February 2013 Newsletter

Village of

Westchester February 2013 Newsletter

INSIDE THIS ISSUE FIRE DEPARTMENT

From the Desk of The President

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POLICE DEPARTMENT

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CALENDAR

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PARK DISTRICT

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SCHOOL NEWS

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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PUBLIC WORKS

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West Suburban Senior Services Open House held at their new location in Forest Park on January 10th Pictured from left to right, Director of Geriatric Mental Health and Caregiver Support Janet Ogle, Proviso Township Trustee and Board of Directors for West Suburban Senior Services Don Sloan, Trustee Tom Yurkovich, and Village President Sam Pulia.

Here we are; the first Monday in February 2013.

A few days ago, on Saturday, February 2nd, we celebrated Groundhog Day. The Groundhog Day tradition can be traced back to the German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania.

According to legend, if our old furry friend Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow (on a sunny day), there will be 6 more weeks of winter, and he will return to his den and go back to sleep. If however he does NOT see his shadow (a cloudy day), he will play outside for a bit then go back to his den. This means SPRING is just around the corner. I’m not sure if you agree with me but I’m hoping it is a cloudy day. Since this newsletter is being written in mid- January I have consulted the Farmer’s Almanac and learned that it should be a fair weather day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on February 2nd, where Phil calls home. Let’s hope it is fair, but CLOUDY! There are several more notable holidays in February: President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12th, Mardi Gras (aka Fat Tuesday) also on the 12th, Valentine’s Day on the 14th, Presidents Day on February 18th, and ending with George Washington’s birthday on the 22nd.

Valentine’s Day is a day celebrating love and

lovers. The roots of the day can be traced back to the ancient times when people paid honor to the Roman God of Fertility at the Feast of Lupercalia , and celebrated on the fourteenth of February. During the year, women account for 75% of chocolate purchases. On the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, men account for 75% of chocolate purchases. Over 1 billion dollars of chocolate is purchased for Valentine’s Day. Chicago has its own version of Valentine’s Day. In 1929, four gangsters dressed as police officers massacred 7 members of a rival gang.

In my research of Valentine’s Day, I learned that there is a Valentine Flower that is not a red rose.

Initially I thought, hey, I have been spending a lot of money on red roses for my wife Maureen when maybe I did not have too. Maybe I could have gotten by on the cheap by getting the real Valentine Flower also known as the Bleeding Heart plant. The plant grows 1-3 feet with heart shaped flowers with the most common colors of pink and white. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Not so fast … As I continued reading, I quickly learned that this is one plant that comes with an important

See PRESIDENT, page 4

Fire Department 2

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Police Department FEBRUARY 2013

February

Name: Matt Sosnowski Rank: Patrol Officer Years as Police Officer: 9 What made you choose police officer as a profession?

I have always wanted to be a police officer.As a child I always looked up to the policeman in my neighborhood.

Describe a good day at work.

Good day is when the whole shift gets to go home.

What is the best part about your job?

I do like helping people with their problems.

What advice would you give someone looking to be a police officer?

Just remember this is a game to get hired. The test processes is a game and take as many test as possible.

What would occur on your perfect day off?

Relaxing with friends and family, Or watching the Blackhawks WIN!!!

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“Safety Awareness”

Westchester Police remind residents and the business community that being safe from crime and injury starts with you. The month of February is Safety Awareness month and a good time to review the“safety”condition of your residence and/or business. A few simple changes might be all that are need to prevent you from becoming injured or a victim of crime.

Make sure your entry doors are solid core wood at least 1-3/4 inches, or made of steel with deadbolt locks and a reinforced doorjamb. Entry doors should also have a wide angle peephole.

Sliding glass doors should be secured with locks designed specifically for them or jammed with a dowel rod from inside so they can’t be lifted out from their frames.

Make sure your windows and doors of your home or building are not obstructed by landscaping as to give cover to an intruder.

Install timers for lights as well as the TV or radio.

Don’t forget the exterior of your home or business by installing motionsensitive security lighting.

Make sure your address is clearly visible from the street AND alleyways for emergency responders (police, fire, paramedics) to quickly locate your emergency.

Have a home/business inventory list of all your valuable property stored in a secure location or a fire-proof place along with any important papers and

Police blotter 1) At 3:54pm on December 18th 2012, a Residential Burglary was reported on the 1900 block of Buckingham. Shortly after returning home, a male subject, who advised they were working next door, asked to come in the house to clean some tools. After subject left the resident noticed money was missing.

2) At 7:05pm on December 20th 2012, a Residential Burglary was reported on the 10900 block of Martindale. The resident reported that sometime between 5:30pm and 7:00pm unknown person(s) forced entry into the house removing jewelry and a laptop computer.

3) At 4:37pm on December 21st 2012, a Residential Burglary was reported on the 1800 block of Bristol. The resident reported at between 11:45am and 4:00pm unknown person(s) forced entry into the house removing jewelry and a laptop computer.

4) At 4:45pm on December 26th 2012, a Theft over $300 was reported at the A to Z Liquors

located at 9914 Roosevelt. The clerk reported that when arriving at the store he noticed unknown person(s) removing liquor and tobacco from the store. The subjects fled the area.

5) At 12:38pm on January 2nd 2013, a Criminal Damage to Property was reported on the 700 block of Cromwell. The resident reported that between 4:30pm on January 1st and 11:30am January 2nd unknown person(s) damaged his side view mirror while the vehicle was parked in the street.

6) At 9:5am on January 12th 2013, a Burglary to Garage was reported on the 9900 block of Drury Lane.

The resident reported that unknown person(s) make entry to an unlocked garage door and removed tools and a bicycle.

7) At 11:43am on January 13th 2013, a Theft was reported at the Jewel Foods at 2128 Mannheim. A resident reported that unknown person(s) removed her wallet from her purse while shopping in the store.

documents.

Routinely test and check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Install fire extinguishers in your kitchen, work areas, car and garage.

Test your home/business annually for Radon the leading cause of lung cancer.

Have an emergency/evacuation plan in place for your family (or employees) and practice the plan.

Keep your vehicles’ routine maintenance up to date.

Make sure you have a functioning spare tire and jack, along with a flashlight and safety warnings devices Always wear your seatbelt. Make

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sure young children are in a properly installed child safety restraint seat.

Stop Distracted driving by refusing to use your phone, eating or reading until you are stopped and parked, not driving in traffic.

And lastly...

Start or join a ‘Neighborhood Watch’ program on your street. By becoming a “Partner in Prevention” you help to reduce crime in your community and make your neighborhood a better place to live.

For more information on the Westchester Neighborhood Watch program, contact Officer Rob Verber at: rverber@westchesterpolice.com or (708) 345-0060 (ext.440)

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small and minority owned businesses thrive. State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka has always been a friend of Continued from page 1 Westchester and the western suburbs.

Her POWER program recognizes that warning: ALL PARTS OF THIS PLANT no two businesses are the same, and ARE POISENOUS. THEY CAUSE SKIN adapts to individual needs.The Village RASH AND IRRITATION. THEY CAN of Westchester is proud to offer this BE TOXIC IN LARGE QUANTITIES. program to our business community.

KEEP THIS PLANT AWAY FROM Economic viability of all of our CHILDREN AND PETS. Looks like I businesses will make our community will be staying away from this one. much stronger.

Red roses here I come! Hope to see you at Ashland Addison or Palmer WEST SUBURBAN SENIOR SERVICES Florist in Westchester purchasing CELEBRATES 40 YEARS!!!

The West Suburban Senior Services flowers for your sweetheart.

In case you were wondering what (WSSS) is proud to announce that color rose you were going to buy January 2013 marks the beginning on V-Day, here is the color chart of of their 40th Anniversary year. The WSSS has grown from a single office meaning: Red:Represents love,beauty,courage, to four campuses each providing a variety of services. The agency serves and respect.

Yellow: Joy, gladness, friendship, over 9,000 senior citizens and their delight, and the promise of a new families throughout the western suburbs and Chicago. On Thursday, beginning.

White: Purity and innocence, also January 10th, I, along with Trustee Tom silence or secrecy, reverence, and Yurkovich, attended an Open House at the new satellite office of the West humility.

Pink:Appreciation,Thank You, grace, Suburban Senior Services located at 8300 Roosevelt Road in Forest Park. perfect happiness, and admiration.

Dark Pink: Appreciation or The building formerly known as the old “Lazy Lion” Pancake House, gratitude. has been completely renovated to Light Pink:Admiration, sympathy.

Yellow: Joy, gladness, friendship, accommodate and receive our senior delight, the promise of a new citizens needing services. Counseling services will be provided at the beginning. location and will include assistance Orange: Desire and enthusiasm.

Red and White: Given together for care-givers, seniors who may have been taken advantage of either signify unity.

Red Rosebud: Symbolizes purity and physically or financially, and those needing self help services. For more loveliness.

White Rosebud: Symbolic of information please contact Ms. Janet Ogle, the Director of Geriatric Mental girlhood.

If you are smart you will probably Health, at the West Suburban Senior get one of each. That way you are Service Office at 708-547-5600 of www.wsseniors.org sure to cover all your bases.

If you are interested, more information about the February 2013 AMERICAN LEGION CARAVAN VISITS bizarre and unique Holidays may be WESTCHESTER POST On Sunday, January 13th, the found at www.holidayinsights.com Westchester American Legion Post INVITING ALL BUSINESSES 1437 hosted the American Legion Department of Illinois Membership Large,small,orhome-basedbusinesses Caravan at the Colonel A.L. Brodie are invited to attend a Village hosted Post Headquarters located in the presentation on Wednesday, February Dominick’s 31st Street Plaza next to 13th at 6pm at the Westchester Village Charter Fitness. In attendance were Hall. The presentation titled POWER many Department of Illinois officials is a program to Provide Opportunity plus Mr. David Hall, the National First for Work through Education and Vice Commander of the American Resources. The program comes to Legion. This was a high honor because us through the office of our State only 4 posts in the Chicagoland area Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. It is were visited by the caravan. designed to teach business owners As your Village President,I welcomed about the Illinois certification and the caravan and expressed how procurement process and how important it was for Westchester to to compete for and obtain state have theAmerican Legion represented contracts. It provides counseling and in Westchester. guidance from leading executives, There are additional facets and and ensures members are alerted ways to make the membership at of state contract opportunities. It the Westchester post grow. Forming was created to expand the state’s a Woman’s Auxiliary and recruiting contractor network while helping the sons of service personnel in the Sons

of the American Legion are concepts being considered by Westchester Post Commander Stan Kolodziej to increase support for this great worthwhile association. What a great way to support the men and women who have sacrificed so much for us.

Many thanks to the wives who provided baked goods, and Trustee Paul Gattuso who’s generous support helped make this event a success.

WESTCHESTER’S NEW STATE REPRESENTATIVE Westchester is now being represented by Emanuel “Chris” Welch. Representative Welch will be representing the 7th District. We are fortunate that Representative Welch has decided to open his District Office here in Westchester. It is locate at 10055 Roosevelt, Suite E, directly across the street from Ashland Addison Florist. Representative Welch held an Open House on Saturday, January 26th, from 1-3pm. Rep.Welch also appeared at our Village Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 22nd to introduce himself to the Village Board.

He told me he wants to be a force in Springfield advocating for our district and the people of the State of Illinois.

I told him he has his work cut out for him with the tough problems our state is facing. We wish him well in his new position. Representative Welch can be reached at his constituent’s service office at 708-450-1000.

WELCOME COMMISSIONERS Over the past few months,I nominated 2 village residents to assume the roles of Commissioner for the Westchester Fire and Police Commission. The nominees confirmed by the Village Board are Ms. Ruth Gudino-Negrete and Mr. Brian Kuratko. The vacancies occurred with the resignation of Mr. James McNally and Mr. Phil Dote. I would like to thank both Jim and Phil for their years of service to Westchester as Commissioners. The Fire and Police Commission is tasked with the employment of members of the Fire and Police Department as well as the promotion, and disciplinary matters involving members of those departments. Ms. Gudino-Negrete was selected to be the Chairperson of the Commission with Member Jesse Williams as the Secretary. Ms. Gudino-Negrete is employed by the Cook County State’s Attorney as a 1st chair trial prosecutor at the Criminal Court Building at 26th and California.

Mr. Kuratko is a Police Commander for the Village of Lyons. Mr. Williams is a retired Police Commander for the Village of Bellwood and presently works for the Village of Bellwood managing their two Computer Resource Centers.

Congratulations to Ms. Barbara Lucchese, the Village of Westchester’s Person of the Year!

WESTCHESTER LIBRARY UNVEILING On Saturday, January 19th, I was honored to be invited by Mr. Fidencio Marbella, the Westchester Library Director, to attend the unveiling of a mural they painted depicting the Wolf Road Prairie. Ms. Julie Yekel, the Library’s Youth Service librarian, led the 11 Westchester Grade School Students who participated in the mural. Their ages range from second to eighth grade. I,along with the entire group estimated at 75, were in awe of the 4 panels depicting the 4 seasons of the Wolf Road Prairie. The talent of these young artists’s is remarkable. I invite all of our residents to visit the Westchester Library and view this wonderful addition to their lower level community room. I would also like to acknowledge the fine work of the Save the Prairie Society and the Friends of the Westchester Library for all the wonderful volunteer work they do to make Westchester the Best Place to Live.

FROM THE BOARD At our January 8th board meeting, Daniel Berg, a CPA from our audit firm Sikich LLP, made himself available for questions regarding our audit for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2012.

Public Works Director David Stoiser informed the Board that the paving projects completed in November 2012 were done under budget. The original estimate was $1.3 million.

The actual cost came in just over $1 million. Dave also spoke about the 4 broken water main callouts during the month of December 2012. Since that time, Public Works has responded to an additional 6 more water main breaks in January 2013.

Public Works has also taken possession of a new piece of equipment. The long awaited High Ranger bucket truck has arrived and has already been put to good use

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February is Heart Health Month Heart disease is a common term for coronary artery disease. It is the number one cause of death in both men and women over the age of 60 in the United States.

Causes Heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis – a buildup of plaque in the inner walls of the arteries – which narrows, slows or blocks the flow of blood to the heart.

Risk Factors Controllable risk factors for heart disease include: High blood pressure High LDL cholesterol Type 2 diabetes Smoking Being overweight or obese Lack of physical activity Using illegal drugs, such as cocaine or speed Warning Signs The symptoms you experience depend on the type and severity of your heart condition. Common signs and symptoms of heart disease include: Shortness of breath Dizziness Chest pain or discomfort Heart palpitations Weakness or fatigue Call your doctor if you begin to have new symptoms or if they become more frequent or severe.

2,400 milligrams per day.

Exercise regularly.

Manage stress by practicing relaxation techniques.

Drink alcohol in moderation. Check with your doctor to find out if and how much you may drink.

Heart Disease Risk Quiz What’s your blood pressure?

Below 120/80 (0) Between 120/80 and 140/90 (+1) Above 140/90 (+3) Don’t know (+1) What’s your cholesterol?

HDL (“good cholesterol) above 50, LDL (“bad” cholesterol) below 130, triglycerides (fat levels in the blood) less that 150 (0) Any of the following: HDL below 50, LDL above 130, triglycerides above 150 (+2) Don’t know (+1) How often do you eat fried foods?

Once a month (+1) Several times a month (+2) Never (0) Does anyone in your family have heart disease?

Yes, my mother had problems before age 65, or my father before age 55 (+2) No (0) Don’t know (+1)

On a typical weekend night, you: Have one glass of wine or beer Treatment (+1) The goals of treatment for heart Have more than one glass of alcohol disease are to relieve symptoms, (+2) control or reduce risk factors, stop or Skip the alcohol (0) slow further damage to the arteries and prevent and treat cardiac events.

How many cigarettes have you Treatment includes: smoked this week?

Self-care and prevention None (0) Medications Just a few (+3) Procedures to open blocked or Half a pack or more each day (+8) narrowed arteries or to bypass them Cardiac rehabilitation How many colors were in your last meal?

Self-Care and Prevention 1 – for example, chicken and rice Get regular medical check-ups. (+2) Don’t smoke.

2 to 4 – some vegetables (+1) Maintain a healthy weight.

4 or more – for example, a salad and Take medications as prescribed. some vegetables (0) If you are at a higher risk for heart disease, ask your doctor about lowHow do you feel after climbing dose aspirin therapy. three flights of stairs?

Watch for signs of diabetes and Fine or even energized (0) see your doctor if you have any Winded (+1) symptoms.

Who knows? I never climb stairs Follow a diet low in saturated fats, (+2) trans fats and cholesterol.

What’s your body mass index Limit sodium intake to 1,500 to (BMI)?

18.5 to 24.9 (0) 25 to 29.9 (+1) 30 or above (+2) (to find out your BMI, visit www. nhlbisupport.com/bmi)

increase your chances of developing heart disease. Simply knowing your risk factors is also important to reducing your risk, especially if you need to reduce your cholesterol or blood pressure.

Results: 0-2: You are on the right track to 8 or higher: Get to the doctor! Make preventing heart disease. Exercise, the commitment to one healthy eating right, and avoiding cigarettes behavior change, such as quitting can help prevent 80 percent of heart smoking or exercising. disease.

This article was provided by 3-7: One or two harmful habits can Gallagher Benefit Services Inc.

Calendar FEBRUARY 2013

February 2013 Calendar Professional Women Connected (PWC) meets the 1st and 3rd Fridays at The Bistro in the Westchester Corporate Center from 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM. Join a professional group of

business women to network and grow your business. Contact Kandice Jacobs 708-236-5902 for more information.

Friday, February 1 Fish/Chicken Fry 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall. Westchester

Community Church 1840 Westchester Blvd.Westchester, IL 60154 708-865-1282 Teacher Appreciation Day and a “This is Your Faith” competition for students at Divine Infant Jesus School, 1640 Newcastle Avenue. For

more information, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

8th graders from Divine Infant Jesus Parish will be making their Confirmation at 7:00 PM, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Bishop Manz

will be presiding. Contact Sr. Susan Majcen 708-865-8086 for more information.

Monday, February 4 Senior Matinee featuring “Hachi” at 2:00 PM at Library.

EDC Summit meeting at the Village Hall will begin at 7 pm.

Tuesday, February 5 BOE Committee of the Whole Meeting at WMS (6:30 PM) Divine Infant Jesus School Advisory Board Meeting at 7:00 PM at the Rectory, 1601 Newcastle Avenue For more information, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

Wednesday, February 6 Family Film Night featuring “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” 6:30 PM at

Library.

All School mass at 8:00 AM at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us.

For more information, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

DIVINE PROVIDENCE OVER 50 CLUB at 1:30 PM in the Mayfair Room at Divine Providence. We will be selling

Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us. For more

St. Pat’s-St. Joe’s Luncheon Tickets for March 6th at the meeting.

Members $8.00 and Guests $10.00.

Deadline for purchase is February 24th. Membership is now open @ $12.00 for the Calendar Year.

REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP BY MARCH 1ST. Return your information card with your dues. If you have any questions, call Marilyn @708-236-5757.

We invite you to join us on a day trip to Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, MI on February 27, 2013.

The cost is $24/person and is nonrefundable and no name changes.

You will receive $15 in free slots and $10 toward lunch. We will leave DP at 9:45 AM. and return to Westchester at approximately 4:15 PM. You need not be a member to join us. Call Marianne to make your reservation @708-562-3766.

Deadline is February 6th, 2013.

If you have any questions regarding the Club please call President Betty @708-562-2765.

office at 708-865-0122.

Thursday, February 7 Kindergarten Registration for 20132014 at WPS (6:30-8:00 PM) Teetering Tots Playgroup 9:30 AM 10:30 AM: Teetering Tots Playgroup would like to welcome tots between the ages of 0-4 to a playgroup in the Divine Providence gym twice a month. The group has been

established to provide stay-at-home and part-time working parents with a local activity to promote friendships and provide emotional support to parents with children in the early years of their live.

We welcome the very young of Westchester, with a parent, into Divine Providence School for some entertainment and socialization.

Parents are encouraged to bring any items from bottles to bears that will make the experience more enjoyable for their children.

Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258 www.divineprovidenceschool.org The Divine Infant Jesus School student body will be Praying the Rosary - 2:10 PM at Divine Infant

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Friday, February 8

Ash Wednesday: Masses with Distribution of Ashes at 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM; Distribution of Ashes only at 6:30 AM and 12:00 Noon, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair Avenue

Valentine’s Day Dance at WMS (2:505:15 PM)

Family Film Night featuring “Secret World of Arrietty” 6:30 PM at Library.

Saturday, February 9

Ash Wednesday, all School mass at 8:00 AM at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us. For more

information, contact the school

Band Solo & Ensemble Contest at WIS (8:00 AM-2:00 PM) Blessing of Wedding Anniversaries at 5:00 PM Saturday Mass followed by coffee in the narthex, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair Avenue Divine Infant Jesus is holding a Father/Daughter Valentine’s Day Dance for the students of Divine Infant Jesus, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM in Langan Hall. Cost is $10.00 per person

which includes pizza dinner, For information, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

dessert, beverages and dancing.

Sunday, February 10 Blessing of Wedding Anniversaries at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Masses followed by coffee in the narthex, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair Avenue

Monday, February 11 Senior Matinee featuring “Goldfinger” at 2:00 PM at Library.

Pop-Up Valentine Craft at 4:00 PM 4:45 PM at Library. Advance regis-

tration is required. Contact Youth Dept at (708) 562-3573.

Tuesday, February 12 Village Board Meeting at 7:00 pm in the Village Hall Court Room with the Committee of the Whole Meeting immediately following.

Bury the Alleluia Celebration, 7:00 PM, Divine Providence Church Narthex, 2600 Mayfair.

The Rite of the Burning of Palms will be held at 2:00 PM in the courtyard outside Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Fr. Michael

Wanda will preside. The ashes will then be used during Ash Wednesday liturgies. Contact Toni Podock at 708-865-8071 for more information.

Wednesday, February 13

information, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

Please add the below Village event under the February 13th sub heading. This should provide enough

text to fill the calendar page on page 16 The Village will be hosting an informational event regarding these opportunities on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 6:00 pm. Illinois

Comptroller, Judy Baar Topinka, has launched an initiative to ensure that small and minority-owned businesses have the resources they need to compete for, and land, state contracts. Created through legislation signed by Governor Quinn, POWER (Providing Opportunities for Work through Education and Resources) teaches business owners about the Illinois certification and procurement process, provides counseling and guidance from leading executives, and ensures members are alerted of state contract opportunities.

It was created to expand the state’s contractor network while helping our small and minorityowned businesses thrive. Judy Baar Topinka said “POWER recognizes that no two businesses are the same, and adapts to address individual needs. Our counselors form relationships with business owners and tailor plans that put companies in the best position to succeed.”There are no easy answers for growing a small business, but through POWER, entrepreneurs will receive the information, resources and counsel they need outcompete for business with the State of Illinois.The Village of Westchester will be hosting a See CALENDAR, page 16

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Vehicle stickers good until April Westchester vehicle stickers for 2012 will expire on April 30, 2013.

By ordinance, each vehicle (including motorcycles & trucks) registered or housed in the Village, whether in use or not, is required to have a 2013 Westchester vehicle tag, correctly

displayed on the lower right corner of each vehicle windshield, or on the license plate for motorcycles, by May 1, 2013 to avoid late fees and potential ticketing for non-compliance. 2013 stickers will go on sale in March 2013.

Failure to purchase the required

vehicle tag is not an option.The revenue generated through the purchase of vehicle tags is an integral part of our budget and is used to provide the best police, fire, ambulance and public works services to our residents. For each thousand tags sold, the Village

collects $35,000.00 in revenue.

As you can see, any reduction in these revenues caused by the failure of residents to purchase their vehicle tags, as required, would negatively impact the services that residents have come to enjoy.

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exercise privileges granted through the use of those items while the person who was issued them is Continued from page 4 deceased. Your driving privileges will also be revoked by the Secretary removing over 15 Ash trees diseased of State. The statute also provides by the Emerald Ash Borer. Public that a person using a disability plate, Works staff has received training on parking placard, or decal who is the equipment. The equipment was not the authorized holder, or is not purchased to reduce the amount of transporting the authorized holder to outside contract costs in our budget. and from the parking location shall be The Board felt that having our own fined $500 and have his or her driving staff perform this task with our own privileges suspended. A second equipment would reduce the overall violation is a Class A Misdemeanor. cost of this project as well as others The offender shall be fined $2,500, requiring this piece of equipment. and shall have their driving privileges revoked. 625 ILCS 5/6-205,206: 625 NEW LAWS 2013 ILCS 5/11-1301.3-1301.5-1301.6 The following laws have been passed Visitation Abuse- (Effective August by the State legislature and went into 2012) The Illinois Vehicle Code and effect January 1, 2013. This is not a the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution complete list of the new laws. of Marriage Act was amended to allow Alcoholic Beverages-Minors: the Secretary of State to suspend, It is a Class A misdemeanor for a pursuant to court order, the driver’s parent or guardian to knowingly license of a person adjudicated by a permit his/her residence or any other court to have engaged in visitation private property under his/her control abuse.

The amendment further to be used by an underage invitee of provides the Illinois Marriage and the parent’s child or the guardian’s Dissolution Act may find the person ward in a manner that constitutes a guilty of a Petty Offense and impose violation of section 5/6-16, including a fine no more than $500 for each the illegal possession of an alcoholic finding of visitation abuse. 625 ILCS beverage. 235ILCS 5/6-16(a-1) 5/7-701, 702, 703,704,705, 706, 708; Illegal Activity-Under 21 Invitees- Also 750 ILCS 5/607.1 Parents Permitting Use of Occupied For more info www.ilga.gov Residence: Contractor Certification-False It is a Class A Misdemeanor to Statement knowingly authorize or permit a It is a class 3 felony for a contractor residence that he/she occupies to to knowingly make a false statement be used by an invitee under 21 years material to a certification that he/she of age and the person knows that is not barred from contracting with anyone under the age of 21 is in any unit of State or Local government possession of or is consuming any as a result of a violation of either alcoholic beverage and the possession Section 33E-3 or 33-E-4. (720 ILCS or consumption of alcohol by the 5/33E-11) underage person is not otherwise Criminal Damage to Property permitted by statute. 235 ILCS 5/6Damaging with intent to defraud 16(a-1) insurer: It is unlawful to knowingly Cellphone Ban Emergency Scenes- damage any property or any personal (Effective July 2012) Provides property having a value of $150 or that no person may use a wireless more as described in 720 ILCS 5/20-1 telephone while operating a motor (b) with intent to defraud an insurer. vehicle within 500 feet of an (720 ILCS 5/21-1 (a) (6). The penalty emergency scene. This is described increases as the amount of damage as Allocation where an authorized increases. emergency vehicle is present and Sales Tax Evasion has activated its oscillating, rotating, It is unlawful to knowingly attempt or flashing lights. The act also adds in any manner to evade or defeat the digital photographs and video to the tax imposed on oneself or on any definition of “electronic message” other person or the payment of the in provisions prohibiting the use of tax and commits an affirmative act in electronic communication devices furtherance of the evasion 35 ILCS while operating a motor vehicle. This 120/13(b) exempts wireless telephones and An affirmative act in furtherance of electronic communication devises the evasion means an act designed use in voice operated instead of “voice in whole or in part to conceal, activated” mode. 625 ILCS 5/12-610.1 misrepresent, falsify, or manipulate and 5/12-610.2 any material fact or tamper with Fraudulent Use of Disability Placard or destroy documents or materials of Deceased Individual- Provides that related to a person’s tax liability under it is a Class A misdemeanor with a 35 ILCS 120/13. (35 ILCS 120/13(b). $2,500 fine to use a disability license The penalty increases depending on plate or parking decal or device to the amount of the tax.

Child Abduction- Luring It is a class 4 Felony to intentionally lure or attempt to lure a child under the age of 17, or a child traveling to or from a primary or secondary school into a motor vehicle, building, house trailer, or dwelling place without the consent of the parent or lawful custodian of the child for other than a lawful purpose. 720-ILCS 5/10-5(b) (10) Luring is defined as any knowing act to solicit, entice, tempt, or attempt to attract the minor. 720-ILCS 5/10-5(a) (2.2) Unlawful purpose is defined as any misdemeanor or felony violation of State law or a similar federal or sister state law or local ordinance.

720-ILCS5/10-5(a) (5)

CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS Cellphone Ban Emergency Scenes(Effective July 2012) Provides that no person may use a wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle within 500 feet of an emergency scene. This is described as Allocation where an authorized emergency vehicle is present and has activated its oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights. The Act also adds digital photographs and video to the definition of “electronic message” in provisions prohibiting the use of electronic communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. This exempts wireless telephones and electronic communication devises use or in voice operated instead of “voice activated” mode. 625 ILCS 5/12-610.1 and 5/12-610.2 Fraudulent Use of Disability Placard of Deceased Individual- Provides that it is a Class A misdemeanor with a $2,500 fine to use a disability license plate or parking decal or device to exercise privileges granted through the use of those items while the person who was issued them is deceased. Your driving privileges will also be revoked by the Secretary of State. The statute also provides that a person using a disability plate, parking placard, or decal who is not the authorized holder, or is not transporting the authorized holder to and from the parking location shall be fined $500 and have his or her driving privileges suspended. A second violation is a Class A Misdemeanor.

The offender shall be fined $2,500, and shall have their driving privileges revoked. 625 ILCS 5/6-205,206: 625 ILCS 5/11-1301.3-1301.5-1301.6 Visitation Abuse- (Effective August 2012) The Illinois Vehicle Code and the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was amended to allow the Secretary of State to suspend, pursuant to court order, the driver’s license of a person adjudicated by a court to have engaged in visitation

abuse.

The amendment further provides the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution Act may find the person guilty of a Petty Offense and impose a fine no more than $500 for each finding of visitation abuse. 625 ILCS 5/7-701, 702, 703,704,705, 706, 708; Also 750 ILCS 5/607.1 For more info www.ilga.gov Contractor Certification-False Statement: It is a class 3 felony for a contractor to knowingly make a false statement material to a certification that he/she is not barred from contracting with any unit of State or Local government as a result of a violation of either Section 33E-3 or 33-E-4. (720 ILCS 5/33E-11) Criminal Damage to Property: Damaging with intent to defraud insurer: It is unlawful to knowingly damage any property or any personal property having a value of $150 or more as described in 720 ILCS 5/20-1 (b) with intent to defraud an insurer.

(720 ILCS 5/21-1 (a) (6). The penalty increases as the amount of damage increases.

Sales Tax Evasion: It is unlawful to knowingly attempt in any manner to evade or defeat the tax imposed on oneself or on any other person or the payment of the tax and commits an affirmative act in furtherance of the evasion. 35 ILCS 120/13(b) An affirmative act in furtherance of the evasion means an act designed in whole or in part to conceal, misrepresent, falsify, or manipulate any material fact or tamper with or destroy documents or materials related to a person’s tax liability under 35 ILCS 120/13. (35 ILCS 120/13(b).

The penalty increases depending on the amount of the tax.

Child Abduction- Luring: It is a class 4 Felony to intentionally lure or attempt to lure a child under the age of 17, or a child traveling to or from a primary or secondary school into a motor vehicle, building, house trailer, or dwelling place without the consent of the parent or lawful custodian of the child for other than a lawful purpose. 720-ILCS 5/10-5(b) (10) Luring is defined as any knowing act to solicit, entice, tempt, or attempt to attract the minor. 720-ILCS 5/10-5(a) (2.2) Unlawful purpose is defined as any misdemeanor or felony violation of State law or a similar federal or sister state law or local ordinance.

720-ILCS5/10-5(a) (5) Under Crime Victims Rights replace entire first paragraph with Any law enforcement agency that investigates an offense committed in

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FEBRUARY 2013

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PRESIDENT Continued from page 10

Illinois is required to provide a crime victim with a written statement and an explanation of the rights of crime victims within 48 hours of law enforcement’s initial contact with the victim. A sign-off sheet that the victim must sign and date as an acknowledgement that he/she has been furnished with the information is required. 720 ILCS 120/4(b) Under Other Regulations replace entire section with OTHER REGULATIONS: Beginning January 1, 2013 our IL vehicle license plates fees will increase $2.00. The additional fee is designed to assist repairs at the state parks.

It will also be illegal for employers to ask people applying for jobs for their social media account passwords.

FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION-ELDERLY PERSONS OR PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY

Library revealed the mural of the Wolf Road Prairie on Saturday, January 19th pictured here, front row from left to right: Lily Galloway, Hannah Galloway, Andrea Delgado, Gus Sanchez, Katie Pancotto, Frankie Caruso and Calli Hilgenberg. Back row from left to right are: Celestine Reda, Library Trustee Fidencio Marbella, Library Director, Village President Sam Pulia, Timothy Hinsdale, Library Trustee, Phyllis Kastle, Library Board President, Carol Levy, Library Trustee, and Julie Yekel, Youth Services Librarian (and the artist collaborated the artwork with the children).

from, an electronic device.

The term Hand-Held Mobile Telephone means: It is a felony for a person who stands Using at least one hand to hold a in a position of trust or confidence mobile telephone to conduct a voice with the elderly person or a person communication, or with a disability to knowingly and Dialing or answering a mobile by deception or intimidation obtain telephone by pressing more than a control over the property of or single button, or illegally use the assets or resources of Reaching for a mobile telephone an elderly person or a person with a in a manner that requires a driver to disability. 720 ILCS 5/17-56 (a) maneuver so that he/she is no longer A protected elderly person is a in a seated driving position, restrained person who is 60 years of age or older. by a seat belt that is installed in 720 ILCS 5/17-56 (c) (1) accordance with 49CFR 393.93 and OTHER REGULATIONS adjusted in accordance with the Beginning January 1, 2013 our vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.

IL vehicle license plates fees will 625 ILCS 5/6-500 (33) increase $2.00. The additional fee is A driver may not use a hand-held designed to assist repairs at the state mobile telephone while driving a parks. commercial vehicle. 625 ILCS 5/6It will be illegal for employers to 527 (a) ask people applying for jobs for their Driving means operation a social media account passwords. commercial motor vehicle on a highway, including while temporarily COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE stationary because of traffic, a traffic DRIVERS-TEXTING & USING MOBILE control device, or other momentary HAND-HELD TELEPHONES delays. Driving does not include Texting while driving a commercial operating a commercial motor motor vehicle is prohibited 625 ILCS vehicle when the driver has moved 5/6-526 (a). the vehicle to the side of, or off, a Commercial vehicles, according highway and has halted in a location to the Illinois Vehicle Code include where the vehicle can safely remain “any vehicle operated for the stationary. 625 ILCS 5/6-527 (d) transportation of persons or property in the furtherance of any commercial PEDESTRIANS WALKING ON HIGHor industrial enterprise, Fore-Hire WAYS WITH IN-LINE SPEED SKATES Pedestrians who are 18 years of age or Not-For-Hire, but not including a commuter van, a vehicle used in a or older and wearing in-line skates ridesharing arrangement when being may: Travel upon the roadway as near used for that purpose, or a recreational vehicle not being used commercially”. as practicable to an outside edge of 625 ILCS 5/1-111.8 from Ch. 95 1/2, the roadway in municipalities with a population less than 2 million par. 1-114 Texting means manually entering inhabitants.

Upon highways where the maximum alphanumeric text into, or reading

posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour or less during a period of sunrise to sunset. 625 ILCS 5/11-1007 (e)

FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT The Board was informed by Fire Chief James Adams and Captain Jeff LeBeda that the Village of Westchester Fire Department has received notification that we are the recipient of a Assistance to Firefighters Grant from FEMA. The grant, written by Captain LeBeda, was for a new heavy rescue vehicle. The federal amount of the grant is $441 thousand dollars.

The Village portion will be 10%, or $44 thousand dollars. Staff from both Senator Durbin’s and Congressman Lipinski’s offices contacted my office to inform and congratulate the Village for being selected as a recipient of this grant. By statute we have 1 year to get the vehicle built and delivered to the Fire Department. Since 2007 the Westchester Fire Department has been awarded over $1 million dollars from the Assistance to Fighters Grant Program.

To all the Fire Department members who participated in the grant application as well as the design…

Keep up the good work!

POLICE CHIEF MEETS WITH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS Even before the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School,Chief Padalik and her staff had been busy meeting with school administrators, as well as Westchester Park District Executive Director Gary Kasanders about safety concerns and providing the most up-to-date thoughts on how to make the buildings and grounds safe for the children. At a recent Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting, Mr.

Kasanders mentioned to the Chamber Board that he was impressed with the information provided by Chief Padalik and her staff.

BUDGET WORKSHOPS Under Budget Workshops replace with the following Two Special Board Meetings will be held to prepare our Village Budget for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2014. The first meeting will be Tuesday, February 19th, at 7pm in the Court Room at Village Hall. The second meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 5th, at 7pm also in the Court Room of Village Hall.

Under Community Development please replace the following sections Melissa Headley, our Community Development Director, brought forward amendments to the Village Zoning Code pertaining to signs. The Plan Commission held a Public Hearing in mid-December recommending changes to the code. On January 8th, after some discussion, the changes were approved by the Village Board.

Some of the changes include: Allowing larger menu boards for drive-throughs.

Modify the display restrictions on electronic message board signs.

Increase height, area and location restrictions for billboards.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Melissa Headley, our Community Development Director, brought forward amendments to the Village Zoning Code pertaining to signs. The Plan Commission held a public hearing in mid-December recommending

See PRESIDENT, page 12

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FEBRUARY 2013

PRESIDENT Continued from page 11

changes to the code. On January 8th, after some discussion, the changes were approved by the Village Board.

Some of the changes include; Allowing larger menu boards for drive-throughs Modify the display restrictions on electronic message board signs Increase height, area and location restrictions for billboards ComEd has provided staff with a list of available commercial properties in the village. The information is being entered into a database that will become available as a link on our website in the coming weeks.

Presently, staff is in the process of preparing a list of new businesses opened during the past month. The list will be shared with the Chamber of Commerce.

Construction is progressing at the Dunkin Donuts at 31st and Wolf Road. Keep your fingers crossed for a February opening.

Construction is also progressing at the McDonalds at 31st and Wolf Rd. A second drive through lane is being constructed. They will remain open during the lane construction.

The owner of Palmers 1-800 Florists at 1926 Mannheim is submitting some revised drawings. I know John the owner is gearing up for the Valentine’s Day Rush.

Interior remodeling permits are being reviewed for the Nail Salon at 10444 Cermak Road.

The Hampton Inn at 2222 Enterprise Drive is planning to remodel their lobby. Plans are currently under review.

Permits were issued for the HVAC Project for the Westbrook Corporate Towers. Upgrades are in the works for all 5 Towers.

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) has scheduled their 2nd Summit to be hld on Monday, February 4th, at the Westchester Village Hall.The meeting will begin at 7 pm and end at 8:30 pm.The EDC has been engaged in advising the board on ways to improve the economic climate in Westchester.

Please Contact Melissa Headley for questions and concerns regarding permits,building codes,and economic opportunities. Melissa Headley can be reached at 708-345-0020 or email mheadley@westchester-il.org.

FLU SEASON UPON US During the past month more and more people have been diagnosed with the flu. It appears that the epidemic has reached its peak, but I am told it is not too late to get a flu shot. Just a reminder that best way to

Congratulations to Westchester resident Mr. Wright who recently turned 100 years old! Pictured from left to right: President Sam Pulia, Mrs. Wright, Mr. Wright, his granddaughter Tammye Benefield and his daughter Janie Sawyer.

prevent the flu is to take some basic precautions. Remember to always wash your hands thoroughly; cover your mouth and nose when sneezing; and stay home when you are sick.

I recently saw a program where they explained how shared phones, keyboards and other pieces of equipment could be responsible for the transmission of germs. In order to help minimize this type of transmission make sure to use sanitizing wipes to clean these surfaces. Also, the use of sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer may be another way to help you keep the flu far away.

and the Westchester School District selected Ms. Lynn Dowiarz. Each of the recipients received an award purchased from Crown Trophy located on the east side of the 31st and Wolf Rd Plaza. The “Persons of the Year” are delightful people who give their time, effort, and energy to make Westchester a better place.

Congratulation to all the “Persons of the Year” and thank you to the Chamber of Commerce!

last longer than just a day or a few days. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness are hallmarks we all cherish and believe in. As Beyonce sang our National Anthem, the last refrain hit home. We live in the “LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE.” GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

WESTCHESTER RESIDENT TURNS 100 YEARS OLD

Congratulations to Westchester resident Mr. Arch Wright, who turned I have been contacted by many 100 years old this past December. residents and asked to remind I recently had the opportunity to everyone to thoroughly secure any congratulate him on his milestone Welcome New Businesses refuse you place in your garbage totter birthday. Mr. Wright is originally from Guardian Health Care 10526 W. and recycling bin. With the strong Missouri and is a World War II veteran.

Cermak Road winds that have been occurring over He moved to Chicago in the 1950’s Westtown Wine & Spirits 1925 S. the past month, the refuse has been and worked there in a steel mill for 30 Mannheim blowing up and down the whole years. His daughter stated “He became street. Please make every attempt to a pillar of the community, a real dokeep litter and refuse inside the can gooder.” Mr. and Mrs. Wright moved CHAMBER “CELEBRATE WESTCHES- and not on your neighbor’s property. to Westchester about 6 years ago. He TER” EVENT Thank You enjoys watching baseball and staying On Saturday, January 26th, the as active as possible. Happy Birthday Westchester Chamber of Commerce INAGURATION DAY Mr.Arch Wright!

On Sunday, January 20th, Barack hosted their annual “Celebrate Westchester” event at the Alpine Obama was sworn in for his second Banquet House located at Roosevelt term as President of the United States. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! Valentine’s Day is the day on which Rd and Heidorn Ave in Westchester. On Monday the 21st he was sworn in The event was attended by over 100 again for the throngs of people both love is celebrated all over the world.Be persons. At this event the Chamber present in Washington D.C., and those it your husband, wife, partner, mother, of Commerce installs their President watching on television. For most of father, brother, sister or friends, you for the upcoming year, as well as their the day, I watched and followed the make it a point to show your love to Board of Directors. This year Thomas ceremony surrounding the planned anyone close to you on this day. We Dunne took the reins of the Chamber activities, parade, and inaugural celebrate this on 14th February every from outgoing President Bruce balls. As Barack Obama, our 44th year as we witness people giving gifts President, begins his second term, it to those who are special to them, with Horek.

Also at this event, three Westchester is my hope that both parties can get their romantic interest being on the residents were honored as “PERSONS down to the country’s business and top of the list. So, whatever your plans of the YEAR.” The Village’s selection put partisan politics aside for the may be: flowers, candy, or dinner and was Ms. Barbara Lucchese. The good of all Americans. This fresh start a night out, know that just being with Chamber selected Ms. Susan Watkins, and conciliatory euphoria needs to your loved one is the best gift of all.

RESIDENT REQUEST

Park District FEBRUARY 2013

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St. Joseph 14

FEBRUARY 2013

St. Joseph FEBRUARY 2013

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FEBRUARY 2013

CALENDAR Continued from page 7

$8:00, Children under 11 $6.00.

Contact the school office at 708865-0122 with any questions.

meeting with representatives from the State of Illinois Office of the Comptroller to introduce interested businesses to the POWER program. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 13th at 6:00 PM in the Village of Westchester court room. Please plan on attending to learn how this program can help increase your business potential.

Monday, February 18

Thursday, February 14

Senior Matinee featuring “Some Like It Hot” at 2:00 PM at Library.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you from the Village!

Job Readiness Workshop at 10:00 AM at Library. Presented by Archana

Thakkar of Chicago

President’s Day – No School (WPS) Teaching Mass (Why We Do What We Do at Mass), 7:00 PM Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair Avenue President’s Day; No School Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258, www.divineprovidenceschool.org

Divine Infant Jesus School will be closed in honor of Presidents Day.

Tuesday, February 19

Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258, www.divineprovidenceschool.org

Family Science Night at WMS (6:008:00 PM)

Scrapbooking Fundraiser 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM, for details please call church office Westchester Community Church 1840 Westchester Blvd.

Friday, March 1

Westchester, IL 60154 708-8651282

Sunday, February 24 Save The Prairie Society: FaceBook: Networking Connections to Family, History, and Presented by Frank Martino, Patricia Reaves, & Shirley Slanker from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Learn how to use social networking in order to find historical and genealogical connections, do family research, and make contact with others who share your interests. Discover how social

Special Board Meeting at 7:00 pm in the Village Hall Court Room regarding the budget

hobbies and research locations.

Contact Adult Dept at 708-562-3573.

Wednesday, February 20

Novice to advanced users are welcome. No

Divine Infant Jesus School will dismiss at 11:35 AM for Parent/Teacher Conferences, 1640 Newcastle Ave. For more informa-

Family Film Night featuring “Doc McStuffins: Friendship Is the Best Medicine” 6:30 PM at Library.

Federation of Labor, Workers Assistance Committee. Advance registra-

tion is requested.

tion, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

Friday, February 15 Teacher Institute Day – No School for Students (WPS) Stations of the Cross, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair Avenue Taize Prayer, 7:30 PM Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair Avenue Faculty Inservice; No School Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258, www.divineprovidenceschool.org: School will be closed for a Staff Development Day. Divine Infant Jesus

School, 1640 Newcastle Avenue The Divine Infant Jesus School Advisory Board is sponsoring an “All You Can Eat” Fish Fry at 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM in Langan Hall at Divine Infant Jesus School, 1640 Newcastle Avenue.

Menu: fried fish or grilled cheese sandwich. Bakery goods will be available.Adults: $10.00, Seniors

All School mass at 8:00 AM at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us.

For more information, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

Market Day pick-up from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM in Langan Hall at Divine Infant Jesus, 1640 Newcastle Avenue.

Contact Toni Podock at 708-8658071 for more information.

Thursday, February 21 Board of Education Meeting at WMS (7:00 PM) Teetering Tots 9:30-10:30 a.m. Divine

Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258, www.divineprovidenceschool.org

Friday, February 22 Stations of the Cross, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Divine Providence Church 2600 Mayfair Avenue

Saturday, February 23 Market Day Pick up 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Thursday, February 28

networking can lead to better contacts for

previous experience necessary.

Family Mass, 10:30 AM Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair Avenue

Monday, February 25 Lenten Evening Mass, 7:00 PM followed by Episode 1 of Fr. Robert

Barron’s DVD series “Catholicism” -- 7:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair Avenue

First Friday Eucharistic Adoration beginning with Opening Prayers at 8:00 AM and concluding with Benediction at 7:00 PM, Divine Providence Ministry Center Chapel, 2540 Mayfair Avenue Stations of the Cross at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair Avenue Fish/Chicken Fry 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall Westchester Community Church 1840 Westchester Blvd. Westchester, IL 60154 708-

865-1282

Saturday, March 2 Scrapbooking Fundraiser 9:00 AM 11:00 PM, for details please call the church office Westchester Community Church 1840 Westchester Blvd.

Westchester, IL 60154 708-8651282 Captive Free a Christian Music group will hold a free concert at Westchester Community Church at 7:00 PM People of all ages are invited to attend. There will be Christian

music, games, skits and personal sharing.

Monday, March 4

Tuesday, February 26

Casimir Pulaski Day – No School (WPS)

Bilingual Parents Association Meeting (BPAC) at WPS (7:00 PM)

Lenten Evening Mass, 7:00 PM followed by Episode 2 of Fr. Robert

Village Board Meeting at 7:00 pm in the Village Hall Court Room with the Committee of the Whole Meeting immediately following.

Wednesday, February 27 Family Film Night featuring “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” 6:30 PM at Library.

Winter Chorus Concert at WMS (7:00 PM) All School mass at 8:00 AM at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us.

For more information, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

Barron’s DVD series “Catholicism” -- 7:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair Avenue

Tuesday, March 5 Illinois Standard Achievement Testing (Grade 3-8) March 5 – 15, 2013 (WPS) BOE Committee of the Whole Meeting at WMS (6:30 PM) Fine Arts Festival at March 5 – 9, 2013 WMS (10:00 AM-1:00 PM) Save the Date Sunday, March 23, Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Park District from 7 am – 12 noon.

School News FEBRUARY 2013

17

Learning Is Fun at Westchester Primary School

By Mrs. Lori Henkels, Principal

“Out on Downing and Fleet Street, there’s a school that is great! WPS is our name now, learning is what we do, we’ll show you how!”

These are some of the words to Westchester Primary School’s song and oh how they ring true! As we begin the second half of the school year, we are incredibly proud of the various programs we offer not only to help our children learn, but also to enjoy the journey of learning!

WPS is a PBIS school. PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and this is a framework that ensures all students have access to instructional and behavioral practices and interventions that are most effective in the 21st century.The four elements that are imperative to PBIS are utilizing data for decision making, using measurable outcomes that are supported and evaluated by data, using practices that support student behaviors and adhering to systems that efficiently and effectively support the implementation of the practices.

Westchester Primary School has three expectations that are common in all areas of our school community: Be Ready, Be Caring and Be Safe.

This is our “Dolphin Pride” that you may have heard about. Our students are taught with “cool tools” (lesson plans) and we take part in schoolwide celebrations three times a year sponsored by our WPTC. In addition, we host monthly Dolphin Pride assemblies that promote positive behaviors and reteach expectations that may need refreshing.

Our school is excited to offer programs that support students.

Extended Day Kindergarten is a midday reading intervention program for this early grade. In this program, students are selected to participate in order to strengthen literacy skills by engaging in activities in phonemic awareness, phonics, word

building and comprehension. Radical Readers is a before school program for our older students that uses our core curriculum as well as research based supplemental materials to provide extra support in the areas of comprehension and fluency. We have observed great success with these programs over the years.

Westchester Primary School understands the importance of building vocabulary and in this endeavor we have a wonderful vocabulary acquisition program known as “Words of the Week: On Our Way to Becoming Word Wizards!”

Each week over the announcements, we introduce a math and social studies or science content word to be worked with and studied. These words have been carefully chosen by our staff and they align with our curriculum. Our teachers utilize proven strategies such as the “6 Step Vocabulary Process” and “Structuring Active Learning” to help words come alive for our students. Every Friday, several students are chosen to come and meet “The Word Wizard” and have their picture taken with him and receive a bookmark. These pictures are posted in our hallway along with the studied vocabulary words. This program has created an enthusiastic environment for building vocabulary.

In efforts to help reading become a priority at home and to strengthen the home-school connection, every student takes part in our schoolwide reading incentive. This year it is called,“Sharing is Caring! My Reading Counts Here,There and Everywhere!”

Students are asked to read at home each evening and complete a reading log which is turned in on Fridays.

Along with submitting the reading logs, students are asked to earn and make donations that represent “making their reading count”. During the first trimester of the school year, WPS students collected over 20 boxes of food items and $260 which

they donated to the Westchester Food Pantry (Here). Currently, our students are reading and collecting coins that represent their reading minutes to help purchase new books for schools on the east coast that were devastated

by Hurricane Sandy (There). During our last trimester of the school year, our reading minutes will help make a difference (Everywhere) when we read to support the international Heifer Organization. This charitable organization provides farm animals and crops to people around the world, along with educating them on becoming self-supportive. By reading each day, the students at Westchester Primary School are sharing and making their reading count.

In addition, at Westchester Primary School, students also have opportunities to take part in

enrichment activities. All of our grade levels provide differentiation as the children work in cooperative groups utilizing critical thinking and problem solving skills. Higher order thinking skills are embedded into all subjects. Our students are creating power point presentations and have opportunities to visit our technology lab for special projects. Our first grade students are learning to blog this year and our second grade students are participating in America’s Battle of the Books where they enjoy competition with other students in answering questions from these readings.

The last line of our school song states that, “Westchester Primary School is the best school yet!” We enjoy learning and have so much fun displaying our “Dolphin Pride” each and every day.

Completed Registration Packet Official Birth Certificate – A child must be five (5) years old on or before September 1, 2013. No exceptions to this rule can be made.

August. The days and times for this registration and fee payment will be announced at a later date.

Kindergarten registration is February 7, 2013 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR THE 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR will be on Thursday, February 7, 2013. Doors will open at 3:45 p.m. and registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Westchester Primary School, 2400 South Downing Avenue, Westchester. Registration ends at 8:00 p.m. Packets will be available for pick up in the WPS School Office beginning Monday, January 14, 2013, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. It is

not necessary to bring the child to registration. Requests for morning or afternoon kindergarten sessions will be honored on a first-come, firstserved basis. Numbers will be passed out at registration. If you are unable to pick up a packet in the School Office, one will be available for you to complete on February 7th.

To register, following:

please

have

the

If further information is needed, please call the School Office at 708562-1509.

The medical forms for the required physical, dental, and vision examinations will be included in the kindergarten registration packets.

PLEASE SHARETHIS INFORMATION These forms must be completed WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY and turned in at the registration in

Community News 18

FEBRUARY 2013

Wolf Road Prairie: A Primer While Wolf Road Prairie occupies only 80 acres today, tallgrass prairies spanned across the entire Midwest as early as 170 years ago.

According to the US Geologic Survey, less than 1% of tallgrass prairies remain in Illinois.

That means as a Westchester resident you have one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world practically in your backyard.

But what defines this incredibly rare ecosystem? When most think of what characterizes tallgrass prairies they think of just that—an area covered primarily in tall grasses.

This is for the most part correct, however nature is never so simple.

While scientists have widely categorized prairies based on their vegetation, soil, landscape, climate, etc, the tallgrass prairie ecosystems are difficult to pigeonhole.

As Ladd and Oberle state in their book Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers: There is no single model of a

Mesic Prairie

saturated throughout springs and summers.

North of the savanna is the mesic Normally, it is not even possible to prairie. Mesic prairies, like wetlands, trek through the Wolf Road’s wetland retain moisture but are able to drain until the dry season (unless you have excess water. the proper gear!) when a narrow This produces rich soil and allows pathway opens. mesic prairies to support some of the But because of this year’s harsh and most abundant and exquisite flora of severe drought, most of the wetland any prairie ecosystem. has been relatively dry.

The sidewalks laid down before the We are hoping the winter and Savanna Great Depression provide walking spring weather will help the wetland paths through this highly threatened recover.

You may typically think of a ecosystem.

Next time you visit Wolf Road savanna as an ecosystem that occurs Prairie, remember how complex, on another continent, such as the subtle, and nuanced nature is as Serengeti, but savannas are any Wetland Prairie you walk through one of the rarest tallgrass prairies that include trees. ecosystems in the world.

The northern 40 acres of Wolf Road But unlike a forest where little to no sunlight can penetrate the canopy, Prairie host the wetland portion of - F. Martino the prairie. these trees are interspersed.

Wetlands are defined by being Trees, such as Wolf Road Prairie’s SOURCES 250 year old Bur Oaks are often found heavily hydrated by means of Ladd, Doug , and Frank Oberle. on tallgrass prairie savannas. You can groundwater seepage, bodies of Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers. 2nd ed. find the savanna on the southern end water such as rivers, or other natural Guilford, CN: Morris Book Publishing, means to keep the soil completely LLC, 2005. Print. of Wolf Road Prairie.

tallgrass prairie but rather an endlessly variable, dynamic tapestry of plants and animals that for thousands of years have been responding to and in turn influencing their landscape and each other.

Wolf Road Prairie is no exception; even within its 80 acres the prairie can be divided into three different broadly defined prairie types.

Westchester Blood Program Collects 112 Units at the January Drive Thanks to a large turnout, the Westchester Blood Program opened its 39th year of saving lives by collecting 112 units of blood.

The drive was held Jan. 19 in the

Mayfair Room of Divine Providence School.

For some of the donors – especially those who are Bears fans – the highlight was meeting Shawn

Gayle, a member of the 1985-86 team that won the Super Bowl that year.

The units garnered on that day move the WBP’s total yield since

its founding in 1974 to close to 24,000 units (pints).

That is enough to serve the needs of 60,000 patients in Chicago area hospitals.

Are you or someone you know struggling with feeling overly worried, having less energy, appetite/ sleep/mood changes, or not feeling yourself and not sure where to turn?

Know that you are not alone. West Suburban Senior Services offers FREE counseling to Proviso Township residents age 60 and over. Proviso Township includes the following

villages: Bellwood, Broadview, Berkeley, Forest Park, Hillside, LaGrange Park, Maywood, Stone Park, Westchester, and sections of Brookfield, Melrose Park, Northlake, North Riverside, and Western Springs.

Counseling can be provided at our Forest Park office, located at 8300 Roosevelt Rd, or at a client’s home.

It is very common for older adults to be experiencing anxiety, cognitive issues such as Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, depression, family problems, grief and loss, health conditions, isolation, and substance abuse.

Our counselors are experienced in helping seniors with the extra support they need when facing these

challenges.

Often times, having a caring professional to talk with can help a person cope better and learn new ways of managing, For more information about the counseling services offered by West Suburban Senior Services, please contact our intake department at 708-547-5600.

West Suburban Senior Services Offers Counseling Services

What is the Chinese New Year?

The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival as it’s been called since the 20th century, remains the most important social and economic holiday in China.

Originally tied to the lunar-solar Chinese calendar, the holiday was a time to honor household and heavenly deities as well as ancestors.

It was also a time to bring family together for feasting.

With the popular adoption in China

of the Western calendar in 1912, the Chinese joined in celebrating January 1 as New Year’s Day. China, however, continues to celebrate the traditional Chinese New Year, although in a shorter version with a new name–the Spring Festival.

Significantly, younger generations of Chinese now observe the holiday in a very different manner from their ancestors.

For some young people, the holiday

has evolved from an opportunity to renew family ties to a chance for relaxation from work.

Chinese New Year is a time for feasting, family reunions and fun!

In 2013, Chinese New Year falls on February 10th. It is the year of the Snake according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

For more information visit www. chinesefortunecalendar.com

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Visit the Village Website Village Website-Check it Out! www. westchester-il.org If you have not yet heard, the Village launched a redesigned website this past May. The new features provide a more user-friendly experience for visitors.The Village would like this to be another tool for us to serve you.

The home page provides viewers with many resources including, reading Village news and Village calendar highlights,just to name a few.

Residents also have the opportunity to make online payments for their water and rubbish bills,pay violations, and even renew vehicle stickers. If you do check out the redesigned site, www.westchester-il.org , please take a moment to respond to the opinion poll on the home page and sign up for a dashboard account to personalize the page for you. This will help us better enhance your visits to our site.

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Westchester’s February 2013 Good Neighbors Nominee: Jim, Laura and John Swiatnicki, 2500 block of Kensignton Ave. Why are they a good neighbor?

Jim, Laura and John moved in next door to us about six months ago. At the time, we were expecting our first child together. We received gifts and cards from both Jim and Laura, and

their son John. After the baby was born, they offered to walk our dog.

John takes the morning shift even when he’s feeling under the weather and Jim and Laura take the evening shift going so far as bringing our garbage cans in on Friday.We couldn’t have asked for more thoughtful and kind neighbors.

Nominated by: Mark and Laina Joyce, 2500 block of Kensington Ave. Nominees: Hans (Jake) Jacobs, 11100 block of Boeger Ct. Why are they are good neighbors?

I’m 41 and had a severe knee injury and ever since, he has helped in every way-bringing in my garbage

cans, giving me rides to the store, help raking my leaves, snow blowing my driveway and walks. He has been a tremendous help. Thank you Jake and God Bless. P.S. Jake is in his mid 80’s and he is still full of energy!

Nominated by: Sean Pence & Michelle Decker 11100 block of Boeger Ct.

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