Crowds of demonstrators face off outside presidential candidate’s private Bolingbrook fundraiser Sept. 28

By Marney Simon | Enterprise Staff
sweditor@buglenewspapers.com
@BugleNewspapers

Threatening skies stayed clear long enough for the more than 150 people gathered outside the Bolingbrook Golf Club Sept. 28 to let their voices be heard.

Supporters and critics of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gathered to let the embattled head of the GOP know how they felt about his presence in Bolingbrook, which was due to a brief but profitable private fundraising event sponsored by Mayor Roger Claar.

Among shouts of “No Trump, No Way” and a handful of tense but, ultimately, peaceful confrontations between pro- and anti-Trump demonstrators, the crowd waved signs and flags showing why they thought Trump is either the best, or worst, person for the job.

Jo, a vocal supporter of Trump, had some strong words for critics of Hispanic descent. The Chicago resident, who declined to give her last name, parroted Trump’s claim that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is simply using Hispanics for their votes.

“Once they get their vote their going to get dumped, just like the African Americans have always been dumped,” Jo said. “That’s why we’re standing up and telling them the truth. The Democrats have bought all you people.”

But Eduardo, a Mexican immigrant who was brought to the U.S. as a child and attended Bolingbrook High School, said the views from the right on Mexicans and others Latinos is skewed, if not flat wrong.

“They call us illegals, they call us immigrants, they say we’re not from this country, and they call us drug dealers and rapists,” said Eduardo, who also declined to give his last name. “I have a daughter, I work, I make my money, I’ve never been to jail, I’ve never sold any drugs, nothing like that. I’m not racist, Trump tries to make us look like violent people, and I’m just trying to say that we’re not.”

Holding a sign that read “Married. White. Business Owners. The only demographic not yet targeted by Trump’s hate,” Bolingbrook resident Joe Giamanco said he was offended by the candidate’s rhetoric.

“I’m an attorney, and when I see injustice I have a real problem with it,” he said. “Everything I see that comes out of Trump has been an attack on pretty much everybody but ‘me’ so far. It’s not right and it needs to stop.

“I fear at this point that a lot of those folks, no matter what you say to them, no matter what you tell them, no matter what comes out of Trump’s mouth, it won’t make a difference,” Giamanco added. “They put such blinders on, they’re blind to it all.”

Others at the rally criticized the Bolingbrook mayor’s support of Trump.

Patti Droogan was born and raised in Bolingbrook, and said she and other area residents organized the group Suburban Families Against Hate as soon as they heard about the fundraiser.

“We are very disappointed in our mayor because he has insulted this entire community,” she said. “It’s very disappointing because this is supposed to be a community that encompasses everybody, and he’s inviting somebody into this town that has insulted our Muslim brothers and sisters, that has insulted our black brothers and sisters, that has insulted women… So, it speaks volumes to Mayor Claar’s character.”

But, Trump also drew minority support at the event, as some black and Hispanic demonstrators stood up for their candidate.

“We want to break the stereotypes,” said Alexander Rodriguez, of Joliet. “The narrative says that if you’re a minority, if you’re young you should be voting for Hillary and be part of the Democratic Party, and it’s just not true.

Rodriguez said he attended the demonstration to show Trump that he’s welcome in Illinois.

“I’m young, I’m of Hispanic decent, but I proudly support the Republican party, and I proudly support Mr. Trump,” he said.

Inside the event, the air was electric, according to a handful of individuals who attended the fundraiser and joined demonstrators after its conclusion.

David Diersen of the online publication GOPUSA said Mayor Rudi Giuliani spoke during the event, but added that he was even more impressed by Trump himself.

“He really was prepared,” Diersen said. “He rattled off all kinds of names of the people in the audience, and that [shows] you’re prepared to be a public speaker, you know the big shots in the audience. I liked that; his optimism, his humor.”

As far as the first debate between Trump and Clinton, Diersen said that while Trump didn’t address his performance at the fundraiser, he thought that his candidate came across in a positive light.

“I’m reluctant to be critical, I really try to look for the positive,” Diersen said. “It’s a big deal to debate Hillary, so who am I to judge.”

The fundraiser pulled in a reported $1.5 million for Trump’s campaign. For those who made their way inside, tickets reportedly cost between $1,000 and $250,000 per person.

Additional reporting by Jonathan Samples.

Viewers need to support inclusion in mainstream media

By Daniel Smrokowski Bugle Columnist

This is a time to celebrate the lives of those diagnosed with Down syndrome.  It is a time to celebrate the acceptance and inclusion of people with special needs.  In the media, whether on film, television, radio or podcast, people with Down syndrome are rarely seen, and, if they are, they are not usually portrayed in a positive light.

These days, however, the inclusion of people with Down syndrome in the media is beginning to change for the better.

A year ago, I had the opportunity to screen the award-winning documentary film “Kelly’s Hollywood.” Brian Donovan, a filmmaker based in Los Angeles, produced this film. It presents the intimate, honest and raw story of a brother’s quest to fulfill the dream of his sister with special needs of becoming a Hollywood diva.

Brian’s quest to fulfill his sister Kelly’s dream takes an unexpected turn when it begins to threaten his engagement with his fiancée. As Kelly begins to feel increasingly jealous of Brian’s fiancée, her health starts to fail. Brian is then forced to confront his sibling’s co-dependency issues. Brian struggles to find balance between fulfilling Kelly’s wish of performing in Hollywood and his own dream of getting married. Viewers learn that anything is possible. Anything can be.

This film has received many glowing reviews. Actress and Saturday Night Live star Molly Shannon proclaimed, “I just loved this documentary! It is so full of heart. I laughed. I cried. It was absolutely riveting.”

This past April 30, 2016, I was given the chance to co-host the Chicago-area premiere of “Kelly’s Hollywood.” The intimate screening was held at the Tivoli Theater in Downers Grove. The event was co-sponsored by Community High School District 99, Westmont Community Unit School District 201, SEASPAR, Special Olympics Illinois, and Special Chronicles. Approximately 50 people were in attendance.

Directly following the screening, filmmaker Brian Donovan hosted an informal question and answer session with the audience. Readers can hear the live Q&A in its entirety at www.specialchronicles.com.

One attendee to this premiere was Katie Driscoll, the founder and president of Changing The Face of Beauty – a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that is literally changing the way people with special needs are seen in the media. Katie is partnering with advertisers and companies to host photo shoots for people with special needs. At the Chicago Premiere of “Kelly’s Hollywood,” she said that at the time Brian was filming his sister Kelly, he did not have as much access to mobile devices as one would today.  That is one reason this film was unique in its creation. Brian went to great lengths to give viewers a chance to bear witness to the joy and love that his sister Kelly brought to the world.

I loved the intimate look of his film. I enjoyed the fact that viewers got to see both the joyous and challenging moments in the story. As I watched this film, I felt as if I were a “fly on the wall,” experiencing Kelly’s longtime dream of becoming a Hollywood diva.

Back at the time when Brian and Kelly were growing up, people with Down syndrome were rarely seen on screen or stage. The terms “inclusion” and to “play unified” were rarely thought of in mainstream media. In fulfilling his sister’s dream, Brian was breaking down barriers for Kelly, but also breaking new ground in the film industry. 

Fast forward to today, individuals with Down syndrome are now being included in mainstream media. Today, people with special needs are able to “play unified,” a term that was recently coined by Special Olympics to include people with and without intellectual differences.

The ever-popular reality docu-series “Born This Way,” airing on the A&E network, is a perfect example of inclusion in mass media. This show follows the lives of seven young adults with Down syndrome. This past month “Born This Way” rightly earned its first Emmy award. And, this past week, it wrapped up season two and got picked up for a third season. Viewers are able to see the cast is made up of young adults with the same hopes, dreams and fears, in addition to those who are not diagnosed with special needs. Four of the young women — Megan, Cristina, Elena and Rachel — featured on the show are even becoming Hollywood divas in their own right.

Another recent television show that many in the disability community are talking about is “Speechless.” This is a new sitcom airing on the ABC network that tells the story of a family whose eldest son has cerebral palsy. “Speechless” is breaking ground by being one of the first television shows on a mainstream broadcast network featuring an actor with special needs in a lead role. 

We, as viewers, need to support inclusion in the mainstream media on shows like “Born This Way” and “Speechless” or on films such as “Kelly’s Hollywood.”

Join me and let’s change the game for the inclusion of those with special needs in the mainstream media. Let’s make dreams come true.

Daniel Smrokowski was born three-and-a-third months premature and was diagnosed with learning disabilities and a severe language disorder.  He is an Athlete and Global Messenger with Special Olympics Illinois on the Southeast Association for Special Parks and Recreation team.  Daniel is the founder of Special Chronicles nonprofit new media company, a pioneering network that gives respect and voice to people with special needs. Come join us at www.SpecialChronicles.com.

Tim Hunter | President of Firefighters Local 44

As president of the Joliet Firefighters Local 44, I represent over 150 firefighters and paramedics who put their lives on the line everyday to keep our community safe.

Our organization works on behalf of its members to ensure fair and safe working conditions, a livable wage, and an absence of workplace discrimination. We work to negotiate our contracts with honesty, integrity and with respect to budgetary concerns.

So, I was surprised to see a recent political ad attacking Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant for protecting our right to collectively bargain, especially since the benefits of such extend far beyond union organizations. Issues important to working people such as sick leave, overtime pay, social security, unemployment, workers compensation, workplace safety standards, family leave, medical leave, minimum wage, structured workdays and the weekend many non-union workers enjoy, are all the result of union collective-bargaining efforts.

One only needs to look at her opponent’s record as Plainfield District 202 School  Board President to understand why she would attack the right to collectively bargain in a negative political ad.

Michelle Smith has tried to outsource hundreds of custodial staff – most from right here in our community – in order to force layoffs, and reduce salaries and sick leave.

This comes after repeatedly voting to give pay raises to school administrators and five-straight years of property tax increases.

Recently on behalf of hundreds of firefighters throughout the 49th Senate District, the Joliet Firefighters Local 44 and the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois endorsed Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant for a second term in the Illinois Senate.

In the short time since Jennifer took office, she has encouraged small business growth, improved public safety, increased education funding and taken on special interests in Springfield to protect our communities.

She also supports our right to collectively bargain.

Now, more than ever, we need to continue to elect commonsense legislators that will represent working families in Springfield.

Enterprise Staff

The Plainfield Fire Protection District responded to a report of a brush fire just before noon Sept. 27.

A Plainfield farmer called 9-1-1 to advise that as he was harvesting his soybean field he could see flames from a brush fire near the intersection of County Line Road and Wheeler Road, according to the fire district.

The wind-driven fire burned numerous acres of soybeans and corn, and also caught the farmer’s combine on fire.

The fire response was upgraded to a full-still alarm at 12:24 p.m., which brought in additional help from nearby fire departments and fire districts. At 12:52 p.m., the response was upgraded to a box alarm bringing in additional help.

Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire by 1:53 p.m., protecting barns and a house that were in the path of the wind-driven fire.

Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the barns and house and there were no injuries.

Assisting the Plainfield Fire Protection District with fighting the fire were

The Lockport, Troy, Minooka, Oswego and Channahon fire protection districts assisted Plainfield in fighting the blaze. The Bolingbrook and Romeoville fire departments assisted the Plainfield Fire Protection District with station coverage.

As field vegetation dries up, fire officials reminded residents that the fall season poses a higher risk for brush fires.

To help prevent brush fires, farmers are urged to not burn landscape waste on windy, dry days, and always dispose of cigarettes and cigars properly.

Additionally, make sure recreational fires, barbeque grills, candles and torches are completely extinguished.

Keep grass and weeds cut and clear of tall dry grassy areas, and trim trees and shrubs of dead or low hanging branches.

Homeowners should not stack firewood next to their house or any other structure, and make sure they do not allow leaves or needles to build up on roofs or in gutters.

Lastly, residents are reminded not to have any open flames on days that the National Weather Service issues a red flag warning for the Plainfield area.

Salary Increase Takes Effect After April Election

By Marney Simon | Enterprise Staff
news@enterprisepublications.com
@PlainfieldNews

Current Plainfield Mayor Mike Collins

The next person to head up village government in Plainfield will see a small bump in salary.

On Sept. 19, members of the Plainfield Board of Trustees approved a motion to increase the compensation of the village president by $4,000, to $24,000 per year, effective after the April 2017 election.

“This has to be done every four years or it doesn’t take effect,” Trustee Bill Lamb said. “The last time it was increased was four years ago, so we’re talking about a 2.5 percent per year increase, which is roughly what the staff has been getting in recent years. So it’s not like it’s a 20 percent jump or a 10 percent jump.”

Lamb added that, as the face of Plainfield, the mayor deserves adequate compensation.

“I think it’s highly justified based on the fact that the mayor does a lot of work,” Lamb said. “He’s the visible face of the town… I think it’s important that he be reasonably compensated.”

Trustee James Racich said the mayoral salaries in comparable towns are much higher than Plainfield.

“This job is 24-7; Mayor [Michael] Collins is on call seven days a week, 365 days a year,” he said “The buck stops at his office door. You have to contend not only with the good, but also with the bad.”

Racich also reminded the board that the increase doesn’t happen until the next administration is sworn into office.

According to the Constitution of the State of Illinois, “an increase or decrease in salary of an elected officer of any unit of local government shall not take effect during the term for which that officer is elected.”

Racich noted that the current mayor is not voting to give himself a raise, since it wouldn’t take effect until after the mayoral election in April. He added that the average person who works at McDonald’s would make about $88 per day, while the Plainfield mayor makes roughly $66 dollars per day with this increase.

“Who has the most important position, the man who’s passing out hamburgers or the man who’s running the government,” Rachich said. “I think this compensation is warranted.”

Two trustees were missing from the meeting, and the vote was not unanimous.

Lamb and Racich voted for the raise, while trustees Edward O’Rourke and Brian Wojowski voted against the raise. That left Mayor Collins as the tie-breaking vote in favor of the pay raise.

The last pay increase happened in the 2013-14 fiscal year, when the mayoral compensation went from $12,000 to $20,000. Village officials noted that the board had gone through two election cycles without approving an increase in compensation for the mayor.

“No one runs for the money,” Lamb said.

The trustee added that village board members have not seen a bump in pay in nearly a decade.

Meanwhile, the board approved a motion to spend up to $15,050 on improvements at the board room at village hall.

According to staff, there have been a number of requests to improve the sound quality in the room, which is the main site for bi-monthly board meetings, as well as other village meetings throughout the month.

New equipment will reconfigure “sound zones” inside the room, allowing trustees, commissioners and audience members to hear meetings better. Sound control will also be integrated into the system.

Submitted By District 202

A Beatles tune played as students in Linda Merdian’s full-day kindergarten class drew pictures and wrote their names in their journals.

A few minutes later the class of 24 students at Lincoln Elementary School gathered on the rug in front of Merdian to sing a song, discuss the date and sing Happy Birthday to a classmate.

Merdian is one of 17 teachers in this year’s pilot full-day kindergarten program at District 202. The program is serving 408 students this school year spread across the district’s 17 elementary schools.

The curriculum is the same for half- and full-day kindergarten. The big difference is teachers get more time and can incorporate more play-based learning in the full-day program, said the veteran teacher.

For example, one student announced to the class that he was leaving early for a modeling audition. Merdian seized the opportunity to ask if the class knew what audition meant.

Several students guessed the meaning of the unfamiliar word. A bath? A job?

“Math!” answers another boy.

“Oh you mean addition,” Merdian said, praising the student for associating a similar sounding word to audition.

Other full-day kindergarten teachers have also said the program has been beneficial for learning and teaching, said Tammy Sroczynski, Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction.

“The extra time during the day also allows more time for students to develop social and emotional skills that includes sharing, taking turns, and problem solving,” Sroczynski said.

They also get more time to read or just socialize with fellow students.

Full-day kindergarten has long been a key goal for District 202. It was identified as one of four top priorities in the 2011-16 Strategic Plan.

District 202 doesn’t have enough space to offer full-day kindergarten to all eligible students. However, the Board of Education and district administration decided last year to implement a pilot program this year with one classroom in each of the 17 elementary schools.

Each class serves 24 students. Students were chosen through a random, online lottery and pay $100 in monthly tuition to offset the materials and extra personnel costs.

In October, the district will start assessing building space to determine if it can continue to house or expand full-day kindergarten next year, said Mina Griffith, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services.

The district will notify the public about the lottery no later than December 2016, Griffith said.

Meanwhile, this year’s full-day kindergarten students continue to learn and grow.

Organic conversations like the one about the definition of “addition” can enrich a kindergartner’s education, Merdian said.

Such conversations may not happen in half-day kindergarten because there often isn’t as much time for them, she said.

Full-day kindergarten also allows Merdian to give her students more time to work in different stations such as science or art.

“This is a dream for me and them,” Merdian said, pointing to the class seated in front of her.

Joliet Township High School announced that it will hold make-up placement testing Oct. 22 for current eighth-grade students planning to attend Joliet Township High School next year.

Students who were absent for the Explore placement test recently administered at their school or who attend a parochial school should participate in the upcoming make-up testing. The make-up test will be administered at Joliet Central High School, 201 E. Jefferson St., in Joliet from 7:30 to 11 a.m.

This placement testing is open to all incoming freshmen attending both Joliet Central and Joliet West high schools who have not taken the Explore placement test.

Students should use the auditorium entrance on Eastern Avenue to enter the building and should bring two No. 2 pencils and a calculator.

Joliet Township High School students who miss this make-up testing date will be tested on registration days in January and will not be able to register until the placement test is complete. The school district added that waiting until January may affect elective choices.

Phase 2 Of Fundraising Effort For K-9 Memorial Now Underway

By Marney Simon | Enterprise Staff
news@enterprisepublications.com
@PlainfieldNews

Dogs are often credited with having the gift of a sixth sense.

It seems to be true of Kody, a 4-year-old German Shepherd who has served the Plainfield Police Department with officer Tracy Caliendo since 2013.

Caliendo took Kody out to the waterfront along the DuPage River, after she heard Electric Park was once used to get the village’s police dogs ready for duty.

But, she said, Kody took particular interest in a large rock that sits along the path about midway through the property’s south end.

“They told me it was the old K-9 training grounds,” Caliendo said. “So, I would bring him out and run him a little, because it’s open field. He’d go by the rock [and] just be kind of different.”

Caliendo later found out that her partner, the seventh K-9 employed by the Plainfield Police Department, was onto something.

“We found out that three of the four dogs from back in the 70s were buried under that rock, and nobody knew about it,” Caliendo said. “I guess before the tornado there was one of those… brass plaques that they put on there to say it was a K-9 memorial, but that blew off and they just never replaced it.”

The discovery of the site prompted a year-long project to create a Plainfield Police K-9 Memorial, which is now in its second phase.

“I just sat out here and reflected and looked at this rock, and I decided that was the time to do some kind of memorial,” Caliendo said.

At its inception, the memorial was proposed to be at the police station. But after discussion with the Riverfront Foundation, it was decided to place the memorial in Electric Park, where the other dogs were laid to rest.

The project, with an end goal of $30,000, has already captured $23,000 for a memorial stone to recognize the four-legged officers who have served the community.

Caliendo said it’s important to recognize and remember these canine members of the department, who do more than just sniff out drugs.

“He helps the public,” Caliendo said of Kody. “Just something that memorializes the K-9s so that people understand what it is that they do out here and what their capabilities are. A lot of people think that they’re just out here to sniff drugs, and they’re not. My guy, on his third day, we found a gentleman who had walked away from [an elder care facility]. It was 20 [degrees] below, and we found him 45 minutes later. Literally, a few minutes later, and he would have died. So we tracked him, Kody was able to follow his scent and we actually tracked him about a mile away.”

A German shepherd molding will mark the memorial. It won’t be on the original rock, since that rock is cracked. Instead, it will sit on top of another stone or a fabricated stone. The memorial has a Go Fund Me page to help raise cash for the project at gofundme.com/PlainfieldK9. The village of Plainfield has had a police K-9 unit since the late 1970s. In that time, seven dogs have served the community: Luger, TJ, Brutus, Blackie, Foster, Aron, and current K-9 Kody.

Choices, The Chicago Cubs And The Lure Of Superstition

By Jason Florin | Bugle Columnist

Jason Florin

A basic part of my morning routine involves starting the coffeemaker and then choosing the day’s coffee mug. The cabinet displays a great variety of sizes, shapes and colors to pick from. As I scan my options on this particular fall morning, I notice a red and blue emblem peeking through from the back row. I pull it forward and see it’s a Chicago Cubs logo, and this day just happens to be the opening game of the playoffs.

Even though I haven’t used this mug in months, during which time the team has won the most games in baseball on their way to a division title, today it feels like they cannot possibly win unless I choose their mug. I can almost feel the stars aligning as fate draws me to select the cup that will assure the team a victory. So, I succumb to the delusion.

In a classic episode of the TV show “The Office,” boss Michael Scott explains that he is not super-stitious, but he is a little “stitious.” Even if we are rational and level headed in most of our daily encounters, there still might be times when we give in to the lure of superstition. We cross our fingers for luck, avoid walking under a ladder or even pump a little extra gas to make sure the last three numbers don’t read 6-6-6.

The concept of superstition is that we believe we can control events that are really outside of our control. These magical beliefs become stronger if the outcome happens to go our way. When the Cubs won their game the night I used that coffee mug, I made sure it was the only thing I drank out of for the rest of the weekend.

On the one hand, this kind of behavior is all in good fun – a harmless way of trying to be part of something bigger. On the other hand, an over-reliance on superstition can turn against us. Instead of focusing on choices that can have a meaningful impact in our lives, we waste energy on what we cannot control. As hard as we might try, we can’t change what others do and think, let alone how the universe will unfold.

The irony of superstition is that our misguided effort at greater control only leads us to have less control in our lives. Numerous research studies suggest that when we believe that we steer our own lives – known as an internal locus of control – we feel better, perform better and experience greater success. We also take responsibility for our actions, rather than chalking it up to fate or bad luck.

The opposite occurs when we see our lives as a rudderless ship, tossed whichever way the wind and currents decide. This lack of power – known as an external locus of control – is associated with higher rates of depression, lack of self-esteem and lower life satisfaction. These beliefs also lead to stepping back from important life situations, since it feels as if we have no influence over the outcome.

By recognizing that we have choices to make, as well as how important those choices are, we can create a meaningful life. Yet when it comes to the areas we cannot change, it’s equally important to accept that we don’t have total control.

So you can keep the quirky routines that provide a small sense of connectedness, just as long as you don’t take them too seriously. After all, the best way to avoid tempting fate is to take control of it.

P.S. If the Cubs don’t win it all this year, you can’t blame me – I’m still using the same mug.

Jason Florin has 15 years of experience working in mental health and substance abuse treatment. He is currently an assistant professor and coordinator of Human Services at College of DuPage. He holds a master’s degree in Health Science from Governors State University, in addition to national and state certifications in addictions counseling. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent any other institution or organization.

Riverfront Foundation Working To Create Awareness Of Riverfront As Recreation, Economic Driver

By Marney Simon | Enterprise Staff
news@enterprisepublications.com
@PlainfieldNews

Turning the riverfront into a recreation destination is the number one goal for the non-profit Plainfield Riverfront Foundation.

“We call Plainfield the oldest community in Will County; it was one of the first settled in Will County,” said Robert Epley, executive director of the foundation. “We work together and allow the public to come out and understand the history of Plainfield.”

The Riverfront Foundation was formed back in 2009 to raise funds to revitalize the riverfront, as part of Plainfield’s 2007 master plan. The land along the river is owned by the village.

Epley said that so far, the foundation has been able to raise just shy of $500,000 for redevelopment of the riverfront.

The latest project – a lighting project to light the pathway so it is more safe and secure along the river.

“We’re working closely with the Plainfield Park District,” Epley said. “They’ve been fortunate to go out and get some grant funding to extend the DuPage River Trail. They’ve been great leaders in extending that pathway, which comes down the property here from Lockport Street.”

The foundation has been able to contribute cash to the trail project, helping to cover a shortfall in the grant funds.

Up next, the foundation will work on a brick legacy program and continue the effort to market Plainfield’s waterway.

“We’re looking to create a destination, create awareness of the riverfront, revitalizing the riverfront,” Epley said. “You look at these other communities that have rivers running through them, and they’re economic drivers. Because not only are they a recreational driver, but after you recreate, hopefully you go to the downtown and shop in one of the shops or get food in one of the restaurants.”

Use of the riverfront’s 50-plus acres as recreational land dates back to the early 1900s. The park served as “Electric Park” for several decades. There electric trains brought visitors to Plainfield as a recreation and camping destination. That site hosted an entertainment center and roller skating rink. The building that housed the rink was destroyed by the 1990 tornado.

The current Riverfront Foundation building and educational center was once the lab building for the village’s wastewater treatment plant. The foundation gutted that building, adding public bathrooms, a patio and a concession stand.

The education center was unveiled earlier this year, and is open the first Saturday of every month.

Inside, visitors can trace the history of the DuPage River from the time when Native Americans occupied the land, until today.

The Riverfront Foundation also operates the annual Plainfield Fest.

“We’ve turned that into an event where we bring 12,000 to 15,000 people here on that weekend,” Epley said.

He added that there is talk about possibly moving the festival to the riverfront, as the current event has nearly outgrown its downtown location. Epley said there are many plans under consideration to accommodate the growing festival. One consideration, he said, is the soft nature of the riverfront and how safely carnival rides could operate on that surface.

“We’ve seen great strides; we’ve gotten the downtown to support us tremendously,” Epley said. “But at the same time, [we’re] realizing that we’re constrained to space.

Epley said the foundation is successful thus far thanks to support from village leaders and their plan to keep the riverfront development an important part of the master plan.

“We’re fortunate to have a great relationship with the village of Plainfield,” Epley said. “We look forward to continuing to work together.”

To benefit local service projects that will empower women, the Zonta Club of the Joliet Area has announced plans to hold a Festival of Culture Oct. 24.

The event is scheduled to take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Jacob Henry Victorian Ballroom, 15 S. Richards St., Joliet. Locally based restaurants will be on hand to provide guests a small tasting of cuisine from around the world. Food tastings will be provided by Mama Onesta’s, Little Saigon, Mashallah Mart & Restaurant, Pepe’s, Aisha’s Southern Cuisine, Al’s Steak House, Traditions, Cheesecakes by James, and Milano Bakery.   In addition, Hollywood Casino of Joliet is providing door prize raffles of two guest stays at the Hollywood Casino Hotel and a $150 gift card for Joliet Final Cut Restaurant.

“We are excited to launch this Festival of Culture event to highlight the global connection and the diversity within our own communities,” said Mary Baudino, fundraising committee co-chair for the Joliet Area Zonta Club.

Cost to attend the event is $25 per person if purchased prior to event or $30 per person at the door. Children 5 years old and under will be admitted free of charge. To purchase tickets, call 815-302-6295 or email mfbaudino59@aol.com. Visit www.jolietzonta.org for more information.

Ceil Severns Was Among 107 Veterans Who Took Ceremonial Trip To Washington, DC

Submitted By Joliet Area Community Hospice

Ceil Severns joined the U.S. Marines in 1944.

“It was like a dream.” That was how Ceil Severns of Shorewood described the feeling she had after being recognized by Honor Flight Chicago earlier this month.

More than 100 veterans of Word War II and the Korean War were presented with a day trip to Washington, D.C., for a day of honor.

Severns, who joined the U.S. Marines in 1944, was one of two female veterans who took part in the Oct. 5 Honor Flight.

The day began with donuts, coffee and entertainment by the Legacy Girls. The group, similar to the Andrew Sisters, sang music of the 1940’s. Severns said she knew all the words because her family regularly listened to the music on the radio. She enjoyed singing along with the group before boarding an airplane on its way to the nation’s capital.

After joining the Marines on her 20th birthday, Severns was stationed at Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, California. She worked in the office at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and that is where she met her husband, Merle Severns.

He was coming back from his tour in the South Pacific, and Ceil said she was the first “lady” Marine that her husband ever saw.

Ceil said it was love at first sight.

They got married just three weeks later and had two children. The couple traveled all over Europe and were stationed in California, Guam, Germany and Maryland. Merle was in the military for 33 years; six years in the Marines and the remainder in the U.S. Army. He served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam. After Merle retired, the couple headed back to Ceils hometown of Joliet.

During the recent Honor Flight, the group arrived to Washington, D.C., and were transferred by motor coach to various war monuments.

Ceil used the word “marvelous” numerous times to describe the sights. She said the capital is full of history, adding that she was happy to see the parents of young children allowing them to learn the history of the country by visiting these monuments.

One part of the trip that amazed the Shorewood resident was when Honor Flight volunteers presented her with a plaque honoring her husband during a ceremony of servicemen standing at attention and singing “God Bless America.”

On the return to Midway Airport later that evening, the veterans were welcomed by military personnel, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, ROTC members, a band, and of course family and friends.

A welcoming committee of friends and family greets Ceil Severns and other veterans at Midway Airport Oct. 5. (Submitted Photo)

Ceil said she had to pinch herself to make certain she was actually living through this wonderful day. She said her sister’s family were there, along with staff and volunteers from Joliet Area Community Hospice and her caregiver, Paula Korycki. The well-wishers were holding signs and posters welcoming her home.

Marguerite Kronberger, chaplain at JACH, was instrumental in Ceil’s application for the Honor Flight.

“It was an outstanding event,” Kronberger said. “Ceil had tears of joy, and was so happy and proud of her service.”

During the flight, mail call letters were distributed to the veterans. Ceil said she received hundreds of letters from hospice staff and volunteers, which she joked will keep her busy reading for a while.

Grants Awarded To 11 Area Nonprofits

The Community Foundation of Will County announced that it has awarded Community Partner Grants in the priority areas of health, education, human services and the arts at the organization’s recent fall reception.

Community leaders, foundation donors, trustees and other friends joined representatives from the recipient organizations at the reception Oct. 5 to celebrate the distribution of the grants and learn more about how they will be used to support the projects and initiatives of the various recipient organizations.

“For the second year, we invited those who have donor advised funds with us to help fund grants,” said Kathy Cawley, grant committee chair. “Through their generosity we are able to increase our total impact by over 65 percent, adding over $35,000 of their support to our $55,000, for total grants awarded of $90,221.”

Nonprofit organizations serving Will County apply for grants through the Community Foundation’s annual Community Partner Grant program. In 2016, with more than $264,000 of funding requests received from 26 organizations and with exciting work happening in our community, the Board of Directors had difficult decisions to make.

In total, 11 area nonprofits makeup 2016 grant recipients. They include Camp Fire Illinois Prairie, Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Joliet, Farmworker & Landscaper Advocacy Project, George Werden Buck Boys & Girls Club, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Northern Illinois Food Bank, One Hope United, Senior Services Center of Will County, The Cancer Support Center, Trinity Services, and Will-Joliet Bicentennial Park.

Since its inception in 2006, the Community Foundation has built its assets to more than $3.2 million and awarded more than $1.6 million in grants to nonprofit agencies serving the residents of Will County.

By Mark Gregory
@Hear_The_Beard

When the IHSA playoffs were announced last weekend, six Voyager Media area teams locked in spots to compete for a state title.

CLASS 8A

(28) Joliet West
@ (5) Oswego

7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28

Joliet West advances to the playoffs for the second time in three years, but also the second time in school history.

The last time West played in the postseason was two years ago – also at Oswego.

The difference this season is that the Tigers have more than just game film on the Panthers, because they played them earlier in the season.

With Joliet West making the move this season to the Southwest Prairie Conference, the teams met in week three of the season with Oswego pulling out a 7-3 win over West.

Defense was the mantra of Oswego all season, as the Panthers allowed an average of 7.9 points per game this season – having teams score double digits three times over the course of the year.

West is led by sophomore quarterback Jaxon Aubry and a talented group of receivers and have averaged 20.4 points per game.

The winner of the SPC rematch will face either No. 12 Edwardsville (8-1) or No. 21 Oak Park-River Forest (7-2).

(27) Lockport
@ (6) St. Charles East

7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28

Lockport (6-3) will most likely be taking the field without senior quarterback Ben Davis who was lost with mononucleosis.

Jacob Karli takes over coming off his first varsity start in the Porters’ 28-0 loss to Lincoln-Way East in the season finale.

St. Charles East (9-0) comes into the playoffs with only 36 playoff points – a total that was not good enough to qualify for the playoffs with only five wins, while Lockport has 40 points out of the SouthWest Suburban Conference.

While four of Lockport’s opponents are in the playoffs this season, only two of the Saints’ opponents advanced.

St. Charles East does boast the second best point differentials in the Class 8A field, outscoring its regular season opponents by 29.9 points per game.

Homewood-Flossmoor was the best in the class at 32.4.

The Saints’ offense tallied 41.6 points, while the defense was stingy in allowing only 11.6.

For Lockport, the offense scored 21.1 points per game, while the defense allowed 18.8 – a 2.3 point per game difference – the third lowest in Class 8A.

Only Waubonsie Valley (0.2) and Evanston (-1.1) were below Lockport.

Waiting for the winner of this game will be No. 11 Marist (8-1) or No. 22 New Trier (7-2).

(26) Maine South
@ (7) West Aurora

7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28

The Hawks advance to the playoffs for the 25th straight season, second most in the field – three behind Stevenson’s 28 times.

West Aurora is only in the playoffs for the sixth time in school history – second in a row.

The Blackhawks come out of the Upstate Eight Valley Conference after spending years in the DuPage Valley.

While West Aurora comes in with an unblemished 9-0 record, it holds only 24 playoff points, 18 less than Maine South’s 42 points.

The 24 wins for opponents are the least by any 9-0 team in the entire state and lowest of all teams in Class 8A.

Five of Maine South’s nine regular season opponents are in the IHSA playoffs, while West Aurora only has one opponent in the postseason.

Maine South comes in with a diverse offense as quarterback Nick Leongas and running back Fotis Kokosioulis pace squad that has scored an average of 41.9 points per game, while its defense has allowed only 23.

Waiting for the winner will be either No. 10 Barrington (8-1) or No. 23 Leyden (7-2).

(30) Notre Dame
@ (3) Palatine

1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29

The Dons are one of six teams from the East Suburban Catholic Conference in the postseason this year. Notre Dame enters the playoffs for the second-straight season, 17th in school history.

Notre Dame is keyed by a running attack centered around multi-talented back Ty Gavin and has averaged 22.9 points per game this season, while Palatine has amassed 40.2 points per game behind Division-I recruit quarterback Zach Oles.

Defensively, the teams have allowed nearly the same number of points, as Notre Dame has allowed 15.2 points per game and Palatine has given up 16.3.

The winner of the game will get either No. 14 Naperville North (8-1) or No. 19 Lyons Township (7-2).

CLASS 7A

(22) Hoffman Estates
@ (11) Benet Academy

7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28

Benet comes into the playoffs off a second-place showing in the vaunted East Suburban Catholic Conference and a 7-2 mark overall.

An astounding seven of Benet’s opponents are in the 2016 postseason.

No team in the state has more opponents in the playoffs and only two equal the Redwings, including Class 7A and ESCC rival Carmel of Mundelein.

Benet faced its tough schedule and posted an 11.1 points per game differential, scoring 29.8 points per game and allowing 18.3.

Hoffman Estates scored 30.2 points per contest, but allowed 21.3 for a differential of 8.9.

The winner would face No. 6 Normal Community (8-1) or No. 27 Belleville West (5-4).

(17) Highland Park
@ (16) Plainfield North

1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29

In a match-up of a pair of 7-2 teams, the game could go either way and home field advantage could come into play for the Tigers.

With 38 playoff points, North edged Highland Park by one point and the home field.

The Tigers come into the playoffs boasting a 29.2 point per game differential, the third best in the field behind East St. Louis (36.0) and St. Charles North (32.4).

Plainfield North scored 40.9 points per game on the season, while allowing only 8.7 – including three consecutive shutouts and a pair of games allowing opponents to only one touchdown.

Highland Park on the other hand, has scored 32.1 points per game and allowed 16.4, for a difference of 15.7.

The winner most likely will draw the No. 1 seeded team in Class 7A Bradley-Bourbonnais (9-0), who faces No. 32 Libertyville (5-4) to open play.

By Mark Gregory
@Hear_The_Beard

When Maddie Bauer and McCoy Hutchison were in eighth grade, the friends decided they wanted to play high school tennis together.

“We asked the coach we had freshman year if we could play doubles together and he let us,” Hutchison said.

That decision made in junior high school culminated last weekend with an IHSA Class 1A doubles state championship.

“It feels awesome,” Bauer said. “It is a great feeling to be state champions.”

The duo defeated the Benet team of Katie Telford and Pauline Neubert 6-4, 6-1 for the title – the only team that had handed the Angels a set loss all season.

“We were nervous,” Hutchison said. “They were the only team that we lost a set to all season. It really could have gone either way. We knew how they played but they knew how we played.”

Bauer and Hutchison opened their state run with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Candy Leti and Erin Wright of Urbana. They then defeated Sarah Diederich and Nicole Plumley of Marion 6-0, 6-2 before beating Kelly Rentfrow and Claire Wortman of Effingham St. Anthony’s.

In the matches leading up to the finals, JCA beat Eleanor Ruscitti and Maya Seymore of Chicago Latin 6-1, 6-3 and Emma Melichar and Madelyn Skinner of Belleville Althoff 6-1, 6-3.

The perfect run at state capped off an undefeated season for the Angel pair.

“To be undefeated and win state title was great,” Bauer said. “There was a lot of pressure in conference, sectional and state, but Maddie and I play better under pressure.”

The title also helped JCA take second place in state with 21 points, falling to Benet by one.

“We worked hard for this and to get that and to get a team,” Bauer said. “It was great to be able to compete with schools our size this year. This will be something that will always be there when we come back and visit.”

The doubles team was not the only ones that helped JCA to the state trophy as freshman Mia Bertino went 4-2 at the state meet.

Bertino opened with three wins in a row, starting with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Laurynn Mize of Sycamore.

She then defeated Emilee Mossman of St. Anthony’s, 6-0, 6-1 and Haley Fakouri of Fenwick 6-3, 6-2.

Bertino’s first loss came at the hands of Madison Tattini of Bloomington Central Catholic 6-2, 6-0. She then defeated Kylie McCarthy of Troy Triad 6-2, 6-1, before being eliminated 7-6 (5), 6-2 in a second match with Fakouri.

“It is crazy,” Bertino. “Tennis isn’t popular and people don’t alwaya pay attention to it, but we showed we are good and brought more attention to our sport.”

In Class 2A, Joliet’s Eileen Carney went 3-2 in the meet, while Lockport’s Tomi Jo Mansel and Mary Kate Bucheitt went 2-2, while the team of Kaitlyn Graves and Brianna Hillock were 1-2.

The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Joliet and Shorewood Police Departments. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.

By Megann Horstead | For The Bugle
sweditor@buglenewspapers.com
@JolietILNews

Cowboys will take to the streets in search of bad blood, so will witches and convicts.

Halloween came early last weekend for those donning costumes at the Joliet Junior Woman’s Club Witches Ball.

Festivities for the second annual ball included live entertainment, a raffle, food and a costume contest. The event was held Oct. 21 at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate in Joliet.

Kristen Wiss, fundraising chair for the JJWC, said holding the Witches Ball holds many benefits to the community.

“What we want to do is just draw attention to our community and the organization in our community [that] many people don’t know about,” she said.

Wiss said area organizations that have benefited from Joliet Junior Woman’s Club fundraising events include CASA of Will County, the Warren-Sharpe Community Center and Guardian Angel Homes.

Wiss explained that the club wanted to draw awareness to organizations that are right here in people’s backyards. And, she said the event’s ability to draw people to Joliet is simple.

“There is no costume party in Joliet, which is just another reason why we wanted to do this event,” Wiss added. “I think people really like that idea, and it’s just a fun night.”

About 200 guests attended this year’s fundraiser, according to Wiss.

Those in attendance for the second annual event suited up in a variety of different costumes, including athletes, nerds, construction workers and correctional officers.

Nicole Watson Philp, of Joliet, said she was enjoying her time at the ball.

“I think it’s just a great to chance to come out and have a good time, and know that all the proceeds go right back into the community,” she said.

This year was Philp’s second time attending the annual event. She wore a construction worker costume, along with her husband. Philp said she couldn’t resist the idea of dressing up, and said it will be interesting to see who wins the costume contest.

“I mean there’s a lot of great costumes tonight,” she said. “Everybody came [ready to get] involved. I don’t know if I’ll have a chance of winning, but it’s fun to get dressed up and come out and have a good time.”

Tom Murphy, of Forest Park, said it’s been great seeing the community’s support shown for the efforts of the Joliet Junior Woman’s Club. 

“A lot of great costumes, a lot of great friendly people, great music, great food, a lot of great raffles, so it’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “I’m glad to be here; it’s been excellent. So far, so great.”

This year was Murphy’s first time attending the ball. He came dressed as a convict, while his fiancée donned a correctional officer costume.

“It’s kind of a cute couples costume, I guess you could say,” he said.

Murphy’s fiancé, Katherine Latuszek, also of Forest Park, said she liked what the event offers.

“[I like] the music, the crowd and just all the costumes,” she said. “It’s just like anything and everything.”

Latuszek said she’s not sure if she’ll win the costume contest but could see that a lot of creative people came to the ball.

“The minions, I think that was a good one,” she said.

In 2015, the Witches Ball raised more than $11,000. Wiss said the goal for this year’s event was $15,000.

“Every dime that we raise here tonight goes back to any one of those communities,” Wiss said.

Joliet Junior Woman’s Club is a philanthropic organization that supports local women and children’s organization in Joliet and surrounding communities.

By Megann Horstead | For The Sentinel
sweditor@buglenewspapers.com
@ShorewoodNews

The village of Shorewood is looking to set plans in motion to implement a tax increment finance district to encourage redevelopment among properties located along Jefferson Street and Route 59.

A TIF is an economic development tool that freezes property tax bases to allow new revenue generation to support eligible projects that benefit constituents bound by a taxing district. The effort to implement a TIF district within Shorewood began more than a year ago, officials said. The village has retained financial services firm Kane, McKenna and Associates to help assist officials through the process.

“This is an incentive the municipality wants to utilize to draw and encourage economic development,” said Mary Thompson, senior planner at Kane, McKenna and Associates. “Since the downturn in the economy, we’ve been at a standstill.”

The project’s scope meets the criteria set forth in accordance to TIF eligibility rules, and is recognized by the state as a conservation area, or space where blighted conditions might not exist but could result if not addressed in due time. Under that condition, roughly 50 percent of the facilities in the proposed TIF district must be 35 years or older.

The act outlines that a municipality must hold a public meeting if 75 or more homes are located within a proposed area. The approximately 260 acres, 349 tax parcels and 173 structures could be affected by the proposed TIF.

Thompson noted that implementing a TIF doesn’t always equate to higher property taxes, as the use of the financial planning term might commonly suggest.

“Just because the word tax appears, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to get a higher tax bill,” she said. “You may get a higher tax bill, but it’s not going to be because the TIF is in place.”

A number of residents shared similar concerns during a public meeting Oct. 21, questioning the extent to which community input is to be considered when the village decides how TIF dollars, or new monies generated by the TIF, are used.

“Any developer that comes into this town, regardless of whether it’s in a TIF or not in a TIF you have to access to, they must go through a public process,” she said. “They have to go through the plan commission… The philosophy of the project has to be in tune.”

Noting that Village officials have power that is subject to checks and balances through an annual jurisdiction review board meeting, Community Development Director Karen James said a resident affected by the proposed TIF district is to be selected to represent the community.

Under a TIF, projects eligible for funding typically stem from public-private partnerships that involve acquisition, site preparation, landscaping and public infrastructure.

Thompson said she wants it to be clear that the village has no intention to acquire properties that belong to residents.

“As a matter of fact, we have a TIF Act and a TIF eligibility report that says we certify that,” she said.

James said she understands the concerns of residents voiced during the meeting, but the downtown area is the heart of the Shorewood community and that is where the idea of implementing a TIF stems.

Paul Aldarondo, of Shorewood, said he understands the concerns that residents hold, but he also knows the power that a TIF carries.

“The first thing is if they’re able to take that percentage of the taxes we’re already paying and put it aside to reinvest in our neighbor, it’s a huge advantage because our neighborhood needs investment,” he said. “It’s the oldest section and the original section of the village, so it definitely needs some reinvestment and needs some improvement for sure.”

Aldarondo said he looks forward to seeing improvements within the proposed redevelopment area.

“I feel confident in their ability to manage the village,” he said.

Kelly Dechman, of Shorewood, said she walked into the meeting feeling worried about the TIF, her husband and their kids’ future. 

“Initially, I looked at their website and with their plans for the Riverwalk and all of that, it’s going right through my backyard,” she said. “I really thought that the TIF was connected to that. I know that they said that it’s not.”

Still, Dechman said she’s fearful her property taxes may rise. However, by the meeting’s end she said she was feeling less upset.

Service will be offered to residents on second and fourth Tuesdays

By Megann Horstead | For The Bugle
sweditor@buglenewspapers.com
@JolietILNews

The city of Joliet has launched a new electronic recycling program, after forming a pact with Will County.

The deal, which was approved last week by the Joliet City Council, intends to provide Joliet residents with a new option for recycling electronics.

Councilwoman Jan Quillman said the deal means Joliet residents won’t have to see line items added to their monthly water and sewer bills.

“That’s what makes this a sweet deal for folks,” she said.

For those looking to utilize the new service, recycling began Oct. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Will County parking lot located at the corner Marion and Ottawa streets. The service is expected to continue operating on site on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month during an agreed upon timeframe.

Joliet and Will County residents will be allowed to drop off up to two television sets and an unlimited amount of other electronics, according to the agreement. Residents will be required to show identification in order to use the service.

Until last week, Will County operated four recycling locations with limited days and hours in Lockport, Peotone, New Lenox and Romeoville.

The previous electronic collection program in Joliet, dubbed Recyclepalooza, came to a halt about a year ago, city officials said. Those events weren’t provided as frequently as the new electronic recycling program.

Joliet City Manager Jim Hock said issues previously seen at recycling events in the city are addressed under the new pact.

“Last year, they did two programs, Recyclepalooza, and it was a huge major drop off,” Hock said. “Because of the logistics and increased participation of those programs, there were lines all the way out to JJC. They couldn’t loop them back and forth enough and drop them off in time, so that’s why we’re changing the program.”

The city will pay Will County up to $10,000 from the general fund to account for one year’s cost of the program.

To date, Joliet officials have only approved funding through February.

At that time, the city will review community input gathered through a Waste Management survey regarding door-to-door electronic recycling pickup service to decide if that’s a better option. That service would cost taxpayers $15 a year, and it is setup to include disposal of all hazardous materials, in addition to electronic recycling.

Hock said he would bring the results of the Waste Management survey to city officials’ attention to decide what course of action is necessary.

Enforcement effort to take place Oct. 28 to Nov. 1

The Joliet Police Department will be looking for impaired drivers this Halloween, as part of an aggressive Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement effort Oct. 28 to Nov. 1.

Brian Benton, Joliet chief of police, warned partygoers to keep their Halloween celebration off the road.

“Driving while alcohol or drug impaired is deadly,” he said. “It is illegal and will get you pulled over and arrested this Halloween. If you want to stay safe and out of jail this Halloween, make a plan to get home without driving if you’re impaired.”

In every state, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 10,625 people were killed in U.S. drunk driving crashes in 2015.

“Even if you drive impaired and are not killed or seriously injured, you could end up paying $18,000 or more and lose your driving privileges for up to a year for just one DUI,” the police department warned.

The law enforcement crackdown is made possible by federal traffic safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation.