march 2014 westchester, il newsletter

Village of

FIRE DEPARTMENT

OMG…who would have known that the winter weather we are having this year would be so bad. I don’t believe any of us would have thought, based on the past 5 years, that it would be so cold, and that as of this writing we would have over 60 inches of snow.

Officially, the Chicagoland area has not seen a winter this cold in 30 years! From December 1, 2013 through February 6, 2014 the lowest temperature registered at O’Hare was -16 F. To make matters worse the area received 68.7 inches of snow. This winter, although far from over, can certainly be labeled as one of the worse we have experienced in a long time.

Doing some research, I tried to find winters that had excessive snow or large snowstorms coupled with extremely cold temperatures. I came upon statistics developed by Barbara Mayes Boustead who developed the Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI), pronounced “aussie”, which measures the severity of winter weather conditions. The AWSSI assigns points to each winter based on daily temperatures, snow

fall and snow depth and length of time. The index starts when the first snow falls, or the first temperature that reaches 32 degrees or less. The end of winter is determined by the last snow fall date, the last day when there is 1 inch or more of snow depth, or the last day when the maximum temperature is 32 degrees or colder. If none of these occurs after February, then the last day of February is determined to be the end of winter. Wishful thinking as I can remember having snowfall in April. This year winter in Chicago began on November 11, 2013 when .04 inches of snow fell. As a reference, in 2006 winter started on October 12th and did not end until April 12th. As of February 5th of this year, Ms. Boustead said 2013-2014 is ranked as the 6th most severe winter since the 1950’s.

Chicago’s coldest month on record was January 1977, with an average temperature of 10.1 degrees. On Monday, January 21, 1977 at 7:30 am, Patrol Officer Joseph Gorski and I were in the process of investigating

From the Desk of The President

POLICE DEPARTMENT

CALENDAR

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

PARKDISTRICT

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PUBLIC WORKS

3

6

12

19

15

27

2

See PRESIDENT, page 4

Trustee Calcagno, Management Assistant Molly Keane, President Pulia, Trustee Yurkovich, WCMC Executive Director Richard F. Pellegrino and Village Manager Matthys at the conclusion of the annual WCMC Legislative Breakfast on February 8th.

WestchesterMarch 2014 Newsletter

Fire DePartment2 MARCH 2014

Police DePartmentMARCH 2014 3

At 11:47 am on January 27, 2014, a Theft from Vehicle was reported on the 10300 block of Elizabeth. The resident reported that unknown person(s) removed the catalytic converter from their vehicle while vehicle was parked in the street.

At 8:36 pm on January 27, 2014, a Burglary to Motor Vehicle was reported on the 900 block of Manchester. The resident reported that unknown person(s) removed cash and papers from their vehicle while parked in the street.

At 2:17 pm on January 28, 2014, a Theft from Vehicle was reported on the 700 block of Bristol. The resident reported that unknown person(s) removed the catalytic converter from their vehicle while parked in the street during the previous night.

At 5:34 am on January 29, 2014, a Theft from Vehicle was reported on the 1800 block of Norfolk. The resident reported that unknown person(s) removed the catalytic

converter from their vehicle while parked in the street. The resident advised they noticed that they observed a person running from the vehicle at 5:30am.

At 9:40 am on January 29, 2014, six vehicle owners reported Thefts from their Vehicles while parked in the Westbrook Corporate Center parking lot. The vehicle owners reported that their spare tires were taken.

At 11:04 am on February 10, 2014, a Theft was reported at the Shell Gas Station located at 11201 31st Street. The store clerk reported that a vehicle pumped $35 in gas without paying.

At 6:58 pm on February 10, 2014, a Residential Burglary was reported on the 900 block of Westchester Blvd. The resident reported that between 5pm and 9pm the previous day, unknown person(s) entered the home and removed jewelry and money.

Police blotter

The Westchester Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is looking for volunteers to assist the Village during emergency events within the village.

Westchester EMA works under the direction of the Westchester Police & Fire Departments, and assists when needs arise in emergency situations, or with special events. Volunteers assist with vehicular and pedestrian traffic control as well as safety details. All applicants will undergo a thorough background check and will be asked to complete basic FEMA related training. Please contact Westchester EMA coordinator, Glenn Kaupert via email: [email protected].

In the course of the day you may write a check at the drugstore, charge tickets to a concert, rent a car, call home on your cell phone, or apply for a credit card. Chances are you don’t give these routine transactions a second thought. But others may.

Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in America, affecting half a million new victims each year. Identity Theft or Identity Fraud is the taking of a victim’s identity to obtain credit, credit cards from banks and retailers, steal money from a victim’s existing accounts, apply for loans and establish accounts with utility companies.

The imposter obtains your social security number, your date of birth, and other identifying information such as your address and phone number.

Once the first account is established, they can continue to add to their credibility.

“Dumpster Divers” pick up information you may have thrown away, such as utility bills, credit card slip, and other such documents.

TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO YOU

* Do not give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or know whom

you’re dealing with. Identity thieves will pose as bank representatives, Internet service providers, and even government officials to get you to reveal identifying information.

* Shred all documents, including pre- approved credit applications received in your name, insurance forms, bank checks and statements you are discarding, and other financial information.

* Be careful using ATMs and phone cards. Someone may look over your shoulder and obtain your PIN number(s), thereby gaining access to your accounts.

* Make a list of all of your credit card account numbers and bank account numbers with customer service phone numbers and keep it in a safe place.

Save your documents that need to be shredded and dispose of them at our annual E-Recycling and Shredding Events scheduled for May 10, 2014 and October 11, 2014 at the Village Hall.

To obtain the free reports, consumers can: Call 1-877-322-8228;

Order online at www.annualcreditreport.com; or

Complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form, available at www.ftc.gov/credit, and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

Be aware of identity theft

EMA looking for volunteers

4 MARCH 2014

a homicide that occurred in the parking lot of the former Discipio Farm Stand on Wolf Road near Windsor Drive looking for clues in the bitter cold. On January 20, 1985, the thermometers hit 27 degrees below zero. I can distinctly remember this date as it was the Sunday the Bears won the Super Bowl.

On January 26, 2014, Governor Pat Quinn’s office reminded Illinoisans that extreme cold temperatures can be fatal. Since 1995, more than 130 fatalities have been related to cold temperatures in Illinois. We have had bouts of constantly cold temperatures, including one that had approached a length not seen since 1996, when a 66 hour run of sub zero temperatures became the area’s second longest since the 98 hour period that began on December 26, 1983.

According to data from the

National Weather Service, four of the five snowiest decades since 1890 have occurred in the last 50 years, as have seven of the ten snowiest individual winters on record. The average snowfall for winters in the 1970’s was just over 40 inches per year. Chicago went 107 days with snow on the ground from November 27, 1978 to March 13, 1979.

Since 1886, there have been 42 storms that have brought 10 inches of snow or more to Chicago. The most recent was in 2011 when more than 20 inches of snow fell stranding cars on Lake Shore Drive and city streets everywhere.

Chicago’s ten biggest snowstorms:

23.0 inches January 26-27, 196721.06 inches January 1-3, 199921.2 inches February 1-2, 201120.3 inches January 13-14, 197919.2 inches March 25-26-193016.2 inches March 7-8, 193115.0 inches December 17-20,

192914.9 inches January 30,193914.9 inches January 6-7, 197814.3 inches March 25-26, 1970

The Above information can be viewed in its entirety at www.wbez.org/series/curious-city in an article by Chris Bentley.

FROZEN LAKESThis winter has also created havoc

on the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. 80% of the Great Lakes are covered in ice. Data from the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory showed that more than half of Lake Michigan, 54%, is ice. Lake Erie is 94% iced over followed by Lake Superior 93%, Lake Huron 89% and Lake Ontario 38%. For the first time in history the U.S Coast Guard has brought it’s ice cutter ship to the south end of Lake Michigan to break up the ice. Lt. Thomas Przybyla brought the 140 foot long ice breaker south to help a 700 foot ore carrier into an Indiana Harbor where the ice is up to 6 foot thick. He also commented that it is the worst winter he has seen in 25 years, but we already know that, Lt. Przybyla. Thank you and your crew for the outstanding daunting job you have been faced with this winter.

STREET ROCK SALT SUPPLY Due to the fact that barges

traveling on the Mississippi River that deliver salt supplies are stuck in frozen water we were forced to pay a premium for a salt delivery last month. We normally order, based on our past usage history, 1200 tons per season. Last spring we took delivery of an additional 600 tons that we contracted for, which we did not know where we were going to put it as our salt bin had an unused supply of about 300 tons and was full.

Going into this winter season we

had 2100 tons on hand; confident we had enough. Unfortunately, mid January we had only enough salt to make 3 passes throughout our town. We use approximately 170 tons to salt our streets, from curb to curb, each pass.

When I contacted the Illinois State Central Management Services (CMS) to order more salt, I was told that the there was no more to distribute. I was supplied with a list of suppliers who were contacted, all having no inventory available. Public Works Supervisor Carl Muell contacted a supplier he was familiar with and was able to secure an additional 1500 tons that he felt would last through the season. Our normal contract with CMS offers municipalities who are members to purchase at a bulk rate that the state has bid out. The rate we contracted for last March was $55.00 per ton. As a result of no additional salt being available from the state, Midwest Salt was contacted and we were able to secure the 1500 tons. However, the cost was a whopping

$193 dollars a ton. The premium in price resulted from the salt being trucked in from Iowa. In order to make sure our streets would continue to be salted and the safest as possible for travelers, we paid the premium price. Since we made our purchase of salt, many other communities have run out of salt themselves. Even with salting only intersections or mixing the salt with sand. The Village opted not to mix our salt with sand as it could result in storm sewers becoming clogged. We have been told that the cost of rock salt has now reached over $240 per ton.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE REQUESTED

I have requested State Officials to consider the weather conditions this year as a weather disaster and consequently provide reimbursements to municipalities for the overwhelming costs associated with maintaining the community under such conditions. I have mentioned the blizzard of 2011 as a short term disaster where monies were received throughout the region for snow related removal overtime and costs in excess of what normally would occur. My rationale is that the 2011 storm was an event that lasted only a few days, not a long drawn out event as we are experiencing. At the recent West Central Municipal Conference Legislative breakfast, Congressman Daniel Lipinski made comments that endorsed the same concept. Although Congressman Lipinski does not represent Westchester, I have reached out to him as well as Congressmen Davis, Quigley, Gutierrez, and Governor Quinn requesting financial assistance. Based on the amount of plowing events we have had this winter season and the amount of time, effort, and energy expended by our staff, I believe that most municipalities are in the same boat and would welcome the needed financial assistance, even a small amount.

WATER MAIN BREAKS ADD TO WINTER WOES

In addition to the snow and cold weather problems, communities all around the area have experienced multiple water main breaks and leaks. On multiple days this year, we have had to handle three breaks in one day, while trying to plow the snow for safe travel.

Breaks/ Leaks in December 2013: 8 breaks were repaired at; 11025 Wakefield, 11039 Nelson, 11125

Wakefield, 1516 Boeger, 10529 Cermak, 1507/1513 Bristol, and 1941 Mannheim.

3 Service line leaks were repaired at: 1351 Balmoral, 1005 Manchester, and 1139 Manchester.

2 sanitary repairs were done at: 1936 Suffolk, and 1846 Newcastle.

Breaks/Leaks in January 2014: 12 breaks were repaired at: 2324 Boeger, 11003 Lancaster, 1912 Mannheim, 10842 Windsor, 759 Manchester, 10834 Hastings, 615 Norfolk, 1615 Newcastle, 1530 Mandel, 1944 Burns, 10439 Cermak, 1506 Evers.

3 Service Line Leaks were repaired at: 1441Bristol, 2337 Sunnyside, and 1816 Stratford.

Breaks/Leaks in February 2014: 14 breaks were repaired at: Roosevelt & Heidorn, 1500 Evers, 1919 Downing, 2125 Westchester Blvd, 1911 Downing, Mayfair & Claridge, 11105 Martindale, 1523 Bristol, 1214 Boeger, 2301 Hawthorne, 11023 Roosevelt, Pell and Westchester Blvd., 1525 Mannheim Road, and Oxford at the Old St. Joseph H.S. driveway. This total is through February 18th when this newsletter was sent to production.

Westchester has 65 miles of water mains of all sizes and composition many of which have been underground since we became incorporated as a Village in 1925. There are fire hydrants working just fine that have a stamped date on the outside of 1927. A great portion of the water mains installed during that time period are made of a sand-cast variety which are not as strong as the ductile iron material type that are currently used as replacement piping. Stainless steel compression sleeves are generally used to repair these water main breaks. Complete section replacement is done when there have been multiple breaks in the pipe in close proximity. We have replaced several hundred linear feet over the past few years. The latest were completed last summer from Canterbury and Heidorn to Charles east to Highridge Parkway.

As an example of what our crews are faced with, on January 30th, the Public Works Department was called to a water main repair at 10439 Cermak (Cermak & Belleview) where a large 6” water main had broke. The crew located the break, which in most cases is not where the water is bubbling

PRESIDENTContinued from page 1


MARCH 2014 5

up from, but had extreme difficulty shutting down the water shut off valve. Closing the valves on either side of the break isolates the section to be worked on. Over 20 valves had to be shut down all the way to Dorchester and Sunnyside to shut the water off to complete the repair. A good portion of the south side of Westchester had no water during this time which lasted most of the night and into the early morning until the repair was completed.

With pipes that have been providing water for over 80 years, an amount of sediment builds up inside and a complete shut-down is virtually impossible to occur. Upon making the repair either by stainless steel sleeve or replacement piping, our certified water operators have to chlorinate and disinfect the pipe and/or stainless sleeve piping, to EPA standards, as well as flush the system through the nearest fire hydrant before putting the system back online to supply water to our homes and businesses.

During the repair, sediment from inside the pipe becomes dislodged and there could be a brown or yellow color tint to the water until the mineral (iron) laden water is flushed through each of the affected homes and businesses. The discoloration is mineral based and does not pose a threat. Small particles of sediment can clog aerators located on the end of faucets. Please let your water faucets run to flush out the discolored water.

Officials are required to issue a “Boil Order” when pressure in the water system drops to below 20 pounds per square inch. This usually occurs when the water which is contaminated is sucked back into the piping system as a result of a vacuum being created in the water main.

During a break, water is continually being pushed through the water main pipe at our systems pressure which is 65 pounds per square inch. Normal pressure is in the 50 pound per square inch range, however many Westchester homes have second stories with bathrooms where the old style galvanized piping size has been reduced by the amount of sediment that has collected in the old galvanize pipe over time.

If you have ever tried to wash clothes and shower at the same time while someone opened the kitchen faucet to get a drink and it trickled out your original galvanized water pipe supplying those fixtures may be full of sediment restricting the flow and limiting the amount of water coming out of the faucet or shower head. Many residents when doing remodeling have changed these outdated galvanized pipes to copper which resists the accumulation of the sediment. Increasing the pressure to as high as we have it allows better pressure in the example explained above.

AGING INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGE

The situation as described above falls under the aging infrastructure problem that Westchester and communities throughout the state and nation are faced with. Financial challenges are always going to be an issue we have to come to grips with. Over the summer months, Public Works and Fire Department personnel open fire hydrants in different sections of town to flush the iron sediment from the water main pipes. Not all of the sediment gets flushed out. Sediment becomes attached to walls of the pipe and water passes through just fine. Valves are exercised by opening and closing. It is not possible to exercise the several hundred valves each year. When valves such as the ones that would not close are identified they are placed on a list for future attention. Valves cost in excess of $1500 each depending on size. Prioritizing our work load is always a challenge as emergency situations take precedent.

SNOW RESTRICTIONS IN PLACEUnfortunately, Chief John Carpino

has reported to the Village Board that several hundred tickets have been issued for violating the village snow ban restrictions. As a reminder, after 2 inches of snow fall parking is prohibited on snow routes. Alternate parking restrictions also go in effect, however they are only in place Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and not on the weekends. Crews make every attempt to clear the streets from curb to curb for the safety of us all. I have been asked why the ban is not in effect every day like other communities and at all times and not just certain times. I guess the short answer is that it could be if the board wishes to make the change. The difficulty is where residents do not have a side driveway which is the case on the

north side of town and on several apartment laden streets on the east side where parking is a premium. These areas have alleys which are plowed after the snow routes and side streets. Residents not wanting to get buried in an alley in most cases now are forced to park in the street, or in some cases, always park in the street instead of their garage which is a matter of choice to ensure they have a chance of getting out.

Historically, I was a young patrol officer when the snow routes and alternate parking restrictions went into effect. Originally the alternate parking restrictions were in effect from October 31st through March 31st. It did not matter if there was 2 inches of snow or not; residents and their visitors had to park on a certain side Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Many tickets were issued on a daily basis. Many complaints about the system were received as residents did not feel it was right to get a ticket on a beautiful day in November or December when no snow had fallen. The amount of complaints the police department received for writing the tickets was staggering. I imagine the same was heaped on the elected officials that had conceived the plan which ultimately was amended to reflect the alternate parking after the 2 inch snow fall on the side streets.

This winter has been especially harsh, nobody is happy to shovel, snow blow, and remove snow many times from their driveway aprons. The snow plow blades are not adjustable and are pitched to the curb. Trucks are not going to drive the wrong way down the street to push snow to the center, as I’m really not sure how they would pick it up if it’s all in the middle except with an end-loader which is not feasible. There is also a safety factor involved with driving the wrong way down the street. All the elected officials live here and are forced to shovel their aprons just as many times as everyone else. I know I am blessed to live on a street where my neighbors and I and my wife Maureen pitch in to help shovel and snow blow neighbors sidewalks on a regular basis. Everybody helps everybody. I would hope we are all pitching in to help one another. That is one of the beauties of living in Westchester. Please do your best not to let the weather get the better of you. Many states across our whole country are experiencing the same problems. We will get through this horrible winter as we look forward

to spring.

THANKS TO OUR PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES

As you have been experiencing, this winter is going to go down in the books as a really rough one. I heard on the news out of all the United States only Florida has not had any snow. I guess there must be snow in the mountains of Hawaii. 1.2 million people have been without power, there have been 75 thousand airline flights cancelled, the most flight cancellations in 25 years.

Through it all, the Westchester Public Works employees have stepped up to the plate and did what they had to do, and will continue to do so in the future. Some would say “Hey Sam, that’s what they get paid for”. I get that, but that does not negate the fact that they are dealing with problems that sometimes are not in the play book. At a recent water main break on Pell Street the crews, with the assistance of two different leak detection companies, could not pinpoint the source of a leak. Over a course of a week they had to break up the frozen ground that was frozen solid 4.5 feet deep not including the asphalt and concrete. 5 or more hours of continual pounding was necessary to break out the ground as the crews moved along the 20 foot length of pipe that was 5-6 foot beneath the ground. They did this all the while standing outside in the frigid cold. It took over 2 hours just to turn the shut off valves down so the water main could be repaired; some covered in ice that had to be melted with tanks of propane.

Plowing the snow from our streets has also been a chore. Over 60 inches have fallen. Unfortunately, that means that numerous passes had to be made along the streets. Each of us had to clear off our driveway aprons multiple times. At times our frustrations got the better of us and a few, no many, interesting words and phrases were either said out loud or under our breaths. Only 2 damage reports were noted. One mailbox along Halifax was damaged, and a minor accident with a parked car. Not too bad considering the number of plow events.

Please join me in thanking the crews that have “been there, and done that” for all of our benefit.



calenDar6 MARCH 2014

See CALENDAR, page 8

Monday, March 3Casimir Pulaski Day – No School,

Westchester Public Schools

Registration begins for Youth Department’s spring story times and programs at Library. Contact Youth Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Tuesday, March 4Bury the Alleluia (Singing songs with

Alleluia in them in preparation for Lent, burning of palms, refreshments), 7:00 PM, Divine Providence Church Narthex, 2600 Mayfair

LADIES BIBLE STUDY – In Depth Study of Genesis, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Board of Education Committee of the Whole at WMS at 6:30 PM

Divine Infant Jesus School Advisory Board Meeting at 7:00 pm at the Rectory, 1601 Newcastle Avenue. For more information, contact the school office at

865-0122.

Tuesday, March 4 through Friday, March 14

ISAT Testing for Grades 3-8, Westchester Public Schools

Wednesday, March 5Ash Wednesday, Services with

Distribution of Ashes at 6:30 AM and 12:00 Noon, Masses with Distribution of Ashes at 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM and

7:00 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Tai Chi Class, 4:30 PM, Divine Providence Church Narthex, 2600 Mayfair

BAR-W (Grades 1ST-6TH) & AMBASSADORS (Grades 7th–12th), 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154, www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Adult Bible Study/Pray Meeting, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154, www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

All School mass at 8:00 am (Ash Wednesday) at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. For more information, contact the school office at 865-0122.

Thursday, March 6Chamber Networking “After Hours”

hosted by Mattone Restaurant & Bar and The Bakas Team, Keller Williams Realty. Appetizers, drinks, Chef demo, raffle prizes etc. Thursday, March 6th

from 5:00-7:00 pm. Don’t miss this great event to network and build your business! Call Mary (708) 240-8400 to RSVP.

Kindergarten Registration for 2014-2015 at WPS from 6:30-8:00 PM

Teetering Tots Playgroup 9:30-10:30 a.m. Teetering Tots would like to welcome tots between the ages of 0-4 to a playgroup in the Divine Providence gym twice a month. The group has been established to provide stay-at-home and part-time working parents with a local activity to promote friendships and provide emotional support to parents with children in the early years of their live. We welcome the very young of Westchester, with a parent, into Divine Providence School for some entertainment and socialization. Parents are encouraged to bring any items from bottles to bears that will make the experience more enjoyable for their children. Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258, www.divineprovidenceschool.org

Friday, March 7Day of Eucharistic Adoration, 8:00

AM Opening Prayers until 6:30 PM, Benediction, Divine Providence Ministry Center Chapel, 2540 Mayfair

Stations of the Cross, 2 PM and 7 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Reformer’s Unanimous – RU, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154, www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

The Divine Infant School Advisory Board is sponsoring the Annual “All You Can Eat” Fish Fry at 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm in Langan Hall at Divine Infant Jesus School, 1640 Newcastle Avenue. Menu: fried fish or grilled cheese sandwich, served with fries, cole slaw, baked beans and French bread. Adults: $10.00, Seniors $8:00, Children (11 and under) $6.00. For more information, contact Kathy Kubeczko at [email protected]

Saturday, March 8Divine Infant Women’s Guild is

sponsoring the Annual Mother & Son Mass, Breakfast, and Bowling. 9:00 mass at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue, bowling at 10:15 am at Eden Lanes. Call the rectory at 708-865-8071 for more information.

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 19th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser from 4-7 pm. Donations $8.00 per person, children 7 and

under are free. 1101 Manchester Ave. Westchester, IL

Sunday, March 9Morning Worship Service/Evening

Worship Service, 10:45 a.m. / 6:00 p.m., Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154, www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Sunday School – “Experiencing God” Series, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154, www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Open House 12pm to 2PM Immanuel Christian Academy, 2329 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60162 708-562-5580, http://www.immanuelchristianacademyhillside.org

Monday, March 10 Lenten Evening Mass, 7:00 PM,

Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

The Divine Infant Jesus School student body will be praying the rosary – 2:10 pm at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. For more information, contact the school office at 865-0122.

Open House 8am to 2PM Immanuel Christian Academy, 2329 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60162 708-562-5580, http://www.immanuelchristianacademyhillside.org

Tuesday, March 11LADIES BIBLE STUDY – In Depth

Study of Genesis, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

WPS Fine Arts Celebration at 7:00 PM

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

Wednesday, March 12Table Grace, 11:30 AM, Divine

Providence and Grace Lutheran Ecumenical Discussion (Bring your own Lunch) at Divine Providence Ministry Center, 2540 Mayfair


Viewing and Discussion of Fr. Robert Barron’s new DVD series on Catholicism, 7:00-8:30 PM, Divine Providence Church Narthex, 2600 Mayfair



All School mass at 8:00 am at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us. For more information, contact the school office at 865-0122.

Divine Providence Over 50 Club Meeting Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch served at Noon. We will be celebrating St. Pat’s/St. Joe’s day with our Annual Luncheon. Tickets for members $8.00 and Guests $10.00. Contact Ruth @708-947-9020 to obtain a ticket before March 4th, 2014. Renew your membership or become a member. Dues are $12 for the year. If you have not renewed or joined please do so. If you require information or wish to become a member please call Membership Chairman Marilyn @708-236-5757. Our April meeting will be on the 2nd. Meeting time: 1:30 p.m. We will be having a guest speaker. If you have any questions feel free to contact President Corrine @ 708-531-9496.

Thursday, March 13Early Childhood/PreK Screening at

WPS (appointment only)

WPS Fine Arts Celebration at 7:00 PM

Friday, March 14Stations of the Cross at 2:00 and

7:00 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair


3rd Annual Senior Breakfast with the President from 8:30 AM-10:30 AM at St. Joseph High School, Global Resource Center. Senior Citizen residents of Westchester are invited to join Village President Sam Pulia for a free breakfast and learn what is planned for our community in 2014. Village Staff will also be on hand to answer questions. Reservations are required. Contact Molly at 708-345-0020 ext 594 to reserve your spot at the breakfast table!

Saturday, March 15

MARCH 2014 7

calenDar

See CALENDAR, page 24

Lent Day of Reflection, 8:30 until Noon, Divine Providence School, Mayfair Room, 2500 Mayfair

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance will be held in Divine Infant School’s Langan Hall. Doors will open at 6:00 pm, dinner served at 7:30 pm. Sponsored by the Divine Infant Holy Name Men’s Club. Call the rectory at 708-865-8071 for more information.




Monday, March 17Lenten Evening Mass, 7:00 PM,


Deadline for Youth Department’s Annual Poetry Contest.

Tuesday, March 18LADIES BIBLE STUDY – In Depth

Study of Genesis, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Parent/Teacher Conferences from 12:00-7:00 PM No School for Students, Westchester Public Schools

TAG: Teen Advisory Group meeting 4:00 PM at Library. Meeting open to teens in grades 8-12 who are interested in having a voice in teen programs at the Library. Contact Youth Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Wednesday, March 19Day 2 Parent/Teacher Conferences

for Kindergarten, Ms. Brown from 9:00 AM-3:30 PM, Westchester Public Schools

St. Joseph Day All School Mass, 9:00 AM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Table Grace, 11:30 AM, Divine Providence and Grace Lutheran Ecumenical Discussion (Bring your own Lunch) at Grace Lutheran Church

1101 Manchester


Viewing and Discussion of Fr. Robert Barron’s new DVD series on Catholicism, 7:00-8:30 PM, Divine Providence Church Narthex, 2540 Mayfair.



All School mass at 8:00 am at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us. For more information, contact the school office at 865-0122.

Market Day pick-up from 5:30 – 6:30 pm in Langan Hall at Divine Infant Jesus, 1640 Newcastle Avenue. Call the rectory at 708-865-8071 for more information.

Health Care in Retirement 7:00 PM at Library. Jim Flanagan of Bentron Financial Group will discuss Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, Medicare Supplements and the basics of long term care insurance. Advance registration requested. Contact Adult Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Open House 9am to 2PM Immanuel Christian Academy, 2329 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60162 708-562-5580, http://www.immanuelchristianacademyhillside.org

Thursday, March 20Day 2 Parent/Teacher Conferences

for Kindergarten, Ms. Sanko from 9:00 AM-3:30 PM, Westchester Public Schools

Board of Education Meeting at WMS at 7:00 PM

The Spring Choral Concert will be held at 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm at Divine Infant Jesus School, 1640 Newcastle Avenue. For more information, contact the school office at 865-0122.

Teetering Tots Playgroup 9:30-10:30 a.m. Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258, www.divineprovidenceschool.org:

Friday, March 21Stations of the Cross, 2:00 and 7:00

PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair,

Taize Prayer, 7:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair


No School - Faculty Inservice Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258, www.divineprovidenceschool.org

Saturday, March 22Market Day Pick-up 8:30-9:30

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




Mrs. Lincoln, the First “First Lady” 2:00 PM at Library. Laura Keyes portrays Mary Todd Lincoln as she ponders her life and losses while preparing for an evening at the theater with her husband and friends. Advance registration requested. Contact Adult Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Monday, March 24Lenten Evening Mass, 7:00 PM,


Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28

Spring Break, Westchester Public Schools

Tuesday, March 25Chamber Member Appreciation and

Recruitment Luncheon. Join us in learning how the Chamber supports, markets and builds businesses. Chamber members, bring a guest and you and your guest dine for free. Chamber member with no guest and non-chamber member $10.00. Westchester Park District-Mayfair Recreation Center, 10835 Wakefield. Time: Noon-1:00pm.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY – In Depth Study of Genesis, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 www.westchesterbiblechurch.org

Wednesday, March 26

Table Grace, 11:30 AM, Divine Providence and Grace Lutheran Ecumenical Discussion, (Bring you own Lunch) at Divine Providence Ministry Center, 2540 Mayfair


Viewing and Discussion of Fr. Robert Barron’s new DVD series on Catholicism, 7:00-8:30 PM, Divine Providence Church Narthex, 2600 Mayfair



Westchester Aging Well Program, A presentation by Seniors Helping Seniors, at 1:00 PM Learn more about the services provided to older adults by older adults AND learn about opportunities to help other older adults in need in your community. Mayfair Recreation, 10835 Wakefield St., Questions? Call Aging Care Connections at (708)354-1323 ext 242

All School mass at 8:00 am at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us. For more information, contact the school office at 865-0122

Friday, March 28Stations of the Cross, 2:00 and 7:00

PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Reconciliation (Confession), 7:30-8:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair


Saturday, March 29The Divine Infant Women’s Guild is

sponsoring a Mother/Daughter Mass & Fashion Show, “Glamour Girls Gala”. Mass will be at 9:00 am at Divine Infant Jesus Church with continental breakfast and fashion show to follow in Langan Hall at Divine Infant Jesus School, 1640 Newcastle Avenue.

Contact the rectory at 708-865-

CALENDARContinued from page 6

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MARCH IS HERE! SPRING IS HERE!Time will tell if March is going

to be “In like a Lion and Out like a Lamb”. According to our furry buddy good ol’ Punxsutawney Phil, we have six more weeks of winter after February 2, 2014. Six weeks would make it March 16th. That’s only 2 weeks away!!! In the Northern Hemisphere, spring begins on the day the center of the sun is directly over the equator. Usually March 20th is the date when the sun crosses the equator and starts northward. It is the time when life begins again in nature. As the sun travels north, the rays strike the northern countries more directly each day. As a result, the days are becoming longer with more daylight.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINSOn March 9th, at 2 am, daylight

saving time begins. Time will magically “spring ahead” and become 3 am.

The down side is that we will all lose an hour of sleep and rest. However, more daylight is always a good thing.

CONGRESSMAN DANNY DAVIS CONVENES POST OFFICE MEETING

I, along with Village Manager Janet Matthys, attended a meeting at the Oak Park Library on Monday February 10th. The Meeting was put together by Congressman Danny Davis who represents a good portion of Westchester, Broadview and Maywood as a result of his office being contacted regarding inadequate postal service. The focus of the meeting was to address complaints regarding service at area post offices. The Post Office District Manager presented himself to the crowd and listened while residents from the Oak Park, Forest Park and Maywood post offices told of their experiences with rude behavior, late service, no service at all, and a lack of personnel manning the counter, and the long lines and wait times. I echoed the complaints mentioned above that I had received from residents as well as indicating that our Westchester Post Office had run out of stamps to purchase on at least 2 occasions.

All of us understood the delays associated with the below freezing weather, sick calls, and personnel issues. We all commented that the aforementioned poor service had been occurring long before the

weather issues and have yet to be addressed.

A complaint processing informational form was passed out indicating the following:

The Customer Contact Number to report service issues is 1-800 ASK-USPS (275-8777) or web site www.USPS.com

The Audit Process will be monitored by Mr. Terry Mallory the Consumer & Industry Contact Manager. Terry can be contacted at 1-630-260-5783 (Consumer Affairs) if no adequate resolution comes from your complaint. Zip Codes starting with 601 or 603 can email [email protected]

Local ABC Channel 7 reporter Karen Jordan was present and spoke about the meeting on the evening news.

PACE BUS SERVICE PLANS TO EXPANDS SERVICE

On Wednesday, February 26th, at 5pm a Public Hearing was held at the Westchester Village Hall at the request of PACE to discuss the increase in frequency and adjustments to Saturday bus service. Route 301 Roosevelt Road provides weekday service between the CTA Blue Line Transit Center in Forest Park and the UP-West Line Wheaton Station in DuPage County. The improvement to service would create 19 additional trips, extend the hours of operation, as well as increase the frequency on SATURDAY SERVICE ONLY.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS WELCH AND STATE SENATOR STEVEN LANDEK LISTEN TO MUNICIPALITIES

At a recent West Central Municipal Conference Legislative Breakfast State Representative Chris Welch and State Senator Steven Landek announced both house and senate versions of Bills they are sponsoring to keep Mayor Rahm Emanuel from raising the cost of water to municipalities. The legislation is aimed at establishing the Water Rate Protection Act. House Bill 4288 sponsored by Chris Welch (D-Westchester), and Senate Bill 2907 sponsored by Senator Steve Landek (D- Bridgeview) are designed to create an entity similar to the Citizens Utility Board whose sole purpose would be to objectively and fairly regulate Lake Michigan water. According to the Suburban Water Task Force, the

legislation would put an end to the automatic and whimsical taxing of a natural resource by the City of Chicago.

WCMC LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

On Wednesday, March 26th, I, along with Village Manager Janet Matthys and Trustees Angelo Calcagno, Frank Perry and Thomas Yurkovich, will be ascending on Springfield to meet with our legislators. The West Central Municipal Conference (WCMC) Legislative drive down is designed to show support for the initiatives we have brought forward for the upcoming legislative session.

The Legislative Agenda presented at our legislative breakfast is as follows:

Statement of Legislative Principles: The WCMC serves an important advocacy role by representing municipal interests at the county, state, and federal levels of government. Identification of important issues by the members of our organization results in a listing of legislative priorities. In prioritizing such issues, emphasis is placed upon those issues which:

Impact the association of communities in west suburban Cook County;

Impose unfunded mandates upon municipalities and townships;

Restrict Local Control;Enhance transportation and

infrastructure needs;Place municipal revenues at risk;Limit municipal tort immunity;

and expand the powers of home rule authority.

PUBLIC SAFETY PENSION RE-FORMS:

The WCMC supports legislation that will bring forth additional reforms of public safety pension systems. The long term goal is to develop a comprehensive solution that protects local taxpayers and secure sustainable retirement benefits for all public safety employees. That is why the WCMC supports the idea of having everyone at the table to develop a comprehensive approach to Public Safety Pension Reform.

PROTECT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FROM ANY FUTURE FUND DIVERSION AND RESTORE PREVIOUSLY DIVERTED REVENUES:

WCMC SUPPORTS the restoration of a FULL 10% share of state Income Tax collections;

Supports legislation that creates the Water Rate Protection Act;

Supports the prompt disbursement of Local Government Distributive Funds revenue to municipalities;

Supports the restoration of previously-diverted Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax and Local Government Tax Fund revenues;

Supports full flexibility for municipal officials to spend municipal revenues to benefit communities. This includes broader discretion for expending Motor Fuel Tax revenues;

Support the repeal of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL);

Opposes modifications to PTELL that result in further restrictions on local taxing authority;

Opposes any reduction in existing municipal taxing authority;

Opposes restrictions to municipal finance and development tools such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Special Service Areas, and Special Assessment Areas, and various debt instruments when the restrictions undermine the benefits that these tools provide to local communities;

Supports the continued federal tax exemptions for municipal bonds;

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES

Funding for capital improvements and planning resources

The WCMC is actively participating in efforts to help us achieve our common goal of increased mobility. We will be addressing roads, transit, traffic enhancing measures, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and planning and feasibility studies of regional importance. Investment in transportation is essential to the continued prosperity of the region and the state of Illinois. A comprehensive transportation improvement program for roads, commuter and freight transit, and regional planning is necessary for 2014 and beyond.

FEDERAL REAUTHORIZATIONThe WCMC supports a new

transportation bill that will outline federal transportation funding for the next several years. The next transportation bill needs to streamline the project delivery process, delegating more decision making to the state and local officials and setting hard deadlines for Federal agencies to approve



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projects. The next transportation bill also needs to address how we fund transportation projects as a nation and how to keep the Highway Trust Fund solvent. The WCMC opposes reduction in transportation funding levels and believes that the current level of transportation funding is inadequate to safely maintain our road system.

ROADSThe maintenance of local roads

has become increasingly difficult task for communities who are faced with restricted budgets. We must continue to plan and design road improvements so that as a region we are able to fully utilize all funding sources as they become available. The WCMC supports initiatives that establish a transparent and accountable process at IDOT to grant local regions and local municipalities more decision making authority and flexibility in funding regional projects.

TRANSITPreserving our existing rail and

bus transit service is of the utmost importance. After decades of underinvestment our transit system requires substantial reinvestment to bring the system up to a state of good repair. Most importantly, an extension of the CTA Blue Line would serve our regional commuter rail transit needs with more access to and from Chicago. The WCMC will work with the CTA as they begin to study the extension of the Blue Line.

REGIONAL TRANSIT GOVERNANCE

The WCMC opposes legislation to merge the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). CMAP has become an effective planning agency that would be inhibited by the merger. Instead the RTA should be restructured and provided the proper oversight authority to truly govern the service boards. The current structure does not allow for the RTA to affect the policies, decisions and debt of the service board. The RTA should be given bonding authority for the service boards so that the region’s debt

is responsibly maintained. The RTA should also be given the authority to overturn the decisions by the service boards that are not financially responsible or ethical.

BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIANThe WCMC completed an update

and revision to our region wide bicycle plan which identifies current and future routes to provide bicyclists and pedestrians a safe way to travel our region. The plan also lays out an implementation strategy to aid communities in executing the plan. The WCMC has established a standing Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee that will work to advance improvements in our region and will report to the WCMC Transportation Committee.

As you can tell the WCMC Legislative Committee has not been sitting on their hands this past year and has proffered a robust agenda and initiatives on behalf of all of the 600,000 residents and 51 member agencies belonging to the WCMC.

I would like to personally thank Mayor Christopher Getty from Lyons for being the Chair of the Legislative Committee and committee members Angelo “Skip Saviano” Mayor of Elmwood Park, Mayor Arlene Jezierny form Harwood Heights, Hubert Hermanek Jr. Mayor of North Riverside, Catherine Adduci, Mayor of the Village of River Forest, Benjamin Sells, Mayor of the Village of Riverside, Thomas Mannix, Commissioner from Forest Park, Rob Cole Assistant to the Village Manager of Oak Park, Tim Callahan General Counsel from the Village of Hodgkins, William Filan the WCMC Legislative Consultant. Most of all the Executive Director of the West Central Municipal Conference Richard F. Pellegrino, who grew up in Westchester, Deputy Director and Westchester resident Neil James, Planning Coordinator Tammy Wierciak, consigliere Lenny Cannata, Environmental Coordinator Jimmy Caporusso, Controller Debbie Baumgart and the Administrative Assistant extraordinaire Judy Corvo. Our association could not exist without the talents, commitment, and dedication of each and every member listed above and the staffs of the member agencies.

DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY

Theodor Suess Geisel was born on March 2, 1904. He was an American writer, poet, and cartoonist. He is most widely known for the 46

children’s books he has written. His most celebrated books include the best selling, The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and one of my favorites “Green Eggs and Ham” featuring Sam I Am. Dr Seuss would say “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” “Children want the same things we want, “To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted.”

Dr Seuss graduated from Dartmouth College in 1925 rising to the rank of editor in chief of the Dartmouth Magazine Jack-O-Lantern. He attended Lincoln College and Oxford University in England intending to obtain a Doctorate Degree in Literature. There he met Helen Palmer who encouraged him to give up becoming an English teacher and pursue a career in drawing. He returned to the U.S. without obtaining a degree in 1927. He accepted a job as an illustrator at a humor magazine called the JUDGE, the leading magazine in America at that time, where his first cartoon appeared. Dr. Seuss was a perfectionist in his work and would sometime spend a year on a book. It was not uncommon for him to throw out 95% of his material until he settled on a theme for his book. Dr Seuss passed away from cancer in 1991 at the age of 87.

Geisel’s birthday has been adopted as the annual date for NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY, an initiative created by the National Education Association.

For those of you who are Dr. Seuss Trivia Buffs test your knowledge by answering the following questions: ht tp : / / l ibrar y. th inkquest .org/CR0210462/quiz.html?tql-iframe

THE LORAXIn the book “The Lorax”, who

chopped down the Truffula Trees?a)Paulb)Onclerc)Loraxd)Mr.McElhaney

What word was left by the Lorax?

a)Truffulab)Environmentc)Unlessd)Stop

How much would you pay for a Thneed

a)$10.00b)a shell of a great great

grandfather snailc)a dimed)$3.98

The SneetchesWhat color are the Sneetches?a)Greenb)Bluec)Yellowd)Black and White

The Sneetches lived in..a)a Housing Developmentb)a Condominium,c)a Forestd)a Beach

Who did Sylvester McMonkey McBean first exploit with his new fangles machine?

a)All Sneetchesb)Star Belly Offc)Star Belly Ond)The Green Sneetches

Yertle the TurtleWho Caused the stack to fall?a)Adamb)Stuartc)Mackd)Yertle

What is the name of the Pond?a)Lake Erieb)Sala-ma-sondc)Atlanticd)Salmond Pond

What kind of creatures should be free?

a)Turtlesb)Barbalootsc)Alld)Mack

Butter Battle Booka)The entire conflict occurred

because ofb)Religious Beleifsc)Chopping down a treed)Minority Issues

How they eat their BreadThe person telling the story is

nameda)Uncleb)Sisterc)Motherd)Grandfather

Who won the Battle?a)No Oneb)The Yooksc)The Zooksd)The Nukes

READ ACROSS AMERICAThe National Education

Association sponsored READ ACROSS AMERICA is an annual “reading motivation and awareness” program that calls for children across communities to celebrate

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reading on Dr. Seuss’s birthday. This year, since Dr. Seuss’s birthday falls on Sunday, March 2nd, the program has been advanced one day and will be celebrated on Monday, March 3rd. The program offers NEA members, parents and students with activities that keep children engaged with reading for every day of the year.

The Read Across America program began in 1997 when a group of NEA members wanted to get kids excited about reading in a similar fashion to how pep rallies thrilled them about sporting events. Research has shown that students who allocate more time to reading and maintain motivation to do so perform better in school. For more information this please visit www.wikipedia.org

During the week of February 24th, the Westchester Primary School celebrated the works of Dr. Seuss. On February 28th, I participated as a guest reader. Thank you to all of our teachers especially Mrs. Henkels and Mrs. Tyminski for organizing this year’s event. READERS ARE LEADERS!!!

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

March 8th every year is considered INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY. It was originally called International Working Women’s Day. The focus of the celebration, in different regions of the world, range from a general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women, to a celebration of women’s achievements in the area of politics, economics as well as social issues. The political and human rights theme designated by the United Nations runs strong, and political and social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide are brought out and examined in a hopeful manner. The United Nations Theme for International Women’s Day 2014 is: “Equality for Women is Progress for All” This day is a day which some people celebrate by wearing Purple Ribbons. www.wikipedia.org

MARDI GRAS

March 4th begins the Mardi Gras Season. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating

rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten Season, which begins on Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a French Catholic tradition. In 1703 French settlers in Mobile Alabama established the first organized Mardi Gras celebration in what was to become the United States. In 1723, the capital of Louisiana was moved to New Orleans, founded in 1718. Mobile’s Cowbellion de Rakin Society was the first formally organized and masked mystic society in the United States to celebrate with a parade in 1830. Other cities along the Gulf Coast have active Mardi Gras celebrations.

FAT TUESDAY/THURSDAY TREATS

PUNSKI’S For Everyone. The traditional PACZKI are pastries traditional to Polish cuisine. Aka paczek is sometimes translated as the word doughnut. It is described as a deep-fried piece of dough shaped to a flattened sphere and filled with a variety of fruit and crème fillings. They can often be covered in granulated or powdered sugar or glazed. In Poland, paczki are eaten especially on the first day of Ostatki, Tlusty Czwartek, also known as Fat Thursday, the last Thursday before Ash Wednesday. The traditional reason for making


See PRESIDENT, page 14 Trustee Steker (Lt. for the Franklin Park Fire Department) climbs the ladder to extinguish a fire in response to a Mutual Aid request in Northlake, IL.

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the Paczki was to use up all the lard, sugar, eggs and fruit in the house, because their consumption was forbidden by Catholic fasting practices during Lent. Chicagoans celebrate both Fat Thursday and Fat Tuesday, due to its sizeable Polish populations. Enjoy your meal, Bon Appetit, Buon Appetito, Smacznego!!!!

SAINT PATRICK’S DAYSt. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on

March 17, the saint’s religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast–on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

St. Patrick and the First St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people. In the centuries following Patrick’s death (believed to have been on March 17, 461), the mythology surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in the Irish culture: Perhaps the most well known legend is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock.

More than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States; New York City and Boston are home to the largest celebrations. Since around the ninth or tenth century, people in Ireland have been observing the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick on March 17th. Interestingly, however, the first parade held to honor St. Patrick’s Day took place not in Ireland but in the United States. On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City. Along with their music, the parade

helped the soldiers reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as with fellow Irishmen serving in the English army.

St. Patrick’s Day Around the World

Today, people of all backgrounds celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, especially throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. Although North America is home to the largest productions, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many other locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore and Russia.

In modern-day Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day was traditionally been a religious occasion. In fact, up until the 1970s, Irish laws mandated that pubs be closed on March 17. Beginning in 1995, however, the Irish government began a national campaign to use interest in St. Patrick’s Day to drive tourism and showcase Ireland and Irish culture to the rest of the world. Today, approximately 1 million people annually take part in Ireland ‘s St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, a multi-day celebration featuring parades, concerts, outdoor theater productions and fireworks shows. w w w. h i s t o r y. c o m / t o p i c s / s t -patricks-day/history

SAINT JOSEPH’S DAYSaint Joseph’s Day takes place

on March 19, 2014. Saint Joseph’s Day, the Feast of St. Joseph is in Western Christianity the principal feast day of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It has the rank of a solemnity in the Roman Catholic Church; Catholics who follow the Missal of 1962 celebrate it as a first class feast.

March 19 always falls during Lent, and traditionally it is a day of abstinence. This explains the custom of St. Joseph tables being covered with meatless dishes. If the feast day falls on a Sunday other than Palm Sunday, it is observed on the next available day, usually Monday, March 20, unless another solemnity falls on that day. Since 2008, if St Joseph’s Day falls during Holy Week, it is moved to closest possible day before 19 March, usually the Saturday before Holy Week. Upon a typical St. Joseph’s Day altar, people place flowers, limes, candles, wine, fava beans, specially prepared cakes, breads, and cookies (as well as other meatless dishes), and zeppole. In southern Italian dialects a zeppoli is an Italian pastry consisting of a deep-fried dough ball of varying size but typically about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. This doughnut or fritter is usually topped with

powdered sugar, and may be filled with custard, jelly, cannoli-style pastry cream or a butter-and-honey mixture. The consistency ranges from light and puffy, to bread- or pasta-like. Foods are traditionally served containing bread crumbs to represent saw dust since St. Joseph was a carpenter.

The altar usually has three tiers, to represent the trinity. In New Orleans, Louisiana, which was a major port of entry for Sicilian immigrants during the late 19th century, the Feast of St. Joseph is a city-wide event. Both public and private St. Joseph’s altars are traditionally built. The altars are usually open to any visitor who wishes to pay homage. The food is generally distributed to charity after the altar is dismantled. There are also parades in honor of St. Joseph and the Italian population of New Orleans which are similar to the many marching clubs and truck parades of Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day. Tradition in New Orleans also holds that by burying a small statue of St. Joseph upside down in the front yard of a house, that house will sell more promptly. More information www.wikipedia.com

SORROW IN OUR MIDSTLast month there have been

several losses to our Westchester Community.

Mr. Louis Scannicchio, age 85, a long time resident of Westchester since 1962 passed away on January 23rd. Mr. Scannicchio was drafted into military service following the end of World War II being discharged in 1952. He worked as a barber for 15 years at his uncle’s shop in Elmwood Park. He worked as a plumber for over 25 years after going into business with his brother in law. He often told family and friends that his work was his hobby and plumbing was his most enjoyable as he was able to send his 3 children Louis, Nancy and Teresa to Catholic School. Skilled in the profession he took ownership of the business when his brother in law moved with his family to Arizona. Known to his family as “Papa Lou” when interviewed by his granddaughter Lisanne he said the most important things someone should know about his life are that “he raised three beautiful children, had a wonderful wife Yolanda (Nardi) for over 54 years, and watched his 8 grandchildren grow up.” A proud father to Dr. Louis Scannicchio, daughters Nancy and Teresa, your devotion to your family, your wife, and faith has earned you a place

at the table in heaven with your wife who is ready to welcome you home.

Mrs. Betty Cesarini, grandmother of front office staff Katy Finn, and Peggy (Frank) Perry passed away on February 2nd. Mrs. Cesarini was born and raised in Hawaii. She met her husband Angelo (aka Joe) while he was stationed there during World War II. The couple met while she was working at the base serving food to the GI’s. When not serving, she sang for the troops and I hear was a dynamite entertainer. Following the War, the Cesarini’s located in Melrose Park when Joe worked for the water department for many years. Joe preceeded his wife and was there to greet her in heaven. She will always be known to her family and friends as someone who “lived her life for others, and her family was her proudest accomplishment.”

Mr. Frank Golz, father of public works secretary Gayle Golz, passed away on February 4th at 92 years old. Frank resided in Westchester since 1947. Frank was a World War II U.S. Air Force Veteran stationed in England. Frank flew many air missions and served our country with distinction. After settling in Westchester, Frank opened a successful real estate business bearing his name “Golz Realty” in 1958 which became a successful thriving business for many years. Frank was an active member in the Bellwood Moose Lodge 777 becoming the 1st Governor of the lodge after joining in 1955. Frank was preceded in death by his daughter Suzanne who embraced him with open arms as he ascended into heaven.

Mrs. Barbara Bailey, wife of retired Judge James Bailey and mother of Jim, Mike, Dan, Brian, Barb and grandmother of 15 children passed away on February 5th after a bought with cancer. Mrs. Bailey will forever be known as a dedicated elected official as the first female village clerk and village trustee for the Village of Westchester. Mrs. Bailey and her husband were very active at the Divine Providence Parish. Mrs. Bailey worked tirelessly as an elected official and was able to represent all of our interests while on the board. Mrs. Bailey had the ability to tell it like it was and did not vascilate when a vote was taken. Since leaving public life she was dedicated to attending all of her children, and grandchildren’s school activities. In fact college roommates of her children spent countless hours in her counsel and



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Westchester Primary School KINDERGARTEN PRE-

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2014. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m. and registration will begin immediately in the gym at Westchester Primary School, 2400 South Downing Avenue, Westchester, Illinois. Registration will end at 8:00 p.m. Packets will be available for pick up in the WPS School Office beginning Tuesday, February 18, 2014, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. If another language is spoken in the home, please bring your child with you for mandatory English proficiency screening that will occur at this time. New this year is that while we will still be passing out numbers, requests for morning or afternoon kindergarten sessions will be honored as best we are able with no guarantee of placement to ensure that all classes ref lect the diversity of the community. If you are unable to pick up a packet in the School Office, one will be available for you to complete on March 6, 2014

To register, please have the following:

1. Completed Registration Packet

2. Official Birth Certificate - A child must be five (5) years old on or before September 1, 2014. No exceptions to this rule can be made.

3. Required Residency Documents

The forms for the required school physical, dental, and vision examinations will be included in the kindergarten registration packets. These forms must be completed and turned in at the registration in August. The days and times for this registration and fee payment will be announced at a later date.

If further information is needed, please call the School Office at 708-562-1509.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

Westchester Intermediate School Cyberbullying Training

The fifth grade students of the Westchester Intermediate School

recently completed an hour-long training on cyberbullying. This was carried out over a three day period the week of February 3rd with the School Resource Officer, Officer Rob Verber, per the direction of the fifth grade level chair Mrs. Julie Geary. The goal of the training was to give students a better understanding of the effects of cyberbullying and how to respond to it. The training utilized a video presentation, “Terrible tEXt”, http://www.nsteens.org/Videos/TerribletEXt and discussion groups with discussion questions.

Some children say and do terrible things to each other online because they don’t see the direct effects of their actions. So what should you do if you’re cyberbullied?

*Never respond to harassing or rude comments.

*Save or print the evidence. *Talk to your parents or guardian

if you are harassed; get help reporting this to your ISP, school, or local law enforcement.

*Respect others online. *Only share your password with

your parent or guardian. *Change your passwords often. *Password protect your cell

phone. *Use privacy settings to block

unwanted messages. *Think before posting or sending

photos – they could be used to hurt you.

*Contact the site administrator if someone creates a social networking page in your name.”

Westchester Middle SchoolCareer DayWestchester Middle School

hosted its bi-annual Career Day on Wednesday, February 12th. The purpose of Career Day is to introduce students to a wide variety of career opportunities. Students interacted with parents, community members and many former WMS graduates from a wide variety of professions.

Family Science NightDistrict 92½ families joined

Westchester Middle School for Family Science Night on February 28th. Throughout the evening guests explored Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Students and their

families participated in interactive exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities. A special guest performance from Mr. Freeze concluded the evening.

Band Solo and Ensemble ContestStudents from Westchester

Intermediate and Middle Schools participated in the annual Band Solo and Ensemble Contest on February 22nd. The contest took place at WIS with 150 students from grades 5-8 performing selected pieces for the judges. Performances were rated by music educators from outside the district. Students were given constructive criticism and suggestions for how to improve.

Musical WorkshopWestchester Middle School will

be presenting Oklahoma! in early May. A musical workshop will take place on March 7 for all students wishing to participate. Auditions will take place May 10th-12th. All WMS students grades 6-8 are welcome to audition. Oklahoma! will be presented May 8th and 9th at 7:00 pm and May 10th at 2:00 pm.

Special NeedsOur Early Childhood Program

has much to celebrate these days. Two teachers, Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Hernandez, were chosen to be evaluated through the Illinois State Board of Education. The rating tool used is known as the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale. Both teachers exceeded the expected ratings.

Special Education Coordinator, Ms. Mary Mamolella states that; “Westchester School District 92½ is very proud of Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Hernandez for their hard work, dedication to the program and love for the children and families in our Early Childhood programs. They set the tone for a child’s first school experience with true professionalism and commitment to make the joy for learning an everyday occurrence.”

Curriculum OfficeWestchester School District

92½ will administer the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) between March 4 and March 14, 2014. Westchester Middle School will begin testing on Wednesday, March 5. Students in grades 3, 5,

6, 8 will be tested in reading and mathematics. Students in grades 4 and 7 will be tested in reading, mathematics, and science. The results of reading, mathematics, and science state tests will be reported to parents on the School Report Card in the fall.

This is the first year that 100% of the test items in reading and mathematics are aligned to Common Core State Standards. Student’s overall scale scores in reading, mathematics and science are placed in one of four performance categories. The performance levels are Exceeds, Meets, Below Standards and Academic Warning.

This will be the final year for administering the ISAT. Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, Illinois students will participate in the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) Assessments. The PARCC website, www.parcconline.org states that: “PARCC’s next-generation assessment system will provide students, educators, policymakers and the public with the tools needed to identify whether students — from grade 3 through high school — are on track for postsecondary success and, critically, where gaps may exist and how they can be addressed well before students enter college or the workforce.”

Business OfficeThe school district is currently

beginning the annual budget process. This involves the input from all the schools and district staff about the needs of the district for the next year. The budget is developed after the tax levy has been approved so that the district has an idea of what the next school year can look like as far as revenue is concerned.

This process will take several months with input from the building Principals, the district administration, and the school board. The school board will make preliminary approvals of the budget in June with final adoption in September. During this entire time the staffing of teachers and support staff, repairs of buildings, and classroom materials are all brought forth for discussion to arrive at a final budget.

Westchester school news and notes

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Nazareth Academy is proud to announce its First Semester Honor Roll for the 2013-2014 school year. The “A” Honor Roll indicates a grade point average of 3.80-4.00 on a 4 point scale.

The “B” Honor Roll indicates a grade point average of 3.33-3.79 on a 4 point scale.

For the First Semester, 530 students from 47 different communities have been recognized for this academic achievement. Below are the Nazareth Students of Westchester who achieved honor roll status.

A Honor RollJake Bartels, Danielle Bartodziej,

Bryan Behrendt, Olha Bosnova, Austin Brown, Colin Carlson, Mackenzie Carlson, Samantha Caruso, Bridget Cascio, Colleen Cavanaugh, Edward Colaianni, Jack Cross, William Ernst, Yicheng Feng , Maeve Grimes, Emina Hadzic, Andrew Hosek, Rachel Hosek, Brandon Kane , Kyle Kane, Christopher Kulnig, Alex Kwok, Cindy Li, Erin Lorenzen, Devinne

Love , Samuel Martyn, Julia Nowicki, David Palacios, Nicolette Pedersen, Alec Podock, Patrick Quinn, Lelandra Randle, Sarah Reynolds, Megan Richards, Angela Rini, Carl Robst, Chloe Seegers, Elena Sofia, Rene Sone, Spencer Suchy, Stephen Suchy, Charles Swarts, Robert Tworek, Faith Villapiano, Aidan Walton, Benjamin Wojtynek.

B Honor RollGarrett Allar, Matthew Berger, Kyle

Bermudez, Jacob Blair , Finbar Boyle, Jonah Bridgewaters,

Haley Calabrese, Nicholas Caruso, Amelia Castillo, Matthew Clark, Simone Colat, Alexander Creevy, Michael Cross, Allison Cruickshank, Melissa Drinnon, Jade Giuffre, Mary Glorioso, Nicole Griffin, Demitri Kladis, Evan Knight, Jacob Matthews, Emma McGee, Bianca Moran, Lauren Nortier , Jeffrey Nowicki, Jake Panek , Gianna Pascua, Steven Patchak, Jeffry Pesek, David Prignano, Francesco Ricchio, Vanessa Scafuri-Mueller, Zachary Smola, Sean Stanger, Marcel Tworek, Courtney Urzen, Matthew Wilson.

Nazareth Academy Announces First Semester Honor Roll

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looked forward to spending time at the Bailey household. In respect for her contribution to Westchester, a funeral bunting was placed at the Westchester Village Hall to honor not only her passing but also her accomplishments as a wife, mother and grandmother who shared her life as a dedicated public official. I’m sure right now she is having a conversation with Mayor John Sinde, Trustee Angelo Luciano, Trustee Kenneth Caithamer, and all her friends who are greeting her at the gates of heaven.

WESTCHESTER WOMEN JOURNAL JOURNEYS OF LOSS

Two Westchester women have chronicled the loss of their husbands at an early age. Both who did not know one another lived just a few blocks away from each other in Westchester. Mrs. Nancy Steker and Mrs. Susan Troppito learned after attending a grief support group at Divine Infant Church that they shared many similarities with their husbands. Their husbands both drove trucks, could fix anything,

loved their respective recliners, and gave their wives a special ornament at Christmas time. Both husbands passed away a few years apart near Easter and are buried only a few rows away from each other at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery. After sharing their ups and downs for two years the duo decided to write down what they had learned.

Each offered a separate narrative of their individual experiences and insights to continuing on with life. The two say they found writing therapeutic on a personal level and realized it would help others just beginning the journey of loss.

They published “A Grieving Widow’s Journal, A Collection of Thoughts,” and launched a website for sharing stories and have made the book now in its second printing available. Both have agreed that support and companionship from a close friend, family member, or support group are essential.

For more information www.ywidows.com

VILLAGE TRUSTEE/FRANKLIN PARK FIREFIGHTER

If Mrs. Steker did not have enough to think about, I recently came about some photographs of her son Nick

a Westchester Village Trustee and a Fire Lieutenant/Acting Battalion Chief with the Franklin Park Fire Department, fighting a fire under mutual aid with Northlake, Leyden and Stone Park Fire Departments along Mannheim Road a few weeks ago. Nick as a supervisor has never been shy to step up and do all of the tasks his subordinate firefighters may be called upon to do.

The attached photos were captured showing not only what heroic Chicago Firefighters do but what our heroic suburban firefighters are faced with as well.

Nick you are an inspiration to all who aspire to become a firefighter and a true leader. Your father Chuck is raising his hands in triumph that he has a son like you.

FROM THE BOARD

At the February 11, 2014 Village Board Meeting, the following items were approved under the consent agenda; The record of bills ending 02-07-2014 in the amount not to exceed $ 990,390.09, monthly department reports for January 2014, minutes of the January 28, 2013 Village Board Meeting and minutes of the January 28, 2013 Committee of the Whole Meeting, a motion to approve the

minutes of closed session meetings from June 9, 2009 through January 1, 2014 and a resolution regarding the periodic review of closed meeting minutes of the Village of Westchester

At the February 11, 2014 Committee of the Whole (COW), the following items were discussed.

Under New Business, first was discussed Medical Marijuana Facilities – Zoning Issue –A discussion was held about regulating the location of a medical marijuana facility should one decide to locate in Westchester. Recent state law approved the existence of such facility. Attorney Michael Durkin provided insight that the issue was one of proper Zoning.

Also discussed was a Clean Water Project at 31st Street water line provided information to pursue a state grant/loan through the Governor Quinn’s Clean Water Initiative to construct a water main down 31st street that had been planned long ago but was never completed.

Under Old Business the Board discussed the Façade Grant Program – Ms. Headley the Community Development Director presented information regarding offering a financial incentive for businesses to upgrade their buildings façades.


CALENDARContinued from page 7

8071 or Genny Panek at [email protected] for more information.

Spring Event 6pm - Midnight. Dinner dance, silent and live auctions, raffles and entertainment. Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258, www.divineprovidenceschool.org:

Sunday, March 30

Morning Worship Service/Evening Worship Service, 10:45 a.m. / 6:00 p.m., Westchester Bible Church 10600 W. Cermak Rd. Westchester, IL 60154, www.westchesterbiblechurch.org


Monday, March 31

Lenten Evening Mass, 7:00 PM at Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Classes Resume, Westchester Public Schools

Tuesday, April 1

Board of Education Committee of the Whole at WMS at 6:30 PM

Wednesday, April 2

Family Film Night featuring “Free Birds” 6:30 PM at Library. Contact Youth Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Table Grace, 11:30 AM, Divine Providence and Grace Lutheran Ecumenical Discussion (Bring your own Lunch) at Grace Lutheran Church, 1101 Manchester


7:00-8:30, Viewing and Discussion of Fr. Robert Barron’s new DVD on Catholicism, Divine Providence Church Narthex, 2600 Mayfair

WMS 8th Grade Washington D.C. Parent Meeting at 7:00 PM

All School mass at 8:00 am at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle

Avenue. Come join us. For more information,

contact the school office at 865-0122.

Friday, April 4

Eucharistic Day of Adoration, 8:00 AM-6:30 PM, Divine Providence Ministry Center Chapel, 2540 Mayfair

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

The Divine Infant School Advisory Board is sponsoring the Annual “All You Can Eat” Fish Fry at 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm in Langan Hall at Divine Infant Jesus School, 1640 Newcastle Avenue. Menu: fried fish or grilled cheese sandwich, served with fries, cole slaw, baked beans and French bread.

Adults: $10.00, Seniors $8:00, Children (11 and under) $6.00. For more information, contact Kathy Kubeczko at [email protected]

Celebrate Jazz Month with a Young Musicians’ Concert featuring the Westchester Middle School Jazz Band 6:30 PM at Library.

For more information, contact Youth Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Monday, April 7

Lenten Evening Mass, 7:00 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair

Reconciliation (Confession), 7:30-8:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair.

Tuesday, April 8

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

Wednesday, April 9

Family Film Night featuring “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” 6:30 PM at Library. Contact Youth Dept or call 708-562-3573.

Thursday, April 10

WPS Incoming Kindergarten Visitation from 12:00-12:45 PM.

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The Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) and West Suburban Senior Services are partnering to help income-eligible Suburban Cook County residents attain and maintain self-sufficiency/independence.

Through CEDA’s Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), CSBG provides short-term case management services to help stabilize and support families and individuals on a path back to self-sufficiency.

The CSBG program may also be able to provide case management participants with the following financial resources to alleviate a specific barrier that may be preventing them from attaining self-sufficiency:

Dental CareAuto Repair

Vision CareHousing Counseling & Rental/

Mortgage AssistanceVeterans Employment/Training

ProgramElderly Projects (in partnership

with Age-Options)Scholarship Funds for Education &

TrainingFamily NutritionCEDA CSBG staff members are

available at the WSSS Senior Center in Bellwood every other Wednesday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, beginning February 19, 2014.

To request an appointment or to get more information please call West Suburban Senior Services at (708) 547-5600 and leave your name, phone number and your reason for calling and a CSBG Program Specialist will reach out to you to discuss eligibility and next steps.

CEDA and WSSS Join Efforts to Assist

Area Residents

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