New station will be located on the 135th Street Citgo Refinery property

By Laura Katauskas | Bugle Staff
sweditor@buglenewspapers.com
@BugleNewspapers

The long-awaited Romeoville Metra station is inching forward, with construction plans continuing to develop.

The Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced that the Romeoville Metra station will receive a $296,700 grant, as a part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. The ITEP is designed to promote and develop alternative transportation options, including bike and pedestrian travel, along with streetscape beautification. The federal funds are awarded competitively, and projects must be related to surface transportation.

The new station would service Romeoville and surrounding communities in Will County. It will be located on the 135th Street Citgo Refinery property and include a 600-space parking lot. The site on New Avenue would create a Metra stop between Romeoville and Lockport, which transportation officials have noted is a need along the Heritage Corridor line.

The new station initiative began in 2008, when one of Romeoville’s largest industrial residents, Citgo Petroleum Company, was about to expand and build a new plant. At the time, the village and the company struck a deal. In exchange for variances that allowed for an additional parking lot to be constructed across from the plant on 135th Street, Citgo offered to lease eight acres of land to the village for a long-sought Metra station.

Construction on the new Metra station is expected to begin next spring.

“Once completed, this new station will mean more people in Romeoville and the surrounding area will be able to spend less of their valuable time each day driving on congested roads or traveling to less convenient Metra stations,” Congressman Dan Lipinski, D-Illinois, said. “As the most senior member from Illinois on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, a proponent of public transportation, and an avid runner and cyclist, I’m excited that this grant will help better integrate public transit with the county’s growing trail system, including the Centennial Trail and the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail.

Lipinski also praised Romeoville Mayor John Noak, village board members and village staff for their “hard work on this important development.”

The grant, which comes from federal government funds, will be used to complete a path for walking and biking south of 135th Street and help pay for the installation of lighting along the multiuse path, a nearby access road, sidewalks, platforms and a warming shelter for the proposed Metra station to be located off of New Avenue and 135th Street.

“I want to thank Rep. Lipinski for his leadership and support in helping to bring this project closer to reality,” Noak said. “The new station will benefit not just the village of Romeoville but the entire region. I look forward to continuing to work with the congressman to help with projects such as this that improve both the local economy and the overall quality of life of area residents.”

Bridge project includes the extension of Houbolt between U.S. Route 6 and Schweitzer Road

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

The city is moving forward with plans to improve roadways along Houbolt Road from Interstate 80 through Route 6.

The project, also dubbed the bridge project, includes the extension of Houbolt Road between U.S. Route 6 and Schweitzer Road by constructing a bridge over the Des Plaines River.

In September, the city approved a memorandum of understanding for the project between the Illinois Department of Transportation, Will County, the city of Joliet and Centerpoint Properties Trust.

The agreement, which was approved last week by the Joliet City Council, grants the city further incentive to proceed with the project.

Officials will pay for engineering and constructions costs, valued at $21 million, using public funds for all improvement north of Route 6, according to the pact.

Should the work performed under contract abide to objectives outlined in the agreement, the city will be reimbursed what’s owed.

If there are overrun costs, the city will be responsible for any remaining charges, the pact shows.

The remaining costs of the project will be absorbed by Centerpoint Properties Trust, the city said.

Dave Ramsey

Dear Dave,

I’m 23, and I lost a good job a few days ago due to layoffs. My wife has been a stay-at-home mom with our 10-month-old daughter, and we have very little in the way of savings. What can we do to keep our heads above water?

Seth

Dear Seth,

I’m really sorry you’re going through this. I’ve been there, so I know this is a scary time for you. There are some short- and long-term goals to think about in a situation like this, but let’s look at the immediate future.

Go crazy about finding some kind of income. I don’t care if it’s delivering pizza during the week and working at the mall on weekends. Even if it doesn’t completely replace your previous income, it will give you some cash to pay bills and stay afloat. On your off days, and before and after work, you can line up and do interviews for a more stable, full-time job. You may even have to trade off babysitting duties with your wife so she can earn some money too.

While all this is going on, have a garage sale and sell anything you don’t need or want anymore. Just about anything that can be turned into income should be turned into income. In the process, prioritize your bills and other financial responsibilities. Take care of food first, then utilities, the mortgage or rent, then transportation. You guys don’t need to see the inside of a restaurant for a while unless you’re working there, and if things don’t get better by Christmas, any gifts you give should be handmade crafts.

This is doable if you two work hard, pull together and focus.

— Dave

Accounting 101? 

Dear Dave,

I’ve just started my own small business. As the owner and only employee, how do I determine my profits?

Brittany

Dear Brittany,

Here’s a basic Accounting 101 definition for you, regardless of how many employees you have or how big your business may be. What you take in, minus expenses — in other words, your revenues minus your expenses — equal profit. Believe it or not, it really is that simple.

Since you’re just starting out, I’d strongly advise you to set up a separate checking account for your business.

— Dave

Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business, and CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 12 million listeners each week on 575 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

By Trudy Lieberman | Rural Health News Service

Get ready to make some decisions. Medicare open enrollment begins October 15 and runs through early December. It’s the time when seniors and disabled people can switch plans to cover gaps in Medicare’s coverage.

Medicare continues to be one of the country’s most popular social programs, but there are coverage gaps. The program is complicated and often misunderstood, and those already on Medicare and those about to be should think hard about their options. It’s a time to beware of falling for sales pitches like the ones I received this year.

One mailing from a New York City hospital told me if I signed up for its “unique” Medicare Advantage plan, I could save money if I used the hospital system’s doctors particularly its “preferred” physicians. It noted that not all doctors who are part of its system were preferred providers and to check when making an appointment. It offered no clue about what preferred meant.

Another invitation from a seller of Medicare Advantage Plans invited me to a seminar at a local Boston Market, where I could pick up a free pie if I attended.

Often glossed over at these insurance-sponsored kaffeklatches are the essential differences between the two options for covering Medicare’s gaps. Increasingly new seniors coming onto the program don’t know what those are.

These days insurers covering employees while they are working are allowed to automatically enroll them in an MA plan when they become eligible for Medicare. The insurer, using what’s called a “seamless conversion,” sends a letter to the workers explaining the new coverage, which takes effect unless they opt out within 60 days.  It’s easy to overlook the notice.

Essentially, a consumer’s choice is between enrolling in traditional Medicare and buying a supplemental insurance plan called a Medigap or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan (MA) offered by private insurers. About one-third of Medicare beneficiaries now have MA plans largely because the government has paid insurers more – about two percent more – than it costs to provide the same benefits under the traditional program.

Those overpayments have allowed MA plans to offer extra benefits like eyeglasses and dental exams that are not part of traditional Medicare’s benefit package.

In some areas the higher government payments have made it possible to offer consumers MA plans with no monthly premiums, an attraction for cash-strapped seniors.

Premiums for Medigap policies are often higher, but people who have traditional Medicare and a Medigap policy face no restrictions on what doctors they can use.  MA plans require seniors to use only providers in the insurers’ network. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation study of 20 counties found that on average MA plans included only about half of the area hospitals in their networks; 40 percent of the plans did not include a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

MA plans come with high out-of-pocket maximums a senior must reach before the insurer will begin paying 100 percent of their medical expenses. In 2016 the maximum could be as high as $6,700. Also, seniors are sometimes surprised to learn that they are on the hook for 20 percent of the cost of expensive chemotherapy drugs until they reach the out-of-pocket limit. Too many sales people gloss over this crucial point.

While there is no limit on out-of-pocket spending for those in traditional Medicare, many seniors buy Medigap plans that limit their exposure to high out-of-pocket costs.

During open enrollment people already covered by a Medicare Advantage plan can choose a different MA plan. Seniors enrolled in traditional Medicare with a Medigap can also switch to an MA plan.  But later on if they don’t like their MA plan, their options are limited.

Here’s the catch. They can always return to traditional Medicare during open enrollment, but they can’t always get a Medigap to cover the gaps. That depends on their state.  Some allow people to buy Medigaps after returning to traditional Medicare.  Others don’t.

Research shows that very little is really known about how MA plans care for people who become seriously ill or who need specialty care, says Tricia Newman, senior vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation. Healthy 65-year-olds don’t always think about that possibility at an insurer’s sales event.  She added seniors who opt for Medicare Advantage plans when they first go on Medicare may be making an irrevocable decision by giving up their right to purchase supplemental insurance later in life.

If you’re not sure of your options, it’s best to contact your state’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for help understanding the costs and benefits of the different options. 

What has been your experience with Medicare Advantage plans? Write to Trudy at trudy.lieberman@gmail.com.

The Rural Health News Service is funded by a grant from The Commonwealth Fund and is distributed through the Nebraska Press Assn. Foundation, Colorado Press Assn., South Dakota Newspaper Assn., Hoosier (IN) State Press Assn. Foundation, Illinois Press Foundation, Wyoming Press Assn. and California Newspaper Publishers Assn. Foundation.

6th annual event will recognize 75th anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen

Joliet Central High School announced plans to honor local veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces during its 6th annual Veterans Ceremony.

Because this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen, the theme of the ceremony celebrates African American veterans.

“Joliet Central High School takes pride in honoring our veterans and looks forward to continuing this tradition,” said Joliet Central High School Principal Shad Hallihan.

The hour-long program is scheduled to begin at 2:20 p.m. Nov. 10 in the Joliet Central auditorium, located at 201 E. Jefferson St. The public is invited to attend, and veterans who will be present are encouraged to contact the Joliet Township High School District community and alumni relations director, Kristine Schlismann, at 815-727-6796 in order to be recognized at the event.

Groups expected among the cast of the ceremony are the JROTC Cadets; the Joliet Central Symphonic Band, with a musical tribute representing each branch of the service; the Joliet Central Choirs, offering patriotic hymns; ROTC Commander Phil Jayko, reading “Duty, Honor, Country”; and moving student-produced video presentations.

Following the ceremony, Joliet Central administrators, faculty and staff will host a reception in the Student Center for veterans, military personnel, families, friends and elected officials.

Students and guests will have the opportunity to personally meet with the veterans. Immediately after the reception, a scheduled panel discussion with veterans will offer students an exceptional educational opportunity.

Parking will be available in the all lots and guests may enter the building through the Student Center or at the auditorium entrance off Eastern Avenue. Attendees are encouraged to begin arriving at 2 p.m.

While Joliet native Skip Griparis was cheering for the Chicago Cubs during the recent World Series, he will be forever tied with the city of Cleveland – sort of.

Griparis, who still resides in the Chicagoland area is known to many baseball fans as Monte, the seldom spoken, yet witty color commentator from the movie Major League.

However, despite the fact that he was one factiously employed by the Indians, Griparis pulled for the North Siders in the series.

“I am fond of Cleveland, but I am a Cub fan,” said Griparis, a Lewis University alum.

While Major League and its less popular sequel are the only big screen roles Griparis, the character of Monte made him a well-recognized face to fans of the film – offering many quotable lines alongside Bob Uecker, who played his broadcast partner Harry Doyle.

“They know them better than I do. People come up to me and they have memorized the whole movie,” Griparis said. “For me, it was just a tiny little bit in my career. Playing Monte wasn’t really a whole lot. It was basically just reacting to Bob and that is the thing that most people know me from. It was a couple weekends of my life and that is what they know me for – go figure.”

Simply landing the role of Monte in the movie was by happenstance.

“I was active in acting in the late 80’s. I was doing theater and auditioning for commercials and when they were filming the first one in Milwaukee, they came to Chicago to audition people to fill out the cast,” Griparis said. “The main cast was picked in Los Angeles, but they needed some more people. Most of my audition was for a baseball player at bat on an opposing team. In fact, I brought my ball and glove because you had to actually prove that you can play baseball to be cast as a player.

“I did one line for Monte and they all laughed and said thank you and that was is. I didn’t hear anything for two weeks and thought I blew another one and then I got a call and call and they said I was Monty and that was that. You could have knocked me over with a feather.”

When he was cast, he had the chance to work alongside Uecker, the former big league catcher turned Milwaukee Brewers’ broadcaster and commercial pitchman.

“Bob was a terrific guy to work with,” Griparis said. “I go see him when he does the Brewers game at Wrigley Field, it gives me an excuse to go to Wrigley and see him. He is always cordial and fun and a terrific broadcaster.

“The first one we really enjoyed. The first one we shot in old Brewers Stadium and the second one was at Camden Yards in Baltimore. The first one was in June, it was perfect weather and everyone was in a good mood, no one knew if it was going to be anything or what.  The second one, we shot in November and it was raining half the time.”

After the 1994 Major League II, Griparis left the broadcast booth and acting and turned to performing comedy.

He now performs his one man show “The Guys Who Gave Us Rock,” a comedy and musical look through the history of Rock and Roll.

“I say that you Laugh, Learn and Rock,” Griparis said. “It is historical, funny and a lot of great music. I do about 90 vocal impressions in the show. Like 80 songs and 60 stories. I cram a lot into a couple of hours, yet it goes really fast. People are just eating it up. This is my career right now and I love it. It really utilizes my talent.”

Griparis will be performing his show at the Meiley-Swallow Theater in Naperville in January and the Bicentennial Park in Joliet in April.

By Bob Leach
For the Bugle

Holding onto a 9-0 lead with 5 minutes, 7 seconds left to play, No. 28 seed Joliet West was primed to upset No. 5 Oswego on the road in the opening round of the 8A playoffs.

After three and a half quarters played, the Tiger defense played like it belonged among the best in the state as drive after drive for the Panthers fell short but Oswego had the ball at the West 35-yard line with a strong wind at its back late in the fourth.

It took only three plays for Panther quarterback Levi Olson to find his receiver Elliot Pipkin cutting through the middle of the end zone for an 8-yard score with 4:32 left to play and cutting the West lead 9-7.

West got the ball back but Tigers running back Kendrick Roach fumbled the ball at the 40-yard line with 3:12 to play setting the Panthers up in good field position at the 50-yard line.

The Tiger defense again rose to the challenge and Marcus Blackmon came up with West’s third interception of an Olson pass at the Tiger 47-yard line seemingly setting Joliet up for a final clock eating drive, but as luck would have it, that series didn’t go as planned.

West was forced to punt the ball into a stiff wind and only got a 10-yard net setting the Panthers up at the 50-Yard line with 2:01 left to play.

Olson calmly led his team with a 7-play drive to the Tiger 3-yard line and spiked the ball stopping the clock with 28 seconds left. Moments later, Oswego kicker Mitch Blocker split the uprights with a 19-yard field goal giving Oswego a 10-9 come-from-behind victory over the Tigers in the opening round of the Class 8A state football playoffs.

The West defense was simply sensational despite the loss.

Adonnis Cousin Lee covered a blocked punt in the end zone early in the fourt that put the Tigers up 9-0 and cornerback Justin Painter shut down Pipkin all night twice picking Olson and stopping Panther drives.

Impressive as they were, nobody stood out more than Tiger linebacker Julius Garrett who recovered a fumble and cause another on the night as he terrorized the Oswego running attack.

“I was playing my heart out”, said Garret after the loss. “I didn’t want my season to end but it was a good season. The experience I gained from the season will stay with me forever, I am just sad to see it’s over.”

West coach Jason Aubry was obviously disappointed at the loss but remained incredibly poised at the end and thanked his team for the hard work they put in to get the Tiger program back to the playoffs.

“I told them I couldn’t be more proud of a Joliet West football team after their performance tonight.” Aubry said. “I think we outplayed them. They put a couple good drives in at the end but that is what good teams do.”

By Mark Gregory
@Hear_The_Beard

Last season when the Joliet West volleyball team won a regional title, it was a nice win for a talented team.

When the Tigers repeated the feat this season, the team showed the beginning of sustainable program.

West, the No. 6 seed in the Romeoville Regional, beat No. 4 Lockport, 19-25, 25-20, 25-22, Oct. 27 to win the Class 4A Joliet West Regional championship.

“It has been a while since we won two in a row,” said Joliet West coach Al Mart. “That was a good match between two good teams and it could have gone either way at the end. We got some fortunate bounces, some blocks and put a ball down when we needed to. This is a tribute back to when we lost in the regional final to Lincoln-Way East in three games three years ago.”

Lockport dominated the opening set, jumping out to a 5-1 lead and never looking back.

Mart said the Tigers calmed down after the first set.

“We told them that we had been here before. We were playing with so much emotion and we had unforced errors. We talked about it that we had to play with composure in big matches like this because when you let the emotion get to you, your brain goes haywire. They settled down and we started doing the little things,” Mart said. “We don’t do it with a lot of height or a ton of athleticism. We do it with a lot of heart and hard work.”

While the Tigers played the match dinged up, Lockport entered the regional final after losing its top player JoDee Kovanda.

“The team did a lot of work these two weeks,” Lockport coach Nick Mraz said. “To be on the brink of a regional championship by putting a brand new lineup out there in a week and a half, that shows heart and that shows grit. That was what you had to expect with these two teams getting together. We knew it was going to be a battle. There was no one walking in and going home quickly. It is a shame one of us had to go home.”

Mart said while he is happy for the Tigers, he is most happy the West seniors were able to experience the back-to-back regional titles.

“I am proud of them. I am very, very happy for this senior group,” Mart said. “They are some of the best seniors I have ever had and I am not just talking talent. I am talking character, personality, fun to be around. They are great kids. I am happy for the program, I am happy for the team, but really happy for those seniors.”

Workforce Services Division of Will County has announced its December workshop schedule, including a longer Microsoft Word session.

In response to customer feedback, Microsoft Word will be two hours long to give students more assistance in learning the program. In December, the class will be offered at 1:30 p.m. Mondays, except Dec. 26, and 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. The basics of how to use Microsoft Word in a job search and in creating a professional looking resume and cover letter will be taught.

Standout Resumes will be offered at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2. Attendees will learn the basics of creating a competitive resume and cover letter. Participants may then schedule one-on-one resume reviews with WSD staff.

A session on job search skills, Master Your Job Search, will be offered at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. The workshops will include a review of basic job search techniques, including networking and how to use the internet to conduct a job search.

LinkedIn Lab will be offered at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9. Participants should already have a basic LinkedIn account. During the lab, they will review LinkedIn features and best practices for success in finding a job. LinkedIn Lab lasts 90 minutes.

Participants will learn job interviewing techniques at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20, in Successful Interviewing. Learn how to prepare for a job interview, be confident and make a positive impression. Attendees may schedule an individual, digitally recorded mock interview after completing the workshop.

Networking Your Way to a New Job will help job seekers learn how to develop relationships and contacts with relatives, friends and acquaintances that can assist with the job search. This class also shows how social media fits in with networking for employment. The workshop will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28.

Workshops last about an hour, depending upon class size, except for LinkedIn Lab and Microsoft Word. They are offered at no cost to Will County residents.

Career Cafe will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6, and Tuesday, Dec. 13. Career Cafe is a networking event designed to connect people looking for work. In addition to sharing tips with other job seekers and learning job search techniques, participants will hear from guest speakers sharing their hiring expertise.

To reserve a seat at a workshop or Career Cafe, call (815) 727-4444 and press 0 or e-mail chellis@willcountyillinois.com.

WSD is in the Workforce Center of Will County, 2400 Glenwood Ave., Suite 100.  For more information about the Workforce Services Division of Will County, go to www.jobs4people.org.

NICK LEONGAS

By Mark Gregory
@Hear_The_Beard
mark@buglenewspapers.com

Nick Leongas – Maine South
Offensive Player of the Year

After missing most of the last two seasons to injury, Maine South quarterback Nick Leongas was told by some close to him that football may not be the best sport for him going forward.

After all, he missed his entire sophomore campaign with a torn meniscus in his knee – which he reinjured that winter in basketball – and last season was lost after week two when a hit in the game against Loyola broke his jaw in two places.

“The [injuries] really took a hit on me emotionally to watch all my friends go out last year and play without me. A lot of people were telling me to stop playing football and keep my body safe, but this team meant way too much to me,” Leongas said. “We wanted [a state championship] since we were little kids, since we watched the teams then win it.”

Not only did Leongas come back, he led the Hawks to the Class 8A state title with a win over Loyola last weekend at the University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium.

“This is the greatest feeling in the world. I can’t think of another feeling that surpasses this,” he said after the win.

On the season, the senior completed 166-of-267 passes for 2,871 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 163 times for an additional 1,116 yards and 11 scores.

His numbers and leadership earned Leongas the Voyager Media 2016 Offensive Player of the Year.

“The best thing he does is uses his head,” Maine South coach Dave Inserra said of his quarterback. “He makes unbelievable decisions within the play and is unbelievable at just keeping guys calm on the field. He is not a big rah rah guy – he can at times, but usually he has a cool, calm demeanor and that is what you need in your quarterback and he played that to a tee all year long and just kept this team moving.”

While Leongas understands what he meant to the team, he also understands what his offensive line meant to him – keeping him healthy all season.

“Our offensive linemen stepped up big time,” Leongas said. “Kevin [Jarvis] was a big part of all of our wins, but guys like Danny O’Malley, Jack Farragher, James Hynes and Sean McNulty, who hasn’t played offensive line since freshman year. They came up huge and they deserve the MVP of everything.”

JJ Frey Plainfield North
Defensive Player of the Year 

JJ FREY

On the defensive side of the ball, the 2016 Voyager Media Defensive Player of the Year also goes to a member of a state finalist, but this one comes from the 7A game.

While no Plainfield North defender posted gaudy numbers this season because the team played so well as a unit, it was senior linebacker JJ Frey that earns his place atop the all-area list.

On the season, Frey posted 109 tackles to go with 12 tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass breakups and one interception for a unit that allowed only 10 points per game.

In the state finals against East St. Louis – a team everyone said would be too fast for North – Frey led the way with seven solo stops, helping the defense allow only 20 points. The scoreboard read 26-13, but six of the Flyers’ points were on an interception return.

“Watching film, I knew I could read a gap and just go for it,” Frey said. “It was a state title game and I just had to go.”

Overall, Frey gives credit for his play to the defensive line, which he says allowed him to play the way he needed to.

“Ari (Ekowa) was all state and Tim Donnahue had [a lot of] sacks as a junior and a lot of times teams had to scheme for them,” Frey said. “I had a lot of opportunities to make a lot of plays and I was able to.”

North coach Tim Kane had Frey making plays for the Tigers for three years.

“He has been a three year starter for us and we maybe could have moved him up as a freshman, he is that type of player,” Kane said. “He is a mature kid and he works so hard and is such a serious kid about football. He loves the game and plays so hard every down and just leads by example. He studies the opponent and knows what to do. He is a smart kid, but is a tough, hard-nosed kid and he loves to hit. Because he wears No. 54 and not No. 2, people don’t realize how fast he is. He can plug a lead play inside, but he can also get outside and make a play or cover a kid out of the backfield. Our defense this year was not selfish and was not about the me stat. They were worried about the team stats – a win or a shutout or how many yards we gave up.”

Other members of the All-Area team are:

Kevin Block Plainfield North

Defensive back tallied 25 tackles on the season along with five interceptions and 10 pass break ups.

Ben Cooney Benet

Defensive back posted 44 tackles, 32 solo, eight interceptions, one sack and 10 pass break ups.

Ari Ekowa Plainfield North

All state defensive lineman tallied 49 tackles on the season, including nine sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, forced one fumble and had a pair of pass break-ups. He also played on the offensive line for the Class 7A state runners up.

Omari Ferguson Joliet West

Junior wide receiver was named to the first team all-Southwest Prairie Conference team after posting 48 catches for 612 yards and six touchdowns.

Matthew Galanopoulos Niles West

Wide receiver caught 60 passes for 822 yards, while gaining an additional 603 yards on 85 carries.

Julius Garrett  Joliet West

Senior defensive end and linebacker for the Tigers posted 58 tackles, including 17 solo to go along with six sacks. He was named to the all-SPC first team.

Ty Gavin Notre Dame

Sophomore running back led the East Suburban Catholic Conference in scoring. He tallied 901 yards rushing on 166 carries and 13 scores, adding nine catches for 77 yards and score. He also completed one pass on the season, which went for a touchdown.

Thomas Hackett Notre Dame

Senior middle linebacker posted 115 tackles on defense and 12 tackles for loss. Hackett forced five fumbles and recovered three, while breaking up four passes. He was a team captain and team MVP.

Arthur Hart Joliet West

Junior safety tallied 90 tackles. 40 solo, had three interceptions and one sack. He was named to the SPC all-conference first team.

Isaiah Hill Minooka

North Dakota State-bound wide receiver posted 1,850 all-purpose yards on the season, catching 46 passes for 965 yards and 16 scores. He also played defensive back for the Indians.

Luke Hinkamp Maine South

Wide receiver caught 25 passes for 649 yards and 10 scores on the season.

Matt Holbrook  Maine South

Wide receiver caught 47 passes for 783 yards and seven touchdowns. He also played defensive back for the Class 8A champion Hawks.

Tyler Hoosman Plainfield North

Tiger back carried the ball 230 times on the season for 1,692 yards and 26 TD. He also posted 201 receiving yards and four scores.

Kevin Jarvis Maine South

Left guard headed to Michigan State. He had 37 pancake blocks and allowed no sacks on the season for the state finalists. He was a two-time CSL South Linemen of the Year and well as two-time All-Conference. Coach Dave Inserra calls him the “best linemen I have coached.”

Jarvis made an impact on defense the last part of the season.

Fotis Kokosioulis Maine South

The talented running back carried the ball 188 times for 1,464 yards, with 21 touchdowns. He also posted 36 catches for 588 yards and four scores.

On special teams, he had eight kick returns for 187 yards.

Alec McEachern Benet

Redwing posted 94 tackles, 34 solo,, on the season. He tallied 14 tackles for loss, including four interceptions along with four interceptions, forced two fumbles and recovered one.

On offense, he carried the ball 65 times for 206 yards with one touchdown.

He added 12 catches for 138 yards and five scores.

Tavares Moore Lockport

Junior running back missed some time during the season, but still ran for 1,284 yards on 220 carries for the Porters. He posted 13 catches out of the backfield for 174 yards with 11 total touchdowns.

Jojo McNair Joliet Central

Played a Jabrill Peppers role for the Steelmen this season. He led team in rushing (44 carries for 407 yards and four touchdowns) and receiving (47 catches, 407 yards, 3TD).

As a defensive back, he tallied 22 tackles and two interceptions, taking one back for a touchdown. Of 15 kickoff returns, McNair tallied 339 yards (22.6 average), including a 100-yards touchdown.

Sean McNulty Maine South

Maybe the single biggest weapon for the Class 8A champions, McNulty is a nationally ranked kicker making 14-of-18 field goals. He pinned Loyola inside the 20 four times punting in the state title game and averaged more than 35 yards per punt on the season with a long of 70 yards.

Brady Miller Plainfield North

Junior quarterback paced the Tigers and led the team to the Class 7A state finals. On the season he completed 151-of-259 passes for 1,998 yards and 21 touchdowns.

He also rushed 39 times for 279 yards and a pair of scores.

Jordan Nettles Romeoville

The Northern Illinois University-bound running back rushed for 1,402 yards and 16 scores on the season, breaking all of the Romeoville records for season and career rushing.

Johnny Pabst Niles West

Quarterback passed for 2,582 yards passing on the season, throwing for 22 touchdowns. On the ground, he carried the ball 127 carries times for 844 yards and eight more scores.

Connor Peplow Plainfield North

Wide receiver tallied a team-best 57 catches for 878 yards and eight touchdowns, including seven grabs for 96 yards and a score in the state title game.

Devin Petersen Benet

Linebacker posted 124 tackles, including 33 solo, 14 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks for the Class 7A semifinalist Redwings.

Jake Portz Plainfield South

Inside linebacker was the Southwest Prairie Conference Defensive Player of the Year with 95.5 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and two sacks. 

“He is the unquestioned leader of our team, and quite frankly is the best leader I’ve come across in 15 years of coaching,” said South coach Bill Bicker. “He makes plays from sideline to sideline and also plays fullback for us on offense.”

Mike Pusateri Maine South

Tallied 147 total tackles including 11 tackles for loss to go along with three sacks and one interception.

Will Stoll  Plainfield North

Linebacker racked up 100 tackles on the season, including five sacks and nine tackles for loss.

Tyron Taylor  Bolingbrook

Raider defensive back tallied 85 tackles, including 10 for loss. He added a pair of interceptions, broke up eight passes forced five fumbles, recovered three and blocked a pair of kicks.

By Laura Katauskas

Staff Reporter

With so many chorus of “It’s the most wonderful time of year,” being sung and memories of holidays past a constant reminder, for those feeling less than jolly, the current season can be sometimes painful.

An advocate for senior care, Anna Walters of Senior Star at Weber Place, reminds caregivers, relatives, friends and neighbors to be mindful of how this may affect seniors.

Walters stresses there are two different issues at play with seniors who may be experiencing holiday blues—loneliness and social isolation. While you may still be happy but have feelings of loneliness, those that are experiencing social isolation are increasing their mortality rate just as fast as those with obesity or those who smoke and can show cognitive decline quicker.

“Things continually start happening to them—becoming a widow; losing their ability to drive; functional loss; many outlive their friends—they can soon find themselves at a loss,” said Walters. “Meanwhile the weather, itself, is cold and gloomy and most of the time, the holidays have people reflect on the good times with family and friends—but now they are gone and despair sets in.”

Get connected, Walters emphasizes for those who may worry about loved ones, neighbors and friends. Simply getting involved with a regular phone call or visit is paramount. Set up a family phone tree, where one member of the family is calling grandma or grandpa each day or taking them out once a week. Knowing when each other are reaching out eliminates the mystery if your loved one is involved.

“Research shows that to feel connected, you must have two or more substantial quality relationships and that means staying in touch,” said Walters. “They also need a sense of purpose—someone needs to need them. School projects, family dinners—reach out and include them.”

She further concludes that finding inter-generational connections are important and offer further opportunities to fulfill a void that may exist.

If you are interested in volunteering at Senior Star at Weber Place or just want to come in and play a game or chat, visit Senior Star at 605 Edward Drive, Romeoville or call 815-556-2487.

The City of Joliet and Waste Management want to remind all residents the last day for yard waste pickup is Friday, December 9. Yard waste collection resumes Monday, April 3.
Those who will have a real Christmas tree, set it out after Christmas at your normal pick-up location (curb or alley) on your regular trash day. If it is 5 feet in length or less, set it out in one piece, but, if it measures more than 5 feet, cut it in half. The Christmas trees will be collected until Tuesday, January 31.

Madison “Madi” Curran, left, her mother, Penny, and resident Bonnie Mroz work on lyrics to a Christmas carol during a recent Tuesday afternoon American Sign Language class.

“We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas

And a Happy New Year.”

“Stack your fists… and go around,” Madison “Madi” Curran instructs her class, teaching the students the sign for “new year.”

The 17-year-old Plainfield Central High School student and her mother, Penny Curran, travel to Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County every Tuesday afternoon where Madi, with Mom at her side, teaches sign language to residents.

Fresh off of a performance at the Veterans Recognition Ceremony on Nov. 3, where the group signed to “My Country Tis of Thee,” “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” and “God Bless America,” the class is preparing for its next performance.

The group, four women on a recent Tuesday afternoon, will perform a trio of Christmas carols during the Home for the Holidays event from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The signing carolers will travel to each of the floors, or Avenues as they are called at the county-owned nursing home, and perform “We Will You a Merry Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas.”

Their numbers will bookend the Irish dancers who will also be performing.

Merging interests

Were it not for two of Madi’s interests, it’s safe to say this class would never have happened.

Madi said as a freshman in high school she wanted to take French, but had problems conjugating verbs.

Her mother suggested she take American Sign Language instead. The Currans lived in California when Madi was in first grade and her teacher signed a song to the students every morning. Penny reminded her daughter how much she enjoyed that.

Now in her fourth year of American Sign Language, she is a teacher’s aide.

She also has been taking Irish dance for the past decade. It was through her dancing that she first came to Sunny Hill for a performance; she will be performing again on Dec. 10.

Soon after, she started volunteering in the facility’s Sweet Shoppe, dishing out ice cream on Saturdays. It was then she noticed how some residents struggled to communicate and decided to help. Her sign language class was born.

“Making them happy is what I’m here for,” said Madi. “… to help them communicate is what I’m here for.”

Among the first signs she taught them were “pain,” “emergency” and “please.”

When it all comes together and the women remember their signs, she said she feels like a mom. Or when they start putting signs together by themselves.

“I feel like that proud soccer mom who sees her kid score their first goal,” she said, adding how they have all become friends.

“They’re my ladies. We’re all like a family now.”

And she takes care of them like family. In American Sign Language, when there isn’t a sign for a word, the word is spelled out, she explained. Those movements are too small for the residents so she adapts signs for them to use.

Penny said that when the class started, the residents didn’t know each other, but now were planning to get together and practice on their own.

“We’ve got several ladies who say they want to do it and then don’t,” Penny added. “But they’ll sit on the sidelines and sign along.”

It’s not just the residents who will benefit, said Danette Krieger, activity director and volunteer coordinator at Sunny Hill.

“As a next step, we’d like to offer basic sign language to our staff,” she said.

Sign of the future

Madi, who hopes to become a trauma surgeon in a major metropolitan area such as New York, was already accepted into several area colleges. She doesn’t know which one she will eventually attend, but she knows that for the foreseeable future she will continue teaching her class at Sunny Hill, working it in around her college courses.

Her devotion earned her the Youth Volunteer of the Year Award at Sunny Hill in June.

She is modest about the award, saying, “There are people who do more for the community than I do.”

The class always ends with warm embraces. “Give me a hug, beautiful,” Madi says, beginning her good-byes. “I’m so proud of all of you. From the Veterans Day (ceremony) to this, I’m so proud of you.”

Sunny Hill Nursing Home is led by Administrator Karen Sorbero and is under the office of Will County Executive Larry Walsh. For additional information about the facility, go to www.willcountyillinois.com or find it on Facebook.

Photos by Megann Horstead
The holiday tree lighting got underway at 5 p.m. Nov. 25 at Van Buren Plaza as part of the Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade in Joliet.

Joliet City Center Partnership drives a float down Chicago Street for the annual Light Up the Holidays Parade on Nov. 25.

The annual Light Up the Holidays Parade takes to the streets of downtown Joliet for Nov. 25.

Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

The holiday season filled the streets of downtown Joliet on Nov. 25 as thousands of spectators were on hand to kickoff the annual Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade.

Anne Slabaugh, of Joliet, said she was looking forward to kicking off the holiday season with her children and her husband, Matt.

“I like all the bands and the kids have fun doing it,” she said.

Matt agreed.

“I like to see all the different floats and bands,” he said.

This year was the Slabaugh’s second time taking part in the festivities.

Anne said the reason behind the event’s popularity is clear.

“I think everyone’s off work, and people are starting to get in the holiday spirit,” she said. “I would say it’s a better parade than most. There’s a lot of school bands, and kids love it with so much candy.”

Noting that celebrating Christmas is a big deal in her family, Anne said she’s excited to have an early chance to get into the holiday season spirit.

“(I) look forward to it all year,” she said.

Matt mirrored that sentiment.

“It’s because it’s a good time to spend with family,” he said.

Melissa Campopasso, of Joliet, was watching the parade with her sister-in-law and their children. She said the event organizers put on a good show and parade.

“It was a very good time,” Campopasso said. “Our kids very much enjoyed it.”

This year was Campopasso’s first time visiting the festival and parade.

“Events like this are definitely a good idea,” she said.

Noting that the holiday season is her favorite time of year, Campopasso said it’s nice to see the community come together.

“It’s just a fun time of year,” she said.

Taran Glunz, 18, of Joliet, was watching the parade with his younger brothers and sister.

“Seeing them have fun, I guess, I had fun,” he said.

Glunz said of all the festivities in downtown Joliet, he was most surprised by the parade.

“I didn’t get bread this year,” he said, adding that he always looks forward to getting a loaf bread when Milano Bakery makes their way through the parade.

Noting the sense of discord between the police and community, Glunz said he thinks the parade and festival serves a meaningful purpose.

“Everybody just coming together for the holiday is good,” he said.

The Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade was organized by the Joliet City Center Partnership. The main sponsor for the event was the University of St. Francis.

The Joliet Township High School Alumni Association Board of Directors recognized Lynne Lichtenauer, the former JTHS Director of Alumni Relations, by naming an endowed scholarship in her honor at a recent ceremony in the new Joliet Central student center. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a Joliet Central and a Joliet West senior. Also included in the ceremony was the presentation of a plaque in Lichtenauer’s name placed in the student center’s entrance. State Representative Natalie Manley read a citation from the Illinois House of Representatives recognizing Lichtenauer and State Representative Larry Walsh, Jr., on behalf of Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, read a citation from the Illinois Senate.

Lichtenauer began her career at JTHS District 204 in 2000 as the Centennial Coordinator responsible for directing the year-long 100th anniversary celebration of the high school in 2001. Following the anniversary, the Board of Education named her Director of Alumni Relations, a position she held until June of 2016.

During her tenure, Lichtenauer worked closely with Steelmen, Kingsmen, and Tiger alumni for their respective class reunion celebrations; established a comprehensive alumni database; spearheaded several projects with the JTHS staff, administrators and faculty including the annual Joliet Central veterans ceremony, and implemented the district’s Operation Recognition program whereby diplomas are awarded to veterans who left their classroom to go to war or for military duty prior to graduation. She also initiated Joliet’s first Santa Run 5K/Santa Stroll One Mile Walk and led the formation of the JTHS Alumni Association.

In the Joliet community, Lichtenauer serves as a board member of the Joliet Area Historical Museum, the Rialto Square Theatre Foundation, the JTHS Foundation, the Joliet Park Foundation, and the Silver Cross Hospital Foundation. In 2011, Lichtenauer was inducted into the Joliet Area Hall of Pride by the Joliet Will County Project Pride organization. She is the co-host of the weekly WJOL broadcast, “Friday Mornings with Lynne, Mary & Natalie.”

Alumni wishing to make contributions to the Lynne Lichtenauer Endowed Scholarship may send donations to the JTHS Foundation, c/o Mr. Mark Turk, JTHS Administration Center, 300 Caterpillar Drive, Joliet, IL 60436. All donations are tax deductible to the extent as allowed by law.

submitted photo
Students, administrators and staff celebrate Eisenhower Academy’s Blue Ribbon Status.

Eisenhower Academy was named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School. Eisenhower is among 279 public and 50 private schools receiving this honor this year, including 21 Illinois schools. Eisenhower Academy is the only 2016 National Blue Ribbon School in Will County.

Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse, Eisenhower Principal Wendy Wolgan, and Fifth Grade Teacher Jacque Toth represented Eisenhower Academy at the recent two-day awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., where they heard from U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. and other educators, shared best practices with each other, and celebrated their hard-won achievements.

Each school also received a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama.

In the letter he stated: “This event celebrates schools that have worked to close achievement gaps and provide students with the resources they need to reach for their greatest aspirations. By coming together to honor excellence in education, you are recognizing not only the work of institutions, but also the work of dedicated individuals – teachers, administrators, and family members – who have given their all to ensure America’s youth know no limits to what they can accomplish.”

“On behalf of the Joliet Public Schools District 86 Board of School Inspectors and the entire Administration, we congratulate Eisenhower Academy,” said Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse, “The entire school community including students, staff, and parents, work together to make Eisenhower a school of excellence.”

The school recently held a Blue Ribbon School Celebration for students, teachers, administrators, retired teachers, parents, elected officials, and community members. Activities included a performance by the Student Glee Club, students sharing school highlights, congratulatory remarks, and the raising of the 2016 National Blue Ribbon School flag.

National Blue Ribbon Schools are on education’s cutting edge, pioneering innovative educational practices from professional learning communities and project-based learning to social and emotional learning and positive behavior systems. Schools are nominated by the state department of education and then complete a comprehensive application about school practices. Schools may be nominated as Exemplary High Performing—among the top schools in a state—or Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing—schools making the fastest progress in their state in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Eisenhower Academy was nominated as an Exemplary High Performing School.

For more information about Eisenhower Academy, call the school at (815) 723-0233. For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, please visit http://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/

Note to readers: Information in Police blotter is obtained from Joliet and Shorewood police departments and the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals listed in Police Reports who have been charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court. The date is the date the report was filed

November 9

• Samuel L. Mays Jr., 47, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on charges of aggravated battery and domestic battery.
• Sarah A. Monroe, 32, Morris, was arrested by Joliet police on charges of theft.
• Lucio Amaro, 34, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of aggravated domestic battery.

November 10

• Maurice Reasnover, 46, of Chicago, was arrested by state police on charges of aggravated driving under the influence.
• Ramon A. Colon, 43, of Plainfield, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of aggravated domestic battery.
• Christopher J. Frost, 45, of Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of domestic battery.
• George V. Sims, 35, of Joliet, was arrested by state police on charges of aggravated driving under the influence.
• Sherman R. Hearn, 26, of Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of theft.
• Freddie T. Hopson Jr., 49, of the 2800 block of 64th Street in Chicago, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of theft.

November 10

• Maurice Reasnover, 46, of Chicago, was arrested by state police on charges of aggravated driving under the influence.
• Ramon A. Colon, 43, of Plainfield, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of aggravated domestic battery.
• Christopher J. Frost, 45, of the 3900 block of Jonathan Simpson Drive in Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of domestic battery.
• Nicholas M. Scuteri, 58, Braidwood, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of drug possession.
• George V. Sims, 35, of Joliet, was arrested by state police on charges of aggravated driving under the influence.
• Charmain Dunn, 49, of Bolingbrook, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of aggravated battery.
• Sherman R. Hearn, 26, of Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of theft.
• Freddie T. Hopson Jr., 49, Chicago, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of theft.

November 13

• Ryan Newport, 22, of Orland Park, was arrested by Joliet police on charges of manufacture or delivery of drugs and aggravated fleeing from police.
• Adriana E. Pizarro, 28, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police Tuesday on a charge of theft.

• Thomas C. Salomoun, 31, of Westmont, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of drug possession.
• Eder Villaseca-Barrios, 31, of Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of delivery of drugs.
• Joshua Adams, 23, of Oak Lawn, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of drug possession.
• Fabian Aguilar, 22, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of delivery of marijuana.
• Deborah A. Lopez, 61, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on charges of theft, identity theft, forgery and financial exploitation.
• Antonio D. Pierce, 53, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of shoplifting.
• Gerald D. Richardson III, 26, of Plainfield, was arrested by sheriff’s police Wednesday on a charge of theft.

November 14

• Alexander C. Barrowman, 24, of Crest Hill, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of burglary.
• Jessica M. Islas, 24, of Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of armed robbery.
• Karen L. Lawrence, 43, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of drug possession.
• Tyler J. Navarro, 20, of Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of armed robbery.
• David L. Pulley, 68, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of drug possession.
• Lance D. Scott, 57, of Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on charges of delivery of marijuana and marijuana possession.
• Demetrius Clerk, 53, Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on charges of criminal trespassing and obstructing justice.

November 15

• Michael Elem, 30, of Chicago, was arrested by Shorewood police Saturday on a charge of delivery or marijuana.
• Myles L. Jones, 18, homeless, according to jail records, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of unlawful use of a weapon.
• Angelique D. McGlashan, 45, of Frankfort, was arrested by sheriff’s police on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a suspended license and driving without insurance.
• Tamara R. Mutz, 27, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of shoplifting.
• Anthony Z. Parker, 25, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on charges of vandalism and obstructing justice.
• Alex M. Roberts, 27, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on charges of theft, shoplifting and driving without a license.
• Gustavo Ruiz, 45, of Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on charges of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a suspended license.

November. 16

• Joseph J. Bodnar, 36, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on charges of aggravated battery and domestic battery.
• Jose R. Hernandez, 25, of Joliet, was arrested by Shorewood police on a charge of drug possession.
• Robert L. Taylor, 48, of Lockport, was arrested by Lockport police on a charge of unlawful use of a credit card.
• Andre Ellis, 54, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on charges of criminal trespassing and vandalism.
• Deven Grisby, 28, of University City, Georgia, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of fraud.
• Brandon A. Lofton, 23, of Park Forest, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of aggravated battery.

November 20

• David N. Carlson, 50, of Steger, was arrested by sheriff’s police on charges of drug possession.
• Marcel Gross, 25, of Chicago, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of drug possession.
• Wyatt M. Hartman, 28, of Braidwood, was arrested by sheriff’s police \ on charges of aggravated battery and resisting.
• Jack R. Isom, 35, of Alsip, was arrested by state police on charges of money laundering.
• Eddie L. Cole Jr., 32, Bolingbrook, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of unauthorized possession of a firearm.
• Demetrius D. Greene, 32, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on charges of domestic battery.
• Darnell C. Lee, 39, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of auto theft.
• Paula A. Minefee-McKenny, 62, Crete, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of domestic battery.

November 22

• Courtney M. Ward, 35, of Joliet, was arrested by state police on charges of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a suspended license.
• Rafael A. Costilla, 22, of Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on charges of manufacture or delivery of marijuana and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
• Erik T. McNease, 43, of Phoenix, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of auto theft.
• Gary Parker, 18, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of manufacture or delivery of marijuana.
• Kevin L. Price, 39, of Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of aggravated driving under the influence.
• Adam J. Weathers, 19, of Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of robbery.
• Joseph A. Dorman, 38, of Chicago, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of residential burglary.
• Joseph E. Hughes, 62, of Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of driving with a suspended license.
• William Kress, 26, of Shorewood, was arrested by state police on a charge of aggravated driving under the influence.
• Frank Meiszner, 26, of Crest Hill, was arrested by Joliet police on a charge of drug possession.
• Antonio Ruiz-Aguado, 44, of Joliet, was arrested by sheriff’s police on a charge of domestic battery.

Seven Presence Health hospitals were awarded a $70,000 grant by the Illinois Public Health Department (IDPH) for the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) to enhance hospital preparedness during public health emergencies. The grant will be used to conduct hospital emergency preparation activities at Presence Mercy Medical Center (Aurora), Presence Saint Joseph Hospital (Elgin), Presence Covenant Medical Center (Urbana), Presence United Samaritans Medical Center (Danville), Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center (Joliet), Presence Saint Francis Hospital (Evanston) and Presence St. Mary’s Hospital (Kankakee).

Previously, HPP funds have been used to support facility evacuation planning and training, sheltering patients and staff in place, mass fatality management and disaster response. In addition, the hospitals have applied funding to purchase pharmaceutical caches during emergency response situations. Grant funding has also been used to retain Regional Disaster Preparation Liaisons. These specialists support development and maintenance of preparedness plans as well as purchase equipment, including mobile medical units and equipment to communicate with local emergency responders.

“Hospitals that are prepared to respond successfully to emergencies and recover quickly from all hazards are also able to deliver services more effectively and efficiently every day,” said Kevin Bernard, Manager of Safety at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center “We believe at our hospitals that having systems in place to provide better treatment for emergency patients in our communities also leads to better health outcomes on a day-to-day basis.”

The HPP grants have also helped Presence Health hospitals develop health care coalitions with other hospitals and health care systems, community businesses and non-government organizations which can support a facility in caring for patients during emergencies.

Children spend time doing crafts on Dec. 3 at the Viking Lodge in Tinley Park as part of CASA’s Christmas Express.

Megann Horstead | For the Bugle

From Joliet to Tinley Park, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Will County pulled out all the stops for the 8^th annual Christmas Express on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.

The event is one of four fundraisers ran by CASA aimed at raising funds to support the nonprofit organization in the effort to advocate for and represent abused and neglected children in Will County.

Christmas Express allowed children and their families to arrive at Joliet Union Station to find cookies, cocoa and games.

Upon arrival in Tinley Park, the event featured sleigh rides, crafts and pictures with Santa. Additionally, CASA hosted breakfast or lunch for children and their families at Durbin’s.

CASA event manager Lisa Gunggoll said it’s nice seeing how Christmas Express gets the community involved.

“It grows every year,” she said, adding that this year it sold out.

Colleen Mora is a member of CASA’s board of directors. She said the event’s ability to draw people in is made possible, in part, because it holds great significance to support the cause.

Lena, left, and Sammy Glomp, 3, of Lemont, make candy canes during a stop at the Viking Lodge in Tinley Park as part of CASA’s Christmas Express on Dec. 3.
CASA of Will County hosts 8th annual Christmas Express.

“The Christmas event we’re having, I think, is a nice way to show during the season of giving, people being able to come, being able to give and be able go through this whole (experience)—you know the crafts and the reindeer food and the face painting—and having a good day and knowing that all their money is going towards taking care of these kids,” she said. “So, they get a day of enjoyment with Santa Claus and the reindeers and elves and also get to help the children and CASA.”

Peter Dolgner, of Romeoville, said he was enjoying all of what Christmas Express offers.

“For me, it brings me back to being a kid,” he said.

Dolgner was riding one of the Christmas Express trains to Tinley Park with his family.

Peter’s wife, Laurie Dolgner said kicking off the holiday season early by attending the event was a nice way to spend the day.

Jaida Sierra, left, 6, draws pictures with Jaelle Wilburn, 3, and Tiffany Wilburn during a stop at the Viking Lodge in Tinley Park as part of CASA’s Christmas Express on Dec. 3.

“For me, it’s about family,” she said. “It’s a reminder of how important it is to spend time with family.”

Laurie said she and her family had tried their hand at many of the activities offered at Joliet Union Station.

Laurie said her children had never rode a train until then.

“I think they’re very excited about that, too,” she said.

Kassie Bay, of Frankfort, said she was looking forward to this year’s Christmas Express.

“It was the best Christmas thing we did last year,” she said. “(It) was like the best holiday event we went to.”

Bay said while visiting Joliet Union Station, her kids tried their hand at a number of activities including painting and the mini golf game.

Noting that Christmas is a big deal for she and her family, Bay said she enjoys having an early chance to get into the holiday season spirit.

“Since the kids are little, we like to do a lot of festive activities,” she said.

Proceeds from Christmas Express will support the effort to train community volunteers to represent and advocate for abused and neglected children in Will County.

The event typically brings in between $40,000 and $45,000.

Mora said the work of CASA is important on a number of levels.

“We really need to have advocates that care about the children that go into the (Department of Child and Family Services) system, that stay with our kids from the time they come in to the time they leave the system.” she said. “They get to the know the kids; they get to the know foster families that they go with; they go to the court; they advocate for them; they really take an interest and a love for these children. I believe in that because I think our kids are our future, and we need somebody that’s going to mentor them.”

Noting that she’s an adoptive parent, Mora said she understands the system and what people go through.

Gunggoll said she would like for people to know there are a number of ways to giveback to CASA.

“There’s so much that they can do (to support CASA),” Gunggoll said. “There’s a lot of different ways that they can help.”

Gunggoll explained that CASA is looking for people to spread the word about what they do, volunteer and provide donations.

Gunggoll said CASA supports 60 percent of the kids in the county. The organizational goal is to reach 100 percent of those in need, she said.

CASA is a sponsor of United Way. For more information on how to support the organization or get involved, visit casaofwillcounty.org

Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

The Joliet Park District is looking to bring children and their families together for its annual Breakfast with Santa.

Festivities at the Dec. 17 event at Hartman Recreation Center, 511 N. Collins St. in Joliet, get underway 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Hartman Recreation Center program coordinator Megan Williams said Breakfast with Santa is designed to please.

“We just wanted to find a fun, family, free event for the community,” she said.

The event will bring children and their families together not only for breakfast, but also arts and crafts, games and a coloring contest.

Santa will be on hand to visit with families, and for a small fee children can also get pictures with him.

Williams said the event intends to entertain people of all ages.

“Everything’s family-oriented,” Williams said.

Williams said the holiday season serves as a great time for the Joliet Park District to hold events.

“We do various things throughout the holidays that are family-fun events,” she said, adding that Easter is also a big deal for them.

Breakfast with Santa typically brings in between 200 and 300 people.

Williams noted the event has grown in popularity over the years allowing the Joliet Park District to see good attendance.

“Each year, it varies,” she said. “If it’s super nice, it can be a lot more (people). Obviously, if it’s snowing, we still get a nice turnout.”

William said communication is key to the event’s success in attracting children and their families to the event. The Joliet Park District looks to promote Breakfast with Santa in a number of ways, she said.

“Returning families come to the event year after year,” she said. “They tell their families; they tell their friends. That helps, too.”

There is no registration required to attend Breakfast with Santa. People may drop in as they wish.