May 2018 Village of Westchester Newsletter

Village of

Westchester MAY

PARK DISTRICT

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POLICE DEPARTMENT

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FIRE DEPARTMENT

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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LIBRARY

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SCHOOL DISTRICT

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PUBLIC WORKS

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2018

Newsletter

Westchester’s Got Talent

Students from Westchester Middle School participated in the annual school talent show.

For winners, see School District - Page 11

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Proviso Township Seeks Donations for Troops Annual drive sends supplies and letters to troops abroad Annual drive sends supplies and letters to troops abroad Hillside, Ill. – For the fourth year, the Proviso Public Partnership (PPP) will collaborate with community groups, businesses, and residents to collect letters, food, and personal items that will be packaged and shipped to troops stationed abroad.

The donations will be transported to Operation Care Package in the south suburbs where they are packaged and shipped overseas.

“The community has really stepped up over the years to show their support,” said Proviso Public Partnership President Mike Corrigan.

“We want to get the packages shipped out by Memorial Day to show the troops that we are thinking of them.”

The PPP is also asking residents to let them know about their Proviso friends and family who are serving overseas so that they are sure to receive a care package. Proviso residents are also encouraged to write letters to troops. The letters will be included in care packages.

“It means a lot for troops to get a package with a letter from the neighborhood,” said Corrigan. “It’s a small way to show that we appreciate their service and that their community at home is thinking of them.”

The PPP is asking community groups-- including schools, churches, libraries, businesses, families and friends-- to show their support by dropping off an item or two at one of the many locations listed below.

The care packages assembled by

these donated items will be sent wherever they are needed throughout the world.

In addition to letters, food items and hygiene items, the PPP collects cash donations to pay for shipping costs.

All proceeds go directly to Operation Care Package.

Operation Care Package provides two different kinds of care packages for our troops. The Toiletry Pack contains personal items like shaving cream, shampoo, toothpaste, and a deck of cards. The Food Pack contains snacks including candy, gum, granola, canned goods, nuts, and a deck of cards. Both packages also contain letters.

The PPP will be accepting donations through the end of May. Operation Care Package is a Manhattan, Illinois-based charitable organization founded in 2003 by three women; two with brothers and one with a son stationed overseas.

The Proviso Public Partnership works in close coordination with the Proviso Township Mental Health Commission to provide support to the Proviso Community. The mission is “to promote behavioral wellness by providing coordinated leadership and ensuring that behavioral health services are accessible, comprehensive and person centered. Through early intervention, treatment and education we provide mental health, substance abuse and developmental disability services to children, adults and seniors in Proviso Township.”

For more information, or if you would like us to host a collection

container, contact Kate Minella at the Proviso Public Partnership, 708-2404435 or kminella@ pppnfp.org. Monetary donations are also welcomed through PayPal at www.pppnfp.org. You can also mail donations to Proviso Public Partnership at 4565 West Harrison Street. 3 Flr., Hillside IL, 60162.

Suggested items include: FOOD ITEMS: Granola/Protein Bars Beef Jerky Summer Sausage Beef Sticks Fruit Snacks Individual Drink Mix Packs Trail Mix/Nuts Sunflower Seeds Peanut Butter/Jelly (No glass jars) PERSONAL HEALTHCARE/ HYGIENE ITEMS: Foot Powder Anti-Fungal Cream Deodorant Shaving Cream Soap/Body Wash Disposable Razors Vitamins Nail Clippers Small Size Shampoos Conditioners Mouthwash Toothpaste Toothbrushes Dental floss Lip Balm Sun Block Wet Wipes

North Riverside Public Library 2400 Desplaines Ave, North Riverside, IL Village of North Riverside 2401 S. DesPlaines Ave., North Riverside, IL Northlake Public Library 231 N Wolf Rd, Northlake, IL PAEC Center 1000 Van Buren St, Maywood, IL PAEC Elementary School 1636 S 10th Ave, Maywood, IL PAEC High School 1000 Van Buren St. Maywood, IL Riverside Public Library 1 Burling Rd, Riverside, IL Way Back Inn 104 Oak St, Maywood, IL Village of Westchester 10300 W. Roosevelt Rd. Westchester, IL

and

DROP OFF LOCATIONS: Melrose Park Public Library

801 N 19th Ave, Melrose Park, IL

Berkeley Library 1637 Taft Ave, Berkeley, IL Westchester Library 10700 Canterbury St. Westchester, IL Bellwood Library 600 Bohland Ave, Bellwood, IL Proviso Township 1st floor 4565 W Harrison Street, Hillside Broadview Public Library 2226 S. 16th Ave., Broadview, IL

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A Message from the Police Chief – Steven Stelter NATIONAL POLICE WEEK Back in 1962, President John F. Kennedy enacted May 15th as Police Memorial Day. A lso, by a joint resolution of Congress, the week of May 15th was named National Police Week. National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is located in Washington D.C. and is the nation’s monument to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The memorial honors federal, state, county and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people.

The memorial sits on three acres of land in an area called Judiciary Square.

The memorial features two curving, 304 foot long marble walls with more than 20,000 officer’s names carved into these walls. These officers were killed in the line of duty throughout U.S. history with the

Top – Dunkin Donuts. The Westchester Police Department began holding this event two years ago year and it has been a huge success. The Department raised nearly $6,000.00 between the two Dunkin Donuts shops in town last year. The Cop on Top event is a fun, easy and unique way to raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. State-wide there were 271 locations that participated last year and the goal is 250 for this year. Please mark your calendars for May 18th and come on out between 5:00am and 12:00pm to either location – 31st / Wolf Road or Mannheim Road just south of the I-290 and donate to Special Olympics Illinois. You will be greeted by your friendly Westchester police officers and there are plenty of free gifts for those who donate. ________________________________ first name dating back to 1791.

A number of commemorative ceremonies are held at the memorial each year, and the site is visited by nearly a quarter million people annually.

When you see our police vehicles with a blue ribbon tied to their radio antennas during the month of May, know that this is our way of honoring all police officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

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“Cop on Top” – Dunkin Donuts Rooftop Event It is that time of year again!!!!! May 18th is the annual Cop on Top Dunkin Donuts fundraiser for Illinois Special Olympics. This year’s event will mark the 16th year that Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run has participated with the Cop on

POLICE BLOTTER

1) At 1:06pm on March 15, 2018 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported on the 10800 block of Hastings.

A resident reported that a person threw a brick through the window of their residence.

2) At 08:06am on March 17, 2018 a Theft was reported at the Circle K located at 10200 Roosevelt Road.

It was discovered at that time that unknown person(s) entered the manager’s office and took keys to the business.

It was later discovered though surveillance video that two males were observed taking keys from the business office. The investigation is ongoing.

3) At 3:51pm on March 23, 2018 a Theft was reported in station involving a resident who had their license plate sticker stolen recently.

4) At 2:58pm on April 3, 2018 an Attempted Residential Burglary was reported on the 600 block of Gardner.

A resident reported seeing a male climb through a kitchen window seeing the subject escape through the same window.

5) At 1:38pm on April 4, 2018 a Theft was reported at the Panera Bread located at 11215 Cermak Road.

A patron reported that unknown person(s) took a wallet from their purse as it was hanging over the chair in the restaurant.

6) At 4:49pm on April 4, 2018 a Retail Theft was reported at the Mariano’s located at 3020 Wolf Road.

A female was arrested and charged with retail theft after attempting to leave without paying for $285 in merchandise.

Anniversaries I would like to recognize the following police department employees who are celebrating a work anniversary this month: Officer Kristina Tountas 9 years - May 12th Officer Matthew Sosnowski 15 years - May 30th

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Commerce

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CALENDAR

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Library 10

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Westchester Action Committee Meeting

Thursday, May 17, 7:30 P.M. at the Westchester Public Library

The Westchester Action Committee (WAC) was formed in 2017. The mission of the Westchester Action Committee is to take action which brings value to our residents, our children, our property, and our community. We are a group of motivated residents who are interested in collaborating on a wide variety of projects for the betterment of the community. We meet on the third Thursday of the month. Please join us for our next meeting on May 17th at the Westchester Public Library. You can also find on Facebook or email us at TheWAC2017@gmail.com. We welcome your ideas and suggestions.

School District MAY 2018

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Letter from School District superintendent Dear Parents and Guardians, We are now heading into the last part of the school year. We can only hope that the Spring weather comes as well.

We know that during the cold, winter months many kids are cooped up inside. I am looking forward to students enjoying some time outside. I encourage you to have your children turn off the electronics and enjoy some time playing outside. If they do go out to play, you should go outside as well to play. We all need a little time to get outside and just have some fun.

I would like to congratulate all of the Destination Imagination teams from WMS and WIS that participated this year. We had two teams from each school qualify for the state competition at Northern Illinois University. D-I-DI-O (James Milas, Fernando Rodriguez, Matthew Henning, Madison Bell, Francesca Caruso, Olivia Honan) and Team +5 (Christian Ohazurume, Jabari Thurman, Tom Kintz, Ryan Donaldson, and Joseph Ohazurume) represented the winning teams from WMS. Golden Stars (Nubia Zapata, Marco Servin, Dante Santos, Sophia Loera and Christel Ramones) and Anonymous Acorns (Jacob Sanchez, Fabian Valdez, Max Bell, Luke Voegtle, Evan Smith and Fred Blumhagen) represented the winning teams from WIS. I would like to thank the parents and staff who supported all of our teams this year with Destination Imagination.

Have a great May. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at psalemi@sd925.org or call 708670-1927.

Sincerely,

Philip Salemi Superintendent Westchester District 92.5

Westchester Intermediate School The end of the school year is almost upon us. We have one last set of assessments to complete during the month of May. This data is collected at the end of the year using the Measures of Academic Progress. A standardized assessment students take three times per year. This gives us a pretty good picture of how students did over the course of the year. Our goal as a school is for all of our students to demonstrate growth in both Reading and Math.

I would like to celebrate our Destination Imagination Teams. The Anonymous Acorns and the Golden Stars represented WIS and our district

You”. A special thank you to Amie Isfan,

well at the State Tournament in DeKalb, Illinois. The preparation for this activity is done primarily outside of school. Mrs. Tyminski and Ms. Duffy are our staff coaches and they provide support for the participants through activities at school.

Without the hard work of the students and their parents we would not have been as successful. Great Job! I would again like to thank the WPTC for their continued support. We had a great event for the second trimester with the students participating in a number of team based activities. They students absolutely loved playing Hungry Hungry Hippos with them being the Hippos.

The WPTC sponsored a Popcorn day and have helped us to attain some new playground equipment to be used during recess. We have our Spring Book Store upcoming in conjunction with our Moms and Muffins event.

Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill and Gettysburg. We will also visit the Lincoln, Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr., Korean War, Vietnam War and World War II memorials. This annual tour provides our students with a wellrounded look at our government and American history.

May is a busy month as well as we finish out the year’s learning activities.

Sometimes it is hard for our students to stay focused but we will continue to be positive and work together to ensure every student has a great end of the year.

Go Huskies!

WMS will host an orientation for parents of incoming 6th grade students on Monday, May 21at 6:30 PM. Topics of discussion will include curriculum, transitioning to middle school, health requirements, the Optional Outdoor Educational Tour, and more.

Westchester Middle School

Congratulations to all the students who participated in our Talent Show!

We saw many amazing performances and it was hard to choose a winner. Ana Micaella Gennett placed 1st with her ballet routine, “New Arrival”, which was choreographed for her baby sister. Gabby Munoz placed 2nd with her rendition of “Stay” and Kaitlyn Lopez placed 3rd with her performance of “If It Ain’t

Westchester Middle School presents, “The Music Man, Jr”! Show dates are May 10 and 11 at 7:00 PM and May 12 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $7 each and may be purchased in any of the school offices.

Our 8th graders are looking forward to their educational tour to Washington, D.C. We will tour many sites including

SCHOOLS see page 14

St. Joseph 12

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St. Joseph MAY 2018

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School District 14

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(Left to Right: Jimmy Milas, Ana Micaella Gennett, Gabby Munoz, Kaitlyn Lopez, Delaney Grammas, and Amie Isfan).

Schools Continued from page 11

Jimmy Milas, and Delaney Grammas for organizing and hosting the Talent Show.

Westchester Primary School 2nd Grade Fine Arts Celebration Second grade students shined at our Fine Arts Night that was held on March 15th. Song, movement and rhythm instruments were featured in the student performance conducted by music teacher, Mr. Holliday. Gorgeous student artwork depicting thematic murals were displayed all around the gym by art teacher, Mrs. Jacobsen. This was a wonderful celebration of the musical and artistic accomplishments of our students, and a reminder of how valuable

Aidan Mora and his mother, Lorena Becerra

the arts are in our children’s education and throughout our lives.

MAP Testing - During the month of May, our students have taken part in the Spring MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) and AIMS web assessments.

The professional learning teams from our grade levels are currently analyzing this data and identifying our strengths as well as any gaps in learning that we need to address. These assessments are truly a celebration of our student’s learning!

In addition, the data collected allows our teachers to enhance instruction for the future.

Moms & Muffins - On Thursday, April 12th from 8:00-8:30 am WPS hosted our “Moms & Muffins.” On this date, students came to school with their mother or aunt or grandmother etc.

Everyone met in our cafeteria for a time to eat muffins and drink juice.

In Celebration of Earth Day 2018, Waste Management’s Vaughn Kuerschner and Mayor Paul Gattuso were involved in making an informative video regarding recycling and the new “At Your Door” service being provided to our residents.

Please visit our website www.westchester-il.org/393/recycling to view.

To learn more about the Waste Management recycling program go to www.recycleoftenrecycleright.com.

The “At Your Door” program can be seen at www.wmatyourdoor.com.

Please take advantage of the wonderful services offered to our Westchester residents.

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Annual senior breakfast a success again From Trustee Carl Celestino On March 16th the Village hosted its Annual Senior Breakfast for its retired residents of our community.

Once again, this event was able to take place because of the support and generosity of the administration and the staff of St. Joseph High School.

Our residents enjoyed a continental breakfast of fresh fruit donuts, pastries, muffins, juice and plenty of hot coffee and tea from the Bakery Department of Westchester’s Mariano’s.

The menu was exceptional and enjoyed by all. The discussions and information provided by all is what made this another great event.

Village President Gattuso welcomed everyone and started the discussion with updates about the Village and introduced the Village’s new Manager Mr. David Plyman.

Village Clerk Stan Kolodziej introduced himself and provided information to veterans about the local American Legion Post. Village Trustee Sherby Miller and Trustee Carl Celestino answered many questions and had a lively conversations with all the attendees.

Chief of Police Stelter and Fire Department Chief Adams and Officer

Verber provided important tips for their home and personal protection and provided information regarding specialized services that the attendees may not have been aware are available to the residents. Presentations were made by the Department heads of the Public Works and Building Department informing everyone of the important services and programs that Village residents can take advantage of, including registering for the Residential Waste Collection Senior Discount and the Discount Vehicle Sticker Program for seniors and veterans.

In addition to the Village representatives, a presentation was made by the Village residential refuse hauler Waste Management. The representative informed the residents of Waste Management’s new program available to Westchester residents.

Besides the normal residential household waste removal, electronics and many other household items can be picked up right from their doorsteps by scheduling the removal directly with Waste Management at http://recycleoftenrecycleright.com.

Representatives from Proviso Township were also invited to attend and gave a presentation. The Senior Services personnel took questions and most importantly made sure that the patrons were made aware of all the programs

offered to all seniors of Proviso Township: the Senior Transportation Program for medical appointments and qualifying non-medical locations, the Senior Handyman’s Program, and the ability to obtain temporary Handicapped Vehicle Place Cards. In addition to these useful programs, free blood pressure testing, Notary Public Services, plus other seniorrelated services are available by calling 708-449-4307.

This annual event was made successful do to the hard work, dedication and generosity of many individuals. A sincere thanks and appreciation to St. Joes, Waste Management, Proviso Township and the members of the Village Staff. In addition, a very special thank you goes to Melissa F. from the Village Hall Front Office Staff who’s assistance and participation on the day of the event ensured its positive outcome.

ATTENTION WESTCHESTER RESIDENTS The Westchester Grassroots Garden Group’s will be holding it’s 1st Annual Plant Sale We have been hard at work planting seeds and creating terrific plants for your vegetable gardens! All sale proceeds benefit the Westchester Food Pantry. We will have tomatoes, beans, cucumbers,

peppers, different varieties of squash, and more! Sunday, May 19th, 10am-12pm at the Westchester Memorial Fountain at Mannheim and Crestwood.

Volunteers from the Westchester Food Pantry will also be at our sale collecting items for the Canterbury Yard Sale, as well as to answer questions about the pantry and share information.

A special thanks to Tom Czubernat with the Old Schoolhouse Community Garden for giving us space for sowing our seeds!

The Grassroots Garden Group is comprised of Westchester residents who desire to make our yards, neighborhoods, and community, a more beautiful place.

Previous work done by the Grassroots Garden Group has been the replanting of the Village Gateway Signs and the Village Memorial with perennial plants from their own gardens and planting Daffodils at the Fountain and Village Hall.

Our gatherings are held the last Monday of the month, February through October, from 6:30-8pm. Most gatherings are held at the home of Bethanny Alexander, 1401 Evers Avenue. For more information, or to join our mailing list, please send an email to Bethanny at grassrootsgroup2015@gmail. com. You can also like us on Facebook at facebook.com/grassrootsgardengroup.

Let’s BLOOM together!

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Water and Sewer Rate Increase

An ordinance amending the village municipal code regarding the water and sewer rates passed on June 13, 2017. The rate change was recommended by the Public Works Department after an independent analysis of the existing rates. New rates will begin on May 1 of this year. The current water rate is $9.02 and will increase to $9.74 per 1,000 gallons. The current sewer rate is $1.26 and will increase to $1.29 per 1,000 gallons.

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