Enterprise 4-19-12

Home-based businesses thrive, host fair. See page 3.

SPORTS Plainfield North picking up steam

SCHOOLS All-day kindergarten option being considered PAGE 13

Earth Day April 22

PAGE 2

T HE ENTERPRISE Your Complete Source For Plainfield News Since 1887

Volume 124 No. 37

www.enterprisepublications.com

Serving Will and Kendall counties

28 pages

Confronting the

Epidemic

Plainfield community forum to address heroin epidemic

By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

A

s a growing number of suburban young people succumb to the addictive dangers of heroin, local officials are coming out in force to address and confront this frightening problem.

Plainfield area residents, young and old, are invited to a community-wide forum on the topic from 6-8 p.m.April 25, at Plainfield North High School, 12005 S. 248th Street, Plainfield.

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow and County Executive Larry Walsh, who have spearheaded HERO (Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization), an initiative dedicated to heroin education, will discuss the response to the growing problems of heroin use and drug overdose deaths in the area. This event will take place in the school’s auditorium. There is no charge and the forum is open to all District 202-area students and parents.

See HEROIN, page 5

INSIDE

Thursday, April 19, 2012

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Page 2

News

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Schools consider pros and cons of full-day kindergarten option

By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

Spring is here and for area schools, that means it is time for kindergarten registration. Along with signing up the little ones comes a bigger debate, over the costs and benefits of a full-day kindergarten option.

Valley View School District, which serves students in Bolingbrook and Romeoville, is in the beginning of an expansion and renovation plan in anticipation of a full-day kindergarten option at its dozen elementary schools this fall.

Families in District 365U offered overwhelming support for a full-day option with more than 80 percent supporting the idea. However, it’s an expensive notion, as classroom spaces need to be made larger and total expansion could cost about $12 million.

Costs like these in school systems already strapped for cash are what account for the debate. Some districts have

“As we’ve said for a long time, we are in a unique situation because of the explosive growth we experienced. No one grew as much, or as fast as we did,” Tom Hernandez, District 202 spokesperson opted for parents to pay a fee, usually several hundred dollars, to enroll youngsters in a full-day program. But in other communities, even that option is not feasible. According to the Illinois Board of Education, 1651 schools in Illinois offer full-day kindergarten programs; 332 offer half-day programs; and 338 offer both options to families.

In Plainfield, space and monetary constraints have left the district opting to continue traditional half-day kindergarten.

“District 202 simply doesn’t have the physical space to house the kids, nor the money to hire the staff needed at this time,” said

spokesperson Tom Hernandez, adding that not enough research has been studied within the district to know how a full-day program might impact students, compared to a half-day program.

“As we’ve said for a long time, we are in a unique situation because of the explosive growth we experienced. No one grew as much, or as fast as we did,” Hernandez said.

The district’s 2011-16 Strategic Plan includes a feasibility study of implementing a full-day kindergarten program.

Despite the costs and logistical implications, educators seem to agree on the benefits of a fullday program.

“Without citing specific research, full day kindergarten is allowing schools to better address the needs of our current students,” said Jennifer BertinoTarrant, Will County’s Regional Superintendent of Schools.

“With so many children attending pre-K programs, students are able to work successfully in a full day. In addition, the requirement and the changes in statewide standards support a more rigorous curriculum.”

Still, children are different, and have different needs, making the dual-offering a great option for many schools.

“While I, personally, support a full day program, I do not dismiss that some students still may need a half-day program,” Bertino said.

“Unfortunately, budget restraints usually require school districts to look at cutting non-mandated program. Full-day kindergarten is usually such a cut.

Some school districts, determined to find a way to provide full-day kindergarten

to families, are looking beyond the walls of their own schools, and partnering with private schools, park districts, and other institutions to enhance the kindergarten curriculum.

Minooka Grade School District, which also serves students in Shorewood, has no space to keep its students in a full-day program but officials are considering a proposal to join forces with Kinderbridge to offer full-day programs to students in kindergarten.

Kinderbridge offers a Montessori-style school experience. Students enrolled in kindergarten or any Grundy County preschool could attend Kinderbridge before or after their normal classroom time.The program costs $78 a week, and will be offered on-site at Walnut Trails, Jones Elementary and Minooka Elementary schools.

In addition to being able to offer a program parents desire, the district will receive rent and a percentage of profits from Kinderbridge.

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 3

Home-based businesses thrive, host fair

By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

If you are a woman living in the suburbs, chances are you’ve been to a home sales party.

As one of the fastest growing segments of the small business community, these parties blend retail sales with a uniquely social experience, which has proven successful across industries. In fact, the number of self-employed people, who work exclusively from home, increased from 3.47 million in 1999 to more than 6 million in 2010, based on census figures.

There’s good reason too, according to experts. Small business development advisor Jan Simpson said growth in the home-based business sector is contingent on a host of economic factors, including an economic sector that has left many out of work and seeking an alternative income. Once-full-time moms seeking a way to supplement the household income are another of these factors.

“These are your traditional home sales franchises, things like Tupperware and Mary Kay, which have been booming,” she said.

“These have traditionally appealed to women, particularly those with small kids at home, who were looking for flexible added

“Many people are choosing to work for themselves and take control of their futures. As independent business owners we are directly responsible for our success. What we put into it, we get out of it.”

Julie Crouse, Mary Kay Cosmetics income.”

Julie Crouse is one of those owners.After 11 years as a full-time Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics, the Plainfield business woman said operating a home-based company gives her the power to take control of her future.

“In the traditional corporate setting there are no guarantees on if you will have a job tomorrow or what your paycheck may look like next month,” Crouse said. “Many people are choosing to work for themselves and take control of their futures. As independent business owners we are directly responsible for our success. What we put into it, we get out of it.”

The flexibility with being able to set your own hours and work when it makes sense for their personal situation is another advantage of working at home.

However, without the daily support of a full-office, marketing

can be tough. Typically these businesses depend solely on word of mouth to build a customer base.

Enter the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce and its newly formed Home-Based Business Committee.

Dedicated to those in home businesses, the committee will be offering programming, training and networking opportunities specialized for this group of business professionals “The response to the new group within the Chamber structure has been amazing,” Crouse, who chairs the committee, said. “We have received a lot of inquiries on joining the Home Based Business Group, but also the smaller businesses are realizing that the Chamber of Commerce is not just for the larger companies in the area.

Formed just a few months ago, the committee will be hosting its first Home Based Vendor Fair on April 28 at Sages Amongst Us,

15116 S. Des Plaines St. Businesses across home-based industries, including jewelry, beauty products, chocolates and pet-sitting, will be on hand to sell their wares, market their products and services, and make contacts.

“The vendor fair concept is not new,” Crouse said. “These events are ways for us to meet other potential customers that we may not have met through a party. It is also a way to show what our businesses do, which is sometimes not obvious. Many people may have a vision or a past experience with a brand, but when they visit us at Sages Amongst Us on April

28 they will see the updated and current version that may get them excited all over again.”

Attendees will be able to sample treats, receive mini-makeovers, receive reflexology and manicures, and enter to win some raffle prizes.

“As small businesses, we know we are all in this to better ourselves and our communities by our success,” Crouse said.

For more information about the Vendor Fair, or the Home Based Business Committee, contact the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce at pacc@ plainfieldchamber.com.

Page 4

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

As Finnegan’s site sees new life, other locations face unclear future Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

The Village of Plainfield has been no stranger to the revolving door of restaurants, from the downtown sector along Lockport Street to the outlying commercial strips along Route 59.

The volatile position of the restaurant business is a sign of the economic times.

But in Plainfield, the dining sector may be on an upswing.

Several local spots that have sat empty are finally seeing renewed interest.

The Lockport Street site of the former Finnegan’s Irish Pub will

reopen soon as Mickey O’Neill’s Irish Pub. Restauranteur Chuck Rizzo, who already owns eateries in Elmhurst and Naperville, has his sights set on May for the opening. He said he is doing some minor work, hiring wait staff and filing paperwork he needs for the grand opening of the restaurant, which he named

for his mother-in law. Similar to its predecessor, O’Neill’s will feature Irish fare, sandwiches and entrees, and appetizers and bar food.

That’s good news for patrons who frequent the downtown area. They have witnessed the

CO; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by her entire family, especially her cherished grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Dottie D. Phillips will be Friday April 20, 2012 where services will be conducted at 10 a.m. at the funeral home chapel. Interment Lisbon Cemetery, Lisbon, IL. Visitation Thursday 3-8 p.m. at:

husband, George A. Phillips (1993); a son, George “Danny” Phillips (2011), her parents, Daniel and Ollie Saltsman; one brother, Fred (Lucy) Saltsman; and three sisters, Hallie (Carma)

Erickson, Doris Saltsman and Pearl Lovel.

Survived by a son, Roger (Linda) Phillips of Shorewood; one daughter, Debi (Patrick) Ryan of Joliet, daughter-in-law, Pamela Phillips of Machias, ME; nine grandchildren, Melany Maker, Miles Phillips and Mason (Leslie Ann) Phillips of Machias, ME;Allison (Demetris) Anderson of Joliet, Lisa (Terrance) Tate of Joliet, Roger A. Phillips, Jr. of Shorewood, IL and Tracy Phillips of Shorewood, IL; James (Jackie) Kinney of Channahon and Sarah Kinney-Owano (Mickey Owano) of Joliet; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and one brother, Leonard (Mary) Saltsman of Brighton,

See STORES, page 8

Obituary Dottie D. Phillips Age 91. Passed away peacefully Monday, April 16, 2012 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL with her family by her side. Born in Seneca, IL. She was a Dwight resident for 20 years, and a Joliet area resident since 1965. Retired from Wieboldt’s Department Store as a Department Manager after many years of service. Employed

by Uniroyal Corporation at the Joliet Arsenal. She was a member of the Women of the Moose Joliet Lodge # 300, and the Ladies Auxiliary Cantigny Post #367 for over 56 years. A volunteer at the Rialto Square Theater for over 14 years. Dottie was a die-hard Cubs fan since seeing her first game over 70 years ago. She is such a huge fan that she loved to hear, Cubs Win, Cubs Win, Cubs Win. Preceded in death by her

FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 7415500 www.fredcdames.com

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 5

Will County extends hand to homeless families Families who have lost their housing through economic hardship can find help for a variety of problems at the upcoming Families in Transition Support Day. The event is sponsored by Will County Regional Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, the Will County Regional Office

HEROIN Continued from page 1 Glasgow and Walsh will be joined by former Chicago police officer John Roberts, who lost a child to heroin abuse, and a recovering heroin addict, who will share personal stories about his or her own struggles, and the recent heroin-related deaths, overdoses, and arrests in the area.

The forum is open to teens and parents, with the hopes of “breaking the silence” on this important topic. The evening will include breakout sessions for parents to talk to the experts, and for students to talk to the recovering addict.

Representatives of the Joliet Elks Lodge #296 will provide resource materials and information about their own drug awareness program for attendees. The Elks National Drug Awareness Program is, in fact, the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the United States. Since 1982, the Elks have developed an effective, community-based drug prevention program by partnering with federal agencies including the Drug Enforcement Agency, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and national organizations such as Pride Youth Programs. These partnerships ensure the Elks Drug Awareness Program addresses the leading

of Education and the Will County Center for Community Concerns.

It will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 5 at Joliet West High School, 401 N. Larkin Ave, Joliet.

School staffers and service workers from community organizations will be on hand to inform and help families gain an

understanding of their children’s educational rights. Information about health insurance and medical care will also be provided.

Information about nutrition, credit counseling and credit rebuilding will be offered. Housing counseling and information about eligibility for rental assistance

drug abuse issues facing communities today.

Every year, the Elks Drug Awareness Program hands out more than seven million pieces of anti-drug literature to parents, teachers and kids.The brochures are primarily distributed through the program’s 90 drug education trailers, which travel to community gatherings, such as fairs and sporting events. Other educational materials offered by the program include prevention tools for parents, videos, coloring books, posters and public service announcements.

The community forum is the latest of many heroin-related informational events across the Will County community, prompted by a string of heroinrelated deaths in nearby Naperville and a growing number of incidents and arrests throughout the suburbs.

Will County officials report there were 30 heroin overdoses last year across 14 towns.

DuPage reported 59 seizures and undercover purchases in 2011.

Naperville alone had 47 heroin arrests last year.

Previous forums have been held in Naperville, Joliet, and Romeoville.

In District 202, the forum is just one of many efforts to reach students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

Recently, at Plainfield South High School, students were introduced to Josh Jahn, who lost his entire family in a 2008 car crash when a drunk driver on Rt. 47 struck his wife’s vehicle.

Middle-schoolers at Timber Ridge met with Dona Dwyer, mother of Oswego teen Mathew Franks, one of five teens who died in a drunk driving accident in 2007. He and friends had snuck out of the house to attend a party. They drank, they got in a car with a driver who had been drinking, and they crashed.

On May 1, the entire Plainfield North senior class will gather around a mock car accident, to witness firefighters, police officers and paramedics working to save the lives of some of their classmates.

Amazingly realistic, the staged wreck and ensuing rescue effort, is being displayed as part of the school’s annual “Operation Prom.” The display involves volunteers from the Plainfield Police Department, Plainfield Fire Department, Plainfield Emergency Management Agency, Plainfield Public Works, and the Will County Coroner’s office.

“Operation Prom is a program designed to shed light on the consequences of reckless driving in a very real, meaningful and powerful way,”said PNHS Catalyst coordinator Julie Adelmann.

“We want them to have remember their prom as a wonderful event in their high school lives, and not have to look back on it with sadness,” she said.

For more information on the community forum or the Operation Prom event, call PNHS Catalyst director Julie Adelmann at (815) 609-8506, or jadelman@ psd202.org

or affordable housing will also available. Story time will be provided for children and free books will be available for them to take home. Lunch will be provided.

Bringing documents such as identification cards, social security cards, medical cards

and income information may help families apply for services from participating community organizations.

To attend the Families in Transition Support Day, call Ron O’Connor, Will County Homeless Liaison, at 815-740-4787 or e-mail roconnor@willcountyillinois.com.

Page 6

Opinions

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Opinions printed on this page, whether in Letters to the Editor or in columns, are the opinions of the writer and not necessarily of this newspaper, its publishers, editor or employees.

Only editorials reflect the views of the newspaper.

Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor

Mainstreet gets Right to say no Dunkin Donuts Egg’straordinary MainStreet Plainfield had an Egg’straordinary Day! We had 611 children participating in our downtown event on Saturday, April 7th. Our 28 participating businesses also had fun seeing all the kids Hop The Bunny Trail getting a stamp from each business to end up at the Giant Easter Basket with candy-filled eggs at the Fire Station! Thank you to all our participating businesses. Breakfast & Lunch @ Larry’s Diner & Bin 48 with the Easter Bunny was a great success also!

MainStreet Plainfield would like to sincerely thank our Event Sponsors, The Enterprise Newspaper and Bill Jacobs Plainfield for their support of our event. We also would like to thank Innovative Orthodontic Centers, Summit Chiropractic, First American Bank, Sweet Pea Children’s Btq, Le Truffletier, Clean Image Car Wash,The Learning Experience, Hometown Fitness, Gourmet Junction, D’Arcy Motors, Energistics Consulting Group and Cathy’s Sweet Creations.

Thanks also to Chief Jon Stratton for the use of the Fire Station.

MainStreet Plainfield’s events continue to grow each year bringing more and more visitors to our unique downtown. We encourage everyone to tell your neighbors, friends & family to participate in our events in a safe & friendly environment for all. Girls Night Out, May 10th is next followed by the beginning of Cruise Nights starting on May 29th.

Thank you also goes out to our friends at the Crosswinds Church, especially Pastor Ken who helped to make this event the success it is. Thanks to all our volunteers who made all the kids so happy when they got so many candy-filled eggs. It took 14 people just to keep up with refilling them! For more information on our upcoming events, please contact Susan @ MainStreet Plainfield at 815 609-6130!

Susan MainStreet Plainfield

What’s on your mind?

You are invited to use the Opinions page of The Enterprise to express your opinions about matters that affect our community.

E-mail your letter to the Editorial Department at sweditor@ enterprisepublications.com; send your letter to The Enterprise, P.O. Box 1613, Plainfield, IL 60544; or drop off your letter at our office at 23856 S. Route 59. For more information, call (815) 4362431.

Letters to the editor must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number for verification purposes. Please try to limit your comments to 500 words or less. The editors reserve the right to publish, condense, revise or reject any submissions.

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If you have photos from your group’s fundraisers or events we would be glad to publish them. Please submit them to sweditor@ enterprisepublications.com. Be sure to include information about the event, such as when, why and where the photo occurred.

A 24 hour Dunkin Donuts drive through in my backyard! No thank you! Mayor Collins, and trustees need to be commended for doing the right thing this time.They voted no.The strip mall already ruined the homeowner property next door.

Trustee Margie Bonuchi wants to rubber stamp things to increase sales tax revenues was wrong this time. Next time she could be after developer fees to spend. She should of been thinking is this safe here?

Would lots of cars turning close to this corner cause more accidents? If it increases accidents we will need more ambulances, police cars, fire engines, and staff for them. Can we afford them? Wheeling, and Buffalo Grove found Milwaukee Avenue just meeting Lake-Cook Road caused too many accidents. Both villages could not afford the cost of responding to the accidents there.An overpass was built to reduce the accidents.

High morning traffic volumes,and turning traffic from Rte 59,to Rte 126 makes this a very dangerous corner for a drive through business. Cars be speeding up as cars be slowing

down. Walgreens was denied left turns across the street because it was too dangerous.

Bonuchi should also of considered would I want a 24 hour drive through ruining my historic homes backyard?

No one wanted Gas City replacing a planned entrance park. There is a Dunkin Donuts on Rte 59 just north of 135th. Most people are willing to drive a mile, or two to bring donuts to work for a coffee break.

Having two Dunkin Donuts so close together might of put both stores out of business. The original Wendy’s in Plainfield closed because their profit margin dropped too low to keep it open. Before IDOT rebuilt Rte 59 the new Wendy’s put the original one out of business!

White Castle in Plainfield could not afford to stay open 24 hours a day. I tried encouraging an old fashioned Denny’s diner like the one in Wisconsin Dells. The new Denny’s on U.S. Rte 30 was not open 24 hours when it opened.The owner asked the franchise to wait before opening another Denny’s nearby. Timing is critical to stay in

Illustrated Opinions

business. Plainfield can not support two pancake houses, I prefer Walker Brothers.

To redevelop Rte 59 vacant land near Lockport Street Historic District benefits would help. I suggested having “donut” and “coffee” shops in a building resembling Galena’s De Sota House Hotel. It would be cheap to build narrow shops along Rte 59.

The parking lots behind shops are covered by second floor deluxe De Sota House Condominiums. To attract Opera House Restaurant the ClockTower needs a parking lot.The village should consider moving the bank at Chicago Street, and Illinois Street east to Chicago Street, and Rte 59.Use the bank to anchor south end of De Sota House shops. Replace the present bank with an above ground parking lot for restaurant in Opera House. In the future build shops over a village owned underground parking lot.Developer fees could buy banks land when condominiums are sold.

Thomas D. Mooney Plainfield

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 7

From Years Past C.W. Avery Family Y to

celebrate Healthy Kids Day

Five years ago…2007 The Plainfield Central High School community was shocked by the news of the deaths of students Anthony Espositista and Joshua Ferralez, both 16.

But classmates channeled their grief into an art project to honor the best friends, buried side by side so that they could remain together in death as they had been in life.

The teens died after an April 7 car wreck in Polo, Illinois.

Ten years ago… 2002 • The longstanding border dispute between Plainfield and Oswego took a giant leap closer to an end when the Oswego Village Board voted to drop its challenge to a plan by Plainfield to add nearly 3,100 acres of Kendall County land to its facilities planning area. For nearly five years, the two villages had struggled to strike a deal establishing a mutually agreeable future growth boundary west of Plainfield in Kendall County.

• Residents of Pine Cone Woods subdivision voiced their objections to a bike trail proposed to run behind their back yards, connecting to the planned River Pointe Estates subdivision. Plainfield Park District officials said the connection to the DuPage River Trail had been in the works for 10 years. Considerable time and energy had been put into the project, which would benefit the entire community, officials said.

Fifteen years ago… 1997 • State and village officials were on hand for a ground-breaking ceremony for the first major downtown structure built in 50 years, the new Village Center building at the corner of Lockport and Des Plaines streets.

Following the ground breaking, village officials signed a lease with developer Carl Bryant, setting the stage to move village offices to the new downtown building.

• Plainfield School District 202 was considering ways to deal with increased enrollment over the next two years while reducing elementary class sizes at the same time. District administrators and the board of education were considering four options: changing attendance boundaries, moving the entire fifth-grade from Grand Prairie to Lakewood Falls, split shifts or year-round school.

Twenty years ago… 1992 • The Plainfield Village Board welcomed approximately 30 area real estate developers to a workshop session. The meeting was a result of staff discussions with developers who said they found Plainfield’s ordinances and codes too restrictive for profitable development within the village. Lyn Krause, developer of Winding Creek subdivision on Route 30 at I-55, suggested trustees consider who they would like to live in the village and compare that to what was actually being built. Developers were unanimous in their desire for smaller lot sizes as a way to keep housing in Plainfield both affordable to buyers and competitive for sellers. At that time, Plainfield’s ordinance called for minimum lots sizes of 12,000 square feet. Several developers in the audience mentioned the Riverside at Caton Farm development as an example of quality housing on small lots.

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA will celebrate Healthy Kids Day® with a free community open house from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 28, at its Plainfield location, 15120 Wallin Drive. More than 1,900 Ys across the country are taking part in this celebration, intended to kick start physical activity and learning throughout the summer.

Designed to raise awareness about the importance of establishing healthy habits in kids at a young age, this national initiative aims to encourage families to engage in a fun, active lifestyle and embrace a well-

balanced diet. As the prevalence of obesity among young children in the United States continues to rise, experts agree that children who develop healthy eating and exercise habits early in life will carry those lessons with them into adulthood.

As part of this family-focused event,residents of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in a health and wellness expo, enjoy karate and Zumba demonstrations and a performance by the Y Dance Ensemble. Representatives from the Plainfield Police and Fire Departments will also be on hand, as will the River 95.9 FM road

Ernie Banks will be featured at club’s “First Pitch Party” Exactly one year after the Will County CrackerJacks made headlines with its 2011 “LeadOff Luncheon,” which featured Chicago Cubs broadcaster Keith Moreland, the club’s “First Pitch Party” will take place on May 31, 2012 at Lewis University’s LaSalle Hall.

The “CrackerJacks First Pitch Party: An Evening with Ernie Banks” will feature Chicago Cubs legend and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Ernie Banks as the keynote speaker.

The evening will allow fans their first opportunity to meet the 2012 Will County CrackerJacks players and staff.

Banks wore number 14 for the Cubs throughout his career and is one of only six Cubs players to have their number retired by the organization (Banks’ 14, retired in 1982, was the first number to be retired by the Cubs). On March 31, 2008, a statue of Banks was unveiled outside of Wrigley Field on Clark Street.

Banks established his own charity, the Live Above and Beyond Foundation, to eliminate prejudice, support programs that enhance neighborhoods and relieve discrimination among various age groups and races. In 2008, he released a charity wine called “Ernie Banks

Will County Clerk, Nancy Schultz Voots, is hereby giving notice that on Thursday,April 19, 2012 at 9 a.m., in the Will County Clerk’s Office, a lottery will be

held to determine the order in which the major political parties will appear on the November 6th General Election ballot in Will County.The chairmen of the

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512 Chardonnay” with all of the proceeds donated to his foundation.

“The entire CrackerJacks organization would like to thank Ernie for his participation in this event,” said CrackerJacks President and General Manager Jamie Toole. “In addition, we’d like to thank the entire Chicago Cubs organization for their support of summer collegiate baseball.”

Tickets for the “CrackerJacks First Pitch Party” can be purchased through the CrackerJacks by calling (815) 704-2255 or by emailing info@ crackerjacksbaseball.com.

Lottery scheduled to determine order of political parties on November ballot

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crew. Other festivities will include kids’ games, face painting, bounce houses and exciting prizes and giveaways.

“Plainfield residents of all ages are invited to join us for this family-friendly event,”said Director of Marketing and Community Relations Carolyn Hamilton. “This is the perfect time to learn how the Y can help your family embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.”

To learn more about Healthy Kids Day at the C.W.Avery Family Y, please visit www.jolietymca. org or contact Youth and Family Coordinator Tina Lee at (815) 2678600.

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Page 8

Community Events

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

ONGOING Anything Grows Garden Club of Plainfield. 7 p.m. at Plainfield Congregational Church, 24020 W. Fraser Road. Join us for “Garden Talk.” We meet every fourth Wednesday of the month.

Guest speakers, garden projects or day trips are scheduled for every meeting. Dues are $15 for a single membership or $20 for a family membership. For more information contact Anita at awgerardy@sbcglobal.net.

Plainfield Art League Demos. Plainfield Art League holds their monthly art demo every second Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:45 p.m. in the large meeting room, downstairs at the Plainfield Public Library unless otherwise noted - please check website for details/topics.

The Plainfield Library is located on Illinois Street in downtown Plainfield. Art League demos are free and open to the public so come join us and bring a friend! For more info or to become a member, visit www. plainfieldartleague.org, email info@plainfieldartleague.org or call 815-556-9278.

Toddlin’ Twos. 10 a.m.

Thursdays at the Plainfield Public Library. This 20-minute drop-in story time is for two-year-old children with an adult caregiver.

Children will be treated to stories

STORES Continued from page 4 closures of Baci Ristorante, Magnolia Café and Finnegan’s, which was shuttered last fall after failing to pay back taxes.

Down the road at the aforementioned Baci location, a deal could be in the works that would put the village in the real estate business. The former St. Mary’s Catholic Church building could be purchased by the village and then renovated and repaired, officials said this

and finger plays.

Bounce & Tickle for Babies.

9:15 a.m.Tuesdays at the Plainfield Public Library. This drop-in group is for children aged 6-23 months with an adult caregiver.

Children will be introduced to stories, interactive songs, and finger plays. A short period of free play with educational toys will enhance socialization and fine motor skills.

Young Widows Support Group.

Meets the third Thursday of every month at varying locations in the Plainfield/Joliet area. Open to those who have lost a partner and are ready to begin healing and moving forward in life by sharing their experiences with others. Children are welcome.

For more information please contact Amanda at widowswear stilettos chicagosw@yahoo. com.

Main Street Museum. 1-4 p.m. Saturdays at the Plainfield Historical Society, 23836 W. Main St. in Plainfield. Admission is free, and group tours are available by appointment.

Current exhibits include early local history projects created by community third grade students.

Also featured are exhibits about the Civil War, Electric Park,World War One and Two, and the school band program from the 1930s forward. Call 815-436-4073 for more information.

Managing Multiples. A support group offered by Edward Hospital that is open to couples that are still expecting, parents of multiples or even parents who have one or more children who just need to get their life in order. The group will meet the second Thursday of each month from 10 – 11:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their babies. The class is free. For more information call (630) 527-5369.

Birth after cesarean. 12-2 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. meetings the first Monday of the month in Romeoville. Come for encouragement, supports, and information on planning for your next birth. Babes-in-arms are always welcome. Call Melanie in Romeoville at 253-861-5897 for more information, or e-mail VBACesarean@aol.com.

Breastfeeding support group. A free support group, offered by Edward Hospital and led by a certified Lactation Counselor, meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 11:30 – noon (following Cradle Talk).

Join other breastfeeding moms for support and to have any questions answered.

No registration

week. The hope is to make the property more appealing and put it back on the market.

The property of the former church and restaurant has been in foreclosure for more than a year due to needed repairs, mold issues and safety clauses. Previous owners of the restaurant were outspoken about its closure, saying ongoing downtown construction issues contributed to the businesses demise.

Should the village board make the deal, officials said the funds would come from the downtown TIF district, not from

taxpayers. The 5,500-squarefoot building is currently being offered at $319,000.

However, down Route 59 on the north end of Plainfield a potential deal is being postponed.

A plan that would turn the former Limestone Brewery and Restaurant into a Tommy Nevin’sowned restaurant may be on hold, as the potential residents are reporting interior damage caused by Limestone staff upon moving out of the facility.

Limestone officials have announced plans to relocate the brewpub and restaurant near Fox Valley Mall in Aurora.

required. For information and location, please call (630) 5273957.

Nurturing Mom. A free support group for new moms or moms-to-be who are experiencing emotional lows, depression, anxiety, fearful thoughts, difficulty sleeping, or other troubling behavior. Led by a licensed clinical psychologist and a therapist with extensive backgrounds in women’s services and postpartum depression, this support group meets weekly, on Thursdays from 6:30 – 7:30.

Registration is suggested. For information and location, please call (630) 527-3957.

Silent Prayer hour. The members of the St. Mary Immaculate Military Ministry invite everyone to devote an hour together to pray for the dedicated individuals who wear the uniforms of our country.

Please join us on the 3rd Friday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. in the St. Mary Immaculate

Parish Adoration Chapel for an hour of silent prayer for a soldier (or the soldier’s family). Use the North Wing entrance to the church at 15629 South Rt. 59 in Plainfield. We also invite you to submit a name (s) to be added to our prayer intention list. Please contact Maria Prekop at 312-2596851 or Ann Eckhorn at 815-2549656.

Young Widows Support Group.

Meets once per month at varying locations in the Plainfield/Joliet area. Open to those who have lost a partner and are ready to begin healing and moving forward in life by sharing their experiences with others. Children are welcome.

For more information please contact Amanda at widowswear stilettoschicagosw@yahoo.com “Going Green” Electronics Recycling Project.

In cooperation with Vintage Tech Recyclers, Wheatland Township See CALENDAR, page 21

Police and Fire

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 9

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

10

Humberto Alvarez, 44, 526 Hammond, Aurora, was arrested on April 6 at 9:57 a.m. on W. Fort Beggs Drive and S. James for driving without a valid driver’s license.

1

15 27 25

19

Michael Wegrzyn, 35, 9457 Waterfall Glen Boulevard, Darien, was arrested on April 6 at 1:55 p.m. on W. Fraser Road and S. Route 59 for DUI of alcohol.

2

6

13

5

Jamie Behun, 21, 15322 S. Poppy Lane, Plainfield, was arrested on April 8 at 12:03 a.m. on S. Joliet Road and S. Route 59 for operating a vehicle with suspended registration/no insurance.

3

24 11

Roberto Suarez, 30, 3126 Steward, Oswego, was arrested on April 8 at 10:48 a.m. on W. Lockport and S. Wallin Drive for driving with a suspended/revoked driver’s license.

17

4

9 4

14

1

Agustin Ovalle-Escareno, 22, 1110 Austin, Aurora, was arrested on April 8 at 1:30 p.m. on W. 135th and S. Route 30 for driving without a valid driver’s license.

8 7

3

18 26

5

23 21

20

2

Karly Palka, 25, 15748 S. Lamon, Oak Forest, was arrested on April 4 at 10:12 p.m. on W. 127th and S. Route 59 for DUI of alcohol.

6

12

22

16

Martin Dahl, 47, 17052 S. Arbor Creek Drive, Plainfield, was arrested on April 7 at 2 a.m. on W. Commercials and S. James for DUI of alcohol and with a blood alcohol content over .08.

7

Amber Padgen, 40, 22555 W. 143rd, Plainfield, was arrested on April 9 t 4:26 p.m. on W. Commercials and S. James for driving with a suspended/ revoked driver’s license.

8

Rick Orasco, 48, 1106 Marion Court, Shorewood, was arrested on March 24 at 3:18 a.m. on W. Main and S. Michigan for DUI of alcohol.

9

Michael Fredrickson, 23, 11721 S. Decathalon Lane, Plainfield, was arrested on March 28 at 4:58 p.m. at his residence for disorderly conduct.

10

Quentin Hanson, 20, 308 Malibu Drive, Bolingbrook, was arrested on April 8 at 1:12 a.m. on 143rd and S. Van Dyke Road for possession of less than 2.5. grams of cannabis and illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor.

11

Ryan Vota, 18, 402 N. Center, Joliet, was arrested on April 8 at 9:56 p.m. on W. Feeney Drive and Howard for possession of less than 2.5 grams of cannabis.

12

Espinoza-Barajas, 13 Carlos 25, 1439 Nicholas Drive, Bolingbrook, was arrested on April 9 at 6:54 p.m. on W. 127th and S. Naperville Road for driving with a suspended driver’s license.

Sherry Anthony, 42, 441 Lexington Drive, Romeoville, was arrested on April 10 at 7:47 p.m. on W. Lockport and S. Route 59 for a suspended/revoked driver’s license.

14

Mitchell Cruz-Monroy, 20, 469 Bradford Place, Bolingbrook, was arrested on April 11 at 8:09 a.m. on W. 119th

15

and S. Route 59 for driving with a suspended driver’s license.

Pedro Vicario, 58, 2865 32nd St., Kentwood, Mich., was arrested on April 11 at 9:55 p.m. for driving with a suspended driver’s license.

16

Michael McDougall, 21, 2405 Simon, Montgomery, was arrested on April 11 at 11:34 p.m. for possession of less than 2.5 grams of cannabis.

17

Jake Sohol, 19, 1803 Black Hill, Ridge Drive, Plainfield, was arrested on April 8 at 4:02 a.m. on 15219 S. Joliet Road for consumption of alcohol by a minor.

18

Rhodenbaugh, 32, 19 Casey 25029 W. Ambrose Road, Plainfield, was arrested on April 8 at 4:59 p.m. at 12690 S. Route 59 for an in-state warrant.

20

James Weber, 31, 1750 Plymouth Court, Wheaton, was arrested on April 9 at 7:26 p.m. on S. Drauden and W. Renwick roads for DUI.

Earl Coralluzzo, 40, 520 N.E. 46th St., Boca Raton, Fla., was arrested on April 11 at 12:47 p.m. at 14300 S. Coil Plus Drive for an in-state warrant.

21

Kevin Wade, 26, 1620 Arbor Lane, Crest Hill, was arrested on April 10 at 1:48 p.m. on S. Joliet Road and W. Renwick Road for driving with a suspended driver’s license.

Krista Robertson, 19, 1140 Preserve Ave., Naperville, was arrested on April 12 at 8:35 a.m. on W. Andrew Road and S. Route 59 for driving without of a valid driver’s license.

Emerald Rodgers, 26, 1836 Towhee Court, Joliet, was arrested on April 11 at 10:12 a.m. on S. Lily Cache Road and S. Lincoln Highway for driving without a valid driver’s license.

Sara Mayo, 19, 527 Springwood Drive, Joliet, was arrested on April 12 at 2:02 p.m. on W. Newkirk Drive and S. Route 59 for driving with a suspended/revoked driver’s license.

22

Jamie Behun, 21, 15322 S. Poppy Lane, Plainfield, was arrested on April 11 at 11:59 a.m. on S. Collins Drive and W. Renwick Road for operating a vehicle with suspended registration/no insurance.

23

24

25

26

Anthony Jamalpur, 43, 2009 Stafford, Plainfield, was arrested on March 1 at 6:36 p.m. on W. 119th and S. Route 59 for DUI with a blood alcohol content over .08.

27

MEET r u o Y MERCHANT

Page 10

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

In this issue, you will find the 2012 “Meet Your Merchant” special section to acquaint our readers with businesses in and around their town. You may find a restaurant you haven’t been to, an auto shop for a tune-up, or a dentist for a brighter smile. Please read these features and remember to shop locally. The success of our local businesses leads to the success of our local community. We want to help you use your local community newspaper to connect with your individual neighborhood and businesses.

Voyager Media Group, Inc., publish the award-winning local weekly newspapers, The Enterprise, The Shorewood Sentinel and The Bugle Newspapers which serve more than 13 communities and 4 counties in the Chicago suburbs.

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 11

Page 12

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Biggert addresses seniors on Medicare ‘myths’ at forum

By Jonathan Samples Staff Reporter

U.S.Rep.Judy Biggert (R-Hinsdale) stepped away from Washington last week to meet with her constituents in District 13 to discuss the U.S. House 2012 budget proposal.

“It’s great to be anywhere but Washington these days,” Biggert joked with a group of residents of the McKenzie Falls Senior Community last Thursday.“It’s good to have the opportunity to talk to people in the district… There’s a lot of misinformation out there, particularly about Medicare.”

Biggert gave a brief presentation about the federal deficit and the House budget proposal. After the presentation, the event took a town hall format and attendees asked the representative questions about what the House budget means for Medicare and Medicaid.

Biggert hoped to erase some of the “myths” Republicans say exist concerning the budget and what the budget calls Medicare “reforms.”

Republicans released their “Path to Prosperity” budget in March. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan penned the plan.

In addition to simplifying the tax code and increasing military spending, the budget would reform programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, in an effort to lower the deficit over the next decade.

According to the proposed budget,“For those workers currently under the age of 55, beginning in 2023, those seniors would be given a choice of private plans competing alongside the traditional fee-forservice option on a newly created Medicare Exchange.

“Medicare would provide a premium-support payment either to pay for or offset the premium of the plan chosen by the senior.”

Biggert said that people born before 1957 would not see any changes to the current Medicare structure. But during her town hall meeting, contention grew over the under-55 proposal, which many believe would force people to choose between different private insurers.

Christine Johnson,45,has worked in the healthcare industry and asked about options people under age 55 would have when deciding on health insurance. Johnson said her office preferred Medicare to private insurance.

“I worked in a nursing home for many years, and the commercial insurances were always a big problem for the patient and us,” Johnson said. “I don’t know that that’s going to be such a great idea.”

Biggert said, based on her knowledge, patients could choose between a current Medicare

option and a private company option. However, she added that the particulars are yet to be worked out.

“I don’t think those details have been developed yet,” Biggert said.

Bob O’Keefe, 58, related his experiences with Medicaid. He said he was given the option between two private insurers and described a process that was filled with uncertainty and headaches.

“The person they sent to help us couldn’t answer one question, but we had to make a choice between Aetna and Illinicare,” O’Keefe said.

“The privatizing of everything is not all that good. There’s got to be something better than what they’re doing now.”

The Medicaid reforms posted in Ryan’s Path to Prosperity budget would convert the federal share of spending into state block grants.

But some have argued that the block grant system would equate to cuts to the overall program in the long run.

“I understand they have to cut somewhere, but it depends on what they’re going to cut,” O’Keefe

said after the meeting ended.“Until they tell us exactly what they’re going to cut, it’s hard to give a real answer about how I feel.”

Biggert cautioned that the budget aims to primarily reform programs like Medicare.

“It’s not really a cut,” Biggert said.

“It’s just a change in the way that the plan works.What we talk about is to strengthen the plan and to save it, otherwise it will go broke.”

However, with a Democratcontrolled Senate, many have already written off any hopes of the budget passing. Some say it’s more about raising healthcare issues just in time for the 2012 election season.

Biggert reflected this sentiment but stressed the need for Senate budget work.

“Usually the way that the process is supposed to work is the House does a bill and the Senate does a bill on the same subject,” Biggert said.

But Johnson just isn’t convinced.

“From different things that I’ve read, I don’t think it’s going to actually happen,” she said.“It’s scary.

It’s very scary.”

The Enterprise

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 13

New-look Tigers still a force

By Scott Taylor Sports Reporter

After losing its top four pitchers and several key hitters from last year’s regional championship team, many thought this year would be the year to get to Plainfield North.

BASEBALL That hasn’t been the case though as the Tigers are 13-1 (5-1 SPC) and appear to be getting even better.

“The key has been our defense and pitching,” Plainfield North senior pitcher/third baseman Joe Cresta said. “We have some really good junior pitchers that help offset the loss of the seniors from last year. I think the pitching is really what has led us. I think we’re looking good right now.”

“We’ve pitched well and played defense for the most part,” North coach John Darlington said. “We had some timely hitting tonight. I would say our bats are a little behind our pitching and defense, but we looked good tonight.”

The team is hungry to prove that they can still do it after the loss of all the key players, especially Sean Renzi.

“We have a lot of good players and we’re playing together,” Kissel said.“We have our formula for success and we follow it.

We see ourselves as having a target on our back. We have to be ready to play every game and that’s what we’re trying to do.

We have to keep playing hard every game. We’ve played well so far and we have to keep it up.”

North lost its Southwest Prairie Conference opener this year, but has been strong since.

“I think the conference has gotten better,” Darlington said.

“You are seeing some better pitching. You also have to play three games in a row, which is tough.”

On a cold, windy day North held off Oswego East 5-4 last

Tuesday at North.

The Tigers trailed 2-0 early but scored four runs in the bottom of the third.

Kendall Interial opened it up with a single and eventually scored on a groundout by Zach Zyburt. Two batters later Colton Smith had an RBI single and that was followed by back-to-back RBI doubles to right field by Zach Trusk and Caleb Kissel to make it 4-2.

“He threw me a good pitch to hit and I wanted to jump on it,” Kissel said. “I did. I knew Joe was going to throw a good game and he did. You can never get too many runs and we saw that today.

It remained that way until Kissel was up again in the fifth when he drove home a run with a single.

“They threw a good pitcher and we had some good atbats,” Darlington said. “We hit a couple of balls down the line and got some good bounces.

That changed the game a little bit. Caleb had a good day at the plate and Joe did a good job pitching for us and he battled.

Colton Smith and Trusk had good at bats.

Cresta (3-0) gave up two runs in the sixth but held on to get the win, while Kyle Bledsoe held the lead in the seventh to pick up the save.

“I had to really get used to the cold and the wind,” Cresta said.“After the early runs I really settled in and found my stuff.

Boones (Bledsoe) has been great as our closer. I knew he was going to shut it down and save it for us.”

Corey Evak (4-0) struck out 10 over five innings in a 6-0 win over the Wolves in game two of the series. Bledsoe, Cresta and Kissel all had two hits.

North completed the sweep Thursday with another 6-0 win behind Bendan Miller’s (4-0) one-hitter.

Kissel added two more hits, giving him seven for the series. staylor@enterprisepublications.com

Scott Taylor/Enterprise staff

North’s Kyle Bledsoe picked up a save in a 5-4 win over Oswego East.

Page 14

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

South’s hot streak ends against the Indians

By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

After beating Plainfield Central to throw their hat in the ring as a player in the Southwest Prairie Conference and the area, Plainfield South dropped two games last week to quality opponents.

SOFTBALL Against Minooka, Indians crushed three home runs, accounting for all their runs, in a 4-1 win over Southwest Prairie Conference foe South last week. In fact, the Indians totaled nine hits in the game, one third of which left the yard.

Minooka pitcher Jackie Lilek held South to only four hits in the contest, two from Angelina Vargas.

“So far this year, we have been playing good,” Vargas said. “Not only offense, but defense too.

It has really been a total team effort. Me personally, when I am up there, all I am thinking is how can I help the team?”

“We have been hitting a ton and I guess that was the deal breaker today, we just didn’t hit,” said Plainfield South coach Tara Singler.“We have had a few games in the last week with 15 hits, 16 hits, 17 hits and we had four today. When we hit, we are a tough team. Minooka is always tough and we gave

them a good game.”

Jordyn Larsen opened the scoring with a solo shot in the third inning. Mikayla Melone kept it going with a screaming line drive over the right-center field fence for a two-run home run in the fourth driving in Sara Novak who reached on a single and Lilek added a home run of her own in the fifth.

Singler said while they would prefer to win, it was a good learning experience for freshman pitcher Jordan Harbacek.

“She shows a lot of composure out there,” Singler said. “I don’t think she gave up this many home runs the whole season. It is a learning experience.”

Harbacek never got away from challenging the Minooka hitters, despite the homers.

“There is no fear,” Singler said. “It wasn’t a bad game.

They came to hit and we didn’t and that was the game.They hit our best and we couldn’t hit.”

Singler feels the win over Plainfield Central and the game against Minooka still has them as a player for the SPC title at the end of the year.

“We will find out who the last one standing is at the end,” she said. “We have been on quite a ride with a nine-game win streak, but I guess they all come to an end.”

Saturday, South traveled to Downers Grove South and fell

13-3 in six innings despite a pair of RBI from Harbacek.

•North defeated Romeoville 12-2 in five innings as Tayler Weck (triple, 3 runs, RBI), Taylor Willhalm (double, run, RBI) and Kelly Kennedy (RBI) all had two hits each.

The Tigers (7-7, 3-1) are a part of a three-way tie for first in the SPC after a 5-3 win over Oswego East.

Sydney Schmittel was 3-for3 with an RBI and two runs scored and also got the win on the mound.

Caroline Roberts and Amy Cecil each had two hits.

•Central blanked Minooka 6-0 behind a complete game from Kaleigh Nagle and a pair of RBI from Kristina Shahan.

However, the Wildcats couldn’t hold off Plainfield East Thursday as the Bengals (10-7, 2-2) won 6-4 thanks to four runs in the bottom of the seventh as Annie Molek had the game-winning hit.

Michaela Schlattman was 3-for-4 with two RBI for Central (11-4, 2-2). Rachel Egly had three hits, while Morgan Vogt, Cailey Baker and Roa each had two hits.

Saturday the Bengals split with Naperville North.

In a 10-8 win Jusse Bunn was 3-for-4 and Molek got the win.

Bunn was 2-for-2 with a homer in a 13-8 loss in the second game. mark@enterprisepublications.com

Mark Gregory/Enterprise staff

Alyssa Manucci looks for a pitch to hit in South’s loss to Minooka.

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Strong week for Cougars

By Scott Taylor Sports Reporter

Plainfield South volleyball put itself into the Southwest Prairie Conference championship conversation.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL The Cougars (7-4) had an impressive week, taking down the defending conference champions Plainfield North Tuesday and rallying to beat Romeoville in three sets Thursday to improve to 3-1 in the conference.

“It’s been a nice week,” South coach Bob Majka said. “Three out of our four losses were three-game matches. We started clicking and took Minooka to three last week. We took second at St. Charles East last weekend.

It’s been nice.”

The visiting Spartans took the first set, but South responded with two strong sets for the win. It’s only SPC loss was to conference-leading Minooka, in three sets.

“I don’t know if they are used to games at 5:30, but they came out flat,” Majka said. “Romeoville took advantage of that.”

The biggest difference lately has been at the service line.

“Getting our serves over

and in (has been the biggest difference),” Majka stated. “We still had five or so errors today, but before we were having 10 or 15 service errors. We can’t do that. We’re equal with pretty much everybody.”

Having a lot of veterans, as well as a lot of height, has been a big help as well.

“We have a lot of returning players overall,” Majka said.

“We have a lot of guys with two or three years of varsity experience.They now can see (a conference title). Earlier in the year I don’t think they believed it.They know they can compete with Minooka. The tournament opened their eyes. We have a lot of height.”

•South defeated North 25-19, 25-19 last Tuesday.Tillman Hartell tallied six kills for the Cougars in the win.

Eric Rash led the Tigers with six kills, while Matt Guerrieri added 18 assists.

North rebounded well with a 25-10, 25-11 win over Plainfield East, thanks to 17 digs from Luke Wilimitis.

Guerrieri added 15 assists and four aces and Alex Robles had five kills.

•Central fell to Oswego 25-22, 25-16 despite six kills from Blake Wuestenfeld and nine assists from Cody Swanson.

BASEBALL Central defeated East 4-2 in the series opener as Tim Blake (2-0) allowed one earned run and four hits, while striking out four and Mark DeYoung got the save.

Tom Vachon went 2-for-3 with two RBI for East.

The Wildcats (10-6, 2-4) won game two as well, 5-0, as Tomas Aguilar (2-2) pitched a complete game shutout, allowing three hits.

Jack Schaks was 2-for-3 with two RBI, while Joe Sparacio had two RBI and a double for Central.

Nine second inning runs gave East (7-10, 2-4) an 11-1 win to avoid the sweep Thursday.

Three was the magic number for Vachon, who was 3-for-3 with a double and three RBI. Matt Kramer added a home run and two RBI. Brandon Cymerman (2-0) got the win, allowing two hits and one run over five innings.

Central took both games from Joliet West Saturday, winning 5-1 and 4-2.

Sparacio was 4-for-4 with three doubles in the 5-1 win, while Mike Bentson added a pair of doubles and RBI. DeYoung See WEEK, page 18

Page 15

Page 16

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Cougars struggle in second half loss

By Scott Taylor Sports Reporter

During the first half of last Thursday’s soccer game between Plainfield South and St. Charles East, South looked the part of a very good team, holding a 1-0 lead at the half.

However, things turned south in the second half and the hosts fell 3-1.

GIRLS SOCCER “We hung with them in the first and looked really good,” South coach Kevin Allen said. “We came out in the second half and we’re flat. I don’t know if we thought the match was over. When we have to rise to the challenge, our heads go down. We want to do things individually rather than as a team.”

The Cougars, who started the season 4-2 despite having just three seniors, have lost their past three games by a total of eight goals.

“They almost took it as a challenge at halftime,”Allen said of the Saints. “They decided to start playing and we couldn’t rise to the challenge. We didn’t match their intensity. It’s frustrating because we put together a complete first half for once in a while and it was good to see. To revert back to our old habits,that’s the sign of a young

team. We’re struggling to find our identity.”

Alex Truhlar gave South a 1-0 lead at the half on a shot from outside the box about 20-25 yards out that found the corner of the net. That was only a few minutes after she dribbled right through the defense but missed an open shot over the crossbar.

“She was determined and it was good to see,” Allen said of Truhlar.

“She doesn’t get too many chances going forward. She probably dribbled 30 yards and weaved through four defenders.You could tell she was determined.”

Allen knows there is still time to turn things around as they still have five of their seven conference games left.

“We still have the majority of our conference games ahead of us,” Allen said. “We can finish off 5-1 or 6-2 in conference. I think we were better than Oswego and just didn’t play well.We’re not packing it in. We’re challenging the girls to sort things out.”

•Central defeated Marian Catholic 2-1 on goals from Britney Lenza and Lauren Kulaga.

The Wildcats then lost to York 5-1 with goal coming from Shawna Watson, and 2-0 to Lincoln-Way North before tying Maine South 1-1 on a goal by Lenza. staylor@enterprisepublications.com

Scott Taylor/Enterprise staff

Alex Truhlar scored a goal in Plainfield South’s 3-1 loss to St. Charles East.

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

BASEBALL

Homers

Batting Average

Chris Tschida, JCA Dan Sullivan, Lockport Derek Bangert, Lockport Tom Vachon, Plainfield East Kevin Raher, Downers South Mario Cerda, Joliet Central

.545 .520 .500 .479 .475 .457 17 17 16 15 15

Hits Tom Vachon, Plainfield East Derek Bangert, Lockport Josh Altmann, Lockport Zach Melone, JCA

23 22 19 19

RBI Nate Searing, JCA Joe Sparacio, Plainfield Central Matt Venn, Romeoville

3 3 3

Doubles Joe Sparacio, Plainfield Central Max Gawenda, Joliet Central Derek Bangert, Lockport

12 6 6

ERA

Runs Ryan Peter, JCA Chris Tschida, JCA Steve Heffernan, Plainfield Central Tom Vachon, Plainfield East Nick Sharrow, Plainfield East

Matt Venn, Romeoville Alex Voitik, JCA Matt Kramer, Plainfield East

20 15 14

Kevin Duchene, JCA Brian Glowicki, Downers South Eric Duzan, Lockport

0.37 0.40 1.47

Wins Brian Glowicki, Downers South Nick Davito, Lockport Tomas Aguilar, Plainfield Central Kevin Duchene, JCA

4-0 3-2 3-3 3-0

Strikeouts Brian Glowicki, Downers South Kevin Duchene, JCA Tomas Aguilar, Plainfield Central Tim Blake, Plainfield Central Jim Rooks, Romeoville

48 29 26 23 22

SOFTBALL Maeve McGuire, Benet Kelli Holstine, Minooka Kendall Duffy, Benet Julianne Rurka, Benet Emily York, Benet Morgan Vogt, Plainfield Central Marissa Panko, Benet Michelle Spillman, Romeoville Stephanie Abello, Benet Cailey Baker, Plainfield Central

RBI

Runs

Batting Average

.611 .571 .547 .540 .534 .528 .500 .483 .482 .481

Maeve McGuire, Benet Kendall Duffy, Benet Stephanie Abello, Benet Marissa Panko, Benet Julianne Rurka, Benet Morgan Vogt, Plainfield Central

36 30 25 22 22 20

Hits Maeve McGuire, Benet Emily York, Benet Kendall Duffy, Benet Morgan Vogt, Plainfield Central

Page 17

33 31 29 28

Emily York, Benet Kendall Duffy, Benet Stephanie Abello, Benet Maeve McGuire, Benet

40 38 25 25

ERA Taylor Weissenhofer, Romeoville Kaleigh Nagle, Plainfield Central Jackie Lilek, Minooka Sara Novak, Minooka Carly Dundee, Lockport Jordan Harbacek, Plainfield South

1.25 1.38 1.41 1.75 1.91 2.02

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 18

WEEK Continued from page 15

BASEBALL 1. Plainfield North 2. Niles West 3. Joliet Catholic 4. Maine South 5. Downers South 6. Minooka 7. Lockport

SOFTBALL 1. Benet 2. Downers North 3. Lockport 4. Minooka 5. Downers South 6. Plainfield Central 7. Plainfield South

GIRLS SOCCER 1. Plainfield North 2. Downers South 3. Benet 4. Lockport 5. Plainfield Central 6. Maine South 7. Plainfield South

BOYS TRACK 1. Plainfield South 2. Minooka 3. Maine South 4. Niles West 5. Plainfield North 6. Joliet West 7. Benet

GIRLS TRACK 1. Minooka 2. Plainfield North 3. Downers South 4. Downers North 5. Bolingbrook 6. Lockport 7. Niles West Rankings are compiled by Mark Gregory and Scott Taylor.

got the win, going five innings, allowing one earned run on two hits.

Anthony Cunniff hit a homer in the second game.

East split a doubleheader with Lincoln-Way West. Vachon had four RBI in the first game, while Mike Rogala was 3-for-4 with three RBI in the second game. •South (10-5, 5-1) took two of three from Minooka, including a 14-3 win in the finale.

Enrique Perez got the win on the mound.

TENNIS North fell to Oswego 5-2, despite a win from the No. 1 doubles team of Zaid Esaak and Eric Lavin 6-4, 6-3.

The Tigers then beat Minooka 5-2. Winners were Keegan O’Leary at No. 1 singles, Grant Kramer at No. 3 singles, Esaak and Lavin at No. 1 doubles, Puneeth Kodavatiganti and Max Mancini at No. 2 doubles and Ryan Holt and Kyle Chynoweth at No. 3.

South edged East 4-3 as the Cougars got wins from Austin Robinson, Tim Wyland and Axel Boada in singles and Rich Hamilton and Brian Ward in doubles.

The Bengals got wins from Jake Rappe and Matt Orton, Tyler Mayerhofer and J.A. Banez and Jason Barnedo and Javier Suarez.

GIRLS TRACK East competed at the Schaumburg Invite.

Wins went to Mikaela Manson in the high jump and Gabby Williams in the shot put, while WIlliams was second in the discus.

North was second at the Hinsdale Central Invite with 106 points.The hosts won with 114.

First place finishers were Tiffany Wayne in the shot put (36-01), Jaclyn Aremka in the high jump (5-6), the 1,600 relay :4:07.69, the 800 relay (1:46.66), the 400 relay (49.24) and Cessily Jones in the 100 (12.09) and 200 (25.39). staylor@enterprisepublications.com

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 19

Speedway offers more than fast cars

By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

When most people think of Chicagoland Speedway, the first thing that comes to mind is fast cars making left turns.

While that is the main attraction of the Joliet-based race track, there are several events held there every year that help the community.

For instance,on Saturday,March 31, Chicagoland Speedway held its first ever “Easter Egg Dash” to benefit Easter Seals Joliet Region.

For a suggested $10 donation, fans had access to the infield, media center and Gatorade Victory Lane while visiting with the Easter Bunny and Chicagoland Speedway Mascot, Dash.

Visitors had the opportunity to take pictures in Gatorade Victory Lane with Dash and the Easter Bunny, as well as the chance to participate in Easter Egg Hunts.

Children from ages 1-12 picked up more than 5,000 eggs from various locations in the infield throughout the day. Kids also had the chance to perform arts and craft activities in the media center.

“First and foremost, I want to thank our fans for coming out on a chilly morning to support us and Easter Seals,” said Chicagoland Speedway president Scott Paddock. “The generosity from those who participated resulted in over $2,700 being raised for charity, and we hope to continue the tradition of celebrating the Easter holiday with our fans in a fun way that also benefits the local community.”

Another event the Speedway is involved with is an Arbor Day tree

Submitted photo

Members of Chicagoland Speedway pose with the Easter bunny and Dash the track mascot.

planting. In support of NASCAR’s Green Clean Air initiative, 70 trees will be planted throughout Joliet and Will County.

On April 26, Paddock will join Joliet city officials and students from River View Elementary in a ceremonial tree planting.

“At a time when budgets are tight and our ash trees are being destroyed by the Emerald Ash Borer, we are extremely appreciative of the donation of 70 trees to our city forest,” said Rita Renwick,Chairperson for the City of Joliet Tree Advisory Board.

“The planting of trees at River View School, in commemoration of Arbor Day, is a fine example of a cooperative partnership and is, literally, a breath of fresh air for the City of Joliet.These trees will improve our neighborhoods by producing oxygen and keeping our air clean.The gift of trees will

benefit our citizens far into the future.”

The ceremony, to be held at River View Elementary school, is part of a NASCAR program to help capture carbon emissions produced by racing. Chicagoland Speedway, one of the first 11 tracks to participate in the project in 2009, has worked on the NASCAR Green Clean Air initiative for the past four years.

“Like any organization and as citizens of the world, we are well aware of our responsibilities to help protect our environment,” Paddock said. “Through our collective efforts in conjunction with the Forest Preserve of Will County, we are celebrating April Earth Month by making a positive environmental impact and giving back to our local community.”

• Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway employees

will also volunteer with the Forest Preserve District of Will County on Saturday, April 21 for a Community Work Day. Participants will assist in various trail maintenance, including brush removal and wood chipping, to celebrate Earth Day Weekend. The contributions will benefit native plants and wildlife, in addition to preparing the district for its annual family bicycle ride in May. Further supporting the Forest Preserve of Will County and Earth Month, Chicagoland Speedway will donate $5 from every NASCAR event ticket purchased from Sunday, April 22 to Saturday, April 28 to the Forest Preserve of Will County. Fans must use the promo code EARTHDAY2012.

To purchase tickets, visit www.

ChicagolandSpeedway.com or call (888) 629-RACE.

Morels are one of the best tasting edible wild mushrooms. And the best part is, they’re free!

Dan Stefanich In Will County, the grey morels have been popping for about three weeks. The yellow morels are just now starting to pop. We have been finding a lot of them in swampy stands of cottonwoods, mostly at the bottom of the hills on the south or east facing slope.

The rise in temperature will help, but we definitely need some rain to really get them popping.

For the amateur mushroom hunters, good luck. First challenge is finding where they grow.

The next challenge is finding where they grow, that no one else knows about. Mushroom hunting can be very serious to some folks, some families even pass down their favorite spots through generations, and swear each other to secrecy. So if you find morels, it’s ok to say that you found some. You just might want to think twice before you tell anyone where.

• All ‘shroomers have different opinions on the best place to find morels. Here is what I have heard over the years – old apple orchards, dead elms or old stands of elm trees, near large cottonwood trees, wet or “swampy” areas, near cat tails, and field edges. The list goes on. You just need to get out in the woods and be persistent.

• In Northern Illinois, morels start popping around mid to end of April and will continue until about the second week of May, depending upon weather.

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Take 5

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

H o ro s c o p e s

Across 1 People person 6 Throw for a loop 10 Crew cut’s opposite 14 Good on one’s feet 15 In __ of: as a substitute for 16 Ring out 17 Woods has often been atop it 20 Mass. hours 21 Food with a Veterinary Formula 22 Ungentle giants 23 Cilantro, e.g.

24 Word on some euros 26 Hold one’s nose, perhaps 31 Power strip inserts 32 It may be promised 33 Dedicated work 35 Justice appointed after Clarence 36 Religiously devoted 38 Go up the creek without a paddle?

39 Doggy bag item 40 She had a big hit

Frustrations outflank your fantasies. Right now, it seems that you can’t achieve a compromise or come to an agreement. In the week ahead, take stock of what it is that you want and let that come first.

Accept responsibilities and don’t avoid unpleasant tasks.

Once the worst is over in the first half of the week, everything gets better. Double check your alarm clock, as lateness could earn black marks.

Speaking to a brick wall only causes echoes. A lack of understanding could block agreement. Wait until later in the week to make a presentation, discuss plans, or to talk over an important situation.

Don’t make waves.

Bite back a tendency to criticize - and remember that no one likes to hear, “I told you so.” In the first part of the week, your ability to influence and charm a partner hits a low point.

The week may start off on a sour note, but sweet things may come your way by the end of it. Don’t fight the current; hold off on key decisions and negotiations for several days. Patience will pay off.

Never prepare to sunbathe on a cloudy day. Maintain a low profile for the next few days when it is likely that worries will obscure happiness and aggravations seem to be magnified. Watch your pennies this week.

You might feel like a rat in a maze. When you try to find the prize, you end up running into dead ends. It is wisest to wait until late in the week to make major decisions or changes; avoid unpredictability.

You can’t make hay on a rainy day. Your judgment could be skewed in the first part of the week, so hold off on making key decisions or finalizing important deals.

Attend to pressing obligations.

Keep a lid on it. In the week ahead, don’t join a chorus of criticisms just to seem agreeable to your companions. You could be left in an awkward position when opinions shift.

While it is admirable to be a model of efficiency, don’t micromanage every detail. This isn’t the right time to offer criticism, as others will take it the wrong way. Hold off decisions until midweek.

Don’t make mountains out of molehills. In the early part of the week, don’t draw attention to your own shortcomings or mistakes, or find fault with others because it may cause further problems.

The week ahead holds some surprises. You might find people to be a bit difficult to deal with in the first half of the week - and unpredictable in the second. Don’t make changes in your banking habits.

Down with “Thank You” in 2001 41 Prepares, as a hook 42 They’re fun to jump in 46 Ben-Gurion airline 47 Toll-road toll unit 48 Talk Like a Pirate Day cry 51 Thrift store stipulation 52 Counterterrorism org.

55 Pet owner’s bane, and a hint to what’s hidden in 17-, 26and 42-Across 59 Case the joint, say 60 Plant used for first aid 61 Blair’s predecessor 62 Tool used to create 42-Across 63 “__ of Steel”: ‘80s workout video 64 Sudden increase

1 Hamster’s home 2 Prima donnas have big ones 3 Happy tune 4 Will Ferrell holiday comedy 5 Personal theology elements 6 Burn a dessert on purpose?

7 Helps out 8 End of a common list 9 It’s W of the Urals 10 Orbital high point 11 More than just butterflies 12 “Still mooing,” at a steakhouse 13 Bygone automaker 18 Banjoist Scruggs 19 Watching the clock, perhaps 23 Above the strike zone 24 Biblical birthright seller 25 Getaway spots 26 Suck down 27 __-frutti 28 Hard to get close to 29 “Yikes!”

30 Puts in a good word?

31 Debate side 34 Miami couple?

36 City on the Arno 37 1-Across, usually 38 Word processing command 40 Indian metropolis 41 Aromatic firs 43 Emissary 44 Misses 45 Escape hatch, e.g.

48 Way, way off 49 Jessica of “Fantastic Four” 50 Stink to high heaven 51 Long, long time 52 Pacific archipelago 53 Volume 54 Memo header 56 Catch redhanded 57 Fever cause 58 Suds source

SUDOKU

©2012 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

Previous puzzle ’s answers

Previous puzzle ’s answers

Previous puzzle ’s answers

Jumbles: • LOG • WANT • FAME • SIZE

Answer:

What happened when the eagle stole the man’s watch?

-- TIME FLEW

TOP POP ALBUMS April 1 through April 7 TITLE

ARTIST

MNDA Tuskegee

Madonna Lionel Richie

21 Amaryllis The Hunger Games Up All Night Teenage Dream Vulnerable

Adele Shinedown Soundtrack One Direction Katy Perry

Wrecking Ball Now 41:That’s What I Call Music

TOP DVD RENTALS April 1 through April 7

TOP COUNTRY ALBUMS April 1 through April 7

The Used Bruce Springsteen Various artists

TITLE

Tuskegee Tailgates & Tanlines Clear as Day My Kinda Party Chief Own the Night Red River Blue Four the Record Halfway to Heaven The Band Perry

ARTIST

Lionel Richie Luke Bryan Scotty McCreery Jason Aldean Eric Church Lady Antebellum Blake Shelton Miranda Lambert Brantley Gilbert the Band Perry

TITLE

LABEL

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1

Summit Entertainment

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Puss in Boots

Columbia Pictures Paramount Pictures

The Muppets Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

The Adventures of Tintin Footloose Immortals Lady and the Tramp Hugo

Walt Disney Pictures 20th Century Fox Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Universal Pictures Walt Disney Studios GK Films

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

CALENDAR Continued from page 8 will continue its recycling of electronic equipment for township residents. All equipment received will be fully processed and recycled with a Zero-Tolerance for landfill policy adopted by the recycling company.

Equipment that can be dropped off includes: Computers, Monitors, Memory Sticks, Printer Cartridges, Laptops and accessories, Hard Drives, Power Cables, Network Equipment, Fax Machines, Photocopiers and Cell Phones.

If you have any other items of question, please call us to see if they will be accepted. All items can be dropped off at the Township office, 31 W 236 91st St. in Naperville, Monday thru Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, contact Jay Madalon at (630) 851-3952 or e-mail to: JayM@ WheatlandTownship.com.

Friday Night at Live 59. Every Friday, doors open at 10 p.m. and close at 2 a.m. FNL is an after the work week social mixer with live bands and comedy. There will be a $10 cover at the door, and early arrival is suggested to guarantee seating.

APRIL 21 Apple Tree Preschool Children’s Resale Event. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Plainfield Congregational Church of Christ at the corner of Rt. 59 and Fraser Rd. in Plainfield. Featuring toys, clothing for infants up to size 10, furniture and much more.

Proceeds to support Apple Tree programs and scholarship funds.

Earth Day Family Fun. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Plainfield

Library. Drop in for family fun with games, edible nests, storytime, art, and crafts. Bring gently-used prom dresses, dead batteries, ink cartridges, U.S. flags, eyeglasses, and cell phones to the lower level lobby for recycling, and get ideas from Will County’s Environmental Educator Wyn Hyzer on how to help our planet.

APRIL 22 CPR/First Aid for family and friends. 1-4:30 p.m. at the Edward Hospital Education Center, third floor. This videobased classroom course teaches adult Hands-Only CPR and AED use, Child CPR and AED use, Infant CPR, and how to relieve choking in an adult, child, or infant. This is not a certification course. Cost is $10 per person. Register by calling 630-527-6363.

APRIL 23 Tax news you can use. 7-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library. Meet Plainfield Township Tax Assessor, Erin Kljaich, and find out how to save money on property taxes. Find out the best time to protest your tax bill, how to qualify for exemptions, and the current state of the township’s property values. Sign up for this program at http://plainfield.lib. il.us.

APRIL 24 Mythology Madness. 5-6 p.m. at the Plainfield Library.

Have fun learning about Greek mythology and making a Pegasus craft. For grades 3-6. Registration is required. Sign up for this program at http://plainfield.lib. il.us.

Financial Recovery. 7-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Library. Learn the steps involved to recover financially and rebuild credit after experiencing a financial crisis

such as bankruptcy, extreme credit card debt, or foreclosure.

Sign up for this program at http://plainfield.lib.il.us.

APRIL 25 CPR Heartsaver AED. 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Edward Hospital Education Center.

Classroom-based, video-driven course led by an AHA Heartsaver of Basic Life Support instructor.

Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students received a course completion card, valid for two years. Register by calling 630-527-6363.

WYSK Lucheon. 11:30 a.m.

– 1 p.m. at Tamarack Golf Club, 24032 Royal Worlington Drive, Naperville. Registration from will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Lunch will be from 12 to 1 p.m. Make your reservations with the Plainfield Chamber office at 815-436-4431 or via e-mail at pacc@plainfieldchamber.com.

Luncheon topic and speaker are to be determined.

Budgets for life. 7-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Library. Put yourself on a financial plan to help save money for the future or live within your income. Key parts of a budget will be explained along with important, oftenmissed deductions. Sign up for this program at http://plainfield. lib.il.us.

Friends of the Library meeting. 7-9 p.m. at the Plainfield Library. The Friends of the Library meet to plan events and programs in support of the Library. Join other communityminded citizens in this volunteer group.

APRIL 26 Keep it Safe. 10-11 a.m. at the Plainfield Public Library. How safe is your financial information

online?All of consumer protection will be covered, including identity theft, internet safety, unexpected disasters, and insurance. Sign up for this program at http:// plainfield.lib.il.us.

Annual Poetry Slam. 7-8:30 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library. The annual poetry slam for middle and high school teens is the opportunity to read your original work and receive prizes for the entries sent into the poetry contest. Friends and family are welcome.

APRIL 27 Teen Gaming Tournament.

5-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library. Gamers unite at this tournament for middle at high school students. Pizza and refreshments will be served.

Participants must be registered, have a signed parent permission form, and arrive at the library before it closes at 5 p.m.

Attendees must be in grades 6-12. Sign up for this program at http://plainfield.lib.il.us.

APRIL 28 Craft extravaganza. 10 a.m.

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to noon at the Plainfield Library.

Drop-in and make a craft to celebrate spring in the storytime room.

El Dia de los ninos. 3-4 p.m. at the Plainfield Library.

Come to a cultural celebration for storytime, crafts, songs, a cultural showcase, snacks, and a piñata. Sign up for this program at http://plainfield.lib.il.us.

Spring Clothing Drive.

3:30 – 7 p.m. at the St. Mary Immaculate Parish, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield. Start bagging your unwanted clothes now. Your donation goes to the St Vincent De Paul Society and will take place after Masses the weekend of April 28 and 29.

APRIL 29 Spring Clothing Drive. 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the St. Mary Immaculate Parish, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield. Start bagging your unwanted clothes now. Your donation goes to the St Vincent De Paul Society and will take place after Masses the weekend of April 28 and 29.

Page 22

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Business & Real Estate

Submitted Photo

Rep. Tom Cross presents the Ovation to Business award to Signs by Tomorrow owners and staff in Plainfield Wednesday. From left to right are Jen Dylik, Rep. Cross, Jodi Murray, Jim Murray, Brian Hopkins, Lee Thompson, and Avelino Vela.

Rep. Cross’ Ovation to Business Award goes to Signs

by Tomorrow of Plainfield Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and his Ovation to Business Advisory Committee presented the Ovation to Business award to Signs By Tomorrow in Plainfield recently for continued growth over five years in business and for going above and beyond in their dedication to community service.

“Jodi and Jim Murray are much more than just dedicated small business owners, they are model citizens and ambassadors of goodwill within the community,” said Cross. “As an example, Jodi and Jim’s business provides the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties with free signage for all of their events.”

Signs By Tomorrow is located at 16200 S. Lincoln Highway in Plainfield.The business provides

signs, graphics and large format printing for a variety of clients.

Owners Jodi and Jim Murray are actively involved with the Plainfield, Joliet and Shorewood Chambers of Commerce. Signs

By Tomorrow was nominated for Small Business of the Year by the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce. The Murrays are also active with the Will County Center for Economic Development, the United Way of Will County, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

“Receiving this award is truly a privilege. We’re a small business, and all the work we do in the community is something we do because we believe in giving back, not for any kind of recognition,” said Jodi Murray.

“We are honored to accept the Ovation to Business Award from Representative Cross.”

Rep. Cross is currently accepting nominations for future recipients of the Ovation to Business Award. You can find and submit the application form on Rep. Cross’ website, www. tomcross.com.

You can nominate a small, medium or large business in the 84th district that is sustaining or growing jobs as well as involved in community service. Not-forprofit organizations are also eligible for nomination. If you have any questions, please call Lois Maguire at (815) 254-0000.

Cross’ Ovation to Business Advisory Committee will review the applications and make award recipient recommendations.

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

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Seniors

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Building up your retirement confidence

By Jill Schlesinger Tribune Media Services

The Great Recession of 200809 blew up many a retirement plan, and now we have the data to prove it and finally understand just how damaging the boom and bust cycle has been. The Employment Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) Retirement Confidence Survey was published this month and the news is grim.

How could it not be? For the last 15 years, far too many Americans jumped from one asset bubble (rising stocks in the late 1990s into early 2000) to another (real estate from 2000-06), hoping that the increasing value of the asset would do the work to fund retirement, instead of relying on boring old savings. I can recount dozens of conversations with former clients who said some variation of, “Why do I need to save so much if I keep earning 12 percent a year on my retirement funds?” or “I’ll just sell my house and use the equity for retirement.” It was a hard sell to convince these folks that saving

was a more reliable way to reach their retirement goals.

The problem was that the two asset bubbles made many people lazy. Americans went from a personal savings rate of about 8 percent in 1985, down to 1.5 percent in 2005, back to 4.6 percent today. The combination of a falling savings rate and two bubbles bursting has put many in a precarious state as they approach retirement.

According to EBRI, Americans’ confidence in their ability to retire comfortably is at historically low levels. Just 14 percent are very confident they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. Part of the reason why confidence plunged is because the Great Recession decimated asset values so severely. Household net worth still remains seven percent below where it was in July 2006, the peak of the nation’s housing bubble. But an equally significant impediment to a healthy retirement is the weak labor market. Forty-two percent of those surveyed said job uncertainty is the most

pressing financial issue facing most Americans today.

Without income from a job, retirement account values remain stagnant, and households are forced to spend savings, which have been depleted over the past five years. In fact, 60 percent of workers report that the total value of their household’s savings and investments, excluding the value of their primary home and any defined benefit plans, is less than $25,000.

With such a low level of savings, 25 percent of workers have changed their expectations about when they might stop working. In 1991, 11 percent of workers said they expected to retire after age 65; and now in 2012 that number has grown to 37 percent. Most experts believe that the number of people who will continue to work throughout their 60s will increase dramatically.

There is one major risk that arises with the “I’ll just keep working” retirement plan: What if you can’t keep working, either because your job doesn’t exist or because you physically aren’t

Downsizing house to get out of debt a good idea?

Dear Dave, Is it ever a good idea to sell your home and buy a smaller, less expensive one in order to get out of debt more quickly?

Autumn Dear Autumn, It’s a good idea in some situations. If you don’t really like the house, or maybe you

were thinking about selling it anyway, then I’d say go for it.

It would also be a smart move if you simply have too much house and the payments are eating you alive.

I usually recommend that your monthly mortgage payment or rent be no more than 25 percent of your take-home pay. If your house payments are taking 40 to 50 percent of this figure, then it’s time to unload the house.

But selling your home can be a tough thing emotionally. I’d never advise someone to sell

the place they love and move down in house if their payment is reasonable. In these situations there are usually other areas where you can cut back, keep your home, and still get out of debt in a reasonable amount of time.

—Dave

able to? Half of the current retirees surveyed say they left the workforce unexpectedly due to health problems, disability or changes at their employer, such as downsizing or closure.

These statistics point to an obvious solution: save more as quickly as you can. How much more? That depends on your specific circumstances. As I noted in a recent article (“What’s your retirement number?”), EBRI has a terrific calculator called the “Choose to Save Ballpark E$timate,” which should help the 56 percent of workers who have not tried to calculate how much money they will need to have saved by the time they retire in order to live comfortably in retirement.

There aren’t a lot of easy

answers, but I have seen great progress when retirees and nearretirees focus on the parts of their financial lives over which they exert control - their expenses.

For many, this may mean downsizing, while for others, it may mean reducing spending on everyday discretionary items or accelerating debt pay-down. It’s never too late to start building your retirement confidence.

(Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is the Editorat-Large for www.CBSMoneyWatch. com. She covers the economy, markets, investing or anything else with a dollar sign on her podcast and blog, Jill on Money, as well as on television and radio. She welcomes comments and questions at askjill@moneywatch. com.)

(c) 2012 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012

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The Enterprise, Thursday, April 19, 2012