Village of Westchester

November 2011 Newsletter

POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESIDENT PULIA GOES TO WASHINGTON

October 2011 was a very busy month. I, along with 20 members of the West Central Municipal Conference (WCMC) traveled to Washington D.C. for our bi-annual Legislative “Meet and Greet” with our legislative leaders. The West Central Municipal Conference is a cooperative of municipal Mayors and Presidents that meet several times throughout the year to discuss a range of issues that affect individual communities and the region as a whole. Presently there are 42 municipalities that belong to the conference. Our 16th District Cook County Commissioner Jeffrey Tobolski, who is also the Mayor of the Village of McCook, is the current president of the organization. I serve as the Vice President and will assume the duties of the president next May.

While in Washington, D.C. I met individually with Congressman Danny Davis and Congressman Daniel Lipinski, who both represent Westchester. I asked each of them for assistance securing funds for the reconstruction of a mile long sewer pipe which is currently located on Cook County Forest Preserve Property, but belongs

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 may have on the Forest Preserve.

I also asked for assistance in the placement of a grant application for our Fire Department. The grant is for the replacement of a rescue truck. As always, I continued my lobbying efforts for fl ood relief. These efforts included requests for appropriations for the Addison Creek project.

I was fortunate enough to meet with our State Senator Richard Durbin and his staff. I provided them with information on fl ood control aspects, and discussed the fact that Cook County municipalities affected by the fl ood of 2010 did not receive “One Red Cent” of money for the damage and clean up efforts to municipal, school, library, and park district properties.

My specifi c request was for Congress to look into changes to the Stratford Act, which is the Act guiding FEMA disaster response protocol. Currently, reimbursement for damage to municipalities, schools, libraries and park districts are determined based on the overall devastation to the entire county, and not the individual community. This means that no

From the Desk of The PresidentFrom the Desk of The President

FIRE DEPARTMENT

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

PARK DISTRICT

LIBRARY

PUBLIC WORKS

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Police DePartment2 NOVEMBER 2011

Profile

Name: Tracy CelestinoRank: 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

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 Sobriety Walk &

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.

Police Blotter

Officers open ‘house’ to residents

Information needed on ongoing investigation

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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 Cornell-Renquist 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

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

showmanship.Based on my conversation with the

new inductees, each commented on what an honor it was to appear personally before the Justices of Supreme Court and be admitted to the most prestigious attorneys’ bar in the country. It was an honor they will never forget. I am proud of each one of the Mayors that were inducted, and especially my wife Maureen, who Director Pellegrino thought had the “Right Stuff” to be part of this select group.

During our visit we also had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Michael Quigley who represents the 5th Congressional District, which is just north and east of us. Mr. Quigley was formerly a Cook County Commissioner and is certainly aware of the issues facing, Cook County, the State of Illinois, and country as a whole.

Unfortunately, each and every legislative representative we met with conveyed to us in their own way that the “log jam” in Washington DC would most likely continue at least through the Presidential Election of November of 2012, with the Democrats and Republicans unwilling to give in on any issue that may give the opposing party an edge. This was very disconcerting to me given that our legislative leaders have been elected to represent the needs of their community and not make, or refrain from making decisions based on partisan politics. I informed our leaders that while party politics continue to rule the day in Washington, D.C., there are real people back home that need their help.

As the Chief Executive Officer of the Village of Westchester, representing the people of this Village, I conveyed to all of them that we are disheartened that our elected representatives, both Democrat and Republican, cannot put partisan politics aside and take the steps necessary to get this country back on track. I told each of them that ‘JOBS’ has to be the first step to not only personal economic recovery, but also to the economic recovery of our country.

HONOR FLIGHT

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 ago. While at the Memorials I saw several busses full of veterans from Texas, all wearing blue “Honor Flight” T-shirts. As they were reboarding their bus I climbed onboard, identified myself, and told them I was from Westchester, Illinois, and on behalf of all of our residents wanted to thank them and their families for their service to our country. I thanked God that each of them came home safely, and prayed for their brethren who paid the ultimate price. I also thanked their wives and families for their dedication as well. I have to tell you that it brought a tear to my eye to see all the wheelchairs placed in the belly of the bus. The pride on their faces will forever be etched in my mind. We owe them all a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.

Most recently, the father of Westchester Park Executive Director Gary Kasanders, Marine Sergeant Eugene Kasanders was able to be a participant in Chicago’s “Honor Flight” on October 12th 2011. A number of us wrote “letters from home” that were given to Sgt. Kasanders during the “Mail Call” portion of the flight on their way home. Gary told me his father said he had the best time of his life on the flight and will always remember it fondly. When they returned to Midway airport, their welcome home was a moving tribute that included fellow service men and women, family members and various service band members. It was very reminiscent of their original homecoming celebration years ago.

For more information about this program please visit www.honorflightchicago.org.

IN REMEMBRANCE

Earlier this month we lost a very special man who dedicated a great portion of his life to philanthropic endeavors, like Loyola University, St. Ignatius College Prep, and the WWII Memorial. This man was Joseph J. Gentile, the Baron of Barrington, and owner of radio station WJJG in Berkeley, Illinois. Mr. Gentile was a

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The World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

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

November 7. Economic De-velopment Committee Meeting, Westchester Village Hall, Community Room, 7:30 AM.

November 7. Teacher In-service. No School, Divine Providence School.

November 8. Village Board Meet-ing followed by Committee of the Whole Meeting Westchester Village Hall -Board Room, 7:00 PM

November 9. Citizens Advisory Board Meeting, Westchester Village Hall, Community Room 7:00 PM.

November 9. All School mass at 8:00 AM at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us. For more information, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

November 10. “The Last Lecture” Community Book Discussion & Film program (part of Triton’s One Book One Triton initiative) 7:00 PM at Li-brary.

November 10. Literacy Night at WMS from 6:30 PM-8:00 PM, Westchester Public Schools.

November 11. Veteran’s Day Assem-bly at 1:45 PM at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Tom Day of Bugles Across America will be presenting a short program highlighting TAPS 150, at which time he will present a commemorative Civil War flag showing the composer and first player of Taps. The program will also include all of the service flags and a salute to the Armed Forc-es. Contact. Mrs. Donna Day 708-865-0122 for more information.

November 12. Market Day Pick-up from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM, Divine Prov-idence School 2500 Mayfair Avenue, Westchester, IL 60154.

November 12. Westchester Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts annual Thanksgiving food drive, eyeglasses, and flag collection. Informational fly-ers will be distributed to Westchester residences on November 12. Scouts will go door-to-door picking up food the next November 19th.

November 12. Getting to Know the Lichens, A Natural History Class from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Presented by the Salt Creek Greenway Association. Classes will be held at the 1 Aloha Lane Meeting Room, Hickory Lane Buffer to Wolf Road Prairie at the For-est Preserve District of Cook County Police Headquarters; the North side of 31st Street west of Wolf Road, Westchester. Presenter. Rich Hyerc-

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 study-ing the local lichen flora since 1991 and will guide you through the tax-onomy, morphology and ecology of lichenized fungi, with an emphasis on identification of the local flora. A general key to some common local lichens will be provided to all stu-dents. Please bring a hand-lens to this class. If there is time and inter-est, a short walk through Wolf Road Prairie will follow the class for “in the field lichen identification”. Wolf Road Prairie has 41 known lichens which include 20 Crustose species, 18 Foliose species and 3 Fruticose species. The class is limited to 12 persons. Pre-registration is required. Light refreshments will be served. To sign up for this free class sponsored by the Salt Creek Greenway Associa-tion, email stpsspale@aol.com or call 708-865-8736. Reservations will be confirmed.

Saturday & Sunday November 12-13. Veteran’s Day Blessing and Hos-pitality, 5:00 PM Saturday Mass, 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:30 AM Sunday Masses, Divine Providence Church, 2550 Mayfair Avenue.

November 15. All Schools Visita-tion Day from 9:30 AM -11:00AM & 1:30 PM -2:30PM, Westchester Public Schools.

November 16. Fall Choral Concert @ WMS 7:00PM, Westchester Public Schools.

November 16. All School mass at 8:00 AM at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us. For more information, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

November 17. 4th Grade Perfor-mance @ WIS 7:00PM, Westchester Public Schools.

November 17. The Divine Infant Je-sus School student body will be Pray-ing the Rosary -2:10 PM at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us. For more in-formation, contact the school office at 708-865-0122.

November 18. Taize Ecumenical Prayer Evening of Remembrance for the Deceased. 7:30 PM, Divine Provi-dence Church 2550 Mayfair.

November 19. Aisle of Gifts, “Home for the Holly Days!” will be from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Divine Infant Je-sus School, 1640 Newcastle Avenue. The holiday craft show will feature over 50 crafters, pictures with Santa, raffles, food and fun. Santa pictures

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 re-ceived a flyer on November 12 for the Scouts annual Thanksgiving food drive, eyeglasses, and flag col-lection, 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 non-perishable 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 Photogra-phy - 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 Li-brary. Sponsored by Save The Prairie Society.

November 21. Economic De-velopment Committee Meeting, Westchester Village Hall, Community Room, 7:30 AM.

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

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

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

November 23. Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service at 7:00 PM, Westchester Community Church, 1840 Westchester Blvd.

November 24. Library closed for Thanksgiving holiday.

November 23-25. Thanksgiving Holidays-No School Divine Provi-dence School.

November 23-25. Thanksgiving Break – No School, Westchester Mid-dle School

November 24. Thanksgiving Mass, 9:30 AM, followed by Drama Minis-try Skit and Hospitality, Divine Provi-dence Church, 2550 Mayfair Avenue.

Saturday & Sunday November 26-27. Revised Translation of the Mass

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 May-fair Avenue.

November 29. Friends of the Li-brary 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 Meet-ing 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 May-fair.

December 2. Village Tree Light-ing Ceremony at 6:30 PM at the Westchester Fire Department locat-ed 10240 Roosevelt Rd. Westchester, IL 60154. Please join us for a brief ceremony followed by holiday re-freshments.

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

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

December 6. Bilingual PAC Meet-ing @ WPS, 7:00PM, Westchester Pub-lic Schools

December 7. Winter Band Concert @ WMS, 7:00PM, Westchester Public Schools

December 8. Senior Concert @ WMS 10:00AM, Westchester Public Schools

December 9. Holiday Dance @ WMS from 2:50-5:15PM, Westchester Public Schools

December 7. All School mass at 8:00 AM at Divine Infant Jesus Church, 1600 Newcastle Avenue. Come join us. For more information, contact the school office at 708-865-0122. Divine Infant Jesus School Advisory Board Meeting at 7 PM at the Rectory, 1601 Newcastle Ave. For more informa-tion, contact the school at 865-0122.

December 11. Westchester Bible Church presents “Bethlehem’s Love” at 6:00 PM. Bring your family to this celebration of the Reason for the Season! Free nursery provided. Call (708)562-3040, or visit www.westchesterbiblechurch.org.

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driving force in soliciting donations for the Memorial. Over the years, I had appeared on his radio show several times. He was a man who not only spoke his mind, but could back his position on any topic with anyone at anytime. God Speed Joe.

It is with sadness that I also inform you of the untimely passing of Mr. Thomas Wagner, the husband of long time Westchester Public School Secretary Sheri Wagner. Tom is in heaven watching down on us all.

VILLAGE MANAGER

On October 11th 2011 Village Manager, Stan Urban resigned from his position with the Village of Westchester. We wish Mr. Urban well and thank him for the hard work and dedication on behalf of our Village, especially during the floods and power outages. Mr Urban was always available to answer any questions and/or concerns of not only the Board, but anyone else that called upon him. We wish him well in his future endeavors.

Until a new Village Manger is selected, Finance Director Janet Matthys will serve as Interim Village Manager. As of this writing the Board is in the process of determining the best course of action to search for a qualified candidate to fill this position.

WESTCHESTER STREET PROGRAM

At our recent October 11th Board Meeting, a presentation was made by Kane McKenna Capital, Inc., bond consultants, regarding a funding mechanism (sale of bonds) to fund capital street and road improvement projects. The 2010 Street Improvement Project identified 25 street projects. Presently 9 of the 25 initially engineered streets have yet to be completed. To date, we have spent 3.5 million dollars from a prior bond issuance to pay for the work that has already been done. The Village receives approximately $400,000 annually in allotments of Motor Fuel Tax from the Illinois Department of Revenue. Of this amount, approximately $250,000 is restricted to pay the annual debt service on the 2010A bonds maturing in 2020.

I am happy to report that the remaining 16 streets have been completely reconstructed including curbs, approaches and some sidewalks when needed. We are looking at all possible alternatives for completing at least the remaining

9 streets, and if possible, additional streets.

Several scenarios were offered by Staff. However, the ability to pay for the needed road and street replacements is not without a financial impact on the community. One concept brought forward was instituting a Non-Home Rule Sales Tax. Several of our surrounding communities have such a program. As of July 1, 2011, the communities of Broadview; Brookfield; Melrose Park, North Riverside; River Grove; River Forest; and Riverside have a 1% Non-Home Rule Sales Tax; the communities of Forest Park and Villa Park have a .50% tax; and LaGrange has a .25% tax.

In order for Westchester to institute such a tax, the voters of Westchester would have to approve the tax. This can only be accomplished via a Village-wide Referendum. Approval of this revenue stream would be a way of raising more revenue to continue our street rebuilding program. I’m sure residents would agree that our streets are in deplorable condition and the Village needs a plan, coupled with the financing, to make these needed reconstructions. This is just something to think about at this point since we have been told that Westchester will not be receiving any state and federal money for these projects anytime soon.

If you are wondering about our neighbors directly to the north, Bellwood, Hillside and Berkeley are Home Rule Communities. Bellwood has a 1.5% home rule sales tax, and Berkeley and Hillside have a 1% home rule sales tax. As home rule communities, these towns did not have to go to referendum to impose this tax, as they have authority as a home rule community. Home rule communities have populations of over 25,000, or can be established via a referendum for communities with populations less than 25,000.

The above information is just that, information. Future board discussion will be occurring. Ultimately, if this topic does end up in Referendum Form, it will be up to you, the voters, to decide if it passes. Stay tuned ….

ELECTRICAL ENERGY SAVING PROGRAM

The Village has been proactively looking at ways to save money on its electric bill from ComEd by changing to a third party provider. This will result in a reduction in the price of electricity the village pays for our pumping stations and street lights. Presently ComEd does not charge the village for the electric we use at the village hall complex, however you and I know that the Franchise fee

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

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 Broadview-Westchester 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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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, the Westchester Public Library, and your favorite bookseller. Prepare! The battle is about to begin.

Preparing for battle at Westchester schools

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.

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!

Middle school band builds skill, commitment

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.

Westchester blood program honored again

16 NOVEMBER 2011

NOVEMBER 2011 17

In theSpotlight..

18 NOVEMBER 2011

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 Leader Ed Colaianni; wolf1daddy@comcast.net.

CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD

The Westchester Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) is working on their next community project, assisting with the Holiday Food Drive with Westchester Food Pantry Coordinator Judy Saraceno-Swenson. Trustee Liaison Tom Yurkovich is working with the community to get collection bins placed in strategic locations around the village. I will post more information as it becomes available.

RAIN BARREL PROGRAM

I have been told by Project Manager Hope Garrett that to date we have received over 28 orders for Rain Barrels. Although we got a late start with the program, there will be time to fill those 55 gallon barrels with rain water for watering your plants and gardens next spring. If you are interested in participating in this program you can contact Hope Garrett at the village hall at 708-345-0020.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Halloween has past and I hope you were driving around town looking at the numerous scary decorations that graced our hallowed grounds this season. I have to say that there were quite a few that were very well done. There were two houses in my opinion that were exceptional, 1807 Stratford and 1606 Stratford. The decorations displayed at 1606 Stratford stood out in my mind as the scariest. Thank you to these residents for displaying the Halloween Spirit for the whole community to enjoy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

It has been brought to my attention that William Anthony Juvancic, is turning 91 years young on November 3rd. William is a long time resident of Westchester whose chose Westchester to raise his children and

grandchildren. “BOP”, thank you for helping make Westchester a “GREAT PLACE TO LIVE”.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thursday November 24 is Thanksgiving Day. It is a National Holiday here in the United States. Its roots can be traced from 1621 at a celebration at the Plymouth Plantation. A harvest feast was held after a successful growing season. American Indians from the Wampanoag tribe taught the Pilgrims how to grow corn and fish and supplied food to the colony when supplies from England were insufficient. In 1789 George Washington proclaimed the first Thanksgiving Day, and with a joint committee of both Houses of Congress, assigned the 26th of November as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to Almighty God for the many signals of favors granted to the newly established form of government. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving be celebrated on the final Thursday of November 1863. As we reflect on the past and look to the future let us not forget that we all have been bestowed an abundance in the best country on earth, the United States of America.

HOLIDAY TREE DONATIONS

The Village is continuing with its annual holiday tradition of selecting one tree from within the Village as the Village’s Holiday Tree. This year we received 7 submissions from those interested in donating their evergreen tree to be used as the Village Holiday Tree. Public Works Superintendant John Fecarotta will evaluate the submissions for size, ease of removal, and fullness. Those that meet the requirements will be placed in a hat, and the winner will be randomly selected at out November

8th Board meeting. The tree will be placed just east of the Main Fire House on Roosevelt Road, and will be decorated. Please join us for the official Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 2, 2011 at 6:30 pm.

HOLIDAY TREE DECORATIONS

In addition to the official Village Holiday Tree, I am looking for outside decorations to hang on another holiday tree we will be decorating just outside the post office. Children who would like to make an outdoor decoration please drop one off at the Village Hall between Monday November 21st and Friday November 25th. A drop box will be available in the lobby of the Village Hall. The decoration should be at least 6-12 inches in size so that it can be viewed from afar.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Friday December 2nd at 6:30 pm. The holiday tree will be erected on the east side of the main fire house on Roosevelt Road. All are invited to attend. Hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies will be served. I am also told a visitor from the North Pole will be arriving to check on those whose have been naughty or nice, and give those who have been naughty a little extra time to become nice.

CAN YOU ZUMBA

On Sunday October 16th, if you happened to pass by “JOES PLACE “on Westchester Blvd you were in for a real treat. Music and two hours of non-stop “ZUMBA” dancing filled the parking lot. Trustee Frank Perry, owner of the Westchester eatery known for its “Gene and Judes” style hot dogs sponsored the event. Frank could be seen on the sidelines dancing in place singing the songs

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.

PRESIDENTContinued from page 9

Congratulations to the residents of 1612 Stratford on the scariest Halloween decorations in Westchester.

Public WorksNOVEMBER 2011 19

2011 Water Tower Painting

The Village of Westchester has successfully completed the painting of the inside of the water tower. The project went very smoothly and finished one week ahead of schedule. The Village gives a big thank you to all the residents who followed the watering ban and helped make this project run smoothly.

Sanitary Sewer Lining

The Village of Westchester is about to embark upon a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project which will include improvements to the sanitary sewer lines in the backyards of the area bound by Wolf Rd., Roosevelt Rd., Haase Ave., and Canterbury St.

The improvements shall include:Replacement of certain deteriorated

sections of sanitary sewer.Sewer cleaning and televisingRehabilitation of sanitary sewers

using an inversion lining process.Rehabilitation of sanitary

manholes.Restoration of disturbed property

and landscaping

In order for this project to be completed in an efficient and timely manner, communication between the Village and its residents is essential. If any resident has concerns or questions regarding work being done on or around their property, please do not hesitate to contact the Resident Engineer, Christopher Faust at 847-954-9766 or the Project Manager, Hope Garrett at hgarrett@westchester-il.org / 708-446-4231 and provide your address. The Village will keep residents advised should any project delays become necessary.

2011 50/50 and Trip Hazard Reduction Sidewalk Project

The Village committed funds this year for the annual 50/50 sidewalk project. This project shares the cost with residents who would like to replace the old or cracked public sidewalk in front of their house. The Village is accepting applications for next year’s work. Please contact Public Works at ggolz@westchester-il.org or 708-345-0041 to provide your name, phone number, address, and the number of squares you are

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 street light. The interns have also

created a corresponding map of the street lights showing their locations.

Branch Pickup

The final PW branch pickup will be the week of November 7-11. This will be the last pickup for the year.

Branch pickup will resume in April 2012.

Branch Pick-up Schedule:*Monday: From Mannheim Road west

to Wolf Road and from Canterbury south to Windsor, including both sides of Windsor Drive; Also, Waterford, Waverly, Camelot and Concord.

*Tuesday: Roosevelt Road south to Cermak Road- from Gardner Road west to Mannheim Road.

*Wednesday: From Roosevelt Road north to the expressway and from Gardner Road west to Mannheim Road; Roosevelt south to Canterbury from Haase west to Heidorn.

*Thursday: From Belleview west to Wolf Road, Martindale Drive to 31st Street.

For a map of branch pick up schedule visit our webpage: www.westchester-il.org.

Please remember that all landscaping contractors are responsible for their own brush pick-up and disposal.

Don’t Forget…. Waste Management will pick up your branches, bushes, etc. as long as they are tied in bundles

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.

Leaf Maintenance

Public Works is still filling potholes; however they are wrapping up street repairs, and moving into full swing with leaf season. They started leaf pickup on October 12th with a 6 man crew followed by the sweeper.

Even though we have started leaf pickup to clean the curbs we ask you DO NOT TO RAKE YOUR LEAVES INTO THE STREETS! This causes sewer problems, clogs the storm sewers, and creates unsafe driving conditions.

Please try to keep the drains in the street free of debris so that the autumn rains do not wash the debris into the storm sewers. Keep the inlets free of leaves by sweeping off the top of the inlets. We appreciate you cooperation!

When the snow falls, please remember…

Not far behind leaves comes SNOW! When it does begin to snow Village crews will be working long and hard to keep our streets clear and safe.

Please assist us by observing the following:

Place garbage cans and bins behind the curb line-not in the street

Observe “ NO PARKING” and “SNOW ROUTE” signs

Do not throw or blow snow back into the cleared streets

The following parking restrictions WILL be enforced:

After a two-inch snowfall and except as otherwise posted, it is unlawful to park any vehicle, or to permit any vehicle to remain parked, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., on odd-numbered sides of the street (south and east sides of streets) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and on even-numbered sides of the street (north and west sides of the streets) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Odd sides of the street are defined as the south side of east and west streets, and the east side of the north and south streets. Even sides of the street are defined as the north side of east and west streets and the west side of north and south streets.

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 non-emergency 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.

Sinnott Tree 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.

News from the Westchester Public Works

20 NOVEMBER 2011