Niles Bugle 4-5-12

INSIDE

SPORTS Loyd ends career on big stage Page 11

www.nilesbugle.com

NEWS Niles Library business manager resigns Page 4

Our Village, Our News

APRIL 5, 2012

Vol. 56 No. 26

Rejected Niles Village Board rejects Golf Mill business district and public subsidy proposal

By Rick Kambic Staff Reporter

The Niles Village Board voted 4-1 on March 27 to reject Golf Mill Shopping Center’s proposed business district and public subsidy program, which was going to fund storm water upgrades, landscape enhancements, roadwork and new signage.

While Golf Mill already provides the village with $2.7 million in annual sales tax revenue, mall management said the revitalization project would generate as much as $500,000 more.

However, trustees had several concerns that could not be overcome, including a fear of raising the sales tax twice in one year, a lack of transparency by mall management, and a belief that the work should have already been done.

Trustee Andrew Przybylo was the lone supporter of the program, despite his fear of raising the sales tax. Przybylo said he was impressed with a March 17 tour of Golf Mill that provided a closer look at the mall’s problems and proposed solutions.

See GOLF MILL, page 2

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THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

GOLF MILL Continued from page 1 Trustees Chris Hanusiak and Rosemary Riordan Palicki were also on that tour but had different views than Przybylo did. Both trustees were taken aback by the long history of problems.

Hanusiak was unhappy to learn that the mall flooded at least four times since becoming enclosed, saying the problem should have been fixed after the first incident. He labeled the problems as “maintenancerelated.”

“It’s difficult for me to consider raising the sales tax when roofs weren’t maintained and sewers weren’t maintained,” Hanusiak said. “These are things tenants pay for and expect. We all do these things around our houses.”

Palicki said she now understands why the term “blighted” is being used, but agreed with Hanusiak about problems needing to be resolved sooner.

“Many of the things I saw dated as far back as 25 years,” Palicki said. “I’m concerned about the

fact that private ownership has been consistent for all these years, but that these conditions were not taken care of sooner.”

When it comes to improving the roadways, Palicki said the mall has failed to complete roadwork upgrades it promised as a condition for being allowed to lease Lucky McGee’s off track betting parlor five years ago.

Ultimately, Palicki said Golf Mill management has not been forthcoming.

“We have not seen complete financial reports from ownership as to answer our question of why this was not taken care of sooner,” Palicki said. “What Golf Mill suggests is upkeep and maintenance, not renovation or reinvention of themselves.

I would truly need to see their books before I ever consider approving public aid.”

Trustee James Hynes said he too was uncomfortable trusting the information he was given.

“The original proposal did not include any contribution from Golf Mill, and then their most recent proposal was submitted days before our last meeting,” Hynes said. “The whole process doesn’t seem professional.”

News The proposal up for approval was a $15 million project to be funded with $8 million of ownership’s money and $7 million generated through a .25 percent sales tax increase for 20 years. Confusion arose last month when Golf Mill representatives said ownership would contribute $15 million.

Trying to be a “voice of reason” before the vote, Przybylo shared the difficult process his family faced when in 2004 White Eagle Banquets was down $2 million in revenue but still needed a new roof and new equipment.

“Have they been right on the money when it comes to some of these difficult decisions?”

Przybylo said of Golf Mill.

“Probably not. But they can’t control the environment that they’re in. It’s not right for us to say ‘shame on you’ and put that $2.7 million we already get into jeopardy.”

Przybylo said approving the business district would only be the beginning, and that the economic vitality of Niles is at risk if Golf Mill is not improved.

“This is not a matter of ‘you didn’t do your job,’” Przybylo said. “We’re not going to make

them better operators by saying ‘no.’ But at least the village will be stronger if we say ‘yes.’ Keep in mind, we control the money.

We can make sure it’s being done properly.”

After the meeting, Golf Mill’s general manager Mike Williams said the shopping center will move forward with its $4 million construction of a free standing building to house a new tenant, regardless of village involvement, but he hopes to sit back down with village officials to find other solutions.

Similarly, both Przybylo and Louella Preston expressed

interest in linking Golf Mill into the storm water project the board recently approved a .25 percent sales tax to fund.

The storm water project involves public piping and benefits mostly residential structures. Financial experts told trustees they could include Golf Mill’s private property into the storm water plan so long as it demonstrates a benefit to the public – which would be to preserve revenue.

The Village Board will review and possibly vote on the first phase of the storm water master plan during its April 24 meeting.

THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

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Trustees reach budget goal, demand more work

By Rick Kambic Staff Reporter

Trustee James Hynes once again took center stage during a Village of Niles budget workshop, as he pushed for higher police and fire pension contributions as well as drastic cuts to the Niles Free Bus service.

Before trustees saw the budget, Mayor Robert Callero had already approved $503,713 be taken from the reserves and split between the two pension accounts.That action, technically, created a deficit balance but Callero told trustees not to cut that amount from the regular budget.

Aside from the extra pension contributions, trustees were faced with a $122,391 hole on March 29 and cut that number down to just $20,000 – which Callero said is an acceptable deficit to absorb.

Though trustees denied Callero’s proposal to forego $30,000 in repairs to the Leaning Tower Fountain, they did agree to cut $60,000 in repairs to the village’s car wash.

Between subjects, Hynes reiterated his desire to see pensions fully funded.

“What I’d love to see from now through the next five years is a balanced budget, including full actuarial contributions to the pensions with an additional $500,000 pulled from our $20 plus million reserve so we can

catch-up faster,” Hynes said.

Financial experts compute two figures for municipalities each year: an actuarial amount and a statutorily amount. The actuarial contribution would lead to 100 percent funding of pension accounts by 2040, while statutory amounts are the minimum payments the State of Illinois requires.

The village is currently late on $26.5 million in police pension contributions and $23.5 million behind on firefighter pensions – all of which are due on top of regular annual payments.

Even after using the reserve money Callero already committed, the village would need an extra $944,000 to meet the actuarial amount.

During the March 20 budget workshop, Hynes said past board of trustees neglected to pay into the pension funds after agreeing to do so, and that the current board needs to honor those obligations.

“I understand Springfield, for whatever reason, probably political, decided to increase this or that benefit in exchange for some votes or whatever else,” Hynes reiterated on March 29.

“Yeah, we have to pay for that unfortunate decision, but we’ve known about it for more than 10 years and haven’t got anywhere close to what we’re supposed to be paying.”

Finance Director Scot Neukirch agreed with Hynes’ ambition but

warned the trustee that paying the actuarial amount right away is not easily done and assured him that the village is on track.

“If you look at the various villages, most of them are only contributing the statutory minimum amount,” Neukirch said. “So, just the fact that our board and staff have worked toward addressing more than the minimum is a big step in the right direction.”

Neukirch said the village has increased its contributions by $1 million each year. He added that slowly reducing expenses at appropriate times is easier to handle than a single multimillion cut, and that it is safer than several drastic withdraws from the reserve account.

According to Neukirch, a 35 percent increase to property taxes would allow the village to make the actuarial payments with a balanced budget, but he said that solution would be a public relations disaster.

“We are working toward that actuarial amount so we can have more level and reliable payments, but the village has limited resources to address many concerns,” Neukirch said. “In the past three years combined we’ve contributed more to pensions than in the 10 combined years prior to that.”

Neukirch said closing the gap will involve reducing government expenses along with small increases to the tax

levy, the extra sales tax revenue from the recently approved increase, and money that will become free after finishing other projects.

Callero suggested waiting until October when the village finds out exactly how much surplus will rollover from fiscal year 2012, which is expected to be $1.4 million. He said trustees could use two-thirds of the money for additional pension contributions.

Trustees Hynes and Chris Hanusiak said they did not want to wait until October, and preferred to start paying the actuarial amount now. Hynes eventually agreed to wait.

Hynes had to wait on his proposed Pace cuts too.

Village Manager George Van Geem said reconfiguring routes would only save $60,000 and agreed with Neukirch, saying adding a fare would be more beneficial than losing 64 cents for every dollar that gets cut from the program.

Neukirch said if $200,000 were cut like Hynes suggests, then $600,000 would need to be cut from the program – which is one-third of the overall budget.

“The bottom line is that I want to start weaning ourselves off of this because it’s an expense we cannot afford,” Hynes said. “My goal is to free up $200,000 in village money through whatever combination of cutting and fare charging you come up with. I’m

open to ideas.”

Van Geem and Callero told Hynes Pace’s Arterial Transit Route was postponed because of a staffing issue and the wise option would be to wait for further Pace input.

Hynes said the one-year plan was first proposed two and a half years ago and waiting would be pointless.

“I understand Pace is hurting for money,” Hynes said. “I understand Pace probably needs a pacemaker to keep itself going, but I want us to start doing something instead of waiting around for them.”

Van Geem said fare collection boxes have already been installed in the buses and that he was only waiting for board direction to implement the ridership fee of 25 cents for adults and 10 cents for seniors and children. He said a public hearing is required before enacting any fee or route cut.

However, Callero heeded to Trustee Louella Preston’s request to wait until Trustees Andrew Przybylo and Joe LoVerde could be present before voting to schedule a public hearing. Preston also asked for a committee of the whole meeting to review ridership data and revenue projections.

Callero suggested putting an action item on the May agenda that would set a June public hearing, if approved. rkambic@buglenewspapers.com

Rainbow Hospice to host National Healthcare Decisions Day events Death and taxes are two things that are unavoidable, and this year the community is talking about them on the same day.

Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, along with other national, state and community organizations, is leading a public education effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making—an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day. In celebration of NHDD, Rainbow Hospice will be hosting public information sessions on the Five Wishes advance directive, with free information about advance care planning and the nationally recognized advance directive form, Five

Wishes. The main event will be held at the Park Ridge Public Library, 20 S. Prospect Ave., from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on April 18.

“As a result of National Healthcare Decisions Day, many more people in our community will have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions and complete advance directives to make their wishes known,” Executive Director Pat Ahern said.“Rainbow’s goal is to get the discussion started.”

As a community-based healthcare organization,Rainbow Hospice offers programs and information for community members to use when talking about their wishes with family and friends. They also provide tools to help create written

advance directives in accordance with Illinois state laws.

“Fewer families will have to struggle with making difficult healthcare decisions in the

absence of guidance from the patient, and healthcare providers and facilities will be better equipped to honor patient wishes when the time comes to

do so,”Ahern said.

For more information visit www.nationalhealth caredecisionsday.org or www.

RainbowHospice.org

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THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

Business manager forced out over “unfounded” claim

By Rick Kambic Staff Reporter

Amidst a controversial renovation of the Niles Public Library, and one month into the budget process, Business Manager Jim McNutt resigned after being accused of alcohol abuse – a violation of employee conduct codes.

Though he denied the allegation, McNutt submitted a letter of resignation that was accepted by trustees after a lengthy executive session late on Feb. 22.

“I was given the alternative of resigning or being terminated,” McNutt’s letter reads.“Being new at this experience, resignation felt a better way to maintain self respect.”

McNutt told The Bugle that Library Director Linda Weiss presented the accusation during a Feb. 20 closed door meeting, in which Weiss allegedly said an unnamed library trustee smelled alcohol on McNutt at some point during the previous week. Weiss then presented the ultimatum.

“With deepest personal regret I do agree that my personal situation has precluded me from being the best possible person for the position of business manager of the Niles Library,” McNutt’s letter reads. “As a promise to my family and self, all efforts will be

made to prevent others that trust me from experiencing similar situations.”

McNutt was employed by the library from January 2010 through February 2012 at a salary of $65,000, but was incarcerated for portions of his tenure after being found guilty of aggravated drunk driving charges in November 2010, according to McHenry County officials.

Library officials declined to comment on McNutt’s departure, citing personnel privacy rights.

Looking back at the process, McNutt said his colleagues should have provided an opportunity for defense.

“I could have gone across the street to the police station and taken a breathalyzer or taken a cab to Lutheran General Hospital and done a blood test, but that wasn’t offered to me,” McNutt said.“Most companies encourage such tests so they can present evidence of guilt, but Illinois is a right to work state and employees can be terminated for no reason.”

Though jaded by what happened, McNutt said he still appreciates Weiss for supporting his recovery. Because he lost his driver’s license, McNutt took a train from Fox River Grove to Des Plaines every day and Weiss would drive him to and from the train station.

Furthermore, McNutt said Weiss often drove him to his Alcoholics Anonymous group meetings. In all, McNutt said he enjoyed his time at the library despite the “unfortunate ending.”

“It bothers me that some mysterious trustee couldn’t even give his or her name to my face when making this accusation, because now my father is going to read about this in the newspaper and be disappointed in me even though I haven’t touched alcohol in a year and a half,” McNutt said.

While his “personal situation” is riddled with regret and struggle, McNutt was routinely on the hot seat professionally when political rivals Barbara Nakanishi and Morgan Dubiel feuded – a more likely reason for termination, according to McNutt.

“The political atmosphere of the board really needs the Niles Public Library to make a whole lot of changes to its financial structure, and I was the guy who was always in the middle so I was the guy who logically needed to be let go,” McNutt said. “I was also more disposable because I’d only worked there a short time.”

More than $900,000 in unspent revenue gets set aside each year for certain projects or to fund the upcoming library

renovation.

“The library really taxes the public too much, and I always disagreed with that,” McNutt said.

The board voted 5-2 on Sept.

28 to repay $2.8 million in bonds using reserve money, an initiative Dubiel had been pushing for months. Trustees used McNutt on a daily basis to interpret numbers leading up to the vote.

After architects proposed a nearly $6 million renovation of the library, President Nakanishi called for the board to rescind the Sept. 28 vote – saying the $2.8 million would be needed to surplus the $4.2 million already held in reserve.

McNutt was again used heavily in cross-examining Dubiel’s mathematical proposal. The board voted 4-3 on Dec. 20 to rescind Dubiel’s repayment plan.

Then on Dec. 27, an emergency meeting was called because Trustee Sam Puleo admitted to being confused during the previous vote.

In a motion to “reconsider” the Dec. 20 vote that rescinded an early repayment plan, Puleo changed sides and Dubiel’s plan was restored just in time for a Jan 1 payment.

By that time, McNutt said he was not only uncomfortable talking, but that he was told to

keep quiet during the meeting and to not speak with reporters afterward. He never indicated who gave the order.

During the Feb. 22 board meeting, two days after McNutt was told to resign or be fired, the business manager was absent when Nakanishi motioned to transfer $1.3 million from the general fund into the special reserve fund for constructionrelated expenses.

Dubiel expressed a concern over the accuracy of financial statements and was worried about transferring money into an account that can only be accessed for construction. He suggested leaving the money in the general fund until an actual need arises, where exact purchases and data would be present.

Trustees voted 4-3 to keep the money in the general fund account.

In McNutt’s absence, Library Director Linda Weiss has taken over financial duties. She said an accountant is contracted to assist her for a few days a month until a new employee is hired.

Weiss said the board is considering a restructuring of the business manager position.

No details have been released.

Nakanishi said Weiss will present a recommendation during the April 25 meeting.

Protection Act, speeding violations and DUIs. The results from this campaign, show that the department made one DUI arrest, issued 18 occupant restraint citations, 42 speeding citations and 31 other citations. This important program is another example of how the police department strives to make roadways in our community safer.

distinguished reporting career and also talk about the challenges she has overcome to become a three-time world champion triathlete.

She began her journalism career as a researcher on the assignment desk at WBBMTV in Chicago, later working at WGN and WLS. She joined the forerunner to PBS’ The Newshour with Jim Lehrer, based in Chicago, in 1984. Her awards include a 1987 national Emmy for her reporting on the U.S. farm crisis and a 1988 national Peabody Award for her coverage of the 1988 presidential election.

Proceeds of the luncheon will benefit WTTW Channel 11. Tickets for the event are $20. Reservations are required

by May 7 and can be made by calling 847-825-1161, ext.129.

For more information visit www.

summitofuptown.com

program will also include historical photographs and newspapers that tell the story of her heroism including her help in the ship’s evacuation, taking an oar herself in the lifeboat and protesting when the crewman in charge of her lifeboat refused at first to go back and save more people.

For further information or reservations—which are required by Monday, April 16—call 847-825-1161, ext.

129. Light refreshments will be served. Those who attend are eligible for the Summit Guest Rewards Program which offers opportunities to earn rewards and prizes such as lunch or brunch for two at Summit, or VISA gift cards.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early or stay late for tours of the newly renovated retirement community.

News briefs Police keeping roadways safe Traffic safety continues to be one of the Park Ridge Police Department’s top priorities.

The police department’s commitment to traffic safety led the department to apply for a grant offered by the Illinois Department of Transportation; the SustainedTraffic Enforcement Program (STEP). The STEP program provides funding, specifically, for the selective enforcement of impaired driving violations.

The Park Ridge Police Department was awarded the grant and had extra officers out between March 12 and March 20. The additional officers were assigned each day for the purpose of enforcing violations of the Illinois Primary Seatbelt law, Illinois Child Passenger

Luncheon to feature Elizabeth Brackett Elizabeth Brackett, correspondent and substitute host for WTTW 11’s nightly affairs program Chicago Tonight, will speak at a fundraising luncheon hosted by The Summit of Uptown on May 10.

The award-winning journalist will share stories from her

Remembering the Titanic’s voyage Come and hear the true story of the adventurous and daring “Unsinkable Molly Brown” at The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit (at Touhy), Park Ridge, on Thursday, April 20, at 1:30 p.m. Lynn Rymarz, author and storyteller will introduce us to the heroine of the Titanic commemorating the 100th anniversary of the April 15, 1912 disaster. There is no charge for this program.

After her rescue, Margaret Brown—her real name—was interviewed and asked how she survived the disaster.

According to legend she responded “Typical Brown luck. We’re unsinkable.” The

THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

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Mayor plans veto, some trustees plan override

By Rick Kambic Staff Reporter

In the first 108 years Niles was incorporated, no mayoral veto was ever recorded. Mayor Robert Callero will soon exercise that right for the second time since taking office in August 2008, with trustees expected to override this veto as well.

After the budget passed last year, Callero delayed signing the approved ordinance until June because he decided to veto a $232,914 beautification line item that created a $217,000 deficit in the budget – an item that came from Preston’s committee.

This year, a confrontation over an $8,000 trustee travel and lodging expense resulted in trustees Preston and Rosemary Riordan Palicki telling Callero that the board will vote the matter onto an agenda, approve the ordinance, and override his veto.

“Louella, you forget one thing,” Callero said during the March 29 budget workshop. “The mayorship in this village is not a seven-headed monster.Therefore, the mayor sets a certain policy however he sees fit. So yes, you can pass anything you want, but I’ll veto it and you’ll have to vote to override me. I stand

on principals that do not waver under threats.”

The subject first arose during the March 20 workshop when Preston adamantly insisted that Callero lift a newly created ban on out-of-state trustee travel.

Callero removed the $8,000 travel and lodging expenses from the budget saying village employees and officials can only travel up to 200 miles on village reimbursements – choosing 200 miles because that’s how far Springfield is from Niles. He then promised reimbursements for online video access to national conferences.

All the trustees spoke up

Award-winning photographer to discuss photo techniques at library Pure Michigan award-winning photographer and National Park Service “Artist in Residence,” Paul Petersen, will discuss the latest techniques in travel and nature photography at the Niles Public Library at 2 p.m. on April 14.

Petersen’s presentation will teach people how to improve their high dynamic range by

learning how to use multiple exposures to create one image.

It will also cover how to use stacked focus to improve the crispness of an image. Those who attend will find out about secret locations for photography opportunities in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Patrons can bring their own photos to be

critiqued by Petersen.A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

Register for this program by calling 847-663-1234 or online at nileslibrary.org/calendar.

The Niles Public Library is located at 6960 W. Oakton St, the northeast corner of the Oakton and Waukegan intersection.

in defense of Preston’s cause, saying online videos do not allow for networking or follow up questions.

After other items were voted back into the budget on March 29, Preston attempted to reintroduce the $8,000 line item but Callero interrupted her, announcing that he photocopied the schedule of Illinois Municipal League conferences.

While passing out the schedule to each trustee, Callero defended his original stance.

“We as elected officials, looking eye-to-eye with our department heads, have to give them the proper example, and I will hold

this stance until the day I die,” Callero said.

Preston told Callero he creates policy for employees, but only the board can create policy regulating itself.

While political allies Joe LoVerde and Andrew Przybylo were absent from the March 29 budget workshop, both had previously expressed displeasure with Callero’s new policy during the March 20 meeting.

No trustees defended Callero after Preston and Palicki suggested future actions to circumvent the mayor.

The next meeting of the Village Board is on April 24.

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jokes in stride. In the week ahead, you will find that your business aspirations get a boost and the work you’ve done to improve your public image begins to pay off.

You can enjoy sentiments without drowning in sentimentality. In the upcoming week, you can keep your head above water and maintain harmony - as long as you don’t fall prey to a bid for your sympathy.

The April Fools’ joke is notpreschoolers, on you. Someone to andmight kids,trycome to persuade you to accept poor advice or a bad the library for DJ Miss Cate spins situation in the week to come. The joke will be on that up all the best tunes from the person when you don’t fall for it.

Calendar

THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

ONGOING March Mania. Kids and teens, visit the Morton Grove Public Library during the month of March to pick up a reading log, Across and earn delicious rewards from 35 Swelled head 1 Burn badly 38 T-bone with a Culvers of Morton Grove.

6 The lightning

He said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” In the week to come, you might be called upon to tackle problems in unique ways.

Down

library’s music collection.

25 Books that Influenced 36 “For Me and 1 Nintendo Live to fight another Horns can turn into2 p.m.

My __” competitor Western Civilization. day. You may fight through a few bad halos. Your loved ones might escape 37 Gives the nod warm, red center 2 Start up the bolt on Harry at the Morton Grove Public days to get to the good ones in the week ahead. your understanding off and on during the week 39 Postal sackful mountain 42 Colorful card Potter’sClub. 3-4:30 Your perception of what is right and wrong may be Stroke p.m. the Library. and will lecturer to come. Your dedication and Historian passion, however, 40 Layered haircut 3 Italian violin game e.g. challenged by others. firstforehead, Thursday of every month William Haasse has compiled highlight and augment your essential harmony.

41 Crosstown bus maker 43 Lends a hand to 10 Squirrel away alternative 4 Chaney of horror at14 Center for Advanced Care, a list of 25 books from ancient 44 Lecture rooms “__ World”: 45 Auto finish 5 “Spring ahead” Room 1220, 1700 Luther times to the present day. Find 45 Abel’sLane, assassin ticklish protection hrs.

Sometimes honesty Push books on pastmade the the ParkMuppet’s Ridge.This is a free program out what 47 Jazzy horn 46 Height: Pref.

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7 Whooping bird may be wise to play your cards close to your righteous than when they are in the wrong. By 48 What the nose the big city, 8 Entirely (plussegment a guest). Free parking is educational review literature vest. In the coming week, you may feel pressured to sticking to your guns in the week ahead, youofwill be knows 9 Kanga’s kid maybe 15 Woodyin the attached available parking and history. keep your head in the midst of family crisis. able to overcome adverse situations.

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For more 54 information Friends” writer 11 In the loop 55 Sis’s sib 16 Candy that contact Meg Potterfield, 847-723The Muppets. 4-5:30 p.m. at Binchy 12 Anglican parish 56 IM offerer comes in twos 50 Newspaper priest North Shore 4765 or Dorene Wlodarski, 847- at the Senior byeposed by a deadly disease, andIn some enjoyinstances, reminiscing as Billington the Morton Library. a MakeGrove a freshPublic start each 58 He “runs 17 Winter lines?

13 Flames that 296-2470.

Center in Morton Grove.

Lunch an international team of doctors discusses the pennant of 1959 in Screening of “The Muppets.” pawn is more powerful than a king. day.

In the week ahead, make sure you through the Olympics 51 Seize (from) have cooled? the little cause aggravationbook talk. never go to (2011, bed withPG, unresolved town ... in his followed theletCDC tothings dealthatthis illustrated bypractice a screening of Theas contracted byDon’t 98 min.)arguments event with gates 52 Gathered, 18 Box for take control of your emotions in the week to come. brewing in the background.

Someone might hide nightgown” 20 Invoice fig. fallen leaves 19 Horse’s hair TOPS Club. 8:30-10 a.m. every Descendants, a film that follows with the outbreak.

Remain vigilante; money can slip away. their anger or pretend to accept your views.

63 ThomasRec __ 21 Place for or Feldman 53 Orleans’s river 24 Spice Girl Tuesday atinks the Inside writing and the unpredictable journey of an 54 Exchange Halliwell Edison oinks Center, 8800 W. Kathy Lane, Niles. American publishing.

7-8:30 p.m. at the Travel and vacation family at a crossroads.

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Todd Stocke, Read to the Rainbow Dogs. photography.

2-4 p.m. at To register, call 847-470-5223 59 India Inc.? authority product 23 One stalking 26 Store posting Pounds Everyone 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.60orGehrig stopwho by 7 p.m. at the Morton Grove vice president and editorial the Niles Public Library. Award 65 Big tractoris namefrom lions orSensibly. tigers played with Ruth 27 Craving welcome.

Call Dorene Public Library. Your child can director for Sourcebooks, Inc., winning photographer and 66Wlodarski, Movie house the Senior Center,6140 Dempster 28 It.’s continent 61 Credit card 30 Sch. in Big D 29 Raw rocks 847-296-2470 or suffix Lenore Street in Morton Grove.users may be practice reading to a certified will discuss the digital publishing instructor, Paul Petersen, will 31 Commandment 67 Allergy trigger, 30 “Octopus’s Lunquist, 847-729-2530 for more dog from Morton explosion, and what an editor share the secrets of capturing asked for them,therapy count often Garden” singer briefly 32 Hubbub information.

Reading with Rover. 7-8:30 Grove’s Rainbow Animal Assisted does to prepare a manuscript your special vacation moments.

68 Passover dinner 33 Painting Ringo 62 Society page Therapy Foundation. Bring a for publication. Sign up at www. p.m. at the Niles Public Library. word reproduction 33 Talk show Oldguest’s Time Movies. Sundays Want to practice reading out book to read, or choose from nileslibrary.org.

34 Schoolboy ©2012 TRIBUNE MEDIA blatant SERVICES, INC. at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Niles loud Performing Arts Showcase. with fish a friendly, patient the library’s selection. Register 35 Slippery promotion

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Historical Society. Come watch pup? For beginning or struggling P r e vChaplin, i o u s p ureaders z z l e ’ sina ngrades s w e rKs and up. the films of Charlie Buster Keaton, and Laurel and Call Debbie at 847-663-6619 or Hardy. visit the library to sign up for a 20-minute slot.

Teddy Bear Time. 9:30-10:05 APRIL 7 a.m. at the Park Ridge Library.

Drop in for stories, songs, and Movin’ and Groovin’. 10 fingerplays for infants through a.m. at the Morton Grove Public 23 months with an adult. Siblings Library. Do you have a toddler (ages 2-4) who likes to dance? are welcome.

Join the Youth Services staff Knitting club. Mondays 4-5 in this fun and active class p.m. at the Morton Grove Public that includes music, dancing, Library. No registration required. marching, parachute games, Bring a project or learn a new and creative music Register by one. Ages 6 and up. Rated PG-13. calling 847-929-5122 or go to $6 members, $8 non-members. calendar.webrary.org.

Advance registration required.

New release movie. 2-3:45 APRIL 5 p.m. at the Niles Public Library.

Lunch & A Movie – The Screening of Contagion (PG-13), Descendents.

12:30 p.m. a thriller centered on the threat TOP POP ALBUMS March 18 through March 24 TITLE

Up All Night 21 Greatest Hits Wrecking Ball Passion: White Flag Whitney: The Greatest Hits Take Care Now 41:That’s What I Call Music

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2 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Mango Club. 5-6 p.m. at the Library. This musical program Morton Grove Public Library. honors the best of the best area APRIL 10 Learn words and phrases in a students of the performing arts.

Senior Coffee Hour: Fall different language at Mango These young artists will inspire prevention. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Club, using the Mango Languages you with their music, hard work, at the Niles Public Library. Over online resource. Have fun with and dedication. For all ages. one million people over the age your friends, eat snacks, and APRIL 17 of 65 fall every year – one out of find out great tips for help with every three senior citizens. Come homework.

Twentieth Century Club Previous puzzle ’s answers to this presentation by the Senior Membership Meeting. 1 Helpers of Niles-Lincolnwood to National Library Week p.m. at Park Ridge Presbyterian get some tips. Sign up at www. meet and greet. 6:30-8 p.m. Church.Leslie Goddard,historian, nileslibrary.org or call 847-663- at the Niles Public Library. Come actor and educator, will present 6648. for some after dinner cake and “Louisa May Alcott: Author and coffee, learn about the Friends of Champion of Women’s Rights.”

Previous puzzle ’s answers Comiskey Park’s Last the Library group, and meet the The annual Club Paperback Jumbles: Book Sale will be held. Guests World Series. 11:30 a.m. at Niles Public Library trustees. the Morton Grove Public Library. are welcome will be charged • HOUSE • TROTH • BEAVERand • SINGLE APRIL 13Answer: Charles Billington’s latest book a $2 fee. Call 847/823-4579 for about Chicago’s baseball teams Bibliobop dance When party.

10 information. the siblings opened the shoe repair shop, they focuses on the White Sox. a.m. at the Niles Public Library. became -- “SOLE” BROTHERS See CALENDAR, page 8 Baseball fans and Chicagoans will Families with babies, toddlers, TOP DVD RENTALS March 18 through March 24

TOP COUNTRY ALBUMS March 18 through March 24 ARTIST

One Direction Adele Guns n’ Roses Bruce Springsteen Passion Whitney Houston Drake Various artists Gotye Fun.

APRIL 11

TITLE

Tailgates & Tanlines My Kinda Party Own the Night Chief The Band Perry Footloose Halfway to Heaven Four the Record Spring Break 4... Suntan City

Family Man

ARTIST

Luke Bryan Jason Aldean Lady Antebellum Eric Church the Band Perry Soundtrack Brantley Gilbert Miranda Lambert Luke Bryan Shooter Jennings

TITLE

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Tower Heist Jack and Jill The Muppets The Adventures of Tintin Footloose Young Adult Happy Feet 2 The Three Musketeers In Time

LABEL

Columbia Pictures Universal Pictures Columbia Tristar Walt Disney Pictures Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Warner Bros.

Summit Entertainment 20th Century Fox

Forum Letter to the Editor

Adjacent TIFs? Literature from the Village I obtained with a Freedom of Information request reveals that the village says that they can use the funds of Leheigh Ferris TIF to pay for the improvements at Prairie View Shopping Center.

Their contention is that this is permissible, since the proposed TIF would be adjacent to the existing Leheigh Ferris TIF. My understanding of the phrase adjacent is something like abutting, contiguous, and adjoining, none of which is the case. There is a railroad and a forest preserve between these two properties. Of course, the village can always get their consultant SB Friedman to manipulate the facts so that they can declare it as adjacent TIFs. The question here is why the village is drawing money out of Leheigh Ferris TIF to pay

towards this project in Prairie View Shopping Center? Why can’t the current owners of other similar shopping centers find the resources to do this project on their own? Why are we using TIF money to pay for what might turn out to be a questionable project. The TIF money in Leheigh Ferris consists of funds withheld from the schools and infrastructure and any excess should be returned to those entities when the TIF closes.

If there are no more projects to spend TIF money in Leheigh Ferris, they should close the TIF early as has been done in other TIFs in Illinois. Also, using one TIF to proliferate another TIF seems like a misuse of the TIF concept.

Sherwin Dubren Morton Grove

What’s on your mind?

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

E-mail your letter to the Editorial Department at nweditor@ buglenewspapers.com. For more information, call (815) 4362431.

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Opinions printed on this page, whether in Letters to the Editor or in columns or cartoons, 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.

Publisher Rich Masterson publisher@buglenewspapers.com Managing Editor Matt Honold mhonold@buglenewspapers.com Reporters Sherri Dauskurdas Rick Kambic Laura Katauskas Debbie Lively Jonathan Samples Sports Reporters Mark Gregory mgregory@buglenewspapers.com Scott Taylor staylor@buglenewspapers.com Editorial Deadlines Calendar & News: 3 p.m. Monday, three weeks before date of publication Letters to Editor: 9 a.m. Friday www.buglenewspapers.com

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THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

Illustrated Opinions

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THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

CALENDAR Continued from page 6 Teen Tech Squad. 3:30-5 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. Drop by a teens-only computer lab to share your latest Scratch program, make a book trailer or computer game, or show off your latest tech project.

Bring your own laptop or use one of the Library’s computers.

Ready, Set, Scramble!

Submitted Photo

Forty degree temperatures and overcast skies did not deter hundreds of children and their parents from attending the annual Des Plaines Park District Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31. Over 2,000 treat filled eggs and 3,000 pieces of candy were spread out on the soccer field in Prairie Lakes Park for each of the two free hunts; one for children aged 2-3 at 10 a.m., and one for children aged 4-6 at 10:30 a.m. After filling their baskets with goodies, children stopped to visit with the Easter bunny and have their picture taken.

Notre Dame College Prep hires new director of enrollment Shay Boyle has been named as the Director of Enrollment at Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, Ill. Boyle arrives from Gordon Tech High School, where he was the Director of Enrollment and Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach for four years. Boyle oversaw a steady increase in enrollment and lead GT Basketball to three Regional Championships and three Sectional appearances in four years, while being named District 1, Class 3A District Coach of the Year by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.

Boyle will also assist the Varsity Boys Basketball team at Notre Dame College Prep and oversee the Boys Basketball Elementary School Summer Camps.

Boyle is a 1999 cum laude graduate from the University of Notre Dame where he received his undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Computer Applications. He received his MBA in Marketing from Lewis University in 2004.Boyle worked as a computer consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers from 1999-2002 where he

specialized in IT Security and worked for several Fortune 500 clients. Boyle enjoyed a 6-year career as a college men’s basketball assistant coach at Loyola University Chicago and Lewis University.

Boyle has solid family connections to Notre Dame College Prep as both his brother Liam ‘98 and Patrick ‘03 are graduates of Notre Dame College Prep. Boyle also had three uncles, Frank Loftus, Mel Loftus, and John Loftus graduate from Notre Dame. Boyle served as an assistant basketball coach at Notre Dame in 2002, when the Dons won the East Suburban Catholic Conference Championship.

Boyle is a 1995 graduate of Weber High School where he was a four-year member and team captain of the basketball and baseball teams. Boyle is a 1991 graduate of Our Lady of Victory elementary school in Chicago and currently a member of St. Paul of the Cross parish in Park Ridge.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the Notre Dame College

Prep family. Notre Dame has an amazing tradition of academic success. The campus and facilities here are wonderful. I am so impressed with the level of involvement our students have and their commitment to excellence is inspiring. Notre Dame has a strong vision for the future and I will work tirelessly to ensure that we continue to attract hard-working students throughout the Chicago area to Notre Dame.”

NDCP President Rev. John Smyth thinks Boyle will be an asset to the school’s enrollment efforts.

“Shay Boyle knows Catholic high schools and he will be a great recruiter for young men coming to Notre Dame College Prep,” says Fr. Smyth. “I project that he’ll do a fabulous job.

Our enrollment numbers are in good hands.”

Boyle replaces former Enrollment Director and Class of 2000 alumnus Paul Tokarz who left to pursue a career as a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in Chicago.

Mother/daughter book club.

7-8 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. Join Mrs. Glenn and her daughter to discuss “All Stations! Distress: April 15, 1912: The Day the Titanic Sank” by Don Brown. Bring your mother, aunt, grandmother,older sister,or other female figure to the discussion.

Register to be part of the group and pick up your own free copy at the Youth Services Desk while supplies last. For third and fourth grade girls. Register at calendar. webrary.org.

LitLounge. 7 p.m. at The Curragh, 8266 Lincoln Ave., Skokie. This book group is cosponsored by the Morton Grove Public Library and the Skokie Public Library. Discussion will be on “Swamplandia!” by Karen Russell.

APRIL 18 Book discussion. 1-2 p.m. at the Niles Public Library. Book discussion on “Honolulu” by Alan Brennert.

Library volunteering. 3:304:30 p.m. at the Niles Public Library. Share a few hours a week volunteering at the library. Attend this informational session for specific details about volunteer opportunities in the library. Register at nileslibrary. org or call 847-663-6614.

APRIL 19 Nonfiction book discussion.

10 a.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library, in the Cooperman Board Room. Discussion will be on “Eaarth” by Bill McKibben.

In this nonfiction selection, environmental activist McKibben provides sobering details about global warming and climate change.

Closed Captioned new release. 2-4:15 p.m. at the Niles Public Library. Screening of Anonymous (PG-13). Intrigue and suspense advance the theory that it was really Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford, who penned

Shakespeare’s plays.

Songwriters group. 7:308:30 p.m. at the Niles Public Library. Songwriters are invited to bring original songs to play live and get feedback from others in the group. Songwriters support fellow songwriters in an encouraging environment. Sign up at www.nileslibrary.org

APRIL 20 Book Blend. 2 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library.

Looking for a mix of new book suggestions? Book Blend lets you share what you’re reading, and hear about other great picks from your fellow book lovers.

APRIL 21 Craft supply swap. 9 a.m. to noon at the American Legion Memorial Center, 6140 Dempster.

Donate your leftover supplies from your craft projects, such as yarn, quilting fabric, buttons, stamps, etc. and pick up materials you might need for new projects.

Suggested donation of one can or box of non-perishable food for the Maine Township and Niles Township Food Pantries.

For more information call Jackie Walker O’Keefe, Director of Family and Senior Services at 847-663-3071. eBook Fair. 1-4 p.m. at the Niles Public Library. Check out different eReaders such as the Sony Reader, Barnes and Noble Nook, and Amazon Kindle, as well as an iPad and iPod Touch.

APRIL 22 Earth Day Food & Crafts. 2-4 p.m. at the Niles Public Library.

Celebrate Earth Day by recycling trash into treasure and making tasty snacks from eco-friendly ingredients. For grades 6-12. Sign up at www.nileslibrary.org How the War was Won. 2 p.m. at the Niles Historical Museum.

Ralph Frese will discuss theWar of 1812, and how the war was won before munitions factories, largescale uniform manufacturers, and high-tech training. For more information call the museum at 847-390-0160.

APRIL 23 Phone Bill Clinic. 1-4 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library.

The Citizens Utility Board can help lower your phone bills.

Bring your bills for review and analysis by counselors from the Citizens Utility Board. Register by calling 847-929-5122 or go to calendar.webrary.org.

Take 5

THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

H o ro s c o p e s

Across

1 Burn badly 6 The lightning bolt on Harry Potter’s forehead, e.g.

10 Squirrel away 14 “__ World”: ticklish Muppet’s “Sesame Street” segment 15 Woody Guthrie’s son 16 Candy that comes in twos 17 Winter Olympics event with gates 20 Invoice fig.

21 Place for inks or oinks 22 Subtle vibes 23 One stalking lions or tigers 28 It.’s continent 29 Raw rocks 30 “Octopus’s Garden” singer Ringo 33 Talk show guest’s blatant promotion

35 Swelled head 38 T-bone with a warm, red center 42 Colorful card game 43 Lends a hand to 44 Lecture rooms 45 Abel’s assassin 47 Jazzy horn 48 Lass awed by the big city, maybe 54 Bright 55 Sis’s sib 56 IM offerer 58 He “runs through the town ... in his nightgown” 63 Thomas __ Edison 64 Tater __: Ore-Ida product 65 Big tractor name 66 Movie house suffix 67 Allergy trigger, often 68 Passover dinner

Down

1 Nintendo competitor 2 Start up the mountain 3 Italian violin maker 4 Chaney of horror 5 “Spring ahead” hrs.

6 Witch trials town 7 Whooping bird 8 Entirely 9 Kanga’s kid 10 Vain walks 11 In the loop 12 Anglican parish priest 13 Flames that have cooled?

18 Box for practice 19 Horse’s hair 24 Spice Girl Halliwell 25 Ashram authority 26 Store posting 27 Craving 30 Sch. in Big D 31 Commandment count 32 Hubbub 33 Painting reproduction 34 Schoolboy 35 Slippery fish

36 “For Me and My __” 37 Gives the nod 39 Postal sackful 40 Layered haircut 41 Crosstown bus alternative 45 Auto finish protection 46 Height: Pref.

47 Chilly powder?

48 What the nose knows 49 “Circle of Friends” writer Binchy 50 Newspaper bye lines?

51 Seize (from) 52 Gathered, as fallen leaves 53 Orleans’s river 54 Exchange 57 Ogle 59 India Inc.?

60 Gehrig who played with Ruth 61 Credit card users may be asked for them, briefly 62 Society page word

You can’t just say you are free of prejudices, you must be free of them. During the first half of the week, you may be challenged by others to perform at the optimum and criticized if you aren’t politically correct.

Communication conquers discord.

Information is something you can distribute, but communication is getting through. There may be days in the week ahead when you can sidestep a serious misunderstanding.

Think like Einstein.

He said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” In the week to come, you might be called upon to tackle problems in unique ways.

Take April Fools’ Day jokes in stride. In the week ahead, you will find that your business aspirations get a boost and the work you’ve done to improve your public image begins to pay off.

You can enjoy sentiments without drowning in sentimentality. In the upcoming week, you can keep your head above water and maintain harmony - as long as you don’t fall prey to a bid for your sympathy.

The April Fools’ joke is not on you. Someone might try to persuade you to accept poor advice or a bad situation in the week to come. The joke will be on that person when you don’t fall for it.

Live to fight another day. You may fight through a few bad days to get to the good ones in the week ahead.

Your perception of what is right and wrong may be challenged by others.

Horns can turn into halos. Your loved ones might escape your understanding off and on during the week to come. Your dedication and passion, however, will highlight and augment your essential harmony.

Sometimes honesty as the best policy is just too honest. It may be wise to play your cards close to your vest. In the coming week, you may feel pressured to keep your head in the midst of family crisis.

Push on past the pitfalls. Some people are never more righteous than when they are in the wrong. By sticking to your guns in the week ahead, you will be able to overcome adverse situations.

In some instances, a pawn is more powerful than a king.

Don’t let the little things that cause aggravation take control of your emotions in the week to come.

Remain vigilante; money can slip away.

Make a fresh start each day. In the week ahead, make sure you never go to bed with unresolved arguments brewing in the background. Someone might hide their anger or pretend to accept your views.

SUDOKU

©2012 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

Previous puzzle ’s answers

Previous puzzle ’s answers

Previous puzzle ’s answers Jumbles: • HOUSE • TROTH • BEAVER • SINGLE

Answer:

When the siblings opened the shoe repair shop, they became -- “SOLE” BROTHERS

9

10

THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

Bugle Kids

INSIDE: Local softball teams have solid mixtures of youth and experience, page 12; Baseball off to fast start,

www.nilesbugle.com

page 13

THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

11

Loyd finishes prep career on national stage

By Mike Sandrolini Sports Reporter

CHICAGO — It seems only fitting that Jewell Loyd would be on a national stage for her final appearance in her home state as a high school player.

GIRLS BASKETBALL Donning her familiar headband and wearing No. 23 instead of her old No. 32, the Jewell of Niles West stepped onto the United Center court last week—where another familiar No. 23, Michael Jordan, once worked his magic— as part of the West Team that faced the East Team in the 11th annual McDonald’s Girls AllAmerican game.

Loyd didn’t torch the nets during this particular matchup like she did countless times throughout her illustrious prep career—she finished with four points on 1 of 6 shooting—but the 5-foot, 10-inch senior made her presence known,nonetheless.

Loyd grabbed a team-high eight rebounds and was the West’s coleader in steals with three.

“It’s been a blessing,” Loyd said after the game. “We had so many opportunities just to give back to the community, and me being from (the) Chicago (area), it was even more special to give back.”

Loyd’s only basket of the game—a three-pointer from the top of the key—turned out to be noteworthy. The East squad started with an 11-0 run and held the West scoreless for the game’s first four minutes prior to Loyd’s trey.

Loyd was one of three players representing Illinois at the McDonald’s Game. Bolingbrook’s Morgan Tuck, who finished ahead of Loyd for this year’s Ms. Basketball of Illinois Award, joined Loyd on the West team, while Whitney Young standout Janee Thompson suited up for

the East.

Loyd and Tuck combined for a key basket late in the second half.

Loyd came up with a steal on the defensive end, and fed Tuck for an inside hoop that pulled the West to within two points, 66-64. The West eventually tied the game, 78-78, but lost 79-78 when Tennessee-bound Bashaara Graves hit one of two free throws after she was fouled underneath with 0.3 seconds left.

“It’s our second time playing together and it’s kind of cool,” Loyd said of Tuck.“I kind of wish we had more of a two-man game (during the McDonald’s game), but she’s a great player and she definitely helped us come back during the second half.”

Loyd and Tuck will be taking their talents to women’s college basketball powers Connecticut and Notre Dame, respectively, later this year. Interestingly, the Huskies and Irish faced off in the NCAA Final Four on Sunday. And both girls got an opportunity to see their future teams play because they participated in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association High School AllAmerican Game at the Pepsi Center in Denver—site of the women’s Final Four—the day before.

Loyd ended up winning her team’s MVP award after scoring 18 points to help the White Team beat the Navy Team, 74-62.

Tanya Johnson, head girls basketball coach at Zion-Benton who coached the West team, at the McDonald’s game believes Loyd has the capabilities to take her game to the next level.

“I just think she has huge potential,” Johnson said. “I think there’s a whole other level that we’re going to see with her. Jewell is one of the most competitive players I’ve ever been around, See LOYD, page 14

Mark Gregory/Bugle staff

Niles West star Jewel Loyd helped her team is a loss to the East team at the McDonald’s game.

12

THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

Sports

Wolves, Hawks have mixture of youth, experience

By Mike Sandrolini Sports Reporter

Area softball teams played an abbreviated schedule last week due to spring break, but they’re well under way with the 2012 season thanks to unseasonably warm weather.

Here’s a look at each team as they switch into high gear.

SOFTBALL

NILES WEST Coach Nicole Reynolds, in her second year, will field a squad that’s coming off a 17-17, 4-6 season in 2011 and consists mainly of juniors (there are only two seniors on the team).

The Wolves’ infield looks solid despite several individuals switching positions.

Junior Katie McDonagh played second base last year and is now at shortstop. Lexi Leftakes, a senior, goes behind the plate after playing third in 2011.

Meanwhile, Junior Lindsey

Aybar, an infielder last season, will be an outfielder this year and pitch, as well.

Jessie Simkins, a junior, takes over for McDonagh at second.

Alyssa Brummitt, the Wolves’ other senior, is the starting first baseman, and Anna Hochberg, a junior, will be at third and DH. In the outfield, Aybar and Amy McBride, a junior, will see time in center field, while Divya Shah and Molly Morello—both juniors—will split up duties in right. Sophomore Alyssa Falcone is penciled in as the Wolves’ starting left fielder.

The Wolves’ pitching staff is young, too, but has some varsity experience.Aybar and classmate Krista Dawson, who suffered shin splints most of last year, are joined by sophomores Gracie McDonagh and Payton Genis.

MAINE SOUTH The Hawks (15-18-1, 5-5 in 2011), like the Wolves, are young, but they possess a core of returnees that will carry the club.

Kaitlyn Mullarkey moves to first base after hitting .476 last year as the Hawks’ center fielder.

Catcher Chrissy Polka, a Middle Tennessee State signee, hit .363 with 27 RBIs during 2011.

Michelle Roberts, who’ll see action at both short and second, is in her fourth varsity season.

Maddy Vogg and Nicole Johnson also bring depth and experience to the infield.

All of the above are seniors.

Mullarkey, Polka and Roberts figure to make up the heart of Maine South’s batting order, with junior infielder/outfielder Regan Carmichael and freshman Emily Suwanski likely at the top of the order for coach Emmy Pasier.

Junior C.C. Budzynski, along with sophomores Jenna Christie and Cara Laskowski, already have made early-season contributions. Christie, who struck out 13 in the Hawks’ season-opener, and Laskowski, who tossed a shutout over Lane See SOFTBALL, page 14

File photo

Niles West’s Katie McDonagh moves from second base to shortstop this season.

Sports

THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

13

Wolves, Dons, Bandits off to fast starts

By Mike Sandrolini Sports Reporter

Niles West’s baseball team, who won its first four contest of 2012, was then tagged with its first loss—3-0 to Barrington March 26—but finished last week by winning four more in a row.

The Wolves, now 8-1, knocked off Buffalo Grove, 6-3, on Saturday, Rolling Meadows, 7-6, March 30, St. Patrick, 5-4 on March 29 and St. Joseph (Westchester) 8-6 March 27.

Eric Stojanoff and Quinn Winkler came up big offensively for the Wolves in their win over Buffalo Grove. Stojanoff had three RBIs while Winkler collected two hits and an RBI. Nick Reyes pitched a four-hitter for the win, giving up one earned run over five innings.

Niles West trailed Rolling Meadows 6-5 late in the game after taking a 5-1 lead, but Kevin

LOYD Continued from page 11 and I’ve had the opportunity to coach against her. She saw so many different defenses (against her in high school). Triple-teams, maybe if we quadruple-teamed her, I don’t know. But she’s just a great kid.”

Johnson nearly ended up being Loyd’s high school coach.

Loyd was prepared to enroll at Loyola Academy, where Johnson coached, in the summer of 2008 (Loyd’s freshman year). However, Johnson left Loyola for ZionBenton prior to the start of the fall semester, and Loyd decided to enroll at Niles West.

And the rest,as they say,is history.

Loyd, named ESPNChicago.com’s 2011-12 Girls Basketball Player of the Year, is one of only seven girls in IHSA history to finish with over 3,000 career points (3,077). She averaged 27.5 points and 12.2 rebounds her senior year—30.3 points per game as a junior—and also is 12th all-time in the IHSA with 1,478 career rebounds.

The Wolves were 88-34 during her four-year varsity career, winning three regional titles, a sectional crown and two CSL South championships.

Loyd won’t have much time to make the transition from high school to college. She graduates from Niles West May 30, and she’ll be in South Bend on June 18.

Ross—who had three hits and four RBIs on the day—blasted a tworun homer in the top of the sixth.

Jason Meager pitched the seventh inning and notched the save for winning pitcher Kyle Coletta, who went six innings, struck out seven and gave up one earned run.

“We’ve gotten some timely hitting,” said Niles West coach Garry Gustafson. “I think we can swing the bats with a lot of teams, and we’ve gotten good pitching.

We’re solid defensively in the infield, and those things usually translate into wins.”

The Wolves fell behind 4-0 vs.

St. Patrick, but scored two runs in the fifth and three in the sixth.

Run-scoring doubles by Ross and Tommy Williams got the ball rolling for Niles West in the fifth.

Reyes was the winning pitcher in relief, and Jimmy Ostrega picked up a save.

Niles West handed St. Joseph— which came into the contest with

a 6-0 record—its first loss of the year. Seth Rosenberg went five innings on the mound for the win.

He struck out six and didn’t give up an earned run.

Rosenberg helped himself by going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Coletta cracked a two-run homer in the third, and Ostrega had two hits, one of which was a double.

From now until then, Loyd says she’ll be “working hard.”

“Freshman year is going to be tough for everyone to get acclimated, but that’s going to be my goal,” she said, “to work my butt off every day and play with

the best people, plaxer Niles West star) and try to get better.

“I lift every day and shoot every day. College is just a little more faster, but I think I’m ready to go there and get it started.”

NOTRE DAME BASEBALL The Dons played five games over a seven-day period through Saturday and went 4-1, capping that stretch with a 9-1 loss to Fremd.

However, Notre Dame nipped Evanston, 6-5, on March 29—the last of four straight victories.

The Dons spotted Evanston a 5-0 lead, but scored two runs each in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Zach Koziol registered his

mikes@buglenewspapers.com

first varsity win on the mound, with Danny Nagode picking up the save. Sean Pavel drove in the go-ahead run with a single in the sixth to score Tommy Simon.

Danny Hyde had two hits for the Dons.

On March 28, Notre Dame pounded out 11 hits en route to throttling Guerin, 12-2. Charlie Jerger was the winning pitcher, striking out six in five innings.

Erick Zepeda went 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs, while Matt Walsh, Ryan Czachor and Dion Ursino each had multiple-hit games.

Czachor’s walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh scored Ursino from third and lifted the Dons to a 3-2 victory over Buffalo Grove March 25. The Dons only had three hits the entire game, but made each count. Hyde and

Simon each delivered RBI singles for Notre Dame. Adam Sator pitched a complete game to earn the victory.

Nick Fiorito also went the distance for the Dons on March 24 in their 6-1 win over Morris (Lenz). Walsh and Robbie Getty had two hits and an RBI apiece.

Hyde also had an RBI single.

MAINE SOUTH BASEBALL The Hawks went 2-1 during a three-game trip to Missouri last week, crushing Parkway West, 133, and nipping Parkway South, 9-8, but suffering their first loss of the year, 6-0, to Parkway Central.

In the triumph over Parkway See FAST, page 14

14

THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

SOFTBALL Continued from page 12 Tech, are the Hawks’ top two pitchers.

Juniors Ciera Gaskin and Devin Castanon, and sophomore Emily Wolf, are in their first varsity campaign.

MAINE EAST The Blue Demons and secondyear coach Emiliano Hernandez will try to improve on their 5-20, 1-9 CSL North record from

FAST Continued from page 13 West, Kyle Richardson slugged two homers and drove in three runs. Lawrence Darlak drove in three runs, as well, with a double and single. He also stole two bases.

Winning pitcher Patrick Aloisio went five innings and struck out six. Rocky Saavedra enjoyed a 3-for-3 day at the plate, and Jesus Saavedra singled, doubled and had two RBI. Maine South started its trip to the Show-Me State with an

Sports

a year ago.

Two-thirds of Maine East’s outfield will be patrolled by returning starters Nicole Arias and Jowita Szczypka, who played second base last spring.

Mayra Cambron, who also has varsity experience, rounds out the outfield.

Returnee Jackie Vasquez, a senior,is taking over for Szczypka at second, while newcomers Klaudia Pajak (junior) and Alyssa Matej (sophomore) will be the Demons’ third baseman and shortstop, respectively.

Senior Cara De Benedictis, one

of the squad’s leading hitters in 2011, is back at catcher.

The Demons are young on the mound.

Sophomore Megan Mitchell, who saw some varsity innings last year, looks to be Maine East’s top starter, with junior Briget Murphy complementing Mitchell.

They will alternate at first base when they’re not pitching.

Senior Leslie Roman, junior Fatima Rogata and sophomore Genevieve Gilbert provide Maine East with infield and outfield depth.

exciting 9-8 win over Parkway South. Nick Mitrovitch, who singled three times and had two RBIs, led off the seventh inning with a hit. He eventually came around to score what proved to be the winning run on an error.

Jesus Saavedra doubled, singled and had an RBI. Hawks’ reliever Mike Virgilio pitched the final 2 2/3 innings for the win.

On Saturday, Keenan Kelly delivered a two-run single and Jesus Saavedra added a runscoring hit, but the Hawks (4-2) surrendered five runs in the final inning and lost to Prairie Ridge, 7-3. Virgilio went six innings and

struck out eight.

MAINE EAST BASEBALL The Blue Demons have started out the year on fire, winning five of their first six contests and already surpassing last year’s entire victory total (four).

Maine East bounced back from a 14-2 loss to Hoffman Estates on March 27 and upended Elmwood Park, 2-1, March 28. Cory Evans tossed a three-hitter while pitching a complete game. Evans also tripled, and George Zakharia

RESURRECTION Resurrection won its seasonopener, dropped four straight, and stopped its four-game skid by blanking Payton,4-0,on March 27 behind freshman Yenessa Meneses’ no-hitter. Meneses, who also picked up the victory in the season-opener, fanned eight vs. Payton. She and junior Sami Comiskey are the Bandits’ top two pitchers this season.

Leading the way, hitting-wise, for the Bandits thus far are sophomore infielder/outfielder Emily Bernath, who homered drove in the game-winning run.

Tyler Glowacki also had an RBI.

RESURRECTION SOCCER The Bandits are off to a 5-0 start—all shutout wins. Senior Melissa Gotsch has been in nets for all of Resurrection’s victories—7-0 over Maria (March 29), 4-0 vs. Queen of Peace (March 27), 1-0 against Regina Dominican, 2-0 vs. St. Scholastica and 6-0 over Gordon Tech in the seasonopener.

Shannon Byrne scored a hat trick against Maria, while Maddie

in the season-opener; senior outfielder Ashley Sobotka and sophomore infielder Bre Sobotka; senior infielder Nicole Raia; and junior infielder-catcher Kat Angelini.

Sophomores Courtney Grasz, Kate Moriarty and Liz Jimenez, along with junior Sara Sanetra, have made early-season contributions offensively.

Rounding out the roster for coach Tom Stein are juniors Kristina Muscalino, Emaly Burns and Elena Hernandez, and sophomore pitcher Olivia Babusci.

Dineen, Sydney Sisk, Melissa Gotsch and Kristy Getty, a Niles resident, tallied the other goals.

Rachel Cunningham netted two goals for the Bandits in the win over Queen of Peace. Getty and Gina Moriarty each added a goal. Byrne scored the only goal Resurrection ended up needing to beat Regina. Hannah Witczak picked up an assist.

In the win over St. Scholastica, Cunningham and Alex Kuykendall scored goals with assists from Byrne and Moriarty.

Cunningham lit up Gordon Tech for four goals, while Getty and Witczak had the other goals.

www.buglenewspapers.com/madness

THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

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THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

Travel

Changes spice up northern Europe While the countries of southern Europe struggle with financial instability, those living in northern Europe are in stronger shape, thanks to their ability to produce more while consuming less. It remains to be seen to what degree they will continue to bail out their less fiscally responsible neighbors.

But one thing’s certain:Travelers to Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia will encounter their share of renovations, red tape, and reinvigorated neighborhoods and sights this year.

Berlin remains one of Europe’s most exciting and affordable capitals. The city has been busy updating and expanding several communist sights, including the Berlin Wall Memorial, the DDR Museum, with a quirky collection of communist-era artifacts, and the new but underwhelming Stasi Museum, featuring exhibits on East Germany’s state security service.

Unfortunately, visitors to the Reichstag - Germany’s inspirational parliament building - must now make an online reservation in advance to tour its impressive glass dome (www. bundestag.de). If it’s not too crowded, you may be able to get in without a reservation, though it’s unlikely.

In Munich, the Lenbachhaus, featuring early Modernist art, and the Halls of the Nibelungen at the Residenz remain closed for renovation and are projected to reopen in 2013. In Wurzburg, the opulent chapel at the Residenz is undergoing restoration and should open to visitors in mid2012, while St. Kilian’s Cathedral will be closed for renovation until the end of the year. The classy horse races near BadenBaden have resumed, with three sessions happening in May,

August, and October.

Several new walking tour offerings can help spice up your German adventure. In Rothenburg, the country’s best-preserved medieval walled town, you can now do a walking-tour double feature. Start by strolling the town on the Executioner’s Tour, a macabre hour with Georg Lehle costumed as a 14th-century executioner, then follow it up with the long-recommended Night Watchman’s Tour, accompanied by gritty tales of old-time Rothenburg.

If you’re saddled with a long wait at Frankfurt’s airport, the Frankfurt Layover Tour offers a unique way to kill time. Offered

by Frankfurt on Foot, the tour lasts at least three hours but can be tailored to your interests and time, and includes pick-up and drop-off at the airport.

Changes are also afoot in Switzerland, Germany’s neighbor to the south. In the Swiss capital of Bern, the bears are back. Two years ago, Finn (a male from Finland) and Bjork (a female from Denmark) moved into Bern’s terraced Bear Park and got busy; soon afterward they welcomed female cubs Ursina and Berna.

In Lausanne, the Olympic Museum will be closed for renovation until late 2013.During this time, you can still enjoy the park and see the Olympic flame.

A temporary floating exhibit, moored just across the street from the park, will feature a taste of the museum’s collection.

Considering how hot the Mediterranean region is in the summer, vacationing in Nordic

Submitted Photo

Copenhagen’s Kodbyen district is home to a number of trendy eateries, including BioMio, a fresh and 100-percent organic take on a traditional cafeteria, located in the old Bosch building.

Europe has become a hit in July and August. As usual, the biggest changes are taking place in the capital cities.

In Denmark, Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Kodbyen, is one of the city’s most upand-coming destinations for restaurants and nightlife. Located behind the main train station, the neighborhood is filled with trendy galleries and eateries that mingle with surviving offices and warehouses for the local meatpacking industry.

In Oslo, Norway, damaged buildings in the Grunerlokka neighborhood now bear a poignant tribute to the events of July 22, 2011 - when an antiimmigration lunatic killed eight people in the city with a car bomb before shooting and killing 69 more at a Labor Party summer camp. Permanent memorials will

eventually be built at the sites of the tragedies.

In 2014, the Swedish capital of Stockholm will welcome a new commuter rail line that’s being built beneath its main train station (until then, expect lots of construction). The city is also welcoming a new breed of tourist: fans of Stieg Larsson’s punked-out computer hacker heroine, Lisbeth Salander, and jaded journalist hero, Mikael Blomkvist.

Set in Stockholm and shot here, the Hollywood version of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is making the cityscape more recognizable. Just south of the Old Town, the Sodermalm neighborhood is the primary setting of the books. It’s here that fans will find Kvarnen, an oldstyle pub in which Lisbeth hangs out with an all-girl punk band,

and the Mellqvist cafe, where the love-struck Lisbeth sees Mikael kiss his mistress. Fans can also visit the City of Stockholm Museum, which displays Larsson artifacts,features a reconstruction of Mikael’s office at Millennium magazine, and offers Millennium walking tours in English.

Despite a few hassles, northern Europe remains one of the easiest places to travel, whether it’s a spring fling to Germany, an alpine adventure in the Swiss Alps, or a summertime swing through Scandinavia.

(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.) (c)2012 RICK STEVES

Business & Real Estate

THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

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The real cost of providing health care This has been a hot business and personal finance topic lately, especially in the wake of “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act”, better known as “Obamacare”, current Supreme Court hearings regarding the Act’s constitutionality, and this being an election year.

I’d put the healthcare costs debate into four categories – medical providers, insurance companies, the legal system, and last but not least… the government. Although each could be a whole article or book, I’ll go easy on the former three here, and to paraphrase Dave Ramsey, punch the latter right in the face.

Many people think medical providers are highly paid. In some cases this may be true, but as usual, I have a personal story. A few months ago I had an outpatient procedure that took two preparatory office visits, a two and a half hour surgery plus prep and recovery time, and two

follow-up visits.

The highly educated and skilled surgeon billed insurance approximately $5,900.

The insurance c o m p a n y disallowed over $4,700 because they can, and the medical providers take it because two-thirds of patients without insurance don’t pay.

Insurance only paid $1,100 and my portion is $121 after meeting my deductible with other medical bills. For three hours of that surgeon’s time, minus paying his staff, overhead, malpractice insurance, legal fees, etc., that’s not overpaid in my opinion.

I mentioned that insurance companies dictate payments to medical providers, similarly to federal Medicare and state Medicaid.

Another major

Credit card rewards not worth the debt Dear Dave, I want to keep one of our credit cards open and use the bill-pay option for utilities and other monthly bills. I want to do this so we can continue earning rewards points, and the way I look at it, we’d just be re-routing the money and paying it off every month. My husband doesn’t like this idea and thinks we should get rid of them all. Am I just asking for trouble by wanting to keep the rewards card open?

Cheryl Dear Cheryl, Yes, you are. Life never works out exactly the way you think it will. You can make all the wellreasoned and best-intentioned plans you want, but sooner or

later that snake is going to bite you.

The only thing I’d consider in a situation like this is a debit card that has a rewards system attached. Lots of debit card programs offer the same kinds of rewards programs offered by credit card companies, with one big exception—you don’t have to go into debt!

You need to stop chasing these stupid brownie points, Cheryl.

According to Consumer Reports, 78 percent of credit card airline miles are never redeemed.Studies also show that people spend more when using credit cards as opposed to cash. That extra money you spend on things you don’t need is money you could have been saving and investing.

So, where’s the reward?

Cut up the card and close the account, Cheryl. You don’t build wealth by using credit cards!

See DAVE, page 19

concern is increasing premiums.

As the insured population becomes older and sicker, costs increase. Therefore premiums also increase.

Currently when someone has a personal Medicare supplemental insurance policy, which is already structured by the government, they can change companies to get into a new “pool” of policyholders and save premiums. With Medicare, which is partially funded with a mandatory payroll tax on employees and employers, coverage is required, premiums are withheld from Social Security, and the program is administered by the federal government and subsidized with federal general revenues.

There is no opt-out, premiums continue to rise, and the trust funds continue to deplete.

That’s how our government-run system works so far.

The legal system has been scrutinized as a cause for high

healthcare costs including malpractice insurance premiums.

In 2005, law professors from Duke Law School published an article titled “Judicial Hellholes: Medical Malpractice Claims, Verdicts and the Doctor Exodus in Illinois”. More recently, in August 2010, the AMA released a study analyzing survey responses from over 5,800 physicians that 42 percent are sued at some point in their career, including 6 of 10 who practice until age 55 or older.

By specialty, general surgery and obstetrician-gynecology tops the list at 69 percent. Over half of OB-GYNs surveyed were sued twice or more in their careers.

However, a Chicago area medical malpractice lawyer disputes the connection to healthcare costs stating that the “Congressional Budget Office reports that medical malpractice amounts to less than two percent of overall healthcare spending.”

Unless something changes,

the above-referenced Act is fully effective in 2014. Businesses and individuals will be required to have health insurance or be fined by the IRS. Meanwhile, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee warned that as many as 16,500 new IRS auditors and investigators, or a 17 percent increase in IRS workforce could be needed to administer and enforce the new health insurance rules.

I don’t have the answers, but when you get behind a political candidate this year because of what he or she is going to provide for you, consider what it’s going to cost you, and your children, your children’s children, etc. God Bless America, please!

Mike Reid, the self-proclaimed “Money Maverick” is a Registered CPA, a fulltime Advertising Consultant for Bugle Newspapers and Voyager Media Group, and an independent contractor with various entities in the Chicago area, Central, and Southern Illinois.

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Inspiring generosity in your co-workers Q. By nature I’m a rather envious person.

When I notice coworkers g e t t i n g advantages I don’t, I tend to obsess.

I find my coworkers are tight-lipped and often unhelpful.

How can I get more support from my work team?

A. You’ll get more support from your work team if you do the opposite of what your envy would motivate you to do. When we are envious, we find it so painful to see anyone getting what we don’t have that we give little or no support to our coworkers. Our coworkers will return the favor and have no interest in helping us.

The attitude of envy whispers to us that we should make sure we never open any doors of opportunity for anyone else because we’ll find it painful to watch others thrive.

If we never benefit anyone in our workplace, we guarantee long-term pain for ourselves because we have no support network that wants to see us succeed.

The opposite of envy is the attitude that you should always leave people you work with in a better position every time they deal with you. In every meeting, conversation or phone call, ask yourself what you can offer that would make the other person’s job easier.

Most people are naturally quite grateful when you help them. You don’t have to use any manipulative tool to trick them into supporting you, just that good old-fashioned “you fill their bucket, they fill yours.”

Your coworkers are motivated to do what they perceive will make their work life better. If you are a consistent source of ideas,resources and referrals, they will need you to do well so you are around to help them.

At first, you may find it nearly physically painful and the opposite of your “normal” instincts to be helpful to your coworkers. Your team may even view your change of attitude with suspicion. However, with every conversation you’ll find it easier to listen for how you can provide a benefit to the person in front of you. As you see your help returned, you’ll be motivated to be an even better resource to your

team.

We often hear in popular psychology that we should listen to our “gut instincts,” but there are times our gut will lead us astray.You can’t be both a force for preventing your coworkers from getting goodies while you get goodies for yourself. The workplace is a big enough space for everyone to win if you make sure your envy isn’t running your decisions.

The last word(s) Q.My manager has put someone in charge of an important project who doesn’t have the skills to do the job. Should I tell him before there is a problem?

A. No, a moment of personal experience is worth hours of you giving your opinion about future problems.

Daneen Skube, Ph.D., executive coach, trainer, therapist and speaker, also appears as the FOX Channel’s “Workplace Guru” each Monday morning. She’s the author of “Interpersonal Edge: Breakthrough Tools for Talking to Anyone, Anywhere, About Anything” (Hay House, 2006).

You can contact Dr. Skube at www. interpersonaledge.com or 1420 NW Gilman Blvd., #2845, Issaquah, WA 98027. Sorry, no personal replies. (c) 2012 INTERPERSONAL EDGE

DAVE Continued from page 17 —Dave Dear Dave, My wife and I are both active duty Marines. She’s planning to get out in a few months, but I’m staying in for the long haul. You recommend saving 15 percent for retirement, but how does that apply in my case when I’ll be getting a good pension after 20 years?

James

Dear James, I’d like to see you do both. Just imagine the money you guys would have for retirement with your military pension and a big pile of cash from having saved 15 percent of your income over the years.

Having options is a great thing. Think about all the things you could do down the road if you save for retirement and have your pension in place. You could pay cash for a home, or even open a business when you retire from the military. And these are things

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you probably wouldn’t be able to do working with just your service pension.

You’ve got a great future if you’ll just keep plugging along and saving, James. Let the military do its thing, and you guys keep pumping 15 percent of your income into Roth IRAs and other pre-tax retirement plans. It’s going to be pretty cool!

— Dave * For more financial help please visit daveramsey.com.

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THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

Senior Lifestyle

Coping with investments in a low interest world

By Jill Schlesinger Tribune Media Services

A reader writes: “My CD is maturing next month. What are my alternatives in this low interest world?” I field this question at least once a week and all I can think is, “Pity the poor saver!”

To boost the economy, the Federal Reserve has been slashing short-term interest rates (the Fed Funds rate) to the historically low levels of 0 to 0.25 percent, the range at which rates have been for over three years running. As a result, interest on everything from savings accounts to money market funds to CDs is meager at best. What’s a good saver to do?

First, let’s make sure that we differentiate between those who want to bump up the interest on their emergency reserve funds (12 months of living expenses for retirees, 9-12 months for preretirees) and those who have

Niles Senior Center Advanced registration is generally required for programs.

March/April Naturally Active Registrations for members have begun.All programs require advanced registration.

Individuals must be a registered member of the Niles Senior Center to receive the member price. Membership application forms are available at the Front Desk, Membership Service Desk or on-line. For more information about program eligibility, contact one of our program coordinators.

NILES SENIOR CENTER WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY, APRIL 5 FOR A SPRING HOLIDAY SPECIAL SATURDAY COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE – Which Way to Stage Left?”

Saturday, May 19, 1:00-2:30PM Tickets: $8 in advance or $12 at the door call 847 588-8420 for more information.

This live play is presented

by Still Acting Up a Skokie Park District-sponsored performance troupe of talented seniors over the age of 60. Light refreshments will be served after the show.

used CDs as part of their total retirement investments.

For emergency reserves, you must have the ability to access your money quickly. This is a concept known as “liquidity,” and it’s important regardless of your age, but even more so during retirement. Checking accounts, savings accounts, money market funds and 3-, 6-, 9- or 12-month CDs have all been the vehicles of choice for emergency funds, even while interest rates for those instruments are hovering below 0.5 percent.

But don’t give up too easily! My colleague Allan Roth has directed me to a fabulous website that keeps track of the best options among the various account types, www.depositaccounts. com.At this site, you will see that some banks and credit unions offer 5-, 6-, or 7-year CDs at 1.82.4 percent, with minimal 60day early withdrawal penalties.

For every $10,000 in emergency

Fishing at Busse Woods, Friday, April 27 $15 Like to fish? Join us on one or all monthly outings planned this year. The first outing of the season is at Busse Woods. We will meet at the designated site at 8AM. Cost includes a continental breakfast, bait, and lunch. For more information, contact MaryAnn at the Center 847 5888420. To learn what’s biting at Busse Lake, Jim Templin invites you to drop by FISHTECH, 5802 Dempster at 2 PM on Thursday, April 26.

The Men’s and Women’s Golf Leagues’ Kick-Off MeetingsIf you like to golf, consider dropping by to see what our leagues have to offer. All 9 hole outings are held at Tam Golf Course with lunch following at the Niles Senior Center.

Men’s Golf Kick-Off, Thursday, April 12, 10:30AM Women’s Golf Kick-Off, Thursday, May 3, 10:30AM 2nd Annual Hearing Fair, Friday, April 13, 9:00AM-12Noon, FREE Admission/Open to all The Niles Senior Center, in conjunction with the Schaumburg Township Disability Services will be present with multiple vendors demonstrating low hearing products and services. Speakers

reserves, you may be able to increase your earnings by $175$200 a year.

Another idea for your emergency reserves is Series I US Savings Bonds, which have two components: a fixed rate that remains the same throughout the life of the bond, and a variable inflation rate that is adjusted twice a year (May and November) based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.

Today, the first component pays 0 percent and the second component pays 3.06 percent, which is a heck of lot better than the 0.5 percent that you’re earning on short-term CDs! How does it work? Interest from the bond is added to the bond’s value each month.That means that you don’t receive periodic interest payments, but rather you collect the interest when you cash in your bonds. Note that there are two downsides to I-bonds: You can only buy $10,000 per

person, per year, and you have to hold them for at least one year.

For those seeking to find higher interest rates for funds other than emergency reserve funds, things get a lot trickier. Consider this: If you were a risk-averse investor who owned longer-term CDs at the beginning of the recession in December 2007, the income from those CDs has dropped by two-thirds just four years later.

OUCH! Here’s the bad news: you must assume risk to earn more than the current rotten rates.

If you are unwilling to lose a wink of sleep due to potential market gyrations, I’m afraid that you are stuck with reduced income. For those ready to build income-generating portfolios that move beyond CDs, you can consider adding other assets to your CDs and cash, like: short and intermediate term corporate bond funds in your retirement accounts; short and

and demonstrations include Canine Companions instructing how dogs can help persons with hearing loss live independently; types of hearing loss; and the latest technological advances in hearing loss equipment.

make sense of the many feelings you experience after the loss of a spouse or loved on is a difficult process.

Annual Rummage Sale The Rummage Sale date is Saturday, April 21 from 9AM-1PM – so mark your calendars! There are over 48 vendors who will be selling a wide variety of items.

There will be a $2 Hot Dog Lunch available (while supplies last) and a raffle with 50% going to the winner and 50% split between the American Cancer Society and the Niles Food Pantry. For more information, contact Jaymi.

Grief Workshop-Three Sessions to Begin April 11 Beginning Wednesday, April 11, the Niles Senior Center will hold a three-session grief workshop for Niles residents touched by the loss of a loved one. Please call Bev Wessels, LCSW, or Trudi Davis LCSW (847 588-8420) for more information and to enroll There is no cost to participate, but prior enrollment is necessary. The workshops will meet Wednesdays, from 1:00PM2:00PM and will focus on the following areas: Workshop #1, April 11 – What Has Happened to me? Trying to

Workshop #2, April 18 – Dealing With Expectations of Ourselves and Others Dealing with other people’s feelings and concerns can raise anxiety, especially if we feel that people want us to “move on” or “be happy again.”

Workshop#3, April 25Adjusting to a Different Lifestyle At this workshop, we will explore the stress of living alone and ways to adjust to new social roles and responsibilities.

NEW! Belly Dance Workshop, Wednesday, May 2, 11-12Noon $10M/$15NM Presented by Fran Strain of Dancemates. Come and have a great time while learning some new dances. This is geared for every level. Fun for all!

Yoga in Chairs, Instructor Andrea Lubershane, Thursdays, 10:45-11:45AM You provide the body, and we’ll provide a way to increase your flexibility, strength and balance.

Yoga is all about flexibility, and we can be flexible whether we sit in a chair, hold on to a chair to do standing poses, or even if we use the chair to do supine poses

intermediate term municipal bonds for taxable accounts; and (wait for it), a small percentage allocation into a stock market index fund.

Did she just write “stocks”?

Yes, I did. I know that given the swings of the last five years, it’s tough to imagine, but if you can stomach 10-20 percent of your portfolio in a stock index fund and you are willing to live with the inevitable gyrations, you just may be able to goose the income of your portfolio and also sleep at night.

Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is the Editor-atLarge for www.CBSMoneyWatch.com.

She covers the economy, markets, investing or anything else with a dollar sign on her podcast and blog, Jill on Money, as well as on television and radio. She welcomes comments and questions at askjill@moneywatch. com.

(c) 2012 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

May 3-31 (5 classes) $30M/$35NM June 7-28 (4 classes) $24M/$29NM July 5-26 (4 classes) $24/$29NM NEW Computer ClassesRegistration Now Open.- Do not wait too long to register. These classes fill quickly. For more information about any of the computer classes, contact Jaymi (847 588-8420).

Pre Intro to Computers with Diane Zumpano, Tuesdays & Thursdays –April 17-26 9-10:30AM $20M/$25NM – for individuals who have never See CENTERS, page 21

THE BUGLE APRIL 5, 2012

CENTERS Continued from page 20 used a computer.

Basic Introduction to the Internet with Jane Washburne, Tues & Thurs.,Apr. 17-26 3:30-4:30PM $25M/$30NM Introduction to OnLine Banking with Mary Kussmann Wed., April 18 & 25th, 2-3:00PM $25M/$30NM Social Networking (Twitter, Facebook, Blogging) with Jane Washburne, Mondays and Wednesdays, April 30-May 9th 3:30-4:30PM $25M/$30NM Introduction to Ebay with Jane Washburne,Tues.&Thurs.May 1524 3:30-4:30PM $25M/$30NM Picasso/Photo Editor, Tuesday & Thursday, May 29 & 31st 3:304:30 $25M/$30NM NSC’s WEEKLY EMAIL CONTEST!!!

Make sure you’re on our email list! Every week, there will be a drawing for a $5.00 gift certificate toward any program, class, or trip. All you need to do is make sure you’re on our email list. You will receive info on our newest trips, fantastic programs and variety of classes! Please call (847)588-8420 to get into the weekly drawing!

North Shore Senior Center Senior Center Membership Become a member of North Shore Senior Center in Morton Grove and enjoy opportunities to live longer, happier, healthier lives through an array of programs, activities, trips and services. Members receive a discount on all programs, activities, and trips, Program Calendar & Newsletter six times per year, information on local, state, and federal

issues affecting seniors, and invitations to special events and presentations. Membership dues are $20 for an individual and $35 for a couple/household for a full year.

Everyone welcome! Call North Shore Senior Center in Morton Grove at 847.470.5223 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or stop by the Senior Center, 6140 Dempster Street in Morton Grove, to become a member.

Lunch & Bingo!

Every Wednesday from 10 a.m. – Noon Enjoy an exciting game of Bingo, a tasty lunch and great company! Lunch and Bingo takes place every Wednesday.

Lunch is catered by a different local restaurant each week.

Bingo begins at 10am, and lunch is served at 11:30. Fee is $6 for members and $8 for non-members each week and includes one Bingo card per person, plus lunch from a local restaurant or caterer. To register, call 847.470.5223 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or stop by the Senior Center, 6140 Dempster Street in Morton Grove Date Restaurant Menu April 4 Walker Brother’s Apple pancake slice, sausage links & orange juice April 11 Nicky Nolo’s Vienna beef hot dog, fries & ice cream To Bead or Knot & BeadMonday, April 2, 2012, 1 – 2 p.m.

Craft a necklace in this two hour session from 1 – 3 p.m. on March 2! No prior experience, skill or materials or required!

Expert beader Carole Grove will inspire you to unleash your creative side and have fun while learning a new craft. Participants are welcome to bring broken strands of beads to integrate into a new creation. Fees are $10 member; $12 nonmember.

To register, call North Shore Senior Center in Morton Grove at 847.470.5223 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or stop by the Senior Center, 6140 Dempster Street in Morton Grove

Lunch & A Movie – The Descendents – Thursday, April 5, 12:30 p.m.

Join us for lunch followed by a screening of The Descendants, a film that follows the unpredictable journey of an American family at a crossroads.

Matt King (George Clooney), a husband and father of two girls, must re-examine his past and navigate his future when his wife is in a boating accident off Waikiki. When daughter Alexandra drops the bombshell that her mother was in the midst of a romantic fling at the time of the accident, Matt has to take a whole new look at his life, not to mention his legacy, during a week of momentous decisions.

With his girls in tow, he embarks on a haphazard search for his wife’s lover. Rated PG-13. $6 members, $8 non-members.

Advance registration required.To register, call 847.470.5223 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or stop by the Senior Center, 6140 Dempster Street in Morton Grove.

Roger William: President of Pianists – Monday, April 16, 12:30 p.m.

Autumn Leaves, Born Free, Somewhere My Love — experience these and more timeless favorites as we revel in the dazzling pianistic artistry of Roger Williams. On Monday, April 16 from 1 – 2:30 p.m., Jim Kendros will guide us through each unforgettable hit,describing the wonderful orchestral colorings used by Mr. Williams in these stunning arrangements.

A bonus- Jim will offer us a miniconcert featuring some of his own romantic favorites! Program supported in part by a donation from the Northwest Suburban Jewish Congregation. Fees are $6 member; $8 nonmember. To register, call 847.470.5223 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or stop by the Senior Center, 6140 Dempster Street in Morton Grove.

Hail Caesar: Celebration of Sid Caesar – Tuesday, April 24, 1 – 2 p.m.

Did Sid really hang Mel Brooks

out of a window? And what was it like in the writer’s room with the greatest collection of comedy writers ever assembled? Explore the answers to these fascinating questions and more as we take a look at some of the funniest Sid Caesar sketches of all time on Tuesday April 25 from 1- 2 p.m.!

Presentation supported in part by the Northwest Suburban Jewish Congregation donation. Fees are $6 member; $8 nonmember. To register, call 847.470.5223 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or stop by the Senior Center, 6140 Dempster Street in Morton Grove.

Flashpoints: Hot Topics & Discussion – Tuesday, April 24 1- 2:30 p.m.

Explore issues, perspectives and insights into the pressing issues of the moment with other informed people from your community! This peer led group will meet on Tuesday, March 27 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. To register, call 847.470.5223 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or stop by the Senior Center, 6140 Dempster Street in Morton Grove Spring Fling Program PreviewWednesday April 25, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Renew an old interest or dive into a new adventure with North Shore Senior Center in Morton Grove. Come to this free preview to enjoy music, refreshments and explore new programs. Join us on Wednesday, April 25 from 1 to 2:30 to try out Gentle Yoga class and Zumba Gold with our new instructor. Visit with others who participate in our clubs and meet new friends. There is no fee for the preview- but registration is required, so please call 847.470.5223 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or stop by the Senior Center, 6140 Dempster Street in Morton Grove The North Shore Senior Center, founded in 1956,is a not-for-profit organization of professionals and volunteers enhancing and enriching the lives of seniors and families in the northern suburbs of Chicago. North Shore

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Senior Center provides options for health, independence, and well-being, and offers more than 100 educational and experiential programs per week. For more information, please visit www.

North Shore Senior Center.org.

Health Screenings Morton Grove Family and Senior Services Department offers health screenings available at the American Legion Memorial Civic Center, 6140 Dempster Street.

Diabetes screenings and blood pressure screening will be held every Tuesday from 9 -11am. Both are free of charge. Cholesterol Screening will be held the first Wednesday of each month. Cost: $10 for residents over age 65.

There is a $12 fee for residents under 65 and for non-residents.

Swedish Covenant Hospital will be providing cholesterol screenings. Appointments are necessary. Call 847.470.5223 for an appointment.

Podiatry Screening and Nail Care Dr. Jeffrey Garrard will provide basic foot care and nail clipping on the first Tuesday of each month between 10 am and noon.

Cost: Medicare will be billed.

Non-Medicare clients will be charged $35.00. Appointments are required. Call 847.470.5223 for more information or to make an appointment.

Park Ridge Senior Center At 10am on Thursday, April 12, American Classic Tours and the Senior Center will offer a variety of short term and extended trips. Joe Conroy, President of American Classic Tours Inc. will display the trips that will be available. Trips include Niagara Falls and Toronto, Washington DC, Hollywood in Iowa and much more. All are welcome.

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Funding approved for the Center of Concern those in need and helping the homebound and elderly retain their independence. The Center of Concern provides Housing Solutions, Support Services and Counseling for Seniors, Disabled and others in need, enabling them to live with dignity and independence.

The Center focuses on serving the needs of the elderly and homebound and on providing housing counseling and assistance. The Center offers services to all adults

in the community who seek counseling and support as they look for solutions to their problems.

“We are especially grateful for the Park Ridge Community Fund’s continuing active support of The Center’s mission and programs, even as these difficult economic times continue,” stated McNabola.

“With the PRCF’s held, the Center will continue to provide supportive and affordable services to our seniors and

frail elderly, and also to Park Ridge residents struggling to meet basic needs during this economic uncertainty that is challenging us all.”

The mission of the Park Ridge Community Fund is to assess the needs of the community, raise funds, and allocate those funds to charitable organizations and health causes, especially research, rehabilitation and education.

The Park Ridge Community Fund has been working hard

to improve the quality of life in our community since 1958.

Volunteers, people who live or work in Park Ridge, control all aspects of the Park Ridge Community Fund, including fundraising, the assessment and determination of community needs, the distribution of funds and the monitoring of their use.

For more information about the Park Ridge Community Fund, visit PRCommunityFund. org.

am and returns at 6:30pm on Sunday April 22 at a cost of $95. Heard will be favorites Continued from page 21 including music and film clips from Mary Poppins, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and the Sign-up for the next Yoga class Lion King. Included will be a is underway. It runs from April brunch before the show. Price 10-May29 Tuesdays at 11:30AM. includes show ticket, brunch The fee is $40. New students and transportation. Registration may try the first class free. All deadline is April 1 so don’t levels welcome. Trish Nealon is delay. the instructor for this class.

Understanding Estate The Center is offering two Planning and Living Trust will new senior classes which will be be presented from 7-8pm held at the Community Center. on Tuesday, April 24 for only Two Seniorcize in the Pool $6.00. A will alone can subject classes, 10:30-11:25, Mondays, you and your family to the April 2-June 4 and 10:30-11:25, court process with long delays, Wednesdays, April 4-June 6. Fees costly expenses and may limit are $50/$77 for the Monday class access to assets. Find out how and $56/$85 for the Wednesday class.

to maintain control and privacy of your affairs and avoid court intervention.

Learn why America is abandoning wills and probate in favor of the living trust solution.

Consider the Park Ridge Senior Center if you are looking for a place to have a meeting, party or other event. One room can

be rented or the entire facility.

Call the Park Ridge Senior Center at 825-692-3597 for more information.

The Park Ridge Community Fund board of directors approved funding to local charities and PRCF President, Nick Boudreau, had the honor of delivering the check personally to present it to John McNabola, executive director of The Center of Concern and Eva Gertzfeld, director of housing and homesharing.

The Center of Concern is a not-for-profit social service agency devoted to providing programs and services to

CENTERS

The popular Zumba Gold Tone class is 11am-noon Fridays, April 6-June 8. This takes the dance rhythms originated in Zumba to a lower level of intensity for participants who may need modifications with the addition of light weight toning sticks.

The class fee is $50/$77 and will also be held at the Community Center.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra performs the Magic of Disney music from 70 years of Disney Shows. The trip begins at 11:30

Discover the artistry of Cake Decorating 101 from 7-9:30pm on Tuesdays, from April 10-May 29 with a fee of $86.

This new hands-on class is designed for the baker or artist looking to learn and experiment with the basics of confectionery design. Borders, flowers, and text will be among techniques learned and practiced in this course. Students will be expected to provide a basic set of decorating tools. A list will be provided upon registration.

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