The benefit of a Kiva Card doesn’t end with the satisfaction of having helped others. Kiva borrowers have an impressive repayment rate of nearly 99 percent. Neither the lender nor Kiva makes any money

from the loan. Once the borrower repays the $25 loan , your gift recipients can either reclaim the cash value of the card to spend on a gift for themselves, or they can opt to reinvest the money and make a new loan through Kiva.

As they relend their money to another borrower on Kiva, your initial gift of $25 has the potential impact of hundreds of dollars. The recipient could continue to reap the spiritual rewards of giving for years after receiving your initial gift.

To learn more, or to start giving Kiva Cards, visit www.kiva.org/gifts.

Ways your family can give back to the community, country and world this holiday (BPT) - The holiday season is a time when people are looking to give back.

Sometimes this giving back encompasses spending time with others in the community, and other times it is showing support for programs that give back across the world.

Families can get involved in giving back this holiday season in many ways, involving all members - from your newborn to great grandma. Here’s how: * Support companies that give back. Families with infants and toddlers may not realize that the Bumbo products they purchase not only solve every day parenting challenges, but they also give back to children in need. In fact, a portion of proceeds from every Bumbo product purchased worldwide supports the underprivileged and special needs children in the company’s hometown of Pretoria, South Africa. Since

2005, the company has donated more than $10 million back to the local community through the Bumbo Cares non-profit program, providing food, shelter and education for more than 1,200 South African children.

Products that give back include the Bumbo Floor Seat and accessories - the perfect first seat for babies; the Booster Seat, Step Stool and Toilet Trainer. You can learn more about how Bumbo helps the children of Pretoria at www.BumboUSA.com/BumboCares. * Organize a collection drive.

Children love to help other children, and they can do that by participating in a drive.

If there isn’t a clothing or food drive already happening in your neighborhood, consider organizing one yourself. Find an organization in your community that helps children and ask what donations are needed. Advertise when you’ll be holding the drive with letters

or postcards to neighbors. On the day of the drive, help your children and their friends collect the donations, and then take everyone with you to deliver the donations to the organization. Take a photo of the drop off and submit it to the community paper to commemorate the work the youths put into the effort. * Participate in a community kitchen, clean-up or build. These are activities everyone in the family can participate in. Contact your local government office to find out when the next community clean-up day is scheduled. If you have younger children, ask to be assigned to a park or quiet road. And if you have older children who are able to participate in a community kitchen or build project, consider donating your time there. It will be a project they can reflect upon years

later - reminding them how they cared and contributed back this holiday season. * Visit those who are homebound during the holidays.

Sometimes the best way a family can give back is by visiting those who aren’t able to get out of the home very easily. Contact a local nursing home or your religious center to ask if your family can sing holiday carols, bring treats or just come over for a talk.

All it takes is a bit of time, which often is a great way to give back.

As your family gets ready to celebrate the holidays this year, remember these tips of lending a hand, organizing a drive or supporting companies, like Bumbo, that give back. There are always opportunities where your entire family can pitch in to help the neighborhood, community, country and world.

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LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE |

20% OFF EVERYTHING THRU DECEMBER 24 OPEN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 11 - 3PM OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE 10AM TO 3PM CLOSED DECEMBER 25 AND 26

by Gottlieb & Sons LIKE US ON

Riviera JewelersEstLtd 1980

409 MAIN STREET | GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137 | 630-469-4954 www.diamondjan.com | www.diamondjan.net | See Our Video | We Buy Gold Holiday Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm | Sat 10am-6pm | Closed Sunday

Located a cross from Boston Ma rket

LaGrange Coin & Stamp has been an established business in the area for over 35 years.

We buy and sell any form of GOLD. We also cater to the irst time collector as well as the experienced numismatist.

We have a wide variety of supplies.

WE ALSO BUY STAMP COLLECTIONS!

25 West Plainield Road • Coutryside, IL 60525 • 708.579.5397 Check out our website: lagrangecoin.com

LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • LMR Suburban Life

Featuring Convertible Earring Jackets

LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

| LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE

30

“This Holiday Season...Shop Westmont & Clarendon Hills!”

Come Celebrate our “Silver

Anniversary” Friday January 3

Cheryl’s TOTAL

LOOK

25 Years

s hment Refres ays Giveaw ffles Ra Hourly

Family Pizzeria Since 1977

December 31st - January 4th

ROLL TIME w BACK /GR SAVIN EAT GS

210 East Chicago, Westmont (630) 323-7488 Tues: 9-5 • Wed. Thurs: 9-9 • Fri: 9-7 • Sat: 8-4 www.cherylstotallook.com

25% Off Retail All Week 25% Off Services on Jan. 3

at Holiday Catering home or office!

Make your reservations now!

START YOUR HOLIDAYS with friends & family at PAPA PASSERO’S 6326 S. CASS AVE. WESTMONT

630-963-7660

$3.00 OFF

ANY SIZE PIZZA

Expiration 2/28/14

GIFT CARDS available now ON LINE A PERFECT GIFT EVERY TIME!

www.papapasseros.com

WE FRAME EVERYTHING Professional Framing Since 1969

20% OFF CUSTOM FRAMING SALE Coupon Exp. 1/31/14

630-795-1020 10 N. Cass Ave. • Westmont, IL 60559 • M. TU. W. F. Sa. 10-6 Thur. 10-8:30 Closed Sun.

L&F PIZZA 21 S. Cass Ave Westmont

L&F PIZZA IS CELEBRATING A 53 YEAR ANNIVERSARY. WE’VE BEEN IN WESTMONT SINCE 1960.

4

630-654-8882

TUES.-SAT. 10-5

www.ebenezers-gifts.com

Customwood Kitchens & Bathrooms Expert Design & Professional Remodeling 17 E. Chicago Ave, Westmont

630-969-5455

www.customwoodkitchens.com

Showroom Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00- 4:00

With Coupon 00

14 S. PROSPECT CLARENDON HILLS

Open Daily at 4:00pm CALL FOR FAST DELIVERY

Any 16" Pizza $

IT’S THE CHRISTMAS SEASON MERRY AND BRIGHT, AT EBENEZERS GIFT HOUSE, OH WHAT A SIGHT. WE HAVE ANTIQUES, SANTAS, ORNAMENTS AND GIFTS THAT ARE SURE TO DELIGHT. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

OFF

Not valid with any other offer. Expires 1/31/14

$

500 OFF

Any Two Pizzas With Coupon Not valid with any other offer. Expires 1/31/14

630-968-6980 $

1,000 OFF* When Applied to any Kitchen or Bath Remodel Over $15,000 Promotion Begins Nov 20, 2013 and Ends Jan 31, 2014

The Spirit of the Season

* Valid only with contracts signed after Nov 20th

31

Looking For A Train Set For Under Your Tree?

We Have Lionel Sets Including The Popular

"Polar Express".

We Also Carry A Wide Selection of Bachmann HO Scale Train Sets And Kato N Scale Train Sets.

For Those People On Your List Who Are Train Enthusiasts,

We Have Gift Certificates, Calendars, and More

Offering fine hand-selected designer, estate, and vintage jewelry for over 35 years!

Unique items for that special occasion. ,!0$* # &-,,!0$* # +,-)&1&(* # .&0'-0(* # +,//)"&* # 0&)2%&-,

630.324.6136 Hours: Monday Closed, Tuesday Through Saturday 10 to 5, Sunday 1 to 4

Arcade Jewelers 503 Pennsylvania Ave. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 e Tel : (630) 790.116

Satin and Lace Evening Bag, $49 HANDCRAFTED IN INDIA

51 E BURLINGTON | RIVERSIDE | 708-442-8110 | ARCADEJEWELERS.NET HOURS: HOURS: TUESDAYTUE THRU FRIDAY 11AMTO TO6PM 5PM| |SAT SATURDAY HOLIDAY THRU FRI 11AM AND SUN11AM 11AMTO TO3PM 4PM

Maple Tree Restaurant (Jill + Paul) and our staff wish you and your family a very

Happy & Healhy Holiday Season!

Come Join us for Breakfast Open Christmas Day 7am to 12:30pm

memories in the making With every product it sells, Ten Thousand Villages lends a helping hand to the working poor. Photo above right: This Indian woman sewing a product like the Satin and Lace Evening Bag (pictured above), is earning a living wage.

25% OFF ONE ITEM Valid at Glen Ellyn Store until 1/31/1. Not valid with other discounts, for gift cards, or rugs.

NEW

TREAT SOMEONE TO A MAPLE TREE GIFT CARD!

Tree Restaurant e l p a M Hours of Service: Every Day of The Week! 6 AM to 3 PM

We only serve the finest quality.

671 W. North Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126 Tel: (630) 516-1295 • www.mapletreeelmhurst.com

LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • LMR Suburban Life

5228 Main Street • Downers Grove

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE |

Model Trains & Accessories

32

LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

| LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE

Holiday Sale “Where wishes do come true”

Five reasons why scent is important for home decorating (BPT) - Cooler temperatures, dwindling daylight that makes you crave a mood boost, and the approach of the holidays - at this time of year, many inspirations prompt people to redecorate. But

JEWELERS SINCE 1930

Route 83 at 63rd Street, Willowbrook (Willowbrook Square, across from Dominick’s)

630-325-9000

| www.begemanjewelers.com

MORE THAN A TRADITION

while you’re breaking out the holiday decorations or looking for just the right shade of yellow to make your kitchen look brighter on short winter days, don’t overlook another powerful decorator’s trick - scent.

 1. Essential oils can make your home more beautiful.

An inviting, coordinated scent is as important to the look and ambience of your home as the color, finishes and furnishings you choose.  2. Essential oils are the perfect holiday home decoration.

Scent is an inspired enhancement to your holiday home. Essential oils come from plants such as balsam fir boughs, fresh pine needles, peppermint leaves, cinnamon bark, vanilla beans and clove buds. Or, seek out pure, natural products like Aura Cacia’s Uplifting Candy Cane room spray, crafted with essential oil of peppermint and the essence of real vanilla beans.  3. Essential oils can make you happy in your home.

Use scent to boost your mood when the post-holiday letdown, colder temperatures and the dwindling daylight of winter set in.  4. Essential oils can make your home healthier.

Instead of reaching for a bottle of that blue stuff that smells like - well, window cleaner - try making your own glass cleaner from four tablespoons of vinegar and 12 drops of lemon essential oil.  5. Essential oils can help you sell your home.

An atmosphere scented with natural essential oils is more appealing to buyers than a cloyingly sweet artificial scent and may be the subtle trick you need to boost a sale.

CHRISTMAS TREE LOT HOURS Hours: Monday-Friday 1pm-9pm | Saturday 9am-9pm | Sunday 10am-6pm | Christmas Eve 9am-12pm

Give a gift that will last!

Miele or Riccar Vacuums

Your Christmas tree can be more than a place to hang lights and ornaments. It can be a symbol of your commitment to make your community stronger.

The Y is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. A tree purchased at the Y supports B.R. Ryall YMCA’s scholarship fund, which allows us to provide inancial assistance to families, children and individuals who need it most. Make your tree more than a tradition.

We provide top quality wreaths, garland and trees including Fraser Firs, Balsams and Scotch Pines.

B.R. RYALL YMCA of Northwestern DuPage County

Community Partner:

49 Deicke Drive | Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 | 630.858.0100 www.brryallymca.org

Suburban Life

Brother Sewing, Quilting, Embroidery Machines, Sergers

See our Facebook page for weekly holiday specials!

Sewing Room Furniture, Thread Sets, Notions, Designs, Stabilizer Kits

Gift Certificates - Layaways 2135 63rd St, Downers Grove, IL - 630-541-8388 www.friendlystitches.com

33

(BPT) - Between the growing trends of boutique restaurants, creative home cooking and entire television networks dedicated to food, you probably know a few people who consider themselves “foodies.” Whether they love craft beer, decadent chocolate treats or gourmet cheeses, you can find many great gift ideas for people passionate about food and drink.

Make their holiday extra bright by indulging their interests and exploring some of these top trends in food-related gifts.

Himalayan salt is a trendy and truly unique gift for salt lovers and gourmets. The hard mineral composition means this particular type of salt can be carved into a variety of useful items, such as a Himalayan salt block ideal for serving warm grilled meats or chilled for serving sushi. Gourmet chefs at home can infuse food and drink with a subtle hint of mineral-rich salt, adding a unique layer of flavor. Himalayan salt is also touted as a healthy, natural source of sodium by many health experts.

Personalized stoneware

Winter days call for warm baked goods, whether it’s a classic casserole or rich homemade pie. Cooks and bakers love to personalize dishes with updated versions of classic recipes, adding herbs and spices for extra flare. And when that dish is cooked in customized stoneware, there’s no mistaking who created the culinary masterpiece. Personalized stoneware is gaining popularity; by adding a name or special message, you’re giving a gift that’s truly one of a kind.

Gourmet goodies

Unique gourmet treats are sure to impress even the most refined palate. From handdipped Champagne strawberries from Shari’s Berries, to gourmet caramel apples and cake pops, tantalizing temptations appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth. Gourmet popcorn and fruit baskets make great gifts for food lovers too, and combining a few fe special treats eats in a gift basket is a fun way to present their favorites.

Made in the USA

Things made in the USA embrace the idea of “home is where the heart is,” while providing quality goods that last the test of time. Patronize boutiques that feature local artisans, or when shopping online, look for the location where the item was created.

For example, RedEnvelope’s animal wood cutting board comes in pig, cow, rooster and chicken designs - ideal for any chef all made in the USA.

Grill mania

Sweet and salty treats

Flavor fusion is featured in some of the nation’s most popular restaurants, but home chefs are enjoying these taste mash-ups, too. One classic blend that has been gaining popularity is salty and sweet combos.

Gift ideas that feature this ultimate mix include gourmet dipped pretzel rods in various types of chocolate. Sea-salt adorned confections are another popular option - look for caramels and truffles sprinkled with sparkling sea salt for the perfect salty and sweet pairing.

Glass sets for beer aficionados

It’s official - the craft beer movement is

Both men and women are refining their grilling skills by cooking dishes in their favorite barbecue style - and winter isn’t stopping them. Indulge their passion with a grilling gift that features some of today’s top spices and sauces. Trending spices of the year include turmeric, juniper, smoked paprika and galangal, a Thai ginger. Does your favorite griller like some heat? Add in some Sriracha or Korean chili paste for that spicy kick foodies are looking for.

Cheer your favorite foodie with a gift that’s sure to please. These top trends in food- and drink-related gifts will stand out from the others under the tree.

Get crafty with edible holiday appetizers (BPT) - Don’t worry, Mom. In this case, it’s OK to play with your food. The latest online social media craze features awe-inspiring galleries of edible art, showcasing everyday ingredients transformed into munchable holiday masterpieces.

This season, whether you’re looking to revamp the relish tray or simply keep the kids occupied with a fun project, a few holiday-friendly staples are all you need to let your creativity take flight.

Take, for instance, California black ripe olives. Known for their versatility and mild flavor, black olives are a party favorite for a reason. And with 95 percent of the nation’s ripe olives grown on family farms in California, they’re a truly all-American ingredient, too. They’re also the perfect building block for edible holiday treats.

Get in on the fun with an easy and adorable-to-look-at recipe that uses black olives, cream cheese, pretzels and a few other common ingredients to create an unforgettable herd of holiday cheer. In fact, this is one reindeer game anyone can play.

For more holiday recipe ideas featuring California ripe olives, visit www.calolive.org.

California Olive Reindeer Makes 8 reindeer Supplies: 2- 4 Won ton wrappers Cooking spray 2 Sandwich-sized reclosable plastic bags 4 ounces cream cheese Scissors 8 colossal California Black Ripe Olives 8 large California Black Ripe Olives 1 bamboo skewer 16 pretzel sticks Paring knife Tiny pieces of carrot and raisins Powdered sugar (optional) Kale (optional) Mushrooms (optional) Directions: With a small, sharp knife, cut wonton wrappers into “antlers.” Place on a baking sheet and coat with cooking spray. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes at 350 F, or until lightly browned. Place cream cheese into two sandwich-sized reclosable bags. Snip 1/8-inch off the corner of one and 1/16-inch off the second. With the bag and the 1/8-inch hole, squeeze cream cheese into colossal olives. Using a bamboo skewer, make a hole in the large olives. Break a pretzel stick in half and press into hole and into colossal olive. Press together to form the head. Make four holes in the colossal olive with a bamboo skewer and push four broken pretzel sticks in to form legs. Squeeze cream cheese with the small-hole to form eyes. Make tiny slits with a paring knife in the top of the head and insert wonton antlers. Make a hole in the large olive (head) and insert a small sliver of carrot for the nose. Use a small piece of raisin to create pupils.

To create a winter setting, dust kale leaves with powdered sugar and snip the tops off mushrooms to simulate large boulders.

LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • LMR Suburban Life

Himalayan salt

here to stay. There are more breweries in the U.S. than ever before, and beer connoisseurs are even picky about the mug they drink it in. Craft beer enthusiasts know that one of the best ways to enhance your drink is to use the correct glass. Glass sets make great gifts that are not only useful, but can serve as a beautiful display in a bar or kitchen when not in use. For example, beer lovers will enjoy a multiple glass beer tasting set. Be sure it includes glasses like a hand mug for light ales, footed glass for wheat beers and pale lagers, and an English pub glass for dark English ales.

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE |

Gifts for foodies guaranteed to leave taste buds dancing

LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

| LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE

34

EAT, SHOP, ENJOY & Celebrate the Season

Find perfect one of a kind gifts at our unique boutiques!

Enjoy a tasty meal at one of our delicious restaurants! www.downtowndg.org Saturday and Sunday - January 11 and 12

Portrait workshop with John Walker 12:00 noon-5:00pm $130 Reserve early!

This will be a TWO day Portrait Workshop in Acrylics. Day one will begin with a demonstration

by Mr. Walker and move into the set up of your subject choice. We will be sending materials lists and ideas on photographing your subjects and what kind of photos work best as a reference.

Don’t let messes leave you in a ‘holidaze’: Easy tips for post-holiday clean up (BPT) - The holidays bring plenty of cheer and the arrival of family from all over. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all. But with family visits and hearty meals also comes a big share of messes. After hefty helpings of gravy and chocolates, there will be plenty of cleaning required to get your home back in tip top shape for the new year. It’s enough to leave anyone “holidazed,” but with the right tools and tricks on your side, it does not have to.

Here are some tips to help get your home clean again after those pesky holiday messes so all you have to worry about is enjoying the season: Create smaller tasks: Create a master list to help you break down cleaning into manageable chunks. Instead of tackling a full mess in one room, only to start again in the next one, complete the same task in each room. For example, dust every room before hitting them all with the vacuum. With this approach, you’ll see a cleaner home in no time without making too many trips back and forth from the broom closet.

Donate unused items: With the holidays come gifts and housewarming presents. If you are on the receiving

end of unwanted or simply unneeded gifts, why not donate them to someone else? Many organizations accept donations, including clothing and other belongings year-round. Consider donating that extra toiletries set, scarf or books to charity to clean up some clutter and help brighten someone else’s day.

Put cleaning staples to work: You may think you need different cleaning products for different jobs, but just one classic cleaning product - Clorox Regular-Bleach - can tackle more messes than you think from laundry to helping sanitize and disinfect countertops, dishes and everything in between. For example, you can even use bleach to kill odor-causing bacteria left in your refrigerator after that big family meal and leave it smelling fresh and clean.

Remove food from the fridge and wash the surfaces with a solution of 1/2 cup Clorox Regular-Bleach per gallon of soapy water. Let it stand for five minutes, rinse and then air dry for a few minutes before replacing the food.

For more uses, visit www.BleachItAway.com.

Organize holiday decorations: Before putting away decorations, invest

in better organization and storage materials. It may take a few more minutes to put away lights if they are wrapped around a spool, but consider how much faster it will be to hang them next year.

By spending a few extra minutes this year, you will save yourself the stress in the future.

In addition to these tips, remember to embrace the funny moments that come along with the mess. No matter what you’re celebrating this holiday season, no one is immune to messes, and the holidays are rife with them from dinnertime spills to that family member who enjoyed a bit too much eggnog. Instead of letting the messes get you down, take a moment to step back and enjoy the happiness of family visits and the extra time together.

But because the messes will happen, remember to laugh at them. You can also share your best holiday messy moment at www.BleachItAway.com for a chance to win $20,000. In addition to great prizes, you can also find more of the know-how you need to tackle your holiday spills and houseguests (plus some laughs to get through it).

Reservations and pre-payments are a must.

Payments are check (made out to John Walker) or cash only and may be paid at the gallery or mailed to Brigantine Gallery and Art Academy 734 Ogden Ave. Downers Grove, IL. 60515 This should be a wonderful workshop and I know it has been anticipated by many. The reservations have started so get yours in soon.

Any Questions Call Joan 630-663-0399 or email John Walker at info@vickeryart.com he

Brigantine Gallery and Art Academy

734 Ogden Ave. Downers Grove www.vickeryart.com

630-663-0399

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483 Spring Road, Elmhurst

www.robertosristorante.com

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LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • LMR Suburban Life

O

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE |

CHRISTMAS

LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

| LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE

36

New Year’s Eve Dinner Seating at: 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM

6382 Cass Avenue, Westmont, IL 60559

(630) 852-0214 • www.bulkfresh.com

We are still here HOME ECONOMIST style:

Let the n o i t a r b e Cel Begin!

Dinner & Party Seating at 9:00PM Party favors, Champagne Toast, Music RESERVATIONS REQUESTED

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

10% OFF

ALSO

– Everything for your HOLIDAY BAKING

See you there!

15 CALENDAR AVENUE • LAGRANGE • 708-352-1621 WWW.MARCONIS.NET Open Saturdays and Sundays for Private Parties

CANDY: Old Fashion & Specialty CHOCOLATE NUTS FLOUR & INGREDIENTS Imported COFFEE & TEA RS S pecialties SENIO SPICES Tues. Only SPRINKLES r e v 60 yrs & o GLAZED FRUIT

Available for Holiday Parties

Happy Holidays

37

Keep your spitits bright.

In Town. Wrapped.

Ready. Ho Ho Ho. Specials this week: Vera Bradley Take 25-40% Off New Markdowns on Select Styles

Clothing New Markdowns 30-50% Off

Huge After Christmas Sale Starts Dec. 26th

111 East First St. Elmhurst, IL 60126 630 832-9200 www.UptownShop.com

Scarves, Gloves & Hats Buy 2 get 3rd Free

LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • LMR Suburban Life

Last minute is what we do.

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE |

Wishing all our neighbors and friends a very Merry Christmas.

LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

| LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE

38

Reflection during the Holiday Season Five simple ways to find deeper meaning in everyday life (BPT) - Turbulent, fast-paced, chaotic - the modern world is increasingly hectic. From this oft-crazy environment, a new movement is emerging - where people are pausing to find deeper meaning in everyday life. Self-empowerment and true emotional connections can counterbalance daily stress and uncertainty, providing happiness and a genuine sense of worth.

If you find the days seem to slip away and life’s hurried pace to be draining, it’s time to find some simple ways to add meaning to your life. Here are five ideas for nurturing a deeper connection with yourself and others:

traveled to West Africa at the age of 17, and volunteered in a school for blind children. The experience led her to found Samasource, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals living in poverty.

Janah recalls that “[Volunteering in West Africa] was a time of incredible personal growth and it set me on the path to do what I do.” Whether you choose to help stock a local food shelf, supervise at your children’s school or travel abroad to help build houses for the poor, volunteering is sure to make you feel more connected with the world around you.

1. Reconnect with your passion

Modern life can be very busy with every hour in every day dedicated to some activity. This can take its toll on your body, so it’s important to remember to take care of yourself, even if you’re taking care of others. Find your own way to relax and rejuvenate.

This may be spending a few minutes each day balancing the mind and body through stretching and meditation. It might be taking a quiet walk, reading a book or having a cup of tea while journaling.

Whatever you prefer, make sure to take “me time” throughout the day.

Did you enjoy painting when you were younger? Have you always wanted to take a photography class? Do you love to travel? It’s important to recognize and nurture those activities you love most so that you’re able to go out and do what you’re great at in the world. New York-based yoga instructor, Tara Stiles has infused her passion and energy into her work as a yoga, meditation and wellness instructor. “Passion is really about going after what you want to achieve in your life,” says Stiles. Whether it’s cooking, writing or gardening, make time for what you enjoy doing, rather than just doing what you have to. Even one hour a week dedicated to your passion will make you feel more centered and grounded.

2. Express ress your individuality

Individual beliefs and values make us each unique, and you can express those ideals through your fashion and jewelry choices.

For example, the new Pandora Essence Collection is more than just a beautiful bracelet.

You Yo can select from 24 hand finished charms, each representing inner-values like faith, fa love, ve, courage, confidence and wisdom.

Each charm slides effortlessly into position on a slender silver bracelet, thanks to three silicone grip stoppers inside each charm.

Whether for yourself or a gift for a loved one, the bracelet is the perfect reminder of what’s really important in life.

3. Give back

Volunteering in your community is a great way wa to connect with others and find deeper meaning in the everyday. Leila Janah, a social entrepreneur based in San Francisco, rancisco,

4. Find “me time”

5. Be an ambassador for your beliefs

What truly ignites your soul? It may be your passion for green living, healthy eating or your faith. Whatever your beliefs, it’s important to show the world who you are and what you believe in. Penelope Jagessar Chaffer, an award-winning filmmaker, shares her beliefs and connects with others through her work. “I’m always trying to find that common thread between myself and someone else when I’m interviewing them,” Chaffer says. “I find that love, and talking about love, is this thing we can use to help connect us.” Talk about your beliefs and values with others; you might be surprised by what you find.

Rather than getting swept away in a hectic schedule, try focusing on what truly matters to you. These simple ways to add meaning to your life will help you reconnect with yourself and with those around you.

39

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE |

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| SPORTS

40

SPORTS

Comments?

Contact Sports Editor Jason Rossi, jrossi@shawmedia.com or 630-427-6271

Bill Ackerman – backerman@shawmedia.com

Lemont head coach Rick Runaas (middle, kneeling) outlines a play during a timeout in Friday’s home win against Oak Lawn. The Indians’ boys and girls teams will both play on the road for their holiday tournaments.

Lemont boys, girls hoops set for holiday play

By SCOTT SCHMID sschmid@shawmedia.com The holiday season brings with it festive family gatherings, wintry weather and high school basketball tournaments. Lemont’s boys will take a short trek to Romeoville for the holidays while the girls team heads west to play at Oswego East.

Lemont boys Tournament: Romeoville Christmas Classic

Location: Romeoville High School, 100 N. Independence Blvd., Romeoville

First game: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26 vs. Glenbard South What to watch: The Indians are back at this event for the third year and are the current defending champions. This time around, Lemont opens with a familiar foe in Glenbard South as part of the small school division. The Indians and Raiders used to play each year in a non-conference game up until last year.

The winner advances to play either Chicago Christian or La-Salle Peru in the second round.

“They have taken over the tournament we used to run here,” Lemont coach Rick Runaas said of Romeoville.

“The Lincoln-Way tournament disbanded so a couple of teams from there are coming over. Hopefully we can defend our championship.”

Lemont was 5-3 on the young season heading into Thursday’s game against Evergreen Park. Mike Wisz leads the team in scoring.

Lemont girls Tournament: Oswego East Tournament

Location: Oswego East High School, 1525 Harvey Road, Oswego First game: 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 26 vs. Plainfield North

What to watch: Lemont returns to this 16-team tournament and was awarded the No. 7 seed. The Indians open up play against Plainfield North with the winner advancing to play either No. 3 seed Proviso East or Larkin in the second round. Metea Valley is the top seed with Joliet Central the No. 2 seed.

A young team that has a combined five freshman and sophomores on the roster, senior point guard Kim Jerantowski is the player leading Lemont so far this season. The Indians are 5-5 on the season after losing to Lincoln-Way West on Monday.

The regular season is done, but college football is far from finished. The postseason bowl games will stretch on for the better part of a month, and local players, like LSU freshman Ethan Pocic, will experience bowl games first hand with their college teams.

Outback Bowl Teams: Iowa (8-4) vs. LSU (9-3) Area players: Iowa Name, Position, H.S.

S.D. County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

Colin Goebel OL Naperville North (Lisle) Jaleel Johnson DL Montini (Lombard) Jordan Walsh OL Glenbard West Area player: LSU

Name, Position, H.S. Ethan Pocic OL Lemont Kickoff: Noon Wednesday, Jan. 1 TV: ABC What to watch: Former Lemont standout Ethan Pocic is the backup center for LSU. Unlike most freshmen, he skipped redshirting this year and has seen playing time for the Tigers this fall.

The Iowa sideline also has several local products. Glenbard West graduate Jordan Walsh is a starter on the offensive line for the Hawkeyes this fall after seeing action in seven games last fall. Jaleel Johnson, who transferred to Montini for his senior year, has also played in seven games on the defensive line

Teams: Utah State (8-5) vs.

Northern Illinois (12-1) Area players: Northern Illinois

Name, Position, H.S. Photo provided by Steve Fanz/LSU Athletics

Ethan Pocic gets set to snap the ball in a game against UAB earlier this season. Only a freshman, Pocic has already taken the field for the Tigers, who play Iowa in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1. for the Hawkeyes, registering one tackle.

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Teams: Pittsburgh (6-6) vs.

Bowling Green (10-3) Area players: Bowling Green

Name, Position, H.S. Anthony Farinella K Downers Grove South Greg Hohenstein LS Wheaton Warrenville South Jamel Martin RB Bolingbrook Tim McAuliffe OL Lemont Kickoff: 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26 TV: ESPN What to watch: McAuliffe, a Lemont graduate, is a fresh-

man offensive lineman on Bowling Green, but he has yet to take the field for the Falcons, who won the MAC title with a win over Northern Illinois.

Farinella has handled the kickoffs for the Falcons. The sophomore has 24 touchbacks on 78 kicks and is averaging 60.5 yards per kickoff.

Hohenstein has also seen special teams duty as the long snapper. As a redshirt freshman he has played in 12 games and has registered two tackles.

After a breakout season during his redshirt freshman campaign in 2011, in which

he ran for 211 yards and three touchdowns in a backup role, Martin has been hampered by a stacked Bowling Green running back corp and a knee injury. He did not take any snaps for Bowling Green this season.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl Teams: Rutgers (6-6) vs. Notre Dame (8-4)

Area players: Notre Dame Name, Position, H.S. Will Cronin QB IC Catholic (Elmhurst) Scott Daly LS Downers Grove South Joe Romano CB Fenwick

Tate Briggs OL Montini (Naperville) Wes Ott OL Lyons Township Dominique Ware S Plainfield North (Bolingbrook) Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26 TV: ESPN What to watch: The Huskies may be disappointed after failing to win the MAC championship and losing out on possibly going to a second straight BCS bowl game, but there are worse consolation prizes than trips to San Diego.

A pair of local products could see the field for the Huskies.

Wes Ott, a redshirt junior on the offensive line, has played in three games so far. Dominique Ware, a senior, has played in all 12 games and has 36 tackles and a pair of interceptions.

PREP ROUNDUP

Lemont boys hoops wins in home debut against Oak Lawn

By SCOTT SCHMID sschmid@shawmedia.com LEMONT – In a scheduling oddity, Lemont’s boys basketball team has just one home contest during the first five weeks of the 2013 season.

And though coach Rick Runaas said it wasn’t the most visually appealing game, the Indians made that first foray in front of their home crowd well worth it with a 49-45 win Friday against Oak Lawn.

“It was our only home game before Christmas,” Ru-

naas said, “and we had a nice crowd out there. It wasn’t the prettiest game, so hopefully they come back after that.”

With the visitors electing to focus their defensive efforts on Lemont leading scorer Mike Wisz, senior center Luis Marquez stepped up with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

“He’s very skilled and has good feet and good hands,” the coach said of Marquez.

“We were kind of hoping we’d get that right off the bat, but this [season] is really his first large-scale varsity

minutes. Even though he is a senior, he hasn’t played that much.”

The team’s defensive effort was also a highlight.

“We talk about it all the time,” Runaas said. “No matter what happens on offense, defense is something you can control. You always can control your effort and your assignments on defense. And we won the rebound battle, which is always important.”

After taking on Evergreen Park yesterday, Lemont will head to the Crete-Monee shootout on Saturday before

playing in the Romeoville Christmas Classic starting on Dec. 26.

BOYS SWIMMING Michale Diorio set a new Lemont school record in the 200-yard individual medley in a meet with Oak Forest and Richards on Tuesday, placing first with a time of 2 minutes, 14.59 seconds.

The 200 medley relay team of Joe Ziebell, Diorio, Andy Wood and Jake Rangel also broke a school record with a clocking of 1:53.04.

As a team, the Indians

placed first with 135 points.

Rangel was first in the 100 freestyle (55.24), Wood won the 500 freestyle (5:49.82), and Ziebell won the 100 breaststroke in 1:14.11.

Also placing second were Ziebell (200 IM), Brad Bendle (50 freestyle), Diorio (100 butterfly) and Wood (100 backstroke).

The 200 freestyle relay of Ziebell, Adam Zaporowski, Bendle and Evan Ganzer was first in 1:42.46, while Rangel, Wood, Zaporowski and Diorio won the 400 freestyle relay (3:52.02).

LEM • Friday, December 20, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • LMR Suburban Life

(River Forest) Chris Watt OL Glenbard West Kickoff: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 TV: ESPN What to watch: Notre Dame has four area players on the roster, including grad student Chris Watt. The Glenbard West graduate is in his third season as the starter at left guard. Scott Daly (Downers Grove South) has also started all 12 games as a long snapper.

SUBURBAN LIFE MEDIA

41

SPORTS |

Lemont’s Pocic prepping for Outback Bowl experience

LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

| SPORTS

42

MORE BEARS COVERAGE AT HUBARKUSH.COM

Expect a shootout when Bears face Eagles Hub Arkush

Why does it feel like the Browns were the Bears last exhibition game and now things start for real? Because the Browns are one of the weaker teams in the league this year.

With Philadelphia this week and the Packers to close out the season, it’s almost as if the Bears will have to win two playoff games just to get to the playoffs.

The Eagles figure to show up angry this Sunday after getting upset at Minnesota last week to snap their five-game win streak and lose the chance to open up a two-game lead in the NFC East.

Like the Bears, Philadelphia is 8-6 and vying for first place in their division, but would lose a tiebreaker if they don’t win out.

Also like the Bears, they control their own destiny. They play Dallas,

the club that owns the tiebreaker over them, the final Sunday of the year.

There’s a very good chance none of that will matter to the team that loses this Sunday night’s prime-time showdown between the Bears and Eagles.

In addition to being in a very foul mood, the Eagles still are one of the hottest teams in the league, having won five of their last six and seven of their last 10. They will test the Bears on both sides of the ball.

Philadelphia is eighth in the NFL in points scored, second in total offense, 10th throwing the football and – oh no, woe is me – they are first in the league running the ball and in average gain per run.

In case you haven’t heard, the Bears are dead last in the league defending the run.

LeSean “Shady” McCoy leads the NFL with 269 carries for 1,343 yards, a 5.0 average. He has a long of 57 and seven rushing touchdowns. He leads second-place Adrian Peterson by 122 yards. And for some inexplicable rea-

herma Tru Doors

son, Eagles coach Chip Kelly elected to give the ball to McCoy just eight times last Sunday in Minnesota while throwing it 48 times, so he should be well-rested.

The Eagles offense didn’t take flight until second-year pro Nick Foles was installed at quarterback. He’s now the NFL’s top-rated quarterback with a 117.0 rating, 23 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

That ranks him significantly ahead of fellows named Manning, Rodgers, Brady and Brees, to name a few.

We beginning to see the potential for trouble here?

DeSean Jackson is having an All-Pro season, outpacing Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery with 75 catches for 1,275 yards, a 17.0 average and nine touchdowns.

Riley Cooper has become a force as well with 743 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, and rookie Zach Ertz is emerging lately with four touchdowns.

Fortunately, the Eagles aren’t near

as impressive on defense, ranking 17th in points allowed and 30th in total defense. The Eagles are 16th against the run and just 31st against the pass.

Can anyone spell “shootout?”

The Eagles don’t rush the quarterback particularly well, nor do they do a great job protecting Foles, having allowed 39 sacks while notching 32.

The Bears, on the other hand, have protected very well, allowing only 24 sacks all year. But they have managed to get to the opposing quarterback only 26 times.

Big plays will be huge in this one as well, as the Eagles are seventh in the league at plus 9 in turnover/takeaway ratio, while the Bears are 10th at plus 6.

The real difference between these two clubs is that the Eagles can hammer you with the run or pass, while the Bears can run but are more dependent on the pass. The Eagles also are stingier giving up points.

Throw in one of the rowdiest home crowds in the NFL, and the Bears have their work cut out for them.

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The Redskins are giving up a

Must-start: Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson Solid Play: Reggie Bush Worth a look: Detroit defense, Joique Bell, David Akers Last Resort: Nate Burelson, Brandon Pettigrew Bears (at. Eagles), 7:30 p.m.

Sunday As crazy as it seems, the Bears trail only Denver in points scored. The Eagles’ defense is No. 16 in points allowed, but a dismal 30th in total yards allowed.

Must-start: Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte Solid Play: Robbie Gould,

Martellus Bennett Worth a look: Jay Cutler Last Resort: Bears defense (“avoid” if no Lance Briggs), Earl Bennett Avoid: Michael Bush Eagles (vs. Bears), 7:30 p.m.

Sunday If Briggs suits up, the Bears might be able to hold LeSean McCoy under 300 yards.

Must-start: LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson Solid Play: Nick Foles, Alex Henery Worth a look: Riley Cooper Last Resort: Zach Ertz, Philadelphia defense Avoid: Brent Celek

MATCHUPS TO AVOID Dolphins (at Bills), noon Sunday Miami is a risky play in any week, but be sure to check the weather in Buffalo before starting any Dolphins.

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Ryan Tannehill, Brian Hartline, Charles Clay Last Resort: Daniel Thomas, Caleb Sturgis Colts (at Chiefs), noon Sunday The Kansas City defense has cooled recently, but it still ranks fourth in fewest points allowed. Indianapolis is hard to figure, but this would seem to be a tough matchup.

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Did anyone else lose in the fantasy playoffs because Ray Rice decided not to score a 43-yard touchdown on the final play of the game? Ouch. Well, I guess it serves us right for starting Ray Rice.

Week 16 is the championship round for many fantasy leagues. If you are fortunate enough to remain alive, here’s a look at the fantasy potential of select NFL games.

league-worst 31 points a game.

Must-start: Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten Solid Play: Dan Bailey Last Resort: Terrance Williams, Austin Miles Avoid: Dallas defense Redskins (vs. Cowboys), noon Sunday The Cowboys’ defense is equally pathetic. Kirk Cousins should be able to have some success in this game.

Solid Play: Kirk Cousins, Alfred Morris, Pierre Garcon Worth a look: Logan Paulsen, Kai Forbath Last Resort: Santana Moss Avoid: Washington defense Lions (vs. Giants), 3:05 p.m.

Sunday It is no surprise that the Lions are doing their typical December dive, but the Giants are phoning it in. The Lions still are playing for a division title, and they should roll in this game.

43

SPORTS |

Fantasy matchups to exploit, avoid this weekend

LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

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Suburban Life - Friday, December 20, 2013 • LMR • Page 45 Friday, December 20, 2013 “This Reindeer’s Ready!”

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W11-2683 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. Plaintiff, vs.

NORMAN ROY; CHERYL A. ROY A/K/A CHERYL ROY; STATE BANK OF COUNTRYSIDE; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF NORMAN ROY, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF CHERYL A. ROY, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 11 CH 40916 NOTICE OF SALE

253 ACRES of prime productive farmland. Bloomington, well drained, bonus – wind turbine income, call 217-621-9800

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on January 29, 2013 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, January

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INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I574947 December 6, 13, 20, 2013 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, vs.

SAM TABASCIO A/K/A SAM TABASS, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., UNKNOWN TENANTS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, 11 CH 9506 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on February 14, 2013 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 13, 2014 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chica-

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rp ay y 10, 2014 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 22-33-202-022-0000.

Commonly known as 14755 West 131st Street, Lemont, IL 60439.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 W11-2683.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES

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Page 46 • LMR • Suburban Life - Friday, December 20, 2013 go, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 14675 Fox Hollow Lane, Lemont, IL 60439.

P.I.N. 23-33-400-020.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds.

The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 651-6705. 13030619 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I576544 December 13, 20, 27, 2013 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK ILLINOIS COUNTY COUNTY, DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A, Plaintiff, -v.GREGORY J. VON ROX, KATHRYN R. VON ROX Defendants 12 CH 029792 511 LEDOCHOWSKI ST. Lemont, IL 60439 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 5, 2013, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 9, 2014, at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 511 LEDOCHOWSKI ST., Lemont, IL 60439 Property Index No. 22-20-442001-0000 VOL. 0062.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $242,489.76.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or

wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiff's attorney: JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 12-2725.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 541-9710 Attorney File No. 12-2725 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 12 CH 029792 TJSC#: 33-24829 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed be debt llect

ey deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I576361 December 13, 20, 27, 2013 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF Cook County, Illinois, County Department, Chancery Division.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff, vs.

David E. Herout aka David Herout; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants, Defendants, 12 CH 44280 Sheriff's # 130846 F12110428 CHOH Pursuant to a Judgment made and entered by said Court in the above entitled cause, Thomas J. Dart, Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois, will on January 13, 2014, at 1pm in room LL06 of the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction the following described premises and real estate mentioned in said Judgment: Common Address: 1226 Covington Drive, Lemont, Illinois 60439 P.I.N: 22-28-409-015-0000 Improvements: This property consists of a Single Family Residence.

Sale shall be under the following terms: payment of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the successful and highest bid to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier's check or certified funds at the sale; and the full remaining balance to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier's check or certified funds within twenty-four (24) hours after the sale.

Sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments. Premise will NOT be open for inspection.

Firm Information: Plaintiff's Attorney FREEDMAN ANSELMO LINDBERG LLC Anthony Porto 1807 W. DIEHL., Ste 333 Naperville, IL 60566-7228 foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com 866-402-8661 fax 630-4284620 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com This is an attempt to collect a debt pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I570981 December 6, 13, 20, 2013 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.RICHARD J. COLANT A/K/A RICHARD COLANT, ROBIN COLANT A/K/A ROBIN J. COLANT A/K/A

REAL ESTATE ROBIN JANE COLANT, MIDWEST OPERATING ENGINEERS CREDIT UNION Defendants 12 CH 832 11480 BELL ROAD LEMONT, IL 60439 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 21, 2013, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 23, 2014, at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 11480 BELL ROAD, LEMONT, IL 60439 Property Index No. 22-23-207006-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family home with an attached 3 car garage.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the pur-

mysuburbanlife.com

ty pu chaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff's Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500.

Please refer to file number PA1123483.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Co

Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1123483 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 12 CH 832 TJSC#: 33-23287 I578720 December 20, 27, Jan. 3, 2014 Placing Ads Is Easy!

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LEGAL NOTICE / PUBLIC NOTICE LEMONT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Notice is hereby given to the residents of the Lemont Fire Protection District that the meeting dates for the calendar year 2014 for the Board of Trustees will be as follows: January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 13, December 18.

Published this 20th day of December 2013.

Victoria Cobbett President, Board of Trustees Lemont Fire Protection District December 20, 2013 Lemont Suburban Life 7059

LEGAL NOTICE / PUBLIC NOTICE LEMONT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS Notice is hereby given to the residents of the Lemont Fire Protection District that the meeting dates for the calendar year 2014 for the Board of Fire Commissioners will be as follows: February 3, April 7, June 2, August 4, October 6, December 1 All Fire Commission Board meetings will be held at the Lemont Fire Protection District Board Room, 15900 S. New Avenue, Lemont, Illinois at 5:00 PM. Published this 20th day of December 2013.

Gary Krueger Chairman, Board of Fire Commissioners Lemont Fire Protection District December 20, 2013 Lemont Suburban Life 7058

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LMR Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, December 20, 2013 • LEM

48

Message from the Mayor As we wrap up 2013, I want to thank the Board of Trustees, our Village employees and the many volunteers that serve on our Village Commissions. It takes a small army to run the Village, and your time and talents are greatly appreciated.

I also want to thank those in our Village that are the driving force to help those experiencing hardships in our community. Through the Hope and Friendship Foundation, each year struggling homes in Lemont are offered the gift of a fully cooked, generous dinner and a personal care box delivered to their home on Christmas Day. Prepared dishes to create a meal for each home are needed and can be dropped off on Christmas Day from 11am – 1:30pm at the Lemont Township Office at 1115 Warner Ave. Visit http://hopeandfriendshipfoundation. com or email hopeandfriendship@comcast.net. In addition, there is an ongoing need for food pantry items and Lemont Township is always looking for volunteers to help with their Senior Lunches/Community Café and Meals on Wheels program.

Wishing You All a Safe and Health Holiday Brian K. Reaves, Mayor

New State Laws Efective January 1, 2014 No electronic hand-held device while driving - In an effort to make Illinois roads safer, House Bill 1247 was passed by Governor Quinn which prohibits the use of electronic communication devices while driving in the state of Illinois. The law takes effect January 1, 2014. The Illinois Vehicle Code states that an “electronic communication device” means an electronic device, including but not limited to a hand-held wireless telephone, hand-held personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer. Anyone driving a motor vehicle while using an electronic device will be fined. There are some exceptions to the law, as in the case of an emergency situation. For the full text of HB1247, visit the Illinois General Assembly website at www.ilga.gov/legislation.

Cigarettes added to the list of litter items - Effective January 1, 2014, is an addendum to the Litter Control Act to include cigarettes to the list of items banned from littering. The list in Public Act 78-837 consisting of litter items is long and the fines are hefty. Although this may seem

Village of Lemont 418 Main St. • Lemont, IL 60439 630-257-1550 • FAX 630-257-1598 email: vlemont@lemont.il.us Visit the Village website at www.lemont.il.us

like an insignificant act, according to the “Keep America Clean” website, cigarette butts are the most frequently littered item. It states that the overall littering rate for cigarette butts is 65%, and tobacco products comprise 38% of all U.S. roadway litter, much of which ends up in our waterways. Portable and pocket ashtrays are available to consumers. A portable auto ashtray is shaped like a cup and fits in a cup holder. Pocket ashtrays can fit in a pocket, purse or briefcase. Please do your part in keeping our Village litter-free.

Assistance with Heating Bills On behalf of Nicor Gas, assistance is available to those struggling to pay their energy bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance through grants that do not need to be repaid. Call 877-411-WARM (9276). Nicor also provides a Gas Sharing Program, a Budget Plan and an Energy Efficiency Program. Call 773-205-3520 or visit nicorgas.com.

Senior Assistance with Real Estate Taxes in 2014 Through PLOWS Council on Aging, a Senior Citizens Tax Deferral Program allows qualified persons to defer up to $5000 of taxes per year depending on the amount of equity in their personal residents. Applications must be filed between January 1 and March 1, 2014. Contact PLOWS at 708-361-0219 for qualification and application information.

Lemont High School Student’s Awarded Two Lemont High School students received the Cook County Sheriff Youth Service Medal of Honor. Mary Durkin, a junior, and Rachel Miller, a senior, received the award for completing over 100 hours of community service. These two outstanding citizens were presented the award at a presentation ceremony held at the UIC Forum. The Master of Ceremonies was WGN TV’s own Gaynor Hall. In attendance were many dignitaries, including Sheriff Thomas Dart. Representing the Village of Lemont was Commander Greg Smith and Community Service Officer Jason Boyer. Commander Smith stated that it was great to see these two young ladies get involved with the community. Their willingness to help others without hesitation exemplifies dedication to their fellow man.

Village Offices will be closed December 24 and 25 and also on January 1, 2014.

Mayor Brian K. Reaves Village Clerk Charlene Smollen Village Administrator George J. Schafer

Trustees Debby Blatzer Paul Chialdikas Clifford Miklos Rick Sniegowski Ronald Stapleton Jeanette Virgilio