November 2011 Village of Westchester Newsletter

Village of

Westchester November 2011 Newsletter From the Desk of The President

POLICE DEPARTMENT

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FIRE DEPARTMENT

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PUZZLE PAGE

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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PARK DISTRICT

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LIBRARY

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PUBLIC WORKS

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President Pulia seated with Senator Durbin and fellow WCMC Members during his trip to Washington D.C.

PRESIDENT PULIA GOES TO WASHINGTON

to the Village of Westchester. Due to the pipe’s location we were unable to clean or televise it back in 2009, because of the adverse affect it October 2011 was a very busy month. I, along may have on the Forest Preserve.

I also asked for assistance in the placement of with 20 members of the West Central Municipal a grant application for our Fire Department. The Conference (WCMC) traveled to Washington grant is for the replacement of a rescue truck.

D.C. for our bi-annual Legislative “Meet and As always, I continued my lobbying efforts for Greet” with our legislative leaders. The West fl ood relief.

These efforts included requests for Central Municipal Conference is a cooperative appropriations for the Addison Creek project. of municipal Mayors and Presidents that meet I was fortunate enough to meet with our State several times throughout the year to discuss a Senator Richard Durbin and his staff. I provided range of issues that affect individual communities them with information on flood control aspects, and the region as a whole. Presently there are and discussed the fact that Cook County 42 municipalities that belong to the conference. municipalities affected by the flood of 2010 Our 16th District Cook County Commissioner did not receive “One Red Cent” of money for Jeffrey Tobolski, who is also the Mayor of the the damage and clean up efforts to municipal, Village of McCook, is the current president of school, library, and park district properties. the organization. I serve as the Vice President My specific request was for Congress to and will assume the duties of the president next look into changes to the Stratford Act, which May. is the Act guiding FEMA disaster response While inWashington,D.C.I met individually with protocol.

Currently, reimbursement for damage Congressman Danny Davis and Congressman to municipalities, schools, libraries and park Daniel Lipinski, who both represent Westchester. districts are determined based on the overall I asked each of them for assistance securing devastation to the entire county, and not the funds for the reconstruction of a mile long individual community.

This means that no sewer pipe which is currently located on Cook County Forest Preserve Property, but belongs See PRESIDENT, page 4

Police Department 2

NOVEMBER 2011

Profile

Officers open ‘house’ to residents On October 15th, 2011, both the Westchester Police and Fire Departments held an open house to tour the facilities and learn more of the services they had to offer.

Trustees Frank Perry and Tom Yurkovich attempted (unsuccessfully) to pass the D.U.I.Field SobrietyWalk &

Turn test while wearing goggles that simulate being under the influence.

The police department demonstrated how the Taser works and Trustee Wally Novak was eager to volunteer his services as he got “Tased” in our live Taser demonstration.

Residents were also shown how

evidence is collected at a crime scene by our Investigations Unit. They also had the opportunity to meet with and discuss the Westchester Neighborhood Watch Program with Officer Verber. For more information please contact Officer Verber at rverber@westchesterpolice.com.

Information needed on ongoing investigation Name: Tracy Celestino Rank: 911/Dispatch What made you choose police/fire dispatching as a profession?

A friend of mine referred me into this field because he thought I’d do well at it.

Describe a good day at work.

Knowing that my officers are able to go home safe after a shift.

What is the best part of your job?

As a resident I am always pleased when we are able to get criminals off the streets.

Also, through communicating with police officers and firefighters and knowing I was able to get help to those who needed it.

What advice would you give someone looking to be a 9-1-1 telecommunicator?

This person should take all aspects of the job into consideration before applying for such a position. This is high stressful, selfless job that requires you to be able to multitask and communicate well with officers and the public. They must be able to deal with others that are going through a range of emotions while remaining calm. This is also a job that is 24-7 so the work hours are not always conducive to everyone.

What would occur on your perfect day off?

Any of the following: Date night with my husband, going to a Cubs game, hanging with family/friends, reading a good book, or walking and playing with my dogs.

The Westchester Police Department is investigating an Armed Robbery that occurred on 10/10/11 at 6:30 pm in the 1400 Block of Haase. A sketch of the suspect can be found at www.westchester-il.org. The suspect approached a female victim while displaying an automatic handgun

demanding the victim’s purse. He then fled into a vehicle described as a 2000 white/silver Ford Taurus or Escort.

The offender is described as a dark skinned black male, 5’10, 220 pounds, approximately 20 years of age. The offender was ast seen wearing a

maroon zippered hoody sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information on this suspect/vehicle are asked to call the Westchester Police Department Investigations Unit at 708-345-0060 ext. 407 or vlamanna@ westchesterpolice.com

his residence by breaking the glass on the side door, reaching in and unlocking the deadbolt. Taken were two computers and a handgun.

to his residence by forcing the lock on the rear basement door. Nothing appeared missing.

Police Blotter At 8:54am on September 12th 2011, a criminal trespass to vehicle was reported on the 2200 block of Sherwood. The resident reported that between 11pm the previous night and 8:30am a person(s) unknown entered his vehicle as it was found in a state of disarray. Nothing appeared to have been taken.

At 10:18pm on September 16th 2011, a residential burglary was reported on the 11200 block of Summerdale. A resident reported between 3pm and 10pm person(s) unknown, forced entry to the house by way of the rear door. Taken was jewelry.

At 7:41pm on September 20th 2011, a burglary to motor vehicle was reported on the 2100 block of Mayfair. A resident reported that between 5:30pm and 9:30pm person(s) unknown entered his vehicle taking his wallet that contained identification and various credit cards.

At 4:06pm on September 28th 2011, a burglary to motor vehicle was reported on the 1100 block of Suffolk. Between 3:45and 4:30pm person(s) unknown entered an unlocked vehicle and removed a wallet located on the dashboard. The wallet contained cash, drivers license and credit card.

At 3:26pm on September 29th 2011, a residential burglary was reported on the 1800 block of Portsmouth. A resident reported that person(s) unknown gained entry to

At 11:19pm on September 29th, 2011, a residential burglary was reported on the 11000 block of Martindale Drive. A resident reports that between 2:30pm and 11:15pm person(s) unknown gained entry

At 4:59pm on October 9th, 2011, a residential burglary was reported on the 1900 block of Stratford. A resident reports that unknown person(s) removed money from the house. No signs of forced entry to the home were observed.

Fire Department NOVEMBER 2011

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HONOR FLIGHT

PRESIDENT Continued from page 1

matter how devastating the damage is to a local community in Cook County, if the damage in Chicago is not as bad, it is unlikely the county will reach the required threshold for reimbursement and the communities that sustained extensive damage will receive no public reimbursement.

This inequity exists because reimbursement is determined at the county level, and the Act uses a cost of $3.23 per person in calculating the threshold amount. Therefore, since Chicago has millions of residents the threshold for Cook County would be tens of millions of dollars in damage.

Therefore, unless the City of Chicago sustains the burden of the damage the suburban municipalities, villages, and cities within Cook County will most likely never see any relief. Senator Durbin requested that I continue to correspond with his staff on this important issue. You can rest assure I will stay on top of this.

Another highlight of the visit was attending a session of the United States Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court has its opening session the first Monday in October.

On October 5th, members of the WCMC were treated to a very special ceremony.

WCMC Executive Director and attorney Richard Pellegrino, a former resident who grew up in Westchester on Berkshire Street, sponsored 6 local attorneys to be sworn in as members of the United States Supreme Court Bar by Chief Justice John Roberts. Each of these attorneys is now able to argue cases before the High Court should the opportunity ever present itself.

The attorneys sponsored by Mr. Pelligrino included; Mayor Michael Garvey from Brookfield, Mayor William Rodeghier from Western Springs, Mayor Michael Gorman from Riverside, Mayor Pete Silvestri, Elmwood Park ,Mayor Jeffrey Sherwin from Northlake, and last but not least , my wife, Arbitration Judge Maureen Masterson-Pulia .

Each inductee was allowed to bring one guest. At 8am our entourage was escorted through a side door at the Supreme Court Building. We then went through security and were escorted to a secure room that was called the Natalie CornellRenquist Dining Room, named in honor of the wife of Supreme Court Justice William Renquist. The room was originally referred to as the “ladies dining room”. This was the actual room where the wives of the sitting justices would sit and wait for their husbands to finish their daily

The World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

discussions, when there were only men on the Supreme Court. With three female Justices now on the High Court I am sure you can see why the name of this room was changed.

The furniture and portraits in the room were antiques and impeccably kept. We were then addressed by a retired colonel wearing a formal top coat, who spelled out the rules and procedures that were to be strictly adhered to once we entered the Supreme Court Chamber. Absolutely no electronic devices were allowed in the court. Once inside the Court Chamber guests were separated from the inductees. The inductees were seated on the right side of the chamber directly in front of the justices.

I have been in many a court room, both state and federal throughout my police career,but I have never thought I would have the opportunity to see the U.S. Supreme Court in action.

There were two cases scheduled to be heard that day. We sat glued to our seats mesmerized as the first case, a discrimination case, filed as a result of an employment issue was presented. Each attorney was given 30 minutes and not a second more to present their arguments. The first attorney barely got two minutes of explanation before the Justices used the remaining time to question his position.

If counsel had a prepared speech to make to the Justices, it went out the window at that point. The Justices knew exactly what they wanted to ask counsel and preceded to use the remaining time for just that. Next up was the Government attorney, the Solicitor General, who also attempted to present her argument only to spend her allotted time answering the questions posed by the Justices.

At the end of the hour I could not tell which way any of the Justices were leaning. The only thing that was certain was that each Justice was fully engaged in the process and had a thorough understanding of the issues before them. It was very refreshing to see the legal process conducted in such a professional manner with no drama or improper

Another highlight was a brief visit to the National Mall and various War Memorials, including the New World War II Memorial. My father was a World War II Army veteran from the Pacific Theater and I had always wanted him to accompany his good friend and WWII Navy Pilot Joseph Vorel on “The Honor Flight.”

Unfortunately he passed away before this could happen.

You may remember me writing about another Westchester WWII Hero Angelo Grippo who took the Honor Flight to the Memorial a year showmanship.

Based on my conversation with the ago. While at the Memorials I saw new inductees, each commented several busses full of veterans from on what an honor it was to appear Texas, all wearing blue “Honor Flight” personally before the Justices of T-shirts. As they were reboarding their Supreme Court and be admitted bus I climbed onboard, identified to the most prestigious attorneys’ myself, and told them I was from bar in the country. It was an honor Westchester, Illinois, and on behalf of they will never forget. I am proud all of our residents wanted to thank of each one of the Mayors that were them and their families for their inducted, and especially my wife service to our country. I thanked Maureen, who Director Pellegrino God that each of them came home thought had the “Right Stuff” to be safely, and prayed for their brethren who paid the ultimate price. I also part of this select group.

During our visit we also had thanked their wives and families for the opportunity to meet with their dedication as well. I have to tell Congressman Michael Quigley who you that it brought a tear to my eye represents the 5th Congressional to see all the wheelchairs placed in District, which is just north and east the belly of the bus. The pride on of us. Mr. Quigley was formerly a their faces will forever be etched in Cook County Commissioner and is my mind. We owe them all a debt of certainly aware of the issues facing, gratitude that can never be repaid.

Most recently, the father of Cook County, the State of Illinois, and Westchester Park Executive Director country as a whole.

Gary Kasanders, Marine Sergeant Unfortunately, each and every Eugene Kasanders was able to be a legislative representative we met participant in Chicago’s “Honor Flight” with conveyed to us in their own on October 12th 2011.

A number of way that the “log jam” in Washington us wrote “letters from home” that DC would most likely continue were given to Sgt. Kasanders during at least through the Presidential the “Mail Call” portion of the flight Election of November of 2012, with on their way home.

Gary told me his the Democrats and Republicans father said he had the best time of unwilling to give in on any issue his life on the flight and will always that may give the opposing party an edge. This was very disconcerting to remember it fondly. When they me given that our legislative leaders returned to Midway airport, their have been elected to represent welcome home was a moving tribute the needs of their community and that included fellow service men and not make, or refrain from making women, family members and various decisions based on partisan politics. service band members. It was I informed our leaders that while very reminiscent of their original party politics continue to rule the homecoming celebration years ago.

For more information about day in Washington, D.C., there are this program please visit www. real people back home that need honorflightchicago.org. their help.

As the Chief Executive Officer of the Village of Westchester, representing IN REMEMBRANCE the people of this Village, I conveyed Earlier this month we lost a very to all of them that we are disheartened special man who dedicated a great that our elected representatives, both portion of his life to philanthropic Democrat and Republican, cannot endeavors, like Loyola University, St. put partisan politics aside and take Ignatius College Prep, and the WWII the steps necessary to get this Memorial. This man was Joseph J. country back on track. I told each Gentile, the Baron of Barrington, of them that ‘JOBS’ has to be the first and owner of radio station WJJG in step to not only personal economic Berkeley, Illinois. Mr. Gentile was a recovery, but also to the economic recovery of our country.

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Puzzle 6

NOVEMBER 2011

Calendar NOVEMBER 2011

November 7. Friends of the Library Chess and Scrabble Game Night 6:30 PM– 8:45 PM at Library Membership in Friends required. Membership table available on game nights.

zyk, Chicago Lichenological Society.

Lichens are a symbiotic association of a fungus and an alga. Over 200 species are known from the Chicago area…if you know how to recognize them. Rich Hyerczyk has been studyNovember 7. Economic De- ing the local lichen flora since 1991 velopment Committee Meeting, and will guide you through the taxWestchester Village Hall, Community onomy, morphology and ecology of Room, 7:30 AM. lichenized fungi, with an emphasis November 7. Teacher In-service. No on identification of the local flora. A general key to some common local School, Divine Providence School. lichens will be provided to all stuNovember 8. Village Board Meet- dents. Please bring a hand-lens to ing followed by Committee of the this class. If there is time and interWhole Meeting Westchester Village est, a short walk through Wolf Road Hall -Board Room, 7:00 PM Prairie will follow the class for “in November 9. Citizens Advisory the field lichen identification”. Wolf Board Meeting, Westchester Village Road Prairie has 41 known lichens which include 20 Crustose species, Hall, Community Room 7:00 PM. 18 Foliose species and 3 Fruticose November 9. All School mass at 8:00 species. The class is limited to 12 AM at Divine Infant Jesus Church, persons. Pre-registration is required.

1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join Light refreshments will be served.To us. For more information, contact sign up for this free class sponsored the school office at 708-865-0122. by the Salt Creek Greenway AssociaNovember 10. “The Last Lecture” tion, email stpsspale@aol.com or call Community Book Discussion & Film 708-865-8736. Reservations will be program (part of Triton’s One Book confirmed.

One Triton initiative) 7:00 PM at Li- Saturday & Sunday November 12brary.

13. Veteran’s Day Blessing and HosNovember 10.

Literacy Night pitality, 5:00 PM Saturday Mass, 7:30 at WMS from 6:30 PM-8:00 PM, AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:30 AM Sunday Masses, Divine Providence Church, Westchester Public Schools.

2550 Mayfair Avenue.

November 11. Veteran’s Day Assembly at 1:45 PM at Divine Infant Jesus November 15. All Schools VisitaChurch, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. tion Day from 9:30 AM -11:00AM & Tom Day of Bugles Across America 1:30 PM -2:30PM, Westchester Public will be presenting a short program Schools. highlighting TAPS 150, at which time November 16. Fall Choral Concert he will present a commemorative @ WMS 7:00PM, Westchester Public Civil War flag showing the composer Schools. and first player of Taps. The program will also include all of the service November 16. All School mass flags and a salute to the Armed Forc- at 8:00 AM at Divine Infant Jesus es. Contact. Mrs. Donna Day 708- Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue.

Come join us. For more information, 865-0122 for more information. contact the school office at 708-865November 12. Market Day Pick-up 0122. from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM, Divine Providence School 2500 Mayfair Avenue, November 17. 4th Grade Performance @ WIS 7:00PM, Westchester Westchester, IL 60154.

Public Schools.

November 12. Westchester Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts annual November 17. The Divine Infant JeThanksgiving food drive, eyeglasses, sus School student body will be Prayand flag collection. Informational fly- ing the Rosary -2:10 PM at Divine ers will be distributed to Westchester Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle residences on November 12. Scouts Avenue. Come join us. For more inwill go door-to-door picking up food formation, contact the school office at 708-865-0122. the next November 19th.

will be taken from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For more information, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

November 19. Market Day Pick-up @ WMS 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM. November 19. Residents, who received a flyer on November 12 for the Scouts annual Thanksgiving food drive, eyeglasses, and flag collection, should have donations on their front porch by 9 AM on Sat the 19th. Anyone else wishing to make a donation can bring items to the Westchester Community Church, 1840 Westchester Blvd., by noon on November 19.The drive accepts nonperishable food items such as canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, rice, beans, pastas; household/personal items such as soaps and toilet tissue; used eyeglasses; and old flags.

November 20. Dating Old Photography - learn how to read the details of an old photograph to determine the time period in which it was taken This is a free event and will be held at 2:00 PM at the LaGrange Park Library. Sponsored by Save The Prairie Society.

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According to the New Roman Missal Goes into Effect 5:00 PM Saturday Mass 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM Sunday Masses, Divine Providence Church, 2550 Mayfair Avenue.

November 28. Advent Evening Prayer, 7:00 PM Divine Providence Ministry Center Chapel, 2540 Mayfair Avenue.

November 29. Friends of the Library Chess and Scrabble Game Night 6:30 PM – 8:45 PM at Library.

Membership in Friends required.

Membership table available on game nights.

November 29. A Confirmation Sponsor/Candidate Discussion Meeting will be held at 7:00 PM at Divine Infant Jesus School, 1640 Newcastle Avenue. Contact Sr. Susan Majcen at 708-865-8086 for more information.

December 2. First Friday Adoration, 8:00 AM-7:00 PM, Divine Providence Ministry Center Chapel 2540 Mayfair.

December 2. Village Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 PM at the Westchester Fire Department locatNovember 21. Economic De- ed 10240 Roosevelt Rd. Westchester, velopment Committee Meeting, IL 60154. Please join us for a brief Westchester Village Hall, Community ceremony followed by holiday refreshments.

Room, 7:30 AM. Tuesday November 22. School Thanksgiving Prayer Service, 2:00 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2550 Mayfair Avenue.

November 22. Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held from 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM, at Divine Infant Jesus School, 1640 Newcastle Avenue. Dismissal will be at 11:35 PM. For more information, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

November 22. Village Board Meeting followed by Committee of the Whole Meeting Westchester Village Hall -Board Room, 7:00 PM.

December 4. Morning with St. Nicholas, 10:30 AM, Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair.

December 5. Evening with Deacon Ed DeLorenzo, 7:00 PM Divine Providence Church, 2550 Mayfair Avenue.

December 6. Bilingual PAC Meeting @ WPS, 7:00PM,Westchester Public Schools December 7. Winter Band Concert @ WMS, 7:00PM, Westchester Public Schools December 8. Senior Concert @ WMS 10:00AM, Westchester Public Schools

November 23.

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service at 7:00 PM, December 9. Holiday Dance @ Westchester Community Church, WMS from 2:50-5:15PM, Westchester Public Schools 1840 Westchester Blvd.

November 24. Library closed for December 7. All School mass at 8:00 AM at Divine Infant Jesus Church, Thanksgiving holiday.

1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join November 23-25. Thanksgiving us. For more information, contact the Holidays-No School Divine Provi- school office at 708-865-0122. Divine dence School.

Infant Jesus School Advisory Board November 12. Getting to Know the November 18. Taize Ecumenical Meeting at 7 PM at the Rectory, 1601 Lichens,A Natural History Class from Prayer Evening of Remembrance for November 23-25. Thanksgiving Newcastle Ave. For more informa1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Presented by the Deceased. 7:30 PM, Divine Provi- Break – No School, Westchester Midtion, contact the school at 865-0122. dle School the Salt Creek Greenway Association. dence Church 2550 Mayfair.

Classes will be held at the 1 Aloha November 19. Aisle of Gifts,“Home November 24. Thanksgiving Mass, December 11. Westchester Bible Lane Meeting Room, Hickory Lane for the Holly Days!” will be from 9:00 9:30 AM, followed by Drama Minis- Church presents “Bethlehem’s Love” Buffer to Wolf Road Prairie at the For- AM to 3:00 PM at Divine Infant Je- try Skit and Hospitality, Divine Provi- at 6:00 PM. Bring your family to est Preserve District of Cook County sus School, 1640 Newcastle Avenue. dence Church, 2550 Mayfair Avenue. this celebration of the Reason for Police Headquarters; the North side The holiday craft show will feature the Season! Free nursery provided. of 31st Street west of Wolf Road, over 50 crafters, pictures with Santa, Saturday & Sunday November 26- Call (708)562-3040, or visit www.

Westchester. Presenter. Rich Hyerc- raffles, food and fun. Santa pictures 27. Revised Translation of the Mass westchesterbiblechurch.org.

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NOVEMBER 2011

PRESIDENT

9 streets, and if possible, additional streets.

Several scenarios were offered Continued from page 4

by Staff. However, the ability to pay for the needed road and street driving force in soliciting donations replacements is not without a for the Memorial. Over the years, financial impact on the community.

I had appeared on his radio show One concept brought forward was several times. He was a man who instituting a Non-Home Rule Sales not only spoke his mind, but could Tax. Several of our surrounding back his position on any topic with communities have such a program. anyone at anytime. God Speed Joe. As of July 1, 2011, the communities It is with sadness that I also inform of Broadview; Brookfield; Melrose you of the untimely passing of Mr. Park, North Riverside; River Grove; Thomas Wagner, the husband of River Forest; and Riverside have a long time Westchester Public School 1% Non-Home Rule Sales Tax; the Secretary Sheri Wagner. Tom is in communities of Forest Park and Villa heaven watching down on us all.

Park have a .50% tax; and LaGrange has a .25% tax.

VILLAGE MANAGER In order for Westchester to institute On October 11th 2011 Village such a tax, the voters of Westchester Manager, Stan Urban resigned from would have to approve the tax. This his position with the Village of can only be accomplished via a Westchester. We wish Mr. Urban Village-wide Referendum. Approval well and thank him for the hard of this revenue stream would be a way work and dedication on behalf of of raising more revenue to continue our Village, especially during the our street rebuilding program. I’m floods and power outages. Mr Urban sure residents would agree that our was always available to answer any streets are in deplorable condition questions and/or concerns of not and the Village needs a plan, coupled only the Board, but anyone else that with the financing, to make these called upon him. We wish him well needed reconstructions. This is just something to think about at this in his future endeavors.

Until a new Village Manger is point since we have been told that selected, Finance Director Janet Westchester will not be receiving Matthys will serve as Interim Village any state and federal money for these Manager. As of this writing the Board projects anytime soon.

If you are wondering about our is in the process of determining the best course of action to search neighbors directly to the north, for a qualified candidate to fill this Bellwood, Hillside and Berkeley are Home Rule Communities. Bellwood position. has a 1.5% home rule sales tax, and WESTCHESTER STREET Berkeley and Hillside have a 1% home rule sales tax. As home rule PROGRAM communities, these towns did not At our recent October 11th Board have to go to referendum to impose Meeting, a presentation was made this tax, as they have authority as a

by Kane McKenna Capital, Inc., bond home rule community. Home rule consultants, regarding a funding communities have populations of mechanism (sale of bonds) to fund over 25,000, or can be established capital street and road improvement via a referendum for communities projects.

The 2010 Street with populations less than 25,000.

Improvement Project identified 25 The above information is just that, street projects. Presently 9 of the information. Future board discussion 25 initially engineered streets have will be occurring. Ultimately, if this yet to be completed. To date, we topic does end up in Referendum have spent 3.5 million dollars from Form, it will be up to you, the voters, a prior bond issuance to pay for the to decide if it passes. Stay tuned …. work that has already been done.

The Village receives approximately $400,000 annually in allotments ELECTRICAL ENERGY of Motor Fuel Tax from the Illinois SAVING PROGRAM Department of Revenue. Of this The Village has been proactively amount, approximately $250,000 looking at ways to save money on its is restricted to pay the annual debt electric bill from ComEd by changing service on the 2010A bonds maturing to a third party provider. This will in 2020. result in a reduction in the price of I am happy to report that the electricity the village pays for our remaining 16 streets have been pumping stations and street lights. completely reconstructed including Presently ComEd does not charge the curbs, approaches and some village for the electric we use at the sidewalks when needed. We are village hall complex, however you looking at all possible alternatives and I know that the Franchise fee for completing at least the remaining

on our bill covers those expenses, as nothing is for free.

MUNICIPAL AGGREGATION On November 8th Mr. Dave Hoover from the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative is scheduled to present information to our Board regarding this topic at 7pm at the Westchester Village Hall.

On August 31st 2011 an article appeared in the Chicago Tribune regarding a change in state law allowing electrical energy purchase from providers other than ComEd. I am sure many of you have received information from these vendors in your own mail. I am interested in learning more about this option, and the possibility of exploring this topic as a future Referendum Item.

I have been told that residents of Westchester, based on our population, could see a substantial saving on their electric bills if we were to move to another provider.

Residents and businesses could see their costs reduced by 20-25%, and see their ComEd bills drop $175 to $200 per year. As more information becomes available, I would like to host a Town Hall Meeting on this topic. Several municipalities are in the process of placing this question on a referendum ballot in March 2012. We are not yet at that point.

Rest assured, we will not move forward with any referendum until such time that the Board has been fully apprised of these programs and believe they are in the best interest of our community as a whole. For more information on this topic please visit www.nimec.net.

GOING GREEN ONE LIGHT AT A TIME Westchester has received notification from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) of a $16,000 grant to retro-fit lighting in the Police Department. We received an earlier grant of $35,000 for the Village Hall and Fire Department.

These grants, coupled with the $29,000 we received for installation will bring the total receipt of monies to $80,000. The work is progressing and should hopefully be completed by the time you are reading this newsletter. This is work we would have had to pay for ourselves, if we had not received the grants because the ‘T-12’ bulbs will become obsolete and unavailable in 2012. The retro-fit will be more energy efficient going forward. Thanks to Twin Supplies and DCEO Andrea Reiff for the quick assessment and award of the grant.

I also want to give a special thank

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you to LaGrange Park Deputy Police Chief Phil Kubiszal for sharing the information with me.

WATERING BAN IS OVER The outside watering ban ended on Monday October 14th. The interior of the water tank located at I294 and Cermak is complete. Project Manager Hope Garrett, Public Works employees Walter Wiza and Brian Grippo, as well as BroadviewWestchester Joint Water Agency Superintendent Brian Clawson have given “a thumbs up” for the project.

The tank has been slowly refilled and chlorinated properly over the last couple of weeks. Monitoring equipment that was put in place to keep Westchester from a boil order has also worked exceptionally well.

Thanks to the employees, the Water Agency, and to you the residents for following the ban and monitoring your usage.

SHERIFF AWARD RECIPIENTS On Monday November 7th I will be attending the Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart Youth Services Award Ceremony. The Award ceremony is for high school aged student who volunteer at least 100 hours of unpaid service to their community, or service organization. As you may have seen on the front page of an earlier edition of this Newsletter, several youths were involved in the summer clean- up program and will be awarded Youth Service Medals at a the UIC Auditorium.Those students are Sean Lorenzen, Kyle Wilson, Jose Espin, and Faye Domokos. I have also been advised that Eva Raddatz, and Jacqueline Nowicki from Westchester are also receiving the prestigious award. Congratulations to all of the Westchester recipients.

BOY SCOUT FOOD DRIVE The Boy Scout will be holding their annual food drive again this year.

The food drive helps stock the food pantry at the Westchester Village Hall and Divine Infant Church for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Along with food, eyeglasses for the Lions Club Recycle for Sight program, and worn out flags will be collected. Cub Scout Pack 73 will be properly retiring the flags at a later date. Cub Scouts will be distributing informational flyers toWestchester residences on Saturday November 12th, and returning on Saturday November 19th to pick up the donated items. Residents wishing to make a donation should place the items in a bag on their

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Preparing for battle at Westchester schools On a warm morning in August, leaders met quietly in a Westchester school building to begin plans for a major battle. Strategies were mapped out, and battle teams were organized. The calendar of battles was determined.

In September, preparation for the battle continued. Materials were collected, organized, and labeled.

Signs were posted, and combatants were informed.The battle is ready to begin.

Westchester School District 92.5 has joined America’s Battle of the Books. America’s Battle of the Books is a voluntary reading

incentive program for students in grades 3-12.

The purpose is simply to encourage students to read good books and have fun while competing with peers. Although there is no formal program in K-2, Westchester Primary School will have their own version of battle using a number of early chapter books and the Monarch Award books.

All across Westchester children will be reading to participate in America’s Battle of the Books.

There is an eclectic assortment of titles with books to appeal to all interests and abilities. High Interest

and award winners, picture books and classics, there’s something for everyone.

Children who participate prepare over several months by reading a number of titles from the list.

Although no child is required to read all of the titles, an effective, battle ready team, is made up of a small group of experts who together, have deep understanding of the entire list of books.

Copies of books are available in school media centers,theWestchester Public Library, and your favorite bookseller. Prepare! The battle is about to begin.

Middle school band builds skill, commitment Music involves learning through doing, sharing, listening, and communicating with others. Music helps us to be more creative, more compassionate, and helps us to share and feel human emotion more intensely. Many Westchester Middle School students are fortunate to be able to have such experiences through their participation in the middle school’s band program. Just under a quarter of the entire student body participate in at least one of the school’s instrumental ensembles; Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble.

Symphonic Band and Concert Band rehearse at 7:15 in the morning, two days a week, before the start of the school day. Jazz Ensemble, a group that is composed of students who

perform in one of the other bands, rehearses one morning a week. Each band student also attends a forty minute small group lesson that takes

place during the school day once a week. Due to this rehearsal schedule and the demands of their individual practice routines, the students of

the Westchester Middle School band program learn the importance of commitment, using their time efficiently, being organized, and setting individual and group goals.

In performance ensembles, the most common goal is for students to experience positive rehearsals that foster collective musical growth. Subsequently, this leads to performances that are both successful and feeling-full.

The doors of Westchester Middle School are always open, and we invite you to share in our musical experiences by attending one of our band concerts. A schedule can be found on d925.org/middle. As always, we appreciate the community’s support of fine arts education in the Westchester Public Schools!

Westchester blood program honored again Once again, the Westchester Blood Program has been recognized as the most productive community collector of blood products for Chicago area hospitals.

On Sept. 28, LifeSource Blood Services – the region’s largest blood collection agency – hosted itseighthannual Top 20 Luncheon in Rosemont. The event recognizes the 20 most productive blood programs under the auspices of LifeSource, whose service area covers most of northeastern Illinois.

Officers of the Westchester group were invited, as they have been for every such event since the first honors luncheon was held in 2004.

The WBP was credited with 572 units collected in fiscal 2011, from July 2010 through June 2011.

The organization, which depends entirely on volunteers, has collected more than 21,000 units since its founding in June 1974. That’s enough to serve the needs of 60,000 hospital patients.

With help from LifeSource, it sponsors six drives annually: two at the Community Center, two at Divine Providence School and two mobile makeup drives, held at the Westbrook Mall at Wolf and31stand at Westchester Community Church, Bond and Westchester Blvd.

So far this year, it has received 531 units through its first five drives.

Representing the Westchester Blood Program as it was honored by LifeSource Blood Services on Sept. 28 were Executive Board members (from left) Mary Ann Hannon, Nadine Trumbull, Ruth Dugo, Maria Ortiz, Bill Mize, chairman Joan Steinhauer and Oscar Arciniegas, LifeSource team account manager. Unavailable were Carl Panek, Bob Smith, Joyce Loechel, Kevin Lah and Milly Covelli.

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NOVEMBER 2011

In the Spotlight..

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NOVEMBER 2011

PRESIDENT Continued from page 9

front porch by 9am on November 19th. Donations can also be dropped off at the Westchester Community Church 1840 Westchester Blvd by noon on the 19th. The drive accepts nonperishable food items such as canned meats, fruit, vegetables, soups, rice beans, pastas; household/ personal items such as soap and toilet tissue; used eyeglasses; and old flags.

Please help those less fortunate by donating. If you need any additional information feel free to contact Scout to the residents of 1612 Stratford on the scariest Halloween decorations in Leader Ed Colaianni; wolf1daddy@ Congratulations Westchester. comcast.net. grandchildren. “BOP”, thank you for 8th Board meeting. The tree will helping make Westchester a “GREAT be placed just east of the Main Fire CITIZEN ADVISORY PLACE TO LIVE”.

House on Roosevelt Road, and will BOARD be decorated. Please join us for the HAPPY THANKSGIVING official Tree Lighting Ceremony on The Westchester Citizen Advisory December 2, 2011 at 6:30 pm.

Board (CAB) is working on their Thursday November 24 is next community project, assisting Thanksgiving Day. It is a National HOLIDAY TREE with the Holiday Food Drive with Holiday here in the United States.

Westchester Food Pantry Coordinator Its roots can be traced from 1621 DECORATIONS Judy Saraceno-Swenson.

Trustee at a celebration at the Plymouth In addition to the official Village Liaison Tom Yurkovich is working Plantation. A harvest feast was Holiday Tree, I am looking for outside with the community to get collection held after a successful growing decorations to hang on another bins placed in strategic locations season.

American Indians from holiday tree we will be decorating around the village. I will post more the Wampanoag tribe taught the just outside the post office. Children information as it becomes available. Pilgrims how to grow corn and fish who would like to make an outdoor and supplied food to the colony decoration please drop one off at RAIN BARREL PROGRAM when supplies from England the Village Hall between Monday were insufficient.

In 1789 George November 21st and Friday November I have been told by Project Manager Washington proclaimed the first 25th. A drop box will be available Hope Garrett that to date we have Thanksgiving Day, and with a in the lobby of the Village Hall. The received over 28 orders for Rain joint committee of both Houses decoration should be at least 6-12 Barrels. Although we got a late start of Congress, assigned the 26th inches in size so that it can be viewed with the program, there will be time of November as a day of public from afar. to fill those 55 gallon barrels with thanksgiving and prayer to Almighty rain water for watering your plants and gardens next spring. If you are God for the many signals of favors HOLIDAY TREE interested in participating in this granted to the newly established LIGHTING CEREMONY During program you can contact Hope form of government. the Civil War, President Abraham The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Garrett at the village hall at 708-345Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Ceremony will be held Friday 0020. thanksgiving be celebrated on the December 2nd at 6:30 pm. The final Thursday of November 1863. holiday tree will be erected on the HAPPY HALLOWEEN As we reflect on the past and look to east side of the main fire house on Halloween has past and I hope you the future let us not forget that we all Roosevelt Road. All are invited to were driving around town looking have been bestowed an abundance attend. Hot chocolate, coffee, and at the numerous scary decorations in the best country on earth, the cookies will be served. I am also told that graced our hallowed grounds United States of America. a visitor from the North Pole will be this season. I have to say that there arriving to check on those whose were quite a few that were very well HOLIDAY TREE have been naughty or nice, and give done. There were two houses in DONATIONS those who have been naughty a little my opinion that were exceptional, extra time to become nice.

The Village is continuing with its 1807 Stratford and 1606 Stratford.

The decorations displayed at 1606 annual holiday tradition of selecting CAN YOU ZUMBA Stratford stood out in my mind as the one tree from within the Village as On Sunday October 16th, if you scariest.Thank you to these residents the Village’s Holiday Tree. This year for displaying the Halloween Spirit we received 7 submissions from happened to pass by “JOES PLACE those interested in donating their “on Westchester Blvd you were in for the whole community to enjoy. evergreen tree to be used as the for a real treat. Music and two hours HAPPY BIRTHDAY Village Holiday Tree. Public Works of non-stop “ZUMBA” dancing filled Superintendant John Fecarotta will the parking lot. Trustee Frank Perry, It has been brought to my attention evaluate the submissions for size, owner of the Westchester eatery that William Anthony Juvancic, is ease of removal, and fullness. Those known for its “Gene and Judes” turning 91 years young on November that meet the requirements will be style hot dogs sponsored the event.

3rd. William is a long time resident placed in a hat, and the winner will be Frank could be seen on the sidelines of Westchester whose chose randomly selected at out November dancing in place singing the songs Westchester to raise his children and

as his wife Peggy and daughter Ava danced their hearts out on the dance floor along with approximately 50 other participants. Each participant paid an entrance fee, and donations were accepted. All proceeds were donated to Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

VILLAGE BEAUTIFICATION I have submitted the proper paperwork to the Cook County Forest Preserve District to allow the Village of Westchester to erect a beautiful fountain on the Forest Preserve land located at the northeast corner of Cermak and Mannheim Roads. A Three Tier Fountain was purchased in late August 2011 and is awaiting approval to be erected this spring.

The fountain is approximately 9 Feet tall and will compliment the Westchester Flower Gardens at that same location, which the Westchester Garden Club has been maintaining for years. I would like to thank Ms. Barbara Lucchese, John and Jean Masterson, and my parents Ed and Dorothy Pulia for their generous contributions towards this fountain.

Upon county approval, I will be looking for volunteers to utilize their “Sweat Equity” to help make it happen. Cermak and Mannheim is the Gateway to our community. The fountain will be dedicated to our Police Department, Fire Department, Armed Forces, and victims of September 11th.

This fountain should certainly put Westchester on the map.

NEWSLETTER I have received some questions about recent police reports in the Suburban Life or Doings newspapers that may not be included in this Newsletter.

Although you receive this Newsletter the first Monday of each month, the actual cutoff date for all contents is the middle of the prior month. Staff uses the third week of the month to put the newsletter together before it is sent to the printer, returned for proof reading, and delivered the first Monday of each month. Therefore, incidents that occur after the 15th day of any given month will most likely not be included in the next month’s newsletter. We do however have the police department submit a weekly press release to newspapers covering our area. The police press releases are also placed on our Village website in the Police Department information section. These weekly releases reflect the weekly incidents reported to the newspapers. The Village Newsletter is not a daily or weekly paper like the Suburban Life or the Doings.

Public Works NOVEMBER 2011

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News from the Westchester Public Works Branch Pickup

and no more than 4’ in length. These are picked up every week, on your regular garbage day.

Please note that the last pickup for yard waste by Waste Management will be Friday, Dec. 2, 2011.

Not far behind leaves comes SNOW! When it does begin to snow Village The final PW branch pickup will be crews will be working long and hard the week of November 7-11.This will to keep our streets clear and safe. be the last pickup for the year.

Please assist us by observing the Branch pickup will resume in April following: 2012.

Place garbage cans and bins behind Branch Pick-up Schedule: the curb line-not in the street *Monday:From Mannheim Road west Leaf Maintenance Observe “ NO PARKING” and to Wolf Road and from Canterbury “SNOW ROUTE” signs south to Windsor,including both sides Public Works is still filling potholes; Do not throw or blow snow back of Windsor Drive; Also, Waterford, however they are wrapping up into the cleared streets Waverly, Camelot and Concord. street repairs, and moving into full The following parking restrictions *Tuesday: Roosevelt Road south to swing with leaf season. They started WILL be enforced: Cermak Road- from Gardner Road leaf pickup on October 12th with a 6 After a two-inch snowfall and west to Mannheim Road. man crew followed by the sweeper. except as otherwise posted, it is *Wednesday: From Roosevelt Road Even though we have started leaf unlawful to park any vehicle, or to north to the expressway and from pickup to clean the curbs we ask you permit any vehicle to remain parked, Gardner Road west to Mannheim DO NOT TO RAKE YOUR LEAVES between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and Road; Roosevelt south to Canterbury INTO THE STREETS! This causes 4:30 p.m., on odd-numbered sides from Haase west to Heidorn. sewer problems, clogs the storm of the street (south and east sides of *Thursday: From Belleview west to sewers, and creates unsafe driving streets) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Wolf Road, Martindale Drive to 31st conditions. and on even-numbered sides of the Street.

Please try to keep the drains in street (north and west sides of the For a map of branch pick up the street free of debris so that the streets) on Mondays, Wednesdays schedule visit our webpage: www. autumn rains do not wash the debris and Fridays. Odd sides of the street westchester-il.org. into the storm sewers. Keep the are defined as the south side of east Please remember that all landscaping inlets free of leaves by sweeping off and west streets, and the east side contractors are responsible for their the top of the inlets. We appreciate of the north and south streets. Even own brush pick-up and disposal. you cooperation! sides of the street are defined as the Don’t Forget…. Waste Management north side of east and west streets will pick up your branches, bushes, When the snow falls, please and the west side of north and south etc. as long as they are tied in bundles remember… streets.

2011 Water Tower Painting In order for this project to be The Village of Westchester has completed in an efficient and timely successfully completed the painting manner, communication between the of the inside of the water tower. The Village and its residents is essential. project went very smoothly and If any resident has concerns or finished one week ahead of schedule. questions regarding work being The Village gives a big thank you to done on or around their property, all the residents who followed the please do not hesitate to contact watering ban and helped make this the Resident Engineer, Christopher project run smoothly.

Faust at 847-954-9766 or the Project Manager, Hope Garrett at hgarrett@ westchester-il.org / 708-446-4231 Sanitary Sewer Lining and provide your address. The Village will keep residents advised The Village of Westchester is about should any project delays become to embark upon a sanitary sewer necessary. rehabilitation project which will include improvements to the sanitary 2011 50/50 and Trip Hazard sewer lines in the backyards of the Reduction Sidewalk Project area bound by Wolf Rd., Roosevelt Rd., Haase Ave., and Canterbury St. The Village committed funds this The improvements shall include: year for the annual 50/50 sidewalk Replacement of certain deteriorated project. This project shares the cost sections of sanitary sewer. with residents who would like to Sewer cleaning and televising replace the old or cracked public Rehabilitation of sanitary sewers sidewalk in front of their house. The using an Village is accepting applications for inversion lining process. next year’s work. Please contact Rehabilitation of sanitary Public Works at ggolz@westchestermanholes. il.org or 708-345-0041 to provide Restoration of disturbed property your name, phone number, address, and landscaping and the number of squares you are

As cooler weather approaches, remember to turn off your outside water spigots in the house to prevent pipes from cracking or freezing during the winter months. If you are leaving town for warmer weather, please inform the Public Works Department so crews can shut off the water at the buffalo box while you are away.

Adopt a fire hydrant this winter season! Help keep the hydrant clear of snow so that the Fire Department can easily identify the hydrant and obtain easy access to the hydrants in case of an emergency.

As always,Village residents are asked to call Public Works at 708/345-0041 or 708/345-0060 (the Police nonemergency number) if you see an unusual amount of water in the street or parkways. This could be a main break or water leak that requires our immediate attention.

SinnottTree Service will be trimming trees as part of the routine Village Tree Trimming Program in February 2012. The area to be trimmed will be west of Mannheim to Wolf Road/ South of Roosevelt to Cermak. They will be starting on Belleview and moving west.

interested in having replaced. The Village will contact you next summer in regards to cost.

The Village also funded a trip hazard reduction program this year. This program aims to reduce trip hazards in the most economical way feasible.

Some tools the Village uses to reduce trip hazards on sidewalks include; adding dirt and seed where a trip hazard exists along the edge of the sidewalk, grinding down one square if it is higher than the one next to it, or replacing a square to bring it to the same level as the adjacent square.

GIS Work The GIS Interns, with the help of the Public Works Department, are continuing work on a number of projects, including a street sign inventory, an inventory of our street lights, and a tree inventory. You may see the interns out in the months of November and December placing stickers on all the Village owned light poles. These stickers will give each pole a unique identifier, making it easier for residents and Village employees to report a burned out created a corresponding map of the street light. The interns have also street lights showing their locations.

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