October 2015 Village of Westchester Newsletter

Village of

Westchester October 2015 Newsletter

From the Desk of The President FIRE DEPARTMENT

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POLICE DEPARTMENT

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VILLAGE CONTACTS

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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CALENDAR

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PARK DISTRICT

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PUBLIC WORKS

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Captain Jeff Lebeda was honored at the September 22nd Board Meeting on his retirement from the Westchester Fire Department. Jeff served the Village for twenty-ďŹ ve years from 1990 – 2015. We wish him all the best! Village President Sam Pulia, Chief Jim Adams and members of the Westchester Fire Department were on hand to wish him well. Pictured from left are: Scot Stauber, Eric Biskup, Chief Jim Adams, Matt LeMay, Village President Sam Pulia, Pat Sherlock, Joe Bejlovec, Joe Gerace, Captain Jeff Lebeda, Captain Jim DeBoer, Lt. George Taylor, Rich Mahoney, Captain Sean Casey, Nick Snavely and Dave Stefanik.

Can you believe we are beginning the 10th month of the year - October 2015! Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner and will be here before we know it.

a high pressure gas main at Carlisle and Sunnyside.

Nicor is in the process of relocating a 12 inch and 6 inch gas main at the intersection. Hampering their efforts is the amount of bedrock they are encountering which is making the directional September has been a busy month here at the boring difficult. Nicor indicates they should be Village Hall. Completing projects that always seem completed with their relocation work by October to extend past the target date is always an issue. 6th depending on any other issues they may The street reconstruction and resurfacing projects encounter. Berger Construction is scheduled back are underway and, although an inconvenience for to work when Nicor has completed the relocation. those residing and driving on those streets, I m sure Unfortunately, this will push back the completion you will agree that the end result will be worth the date. The engineering standard is to start wait. I caution all those driving, walking near or in downstream and work upstream, in this case from the construction areas to be very careful. Surfaces Carlisle to Mayfair. As Village President I apologize will be uneven, covered in stone, and there may for the added inconvenience. I am just as frustrated be construction materials placed on parkways and as you when delays, which in my opinion could on property near the site. Although efforts are be avoided, occur and delay completion of such made to barricade or identify these areas, extreme projects. caution needs to be take to avoid any falls, trips, SEPTEMBER 18th RAIN EVENT and/or injuries.

I am pleased to report that on late Friday,September Speaking of construction delays, the Carlisle Street storm sewer was placed on hold as a result See PRESIDENT, page 5 of a scheduling delay in the relocation by Nicor of

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Police Department 4

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Watch stop signs This is a stop sign. We ask that you keep our community safe and obey all posted traffic signs within the Village of Westchester. During the summer months we monitored various intersections throughout Westchester and took appropriate enforcement action for motorists that failed to stop at posted stop

signs.

We ask that you obey the posted speed limits as well especially near the school zones in the morning and afternoon hours on school days. Finally we ask that you obey the school bus stop arm when displayed.

It’s Our Town Let’s Slow Down!

Police blotter 1) At 9:56pm on August 18, 2015 a Theft was reported at the Hampton Inn located at 2222 Enterprise Drive. A room guest reported that person(s) unknown entered and removed items from the room.

2) At 6:05pm on August 26, 2015 a Theft was reported on the 1900 block of Mannheim Road. The resident reported that unknown person(s) entered an unlocked garage and removed approximately $3,000 in items.

3) At 4:21pm on August 28, 2015 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported on the 1400 block of Evers. The vehicle owner reported that a foreign substance was thrown onto the car causing the paint to peel.

4) At 7:58am on September 1, 2015 a Burglary was reported on the 9800 block of Roosevelt Road.

It was reported that sometime

during the previous night unknown person(s) removed various large power tools and equipment.

5) At 7:49pm on September 6, 2015 an Attempted Burglary was reported on the 10400 block of Canterbury. Unknown person(s) reportedly attempted to gain entry into the house by prying the screen door. No entry was gained.

6) At 4:24pm on September 8, 2015 a Burglary to Auto was reported on the 1600 block of Bristol. Vehicle owner reported that unknown person(s) entered their unlocked vehicle and removed money from the vehicle.

7)At 3:18pm on September 13, 2015 a Burglary to Auto was reported on the 11300 block of Monticello. Owners of the vehicle reported that unknown person(s) entered their unlocked vehicle and removed money from the vehicle.

PRESIDENT

Gardner Road and observed the creek flowing into Broadview without issue.

A check of the side streets did have Continued from page 1 some signs of street flooding but were easily remediated with a cleaning of 18th and early Saturday September debris formed on the sewer covers.

19th, the sever thunderstorms and Driving back to the area of Wolf and associated lightning had minimal effect Cermak, I checked the two detention on the Village. During the evening ponds on the east side of the Towers. hours, I began to get concerned when Both of the ponds were considerably I saw the numerous lightning bolts and higher, and I believe it is due to the downpours of rain and how long they MWRD mandated restrictors doing would last. While checking all of our their job and allowing a managed flow problem areas from midnight to 3am, of stormwater into the Wolf Road storm I found all be operating as they should pipe. be. My first check was at the Mayfair Mr. Bill Ostendorf, a long time resident Retention pond and the surrounding needs to be mentioned and thanked for construction area. The rain was bringing to our and MWRD’s attention intense at times and the Mastodon that stormwater was not being retained Creek feeding the reservoir was on the Towers property as it should flowing nicely. There was about 2 feet be. of concrete showing before the water I also believe that the efforts of started entering the spillway, which the PW staff in vacuuming all of the would have started filling the reservoir. storm sewers along the state routes of The surrounding streets were draining Roosevelt Road from Bristol toWolf, and properly although some street flooding on Cermak from Wolf to Gardner, has was observed where street inlets were made a difference. I could ultimately filled with the now falling leaves, and be wrong in a sustained rainfall such as other debris. I cleaned several of them we had in 2010 and 2014, but I truly and the water went down without any believe our flood mitigation efforts issue. have made a difference as the recent From there I drove to the North Side 2.5 inches had little effect. and checked Roosevelt Road under the THUNDERSTORM DAMAGES viaduct where the pooling of water has STREET LIGHTS risen in the past and made the roadway During a severe thunderstorm and impassable. I‘m pleased to report that the roadway, although wet ,was rain event on Tuesday,August 18th, well completely drivable with no issues. over 50 of theVillage owned streetlamps From there I checked Addison Creek at located on the aluminum poles east

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of Mannheim Rd were damaged. The severest damage was located in the vicinity of Cromwell and Gladstone where a downed 13 kw power wire with a heat range of 3000 degrees turned asphalt that was touched by the high voltage cable into a green glass like substance similar to “fools gold” called fulgurite. The downed wire also fried the underground wiring and severely damaged many of the LED lights and their drivers perched on top.

An analysis of the problem is presently underway with our insurance carrier IRMA and ComEd officials. Presently I cannot give an accurate time frame of the repair and replacement. Residents have been notified of the situation by letters dropped off by PW employees.

It is suggested that residents who have pole and or coach lights keep them operating until the repairs can be made.

Similar issues, but with less underground damage, occurred with 29 LED light heads in an area from I290 to Cermak and Westchester Blvd to Gardner Road.

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were installed inside the pole when they were originally installed in the late 1970’s there was no suppression equipment attached. As a result of last year’s outage, all of the control boxes were updated and 150 poles were updated as well. An additional 360 suppressors have been purchased and installation began in mid-September circuit by circuit. I have asked that the circuits having outage clusters along the same street be repaired first as there is considerable darkness over these stretches of street. Discussions with the manufacturer have been underway for possible warranty work should the LED head and drivers need replacing.

Each pole is having a well being check done to determine whether they are grounded properly, the fuses are in working order, and any other visible problems that can remedied before the new replacement LED heads are replaced.

As of September 22nd, 250 of the remaining 307 poles have been given a clean bill of health.

By the time this article is delivered the additional 107 will be checked and the VILLAGE OWNED STREET LIGHT installation of replacement LED heads SYSTEM and drivers will be underway where A total of 507 street light heads were necessary. As you can imagine, there is retro-fitted with LED Retrofit kits two a considerable cost associated with this years ago. After last summer’s outage, project. Depending on what is needed, it was determined that there was NO replacement heads, drivers, and labor suppression equipment installed in the could be in excess of $350 per pole.

20 street light control boxes or on any See PRESIDENT, page 6 of the 507 light poles. Although fuses

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PRESIDENT Continued from page 5

Hopefully with the placement of all of the additional precautions our system will survive severe thunderstorms in the future. I am not confident that any warranty will be in effect as I’m sure the “Act of God” clause associated with lightning strikes will be invoked.

Until this situation is rectified I will suggest that coach lights and pole lights be lit for safety purposes. The police department is well aware of the non-functioning of the streetlights and Chief Carpino was stepped up the side street patrols.

In my research of the effects of lightning I found a considerable amount of information on Wikipedia on the topic. I have attached a portion of the information for your perusal. A lightning strike is an electric discharge between the atmosphere and an earthbound object.They mostly originate in the thundercloud and terminate on the ground, called cloud to ground (CG) lightning.A less common type of strike, called ground to cloud (GC), is upward propagating lightning initiated from a tall grounded object and reaches into the clouds. About 25% of all lightning events worldwide are strikes between the atmosphere and earth-bound objects.The bulk of lightning events are intracloud (IC) or cloud to cloud (CC), where discharges only occur high in the atmosphere.

A single lightning event is a “flash”, which is a complex, multi-stage process, some parts of which are not fully understood. Most ground to cloud flashes only “strike” one physical location, referred to as a “termination”.

The primary conducting channel, the bright coursing light that may be seen and is called a “strike”, is only about one inch in diameter, but because of its extreme brilliance, it often looks much larger to the human eye and in photographs. Lightning discharges are typically miles long, but certain types of horizontal discharges can be upwards of tens of miles in length.The entire flash lasts only a fraction of a second. Most of the early formative and propagation stages are much dimmer and not visible to the human eye.

Electrical and structural damage Telephones, modems, computers and other electronic devices can be damaged by lightning, as harmful overcurrent can reach them through the phone jack, Ethernet cable, or electricity outlet. Close strikes can also generate electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) – especially during “positive” lightning discharges.

Lightning currents have a very fast rise time, on the order of 40 kA per

microsecond. Hence, conductors of such currents exhibit marked skin effect, causing most of the currents to flow through the outer surface of the conductor.

In addition to electrical wiring damage, the other types of possible damage to consider include structural, fire, and property damage.

Hundreds of devices, including lightning rods and charge transfer systems, are used to mitigate lightning damage and influence the path of a lightning flash.

A lightning rod (or lightning protector) is a metal strip or rod connected to earth through conductors and a grounding system, used to provide a preferred pathway to ground if lightning terminates on a structure.The class of these products are often called a“finial”or“air terminal”.A lightning rod or “Franklin rod” in honor of its famous inventor, Benjamin Franklin, is simply a metal rod,and without being connected to the lightning protection system, as was sometimes the case in the old days, will provide no added protection to a structure. Other names include “lightning conductor”, “arrester”, “surgitator agitator”, and “discharger”; however, over the years these names have been incorporated into other products or industries with a stake in lightning protection. Lightning arrester, for example, often refers to fused links that explode when a strike occurs to a high voltage overhead power line to protect the more expensive transformers down the line by opening the circuit.In reality,it was an early form of a heavy duty surge protection device (SPD). Modern arresters, constructed with metal oxides, are capable of safely shunting abnormally high voltage surges to ground while preventing normal system voltages from being shorted to ground.

COMED STREET LIGHT UPGRADES The ComEd owned street lights (with wooden poles) are scheduled to be upgraded this fall benefitting those residents residing west of Mannheim Rd. The bulb style mercury vapor and high pressure sodium lights will be replaced with energy efficient LED lights. ComEd representatives have been made fully aware of the problems the Village has encountered with the LED lights on the Village owned poles east of Mannheim Rd. ComEd has maintained these poles and lights since they were installed.The Village has not been responsible for these lights other than making a service request if the light was out. Several ComEd municipalities have had their lights changed out with very few issues. The Village of Lombard was mentioned as one of the pilot sites.

ComEd crews will be in Westchester surveying their poles the week of Oct 5th.They are planning to begin fixture

installation in mid to late November and we anticipate that it will take 2 to 4 weeks to install the fixtures.

NICOR SYSTEM UPGRADES By now I’m sure you have seen construction workers replacing gas lines in the Nixon area of the Village (South of Roosevelt, east of Westchester Blvd.)

Last year Nicor upgraded services north of Roosevelt Rd. Work will be continuing for the next few months as they continue their project.

Landscape restoration will follow when the project nears completion.

2015 STREET PROGRAM IS UNDERWAY I’m sure all of you have seen the contract work that is being done in several sections of theVillage. Sunnyside from Cermak to Windsor Drive, Norfolk from Drury Ln. to Canterbury and Gladstone from the park to Mannheim are being reconstructed. With the nice weather being a positive, crews are on schedule to complete the job in the not too distant future. Dust and inconvenience are associated with any project. We are asking for your patience during construction and looking ahead to a smoother ride and a more pleasing product when completed.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING – LAST EVENT OF THE YEAR The Westchester Environmental Sustainability Commission will be hosting the final recycling event of the year on Saturday, October 10th from 9AM to 11:30 AM at the water tower. We will be shutting down our operation promptly at 11:30AM. As an added bonus, we will also be offering our semi-annual shredding event,where we shred your personal papers on site.

The village is encouraging residents to bring documents that may contain private information that is no longer needed. Remember, we are holding the event at the water tower grounds near Cermak Road and Enterprise Drive.

Carl Celestino, Commission Chairman and Commission liaison Trustee Angelo Calcagno,Management Assistant Jessica Spencer and all the volunteers are to be commended for their work over the past year. Westchester’s commitment to become “Green” starts with you.

MONTHLY WATER BILLS Over the past few years we have been exploring the possibility of changing the quarterly water billing to a monthly system.Presently PW staff must walk up and down the street and actually place a “reader” on the small black touchpad attached to your home. As you can imagine this is very time consuming as two employees take several days or even weeks to complete the reading in the various sections of the Village, some are less populated than others.

Westchester is one of the few non Radio Read Villages in the area.Many are upgrading another generation to allow a daily read if required or requested.

Unfortunately the Village does not have the money to install “Radio Repeater Towers”to gather the daily information.

We are advancing to Radio Readers that will be able to gather information from a moving vehicle driving past the location. A contract was signed early June with Sensus, our current meter manufacturer to supply a small snap on appliance to the outside touchpad.

The signal from the appliance (box) will transmit the reading to the passing vehicle equipped with the reading software.

Our plan is to start the program beginning January 1st 2016. We will keep you informed of the progress and where and when the actual start date will be. Presently all of our businesses have radio read control boxes installed on their outside touch pads. We had initially started with our business community before expanding to our residential units.

Hopefully, the monthly billing will prevent residents from receiving a large bill all at once, improve monthly budgeting of our households, and identify unusual high readings monthly instead of waiting for the quarterly bill.

WATER LOSS Unaccounted for water loss has been a headache for all communities receiving water from Chicago via Lake Michigan.

Standards have been changed on the way reporting of unaccounted for water, meaning water that has not been accounted for through a meter device, such as a water main break. As an example if we receive 10 million gallons of water from Chicago each day we need to account for the 10 million gallons through the amount used by residents and businesses and other metered devices. There are certain percentages that Villages will be allowed to be unaccounted for however if we exceed the percentage we will be mandated to identify and make repairs to our system. Our Village crews repaired 53 identified leaks this past year that based on our calculations cost close to $200,000. For the past 2 years we have had spent $40,000 on a private leak detection company to locate our leaks. In some cases, water leaks were entering the storm sewers without having any water visible through the street or parkways. Sixty percent of the water mains in the Village were installed before World War II.

See PRESIDENT, page 18

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PRESIDENT Continued from page 6

The Unaccounted-For-Flow Standard required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will be replaced with a Non-Revenue Water Standard (12% in 2015, decreasing to 10% by 2019). The allowance for maximum unavoidable leakage will no longer be used. Water systems not in compliance with the non-revenue standard will be required to prepare and submit a water system improvement plan. Plumbing code/ordinances must be amended to require that new and replacement plumbing fixtures be a labeled WaterSense product. Our Community Development Director Melissa Headley and our Plumbing Inspector Andy Esposito have presented the amendment to the VIllage Plumbing Code/Ordinance for board approval to comply with the mandated changes.

volunteers donated over 180 hours of their time for this fabulous cause. The Westchester Food Pantry is serving those in need residing in the following communities that touch our borders.

Westchester, Hillside, Broadview, Western Springs, LaGrange Park and Bellwood.The Program is being run by Amanda Grant with the assistance of Kathleen Franzwa.Thank you all!

HOLIDAY TREE DONATION The Village of Westchester is again looking for donation of a Holiday Evergreen Tree to be erected in front of the Westchester Fire Station Number One on Roosevelt Road. The evergreen tree has to be able to be accessed easily by our crew. Generally, backyard removals without easy access have been rejected due to safety and potential damage issues. If you are interested in donating your evergreen tree, please contact Gayle Golz, PW Secretary at 708-345-0041. Staff will evaluate the entry along with our vendor Sinnott Tree Service. Entries are due by the end of business on Friday October 31st.

all residents over the age of 18 take this survey. To be part of the advisory committee, please complete the last page of the survey with your contact information so we can speak with you. You can access the survey online at www.westchester-il.org or www. surveymonkey.com/r/VOWlivability.

You can also pick up a paper version of the survey at Jewel, 2128 S Mannheim Rd; Mariano’s, 3020 Wolf Rd; Westchester Park District, 10201 Bond St and 10835 Wakefield St;Westchester Public Library, 10700 Canterbury St; Joe’s Place, 1551 Westchester Blvd; Paul’s Pizza, 3044 Wolf Rd; or Village Hall. Once complete, you can drop off the survey at any of these locations as well. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Spencer at 708-3450020.

cancer at www.cancer.org.

FIRE DEPARTMENT SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS The Westchester Fire Department is selling Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirts at Fire Station One. The shirts are available for a purchase price of $20. All proceeds go to Breast Cancer Awareness. Please stop in and support this beneficial cause!

WINTER ROAD SAFETY

I know many of us do not want to think about winter and salting streets however the Village through its cooperative purchasing with the State of Illinois Central Management Services has secured a price of $60.54 per ton this year. The salt will be provided from the Cargill Company instead of Morton BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Salt where we received it in prior years.

MONTH Our normal order is 2500 tons with a October is Beast Cancer Awareness 20% over or under depending on the Month. I know we all know of Village needs. Presently our salt bin still someone has or has had breast cancer; has an adequate supply to get us going some of whom have passed away. I prior to the added supply should the have provided some information from need arise. In contrast, we have paid FIRE CAPTAIN JEFF LEBEDA the American Cancer Society Web Site $122 and up to $195 per ton when BRIGHTEN A SOLDIER’S HOLIDAY RETIRES for your review. the salt barges could not traverse the Captain Jeff Lebeda retired from In a recent conversation I had with Mississippi River two years ago. the Westchester Fire Department on Mr. Andy Maier, I learned that his son Breast cancer is the most common September 30, 2015 after twenty-five Brian is serving in the Air Force and cancer among women in the United WALK TO SCHOOL DAY years serving the Village. Jeff served is stationed in Somalia, Africa. He has States, other than skin cancer. It is the The Illinois Department of proudly from 1990 – 2-15. He was been proudly serving in the Air Force second leading cause of cancer death honored at the September 22nd Board since 2001. Brian told him that the in women, after lung cancer. The Transportation and Illinois State Meeting and recognized in appreciation conditions in Somalia are very rough. chance of a woman having invasive Board of Education are partnering and recognition of his twenty-five years Andy and his wife Kathy have been breast cancer some time during her to encourage schools throughout of professional service and dedication told by Brian that there is a need for life is about 1 in 8. The chance of the state to participate in the annual to the Village of Westchester and the basic personal hygiene items (i.e ,soap, dying from breast cancer is about 1 International Walk to School Day protection and safety of our citizens. shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and in 36. Breast cancer death rates have event on Wednesday, October 7th. The Best wishes, Jeff! hygiene products). Kathy is working been going down.This is probably the worldwide event is an opportunity to with her coworkers to gather items to result of finding the cancer earlier and ensure that children can safely walk send care packages...letters, magazines better treatment. Right now there are to school, while encouraging them to FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HOST etc. With the Christmas Season fast more than 2.9 million breast cancer improve their health and consider the OPEN HOUSE approaching, I would like to send some survivors in the United States. For environment in their daily routine.

The Westchester Fire Department of the requested supplies to those more information about breast cancer, “This event benefits everyone and it is holding its annual open house on service men and women in his unit. A how to find it early, and how to help is great to see students learning about Wednesday, October 7th from 6 – 9pm. collection box has been placed in the finish the fight against the disease, visit healthy lifestyles and alternative travel The Firefighters will be passing along Village Hall Administrative Office. If contact the American Cancer Society options,” said Illinois Transportation public safety information and answering you are able to stop by the Village Hall at 1-800-227-2345 anytime, day or Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “We questions about the services provided and donate a few items, I’m sure Brian night.The following steps provided by encourage students statewide to by the Fire Department. See the list of and his company would love to receive the American Cancer Society can help participate in this event by walking to activities on the Fire Department page a package from the USA. We will be you stay well and improve your odds school.” in this newsletter. Hope to see you collecting items the months of October against breast cancer: This event originated in Chicago in there! and November and will be sending The earlier breast cancer is found, the 1997 as National Walk our Children them off in time for Christmas. better. Sign up for our breast cancer to School Day, in an effort to create screening reminder and we’ll remind community awareness about making it MARIANO’S “STUFF THE SQUAD” you based on our early detection safe for children to walk to school.

LIVIBILITY SURVEY TO BE FOOD DRIVE “It is our pleasure to get behind this guidelines. If you are 40 or older, get a CONDUCTED mammogram and breast exam every important day that teaches healthy From September 5 through the 19th The Village will be conducting a year and report any breast changes to choices and stresses student safety,” shoppers visiting our Mariano’s were livability survey of residents from your doctor right away. said State Superintendent of Education asked to voluntarily contribute either October 1st through December 31st You can help reduce your breast Tony Smith, Ph.D.“We can’t take these $5 or $10 dollars to assist our Food with the intention of learning more cancer risk by maintaining a healthy elements for granted and expect our Pantry in stocking the shelves through about what residents want and need weight throughout life,being physically children to be ready and eager to learn the fall months and well into winter.. to continue to live in their homes as active on a regular basis (at least 150 once they arrive in the classroom.”

1250 Bags of food were donated at they age. Hosted by AARP, this survey minutes of moderate intensity or 75 Schools planning to participate in the a retail cost of $6,500. The event will allow the Village to create an minutes of vigorous intensity activity event are encouraged to spend time was the work of many volunteers advisory committee of residents, each week) and limiting alcohol intake instructing students on pedestrian who collected, sorted, labeled, and business owners, non-profit and public to less than 1 drink each day for women safety beforehand.

Visit www. boxed the overwhelming number of organizations to help guide the Village (2 drinks for men).

See PRESIDENT, page 19 collected items. It is estimated that the in future planning needs. We ask that Learn more ways you can fight breast

PRESIDENT Continued from page 18

walkbiketoschool.org for registration information. Click here for a list of participating Illinois schools. Schools throughout the country held more than 4,700 International Walk to School Day events in 2014.

COLUMBUS DAY PARADE Monday, October 12th, is Columbus Day. The City of Chicago will be hosting the 63rd Annual Columbus Day Parade.

The Parade is sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans.

The 2015 Columbus Day Chairman Sal Perricone will lead the line of marchers, with JCCIA President Frank Cerrone, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and many other dignitaries from city,state and the Italian community. The Columbus Day parade has over 150 units, bands, floats and marchers. All ethnicities are invited to join the parade. The Parade will be on State Street from Wacker to Van Buren.

Festivities begin at 9am with a Mass at the Shrine of our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St., Chicago. Immediately after mass, there will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Columbus statue in Arrigo Park followed by the parade beginning at 12:30 pm. All are invited to attend.

WESTCHESTER TO HOST ANNUAL FLU SHOT CLINIC Help keep your family and the community healthy! The Village of Westchester will be hosting a Flu Shot Clinic in the Community Room from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Monday, October 5th and Tuesday, October 6th.

Immunizations will be administered by pharmacists from the Osco Pharmacy.

We will be offering the flu shot, as well as an Adacel shot that provides immunization for tetanus and whooping cough. The clinic is open to all Westchester residents over the age of 14. Flu shots are available for $25 and Adacel shots will be available for $54.99. Cash or checks are accepted.

Flu shots are covered under Medicare Part B, as well as many insurance plans.

FLU SEASON…CDC RECOMMENDATIONS The last thing I believe anyone wants to think about is the FLU season. I’m sure we have seen the TV commercials and commentary regarding getting a Flu shot. In doing some research, I looked at the CDC web site and found the following information. The CDC recommendation is stated below.

What sort of flu season is expected this year?

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It’s not possible to predict what this flu season will be like. Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways.

While flu spreads every year, the timing, severity, and length of the season varies from one year to another.

Will new flu viruses circulate this season?

Flu viruses are constantly changing so it’s not unusual for new flu viruses to appear each year. For more information about how flu viruses change, visit How the Flu Virus Can Change(http:// www.cdc.gov/f lu/about/viruses/ change.htm).

Will the United States have a flu epidemic?

The United States experiences epidemics of seasonal flu each year.

This time of year is called “flu season.”

In the United States, flu season occurs in the winter; flu outbreaks can happen as early as October and can last as late as May. CDC says the flu season begins when certain key flu indicators (for example, levels of influenza-like illness (ILI), hospitalization and deaths) rise and remain elevated for a number of consecutive weeks. Usually ILI increases first, followed by an increase in hospitalizations, which is then followed by increases in flu-associated deaths.

When will flu activity begin and when will it peak?

The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season.

Most seasonal flu activity typically occurs between October and May. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February.

What should I do to protect myself from flu this season?

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine(http://www.cdc.gov/f lu/ protect/vaccine/index.htm) for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.

People should begin getting vaccinated soon after flu vaccine becomes available, if possible by October, to ensure that as many people as possible are protected before flu season begins. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating in the community, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.

In addition to getting a seasonal flu vaccine if you have not already gotten vaccinated, you can take everyday preventive actions(http://www.cdc. gov/flu/protect/habits/index.htm) like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others.

What should I do if I get sick with the flu?

Antiviral drugs are prescription drugs that can be used to treat flu illness. People at high risk of serious

flu complications (such as children younger than 2 years, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions) and people who are very sick with flu (such as those hospitalized because of flu) should get antiviral drugs. Some other people can be treated with antivirals at their health care professional’s discretion.Treating high risk people or people who are very sick with flu with antiviral drugs is very important.Studies show that prompt treatment with antiviral drugs can prevent serious flu complications. Prompt treatment can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.

Treatment with antivirals works best when begun within 48 hours of getting sick, but can still be beneficial when given later in the course of illness.

Antiviral drugs are effective across all age-and risk groups. Studies show that antiviral drugs are under-prescribed for people who are at high risk of complications who get flu.This season, three FDA-approved influenza antiviral drugs are recommended for use in the United States: oseltamivir, zanamivir and peramivir.

When should I get vaccinated?

CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against flu soon after vaccine becomes available, if possible by October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. Doctors and nurses are encouraged to begin vaccinating their patients soon after vaccine becomes available, preferably by October so as not to miss opportunities to vaccinate.

Those children aged 6 months through 8 years who need two doses of vaccine should receive the first dose as soon as possible to allow time to get the second dose before the start of flu season.The two doses should be given at least four weeks apart.

What flu viruses does this season’s vaccine protect against?

Flu vaccines are designed to protect against the main flu viruses that research suggests will be the most common during the upcoming season.

Three kinds of flu viruses commonly circulate among people today:influenza A (H1N1) viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses, and influenza B viruses.

All of the 2015-2016 influenza vaccine is made to protect against the following three viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus an A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 (H3N2)-like virus a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus.

(This is a B/Yamagata lineage virus) More information about influenza vaccines is available at Preventing Seasonal Flu With Vaccination(http:// www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/ index.htm).

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SAVE THE PRAIRIE CELEBRATION On Saturday, September 19th, I along with Village Manager Janet Matthys, attended the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Save the Prairie Society inWestchester. Upon our arrival we were met by Society President Larry Godson and Society Directors Drew and Patricia Reaves who were dressed in 1850’s outfits. We were given a tour of the Franzosenbusch Prairie House located at 11225 Constitution Drive.

Drew, fluent in the German language, welcomed the guests in the native tongue spoken by the early German Settlers to the area. Mrs. Reaves gave us a history lesson utilizing photographs and century old maps identifying the location of the land parcels owned by the Mandel, Boeger and Evers Families to name a few early settlers who have dedicated streets in Westchester named for them.

Following the welcome, employees of the Big Run Wolf Ranch brought a groundhog, skunk, porcupine and a mature and young wolf for all to see.

The presentation was very informative to all in attendance.The Ranch is located at 14857 Farrell Rd in Lockport, Illinois 60441. For more information regarding events held at the Ranch call 815-5880044 or www.bigrunwolfranch.org.

Society President Larry Godson and his staff cut the ceremonial cake and spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon conducting Prairie and Schoolhouse Tours and hosting activities for the children in attendance including a butterfly launch. For more information on how you can support the Society call 708-531-1851 or visit SaveThePrairieSociety.org.

LEAF BAG PROGRAM For the past several years, the Village has received monies from our refuse collector, Waste Management, for leaf bags. During the month of October and into November, volunteers will be dropping off a 5 pack of bags to each single family residence. Homeowner Associations with contract services for yard waste and leaf maintenance unfortunately are not part of the program.

WESTCHESTER CIVIC THEATER – SAVE THE DATE The Westchester Civic Theater (WCT) will be presenting the comedy “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect up?” at the St. Joseph High School Sirus Theater located at 10900 W Cermak Road. Relive memories of Catholic school education: the rulers, the clickers, confessions with the allknowing priest, childhood crushes, sex education and just growing up. Join WCT for this musical story based on the John R.Power’s book about growing up

See PRESIDENT, page 25

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(NLC) Service Line Warranty Program to homeowners. The NLC Service Line Warranty Program offers voluntary Continued from page 19 warranty protection at an affordable price for water lines in the event of a Catholic in Chicago. Catholic or not,it’s failure. Many Westchester residents a terrifically fun reminder of childhood. are already taking advantage of this The play will be presented at 7:30pm program. Due to the success of the on Saturday, October 31st, November program, SLWA will not be sending a 7th and November 14th and matinee fall campaign mailing. The choice to performances will be presented at participate is yours. The program is 2:00pm on Sunday, November 1st, strictly optional. The Village does not November 8th and November 15th. receive any compensation from the Come out for an evening or afternoon warranty company,instead directing the of great entertainment! provider to reduce the warranty rates to residents by any allowable rebate SANITARY SEWER/ WATER LINE to the Village. I have heard of several WARRANTY success stories involving residents who The Village has authorized Service have purchased this warranty. For more Line Warranties of America (SLWA) information call 1-855-535-7141 or visit to offer the National League of Cities the website at www.SLWofA.com.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS Halloween is Saturday, October 31st.

It has been quite sometime since Halloween fell on a Saturday. In fact , 1998 was the last time it occurred.

Westchester does NOT have any ordinance outlining a specific Trick or Treat Time, however we are suggesting to parents that Trick or Treating begin at NOON and END at 6pm as sunset will be 5:45 pm.

Walk Safely Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.

Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

Teach children to make eye contact

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with drivers before crossing in front of them.

Always walk on sidewalks or paths.

If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.

Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

See PRESIDENT, page 26

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the following items discussed under New Business: Requested Change in Liquor Classification – BP Amoco Water Main Service Policy

“Buildings and Construction” of the Westchester Municipal Code An Ordinance Waiving Competitive Continued from page 25 Bidding and Ratifying the Execution of a Contract Between the Village Keep Costumes Both Creative and of Westchester and GNP Energy for Safe At the September 8th Village Board Certain Inspections,the Installation of Decorate costumes and bags with Meeting, the following items were Surge Protectors in LED Street Lights reflective tape or stickers and, if approved under the Consent Agenda: and the Repair of LED Streetlight possible, choose light colors.

Approval of the Record of Bills Retrofit Kits Located Within the Choose face paint and makeup ending 09-03-15 in the amount not to Village of Westchester whenever possible instead of masks, exceed $884,565.73 A Resolution Authorizing the which can obstruct a child’s vision.

Approval of Departmental Execution of a Façade Improvement Have kids carry glow sticks or Monthly Reports from: Community Grant Program Agreement Between flashlights to help them see and be Development Department; Fire the Village of Westchester and Ten555, seen by drivers.

Department; Police Department; and Inc. for Facade Improvements at When selecting a costume, make the Public Works Department 10555 W. Cermak Rd. sure it is the right size to prevent An Ordinance Amending Chapter A Resolution Authorizing the trips and falls.

5.36, Entitled “Liquor Sale,” of Execution of a Façade Improvement Drive Extra Safely on Halloween Title 5, Entitled “Business Licenses Grant Program Agreement Between Slow down and be especially alert in and Regulations”, of the Village of the Village of Westchester and Spero residential neighborhoods. Children Westchester Municipal Code Kinnas for Facade Improvements at are excited on Halloween and may 10439 W. Cermak Rd. move in unpredictable ways.

At the September 8th Village A Resolution Authorizing the Take extra time to look for kids at Committee of the Whole Meeting, Execution of a Façade Improvement intersections, on medians and on the following items discussed under Grant Program Agreement Between curbs.

New Business: the Village of Westchester and Spero Enter and exit driveways and alleys ComEd Smart-Ready LED Street Kinnas for Facade Improvements at slowly and carefully.

Lighting Agreement 10447 W. Cermak Rd. Eliminate any distractions inside Tree/Stump Removal your car so you can concentrate on Modifications to Insurance A Resolution Authorizing the the road and your surroundings.

Requirements for Registered Execution of a Smart-Ready LED Drive slowly, anticipate heavy Contractors Street Lighting Program Participation pedestrian traffic and turn your Economic Development Committee Agreement Between the Village of headlights on earlier in the day to recommendations to approve façade Westchester and Commonwealth spot children from greater distances. grant applications for 10555 Cermak Edison See more at: http://www.safekids. Rd. and 10439 & 10447 Cermak Rd. org/tip/halloween-safety-tips#sthash.

Consideration of On-Street Disabled dlWT7WSG.dpuf Parking Spaces at 1527 Westchester Blvd. and 1200 High Ridge Consideration of a Parking License POPE FRANCIS VISITS NYC Agreement for Parkway Parking at On September 23rd, His Holiness 1200 High Ridge Second Ambulance Pope Francis arrived for the first time Logistics in the United States. As I watched the news coverage of his arrival in At the September 8th Village Washington D.C., I could not help Committee of the Whole Meeting, but see the outpouring of affection the following items discussed under not only from the people of the USA Old Business: but from the pontiff himself. It may LED Lighting Outages sound corny, but wouldn’t it be nice if the whole world were able to At the September 22nd Village celebrate and enjoy each other every Board Meeting, the following items day in the manner exhibited by this were approved under the Consent man’s presence in America??

Agenda: Approval of the Record of Bills As a family member to my cousin ending 09-16-15 in the amount not to who was killed in the Twin Towers exceed $483,540.15 (p. 3)Approval on 9/11, I was fortunate enough to be of Minutes of the August 25, 2015 selected to attend the Pope’s visit to Executive Session, of the August 25, Ground Zero on Friday, September 25, 2015 Village Board Meeting, of the 2015. I will report my experience in August 25, 2015 Committee of the the November issue of our newsletter. Whole Meeting, of the September I am attending the event representing 8, 2015 Executive Session, of the not only my cousin Tom and my September 8, 2015 Village Board family, but for all of the citizens of the Meeting,and of the September 8,2015 State of Illinois, Cook County, and the Committee of the Whole Meeting Village of Westchester.

An Ordinance Amending Section 14.01.080, entitled “Permits – Variation - Special Permit – Bond FROM THE BOARD - Insurance”, of Article II, entitled At the August 25th Village “Permits”, of Chapter 14.01, entitled Committee of the Whole Meeting, “Administration”, of Title 14, Entitled

At the September 22nd Village Board Meeting, the following items were approved under the Active Agenda: An Ordinance for Amending Chapter 14.09, entitled “Illinois Plumbing Code 2014”, of Title 14, entitled “Building and Construction” of the Westchester Municipal Code (p. 91) At the September 22nd Village Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items discussed under New Business: Bid Results – Municipal Parking Project Purchase of Police Interceptor from JAG Grant Proceeds 2016 Capital Projects At the September 22nd Village Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items were approved under the Old Business: 50/50 Sidewalk Program Parking License Agreement – Save the Prairie Society LED Lighting Repair Status At the September 22nd Village Committee of the Whole Meeting, the following items were approved under the Information Only: Resident Livability Survey Quarterly Financial Report for Fiscal Quarter Ended July 31, 2015

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