Enterprise 5-10-12 by Bugle, Sentinel & Enterprise Newspapers

Community rallies to save Baby Alexandria. See page 3. SPORTS Sparacio tearing it up on the diamond

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SCHOOLS State Rep. Cross plans events for kids, job seekers PAGE 5

T HE ENTERPRISE Your Complete Source For Plainfield News Since 1887

Volume 124 No. 40

www.enterprisepublications.com

Serving Will and Kendall counties

28 pages

THE EVOLUTION OF BUSINESS BUSINESS EVOLUTION CENTER SEES LARGE INCREASE IN LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

Village Hall is busting at the seams with local entrepreneurs. These business tenants are taking advantage of a new village program designed to give home-based companies a boost by providing affordable downtown office space. The Business Evolution Center, housed in Village Hall, was created in January after staff cutbacks left an empty space in a once-full building. Village officials made the decision to lease cubicles in the 4,000 square-foot space to residents with small upstart businesses who are looking for a professional space at a low cost. For about $100 a month, small business owners now call Village Hall’s Business Evolution Center home. They share amenities, including a copy machine, a conference room, parking area and a distinctively convenient downtown address. One such tenant is the Will County

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CrackerJacks, a semi-professional baseball team that needed temporary space for six employees.The company moved in during the first part of February. “The Business Evolution Center has been a great fit for our company, as we are a start-up organization,” James Toole, president and general manager of the team, said. The Will County CrackerJacks is a summer collegiate baseball club and member of the Midwest Collegiate League. Formed in 2011, the CrackerJacks recruit current collegiate baseball players from across the country with a focus on the Chicago region and Will County in particular. Players participate in league play and the Midwest Collegiate League playoffs to crown the annual Midwest Collegiate League Champions, an honor the CrackerJacks won in its inaugural season. All front office work is coordinated through the Plainfield Evolution Center See EVOLUTION, page 2

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The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

Library to host neighborhood garage sale, vendor market By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

If you are looking to get rid of your clutter and make some extra cash, a garage sale might be a good option. But if you don’t want the mess in your driveway, look no further than the Community Garage Sale and Vendor Market to be held May 19 at the Plainfield Public Library. According to coordinator Barbara Ebeling, Friends of the Plainfield Library will host the event. Proceeds are being used to help support the Summer Reading program, which involves more than 2,500 children, teens and adults. “This includes packets of materials to entice reading,awards for reading library prescribed reading requirements like 800 pages for adults or 500 pages for teens, and materials for program

EVOLUTION Continued from page 1 location, including ticket sales, publicity, marketing and more. “The ability to offer combined resources such as office space, meeting space, telephone and internet access makes the Evolution Center extremely appealing to new businesses,” Toole said. A neighbor to the CrackJacks is Victoria Huff-O’Bryan, who heads up Home Helpers Caregiving Services, a private duty care service for residents of Plainfield, Naperville and Aurora. For her, visibility was a key component of her choice of the Evolution Center because she is trying to let more people know of the varied services her company provides. “The increased awareness of Home Helpers Caregiving Services within our village, especially among those who have offices in the building and the credibility the location address adds to our business are reasons why we chose the center,” she said. The company provides athome care to people of different ages, extending a helpful hand to seniors, new moms, people recuperating from surgery, and those requiring more continuous care for autism or Alzheimer’s disease. The varieties of care offered means there are a lot of different caregivers on staff. Although Huff-O’Bryan didn’t need a big office, she didn’t want a home office either. “Plainfield’s Business Evolution Center is conveniently located and affordable,” she said. “The availability of the conference room for our caregiver meetings is extremely valuable.” Value was the plan all along, village official Michael Garrigan said. He acts as landlord of the

leaders,” she said. “In addition, we have committed to assist the library in getting some tables and chairs for the newly renovated meeting room. The tables and chairs are such that they allow the library to easily reconfigure the meeting room for different purposes.” Despite bad weather last year, the group was able to earn enough money for the library to purchase a heavy duty, large format scanner for use by the public and a large format poster printer. The Garage Sale and Vendor Market has evolved over the last four years, Ebeling said. “Initially it was a flea market,” she said.“Each year as we received feedback from our participants both guest to the event and vendors and flea market sellers we have tried to refine it to meet community and participant interests and needs.

“We found that some people do not want to have a garage sale at their home,” she said. As a result the idea of a community garage sale was born. “We also learned that true artists and crafters do not appreciate the competition of vendors of commercially produced products,” she said. So, as Ebeling explained, they combined them, and the idea seems to be working. As of May 4, the group had 18 different vendors and eight garage sale sites sold. In addition to the sale participants, the Radio Shopping Show will be on hand. Guests can order and pick up their discount coupons for product, services and entertainment activities they have purchased. Another group that will be on hand is the Gray Hound

space. “We offer a good location, dedicated entrance, parking and professional environment designed for residents who are looking to get started in their business,” Garrigan said. That jumpstart, Garrigan added, will hopefully turn into

an extended presence within the village, as the businesses grow and move into larger spaces throughout the Plainfield community. Anyone interested in renting space in the Business Evolution Center can contact Garrigan directly at 815-439-2825.

See MARKET, page 3

News

The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

Community rallies to save Baby Alexandria By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

Neighbors, friends and family of a young Plainfield resident are coming together to raise funds for her fight with cancer. Little Alexandria Stojanov, just two years old, is fighting Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma,a brain tumor that is robbing the little girl of her precious infancy.To date,Alexandria has suffered and survived 11 brain surgeries, two strokes, six seizures and undergone six months of chemotherapy. Despite this trial, friends of the family say the tumor still is causing serious risk for further strokes and complications. Born inApril 2010,Alexandria was diagnosed with the tumor when she was 10 months old, and it’s still growing after several surgeries. She had her tenth surgery on March 12,

MARKET Continued from page 2 Rescue Organization, showcasing some of their adoptees. Vendors and garage sale participants can purchase a 10foot by 10-foot vendor site, which cost $40 each. The garage sale

during which time doctors removed 85 percent of the tumor. The hope was that enough had been removed to implant radiation seeds. Doctors removed as much as they could without disturbing the optic nerves and pituitary gland, but not enough to proceed with implantation. Alexandria will continue with intense chemotherapy treatments. “Last summer she laughed, ran, and giggled,” said friend Jennifer Hudetz. “Now she’s beginning to recover from the last severe stroke, and she lay in bed and is spoon fed water and baby food. She certainly has a long road to recovery.” Hudetz said that doctors have told the family that Alexandria is blind and deaf,but should the tumor shrink, there is a possibility that her hearing and eyesight could return. Friends say they are praying for this outcome.

To help the family in its fight to save Alexandria, Hudetz and other friends are hosting a benefit from 5 to 11 p.m. on June 2 at Katie O’Connors Pub, 13717 U.S. Route 30, Plainfield.The night will be filled with raffles, a silent auction, live music, food and drink. It is open to adults 21 and older, and $30 advance tickets include food and drinks (non-alcoholic, draft beer and wine) plus five raffle tickets. Cost at the door will be $35. Payments for entry and additional donation checks should be made payable to: The Benefit of Alexandria Stojanov c/o Jennifer Hudetz 16327 Lewood Drive Plainfield, IL 60586 Monetary Donations also can be made online at www.wepay.com/ alexandria

sites cost $15. Space registration money is donated to the library. “The money earned by the vendor or garage sale participant for the sale of their products is totally kept by them,” she said. Site application can be obtained by calling Ebeling at 815-439-8184 or e-mailing her at cbarbaral@aol. com.Both vendors and garage sale participants can register as late as

two days before the event, but Ebeling said that vendors should contact her as soon as possible to check that their product is not already registered. The sale is one of three fundraisers that the Friends of the Library hosts each year. The other two events are the annual August Used Book Sale and the September Art and Craft Fair.

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Find Us! The Bugle Newspapers

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The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

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Greens for Green

Rotary to host golf outing in June By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

The Rotary Club of Plainfield is teeing up its fundraising efforts with a golf outing and dinner to be held in June. The 2012 Plainfield Rotary golf event will hit the links on June 13 at Whitetail Ridge Golf Club in Yorkville. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at noon. The outing costs $125 and includes a Mulligan lunch, two drink tickets, 18 holes of golf

with a cart and a steak dinner. For $40 attendees can have dinner but golf is not included. A foursome costs $450. Prizes will be awarded for longest drive, closest to tee and the winning foursome. There will also be a hole-inone bounty of $1,000. Rotary secretary and event planner Sandy Fernandes said the group hopes to raise up to $10,000 at the event for various club initiatives. Rotary International is best known for its ongoing efforts

to halt the spread of the polio virus. Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan are currently the last three remaining endemic countries that continue to export the virus to polio-free areas, Rotary officials say. Rotarians also support community service projects closer to home through grants and monetary awards. Ambassadorial scholarships are awarded to undergraduate or graduate students studying at an international university, and World Peace Fellowships

are presented to mid- and upper-level professionals seeking to promote peace and international service through a university in Bangkok. A similar fellowship opportunity is awarded by Rotarians to graduate students studying international cooperation and conflict resolution across the world. The fellowship is available to students at universities in California, North Carolina, The United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and Brazil. Sponsorships also are

available at a variety of levels. Gold—Cost is $500 and includes tickets for four golfers and a tee sponsorship sign; Silver—Cost is $300 and includes tickets for two golfers and tee sponsorship sign; and Platinum—Cost is $100 and includes tee sponsorship sign, without golf. Other sponsorship opportunities remain available. Register on line at www.rotaryplainfieldil.org or contact Fernandes at 815-4092282.

State Rep. Cross plans events for kids, job seekers By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

State Rep. Tom Cross is pulling out all the stops for two upcoming community events. On Saturday June 2, Cross plays host to kids at the 2012 Kids Fair, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Troy Middle School. This free event boasts a reptile show at 10 a.m., as well as ongoing demonstrations by the Illinois Dance Academy, GymQuest/Dance quest of Plainfield, ATL Youth Sports, and the Starr Dance Studio. The Joliet Police K-9 Unit will be on hand, as well as a host of the biggest vehicles the Plainfield area has to offer, from a Lifestar Medical Helicopter to dump trucks, cement mixer trucks, a bucket truck and many more. All the trucks are ready for hands-on

exploration at the Touch-A-Truck area. A rollover simulator will be demonstrated every 45 minutes, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Even an Indy Pace car and an ILEAS armored vehicle will be available to climb and view. More than 60 local groups, organizations and businesses from Plainfield, Shorewood, and Joliet will be participating in this unique family event. Admission is free, as are refreshments and giveaways. Later in the month, attention turns to an older generation, as Cross hosts a job fair from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, June 28 at Plainfield North High School. Cross is encouraging businesses to participate with free space at the event, but reservations are required. Please call Julie Roseberry at 815-464-9908 to book a spot.

Cross has been an outspoken critic of Illinois’ financial decisions, claiming tax increases on both families and Illinois businesses have left the state in economic distress. Cross said promises that that a January 2011 tax increase would reduce the backlog of bills and prevent layoffs were not fulfilled. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security Illinois’ backlog of bills remained at around $7 billion this spring, and unemployment rose from 9.1 percent in November 2010 to 10 percent in November 2011, the latest available figures. “Obviously, the tax increase was not the solution to our financial crisis. As we warned time and time again, without controlled spending, and the enactment of meaningful structural reforms to our budget,

we are simply pouring more money into a bottomless pit,” said Cross. Cross recently introduced legislation designed to rollback the corporate tax to spur jobs, but such reforms have been slow

in coming. “It’s frustrating for the taxpayers who are being forced to live with less,” said Cross. For more information on the June events, contact (815) 254000 or visit www.tomcross.com.

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Opinions

The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 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

Congrats for fine performances Congratulations to the Plainfield Central’s Wildcat Thespian Society’s presentation of “How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.” I saw it Sunday and was so impressed with the singing and dancing and acting of

these young people. And the pit orchestra accompaniment was “Broadway” worthy. Congratulations to all of you for your fine performances. Ann Taylor Sheridan, IL

Letter to the Editor

What’s the deal? I was gone for the winter and when I got back the railroad crossings are so terrible to cross it’s hard to believe that the roads where closed last year for over a week at each crossing and the crossings are as BAD as before they where redone.

If that was my company or responsibility would insist that whoever made those repairs be made to redo them correctly… crossing them is a hazard and a joke. Gordon Woeltje Plainfield, Ill.

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.

Send us your news

It’s easy; just follow the 5 W’s: What is happening: Describe the event or the purpose of the news release. Who: The subject of the event. Also, include a name and phone number or e-mail address that can be published so readers can call for more information. When: Give date and time. Why, or for what purpose: Explain the nature of the event. Where is it happening: Give the exact street address. E-mail community news releases to sweditor@ buglenewspapers.com The Enterprise reserves the right to subsequent publication of all submissions, in full or in part, through the newspaper’s archives or any other electronic library.

Send us your photos

Did your club host a bake sale? Did your Cub Scout run a car wash? Did your church group volunteer to paint a senior’s home? 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.

Illustrated Opinions

The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

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From Years Past Village News One year ago…

• District 202 ofﬁcials approved the purchase of eight mid-sized student activity buses designed to meet the needs of small high school sports teams and organizations. The Board of Education approved a $331,168 bid from Midwest Transit Equipment, Inc for the buses last month. Each of the 14-passenger buses will cost $41,396. District administrators hope to save around $260,000 over the next eight years with the purchase, which alleviates much of the need for hiring a transportation vendor to take students to and from extracurricular activities and contests. Each high school will get two buses for use with student clubs and athletic teams.

Five years ago…2007 • As The Enterprise went to press, the Plainﬁeld Police Department was continuing its search for a missing 37-year-old woman who apparently vanished without a trace. Lisa M. Stebic was last seen at her home in the 13200 block of Red Star Drive the evening of April 30. Stebic is described by police as 5-foot-2 inches and about 125 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Ten years ago… 2002 • Developers of a proposed Plainﬁeld Menards store were headed back to the drawing board to redesign plans for a shopping center that could bring more than $6 million in new taxes to the village. The Plainfield Village Board backed changes to the development’s annexation agreement that would force developers to significantly alter their plans for the 51-acre proposed shopping center at 135th Street and Route 59. Trustees unanimously approved altering the agreement to compel developers to install a 120-foot-wide landscaped buffer along the entire length of the north property line between the future shopping center and the neighboring unincorporated Graver Estates subdivision.

Fifteen years ago… 1997 • Plainﬁeld Township Road Commissioner Tom Leonard updated the township board on the status of the controversial Renwick Road bridge project. Former Road Commissioner Larry See had been working with state officials toward replacement of the historic iron Springbank bridge over the DuPage River — and Leonard made it clear his position on the bridge project differed greatly from that of his predecessor.“I think the bridge is in a very poor location,” Leonard said.“It is one of the last scenic places left in Plainfield — all the rest is asphalt. Replacing it would just be suicidal.” Although Leonard did not favor the project, he said Illinois Department of Transportation officials indicated if the township opted not to replace the bridge, the cost of the engineering that had already been done on the project would have to be paid back to the state. “I think we’re locked in,” Leonard said of the project. • “I have always wanted to be a postmaster in a community where I could listen to the people,” said Edith Williams during the Plainfield Post Office’s dedication and open house. The new facility opened amid considerable fanfare on New Van Dyke Road, just north of Route 30/126.

Trustees approve plan to seek bids for electricity Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

Plainfield residents are getting closer to a chance to better their electrical rates, as the village is moving forward on the process of electrical aggregation. Village trustees approved this week an Electrical Aggregation Plan of Governance, designed by the Will Country Governmental League, which sets up the requirements for bidders on the area’s power supply needs. Plainfield, together with 15 other Will County municipalities, will be negotiating electrical rates together. Granting the village the right to negotiate electrical rates was part of a referendum approved earlier this spring. Under the plan, rates for the supply of electricity would be negotiated with alternative suppliers, but service would remain in the hands of ComEd. The idea is that a larger group, such as a municipality or a group of municipalities will be able to negotiate better rates than a lone resident. In the case of the Will Electric Aggregation Group, there would be one contract, and one price for all the towns participating. To that end, the agreement approved will set supplier

• Liquor licensing was approved for Mickey O’Neill’s, to be located at 24102 Lockport St., in the former location of Finnegan’s Irish Pub. The

restaurant is expected to open for business in May. A permit for outdoor seating also was approved. • A ﬁnal plat for Ingersoll-York subdivision was re-approved. The lots, located at 24010 Commercial Street, are home to a historic house that is planned for restoration. Re-approval was needed because more than 180 days had passed since the final plat originally had been approved in March 2011. • Village trustees approved the purchase of a vehicle-based water meter reader, VXU Model 3600, from HD Waterworks at a cost of $29,600. The new vehicle reads the meters of an entire block of homes remotely from the street. This purchased vehicle will replace an existing one owned by the village. According to Public Works official Allen Persons, the tenyear-old vehicle is beginning to have problems, and it has been taking twice as long to complete the readings. After investigation, parts are no longer made for it, and repair is not an option. Three-six month lead time is needed to order a new vehicle, and saves approximately 250 man-hours in meter-reading time, Persons said.The purchase was a planned item in the annual department budget, he added.

(Gladys) Horvat and Mary Ann (Joe) Pluth; many nieces and nephews also survive. Preceded in death by her Rose M. Meyers parents,Mary and Joseph Horvat; brother, Joseph (Eileen) Horvat, Jr. and sisters Josephine Ercegovich,

Catherine (Walter) Sargent, Evelyn (Louis) Mauro and Lorraine (Ralph)Wedic;sister-inlaw, Rose Foncesa. Rose was an absolute wonderful baker, her specialties were potica, coffee cake and pineapple-banana nut bread. A Celebration of Rose’s life was on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 11:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Nativity Church. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

requirements on bidders for credit, technology and customer assistance. It also outlines the need for a cost free optout option for residents who choose not to participate in the negotiated rate plan. Hugh O’Hara, a spokesperson from the League, said regardless of the supplier, there will be an opt-out period with no fee to the resident, but once the contract begins, termination fees may be applied. There will be provisions, O’Hara said, for residents who move to take their rates with them to participating communities.Additional requests outlined in the plan include a provision for price matching, so the rates residents receive are always the same or lower than what is offered by ComEd. Rate bids are being sought with one-, two- and three-year options. It is expected that the electrical supply needs will be bid out the first week of June, with service to start at the end of August, O’Hara said.

Other village news

Obituary Rose M. Meyers Meyers, Rose M. Age 83, of Joliet, passed away May 6, 2012 at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center.Survived by her husband of 64 years Lewis Meyers; daughter, Nancy Lou Meyers; sisters and brothers, Dorothy (the late Joe) Lakotich, Delores (the late Len) Suhadolc,Theresa (Nick) Rousonelos, Robert (JoAnn) Horvat, Raymond

Publishers Through The Years 20092006-2009 1985-2006 Publisher Richard Masterson

publisher@enterprisepublications.com

Managing Editor Matt Honold

mhonold@buglenewspapers.com

Staff Reporters Sherri Dauskurdas Rick Kambic Laura Katauskas Debbie Lively Jonathan Samples Sports Reporters Mark Gregory

mgregory@enterprisepublications.com

Scott Taylor

1979-1985

Vice President of Advertising and Marketing Michael James

sales@enterprisepublications.com

1959-19791939-1959 1937-1939 1935-1937

Production Director Andrew Samaan

1934-1935

mjames@voyagermediaonline.com

Advertising Sales

production@enterprisepublications.com

General e-mail: sweditor@enterprise publications.com www.enterprisepublications.com

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Member: Illinois Press Association • Member – Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce

1887-1934 (USPS 177-160) Published By Voyager Enterprise, Inc. P.O. Box 1613 23856 W. Andrew Rd., Plainfield, IL 60585

Richard Masterson Beverly Perry Wayne and Beverly Perry Scott Miller and Larry Ellis Irving Johnson G.L. Howieson Claude Phillips Ed J. Williams and Rosco Stanley A. Maurice and Lois Utt U.S.G. Blakely

No part of The Enterprise, including advertisements, stories, photos or captions, may be reproduced without written permission from The Enterprise. Send requests to The Enterprise, P.O. Box 1613, Plainfield, IL 60544. © 2011 The Enterprise

AD DEADLINES Space and Copy deadlines for Display and Classified Ads is 3 p.m. Friday before date of insertion. (Except holidays & special sections.) classifieds@enterprisepublications.com Legals, Obituaries and Happy Ads are due at noon Friday. announcements@ enterprisepublications.com EDITORIAL DEADLINES Letters to Editor: 9 a.m. Friday Community Events: 3 p.m. Friday (3 weeks before event) Sports: 9 a.m. Friday sweditor@enterprisepublications.com OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Published every Thursday at 23846 W. Andrew Rd., Plainfield, IL 60585. Subscription rates: $25 per year within Will County and 60540, 60564, 60565, 60566 zip codes; $30 within Illinois; $50 per year elsewhere. Single copy 75 cents. Periodical postage paid at Plainfield, Illinois 60544 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to P.O. Box 1613, Plainfield, IL 60544.

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Community Events

The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

MAY 10 Girls Night Out. 5 to 9 p.m. MainStreet Plainfield invites you for an evening filled with great shopping & dining specials. Limelight Med Spa & Cosmetic Laser Centre and MainStreet Plainfield will be at the Diva Table located in front of Have to Have, 24021 W Lockport St. Ladies – donate $5 and receive a Girls Night Out Favor Kit which includes a “Hot Pink & Silver Boa to wear for the evening of fun, various favors, a raffle ticket to be entered into the drawing for the giant gift basket & a Mother’s Day Shopping List to give to your family for some helpful tips of what to buy you for your “Special Day.” Participating businesses will have “Handbag Alphabet Game” to win a prize or enter a raffle from their business. Just be ready when they draw a letter from the alphabet and see what you have in your handbag that matches the letter drawn. Be the first to hold it up over your head to try and win. Limited number of sponsorships are still available. For more info please call Susan @ MainStreet Plainfield at 815 609-6130. New traditions in Polish cooking. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Plainfield Library. New takes on traditional dishes and hearty, healthy new combinations utilizing native Polish foods will be prepared. Samples will be given. Sign up for this program at http:// plainfield.lib.il.us. A Novel Idea book discussion. 7-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Library. A monthly book discussion for adults featuring thought-provoking fiction as well as non-fiction. Pick up the next title at the Reference Desk.

MAY 11 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. Miyazaki Movie Madness. 5-7:30 p.m. at the Plainfield Library. The Manga and Anime Club present “Miyazaki Movie Madness,” a showcase of Japanese animator, Hayao Miyazaki’s most beloved films. Beginning with the first Studio Ghibili presentation to capture the attention of American audiences, My Neighbor Totoro, the showcase will move through Miyazaki’s impressive 30-year career. For grades 6-12. Sign up for this program at http://plainfield. lib.il.us.

MAY 14 Teen Review Club. 4-5 p.m. at the Plainfield Library. Get the first shot at the new books, music, movies, and manga coming to the teen section. Participants will be required to review at least one item during that month, as well as give suggestions on materials to add to the teen section. For grades 6-12. Sign up for this program at http://plainfield.lib.il.us. Green Village Series: Bee Garden. 7-8:30 p.m. at the Plainfield Library. Learn how to create a garden area that will help the declining bee population.This program is in partnership with the Village of Plainfield and supported by Illinois Landscape Supply, LLC. Sign up for this program at http:// plainfield.lib.il.us.

MAY 15 Energy Efficiency Training. 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Joliet Junior College Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet. This class is

free and open to the public, but is tailored for members of higher education institutions. Learn how to produce measurable electricity and gas savings for college campuses and surrounding businesses, create a culture of energy awareness for staff and students, and raising the level of energy efficiency literacy for campuses and businesses. To register, visit www.igencc.org/ temt. Low Vision Products Show. 1-3:30 p.m. at Senior Star at Weber Place, 600 Edwards Drive, Romeoville. The Chicago Lighthouse is bringing a wide array of products designed to help in school, work, and daily living. Be Stroke Aware. 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Edward Education Center Auditorium on the campus of Edward Hospital,801 S.Washington St. in Naperville. Strokes are scary, yet most are preventable. Join Dr. Ali Shaibani of the Edward Neurosciences Institute to learn lifesaving tips and breakthrough techniques to prevent and treat stroke. To register, call (630) 5276363 or visit www.edward.org/ classes. Annual Teen Volunteer Orientation. 7-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Library. If you are in middle or high school and are interested in volunteering at the library this summer, this is your first stop. Discover what volunteer opportunities are available, and sign up. For more information, contact Ceil at ccarey@ plainfieldpubliclibrary.org. Tri-County Writer’s Guild. 7-8:30 p.m. at the Plainfield Library. A writer’s group meets to discuss writing, share ideas, and critique each other’s work. Sign up for this program at http://plainfield.lib. il.us.

Obituary Margaret M. Nelson Margaret M. Nelson, age 94 of Plainfield, IL at rest Monday, May 7, 2012 at The Tillers in Oswego, IL. Born January 24, 1918 in Chicago, IL the daughter of the late Frank and Marie Vlack. Beloved wife of the late Roland G. Nelson. Loving mother of Terry (Kay) Nelson, cherished grandmother of Jerry Nelson, Bonnie Schrader, Kevin (Christine) Nelson and Julie (Jeffery) Pristas. Fond great-grandmother of Tiffany Nelson, Brock (Rachel) Nelson, Kristin (Jerry) Woodward, Brandon (Laury) Schrader, Anthony (Cheryl) Pristas, Emma Nelson and Olivia Nelson, and great-great-grandmother of Brody Nelson, step great-greatgrandmother of Jessica, Zachary and Jackson Woodward. Margaret will be

remembered for her love of cooking, collecting Hummel’s, being an avid Cubs Fan, collecting stamps and crocheting in her spare time.In lieu of flowers, memorials to Vitas Hospice, 580 Waters Edge Drive, Suite 100, Lombard, IL 60148. Visitation was Wednesday, May 9, 2012 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 S. Joliet Road, Plainfield, IL 60544 with services that followed at 11:00 AM. Interment at Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien, IL. OVERMAN-JONES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES 15219 S.Joliet Road (Corner of Rts. 59 & East 30) Plainfield, IL 60544 Info:(815) 436 – 9221 or www. overmanjones.com

The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

Page 9

Teacher features for Teacher Appreciation Week By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

With this week being Teacher AppreciationWeek,the Enterprise has chosen to highlight a few of the teachers in the district who have made a significant impact on children and the community.

Mason Luebbing, director of choirs and music at Indian Trail Middle School Mason Luebbing said he discovered in high school that he wanted to be involved in the arts for the rest of his life. “I got a late start as a band student in eighth grade, as opposed to fifth grade like many of friends,” he said. “But as soon as I joined, I knew that I had found a home. My middle school and high school band directors were so encouraging to get me to strive towards reaching my greatest potential and beyond, their influence on my life is unmatched.” It was that early experience with his own music educators that led Luebbing to pursue the career himself. “They both gave me leadership opportunities, and those roles soon turned into a love for music, and more importantly, helping others learn and improve their own music abilities,” he said. Luebbing started at Indian Trail a decade ago as a general music teacher. But when the choir position suddenly became vacant, he gave it a shot and fell in love with it immediately. “Ten years later, I am blessed to have had some of the finest students, who have attended Indian Trail, in my choirs,” he said.“The greatest part of my job is that I’m the only teacher that they will see for three years if they stay with the program. So I see them from their first day of middle school as the enter the building as frightened sixth graders, all the way until their last day as eighth graders, confident young adults, ready to take on the next chapter of life.” These are the moments when Luebbing knows he’s in the right job. “The thing about teaching in the arts is that it isn’t a one person show,” he said. “It’s a culmination of effort from every single individual in the ensemble, cast, or crew. Everyone has to do their part in order to assure the success of the performance. All the while, the students are working on their abilities at an individual level. But that is not even limited to singing abilities, the students grow socially; you witness their confidence bloom right before your eyes.” Next week, the Indian Trail community will help Luebbing celebrate his decade as choir director with a special performance. On Tuesday, May 15, the choir’s end of the year concert will offer

a collage of Disney hits with video clips, incorporating the school pom squad as dancing chimney sweeps and several teachers as guest. “It is by far the most intense concert we’ve ever assembled,” he said.“And the amount of music the students are learning and memorizing is immense, but they are working so hard, and seem to be enjoying every minute of it.” To mark his tenth year as director, Luebbing has invited choir alumni back to perform in one big finale. “Once a member of the Indian Trail Choir family, always a member,” he said. “This concert is not about me. It’s about the students. It’s about the 100+ voices that have worked for over two months on preparing this music. It’s about the 30 or so soloists, several of which are facing their fears for the first time, and singing alone in front of a gymnasium full of people. It’s about the thirty eighth graders being recognized and having their final performance with the IT Choir and saying goodbye. My ten years here is only an excuse to get all these people in the same room and sing.” An alumni rehearsal will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 14. Alumni are welcome to show up to the Indian Trail cafeteria that evening to learn the song alongside the current Indian Trail choir students.Alumni wishing to attend should e-mail Luebbing at mluebbing@psd202.org.

Kristi Uzzo, second grade teacher at Freedom Elementary School Kristi Uzzo has been a teacher for five years, all of which have been at Freedom Elementary. “My experiences with my administration, colleagues, parents and students have been very positive,” she said. “The community is a welcoming and supportive one that I am proud to be a part of.” One of her favorite things about teaching at Freedom is the collaborative environment. For example, this year the Freedom Parent Teacher Organization decided to have a week where the older students interviewed the younger ones about their teachers and what they enjoy about school. “I was so pleased when the ‘second grade article’ came out and my students had expressed that they love school and that learning is fun in second grade,” she said. “They also shared in this article certain subjects they found interesting, such as reading centers, math, and writing. To hear them so excited to tell others what they are learning is a wonderful feeling.” The accolades from her colleagues are just as high. Recently, the Illinois Education Association named Uzzo as its 2012 Bob Haisman Teacher of the Year. Uzzo has proved herself an excellent teacher and has served

the IEA well, said Freedom Principal Curtis Hudson. “Kristi has been a part of Freedom since we opened our doors in 2007,” Hudson said.“She always looks to do what’s best for everyone but most importantly the students. She always has a smile on her face, shows she

cares for her family very much and is a very positive part of the Freedom staff.We love having her in our building.” For her part, Uzzo said the award validates her dedication to both her students and the union. See TEACHERS, page 11

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Police and Fire

The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

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. Nicole Kairis, 18. 2114 Greengold, Crest Hill, was arrested on April 16 at 1:44 p.m. at 13521 S. Route 59 for retail theft.

Nicola Hughes, 18, 1603 S. Hometown Drive, Plainfield, was arrested on April 20 at 7:22 p.m. on W. Renwick Road and S. Route 59 for possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis.

Thomas Kokkines, 18, 2425 W. Merlot Lane, Plainfield, was arrested on April 20 at 7:22 p.m. on W. Renwick Road and S. Route 59 for possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis.

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Joseph Scola, 18, 24115 W. Cropland Drive, Plainfield, was arrested on April 20 at 7:22 p.m. on W. Renwick Road and S. Route 59 for possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis.

Austen Woktasik, 18, 22533 W.Reserve Circle,Plainfield, was arrested on April 20 at 7:22 p.m. on W. Renwick Road and S. Route 59 for possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis.

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Jake Vorberg, 19, 24216 W. Lavergne, Plainfield, was arrested on April 20 at 9:47 p.m. on S. Coil Plus Drive and Van Dyke Road for possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis.

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Daniel Pezza, 26, 0 S 356 Summit Drive, Winfield, was arrested on April 26 at 7:25 a.m. on W. Fort Beggs Drive and Route 59 for no valid driver’s license.

Josue Ocon, 34, 14501 S. Meadow Lane, Plainfield, was arrested on April 27 at 3:38 p.m.on W.127th and S.Naperville Road for cancelled, suspended, revoked registration.

Nathanael Fiddick, 22, 15309 S. Sunshine Circle, Plainfield, was arrested on April 27 at 3:39 p.m. on 24037 W. 135th for theft under $500 and credit card fraud.

Urgero, 19, 819 10 Mitchell Willow Lane, Shorewood, was arrested on April 27 at 9:11 p.m. on W. Lockport and W. Main for suspended/revoked driver’s license. Sherman, 24, 844 11 Jeremy Pearl, Aurora, was arrested o April 28 at 5:14 p.m. on Douglas Drive and Route 59 for suspended/revoked license. Litwiller, 30, 23708 12 Amber W. Vintage Knoll Drive, Plainfield, was arrested on April

30 at 10:52 a.m. on W. Main and S. Route 59 for no valid driver’s license. Guzman, 21, 2613 13 Angel Joe Adler Drive, Plainfield, was arrested on April 30 at 1:03 p.m. on W. Fescue Drive and S. Route 30 for no valid driver’s license. Lambert, 43, 14323 14 Susan S. Golden Lane, Plainfield, was arrested on May 1 at 1:15 p.m. on S. Joliet Road and W. Renwick Road for reckless driving.

Luis Pastrana, 40, 301 E. Jackson, Joliet, was arrested on May 1 at 3:12 p.m. on W. 143rd and S. Van Dyke Road for no valid driver’s license.

George Barr, 78, 2405 Essington, Joliet, was arrested on May 2 at 9:08 a.m. on 143rd and S. Van Dyke Road for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration/no insurance.

Sanchez, 29, 258 17 Hugo N. Porter, Elgin, was arrested on May 2 at 9:53

a.m. on W. 135th and S. Ridge Road for operating a vehicle with suspended registration/ no insurance, no valid driver’s license and suspended/revoked driver’s license.

Dyke Road for no valid driver’s license.

Heriberto Ruiz, 21, 16933 Cottage Grove, South Holland, was arrested on May 3 at 10:44 p.m. on S. Naperville Road ad S. Route 59 for suspended/ revoked driver’s license.

James Altergott, 30, 536 W. Pleasure Court, Aurora, was arrested on May 2 at 10:23 p.m. on W. Lockport and S. Van

Jose Tenorio, 29, 1213 Violet Lane, Joliet, was arrested on May 6 at 1:38 a.m. on W. Lockport and S. Meadow Lane for DUI with alcohol and DUI with a blood alcohol content over .08.

Rebecca Roulo, 42, 1703 Glenford Drive, Plainfield, was arrested on May 2 at 3:46 p.m. on Ridge Road and Route 126 for no valid driver’s license.

The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

Scout Competition Scouts get serious about survival with yearly meet By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

On an early Saturday morning near busy Interstate 55, hundreds of boys tested their will and their skill in a series of challenges and activities at the Plainfield Boy Scout Inter-Troop competition. Van Horn Woods was transformed from Friday through Sunday into a bastion of scout life. The area was lined with tents and flags, as nearly 150 boys ages 1218 turned out for a weekend of challenges to rate their survival skills, their teamwork and their general knowledge. Events included a log pull, where scouts tied onto a large log and drug it through an obstacle course, and a two-man log saw, where speed and perseverance were a must.There was a first aid station, where scouts tested their knowledge in makeshift camp clinics.They had to set the bones of injured troop mates, and treat phantom fevers and heat strokes. Fire starters built their own campfires from scratch, cooked an egg on a shovel and properly

TEACHERS Continued from page 9 “Teaching is something I am very passionate about, and being very passionate in my career also means that I have the chance to advocate for my profession,” she said. “It’s been great working in a district where we can be so collaborative to meet the needs of our kids,” Uzzo added. “I am proud that I have the opportunity to set a learning foundation that

“It gives the boys an opportunity to test the things

they have learned through the year. They really get into it.” Luke Ford, Troop 83 scoutmaster disposed of the remaining embers. Patrols of five to 10 scouts built a flagpole, hoisted it and raised their flags. Others showed off their skills with a sling shot, hurling everything from jelly beans to water balloons at targets more than 50 yards away. Troop 83 Scoutmaster Luke Ford said the annual event gives the boys a chance to use the skills they have learned and the knowledge they have acquired in the scouts. The competition becomes a friendly battle for bragging rights between the five troops that participate. The winning troop also gets temporary ownership of a yearly trophy. Built by hand in 1995, each winning troop burns their name in the side, etching their glory into local Boy Scout history.

The competition would not be complete without the Scoutmaster’s Challenge, a teambuilding task that involves all but one scout being blindfolded and then directed by their lead scout. This year, the task was to carry a bucket of water and pour it into the lake. Although this challenge sounds simple, it’s not.The entire task must be completed without a word. The evening ceremony was celebrated with a massive bonfire open to all scouts and families. More than 200 people attended. Troop 83 won the annual trophy until next spring. “They take it seriously, but it’s all in good fun,” said Ford. “It gives the boys an opportunity to test the things they have learned through the year. They really get into it.”

my second graders can build on in order to be successful in their years ahead,” she said. “I pride myself on teaching them to make relevant connections and apply their learning outside of school. My hope is that these skills will encourage them to be lifelong learners.”

typical classroom, but the impact he has on the students he leads has a life-long effect. Bouey is a facilitator and instructor in the Plainfield South Catalyst program. Instituted six years ago, the program operates as an alternative to a 10-day suspension. It is guided by the belief that one bad decision should not necessarily lead a child down a very difficult road. High school students are assigned to the Catalyst program for various infractions like first time drug or

Andre’ Bouey, Catalyst program facilitator at Plainfield South High School Andre’ Bouey doesn’t work in a

See TEACHERS, page 28

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The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

Sixth-grader gets high honor in cooking contest By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

Cecilia Urbano recently took her talent in the kitchen to the classroom. The Aux Sable Middle School sixth grader won a gold medal for her version of chicken enchiladas, during the fifth annual District 202 Kids Cooking Contest. The April event was held at Timber Ridge Middle School and was sponsored by Sodexo, District 202’s food service provider. It was open to all middle school students. Urbano and 12 other finalists from five District 202 middle schools prepared their healthy meals or snacks based on their recipe submissions.

The dishes were rated by a panel of judges, including Indian Trail Middle School family and consumer science teacher Sarah Karczewski, Aux Sable Middle School family and consumer science teacher Jessica Zmich and District 202 food service general manager Eloise Sopka. Recipes were judged on nutritional value, ease of preparation, appeal to children and creativity. The student-chefs attended a short boot camp that offered instruction on safe food handling, hand washing and knife safety. Home economics courses that include food preparation have been offered to middle and high school students in the United

Cecilia Urbano

States since the 19th century. These classes traditionally taught girls the basics of homemaking, including cooking, cleaning and childcare. Today, home economics classes have largely been replaced

with cooking classes, which are offered in many middle schools to boys and girls. Today’s classes are more comprehensive, teaching students about food safety and kitchen sanitation, as well as cooking. They also learn how to budget, shop for groceries, compare labels and identify foods with a high nutritional value. Thanks to the advent of food related television, cooking contests like the one that Urbano competed in also have become more popular. Shows like Chopped,CupcakeWars and Top Chef all have contributed to the growing popularity of cooking among young people in the United States. Urbano and her fellow

competitors had two hours to prepare their recipes, set up a table featuring their culinary creation, and prepare 30 samples for the judges and guests. All participants received a t-shirt, apron, chef hat and safety glove. Indian Trail sixth grader Kennedi Jackson earned second place for her “Wrap-a-Tastic,” and John F. Kennedy eighth grader Joey Long took third place for his “Chimichurri Chicken Trisquit Bites.” All three winners received a teen cookbook, and all participants received gift bags. The winning recipes were added to a cook book along with the winning recipes from the last four years’ contests.

The Enterprise

Thursday, May 10, 2012

oltin’ J

Page 13

By Scott Taylor Sports Reporter

JOE

Mark Gregory/Enterprise Staff

Joe Sparacio has hit 16 doubles on the year and has Central’s career doubles record.

Plainfield Central’s Joe Sparacio has already broken the school’s all-time doubles record. That hasn’t stopped him though from keeping up with the barrage as he has already smacked 16 this year. “It’s been about seeing the ball and hitting the ball,” Sparacio said. “I’m not trying to do anything special. The pitchers are giving me good pitches to hit and you just need to put a good swing on it. I’m trying to put records and accolades far away from my mind. I just want to do what I can do to help my team. The other stuff just comes and happens,” When he gets to the plate, he will see where the defense is playing, which can help him find the gaps. “Sometimes (I look for gaps),” Sparacio said. “When I come up I might notice a guy shift a certain way, so if the pitcher gives me a certain pitch, I want to jump on it earlier in the count. I don’t really let any type of outside people get into your head. I just try to hit what the pitcher is throwing.” Sparacio has taken his game to a new level this year, and it is to be expected for all of the effort he put in during the offseason. “I put in lots of work (in See JOE, page 16

Jones sisters, Aremka pace Tigers at SPC By Scott Taylor Sports Reporter

It isn’t often that you see a runner compete in backto-back races, but that’s just what Plainfield North freshman Khristian Jones is doing. And, she is doing with plenty of success.

GIRLS TRACK After helping the 4x2 relay team win with a state-qualifying time, Jones went back out five minutes later and won the 400-meter run with a time of 59.5, coming from behind and then holding off her opponents late. “I just kept swinging my arms and believing, to be honest,” Jones said. “Coming off the 4x2, I just have to rely on my technique that I practice every day. I’m still getting used to (doubling the 4x2 and 400).

I’m just hoping to PR next time again.” The evening gave Jones a lot of confidence for the final two weeks of the season. “I’ve been having some crazy days, so I’m really happy I PR’d today,” Khristian Jones said. “I’m just excited for state and what will happen there. This is a great opportunity for me, I’m ecstatic right now. It gives me a lot of confidence.” It also helped to have her sister, Cessily, a senior, looking on. Cessily has six state medals already in her career. “I was excited for my sister,” Cessily Jones said. “I won conference as a freshman and I wanted my sister to do the same. I’m very happy for her.” Cessily also had a strong day, going four-for-four and winning the 100 (12.09) and 200 (23.69). “My time was pretty good, but of course it just depends

on the day,” Cessily Jones said. “We’re just looking forward to next week, which is the second biggest meet of the year. I’m excited for that meet. The Jones sisters teamed with Ashlee Ojediran and Jazmine Frank to win the 400 relay (49.31) and with Frank and Jaclyn Aremka to win the 800 relay (1:43.79). “I really like our time,” Frank said. “We all ran really good. Coach said our time would probably be top 10 in state, which is good to have for our confidence right before sectionals. The weather definitely helped.” “We have a lot of confidence,” Cessily Jones said. “Coming in we haven’t ran it a lot (together). “For the first time running together in good weather, I’m excited. It’s my senior year, so I want it to be fun.” See TRACK, page 16

Scott Taylor/Enterprise Staff

North freshman Khristian Jones matched her sister with four SPC titles last Thursday.

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The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

Mark Gregory/Enterprise Staff

The new BB cor on the bats are leading to fewer runs in the high school game.

New bats affecting game By Scott Taylor Sports Reporter

If fans are wondering why there are fewer runs scored this year in high school baseball, they have to look no further than the bats that are being used.

SPOTLIGHT There was a rule change this year that the IHSA put into place, making all bats be BBCOR (BallBat Coefficient of Restitution) certified. “The bats have changed things,”

Plainfield North coach John Darlington said. “We (went) 11 games and I (didn’t) see a home run from either team. Normally you (would) have some guys with five by now.” The BB core has changed in the bats, which is the ratio the ball goes off the bat. The goal was to make the aluminum bats to have the performance of wood bats. “You can tell,” Darlington said. “There were some balls we hit earlier in the year that just died and didn’t go anywhere. I think the key is to play defense and not make mistakes.”

“The sweet spot, I believe, is not as great (with the new bats) as it was before,” Downers North coach Chad Isaacson said. “Personally, I like it. You earn the hits a little bit more. It’s just the game of baseball. I like what they’re doing. College is doing it; why shouldn’t we?” Changes at the college level is probably one of the reasons why the change was made. “I think the rule was put into effect based on what colleges did,” Maine South coach Bill See BATS, page 17

The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

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North duo, Tatenini return to state By Scott Taylor Sports Reporter

Plainfield Northâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kyndal Currie is making her third trip to state and Stephanie Palumbo is joining her for the second straight year after the duo

Scott Taylor/Enterprise Staff

Northâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stephanie Palumbo (above) teamed with Kyndal Currie to take second at the Naperville North Sectional.

placed second at the Naperville North Sectional last Thursday.

ROUNDUP The duo defeated a Naperville See ROUNDUP, page 18

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The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

TRACK Continued from page 13 Frank held off Romeoville in the 100 to win one of the most exciting races of the day. “I saw the girl coming in and it was really close,” Frank said. “I just wanted to keep the lead,

JOE Continued from page 13 the offseason),” he said. “I was hitting all the time. I’m riding near and far, going all the way out to Yorkville to hit in my summer team’s warehouse. A lot of work and preparation goes into the season. You have to be a tireless worker and it has paid off. It makes me more prepared for the game.” Sparacio feels the Wildcats are hitting their stride and can contend for a regional title, at

that was my goal. I kept sawing her come up, so I kept running faster. It’s the confidence that you did good and know that you can compete with the best.” Aremka had success off the track as well, demolishing the SPC record by recording 5-10 in the high jump. “The weather definitely helped with my performance,”

Aremka said. “The wind was at my back and with the warmer weather, it definitely helped keep my muscles warm.” After finishing second in the state last year, this jump has her on pace to be North’s first state champion in any sport. “I got second in state last year and a state championship has definitely been on my mind,”

Aremka said. “I think with the training I have been doing, it is definitely a possibility. I feel like I’m just coming into my postseason and it’s a preview of what’s to come, I hope.” Overall North took second with 95 points. Minooka repeated as SPC champs with 147. Plainfield Central was sixth

with 36 points and had a second-place finish from Alexxe Richer in the pole vault (10-0). Plainfield East took seventh with 21 points and were paced by Mikaela Manson in the 100 hurdles (16.65, 3rd place). Plainfield South totaled 17 points as Melissa Diaz took third in the 300 hurdles (48.0).

least. “We’re definitely (turning the corner),” Sparacio said. “We’re coming out of a funk.We have our ups and downs. Our pitching has been there. We’re keeping teams to four runs or less all the time.We just need to hit more consistently. Coming down the stretch we’re going to be good hitters. Everyone is working really hard. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say we can win a regional. It’s all about getting hot at the right time. If we are, all bets are off.” Once the season is over Sparacio is moving on to Lewis

University in Romeoville, where he will be continuing his baseball career. “I’m going to Lewis,” Sparacio said. “It’s a good fit. I like being close to home and I like atmosphere there. The coaches are super cool. All the players talk to me like I’m already there. It’s a good baseball school.” While he is staying local, he will miss playing with his teammates that he has played with through the years. “I’m going to miss having fun with my friends,” Sparacio stated. “These are guys I grew up playing with. A bunch of my

teammates I have played with since I was six or seven. It’s been a fun experience playing

with them (here) for the past four years.”

staylor@enterprisepublications.com

The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

BATS Continued from page 14 Milano said. “It’s based on safety and the ‘exit’ rate of ball leaving the bat. When the ball hits the bat, it doesn’t go as fast (now). Previous bats would have more life about them. With the new bats, the exit rates are not as high. A ball that’s hit 375 feet (for example) would have been hit 400 feet (with the old bats). That’s just me estimating. There was more ping in the bats (before).” The safety issue was likely the biggest issue for the change. “The bottom line it’s more for safety than anything, and I’m all for making the game safer,” Milano added. “On the flip side, the kids say with these bats when you use them more you get more ping in them, but I don’t know if that’s true or not. That’s the rumor that’s out there. I don’t know how true that theory is. I haven’t done research on that one.” The changes have made coaches concentrate more on

their team playing small ball and good defense. “We have to hit the ball the other way, it’s a big thing we’re believing in,” Romeoville coach Dave Haskins said. “We can’t just go up there and think about getting a hit. The most important thing is moving the runner along or bringing him in. I believe in our pitching and our defense. We’re taking a lot of pride in that. We’re focusing on defense, pitching and timely hitting.” “It’s about good defense and pitching,” Darlington said. “You have to throw strikes. You can’t allow a lot of base runners. “Fly balls aren’t going to go anywhere,” JCA coach Jared Voss said. “We get bunts down and execute hit and runs. Our guys buy into the small ball stuff and that opens up everything else, so we don’t notice it as much.” The pitchers are the ones who are benefitting the most as they can throw a pitch and be less concerned with giving up a long ball. “It really helps the pitching because that one pitch you are

worried about that can change the game probably isn’t going to happen anymore.” “The bats have really made a difference in this year’s game, scores are down and small ball is taking over,” Joliet West coach John Karczewski said. “Pitchers love it, hitters hate it!” The general consensus is that it is the major cause for the lower scoring, tighter games taking place this year. There’s been a little bit of a difference, I’ve heard that from around the area,” Isaacson said. “Tighter ballgames, not as many runs scored. There’s an adjustment period to it.” “Balls that were maybe home runs are (now) doubles,” Milano said. “We’ve only had three home runs this season. I think last year we had around eight total. Overall, the extra-base hits are down; home runs are down. We’ve had some kids get hits where the ball would hit the warning track or hit the fence where last year the ball would have gone over (the fence for a home run).” Mark Gregory and Mike Sandrolini also contributed

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The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

ROUNDUP Continued from page 15 North doubles squad in the semifinals 21-16, 21-19 before falling to the Huskies’ other doubles team 11-21, 21-12, 2112 in the championship. This year though they won’t be going to state alone as Jean Bernasol advanced after taking fourth place in singles. She fell in the third place match 21-9, 21-18. The team finished second to Naperville North (17.5 points) with nine points. •Headed to state for the second straight year is Plainfield East’s Lakshmi Tatenini. Tatenini advanced via the Lincoln-Way West Sectional, where she placed second. She defeated West’s Danielle Strayer 21-12, 17-21, 21-15 in the semifinals before falling to Bradley-Bourbonnais’ Susan Oo 21-6, 22-20. The state meet will take place this weekend at Eastern Illinois University.

GIRLS SOCCER In what is likely to be a preview of a regional final, Plainfield North (16-3-1) dominated Metea Valley (14-4) 4-0 Friday at North. Sara Stevens scored twice, while Ashley Handwork and Callie O’Donnell added the others. “The Metea win definitely gives us the confidence that we need going into the regional,” North coach Jane Crowe said. “ In the past, I don’t think we truly believed that we could beat the top teams in the postseason. So, that win was really big for our mentality entering the regional.” The previous day the Tigers clinched their fourth straight Southwest Prairie Conference title with an 8-1 win over Oswego East. Heather Handwork scored

three times in the win. “Winning the Fourth straight conference championship is a big accomplishment,” Crowe said. “In the past four years, we have not lost a conference game at any level. So, every player in our entire program has won every conference game they have played. We have bigger goals ahead in the next few weeks, but being conference champions is always a goal at the beginning of the season, and we take pride in accomplishing it.” It was O’Donnell who had the hat trick in a 5-0 win over Plainfield South to open the week. Ashley Handwork dished out three assists in the contest, while Shayna Dheel and Heather Handwork had the other goals. Monday the Tigers took on the sectional’s No. 1 seed, Naperville North and battled it to a 0-0 tie. “We approached the Naperville North game as preparation to play the top teams in the upcoming weeks,” Crowe said.“We didn’t have our best game, but were still able to go toe to toe with the top seed in our sectional. I think the girls finally believe that we can beat anyone.There are so many teams in our sectional that can win the sectional championship, and this past week showed us that we are one of those teams.” North has learned in the past few weeks of playing tough competition where it needs to get better at if it wants to win a regional or sectional title. “The team that beat us in PK’s in Iowa gave us a lot of trouble with their long balls over the top,” Crowe stated. “We have worked a lot on defending that in the past week. Naperville North likes to play the same way. Shutting them out was a huge step and showed that we have improved in that area. Playing good teams like Naperville North and Metea point out our weaknesses, and we find out where our focus in practice needs to be.

“We still have some injuries, but if we can get everyone healthy by regionals, and put everything together at the right time, we are hoping we can make a run in the state tournament.” •Central went 3-2 for the week. It opened with a 7-0 win over Addison Trail as Britney Lenza and Paige Fuller scored two goals each and Shawna Watson, Brigid Hanley and Lauren Kulaga added the others. In the lone SPC match, the Wildcats (3-3) fell to Oswego 3-1 as Sami Jensen scored the lone goal. At the Lemont Tournament, Central opened with a 3-1 loss to Sandburg on a goal from Payton Woodall. The Wildcats (13-7-1) followed it up with a 1-0 win over Hinsdale Central (Kulaga) and a 3-1 win over Lincoln-Way East (Fuller, Watson, Lenza).

SOFTBALL Plainfield East defeated Plainfield South 8-5. Caitlyn Lee was 3-for-4 with a double and a homer for the Bengals, while Fran Giovannini had two RBI. •Central also defeated South by an 8-2 score. Karly Jackson (Homer, 3 RBI), Kaleigh Nagle, Rachel Egly and Dominique Roa were all 2-for-3 for the Wildcats. Morgan Vogt (5-1) got the win, allowing three hits and an earned run, while striking out four. The Wildcats (19-6, 8-2) tied for the SPC lead with a 10-7 win over Minooka. Vogt was 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI and Roa was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Nagle (113) allowed three earned runs in 5.2 innings to get the win, while Vogt got the save. Central got four runs in the top of the seventh. Central finished the week Saturday with a 4-3 loss in 10 innings to Batavia, despite a 3-for4 performance from Timi Tooley.

BASEBALL

VOLLEYBALL

Central fell to North 5-4 to open the series. Blake Kerzich was 3-for-4 and Mike Benton was 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI in defeat. The Wildcats concluded the series with a 7-1 win over the Tigers. Joe Sparacio was 2-for-3 with an RBI and Eric DeLoach was 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI.

Central won both SPC matches during the week, opening with a 25-18, 25-15 win over East. Tom Poznanski led the way with 10 kills and six digs, while Cody Swanson had 17 assists. In a 25-12, 25-22 win over Oswego, Poznanski notched four aces, Blake Wuesterfeld tallied six blocks, Will Schuneman had six kills and Swanson had 22 assists. staylor@enterprisepublications.com

The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

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Minooka takes 20th in state By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

After placing 19th in the state a year ago, the Minooka bass fishing team just wanted to better their season this year.

BASS FISHING While the Indians placed 20th this year, coach Stan Tischer was happy with the performance. “We caught our limit both days,” Tischer said. “We just didn’t catch the big fish. This is the first year we have ever caught our limit of fish and any time you can catch your limit it is good.” In the boat for Minooka was a pair of juniors in Dan Scott and Austin Akers. “Dan has been three times,” Tischer said. “He was alternate twice and he has practiced on that lake one time each year, but we really don’t get a lot of time on the lake.The coaches got out there one weekend this year to go along over the water.” The alternates, sophomore Jenny Harris and freshman Grant Ferbend, this season were also underclassmen, so all four fishers will be back next year. Minooka caught 11.1 pounds of fish each day, but had a penalty on the second day for a dead fish and ended the tournament with 21.10 pounds. “We were catching on spinner bait, crank bait and soft plastics,” Tischer said. “We had a lot of bites and caught a lot of fish, we never got the big ones. We needed that one four, five pound category.”

Submitted Photo

Head coach Stan Tischer, from left, Dan Scott, Austin Akers and coach Dave Barney hold their 2012 sectional title.

Tischer said that aside from the competition on the water, the kids have a lot of chances to interact with their peers. “We go down Thursday and the state has a big banquet for everybody,” Tischer said. “And then the one night we all go

to an all-you-can eat crab legs place. It’s just a really good time.” To get to state, Minooka won the Heideke Lake Sectional with a total weight of 8.64 pounds. Scott reeled in the top fish, weighing in at 2.72 pounds.

Locally, Plainfield Central was fourth (3.68 pounds) and Downers Grove South was fifth (3.66). Minooka’s second boat was sixth with 3.42, while Plainfield North (2.28) was ninth and Romeoville (1.60) rounded out

the top 10. Joliet West placed fifth at the Braidwood Lake Sectional with a total weight of 9.99 pounds. Maine East caught one fish in the Skokie Lake Sectional totalling 1.2 pounds. mark@buglenewspapers.com

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Take 5

The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

H o ro s c o p e s

Across 1 Revisiting the past? 11 __ shot 15 “Been there” 16 Country with a green, yellow and red flag 17 Israelites, to many 18 Hone 19 The sport of shooting, in Soissons 20 Took in 21 Finn’s friend 23 Sarah McLachlan’s record label 25 Chinese port also known as Xiamen 27 2012 games host country, in Olympics code 28 Come to 29 Like some boxers 31 “Who __ we kidding?” 32 Personification 34 Tales you can also read backwards? 36 Fakes

In the week to come, energy levels will run high. You may be aware of animosity between friends or coworkers, but stay out of it for your own good. Use energies wisely and tend to your own business.

Be generous without being overly familiar. You might meet up with someone in the week to come who has still waters deep enough to hide the Loch Ness monster. It might be wise to not dig too deeply.

Too many cooks spoil the broth. In the same way, too many people may try to influence your opinions in the week to come. Don’t break off a relationship due to someone’s subtle manipulations.

You want to play fair in both love and war. Final results are the only things that seem to count in the week ahead. Ancestry may influence who you are, but you are responsible for that which you become.

Got favors? You will find an ideal time to ask for favors or mend fences. People will be more willing to offer support or lend a helping hand in the week to come. You may need to guard against overspending.

Loyalties might realign. If at all possible, avoid a rift in the upcoming week. Don’t burn any bridges and avoid people who carry matches. You may be better with business plans than romance.

If you lived here, you would be home by now. When you compare your home, mate or possessions to what others have, you end up dissatisfied. Be content with what you have in the week ahead.

Your conscience, or even your partner, will prevent you from making impulse purchases. Reassess your goals; you may view them in an entirely different light by the end of the coming week.

Heads or tails, you win. Even if you make changes that seem to create complications, something good will come out of it. You can sell just about anything if you focus on being friendly this week.

If you seize the day, you will be seen as the right person for the job. Through hard work, you can make a favorable change in the week ahead. Nothing, however, will be handed to you on a silver platter.

Test uncharted waters in the week to come. You can overcome resistance to your ideas or opposition to your plans. Mark Twain said, “A man with a new idea is a crank, until the idea succeeds.”

Look for a friend to pull you out of a jam. In the week ahead, people who take charge and issue executive orders could send you off into a funk. Focus on being more understanding and cooperative.

Down 39 “To reiterate ...” 41 Notable Nixon gesture 42 Jenny Fields’s son, in a 1978 best-seller 44 Luv 45 Talked up 47 Certain dieter’s concern 51 Go (for) 52 Objects 53 Glassy-eyed one 55 Brand named for two states 57 __ favor 58 Whitman of “Arrested Development” 59 Essex neighbor 60 Female pop trio since 1979 64 Go back, in a way 65 Only place on Earth where crocodiles and alligators coexist 66 Lowly worker 67 Pans, and how

1 Popular mint 2 Mariner from Japan 3 “The Piano” extras 4 USNA grad 5 Pay for 6 Airport offering 7 Succulent genus 8 Cargo carrier 9 Summer abroad 10 Good thing to learn 11 Duck in the Eurasian taiga 12 Singer known for unconventional outfits 13 Basic math course 14 Second-least populous st. capital 22 Bridge response 24 Immortal college coach 25 Santa __ 26 Illusion 30 Ready to father 33 Let it all out 35 Shepherdprotecting org.

36 KOA amenity 37 Petroleum processing byproduct 38 Pioneer in sidescrolling video games 40 Tearjerkers of a kind 43 61-Down crossers: Abbr. 46 How some stunts are done 48 Fighting force 49 Hole widener 50 One may come with wings 54 Refrain from singing? 56 “Bring __!” 57 Tudor widow 61 See 43-Down 62 Gp. for teachers 63 Emulate Sir Mix-A-Lot

SUDOKU

Previous puzzle ’s answers

Jumbles: • PUPPY • DROOP • REDUCE • SQUIRM

Answer:

Training for submarine duty has to be -- UNDERTAKEN

TOP POP ALBUMS April 22 through April 28 TITLE

Tuskegee Love is a Four-letter Word 21

California 37 Up All Night Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

Making Mirrors Pluto Slipstream Tailgates & Tanlines

TOP DVD RENTALS April 22 through April 28

TOP COUNTRY ALBUMS April 22 through April 28 ARTIST

Lionel Richie Jason Mraz Adele Train One Direction Nicki Minaj Gotye Future Bonnie Raitt Luke Bryan

TITLE

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

ARTIST

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

TITLE

LABEL

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Paramount Pictures

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Columbia Pictures

The Muppets Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

Footloose The Adventures of Tintin Contraband We Bought a Zoo Immortals Hop

Walt Disney Pictures 20th Century Fox Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Universal 20th Century Fox Universal Pictures Universal Pictures

Kids

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Health & Fitness

The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

Concussions and high school athletes There are an estimated 3 0 0 , 0 0 0 concussions among athletes every year in the United States. There is also significant r e s e a r c h that shows the long-term effects of concussions are much more serious and persistent in younger victims. With fifty percent of high school students participating in school sports during the 2009 and 2010 school years, concussions are a matter of genuine concern. In general terms, a concussion is defined as any head-related trauma that results in a change in mental status. This may be as simple as the momentary sensation of “seeing stars” or headache, or as serious as a loss of consciousness. A recent study by researcher Mallika Marar was published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Some of the results seem common sense, but others were a bit surprising. That younger athletes are more likely to have complications is understandable. The brains of adolescents are still developing and are undergoing significant functional changes. Any injury

is more likely to have long-term repercussions than in an adult. However, some findings are somewhat surprising. For instance, concussions are not limited to football, hockey, and lacrosse. The rates were highest in these sports, but also occurred frequently in basketball, wrestling, and girl’s soccer. However, they were reported in all sports except boy’s volleyball. More concussions also occurred during competition than during practice. Two findings were very surprising. First, girls are more likely to have concussions than boys when rates were compared in the same sport. There is no ready explanation for this difference. It may simply reflect that girls are more likely to be honest about an injury than boys. The second found that if you have had one concussion, you are more likely to have a second. Again, girls are more likely to have a second concussion than boys. Repeat concussions are no small matter. The rates of serious or long-term deficits have been found to significantly escalate with repetitive injuries. This is known as the “Second Impact Syndrome.” There is no specific treatment for concussions other than rest

and recovery. There are specific recommendations regarding the return to athletics after an injury.The Consensus Statement on Concussions directly proclaims that no adolescent athlete should return to play the same day that they sustain an injury. There are additional protocols that recommend that return to play should not occur until a minimum of one week after the athlete has been completely symptom-free. Doctor’s RX: Parents must be vigilant with their high school athletes. Regardless of their child’s chosen sport, concussions are possible. If they notice any suggestion of a concussion, remove the child from practice and competition until they have been symptomfree for a minimum of one week. Don’t rely on coaching to necessarily know. Your fierce young competitor may not have told their coach, or have even been aware of the injury or risk. Dr. Christopher Rose, MD is a physician and author based in Niles, Illinois. The advice contained in this column is for informational purposes only. Readers should consult with their own physician to evaluate any illness or medical condition. Contact Dr. Rose at (847) 965-3200 or www. cancercenterschicago.com

Business & Real Estate

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“Girls Night Out” in Downtown Plainfield “Calling All Girls” - MainStreet Plainfield is inviting women in the area for an evening filled with shopping and dining specials on May 10 from 5 to 9 p.m. Limelight Med Spa & Cosmetic Laser Centre and

MainStreet Plainfield will be at the Diva Table located in front of Have to Have, 24021 W Lockport St. Women can donate $5 and receive a Girls Night Out Favor Kit which includes a hot pink and silver boa to wear for the evening,

various favors, a raffle ticket to be entered into the drawing for the giant gift basket and a Mother’s Day shopping list to give to their family for some helpful tips of what to buy for Mother’s Day. Participating businesses

will have “Handbag Alphabet Game” to win a prize or enter a raffle from their business. Women may also still donate an item to be in the Giant Gift Basket give-away to showcase their business. A limited number of sponsorships are

still available. For more info call Susan @ MainStreet Plainfield at 815 609-6130. MainStreet Plainfield’s Girls Night Out 2011 was able to donate $150 to Susan G. Komen from some proceeds of the event.

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The Enterprise, Thursday, May 10, 2012

TEACHERS Continued from page 11 alcohol offenses, fighting, or gross misconduct. It is an intensive, three-day program specifically designed to get students back into their regular school environment as soon as possible, while offering them help and support. In the program, Bouey helps students receive social work support, anger management lessons, counseling for goals

and aspirations, and academic support. Bouey continues the support with six weeks of follow up meetings. “I love the students, mostly because I see myself in many of them,” Bouey said. He said he got his start with the Catalyst program thanks in part to Cheryl Ricciardi, a social worker at Plainfield Central, where he attend high school. “As a high school teen I was generally unhappy with life, but Cheryl’s activities were always things that I looked forward to,

and because of those activities, I had built many skills that now help me with working in Catalyst,” he said. Ricciardi actually recommended the job to Bouey in 2007. “It is funny how things work out,” he said.“Almost as this career has been in the works since I was a junior in high school, and I didn’t even know it.” Bouey is currently thrilled with his position at the school, and in life. The fulfillment he feels shines through to the students he

serves. It hasn’t gone unnoticed. Last month, Bouey was honored by the District 202 School Board as a 2011 Award of Excellence winner. The award honors teachers and non-administrative staff who have in one way or another touched the lives of their students and peers. A parent wrote in the nomination that the impact Bouey had on her son, “signifies an individual who truly cares about his students, one that likes his job and wants to make a positive impact. Mr. Buoey

displays excellence in how he mentors his students at PSHS and in the compassion he shows to those who need his assistance and guidance.” Bouey couldn’t be prouder of the strides he sees his students make each day. “I have been witness to kids making changes in their lives that most people didn’t think was possible,” he said. “The most rewarding part for me is working with people. I would work with people for free, so the fact that I get paid to do it is a plus.”