Joliet 12-24-14 by Bugle, Sentinel & Enterprise Newspapers

DECEMBER 24, 2014 VOL. 7 ISSUE 16

NEWS

Check out examples of how people in the community are trying to give back this holiday!

see page 23

LOCAL IDOT explains plans for Joliet bridges Project to link six drawbridges has yet to be funded

see page 2

COMMUNITY adopt-a-Family has helped students, families in need for 13 years Adopt-a-Family program provided 432 gifts to individual people this year

see page 7

GOVERNMENT

City Council approves new 2015 budget Additional police officers and Rialto funding in spending plan

see page 8

SPORTS West players, coach learning on the job

The season thus far has been a learning experience for new coach John Placher

see page 11

City makes changes to snowfall parking ban; Stricter enforcement expected this winter Drivers, think twice about parking on the street during wintery weather. The city is getting serious about the snow-parking ban. In 2012, the city updated a local law and made it illegal to park on the street during a snowstorm of two inches or more. In the past, the threshold had been three inches. The change was intended to make it easier for snowplows to clear paths through the city. see THe Full sTORy On page 3

Wednesday, decem ber 24, 2014 | jolI etbug le.com

Will COunTy

tHUrSDay • DeC. 25 paRTly ClOuDy

high: 32° low: 25° district 64 students selected as musical all-stars

library’s window ﬁnally coming along

Construction may be completed by end of January for the Shorewood-Troy Library’s new, two-story window.

School District 64 middle school student musicians have been selected to participate in two annual regional events.

police reports successful click It or ticket, drive sober mobilizations From November 17 – 30, 2014, IDOT supported enforcement to remind motorists to buckle up and not drive impaired.

Investigation leads to child porn charges against romeoville man A 37-year-old Romeoville man has been arrested for allegedly soliciting a teenage girl from out of state.

FriDay • DeC. 26 snOW sHOWeRs

high: 28° low: 18° SatUrDay • DeC. 27 sunny

high: 24° low: 17° WeeKend eVent: JinGLeBeLL rOCK MetaL

neWs .................................................... 3 pOliCe BlOTTeR ............................ 6 OpiniOn............................................... 7 CalenDaR .......................................... 9

Take 5 .................................................. 10 spORTs ................................................ 11 sOCial spOTligHT ......................... 15 Business & Real esTaTe .......... 18

ClassiFieDs ...................................... 19 mOnTHly FeaTuRe ....................... 23

FeSt in JOLiet • DeCeMBer 26, 2014 • FriDay 4:30 PM • MOJOeS • 22 W. CaSS St. JOLiet, iLLinOiS 60432

transportation

IDOT explains plans to centralize control of downtown bridges Project to link six drawbridges has yet to be funded By sTeWaRT WaRRen STAFF REpoRTER

stewartwarren509@yahoo.com @stewartwarren

The state wants to make big changes to the city’s six drawbridges. Officials are working on plans to install a fiber optic cable link between each bridge and the system’s central office, 105 Bridge St. Then workers would be able to raise and lower each bridge from that remote location. Individual bridge tenders who are stationed at each structure currently control the bridges. Once the work is done, the bridges would be safer for motorists, pedestrians, barge traffic and the bridge tenders, officials said. The move also would save money. Instead of having a staff of six working each of the three daily shifts, there would be just three people on each shift. The construction would take 24 months, and each bridge would be closed to traffic for two to four months at a time. If all goes

“We don’t want to have a bridge down for four to six weeks for centralized control and then find out it would be down four to six weeks for repair ...” paT mCguiRe,

STATE SENATOR, D-CREST HILL

well, the work would begin with the installation of the fiber optic cable and the construction of the central control system in 2016, said Sarah Martin, IDOT’s bridge maintenance engineer. But that’s not a done deal. “The project is not funded currently,” Martin said. “But we are hopeful.” To explain the project, the Illinois Department of Transportation held an open house-style public meeting from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday at Joliet City Hall, 150 W. Jefferson St.

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF JOLIET

A $10.3 million plan by the state would allow the Jefferson Street Bridge and the others in and around Joliet would be controlled from a single point instead of needing bridge tenders at all of them. The plan is yet unfunded. It began with a short PowerPoint presentation explaining the $10.3 million project. When the centralized system is installed, the drawbridges at Ruby, Jackson, Cass, Jefferson and McDonough streets and at Brandon Road would operate seamlessly and safely, the PowerPoint narrator said. The bridge tenders could observe the bridges and the traffic going over and under them by watching the 14 video cameras installed on each structure. When the presentation finished,

IDOT staff began answering questions. Many of the people who attended the meeting were people who work on the river: barge captains, bridge tenders, a bridge repairman and Darren Melvin of the Illinois River Carriers Association. They had technical concerns related to their work. “If (the new system) doesn’t work, is IDOT prepared to go back to the old ways of operating things?” Melvin asked. Martin reassured him. “We are leaving the option in to

have the bridge tender operate the bridge,” Martin said. Mayor Tom Giarrante wanted to know how many bridge tenders would lose their jobs when the change was made. Martin replied that there were 22 on staff now, but two are planning to retire, and others are sure to follow before the work is completed. So the reduction in manpower would be made through attrition, she said. “This isn’t happening quickly,” Martin said. State Sen. Pat McGuire, D-Crest Hill, asked if the new system truly would be safer for motorists. Martin explained that it included infrared cameras that would provide a clear picture of what was happening on each bridge, even in the dark. “(The bridge tenders) will have better sight lines on the roadways,” Martin said. McGuire and Giarrante urged the officials to do any needed maintenance on the bridges while they were out of service for the installation of the new control system. “We don’t want to have a bridge down for four to six weeks for centralized control and then find out it would be down four to six weeks for repair,” McGuire said.

Wedn esday, decem ber 24, 2014 | jolI etbug le.com

cover story

City makes changes to snowfall parking ban Stricter enforcement expected this winter

The city now has created two zones on the near West side of town where parking is allowed on the even-numbered side of the street during snowstorms of two inches or more. The exemptions are in densely populated, older parts of town

By sTeWaRT WaRRen STAFF REpoRTER

stewartwarren509@yahoo.com @stewartwarren

Drivers, think twice about parking on the street during wintery weather. The city is getting serious about the snow-parking ban. In 2012, the city updated a local law and made it illegal to park on the street during a snowstorm of two inches or more. In the past, the threshold had been three inches. The change was intended to make it easier for snowplows to clear paths through the city. But the new rule was not strictly enforced during the first year. “We tried to do a marketing campaign over the last two years to let the public know the law has taken affect,” Joliet Police Chief Brian Benton said. “And we wanted to give residents time to work out parking arrangements.” So during 2012, just six of the $30 parking tickets were issued, said Finance Director James Ghedotte. To spread the word about the ban, the police often slipped laminated cards explaining the new law under the windshield wipers of cars parked in the street, Benton said. In 2013, the police wrote 43 tickets. And in the winter of 2014 – one of the worst on record with more than 80 inches of snow – there were 1,110 tickets issued, Ghedotte said. Although that might seem like a lot, it could have been worse. “For two years we have not issued tickets to the extent that we could have,” Benton said. Now there will be no holding back. The city is going to strictly enforce the law this winter, Benton said. “We feel that we have done an ample job of educated the public in the last two years. Those that chose to ignore the ordinance will receive tickets this winter,” the chief said. But some changes have been made too. The city now has created two zones on the near West side of town where parking is allowed on the even-numbered side of the street during snowstorms of two inches or more. The exemptions are in

snOWFall RegulaTiOn

tHe nUMBer OF $30 ParKinG tiCKetS iSSUeD in 2012.

tHe nUMBer OF $30 ParKinG tiCKetS iSSUeD in 2013.

1,110

tHe nUMBer OF $30 ParKinG tiCKetS iSSUeD in 2014.

densely populated, older parts of town: The area bounded by Raynor Avenue to Center Street between Route 30 and Buell Avenue near the University of St. Francis in the Cathedral Area neighborhood The area bounded by Pine Street between Western Avenue to Division Street The area bounded by Raynor Avenue to Center Street between Jefferson and Marion streets in the St. Pat’s neighborhood In these sections of Joliet, there are many houses and apartment buildings that don’t have off-street parking, said Mike Eulitz, the city’s roadways engineer. “One of the criteria for allowing the even side parking was if there was no (off-street) parking off the alley or a driveway. And it had to be a vast majority (of the block). If there are 10 houses on a street and eight of them have off-street parking, I

did not take the whole block off. It would have to be a majority (of the addresses),” Eulitz said. Carol Ann Heinemann, the president of the St. Pat’s Neighborhood Association, said she had worked with Eulitz to create the exempt zone. Although there are other streets in St. Pat’s that also lack off-street parking, Heinemann said it was a good compromise. “We are fine with it,” she said. “We don’t want to inconvenience the residents or the snow plow trucks.” John Kella, the president of the Cathedral Area Neighborhood Association, agreed with Heinemann, adding that his neighbors had not complained about the new rule or its enforcement. “There are areas on Campbell Street with more rentals, and they have alleys. So if they can’t get down an alley during a snowstorm and want to park in the street, they may squawk if they get a ticket,” he said. The tickets can be contested. The city holds an administrative hearing at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month in the building at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, 201 W. Jefferson St. Marty Shanahan, who was named the new City Attorney on Dec. 18, has been presiding over the hearings for about a year along with some of his colleagues at the Spesia Ayers law firm, 1415 Black Road, Joliet. There haven’t been many people who wanted to contest the tickets, he said. “People did not understand the ordinance existed,” Shanahan said.

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business

City names Shanahan, Jr. new corporation counsel Jeff Plyman retired in October after 28 years of service The City of Joliet announces that Martin J. Shanahan, Jr. will be the City’s next Corporation

of Joliet’s Adjudication Counsel. Hearing Officer for over He will be replacing a year. He has strong the City’s previous municipal experience Corporation Counsel, which includes the Jeff Plyman, who Villages of Rockdale, retired in October after Minooka, New Lenox and 28 years of service to Manhattan. the City of Joliet. Martin J. Shanahan will officially Shanahan graduated Shanahan, Jr. begin working for the City from the University City’s next of Joliet effective Jan. 5, of St. Francis and Corporation Counsel 2015. went on to obtain his “When selecting among Juris Doctorate from qualified candidates, the John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He is you look for the best fit for the a Joliet resident who served as City and Community,” City an Assistant State’s Attorney for Manager Jim Hock states. “Marty three years before joining the law Shanahan will be a positive asset to our organization and the firm of Spesia and Ayers in 2001 He has been working as the City residents of Joliet.”

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education > Troy 30-C school district

Troy school community open hearts for season District partners up to give back to the students, families most in need By jeanna millsap For the BUGLE

sweditor@buglenewspapers.com @ShorewoodNews

The staff at the seven grade schools in the Troy 30-C school district opened up their hearts once again this year, gathering the names of students from needy families and making sure their holidays would be a little more special. There are some students who have nothing, and more than a few who are homeless, according to Director of Human Resources, Paul Schrik. The district works closely with the Will County Regional Office of Education and local agencies to provide assistance to its homeless students, Shrik said, and the district’s staff is continuing a tradition of giving to their needy students in many other ways. They step up to buy Christmas gifts and also to provide for some much more basic needs. “There are things that we take for granted, like having breakfast,” Schrik said, “or having a coat for the winter.” There are some children who wake up not knowing if they will be getting breakfast before school, he said, or even if a parent is going to be there or wondering how their clothes are going to be washed. Pitching in to help make their lives a bit better is what Troy’s Christmas giving is all about. Schrik said there is one district employee in particular, his administrative

assistant, Deb King, who really goes out of her way to help the students this time of year. Pooling donations from staff in the district office, King spends days visiting various local stores and purchasing items for families on the district’s giving tree then passing the purchases along to school counselors who get the gifts to the parents. “Deb takes it upon herself to do this work,” Schrik said, “and she loves doing it. She does it because she wants to. She’s done it for years on her own time. . . She’s very supportive of all the kids in the district.” King gets the names of needy families from school counselors. “I put it out to the social workers,” she said, “that if there is a needy family to let me know.” King said the district office’s staff used to exchange gifts with each at their Christmas parties, but a few years ago they decided to pool the money they would have spent on those gifts and instead use it for the students. A normal year, the office staff will contribute to helping a couple of families. This year, they were asked to help four families with 16 children and 10 adults. “I knew I had a challenge,” King said. Armed with information on the children and adults in the families and what their particular needs were – their clothing sizes, shoe sizes, toy preferences and

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Deb King, a Troy District 30-C administrative assistant, goes out of her way to help the students this time of year. Pooling donations from staff in the district office, King spends days visiting various local stores and purchasing items for families on the district’s giving tree then passing the purchases along to school counsellors who get the gifts to the parents. sometimes what the parents were in need of – and donations, King set off on a shopping spree. She began before Thanksgiving, hitting stores like Kohl’s, J.C. Penney’s, Target, Walmart and Menards. “We wanted to get them clothes, coats, boots, toys and a food basket,” she said. She targeted the sales, getting $75 coats for $20 each at one store.

She got up at 4 a.m. on Black Friday to stretch the donated dollars even more. She said at one store, she got $1,000 worth of clothing and shoes for $262, leaving more money for more purchases elsewhere. The social workers were able to get very specific desires from some of the students, such as “Frozen” dolls, which were very popular with the girls, or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys. She found them all. It

wasn’t easy, but she hunted them down, and got them at the best deals she could find by researching newspaper sale flyers. She also purchased gas cards and clothing for some of the parents, as well. All families got a breakfast basket with items like cereals, pancake mix, syrup, granola bars and hot chocolate. They all got rolls of wrapping paper, too, and tape and tags, in case they wanted to wrap some of the kids’ presents. The district is so good at donating to help these kids, King said. In addition to the district office staff, each school normally helps its own needy students this time of year. Troy Middle School has a Christmas Giving Project, which is part of its year-round program for families in need, where staff buys gifts for needy students. Other schools have giving trees, distribute winter clothes, gift cards and meet other needs or refer some families to such organizations as Shop with a Cop, Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army and other resources. “This is what Christmas is all about,” King said, “giving to others instead of giving to yourself.”

www.crimestoppersofwillcounty.org • 800.323.734 Wedn esday, Decem ber 24, 2014 | bug lenewspapers.com

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SHOREWOOD John Tugman, 25, of 1715 Lucylle Ave., St. Charles, charged on a Kane County warrant for possession of cannabis and driving while license suspended on Dec. 15 at Addleman Street and Black Road.

Adriana Montano, 32, of 5720 Brosam Drive, Plainfield, charged on a Will County warrant for speeding on Dec. 15 at Highland Drive and River Road.

Joshua B. Lozano, 26, of 1029 Hammond Ave., Joliet, charged with driving while license revoked, no insurance and illegal use of cell phone on Dec. 16 at Bailey Drive and Black Road.

JOLIET

for domestic battery and criminal damage to property.

North Larkin Avenue for disorderly conduct.

Sarah E. Littlejohn, 19, 3310 Chambord, Hazel Crest, was arrested at 3:15 p.m. Dec. 12 at 3340 Mall Loop for retail theft.

Lawrence Z. Trevino, 18, 408 Leach Ave., was arrested at 9:48 p.m. Dec. 13 at Louis and Ohio for possession of cannabis.

James C. Talmadge, 23, 508 Krakar Ave., was arrested at 8:58 p.m. Dec. 12 at Brown and Hebbard for unlawful delivery of controlled substance.

Adriana E. Rodriguez, 32, 1053 Dickens Way, Schaumburg, was arrested at 1:37 a.m. Dec. 13 at 151 N. Joliet for fictitious identification.

Diedra M. Ducksworth, 47, 804 Rosalind, and Candice M. Fields, 36, 2456 Walsh Way were arrested at 8:34 p.m. Dec. 12 at McDonough and Des Plaines for possession of drug equipment.

Jonas Toto, 30, 1000 Cora, was arrested at 3:28 a.m. Dec. 13 at Ruby and Bluff for DUI — alcohol and DUI — BAC over .08.

Katrina Y. Bailey, 42, 352 Wilcox, was arrested at 12:30 a.m. Dec. 12 at McDonough and Water for open container.

Robert L. Barcus, 31, 420 N. Center, was arrested at 2:58 a.m. Dec. 13 on the 1300 block of North Center for DUI — alcohol.

Khristie S. Williams, 36, 715 Taylor, was arrested at 12:39 p.m. Dec. 12 at 2424 W. Jefferson for retail theft.

Barbaro Rodriguez, 29, 3058 W. Dickens, Chicago, was arrested at 6:56 p.m. Dec. 13 at 2845 Plainfield for retail theft and possession of drug equipment.

Takia B. Wiley, 32, 1200 Edge Hill Ave., was arrested at 4:05 p.m. Dec.12 at Bridge and Bluff

Dwayne M. Lane, 18, 502 Pico, was arrested at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13 in the 400 block of

Maryanna L. Neely, 24, 143 Wedgeport Circle, Romeoville, was arrested at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at 3340 Mall Loop for retail theft.

Chris A. Perez, 25, 1462 Sterling Ave., was arrested at 9:35 a.m. Dec. 14 on the 200 block of Herkimer for possession of cannabis, possession of drug equipment and a warrant.

Charles J. French, 63, 311 N. Ottawa, was arrested at 2:03 p.m. Dec. 14 at 311 N. Ottawa for domestic battery.

Artemio Duarte, 46, 800 Lloyds, was arrested at 1:42 p.m. Dec. 14 at 803 Fisk for domestic battery.

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

Marino A. Pena, 36, 427 N. Anna Lane, Romeoville, was arrested at 4:09 p.m. Dec. 14 at 3340 Mall Loop Drive for retail theft.

Robert J. Salvadore, 25, 611 Dartmouth, was arrested at 4:17 a.m. Dec. 14 at 210 S. Eastern for DUI.

Pedro M. Gonzalez, 26, 723 Nicholson, was arrested at 3:28 a.m. Dec. 14 at 723 Nicholson for domestic battery.

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Jefferson for criminal trespass to real property. A juvenile, 17, was arrested at 6:52 p.m. Dec. 16 at 3340 Mall Loop Drive for retail theft, aggravated battery and retail theft — security device removal.

Nicole M. Sims, 41, 210 Iowa Ave., was arrested at 8:12 p.m. Dec. 16 at 2424 W. Jefferson for retail theft and a warrant.

Angelo R. Starr, 20, 514 S. Desplaines, was arrested at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at 105 McDonough for obstructing a peace officer.

Stephon W. Johnson, 18, 16217 Lexington, Chicago, was arrested at 9:46 p.m. Dec. 15 at 316 N. Bluff for criminal trespass to property.

Sean D. Peterson, 26, 3006 Dan Ireland Drive, was arrested at 1 p.m. Dec. 16 at 1319 Cumberland for aggravated battery to a peace officer, resisting arrest, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.

Jennifer R. Lopez, 35, 115 Iowa Ave., was arrested at 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at 1801 W. Jefferson for retail theft.

Gannette J. Strand, 37, 611 E. Cass, was arrested at 2:30 a.m. Dec. 15 at 508 E. Cass for criminal trespass to real property.

Jake J. Knox, 41, 508 S. Desplaines, was arrested at 7:41 p.m. Dec. 16 at Jasper and Water for possession of controlled substance with attempt to deliver.

Ashley R. Collins, 27, 715 Oneida, was arrested at 12:53 p.m. Dec. 16 at 2424 W.

Melvin Ammons, Jr., 27, 412 Water, was arrested at 9:31 p.m. Dec. 16 at 112 Wallace for aggravated battery to peace officer, criminal damage to government supported property, resisting and obstructing a peace officer and obstructing justice.

For more Joliet Police Blotter, visit www. buglenewspapers.com/policeblotter

Send us your feedback at sweditor@buglenewspapers.com

Wedn esday, Decem ber 24, 2014 | bug lenewspapers.com

community bulletin

JWHS Adopt-a-Family has helped students and families in need for 13 years

EDITORIAL

Adopt-a-Family program provided 432 gifts to individual people this year

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Joliet, Crest Hill Lockport, Romeoville Nicole Austin

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Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Westmont, Woodridge & Lisle

ENTERPRISE NEWSPAPERS, INC. 23856 Andrew Road #104 Plainﬁeld, IL 60585 Phone: (815) 436-2431 Fax: (815) 436-2592 MON - FRI: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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The holiday season is typically full of joy, but for some families, the season brings uncertainty brought on by financial hardships. For 13 years, the Joliet West High School Adopt-a-Family program has lessened this burden by providing gifts, clothing, and sometimes even Christmas trees, to JWHS students and families in need. The Adopt-a-Family program, established and run by JWHS Social Workers Jean McCormick and Wendy Vantilburg, provided 432 gifts to individual people this year, and a total of 2,700 people have received assistance from the program since its establishment. “The program’s success is built from the generosity of our JTHS family,” said McCormick. “We have never had a problem filling the needs of our families. District and school administration, teachers, student clubs, ROTC and our school security staff come out in numbers to adopt families. They are provided with the families’ wish lists and then they shop and bring the gifts back to school wrapped and ready to distribute.” Distribution of the gifts is one of the program’s unique aspects. “We personally deliver to the families that can’t pick the presents up,” said Vantilburg. “If families can’t find transportation, we come to them, and it is always so rewarding

COURTESY JOLIET TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Adopt-a-Family program, established and run by JWHS Social Workers Jean McCormick and Wendy Vantilburg, provided 432 gifts to individual people this year.

“As the holiday season approaches, I start getting emails from staff and student clubs who can’t wait to get the wish list for their family. They look forward to the shopping and wrapping. We can always count on their generosity.” to see how grateful they are. They are touched by the kindness and generosity and many times people become overwhelmed by emotion. It is amazing.” McCormick said the program fills a need that seems to be increasing in

a time when social service funding is decreasing. JTHS currently has 119 students whose families have been identified as homeless. McCormick and Vantilburg work collaboratively to identify additional students and families in need. It is a confidential process and those who adopt a family do not know the names of who they are buying for. “The program signifies a tradition of giving throughout the district,” said Vantilburg. “As the holiday season approaches, I start getting emails from staff and student clubs who can’t wait to get the wish list for their family. They look forward to the shopping and wrapping. We can always count on their generosity.”

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Maureen Vitacco mvitacco@buglenewspapers.com 815.436.2431 ext. 108

Niles, Morton Grove, Des Plaines & Park Ridge

ADVERTISING DEADLINES. Space and copy deadlines for display and classiﬁed ads is 12 p.m. Friday before date of insertion. Email classiﬁeds@buglenewspapers.com | Legals, obituaries and happy ads are due at 12 p.m. Friday. Email announcements@ buglenewspapers.com. Email Legals@buglenewspapers.com EDITORIAL DEADLINES. Calendar & News: 3 p.m. Monday, three weeks before date of publication. sweditor@buglenewspapers. com

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letter to the editor

Pancake breakfast a community success Local children enjoyed a visit and photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the event Congratulations to the Joliet Noon Lions Club on their recent successful Pancake Breakfast. Chairperson Lion Anneta Drilling-Sowa, with special help from Lion John Joseph Honiotes, toiled many hours to arrange to serve hundreds of attendees. The children in attendance, and some not so young, enjoyed a visit with Santa and Mrs.

Claus and received complimentary pictures of their visit. Main sponsors for the event were Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Dudek. As a 27+ year Joliet Noon Lions Veteran, I know and appreciate the planning, energy, and hard work that it takes to put on a successful event. To

all my brother and sister Joliet Noon Lions Club Members who worked the event, sold tickets, sponsors, and to all those who attended, a big thank you! We Lions members serve the sight and hearing impaired, our community needs, and many state and worldwide humanitarian needs. We Lions are proud and happy to be able to help make a difference. Mark Turk Joliet

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government

City Council approves new 2015 budget Additional police officers and funding for the Rialto in spending plan By Stewart Warren staff reporter

stewartwarren509@yahoo.com @stewartwarren

After a last-minute change, the new Joliet budget includes three more Neighborhood-Oriented Policing Team officers. That means there will be a total of eight new officers added to the force next year: six NOPT officers, a sergeant to supervise them

and another sergeant who will specialize in training. Councilmen Bob O’Dekirk and Larry Hug pushed for additional officers to patrol the city’s residential neighborhoods during the regular meeting on Tuesday, the last of a recent series of discussions about the 2015 budget. O’Dekirk noted that the first version of the budget included just one new police officer, the training sergeant. After residents and members of the Council complained, three NOPT officers and a second sergeant were added. To fund those positions, the city cut $600,000 from the fire department’s overtime budget.

There should be even more cops on the streets, O’Dekirk said on Tuesday. During budget talks, Councilman John Gerl had mentioned the possibility of taking money from the health and welfare fund to pay for the new police officers, O’DeKirk said. “(The) health and welfare account is overfunded by over $1 million,” O’Dekirk said. “Can that money be reallocated to hire more NOPT officers?” The health and welfare fund is actually the line item in the budget related to medical insurance for city employees, City Manager Jim Hock explained after the meeting. The city is self-insured, and the money for the Blue Cross Blue

Shield policies comes from the general fund. In some years, the city pays more for medical expenses; in other years, it pays less, depending on the physical state of Joliet’s workers. There should be more police working in Joliet, Hock said. But there might be better ways to spend the city’s limited resources in 2015, such as buying 13 new police squad cars. The vehicles were a one-time capital cost while new employees were a payroll expense year after year, he said. And who knows what the future holds for the city’s budgets? After all, there will be a new Illinois governor next year, and he could drastically change the distribution of income tax funds to municipalities. That might leave the city short of cash, Hock suggested. As the members of the Council considered the budget, they also talked at length about the annual funding for the Rialto Square Theater, 116 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Although theater officials had asked for $850,000, the council was discussing the possibility of giving $600,000, the same amount as in 2014. They were concerned because of the recent very public flap over the Rialto’s new marquee, a modern structure with LED lighting that is under construction now and should be installed next spring. A group of very vocal residents has opposed the new sign, a gift from

“(The) health and welfare account is overfunded by over $1 million. Can that money be reallocated to hire more NOPT officers?” Councilman Bob O’Dekirk prominent local businessman Ed Czerkies. The naysayers did not like the sign’s size and style, and they particularly did not care for the wording on the marquee that indicated it was a memorial to Czerkies’ parents. They complained that the public was not included in the discussions leading to the new sign. In the end, the Council decided that the Rialto needed the money. “I personally think the Rialto needs the $600,000 it gets from the city,” Mayor Tom Giarrante said. “I am not going to be personally responsible for closing down the Rialto.” And when they voted on the budget, the members of the Council unanimously approved it.

news briefs

Reyes wins Richland’s annual Spelling Bee M-E-G-A-P-H-O-N-E. That was the winning word spelled by eighth-grader Andres Reyes to win Richland Junior High School’s annual Spelling Bee Dec. 17. Reyes narrowly beat eighth-grader Chibueze Onyenemezu, who received second place this year. In third place was seventh-grader Syed Bokhari. Onyenemezu and Reyes were both returning school champions. Onyenemezu won last year’s Bee, and Reyes won the Bee two years earlier as a sixthgrader. The Bee was open to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students and is part of the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee

program. A total of 25 students participated in the school Bee, although other spelling activities were completed by all students in the classroom in preparation for the final. The event was attended by junior high students, parents and faculty. Dr. Michael Early, District 88A superintendent, served as pronouncer and moderator. Reyes will represent Richland at the Will County Regional Bee, which will be held at Lockport East High School on March 5. The winner of that Bee will compete in the National Bee in Washington, D.C., later this spring.

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community

candid moments

A Christmas Tree for Cancer 90-year-old Patient Wants to Share the Joy of the Holidays

bugle file photoI

An artist’s rendering of the proposed new marquee for the Rialto Square Theater.

Rialto sign donor may pull funds if memorial obligation changed Theater officials say renovations ’almost 75 percent completed’ By Pat Schager for the Bugle

sweditor@buglenewspapers.com @PlainfieldNews

While Rialto Square Theatre officials say controversial renovations to the marquee are nearly 75 percent done, they left open the possibility there could be some change. At a Dec. 17 meeting of the Will County Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority – the board that oversees Rialto operations -- the public had the chance to ask officials about their decision to allow renovation of the Rialto marquee some call gaudy and not at all fitting for the historic, 88-year-old “Jewel of Joliet.” Some have objected to updating the marquee, which is not the original, to include LED signs that will allow theater officials to gain some advertising revenue. Many also are upset at the size of the wording of a memorial on the marquee negotiated by Plainfield developer Ed Czerkies, who donated $350,000 for the new marquee. Rialto General Manager Randy Green asked that the meeting be moved into the theater itself to accommodate an anticipated larger crowd. Around 50 people attended the meeting, 12 of whom spoke.

Green told those who attended he has spoken with Czerkies as the opposition has grown. He said Czerkies is concerned over the controversy, but remains firm the marquee renovation go on as presented. He hinted that anything else could be losing the $350,000 donation. Since they have spent some $197,000 on the marquee already that it nearly 75 percent completed, Green said, “If Mr. Czerkies rescinds his gift, we will be out $550,000.” Green said Czerkies told him in their last conversation that he needs to discuss the issue with his family. “The door remains open,” said Rialto Board Chairman James Smith. Some of the public said they never got their foot in that door. “Why were we left out,” was one of the most asked question from the people attending the board meeting. “Why wasn’t the public asked for some input into the design for a new marquee for the Rialto,” asked Sue Martin, a Joliet resident. “Why is the new marquee so much larger than what’s in front of the Rialto now,” asked Shirley from Shorewood. Rialto officials thought they had good news for residents when they announced Czerkies’ donation

and unveiled a rendering of the new marquee at the opening of the Festival of Trees celebration in November. Not everyone is opposed to the new marquee. Tom Hannah of Joliet praised Czerkies for his donation. “Times change, and it’s an improvement for the Rialto,” he said to applause from many in the audience. On Dec. 15, Green and Smith attended the City Council’s workshop session. About a dozen residents who opposed the new marquee were in the audience, and some of them carried large signs protesting the change. Green went through the project’s timeline, saying that in July he sent an email to City Manager Jim Hock seeking review of the design. Hock forwarded the request to staff, and the city’s Historical Preservation Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals considered the new marquee. Both groups approved it, Green said. The new marquee would be about 12 feet high, and the letters spelling the Czerkies name were about 10 ½ inches tall, Green said. Smith noted that some people had accused the Rialto’s leaders of trying to avoid an appearance at a council meeting. “That is simply not true,” Smith said. “It is not our intent to disregard public opinion.” Assistant Digital Editor Stewart Warren contributed to this story.

A beautiful 12-foot tree sits proudly in the treatment center at Presence Cancer Care in Joliet. It not only celebrates Christmas, but it represents life with and after cancer. Adorned with ribbons of every color representing the different types of cancer, it brings joy and hope to patients and their families. The tree was donated by a friend of the Shepich family, and Lucille Shepich, the 90-year-old matriarch of the family who is currently in treatment for lung cancer, cheerfully cut and tied pink, pearl, yellow, lavender and more ribbons to represent breast, lung, bladder, and all cancers. Lucille wanted every cancer patient to be able to connect with what the tree represents, including those who lost their battles. “We added feathers to represent the angels,” Luann Midlock, one of Lucille’s daughters said. Luann, Mary Jo Shepich and Jerry Shepich joined their mother to present the tree to the Presence Cancer Care center as did Kim Midlock, clinical nurse manager at Presence Cancer Care and Lucille’s granddaughter-inlaw. Family friend 89-year-old Loretta Brncich also helped with

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Dr. Nafisa Burhani with Lucille Shepich in front of the donated and decorated Cancer Christmas tree.

making and donating ornaments for the tree. Lucille had been frightened when she first was diagnosed with lung cancer, but her oncologist, Dr. Nafisa Burhani, quickly put her at ease with a low-key, honest approach. Lucille said she had two choices: do nothing or undergo chemotherapy. She chose the latter, scoffing at the notion of giving up. Lucille plans to go back to Las Vegas to celebrate her 91st birthday in April, but first there is the joy that comes with Christmas, and she wants to help share her happiness with all affected by cancer.

FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE 5 MINUTES FOR YOURSELF Wedn esday, decem ber 24, 2014 | bug leneW spapers.com

Aries

mARCH 21 TO ApRIL 20

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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

page 11

>> INSIDE: new coach, new attitude on the mat page 13

girls hoops

Learning on the job New coach and a young team mean growing together at West By Mark Gregory sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

Not only is there a new face on the sideline for the Joliet West girls basketball team this season, there is a new attitude. John Placher took over the program this year and is working on getting the Tigers to buy into his philosophies. “We just have to take one step at a time. From the freshmen coming in through every girl here, we need to promote good, hard defense and playing tough all the time,” he said. “We need to have all the girls focusing on the common goal of working hard.” Coming from the grade school level, Placher is learning on the job about the Joliet area girls basketball programs. “The one thing I am learning here is that varsity girls basketball is really tough in this area and you have to be prepared and you have to come to play. If you don’t come to play, this is what happens,”

non seniors on the joliet West roster

he said. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t having fun. It has been a challenge and I really enjoy being here.” The Tigers got a taste of the tough schedule last week when they faced Bolingbrook and lost, 76-34. Joliet West hung in the game for the first quarter and then the Raiders took over with help from 6-foot, 2-inch Parris Bryant. She tallied 14 of Bolingbrook’s first 19 points and was a key cog in the Bolingbrook press that frustrated West the entire game. “Playing Bolingbrook, they are a very athletic, tall team. They make you look bad. The girls tried and played hard today,” Placher said. “That press, you can’t throw over it and then you have to dribble through it and they have quick hands and are very athletic and they create a lot of turnovers.” In the second half, the Tigers adjusted and put their tallest player, 6-1 Kelly Plyer on Bryant and stopped her dominant scoring.

see learning | page 16

sophomore starters for the tigers

photo by mark gregory

Kierra Tyler and the Tigers are learning together this season under new coach John Placher.

p age 12 | Wed n e sd ay, d e c e mb e r 2 4 , 2 0 1 4 | jolIet bugle. c om

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wrestling

New coach bringing new attitude to Tigers By Mark Gregory sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

There are a lot of new faces around the Joliet West wrestling room this season and that starts at the top. This year, Chuck Rumpf took over as new coach of the Tigers. Rumpf wrestled at LincolnWay High School prior to its split. “So far, so good,” Rumpf said, “This is my first time here as head coach. I started here with the old JT program and then I have been at Lincoln-Way North, Stagg and Sandburg and now I am back” Rumpf feels the team has potential on the mat this season, paced by returning state qualifier Darvell Flagg. Flagg is at 106 pounds again this season, while Austin Poch is at 113 after backing up Flagg last year. “Poch is a sophomore and people always ask where he was last year because he was JV behind Flagg,” Rumpf said. “He gained some experience last year and he is doing well this year for us. He won the Barrington Tournament.” Rumpf is happy with the way the Tigers as a whole are taking to the new coaching. “I think the kids are responding,” he said. “We have

see new | page 16

photo by mark gregory

Chuck Rumpf (center) returns to the Joliet West wrestling program after beginning his career with the combined Joliet Township.

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Wedn esday, decem ber 24, 2014 | bug leneW spapers.com

PHOTO BY MARK GREGORY

Joliet central opens the mcDipper at 8:30 p.m. December 26.

boys hoops

mcdipper opens Friday By maRk gRegORy SpoRTS REpoRTER

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

While the Pontiac Holiday tournament is still the granddaddy of Illinois High School boys basketball tournaments, the McDipper,

held annually at Rich South High School, is right there behind it. With great competition every year, the McDipper features 16 teams from around the Chicagoland area. The McDipper opens up Friday, Dec. 26 and does not feature any teams currently

in the top 10 rankings in Chicagoland, but does boast No. 11 Hales Franciscan and No. 15 Thornton. Locally, Joliet Central and Bolingbrook will compete in the invite. The Steelmen open with

See MCdIppER | Page 16

Winners of the Thanksgiving Turkey coloring contest sponsored by Prescence Medical Group are: madIson FoX, 4 oF romeoVIlle anjelIca mohZoh, 8 oF romeoVIlle and logan leber, 10 oF plaInFIeld. each of them won a toys r Us gift card. Thank you to all who entered. Continue to read the Bugle, enterprise and Sentinel madI son FoX l oga n l e be r newspapers for chances to win!

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boys hoops

Tigers to again play in top holiday tournament By Scott Taylor sports editor

staylor@enterprisepublications.com @Taylor_Sports

The 84th Annual Pontiac Holiday Tournament takes place Monday, Dec. 29 to Dec. 31. The 16-team field is loaded again this year as Curie looks to defend its title. It is a rare tournament where only two games are guaranteed as the losers of their first two games are sent home early. “It’s just an incredible atmosphere,” Niles West coach Bob Williams said. “There’s local kids who come up to our players and ask them for their autograph. There’s great interest; it’s the oldest tournament in the United States. And you have some of the best teams in the state. It has such tradition to it. It’s a class act all the way so we just love it. “If you lose two you got home, and we did that last year so we have to be better than that.” St. Charles North (4-4) and Warren (4-5) will get the tournament started at 9 a.m. Dec. 29. They are in the same pod as Plainfield North (7-0), the No. 3 seed, which opens play at 10:30 a.m. against Bloomington. The winners play at 1 p.m. Dec. 30, while the losers play at 9:30 a.m. Last year Plainfield North defeated Lockport for the consolation title. The next pod features what looks to be an exciting game between Benet (4-2) and Bloom (4-3) at 1 p.m. No. 2 Chicago Curie (4-1) and Danville play at 2:30 p.m. on the other side of the pod. The winners will meet at 11 a.m. Dec. 30, while losers play at 8 a.m. Oak Park-River Forest (5-2) and Peoria Manual open afternoon play at 4 p.m. They will face either Lockport (2-5) or Aurora West (5-3), the No. 4 seed, as those teams play at 6 p.m. Winners play at 4 p.m. the following day, while losers play at 2:30 p.m. “(We) hope to compete and improve our play against the outstanding tournament field at Pontiac,” Lockport coach Lawrence Thompson, Jr. said. The final pod features top seed Simeon (3-0), last year’s runner-up, against Pontiac at 7:30 p.m. and Joliet West (5-2) and Niles West (44) in a battle of Bugle teams, at 9 p.m. Winners play at 7:30 p.m. the

photo by mark gregory

Teyvion Kirk and the Tigers play in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. following day, while the losers play at 6 p.m. “We open up with Niles West. They are a very well coached team,” Joliet West coach Nick DiForti said.

“The winner, most likely, will play Simeon. Our kids are playing as well as we can at this point. Our goal is to win at least two games at Pontiac…which would be a major

accomplishment considering it is the most challenging tournament out there. This would give us a nice litmus test and preparation for the rest of conference play.”

The championship game is scheduled for 9 p.m. Dec. 30, with the third-place game at 7 p.m. The consolation title is slated for 4 p.m. Mark Gregory contributed

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Wedn esday, Decem ber 24, 2014 | bug lenewspapers.com mcdipper | from page 14 Tinley Park and would face either Rich South or Chicago King in the second game of the tournament. “With our recent poor performances and the quality of the teams at the McDipper, we have got to use our practice time to prepare for a long four days of play,” said Joliet Central coach Jeff Corcoran. “We are capable of playing thru this but need everyone to do their job.”

new | from page 13 three new coaches on staff and a lot of times when you are trying to implement new things, it can be met with resistance. But they seem to be responding to it. We are trying to bring a structure to it here and make sure there is discipline and accountability and the kids are responding to that.” One of the other leaders this season has been Meekah BenIsrael, a key member if the

learning | from page 11 “She was able to play good defense,” Placher said. “Kelly is a junior and hopefully working all this season and over the summer, we can get her even better. She is a big girl in there and hopefully we can get her to be an offensive threat out there too.” Placher said the Raiders were the best team West has seen all

The Steelmen have the final game of the first day, playing at 8:30 p.m. and a win would keep them in the same time slot for the next day. Bolingbrook is on the opposite side of the bracket and plays the second earliest game of the tournament, opening up at 10:30 a.m. against University High. A win in that one would put the Raiders playing the winner of Leo and Rich Central at 4 p.m. the following day.

“The McDipper is one of the top tournaments in the state,” said Boligbrook coach Rob Brost. “Everyone there is good, that’s why we go. We look forward to the competition.” The ranked teams are split between the brackets as well, with Bolingbrook drawing Hales in the the third game if both win through. Monday, Dec. 29 is also when Joliet Central and Thornwood would meet if the two won their

Joliet West football team, who is a standout wrestler this year. “A kid like him, his energy and leadership is great and the kids see that and as coaches, we want the other kids to strive for that because it translates to success on the mat. It is no accident that his work ethic, character and attitude is why he was successful in football and that is why he is successful here too,” Rumpf said. For all of the Tigers, Rumpf

feels the early season success and failure have had an impact on the season. “The sport is so mental if you are getting thumped all the time it will demoralize you,” Rumpf said. “Our success is good because it makes guys want that more and strive for that, but the tough schedule is a measuring point and it shows us where we are at and where we need to be as we strive to get better.”

season. “Everyone said Bolingbrook is down this year, they are not down. They are the best team we have played this year. Yeah, they don’t have two All-Americans that are going to UCONN and Tennessee, but they are not down and they have a lot of girls a lot of colleges will be looking at,” he said. “They are very good. H-F is very good and Bolingbrook is one of the top

three teams and we just have to go out and get better.” He also knows that losses to good teams are not all a loss, but have teachable moments within the game. He knows with a young team, he and the girls are in the same boat. “This is a learning experience for the kids and me. If I get better, they will get better,” he said. “With our schedule, it doesn’t get easier.”

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boys hoops

JCA opens play Dec. 26 in Romeoville Classic By Scott Taylor sports editor

staylor@enterprisepublications.com @Taylor_Sports

The 2014 Romeoville Christmas Classic is set to begin Friday, Dec. 26 at Romeoville High School. The tournament is split into small and large division brackets with eight teams in each bracket. The small division features Oak Forest, Glenbard South, Joliet Catholic, Geneseo, Lemont, Chicago Christian, Lincoln-Way West and Romeoville. Oak Forest is the defending champion in the third straight year where the small division beat the large division for the title. The team Oak Forest beat was Oswego East (0-6), who returns this year. Reavis (4-4), Lindblom

(3-5), Shepard (2-5), Downers North, Argo, Lincoln-Way East and Plainfield Central make up the large division. As far as area teams go, JCA (56) opens play at 1:30 p.m. against Geneseo. A win puts it at the 5 p.m. time slot Dec. 27 against either Oak Forest (6-1) or Glenbard South (2-4). A loss puts them at the 9 a.m. slot against the loser of the Oak Forest-GBS game. “We are steadily improving,” JCA coach Joe Gura said. “The Romeoville Tournament is where we hope to take the next step.” The host Spartans (2-4) play at 8 p.m. to open their play against Lincoln-Way West (5-0). A win sets them up at 8 p.m. Dec. 27, while a loss puts them at the noon game. They will face either Lemont (6-2)

or Chicago Christian (3-5). “We are looking forward to good competition,” Romeoville coach Marc Howard said. “We would like to have a strong showing and put a few wins together. Our primary focus is to use the RHS Christmas Classic as a confidence booster going into the second half of the season.” Downers North (3-4) begins play at 3:30 p.m. against Argo (08). A win puts the Trojans at the 6:30 p.m. game Dec. 27, while a loss has them playing at 1:30. They will play either Lincoln-Way East or Plainfield Central. “There’s two sections; a big school and small school section,” Downers North coach Jim Thomas said. “The way the Addison Tournament (last year) was

scheduled was a little bit different than a traditional Christmas tournament so we just wanted to get back into a (traditional) Christmas tournament. There are some (tournaments) in our back yard that have a lot of our conference teams in it but we wanted to go and kind of experience some different teams and seem some different styles of play, and hopefully it’ll help us down the road.” Plainfield Central (2-6) plays the Griffins (2-3) at 6:30 p.m. the opening night and play either at 6:30 or 1:30 p.m. the following day against the Trojans or Argo. The Wildcats have found success in the tournament, finishing second twice and winning the consolation title last

year. “The Romeoville Christmas Classic has always been, and continues to be a tournament where everyone in it has a great opportunity to win it, including us,” Plainfield Central coach Steve Lamberti said. “We, like everyone else, plan on competing and putting ourselves in position to win as many games as possible. This is a great time of year as we take a break from school so athletes can put their sole focus on basketball.” The final day of the tournament is Dec. 30. The championship game is scheduled for 8 p.m. The third-place game is at 6:30 p.m. and the consolation title is at 5 p.m. Mike Sandrolini contributed

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Wedn esday, decem ber 24, 2014 | bug leneW spapers.com plainfield south

q & a with local athletes

FeaTUrInG

paige Kwiatkowski Bowling

What do you use Twitter for? To keep up with friends mostly. I see how some of my bowling friends are doing in college. do you have a favorite account to follow? Not really.

andreW mccutchen

how often do you tweet? Almost every day. how often do you go on Twitter?? Not a lot.

Who will lead the area in scoring?

aaron jordan

treVor stumpe

joe mooney

prentIss nIXon

80% 10%

LEWIS WoMEN’S hoopS @LEWISWBBALL

10% 0%

What is the best holiday basketball tournament? pontIac boys proVIso West boys montInI gIrls state Farm classIc both

@taylor_sports: Denis Alibegovic scored 19 points as Downers South picked up its first win of the year against Willowbrook.

“final score @lewiswBBall 68 @nmuBBAll 58! @lewiswBBall Jess reinhart lead the with with 27 points! #goflyers” ALLEN TRIEU @ALLENTRIEU “Grand Valley State also has a commitment from plainfield east (il) QB cole Kotopka” BLAKE BAUMGARTNER @BFBAUMGARTNER “Really great to see @DaveSobo3, @FSKPart3, @pat_ mac27 & matt parisi all supporting their alma mater tonight @Benetredwings’ w over mcHs.”

News about local businesses in your community Wedn esday, Decem ber 24, 2014 | bug lenewspapers.com

community

Rialto leaders explain new sign to City Council members Members of the City Council and public are upset about Rialto Theatre’s new marquee By Stewart Warren staff reporter

stewartwarren509@yahoo.com @stewartwarren

Nobody seems completely happy about the Rialto’s new marquee. There’s been too much public debate about it. The members of the City Council are upset, and they seem to be kicking around the idea of withholding their annual funding to the historic theater at 116 N. Chicago St. Local residents who oppose the updated sign remain mad, and the theater’s leadership seems uptight. Ed Czerkies, the prominent local businessman who donated $350,000 for the new marquee, is bothered by the ongoing criticism. “To put it mildly, he is very concerned about the current situation,” said James V. Smith, the chairman of the Will County Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority, the Rialto’s governing board. For the past seven years, the theater’s management has been looking for a donor who would fund

a new marquee. The old one was rusty, held together with duct tape and badly needed to be replaced, they said. Czerkies pledged his support and dedicated the gift to his late parents with wording on the marquee that reads “In memory of Michael and Mary Czerkies.” The complaints began right after the theater announced the new marquee on Nov. 24. Some people knocked the more modern overall design and the LED lighting. The size of the lettering of the Czerkies’ name on the marquee drew particularly sharp criticism. Many people said it simply was too big. On Dec. 15, Randy Green, the theater’s general manager, and Smith attended the City Council’s workshop session. About a dozen residents who opposed the new marquee were in the audience, and some of them carried large signs protesting the change. Smith noted that some people had accused the Rialto’s leaders of trying to avoid an appearance at a council meeting. “That is simply not true,” Smith said. “It is not our intent to disregard

bugle file photo

Trish Stoner from the Rialto Square Theater invites the protesters to come in and hear the Joliet Legion Band Concert on Dec. 14. public opinion.” Green then went through the project’s timeline, saying that in July he sent an email to City Manager Jim Hock seeking review of the design. Hock forwarded the request to staff, and the city’s Historical Preservation Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals considered the new marquee. Both groups approved it, Green said. The new marquee would be about 12 feet high, and the letters spelling the Czerkies name were about 10 ½ inches tall, Green said. Councilwoman Jan Quillman seemed to think the new marquee was too big.

“It’s hiding some of the architecture on the front of the building,” she said. She wanted to know if the Czerkies family could be remembered somewhere else. “If you are getting married (at the Rialto), the big draw is to have your name up in lights,” Quillman said. Green replied that the Czerkies name could be removed from photos. “We decided it would be very easy to Photoshop off the sign,” he said. Councilman Bob O’Dekirk asked what would happen to the theater if the city did not make its annual $600,000 donation next year. “It will create some very serious

issues we will have to address,” Green said, saying later that the theater’s yearly operating budget was about $4 million. Quillman asked if there was some way the design of the sign could be changed to make it look more oldfashioned while still incorporating LED lighting. Councilman Larry Hug also wanted to know if the design could be tweaked. “It all depends on what those modifications might be,” Green said. After the discussion ended, Green talked briefly about the project in the hallway outside City Council chambers. The sign already was being constructed in three sections that fit together like a puzzle. Each one of those segments had been made, and the electronic components were ready. The size of the Czerkies name probably couldn’t be minimized because the part already had been made. “In all projects, there can be a change, but there would be a cost,” Green said. Although the workshop’s agenda included two reappointments to the theater’s board, Mayor Tom Giarrante announced that he would discuss that matter during the City Council meeting on Tuesday.

Dave Says

Teaching a lesson to a very young, unlikely thief An incredible example of a teachable moment By dave ramsey dave says

www.daveramsey.com @DaveRamsey

Dear Dave, I gave my wife $350 for Christmas shopping at Wal-Mart. While she was there with our six-year-old daughter, she cashed her bonus check to put with the Christmas money. When she tried to check out, the money was gone. My wife even asked our daughter if she took the money out of mommy’s purse, and she said no. Later, we found the money in our daughter’s coat, and she didn’t seem sorry at all for having taken it. How should we address this? Jonathan Dear Jonathan, Most children that age really have

that was very valuable no idea something like this to her — and ask how is such a big deal. But this she would feel in that is more than just a money situation. thing. It’s something of great Lots of times this value, and it’s someone approach, especially with else’s stuff. Not only that, but little kids, will touch their she took it, lied about it and hearts and help them then showed no remorse. Dave Says I’ve got a really short fuse money advice by realize the magnitude of their actions. In a case like when it comes to lying, but dave ramsey this, I think I’d hand out the lack of repentance and sorrow associated with something very little in the way of punishment. Regardless, you have to nip this kind like this are my biggest problems. First of all, you and your wife of thing in the bud immediately. This have to present a united front is the kind of violation you cannot when you talk about this with allow to happen unaddressed. And your child. This is an incredible whatever the consequences of her example of a teachable moment, actions end up being, you must but you two have to be on the same make sure she clearly understands side and treat it with appropriate why she’s being punished and why seriousness. You have to make your what she did was wrong. —Dave daughter understand that what she did was wrong and why it was You need an umbrella! wrong. Perhaps you could also use an example of someone taking Dear Dave, something from her — something My husband and I both lost our

jobs over a month ago. I’ve been interviewing, and he started a twoweek training program for a new job the other day, but right now we’re in survival mode. We just cashed in an annuity, and were wondering if we should pay down debt and reduce the money going out each month, or just live on it? Veronica Dear Veronica, Right now, it’s raining and you need an umbrella. If it were me, I’d just sit on the money for the time being. Don’t misunderstand me. You need to be honorable and pay your debts, but you may have to put that on hold for a while. Right now, it’s more important to have food in the house and keep the heat on. This kind of situation is scary and can be really stressful, so make sure you hug and hold on to each other a lot, too. It’s been rough for you guys,

especially right here during the holidays. But it sounds like things may be taking a turn for the better. Your husband is about to start making money again, and you may have some possibilities on the horizon. Through this stretch, honest communication can make a huge difference. Make sure your creditors know what’s happening. Let them know that you want to make things right, and that you will make things right as soon as you can. God bless you guys! —Dave * Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

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Wedn esday, decem ber 24, 2014 | bug leneW spapers.com

HOliDay CHesTnuT sOup

SERVES 6 wolfgang pucK’s Kitchen

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

1. 2.

This year, enjoy your holiday chestnuts simmering in an open pot Fortunately, you can now find whole alreadycooked chestnuts, peeled and sealed in jars description of the Cratchit family’s modest festivities in “A Christmas TRIBUNE CoNTENT AGENCy www.wolfgangpuck.com Carol,” when “apples and oranges @WolfgangBuzz were put upon the table, and a shovelful of chestnuts If you grew up on the fire”? almost anywhere cold Nowadays, many in North America or home cooks hesitate to Europe, one of the most roast their own chestnuts, evocative sensations of whether because they lack the holiday season is a fireplace or they simply the smoky-sweet smell don’t want to go through of chestnuts, roasting WOlFgang irresistibly on charcoal- puCk’s kiTCHen the time and bother of scoring an X in the hard, fueled street-corner WOLFGanG PUCK shiny shell of each nut, stands. I’ll bet right now, then cooking them in the at that very thought, you’re hearing in your head the oven, and finally peeling off those famous lyrics of “The Christmas bothersome shells. Fortunately, you can now find Song,” written and sung by the late Mel Torme, who dined often whole already-cooked chestnuts, peeled and sealed in jars, ready to at my Spago restaurant in Beverly Both music and foods have use. Imported from France or Italy, an uncanny power to spark our they’re available at this time of memories. And chestnuts are year in many gourmet food stores, among those ingredients that Italian delis, and well-stocked supermarkets, as well as online. capture the holiday spirit. I love to use these chestnuts That’s been true now for centuries, with chestnuts figuring in two of my favorite holiday prominently in celebrations grand dishes: a silky, smooth chestnut and humble across the Western soup to start a special meal, world. How many times have you and a luxuriously thick puree to read or heard Charles Dickens’ accompany a festive roast. The By WOlFgang puCk

recipes share many similarities, particularly simmering the chestnuts with broth and some Port wine, and then pureeing them, using a blender for the soup and a hand-operated ricer for the much thicker side dish. Whichever you choose to prepare (and there’s nothing that says you can’t try both recipes, one for Christmas and one for New Year’s Eve), there’s another benefit of chestnuts that’s well worth celebrating: They’re a good dietary choice. Unlike most nuts, which are very high in fat, chestnuts get only about 7 percent of their calories from fat, so the relatively small amounts of butter and cream in the recipes don’t impact them much. One serving delivers a remarkable 62 percent of the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C, possibly helping you ward off winter colds. They’re also a good source of dietary fiber, so you’ll feel fuller before you get to those holiday desserts. Who knew that chestnuts could actually help you get a jump on the most popular New Year’s resolution: to eat more healthily?

4 tbs. unsalted butter 1 medium organic carrot, finely chopped 1 celery stalk, finely chopped 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 2 cups (500 ml) cooked chestnuts, from one 14.8-ounce (420-g) vacuum-packed jar

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

1 cup ruby port 1 thyme sprig 3 cups (750 ml) organic, low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup heavy cream kosher salt, Freshly ground black pepper Finely chopped fresh italian parsley or chives, for garnish

in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. add the carrot, celery, and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. add the chestnuts and cook, stirring, for 4 minutes longer. add the port and thyme, raise the heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring frequently, until the port has reduced by half, about 4 minutes. add the broth and bring to a boil. partially cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the ingredients are tender, and 30 minutes. Discard the thyme sprig. Remove the pan from the heat and stir the cream into the soup. Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender, following the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid splattering the hot liquid, and pouring each pureed batch into a large bowl. Return all of the puree to the saucepan, return the pan to medium-low heat, and bring the soup to a simmer. season to taste with salt and pepper. ladle the soup into heated serving bowls, garnishing with parsley or chives before serving.

BRaiseD CHesTnuTs OR CHesTnuT puRee

SERVES 6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup (125 ml) ﬁnely chopped yellow onion 1 cup (250 ml) ruby port 4 cups (1 l) cooked chestnuts, from two 14.8-ounce (420-g)

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

vacuum-packed jars 3 cups (750 ml) organic, low-sodium chicken broth 2 sprigs fresh thyme kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Finely chopped parsley or chives

Heat a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. add the oil, butter and chopped onion. saute, stirring frequently, until the onion turns a light golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. add the port and stir and scrape with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan deposits. add the chestnuts, broth, thyme, and a little salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil, stirring occasionally. Then, cover the pan, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until the chestnuts are tender and have absorbed most but not all of the liquid, about 30 minutes, checking occasionally to stir and to make sure the liquid hasn’t completely evaporated. Remove and discard the thyme. Offer as whole braised chestnuts. Or pass the chestnuts in batches through a ricer into a heated bowl, stirring in the remaining liquid from the pan, to make a puree. season to taste, as necessary, with a little more salt and pepper. serve the whole or pureed chestnuts garnished with chopped parsley or chives.

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Wedn esday, Decem ber 24, 2014 | bug lenewspapers.com

Check out these examples how people in the community are trying to give back this holiday!

candid moments

community

Local residents and groups help at party for disabled adults Shorewood HUGS members, community helped to make the season bright By Kris Stadalsky for the bugle

sweditor@buglenewspapers.com @BugleNewspapers

PHOTOS BY PAT SCHAGER

P1: Winner of the musical Holiday Lights Contest sponsored by the Plainfield Park District at 1834 Springside Drive, Crest Hill. P2: The winning display in the non-musical Holiday Lights Contest located at 25424 Bower Court, Plainfield.

Plainfield Park District announces Holiday Lights Contest winners Forty-thousand lights, 13 different holiday songs and a winner sign in his front yard. Scott Milkeris and son Christopher for the second time in a row impressed the Plainfield Park District judges and won the coveted musical category. Neighbors and drive-by viewers ooh and aah while viewing the front yard display on 1834 Springside Drive in Crest Hill, one of six entries in the Park District third annual contest. Brian and Cherie Huspen’s spectacular light show on

25424 Bower Court was judged the winning entry in the non-musical decorations. Almost every space on house, windows and lawn are covered with red and green flashing lights. A lighted Santa waves from a front window to passersby. The Holiday Lights Contest is a popular attraction for Plainfield families during the holiday season. Prizes in the two categories are awarded by Park District staff members for the winning displays. This year’s lucky winners will receive goodie bags with an assortment of prizes. Judging took place Dec. 17, and a map of addresses to view the holiday decorations is available on the Park District website, plainfieldparkditrict. com. Grab a hot chocolate, and take a ride by.

Joliet resident Janet Palkon, Shorewood HUGS members and a large handful of other Santa elves helped to make the season bright last week for 70-some adults in the Easter Seals program. The “adult consumers,” as they are called, gathered at the Knights of Columbus hall on Infantry Drive in Joliet to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Most of them live in area group homes in areas including Shorewood and Plainfield. They know each other and the caseworkers from visits to one another’s homes. But Wednesday night was an opportunity to get together with everyone at the same time, said Easter Seals Apple Tree staff member Karen Cox. “(All) the consumers from each one of the group homes comes,” said Cox. “They have a good time.” The theme of this holiday celebration was “Ugly Sweater Party.” And most of the party participants got to go out and choose their own ugly sweater. The group from Apple Tree House was mostly decked out in green, except for one gentleman, David, who chose to go with blue. Jeffery and Richard chose matching sweaters. “We tried to all stay in green, but David wanted to be different,” said Cox. Palkon and her husband Bob Palkon are foster parents. A former foster child they cared for had some disabilities, they said, and Easter Seals was a huge help. “Easter Seals was so good to us,”

Photos by Kris Stadalsky

David, of Country Drive House, Shorewood, likes his Bingo prize. Helper AJ Garifo helps pass out prizes.; Sandy, of Shorewood House, dances to the music.; Shorewood HUGS member Karen Garifo passes out Bingo supplies to Tim and Larry from Country Drive House in Shorewood. Palkon said. When she asked what she could do to return the favor back in July, they suggested she help organize the activities for the upcoming Christmas party. What Palkon first thought would be a party for 20 or 30 adults turned out to be more like 70. So she put out a plea for help on her Facebook page. Friend Molly Babyak, President of Shorewood HUGS, couldn’t turn down a good call for help. Nor could some family members, friends and even school kids. HUGS provided a holiday mug filled with goodies so every consumer would leave with a Christmas present. Tammy Bartel and her daughter Alysa shopped for Bingo prizes for the party. They brought along Alysa’s friend Bryn Werner to be a Bingo Buddy for an

adult. “It’s nice to do something like this around Christmas,” said Werner, a sixth-grade student. Students from St. Raymond Catholic School in Joliet were there to help out, as were others from Minooka Junior High and Minooka High School. The DJ played music while staff and consumers danced in groups; the teenage helpers had fun joining in. There were many rounds of Bingo and great prizes to be won. David from Country Drive House in Shorewood won a Chicago Bears stocking cap. He’s not a big football fan, he said, but liked the hat. Later in the evening was a nice dinner, followed by more music, lots of visiting and lots more smiles. “This is their time to enjoy Christmas,” Cox said.

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