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NEwS Bolingbrook Park District sets strategic plan

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Our Community, Our News

DECEMBER 12, 2013

Vol. 7 No. 22

wiLL COUNTy

Union workers approve new contract, county board next County employees returned to work on Dec. 5 By Nick Reiher Managing Editor

SEE ThE FULL STORy ON PAGE 2

Will County Board leaders at a Dec. 12 meeting will get their first official look at the contract approved overwhelmingly by members of AFSCME Local 1028. will County If all goes well, the full Executive board should vote on Larry walsh the contract at its Dec. 19 meeting. The Dec. 5 vote ended 15 months of negotiations that culminated in a 16-day strike by some 1,000 Will County employees. A tentative agreement had been reached around 2:30 a.m. Dec. 4. County employees returned to work Thursday. See UNION, page 4

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

News

Operation Christmas to support community For 40 years, Gwen Betting has been organizing Operation Christmas in Bolingbrook community By Laura Katauskas Staff reporter

For the Betting family, Black Friday is not about scoring the ultimate sale for them; it’s about

grabbing the deals that can take care of a community. Armed with sales papers and a mission, the crew heads out in search of the best deals on toys for those that could use a bit more

holiday cheer. For 40 years, Gwen Betting has been organizing Operation Christmas, enlisting her family’s help along the way, pulling the community together, and making Christmas’ brighter for families throughout Bolingbrook, some 550 last year. But it is not just about her and her family she says, “We couldn’t do this without volunteers—it takes a village.” Her and her co-chair Lee Busch Sr., say the need keeps growing so the doors to Operation Christmas will remain open for both families that need it and for those looking to help with donations. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 21 and

Photos by LAURA KATAUSKAS/STAFF REPORTER

Volunteers from Tibbott Elementary School came out Saturday to help create baskets of toys for families as part of Operation Christmas.

can be dropped off from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Performing Arts stage, located behind Village Hall, 375 W. Briarcliff Road. “We are greedy that way—we

will take whatever anyone is willing to donate,” said Betting. Volunteers start coordinating and organizing this project for Bolingbrook families early in November, taking over the Performing Arts Center indoor stage area for four weeks each holiday season. “I just believe that everyone should help one another,” said Betting. “If you recognize that there are those that are less fortunate than you, it is important to help each other.” Operation Christmas is openly accepting donations, hoping to fill shelves and tables in the storage area. Organizers encourage donations of every kind, accepting both new and used items, as well as food. Donations accumulate throughout the year, collected from various resale overflow, along with monetary gifts. The Betting family even starts collecting the year before, taking advantage of after-Christmas sales. There is an “honor system,” for those seeking gifts: No income check is required. Those in need may call in and arrange to stop by. Each family will be able to pick up their Christmas items and gifts, and also and may pick up bags of food and clothing. To make an appointment or for more information, call 630-631-9110.

News

LOCAL

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013 3

Bolingbrook Park District sets strategic plan Plan will be aligned with the start of the budget year, beginning January 2014 and continue through December 2018 employees, board members and civic leaders. Executive The Bolingbrook Director Ron Oestreich Park District, in said the plan is based, in setting its roadmap part, on demographics for the future, is of the community and basing its strategic feedback from a random plan on four basic community survey. initiatives centered Survey results indicated on supporting that of the 78 percent e m p l o y e e s , Executive Director of households that have innovation,customer Ron Oestreich visited Bolingbrook Park District parks during satisfaction and the past 12 months, 89 financial growth. percent are either “very satisfied” The plan will be aligned with the (31 percent) or “somewhat start of the budget year, beginning satisfied” (58 percent) with the January 2014 and continue overall value their household through December 2018. Gathering input from a variety receives from the parks they’ve of customers, the park district visited. In addition, 47 percent of sought feedback from residents, By Laura Katauskas Staff Reporter

additional programs for are: teenagers (46 by the numbers percent), children ages 10-12 (39 percent), adults 78 percent of households ages 25-55 (37 percent), that have visited and children ages 5-9 (37 Bolingbrook Park District percent). parks during the past 12 Forty-six percent of months, 89 percent are households indicated a either “very satisfied” (31 need for adult fitness and percent) or “somewhat wellness programs. Other satisfied” (58 percent) with programs households the overall value their have a need for include: household receives from the youth learn to swim parks they’ve visited programs (29 percent), water fitness programs (27 percent), youth households have participated in recreation programs offered sports programs (26 percent) and by the Bolingbrook Park District Park District special events (24 percent). parks during the past 12 months. The Bolingbrook Park District That number is significantly higher than the National developed four key strategic Benchmarking average of 36 initiatives that will drive decision percent and also higher than the making in the next five years. Illinois Benchmarking average of First, Oestreich said a focus 42 percent. would be placed on employee Further results show that the engagement and satisfaction, age groups that households feel creating one team and one voice it is most important to offer and emphasis on professional

development and recognition. Internal business will be centered on innovation, using technology to improve services while investigating new ideas and solutions. An increased attitude of loyalty will focus on creating customers for life and will drive anticipating future needs. Finally,the district plans to create a realistic operations plan that will maximize funding opportunities. “We have to make sure that we continually are progressing and are not only innovative but moving forward for the long haul and ensure that we offer cutting edge programming,” said Oestreich. Each initiative will be put in place in stages, beginning with the first objective in 2014 and completed in 2015. The second objective will follow with completion in 2016 and 2017, and the third in 2018. The final objective will be worked on continuously over the next five years.

Will County Board of Health elects new officers The 12-member Board of Health has been overseeing Will County Health Department operations since 1947 The Will County Board of Health re-elected John J. Hines Jr. as president November 20, during its regularly-scheduled

monthly business meeting. A Joliet resident since 1991, Hines has served on the Board of Health since 1998 and now

begins his ninth successive term as president. He served as board vice president in 2004, and brings nearly five decades of auditing, finance and accounting experience to his position of leadership and responsibility. New Lenox resident Richard Brandolino was re-elected vice

president. James Zelko was re-elected secretary. Hines, Brandolino and Zelko are joined by Judith A. McDonald, who was re-elected (Member at Large). The 12-member Board of Health has been overseeing Will County Health Department operations since 1947. The

board meets on the third Wednesday monthly at the Health Department’s 501 Ella Ave. complex in Joliet. Regularly-scheduled monthly business meetings take place in the lower level Community Room, commence promptly at 3 p.m., and are open to the public.

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Toys for Tots donations Community Service Council is partnering with the United Way of Will County in support of the Toys for Tots program.The office at 440 Quadrangle Drive, Suite C Bolingbrook is an official Toys for Tots drop off location. Please bring your new and unwrapped toy for donation. The office is open Monday and Wednesday 8:30a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1p.m. Donations need to be received by Dec. 13.

Tibbott Holiday Barnes & Noble Book Fair is Dec. 13 The annual Tibbott Elementary

UNION Continued from page 1 The main sticking points were increased health care costs and wage increases. Previously, employee contributions were based on a percentage of their salary. One of the county’s major goals of these negotiations was to make

News Briefs

School Barnes & Noble Book Fair is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 13 at the Bolingbrook Promenade store. The 6 to 8:30 p.m. event will include gift wrapping by Tibbott staff, free bookmark crafting and gourmet cupcake decorating for a small fee. As always, Erin The Elf will be on hand with a new wrinkle, serving food ordered at the Barnes & Noble Café, in addition to her 8 p.m. storytime. Retired teacher and choir director Karen Colburn will lead a Holiday Sing-a-long from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Students who attend will earn a special Tiger Paw. Those who cannot make the event in person can still help Tibbott School meet its fundraising goal by shopping

online at BN.COM/bookfairs. Click on “start shopping now” from Dec. 13 to Dec. 18 and enter the bookfair id #11229283 at checkout.

a switch to employees paying a percentage of the premium of their healthcare benefits. “Our strike was about ensuring that county employees have the fair pay and affordable health care they deserve in return for their hard work, dedication and service to county residents,” said Dave Delrose, AFSCME Local 1028 president. “We didn’t want to see our wages lose ground when the cost of living goes up,

and we weren’t going to accept a health plan where the lowestpaid employees were asked to do more than the highest-paid. By standing together we reached a fair settlement that achieves those goals.” The new four-year agreement is retroactive to Dec. 1, 2012, and extends through Nov. 30, 2016. It includes cost-of-living wage increases totaling 4.5 percent. The contract also eliminates the county pay plan’s two bottom steps, in effect adjusting the wage scale upward a further 5 percent while ensuring that employees will continue to receive step increases. The agreement also ensures that increased costs for health care are shared equitably based on employees’ ability to pay. Will County Executive Larry Walsh noted that during the negotiation process, the county worked with the union to balance the competing perspectives on the terms of the contract. Ultimately, the county compromised to increase the health care contributions over three years from 8 percent to 10 percent aggregate of the health benefits rather than 10 percent for all three years. The employee contributions remain income banded so that lower paid employees pay less and upper income employees pay more. “Working with the County Board my office sought to continue to maintain a progressive health care model for our employees,” said Walsh.“During the negotiations my office worked to include an upper income bracket so that the highest paid employees paid a larger

Mitten Tree at the Library The Fountaindale Public Library is hosting its second annual Mitten Tree. Kiwanis and Power Connection are working together to collect winter gear to ensure that the children in the community are warm this winter. The library is joining them in their efforts and are collecting children’s hats, mittens, and scarves. If you would like to donate, please place them in the donation box in the lobby and library staff will hang them on

our special Mitten Tree. The last day to donate is Jan. 2.

Brooks cheerleaders raise funds through December Zumba classes Brook Middle School’s cheerleading team is sponsoring Zumba classes during December at Brooks. The $5 per class cost will go directly to the cheerleading team. No reservations are necessary for the 6 to 7 p.m. classes on Dec. 5, 12 and 19. They will be taught by a certified Zumba instructor.

Two found dead in Bolingbrook home

say appears to be a murdersuicide. Lt. Mike Rompa said police responded to the 100 block of Lake Shore Drive at about 5:45 p.m. Nov. 29 for suspicious activity. Upon arrival, police were able to obtain enough information to force entry into the residence and check on the well-being of the resident. They found a man and woman deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. Rompa said the preliminary investigation indicates a murdersuicide, involving a son shotting his mother.There is no indication of additional offenders.The son is believed to be the only offender. The incident is currently under investigation.

A mother and son were found dead in what Bolingbrook Police

share of the cost as compared to the lower income employees. We believed this was fair, but there had to be a compromise on what this amount was. Ultimately, no one was completely happy with these agreed to amounts which often means this was a true compromise.” Delrose thanked the community for its support.“To everyone who hung a sign or joined our picket lines, donated to our cause or just honked and waved, we couldn’t have done it without you,” he said. “Now we’re glad to be back at work, serving you, our neighbors and the countless friends across the county that we never knew we had.” “I am hopeful that the County Board will give a strong approval of this contract at the December County Board meeting,” said Walsh. “I want to thank all of our employees who continued to work throughout the work stoppage by the union and who kept county services going despite the strike. I particularly want to thank our negotiating team who spent countless hours at the bargaining table to reach this fair agreement.” Walsh expressed optimism that both union and management employees could begin the healing process to repair relationships that were strained due to the strike. “The County Board and my office sought to replace an unsustainable method of paying for benefits with a more fiscally responsible model,” said Walsh. “Will County has grown to larger than 700,000 residents and we must balance the needs of all our

residents as we provide services to our communities.There is only so much money available and we believe this contract will put Will County on a more sustainable path for the future.” AFSCME represents more than 1,200 employees in the county court system, health department, highway department, Sunny Hill Nursing Home, county jail, and in the offices of the sheriff, coroner, recorder, assessor, clerk, chief judge, circuit clerk, executive and state’s attorney. The issue with the state’s attorney’s workers could be up in the air until the National Labor Relations Board answers State’s Attorney Jim Glasgow’s recent query on jurisdiction. During the strike, AFSCME sent a letter to Glasgow demanding he refrain from using assistant state’s attorneys to fill in for the striking workers in his office.The assistants are in a union, Glasgow’s office said, but are not among those who are striking with AFSCME Local 1028. Glasgow voluntarily recognized the assistant state’s attorney’s union in the 1990s, even though the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that assistant state’s attorneys were managerial and did not have a right to union representation. In subsequent negotiations, assistants received benefits, including stipends for special assignments, a clothing allowance and free parking. Glasgow is asking the NLRB whether the assistant state’s attorneys are considered officially as union members. He said he would continue to negotiate with them as a union either way.

News Valley View School District

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013 5

School board to review calendar start date Draft calls for classes to begin Aug. 13 and the school year to end May 22 as long as there are no snow emergency days By Laura Katauskas Staff Reporter

A plan to start the Valley View School District 2014-15 school year earlier than ever before has been put on hold for further review. In a 3-3 vote, the motion to pass the calendar failed at the past school board meeting. Members Steve Quigley, Rick Gougis and Liz Campbell cast the dissenting

votes. Cheryl Hansen, Dan Falese, and Debbie Sykora voted in favor of the changes. Leo Venegas was absent. The start of the school year is inching earlier and earlier each year. This past school year began a few days earlier than the past and now the Valley View School District 365u is looking to start even earlier for the 2014-15 school year. The draft calls for classes to

more information The rationale for the early start is to have the first semester end before the holiday break, allowing for testing and grades before the vacation.

begin Aug. 13 and the school year to end May 22 as long as there are no snow emergency days. The first semester would end before winter break, which would begin on Dec. 20. Spring break would be April 3-10. A committee consisting

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of parents, community members, teachers, office staff, administrators, union members and a school board member developed the calendar. The rationale for the early start is to have the first semester end before the holiday break, allowing for testing and grades before the vacation. Upon first review last month, school board members asked further information be shared with the community before any action was taken. The school district sent information to parents and conducted a community survey regarding the calendar. Survey

results show that 287 responded that the calendar was starting too early, with weather being too hot, and an adverse affect on vacations. A total of 86 respondents approved of the new calendar. The calendar committee is expected to reconvene to adjust the draft calendar for 2014-15 accordingly and provide a new draft for review at an upcoming board meeting. In addition, a calendar committee with representatives from all stakeholder groups will be assembled to plan a draft calendar for the 2015-16 calendar school year in January.

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Police Blotter

The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Bolingbrook Police Department. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.

Susan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell, 51, 2632 Bern Court, Woodridge, was arrested at 10:07 p.m. Nov. 23 and charged with too fast for conditions and DUI, following a traffic stop at Lily Cache Lane and Veterans Parkway.

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Kaylee Ford, 21, 8023 Leawood Lane, Woodridge, was arrested at 7:59 p.m. Nov. 26 and charged with two counts of DUI and failure to yield at intersection, following a traffic stop at Route 53 and Edgehill Drive.

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Daniel Driggers, 32, 1101 Oxford Drive, Downers Grove, was arrested at 1:39 a.m. Nov. 26 and charged with speeding and DUI, following a traffic stop at Boughton Road and Aspen Drive.

Marcony Castillo, 25, 332 Grand Canyon Drive, was arrested at 8:31 p.m. Nov. 27 and charged with DUI, no insurance, no valid driver license and hit and run, following a traffic stop.

Melissa Gaskins, 31, 212 Meadowbrook Drive, was arrested at 11:33 a.m. Nov. 28 and charged with an in-state warrant, following a traffic stop at Lily Cache Lane and Woodcreek Drive.

Officers were called to the 100 block of N. Bolingbrook Drive for the report of a theft. Suspect removed four display tables from the business through a rear door between 10:15 and 10:30 a.m. Nov. 28. Loss valued at $1,600.

Lesa Johnson, 45, 4534 S. Drexel Ave., Chicago, was arrested at 4:26 p.m. Nov. 28 and charged with retail theft at WalMart, 200 S. Bolingbrook Drive.

James Hinton, 26, 139 Thackeray Drive, was arrested at 2:46 p.m. Nov. 29 and charged with an in-state warrant on the 300 block of W. Briarcliff Road.

Kavonta Leaks, 33, 1616 Sutton Place, was arrested at 4:25 p.m. Nov. 29 and charged with an in-state warrant on the

200 block of S. Bolingbrook Drive. Miesha Averhart, 25, 4615 S., Drexel Ave., Chicago, was arrested at 4:28 p.m. Nov. 29 and charged with retail theft at WalMart, 200 S. Bolingbrook Drive.

Officers responded to the 200 block of Douglass Way for the report of a residential burglary Nov. 30. The garage door was found open, several rooms rummaged through, cabinets and drawers left open. Unknown what was taken between Nov. 27 and Nov. 30.

Kevin Bickman, 50, 325 Ozark Drive, was arrested at 2:48 a.m. Nov. 30 and charged with an in-state warrant, following a traffic stop at Route 53 and Remington Boulevard.

Daryln Jones, 42, 414 Galahad Road, was arrested

at 11:25 p.m. Nov. 30 and charged with obstructing a peace officer, following a call to the residence of a disturbance. Malik Chapell, 20, 1863 Marne Road, was arrested at 10:35 p.m. Nov. 30 and charged with three in-state warrants and criminal damage to property after breaking a glass door.

Officers were called to the 600 block of Chesapeake Drive for the report of a residential burglary at 6:35 p.m. Nov. 30. Homeowner discovered sliding door open, unknown duffle bag in residence and laptops moved.

James Barnhill, 45, 271 Hywood Lane was arrested at 1:12 a.m. Dec. 1 and charged with unlawful restraint and domestic battery, following a call to the residence for a domestic disturbance.

Ricardo Vasquez, 20, 505 Savannah Lane, was arrested at 7:42 p.m. Dec. 1 and charged with endangering life of child and disorderly conduct on Territorial Court.

Fatima Ahmed, 21, 2014 Wedgewood Circle, Romeoville, was arrested at 5:40 a.m. Dec. 1 and charged with hit and run.

Jessica Byrd, 27, 659 Forest Way, was arrested at 9:20 a.m. Dec. 1 and charged with an in-state warrant, driving on a suspended license and speeding, following a traffic stop at Whitewater Drive and Boughton Road.

Christopher Bisto, 35, 955 Charlela Lane, Elk Grove Village, was arrested at 7:56 p.m. Dec. 2 and charged with too fast for conditions and DUI on Boughton and Interstate 355.

Cindy Beckerman, 47, 645 Goldenrod Drive, was arrested at 10:19 a.m. Dec. 2 and charged with identity theft.

Edmundo Garcia-Castillo, 3, 8108 Waterbury Drive, Woodridge, was arrested at 3:53 p.m. Dec. 2 and charged with DUI, driving on a suspended license and speeding, following a traffic stop on the 200 block of S. Bolingbrook Drive.

Julio Guzman, 18, 235 Murphy Road, Romeoville, was arrested at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and charged with domestic battery, aggravated battery and resisting a peace officer, following a call to the 700 block of FeatherSound Drive for a domestic disturbance.

For more Bolingbrook Police Blotter, visit www.buglenewspapers.com

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THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Illustrated Opinions

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Schools

Former student now giving back to VVSD as teacher Bolingbrook High School Class of 1994 graduate now teaches music at Valley View School District From the time she was a little girl at Wood View Elementary School, Rebecca Battista-Sullivan dreamed about being a singer. Today, not only is the Bolingbrook High School Class of 1994 graduate singing professionally, she is also fulfilling her dream by teaching the joy of singing to Valley View School District 365U elementary school students. “Coming to teach in Valley View meant the world to me,” said Battista-Sullivan, who is teaching at Salk Elementary School in Bolingbrook this semester and will be at Tibbott Elementary School next semester. “I wanted to give back everything that I received as a kid and student here.” The North Central College

graduate’s love for singing began at Wood View when she was involved in the “little shows” every elementary school puts on. “I always had a little solo, and the times when I didn’t get to solo, I’d say to myself next year I’m going to get it,” she recalled. At Humphrey Middle School she sang in the choir and concentrated on piano lessons. But the real boost toward a music career came at BHS, courtesy of then Choir Director Richard Anderson, where she was a member of Sunrise Singers, Jazz Choir and small Madrigal ensembles.She also participated in every fall play and spring musical. “When I got to high school I knew I was either going to be a vocal performer or a music

Coming to teach in Valley View meant the world to me. I wanted to give back everything that I received as a kid and student here.” - Rebecca Battista-Sullivan

teacher,” the honor student said.“I was so inspired by Mr.Anderson.” Upon graduation from North Central with a Bachelor’s Degree in vocal performance and music education with an emphasis on choral conducting, BattistaSullivan began her teaching career at Memorial Elementary School in Tinley Park. She also spent four years as a music teacher and choir director at an Oswego middle school, directed show choirs at Oswego High School and had the

opportunity to teach in several private schools while writing music curriculum for Lemont public schools and running her own vocal and piano studio. After teaching at the ethnically diverse Cicero West Elementary School where “I learned so much from the culture there,” she came to Valley View in 2010 as a traveling music teacher where she taught for two years at R.C. Hill and Hermansen in Romeoville during one semester and then would switch at the semester to Salk and Pioneer and Skoff. In her third year with the district, she moved to R.C. Hill in Romeoville for a semester and both King and Skoff in Romeoville for a semester. “I got used to being the Energizer Bunny, moving from school to school,” Battista-Sullivan said. While at Hill, she conducted a choir and was able to work with VVSD music legend Dave Rice. She is starting a choir at Salk and plans to re-build Tibbott’s choir in

the spring. “We have a very unique elementary music team.VVSD has people who believe in music and want to see our curriculum grow,” she said. “We work well together and have a passion to make our music curriculum more rigorous.” These days, in her spare time, Battista-Sullivan is pursuing her Master’s Degree in what she terms “my passion” special education and music therapy. She continues to teach voice and piano to all ages; judges competitions at other schools; performs in vocal competitions, at weddings, and at parties; hosts Saturday night karaoke at Shanahan’s in Woodridge; and will direct the Children’s Chorus for Bolingbrook High School’s spring play “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in March. As for advice for a new teacher just starting a career: “Don’t ever forget why you do what you do. It’s because of your passion and your love for kids.

School Briefs Wood View drive for tornado victims nets 50 boxes of relief supplies Wood View Elementary School (Bolingbrook) staff and students collected and sent more than 50 boxes of food and supplies to victims of tornado-ravaged Washington, Illinois. Wood View Maintenance Supervisor Jim Burns, and teachers Kelli Buresh and Nancy Anding headed up the collection effort Thursday and Friday. Burns and his wife, Leslie, Wood View Nutrition Services Manager Francine Crain, Mrs. Anding and

Tibbott students sending greetings to students throughout the U.S. Many of the classrooms at Tibbott Elementary School in Bolingbrook were hard at work this week putting the finishing touches on snowman-themed holiday greeting cards that will be sent to schools around the country. It’s all part of the No Excuses University (NEU) Network, of which Tibbott is a member, according to Principal Ana Wilson.

her first graders, Mrs. Strzempa and her third graders, and Mrs. Morten, Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Neary all helped packed the boxes. Burns and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Anding and two other community helpers drove the items to Washington Saturday. Included in the donations were food, clothing, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items, all collected in just two days. “That was pretty amazing,” Mrs. Anding said. “It was a very transforming experience to see the incredible devastation but all of the outpouring of help down there.”

Nearly 200 NEU Network schools are creating and exchanging the cards as a way to become a little more familiar with each other.Each classroom at Tibbott was given five different NEU member classrooms which means dozens of different schools throughout the United States will learn about Tibbott’s mascot, today’s high and low temperature, how many boys and girls are in the classroom and three things the class is learning about. In return, each Tibbott classroom will soon receive customized cards with similar information about five classrooms and schools somewhere in the U.S.

Calendar DECEMBER 12 Symphony in Lights Holiday Light Show. Nightly through December 31 at The Promenade, Bolingbrook. Begins at dusk and runs every hour on the hour until 9 p.m.

DECEMBER 13 Pajama Party with Santa Claus. 6 to 7 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Annerino Community Center, Bolingbrook. All ages welcome. Come in your favorite Christmas pajamas and celebrate with Santa. Each child will get a picture taken with Santa, tell him their wishes, and receive a special gift. Children will have the opportunity to listen to stories by Mrs. Claus, make crafts in the Little Elves’ workshop, join in the Reindeer games, and enjoy delicious cookies and milk. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Be sure to register early. No registrations will be accepted at the door. $15 for first child; $10 for each additional child. With resident ID, $10 for first child, $5 for each additional.

DECEMBER 14 Family Friendly Movies: Holiday Special. noon to 4 p.m. at the Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook. All ages, children under 8 with an adult. Drop in. For movie title information, call 630-685-4176.

DECEMBER 18 Holiday Open House 3 to 6 p.m. at the White Oak Library, Romeoville.

DECEMBER 21 Saturday Specials science programs explore Sound at the Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook. Saturday Special: 1-2-3 Explore with Me!: Sounds Great from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for ages 2 to 6 with caregiver. Saturday Special: SSL - Super Science Lab: Sounds Great from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. or 3 to 3:45 p.m. for grades kindergarten through fifth.

Registration is required. Wacky Water Week at the Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Center. Get the kids out of the house and into some splashtastic fun with Wacky Water Week starting on December 21 through January 5. Themed games and activities are offered starting at noon each day. For full schedule of activities and holiday hours, please visit www. bolingbrookparks.org.

DECEMBER 23 Teen Winter Break Movie Marathon. at the Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook. For grades 6–12. Drop in. For movie title information, call 630-6854199. Noon to 6 p.m., Dec. 23; noon to 6 p.m., Dec. 26; noon to 5:30 p.m., Dec. 27; 7 to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 30.

DECEMBER 27 Family Movies. 10:30 to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.at the Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook. All ages preschoolers with an adult. Drop in. For movie title information, call 630-685-4181.

DECEMBER 30 Apps, E-books, Readalouds, Oh My! 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook. Grades Kindergarten through fifth with adult. Registration is required. Learn all about apps, e-books, and readalouds. We will go over our databases and options for getting “e-content.” After the presentation, families will have access to many e-readers to test and become familiar with.

JANUARY 16 Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner Gala 6 to 9 p.m., Brunswick Zone, 735 Center Boulevard. For more information on tickets or advertising opportunities, call 815-886-2076 or email info@ romeovillechamber.org.

JANUARY 26 St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School Open House. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 505 Kingston Drive, Romeoville.Are you looking for a safe and nurturing environment for your child’s education, a school with small class sizes and a challenging curriculum? Stop in to our Open House for some refreshments and tour the school, meet the principal, faculty and students while learning about the benefits of enrolling your child at St. Andrew. Full day preschool (3-5 year olds) and Kindergarten through 8th grade. Before and after school care available. For more information please visit the school’s website at www. andrewcc.org or contact Kathy Lifka, principal at 815.886-5953 Ext. 421.

ONGOING Panic Attack Support Group of Bolingbrook. Anyone who is dealing with panic attacks, anxiety attacks, or social phobia is welcome to attend this support group. We meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. Please visit Meetup.com to RSVP http://www.meetup.com/ Anxiety-Panic-Attack-SupportGroup-Of-Bolingbrook-Naper/.

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013 American Sign Language interpreted Mass is offered at St. Francis of Assisi, 1501 W. Boughton Road in Bolingbrook every Sunday at the 8:15 a.m. Mass. Power Connection’s LARGE FOOD PANTRY. Open on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 1 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., at 999 Remington Blvd, Suite F, Bolingbrook. Enjoy your shopping experience. For a $20 donation you can shop the aisles of canned/boxed goods, drinks, deserts, snacks, breads, fruits & vegetables. You will also receive a pre-selected bag of meat. There is no income verification and ALL residents of Illinois are welcome.The Resale Connection is also open from 9a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on those Mondays. We carry clothing for men/women/ children as well as household items, furniture, sundries, toys and so much more! Cleaning out your house? We accepts donations Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm. Call (630) 679-6899 or visit www.thepowerconnection. org for more information/services available such as our Extension Food Pantry, Computer Classes, Forklift Classes. Volunteer opportunities also available to

serve your community. Power Connection Computer Classes. Classes begin at 999 Remington Blvd, Suite F, Bolingbrook. General or Microsoft Word classes are offered. Cost is $30. Call Power Connection at (630) 679-6899, or visit www.thepowerconection. org Power Connection Forklift classes at 999 Remington Blvd, Suite F, Bolingbrook. We offer a one week class for forklift certification, you must be able to read/write fluent English. $50 fuel fee due by start of class. Call Power Connection at (630) 679-6899, or visit www. thepowerconection.org. Tween Scene. Tuesdays 4 to 5 p. m. at the Romeoville Branch Library, 201 West Normantown Road, Romeoville. Do you enjoy hanging out at the library? Well, come to Tween Scene! Each session we’ll have fun things to do like games, science, anime, manga, and crafts. For children 8-12. Registration is required. Contact the Children’s Services Department for more information.

Take 5

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Crossword Puzzle

Across 1 Take off politely, as one’s hat 5 Small silvery fish 10 Ogden’s state 14 “The African Queen” coscreenwriter 15 Apple drink 16 Golfer Ballesteros 17 1976 debut single for Heart 19 Yoked bovines 20 The Beatles’ “And I Love __” 21 Metal-yielding rocks 22 Practices in a ring 23 21-Across tester 25 Chasing 27 Stable warmer 31 Hiding places in walls 34 Wild pig 35 “We __ the Champions” 36 Jack of old Westerns 37 Nationality of the two leaders suggested by the starts of

Down 17-, 27-, 43- and 57-Across 39 Not left out of 40 Pallid 41 Latvian capital 42 Move with ease 43 Biding one’s time 47 Like pretentious gallery-goers 48 Crime against one’s country 52 Follow 54 Carson’s predecessor 55 Mary’s little lamb, perhaps 56 Cabernet containers 57 Informal name for the double bass 60 Correct copy 61 Native Alaskan 62 Got long in the tooth 63 A bit blue 64 Garb at the Forum 65 Raises, say

1 Russian cottage 2 Hideous giants 3 Shaking causes 4 Brimless cap 5 Cricket official 6 Ones who dig 21-Across 7 Outshine fruit bars brand 8 Regulus’s constellation 9 __TV: “Not reality. Actuality.” 10 Golf tournament first played in 1895 11 Portmanteau region between Dallas and Little Rock 12 Solemnly swear 13 Ones in a pecking order 18 They have strings attached 22 Regulus, for one 24 “Beg pardon ...” 25 Leigh Hunt’s “__ Ben Adhem” 26 Linen fiber source 28 WWII torpedo craft 29 Cupid’s Greek counterpart

30 Portable shelter 31 Hems but doesn’t haw? 32 Jai __ 33 Hard to believe 37 Moral lapses 38 Punk star __ Pop 39 Mite 41 Marriage or baptism 42 Dearie, in Dijon 44 Reliable 45 Milano’s land 46 Botanists’ scions 49 Swamp grass 50 Young bird of prey 51 Non-negotiable things 52 On any occasion 53 Zippo 54 Socket insert 57 Bridle piece 58 Half dos 59 Gentle application

Tribune Content Agency 2013

Horoscopes Grin and bear it. Situations may arise this week that you cannot change no matter how much you may want to. Focus your energies on more constructive pursuits to avoid needless frustration.

Don’t get caught up in double talk. Steer clear of conversations in the coming week that may be designed to cloud the facts rather than enlighten. Be confident in your abilities, as fear or doubt may affect your judgment.

Have a purpose. Don’t waste valuable time and resources on a project unless there’s a worthwhile reward at the conclusion. Save important decisions for later in the week, as new information will likely make your choice easier.

Don’t go splitting hairs. Today you’re able to find fault with just about everything but that doesn’t mean you should let everybody know it. Concentrate on being helpful and constructive rather than critical in the week ahead.

Rats are the first to desert a sinking ship. Things may not appear to be going your way this week, but see how events unfold before you head for the lifeboats. Don’t take criticism too seriously.

Just because you hear something doesn’t make it true. The latest gossip this week may have you ready for action, but first consider the sources and do some fact checking before you believe any of it.

It’s all in the details. You may complete your goals by using shortcuts, but in your haste you may be neglecting the key components that will make it a success. Later in the week, make sure you’re adequately prepared before starting anything new.

Remember who you’re talking to. Your friends will likely just tell you what you want to hear this week, but those who aren’t will tell you only what they want you to hear. Do your own homework to get to the heart of the matter.

Stick to your guns. It may be simpler to compromise your principals over the next few days, but your integrity would suffer in the process. You may find it more difficult to remain ethical but ultimately it will be for the best.

Bide your time. You may have come up with an absolutely foolproof plan this week, but unless you wait until the timing is perfect to set it in motion, you’ll end up the fool. Remember to expect the unexpected.

Know your limits. Some circumstances are simply beyond your control and though you may want to change them, you can’t. Instead of trying to achieve the impossible this week, concentrate on working toward practical goals.

There’s always hope. Even if all your companions have resigned themselves to the bleakest outcome, hold out that it will all turn out for the best. A positive attitude can do wonders to reverse fortunes later in the week.

Sudoku

Jumble

Previous puzzle’s answers

Jumbles: • HOBBY • DRAWL • JUNKET • FELONY

Answer:

The astronaut was successful when he was -“DOWN AND OUT”

INSIDE: Bolingbrook girls look to build new traditions, page 12; Raider senior Gearing plays in All-Star game, page 15

www.bolingbrookbugle.com

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Raiders open SWSC with win By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

Both Bolingbrook and Joliet Central knew that the opening game of the SouthWest Suburban Conference would be a good test for both teams. It was just that, as Bolingbrook earned the 58-51 win, handing Joliet Central its first loss of the season. Both coaches, however, know the game is just the start. “This is going to turn over a bunch of times, we know that,” said Joliet Central coach Jeff Corcoran. “There is no easy game in (this conference).” Both teams came in playing good basketball as the Raiders dropped just one game in the title match up in Decatur, while the Steelmen came in undefeated. It was Bolingbrook which came out of the gate hot, as junior guard Prentiss Nixon tallied 14 of his game-high 20 points in the opening quarter. The Steelmen seemed to figure Nixon out after the explosive start and took complete advantage of a cramp that kept Nixon out midway through the fourth quarter. He entered the game with just more than four minutes left and immediately hit a basket and to stop a Central run. “We made some adjustments

and then he came back in and stole that basket,” Corcoran said. “That was big for them.” The Raiders made it their defensive goal to hold Central’s leading scorer Jonah Coble, which they did, allowing him only 10 points. “The goal was to keep him out of the paint and keep him off the three-point line,” Nixon said.“When he drove to the lane, we helped and we tried to push him off the line and it worked.” Being a competitor, Corcoran knew his star was not happy with his performance. “Jonah is frustrated tonight because he is such a competitor, He got two quick fouls and he came back and had a good game,” Corcoran said. Antonio Dyson picked up some of the slack for the Steelmen, scoring 12 points to go along with 11 rebounds and five blocks. “In my opinion, he was getting used to the system and this is what I feel is his best game so far,” Corcoran said. “He can change some things for us.” For Bolingbrook, Shakur Triplett tallied 12 and nine rebounds, while Gage Davis and Devon Sams scored 11 each. The Raiders were still without Kenny Williams, who they are hoping returns for the McDipper See SWSC, page 14

Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff

C.J. Redmond and the Raiders beat 5-0 Joliet Central to open conference play.

Sports

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Bolingbrook to start new tradition By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

After losing head coach Tony Smith and four top seniors to Homewood-Flossmoor, many people thought that meant the end of Bolingbrook girls basketball as a competitive program. That is not the case. New coach Chris Smith has a resume of success being part of two Montini state championships as well as last season’s success at Joliet Catholic Academy. “I have been in Bolingbrook for over 10 years running the AAU program and now it is time for me to do what I did to make the AAU program successful

and have BHS continue to be successful,” Chris Smith said. “Tony Smith did what Tony Smith did and that chapter is closed. People ask if I am nervous walking in his footsteps? I’m not walking in his footsteps. I can’t fit Tony’s shoes the same way Tony can’t fit my shoes. There is no pressure coming over.” The Raiders opened the season by splitting a pair of games at the Turkey Jamm tournament in Murphysboro,TN. Bolingbrook fell 76-48 to Hall (Arkansas) and defeated Huntsville (Alabama) 47-41. The Raiders don’t open play in Illinois until Dec. 12 at Joliet See NEW, page 14

Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff

Aysia Bugg is the top starter back for the Bolingbrook girls basketball team.

Sports

Bolingbrook’s Jackson beats buzzer, Cedarville Lewis University junior guard Ryan Jackson (Bolingbrook, Ill./ Riverside-Brookfield) drained a three-pointer with 19 seconds left in overtime, as the visiting Flyers remained perfect on the season with the 83-81 (OT) regional victory over the host Yellow Jackets at the Callan Athletic Center on Saturday (Dec. 7) evening. Jackson and Jeff Jarosz (Lyons, Ill./Morton) combined for 42 of the Flyer points and eight threepointers. Jackson finished with a game-high 23 points on 7-for-16 shooting from the field and 4-for6 from beyond the arc. Jarosz posted a career-high 19 points, including a career-high four three-pointers. As a team, Lewis knocked down a season-high 12 trifectas. That was the most by a Flyer squad since they drained 12 against Olivet Nazarene almost a year to

the day on December 6, 2012. Junior forward Julian Lewis (Flossmoor, Ill./HomewoodFlossmoor) posted his second double-double in as many games, scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Sophomore center Kyle Nelson (St. Charles, Ill./ St. Charles North) hauled in 10 rebounds, while senior guard Nick Valla (Tinley Park, Ill./ Marist) dished out a career-high nine assists. Valla’s nine assists were the most by a Flyer since Dennis Thomas, Jr. had nine helpers against Trinity Christian on December 30, 2010. “We gutted out a win,” Lewis head men’s basketball coach Scott Trost said. “Give Cedarville credit because they zoned us for 45 minutes and I thought we did a decent job against it. Jackson and Jarosz both hit some big three-pointers for us tonight. It’s a good win for us.”

With the win, Lewis improves to 6-0 on the season, marking their best start since the 198889 campaign when they had 13-straight wins to open the year. Cedarville falls to 1-8 on the campaign. Cedarville guard Jason Cuffee topped the Yellow Jackets with 21 points, while backcourt mates Marcus Reineke (13 points) and Austin Pickett (10 points) both scored in double-figures. Neither team ever had firm control on the contest, as the game featured 23 lead changes and 12 ties. Cedarville seemed to be in control at the end of both regulation and the overtime. The Yellow Jackets had a three-point advantage in both the second half with 1:47 remaining and in overtime with 1:36 left in the See BEAT, page 16

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Sports NEW Continued from page 12 Central. One of the returning Raiders is senior Aysia Bugg. Bugg led Bolingbrook a year ago with a 16 point-per-game average. She totaled 399 points, starting 25 consecutive games before an injury held her out of the sectional championship game against Neuqua Valley. She shot 48.1 percent from the field and was 27.8 percent from behind the three-point line. “I told her we needed her to go to the store and get a weight belt because she will carry us,” Smith said. Bugg recently signed to play next season for the University of

Pittsburg. She will be joined this season by Ryaen Johnson,a 6-foot, 2-inch transfer from Waubonsie Valley who committed to play next season at Loyola University in Chicago. The Raiders have a lot if juniors as Smith said he configured the team so he had a good core coming back next season, however, he understands the toll it may take early this year. “We are very inexperienced where we are trying to bring 14 girls into one,” he said. “We only have three girls back who played varsity at Bolingbrook last year. I want to play the best basketball in March. “If we play better on day four than we did on day two then we will be good come day 120. We just want to get better on a daily basis.”

Posting a winning record his first season or keeping the Raiders’ consecutive SouthWest Suburban Conference win streak alive is nice, but Smith has bigger plans for the program, like getting Bolingbrook girls basketball back downstate and winning state titles. “I am coming in with the mind that I want to build this program up to win state. I don’t want to build it up to win sectionals, not for a regional championship,” said Smith, who was an assistant under Jason Nichols at Montini when they won the Class 3A state title in 2010 and 2011. “I have been around high profile kids and I have been around success. I have been to Bloomington and have held the state trophy and that is what I want to continue.” mark@buglenewspapers.com

SWSC Continued from page 11 Christmas Tournament at Rich South. “He will bring a whole new dimension on the block that we didn’t have tonight,” Brost said. So, as much as the game was a big opener for both teams in league play, it really just showed both what they need to work on. “We want to pressure and create tempo,” Corcoran said, “The first thing we had on the board is no TO or TO, meaning no turnover for turnover. What is the point of us getting the turnover if we are going to give it right back? To play like we did and lose by eight, I don’t want to say I am happy, but it is something maybe we needed now. It shows us what we need to work on.” Brost had the same feeling about the win. “Overall, I wasn’t happy with how we played,” he said. “We just beat a 5-0 team and I feel like we didn’t play very well.We have a lot of things to work on. One of the signs of a good team is to not play our best game and still find a way to win. We did that tonight. We turned the ball over too much and we have things to clean up and we have to do that in a hurry.” mark@buglenewspapers.com

Sports

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Gearing competes in All-Star game By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

For the fourth straight season, SportstownChicago.com posted an All-Star volleyball game that allowed some of the top high school seniors in the Chicagoland area one more chance to play representing their high school teams. The game was held on the campus of Wheaton College in Wheaton. Three members of the Voyager Media coverage area competed in the game. All three were recently named to the 2013 Voyager Media All-Area Team. Competing in the game were Minooka’s Skyler Day, who posted 248 kills, 23 blocks and 27 aces this season, as well as Bolingbrook outside hitter Krissa Gearing, who posted 420 kills, 37 aces and 472 total points scored this season and Caroline Wolf, the Benet libero who posted 562 digs this season, which is the most all-time in Benet history. All three players were members of the same team in the game and enjoyed their final game as representatives of their high school teams. “I pretty much know everyone here and it is great playing with them,” said Wolf, who will attend Wake Forest next season. “It was great playing against Anni (Annika Albrecht) because she is home schooled. I play club with six of these girls, so it was great and it was for a good cause.” The game featured Team White and Team Pink and raised awareness for breast cancer

research. “It felt good playing in our last game for the high school and now it is back to club. It was great. I live playing together with kids from all over the state,” said Gearing, who will play next season for Southeast Missouri State University. Day said she was honored to get the call to play. “It was an honor and I am blessed to be able to be part of this. It was great to be considered one of the best,” said Day, who will play at Buffalo University next season. These are the best of the best and that was a lot of fun. It was challenging not having played with the people next to you before, but it was still a lot of fun. It was cool, I got to play with and against some of the kids from my club. It was also really good that I was able to play against a lot of the biggest rivals.” All of the players still have work to do before heading off to their colleges, as they will head right into club season. “I am ready to start club and college. I will miss high school, but it was a good run and I will remember it forever,”Wolf said. Prior to the All-Star game, the event featured a showcase for unsigned high school seniors. The game also featured Team Pink vs. Team White and Joliet Catholic Academy’s Julia Shemaintis, Plainfield East’s Briana McGee and Westmont’s Haley Bueser and Vanessa Possidoni were invited to show their skills to scouts. mark@buglenewspapers.com

Mark Gregory/Bugle staff

Bolingbrook senior Krissa Gearing played in the SportstownChicago.com All-Star game.

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Sports

Brooks wins regional, AVM falls in title game Brooks Middle School won its own 8th grade girls basketball regional title Thursday afternoon, beating Jane Addams 49-22. The Lady Bulldogs (19-2) competed for the sectional title at Brooks Dec.11 against Homer Junior High School. Homer advanced by beating Romeoville’s A. Vito Martinez Middle School in the Oak Prairie Regional. Homer scored 11 straight points in the second and third quarters and never looked back as the Mustangs tripped Martinez 36-28. It took Martinez (15-7) almost four minutes before they scored on a Brittany Osborne layup off a great pass by Maddie Massaro in the first quarter. Haley Gwin’s threepointer with 3 seconds left tied the score at 10. Jahari Smith’s put-back and Osborne’s jumper made it 1412 Vikings with 3:25 to go in the half before Homer went on its 11 point run. It was 21-14 at halftime and 23-14 when two Osborne hoops and a Smith put-back made it 23-20. But that’s as close as Martinez got. Homer scored the final eight points of the quarter to go up 31-20. Osborne led the Vikings with 11 points, while Smith scored

Submitted Photo

Brooks Middle School won the 8th grade girls basketball regional.

seven, grabbed 17 rebounds and had six blocks. Massaro added seven points.

RCA The Romeoville Christian Lady Kingsmen clinched their

6th straight win in Grayslake, IL defeating the Eagles of Westlake Christian 41-33. The Kingsmen were led by Captains Lauren Johnson (12 points) and Casey Perez (12 rebounds).

Freshman Jessie Perez contributed 15 points in helping the Kingsmen remain unbeaten. A balanced effort really helped to clinch the win against a solid opponent.

BEATS Continued from page 13 contest. The Flyers had the answer each time. In regulation, Cedarville held a 73-70 advantage following a Reineke jumper at the 1:47 mark. Lewis keyed a 4-0 run over the next 70 seconds as he scored four points and grabbed two boards to push the Flyers to the 74-73 lead with 37 ticks left. The Yellow Jackets were fouled on their ensuing possession and Cuffee split his charity shots to tie the game up at 74 with 23 seconds remaining. The Flyers had a chance to win the game in regulation, but were unable to convert three attempts in the waning seconds as the game went to overtime. The extra session was much of the same, as Cedarville held a 79-76 lead with 1:36 left in overtime.

The Eagles trailed the entire way, but closed the gap to two points in the 4th quarter. Romeoville will not be in action again until December 17 when they take on the Patriots of Calumet Christian.

The lead was cut to 79-78 following a pair of Lewis free throws at the 1:15 mark. Cedarville had the ball and Pickett was unable to convert a three-point attempt, but teammate Easton Bazzoli hauled in the offensive board with 45 seconds left. Reineke, however, was whistled for an offensive foul which awarded the ball to the Flyers and set the stage for Jackson’s heroics. Jackson took a feed from Valla for his fourth and final threepointer to give Lewis the 81-79 lead with 19 seconds left in OT. Cedarville drew a foul on their next possession, but Pickett split his free throws, allowing the Flyers to keep an 81-80 advantage with six seconds left in the game. Forced to foul, Cedarville sent Valla to the line for a pair of free throws with five seconds left in the game that secured the win for the Flyers. Those were the only points of the game for Valla.

buglenewspapers.com/basketball

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Plainfield North holds off Minooka rally By Scott Taylor Sports Editor

For much of three quarters Plainfield North had things rolling in its Southwest Prairie Conference opener. It held a 22-point lead midway through the third quarter at home against Minooka Friday. The Indians fought back though and made it a game. But in the end, it was the Tigers who held on for the 66-58 win. “When we play well we are a tough team to beat,” North coach Robert Krahulik said. “We have three really good weapons plus a big man that when he is playing well is very good. We’re very deep so when we bring guys off the bench, they can hit shots too. When we’re playing well, we’re going to be tough to beat. But when we lack focus and don’t play defense, we can get beat by anybody.” The Tigers (6-0) opened with a 17-13 lead after one quarter as Jake Nowak drilled three threepointers. “Everybody is hyped in the beginning,” Nowak said.“My shot was going today and it felt good.” That lead ballooned to 36-22 at the half and was 51-29 in the third before Minooka made its run. “We were hitting,” said North’s Trevor Stumpe,who had 18 points in the middle two quarters. “We have shooters. And when I drive, people converge on me and I have shooters who can knock down open shots and they were hitting today.” The Indians answered with the final 10 points of the third quarter and went on a 17-2 run overall to cut the score to 53-46. “We came in from the locker room and we knew we had to work hard,” Minooka senior Jake Smith said. “We put it together and got some points back, but it wasn’t enough. Our intensity just wasn’t there in the first half and in the second half we felt the pressure.” “I’m not happy with digging

that big of a hole,” Minooka coach Scott Tanaka said. “If there is a silver lining it is that we were willing to fight and get back into the game. We need to learn to play with a sense of urgency much earlier in the basketball game.” Stumpe picked up his fifth foul with three minutes left in the game on a Neal Tyrell threepointer. Tyrell made two of three freebies and the score was 57-52. A Smith three-pointer a minute later, his fifth of the game, trimmed the deficit back to five for the Indians at 62-57. However, the Tigers were able to hold on in the last minute for the win. “It’s just something that happens,” Smith said of his shooting. “The offense is based around whoever is hot that day. I was just hitting shots today.” Part of the reason for the slow start for the Indians may have been their inexperience. “We have a lot of guys who don’t have a lot of varsity experience,” Tanaka said. “However much you say it, you just have to get them out there. It took a little bit of a hit in the mouth for us to get it going, but when we did I think our kids did a good job of fighting.” Meanwhile, with Stumpe sidelined with the fouls, it forced the younger players to take on a larger role down the stretch for North. “That was actually good for us for the future,” Krahulik said. “It shows that we can win with multiple players. It gives them confidence to play at the end of games and not just rely on him.” “I’m really proud of our guys,” Stumpe said.“I fouled out and am one of the primary free throw shooters, but the other guys stepped up. Coach has us play defense in practice with our hands behind our back, but it didn’t really work out tonight.” Stumpe finished with 22 points and Nowak had 17 for North. Smith paced the Indians with 21. Follow Scott @Taylor_Sports staylor@buglenewspapers.com

Scott Taylor/Bugle Staff

Jake Smith scored 21 points and had five three-pointers for Minooka in a 66-58 loss to Plainfield North.

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

News

Quinn signs pension reform bill into law Overhaul of pension systems aimed at fixing Illinois’ $100 billion debt 30 years. “Since I took the oath of office, I’ve Gov. Pat Quinn pushed relentlessly signed into law for a comprehensive last week a major pension reform overhaul of the state’s solution that would government worker erase a $100 billion pension systems liability and restore aimed at fixing Illinois’ fiscal stability to $100 billion debt. Illinois,” said Gov. Gov. Pat Quinn Quinn signed the Quinn in a statement bill during a private ceremony after the Illinois General Assembly in the Thompson Center in passed the pension reform bill downtown Chicago Dec. 5. Dec. 3. “Today, we have won. The Lawmakers anticipate the law’s people of Illinois have won.” reforms could bring $160 billion The new law takes effect June into state pension over the next 1. It will increase the retirement By Alex V. Hernandez Staff Reporter

age for younger workers, scale back the annual cost-of-living increases for most retirees and establish a 401(k)-styled option for a limited number of workers. It would also skip some annual retiree increases, depending on when they retire. For years governors and lawmakers pushed the state’s debt higher as they neglected payments into the state’s pensions. This led to multiple credit downgrades on state finances. To prevent this, the new law allows pension participants to sue if officials fail to make the necessary payments to keep the retirement funds. State pension funds impacted by the new legislation will include Illinois General Assembly employees, the Teacher’s

Retirement System, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, state employees, state university employees, downstate teachers and judges. “Senate Bill 1 is attempted pension theft, and it’s illegal. Once overturned, its purported savings will evaporate, and the state’s finances and pension systems will be left in worse shape,” said a statement released by “We Are One,” a union coalition that represents the Illinois Education Association, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association, Fraternal Order of Police and other union organizations. Unions are expected to challenge the constitutionality of the new law.

Senate Bill 1 is attempted pension theft, and it’s illegal. Once overturned, its purported savings will evaporate, and the state’s finances and pension systems will be left in worse shape - statement released by “We Are One,” a union coalition that represents the Illinois Education Association, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association, Fraternal Order of Police and other union organizations

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE at 116 Ash Drive Bolingbrook, IL 60490 (Single Family Home). On the 9th day of January, 2014, to be held at 12:00 noon, at the Will County Courthouse Annex, 57 N. Ottawa Street, Room 201, Joliet, IL 60432, under Case Title: Bank of America, N.A., successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, LP Plaintiff V. Syed Niaz; et. al. Defendant. Case No. 10 CH 7330 in the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois. Terms of Sale: ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours; plus, for residential real estate, a statutory judicial sale fee calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser to the person conducting the sale, not to exceed $300, for deposit into the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund. No judicial sale 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. All payments shall be made in cash or certified funds payable to the Sheriff of Will County. In the event the property is a condominium, in accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1) (H-1) and (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the unit, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Pursuant to Local Court Rule 11.03 (J) if there is a surplus following application of the proceeds of sale, then the plaintiff shall send written notice pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/151512(d) to all parties to the proceeding advising them of the amount of the surplus and that the surplus will be held until a party obtains a court order for its distribution or, in the absence of an order, until the surplus is forfeited to the State. For Information Please Contact: Codilis & Associates, P.C. 15W030 N. Frontage Road Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 630-794-5300 630-794-9090 fax 14-10-38029 PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT YOU ARE ADVISED THAT THIS LAW FIRM IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Published 12/12, 12/19, 12/26

SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE at 257 Douglass Way Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Single Family Home). On the 9th day of January, 2014, to be held at 12:00 noon, at the Will County Courthouse Annex, 57 N. Ottawa Street, Room 201, Joliet, IL 60432, under Case Title: Caliber Home Loans, Inc. Plaintiff V. Sandra J. McConathy; et. al. Defendant. Case No. 13 CH 1004 in the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois.

SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE at 15B Fernwood Drive Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440 (Condo). On the 9th day of January, 2014, to be held at 12:00 noon, at the Will County Courthouse Annex, 57 N. Ottawa Street, Room 201, Joliet, IL 60432, under Case Title: PNC Bank, NA Plaintiff V. Guadalupe Torres; Pine Meadow II Condominium Association aka Pine Meadow Condominium Association No. 2; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants Defendant. Case No. 13 CH 1218 in the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois.

In the event the property is a condominium, in accordance with 735 ILCS 5/151507(c)(1)(H-1) and (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the unit, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act.

Pursuant to Local Court Rule 11.03 (J) if there is a surplus following application of the proceeds of sale, then the plaintiff shall send written notice pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512(d) to all parties to the proceeding advising them of the amount of the surplus and that the surplus will be held until a party obtains a court order for its distribution or, in the absence of an order, until the surplus is forfeited to the State.

For Information Please Contact:

Codilis & Associates, P.C. 15W030 N. Frontage Road Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 630-794-5300 630-794-9090 fax 14-13-05261

Freedman, Anselmo, Lindberg, LLC Att: Mr. Anthony Porto 1807 West Diehl Road Suite 333 Naperville, IL 60566 foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com 866-402-8661 630-428-4620 (Fax) For bidding instructions visit: www.fal-illinois.com

PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT YOU ARE ADVISED THAT THIS LAW FIRM IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

Published 12/12, 12/19, 12/26

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013 LEGAL SHERIFF’S SALE LEGAL SHERIFF’S SALE

LEGAL SHERIFF’S SALE

BOLINGBROOK

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS PNC Bank, NA Plaintiff, vs.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS Caliber Home Loans, Inc. Plaintiff,

Guadalupe Torres; Pine Meadow II Condominium Association aka Pine Meadow Condominium Association No. 2; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants Defendant. No. 13 CH 1218

vs.

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Public notice is hereby given that pursuant to a judgment entered in the above cause on the 18th day of June, 2013, PAUL J. KAUPAS, Sheriff of Will County, Illinois, will on Thursday, the 9th day of January, 2014, commencing at 12:00 o’clock noon, at the Will County Courthouse Annex, 57 N. Ottawa Street, Room 201, Joliet, IL 60432, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder or bidders the following-described real estate: UNIT B-3-2, IN PINE MEADOW CONDOMINIUMS NO. 2, AS DELINEATED ON THE PINE MEADOW CONDOMINIUMS NO. 2 SURVEY OF CERTAIN LOTS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN PINE MEADOW, A SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 15, IN TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, AND IN RANGE 10 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED SEPTEMBER 10, 1971 AS DOCUMENT NO. R71-21842, WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT ìAî TO DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM MADE BY KAUFMAN AND BROAD HOMES, INCORPORATED, AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION, RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF DEEDS OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AS DOCUMENT NUMBER R74-2040, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME; TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN SAID PARCEL (EXCEPTING FROM SAID PARCEL, ALL THE PROPERTY AND SPACE COMPRISING ALL THE UNITS THEREOF, AS DEFINED AND SET FORTH IN SAID DECLARATION AND SURVEY), IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 15B Fernwood Drive Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440 Description of Improvements: Condo P.I.N.: 02-15-220-014-0000

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Public notice is hereby given that pursuant to a judgment entered in the above cause on the 7th day of August, 2013, PAUL J. KAUPAS, Sheriff of Will County, Illinois, will on Thursday, the 9th day of January, 2014, commencing at 12:00 o’clock noon, at the Will County Courthouse Annex, 57 N. Ottawa Street, Room 201, Joliet, IL 60432, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder or bidders the following-described real estate: LOT 2, AREA 56, IN CENTEX-WINSTON CORP., BOLINGBROOK TOWNHOMES, UNIT NO. 4, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 2, IN TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, AND IN RANGE 10, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED MARCH 10, 1972 AS DOCUMENT NO. R72-6394, TOGETHER WITH AN EASEMENT APPURTENANT TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE, AS DEFINED IN DECLARATION DATED JULY 7, 1971 AND RECORDED JULY 7, 1971 AS DOCUMENT NO. R7115260, AS AMENDED, IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 257 Douglass Way Bolingbrook, IL 60440 Description of Improvements: Single Family Home P.I.N.: 02-02-310-068

Terms of Sale: ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours; plus, for residential real estate, a statutory judicial sale fee calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser to the person conducting the sale, not to exceed $300, for deposit into the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund. No judicial sale 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. All payments shall be made in cash or certified funds payable to the Sheriff of Will County. In the event the property is a condominium, in accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(H-1) and (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the unit, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g1) of Section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Pursuant to Local Court Rule 11.03 (J) if there is a surplus following application of the proceeds of sale, then the plaintiff shall send written notice pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512(d) to all parties to the proceeding advising them of the amount of the surplus and that the surplus will be held until a party obtains a court order for its distribution or, in the absence of an order, until the surplus is forfeited to the State. FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Freedman, Anselmo, Lindberg, LLC Att: Mr. Anthony Porto 1807 West Diehl Road Suite 333 Naperville, IL 60566 foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com 866-402-8661 630-428-4620 (Fax) For bidding instructions visit: www.fal-illinois. com PAUL J. KAUPAS Plaintiff’s Attorney Sheriff of Will County Published 12/12, 12/19, 12/26

Sandra J. McConathy; et. al. Defendant. No. 13 CH 1004

Terms of Sale: ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours; plus, for residential real estate, a statutory judicial sale fee calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser to the person conducting the sale, not to exceed $300, for deposit into the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund. No judicial sale 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. All payments shall be made in cash or certified funds payable to the Sheriff of Will County. In the event the property is a condominium, in accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c) (1)(H-1) and (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the unit, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Pursuant to Local Court Rule 11.03 (J) if there is a surplus following application of the proceeds of sale, then the plaintiff shall send written notice pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512(d) to all parties to the proceeding advising them of the amount of the surplus and that the surplus will be held until a party obtains a court order for its distribution or, in the absence of an order, until the surplus is forfeited to the State. FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Codilis & Associates, P.C. 15W030 N. Frontage Road Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 630-794-5300 630-794-9090 fax 14-13-05261 PAUL J. KAUPAS Plaintiff’s Attorney Sheriff of Will County Published 12/12, 12/19, 12/26

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS Bank of America, N.A., successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, LP Plaintiff, vs. Syed Niaz; et. al. Defendant. No. 10 CH 7330 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Public notice is hereby given that pursuant to a judgment entered in the above cause on the 18th day of September, 2013, PAUL J. KAUPAS, Sheriff of Will County, Illinois, will on Thursday, the 9th day of January, 2014, commencing at 12:00 o’clock noon, at the Will County Courthouse Annex, 57 N. Ottawa Street, Room 201, Joliet, IL 60432, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder or bidders the following-described real estate: LOT 26 IN WHISPERING OAKS PHASE 1B, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE EAST FRACTIONAL HALF OF THE NORTHWEST FRACTIONAL QUARTER OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 10 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED MARCH 1, 2000 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER R2000022127 IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 116 Ash Drive Bolingbrook, IL 60490 Description of Improvements: Single Family Home P.I.N.: 02-18-113-005 Terms of Sale: ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours; plus, for residential real estate, a statutory judicial sale fee calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser to the person conducting the sale, not to exceed $300, for deposit into the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund. No judicial sale 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. All payments shall be made in cash or certified funds payable to the Sheriff of Will County. In the event the property is a condominium, in accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c) (1)(H-1) and (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the unit, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Pursuant to Local Court Rule 11.03 (J) if there is a surplus following application of the proceeds of sale, then the plaintiff shall send written notice pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512(d) to all parties to the proceeding advising them of the amount of the surplus and that the surplus will be held until a party obtains a court order for its distribution or, in the absence of an order, until the surplus is forfeited to the State. FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Codilis & Associates, P.C. 15W030 N. Frontage Road Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 630-794-5300 630-794-9090 fax 14-10-38029 PAUL J. KAUPAS Plaintiff’s Attorney Sheriff of Will County Published 12/12, 12/19, 12/26

Real Estate & Business

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Dealing with a boss who overpromises Q. We’re getting near the end of the year, and my boss has promised his managers he will deliver the moon. Every day he puts ridiculous pressure on our team to deliver the impossible. I don’t want to end up unemployed at the end of the year because my boss wanted to look like God to his manager. How do I manage my boss’s ridiculous demands? A.You can manage your boss’s ridiculous demands in two steps: 1) Keep your frustrations about his unrealistic promises to yourself. 2) Put your boss in the hot seat to give you the road map to deliver on his promises. Your boss probably has a great deal of pressure from his management to make his team and his superiors look good. Some managers may even promise the moon because they

figure they may get promoted before they have to deliver. Be aware that your boss, himself, probably realizes even Superman would disappoint your upper management. You are correct that the last thing you’d want is to end up fired because your boss makes you the fall guy for his crazy promises. You also probably realize you can’t simply look at your boss, tell him he is nuts, and refuse to help him with his plans. What you can do is innocently inquire about how your boss would achieve these goals. Make sure you get him to be specific and step-by-step in his instruction. The first defense of a person who overpromises is to stick to vague instructions. Don’t let your boss get away with platitudes and grand concepts. Keep looking confused as you query him about how to implement his

noble goals. Most of my clients find it embarrassing to maintain such a deeply confused and inquisitive stance with their boss. But you need to maintain this stance until your boss starts admitting he has overstretched or you will be hung out to dry for not achieving the impossible. For instance, your boss has promised that your team will “fly” at the next meeting. If you let your boss give you vague lectures on the benefits of flying, you will be blamed when you fail to lift off. If instead you look confused and ask for the exact steps he has used to fly, he will have to admit ignorance. If you argue with your boss’s goals or refuse to help him, you will soon be reading the want ads. If you proceed as if your boss’s goals are realistic and admit you just need some coaching, he will be forced to reconsider his impossible expectations. I know it would be emotionally satisfying to get your boss to admit he has

The first defense of a person who overpromises is to stick to vague instructions. Don’t let your boss get away with platitudes and grand concepts. impressed his management at your expense. But this satisfaction will only make your boss your enemy. If you can choose to appear aligned with your boss’s plan and require him to coach you on implementation, you will keep your job and your boss’s good will.

The last word(s) Q. Is it my imagination or do a lot of my coworkers say one thing, do another and then act like they did what they originally said? If I’m right, why don’t people see when they do the opposite of what they promise? A. Yes, you are right. The reason is people are mostly

driven by their unconscious mind, which in most people is like the blind spot in their cars. This column is how about how not to get run over by the unconscious (yours and others’)! (Daneen Skube, Ph.D., executive coach, trainer, therapist and speaker, also appears as the FOX Channel’s “Workplace Guru” each Monday morning. She’s the author of “Interpersonal Edge: Breakthrough Tools for Talking to Anyone, Anywhere, About Anything” (Hay House, 2006). You can contact Dr. Skube at www.interpersonaledge. com or 1420 NW Gilman Blvd., #2845, Issaquah, WA 98027. Sorry, no personal replies.)

Dave Says: Breaking down the baby timeline Dear Dave, I’m in the military, and my wife and I have $13,000 in the bank along with $35,000 in a Roth IRA. We also have no debt, and we put $3,500 into our savings account each month. Our new baby is due to arrive in January, so do you think this would be a good time to buy our first home? Tom Dear Tom, Based on the market alone, it’s a great time to buy a house. Interest rates are fantastic, and prices are recovering but still buyer-friendly. However, considering your wife’s delivery date and the fact that it takes a while to find and complete the process of buying a home, I think I’d wait on this. Moving is stressful enough under normal circumstances, but combining that with a pregnancy could shoot your wife’s stress levels

into the stratosphere. I really don’t think you want to do that to her. And speaking as an old married guy, it’s something you don’t want to experience, either. Another thing to consider is if there’s a good chance you’ll be reassigned in the next four or five years. We work with the military a lot, and that means we see people who buy, and get stuck with homes all over the country. These places usually become rental homes because they don’t sell quickly. And this is a situation you want to avoid because being a long-distance landlord is a real pain. If everything falls into place, you could easily have enough set aside for a big down payment a few months after the baby arrives. At that point, things will feel a little more settled. I know the temptation is great right now to move into

a place you can call your own, but you want buying a home to be a blessing, not a curse. Take a little more time, and see how things feel career- and familywise in a few months. That’s my advice. —Dave

Keep the emergency fund where? Dear Dave, Is it better to keep your emergency fund in a certificate of deposit or a money market account? Tiffany Dear Tiffany, Right now, a short-term certificate of deposit (CD) pays about the same as a money market account. The problem is you’re only going to make about 1 percent with either one. The good thing about a money market, though, is that there are no early withdrawal

In my mind, an emergency fund isn’t there for the purpose of making money. It needs to just sit safe and sound until it’s needed.

fees attached. In my mind, an emergency fund isn’t there for the purpose of making money. It needs to just sit safe and sound until it’s needed. It should also be in a program where it’s easily accessible and there are no stupid fees or penalties for simply using your own money. So, yeah, savings interest rates right now are aggravating. But you don’t have 3- or 4-percenthome-mortgage world without a 1-percent CD world. They kind of go together. Just remember that interest rates aren’t the end game when it comes to your emergency fund.

You want three to six months of expenses just sitting there, waiting for life to happen.Trust me, it will! —Dave *Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times bestselling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 6 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Ramsey on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013