DECEMBER 2023
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WHAT’S IN THE PAPER… Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Classifieds & Announcements . . . . . . . . . . 23 Community News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 December Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 House and Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Legislative Briefs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Library Nook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Local Lifestyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Opinions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Police Blotter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Publisher’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Recently Sold Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Recipe of the Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Salute to Soldiers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Senior Snips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 This and That. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Triton Tidbits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
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2 | DECEMBER 2023 PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER
DECEMBER 2023
Publisher’s Message
Volume 13 Issue 12
Serving Leyden Township and Surrounding Communities Since 2011
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This may seem like a strange subject for a December, end of year article, but bear with me. The other day I was thinking of things that I like to do that others may find a chore or a task to avoid. For instance, I like to rake leaves. Not only is it good exercise, but it just seems to get my mind off things that may be bothering me. And I do a lot of raking; since we live on the east side of the street, the wind ends up blowing all our neighbors’ leaves from the west side of the street onto our yards. No sense raking on a windy day either. As my husband says, it’s like trying to stop the water flowing at Niagara Falls! Sweeping? Yes, I like to sweep. I find it “cleansing” to get all the dirt, crumbs and fur off my floors and collect them into the dustpan to dispose of. Then of course, there’s ironing. Yes, I like to iron. It’s satisfying seeing those wrinkles magically disappear from your clothes. Maybe it was ingrained in me as a child, since I had to iron my dad’s underwear and our bed sheets! But how many people actually iron any longer, or how often do you see an iron on a bridal registry? Not many. So, I was thinking, as we come to the close of 2023, let us try to start the New Year with a clean slate. (Here comes the metaphor.) “Sweep” your troubles and worries away, “iron” out your differences, and “rake” the hate from your hearts. We all may not like the physical tasks, but the metaphorical ones could be an easier accomplishment or New Year’s resolution. *** I saw a post on Facebook the other day that said – “I don’t want to party like it’s 1999, I want to shop like it’s 1999”! And another said, “The most expensive form of transportation is…” It then had a picture of a shopping cart! I don’t know about you, but there is less and less in my cart and pocketbook. I actually saw a pound of butter priced at $7.49! Baking Christmas cookies is going to be expensive this year. If you think gas is expensive, try buying deli meats. Ham $9.99 a pound and other meats are priced at $15.99 a pound or more. And have you checked out the price of hamburger meat? I made a soup the other day that called for two pounds of ground beef. By the time I bought all the ingredients (canned beans, diced tomatoes, etc.), it cost me over $20! For soup! And, after receiving my latest tax bill; where do I sign up for the bread line? *** The continuing adventures of Crazy Eddie our dog. After careful consideration, we decided that Eddie needed a pal to play with. We are now the proud owners of Mae, a two-year-old, chocolate lab that we adopted from the Midwest Lab Rescue. (A great organization, by the way, if you are looking to adopt.) We
now have three dogs. Sweetie, our older lab, has no interest in playing with Eddie. She simply wants to eat, sleep and poop (if she can make it out the door quick enough.) Eddie and Mae hit it off right from the start and are now a tag team. Wrestling matches, play fighting, and zooming through the house are now common occurrences. Unfortunately, we are finding things out about Mae that we are having to adjust to. She’s a counter surfer, which means anything edible on a counter or container that’s not closed tightly, is fair game for Mae. She has eaten a whole container of treats, ate probably two pounds of dog food after getting the lid off the container, and one of my lamb chops that was waiting to be reheated. And she is so stealthy about it; Waits till we turn our backs for just a few minutes! Consequently, we had to deal with the poops for several days. I also came home to a kitchen floor filled with garbage after she knocked over the garbage can and ripped open the bag. She even got the kitchen door open and brought garbage into the living room. She shows no remorse when asked, “Did you do this?” She just wags her tail as if she did a good thing! She is a sweetheart though. She is a cuddler and has to be near us at all times. If she lays down beside me on my bed, she literally has to have her head on the pillow right next to me. Luckily, I have now trained her to sleep on her dog bed at night in my room. Eddie, however, is now spoiled and he too has to sleep in my room. Fortunately, they haven’t woke me up with any snoring, at least not yet. Our four cats had wide eyed annoyance when they first saw Mae enter their domain. They had the look of, “Oh no! Not another one!” However, they sense that she is gentler and don’t swat her like they do Eddie. Mae was actually afraid of the cats and backed away when approached by one. Eddie, on the other hand, although getting a little better, is still chasing the cats. He deserves the swats! *** I hope this Christmas brings you everything you wish for – Family, lots of love, happiness and peace. Let’s all pray for world peace and an end to political and world conflicts. God Bless America!
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PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2023 | 3
DECEMBER CALENDAR WE WANT TO PRINT YOUR NEWS! - Is your church or non-profit holding an event? Community calendar listings are free. Send information to info@peopleandplacesnewspaper.com by the 15th of the prior month. DECEMBER IS Bingo’s Birthday Month - Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over (Winter Campaign) - Gift of Sight Month - National Cat Lovers Month - National Impaired Driving Prevention Month - National Pear Month - Operation Santa Paws - Read a New Book Month - Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month - Spiritual Literacy Month - Universal Human Rights Month - Worldwide Food Service Safety Month
ONGOING: SENIOR POLKA ASSOCIATION Join the
Senior Polka Association (SPA). Yearly membership $10. Meets at the Lone Tree Manor, 7730 N. Milwaukee, Niles, first Tuesday of the month. Live polka music from 5-6 pm. There is a short meeting at 6 pm followed by cake, coffee and bingo. Join us for an enjoyable evening. For further info call Richard at 847-209-1385.
ONGOING: ST. FRANCIS BORGIA QUEEN OF HEARTS RAFFLE Every Tuesday night at the Draft Bar located at 8221 W. Irving Park Road in Chicago. Tickets are $5 each (cash only). Tickets can be purchased after all the masses at the church and at the Draft bar. For more information call the school office at 773-589-1000. Current pot is over forty thousand dollars!
ONGOING: ST. FRANCIS BORGIA BINGO 3rd
Saturday of Every Month. Doors Open at 5:30 pm. Bingo starts at 6:30 pm. Stokes Center, 8025 W. Addison, Chicago, IL. 773-589-1000. Concessions, Prizes, Raffles and Fun! $25 for 10 regular bingos and 2 specials. Prizes $100 for the regular bingo games and $250 for specials.
ONGOING: ST. EUGENE SCHOOL QUEEN OF HEARTS RAFFLE Every Wednesday 8:30 pm with Bingo before at 7 pm at Mullen's Bar & Grill, 8313 W. Lawrence Ave in Norridge. 50/50 progressive raffle. Tickets $5 each Cash only. Proceeds benefit St. Eugene School. Tickets are available at the school office, rectory or at Mullen's Bar and Grill any time.
ONGOING: ROTARY CLUB OF CHICAGO'O'HARE Join us to find out more about Rotary. Luncheon meetings are held every Thursday at noon followed by an interesting speaker at The Great Escape, 9540 W. Irving Park Road, Schiller Park. Check the website www.rotarychicagoohare.org for more information on our club projects and upcoming speakers. Call Sylvia Jewgieniew (847-533-8053) to make your reservation. Your first lunch is complimentary.
ONGOING: NORTHLAKE KIWANIS CLUB Meets 2nd Wednesday of every month on Zoom at 7 a.m. For info contact Nancy Tobin, golfgoddess45@comcast.net
ONGOING: ELMWOOD PARK GARDEN CLUB Meetings held the 2nd Thursday of every month. Elmwood Park Library's Ferrentino Room. The library is located in Conti Circle, Elmwood Park. Meetings begin at 6:30 pm. Contact Donna Clesen 847-361-1233 for further information
ONGOING: LEYDEN TOWNSHIP SENIOR MOVIE DAYS Every Thursday - Carl Fiorito Senior Center - 12 pm. Call 847-451-5119 for details.
ONGOING: ITASCA QUILTERS GUILD The Itasca
Quilters Guild meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Hideaway Room at the Itasca Park District, 100 N. Catalpa Ave., Itasca, behind the Itasca Community Library. The purpose of the guild is to meet informally, to quilt, to learn, preserve, and promote the art of quilting, to share ideas, to improve skills, for fun, fellowship and friendship. Guests are always welcome. Questions: contact IQGpresident@aol.com.
THROUGH Dec 31: SPARKLE LIGHT FESTIVAL - IMPACT FIELD IN ROSEMONT Millions of Lights -
Ice Skating Rink - 2 story Tube Hill - Free Train Rides - Santa Visits Festive Food and Beverages and More! For tickets and information call 847-636-5450 or visit sparklerosemont.com.
Dec 1: LEYDEN TOWNSHIP SENIOR BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 10 am Carl Fiorito Senior Center, 2601 N. Mannheim, Franklin Park. Breakfast, Entertainment, Prizes. For further information call Jamie at 847-451-5119 and to register.
Dec 1: ROSA PARKS DAY - NATIONAL SALESPERSON'S DAY Dec 2: SCHILLER PARK WINTER WONDERLAND AND TREE LIGHTING 3 to 6 pm. Tree lighting at 6 pm. 4501 25th Avenue, Schiller Park. Visit the winter wonderland with festive decorations and holiday characters that will get your family into the holiday spirit. Santa will be there so bring your camera! Enjoy a bonfire and s'mores with the fire department. A petting zoo and horse-drawn trolley will be there also. Parking in the Metra Lot. Participants are encourages to bring a non-perishable food item, unwrapped new toy or clothing donations for the Leyden Township Food Pantry.
Dec 9: LUNCH WITH SANTA At Rudolph's Diner. Doors Open at 11 am. Bradley A. Stephens Community Center, 2620 N. Mannheim Rd., Franklin Park. RSVP's are required one week in advance. Please call 847-451-5144 to sign-up. Dec 9: CHRISTMAS CARD DAY Dec 10: HOLY VIRGIN MARTYRS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY Doors open at 2 pm and dinner starts at 3 pm. Allegra Banquets, 5035 River Road, Schiller Park. Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased at the rectory office located at 4157 Atlantic Avenue in Schiller Park. For further information call 847-678-0138.
Dec 10: INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL RIGHTS DAY - HUMAN RIGHTS DAY Dec 12: POINSETTIA DAY Dec 13: NATIONAL COCOA DAY Dec 15: NATIONAL CUPCAKE DAY - BILL OF RIGHTS DAY Dec 16: ANNUAL COOKIE & CRAFT SALE 9 am to
Dec 3: FIRST DAY OF ADVENT - WORLD PEAR DAY - BE A BLESSING DAY
12 noon - Acacia Park Lutheran Church, 1307 Oriole Ave., Norridge, IL 708-453-3662. Held in the church fellowship hall. Easy access with stairs or elevator. Vendors will be selling their wares - jewelry, holiday decorations, crafts, etc. Parking in front of the church or street parking. Free Admission.
Dec 5: BATHTUB PARTY DAY - INTERNATIONAL NINJA DAY
Dec 16: NATIONAL UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY
Dec 7: PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY SAINT NICHOLAS DAY
Dec 17: NATIONAL MAPLE SYRUP DAY NATIONAL ANTI-BULLYING DAY
DEC 7: NORRIDGE HARWOOD HEIGHTS ROTARY PRESENTS
Dec 18: NATIONAL TWIN DAY
Dec 2: NATIONAL MUTT DAY
CHARITY BINGO NIGHT - Hosted by Draft Bar Chicago, 8221 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. Bingo Cards only $$1 each - 50% Winner 50% Charity. Lottery Raffle Tree Come early to find your lucky seat Bingo starts at 6 pm. Pizza by Rocco Vino’s
THROUGH Dec 8: TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION - DES PLAINES The Maine Township Highway Department is
hosting a Toys For Tots program to bring gifts to local children during the holiday season. Through December 8, participants are asked to bring any new unwrapped kids toys to the Maine Township Highway Department at 1401 Redeker Rd. in Des Plaines, Monday through Friday between 9 am and 3 pm. It's near the corner of Golf and River Roads. A final collection day will be held on December 9th at the same address. All toys will go to needy children.
Dec 8: NATIONAL BROWNIE DAY Dec 8: LEYDEN TOWNSHIP GIVING TREE
Leyden Township Town Hall, 2501 N. Mannheim Rd., Franklin Park. Questions call or email Michele 847-451-5117 or Lisa 847-451-5112. Mjrnagin@leydentownship.com or Lbauer@leydentownship.com
Dec 19: SCHILLER PARK BLOOD DRIVE In cooperation
with Vitalant, The Village of Schiller Park is holding a blood drive from 1 pm to 7 pm at the Community Center, 4501 N. 25th Avenue. Make an appointment on line at vitalant.org but walk-ins are always welcome! Blood is in short supply during the holiday months, so please consider donating. For further information contact Vitalant at 877-258-4825.
Dec 20: NATIONAL SANGRIA DAY Dec 21: NATIONAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE DAY Dec 22: NATIONAL DATE NUT BREAD DAY - BE A LOVER OF SILENCE DAY Dec 23: FESTIVUS Dec 24: CHRISTMAS EVE Dec 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS! NATIONAL PUMPKIN PIE DAY Dec 26: NATIONAL THANK YOU NOTE DAY
4 | DECEMBER 2023 PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER
CALENDAR (CONT.) Dec 27: NATIONAL FRUITCAKE DAY Dec 28: NATIONAL CARD PLAYING DAY Dec 29: NATIONAL TICK TOCK DAY Dec 30: NATIONAL BICARBONATE OF SODA DAY - BACON DAY Dec 31: LEYDEN TOWNSHIP DROP & POP Free Children's New Year's Eve
CHICAGO WOLVES ICE RINK AT PARKWAY BANK PARK
NOW THRU JAN. 28 FREE ICE SKATING IN ROSEMONT! Bring your skates or rent a pair for $8
Celebration - 10 am to 12 pm. Food, Games and Prizes, Entertainment. Reservations are required one week before the event by calling 847-451-5144. www.leydentownship.com
Dec 31: FIRST NIGHTS - UNIVERSAL HOUR OF PEACE - NEW YEARS EVE! THRU Dec 31: HOLIDAY MAGIC AT BROOKFIELD ZOO 3 pm to 9 pm. This
holiday season, get ready to visit Chicagoland's longest-running lights festival featuring over two million twinkling LED lights! Tickets available soon at czs.org/holiday magic.
JA N 2 8 : F R A N K L I N PA R K AMERICAN LEGION 974 FAMILY 2024 ANNUAL STAND DOWN Serving
Homeless Veterans and anyone in need - All are Welcome. 11 am to 3 pm. Franklin Park Post 974, 9757 W. Pacific Avenue, Franklin Park, A hot meal will be served - Toiletries, clothing, blankets will be distributed. VA benefit counseling, housing assistance, haircuts, and other services will be available. To volunteer or donate gently used or new clothing and blankets, please call 847-660-0459.
OPEN SELECT DATES NOW - DEC. 21 Fridays: 12pm-10pm Dec. 1, 8, 15
FEB 1: RHODES SCHOOL C.R.A.M. FAIR Community Reading & Multicultural Fair
- 6 to 7:30 pm, Rhodes McNally Gym, Free event for Rhodes Families and Friends. Scavenger Hunt, Games, Raffles, Photo Booth, Food, and Giveaways.
Saturdays: 11am-10pm Dec. 2, 9, 16
Touch a Truck provided by the Village of River Grove. Bus for Melrose Park Families starting at 5:45 pm.
PARK DISTRICT OF FRANKLIN PARK HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS! Dec 2: BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Santa is coming to town early this year and can’t wait to spend his morning with you! Celebrate the holidays with your children by treating them to breakfast with Santa. After your delicious meal, take your picture with Santa and receive a special treat! Space is limited - register early! All ages. All participants must register, adults included. North Park, 9-10:30am. Cost: 3 & Up $16 (R)/$21 (NR), Ages 2 & Under Free
Dec 2-3: HOLIDAY RECITAL It’s become
a local tradition for kicking off the holiday. Be sure to reserve December 2 and 3 for the performances of our annual holiday recital. You’ll enjoy the talents of young skaters as they perform to music of the season. We promise to lift your spirits and help you celebrate the special joys of the holidays. All ages. Franklin Park Ice Arena, 4:30pm Saturday and 3pm Sunday.
Dec 26-Jan 5: WINTER BREAK CAMP Winter Break will be memorable with this
exciting two week camp! We play daily gym games and sports to warm up. We also take a trip to the Ice Arena, make holiday themed crafts and much more! Remember to bring a change of clothes because if the weather allows, we build snowmen and forts. Please bring your own lunch daily. Grades K-8. North Park, 9am-3pm. $21/day (R)/$25/day (NR). *No Camp Dec 25 and Jan 1
Sundays: 11am-9pm Dec. 3, 10,17 EXTENDED HOLIDAY DATES DEC. 22 - JAN. 8 Monday - Saturday: 11am-10pm Sunday: 11am-9pm
HOLIDAY HOURS Christmas Eve: 11am-4pm Christmas Day: 4pm-10pm New Year’s Eve: 11am-1am New Year’s Day: 11am-10pm
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PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2023 | 5
COMMUNITY NEWS Decorated Metra trains debut this season Festive trains will run in regular service on most lines
application window on January 31, 2024, and encourages interested purchasers to submit applications as soon as possible to increase the chance of receiving a rebate. Applications are reviewed in postmark order, with applications from low-income purchasers receiving priority. The EV Rebate Program was created under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Pritzker in the Fall of 2021. Eligibility requirements for an EV rebate in Illinois include, but are not limited to: –The rebate application must be postmarked within 90 days of the vehicle purchase date AND the rebate application must be postmarked within the rebate cycle that begins November 1, 2023.
The holiday spirit has begun riding the rails across Chicagoland as Metra debuts decorated trains that will operate in regular service across its system. Decorated inside and out with twinkling red and green lights and with holiday tunes playing, these trains will operate on most lines throughout the holiday season as a gift to our riders. The decorated trains will also be used for special holiday train rides with Santa and Mrs. Claus this December. Tickets for those special events have sold out, but using these festive trains in regular service will allow more riders and others across the region to enjoy them. “This is just our way of infusing the daily commute with the holiday spirit,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “We hope our customers enjoy these trains and have a happy and safe holiday season.” Visit Metra’s website for a complete listing of times and lines for the decorated trains.
Next Round of Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Open for Illinois Residents Program offers $4,000 rebate for purchase of an electric passenger vehicle or $1,500 rebate for purchase of an electric motorcycle Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director John J. Kim announced the opening of the next round of funding for the Illinois Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program. Applications are now being accepted until January 31, 2024. Individuals can access and complete an application for a rebate under Illinois’ EV Rebate Program at: tinyurl.com/n72xz47j. Rebates will be issued to eligible applicants subject to availability of funds. The General Assembly has appropriated up to $12 million to Illinois EPA for the EV Rebate program for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Actual funding amounts will be determined by the amount of money available in the Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund. Due to the substantial interest in the program, Illinois EPA anticipates the available funds being depleted in advance of the close of the
–The purchaser must reside in Illinois at time of vehicle purchase and at the time the rebate is issued. The vehicle must be purchased from a dealer licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State. –The vehicle cannot have been the subject of a previous EV rebate under this program. –Only individuals can receive a rebate, and an individual can receive only one EV rebate under this program. –The rebate amount cannot exceed the purchase price of the vehicle. –The purchaser must retain ownership of the vehicle for a minimum of 12 consecutive months immediately after the vehicle purchase date. –Documentation requirements include copies of purchase invoice, proof of payment, vehicle registration, and IRS W-9 or W-8 records. As required under CEJA, Illinois EPA will prioritize the review and award of rebates for low-income purchasers. Low-income is defined as persons and families whose income does not exceed 80 percent of the State median income, as established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A table with current income thresholds is included in the application instructions. The Illinois EPA’s EV Rebate website includes a Frequently Asked Questions (en Español) document to answer questions about the program. Individuals seeking receipt confirmation should send their application and support document via certified mail. Individuals interested in receiving updates on Illinois EPA’s EV programs may register for the EV Listserv at: tinyurl.com/n72xz47j.
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6 | DECEMBER 2023 PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER
COMMUNITY NEWS (CONT.) ICC Issues a Decision on Nicor Gas’ Request for a General Rate Increase The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) disallowed $96.99 million to Nicor Gas’ rate request for its natural gas delivery services in Illinois. The decision is about 30.3 percent lower than Nicor’s initial request for a $320 million increase and approves a 9.51 percent return on equity (ROE), a reduction from Nicor Gas’ current 9.73 percent ROE and the company’s requested 10.35 percent ROE. The ICC has issued its decision after closely scrutinizing Nicor’s rate case filings and additional materials submitted by the utility, Commission staff, and various interveners over an 11-month legal proceeding. The process aims to ensure the utility receives the necessary funds to provide safe and reliable service to customers and to maintain and replace aging infrastructure at a reasonable cost to ratepayers. In accordance with the Illinois Public Utilities Act, these costs are only recoverable if a utility demonstrates they are reasonable and prudent. The decision initiates a two-step future of gas proceeding that includes a detailed action plan for the utilities’ future infrastructure investments to evaluate the impacts of Illinois’
decarbonization and electrification goals on the natural gas system. The decision also establishes a new lowincome discount rate for eligible customers whose incomes are up to 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The rate will offer a five-75 percent monthly total bill credit for qualifying customers beginning October 1, 2024. In December of last year, the ICC found the implementation of low-income discount rates to be appropriate for Illinois’ electric and natural gas residential customers. As a part of the Commission’s decision, Nicor will submit annual reports documenting cost-reduction from the program. Customers already enrolled in the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will automatically qualify for the newly-established low-income discount rate. Customers not currently eligible for LIHEAP, but whose income falls within 200-300 percent of FPL still qualify for a discount by self-reporting their income eligibility to their utility. The impact of the rate case decision on individual customers will vary based on customers’ service class and energy usage. The ICC plans to issue an estimated bill impact for the average residential customer once Nicor submits its updated compliance filing with the Commission. Customers struggling to pay their utility bills are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP, Utility Bill Assistance (illinois.gov) and can access Nicor’s Energy Assistance Programs here. More information regarding Nicor’s rate case can be found in Docket No. 23-0066.
Nicor Gas delivers natural gas to 2.2 million residential, public sector and business customers in more than 650 communities throughout northern Illinois.
Award-Winning Author Richard Lindberg to Discuss the “Gilded Age of Chicago: Images of a Lost Age” at the Norwood Park Historical Society On Dec. 13 Ever wonder what it might have been like to live in Chicago during the late 19th century where poverty, wealth and progress reflected a time when “gilded and glittering mansions” contrasted sharply with “squalid Chicago slums” and criminal activity that stretched from 1870, the beginning of the Gilded Age, to the dawn of the Progressive Era in 1905. Take a step back in time and hear award-winning author Richard Lindberg discuss “Gilded Age Chicago: Images from a Lost Age,” on Dec. 13, at the Noble-
JUST FOR THE HEALTH OF IT THESE CHORES MAY HELP YOU LIVE LONGER
Can short bursts of activity like cleaning boost longevity? One study found that people who did 1 to 3 minutes of such activities throughout the day had a 34 percent lower risk of early death over 7.9 years than those who did less. Study participants engaged in an average of 27 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a day – with no formal workouts. Source: The Lancet Public Health, October, 2023.
MEDICAL BILLS CAN BE “QUESTIONABLE”
From coding errors to questionable billing practices, there are a variety of issues lurking in many – if not most – medical bills. That’s why it’s important to review every bill you get and question anything that isn’t clear. Check the bills for errors and don’t pay before your insurer has paid its portion. Here are a few examples of patients who questioned their bills…
–“I saw a $700 charge on a hospitable bill that mentioned some sort of amorphous fee. I couldn’t get the hospital’s business office to explain it to me, so I visited the office in person. They admitted that it was an extra charge for having insurance! I told them I wasn’t leaving their office until I had a new bill in hand with the charge removed. I left with an updated bill.” –“I got a bill for over $500 for oxygen that I didn’t use. When I asked what the bill was for, the man said, ‘It was for the oxygen in your room that was there just in case you needed it.’ I told him that if he didn’t take it off, I wouldn’t pay any of the bill. It was taken off.” –“During a routine visit for my asthma, my doctor sent me home with a nebulizer. Once I got home, I went on Amazon to see what these things cost. The average price online was about $75. A couple of weeks later, I got a bill from the supply company for $450. I called them to inquire how I could return it. When I explained that I was paying out of pocket
instead of using insurance, he asked, ‘So, what do you want to pay for it?’ I said $75. He said, ‘Ok.’” Medical care keeps getting pricier, but a little legwork and persistence can often pay off. SOURCE: BOTTOM LINE HEALTH
LOWER YOUR FOOD POISONING RISK
Food poisoning from tainted produce/products is becoming more prevalent on a daily basis, and germs are everywhere. So, no matter how experienced a supermarket shopper you are, a few simple strategies can come in handy if you’re trying to choose the freshest food available and protect yourself against items that may be contaminated. –WIPE YOUR CART. Researchers have detected surprisingly high levels of E. coli and coliform bacteria on cart handles and seats; and once home, wash your hands BEFORE unpacking the food. –PLAN YOUR SHOPPING ROUTE. So that perishables spend as little time warming up as possible, it’s best to hit the interior aisles of the store for nonfood items and dry goods first. Then move on to produce, then refrigerated foods, and finally, frozen foods. Pro Tip: Avoid packaged greens if even a few leaves look damaged, slimy, or bruised. They can taint the rest of the package with germs that might make you sick. –DON’T TOUCH MEAT PACKAGES. Slip a plastic produce bag over any raw meat, fish, or poultry before picking it up and placing it in your cart. This keeps your hands and other items in the cart free of bacteria from leaky packages. Keep these foods bagged in your fridge at home. If “juice” leaks out, wash your hands and thoroughly clean the affected surface ASAP. –LOAD CAREFULLY. Squished berries and excessively bruised fruit can be susceptible to mold and bacteria growth. So, place produce gently in the cart, without other items on top. Keep meat, poultry, and fish separate from produce and anything else eaten uncooked. SOURCE: ON HEALTH
Seymour-Crippen House (Chicago’s oldest), 5624 N. Newark Avenue, in Chicago. Prior to Lindberg’s power-point presentation at 7:15 p.m., the evening will include in-person voting from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. on amendments to four articles in the Norwood Park Historical Society’s By-Laws, a 15-minute break at 7 p.m. for light refreshments and to arrange for counting the ballots in an adjoining room. Announcement of voting results will follow Lindberg’s talk while socializing and light refreshments continue. Lindberg is the author of at least twenty books, most of which focus on Chicago crime, police activities, social life, and other aspects of urban living during various periods of Chicago history. He describes Chicago as “a city of dynamic contradictions (that) stood at the cusp of a new century with its citizens optimistically looking to the future with a sense of renewed hope that the 20th Century would become an age of miracles.” Lindberg’s lively talks are exciting, realistic and informative. A question and answer session will follow. Afterward, make a visit to the Society’s Museum Store, featuring Norwood Park collectible plates, maps and limited-edition sketches of the community and N-S-C House, plus autographed books by local authors, NPHS beer steins, key chains, T-shirts, and much more. It will be open before and after the program. For additional information, please call the Norwood Park Historical Society at 773-631-4633, visit their website at norwoodparkhistoricalsociety.org or email them at info@norwoodparkhistoricalsociety.org.
Pay Attention to Your Property Tax Bill! If you received a huge increase in your property tax bill, you might be interested in seeing exactly where your money goes. Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has a tool on her website labeled “Where Your Money Goes” at cookcountytreasurer.com/whereyourmoneygoessearch.aspx. Pappas unveiled an online education tool that gives property owners a breakdown of their last two years of property tax bills. It calculates the money owed to each school district or other local unit of government in the past two years – showing the increase or decrease from the year before. Property tax bills increased for most homeowners this year as a result of increased levies and a shift of the tax burden to homeowners from businesses that reassessed and lowered their bills. Bills also increased due to a provision called recapture, which took effect in the 2021 tax year after a change in state law. Recapture allows taxing districts to recover money refunded to property owners whose assessments were lowered on appeal. It helped fuel a domino effect, adding nearly $204 million back into the pool of tax bills across the county. That’s almost $73 million more than last year, according to an analysis by Pappas’ office. The analysis also found that about 72% of the 940 taxing agencies in the county increased taxes. The north and northwest suburbs saw the greatest tax bill increases this year. The median tax bill for homeowners rose nearly 16%, the largest hike in this area in at least 30 years. Also, December is when most villages, libraries, school boards, and towns, throughout the area, determine what their next taxy levy will be at council/board meetings. Be on the lookout for public notices informing taxpayers of a proposed increase in their levies. If you don’t find one, go to their website and see when the next board meeting is and check-out their agenda. These levies are sometimes passed on consent agendas without discussion and without resident’s input.
PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2023 | 7
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8 | DECEMBER 2023 PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER
COMMUNITY NEWS (CONT.) / SALUTE TO SOLDIERS Six Leyden Students selected for All-State Show Choir Six Leyden student musicians, five choir and one band, were selected to participate in the 2023 Illinois American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) All-State Show Choir. Singers Athiana Moran, Sonya Morales, Nathan Pera, Claudine Ricana, and Sabrina Wasilewsi qualified by placing in the state’s top 50, and saxophonist Emilie Gutierrez was nominated to join the band that will accompany the Show Choir. “This is an amazing accomplishment for these students, because Leyden doesn’t have a competitive show choir,” said Choir Director Stacy Cunningham. “It’s a real testament to their musical talent and we are so proud to have such a large representation at the state level.” The competitive process included learning music prior to their arrival, rehearsing together and individually, memorizing the music in preparation for 20 hours of rehearsals at another local high school. There, they refined the music, learned the choreography and got to work with two local legendary show choir teachers, vocal clinician Mark Myers and choreographer Nancy Bocek. In addition, Athiana Moran was chosen to sing a solo.
Pictured left to right: Athiana Moran, East Leyden Senior; Sonya Morales, East Leyden Sophomore; Nathan Pera, West Leyden Sophomore; Sabrina Wasilewski, East Leyden Senior; Claudine Ricana, East Leyden Junior; Emilie Gutierrez, East Leyden Freshman - (Saxophonist).
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Operation Rising Spirit Encourages Letters of Support to IL Veterans During the Holiday Season The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs launches letter-writing campaign to show support to veterans in their care at its five residential homes The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) today launched the 2023 "Operation Rising Spirit," campaign encouraging service organizations, schools, communities, and individuals to write letters of appreciation and support to veterans residing at the state veterans' homes in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy. “Last year, over 5,000 letters were distributed to veterans in our care which provided an abundance of holiday cheer into the homes,” said Director Terry Prince. “We encourage volunteer groups, families, and schools to participate in this kind gesture of gratitude to Illinois veterans.” To participate, notes may be sent directly to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Letters will be disseminated equally to the five homes: Crystal Womack The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Central Office 833 South Spring Street Springfield, IL 62794-9432 Notes may also be sent directly through the IDVA website: tinyurl.com/n5by75wc Operation Rising Spirit was launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit with family and friends. The successful campaign encouraged veterans and facilitated their connection with the community.
Donations and Volunteers Needed for 2024 Franklin Park Stand Down for Homeless Veterans The Franklin Park American Legion 974 Family is again hosting the Annual Stand Down to help homeless veterans, and those in need. It will be held Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Franklin Park Post, 9757 Pacific Avenue, Franklin Park, IL. We will again provide hot meals, clothing and blankets, and haircuts, as well as a chance to speak with Veteran Service Officers, and other group representatives about VA benefits, housing, transportation, Chicago Flight, to name a few. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation of gently used or new clothes (especially hats, gloves, scarves, coats) and
blankets, please call 847-560-0459. We could use help before, during, and after the event (sorting donation, helping with the meal, etc).
Illinois Provides Important Resources for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Confidential hotline and customized training resources help prevent suicide Illinois Governor JB Pritzker acknowledged U.S. Service Members who dedicate their lives to protecting the nation’s independence and freedom today by reminding residents about the Illinois Governor’s Challenge Campaign. The initiative created the Veterans Crisis hotline and online training resources for organizations interested in supporting Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF). Too often, Veterans face their toughest challenges when they return home. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates 17-22 Veterans die by suicide in our country every day.
Illinois Veterans Crisis Line
The statewide Veterans Crisis Line serves SMVF, their friends and family, and those who support them. The crisis line is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers do not need to be enrolled in VA services to use the Veterans Crisis Line. For support, SMVFs can call 988 directly and then press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net with a trained professional.
Online training resources
The Governor’s Challenge has partnered with PsychArmor, a national nonprofit providing education and training to improve the outcomes of military-connected individuals to offer free online courses to prevent suicide among SMVFs. The online training program is open to anyone, with short courses geared toward health care professionals, mental health providers, social workers, educators, clergy, community members, and others who work with service members and Veterans in need, or their families. Participants can receive continuing education credits. Training courses are available by visiting Illinois-SMVF.PsychArmor.org. The training program covers various topics including the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Participants will learn how to recognize these symptoms in service members and Veterans, as well as how to provide appropriate support and resources. The program also discusses strategies for suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and safe gun storage.
Take action today
For more information and to get involved with the Illinois Governor’s Challenge visit SaveVets.Illinois.gov.
PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2023 | 9
COMMUNITY SALUTE TO SOLDIERS NEWS (CONT.) (CONT.) A Veteran You Should Meet Gerald Risner, is 91 years young, has been a Chicago area resident his entire life, and currently lives in Park Ridge. Gerry was commissioned as an Infantry second Lieutenant through the ROTC program after graduating from Loyola College in February 1955. In July 1955 he was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Headquarters for 3rd Army, for 13 weeks he trained to be an Artillery Officer. He requested an overseas assignment, he asked for Germany, but was given Korea. This trip took him through Fort Lewis, San Francisco, Hawaii, Wake Island, Tokyo and Seoul Airport in South Korea. From there he was shipped to 1st Corps Artillery Headquarters, about 50 miles north of Seoul. Gerry explained that the Cease Fire provided for no new weapons to be introduced on the Korean peninsula, which was supposed to be monitored by “neutral” nations. He was assigned to the 1st Field Artillery Observation Battalion, whose job it was to locate enemy Artillery. This was done by units specifically designated to use Flash, Sound and Radar. He had his turn commanding each section, and the motor pool. He would ultimately be assigned as the Laison Officer between the US 1st Corps and the 6th Republic of Korea (ROK) artillery. He was responsible for identifying artillery firing points and impact areas. He did this by having various observation posts established, doing aerial observations and using weather balloons. For nearly a year, in average temperatures of what seemed like 40° below zero in the mountains of Korea, he searched for hidden
enemy artillery, enemy ammunition behind enemy lines and served as a Field Commander. Eventually, he was rotated back to the US and assigned to the 48th Anti-Artillery Battalion, in Fort Riley, Kansas. When he returned home, he completed Law School, and operated a successful Law Office for decades. Besides his love of family, he loved his MG vehicles, having seen his first one in St. Louis in 1948. He would eventually, own and fix dozens, would be awarded many prestigious awards by the MG Association, and till this day still has several in his garage! And yes, he still works on and drives them. Oh, and he is also a pretty darn good piano player! If you’d like to read more about Lt Risner, or other Veterans, check out our archival binders at the Chicagoland Combined Veterans Museum, Library & Honor Wall at 8664 Grand Avenue, River Grove, IL. Contact Lorenzo Fiorentino at lorenzoafiorentino@yahoo.com for more information.
Franklin Park American Legion 974 Family
2024 Annual Stand Down Serving Homeless Veterans and Anyone in Need All Are Welcome
On November 9th, students and staff of the Metropolitan Schoolhouse welcomed American Legion post 335, Veterans of Foreign Wars post 5979 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 335 (who serve in honor of their Veteran relatives to honor Veterans). The students went shopping for items that were needed at Fisher House – IL and after presented them to the Veterans. The students had a great time trying on some of River Grove American Legion post 335 Commander Fiorentino’s uniforms! Thank you so very much for always remembering Veterans!
Sunday, January 28, 2024 11am - 3pm Franklin Park Post 974 9757 W. Pacific Avenue Franklin Park, IL 60131 A hot meal will be served. Toiletries, clothing, blankets will be distributed. VA benefit counseling, housing assistance, haircuts, and other services will be available.
To volunteer, or donate gently used or new clothing and blankets, please call 847-560-0459
High Schools Host Holiday Celebration for Navy Recruits On Thanksgiving, November 23, Leyden High Schools hosted a holiday celebration for 300 Navy Recruits from Great Lakes Naval Station. Leyden sent buses up to the base in Waukegan, and the recruits spent the day from 10am-2pm enjoying a full thanksgiving meal and experience at East Leyden. Treats were prepared by the Leyden culinary students, entertainment by the Chamber Choir, and there were games, including football, table tops, bags, and even Chromebooks and cell phones so that the recruits could connect with their families. In addition, the National Honor Society students attended the event, to socialize with the recruits and ensure a memorable experience for all.
A huge Heartfelt Thank You to St. Mother Theodore Parish! This morning, their students, scouts, parents and staff put on a beautiful ceremony honoring our Veterans, amongst them American Legion post 335, Veterans of Foreign Wars post 5979 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 335 (who serve in honor of their Veteran relatives to honor Veterans.)
On October 31st, American Legion post 335 and VFW post 5979 members were amongst fellow Vietnam War Veterans being honored by the Chicago Bears! Today, they were treated like the Heroes that they truly are! The Bears release, Tuesday, 10/31/2023, from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., at Halas Hall “The Chicago Bears are thrilled to be hosting an intimate breakfast, in collaboration with the USA Vietnam War Commemoration, to thank and honor those who served during the Vietnam War era. At this breakfast, guests will hear from Coach Eberflus and other special Bears representatives.” WELCOME HOME!!
AMERICAN STAR CERTIFIED AGENCY MARK A CHRACA, AGENT 3753 N Harlem Ave Chicago, IL 60634 Office: 773.286.2400 Fax: 773.286.2450
10 | DECEMBER 2023 PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER
HOUSE AND HOME Secure Your Festive Finances: DoIT and IEMAOHS Offer Tips for a CyberSafe Holiday It may be “the most wonderful time of the year,” but one hack on your bank account or credit card could ruin it very quickly. The holidays often bring spurts of online shopping and charitable donations that give cyber criminals lots of opportunity to cause havoc in your life. The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) encourage you to step up your digital game. IEMA-OHS Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau said, “A few simple steps now can safe so much frustration later. Be wary of texts, ads, and emails that offer attractive purchases and instead go to the company’s website. Always check reviews and check for a physical location for the company and customer service information.”
Other tips include: –Steer clear of fake websites: Double-check URLs, look for ‘https://’ and a padlock symbol, and stick with trusted retailers. Be cautious of unsolicited emails. –Beware of phishing emails: Be cautious of phishing emails, avoid suspicious links, and verify senders. –Create strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords that include letters, numbers, and symbols for each retailer and consider a password manager. –Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true: Staying skeptical of unrealistic deals can protect you from falling into digital traps. Stick to reputable retailers. –Avoid public Wi-FI: Avoid public Wi-Fi networks and use secure connections like home Wi-Fi or cellular data. Consider using a VPN for added protection.
Illinois Department of Revenue Offers Online Safety Tips for the Holiday Shopping Season The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) reminds Illinois taxpayers to remain watchful against potential online threats while conducting Black Friday and other holiday shopping this year. Without proper online safety, thieves can potentially steal personal information. Below are some safety tips to help protect against these attacks: –Protect personal information. Refrain from revealing too much personal information online. Birthdates, addresses, age, and financial information,
such as bank accounts and Social Security Numbers, are among things that should not be shared freely. –Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Use this for extra security for online accounts. –Update computer and phone software. Enable automatic updates to install critical security updates.
–Prepare an emergency kit with jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper, traction material, blankets, nonperishable food and a first-aid kit. –Always wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois. And it’s your best defense in a crash. –Drop it and drive. Put down the mobile devices. This, too, is the law.
–Use security software. Security software such as an anti-virus or firewall provide added protection.
–Give them distance. Obey the Move Over law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching ANY stopped vehicle.
–Use a VPN. Criminals can intercept personal information on insecure public Wi-Fi networks. Individuals are encouraged to always use a virtual private network when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
–Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of emergency.
–Be Cautious with Email Deals. Email marketing is still one of the main avenues businesses use to promote deals and products — it’s also one of the main avenues threat actors use to hack into your system.
The public is advised that snow-and-ice response times could be impacted due to an industry-wide shortage of workers with a commercial driver’s license, resulting in challenges in filling plow driver positions. While hiring at IDOT continues for both temporary and permanent positions, staffing levels for the winter response team are down approximately
–Use a Credit Instead of a Debit Card when Possible. Credit cards offer an extra layer of protection when you’re shopping online. Unlike debit cards that are directly linked to your bank account, credit cards usually offer greater protection in case your account is compromised.
–For more winter driving tips, check out this short IDOT video.
10-15% since the start of the pandemic. For information on job postings throughout the state, visit https://illinois.jobs2web.com. For the upcoming winter, IDOT will have more than 1,800 trucks available for deployment to plow more than 17,000 centerline miles of roads statewide, the equivalent of driving back and forth between New York City and Los Angeles three times. Last winter, IDOT crews spread more than 318,600 tons of salt statewide. This winter, salt domes are at capacity, with more than 558,190 tons on hand, a little more than twice the weight of Willis Tower. During winter storms, the Illinois Tollway mobilizes a fleet of 196 snowplows to clear its 294 miles of roads and this year has stockpiled more than 110,000 tons of salt to help ensure that even during snowy winter weather its 1.5 million daily drivers can safely reach their destinations. Tollway Trip Tweets provides real-time roadway incident information and pavement conditions via @94_294_Tollway, @I_90_ Tollway, @I_88_Tollway, @I_355_Tollway and @IL_390_Tollway.
CHICKEN KATSU SERVINGS: 4 • PREP: 15 MIN. • COOK TIME: 10 MIN. • CALORIES: 297
‘Winter Weather – Get it Together,’ Plan Ahead for Snow and Ice Annual safety campaign reminds public: Get ready for winter weather Snow and ice probably aren’t far away – which is why the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and Illinois Tollway are reminding the public that it’s time for “Winter Weather – Get it Together.” Now is a crucial time to begin practicing basic winter driving skills and preparing for even routine trips to take longer to complete, though temperatures are above freezing during the day and roads appear clear. As part of the “Winter Weather – Get it Together” campaign, travelers are encouraged to follow these simple guidelines: –Bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.comto check travel conditions 24/7 before heading out. –Do not travel during bad weather unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to drive, check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your route. Familiarize yourself with public transportation and ridesharing options. –Give yourself plenty of extra time. Slow down and increase the distance between other vehicles. Give yourself extra time. –Watch out for black ice. A road may appear clear but can be treacherous. –Be especially careful when approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and shaded areas that are prone to icing and can become extremely slick. –Don’t crowd the plow. You might see them, but they might not see you. Also, road conditions are much better behind than in front of the plow. Any plow that’s hit is one less resource available to clear the roads.
Japanese chicken katsu is deliciously crispy on the outside but tender and juicy inside. Serve it with rice or ramen for an easy and tasty weeknight meal. 4 chicken breast halves (skinless, boneless), pounded to 1/2-inch thickness Salt and pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 egg, whisked 1 cup panko bread crumbs 1 cup frying oil, or as needed
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Butterfly and/or pound your chicken breasts until they are 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to your preference 2. Arrange three separate shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second, pour the whisked egg. In the third, add the panko bread crumbs. 3. Coat the chicken breasts in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. 4. Next, dip them into the egg, ensuring a complete coat. 5. Finally, press them into the panko crumbs, ensuring they are well-coated on both sides. 6. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the coated chicken into the oil. Fry until golden brown, which should take 3 or 4 minutes on each side. 7. Carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy!
NOTES
–Chicken or pork? Why not both? You can totally use pork cutlets instead of chicken. –Pan-packing problems? Are you frying more than one or two cutlets at a time? Hold your horses! Crowding the pan is a no-no if you want crispy goodness. –Keep that temperature up. You want the oil to stay at around 340 degrees Fahrenheit. –Serve it your way. From classic cabbage and tonkatsu sauce to a tasty katsu sandwich, there’s a style for everyone. –Here are some tips and tricks to make the best chicken katsu possible: –Butterfly the chicken. Looking for an evenly cooked masterpiece? Butterfly your chicken by cutting it almost in half, horizontally. Start in the middle of the thickest part and carefully slice it so it opens like a book. Do not cut all the way through. –Add a splash of oil to the egg. This helps the meat bond better to the flour and panko. A dash of oil in the egg mixture will do wonders. –Panko is your best choice. Forget regular breadcrumbs. Japanese panko is where it’s at! Lighter, crispier, and full of crunch, it’s just superior. –Pick the right panko. Large-flake Japanese breadcrumbs are the way to go. Trust me; it makes all the difference. –Coat the chicken generously. Flour, egg, panko- ensure the chicken is dressed to impress. –Test the oil with some chopstick magic. Need to know if your oil is hot? Dip a wooden chopstick in. Bubbles mean it’s time to fry!
PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2023 | 11
RECENTLY SOLD HOMES TOWN
BENSENVILLE
ADDRESS
972 W. Irving Park Rd. 3 317 Mclean Ave. 309 George St. 100 W. Roosevelt Ave. 409 867 John St. 751 S. Center St. 1313 Medinah St. 819 W. Jefferson St. 208 Pamela Dr. 244 George St. D 344 S. Center St. 17W106 1114 Argyle St. 4 S. Mason St. 105 219 N. Walnut St. G ELMWOOD PARK 2442 N. 77th Ave. 2330 N. Harlem Ave. 1E 32 W. Conti Pkwy. 1C 1635 N. 77th Ave. 7301 W. Fullerton Ave. 1N 7921 W. Grand Ave. 1D 7234 W. North Ave. 612 7201 W. Wellington Ave. 1H 2919 N. 73rd Ct. 2218 N. 74th Ct. 1813 N. 78th Ct. 7234 W. North Ave. 1410 2530 N. 73rd Ct. 2538 N. 75th Ave. 7830 W. North Ave. 504 7204 W. Wrightwood Ave. 1S 2636 N. 77th Ct. 7307 W. Fullerton Ave. 6 2451 N. 72nd Ct. 1W 7918 W. Cressett Dr. 7816 W. Westwood Dr. 1636 N. 75th Ct. 1708 N. 78th Ct. 2618 N. 72nd Ct. 2E 7650 Altgeld St. 407 FRANKLIN PARK 2933 Edgington St. 3638 Ruby St. 9608 Johanna Ave. 10301 Panoramic Dr. 2706 Atlantic St. 2721 Sarah St. 3550 Sunset Lane 3026 Houston St. 9438 Nerbonne Ave. 2520 Elder Lane 3031 Louis St. HARWOOD HEIGHTS 6726 W. Senior Pl. 7506 W. Gunnison St. 4528 N. Newland Ave. 7005 W. Gunnison St. 4629 N. Sayre Ave. LEYDEN TOWNSHIP 10022 W. Medill Ave. 2715 Geneva Ave. MELROSE PARK 1670 N. 5th Ave. 920 LaPorte Ave. 1002 N. 18th Ave. 904 N. 14th Ave. 1700 Riverwoods Dr. 505 860 Division St. 610 Winston Dr.
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C S
SOLD PRICE
$360,000 $270,000 $226,500 $230,000 $275,000 $460,000 $319,900 $530,000 $625,000 $165,000 $295,000 $425,000 $269,000 $120,000 $250,000 $606,000 $88,500 $180,000 $435,000 $152,000 $155,000 $85,000 $174,980 $492,000 $600,000 $310,000 $118,000 $330,000 $690,000 $76,000 $130,000 $300,000 $157,000 $185,900 $300,000 $345,000 $405,500 $465,000 $205,000 $119,340 $308,000 $96,000 $347,000 $329,900 $250,000 $346,500 $101,650 $380,000 $185,000 $240,000 $325,000 $385,000 $410,000 $290,000 $1,965,000 $716,000 $253,000 $255,000 $330,000 $340,000 $430,000 $312,500 $265,000 $320,000 $390,000
SALE DATE
10/19/23 10/23/23 10/24/23 10/27/23 10/30/23 10/30/23 11/3/23 11/3/23 11/3/23 11/6/23 11/6/23 11/9/23 11/10/23 11/16/23 11/17/23 10/19/23 10/20/23 10/20/23 10/24/23 10/26/23 10/26/23 10/30/23 10/30/23 10/30/23 10/30/23 10/31/23 11/1/23 11/1/23 11/6/23 11/8/23 11/8/23 11/8/23 11/9/23 11/9/23 11/9/23 11/9/23 11/10/23 11/15/23 11/17/23 10/24/24 10/23/23 10/24/23 10/26/23 10/27/23 11/9/23 11/13/23 11/14/23 11/14/23 11/15/23 11/16/23 11/17/23 10/19/23 10/20/23 10/31/23 10/31/23 11/11/23 10/20/23 10/25/23 10/20/23 10/20/23 10/20/23 10/27/23 10/30/23 11/1/23 11/6/23
TOWN
NORRIDGE
NORTHLAKE
PARK RIDGE
3101 Pearl Ave. 1310 N. 24th Ave. 1670 Channing Ct. 257 E. Grand Ave. 8321 W. Winona St. 4927 N. Sunrise Ln. 4947 N Cumberland Ave. 8210 W. Giddings St. 4545 N. Ottawa Ave. 4711 N. Redwood Dr. 7652 W. Ainslie St. 4021 N. Odell Ave. 4655 N. Cumberland Ave. 519 5177 N. Moreland Ave. 4033 N. Oketo Ave. 4352 N. Nordica Ave. 5151 N. Monterey Ave. 4655 N. Cumberland Ave. 212 5020 N. Ozark Ave. 35 Bernice Ave. 161 Westward Ho Dr. 217 Armitage Ave. 105 Armitage Ave. 101 Country Club Dr. 50 Westward Ho Dr. 15 King Arthur Ct. 15 100 West Dr. 272 E. Dickens Ave. 19 N. King Arthur Ct. 8 115 Edward Ave. 64 Wagner Dr. 2600 Windsor Mall 1E 521 N. Hamlin Ave. 1509 Laverne Ave. 221 N. Chester Ave. 30 Boardwalk Pl. 1412 S. Washington Ave. 400 Thames Pkwy. 1L 1222 S. Crescent Ave. 4 S. Lincoln Ave. 1D 1016 Fourtuna Ave. 712 S. Delphia Ave. 1020 N. Delphia Ave. 519 Austin Ave. 104 S. Dee Rd. 5 1036 N. Lincoln Ave. 712 S. Chester Ave. 2031 Birch St. 419 Root St. 744 Park Plaine Ave. 400 Thames Pkwy. 1J 401 Ascot Dr. 1H 412 N. Knight Ave. 116 N. Broadway Ave. 300 Meacham Ave. 1028 S. Greenwood Ave. 2500 Windsor Hall 2200 Bouterse St. 109B 235 Belle Plaine Ave. 851 N. Northwest Hwy. 634 N. Dee Rd. 820 Hansen Pl. 1301 W. Touhy Ave. 315 2600 Windsor Ln. 112A 1705 Pavillion Way 203 1504 BellePlaine Ave.
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ADDRESS
As of 11/20/23 (F=Foreclosure S=Short Sale C=Court Approved) TYPE
F F
SOLD PRICE
$290,000 $335,000 $300,000 $270,000 $370,000 $400,000 $450,000 $325,000 $460,000 $395,000 $400,000 $295,000 $335,000 $1,035,000 $310,000 $345,000 $505,000 $290,000 $600,000 $253,500 $280,000 $365,000 $400,000 $320,000 $295,900 $90,000 $405,000 $215,000 $109,000 $325,000 $450,000 $215,000 $308,000 $610,000 $415,000 $590,000 $1,125,000 $190,000 $925,000 $220,000 $450,000 $550,000 $587,000 $532,500 $515,000 $560,000 $580,000 $655,000 $535,000 $331,000 $160,000 $208,000 $400,000 $550,000 $650,000 $745,000 $215,000 $365,000 $440,000 $805,000 $527,000 $971,000 $173,000 $235,000 $315,000 $425,000
SALE DATE
11/9/23 11/10/23 11/13/23 11/15/23 10/24/23 10/24/23 10/24/23 11/1/23 11/1/23 11/2/23 11/2/23 11/3/23 11/3/23 11/3/23 11/8/23 11/10/23 11/10/23 11/14/23 11/16/23 10/19/23 10/19/23 10/25/23 10/31/23 11/3/23 11/6/23 11/7/23 11/8/23 11/13/23 11/15/23 11/16/23 11/17/23 10/19/23 10/20/23 10/20/23 10/23/23 10/23/23 10/23/23 10/24/23 10/26/23 10/27/23 10/27/23 10/27/23 10/27/23 11/1/23 11/2/23 11/2/23 11/6/23 11/6/23 11/8/23 11/9/23 11/10/23 11/10/23 11/10/23 11/10/23 11/10/23 11/10/23 11/13/23 11/14/23 11/14/23 11/14/23 11/15/23 11/16/23 11/17/23 11/17/23 11/17/23 11/17/23
TOWN
RIVER GROVE
SCHILLER PARK
ADDRESS
834 N. Dee Rd. 2521 Thatcher Ave. 2H 2236 Elm St. 8035 Oconnor Dr. 3B 2441 Clarke St. 8015 Oconnor Dr. 6A 2815 Forest Ave. 2202 River Rd. 4620 Kolze Ave. 4534 Rose St. 10033 W. Irving Park Rd. 3B 3719 Hawthorne St. 9997 Eden Dr. 10137 Hartford Ct. 3C 4025 Goss Ave. 4101 Ruby St.
TYPE
SOLD PRICE
$433,000 $110,000 $215,000 $150,000 $235,000 $192,000 $286,000 $220,000 $370,000 $310,000 $150,000 $347,000 $335,000 $156,900 $347,000 $335,000
SALE DATE
11/17/23 10/20/23 10/24/23 10/26/23 10/27/23 11/10/23 11/13/23 11/16/23 10/25/23 10/26/23 10/27/23 10/30/23 10/30/23 10/31/23 11/8/23 11/13/23
The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Information prepared by Donna Raven, Broker Re/Max City. 847-302-9348
LEGISLATIVE BRIEFS MARTWICK MEASURES… SECURES CHICAGO FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT BENEFITS
State Senator Robert Martwick passed a measure to ensure Chicago firefighter pensions are compliant with federal law and have benefit parity with all firefighters across the state. The measure creates an alternative formula for Tier 2 Chicago firefighters for calculating their final average salary. Currently, Tier 2 firefighters must use their final eight years of service in the calculation. Under this legislation, a Tier 2 firefighter may use their final four years of service if the average created is greater than the one calculated over eight years. This change would begin to bring Chicago firefighters’ pensions up to par with benefits already available to all other firefighters in the state. Downstate firefighters received a similar update in 2019. Senate Bill 1629 passed the Senate.
UPDATES CHICAGO POLICE PENSION BENEFITS
State Senator Robert Martwick, with the support of Mayor Johnson, passed a measure to ensure fiscal health for Chicago Police pensions. Senate Bill 1956 ensures that the city of Chicago makes timely and adequate contributions to the Policemen’s Annuity and Benefit Fund. In addition, it brings retired Chicago police officers in line with the current Chicago firefighter and downstate police retirement standards. The measure removes the birth date requirement that was previously in place (born before Jan. 1, 1966) for Tier 1 retirees to be eligible for an annual 3% cost-of-living adjustment. The legislation ensures that police officers born after Jan. 1, 1966, who received a retroactive increase of 1.5% in any year, will receive a proportional increase for that year so that the total increase is equal to 3% for each year. Senate Bill 1956 passed the Senate.
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COMMUNITY POLICE BLOTTER NEWS (CONT.) Chicago Man Charged with Promoting Prostitution Arrested for Failing to Appear for Initial Court Date
Sheriff Dart and Friends of the Chicago River Join Forces to Clean-Up the Ford Heights Community and River
COOK COUNTY, IL – A 36-year-old Chicago man who failed to appear for his first court date on a promoting prostitution case was arrested this week by the Cook County Sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today. Marcus Brewer, of the of the 4900 block of St. Louis Avenue, was charged with promoting prostitution on October 20 following a Cook County Sheriff’s Police Vice unit investigation. Vice Investigators found Brewer rented the room for the victim and provided the victim security during encounters with johns. Brewer, who was cited and released for the Class 4 felony, failed to appear for court on October 24. As a result, a no-bond warrant was issued for his arrest. The Cook County Sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the United States Marshals Service-Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Taskforce launched an investigation and learned that Brewer was staying at a motel in the 1600 block of Naperville Wheaton Road in Naperville. On November 15, Fugitive Taskforce Officers found Brewer at the motel and took him into custody. Brewer appeared for a hearing on November 16, where he was ordered released from custody with conditions. His next court date is scheduled for November 21 at the Bridgeview Courthouse. The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the government in a court of law.
COOK COUNTY, IL – The Cook County Sheriff’s Office co-hosted a volunteer community clean-up of the Deer Creek River in Ford Heights Village yesterday, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today. Approximately 30 volunteers from the Sheriff’s Office and Friends of the Chicago River, an organization that works to improve the health of the Chicago River system, participated in the clean-up yesterday of the Chicago-Calumet River system, which is continually threatened by an influx of litter. The Sheriff’s Office also provided supplies, administered safety education, and supported the clean-up for volunteers. Since 2008, the Sheriff’s Office has been the primary law enforcement agency for south suburban Ford Heights assuming police duties
24/7 and providing ongoing outreach programs for citizens of the village, including safety education, support for senior citizens, holiday gift donations, and food drives. “We’ve been invested in Ford Heights for more than 15 years, and maintaining a strong and active presence in Ford Heights is a top priority of this office,” said Sheriff Dart. “This is an extremely underserved community, and I am always grateful to receive collaborative support from our partnerships to meet this goal.” “Hands-on community clean-ups are a powerful way to connect with local residents and have an on the ground impact that improves their community, public health, and our natural areas such as Deer Creek which is a tributary to the Little Calumet River,” said Friends of the Chicago River Executive Director Margaret Frisbie. “We were thrilled to work side by side with the volunteers who came out to help and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, which cohosted this clean-up to support the people of Ford Heights. These kinds of events build community, camaraderie, and awareness of the problems litter pollution presents for people, water, and wildlife.”
Sheriff Dart Applauds Guilty Verdicts in Backpage Case COOK COUNTY, IL – Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart thanked jurors and the U.S. Attorney’s Office following guilty verdicts in the criminal case against Backpage executives, who oversaw one of the largest and most profitable websites known for prostitution ads, including those that involved sex trafficking. “This is a good day for justice. I commend the jury and prosecutors in this historic trial for seeing through the lies and speaking up for the victims of sex trafficking who were advertised like objects. It was obvious that Backpage profited immensely while ignoring the harm it caused individuals,” Sheriff Dart said. “This should be a wakeup call to any company that wants to be in the business of making money from human trafficking.” Late Thursday in Arizona, a jury found Backpage co-founder Michael Lacey guilty of money laundering. Two other Backpage executives were convicted on charges that
included money laundering and conspiracy to violate the Travel Act, a federal law barring the use of interstate commerce to facilitate prostitution. Sheriff Dart has led the fight against online human trafficking for nearly 15 years. The use of widescale, web-based classified advertisements for illegal prostitution and sex trafficking started on Craigslist, which Sheriff Dart unsuccessfully sued in 2009. Shortly after the suit was filed, Craigslist shut down its erotic services section, and illegal ads for prostitution, including trafficked persons, started to migrate to other websites. Eventually the market coalesced around Backpage. Sheriff Dart attempted to work with Backpage to protect victims. When that outreach failed, Sheriff Dart pushed efforts to raise awareness about the problem and reached out to credit card companies doing business with Backpage. Backpage sued Sheriff Dart, in his capacity as Sheriff and personally, when the credit card companies ceased business with them. The lawsuit ended when Backpage was seized by the U.S. Department of Justice in an investigation that now concludes with these verdicts. The federal court overseeing Backpage’s lawsuit against Sheriff Dart ordered Backpage to pay $250,000 in sanctions for “knowingly and repeatedly” making false statements in its suit. At the time, Sheriff’s Police had made more than 800 arrests related to Backpage ads over six years. Horrifically, a 16-year-old girl being sold on Backpage in 2016 was killed in Markham. During the recent criminal trial in Arizona, former CEO Carl Ferrer told jurors that when the credit cards stopped doing business with Backpage, the company began utilizing shell companies, which played a role in the money laundering charges, according to news reports. Meanwhile, Sheriff Dart’s efforts to combat trafficking continue. On Oct. 23, Sheriff Dart called on existing websites to work with law enforcement to prevent trafficking after 10 people were charged over just 14 days. In half of the cases, the victims were advertised online through the website MegaPersonals. The Office sent letters to the owners of that website, among others, asking it to help combat trafficking. “As a society, we should be making life harder for traffickers, not easier,” Sheriff Dart said. “And I will not stand by and watch people or companies profit when individuals are being forced into trafficking.”
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PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2023 | 13
POLICE BLOTTER (CONT.) Gaming Agents Arrest Man in Armed Robbery for Stealing $14K in Chips from Illinois Casino The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) announced an arrest and charges against a 23-year-old man for his part in an armed robbery of more than $14,000 worth of casino chips from Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. On October 31, Ismail Ahmed Ateyat, is suspected of entering Rivers Casino wearing a black face mask, pulling out a handgun, pointing it at casino employees, stealing $14,100 in casino chips and fleeing the casino. Ateyat, of Chicago Ridge, was charged by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office with three counts of armed robbery on November 1. He is currently being held without bond. Gaming Board Agents were able to track Ateyat to his Chicago Ridge home, where they discovered the handgun, the mask and the stolen chips. All suspects facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The IGB serves as the state regulatory and law enforcement agency responsible for overseeing all licensed casino gambling, video gaming and sports wagering to ensure the integrity and safety of Illinois gaming while generating revenue for the state and gaming host communities. Illinois is home to 15 casinos, 11 licensed sportsbooks, and a network of more than 8,400 licensed video gaming establishments.
NORRIDGE
BANK ROBBERY – On November 21st, at 13:30 hours the Wintrust Bank on the 4300 block of North Harlem was robbed. The offender demanded the cash in the drawer from the teller. No weapon was displayed or implied. The offender then fled East bound through yards and was last seen North bound in the 4300 block of Sayer. The offender was a male Hispanic, 45-50 years of age, 5’7” and 150 lbs. He is now in police custody. Norridge police worked in conjunction with and thanked the Harwood Heights Police Department and the Chicago Police Department.
OCT. 25 - DRUGS – Onaiz A. Shah of Schaumburg was charged with multiple felony counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of cannabis after police did a traffic stop. Shah was in a vehicle that did not have a front license plate and had just pulled out of the parking lot of Our Lady of Hope Church. Four other passengers were in the vehicle and all allegedly admitted to smoking cannabis in the church lot. A probably cause search turned up multiple open dispensary packages of fresh cannabis, a backpack containing dozens of pills of varying shapes and colors, which included a mix of hydrocodone, Xanax and Adderall, a solid material, which tested positive for cocaine. OCT. 30 - DUI – Rosemont police observed a vehicle traveling slowly without its headlights on, on southbound River Road and stopped the vehicle. Police found the driver with glassy and bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of alcohol coming from the passenger and driver’s sides. After failing a field sobriety test, they arrested Sebastian N. Rosario of Schiller Park and charged him with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without headlights, improper lane usage, suspended registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle. He bonded out with a later court date.
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ROSEMONT
OCT. 7 - THEFT – Police were called to the Tommy Hilfiger store in the Fashion Outlet Way mall for a retail theft. The store surveillance cameras observed Jesus Flores-Zerpa of Chicago, stealing various items before leaving. Police apprehended the suspect on River Road. He allegedly stole two pairs of shoes. He bonded out and had an October 25 court date.
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IRS DELAYS VENMO, CASH APP RULES
Users of Venmo, Cash App and other payment apps will get a tax reprieve this year. This IRS announced Tuesday it will delay implementing new reporting requirements that were to take effect for the coming tax filing season. Originally, app users who made $600 or more selling goods and services would have been required to report those transactions to the IRS, a threshold required by the American Rescue Plan. Instead, payment apps and online marketplaces will send out separate tax forms for taxpayers who receive over $20,000 and make over 200 transactions. IRS officials cited taxpayer confusion for the delay: For instance, peer-to-peer transactions, like selling a couch or car, sending rent to a roommate, and buying concert tickets would
not be reportable, whereas other purchases would apply. SOURCE: AP
COSTCO CRACK DOWN
Costco is cracking down on nonmembers using members’ cards. About 69 million households have Costco memberships. Membership cards have a photo of the member. Members also can get a card for one more person with the same home address. Problem: Some members have been lending cards to people not authorized to use the card…who then go through selfcheckout to avoid having the card checked. Costco is now spot-checking IDs at selfcheckout to enforce the membership policy. SOURCE: BOTTOMLINEPERSONAL
Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us; they live on in the kindness they showed, the love they shared, and the comfort they brought into the lives of others.
14 | DECEMBER 2023 PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER
OPINIONS The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or of People and Places Newspaper, it’s staff or it’s affiliates.
Blessed Mother and Jesus Message BY NANCY NUGENT
November 14, 2023. While I was reflecting on the message (#586) “Pray and Make Reparation” from the book “To the Priests Our Lady’s Beloved Sons, the Blessed Mother, and Jesus placed on my heart to share. “My beloved children, we need to make amends and pray in the silence of our hearts for the people in Israel. We need to ask for God’s grace and mercy for the remaining days of this year and the purification and tribulation of our world. Pray in unison in faith and love with JESUS and me. I ask you, all my children, for constant prayer and to be humble and trustful to Jesus and me. We invite all teenagers of our next generation and our Christian families to bring perfect communion of love, hope, and peace and to pray for the gift of life. My Son, Jesus Christ, should be welcomed, loved, and adored by all humanity. My beloved children, the Holy Spirit will open the minds and hearts of all to receive the light of truth. My children, there is only one Shepherd, my Son, Jesus. As you pray, make Reparation for the sins of humanity. You see how some have rejected God in Israel. Pride, my children, seduces minds with impurity, and evil corrupts the heart. You all, my children, need to rise and pray for a great miracle of Divine Mercy to come upon this world. Pray, my children, for your church to remain firm in faith in Jesus and me. I came to Fatima for three children. I asked them to offer their lives and spirits and pray for the salvation of sinners and God’s Divine Mercy. My strong children, bring your families to Jesus and me. My children, the Ark of the New Covenant is ours to change hearts and souls. That is why it’s so important for all of us
Hosted by Dr. Alexa Diaz, PhD Animal Behaviorist
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to receive the Eucharist of Christ--and to believe that what you receive is what you become. My beloved children, I ask you all during the last days of this year to pray and go to confession and recollection. Jesus and I love our children. When you feel fear, read Psalm 107--God can still the storm through a whisper. Jesus and I can bring hope out of despair and beauty out of the ruins of Israel. So, pray my children for love in your hearts for your Christian brothers and sisters. Thank you for responding to my call.” - Child of Heart, Nancy Nugent
Be Intentionally Peaceful BY FATHER ROBERT SCHULTZ
This month, Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, which took place in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. This year, however, we are all mindful of the violence and terrorism that has been taking place in the Holy Land. Jesus came to bring peace to the world, but sadly, there is a continual need to pray for peace in the land where Jesus walked. This is just one of countless ways that we are reminded that God is perfect, but we human beings are not. Another way to say that is: God always wants what is best for us, but our flawed human nature often finds a way to mess things up. As I reflected on this truth, I thought of the one time that I visited the Holy Land during my seminary years. I was blessed to be able to be in Bethlehem for New Year’s Day 2000. Many cities around the world had planned extra-special New Year’s events that year, of course, and that included Bethlehem. They had a big celebration planned in Manger Square. One of the things they were planning to do was to release many doves into the air at midnight. A few guys in our group decided to go down to Manger Square for the celebration. When they returned, they told us about something very unfortunate that occurred. Apparently, the doves were being kept in cages above the stage. Sadly, the cages were positioned too close to the spotlights, and the heat from the lights ended up killing all the doves before they could be released. Now, I know this is a sad story for a Christmas article, but I share it to make the point that human beings often have good intentions, but the reality is that we are flawed. The people who planned that New Year’s event were literally trying to do something for peace (as doves symbolize peace), and they ended up doing violence. It wasn’t intentional, of course, but it’s an example of how we human beings mess up. We don’t always use 100% of our brains. So, imagine when we are not trying to do something peaceful, when we are actually trying to do something bad – how much more damage might we cause? As we prepare to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season, we focus on one of the
themes of the season, which is peace. I hope and assume that most people around the world want to live in peace – and that is regardless of whether they celebrate Christmas, or whether they believe in God or any higher power at all. Most rational people desire peace. So, perhaps we could ask ourselves: What is something that I can do in my daily life, in my small corner of the world, to help spread peace? What is something concrete that I can do, no matter how small, to be a more peaceful person today, or to make someone else’s life a little more peaceful? Again, we all mess up, even when we have the best intentions. So, before we do something unwise today (like putting doves too close to spotlights), let’s try to use 100% of our minds and hearts to stop and ask ourselves, “Do I have a tendency to do things that do not contribute to other people’s peace? What can I do differently to help make my corner of the world a little more peaceful? May you and your loved ones have a blessed and peaceful Christmas season and New Year.
On Wings Like Eagles BY JAMES DEROSE
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings of eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.” -(Isaiah 40:31) It is the most encouraging and steadfast verse in the Bible. ”Isaiah 40:31 paints a powerful picture of what God does for His people, notes Pastor Jeffrey Curtis Poor. Everyone, please, memorize this verse! Isaiah was a dynamic and courageous Old Testament prophet in and around Jerusalem. The name Isaiah means ‘The Lord Is Salvation.’ His prophecies are mentioned by many writers in Bible Scripture. Jesus began His earthly ministry by quoting,” The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me.” (Isaiah 61:1) What does it mean to wait upon the Lord? In Hebrew, wait means to hope, to anticipate, and to trust. It means praying as Jesus prayed- to God our Heavenly Father (Matthew 6:10). Turning to God, we will ‘renew our strength’ to overcome challenges we face in life. Having wings of Eagles helps us rise towards the heavens. “No other animal on earth carries a
portfolio of performance and behavior.”-Susan Murray, CEO, African Journals Online. “They are powerful creatures soaring above clouds and through storms.” Quite an incredible metaphorhaving wings of Eagles! To run and not grow weary, to walk and not faint, applies to difficulties in life that overwhelm even the strongest people. Isaiah was addressing the Jewish people in exile, once again. This time, ancient Babylon became their captors (Jeremiah 29). “Face it, seven decades of captivity for any culture will heed weakness in spirit as well as body,” cites Drew Hunter, Pastor, Zionsville Fellowship. Even the top athletes in their prime with perfect health have limits. Isaiah draws awareness to this in the preceding verse- “Even youths shall faint and grow weary and young men shall fall exhausted (Isaiah 40:30). There is only ONE answer. Not those who work for the Lord, but those who WAIT for Him....and they will soar on Wings like Eagles.
Local Lifestyles BY ANNA HESSEL PEOPLEANDPLACES.ANNA@GMAIL.COM @PRINCESSANNAH8
Hello everyone - Merr y Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Kwanza… We have had some excitement in our household welcoming wonderful new family members, including a new furbaby named Prada; she is a six-monthold part Abyssinian kitten. Our pug is excited to have a new sister and so am I. I have new siblings and family thanks to Ancestry and my genealogy expert cousin Michele. I have more very thrilling news to share with you all on the horizon, but you will all need to wait until next month, very sorry, but I will give you a few hints: 1. I hope everyone finds a DNA kit in their stocking or under the Christmas tree this year. 2. Exodus 20:12. 3. “Kiss Me Kate” is a fun musical. 4. Catherine the Great. 5. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” - William Shakespeare. 6. Bill Saluga’s classic Anheuser Busch Natural Light Beer commercial. No, I have not been drinking that, or too much non-pumpkin spice alcoholic eggnog. Are your heads spinning with confusion yet? Trust me, this will all make sense next month with my big reveal, honest. If anyone actually guesses my surprise based on these hints, I will eat my pink Prada hat. January will be here in no time, and I will announce my news. In the meantime, have a blessed, beautiful holiday season filled with family, friends, love, joy, laughter, and, of course, style. Ms. Hessel is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists
PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2023 | 15
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and run through Jan. 2, 2024. For more information, go to triton.edu/lights.
16 | DECEMBER 2023 PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER
TRITON TIDBITS Cosmetic Entrepreneur Kennedy Bolden is a Leader on Triton’s Campus Triton College student Kennedy Bolden of Westchester is a visionary and a leader, both on campus and in her life. At Triton, she is a member of SURGE (Sisterhood of Undergraduate Representing Great Excellence), women’s track and field, and she’s an orientation leader (OL). “I wanted to attend Triton College because it was convenient and close to home,” she said. Besides being extremely active on campus, Bolden is a cosmetic entrepreneur. Her company, Kenny B Cosmetics, sells lip glosses and lip scrubs, which she creates herself. Growing up in Westchester, Bolden always loved beauty. As a dancer, she enjoyed wearing flashy outfits and experimenting with different looks when it came to beauty. As she grew up, Bolden started mixing cosmetic products to create her own lip balm and sold it to members of her church, family and friends. “My friends and family advised me to start my own cosmetic company,” she explained. “I launched Kenny B Cosmetics during the pandemic.” Bolden purchases the materials needed from wholesalers and Amazon to create the lip glosses and lip scrubs, using all natural ingredients. All her products have different scents and shades, which are sold for $5 and up. For the future, Bolden hopes to expand Kenny B Cosmetics by integrating lipsticks into her company. “Since I am so busy, I have to balance my time between school, extra activities, my makeup company and my job,” she said. “It can be challenging, but I enjoy it.” Bolden has been accepted to Northern Illinois University (NIU), where she will be attending this spring. Since she has a 3.4 GPA, Bolden received an invitation to the honor society. At Northern, she will continue studying business administration to build her cosmetic company. To learn more about Bolden’s cosmetic company, visit kennybcosmeticss.bigcartel.com or on Instagram @kennybcosmetics.
Christine Ieuter, CFO of Go2Logistics, was Featured Speaker at the School of Business Executive Series Christine Ieuter spoke to a crowd of over 100 students and faculty members.
“It can never hurt to contact a business owner and ask them about their career,” she explained. “Always continue to network.” The Triton College School of Business Executive Series is a way to highlight entrepreneurs and motivate students to form a life of leadership. The Executive Series occurs each fall to encourage students to get ahead in their careers and business. “The Triton College School of Business is incredible and the students reflect that,” said Ieuter. Go2Logistics is a family-owned business t h a t p rov i d e s f re i g h t t ra n s p o r t a t i o n and logistics services to companies. Go2Logistics is located on West Street in River Grove, located near the Triton College campus. For more information, contact williamgriffin@triton.edu.
COVID and Flu Vaccine Clinic Christine Ieuter, CFO of Go2Logistics in River Grove, gave inspiring remarks to over 100 Triton College students and faculty members at the college’s School of Business Executive Series on Tuesday, Nov. 7. As the featured speaker, Ieuter was awarded the Leadership and Support Award by the Triton College School of Business. “The key to a healthy life is a good air, exercise and diet,” Ieuter said during her remarks. “Connect with the people in your communities and have a positive outlook.” Ieuter also stressed the importance of networking, as well as using LinkedIn, explaining that it’s a great resource to connect with others. In addition, Ieuter advised students to reach out to business owners to receive advice and business opportunities.
Triton College will be hosting a COVID vaccine and booster clinic Thursday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., in the cafeteria (B Building). Boosters will be available, as well as other regularly scheduled vaccines, such as flu, pneumonia, shingles and tetanus. Hill said all eligible students, faculty and staff are invited and walk-ins are welcome. Trained pharmacists from Jewel-Osco will be administering the vaccines and boosters. Everyone over the age of 5 should get one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19. None of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines are preferred above the other. For more information, please contact laurahill@triton.edu or (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3051.
Triton College Presents Holiday Festival of Trees Enjoy Triton’s Holiday Lights Celebration Get into the holiday spirit with Triton College’s Holiday Festival of Trees drive-through event, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023-Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, on Triton’s Circle Drive. Everyone’s invited to drive through our main campus entrance and experience the rows of brightly lit trees. Community members are invited to take selfies and family photos. The speed limit of Circle Drive is 10 m.p.h. Please use caution and watch for pedestrians. For more information, please call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3290.
PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2023 | 17
TRITON TIDBITS (CONT.) ReUp Education Partners with Triton College to Expand Opportunities to Engage and Support Adult Learners Austin, Texas – ReUp Education, a leading tech-enabled provider empowering adult learners, has announced a new partnership with Triton College, a public community college founded in River Grove, Ill. This new partnership expands on both Triton College’s and ReUp’s commitments to help stopouts and adult learners enroll and graduate as part of their journey to pursue economic and social mobility in a 21st century economy. In this partnership, ReUp will bring a unique combination of technology, data and personalized one-on-one coaching to Triton College, and support their mission of providing learners with a professional education. As of 2020, 35 percent of learners were over the age of 25, according to data from National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). However, adult learners still have lower completion rates than their younger peers, often due to a wide range of barriers that include time poverty, childcare, financial constraints and more. Completing a college degree has profound impacts on social and economic mobility. Those with a degree are half as likely to be unemployed as those with a high school diploma and demonstrate significantly higher levels of happiness, health and community involvement. Since 2015, ReUp has been helping highered institutions engage, enroll and support adult learners. Leveraging patented technology and one-on-one personalized coaching services, ReUp’s approach will help Triton College reach learners who have previously put a pause on their education. This partnership will provide Triton College learners with specialized holistic support from ReUp that takes into consideration the key factors that impact a learner’s decision to re-enroll and their unique journey towards earning their degree As part of the partnership, ReUp will also serve as an expert on adult learners for Triton College, offering institution-specific insights and strategic recommendations based on industry trends, millions of data points on adult learners and direct learner feedback.
ABOUT REUP EDUCATION
ReUp Education is the industry leader in finding, enrolling, and supporting adult learners at scale. Driven by our mission to empower all adults to thrive in higher ed, we partner with institutions, state systems, state and regional governments, and member organizations to help adults navigate the journey to and through school. Named one of Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech, our patented technology, personalized support, and data insights have helped tens of thousands of adult learners make their dreams of higher education a reality. We’re on a mission to help millions more. Reimagine the adult learner experience at reupeducation.com.
Course Offerings This Fall Are you a student who wants to get ahead on credits while on winter break? Triton’s intersession courses are fully online and can be completed in a short, two-week period. Many students who enroll in these courses are guest students transferring the credits into their primary university.
Sports Conditioning Certificate (PED 153, PED 196)
To earn this certificate, only three courses are required and they can be taken either on campus or online. Elective options include PED 168, PED 197 and HTH 120. This certificate program will teach students the foundation to becoming a strength and conditioning coach. After earning their certificate, students can continue with additional coursework to obtain a Personal Training Certificate (C336A) or the Health, Sport and Exercise Science Associate Degree (U230A36) if desired. Current personal trainers or physical education teachers can earn professional development college credits, as well as upgrade their knowledge and skills.
Sport and Exercise Psychology (PED 196 370)
Jan. 8-19. This is a three-credit-hour class. This course will explore the psychological and mental skills needed to improve athletic performance and exercise. Mental techniques include imagery, meditation and motivation to reduce anxiety and build confidence.
Sociology of Sport (PED 196 370)
Jan. 8-19. This is a three-credit-hour class. This course will examine the primary social institutions of sport, including participants, functions, consequences and effects on society. It will also dive into the influence sport has on family, religion, education and different economic backgrounds. To register for any of the above classes, visit triton.edu/spring. For more information, please email juliannemurphy@triton.edu or call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3130.
Volunteers Needed for Tax Assistance Program Triton College’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is looking for volunteers to help with their tax assistance program. The volunteer roles include tax preparer, site greeter and phone operator. The program orientation is Saturday, Dec. 9 with training beginning in January 2024. The tax program is February-April, 2024. No previous tax experience is needed, and free training and materials are provided. Volunteers can serve an average of five hours per week in the morning and afternoon. The volunteer sites are located throughout Triton College’s district and a minimal stipend is available for tax preparers. To register for the orientation or to learn more about the process, please contact Minerva with RSVP at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3835.
During your time of mourning, we are here to serve your burial needs with dignity and respect. ELM LAWN MEMORIAL PARK ARLINGTON CEMETERY 401 East Lake Street Elmhurst (630) 833-9696
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We are proud to offer our cremation niches: “Eternal Light Columbarium” and “In Loving Remembrance Columbarium” located at Elm Lawn Cemetery, plus “Columbarium of Heavenly Peace” located at Fairview Memorial Park. Also available: • Traditional in-ground graves and above-ground mausoleum spaces • Peace of mind with professional pre-planning counseling • Convenient bronze and granite memorial design services • Seasonal decorations available for purchase
ELM LAWN PET CEMETERY 401 East Lake Street, Elmhurst (630) 833-9696 New Ossuary and private Cremation Niches offer a dignified and beautiful final resting place for your beloved pets. Also available: • Landscaped urn garden and traditional full-burial sites • Pet memorial services • Hall of Remembrance chapel for services prior to burial In addition to our Pet Lawn Section, we also offer Memory Lawn, an exclusive section where families may arrange for the burial of pets on their own cemetery family lot.
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18 | DECEMBER 2023 PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER
ENTERTAINMENT Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Performs a Holiday Concert Featuring Brahms and Tchaikovsky It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like…. The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest will present music by Brahms and Tchaikovsky at 4 pm on Sunday, December 10, at Concordia University’s Chapel in River Forest. The program opens with Brahms’s Violin Concerto featuring soloist Baird Dodge. The concert also includes Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and Sleeping Beauty Suite. The award-winning orchestra is conducted by Music Director Jay Friedman. A pre-concert lecture begins at 3 pm, and a free reception follows the concert. Free parking is available in the parking garage at Bonnie Brae and Thomas. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on concert day. Students through college are admitted free of charge. To order tickets, go to SymphonyOPRF.org. For more information, email TheSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com or call 708-218-2648. This program is supported in part by grants from The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and the Oak Park Area Arts Alliance.
It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like.... Sunday, December 10 4pm Concordia University Chapel River Forest BRHAMS Violin Concerto Baird Dodge, soloist TCHAIKOVSKY Nutcracker Suite Sleeping Beauty Suite Jay Friedman, conductor
Tickets at SymphonyOPRF.org
Students through college admitted free of charge!
Paramount’s Sweet Treat for the Holiday Season BY ANNA HESSEL WITH WES HESSEL
Paramount Theatre’s upbeat production of “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory” is pure confection. This fun musical extravaganza has absolutely delightful sets and special effects, a colorful bonanza of zany entertainment. The very talented cast brings this high energy farce to life with ease, making it a perfect show for the holiday season. The romp is brilliantly directed and cast by Trent Stork; Paramount audiences will remember his helming of the theater’s stellar productions of “Legally Blonde” and “Kinky Boots”, which garnered him a Jeff Award.
Meena Sood and Charlie Long are the two very skillful young actors that alternate portraying the title role in this charming chocolate comedy. As Grandpa Joe is Chicagoland’s favorite master crafter Gene Weygandt - he gives another flawless performance straight on the heels of his wonderful Mr. Mushnik in “Little Shop of Horrors”; Mr. Weygandt’s comic timing and delivery are impeccable. Paramount School of the Arts instructor Stephen Schellhardt embodies exceptionally the master maker Willy Wonka, a truly fine performer. Nick Druzbanski, Allison Sill, Tiffany T. Taylor, Devon Hayakawa, David Blakeman, and August Forman add to the madcap mirth in this magnificent theatrical work. And there is the great score, including favorites from the original film “Candy Man”, “Pure Imagination”, and that requisite, ribald Oompa Loompa theme. Don’t miss your chance to see this sweet treat, perfect for the holiday season. Enjoy a special hot cocoa drink in the beautifully decorated lobby, and take a selfie in front of the Chocolate Factory backdrop. Paramount creates another splendid theatrical experience “Who can take a day dream? ...the candy man can…” But don’t miss your chance to get your Golden Tickets before the factory gates close for good January 14th - for admission or more information, please click “chew” to www.paramountaurora.com.
Cinderella Shines at Drury Lane BY ANNA HESSEL WITH WES HESSEL
Drury Lane’s rendition of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic “Cinderella” has some brand-new twists. This production is delightful - kindness and forgiveness are the clear message in this charming musical. There is no king or queen in this version, but instead a villainous Sebastian, regent to the crown prince, played by the very talented Jeff Parker - audiences will remember him from Drury Lane’s stellar “Mama Mia”. The prince Topher (short for Christopher Rupert Windemere Vladimir…oh, never mind) is an awe-inspiring human being brilliantly portrayed by Jeffrey Kringer - he gives a flawless performance. Cinderella is the lovely Lissa deGuzman - her character has chutzpah, intellect, and compassion. The relationship between her and her stepsister Gabrielle, brought to life splendidly by Christine Mayland Perkins, is extremely refreshing. In the role of Charlotte is the witty and skilled Alanna Lovely (and yes, she is). Both of these women are a pleasure to watch and believable as sisters. The sinister stepmother Madame (Gisela Adisa) Is rather evil without over playing the menacing element. This new edition has a politically correct component regarding residents of the kingdom losing their homes - a wonderful beacon of hope for the holiday season unfolds. Christopher Llewyn Ramirez, as the political activist JeanMichel, is a very gifted actor. Ryan Michael Hamman is quite funny
in his turn as Lord Pinkleton. And Chicago favorite McKinley Carter (Marie) is a new kind of fairy godmother - her vocals and comic timing are excellent. The sets of this musical are incredible, quaint, and delightful. Use of puppetry is beautifully executed. Ensemble members Andrew Tufano, Shelbi Voss, Amanda Walker, Travis Austin Wright, Emily Ann Brooks, Leah Casey, Sophie Liu David, Margot Frank, Dani Johns, Kevin Kuska, Austin Nelson Jr., Justin Payton Nelson, Nolan Robinson, Elizabeth Romero, David Sajewich, Maxel McCloud Schingen, and Brian Selcik, play a variety of characters, human and animal expertly. Even the lobby glimmers in glistening splendor. No review of this show would be complete without a mention of the stunning costumes - give a girl the right pair of shoes and impossible things can happen every day. Audiences of all ages will love this magical theatrical experience, but the clock strikes midnight January 7th, so grab your pumpkin and go to www.drurylanetheatre.com for tickets or more information.
“Young Frankenstein”: Very Alive and In Person… BY WES HESSEL
OK, I’m going to say it - Mercury Theater’s production of “Young Frankenstein” is so hilarious, it’s scary… But it does indeed tickle the funny bone while skewering many horror conventions, like the villagers storming the castle, complete with torches, farming implements, and rousing song. Based on the 1974 Mel Brooks cult classic film, the comedic king himself pulled out all the stops (is that where the creepy music is coming from?), and adapted it into a faithful version with the added entertainment of show tunes, right down to “Puttin’ on the Ritz” (the monster in black tux with the white scarf, a hoot!). A big reason for its success is one of Chicago live theatre’s greatest versatile actors in the lead role - “That’s Fronk-ehn-steen” Sean Fortunato. When he is on stage, we, the audience, are the fortunate ones; this man can play any character, and does it extremely well. The good doctor who ends up following in his grandfather footsteps is pursued to Transylvania by his madcap, manic fiancée; Lillian Castillo’s Elizabeth is off-the-wall, adorable, and over-the-top in a demure sort of way - a spot-on characterization. Mary Robin Roth portrays most humorously the housekeeper Frau Blücher, still loyal to the original Dr. F. - or was there something more? And then there’s Andrew MacNaughton as the big guy himself - no, not Santa, the monster; Mr. MacNaughton’s wearing o’ the green (makeup, that is) gives a classic moany, groany menace who really is a nice guy, if you get to know him. Inga, as played by Isabella Andrews, isn’t just a blonde eyecandy assistant - she can think, too, and you got to hand it to Jonah D. Winston on his physical comedy bits in characterizing the hard-charging Inspector Hans Kemp. Add in Ryan Stajmiger’s right from central casting in a good way Igor (that’s Eye-Gore, thank you very much) and the rest of the wonderfully talented cast, and you have a monstrously good time. But get to the castle soon before the rampaging villagers arrive to spoil the fun December 31st - for tickets or more information, stomp on over to www.mercurytheaterchicago.com.
PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2023 | 19
HOLIDAY BAKING WORD SEARCH BAKED CHOCOLATE COOKIES CREAM CRUMBS DESSERT
EGGS FOLD FRUITCAKE GINGERBREAD INGREDIENTS KNEAD
PASTRY PLATTER PUDDING PUMPKIN PIE RECIPE ROLLING PIN
SPRINKLES STRUDEL TEMPERATURE TORTE TREATS VANILLA
CROSSWORD 49. A continuous portion of a 23. Street where nightmares CLUES ACROSS circle happen 1. A way to injure 50. Volcanic craters 24. Admirer 5. Mutual savings bank 55. Units of electrical resistance 25. Dip lightly into water 8. Rock TV channel 56. Gamble on 26. When you hope to get there 11. Large number of fish 57. Ethiopian town 27. Partner to cheese swimming together 59. One point east of northeast 28. Egg 13. Military mailbox 60. Polynesian garland of flowers 29. A way to disqualify 14. Female of a horse 61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish 34. South American plant 15. Category congregation 35. Fold-away bed 16. City 62. State of fuss 36. Debbie Harry album “__ Koo” 17. Breezed through 63. Keyboard key 37. Swedish krona 18. Officer who bears a mace 64. Partner to relaxation 39. Displaying warmth and 20. Tax collector friendliness 21. “Cheers” actress Perlman 40. Official orders 22. Pauses before acting CLUES DOWN 41. Bowling alley necessity 25. Extracted information from 1. “The world’s most famous 42. Stray a wave arena” 44. About milk 30. Tendency to revert to 2. Polite interruption sound 45. Expressed pleasure something ancestral 3. Private school in New York 46. Caribbean dance 31. No seats available 4. Refuse of grapes 47. If not 32. Nocturnal rodents 5. __ Tomei, actress 48. __ fide (Latin) 33. Moves gently to and fro 6. Adult beverages 51. Swiss river 38. Not good 7. Supporter 52. Hebrew calendar month 41. A way to ready 8. Papier-__, art material 53. One easily swindled 43. One who makes something 9. Forests have them better 10. Most ancient Hindu scriptures 54. Point that is one point south of southwest 45. Things associated with 12. Downwind 58. Small island (British) American history 14. Marketplace 48. Ancient Phoenician fertility god 19. Flowering plant genus
WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY WHEN YOUR SPOUSE DIES? STORY BY SELENA MARANJIAN THE MOTLEY FOOL
Various studies have revealed that millions of Americans are woefully underinformed about Social Security -- which is a rather big deal, since, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), "Social Security benefits represent about 30% of the income of the elderly." One particular area of confusion relates to Social Security and the death of a spouse. Per the Nationwide Retirement Institute's 2023 Social Security Survey, only 56% of survey respondents knew what happens to a couple's Social Security income upon the death of one partner. Here's a closer look at that issue.
SOCIAL SECURITY BASICS
Social Security is a vital program, supporting tens of millions of retired Americans. It's fairly easy to become eligible for it -- you just need to work for 40 quarters and earn at least a certain modest sum in each quarter. Thus, most people qualify after 10 years of work. Of course, the size of your Social Security benefit check is directly tied to how much you've earned -- over the 35 years in which you earned the most (adjusted for inflation). So you'll definitely want to work more than 10 years. Each of us has a "full retirement age" -- the age at which we're eligible to start receiving the full benefits to which we're entitled, based on our earnings history. It's 66 or 67 for most workers today, and 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS
We can start collecting our retirement benefits as early as age 62, though. Doing so mean your benefits are reduced, but you'll receive many more checks than if you hadn't started early, so starting early isn't that bad. Meanwhile, if you delay starting to collect your benefits beyond your full retirement age, they will grow by about 8% for every year you do so, up to age 70. Strategically choosing when to start Social Security is one of several ways to increase your benefits.
SOCIAL SECURITY AND THE DEATH OF A SPOUSE
Now let's get to the sad scenario of the death of one person in a marriage. Imagine Jacob
and Joan, who have been married for 30 years. Jacob has been the higher earner, and he collects $3,330 per month from Social Security -- amounting to roughly $40,000 over a year. Joan has a much more modest Social Security benefit, in part because she earned lower wages and also because she was out of the workforce for some years, caring for others. Her monthly benefit is just $1,841 -- roughly $22,000 per year. (By the way, $1,841 is the average Social Security benefit, as of September.) Together, Jacob and Joan have been receiving about $62,000 in total Social Security benefits over the course of a year -- $40,000 plus $22,000. (Benefits are increased in most years with cost-of-living adjustments, or "COLAs.") Now imagine that Jacob dies. Many people would assume that poor Joan will have to manage without Jacob's hefty Social Security benefit and will be left with just her $22,000 for the year. Not so! It is true that when one half of a couple dies, only one Social Security benefit check will be arriving each month, instead of two. But it's not necessarily the benefit of the surviving spouse. Instead, the survivor can choose to select the higher survivor benefits based on the deceased spouse's work history. That often allows the survivor to collect close to what the deceased spouse was receiving -- $40,000 per year in this case, instead of the $22,000 based on the survivor's work history.
SPOUSAL STRATEGIES
Those who are married would do well to strategize and coordinate Social Security decisions. Think back to our Jacob and Joan scenario, for example. While they were both alive and approaching retirement, they may have been wondering when each of them should claim Social Security benefits. One sound strategy would have been to try to delay claiming Jacob's bigger benefit, until he hit age 70 if possible, in order to maximize it. That way, should Jacob die first, Joan would be left with as big a benefit as possible. The more you read up on and learn about Social Security, the savvier decisions you can make regarding it, and the more you may get out of it. Be sure that Social Security considerations are part of your overall retirement plan.
20 | DECEMBER 2023 PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER
LIBRARY NOOK PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN EDITED DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE LIBRARY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SPACE LIMITATIONS, ETC.
Eisenhower Public Library District
4613 N Oketo Ave, Harwood Heights 708-867-7828, eisenhowerlibrary.org • 1973 FILM SERIES: ENTER THE DRAGON – Dec 18, 2pm – Adults. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • PEN AND INK WRITERS GROUP – Dec 18, 7pm – Adults. • ADULT BOOK DISCUSSION: LONGBOURN – Dec 5, 2pm – Adults. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • REMEMBERING EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL – Dec 4, 6:30pm – Adults. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • ENGLISH CONVERSATION HOUR – Dec 14, 7pm – Adults. • HISTORY OF THE BEATLES – Dec 7, 7pm – Adults. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS WITH LORI GOTTLIEB – Dec 6, 7pm – Adults. Please register here to watch the event in-person on our big screen. If you’d prefer to join in from home, register on Zoom. Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, and co-host of the Dear Therapists podcast joins us for a thought-provoking conversation about mental health in anticipation of the winter holiday season. Gottlieb will share tools to help in everyday life and especially as you prepare for the holidays. Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, which has sold over a million copies and is currently being adapted into a television series. In addition to her clinical practice, she is co-host of the popular Dear Therapists podcast and writes The Atlantic’s “”Dear Therapist”” advice column. She has been on the Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, and NPR’s Fresh Air as a therapy expert and her 2019 TED Talk was one of the most watched of the year. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering high-quality events. Illinois Libraries Present is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). • MODEL BUILDING FOR ADULTS – Dec 6, 6:30pm – Adults. • MODEL BUILDING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE – Dec 20, 6:30pm – Kids. For modelers ages 8-17. Anyone under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. • SCARY WINTER: GHOST STORIES – Dec 21, 7pm – Adults. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • CODING FOR TEENS – 12/27-29/2023, 3pm – Teens. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • OPEN WORKSHOP – 12/7, 14, 21, 28/2023, 1pm – Teens. • OPEN WORKSHOP – 12/5, 12, 19, 26/2023, 1pm – Adults. • SENIOR CHAIR EXERCISE – 12/5/, 12, 19, 26/2023, 11am – Seniors. Seniors ages 60 and up. Registration Required • SCARY WINTER FILM: MISERY – Dec 11, 6:30pm – Adults. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • SCARY WINTER FILMS: THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS – Dec 16, 2pm – All Ages. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • SCARY WINTER: PAPER SNOWFLAKES CRAFT – Dec 16, 1pm – All Ages. • CROCHET ALONG: HATS AND SCARFS FOR DONATION – 12/6, 13, 20/2023, 3pm – Adults. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• MYSTERY BOOK CLUB: PLANTATION SHUDDERS – Dec 19, 7pm – Adults. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • ZOOM BOOK DISCUSSION: LONGBOURN – Dec 6, 2pm – Adults. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • RUG HOOKING 8”” BY 8”” LANDSCAPES – Dec 4, 1pm – Adults. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • ADAPTIVE HOUR – Dec 10, 12pm – Kids. Families with children 12 and under.Registration Required. • OPEN WORKSHOP – 12/2, 9, 16/2023, 9am – Teens. • KIDS WRITE AWAY – Dec 21, 4pm – Kids. Registration required. Grades 4-6. • TEEN TALK – Dec 6, 3:30pm – Teens. Make new friends with crafting, cookies, and conversation for people in grades 9-12. • GINGERBREAD HOUSE DESIGN – Dec 9, 10am – Kids. Ages 3 -12 (7 or under with a participating caregiver). Registration required. Each child will construct a graham cracker house and then decorate it with sweets. Beautiful and then yummy! Dress for mess. Priority for Kids World programs goes to residents of Norridge and Harwood Heights. Non-residents will be placed on the waiting list. • TOTS AND PREK FUN DAY: LET’S BUILD WITH FAKE SNOW – Dec 1, 10am – Kids. Registration Required For ages 2-5 with an adult Come in for a morning of activity and exploration! Each session will have a different activity and staff member leading the group. Today we will practice building and making structures with fake snow! Residents of Norridge and Harwood Heights receive priority for all in-person Kids World programs. Non-residents will be added to a waiting list and will be contacted if there is room in the program. • POKEMON DAY – Dec 19, 6pm – Kids. Registration Required For ages 7-12. • KIDS WINTER CRAFT DAY (MORNING) – Dec 2, 10am – Kids. 12 & under (7 and under with an adult) • KIDS WINTER CRAFT DAY (AFTERNOON) – Dec 2, 2pm – Kids. 12 & under (7 and under with an adult) • COLOR BY DAY CALENDAR: DEC – Dec 1, 12am – Kids. Ages 12 and under • BUILD TOGETHER – Dec 28, 5pm – Kids. Registration Required. Ages 4-8. • THE NUTCRACKER: THE ROYAL BALLET’S VIRTUAL SCREENING – Dec 16, 12am – All Ages. Register on Eventbrite and receive a link to view the performance at home. Get in the spirit of the season with a recorded virtual performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker performed by the United Kingdom’s internationally renowned Royal Ballet. The ballet, a holiday staple for all ages, can be viewed Saturday, Dec 16, and Sunday, Dec 17. Registrants will receive an email with a special link to the performance.
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With sumptuous period designs, spellbinding stage effects, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the 2016 performance of The Nutcracker will enchant audiences of all ages. Performed by Britain’s flagship ballet company, registrants can expect to see some of the most elite ballerinas in this performance. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering high-quality events. Illinois Libraries Present is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). • SHOPPING SAFELY ONLINE – Dec 6, 10am – Adults. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • MOBILE DEVICE HELP – Dec 13, 10am – Seniors. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • HOLLYWOOD CLASSICS: GENTLEMAN JIM – Dec 4, 1pm – Adults. REGISTRATION REQUIRED • COMMUNITY CRAFT FAIR – Dec 10, 1pm – Adults. Just in time for the holidays, meet the talented crafters and artists in our community and find one-of-a-kind handmade candles, jewelry, home decor, paper goods, pottery, terrariums, and more. Want to be a Vendor? Are you an artist or crafter with handmade items you’d like to sell? Apply to be a vendor at our Craft Fair! Apply now at eisenhowerlibrary.org/ craftfair. • BRING YOUR OWN BOOK CLUB – Dec 1, 3:30pm – Adults. • ANONYMOUS TEEN WRITERS – 12/7, 14, 21, 28/2023, 4pm – Teens. • CHESS CLUB – 12/6, 20/2023, 6pm – Teens.
Franklin Park Public Library 10311 W. Grand Ave. 847-455-6016, fppld.org
• SCALES-N-TALES STORYTIME – Dec 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 11-11:30am – Ages 0-5 with adult. • GAME ON+ – Dec 1 & 15, 4:30-6pm – Grades 6-12. • KNIT & CROCHET GROUP – Dec 2, 1-3pm • FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE – Dec 2, 11am-2pm – Looking for great deals on new or gently used books, CDs, and DVDs? Join the Friends in the Library by the in-house book sale for a special, expanded book sale. You can also buy a reusable Friends tote bag full of materials for $5! • MINI EXPLORERS STORYTIME – Dec 4, 11, 18, 11-11:30am – Ages 0-5 with adult. • CHAIR YOGA – Dec 4 & 18, 3-4pm • BON APPETIT – Dec 4, 5-6pm – Grades 3-6.
Tamales • Custom Cakes Cookies • Cupcakes Specialty Sandwiches Specialty Coffees CICERO 5920 Cermak Rd. 708-222-1314 FRANKLIN PARK 9667 Franklin Ave. 847-455-7658
• TINKER TOTS – Dec 5 & 19, 11am-12pm – Ages 0-5 with caregiver. • PERLER BEAD IT! – Dec 5, 4-5pm – Grades 3-12. • TECH TUESDAYS: INTRO TO IPHONE & IPAD – Dec 5, 6-7:30pm • LIBRARY QUILT & SEW CLUB – Dec 6, 10am12pm • SANTA VISIT – Dec 6, 4:30-6:30pm – Listen to a holiday story and take a picture with Santa! Ages 0-11. • ILLINOIS LIBRARIES PRESENT: SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS WITH LORI GOTTLIEB – Dec 6, 7-8pm – • READY, SET, GAME! – Dec 7 & 21, 5-6:30pm – Grades 2-5. • CHRISTMAS TREE MASON JAR VOTIVE CRAFT – Dec 7, 5-6pm – Teens & adults. Limit 20. • ANIME CLUB – Dec 8, 4:30-5:45pm – Grades 6-12. • HOLIDAY CENTERPIECES WITH PEGGY GARVIN – Dec 9, 12-1:30pm – Limit 20. Registration is required. • MAT YOGA – Dec 11, 3-4pm – Adults only. Limit 20. Registration is required. • ASL CLUB – Dec 11, 4:30-5:30pm – All ages. • ASL TOTS – Dec 12, 11-11:30am – Ages 0-4 with caregiver. • CAN YOU MAKE A REINDEER FLY? – Dec 12, 5-6pm – Grades 2-5. Registration is required. • TAIL WAGGIN’ TUTORS – Dec 12, 6-7pm – Grades Preschool-5. • TALL TALES & SILLY SONGS – Holidays! – Dec 13, 5-6pm – Ages 0-11. • BOOK CLUB PARTY – Dec 13, 7-8pm – Everyone is welcome! • CUPCAKE ORNAMENT CRAFT – Dec 14, 6:30-7:30pm – Adults only. Limit 20. Registration is required. • FRIDAY FLICKS – Dec 15, 1-3pm – The Man from Toronto (PG-13) • PAINT-N-SIP – Dec 16, 1-3pm – Teens & adults only. Limit 20. Registration is required. • MONDAY NITE MOVIES – Dec 18, 5-7pm – Home Alone (PG). Kids of all ages are welcome. • KIDS’ SPANISH CLUB – Dec 19, 5-6pm – Grades K-5. • TECH TUESDAYS: INTRO TO ANDROID – Dec 19, 6-7:30pm • CHRISTMAS SWEET TREAT STORYTIME – Dec 20, 6-7:30pm – Grades K-5 with adults. • CRAFTER’S CORNER – Dec 21, 5-6pm – All ages. • TABLETOP GAMING CLUB – Dec 22, 4:306pm – Teens & adults. • FAMILY TRIVIA NIGHT – Dec 27, 5-6pm – Grades K-5. • TEEN CUISINE – Dec 28, 4:30-6pm – Grades 6-12. • YA BOOK CLUB – Dec 29, 4-5pm – Ages 13-18.
Melrose Park Public Library
801 N. Broadway Closed Sundays 708-649-7400, mpplibrary.org • GIFT WRAPPING GALORE – Dec 1-21 – Our self-service gift-wrapping station will be open for our patrons beginning on Friday, Dec 1st! We will supply wrapping paper, tape, and ribbons. Bring your gifts to the library to make it less mess and stress for you! Available during our regular business hours. • HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE – Dec 7, 3-6:30pm – All are welcome!
aracelysbakery.net
PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2023 | 21
LIBRARY NOOK (CONT.) • CHAIR YOGA CLASS – Dec 8, 10:30-11:30am – Registration is required. Call (708) 649-7485, or email mpref@mpplibrary.org to register.
DIGITAL SERVICES AT MPPLIBRARY.ORG
• NEW: COMICS PLUS E njoy unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from popular publishers like ABDO, Andrews McMeel, Archie Comics, BOOM! Studios, Capstone, Dark Horse, Dynamite, Graphic Mundi, Humanoids, IDW, Lerner, Kodansha, TKO Studios, Tokyopop, Valiant, Yen Press, and many more. • HOOPLA a llows you to instantly borrow movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics, and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, phone, or TV! • KANOPY gives access to thousands of movies with your library card. Enjoy critically-acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films and more! • LIBBY i s an app to access Media On Demand, the library’s largest and most popular collection of eBooks and audiobooks. It is available on iOS, Android, and Windows 10+. Use Libby in your web browser by visiting LibbyApp.com • FREEGAL u sers enjoy access to millions of songs to stream and download. This music collection is comprised of music from over 40,000 labels with music from all over the world. All you need is your Melrose Park Library card number and PIN.
YOUTH SERVICES PROGRAMS • MAKE IT MONDAYS – Ages 3 and up. • ONLINE STORYTIME – Ages 1-5. • BILINGUAL ONLINE STORYTIME – Ages 1-5. • TINKER TUESDAYS – Every Tuesday afternoon from 2:30-3:30pm. Ages 6 -11. • ABC ADVENTURES – Wednesdays, Dec 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10am –11am. Ages 1-5 with a caregiver.
Northlake Public Library 231 N. Wolf Rd. 708-562-2301, northlakelibrary.org
• HOLIDAY FAMILY PHOTOS – Saturday, Dec 2, 1-3pm, Take free family photos with a holiday background that you can use on cards or to share with your friends and family on social media. Secure your time slot by calling us at 708-562-2301 x5. • CHRISTMAS COOKIE BAR – Tuesday, Dec 12, 3-9pm • HOT CHOCOLATE MARSHMALLOW BOMBS – Wednesday, Dec 6, 7pm. Adults
• HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE – Wednesday, Dec 13, 7pm. Adults • WRAP AND SIP – Tuesday, Dec 19, 2-3pm, Are you in need of wrapping a few last-minute gifts? Join us in wrapping your gifts and learning different techniques, while enjoying beverages and snacks. Supplies will be provided. Limit 4 gifts per person. Seniors • BUÑUELOS COLOMBIANOS – Lunes, 4 de Diciembre, 7pm
TEENS
• GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING – Thursday, Dec 7, 6pm. Teens. • HOT COCOA MIX ORNAMENTS – Thursday, Dec 14, 6pm. Teens. • BRUNCH WITH SANTA – Saturday, Dec 2, 11am-12pm, Ages 0-13. Join us for Brunch with Santa. Seating is limited to children only. Visitors are welcome to stop by after 12pm for photos and visits with Santa. • GRINCH-MAS BASH – Saturday, Dec 9, 1-3pm, Ages 5-13. The Grinch invites you to celebrate his Grinch themed-Christmas party. We’ll watch the movie, make fun crafts, and enjoy our tasty treats inspired by Mister Grinch. Don’t forget to come dressed in green or as Who-girls and boys! • GINGERBREAD HOUSE – Saturday, Dec 16, 2-3pm, All ages. We will provide supplies for families to decorate a gingerbread house. One gingerbread house per family. • KIDDIE COUNTDOWN – Saturday, Dec 30, 11:30am-12:30pm, Ages 0-13. Come celebrate with us at this year’s Kiddie Countdown Party. The fun includes: crafts, music, snacks, & balloon drop at NOON!
River Grove Library
8638 W. Grand Ave, River Grove 708-453-4484, rivergrovelibrary.org • “BE A SMART COOKIE, READ!” YOUTH WINTER READING PROGRAM! – Friday, Dec 1 - Be a Smart Cookie, READ! Is our theme this year for the Youth Winter Reading Program! Our program is for ages 8 & under and begins on Dec. 1st to Mar. 6th. There will be special craft days scheduled throughout the months. Pick up a log at the glass showcase to take home and color in a picture for every 20 minutes read. Bring in your logs on a craft day (does not need to be completed) to receive a small prize. Craft dates are Dec. 6th, Jan. 17th, Feb. 7th, and Mar. 6th. Turn in all your logs on March 6th to receive a special prize from the glass showcase! • PUZZLE SWAP – Saturday, Dec 2, 1-3pm • NIGHT TALES: THE STORY OF SANTA CLAUS – Monday, Dec 4, 6-7pm. Ages 9-12.
ednesday, • WINTER READING CRAFT DAY! W Dec 6, 5-6pm • BOOK TASTING – Thursday, Dec 7, 6-7pm aturday, Dec 9 - 11am• VISIT WITH SANTA! S 3pm - SANTA will be at the River Grove Library on Saturday, Dec. 9th to hear wishes and take pictures. I will be contacting each registered family about the time slot they prefer to attend. The time slots are 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm. Our event is ideal for little ones meeting Santa for the first time since there is no rush or long lines to wait! If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Tucker at 708-453-4484 or youth@ rivergrovelibrary.org. Registration required. • ‘TIS THE SEASON: HOLIDAY TRADITIONS FROM RADIO’S GOLDEN AGE – Monday, Dec 11, 6-7pm • GRAB & GO: FAMILY/YOUTH GINGERBREAD HOUSE CRAFT! Wednesday, Dec 13 • BOARD MEETING – Wednesday, Dec 13, 6:30-8pm • WINTER PAJAMAS STORY TIME – Ages 6 & Under - Thursday, Dec 14 - 6-6:30pm. Call or email Mrs. Tucker for more information or questions at 708-453-4484 or youth@rivergrovelibrary.org. • NINTENDO GAME DAY – Saturday, Dec 16, 11am-2pm. Ages 9-17. • GRAB & GO: POPSICLE SLED ORNAMENT – Monday, Dec 18 • FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: THE SANTA CLAUSE – Monday, Dec 18, 5-7pm • LIBRARY CLOSED – Christmas, Monday, Dec 25 - Tuesday, Dec 26 - Although the building will be closed, you can still register for upcoming programs, renew items, and place holds at www.rivergrovelibrary.org. Pick up an e-book or audiobook through MediaOnDemand or Hoopla at any time.
Schiller Park Library 4200 Old River Rd. 847-678-0433, schillerparklibrary.org
will respond to every letter he gets with a special signed by Santa “Nice List” Certificate you’ll receive in your very own mailbox! Make sure to put your address on the letter you send. • LEGO CLUB – Dec 5, 4pm – Open to ages 3-12. Limited to 20 participants. Registration required. • STORIES AND SNACKS – Dec 8, 4pm; Dec 15, 4pm – Open to ages 2-8. • TANGRAM TALES – Dec 11, 10:30am – Open to ages 3-5. Limited seating. Registration required. • GINGERBREAD STORY STROLL – Dec 12, 4pm – Open to ages 3-12, Limited seating. Registration required. • TODDLER OPEN PLAY – Dec 18, 10-10:45am – Ages 1-5, with a caregiver. • KIDS CANVAS: FUN FROSTY SNOWMAN – Dec 19, 4pm – Open to ages 5-12. Limited seating. Registration required. • NOON YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION – Dec 29, 11:30am – Open to ages 2-12. Limited seating. Registration required. • GET CRAFTIN’ - TEEN CRAFT CLUB – Dec 21, 6-7pm – Open to teens 11-17. Limited to 10 participants. Registration required. • LET’S CAKE DECORATE- HOLIDAY CHEER – Dec 16, 11am – Ages 12 Ages 12 & up. Limited seating. Registration required. • TECHNOLOGY HELP – Ongoing – Sign up for a one-on-one 30-minute tech help appointment. • DROP-IN TECH HELP – Tuesdays, 6-7pm – Sessions are limited to 15 minutes. Bring your questions and your device! Please note: The library is unable to assist with in-depth technology issues, hardware repairs, or specialized software instruction. • HOLIDAY TECH – Dec 6, 11am – Open to ages 18+. Limited Seating. Registration required. Schiller Park residents only. • WINTER CONTAINER GARDEN – Dec 9, 3-4pm – Open to ages 18+. Limited to 20 Participants. Registration Required. Payment due at time of registration. Last day to register Dec 4. • ADULT CRAFT N’ CREATIONS – Dec 14, 6-7pm – Open to ages 18 & up. Limited to 10 participants. Registration required. While Supplies Last.
• DROP IN TRIM THE TREE WORKSHOP – Dec 4-9 – All ages. While supplies last. Visit Children’s World and create an ornament for the library Tree and another to take home.
• WII BOWLING FOR SENIORS – Dec 7, 1pm; Dec 21, 1pm – Ages 62+. Limited seating. Registration required.
• “MOVIE AFTERNOON – Dec 23, 1pm – All ages. No registration required. “
VIRTUAL
• SCHILLER PARK YOUNG AUTHORS PROJECT – Ongoing
• ILLINOIS LIBRARIES PRESENT: SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS WITH LORI GOTTLIEB (ONLINE VIA ZOOM)! – Dec 6, 7pm
• ABC’S GRAB AND GO CRAFT KITS – Ongoing – Ages 1-4. One per participant. While supplies last.
SPECIAL EVENT
• LETTERS TO SANTA – Nov 27-Dec 16 – The Schiller Park Public Library has a direct line to the North Pole! Children can use the mailbox in Children’s World to send a letter to Santa. Santa
• SNACKS AND STORIES WITH SANTA! – Dec 2, 10:30-11:30am – All ages. Limited seating. Registration required by 11/27.
NOW OPEN FOR DINE-IN 7344 W. LAWRENCE AVE • 708-867-8816
22 | DECEMBER 2023 PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER
AROUND TOWN AROUND TOWN FRANKLIN PARK
Best Decorated Home for the Holidays - Help us spread Christmas cheer throughout Franklin Park! To have your home considered, please send an email to villagenews@vofp.com that includes your family’s name, address, phone number, and photos of your decorated home by December 18. We will post your photos on our Facebook page. If you have questions or would like to enter the contest via the phone, call (847) 671-8236.
ELMWOOD PARK
The Village of Elmwood Park is conducting a survey of lead water lines throughout the village. Residents are asked to complete the survey at wsrp.cbbel.com/village-of-elmwood-park or by picking up a hard copy of the survey at Village Hall. The Village is conducting the survey in order to be in compliance with the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act that took effect January 1, 2022.
ROSEMONT –The Chicago Wolves Ice Rink, located in Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park, is now open and is free to the public. Guests are invited to bring their own skates or rent skates on-site for $8. It will be open through January 28, 2024. –Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field is open and will run through Sunday, December 31st. Festival guests will stroll through five illuminated villages including the Frozen Forest, Snowflake Circle, Winter Wonderland, the North Pole and Deck the Walls. Visit with Santa Claus, ice-skate, enjoy free train rides on the “Holly Trolly” train, and go tubing down the Alpine Slide. Food and beverage options are also available. Tickets can be found at www.sparklerosemont.com. –“Nutcracker” Holiday Display- Rosemont has debuted their first ever Nutcracker Village which features 20 six-foot tall custom-painted Nutcrackers sponsored by Rosemont businesses and organizations. A portion of the proceeds from the Nutcracker Village sponsorships will be donated to Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge. They will be on display through December 31st at the following locations: Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Sunday, Dec. 3, and the Sparkle Light Festival, 9850 Balmoral Ave., December 7-31st. For more information on the Nutcracker Village, visit www.rosemont.com/theatre/nutcracker-village.
NORRIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Toys for Tots - 2023 - For the 38th straight year, Norridge Police Officers had a wonderful time giving back to the community for Christmas.
VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK’S VETERANS DAY CEREMONY –
Through personal contributions made by our own individual Norridge Police Officers, we were once again able to make a significant purchase of toys that are then being donated to the Toys for Tots program.
Photos by Mike Mikrut
We would like to thank Iliana Mathews and the Norridge Target staff for their hard work in getting us checked out in a quick and efficient manner. As usual, it was a smooth process. We could not have done it without your continued help and partnership. We would also like to thank Officer Christopher Smith, Officer Bartlomej Borowiec, Officer David Drwal, Officer Melanie Piña, and Sergeant Sal Auriemma who got up early to handle all of this years’ shopping. Lastly, we would like to thank all our Norridge Police officers for keeping this program alive. We could not continue to do it without all of you and your financial support! Maybe we can cut the Santa Letter picture down to just verbiage (See below) ?
WHERE DID WE FIND SCHILLER PARK RESIDENT IRENE MOSKAL DELGUIDICE THIS MONTH? With friends in a restaurant (La Vaca y La Huerta) in Madrid, Spain.
16TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST.
NORTH PARK TRICK OR TREAT EVENT – Photos by Mike Mikrut
Calling all Clark Griswalds. Residential homes within the corporate limits of the Village of Norridge are invited to participate, or nominate a neighbor’s house that they feel is worthy of being recognized. Check out the Village’s website for full details on contest rules. Submit your application in person at the Norridge Village Hall or via email at contest@villageofnorridge.com. Deadline to enter is 5 pm on Thursday, December 7th. Judging will take place from December 11th-15th. Questions? Call Kathy Gaseor 708-453-0800 or kgaseor@villageofnorridge.com.
LETTERS TO SANTA
Friday, December 1 Start time: 5pm Tree Lighting promptly at 6pm
If you know of a boy or girl who needs a reminder from St. Nick, please contact Santa’s Executive Assistant at kgaseor @villageofnorridge.com. A special letter from Santa will be sent. Please make sure to include each child’s name and address. Children can also drop off a letter to Santa at the Norridge Village Hall. Santa will reply in a mailed letter directly to the child/children. To avoid the possibility of postal delays from the North Pole, please provide an email address that is not accessible by your child and we will email you a PDF copy of Santa’s reply. Deadline is December 10th to make sure Santa’s elves have sufficient time to deliver all letters.
PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2023 | 23
CLASSIFIEDS & ANNOUNCEMENTS CLUTTER CUTTER ADS FOR SALE - ANTIQUE INTERNATIONAL TIME RECORDING COMPANY TIME CLOCK. O ne similar is hanging in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. Still works. Oldest date on clock is 1921. Original stickers are still on the clock. Must see to appreciate and a rare find. $650 OBO. Local pick-up only. For further info or to view call 847-678-2939 and leave message. FOR SALE – 4 CEMETERY PLOTS AT E L M L AW N C E M E T E R Y I N NORTHLAKE. W ill sell all together or separate. Call Rich at 224-325-6939. FOR SALE – LIVING WELL HEALTH MASTER POWER BLENDER BY MONTEL WILLIAMS. L ike New – All recipe books included with instructions. Prepare meals (even hot soups) using whole foods for total nutrition. $50 – 847-678-2939. FOR SALE – AUTHOR DAN BROWN PAPERBACK NOVELS – “The Lost Symbol” and “Inferno” Like New Condition. $2.50 each. Local pick-up or will ship for small fee847-678-2939. FOR SALE - 3 GRAVE SITES. WILL DISCOUNT – Located in Elm Lawn Memorial Park in Northlake. Market Price $1,650/each. Asking $1,400/each or make an offer. Contact Charles at 480-603-6704.
NEED CASH FAST? Paying 14 times face value for Silver coins! Senior citizens get 10% more! Call Roman 847-924-4670 FOR SALE – JOHN WAYNE AND CUBS MEMORABILIA. E xtensive collection. Call for details and pricing. 847-494-1032.
1966 BABY BUGGY Very nice condition - $75 Call Terry: 312-607-5074
F O R S A L E – S K AT S A N DB L A S T CABINET 60” W x 28” H x 29” Deep work area. Large vacuum included. Excellent condition. Made in USA $1,000. 708-452-6909.
FOR SALE – WOODWORKER’S CRAFTSMAN 10” TABLE SAW – with cabinet and blower. $200 OBO 773-589-9008.
FINANCIAL Partnership Financial Credit Union,-2701 N. 25th Avenue, Franklin Park 847-455-8440, mypfcu.org
FOR SALE – DIECAST MODEL CARS – All are in original packaging 1/24 scale - 2012 Challenger RT, 2016 Charger SRT 4 Door $20/ each. 773-934-6112
WANTED
FOR SALE – DIECAST MODEL CARS 1/18 SCALE – All in original packaging - 1969 Covair Monza Convertible, 1970 Coronet RT Convertible $70/each 773-934-6112. FOR SALE – DIECAST MODEL CARS 1/18 SCALE – All in original packaging - 1971 Torino Cobra, 1971 Mustang Mach 1, 1970 GS Stage 1, 1968 Cutlass SW 31, 1969 GTO Judge - $85/ each 773-934-6112. FOR SALE – CHRISTMAS RICE LIGHT SET 1000 White-Blue lights 8 function control 73.8 feet in length - Used for 2 Christmas seasons $20. 773-934-6112. FOR SALE - FRINGED COTTON RAG RUG 57x95 inches, cedar color, never used, $75, 773-504-1399. FOR SALE - WHITE FRAMED OVAL MIRROR 31x21 inches $75, 773-504-1399. FOR SALE - SUNBEAM ELECTRIC 1230 cup Party Size Coffee Percolator $25, 773-504-1399.
SERVICES OFFERED COMPUTER REPAIR KCS Computer Technology 847-288-9820 The Computer Wizards. LEYDEN TOWNSHIP SENIOR AND DISABLED SERVICES Must be 65+ or disabled to qualify. Restrictions apply. Subject to availability. Dial-A-Ride: You may be eligible for discounted Pace transportation. $1.25 for seniors, $1.50 for residents. Senior Exercise: Tuesday and Thursday, 9-10am Bradley A. Stephens Community Center. Senior Line Dancing: Wednesday and Friday – 10am-1pm. Carl Fiorito Senior Center. LEYDEN UNITED SENIOR CLUB is looking for new members. Participate in senior trips, luncheons, entertainment and more! Meets 1st Friday of the Month. *No meeting in December. For more information or to register, call Jamie at 847-455-8616 x 5118 or 5119. SENIOR AND DISABLED RESIDENTS’ LAWN MAINTENANCE Applications available at Town Hall Call 847-455-8616. Program runs from April 17 – November 17. For more information or to register, please call, Jamie Losurdo at 847-451-5119 CATERING Grand Stand Pizza-Pizza, Catering, Senior Discounts 847-451-1155
F O R S A L E – L I N C O L N S P -1 0 0 WIRE FEED WELDER, CART, TANK, REGULATOR, AUTO DARK HELMET. 5 spools Wire. Excellent Condition $500. 708-452-6909. FOR SALE – GLASS DINING ROOM TABLE AND SUPPORTS 42” x 68” by ½” with beveled edges – 29” tall with two metal supports. Very good condition. Asking $220 Call Les at 872-305-2132. FOR SALE – ALLIED SIGNAL GENETRON 12 REFRIGERANT 30 lbs. Factory sealed $800. 708-452-6909.
NEED MONEY? GROWTH? START UP? FACTORING RECEIVABLES? WHATEVER REASON! CALL WALTER TODAY - 630-699-2797
WANT TO BUY Old wood or plastic fishing lures in original boxes but loose is fine also. Anything related to fishing such as reels,rods etc. Contact Capt. Ron at 773-775-7574. WANTED TO BUY Old slot and vending machines. Good price paid (cash). Call Lou 773-774-3307
HELP WANTED: DESIGNER Determine layouts and designs; assess design goals; Review tech drawings. Bachelor Degree and 24 months experience. Mail resume to: Euro Marble Supply, Ltd, 4552 N Ruby St., Schiller Park IL 60167
WITH SYMPATHY PEARL A. STANKE (NEE PETTENUZZO) September 12, 1931 — November 15, 2023. Pearl was born in Chicago, IL on September 12, 1931, to Giovanna and Mario Pettenuzzo. She was the loving wife to her beloved Louie for 68 years, marrying on July 2, 1955. Pearl and Louie welcomed sons Paul and Louie Jr. while living in Chicago but made their way to Schiller Park where Pearl raised her boys and cared for Louie. She was a meticulous housewife and had a huge heart for volunteer work. Pearl was involved in the Woman’s Club at St. Maria Goretti for many years, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and on the church cleaning crew, among many other tasks. For over 30 years she also volunteered at Gottlieb Hospital. Golf, travel and crocheting were the interests she pursued but she treasured her time in Oxford, WI at the family compound. Pearl will be sorely missed by her cherished husband, Louie, her sons Paul (Diane) and Louie Jr., her grandchildren Zachary (Kristina) and Emily (Ethan) Budimlija and her great grandchildren Avery, Caleb, Evelyn, Eli and Blake as well as her sister-in-laws Karen Stanke, Eleanor Drage, Mary Hodkiewicz, numerous nieces and nephews, neighbors and friends. Pearl is preceded in death by her parents and her five siblings and their spouses; Dino (Ina) Petten; Verna (Chester) Parker; Eddy (June), Alfio (Ruth), and Raymond (Florence) Pettenuzzo. Services have been held
Services
WANTED TO BUY OLD TOYS
Small Jobs Only Call Joe at
Sport Cards Comic Books Hot Wheels Matchbox Model Kits Vintage Automobiles Mini-bikes Guitars • Records Artwork • GI Joe Barbies • Jordan Lures Advertising, etc.
312-956-7173
Honest Al • 773-968-5015
JOSEPHINE HARGUS March 18, 1925 November 3, 2023. Josephine Hargus, age 98, at rest on November 3, 2023. Long time resident of Schiller Park and Rosemont. Beloved wife of the late Alonzo Hargus for 73 years. Loving mother of the late Alonzo Hargus III, Thomas J. (Linda) Hargus, and the late Russell Lee Hargus. Fond grandmother of Carrie, JoAnn, Timothy, Nicole, and Jeremy. Services have been held. MARY LOUISE GAJDOS February 8, 1931 – October 17, 2023. Mary Louise Gajdos (nee Tenerelli) was a loving mother, sister, aunt and friend. She passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at her home in Franklin Park, IL. She was 92 years old. The daughter of Vito and Anna Tenerelli, Mary was born on February 8, 1931. Growing up, Mary loved to play and spend time with her sister and many cousins. She lived in Chicago with her family and then moved to Franklin Park as a young adult. Mary met Bill Gajdos and they married on September 16, 1956. She started her family and moved from Bellwood back to Franklin Park. Mary was a strong person and hard worker, and she always put her family first. She loved to make ceramics, bake cookies and take trips with the Franklin Park Park District. She was a retiree of Sanford. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill Gajdos and her sister Nina Loquercio. She is survived by her son Rudy and daughter Terri, and many nieces and nephews.
Congratulations! DECEMBER 9
Happy 7th Anniversary Tracy & Justin Donofrio DECEMBER 29
Happy Golden Anniversary Tom and Monica Wurm
Happy Birthday!! DECEMBER 3
Stacey Matschinegg DECEMBER 13
Cassie (Martin) Piltaver
Happy Birthday Dear Daughter-in-Law DECEMBER 17
Charles Wurm III (CP) Happy 11 Years Old DECEMBER 15
Mike Taconna DECEMBER 28
Corinne Wurm DECEMBER 31
Wesley Paul Piltaver
2 Years Old – Happy Birthday Dear Grandson – We Love You to the moon and back and around again! Love Grandma and Grandpa
24 | DECEMBER 2023 PEOPLE & PLACES NEWSPAPER
WEEKLY SPECIALS
Richie’s Restaurant & Lounge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Cocktails
OPEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND 3PM ON CHRISTMAS DAY.
Make your reservations now for our New Year’s Eve Party! Live Entertainment, favors, surprises and champagne toast at midnight. Catering and delivery available for your Christmas and New Year parties!
MONDAY 1/2 Off Pizzas - Dine-in only TUESDAY 2 Tacos (Beef or Chicken) with rice and beans $7.95 WEDNESDAY Any 6” Sub Sandwich with chips and a can of pop $7.95 THURSDAY $1.00 Hot Dog (Dine-in only) FRIDAY All you can eat Perch dinner with Soup or Salad $15.95. Dine in only. OR FREE Can of Pop with purchase of Pizza Slice. WEEKEND SPECIALS: FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY Prime Rib or Full Slab of Ribs with choice of potato and soup or salad $26.95.
Must be 21 or older. No purchase necessary. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE SUB/SANDWICH
FREE BUFFET FOR EVERY BEAR’S GAME!
(SAME OR LESSOR VALUE)
Wine & Beer Deliveries • Take Out • Delivery All Day Open Daily 6am-2am with full menu and Saturday till 3am
11158 Grand Ave. • Melrose Park, IL
9812 W. LAWRENCE AVE., SCHILLER PARK 847-928-8500 • richiesrestaurantandsportslounge.com
Coupons must be present and original. One coupon per person. No copies accepted. Redeem this coupon to a free sub/sandwich with the purchase of the same or lessor value. Ozzie’s Italian Deli in Melrose Park. Management reserves all rights. Expires 12/31/23.
Home of Chicago’s award winning thin crust pizza!
$28.95 MEAL DEAL 20” PIZZA - 1 TOPPING HOT OR BBQ WINGS 1 LITER OF POP
Each additional topping extra. BBQ Wings are 50¢ extra. Price subject to change. Must mention coupon when ordering. One coupon per customer, per order. Not valid with any other promotion or offer. Expires 12/31/23.
HOURS:
MONDAY-THURSDAY 11AM-11PM FRIDAY 11AM-1AM SATURDAY 4PM-1AM SUNDAY 4PM-11PM
9718 Grand Ave Franklin Park
Please remember us for all 847-451-1155 your catering needs! www.grstandpizza.com Senior ts Discoun
We accept all competitor’s coupons up to $3!
10% Off Your Next Catering Order
FREE 12” CHEESE PIZZA WITH THE PURCHASE OF 20” PARTY PIZZA WITH ONE TOPPING
Each additional topping extra. Must mention coupon when ordering. One coupon per customer per order. Not valid with any other promotion or offer. Expires 12/31/23.
$3 OFF ANY PARTY PIZZA $5.00 OFF ANY LARGE OR $2 OFF XL PIZZA ANY ORDER OF $30 OR MORE ANY SMALL OR $1 OFF MED PIZZA Each additional topping extra. Must mention coupon when ordering. One coupon per customer per order. Not valid with any other promotion or offer. Expires 12/31/23.
Not including tax and delivery. Must mention coupon when ordering. One coupon per customer order. Not valid with any other promotion or offer. Expires 12/31/23