Bugle Newspapers 5-16-24

Net Game holds grand opening and ribbon cutting

The Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau (WCCTB) and the Village of Westmont wish a warm welcome to Net Game located at 145 Plaza Drive, Westmont.

Members of the Westmont business community and elected officials gathered at 145 Plaza Drive, Westmont, for a Ribbon Cutting celebration on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Noon.

“Net Game is the perfect indoor pickleball club in the Chicago suburbs with 9 true surface courts in a temperature-controlled space,” remarked Dorothy Foster, Owner, Net Game. “We are excited to open in Westmont and build on our local community’s love of the sport.” Net Game offers open play, leagues, tournaments, social events, lessons, and drills for all ages. Guests can grab gear at the Net Game Pro Shop and enjoy food and drink at The Drop Shot. A variety of memberships are available at Net Game, from the seasoned competitor to the first timer player.

“With pickleball named the fastest growing sport in America, we

wanted Net Game to be an inclusive place for people of all ages and skills to come and play,” said owner Jill Livingston. “Net Game is THE place to the play pickle!” WCCTB President Becky Rheint-

gen, Oakwood Electric & Generator, remarked, “Celebrating and supporting our businesses is key to continued economic growth. We look forward to using this great pickleball facility for many years to come. We

wish continued success to Dorothy Foster, Jill Livingston and her team.” Mayor Ron Gunter, remarked, “Congratulations to the Net Game team for bringing such a world-class and fun facility to our Westmont community. You have created a very welcoming environment with a knowledgeable staff.” For more information call (630) 819-6050 or visit https://netgamepickle.com/

Cook County Sheriff relaunches STaRS

Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart has relaunched Seniors Training Academy Recruits to Succeed (STARS), a unique program where older adult volunteers help train police recruits to better serve the community.

Sheriff Dart founded the STARS program in 2017 to hone recruits’ communication skills and prepare them to navigate real-life scenarios effectively as police officers. In this training each recruit receives a radio call for service, stating that a senior has been a victim of a crime. The recruit responds and engages with the senior portraying the victim. Following the exercise, recruits receive feedback on their interactions.

This unique approach provides invaluable scenario-based training that enhances a recruit’s communication skills, teaching them how to better connect with a large segment of the community who are often victims of crime.

“This innovative program, which is a joint venture with Triton College’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program, offers a unique way to prepare our recruits for serving and protecting our community,” Sheriff Dart said. “We now can better equip our recruits to communicate effectively and enhance public safety. We are grateful for the support we have received and look forward to continuing this training for years to come.”

The program was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic and relaunched May 2024.This training helps recruits take the important lessons learned in the Training Academy and apply them when interviewing role-playing seniors who have been trained to portray victims of senior-specific crimes.

Older adults interested in volunteering for this program may contact the Sheriff’s Office Senior Services Department at 708-865-7341.