Niles 10-8-15 by Bugle, Sentinel & Enterprise Newspapers

OCTOBER 8, 2015 VOL. 60 ISSUE 1

dons need one more victory to lock up playoff berth

see page 7

Featured Sports

JUST ONE MORE WIN

NEWS Solar energy

Illinois Solar Tour showcases local homes, businesses

see page 2

CoMMunIty neWS

POLICE Shooting

No arrests made in Oct. 1 Niles shooting

see page 4

OPINION Courage under fire We fetishize firearms in this country; that must end

see page 5

NEWS rule Changes

Niles library considers giving director more authority

see page 11

SPORTS Soccer

Dons continue to show improvement see page 9

Many Pace signs not yet compatible with text message bus tracking service By Igor Studenkov |FOR THE BUGLE

ince spring, Pace bus riders have been able to find out how long it will be until their buses arrive simply by texting the bus stop number – assuming they know what it is. When the agency originally unveiled the service, Pace spokesman Patrick Wilmot told the press that it planned to put the bus stop numbers on all bus stop signs. But, actually putting those numbers on the signs has been a slow process. the system covers the entire six-county, Chicago region, with small portions of several routes reaching further-flung counties in Illinois and Indiana. according to Wilmot, getting the information up has been a complicated task that has taken longer than expected. In the meantime, riders can look up bus stop numbers on Pace’s official website. See

‘SIGNS’ on Page 3

Photo By Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff

Westbound route 250 bus stop at dempster/Moody intersection has a new bus sign with the real-time arrival information instruction, but no bus stop number.

T h ursday, October 8, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

community

Ins and Outs

of Solar Energy Local homes, businesses showcased on Illinois Solar Tour

Photo By Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff

(Left) Richard Cogan, co-owner of Eco Solar Solutions, holds up a sign for the business. (Above) Solar panels located on the roof of Ken Doody’s Park Ridge home have helped the former high school chemistry teacher save $4,000 to $5,000 on energy over the past six years.

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

Residents of Niles, Park Ridge and Morton Grove had a chance to get a first-hand look at how solar energy can power homes and businesses on Oct 3. The event was part of the Illinois Solar Tour, a statewide initiative organized by the Illinois Solar Energy Association. Featuring more than 90 sites, it was designed to give state residents a chance to learn about solar power from homeowners and businesses that use it every day. The sites includes Solar Service Inc, a Niles-based solar panel manufacturer, as well as

two private residences in Park Ridge and Morton Grove. The event functioned as a free, self-guided tour that ran between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Participants could visit any of the sites in any order and receive tours. They could also buy tickets for the ISEA raffle, which featured prices such as a Tesla Model S electric car and a free solar power system installation. The Illinois Solar Energy Association is a non-profit organization that has been promoting solar energy since it was founded in 1975. According to news release from the organization, the

Illinois State Tour is designed to give outreach a more personal touch by giving people a first-hand look at how solar power works. “The Illinois Solar Tour showcases real life examples of the practical, economic and environmental benefits of using clean power to fuel our everyday lives,” said ISEA Executive Director Lesley McCain. “Now is a particularly exciting time for solar energy in Illinois as Springfield legislators consider clean jobs legislation that would boost opportunities across Illinois from city neighborhoods to rural farmlands.”

ISEA chose the sites that it felt were “energy leaders” in the surrounding communities. Solar Service is one of the longestrunning solar power manufacturers in the Chicago area. Owner Brandon Leavitt, who is also a member of ISEA, started the company in 1977. Originally, it provided solar panels for residential homes, but recent years saw it getting an increasing number of business clients. The reasons for getting solar panels changed as well – when Leavitt started, most of the clients got them purely to help the environment. In recent years, an increasing number of residential customers have

gotten them in effort to save money on their energy bills. Solar Services practices what it preaches. Its headquarters, which are located at 7312 N. Milwaukee Ave., are solar-powered. Ken Doody, a retired Glenbrook South High School chemistry teacher, installed solar panels in his Park Ridge home six years ago. The panels are located on the south side of the house’s roof, and his enthusiasm for solar power is palpable. “I’m interested in the environment, and I’m also interested in using alternative energy sources,” he told the Bugle. “I think Obama is right – we are still going to use coal in the future, but we’re going to move to other energy sources. The more [energy] sources we have, the better off we are.” He said he also felt that energy costs will go up in the future, so having solar panels would save him money on the long run. Doody said that, so far, solar power hasn’t covered all his energy needs, but he was able to save approximately $4,000 - $5,000 over the past six years. ComEd, he explained, credits him for the energy that comes from solar power, which lowers his monthly bill. The bill, Doody said, averaged $60 a month, with $40 being his lowest so far.

see solar | page 10

INSTAGRAM: Readers, attending a game in your area? Take a photo and tag @buglenewspapers for a chance to be featured! T h ursday, October 8, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com signs | from page 1 Until this year, riders who wanted to receive bus tracking information had to go through the agency’s website. There were two version of the bus tracker. The first version, which is located at tmweb. pacebus.com/TMWebWatch/, allows riders to search bus stops by typing in the route number, selecting a direction and searching for a street intersection. If the riders don’t have that information, they can select the route number from a pull-down list. The second version, which is located at tmweb. pacebus.com/TMWebWatch/ LiveADADepartureTimes, tends to work better with smartphones. But unlike the first version, riders don’t have the option of searching for bus stops – they must find it by looking through the list. The text message-based version simplifies the process. Riders can find the information by texting “Pace” followed by the bus stop number, to 41411. And unlike the other trackers, it sends out information for all Pace buses that use that stop. Chicago Transit Authority has used a similar system for years for all of its bus stops and train stations. All CTA bus stops have

bus stop numbers – and directions for how to get the information – written on the bus stop sign. But when Pace implemented its own version of the system, its bus stop signs weren’t changed – something that remains the case throughout much of the system. In August, Pace installed new signs along Route 290, which serves Niles and Park Ridge, mostly following along Touhy Avenue. The signs contained directions for using the bus travel information service, but the space where the bus stop number would go was left blank. Wilmot told the Bugle that the replacement of signs was designed to coincide with a recent route service change. On Aug. 16, Pace converted Route 290 to posted stop only route. On most Pace routes, riders can flag down buses at any street intersection and ask drivers to drop them off at the nearest intersection. But posted stop routes only pick up and drop off passengers at stops with bus stop signs. This was done in an effort to speed up service. Two Niles routes have previously been converted to posted stop routes - Route 270, which serves Milwaukee Avenue, and Route 250, which serves Dempster Avenue. Wilmot explained that the

process of getting the bus stop numbers has been slow. “[As of September], two routes in the Waukegan area have been completed, “ he said. “Unfortunately, due to manpower issues in our signage and shelters department, we’re not as far along as we’d hoped to be.” To speed up the process, Pace decided to add new signs every time it converts a route to “posted stop” only. “Because the posted stops project involves the potential movement of bus stop signs, it makes sense to use this as an opportunity to

replace older signs with our new design that incorporates the instructions for the text messaging service,” said Wilmot. Pace will also continue trying to add new bus stop signs on other, non-converted routes. “All of our new bus stop signs are pre-printed with the text messaging instructions, so as we replace or add signs along routes independent of the posted stops project,” said Wilmot. “Whenever possible, we try to post the [stop number] with these new signs upon installation.” In a subsequent interview, he

told the Bugle that the bus stop numbers would be added at a later time. Wilmot said Pace doesn’t currently have a concrete timetable for when that might happen. In the meantime, Pace riders can look up their bus stop number on the website. The second version of the bus tracker includes the bus stop number at the end of the URL for a particular stop. For example, the eastbound Park Ridge Metra Station stop has the URL of tmweb. pacebus.com/TMWebWatch/Live ADADepartureTimes?r=27&d=1&s =21282. The “21282” number is the bus stop number.

www.cookcountycrimestoppers.org • 800.535.stop Thursday, October 8, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

police

No arrests made in October 1 Niles shooting 25-year-old man found with 2 gunshot wounds By bugle staff nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

Niles police are looking for as many as two suspects in a

The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Niles, Park Ridge and Morton Grove police departments. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.

Niles Artur Kustoz, 50, 600 block of Huntington, Mount Prospect, was arrested at 9:57 p.m. Sept. 24 in the 800 block of Civic Center for theft of services.

Lea A. Bates, 41, 842 E. Old Willow Road, Prospect Heights, was arrested at 3:23 p.m. Sept. 24 in the 8700 block of Dempster for retail theft.

Rami Howaria, 23, 8900 block of Washington, Niles, was arrested at 3:35 p.m. Sept. 24 in the 8900 block of Washington for disorderly conduct.

Lamar Wimberly, 48, 1500 S. Central Park Ave., Chicago, was arrested at 2:25 a.m. Sept. 27 at Milwaukee and Howard for driving while license revoked.

Rami Howria, 23, 8900 block of Washington, Niles, was arrested

shooting that took place in the early morning hours of Oct. 1. A 25-year-old Niles man was found in the backyard of a residence in the 9000 block of Churchill Circle with gunshot

wounds to his right calf and left ankle. The victim was transported to Lutheran General Hospital with injuries that were not life threatening. “The incident appears to be a dispute between the victim and at least one subject, possibly two,” Niles police Sgt. Robert

located near Milwaukee Avenue and Ballard Road, and set up a perimeter in the area. The perimeter was opened at 1:55 a.m., after police were unable to locate the shooter. Police are still investigating the shooting and no arrests had been made as of Monday morning.

Tornabene said in a statement. “At this time, this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community related to this incident.” The department said officers responded to a report that a person had been shot in the residential neighborhood,

at 4:54 p.m. Sept. 28 in the 7000 block of Touhy for criminal damage to property and criminal trespassing.

Park Ridge William Jones, 51, 4800 Lake Park, Chicago, was arrested at 3:59 p.m. Sept. 25 in the 1900 block of South Cumberland for retail theft.

12 13

Breanne Benson, 23, 29 Rob Roy Lane, Prospect Heights, was arrested at 12:40 a.m. Sept. 26 in Des Plaines for DUI.

Alan J. Vahosky, 31, 1362 Jefferson, Des Plaines, was arrested at 8:21 p.m. Sept. 26 in the 800 block of Busse for driving while license suspended.

Sarah J. Gallagher, 21, 243 N. Western, Park Ridge, was arrested at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 27 in the 200 block of North Hamlin for driving while license suspended.

4 5

Morton Grove Bartlomiej Kipa, 24, Chicago, arrested Sept. 16 at Dempster and Menard for driving while license suspended.

10 was

Ulber Aguilar-Romero, 25, Chicago, was arrested Sept. 19 in the 5000 block of Oakton for aggravated DUI.

Gaudencio Lopez, 27, Des Plaines, was arrested Sept. 22 at Waukegan and Dempster for no valid driver’s license.

Sylvia Sobolewska, 37, Chicago, was arrested Sept. 24 in the 7200 block of Dempster for retail theft.

Adam P. Abbas, 30, Morton

14 Grove, was arrested Sept. 25 in

the 6300 block of Dempster for DUI. Humerto Rodriguez, 27, Skokie, was arrested Sept. 26 at Lehigh and Dempster for no valid driver’s license.

Send us your feedback at nweditor@buglenewspapers.com

T h ursday, October 8, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

Staff Opinion

EDITORIAL

We fetishize firearms in this country; that must come to an end

ASSISTANT EDITOR

ANDREA EARNEST aearnest@buglenewspapers.com

815.436.2431 ext.118

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Last Thursday, the latest in a series of horrific mass shootings occurred at an Oregon community college. The perpetrator, whose name I will not mention, walked into by jonathan samples Umpqua Community managing editor College and killed at least nine people and seriously injured several others. As for the motives behind this senseless act of violence, I will not speculate. But what I will say is that I, like many of you, am disgusted with what has becoming a disturbing trend in our country. I’m disgusted with the frequency of these tragedies. A Mother Jones’ investigation into U.S. mass shootings found that 308 people have been killed and 220 injured between 2005 and July 16, 2015, in mass murders involving a firearm. The families of these victims and countless others have suffered irreparable harm. I’m disgusted with the passive

coverage of these incidents by a mostly exploitative media, highlighting the carnage and ignoring the cause. This abdication of responsibility by “news” outlets that recognize the potential of these stories to draw an audience, but fail to accept their obligation to question and challenge the culture in which they occur, is inexcusable. I’m disgusted with how desensitized our country has become to mass killings, setting a timetable of interest and outrage, and seeing little more than “hashtag” activism as a response. I’m disgusted with feelings of discomfort that sometimes arise during large social gatherings and with the specter of tragedy that has no chance to dissipate in the short lapses of time between these awful incidents. I’m disgusted with the lack of empathy and action from our leaders and representatives in response to this disturbing trend, offering instead staged displays of sympathy to the families of victims but ignoring their pleas for changes to this country’s gun laws. I’m disgusted with the idealism displayed by both sides of the debate over how guns fit into our present culture – an idealism that clouds any meaningful discussion of the issue and prevents any response to these tragedies. I’m disgusted with the glorification of firearms and gun culture in this country.

This way of thinking has propelled the U.S. to No. 1 in every meaningful statistic related to gun ownership and gun violence. The Council on Foreign Relations found that the U.S. ranks No. 1 in firearms per capita and contains 35-50 percent of the world’s civilian-owned firearms, despite having less than 5 percent of the world’s population. Among developed nations, the U.S. also has the highest rate of homicides by firearms. Additionally, research by Politifact found that the number of people killed by gunfire in the U.S. between 1968 and 2011 is greater than the total number of U.S. deaths in every war it has fought. From the Revolutionary War to the Iraq war, 1.2 million Americans were killed in those conflicts. In the 43-year period studied by Politifact, there were 1.4 million firearm deaths. It has been made unbearably clear by gun-rights advocates such as NRA President Wayne LaPierre that the “right” to bear arms is more important than the unalienable right of U.S. citizens to live without the threat of gun violence. We take these truths to be self evident, that all people have the right to safety and wellbeing; that a 227-year-old passage should serve more as roadmap and less as dogma; and that we as a united people must find the courage and understanding to prevent the next mass murder. If the fetishizaiton of firearms is a fundamental piece of our identity as Americans, then perhaps it’s time we reinvent ourselves.

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The ‘actual’ difference between Niles Library’s budgets I am writing to respond to the recent Bugle article quoting one of our board members as stating, during the September meeting, that the fiscal year budget was almost $1 million larger than the previous year’s budget. During the September Board meeting, we discussed that the large difference is between this year’s budget and last year’s actual expense; not last year’s budgeted expense. The difference between the new budget and last year’s actual spending is approximately $860,000 rather than $1 million, a figure which may have been rounded up for convenience. But again, that difference is between the new budget and last year’s actual expense. The difference between this year’s

budget and last year’s budget, which was passed by all trustees present unanimously, is only about $68,000. The difference between last year’s budget and last year’s actual expense is largely due to under spending in the areas of Personnel ($312,000), Special Reserve Fund (403,000), and Building and Maintenance ($115,000). The previous board delayed spending levels in the first two categories for a variety of reasons, and we didn’t have the need to spend a large portion of the Building and Maintenance contingency funds. The current 2015-16 budget totals $6,498,076, which, as I’ve stated, amounts to approximately $68,000 over the 2014-15 budget, which was $6,429,497.

The new budget features restored amounts for the previously frozen personnel positions, staffing for the new Digital Services Department, normal cost of living increase and greater spending allocations in the areas of materials purchasing and programming services. All budget information back to the 2008-09 budget may be found on the library’s website under the FOIA & Transparency tab. I hope that this information helps to explain the differences between the 2015-16 budget, the previous year’s actual spending and the previous year’s budget. Tim Spadoni Niles Library Board Trustee

FoR wHeN you wANT To TAKe 5 minutes FoR youRSelF Thursday, OcTOber 8, 2015 | ni lesbug le.cOm

Aries

MARcH 21 To ApRIL 20

Roll with the punches. Work-related disagreements may be difficult to defuse as this week unfolds. Focus on making a favorable impression on those who control your public image.

gemini

M AY 2 2 T o J U N E 2 1

It is difficult to fly when your boots are mired in the mud. You may be more focused on the practical and less imaginative during the week ahead. Make headway with accounting tasks.

leo

J U LY 2 3 T o A U G U S T 2 1

Push and shove your way to the top. Issues of control and power may arise at the workplace during the upcoming week. Be kind and diplomatic and you will make more of a profit.

Across

65 NIxoN HAS TWo

1 “MAD MEN” pRoDUcTIoNS 4 BARk ELIcIToR 9 LAx 13 FoRcE (opEN) 14 cLoSE-FITTING DRESS 15 poWERFUL DEpT.? 16 STRIkING pAINTING oF pADDLES, NET AND BALL? 19 UBER 20 FAcEBook BUTToN 21 TRUNcATIoN ABBR. 22 AUSTIN oF “kNoT’S LANDING” 23 ExTRAoRDINARY NoRTHERN BIRD? 26 STATISTIcIAN’S cHALLENGE 28 pLoT coMpoNENT 29 “__ THoUGHTS?” 30 REASoNABLE 32 pURIM HERoINE 34 MYTHoLoGIcAL FIGURE WHo ToUcHED 16-, 23-, 46- AND 55-AcRoSS? 36 AvAILABLE 39 ANTHoNY HopkINS’ “THoR” RoLE 40 cHANNEL FoR oLD FILMS 43 NooDLE 44 “I’M NoT kIDDING!” 46 ALASkAN INSEcTS? 51 cHIEF JUSTIcE WARREN 52 SUBJEcTS oF SoME coNSpIRAcY THEoRIES 53 SpEckS oN cARTES 54 ENTHRALLED 55 ovERDEvELop A HIGH pLAIN? 60 IT MAY BE cAUTIoNARY 61 “I SHALL BE LATE!” SpEAkER oF FIcTIoN 62 LETTER DIREcToR 63 NARRoW opENING 64 INDo-__ LANGUAGES

Down 1 ANGRY BIRDS, E.G. 2 “HAppY DAYS” SETTING 3 coopERATIvE AcTIoN 4 “DExTER” AIRER, FoR SHoRT 5 WRITE 6 ScoUT RANk 7 Top SToRY 8 UNIFoRM MATERIAL 9 SpRINkLING oN FRENcH FRIES? 10 FREE SAMpLE LIMITATIoN 11 Top SToRY 12 cAB DRIvER? 14 oNE oF A pAIR oF MAD ADvERSARIES 17 oFF THE __ 18 ARTHUR oF “THE GoLDEN GIRLS” 22 ScHED. UNcERTAINTY 23 WITNESS __ 24 SHARp FEELING 25 RoWING BENEFIcIARIES, FoR SHoRT 27 Z-ZEBRA LINk 31 DASHBoARD

coNFESSIoNAL’S GENRE 32 cHANGES, IN A WAY 33 WITHoUT 34 RoSEBUD’S oWNER 35 “cooL, MAN!” 36 THINGS 37 __ coLoR 38 FIcTIoNAL pILoT WITH THE IcoNIc LINE, “LAUGH IT Up, FUZZBALL” 40 cIRcUS STApLE 41 SUN BLock 42 “THE pRoDUcERS” ScREENWRITER BRookS 45 MILk DISpENSER 47 HELp 48 UBER 49 “THE vIEW” ALUM JoY 50 MILk cARToN WoRDS 54 SNITcH 56 18TH AMENDMENT oppoSER 57 copS’ oRG. 58 HARvARD GRAD JEREMY WHo’S NoW A LAkER 59 RISES

librA

SEpTEMBER 24 To ocToBER 23

It is best to stay in the middle when torn two ways. Family members may want to spread their wings, but you prefer they stay in the nest. A struggle will have a silver lining this week.

sAgittArius

NovEMBER 23 To DEcEMBER 22

Extra determination pays off. Your material ambitions can be realized as this week flies by. It may be tempting to rest on your laurels but you can make progress if you work hard.

AquArius

JANUARY 21 To FEBRUARY 19

You can be too generous for your own good. As this week unfolds you may be prompted to spend money for the wrong reasons. Meditate on your intentions before acting.

Sudoku

tAurus

A p R I L 2 1 T o M AY 2 1

Mix business with pleasure. In the week ahead you may find that a partner or loved one provides you with an opportunity to excel. You can use this person’s advice to your advantage.

cAncer

J U N E 2 2 T o J U LY 2 2

Help harness up the horses. During the upcoming week you can team up with someone to make your dreams come true. Avoid relatives or siblings who may drain your energy.

virgo

AUGUST 22 To SEpTEMBER 23

You should be kept on your toes in the week to come. Use your drive and determination to complete projects and make your financial dreams a reality. Avoid involvement in petty spats.

scorpio

ocToBER 24 To NovEMBER 22

The three blind mice managed quite well. Take along a cane to feel your way if you are blinded by ambition. In the week to come you will benefit from a mentor’s sage advice.

cApricorn

DEcEMBER 23 To JANUARY 20

You may be wiser than an owl in a tree. At the same time you might be too focused on swooping down and catching your prey. Remain balanced about your ambitions this week.

pisces

FEBRUARY 20 To MARcH 20

The good comes with the bad, but avoid the ugly. Be very clear about stating your objectives before taking any crucial action in the week to come. Sympathy can be mistaken for pity.

Jumble

Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2015

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

Jumbles:

• LISLE • SANDY • GENDER • HIATUS

Answer:

WHEN THE HIppIE GoT A G.I. HAIRcUT, HE WAS -“DIS-TRESSED”

Thursday, October 8, 2015

page 7

>> INSIDE: Dons’ soccer showing improvement page 9

football

One win closer Dons become playoff eligible; close in on guaranteed berth

By Mark Gregory sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

In the first half of the East Suburban Catholic Conference tilt between Notre Dame and Marian Central Catholic saw the host Dons move the ball, but fail to score on several occasions, but that all changed after intermission as the Dons rolled to a 31-7 homecoming win Friday night. Just as it did last weekend at Joliet Catholic, Marian scored first when quarterback Joseph Budmayr converted a fourth-and-1 and then two plays later burst up the middle for a 12-yard touchdown to open the scoring. The Hurricanes moved the ball on their next possession and tried to catch the Dons off guard with a fake punt. Notre Dame stopped the trickery, but then turned the ball over on the first of three Tyler Tsagalis interceptions on the game. “We never want to turn the ball over as much as we did and I take that on me,” Tsagalis said. “I have to read the defenses better, but a 31-7

win needed to clinch a playoff berth for dons

win looks good.” Tsagalis did read the defenses right for a lot of the game, finding soft spots in the middle of the Marian defense. “We moved the ball and would get it in their territory, but then we would stall out,” he said. “They played what looked like a soft coverfour shell and their linebackers were up because they were threatened by our run and the middle of the field was wide open and we took advantage of that.” When Notre Dame did turn the ball over, the Dons’ defense stepped up. “Our defense got the momentum going with some big stops. It looked like it was going to be a long day after that first drive that they had, but our defense came to play and gave us really good field position,” said Notre Dame coach Mike Hennessy. “We didn’t really take advantage of it enough, but that is what is going to happen in a conference like this. You play tough teams every week.” After trading possessions, Notre Dame tied the game with 7 minutes,

see win | page 10

of last 10 years Dons will qualify with win

photo by mark gregory

Ethan Jennings caught two touchdown passes in Notre Dame’s 31-7 win over Marian Central Catholic.

Page 8 | Th u rsd ay, O c tob e r 8 , 2 0 1 5 | n i l esbugle. c om

INSTAGRAM: Readers, attending a game in your area? Take a photo and tag @buglenewspapers for a chance to be featured! T h ursday, October 8, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

soccer

Dons continue to show improvement By Mark Gregory sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

A season ago, the Notre Dame soccer team won only two games the entire season. This year it took only one good week to surpass that mark. With a 3-0 win over Joliet Catholic Academy late last month, the Dons also earned their first win in the East Suburban Catholic Conference in two years. “We won three out of four after starting 0-3, so it was big for us,” said Notre Dame coach Mike Smith. “We surpassed our win total from last season and last year we didn’t win a game in conference and we did that already this year.” Not only are the Dons showing improvement this season, the future looks bright as well. Two of the three goals at JCA

came from sophomore Nick Feeney who scored four goals in the three wins. “We have a lot of young guys on the team and that is good for the future,” Smith said. “We have great senior leadership and we have a lot of young guys who are learning a lot from them.” Defensively, Notre Dame has been lights out, shutting out its opponent in all three wins to start the season. “Our defense has played well. We have three shutouts in our three wins and they have been playing hard,” Smith said. The last line of defense for the Dons comes from senior goalie Conor O’Neill, who Smith said has played well. With Joliet Catholic also a young team in the same boat as Notre

see dons | page 10

PHOTO BY mark gregory

Joe Sullivan and Notre Dame are showing improvement this year.

tWitter: for up -to-the-minute coverage of upcoming local sport events going on in your area, follow @Voyagersport

Thursday, OcTOber 8, 2015 | ni lesbug le.cOm wIN | from page 7

featurIng

Danielle Grigoletti

JolIet Central volleyBall

How many twitter followers do you have? About 500

what is your favorite form of social media? Instagram

How many do you follow on twitter? About 300

what do you use Instagram for the most? Pictures of me riding and playing volleyball

what do you use twitter for the most? Tweet about motocross

Solar | from page 2 When asked by Park Ridge residents who took part in the tour how much it costs, he explained that tax credits made up for the expenses. “[It cost] $28,000, but I got $12,000 - $14,000 back from federal and state governments,” said Doody. “Now, they cost half as much.” He also said that, during the winter, getting solar power isn’t an issue – the season still had plenty of sunny days. And even during the cloudy days, such as the day of the tour, the solar panels still collect some energy. In Morton Grove, the home of Richard Cogan, co-owner of Eco Solar Solutions, was also part of the tour. The house, which is located at 5832 Cleveland St., is powered by solar panels on the roof. Cogan explained that Eco Solar Solutions specializes in installing solar panels, saying that it has done projects in Chicago, Waukegan and in Florida. “We are not the oldest, but we are

well thought of,” he said. “I can see, in another five years, we’re going to fly our own corporate jet all over the world. At least I’d like to believe we will. It could happen.” The company also provides solar power for events using a specially designed trailer with solar panels and power generating equipment. The trailer also has a battery that stores solar energy, allowing it to keep going even when the weather is too cloudy. “We can provide power for up to 10 booths with the trailer,” said Cogan, adding that he believes the trailer has an advantage because, unlike conventional energy generators, it works silently. He said he decided to get into solar power for a simple reason. “I’m going to be 70,” said Cogan. “I wanted to leave the planet in better condition for my children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. And if my children want to get into a great business, [Eco Solar Solutions] is there. It’s something they can be proud of.”

50 seconds remaining in the second quarter when Tsagalis hit Ethan Jennings on a 12-yard touchdown pass. The duo hooked up again for what would turn out to be the deciding score inside a minute to play in the half. The drive was set up by a Burnett interception that he returned to the Marian 43-yard line with 1:42 remaining. In the second half, the Dons moved the ball on the ground with a plethora of runners. “Our offensive line took control of the game,” Hennessy said. “It is nice to be on the sidelines where you can just call whatever play you want. Tyler is so intelligent to run whatever we call and that was what happened when our line took control of the second half.” “Our run game just kept going in the second half,” Tsagalis said. “I have said it all year, when we run

doNS | from page 9 Dame, Smith knows it’s good for the kids to earn wins against a team like themselves. “As a coaching staff, we have to win the tweener games against the teams that are like us,” Smith said. “I like what I see and I am optimistic.” One of the reasons Smith is optimistic is the blend of this team and the leadership coming from seniors like O’Nell, center midfielder Jack Wernet and center

we are a good team.” A Tim Simon 30-yard field goal made it 17-7 with 9:26 remaining in the fourth quarter. Tsagalis would add a rushing score and Eamon O’Mahony would tally the final score on 2-yard plunge. Tsagalis would finish the game going 11-for-24 for 95 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. On the ground, he carried the ball 14 times for 63 yards and a score. Jennings had four catches for 42 yards and two TDs. The win gave Notre Dame five wins on the season, making it eligible for the IHSA playoffs. A sixth win Saturday over rival St. Patrick will lock the Dons in after not making it last season. It will be the ninth appearance in 10 years. “It is a week in and week out battle and that is what we know we are going to get in the East Suburban Catholic and that is what

we get ready for,” Hennessy said. “This conference is what it is, it’s always tough and we will be ready next week.” •Maine South needed overtime to increase its streak to 72 straight CSL South wins, topping Glenbrook South 34-31. Trailing 28-14 in the fourth quarter, the Hawks scored on a 21yard touchdown pass from Brian Collis to Ryan Gibbons with 8:26 left. After exchanging several threeand-outs, Maine South got one final chance from 80 yards out with no timeouts and 1:11 left in the game. The Hawks were able to quickly march down the field and scored the tying touchdown with 15.7 seconds left on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Collis to Fotis Kokosioulis. A Titans field goal to open overtime was followed by a Kokosioulis 2-yard plunge for the win.

defender Carl Damlos. “It is such a good blend this year and the team chemistry is really good and they are a fun group to coach and I am having a blast with them this year,” Smith said. He knows that talent is always everything on the field, something the Dons learned firsthand last season. “Last year we had some kids that were talented, but there were some that brought down team

morale and this year the guys get along really well,” Smith said. “The young guys are really learning a lot about varsity soccer.”

volleyBall Maine East beat Niles North 25-10, 25-18. Maggie Chwieralski had eight kills, Niki Ahlstrand had seven kills and Kim Sergey had 15 assists and four aces. The Demons topped Maine West 26-24, 25-12 to move to 8-12 overall, 3-2 in the CSL North.

community > parK ridGe

youth football, cheerleading celebrate homecoming Despite chilly, windy and cloudy weather conditions, Saturday’s annual Homecoming Day festivities for Park Ridge Youth Football were filled with spirit and good times. From early morning to midafternoon, teams arrived with much fanfare in caravans of decorated vehicles with blaring car horns, streamers and cheering kids and supporters. Games of both flag and tackle football were played throughout the day. Cheerleaders and pom poms groups cheered on their favorite teams. Following each set of games, everyone gathered for hot pizza at a picnic area in Southwest Park in Park Ridge.

The event and some teams were sponsored by Loyola Medicine, Whole Foods Market, Northwest Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and Loeber

Motors. For more information about Park Ridge football, cheerleading and pom poms visit www. prfootball.com.

News about local businesses in your community T h ursday, October 8, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

news > niles

Public Library poised to consider rule changes By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

The Niles Public Library Board of Trustees is expected to discuss potential changes that would give the library director more authority to fill vacancies and handle certain financial issues. Those changes are part of a broader package of changes proposed by Library Director Susan Lempke. While most of the changes were designed to either remove outdated policies or clear up policy language, others touch on more significant aspects of the library operations. Lempke proposed removing language that gave the board the ultimate say over creating new positions or filling existing positions. The board would no longer have the authority to limit the staff’s participation in committees in national library organizations. Finally, it would require that any further change in the library bylaws would be approved at a regularly scheduled meeting, with at least five board members voting in favor – up from the current minimum of four. Lempke said she presented the proposed changes so that the trustees would have a month to think them over before discussing them at the Oct. 21 board meeting. It would be up to the board to decide whether they’ll actually vote on the proposed changes at that time or postpone the decision for a later meeting. Under the current Niles Public Library bylaws, a library director

has a right to suggest possible rule changes. During the Sept. 16 board meeting, Lempke offered up a large package of proposals. Some of them were designed to remove outdated elements. Other suggestions were procedural – for example, Lempke recommended combining two existing gifts and donations policies into one. Some suggestions dealt with staff issues, with Lempke suggesting giving employees the right to use sick leave after pregnancy and allowing them to use sick days while in training. Lempke also noted that the library currently has two smoking policies – one prohibiting smoking in library facilities and one prohibiting smoking within 15 feet of the building. The later policy reflects the state law. Lempke didn’t offer any specific suggestions, merely recommending that the board consolidate the policy. While trustees didn’t voice any objections to those changes, others proved more contentious. Under the current bylaws, the bylaws can be changed by a simple majority vote during any meeting. Lempke proposed requiring that the changes will be made at a regular meeting, with at least five trustees voting to approve them. The proposal came a month after the board voted to remove special procedures for changing the library employee retirement benefits. Those procedures were put into place during March special meeting, when three trustees were absent. Lempke’s proposal would make a repeat of this scenario impossible.

Trustee Carolyn Drblik, who voted in favor of the special procedures, argued that the director’s proposal was unnecessary. The vote sparked a backlash from the trustees absent during the regularly scheduled March 17 meeting, with trustee Karen Dimond in particular arguing that then-Board President Morgan Dubiel abused the library bylaws. The other contentious proposals touched upon library finances. First, there was the way the library handles filling vacancies. “I’m recommending that you strike the first paragraph - ‘Opening occur upon the resignation or termination of the employee and the intent of the board to fill the position or upon the creation of the new position by the board of trustees,’” Lempke told the board. “I believe this is in conflict with the library director’s role being in charge of staffing. It also theoretically means that,

every time I wanted to list a job, I’d have to ask you first before listing it, then list it then try to hire [a person], then come back to you later on and get you to approve it, then send out a letter - by which time I may have lost whoever it was I wanted to hire.” Finally, Lempke proposed changing the way the board handles allowing staff members to serve on committees in national organizations such as the American Library Association. Under the current policy, the board must sign off on any staff participation, and the library can’t cover the related travel expenses without the board’s permission. Lempke proposed letting the staff take part in whatever committees they want, with the director deciding whether or not the library would pay for travel. Both proposals drew strong protest from Drblik, who argued that that amounted to stripping the board of its ability to provide fiscal oversight.

“[The board is] here to scrutinize the way we spend money,” she said. “We’re responsible to the taxpayers for spending. You are managing this library - that’s true, but you’re not in a position to decide that you can spend all the money you want. Somebody needs to be evaluating that.” Current board president Linda Ryan noted that the board currently reviews all of the library’s expenditures during the regular meetings. She also noted that expenses such as travel come from line items in the budget, which is subject to board approval. What Drblik was describing, Ryan said, amounted to micro-managing. Drblik insisted that she was trying to do right by taxpayers and limit spending. “We’re talking about not getting the revenues that we anticipated in the past, and yet, let’s just keep going here and there without even conferring with the board,” she said. “I mean, that’s what we’re doing we’re stripping the board of all of its authority and giving it all to the director.”

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Upcoming events for Seniors in the community

Thursday, October 8, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com

OCTOBER 9

Bibliobop Dance Parties. 10-11 a.m. at Niles Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles. Families with kids of all ages can join us on the 2nd Friday of each month as DJ Miss Cate cranks up the tunes and boogie down in the library! The songs and handson musical activities help children develop motor, listening and literacy skills.

OCTOBER 10

Morton Grove Farmers Market. 8 a.m. to noon at 6210 Dempster St. Enjoy delicious fresh produce, baked goods and more and show support to your local community. Oct. 17 will feature the last day of the Farmers Market and include a Halloween Costume Contest. Special hours for the last market are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Niles Garden Club: Canning Part 2. 10-11:30 a.m. at Niles

library. We will continue with the film Preserving with Friends: An easy step-by-step instructional guide to putting up the harvest by Harriet Fasenfest, Linda Ziedrich, Sandor Ellis Katz and Marjorie Braker. Park Ridge Farmers Market. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prairie Avenue, between Main Street and Garden. Rain or shine, this market is host to a great selection of fruits, vegetables and other food products available every week. Kids events and music are scheduled every week. Fore more info, go to www. parkridgefarmersmarket.com. Second Saturday Breakfast Bingo. 9:30-10:15 a.m. at Niles

Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles. Kids and families are welcome to enjoy some breakfast treats as we play Bingo. Enjoy a kick-start to your weekend with a morning of family fun at the Library. For grades K-8.

OCTOBER 11

Second Sunday Special: Incredible Bats. 2-2:45 p.m. at the Niles Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles. We have real live bats in the library! The whole family can come meet and learn about these long misunderstood creatures of the night during this hands-on presentation. You will see what bats eat, where they live and learn other interesting facts as well as myth busting information about how bats

really behave in the wild.

OCTOBER 12

Minecraft Monday. 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Niles library. Drop in on the second Monday of each month to play Minecraft! All levels welcome; griefers need not apply. Grades 3-5. Brush Up Your Shakespeare. 6:30 p.m. at the Niles library. High school students are invited to receive professional coaching from actors with The Shakespeare Project of Chicago. Get guidance on selecting and presenting the Shakespeare monologue/sonnet that is right for you. Whether you are preparing

see calendar | page 15

INSTAGRAM: Readers, attending a game in your area? Take a photo and tag @buglenewspapers for a chance to be featured! T h ursday, October 8, 2015 | ni lesbug le.com calendar | from page 14 for the National Shakespeare Competition or just want to get better acquainted with the Bard, this workshop will help you gain insight, confidence, and growth in your presentation skills.

OCTOBER 15

End of Life Ethics. 7 p.m. at St. John Brebeuf Church, 8307 N. Harlem Ave., Niles. This free event is part of the SJB 2015-16 Speaker Series, held in the Rev. Thomas P. May Ministry Center. Speaker: Deacon Mariusz Kosla. For more information, call 847-966-8145 or visit www.sjbrebeuf.org.

OCTOBER 16

Monsters Ball. 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Howard Leisure Center. This special event is perfect for the whole family who want to experience some Halloween fun. Enjoy pizza, games and a Monster good time. Wear your costume and be prepared to move to the music. Fee includes pizza, games and dancing. All participants must register for this event. Limited seating, register early. No refunds! For families, ages 3 and up. Fee: Resident: $15/per person; Non-Res $18/per person.

OCTOBER 17

Morton Grove Farmers Market. 8 a.m. to noon at 6210 Dempster St. Enjoy delicious fresh produce, baked goods and more and show support to your local community. Oct. 17 is the last day of the Farmers Market and will include a Halloween Costume Contest. Time Matters: A Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Retirement Outlook. 9:3010:30 a.m. at Niles library. This program shares perspectives on financial concerns facing women

who are getting ready for or have recently transitioned to retirement. Edward Jones Financial Advisor Kyle Brown will discuss retirement income strategies, including perspectives around Social Security, withdrawal and reliance rates. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also address how to prepare for the unexpected, including market and inflation risks, and the rising costs of health care and long-term care. Light breakfast provided by Edward Jones. Park Ridge Farmers Market. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prairie Avenue, between Main Street and Garden. Rain or shine, this market is host to a great selection of fruits, vegetables and other food products available every week. Kids events and music are scheduled every week. Fore more info, go to www. parkridgefarmersmarket.com.

OCTOBER 18

5K Harvest Hustle. 8 a.m. at Notre Dame College Prep. Join Niles Park District for the second Annual Harvest Hustle, a 5K Walk/Run benefiting Niles Family Services. Register online at www.itsracetime. com. Please call Laura or Brad at 847-967-1400 with questions. conversation with Holocaust survivors. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. Ambassador Fay Hartog-Levin, child of Holocaust Survivors from Enschede, Netherlands, moderates a discussion with Survivors Rodi Glass and George Levy Mueller. Rodi, a native of Amsterdam, remained with her family for years in a ghetto and camps. George spent years hidden in a convent with his sister before being deported to several concentration camps. Free with Museum admission.

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