Village of

WESTCHESTER IN PICTURES

Christmas has come early to the Village of Westchester! During the month of November, two major initiatives have come to fruition.

MARIANO’S OPENS IN WESTCHESTEROn Monday, November 3, 2014, I along with all of

the Westchester elected offi cials, department heads, administrative staff and invited guests attended a Grand Opening Gala at the new Mariano’s Fresh Market located at 3020 Wolf Road. This is the site of the former Dominick’s grocery store that had closed December 28, 2013. For those who have been following the transformation of the building from 50 thousand square feet to nearly 81 thousand square feet, many opinions were that it was not going to be completed this year. I must compliment Regency Center, the owner of the Westbrook Commons shopping plaza and their staff, Nick Wibbenmeyer, Regional Vice President and Matt Hendy, Senior Investment Manager, as well as Jon Beer, Senior Project Manager, for completing the construction in time for the early November opening just before the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays.

Mr. Bob Mariano deserves a great big THANK YOU for having the vision in fi lling a void for Westchester.

His vision will be one of the most notable viable economic engines that the Village will enjoy for years to come.

Praise also needs to be mentioned for Mariano’s parent company ROUNDY’S SUPERMARKETS, INC and Mr. Dan Farrell, Vice President for Real Estate. Village Manager Janet Matthys, Community Development Director Melissa Headley, Building Commissioner Anthony Saviano, Fire Chief Jim Adams, Fire Captain Jeff LeBeda, Plumbing Inspector Andy Esposito, and Finance Director Maureen Potempa deserve special recognition for either engineering the economic incentive agreement, providing inspectional services for Westchester Code Compliance for building a safe structure, as well as assuring compliance with the aesthetic properties associated with our Plan Commission recommendations.

As my wife Maureen and I arrived at the Gala, we were greeted personally at the door by Bob Mariano, as was every guest that attended. I gave Bob a Westchester lapel pin with our unique and beautiful crest that he immediately put on his lapel.

At the actual ribbon cutting, Mr. Mariano thanked

From the Desk of The President

FIRE DEPARTMENT

POLICE DEPARTMENT

PARKDISTRICT

LIBRARY

SCHOOL DISTRICT

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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4

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See PRESIDENT, page 5

President Sam Pulia joins Mariano’s CEO Bob Mariano, State Senator Kimberly Lightford and Store Manager Ivan Chavez at the Grand Opening Gala of the new Mariano’s Fresh Market in Westchester

WestchesterDecember 2014 Newsletter

Westchester in Pictures2 DECEMBER 2014

Fire DePartmentDECEMBER 2014 3

Fire Department

Make a Fire Escape Plan

In the event of a fire, remember - time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames. Important

Practice escape plans every month. Plan two ways out of each room. Immediately leave your home when a fire occurs. Never open doors that are hot to the touch. Designate a meeting location away from your home. Once you're out, stay out!

Important

Having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month and changed with new ones at least once a year. Also, consider replacing the entire smoke alarm every ten years, or as the manufacturer guidelines recommend.

Keeping the Wreath Red The Westchester Fire Department wishes all the residents a Merry Christmas and safe holiday season. Each year a tradition of fire departments across the country is to hang a wreath at their stations with all red bulbs the wreaths hung are part of the Keep the Wreaths Red safety campaign . When a fire is caused by holiday decorations a red bulb is replaced with a white bulb. The wreaths are hung as a reminder to practice fire safety during the holiday season. The Westchester Fire Department wishes to keep the wreath red this year below are some holiday safety tips to keep your home safer during the holiday season.

Here are a few ways to help firefighters keep their wreaths red:

Trees- Look for “fire-resistant” labels when buying artificial trees. Although it doesn’t mean the tree won’t catch fire, it does mean it won’t burn as easily.- Check live trees for dryness by bouncing the tree and grabbing a branch and pulling. Very few needles should fall off a healthy tree.- Keep trees away from fireplaces and radiators; take traffic patterns into account when setting up your tree.- Make sure your tree is secure in its tree stand, and keep the stand filled with water.

Candles- Keep burning candles in sight. Always extinguish all candles before you go to bed or leave the house.- Keep candles away from flammable items such as trees, decorations, curtains and furniture. Keep them away from pets and children, too.

Lights- Check each set of Christmas lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wire, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets.- Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

- If you use an extension cord, make sure it’s rated for the intended use.

Fire Safety Tips

The Holidays are a time for celebration and that means cooking and with cooking regrettably home fires and injuries. Unattended cooking fires account for 33% of these fires. Other leading causes are placing combustible items to close to the heat source and various electrical defects. The most common reason for unattended cooking fires is when the cook becomes distracted and leaves the kitchen. To increase your safety when cooking follow these safety tips.

Stay in the kitchen: don’t leave cooking unattended (stand by your pan!)

Wear short or tight fitting sleeves loose clothing is more likely to catch on fire or get caught on pot handles

Enforce a kid free zone of three feet around stove

Keep area around stove clear of all combustible items papers, pot holders, dish towels

Cook at indicated temperature settings rather than higher settings

Keep pot lid handy to smother pan fires do not attempt to pick up a pot or pan that is on fire turn off heat and cover with lid

DO NOT USE WATER!! It will cause splashing and spread fire.

Treat burns immediately with cool

running water and seek medical care if needed.

Police DePartment4 DECEMBER 2014

1) At 7:44am on October 28, 2014 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported on the 800 block of Suffolk. The resident reported that they discovered damage to their kitchen window. It appeared to have been caused by a BB pellet. 2) At 6:11pm on October 28, 2014 a Felony Retail Theft was reported at the Walgreens located at 10345 Roosevelt Road. A male subject was arrested and charged with felony retail theft. 3) At 6:39pm on October 29, 2014 a Theft of Bicycle was reported at the Westchester Public Library located at 10700 Canterbury. The bicycle owner reported that unknown person(s) removed an unlocked bicycle from the bike rack. 4) At 7:55am on November 1, 2014 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported on the 1400 block of Portsmouth. The resident reported that unknown person(s) attempted to gain entry to a ground floor window. The window was damaged but entry was not made to the residence. 5) At 7:13am on November 3, 2014 a

Theft of Motor Vehicle was reported from the 9900 block of Drury Lane. The resident reported that their vehicle was taken from their driveway sometime during the previous evening. At approximately 2pm the vehicle was located by a neighboring police department and the vehicle owner was notified. 6) At 5:25pm on November 4, 2014 a Theft was reported on the 10200 block of Canterbury. The resident reported that unknown person(s) removed chairs and fire pit accessories from their backyard. 7) At 8:45am on November 10, 2014 a Theft from Motor Vehicle was reported from 2 Westbrook Corporate Center parking lot. It was reported that a laptop was taken from their vehicle between 8:00am and 8:20am while making several trips from their vehicle to an office inside 2 Westbrook Corporate Center. There did not appear to be any damage to the vehicle and may have been unlocked.

Police blotter

Beware of strangers appearing at your door purporting to be utility workers from the telephone, electric, cable, or gas company etc., etc. These con artists for the most part target the elderly. The con artist simply wants to gain entry and find jewelry and currency kept in your home. DO NOT allow any stranger to enter your residence, without proper identification or prior scheduled service. Don’t fall for the stranger(s) that purports to be from our water or sewer department.

Keep your distance and verify their credentials by calling their office. These innocent property crimes can go bad and turn into violent crimes. Unfortunately there are con artists that go one step further and identify themselves as police officers in order to gain entry into your home. Don’t hesitate to question the identity of any such stranger.

Call the police and check the credentials of these strangers when in doubt, we will be glad to assist you and will understand your concern. Dial 911 for any such encounter. Better to be Safe than to be Sorry.

It may be time to purchase an inexpensive intercom system that is easily installed. This way you don’t have to have any face-to-face contact with a con artist and you can summons the police before it’s too late.

SEE IT ~ HEAR IT ~ REPORT IT

Utility Worker Scam

DECEMBER 2014 5

all who made the smooth transition possible in creating the flagship store bearing his name. Bob, in his true form of community involvement, made a donation to the Westchester Food Pantry of five thousand dollars. Ms. Judy Saraceno-Swenson accepted the large replica check from our host and expressed the groups’ appreciation. Throughout the night, all of the guests were in awe over the facility and the way it was transformed to represent a “Roman Holiday.”

For those in attendance it was certainly “A NIGHT TO REMEMBER.”

MAYFAIR RESERVOIR EXPANSIONOver 220 trucks loads of dirt have been

removed from the Mayfair Reservoir almost daily since November 3rd to make way for expanding the capacity of storm water storage that has plagued the southern portion of Westchester since the mid 1960’s. V3 Companies chief engineer Greg Wolterstorff estimated based on foot acres that the expansion will add approximately 11 million gallons of storm water storage to the 23 million gallons held before the expansion began. This long overdue project is a result of many meetings and venting of frustration since my taking office in 2009 and the severe flood event of July 2010.

Recently, I came across a Westchester-Hillside Flood Study done by Harza Engineering dated June 1971 that was paid for by the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago, now MWRD. Chapter one identifies the flooding problems both villages sustained in October 1954, July 1957, September 1961, May 1966, and July of 1969.

As a result of this study, construction of the Mayfair Reservoir began in 1975 which was completed in 1977. The report goes on to say that “continued urbanization in the Salt Creek Watershed will tend to increase peak flows and water surface elevations in Salt Creek adjacent to Westchester. The Salt Creek channel improvement plans currently underway in Du Page County will further contribute toward higher peaks and stages in Salt Creek near Westchester.”

Mayor Joseph Tamburino and I, along with Mayor Frank Pasquale from Bellwood, will be meeting with our respective engineering firms in early December and will certainly review the finding of this study in an attempt to address the flooding problem our communities have been facing dating back to the early 1950’s.

As a youth growing up here in

Westchester, I can only remember the July 1969 flood where I saw canoes paddling down Boeger Ave. from Cermak Rd. Apparently, based on the study that was done in 1971 there were several flood events in our area that the village fathers were addressing and attempting to mitigate.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA PUBLIC HEAR-ING

On Monday, November 17, a Public Hearing was held at the Westchester Village Hall regarding the possibility of a medical marijuana dispensary opening in Westchester. Only one dispensary will be authorized and approved by the State of Illinois in the boundary of the total area representing Proviso, Leyden, and Norwood Townships. Please be clear that there will NOT be one dispensary in each township. The highly regulated State of Illinois Medical Marijuana program will make available a regulated amount of cannabis to those persons with certain debilitating illness or diseases to relieve their pain and suffering on a prescription basis. At the time of this writing, the State of Illinois has not made a site selection. Based on the regulations, the only place available in Westchester to have such a site is in the commercial district located near Roosevelt and Suffolk. The Village was approached in August by a petitioner requesting to make application for a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Westchester at 10031 Roosevelt Road. The Village Board, at the September 23rd Board meeting, passed a resolution ratifying the submission of a letter to the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation in support of an application for the operation of a Medical Marijuana Dispensary within the Village of Westchester. Notices were sent to persons residing within 250 feet of the potential site. Three residents attended the Public Hearing as well as me and Village Manager Janet Matthys. A representative from MMRE, LLC the petitioner, addressed the Westchester Plan Commission members in attendance and answered questions from the residents in attendance. The Plan Commission Members unanimously approved the Petition to approve a Special Use for the Medical Marijuana Dispensary. We understand that there have been nine applications by petitioners to provide a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in the three-township area. The award is expected to be made by the State of Illinois early next year.

50/50 SIDEWALK PROGRAM PUT ON HOLD

As a result of the Village being told of a shortage in the material used to make concrete, we have had to put the 50/50

sidewalk replacement program on hold. Of course, this information came after the Village took applications from residents. Who knew when we began taking applications that there would be a concrete shortage in the fall? The project is usually started and completed in a matter of a few weeks. It appears that we cannot guarantee that the removed sidewalk squares will be replaced in a timely manner. The last thing we want is to have a missing square that is snow covered creating a greater trip hazard. At my suggestion at a recent board meeting, the Village will honor the bid price residents were quoted of $73 (50% of $146 construction cost) per square. This price guarantee applies to those residents who had applied for the 2014 50/50 sidewalk program only. We will be rebidding the program early next year. If the bid price is reduced, we will pass that savings to the applicants.

HONORING RETIREMENTFirefighter Dennis Keeffe retired on

October 26th from the Westchester Fire Department. He was honored at the Village Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 11th in appreciation and recognition of his thirty-four years of professional service and dedication to the Village of Westchester and the protection and safety of our citizens. Enjoy your retirement, Dennis!

JEWEL GRAND RE-OPENINGOn November 19th, the Westchester

Jewel held a grand re-opening to showcase its newly remodeled store. Store Director Jim Keleher thanked all of the store department managers, Village officials and the construction team for their cooperation and assistance during the store upgrades. In the spirit of community, Mr. Keleher presented a $1,000 donation to St. Joseph High School. We wish Jewel/Osco continued success!

LIBRARY REVEALS NEW TEEN ROOMThe Westchester Public Library

held a grand opening of its new teen room on Saturday, November 15th. The renovation was made possible by a charitable contribution from the Pokorny Family. The teen room holds gaming systems, including a PS4. The furniture was selected by a committee of teens. Movies are shown on flat screens. Library Director Fidencio Marbella says “There is a definite need here in Westchester for a place for teens to socialize and study. We hope this room provides a comfortable, safe environment for all local teens to enjoy.”

YARD WASTE PROGRAM ENDS FOR

THE SEASON

As reported on page 26 of the November Newsletter, our contract with Waste Management for yard waste pick-up ended November 29, 2014. The program will begin again in April 2015.

LEAF PICK-UP ENDS FOR THE SEASONVillage Public Works crews have

attacked the dropping leaves with a frenzy this season. Each day throughout the village, crews were seen sweeping, pushing and collecting leaves from the street. I even had the Cook County Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP) crew raking leaves on Sunday, October 19 on Gardner Road and Bristol between I290 and Roosevelt Road. The group did an excellent job collecting over 50 bags of leaves from the parkway and street. I would like to thank the numerous residents who raked, bagged and removed the leaves from their property, curb line and, in some cases, assisted in the removal from their neighbor’s homes. I know the 5 bags that we deliver to each single family residence is a drop in the bucket for the number of leaves that drop each fall.

COOK COUNTY SWAP HELPS CLEAN UP WESTCHESTER

Some of you may have noticed how nice the railroad embankment looks on the south side of the Canadian National Railroad tracks just north of 1107 Mannheim Road. On November 10, 10 SWAP crew members, along with myself and PW staff Eric Détente and Clint McDonald, cleaned the embankment to prevent tree limbs from falling onto municipal vehicles using the pathway to the Village Hall complex. I truly believe that using the help of these non-violent supervised offenders in the community benefits our whole Village. Unfortunately, we can only schedule them once a month.

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING UPDATEThe Village has received several

complaints regarding television sets being left on the parkways for pick-up on garbage day. Illinois State Law prohibits our carrier Waste Management from taking these items to a landfill. Waste Management cannot pick-up your old televisions and electronic devices left at the curb. For the past several years, from April to October, on the 2nd Saturday of the month, the Village of Westchester has held electronic recycling drop-off service behind Fire Station Number 1 on Roosevelt Road. Members of the Environmental Sustainability Commission, with the

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PRESIDENTContinued from page 1

6 DECEMBER 2014

help of volunteers, have been taking charge of the event. In November, we have been notified by our current electronic device recycler Vintage Tech that they will now charge a $250 fee for each truck load of electronics they pick up at the village hall site. Between now and April, we will be attempting to locate another vendor to accommodate our program, hopefully without a fee. Please refrain from putting these items on the parkway. Public Works will not be picking them up, and residents will be required to remove them from the parkway. We ask you to store these items in your garages until the recycling events start up again in the spring.

CHRISTMAS TREE DONATIONThis year the Public Works Department

received ten submissions from residents seeking to donate their evergreen for consideration as our Village Christmas Tree. This year, the selection committee, comprised of PW staff Steve Crowley and Eric Détente, Village Manager Janet Matthys and Management Assistant Jessica Spencer, selected the beautiful evergreen tree from the front yard at 1514 Concord. The tree belonged to John and Mary Scalera, 30 year residents of the community. The tree was removed with ease due to its front yard location, free of charge, by Sinnott Tree Service, our contracted tree trimming service. It is amazing how a tree that large just dangles in thin air prior to being placed on our trailer for transport. I would like to thank all of the residents who nominated their trees for adorning our village during this holiday season.

Just outside my window, I am looking at PW employees Steve Crowley, Ted Zimmerman and Eric Détente, the “light man,” in our bucket truck putting on the lights, garland, and tree trimmings. These three are the “Old Pros” and have been decorating the Village Christmas trees for several years and have done an outstanding job of it. They will also be decorating the two large trees at the Westchester Park District pathway.

I know last year I received many an email and letter chastising me for calling and labeling the tree the “holiday tree.” I was reminded that there is not a Holiday Tree. So this year I typed the words Christmas tree into Wikipedia and learned the following:

A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer such as spruce, pine, or fir associated with the celebration of Christmas. An artificial Christmas tree, usually made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a man-made replication of such a tree and

is often used instead of a live tree in order to retain the Christmas spirit and decorations without the care and maintenance of a cut tree.

The tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts, or other foods. In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles which were ultimately replaced by Christmas lights after the advent of electrification. Today, there are a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garland, tinsel, and candy canes. An angel or star might be placed at the top of the tree to represent the angel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.

The custom of the Christmas tree developed in early modern Germany (where it is today called Weihnachtsbaum or Christbaum) with predecessors that can be traced to the 16th and possibly 15th century, in which “devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes”. Christmas trees were hung in St. George’s Church, Sélestat since 1521. It acquired popularity beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century. The Christmas tree has also been known as the “Yule-tree”, especially in discussions of its folkloristic origins.

North AmericaThe tradition was introduced to Canada

in the winter of 1781 by Brunswick soldiers stationed in the Province of Quebec to garrison the colony against American attack. General Friedrich Adolf Riedesel and his wife, the Baroness von Riedesel, held a Christmas party at Sorel, delighting their guests with a fir tree decorated with candles and fruits.

A woodcut of the British Royal family with their Christmas tree at Windsor Castle, initially published in The Illustrated London News December 1848, was copied in the United States at Christmas 1850, in Godey’s Lady’s Book. Godey’s copied it exactly, except for the removal of the Queen’s tiara and Prince Albert’s moustache, to remake the engraving into an American scene. The republished Godey’s image became the first widely circulated picture of a decorated evergreen Christmas tree in America. Art historian Karal Ann Marling called Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, shorn of their royal trappings, “the first influential American Christmas tree”. Folk-culture historian Alfred Lewis Shoemaker states, “In all of America there was no more important medium in spreading the Christmas tree in the decade 1850–60 than Godey’s Lady’s Book”. The image was reprinted in 1860, and by the 1870s, putting up a Christmas tree had become common in America.

Several cities in the United States with German connections lay claim to that country’s first Christmas tree: Windsor Locks, Connecticut, claims that a Hessian soldier put up a Christmas tree in 1777

while imprisoned at the Noden-Reed House, while the “First Christmas Tree in America” is also claimed by Easton, Pennsylvania, where German settlers purportedly erected a Christmas tree in 1816. In his diary, Matthew Zahm of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, recorded the use of a Christmas tree in 1821, leading Lancaster to also lay claim to the first Christmas tree in America. Other accounts credit Charles Follen, a German immigrant to Boston, for being the first to introduce to America the custom of decorating a Christmas tree. August Imgard, a German immigrant living in Wooster, Ohio, is the first to popularize the practice of decorating a tree with candy canes. In 1847, Imgard cut a blue spruce tree from a woods outside town, had the Wooster village tinsmith construct a star, and placed the tree in his house, decorating it with paper ornaments and candy canes. German immigrant Charles Minnegerode accepted a position as a professor of humanities at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1842, where he taught Latin and Greek. Entering into the social life of the Virginia Tidewater, Minnigerode introduced the German custom of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmas at the home of law professor St. George Tucker, thereby becoming another of many influences that prompted Americans to adopt the practice at about that time.

The lyrics sung in the United States to the German tune O Tannenbaum begin “O Christmas tree”, giving rise to the mistaken idea that the German word Tannenbaum (fir tree) means “Christmas tree”, the German word for which is instead Weihnachts.

In other words from now on I will be referring to the donated evergreen tree put on display as a “CHRISTMAS TREE.”

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTINGOne again this holiday season, the

Village of Westchester, the Westchester Park District, and Westchester Chamber of Commerce have come together to welcome the season “Westchester-style”. On Wednesday, December 3rd at 6pm we will again light up our Christmas trees at the Westchester Park District office at 10201 Bond Street, the path along the west end of the park, as well as the donated Christmas Tree at the Fire Station. I have received confirmation from Mrs. Claus that she will be bringing her husband Santa to Westchester on both Wednesday, December 3rd and Thursday, December 4th. Mrs. Claus has been baking her delicious cookies and selecting the best chocolate for the hot chocolate she plans of handing out along the park pathway. In order to keep the reindeers fresh for their Christmas Eve December 24th trip around the world, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving by a horse drawn carriage on Wednesday,

December 3rd promptly at 6:00 p.m.

WESTCHESTER CHAMBER GETS INVOLVED

Chamber Board Member Maria Gamino took charge of the business-sponsored Christmas trees along the park district path and did an excellent job. This year, in addition to the business-sponsored trees, the Village has placed 10 resident-sponsored trees that will be decorated with a cultural flair.

SNOW SEASON IS UPON USI’m in my office writing this newsletter

article, shivering from the unseasonably cold weather we are experiencing in mid-November. I’m hoping for an early spring already, but I know we have only just begun to experience the winter season in Chicago. I knew we were going to be in trouble as I removed the leaves from my son’s home on Portsmouth and they were stuck in ice that had formed at the bottom of the gutter.

Just a reminder, it is against Village ordinance to push snow into the street. Realistically, I know sometimes it is impossible to keep it off of the street, but with a little effort pushing or blowing the snow side to side perpendicular to the drive will keep the majority off the street. Again, it is impossible to keep the plows from putting snow on the driveway aprons. The goal of the PW crews is to make the streets clear.

Snow routes and alternate side parking restrictions will again be in effect as they have for many years. Please familiarize yourself with the restrictions based on what side of the street you live on (odd/even addresses). Take a moment to look at the signs posted at the ends of the block.

We have purchased about 2500 tons of salt to keep our streets as ice-free as possible again this year. Our state purchase price was $134.95 per ton which is more than double what we paid for our allotment last year, but lower than what we had to pay when the frozen Mississippi River did not allow barges to travel north from Louisiana where our salt supply comes from and we had to truck it from adjacent states at a premium. Unfortunately, our storage bin at the village hall only holds so much salt, and we have no alternate covered location where an additional amount can be stored.

SCOUTS COLLECT FOOD Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troop

73 deserve a shout out for running their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. The scouts passed out flyers and

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DECEMBER 2014 7

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collected several hundred pounds of nonperishable food items and personal care items to be donated throughout the community. During the holiday season, the Westchester Food Pantry is a very busy place as there are many families in need of assistance. I would like to give a special “Thank You” to all of the residents who opened their hearts to make a difference again this year.

CHICAGO ITALIAN AMERICAN CHARI-TABLE ORGANIZATION

This will be the 4th year that the Village of Westchester has been involved with CIACO to deliver “Baskets of Love” to those less fortunate that reside in Westchester. The “Baskets of Love” are actually crates weighing over 50 pounds each which include a full turkey. Each basket holds enough food for Thanksgiving and beyond. This year, 15 families received a box of food assembled at the Buona Beef Commissary in Berwyn, Illinois. Village officials delivered the boxes personally on Sunday, November 23, just in time for Thanksgiving. Thank you to CIACO for their contributions and all those who support the organization and their good deeds.

TOYS FOR TOTS & FOOD DRIVEThe Westchester Citizens Advisory

Board (CAB) participates in the TOYS FOR TOTS collection each year. Boxes are located at the Westchester Village Hall, the Westchester Park District buildings, Paul’s Pizza, Joe’s Place and Palm Beach Tanning. Donations will be accepted until December 12th. Please donate a new, unwrapped toy and brighten the holidays for those less fortunate children. Nonperishable food items will also be accepted for the Westchester Food Pantry.

WARMING CENTER OPENThe Village is offering a warming

center for any residents in need of short term shelter facilities in case of emergency HVAC or utility breakdowns. Any resident(s) requesting use of the warming center should register at the Police Department. The Village provides cots. Anyone utilizing the village warming center should be prepared to bring their own pillows, blankets, food, etc. for the duration of their stay. There is a drink vending machine available. NO animals will be allowed in the warming center, unless they are registered service animals. Alternative warming centers available in town during normal business hours are any

of the public buildings; ie., library, park district lobby, etc.

WATER RATES TO INCREASEThe Village of Westchester purchases its

water from the Broadview Westchester Joint Water Agency (BWJWA). BWJWA purchases the water supply from the City of Chicago. The City of Chicago will increase its water rates 15% as of January 1, 2015. This is the last of the 4 years of scheduled increases placed on users receiving Lake Michigan drinking water via the City of Chicago. Based on the increase in the City of Chicago water charges, BWJWA has approved an increase in its water rate of 15% of the existing rate or $.60 per 1000 gallons of water consumed effective January 1, 2015.

Based on the increase in the Village’s cost of purchased water, the Village water rate per 1000 gallons will be raised by the $.60 increase in the Village’s purchase price of the water to cover our increased costs. This will result in a water rate increase charged to consumers from $7.75 to $8.35 per 1000 gallons effective January 1, 2015; this represents a 7.7% increase in the Village’s water rate.

The West Central Municipal Conference last spring presented an idea to our State Representative Emanuel Chris Welch and State Senator Steven Landek, to sponsor HB4288 and SB2907 creating the Water Rate Protection Act which provides for the creation of a regulatory agency to monitor the increases in water increases, however the bill has not been brought out of committee.

COOK COUNTY BOARD OF REVIEWOn Monday, November 10th,

Commissioner Dan Patlak from the Cook County Board of Review hosted a Town Hall Meeting at the Village of Westchester to explain the Property Tax Appeal Process. The Cook County Board of Review is an independent quasi-judicial elective office that reviews and adjudicates property tax assessment appeals. Proviso Township Assessor Steven Zawaski was also present to answer questions from residents.

Property owners have the right to appeal the assessed valuation of their property if they believe it is over assessed. The Board’s mission is to ensure that property owners pay no more than their fair share of property taxes. Property owners may appeal their assessments once within each tax cycle. The appeal deadline for the 2014 tax levy which will be assessed in 2015 was November 21st. If you are appealing your own home, condo, or mixed-use building, you may represent yourself or hire an attorney unless the property’s title is incorporated, LLC, or any other legal entity. There is NO COST

to appeal at the Board of Review. There are several exemptions available

to property owners. The HOMEOWNER EXEMPTION

reduces the equalized assessed value (EAV) by $7K.

The SENIOR CITIZEN EXEMPTION reduces the EAV by $5K

The SENIOR FREEZE freezes the EAV to the level prior to the tax year in question

RETURNING VETERAN’S EXEMPTION is for property owners returning from ACTIVE duty armed conflict. The exemption reduces the EAV of the property by $5K for the taxable year

DISABLED VETERAN’S EXEMPTION is for veterans with a service connected disability as certified by the US Dept. of Veteran Affairs are eligible for this annual exemption. A disability of at least 75% is eligible for a $5K exemption in EAV. A disability of at least 50%, but less than 75%, is eligible for a $2.5K reduction in EAV.

DISABLED PERSON’S EXEMPTION To receive the annual reduction of $2K in EAV, the property owner must be: Disabled or became disabled during the tax year. Owned and occupied the property as of January 1 of the tax year in question.

For more information contact the Cook County Board of Review at 1-312-603-5542 or www.CookCountyBoardofReview.com.

Taxpayers may access pertinent information regarding their property such as property descriptions, tax billing history, and tax appeal deadlines at www.cookcountypropertyinfo.com.

6 TIPS FOR SMART YEAR-END TAX PLANNING

Procrastination rarely pays. That’s particularly true when it comes to taxes. Since most tax-smart strategies take time to implement and come with a December 31 deadline, an early start can save you money and stress. Wouldn’t you rather be enjoying the December holidays than scrambling to meet a tax deadline?

Many of the smart tax moves for 2014 are familiar ones—such as contributing to tax-advantaged retirement plans and increasing deductions—but there are a few new twists.

“Regardless of your income or tax situation, one rule applies to everyone,” says Mark Luscombe, principal federal tax analyst for accounting research and software provider Wolters Kluwer, CCH. “The sooner you get started, the more effective you can be in managing your taxes.”

Here are some tips to get you started.1. Contribute to a tax-advantaged

savings plan.Contributing to a 401(k) or an IRA

may be the smartest tax move that most taxpayers can make. Not only does it

reduce your taxable income for the current tax year and allow your potential earnings to grow on a tax-deferred basis, it also helps get you closer to achieving your retirement savings goal. Contributions to your 401(k), 403(b), or similar workplace retirement plan must be made by December 31, 2014, to impact your 2014 taxes, so you need to act quickly to increase your deferral. The 2014 401(k) contribution limit is $17,500 ($23,000 for people age 50 or older). With an IRA, you have until April 15, 2015, to make a 2014 tax-deductible contribution of up to $5,500 ($6,500 if you’re age 50 or older).

Other possibilities for tax-advantaged plan contributions are a Simplified Employee Pension plan (SEP), for self-employed individuals, or a Health Savings Account (HSA). Contributions to either of these plans can be made up until April 15 and still apply to 2014.

2. Adjust your withholding.Ideally, the amount of money withheld

from your paycheck or sent to the IRS in quarterly payments should come very close to your actual tax liability. Withhold too little and you could have a big tax bill when you file your return. Withhold too much and you’re giving the IRS what amounts to a tax-free loan of money that you could be using to pay down debt or save for retirement (and, potentially, reduce your taxes).

There’s still time to adjust your withholding for 2014 by making changes to the W-4 you have on file with your employer, or, if you make quarterly payments, by increasing or decreasing your payments between now and when the last 2014 payment is due in January. Keep in mind that the longer you wait, the fewer pay periods you’ll have to reach your target.

3. “Harvest” your investment losses.If you have capital gains outside of

your retirement accounts, you may be able to lower your tax liability through tax-loss harvesting. That simply means selling losing investments that no longer fit your investing strategy and using the loss as a write-off against some or all of your gains. If you employ a tax-loss harvesting strategy, you must be aware of the wash-sale rule that disallows the write-off if you purchase substantially the same investment 30 days before or after the loss sale.

4. Contribute to charity.Contributing to charitable causes

before the end of the year is a tried-and-true tax-reduction strategy for taxpayers who itemize deductions. But remember to get a receipt for every contribution you make, not just those over $250. Also, if you want to be more strategic, you could open a donor-advised fund, which offers several advantages for managing your charitable-giving activity. You could, for example, contribute a

PRESIDENTContinued from page 11

12 DECEMBER 2014

lump sum to the fund before December 31, take the entire deduction on your 2014 tax return, and then instruct the fund to use the money to make next year’s gifts.

One strategy that offers two tax benefits is donating appreciated securities, such as stocks or bonds, to charity. The tax code allows you to use the current market value of the asset as a deduction without having to pay tax on the capital appreciation, so you get the charitable contribution deduction and avoid capital gains tax.

5. Use your annual gift tax exemption.An individual can give up to $14,000

a year to as many people as you choose ($28,000 if you and your spouse both make gifts) to help reduce the amount of your estate and help reduce or avoid federal gift and estate taxes. This may include cash, stocks, bonds, and portions of real estate. However, anything above $14,000 per person per year may be subject to gift taxes, so it’s important to keep track of this information. For more information, speak with your tax adviser and review IRS Publication 559, Survivors, Executors, and Administrators.

If you would like to contribute money toward a child’s education, consider a 529 plan account. Contributions are generally considered to be removed from your estate. You can also make a payment directly to an educational institution and pay no gift tax.

6. Accelerate deductions.In addition to charitable contributions,

other types of deductions offer some flexibility. If you make estimated state or local tax payments, for example, you could send in the January payment before the end of this year. And maybe you could do the same with a property tax bill that’s due near the beginning of the next year. Other possibilities include accelerating payments for medical services or purchasing work-related items, such as uniforms, for which you are not reimbursed. Recognize, however, that increasing your tax deductions only makes sense if you have enough of them to exceed the standard deduction of $6,200 for single taxpayers, $12,400 for married couples filing jointly, and $9,100 for heads of household.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/fidelity/2014/11/05/6-tips-for-smart-year-end-tax-planning/

INVESTIGATE BEFORE YOU DONATEDuring the holiday season my

home, like yours, gets inundated with information on a host of topics all having to do with donations. I have located a guide authored by our Attorney General Lisa Madigan that may prove helpful.

Every day, charities throughout Illinois

work tirelessly to serve the less fortunate. Unfortunately, there are also fraudulent charities that prey upon the generosity of Illinois citizens. Fraudulent charities may make misleading solicitations or solicit for phony causes. These con artists take advantage of citizens and harm legitimate charities.

To ensure that your donation goes to a legitimate charity, give wisely. Ask questions, gather information and donate only when you are satisfied that your money will be used in ways you consider appropriate.

Today, more than 25,000 legitimate charitable organizations are registered with my office. These organizations regularly provide my office with information about their income, expenditures, programs and administrators. If you are interested in learning more about a particular organization, or want to know if a charity that has solicited you for a donation is registered, please contact the Charitable Trust Bureau at 312-814-2595 (TTY: 1-800-964-3013).

Tips for DonatingFind out if the solicitor is a paid fund-

raiser. If the solicitor is paid, a portion of your contribution will pay the salary. Illinois law requires paid fund-raisers to identify themselves as such and to name the charity for which they’re soliciting.

Ask how much of your contribution will go to the charity. Illinois law requires professional fund-raisers to disclose this information if asked.

Request written information. A legitimate charity will provide you with information outlining its mission, how your donation will be distributed, and proof that your contribution is tax deductible.

Pay attention to names. Some phony charities intentionally use names that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations to mislead you.

Contact the charity. Find out of the organization has authorized the use of its name. If it is not aware of the solicitation, you may be dealing with a sham solicitor.

Be skeptical if a solicitor thanks you for a pledge you don’t remember making. Check your records and don’t pay for a pledge you didn’t make.

Refuse high pressure solicitations. Legitimate charities won’t push you to give on the spot.

Be wary of charities that offer to pick up your donation.

Don’t feel obligated. If charities send you unsolicited goods such as labels and note cards in the mail, you are under no obligation to contribute and may keep any unsolicited merchandise without donating.

Consider fund-raising costs. When you buy merchandise or receive free goods as part of your donation, these items are paid for out of your contribution. That

means less of your donation may go to the charity.

Be wary if you are promised sweepstakes winnings in exchange for your contribution. You never have to donate to be eligible to win.

Never pay in cash. For security and tax record purposes, pay by check. Write the official name of the charity on your check–do not use initials.

How to Report Charity FraudYou can help combat charity fraud

in Illinois by reporting suspicious solicitations. Whenever possible, keep notes detailing the date and time of the call, the organization’s name, and the name of the solicitor. Try to remember their “pitch” as well as any other pertinent information.

To report possible charity fraud, call 312-814-2595, TTY: 1-800-964-3013 or contact any of the Attorney General’s main or regional offices around the state.

COLD AND FLU SEASON I know all of you read last month’s

newsletter where several pieces of information were highlighted about the Ebola Virus, the Enterovirus D68, and the flu season. All are reminded to Cover your Cough to stop the spread of germs that can make you and others sick. The CDC recommends and reminds us to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, NOT your hands. You may be asked to put on a face mask to protect others. Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based had rubs or sanitizers, and when available wash your hands.

The Flu Shot People who can get the flu shot:

Different flu shots are approved for people of different ages, but there are flu shots that are approved for use in people as young as 6 months of age and up. Flu shots are approved for use in pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions.

People who can’t get the flu shot: Children younger than 6 months are too young to get a flu shot. People with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine. This might include gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients.

Special Considerations need to be taken Regarding Egg Allergy for more information about egg allergies and flu vaccine consult with your doctor. Note: There are certain flu shots that have different age indications. For example people younger than 65 years of age should not get the high-dose flu shot and people who are younger than 18

years old or older than 64 years old should not get the intradermal flu shot.

The Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine People who can get the nasal spray

vaccine: The nasal spray vaccine is approved for use in people 2 years through 49 years of age.

People who can’t get the nasal spray vaccine: •Children younger than 2 years •Adults 50 years and older •People with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or to a previous dose of any influenza vaccine •People who are allergic to eggs •Children or adolescents (2 years through 17 years of age) on long-term aspirin treatment •Pregnant women •People with weakened immune systems (immunosuppression) •Children 2 years through 4 years who have asthma or who have had a history of wheezing in the past 12 months •People who have taken influenza antiviral drugs within the previous 48 hours •People who care for severely immunocompromised persons who require a protective environment (or otherwise avoid contact with those persons for 7 days after getting the nasal spray vaccine). For more information www.cdc.gov

PREVENTING FALLSWith snow and Ice right around the

corner I would like to share some information I read in a SAFE SENIOR booklet from the National Fire Safety Council I picked up.

Each year, nearly 2 million seniors citizens are taken to hospitals for fall injury treatment and over 7,000 senior citizens die as a result of falls. Half of the falls could have been prevented. Poor health is a contributor.

General Health: Balance and gait, sensory changes, and changes in reflexes can contribute to fall risk, especially in seniors who already have a fear of falling. Medical conditions and medications can increase the possibility of a fall injury.

Follow the directions on all medications- prescription and over the counter.

Schedule regular eye exams. Impaired vision can cause unsteady walking.

Monitor your blood pressure. Report any dizziness to a doctor immediately.

Get up slowly after eating, resting, or lying down.

Exercise to build strength and muscle tone and to keep joints, tendons, and ligaments more flexible.

Rugs, Runners, & StairwaysYearly about 2500 people over 65 are

treated in emergency rooms for injuries from tripping over rugs and runners.

Intsall a long handrail on staircases and grab bars by bath tubs, toilets, and in showers. Tighten any loose fixtures.

Secure carpet, rugs, or stair runners

PRESIDENTContinued from page 11

See PRESIDENT, page 22

DECEMBER 2014 13

14 DECEMBER 2014

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DECEMBER 2014 15

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16 DECEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014 17

I’ll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs.GET TO A BETTER STATE.® CALL ME TODAY.

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Insuring your life helps protect their future.

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Bruce Horek CLU ChFC, Agent10440 Cermak Rd

Westchester, IL 60154Bus: 708-562-2772

www.brucehorek.combruce@brucehorek.com

18 DECEMBER 2014

Westchester News and Notes

DECEMBER 2014 19

WINTER IS HERESnow Removal Reminders

It is illegal to blow, plow, or shovel snow from private property onto the street.

Snow shall be removed from public walkways following a storm.

Keep Your Water Pipes From Freezing

Inside water pipes could be more susceptible to freezing this time of year when the air temperature outside is below freezing for more than a few days.

To avoid frozen pipes you should make sure your basement is heated where the water meter and water pipes are located.

Also insulate water pipes which are against outside walls. Make sure all windows or cracks which allow cold outside air in are

sealed.

library20 DECEMBER 2014

libraryDECEMBER 2014 21

22 DECEMBER 2014

that are not fastened down.Wear well-fitted shoes or slippers with

non-slip soles.Take your time when walking. Use

walking aids when needed.Avoid deep pile, dark colored, or

patterned carpeting that can make it difficult to see the step’s edges clearly.

Avoid sharp changes in flooring levels such as from high carpet and low vinyl.

Stools and LaddersFalls are the #1 cause of accidental

death in persons 55 and over. The majority of accidental falls occur in homes during everyday activities.

Ask for help before climbing for something out-of-reach or use a long handled grab-style reacher aid.

Use a step stool with a handrail.Make sure the stool is fully opened and

stable before using it.Never use a step stool or ladder that is

broken. The article goes on to say that of those

who fall, only half are able to return home to live independently.

WISHING YOU A GREAT HOLIDAY SEA-SON

We here at the Village of Westchester

want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season filled with family, friends, happiness, and above all positive thoughts and reflections of those who have passed and the impact they have made on our lives.

The United States is a melting pot of people from all cultures, creeds, religious beliefs, or not. We all have a part to play on this earth - please make the best of it. At the end of the day, look at the back of every piece of paper money you have in your wallet. The four words reflected there say it all.

FROM THE BOARD: At the October 28th Board meeting, the

following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:

Approval of the Record of Bills ending 10-23-2014 in the amount not to exceed $419,616.78

Approval of minutes of the September 23, 2014 Village Board Meeting, minutes from the September 23, 2014 Committee of the Whole Meeting and the minutes from the September 23, 2014 Executive Session

A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement by and Between the Village of Westchester and Kane, McKenna Capital, Inc.

An Amendment to a Professional Engineering Services Agreement between the Village of Westchester and Christopher B. Burke Engineering

At the October 28th Committee of the Whole meeting, the following items were discussed under new business:

Proposed Honorary Street Designation Safespeed Contract ExtensionConsideration of Issuance of an

Additional Class D-1 Liquor License Water Rate Increase

At the November 11th Board meeting, there was a presentation honoring the retirement of Firefighter Dennis Keeffe. After the presentation, the following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:

Approval of the Record of Bills ending 11-06-2014 in the amount not to exceed $1,466,467.53

Approval of Minutes of the October 8, 2014 Special Village Board Meeting, the October 28, 2014 Village Board Meeting, and the October 28, 2014 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Approval of Departmental Monthly Reports, including the Community Development Department, the Fire Department, the Police Department, and Public Works Department

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 11.68, Entitled “Honorary Streets,” of Title 11, Entitled “Vehicles and Traffic,” of the Westchester Municipal Code in Order to Designate “George Zanoni Way”

A Resolution Authorizing the Execution

of a One-Year Renewal Option of a Photo Enforcement Program Agreement with Safespeed, LLC

A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a Proposal from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. Companies of Illinois, Ltd. For Construction Engineering Services for the Village Hall Generator Project in the amount of $17,000.00 was discussed on the active agenda.

An executive session was held under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) for the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body and under

At the November 11th Committee of the Whole meeting, the following items were discussed under new business:

2014 Tax Levy Renewal of Ambulance Billing Services

ContractAmendment of Number of Class D-1

Liquor Licenses – Blackhawk Restaurant Group d/b/a Betty’s Bistro

Police Staffing Review of Executive Session MinutesCancellation of the December 23, 2014

Board and COW Meetings Cook County No-Cash Bid Process The Chicago Water Rate Increase and

Health Inspection Fees were discussed under old business.

PRESIDENTContinued from page 12

school DistrictDECEMBER 2014 23

24 DECEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014 25

Chicago 312.899.0950Suburbs 847.261.4708contact@duttonelderlaw.comwww.duttonelderlaw.comOffices in Arlington Heights, Chicago, Skokie, and Westchester, Illinois.

PRACTICE AREASuEstate PlanninguSpecial Needs PlanninguLong-Term Care PlanninguProbate and Trust AdministrationuGuardianshipuWill and Trust LitigationuAbuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation Litigation of Vulnerable Adults

uElder LawuMedicaid Planning and ApplicationsuSenior Housing Contracts, Admissions and DischargesuMental Health LawuCare Navigation and Advocacy

Janna Dutton Kathryn C. Casey

Clinical social worker, who is also a certified care manager, on staff.

Public Works26 DECEMBER 2014

chamber oF commerceDECEMBER 2014 27

3075 S. Wolf Road (708) 562-CATS (2287)

1835 S. Manheim Rd (708) 865-9080

1860 S. Manheim Road (708) 531-0800

St. Joseph High School Open House, Dec 7th 1-3 pm

10900 W. Cermak Road (708) 562-4433

Palmer Florist / 1-800 Flowers 1926 S. Manheim Road

(708) 531-9800

Support the Westchester Public Library. Become a Member Today—Only $5!

708-562-2200

Fred’s Movers Call Owner John

Lorenzo at 708-343-5191 for a Competive Quote

Today!

Drs. Sullivan & Suchy Dentist Practice

Serving Westchester for 30+ Years!

1200 Highridge 708-562-4474

See our Westchester Chamber of Commerce Tree’s at the Park District’s Holiday Party!

BKF Computer Services Personal or Business

708-562-6819

PLEASE VISIT, CALL OR SUPPORT OUR TREE

SPONSORS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Post-Partum Depression Program

9855 W. Roosevelt Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 (708) 223-7175

www.hascares.org

We provide clinical evaluations, individual and family therapy, support groups, psychiat-ric evaluations, medication monitoring, health education, and case management to women experiencing or at risk for developing PPD.

CELEBRATE WESTCHESTER! A Chamber Event for the Entire Community

Alpine Banquet Haus

Saturday, January 24, 2015 6-10:00 pm Join us for dinner, drinks and Special Persons

of the Year Awards. 6:00 pm: Open Bar and Hors d’oeuvres

7:00 pm: Dinner

Advance Reservations are Required. Business Casual Attire Encouraged.

Cost: $60 per Person For more information or to RSVP contact

Mary Bakas, Chamber Secretary (708) 240-8400 or Mary@WestchesterChamber.org.

28 DECEMBER 2014