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Lemont Reporter/Met A Suburban Life Publication

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CITIZENS GROUP FILES PETITION AGAINST LEMONT SPORTS COMPLEX

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad member Gary Paul of Romeoville cleans a gun before participating in a funeral service Jan. 24 at the cemetary. Gary has been volunteering with the squad for the last six months. Erica Benson – ebenson@shawmedia.com

FOR HIS COMRADES

PAGE 4

COLD SECOND HALF ENDS LEMONT’S 20-PLUS WIN SEASON

Lemont VFW vet helps bring honor to fellow soldiers who die homeless

PAGE 29 Vol. 85 No. 10 Published by Suburban Life Media LEM | LMR

PAGE 5

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Charles Republican 2 Lemont Reporter/Met 8COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT mont Reporter/Met Elmhurst Press Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

mhurst Press Suburban Life Media Spectator Lombard mysuburbanlife.com/lemont mbard Spectator Villa Park Argus Call: 630-368-1100 Newsroom fax: 630-969-0228 a Park Argus 1101 W. 31st St., Suite 260, Downers Grove, IL 60515 Missed delivery & customer service: 630-368-1144

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Matthew Piechalak – mpiechalak@shawmedia.com

New Lemont living options Lemont Mayor Brian Reeves, center, holds a plaque welcoming M/I Homes to the village during a ribbon-cutting ceremony inside a new condo in the Briarcliffe Estates sub-division on Feb. 7.

To place an ad: Display: 630-368-1100 Classified: 630-368-1100 Legal notice: 630-427-6275 Linda Siebolds lsiebolds@shawmedia.com

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8QUOTABLE “I just want to do more. This is about me pushing the strengths of others forward.” Terri O’Neill-Borders, Page 8

Do you have a news tip or story idea? Please call us at 630-368-1100 or email us at msleditorial@shawmedia.com.

Police reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 On the Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

8CORRECTIONS Accuracy is important to the Lemont Reporter/Met, and we want to correct mistakes promptly. Please call errors to our attention by email, msleditorial@shawmedia.com, or by phone, 630-368-1100.

“Serving our communities to make them better places to live.”

8STREET TALK

GET TO KNOW: NORB LESNIESKI

Lesnieski celebrates 40th anniversary as a deacon of Archdiocese of Chicago By JANICE HOPPE jhoppe@shawmedia.com

Budget S0229696 4/c

“King of Anything” (by Sara Bareilles) because it’s very upbeat.

Residence: Lemont Age: 84 Family: Wife Geri and children Jimmy, Suzette and Tommy, who is deceased. Five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Profession: Retired contract negotiator at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont and FermiLab in Batavia. Hobbies: Bowling and golfing at Cog Hill

deacons were unknown at the time. “My biggest problem was how the parishioners would accept me,” he said. “I was usually the guy coming out of the pew with his wife.” The parish came to know and respect Lesnieski in his role as a the parish deacon. Through the years, Lesnieski worked on activities for the church and the Lemont community. In assisting the church, he became president of the Helping Hands ministry — a food pantry through the church for those in need. “Helping Hands was helping the poor people in town here once a year and I jumped all over that — if they are hungry once a year, aren’t they hungry every month?” Lesnieski asked. “I suggested we give them food every month and I helped expand the Helping Hands.”

Abby Ivancicts Lemont

Matthew Piechalak — mpiechalak@shawmedia.com

Deacon Norb Lesnieski stands on the alter at S.S. Cyril & Methodist Church, 208 Sobieski St. in Lemont on Feb. 19. Lesnieski, who moved to Lemont in 1960, has been a member of the Archdiocese of Chicago for 40 years. He was also president and chaplain of the Holy Name Society, which was a golf tournament for men only, and director and chaplain of St. Cyril’s Youth Club. In Lemont, Lesnieski was a member of the Lemont Park District Commissioners for 36 years, helping shape its vision and overseeing the expansion to meet the needs of the growing community. He also took part in little league and the Lemont Jaycees. Today, Lesnieski said he isn’t looking to begin any new

projects in town or through the church but is happy to see that most of his work has been sustained through the years. “I am slowing down after 40-some years,” he said. “Let someone else pick up the ball.” Still, Lesnieski said he is happy to assist at any church in Lemont if he is invited and enjoys presenting the sacramental host and communions the most in his list of duties. “It has been a good 40 years,” Lesnieski said.

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LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

LEMONT — Growing up, Norb Lesnieski was always involved in his local church. He served as an alter boy and an usher, but he never expected his duties to reach the level of a permanent Deacon of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Deacons, which rank just under pastors and priests, were a thing of the past in 1972 when Lesnieski was ordained. The Second Vatican Council decided to bring back the role of deacons in the 70s. A priest from St. Cyril asked Lesnieski to become a deacon for the parish as he had been a loyal parishioner since he moved to Lemont in 1960. “It was an adjustment for me; I didn’t know what to expect,” Lesnieski said. “I was walking into something I had never seen before. (Deacons) hadn’t been around so I had no clue. What do I do?” In his role as a deacon, Lesnieski assists during Mass, funerals and wakes, presents the sacramental host to attendees, visits the sick at hospitals, and performs baptisms and weddings. In his 40 years of service, Lesnieski has baptized all of his grandchildren and performed some of their wedding ceremonies as well. Lesnieski was a bit reluctant in his role at first, concerned how parishioners would respond to him as

About Norb Lesnieski

GETTING STARTED |

What is your favorite song right now?

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

| NEWS

Citizens group files petition against Lemont Sports Complex By JANICE HOPPE jhoppe@shawmedia.com LEMONT — A group of Lemont residents has collected more than double the amount of signatures needed for a petition to postpone construction of the $21 million Lemont Sports Complex. The group, formed under the name Citizens for Open Government, filed the petition with 1,657 signatures Wednesday morning at Lemont Village Hall. The group was required to get 785 signatures to push the complex onto the election ballots via a referendum for the March 2014 election. Beginning Tuesday, Lem-

8NEWS BRIEFS Foundation hosting a ‘Night Out’ Saturday

LEMONT — Lemont’s Hope and Friendship Foundation is hosting its annual “Give That

Want to review the petition?

ont residents will have a chance to review a petition signed by nearly 1,700 residents hoping to delay the proposed $21 million Lemont Sports Complex. Residents then would have the option to file their objection to the petition — for instance, to challenge signatures believed to be invalid.

Objections to the petition must be filed by March 11, according to Village Administrator Ben Wehmeier. Wehmeier said if an objection is filed, it would heard by the Cook County Election Board within 10 days of the filing. If no objections are filed, construction on the complex would be delayed until the March 2014 election, when residents would vote on the proposed development via a referendum. Citizens for Open Government had been circulating the motto “Let us vote” during its efforts to garner signatures for the petition. The Lemont Sports Com-

plex is proposed to have four indoor and outdoor turf fields, a multi-purpose area and an outdoor skating rink for the winter months on 26 acres at the north end of Stephen Street. It will be open to baseball, softball, rugby, lacrosse and soccer. Construction would be paid for using sales tax, Tax Increment Financing district funds, income tax and operation revenue from the facility, officials said. “It’s a fast-track project,” Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves said Jan. 28. “I want the facility to be ready to go for the fall season.” “It’s a project that again, I can’t stress enough, will not

go on residents’ property tax bills,” Reaves added. “Just like the police department, the renovation of village hall, the new public works facility — none of that goes on their property tax. It never has and never will.” But it was the “fast-track” comment from Reaves that members of Citizens for Open Government criticized. Group member and former District 113A Board of Education member Janet Hughes said Wednesday the group is “putting the brakes” on the project. “It’s time we take a stand against outrageous government spending,” Hughes said.

Dress & Suit Another Night Out” Saturday. The event, hosted by Hope and Friendship Foundation, offers individuals prom dresses and dress clothing at a discounted price. Prom dresses,

gently used and new, will sell for $20 each. Donations for new and gently used semiformal and formal dress wear can be brought to Christ Community Church between 9 and 10 a.m. today.

From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, the foundation will hold the prom and dress clothing resale and consignment sale in Christ Community Christian Church, 13400 Bell Road.

tournament is separated into two grade divisions for youth in grades 9 through 12. The tournament is also separated into brackets for both male and female. Trophies will be awarded to the winning teams in each division and awards will also be given for a low-rim slam dunk contest; a three-point shoot-out and drawings for many other prizes during the evening. The event is sponsored by the

Visit: Lemont Village Hall, 418 Main St. When: March 5 through March 11 File day to file an objection: March 11

Begins February 15th.

Church offers basketball tournament today

LEMONT — Lemont’s First Church of the Nazarene is sponsoring its 12th annual “Absolutely Free 3 on 3” indoor basketball tournament at 5 p.m today. The double elimination

See BRIEFS, page 11

Accepting New Patients Now PUBLIC NOTICE Village of Lemont Cook, DuPage & Will Counties Proposed Project Information

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Illinois Street Improvements: State Street To Main Street Notice is hereby given that the Village of Lemont plans on improving Illinois Street, from State Street to Main Street, in calendar year 2014. Improvements are to consist of: • curb and gutter removal and replacement at its current location • driveway removal and replacement at its current location • Hot-Mix Asphalt surface removal and replacement • ADA sidewalk ramps No pavement widening or elimination of existing parking is proposed. The project is to be partially funded with Federal funds. Any interested party may contact the Assistant Village Administrator Mr. George Schafer, at (630) 2432709, for more specific information. The Village of Lemont will schedule and hold a Public Hearing to discuss the project, if so requested. All comments and requests are due to the Village by March 15, 2013. Village of Lemont 418 Main Street Lemont, IL 60439 Dated: February 28, 2013

By: Ben Wehmeier, Village Administrator

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LEMONT — Every three months at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, at least 60 names are read, a bell is rung, bag pipes sound and a moment of silence is had to honor recently buried homeless veterans of United State Armed Forces. For Gary Paul, a member of Lemont VFW Post 5819, the services are a chance to volunteer time for his “comrades-in-arms.” “It’s haunting,” said Paul, a resident of Romeoville but a familiar face at the Lemont VFW. “Every quarter they have a service for these men who are dropped off and have no family. They give them a service.” As part of the cemetery’s Memorial Squad, Paul and fellow volunteers, dressed in their “dress blues” formal wear, play Taps, conduct a 21-shot salute and fold the American flag and present it to a family member of the veteran, if he or she is in attendance. The service is offered free of charge to veterans with an honorable discharge. “It’s a really moving ceremony,” Paul said. “At times it can be emotional. ... It’s an honor I think for every one of us to be able to do that. I guess it’s like paying it forward for me.” Paul, who also gives much of his time volunteering at the Lemont VFW serving lunches to disabled veterans or visiting veterans at the Hines VA Hospital in Maywood, first heard of the cemetery and its services through the Lemont VFW Post. The cemetery sends bulletins to local posts to notify other veterans of the home-

less burial service to try and get others to attend and honor the deceased. Shortly after joining the Lemont VFW about two years ago, Paul decided to take the trip to the Elwood cemetery with other members of the post and attend one of the services. He has been volunteering ever since. “Not until you get out there do you realize to what degree it becomes part of you,” Paul said. “It’s not something you do, it actually becomes a part of who you are.” E v e r y y e a r , t h e A b r aham Lincoln National Cemetery will bury at least 3,000 veterans. At least 240 of those veterans are homeless, according to the cemetery director. The cemetery has 400,000 grave sites and has buried 32,000 veterans. “When you look at the headstones, you know freedom is not free,” Paul said. “Every one of those men and women at Abraham Lincoln honored their country by putting their life on the line.” Paul spoke proudly of his Lemont VFW branch, where he said he and fellow veterans band together for a common goal. “We are all trying to cover each other’s back as best we can; it’s an organization that will help provide benefits (veterans) will need down the road,” Paul said of the VFW. “We are all comrades-inarms so if I can make one point, these people that are in Iraq and Afghanistan, they need to get involved with VFW groups,” Paul said. “The stronger we are as a group, the more lobbying power we have. They are cutting our benefits every day.

Your town, your news. Get more online at mysuburbanlife.com.

If they don’t step up we are in trouble.”

Erica Benson – ebenson@shawmedia.com

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad member, Gary Paul of Romeoville cleans a gun before participating in a funeral service at the cemetery on Jan. 24. Paul has been volunteering with the squad for the last six months.

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LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

By JANICE HOPPE jhoppe@shawmedia.com

NEWS |

Lemont VFW member donates time to give proper burial to ‘comrades-in-arms’

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

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8POLICE REPORTS

Possession, unlawful use of a weapon

Lancelot Bohne, 43, of 441 Wheeler Drive in Lemont, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a weapon at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 20 after an incident in the 400 block of Wheeler Drive.

Domestic battery charges

Michael Cervantes, 48, of 1035 Warner Ave. in Lemont, was charged with domestic battery at 3:55 p.m. Feb. 18 after an incident in the 1000 block of Warner Avenue. William Rawle Jr., 56, of 1384 St. Vincents Drive in Lemont, was charged with domestic bat-

DUI charge

Antonio Medina, 46, of 1100 Magnolia Ave. in Joliet, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and improper lane usage at 12:21 a.m. Sunday in the intersection of State and 127th streets.

Underage consumption of alcohol

Daniel Ligas, 19, of 415 Jane Ave. in Lemont, was charged with underage consumption of alcohol at 1:30 a.m. Sunday after an incident in the 14100 block of McCarthy Road.

Get more online at mysuburbanlife.com.

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Jeaneen Turner, 42, of 1140 Warner Ave. in Lemont, was charged with retail theft at 2:15 p.m. Feb. 22 after an incident in the 13400 block of Archer Avenue.

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Attention: Headache Victims

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What symptoms can the neck produce? Medical researchers have proven that pain-sensitive structures in the upper and lower neck are capable of producing the following symptoms: Headache, Migraine (all types), TMJ (jaw) Pain/ Clenching, Oral-Facial Pain, Neck Pain, Mid-Back Pain, Shoulder Blade Pain, Radiculopathy (hand/arm), Tooth Pain, Tinnitus, Ear Fullness/Pain, Sinus Pressure, Sinusitis, Visual Disturbances, Lacrimation, Eye Dryness, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Dizziness, and Nausea/ Vomiting If you have received routine medical care or chiropractic care for any of the above-mentioned conditions

and are still suffering, there is a high chance your neck is the undetected cause, and we can help. All of the problems listed above have been successfully treated at Progressive Physical Therapy.

consistently move symptoms out of your head and face, you will notice that your symptom intensity and frequency are greatly reduced. Shortly after that, the return of headaches is rare, if present at all.

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LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

Information in Police Reports is obtained from Lemont Police Department. Individuals listed in Police Reports who have been charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court.

Get the story first.

NEWS |

LEMONT

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Get more online at mysuburbanlife.com.

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LEMONT — For the past eight years, Terri O’Neill-Borders has dedicated her time to helping Lemont residents in crisis through her Hope and Friendship Foundation. Now, she’s working with the village of Lemont to form a “Crisis Response Team,” that is, a team of volunteers who will focus on the aftermath of a criminal or traumatic event — whether that be counseling or assisting police and fire officials or Lemont residents. The team will collaborate with law enforcement and the community to meet the needs of recovery for victims, witnesses, neighborhoods and business in the aftermath of significant traumatic events. “I just want to do more,” O’Neill-Borders said. “This is about me pushing the strengths of others forward.” Goals for the crisis team have been listed as following: provide education regarding trauma reactions while normalizing and validating individual responses in the aftermath of crime or critical incident; help the community understand the law enforcement response, investigation procedures and the criminal justice process; build communication and understanding between the community and police agencies and help the community reconnect to

Goals of the Crisis Response Team • Provide education regarding trauma reactions while normalizing and validating individual responses in the aftermath of crime or critical incident. • Help the community understand the law enforcement response, investigation procedures and the criminal justice process. • Build communication and understanding between the community and police agencies. • Help the community reconnect to maintain peace and a support system.

Want to be part of the Crisis Response Team? Contact Terri O’Neill-Borders at hopeandfriendship@comcast.net.

maintain peace and a support system. “It’s an insurance policy we hope to never use,” O’NeillBorders said. “We want a team in place to respond not only to the immediate person in the conflict but to the ripple effect of the crisis.” O’Neill-Borders is working with Lemont Police Officer Bob Dahlberg and

See CRISIS, page 11

OPINIONS 8THUMBS UP/THUMBS DOWN

8LETTERS Students encouraged to enter Google’s art contest

number, email, attending high school and attending college. The

See LETTERS, page 12

Funding cuts would adversely impact school districts Sequestration has become a dirty word in Washington. Barring an 11th-hour deal, federal sequestration cuts are scheduled to go into effect March 1 across the country. This will have a dramatic impact on Lemont High School District 210 and its taxpayers. There is bipartisan agreement that sequestration would be devastating to the nation. Nondefense discretionary programs, which represent core functions the government provides for the benefit of all, would be hit particularly hard. Impact Aid is a nondefense discretionary program that is significant to many school districts across the country, including District 210. Impact Aid provides funding to offset property tax revenue lost by school districts when the federal government owns property in the district. Argonne National Laboratory occupies more than 3,500 acres of prime land within District 210’s boundaries. Because it is owned by the federal government, it generates no property tax dollars to help support the school district. In short, the largest property owner in our community pays no real estate taxes. We are proud to host such a prestigious facility but suffer a significant financial loss because of the federal government’s presence in our

See TICKNOR, page 12

Sarah Minor — sminor@shawmedia.com

Eduardo Nepomuceno of Bolingbrook, head chef at the Lemont Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, cuts scallions for a soup.

A resident of the western suburbs has become the first head chef at a nursing facility in Lemont, and he seems fully prepared to dish out what the clients need. Eduardo Nepomuceno, 29, of Bolingbrook earned his bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from the Philippines and culinary arts degree from College of DuPage. He is now the head chef at the Lemont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. We wish him all the best. The Lemont Area Chamber of Commerce will offer two $500 scholarships to high school seniors living in Lemont Township who intend to continue their education. Applicants must compose an 500- to 1,000-word essay on “What are the benefits of entrepreneurship and economic development for the community?” The essay must be

essay should be submitted to the Lemont Chamber office, 101 Main St., by April 12. Email is preferred (info@lemontchamber.com). Call 630-257-5997 for more information.

8WEB POLL THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: When will the last significant snowfall in the area be this season?

VOTE AT MYSUBURBANLIFE.COM J.Tom Shaw, publisher jtshaw@shawmedia.com 630-427-6210

Dave Lemery, managing editor dlemery@shawmedia.com 630-427-6250

63 PERCENT It’s appropriate for him to step aside now 29 PERCENT There must be reasons other than his health 8 PERCENT He should remain in his position for life Jerry Moore, opinions editor jmoore@shawmedia.com 630-427-6256

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: What was your response to Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to resign?

Write to us We want to hear from you. Letters must be no more than 300 words. They must include your first and last name, town and a phone number for verification. We may edit them for clarity, accuracy and style. Email letters to letters@ mysuburbanlife.com. The deadline is 4 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s paper.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peacably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. First Amendment, U.S. Bill of Rights

LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

typewritten and include a cover sheet with name, address, phone

To the Editor: Stimulating a child’s creative thinking and tapping into a young person’s imagination are as vital to the lifelong learning process as are math and reading. And now, Google is making it a little bit easier — and a whole lot more fun — for us parents to encourage our kids to tap into their creativity and think outside of the box. Doodle 4 Google is a nationwide contest that will end with one lucky and talented winner having their “doodle” featured on the Google homepage and receiving a $30,000 college scholarship for themselves, plus a $50,000 technology grant for his or her school. It sounds great, but what’s a doodle? It’s the fun, interactive, educational and sometimes surprising versions of the Google logo that appear on the Google homepage to celebrate special events, days in history, and influential people. For this year’s contest, K-12 students are asked to create a doodle around the theme “My Best Day Ever …” Doodle submissions are due by March 22 and can be submitted online or by mail. On May 1, 50 state winning designs will be

OPINIONS |

COMMUNITY VOICE Mary Ticknor

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

| NEWS

OBITUARIES CALVIN ABRAMS

www.StonehousePub.org

103 Stephen St. Lemont, IL 60439

630-257-1300

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BAR OLYMPICS! Saturday, March 9th 5pm-9pm Chance to win Four Hawks Tickets & Limo Ride. Stop in for more details!

JOIN US FOR SOME FABULOUS LENTEN SPECIALS Homemade Shrimp Gumbo $4.50 /Bowl Belly Buster Fish Sandwich $4.95 /with handcut fries. Pepper & Egg Sandwich $4.50 /w handcut fries Combo of Coconut Shrimp & Cod Fish Basket $9.95 Grill Cheese Sandwich $4.50 w/handcut fries.

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Calvin Abrams, 73, passed away in his sleep Saturday, February 16, 2013 in Bolingbrook IL. Survivors include his wife Joanne; his son, Michael Abrams of Mt. Prospect, 2 daughters Amy Abrams of Virginia, Cheyenne Abrams of Virginia; 5 grandchildren Brittany, Kyle, Jacob, Jesse and James Jr.; 1 sister Sue Giocolo of Sandwich; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorial donations can be made to the Junior Diabetes Foundation, JDRF Illinois, 11 S. La Salle St, Ste. 1800, Chicago, IL 60603-1344

How to submit Send information to obits@ mysuburbanlife.com or call 866-817-3278. Most obituaries appear online. To leave a message of condolence in the online guest book, go to obituaries. mysuburbanlife.com

Police Dept. hosts forum on keeping teens drug free

LEMONT — The Lemont Police Department will be hosting an educational forum on Tuesday to assist parents in keeping their preteens and teens drug free. The “Pre/Teen Drug Use: How to Know; How to Protect” forum will discuss with parents the knowledge and tools they need to effectively monitor and guide their children from temptation and peer pressure to use drugs. The event will feature professionals with information to share regarding drugs of choice for teen users, signs, symptoms of drug use, parenting tips and cautionary tales that this problem occurs in even the best families, according to a press release from the police department. “Illegal drugs can be found in any community in America. Lemont is not immune,” Lemont Police Chief Kevin Shaughnessy said in a press release. “Parents need to be aware of the causes and signals of illegal drug use among our youth. Drugs do destroy lives.” Hosted by Chief Shaughnessy, the forum will feature guest speakers: Master Sergeant Victor Markowski of the Illinois State Police, a narcotics expert; Roseann Rook, CADC, and addictions counselor with Timberline Knolls who will provide parenting tips; John Roberts, co-founder of HERO (Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization) who lost a child to heroin use and Lt. Colonel Terry Lemming of Illinois State Police who will put the issue in a statewide perspective. The forum will be held at 7 p.m. March 5 in Old Quarry Middle School, 16100 127th St. For more information or questions, contact Lemont Police Sgt. Therese Thompson at 630-2572229.

Get the story first. Get more online at mysuburbanlife.com.

• CRISIS

• BRIEFS

Continued from page 4 church’s EDGE youth ministry. For more information call 708349-0454.

Registration opens for Lemont Lacrosse team

LEMONT — The Lemont Indians Youth Lacrosse Organization will officially open the 2013 season with open registration Wednesday. Registration and information on the spring season will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lemont Police Station. The season will run from April 2 through June 16 with the team playing 24 to 26 games. Registration is $350 and an optional

awarded for her efforts in community crisis through the foundation. O’Neill-Borders was awarded the “ICISF Spiritual Leadership Award”, which is presented to an individual for their commitment to their community through the ministry of presence and compas-

sion in crisis response. “It was humbling,” O’NeillBorders said. “In this community it has been easy to motivate people to want to make a difference — that’s what this award is saying. I lead people to make a difference on others. It’s not just me, but people in the

equipment rental fee is $75. For more information visit www.lemontindiansyouth lacrosse.com.

like children for their audition. Those auditioning will be asked to sing “Old McDonald’s Farm.” They will do two verses and can pick any two animals they wish to be on “the farm.” The actors/ actresses will also be expected to read lines they will be given that day as part of the audition. Parents of students interested in auditioning should visit http:// lemontband.org/LemontMusical/ Lemont_Musical/CHILD_ Audition_Form.html to print the audition form to return to the school’s Pupil Personnel Services no later than March 11. Auditions will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. March 12. Questions should be directed to Terry Redford, the producer

of the show, at mrredford@ lemont.k12.il.us.

at 630-257-5997 or visit www. lemontchamber.com.

State of the Village Address planned for Wednesday

Chamber of Commerce offers two scholarships

Lemont High School looks for child actors LEMONT — Lemont High School is seeking child actors to fill roles in its upcoming spring musical, “Peter Pan.” The school is looking for up to 30 students from fifth through seventh grades to fill roles as “indians” or “lost boys”. The drama club needs at least 20 boys to fill the roles of the “lost boys,” who will also play “indians.” Actresses who are selected will fill the role of “indians.” Child actors will be expected to sing, dance and act

LEMONT — Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves will give the 10th annual State of the Village Address Wednesday. Reaves will update those in attendance on everything pertaining to Lemont, including economic development, infrastructure and more. The Lemont Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event beginning at 11 a.m. in the Crystal Grand Banquets, 12416 Archer Ave. Those interested in attending should RSVP by Wednesday. To register, call the chamber office

LEMONT — The Lemont Chamber of Commerce is offering any high school senior student in Lemont Township to apply for a $500 scholarship. The scholarship is intended to assist a student in continuing their education. To apply, student must compose and submit an essay on “What are the benefits of entrepreneurship and economic development for the community?” Application deadline is April 12. Visit www.lemontchamber.com for further application details.

— Suburban Life Media

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LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

Lemont Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Ballard to create a formal Crisis Response Team. “We felt it would be good for the village to have one,” Dahlberg said. “We are taking

emergency aside and respond to others needs,” O’Neill-Borders said. In preparation for being part of the Crisis Response Team, O’Neill-Borders has taken training courses through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Last week, she was

NEWS |

Continued from page 8

it to the next level and bringing it to the community.” Ballard added that the group is looking for volunteers to help the effort. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and will be trained in emergency management. “We are looking for people who are willing to put their

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

| NEWS

• LETTERS

Continued from page 9 open to public voting by Google users and celebrity judges, including journalist Katie Couric, musician Ahmir Questlove Thompson of The Roots, Chris Sanders (writer and director of “Lilo & Stitch” and “How to Train Your Dragon”), and Pendleton Ward (creator of “Adventure Time”) will also weigh in. On May 22,

• TICKNOR

Continued from page 9 community. We must educate the same number of students but with much less revenue because the federal government does not pay taxes. Indiscriminate reductions of federal funding either will result in a cut in educational programs, services and personnel or an additional undue tax burden on our taxpayers. These reductions are expected to be immediate. The National Association of Federally Impacted Schools says it best: As long as the

Election notice The final week for publishing election-related letters will be March 27 - 29. The deadline for submitting such letters is 4 p.m. Thursday, March 21.

their artwork displayed at the American Museum of Natural History. Public-private partnerships like Doodle 4 Google can be an excellent way to offer new and unique opportunities to students, and I can’t wait to see the fun designs created by our local students.

these 50 state winners will be flown to New York City for the awards ceremony and State Rep. Deb Conroy, D-46th contest winner announceDistrict ment. All state winners will get Elmhurst federal government owns property in school districts, taxpayers should expect the federal government to pay its share of the bill. District 210 works hard to be fiscally responsible and prioritizes its spending to provide the greatest benefit for all its students as they pursue superior academic achievement. District 210’s Board of Education, Mayor Brian Reaves, the Lemont Village Board and Lemont Area Chamber of Commerce President Michele Zaper all have sent letters to U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski and U.S. Sens.

Richard Durbin and Mark Kirk to make them aware of the ripple effect sequestration would have on the community. While the federal government supports education in many important ways, it is important for legislators to understand the government’s obligation to pay its “fair share” since the government itself created this financial issue for District 210 and other school districts across the nation.

Mary Ticknor is superintendent of Lemont High School District 210

Mark Busch — mbusch@shawmedia.com

Scouts visit newsroom

Cub Scouts in Pack 149 from Lemont are interviewed Feb. 22 by reporter Janice Hoppe during their visit to the Suburban Life Media newsroom in Downers Grove.

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Western Michigan University, fall semester

13 Bratkiv, Brittany Dewilkins and Lina Lietuvninkas

EDUCATION |

8EDUCATION NOTES DEAN’S LISTS

Benet Academy, first semester

ACHIEVEMENTS FIRST HONORS LEMONT: Seniors Katherine Arnold, LEMONT: Kevin Kurasz earned High Honors with Distinction and John Corrigan, Andrius Lelis, the Straight A’s Award in Honor Amanda Nawrocki, Alexandra Classes during the first trimester O’Connell, Kelly O’Reilly, Anthony at Mount Carmel High School. Predey, Francesca Principe and Samuel Rea; juniors Caroline LEMONT: Kyle Kurasz has graduBeecher, Natalie Boyle, Claire ated from School of Infantry in the Elenteny, Clarice Kluge, Patrick United States Marine Corp. Lawler and James Lee; sophomores Rachael Hardiek, Samantha O’Connell and Megan O’Neill; and freshmen Anne Arnold, Katherine

Catholic school earns stripes Submitted photo

U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski presents St. Alphonsus/St. Patrick Principal Renee Payne and members of the student council with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol and a congressional resolution honoring National Catholic Schools Week. The congressman toured several classrooms, talked with students about his experience in Catholic schools, and answered their questions about his work as their representative.

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LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

SECOND HONORS LEMONT: Seniors Conor Bonnett, Sean DeRoche, Zachary Gardner, Eastern Kentucky Daniel Lawler and Sarah McKUniversity, fall semester ernin; juniors Stefan Badescu, LEMONT: Alexande Chefalo John Brunk, Matthew Foran, Michael Garvey and Frank Zabilka; University of Iowa, sophomores: Colin Bonnett, Jofall semester anna Duda, Connor O’Donnell and LEMONT: Taylor Dvorak, Kara Gikas, Nicholas Predey; and freshmen James Latanski, Eric Leadley and Daniel Corrigan, Alexis EnacoMichael Stateman pol, Dominique Gousset, Kasey Kobilca, Matas Lelis, Kathryn Lenz, Natalya Ligas, Benjamin Subak and Jenna Ward HONOR ROLLS LEMONT: Kevin Boyle

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

| NEWS

BULLETIN BOARD CLUBS Chorus of DuPage All-male barbershop chorus, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville. Call Jerry Broz, 630-964-3139. Lemont-Homer Glen Rotary Noon Tuesdays, Ruffled Feathers, 1 Pete Dye Drive, Lemont. Call John, 630257-9063. American Wind Band rehearsals 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, O’Neill Middle School, 635 59th St., Downers Grove. www.americanwindband. org. Questioning Youth Center Social group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning youth ages 16 to 20, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Naperville. For specific location, call 630-415-2053. Home and community education 11 a.m. every first Tuesday except August, Community Bank of Downers Grove, 1111 Warren Ave., Downers Grove. Call Hilda Shultz, 630-969-1867. Woodland Aero Modelers 7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday, Downers Grove VFW Century Post, 5101 Belmont Road, Downers Grove. Call Bill Brzostowski, 630-910-3656, www. wam-rc.com. Lemont Republicans Every first Tuesday, Stone House Pub, 103 Stephen St., Lemont. Call Sig Vaznelis, 630-774-0088. sigvaz@lemontgop. org. Walking club Contours Express, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, 70 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. Free. 630-8109777. West Suburban Businesswomen 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Downers Delight Restaurant, 75th Street and Fairview Avenue, Downers Grove. Call Cathy Wagner, 630-921-9720.

American Legion Alexander Bradley Burns Post, 7:30 p.m. every first Wednesday, American Legion Hall, 4000 Saratoga Ave., Downers Grove. Bingo every Tuesday. Call Post Adjutant, 630-968-9710., www.post80.org.

and owners discuss integrating faith’s best practices in the workplace. 630-963-4122, www. soul-priority.org, wayne.kuna@ soul-priority.org.

SUPPORT Darien Woman’s Club 7:30 p.m. every first Wednesday, September to April, Darien Swim and Racquet Club, 1001 Hinsbrook Ave. Call Veronica Dunford, 630-915-8278. Ladies Aid of the Bohemian Home 1 p.m. every first Wednesday, Tabor Hills Pavillion, 1327 Crystal Ave., Naperville. Board meeting, 11 a.m. $8 for noon lunch. To register for lunch, call Vlasta, 630-322-8681. Darien Seniors Club Noon, every first Wednesday, The Sportsplex, 451 Plainfield Road, Darien. Membership not limited to Darien residents. Call Helen Peschel, 630325-4263.

AA/Alanon 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, St. Andrews Church, 1125 Franklin St., Downers Grove. Call Bruce/Sharon, 630-852-7142. Overeaters Anonymous 9:30 a.m. Saturdays, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 725 75th St., Darien. 630972-9074. Elder caregiver support group 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove, 1032 Maple Ave. For caregivers of elderly parents. $85 for six-week session. Register with Shelly Zabielski, 630-357-2456 Ext. 111.

Lemont Junior Woman’s Club 7 p.m. every first Wednesday, September through May, Village Hall, 418 Main St., Lemont. www. lemontjuniorwomansclub.org.

AA for deaf and hard of hearing 7 p.m. Saturdays, West Suburban Alano Club, 17 W. Quincy St., Westmont. Call 630-968-4694.

Leading the Way Business networking, 8 to 9 a.m. Thursdays, Pancake Cafe, 1292 Rickert Drive, Naperville. Call Matt Ewald, 847590-8300. napervilleleads.com.

West Suburban Alano Club Open speaker meetings, 7 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. Sundays, West Suburban Alano Club, 17 W. Quincy St., Westmont. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held throughout week. Call 630-968-4694.

Networking For All Noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays. Call for location. A noncompete business referral group looking for professionals interested in growing their business via relationships. 630-234-7126, www.nfareferralgroup.com. Sales Professionals of Illinois Inc. 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Thursdays, Pancake Delight House, 75th Street and Fairview Avenue, Darien. Call Eve Dunn, 630-852-0580. Soul Priority 7 to 7:50 a.m. Fridays, Caribou Coffee, 5100 Main St., Downers Grove. Business leaders

Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave., Down- Pam DiGioia, 630-790-8433, Ext. ers Grove. Ages 16 to 25. www. 307, pamelad@teenparentconnecdbsawest.org. tion.org. Lactation/breastfeeding support group 11 a.m. to noon, Mondays, Antares Institute of Integrative Health, 545 Plainfield Road, Suite E, Willowbrook. 630-321-2296. Pills Anonymous 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 119 N. Oak St., Hinsdale. Support group for people who may be dependent on anti-anxiety and/or prescription pain medication. In classroom T. Call 630-656-7050. Rainbows Support Group For children experiencing loss, 6 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays, St. Mary of Gostyn, 445 Prairie Ave., Downers Grove. 630-960-3565 Ext. 219. Mothers Support Group 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, 3815 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. To register, call Advocate’s Health Advisor at 800-323-8622 and ask for class code 4B10. Take Off Pounds Sensibly Lemont chapter, 6:15 to 6:50 weigh-in, followed by meeting, Tuesdays, Bethany Lutheran Church, 508 Lemont St., Lemont. Call Lois, 630257-8112.

New Beginnings Support group for divorced, separated and widowed, PFLAG Parents, Family and Friends 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Road, of Lesbians and Gays, 2 to 4 p.m. every first Sunday, Unitarian Church Naperville. www.newbeginnings-il. com. of Hinsdale, 17 W. Maple St. 773935-2398, www.pflagillinois.org. DBSA Depression / Bipolar Support Group 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. $2 donation appreciated. www. dbsawest.org.

GriefShare 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Trinity Lutheran Church of Lisle, 1101 Kimberly Way. Call 630-3903039.

Teen Parent Connection Support group for teens with or expecting DBSA Depression / Bipolar Young children, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Adult Support Group 1 to 2:30 p.m. DuPage Township Office, 241 CanSundays, Advocate Good Samaritan terbury Lane, Bolingbrook. Contact

Postpartum Depression Support Group 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. $15. To register, call the Health Advisor, 800-323-8622, www.advocatehealth.com. Al-Anon 8 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Faith United Methodist Church, 432 59th St., Downers Grove. Participants should enter the rear of the church and go to Room B-6. DivorceCare Support Group 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Oak Brook Community Church, 3100 Midwest Road. Call 630-986-3010. Mended Hearts Inc. 7 p.m. every first Wednesday except July and August, Oak Rooms, Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Overeaters Anonymous Newcomer/speaker meeting, 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. Thursdays, St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 3910 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. 630-653-8608. DBSA Depression / Bipolar Friends and Family Support Group 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. $2 donation appreciated. www. dbsawest.org. Reformers Unanimous Addiction program, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays, Marquette Manor Baptist Church, 333 75th St., Downers Grove. Call Joel Dedic, 630-800-6540. Caregiver support group 9 to 10:30 a.m. Fridays, First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove, 1032 Maple Ave. For caregivers of spouses, partners, friends or other family members. $85 for sixweek session. Register with Shelly Zabielski, 630-357-2456 Ext. 111.

CLASSES

WELLNESS

Bulls/Sox Academy Hitting Clubs Thursdays, March 7 to 28, Lemont Park District, 16028 W. 127th St. Ages 6 to 8, 6 to 7:15 p.m.; ages 9 to 11, 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. Register at 630-324-8221. $103. www.bullssox- Mindfulness For Everyday Living 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Tuesdays, academy.com/. Wellness House, 131 N. County Line Road, Hinsdale. Meditation class. Call Valerie Piazza, 630-654-5118. FITNESS www.wellnesshouse.org. Leslie Sansone “Walk Live” exercise classes 7 to 7:45 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 11 to 11:45 a.m. Saturdays, Bethel Lutheran Church, 36 N. Grant St., Westmont. Wear light, comfortable clothing and bring water. Register online. $5 - $7. www.oneheartfitness.com, kathy@oneheartfitness.com.

Bulls/Sox Academy Elite Girls Basketball Travel Team Alternate Tryouts 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, Bulls/Sox Academy, 6200 River Bend Drive, Lisle. Grades 4 to 11. Register half hour prior to start time. $20. 630-324-8221, www. bullssoxacademy.com/.

s k o

sic u M

es i v o M Video Games

St. Francis Xavier Class of 1970 Reunion Making plans for event. Contact Meg Shannon, exec@gecgroup.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

RELIGION

Mom & Son Night 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 1, Lemont Park District - CORE Fitness Center, 16028 127th Worship Services 6 p.m. Saturdays St. Gym games, swimming, exotic animals and pizza. Grandmothers, and 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays, aunts and sisters welcome. 630Church of the Nazarene, 12725 257-6787, lemontparkdistrict.org. Bell Road, Lemont. 708-349-0454, www.chicagofirstnaz.org. Connect Night 5:45 p.m. dinner, 6:30 p.m. classes and discussions, Wednesdays, Christ Community Church, 13400 Bell Road, Lemont. 630-257-7770.

Saturday, March 2 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 3 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

TRYOUTS

Free Hot Hula Class 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays and 10 to 11 a.m. Fridays, Rhythmax, 3020 Reflection REUNIONS Drive, Naperville. Hana Hou Hula Productions. 630-447-9692, www. facebook.com/HotHulaFitnessWithJ Farragut High School 60 year essie?ref=hl, hothula@chicagohula- reunion 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April productions.com. 6, Quality Inn & Conference Center, 300 S. Frontage Road, Burr Ridge. Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; dancing, 8 to 11 p.m. Call Carolee Michalek, 815FUNDRAISERS 407-1934. Helping Hand Center’s 14th Annual Gala & Auction 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 2, Marriott Hotel, 1200 Burr Ridge Parkway, Burr Ridge. Live entertainment silent and live auction, cocktails, dinner and dancing. $150. 708-3523580, www.hhcenter.org.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Girl’s Night Out 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Mary Kay Training Center, 4712 S. Main St., Lisle. Food, fun and a facial/makeover. Register at 630-336-9858. www.marykay. com/donnahais.

Fountaindale Public Library 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440

LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

NAMI DuPage Family to Family Education course 7 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, The Compass Church, 1551 E. Hobson Road, Naperville. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Registration is open through the third class. 630-7520066, www.namidupage.org.

NEWS |

Alcoholics Anonymous hotline Find local meeting at 630-887-8671 or www.aa-nia.org.

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

EYE ON EDUCATION |

Eye on Education

MARCH, 2013

LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

Reporter/Met â€˘ mysuburbanlife.com â€˘ Friday, March 1, 2013 â€˘ LEM

| EYE ON EDUCATION

Technology Drives 2013 Trends in Education in the Growing Online Sector Dean of Aurora University Online, Professor Carmella Moran, Forecasts Top Trends

urora University recently launched online programs featuring in-demand degrees for todayâ€™s top growth industries. The esteemed university joins the list of educational institutions facilities that are expanding their reach by creating courses that are accessible online. The flexible professional and degree programs include some of the schoolâ€™s well-regarded programs including nursing, education and business administration. Technological advances have helped spur the rise in online education. Students can take advantage of top-ranking degree programs while juggling fulltime jobs and balancing family commitments. Technological advances have also made online education an engaging experience; chat rooms, â€œvirtual office hoursâ€?, forums and study groups all help to empower students to engage with their peers and professors. Consequently, online education is expected to expand in 2013.

Carmella Moran, Dean of Aurora University Online, shares her top trends in online education: â€˘ Gamification: Students are growing up in an increasingly interconnected world. According to the NPD Group more than 211 million Americans play video games. Institutions are starting to include gaming into college completion, test prep and everything in-between. Introducing this new way of learning helps students to engage in the learning process and better retain knowledge for tests and overall retention. â€˘ Social Media:Â Almost 98% of 18-24 year olds use a social media network. At many universities including Aurora University Online, discussion boards, study groups, chat rooms and even Facebook groups help create a social community for students. Because of its widespread popularity, social media is now being used to facilitate learning

management systems and social learning tools. â€˘ Blended learning:Â Combining in-classroom learning with virtual learning tools continues as a higher education trend and is also an emerging trend for elementary and secondary schools. Providing online students with face-to-face opportunities to interact with one another and providing in-class students with online tools offers students more learning opportunities. â€˘ Real-time:Â As the tutoring market continues to grow in the United States, students are beginning to demand real-time assistance. Online learners, as well as traditional students, can now easily gain real-time help to grasp lessons in virtual classrooms. For example, Aurora Universityâ€™s Writing Center offers writing help to students both online and offline. Students can sign up for â€œvirtual office hoursâ€? where they receive one-on-one tutoring.

In addition to serving as the Dean of Aurora University Online, Moran is the Director and Associate professor for the Aurora University School of Nursing. She has 33 years of experience in the nursing profession, including 18 years in higher education. Making the Most of your Education Students considering an online education should look to personalize the experience in order to gain the most personal and professional benefits. Aurora University Online offers the convenience and flexibility of online classes with the personal attention, rigor and quality of education that students have come to expect from Aurora University. The school has several distinctive programs in place to help make online education personalized for each student: â€˘ Upon enrolling, students are partnered with an Online Academic Advisor who

maintains a relationship with them throughout their studies. This ensures that students have a dedicated, committed person to turn to along the way for career guidance, feedback and questions. â€˘ Courses are led by top-rate faculty that engage students in dynamic classroom activities and dialogue through interactive discussion boards and chat rooms. â€˘ Affordable tuition options and a seamless transfer process help students reach the next level in their career. The 16 career-focused programs maintain the highest standards of curriculum, resulting in students graduating with a reputable, distinctive degree. Courses are flexible and typically held in 5- to 8 week modules. Spring term classes begin March 11, 2013. For additional information about Aurora University Online, visit online.aurora.edu

Expand your knowledge and enhance your career with online degree programs from Aurora University. Aurora University Online provides students with a dynamic and interactive learning environment accessible and convenient format.

Aurora University offers the following online degree programs: Adult Degree Completion Programs

Graduate Programs

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Classes are forming now. Request more information today. online.aurora.edu/suburban | 1-888-688-1147 | online@aurora.edu

Passion. Intellect. Honesty. Drive.

An Introduction To

Karen Kruger, Director

Mission Statement

To empower children: � To grow in their Christian faith � To strive for academic excellence through the Montessori Method � To grow in their understanding of the teachings and precepts of the Christian faith � To reach out and serve the community as Christ has called us to do Method. Teachers strive to give the children a firm foundation in the Bible, familiarizing them with God’s word through scripture memorization, stories, songs, signing and drama. Basic Christian fundamentals, rather than a particular doctrine, are interwoven into the fabric of the children’s daily experience. Montessori teachers strive to give the children a firm academic foundation by using the Montessori Method of education, which was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900’s, and based on the theory that the young child’s mind is

like a sponge which can absorb learning from the surrounding environment. This method builds upon the fact that the years from 3-6 are the foundational years of learning. Children of all ages learn best through individual hands-on learning experiences in an environment where they are free to learn and develop at their own pace. This promotes a love of learning and establishes the foundation for further study of language, math, and the sciences in the elementary years. Montessori students develop a sense of inner discipline and order which enables them to become

independent learners. They learn respect for their environment, the materials and each other. The students in each classroom experience freedom within the structure of well understood guidelines, which maintains a peaceful learning environment. Children develop an understanding of what is morally and socially acceptable, based on Christian values, and learn to make wise choices. The Montessori curriculum revolves around a three year cycle. Classrooms are grouped in communities of students within a three year age span. While younger students learn skills at their own level, they also absorb other aspects of the classroom. Older children further develop their leadership skills while mastering their academics. The children have equal opportunities for independent study as well as shared lessons and activities. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or schedule an appointment to visit our school. We encourage you to visit with

your child so you may both have the opportunity to see our classes in progress and decide whether you would like to be a part of Midwest Christian Montessori Academy. Midwest Christian Montessori Academy 151 East Briarcliff Road Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (630) 783-8644 www.mcmacademy.org Midwest Christian Montessori Academy admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

idwest Christian Montessori Academy in Bolingbrook is a school which serves children in Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary and Middle school. The school’s goal is to provide a Christian environment coupled with the Montessori Method of learning which will allow for the spiritual, educational, physical and developmental growth of students. Midwest Christian Montessori Academy (MCMA) is a not-forprofit, board-run school bringing over 20 years of experience from the former teaching staff of New Beginnings. MCMA is affiliated with the American Montessori Society, registered as a private school with the Illinois State Board of Education and meets all state and local regulations. MCMA is non-denominational, with staff and students coming from a variety of different Christian churches in the area, and offers a unique combination of a Christian education partnered with the Montessori

EYE ON EDUCATION |

Midwest Christian Montessori Academy

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

| EYE ON EDUCATION

Did You Know? A study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York released in May of 2012 indicated that student loan debt is the only form of consumer debt to increase significantly since 2008. According to the study, 40 percent of consumers under the age of 30 have student loan debt, and the average graduate from the class of 2011 owes $23,000. Student loan debt may not be new, but the increase in mortgage defaults since 2008 have led many risk-averse lenders to scrutinize borrowers more carefully, and substantial student loan debts could make it more difficult for first-time homebuyers, the majority of whom are between the ages of 25 and 34, to secure a loan, or at least secure a loan with a reasonable interest rate. That heightened scrutiny could be one reason that, according to the National Association of Realtors, first-time homebuyers between the ages of 25 and 34 fell from 33 percent of the total market in 2001 to 27 percent of the total market in 2011, the lowest market share in 10 years.

Prepping for kindergarten makes an easier transition

indergarten used to be a time when kids grabbed a nap in between fingerpainting and playing outside, but today’s coursework is much more rigorous and kindergarteners are now introduced to concepts that were once taught in later years of elementary school. Preparing children who have never attended school for their first day could take a little time prior to the start of school.

Signing up for school Each school district has its own requirements to begin kindergarten, so parents should familiarize themselves with their school district as soon as possible. One of the primary requirements is age. Children generally have to meet a certain age requirement (usually age 5), meaning their birthdays have to take place prior to or by a cut-off date. Public schools will also require proof of residence. They often require utility bills with the student’s address on them. Private schools typically have more lenient residence requirements. Most entering students also will need to have received all the necessary vaccinations. If the student has not received all immunizations, he or she will need to do so before enrolling.

Getting prepared Some children are anxious to be “big kids”

and begin school. Others may be nervous about what’s in store. The best way to prepare children is to think about enrolling them in some sort of social program. Preschool is the avenue many parents choose, but simply spending time together with other kids in a structured social setting is enough for many kids to get acclimated. Talking about what to expect at school can also ease jitters. Parents can establish a schoollike structure at home to illustrate their points. Have set times for meals and snacks, require small chores be done on time and set additional rules and limits. Bed time and wake times should be the same each day as well. Children who are unaccustomed to

having structure may find the rigors of the classroom scary. Parents should inquire about touring the school to help calm kids’ nerves. This way children will see exactly what environment they will be working in each day.

Honing skills Children will partake in a variety of activities during kindergarten. They’ll begin learning to write and perform other activities that require fine motor skills. Parents can introduce their children to pencils, crayons, markers, and safety scissors so they can learn the proper grip and how to maneuver these tools. It’s also never too early to read with children. Studies indicate that children who frequently read with their

parents or others tend to have greater success in school. The National Education Association says that children who were read to frequently are more likely to: • count to 20, or higher than those who were not • write their own names • read or pretend to read The Educational Testing Services reports that students who do more reading at home are better readers and have higher math scores. Kindergarten is a child’s initial foray into the world of academia. Much has changed in the kindergarten curriculum, and parents can expect their kids to be learning much more in kindergarten than they once did.

Midwestern Universityâ€™s Clinical Campus Opening Soon As a graduate degree-granting institution specializing in the health sciences, Midwestern University provides academic programs that allow future health professionals to meet the needs of patients. On the Downers Grove Campus, Midwestern University currently offers the following degree programs: R5 ) .),5) 5 -. )* ."# 5 #cine (D.O) R5 ) .),5) 5 " ,' 35 (Pharm.D.) R5 ) .),5) 5 "3-# &5Äť , *35 (D.P.T.) R5 -. ,5) 5 # &5 # ( 5#(5 Physician Assistant Studies (M.M.S.) R5 -. ,5) 5 /* .#)( &5Äť , *35 (M.O.T.) R5 -. ,5) 5 ,.-5#(5 #)' # &5 Sciences (M.A.) and Master of Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.) R5 ) .),5) 5 &#(# &5 -3 ")&)!35 (Psy.D.) R5 ) .),5) 5 &."5 # ( 5 B 8 8 8C R5 ) .),5) 5 (. &5 # #( 5 (D.M.D.) R5 -. ,5) 5 # ( 5B 8 8C5#(5 Speech-Language Pathology (starting fall 2013) For more information about Midwestern University, please contact our Admissions Office at 630-515-6171 or visit www. midwestern.edu.

FAITH + ACADEMICS + SERVICE SS. Cyril & Methodius School Lemont Illinois â€˘ 630 257-6488

RICH IN TRADITION AND INNOVATION UPDATED TECH LAB WITH 60 IPADs SMARTBOARDS FOR EVERY GRADE LEVEL FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN 3 AND 4 YEAR OLD PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS TEACHER ASSISTANTS AVAILABLE TO EVERY CLASSROOM

VISIT OUR SCHOOL AND SEE ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS ST. CYRILâ€™S HAS TO OFFER

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PRE-K 3 THROUGH 8TH GRADE. STOP BY OUR SCHOOL OFFICE OR CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION.

LEM â€˘ Friday, March 1, 2013 â€˘ mysuburbanlife.com â€˘ Reporter/Met

idwestern University is looking forward to expanding our service to the community as construction nears completion on the new Clinical Campus located at 3450 Lacey Road, Downers Grove, IL. The 193,000 square-foot Multispecialty Clinic is on schedule to open later this spring. The new clinical campus will allow Midwestern University students the opportunity to enhance their education by addressing patient needs under the close guidance of experienced faculty members. The Midwestern Universityâ€™s Dental Institute will be the first clinic to open and will include 216 dental operatories. Under the close guidance and interaction of licensed clinical faculty, students from the Universityâ€™s College of Dental Medicine-Illinois will provide both basic and specialty dental care in areas such as restorative dentistry, pediatric care, implant dentistry, and oral surgery. The University will also establish other patient-care operations including a family medicine practice, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) clinic, patient education services from the Chicago College of Pharmacy, and a variety of other patient services at the clinic.

EYE ON EDUCATION |

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

| EYE ON EDUCATION

The Avery Coonley School F ounded in 1906, The Avery Coonley School is a pre-K through 8th grade independent school for academically bright and gifted children. ACS provides depth, pace, and complexity of curriculum and a like-minded peer group for gifted learners; comprehensive technology and arts programs; and a nurturing faculty that understands the unique social and emotional needs of academically bright and gifted students. Located on an 11-acre campus bordering a forest preserve, The Avery Coonley School emphasizes hands-on “learning by doing.”

ACS serves students from approximately 40 communities throughout the western suburbs of Chicago. The Avery Coonley also provides many parent presentations and the annual “Creating the Future” lecture series featuring leaders in the field of education and child development. Recent present ers include Paul Tough, auth of How Children Succeed; Carol Dweck, author of Mindset; JoAnn Deak, autho of How Girls Thrive; and DR A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former president of India.

Teaching the Mind • Educating the Heart • Forming the Character

Experience the Everest Advantage At Everest Academy your child will experience a nurturing environment that cultivates outstanding academic performance and develops the qualities that result in well rounded leaders.

Open House every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. A Private Catholic Limited Openings • Apply Now! School of Academic 11550 BELL ROAD LEMONT, ILLINOIS 60439 WWW.EVERESTADVANTAGE.ORG 630.243.1995 Excellence

Preschool Through 8th Grade

Helping boys become better readers

Boys and reading A 2010 study by the Center on Education Policy that looked at trends beginning from 2002 to 2008 found boys have been lagging behind girls on standardized reading tests in all 50 states. According to Jack Jennings, president of the Center on Education Policy, “We found no state in which boys did not lag behind girls in reading at the elementary level, the middle school level and the high school level. So it’s pretty clear: Boys

are not doing as well as girls in reading.” There are many theories as to why boys seem to eschew reading for other things. Some say that boys in general are always on the defensive, and reading -- which often calls to mind emotion and vulnerability -- is not something that boys would like to admit to doing. Furthermore, schools heavily push classics full of fictional characters as the mainstay of literary curricula. However, research points out that boys tend to gravitate toward nonfiction. Others argue that boys do not have enough male literary role models. The majority of adults involved in shaping boys’ interest in reading are women, and boys might not view picking up a good book as a masculine activity. Another theory as to why girls perform better on standardized reading tests revolves around brain function. Girls’ brains tend to be more verbally oriented,

which can make reading skills easier. Boys are more visually oriented. It stands to reason that boys are more physically restless than girls as well. Sitting for long periods of time reading can be challenging, even for an otherwise well-behaved male student. This was discovered as early as 1986 in an analysis of more than 100 studies by psychologist Warren Eaton and his colleagues at the University of Manitoba in Canada. The findings revealed that the average boy is more active than about 69 percent of girls. Choosing reading materials Finding reading material to which boys will relate can be challenging. There is no blanket approach to finding the right books. Boys may need to be approached individually to find subject matter that will interest them and take them out of their comfort zones. Should schoolmates be viewed reading frequently, it may help other

boys surpass their own reading fears and hurdles. Here are some titles boys can explore. • “2095” by Adam McCauley: Children on a field trip to New York’s Museum of Natural History travel one hundred years into the future. • “Encyclopedia Brown” series, by Donald Sobol: Readers solve the cases and explore adventures through the stories.

• “Lunch Money” by Andrew Clements: Greg is a sixth-grader who is good with money. He begins creating and selling comic books at lunch until a rival cuts into his business. • “Rufus and Magic Run Amok” by Marilyn Levinson: Rufus discovers he has magical powers, but this special talent isn’t what he expected.

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW. Get the latest news updates at mysuburbanlife.com on the go.

LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

onventional wisdom has long intimated that girls are more adept at language arts and reading than boys of the same age. A recent study indicates there may be some merit to the assumption that boys tend to lag behind girls in reading. In order to bolster interest in books and reading comprehension, parents and educators can look to many successful literary series that tend to draw the attention of boys.

EYE ON EDUCATION |

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

| EYE ON EDUCATION

Finish Your Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences “Your Way” t National University of Science in as little as 18 months. your unique goals. Whether you cific program to give you the best NUHS is a primary destination Health Sciences, if you’ve Not only that, NUHS gives you plan to use your science education preparation. A for those seeking a professional finished your general education the freedom to tailor your own for a career in business, health According to Dr. Randy Swcareer in natural health care. Origrequirements, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical

degree program by letting you create a course list that matches

care, or as a prelude to graduate school, you can construct a spe-

enson, Dean of NUHS’ College of Allied Health Sciences, “You can choose from any combination of courses in our BS program to complete your bachelor’s degree. There are no required core courses, just a requirement that you earn 64 credits. So no matter which of our many courses you pick to meet those credits, you’re on track.” That means that students are interested in medical administration or hospital work can choose courses in Medical Spanish, Medical Terminology and Computer Software. If you’re planning a career in sports and fitness, how about adding courses in Sports and Performance Nutrition, Kinesiology or Exercise Physiology? Those looking for a place in research or laboratory work might choose courses in Research Methods and Statistics, or Epidemiology. And if you want to learn more about how the brain works, NUHS offers Biopsychology, and Neuroscience. “Most of our students are interested in nutrition,” Swenson says. “That’s why NUHS has six separate courses in nutrition and food science available in the BS program.”

inally founded in 1906 as a single purpose chiropractic college, National’s academic programs now encompass chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, oriental medicine, massage therapy and more. The best part of earning your bachelor’s degree at NUHS is that you’ll be taught by many of the same faculty that teach in its professional degree programs, and use the graduate-level facilities of one of the world’s top universities specializing in natural medicine. It boasts an outstanding 13,000+ volume library devoted to health science, a cadaver-based gross anatomy laboratory, as well as an on-campus student clinic where you can take advantage of free health services. NUHS’ beautiful 35-acre Lombard campus is conveniently located in suburban Chicago, and offers on-campus housing, financial aid counseling, a student fitness center and several student social and professional networking organizations. Want to learn more? Visit www. nuhs.edu to apply online, schedule a visit, or view the entire line-up of course descriptions and start envisioning how NUHS can help prepare you for your future goals.

St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic School Has A Lot to Celebrate t. Mary of Gostyn Catholic resources such as state-of-theS School’s (SMG) future is art technology; strategic facility bright with celebrations, awards, planning; credentialed faculty and future expansions, technology, and a new principal. SMG celebrated 115 years as a Catholic School in 2012 and was honored with a February 5th “SMG School Day” dedication by the Village of Downers Grove. New land has been acquired and renovations are in the works as part of their strategic plan. SMG’s investment in technology reflects their dedication to the educational experience along with their award-winning preschool, athletics programs and clubs. SMG exemplifies the “We Teach More” motto of the Joliet Catholic Diocese through their faith-based education and

classroom aides; music, fine arts, clubs, athletics and enrichment classes; and now, for the first-time in SMG History, summer camp. SMG’s Principal, Dr. Kathleen Benton, is committed to offering students and parents the highest standards in education, “The main focus for me is always teaching children critical thinking skills they will use all their lives. It’s about teaching and training thinkers who have a strong, solid faith and belief system who can contribute to family and community and thrive in a technological society.” For more information, visit www.stmarygostyn.org.

Early Childhood Education FAITH • ACADEMICS • SERVICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Visit our four-year-old preschool, kindergarten, and first grade programs. Come and see our children in a loving and nurturing environment. You will also have an opportunity to speak with the teachers and visit with other parents who have had or currently have children in our programs.

St. Alphonsus/St. Patrick School 20W145 Davey Road, Lemont, IL www.stals-stpats.org 630-783-2220

LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

OPEN HOUSE

EYE ON EDUCATION |

St. Alphonsus-St. Patrick School

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

ON THE

| BEST BETS

to do

Photo courtesy of Elm Photography

MAPLE TAPPING PANCAKE PICNIC Get maple syrup straight from the source at the Morton Arboretum’s Maple Tapping and Pancake Picnic. Families and kids of all ages will hear about the history of maple tapping, and will be able to see how it’s done. Cap the day with an outdoor pancake picnic and maple syrup tasting by a cozy fire. Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, March 2-16 Cost: $18 per member, $25 per nonmember Contact: mortonarb.org/ calendar to register or call 630719-2468

‘PETER PAN’ BALLET

Capt. Hook, Tiger Lily and Tinkerbell are taking a trip to the suburbs in Midwest Ballet Theatre’s “Peter Pan.” The full-length story ballet originally debuted in 1992, choreographed by MBT Artistic Director Mim Eichmann. Since then, it has been performed for thousands of children and their families. Where: Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday and

list

PASSPORT TO SAFETY DAY

Midwest Ballet Theatre dancers Anne Gandolfi (as Peter Pan) and Lydia Zimmerman (as Capt. Hook), both of Downers Grove, will appear in “Peter Pan” at the Tivoli Theatre. By ALLISON HORNE msleditorial@shawmedia.com

Sunday, March 9 and 10 Cost: $15 for adults, $13 for children, students and seniors Contact: 630-971-9751, midwestballet.org

SPRING FLING BENEFIT This one is for the ladies —the Junior League of Kane and DuPage Counties presents a Spring Fling luncheon to support literacy programs for at-risk youth. The event will feature a spring market, silent auction and raffles. Prizes include three trips, an iPad3 and a Tory Burch handbag. All proceeds will help community programs. Registration is required before March 3. Where: Regency Ballroom at the Hilton, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 10 Cost: $50, plus $25 per raffle ticket or $70 for three raffle tickets Contact: 630-405-5969, fundraising@jlkd.org

ART SHOW BLOOMS The flowers are blooming, and so is the art at the Spring Palette Art Show at the Gregg House Museum’s annual art show. Laura Dieter-Alvear, a local watercolorist, will host the annual event, which will have flowers, birds and landscapes in the forefront. Artists

will be present to discuss their work, and art will be for sale. Where: Gregg House Museum, 117 S. Linden Ave., Westmont When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17 Cost: Free Contact: 630-969-8080, wpd4fun. org

PROM RESALE Everyone has that dress or suit lying around that they’ve worn once and will never wear again. That’s where the Hope and Friendship Foundation’s “Give That Dress and Suit Another Night Out” resale and consignment sale comes in. It’s another option for those who cannot afford, or would simply rather purchase gently used clothing for prom, graduation, confirmation, communion, Easter, spring formals and other events. Prom dresses at the fifth annual sale cost $20 each. It also offers formal and semiformal accessories such as shoes, purses and jewelry. Last-minute donations still may be dropped off from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at the church. Where: Christ Community Church, 13400 Bell Road, Lemont When: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday Cost: Free admission Contact: hopeandfriendship foundation.com, hopeand friendship@comcast.net

There’s nothing more important than your family’s safety, and it’s critical that each and every member of your family knows what to do in case of an emergency. Learn how to keep them safe at the Downers Grove Fire Department’s Passport to Safety Day. The department will teach fire safety, personal safety, emergency preparedness and injury prevention. Safety Day will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. For more information, call the Fire Department at 630434-5986 or 630-434-5990.

EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY It may be more than a month until Earth Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate it every day. Naper Settlement starts the globe rolling at a School’s Out event centered on the “Every Day is Earth Day” theme from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Learn all about the environment and how you can reduce, reuse and recycle ordinary items into art, objects and home décor. Kids in grades first through fifth will learn about clean water from rain gardens, make their own notebook out of recycled goods, and take a “Soil Sammy” home. Fees are $45 per child, which includes a snack and supplies. Naper Settlement is at 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Registration is required. Contact 630-420-6010 or napersettlement.com.

Renee Tomell, editor 630-427-6258 rtomell@shawmedia.com

Dan Farnham, calendar 630-427-6259 dfarnham@shawmedia.com

MUSIC An Evening with Branford Marsalis 8 p.m. Friday, March 1, North Central College Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $50 to $60. 630-6377469, tickets.noctrl.edu/. Concerto Competition Honors Concert 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 1, Wheaton College, Edman Memorial Chapel, Washington and Franklin streets. Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra and performances by the winners of strings, keyboard, woodwind/ brass and percussion, and voice divisions. 630-752-5099. “Mozart the Great” concert 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3, Divine Infant Church, 1601 Newcastle, Westchester. Tower Chorale. $18 adults, $15 seniors. Chamber Concert: Rook 2:15 to 4:15 p.m. Sunday, March 3, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Followed by wine sampling and “meet and greet” the artists. Register at mortonarb.org/calendar or 630-725-2066. $23 members, $28 nonmembers. Additional $5 processing fee is applied to phone, mail and internet orders. 630-7252066. Chan Concert: An Irish Afternoon 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3, Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Road, Darien. Trinity Irish Dance Academy and bagpiper Timothy Robieson. Registration required. www.calendar.ippl.info, readers@ippl.info. Community School of the Arts Jazz-Pop Recital 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 3, Wheaton College, McAllister Hall, the southeast

corner of Washington and Franklin streets. In rooms 136 and 224. 630-752-5567, media.relations@ wheaton.edu.

NIGHT LIFE Vegas style entertainer 8 p.m. to midnight Fridays, Scapa Italian Kitchen, 1 Walker Ave., Clarendon Hills. Johnny Rome performs Rat Pack and cast of thousands. Reservations recommended. Call 630-323-7000. Aidan O’Toole 5 p.m. Fridays, Ballydoyle Irish Pub, 5157 Main St., Downers Grove. 630-9690600, www.ballydoylepub.com/. Acoustic rock Bobby K. and Steve 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays, Shanahan’s, 2009 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. No cover. 630-725-9110.

OPEN MIC Open jam sessions 8 p.m. Sundays, Shanahan’s of Downers Grove, 2009 Ogden Ave. Karaoke Nights 8 to 11:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Game Pazzo, 2011 63rd St., Downers Grove. 630-541-8719, www.gamepazzo.com, tnewsome@gamepazzo.com. Open Mic 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Ballydoyle Irish Pub, 5157 Main St., Downers Grove. Sign up begins at 8 p.m. Three song limit. At all three locations. 630-969-0600, www. ballydoylepub.com, info@ballydoylepub.com.

Open game nights 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays, Fair Game, 5150 C Main St., Downers Grove. 630-963-0640, www.fairgamestore.com, fairgamestore@ gmail.com. Steel Tip Dart Tournaments 8 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Another Round Bar & Grill, 5141 Main St., Downers Grove. 630-963-0333, www.Roundheadspizza.com. Trivia Night at the Pub 8:30 to 11 p.m. Tuesdays, Ballydoyle Irish Pub, 5157 Main St., Downers Grove. $40 gift card for the winners. At all three locations. 630-969-0600, www.ballydoylepub.com, info@ ballydoylepub.com. Wine & Trivia Night 8 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays, The Cellar Door, 5150 Main St., Downers Grove. $4 glasses of house red and white wines. $25. 630-2412030, thecellardoor@comcast. net. Team Trivia Nights 8 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays, Game Pazzo, 2011 63rd St., Downers Grove. 630541-8719, www.gamepazzo.com, tnewsome@gamepazzo.com.

THEATER “Hotel Cassiopeia” 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Satur-

“Big, the Musical” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1 to 3, Westmont High School, 909 Oakwood Drive. 630-468-8165, https://sites. google.com/a/g.cusd201.org/ whs-theatre/spring-musical, lpergande@cusd201.org. “Xanadu” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1 to 3, North Central College Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. $10 to $15. 630-6377469, tickets.noctrl.edu/. Little Patch of Heaven Radio Show 7:30 p.m. Friday and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1 and 2, College Church of Wheaton, 332 E. Seminary Ave. Benefits STARS Family Services. 630-206-0243, www.starsfamilyservices.org, contact@starsfamilyservices.org. “Sunset Boulevard” Through Sunday, March 24, Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Friday, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays. $35 to $46. 630-530-0111, www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

Laura Lein-Svencner collage show Through Thursday, March 7, Schoenherr Gallery, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. finearts. northcentralcollege.edu. Art Department Senior Shows 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Wednesday, May 1, Blanchard Hall - Wheaton College, 501 College Ave. In the Hansen Main and Small Galleries and the Student Gallery. 630-752-5050, media. relations@wheaton.edu.

MUSEUM DCM Family Fun Friday Night: Elan Dance Company 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 1, DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. Dance sampler with interactive workshop. 630-637-8000, www. dupagechildrensmuseum.org. Designs in Nature, Studio Drop-in Through Sunday, March 3, DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. Create three dimensional images of snails, ferns, shells and other perfect spirals found in nature. 630-637-8000, www. dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

ART

Silkscreen Prints, Studio Dropin Monday to Sunday, March 4 to 10, DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. Bring scarf, bag or T-shirt to print. 630637-8000, www.dupage childrensmuseum.org.

Paint and Play classes 7 to 9:15 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, Brigantine Gallery, 5149 Main St., Downers Grove. Painting and refreshments. Thursday nights open to ages 12 and older. Register at 630-663-0399. $20.

“On the Road to Glory: Fred Lorenzen” 1 to 5 p.m. through Sunday, May 19, Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave. www.elmhursthistory.org, ehm@ elmhurst.org.

LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

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TRIVIA/GAMES

day, March 1 and 2, Wheaton College Arena Theater, 433 N. Howard St. $9 weekday and matinee shows, $10 weekend shows.

THE GUIDE |

guide

the

Open Mic 9 to 11 p.m. Thursdays, Bono’s Pub, 2029 Ogden Ave., Lisle. Drums and PA system supplied. 630-969-2333, www. bonos-pub.com.

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

| CHIT-CHAT

Submitted photo

Chef Tom Ryan was named “Chapter Chef of the Year” by the American Culinary Federation Chicago Chefs of Cuisine.

In good taste By RENEE TOMELL rtomell@shawmedia.com And the award goes to Lisle native Tom Ryan, just named “Chapter Chef of the Year” by the American Culinary Federation Chicago Chefs of Cuisine. A certified executive chef, the Bartlett resident is director of food services at Resurrection Retirement Community in Chicago, where he oversees a staff of 75, including six cooks and two assistants. They prepare 750 meals daily for the 500 residents.

What drew you to a culinary career?

It was by accident. I’m one of seven children. While growing up, each of us took a turn cooking dinner for everyone. It really goes back to that.

Tom Ryan named ‘Chef of the Year’ by Chicago culinary chapter

Explore the culinary world What: American Culinary Federation cooks up Culinary Enthusiast membership for the amateur who wants to learn how to prepare gourmet cuisine or simply stay on top of latest trends Contact: www.acfchefs.org

That’s how I got my feet wet. In high school … a career counselor suggested I go to a vocational school in culinary arts. I enrolled in that my senior year (and) liked it. The teacher took a liking to me and encouraged me to get a culinary degree.

What’s a specialty of yours?

I enjoy making entrees and soups. One of my signature dishes is a Swiss onion soup: a cream of onion soup finished with grated gruyere cheese

and topped with toasted rye croutons. It’s unusual. I learned to make that in Switzerland. I studied there a few years.

How do approach the menu at Resurrection Retirement Community?

What’s the biggest challenge?

There are only five or six proteins, when it comes to entrees. We have the same population who come here day in and day out 365 days a year. That’s our biggest challenge. Pick any of your favorite restaurants. If you go there five or six times a week, after three or four weeks, (you’ll ask,) “Is that all they have?” That’s why I add new menu items constantly for them.

Do you get to hang onto the trophy?

That’s the traveling We have a five-week-cycle trophy. I get to keep it for a menu. I’m constantly changyear. It’s a once-in-a-career ing (it), putting new items on the menu to keep the residents opportunity. excited and looking forward to (the dishes). What’s most satisfying

about your role?

The residents. Knowing

that I make a difference in their life.

What are some of your personal favorites to prepare?

In the summertime, I love grilling — baby-back ribs or brisket. And during the winter months, chilis and stews and soups. Good old comfort foods.

(Note: Involved in the local, state and national culinary communities, Ryan is also a certified dietary manager and a certified Illinois food service sanitation manager instructor. He serves as treasurer of the Chicago Chefs of Cuisine chapter of the American Culinary Federation and is on the national Audit Committee for the American Culinary Federation.)

Comments? Contact Sports Editor David Good, dgood@shawmedia.com or 630-427-6270

jrossi@shawmedia.com BATAVIA — Halftime can be time for basketball teams to catch their breath and regroup. Halftime might have been Lemont’s biggest enemy Wednesday night. After a stellar shooting performance in the first half, the Indians came out cold after halftime and fell to Bolingbrook 71-63 in a semifinal game of the Class 4A Batavia regional. “Unfortunately, we ran out of gas a little bit, and they kept pushing it and we had no answer for a couple of their guys in the second half,” Lemont coach Rick Runaas said. Lemont (23-4) came out of the gate with its foot on the gas. The Indians raced out to an 11-5 lead on a pair of three-pointers from Juozas Balciunas, one from Mike Wisz and a Wisz’s steal and layup at the other end. When Bolingbrook grabbed a 15-11 lead midway through the first quarter, Lemont closed the frame with a 10-2 surge. Balciunas hit a pair of three-pointers during the run. The Indians were 8-of-13 from the field overall and 5-of-6 from three-point range in the first quarter. A back-and-forth second quarter saw the teams go into halftime tied 38-38. Back-to-back buckets from Martynas Einikis and Balciunas put the Indians ahead 42-40 early in the third, but the Raiders outscored them 18-7 the rest of the frame and they never threatened Bolingbrook’s lead. Lemont was 5-of-13 from the field in the third quarter and went 0-of-7 from long range. “We weren’t the same team (after halftime),” Balciunas said. “I don’t know what happened. I guess we got out of the rhythm. They played a 1-2-2 zone or a boxand-1 on us, and we just didn’t make buckets, that’s it. That’s the big thing.” After Balciunas hurt the Raiders with 12 points in the first quarter, the Raiders made getting the ball out of his hands a defensive priority and he attempted only one shot in the fourth quarter. Martynas Einikis stepped up and scored seven of his 17 points in the fourth, but Bolingbrook’s defense limited Lemont to 9-of-25 shooting in the second half, including 1-of-12 from beyond the arc. “We were outsized and I thought Marty got some baskets and did some nice things,” Runaas said. “But other than that, with them constantly doubling Juozas, we tried to get him to penetrate, distribute the ball and hopefully have the other guys make shots and be confident in doing that. I think we did that for a while, but then it kind of went the other way on us.”

Game breakdown 1 2 3 4 F Bolingbrook 17 21 20 13 71 Lemont 21 17 11 14 63 Leading scorers: LEM — Mike Wisz 18, Juozas Balciunas 17, Martynas Einikis 17; BOL — Prentiss Nixon 21, Kenny Williams 18, Kendall Guyton 12, Ben Moore 10

Bill Ackerman – backerman@shawmedia.com

Lemont’s Mike Wisz (left) puts up a shot while Bolingbrook’s C.J. Redmond goes for the block during their regional semifinal game Wednesday in Batavia.

LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

By JASON ROSSI

SPORTS

SPORTS |

Cold second half dooms Indians

ALL-AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL | MVP

| SPORTS

‘She’s phenomenal’

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

Prolific-scorer Romiti leads Hinsdale South to surprise league title By JASON ROSSI jrossi@shawmedia.com

Bill Ackerman — backerman@shawmedia.com

Toni Romiti scored more than 1,200 points in her four-year Hinsdale South career.

DARIEN — Anyone who watched Toni Romiti play basketball could clearly see her emotions at play on the court. And that was her dialing it back a bit. “Each year I try to learn to control my emotions,” the Hinsdale South senior said. “Everyone who knows me knows I’m a colorful player, but from last year to this year I progressed and I feel like I learned to control myself because you have to if you want to be able to lead in a positive way.” And lead she did, helping lift the Hornets to a second consecutive West Suburban Gold title and a win over Proviso West in what was a de facto WSC title game in earBasketball favorites ly February. “It was probably a surprise to a lot of people,” Current player: Derrick Rose Romiti said of winning the All-time player: Kobe Bryant, conference title after the when I was younger Hornets graduated four Movies: “Hoosiers,” “Love and starters. “It surprised me a Basketball” little bit and I’m pretty sure it surprised our coach a little, too. ... I experienced that last year so I’m happy the team got to experience that with me this year.” Romiti’s teammates also got a chance to play alongside one of the best players to ever don a Hinsdale South uniform. She tallied more than 1,200 points in four varsity seasons, closing out with 476 points this season. Included in those 476 points were highlight-reel-type showings against Proviso East (40 points, what is believed to be a school record) and 10 three-pointers against district-rival Hinsdale Central (also a school record). “She’s phenomenal,” said Downers Grove South coach Ellen O’Brien, whose team fell to Romiti and the Hornets twice this season. “She definitely has the talent, and she just exudes confidence.” As impressive as those single-game performances were, Romiti will take away a whole lot more from this season. “The whole season was awesome,” she said. “I remember when Kerry Just took a charge in the Proviso East game. I’m pretty sure it was her first charge of the year so that was really awesome.” Romiti also said a game in which MacKenzie Kern scored 26 points will be a major memory when she looks back on her senior season. “That was a big deal to me because she’s a good friend and we played together in grade school,” said Romiti, who is looking to play at the next level and has visits planned to Long Island University and South Carolina Upstate. As competitive and demanding as she was on the floor, Romiti was a bit of a softy away from the court. Before home games, she would take freshman Tatyana Presley and Sydney Kopp to Portillo’s in an effort to help nurture the next crop of Hornets. And what does she hope they learned during those meals? “One thing I always want them to remember is having fun and competing and playing with heart,” she said. “Playing with heart, a coach can’t teach you that. Anybody can have the skills, but playing with heart and hustle, that’s what matters to me.”

ALL-AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM | 2012-2013 Kennedy School: Bolingbrook Cattenhead Year: Junior

Toni Romiti

School: Hinsdale South Year: Senior Romiti: This fouryear starter and four-time all-conference selection averaged 20 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 85-percent shooting from the free throw line. She dropped 40 points in a win over Proviso East this season and made 10 three-pointers against Hinsdale Central. She finished her career with 1,206 points and 214 three-pointers.

School: Bolingbrook Year: Senior A knee injury in early December forced the Illinois-bound Cattenhead to sit out for several weeks, but when she returned she hardly missed a beat. A solid ball-handler with long-range accuracy, Cattenhead also possesses the speed to get to the rim and strength to finish inside with either hand. In 17 games of action, she was scoring 10.2 points per game on 49.1-percent shooting and led the team with a 76.1 free throw percentage.

Gabrielle Rush

School: Hinsdale Central Year: Sophomore The West Suburban Silver allconference selection averaged an astounding 21.2 points per game and set a new school record with 99 three-pointers this season. She also shot 85 percent from the free throw line and dished out 87 assists. “I hear that from a lot of coaches: ‘I can’t believe she’s only a sophomore,’” coach Tom McKenna said.

School: Bolingbrook Year: Junior Once Coleman got going, opponents had a hard time stopping her. She was able to dribble through traffic and get to the basket almost at will, but she also displayed incredible range that added to the Raiders’ arsenal. Through 25 games, the all-around player was averaging 12.7 points per game, was shooting 52.8 percent from the field, was grabbing 4.2 rebounds per game and had dished a team-high 127 assists.

Lily Sarros

School: Hinsdale Central Year: Senior One of just three seniors on the roster, Sarros averaged a double-double with 12.7 points and 13.7 rebounds per game. She was the leader for Central during a season in which it had separate four- and sixgame winning streaks. “She was like money in the bank,” coach Tom McKenna said. “You give her the ball and she would find a way to put it in the basket.”

Sarah Costello

School: Downers Grove North Year: Junior Often one of the most athletic players on the floor at any given time, Costello did a little bit of everything for the Trojans, ball-handling, long-range shooting and rebounding included. She led the team with 13.3 points per game to go along with 7.6 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 3.5 assists per game. Costello was also named West Suburban Silver allconference as well as all-tournament at the Glenbard East Thanksgiving tourney.

Susie Sternard

School: Westmont Year: Senior An Interstate Eight all-conference selection, the 6-foot-1 Sternard was the leading scorer and rebounder in 26 of Westmont’s 30 games. She averaged 13 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while blocking 30 shots and shooting 49 percent from the field. “I am having trouble imagining what the team will be like without her,” coach Mike McCord said.

Kristina Fernette

School: Lisle Year: Senior Fernette, along with fellow seniors Kelly Urban and Skylar Tomko, was a key piece for a Lisle team that enjoyed one of the best seasons in school history. An Interstate Eight all-conference selection, Fernette averaged 10.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game and helped the Lions to an undefeated conference title and a spot in the regional championship game this winter.

Courtney Toth

School: Lemont Year: Senior This senior had a nice season for the Indians, stepping up in the absence of fellow senior Kelsey Motto, who missed most of the winter with a knee injury. Toth led Lemont in scoring with 10 points per game. She also topped the Indians in blocked shots (29), offensive rebounds (68) and defensive rebounds (123) while shooting 74 percent from the free throw line.

MacKenzie Kern

School: Hinsdale South Year: Junior A versatile player for the West Suburban Gold champion Hornets, Kern was listed on the roster as both a guard and a forward. She had the toughness and finishing ability to play in the paint along with seniors Kristen Demitrijevic and Kerry Just, but she also possessed the ball-handling and outside shooting to complement guards Toni Romiti and Mary Clare Ladd.

Kirsten Zemke

School: Downers Grove South Year: Senior A threeyear varsity player, Zemke did a little bit of everything for the Mustangs. In addition to averaging a team-best 9.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, she also dished out 2.3 assists per contest. She scored 25 points against Proviso East this season and was the leading scorer and rebounder in more than half of South’s games. “Without her we’d be at a big loss,” South coach Ellen O’Brien said.

Christen Prasse

School: Benet Year: Senior A veteran leader and the only senior starter on a young Redwings team that featured four sophomores and a freshman, Prasse averaged a team-high 16.8 points per game while handing out 3.1 assists per game and draining 37 three-pointers for the year. A back-to-back East Suburban Catholic all-conference selection, Prasse led Benet to a 20-10 record and a spot in the regional championship game.

Honorable Mentions Benet: Emily Eshoo, Emma

Hlavin, Emily Schramek Bolingbrook: Destiny

Harris, Kristen Moore, Shay Robinson Downers Grove North:

Jaida Green, Izzy Greenblatt, Claire Jagielo Downers Grove South:

Brittany Dietz, Claire Hardy, Nicole Janowiak Hinsdale Central:

Maggie Roglich Hinsdale South: Kristin Dimitrijevic, Kerry Just Lemont: Kim Jerantowski Lisle: Skylar Tomko, Kate Twaddle, Kelly Urban

Westmont: Amanda Anderson, Mara Casper, Megan Seratt

LEM • Friday, March 1, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Reporter/Met

A newcomer to Bolinbrook’s program, Bugg made the transition to the Raiders’ uptempo, pressing style look seamless. A speedy guard with deft ball-handling skills, Bugg’s athleticism, scoring ability and tenacious defense added to Bolingbrook’s ability to play its trademark style. Through the Raiders’ regional title game, Bugg was averaging a team-high 16 points per game on 48-percent shooting.

Amarah Coleman

SPORTS |

Aysia Bugg

Indians’ playoff opener

Reporter/Met • mysuburbanlife.com • Friday, March 1, 2013 • LEM

| SPORTS

Jake Terrazas puts up an outside jumper for Lemont.

Indians head coach Rick Runaas talks to his team during a timeout in the game’s closing minutes.

Photos by Bill Ackerman – backerman@shawmedia.com

Lemont’s Juozas Balciunas penetrates the Bolingbrook defense and shoots during regional semifinal action Wednesday at Batavia.

Lemont’s repeat title bid fizzles in second half By SCOTT SCHMID sschmid@shawmedia.com COUNTRY CLUB HILLS — Through two quarters last Friday night, Lemont’s boys basketball team appeared poised to grab a share of the South Suburban Blue conference title for the second straight year. But Hillcrest turned the tables in the second half, outscoring the Indians 40-24 over the final 16 minutes to win 70-60 in front of a packed house and capture the league title outright. Lemont, which lost starting shooting guard Joe Hehir

25 Consecutive conference titles either shared or won outright by Hillcrest. Lemont tied the Hawks for first place in the South Suburban Blue conference last season before coming up one win short of the same feat this winter. for the season with a broken hand in the previous game against Glenbard South, wrapped up conference play with an 11-2 mark. “In the first half, the ball moved really well,” said Lem-

ont coach Rick Runaas. “We had a lot of confidence in each other and our defense confused them a little bit. We kept them off balance. “In the second half, their transition started going against us and, offensively, we bogged down a bit. Guys at points tried to do too much.” The Indians jumped out to a 20-17 advantage after the opening quarter and extended that margin to 36-30 by halftime. But the Hawks’ Jovan Mooring got hot in the third quarter, scoring 13 points in the frame as Hillcrest moved in front by three.

Lemont never led again, getting to within one point on a single occasion in the fourth, before the home team pulled away. “I thought we were mentally and physically prepared to win this game,” Runaas said, “but they came and took it from us. Give them a lot of credit. “Obviously, we are disappointed we lost but that was a fun game. With that crowd and that atmosphere, that is why we play.” Juozas Balciunas totaled 21 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Marty Einikis added 16 points

and Mike Wisz scored 12. The Indians ended the regular season with a 23-3 record after finishing the entire 201112 campaign with a 25-3 mark. “This year was actually different from last year in a number of ways,” Runaas said. “Last year, we were fortunate to not have any major injuries. This year, Joey was hurt at the beginning and at the end. Marty missed a couple of games with an ankle and Juozas was hurting but toughed it out. “We’ve won a lot of games over the last two years and I attribute that to these kids.”