FINAL-NW-120910

DECEMBER 9, 2010 Vol. 56 No. 8www.nilesbugle.com Our Village, Our News

SportsNotre Dame runs record to 6-0 after beating Loyola

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By Rick KambicStaff reporter

Fourth grade teacher Alan Hirsch was going to wear jeans and a t-shirt to school on Nov. 30, but his wife Melissa told him to wear khakis. Hirsch was a wise man, and listened to her advice.

Little did Hirsch know he was about to meet Chicago

Bears quarterback Caleb Hanie and safety Craig Steltz during Culver’s school-wide assembly on positive behavior. The Bears players visited the school to name Hirsch one of 16 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom.

As part of the award, Culver received a $1,000 check for school supplies. Hirsch also got tickets to the Dec. 12 Bears/

Patriots game, as well as a one-hour field pass during warm-ups.

“I’m humbled because there are a lot of really great teachers in this building to choose from,” Hirsch said. “Going to the Bears game is just icing on the cake. Meeting the Bears was wonderful and all, but being recognized by all the teachers and the students

in the school was the really great part.”

Though the two Bears players didn’t say much, Hanie was quick to admit there are different types of heroes.

“It’s obviously different because what we get is like a warrior’s type of glory,” Hanie said. “But in the classroom, you get more of an opportunity

to affect so many people’s lives through their permanent development, as opposed to being someone’s hero for a week or a year after a great win or seasonal performance.”

Steltz added that having male teachers is important to a child’s growing social skills.

Robert Bykowski/Staff photographer

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Hanie presents Culver teacher Alan Hirsch with the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom award.

Culver teacher honored as classroom hero

See CULVER, page 2

NEWS2 THE BUGLE DECEMBER 9, 2010

“I went to an all boys prep school in New Orleans and we had both male and female teachers,” Steltz said. “You never want to have all one gender. Having both is a great opportunity for everyone to have somebody to emulate.”

Despite the great honor, Hirsch remained modest and attributed any good attributes to his past and present coworkers.

“I don’t know that I’m different than any teacher,” Hirsch said. “I just try to make a difference in each student’s life. Different kids need different things and so you try to find that every day. My first mentor teacher told me ‘when you find the key to each child, that’s when you can begin to unlock their success.’”

His wife Melissa, who was in on the surprise, wasn’t so modest. As an administrator at a neighboring school district, she knows all too well what her husband did at work.

“He integrates a lot of

technology, which is important when engaging students,” Melissa Hirsch said. “But what’s really great about that is how he’s not

the one using the technology most of the time. He gets the kids involved and integrated. That’s not common.”

District 71 Superintendent Amy Kruppe had nominated Hirsch for the award, and echoed Melissa Hirsch’s comments. “Last

year, when other teachers would have kids do poster boards, he was down in the library doing electronic poster boards on a Web site,” Kruppe said. “He’s also the first teacher to utilize and implement a smart board.”

Teaching technology isn’t limited to the classroom, as Hirsch is also quite busy teaching colleagues how to use new and emerging equipment or Web sites. His expertise comes from being the district’s director of technology for several years.

Hirsch has been an educator for 17 years, 11 of those at Culver. “Every time you walk into his classroom, there’s something fun happening — even for me, the superintendent,” Kruppe said. “The kids just love him and love coming to school. The kids who struggled before aren’t struggling anymore because he gives them another way to see things.”

Symetra is an insurance and investment company that serves educational institutions in the Chicago area. The firm teamed up with the Bears to recognize the elementary and high school teachers for their [email protected]

CULVERContinued from page 1

Robert Bykowski/Staff photographer

Chicago Bears safety Craig Steltz speaks to Hirsch during the surprise assembly, which Hirsch un-knowingly helped to plan.

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 9, 2010 3


Niles has agreed to lease space on its Golf Road water tank, between Milwaukee and Washington avenues, to Clear Wireless LLC for equipment to be installed.

The wireless internet provider will install two microwave antenna dishes and accompanying three panel antenna and wireless access point units. Board approval from the Nov. 23 meeting initiated a five year lease for $2,325 per month with a 4 percent annual escalator in addition to the cost for consultant services.

Additionally, the five-year lease can be renewed up to five times – potentially staying in Niles for

30 years.

Fire Pension Board to become elected entity

To avoid extensive annual training hours to meet new certification standards, the Fire Pension Board has requested that three of its board members now be elected at staggered time periods.

The village president appoints two members, two more members must be active participants in the pension system elected by other active pensioners, and the fifth member must be a retiree under the pension system.

All five members now serve one year terms, but to instill consistency, the state certification standards require

three year terms.

Milwaukee Ave. lagging

Phase one of the Milwaukee Avenue Beautification Project was supposed to be done by Nov. 30, 2009, but was not done until Oct. 27 – almost a year.

The setback was due to the deteriorated conditions of the existing roadway, the removal and disposal of three discovered underground storage tanks, the removal of certain waste materials found during construction and unforeseen winter conditions.

Now that the work is completed, the contractors and engineers need to be compensated for the extra work

that was not written into the original contract.

The Village Board approved the acceptance of $269,800 in grant money – 70 percent federal money and 30 percent state money – from the Northwest Council of Mayors and the use of that money to pay the outstanding bill.

Review of ethics ordinance

The Niles Board of Ethics received approval from the Village Board to seek bids from lawyers willing to review the drafted ethics ordinance. The Board of Ethics wishes to make sure the ordinance meets state ethics standards and does not violate rights to privacy or

constitutional rights.Lawyer services are not to

exceed $15,000.

Fitness Center to conserve energy

The Fitness Center received board approval to seek bids for an energy savings project that will replace 40 1,000 watt metal halide fixtures with 40 fluorescent bulb fixtures.

The cost is projected at $48,000, but the center received a grant of more than $36,000. Since the village will pay just $11,355, the expense will be paid off in one year of energy savings projected at more than $12,000.

[email protected]

Niles soon to be in Clear wireless network


The Niles Public Library is looking for residents from six demographic groups to join focus groups that will impact the library’s long-term future.

“What we’re trying to do is develop a strategic plan for the next three to five years that will be based on what the needs of the community are,” said Linda Weiss, director of the Niles Public Library. “Not only do we want to hear from the people

who use the library, but we also hope to hear from the people who don’t.”

She said keeping services and resources strong is important, but that the organization also wants to get more people in the door. By getting feedback on why some people avoid the library, the administration can then make additions or expansions to services or equipment.

“It’s the tax payers’ library and we want to make sure we meet all the tax payers’ needs and appeals,” Weiss said. “So

that’s really the whole purpose of doing these focus groups: to get people to tell us what would really work for them.”

The six types of people being sought out for the focus groups are tweens (ages 11 to 14), teens (ages 15 to 18), young adults (ages 19 to 29), parents, seniors, and adults who speak English as a second language.

“I haven’t had any volunteers yet,” Weiss said. “We do have a survey in our newsletter and on our Web site that has been generating some responses.

This is sort of like the Village Comprehensive Plan, the more input you have the better the plan will be.”

The library is still working on the potential schedule for focus groups, but a “Niles Public Library Town Hall Meeting” will be held on Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the library for those in the public who did not sign up for the focus groups.

Weiss said creating a strategic plan was voluntary and not mandated by anyone for any reason.

“Definitely other libraries are doing this, but we’re learning that sometimes perception and reality are not the same,” Weiss said. “We think we know what the patrons want, and in many cases it’s true, but sometimes we’re off the mark and this is a service organization.”

Weiss encourages people who are interested in joining a focus group or who have questions about the town hall meeting to call her directly at 847-663-6699 or e-mail [email protected].

Library calling for public input on future events

Dressbarn in the Niles area hopes that you’ll add just one more person to your holiday shopping list this season and share the joy of the holidays with of one of the nearly 13 million children now living in poverty in this country.

For the third consecutive year, Dressbarn is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program to help ensure that no disadvantaged child is forgotten this holiday season.

Dressbarn stores in the Niles area are asking customers and associates to donate new,

unwrapped toys at their local store through December 14th.

Toys for Tots will distribute all donated toys to deserving children in the store’s local community. And as a thank you, Dressbarn is offering a gift in return: each person who donates a toy will receive a coupon for 15% off the purchase of a regular-priced item.

“This simple act of kindness can mean so much to a family struggling to make ends meet,” said Vivian Behrens, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of

Dressbarn. “When you help put a toy into the hands of a child who might otherwise go without, you are sending a message of caring and hope not only to the child, but to the family as well. We’re proud to be a part of the Toys for Tots program again this year.”

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program helps less fortunate children throughout the country experience the joy of Christmas.

Through the program, the organization hopes to play an active role in the development of children, to unite members

of the local communities in a common cause and to contribute to better communities in the future.

With its message of caring and its record of success, the program sets an example for Niles area children that it hopes will inspire them to grow into more responsible and productive citizens.

“The past few years have been difficult ones for many in the U.S.,” said Behrens. “Many Niles-area children have little to look forward to this holiday season. We hope you’ll join us in encouraging all

children, no matter what their circumstances, to continue to reach for their dreams. Through the kindness of our community, these children will receive a gift that is even more important than the toy you donate - the gift of hope.”

Nationwide, Dressbarn hopes to collect more than 20,000 toys to contribute to the program, topping its 2009 total of over 12,000 toys.

For more information about Dressbarn, or its participation in the Toys for Tots Drive, please go online to www.dressbarn.com.

Dressbarn trading unwrapped toys for store coupons

By Laura KatauskasStaff reporter

A move to delay legislation that would extend unemployment benefits will affect thousands right in time for the holidays while Democrats and Republicans battle over how to pay for it.

Unemployment benefits began to expire Nov. 30, with nearly two million people losing benefits by the first of the year without an extension.

House Republicans recently blocked legislation that would extend Federal unemployment insurance (UI) programs for three months.

According to news reports from the Associated Press, President Obama announced Monday, an emerging agreement with Republicans on long-term unemployment benefits, among other issues. Reportedly under the plan, unemployment benefits would remain in effect through the end of next year for workers who have been laid off for more than 26 weeks and less than 99 weeks.

The report said, in his announcement, Obama said he had agreed on a bipartisan framework, and he wanted

Congress to approve it before lawmakers adjourn for the year later this month. In a sign that the White House recognizes the extent of Democratic opposition, officials said they would prefer the Senate vote first.

The Republican House of Representatives charges that

Democrats attempted to add another $12 billion to the nation’s debt by refusing to provide a fiscally sound way to extend federal unemployment benefits. According to the House and Ways Means Committee Republican Office, there have been eight extensions of federal unemployment benefits since mid-2008, adding a total of $123 billion to the nation’s nearly $14 trillion debt.

Democrats point to a U.S. Department of Labor Survey, that reports that the Unemployment Insurance (UI) system helps those most directly affected by recessions—those who have lost jobs through no fault of their own. The survey reports that the focus of UI makes it one of the most effective targeted tools for maintaining American families’ purchasing power and keeping the economy on track during an economic downturn.

Survey results indicate that unemployment creates a snowball effect where people who have lost their job reduce their spending causing businesses to lose money and others to lose their jobs. Unemployment insurance acts to reduce this effect by helping the unemployed continue to

purchase vital goods and services for their family.

The temporary federal unemployment benefits programs started to be phased out at the end of November, when Congress failed to extend them. This means that even individuals exhausting the six months of regular, state-provided unemployment benefits are now ineligible for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC).

“The experts agree—two out of every three people who get unemployment benefits are middle class,” said Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support Chairman Jim McDermott (D-WA) in a press release. “While the Republicans don’t mind bankrupting the country to give $700 billion in unpaid tax cuts to the rich with one hand, the Republicans are using the other hand to push unemployed middle class Americans out of their homes, to prevent them from having food on their table, and to keep their children from being properly clothed.”

According to the Committee on Ways and Means Democratic Office, consistent with past Democratic and

Republican Congresses, the bill is considered emergency spending and is estimated to cost $12.5 billion.

The Congressional Budget Office found that because unemployment benefits increase consumer demand and spending while preventing people from falling out of the labor market, “the extensions of unemployment insurance benefits in the past few years increased both employment and participation in the labor force over what they would otherwise have been in 2009.”

The House and Ways Means Committee Republican Office argues that the Democrats’ trillion-dollar stimulus signed in 2009 failed to deliver on the promise that it would create 3.7 million jobs and lower the unemployment rate to 7 percent. Instead, it has increased debt and has seen the unemployment rate spike to 10 percent.

While both Republicans and Democrats support helping the long-term unemployed, Republicans are arguing for a more responsible way to pay for these benefits by cutting less effective stimulus spending.

[email protected]

4 THE BUGLE DECEMBER 9, 2010

Unemployment percentages per town, not seasonally adjusted

October 2010 (most current month

available)

Niles: 7.8Morton Grove: 7.4Park Ridge: 6.5Glenview: 6.0Skokie: 7.7Plainfield: 7.9Joliet: 10.2Romeoville: 9.0Bolingbrook: 8.5Woodridge: 7.8Downers Grove: 7.0

Illinois average: 9.2National average: 9.0

Source: Illinois Department of Department of Employment Security

Unemployment benefit extension still undecided


Some deadlines important to unemployment have come and gone, but state officials are trying to keep applicants nearby.

“You had to end a program by a specific date in order to be eligible to graduate to the next tier, not the other way around,” said Greg Rivara, spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

While a lack of awareness is a common problem, Rivara said information can be found without waiting in long lines at the local IDES offices.

“There are approximately 389,000 claimants in Illinois today,” Rivara said. “Each claimant has been sent paperwork telling them what program they’re collecting under. We would encourage individuals to refer to that paperwork or go to our

Web site if they misplaced that paperwork.”

Congress set the deadlines through legislation, but another continuation was recently blocked by Republicans in the House of Representatives. However, Rivara said it may be just a matter of time and applicants should stick to their schedules.

“We’ve been at this junction before and benefits have been extended or expanded several times already,” Rivara said. “An individual who has exhausted the allotted benefits is encouraged to continue to certify for benefits in case Congress does reauthorize these programs.

Claimants can create a user name and password on the IDES Web site and verify what program they’re in, as well as recertify and monitor other personal information. Some

people recertify via the phone system, but Rivara said using the Web site connects the user with more information and resources.

State officials also want claimants to keep up with the IDES job training and job search programs because state trends are looking positive.

“In past recessions, the country recovered more quickly than the state,” Rivara said. “Right now, we are not seeing that. In fact, the Illinois economy is growing faster than the national economy — slightly faster, but still faster none the less.”

“As Illinois emerges from the national recession, its unemployment rate has declined for seven consecutive months while employment has grown in nine of the past 10 months. This steady, consistent trend shows Illinois is moving forward,” IDES Director

Maureen O’Donnell said. “As we move forward, we

must continue the successful strategy of intelligent, focused tax incentives and tailored

workforce training programs.”Illinois added 8,000 jobs in

October, its largest monthly gain in the last six [email protected]

Despite deadlines, claimants should continue filings



The December 3 Holiday Bingo event at St. John Brebeuf was the first in more than 20 years, but event organizers say it won’t be 20 more until the next.

Dennis O’Donovan, president of the Holy Name Men’s Club, said about 70 people attended the game night, which allowed for sizable cash prizes. O’Donovan said the prizes were dependent on the turnout, but was relieved when more and more seats started filling up.

The Bingo enthusiasts were charged $15 for 15 games, creating prizes that ranged

between $30 and $50 with a final round prize of $130.

O’Donovan was also pleased with the number of non-perishable food items donated to the Uncle Pete’s Food Pantry, which will benefit needy families within the parish and nearby towns.

Being confident that the turnout will grow with more events, O’Donovan is considering another bingo night in March so that campaigning politicians can say a few words and make contributions to the church.

Residents with feedback or ideas for another bingo night are encouraged to call St. John Brebeuf.

Brebeuf bingo is back


John L. Lazarz

John L. Lazarz, 94, passed away Friday, November 26, 2010 at Abington of Glenview. He was born Monday, April 3, 1916. Beloved son of the late Jan Lazarz and the late Caroline Lazarz. Beloved husband of the late Helen Lazarz and Jean Lazarz and beloved father to the late Janice Tessitore. Survived by his son John T. (Diane) Lazarz, of Palatine, IL, son-in-law Richard (Iris) Tessitore. Grandfather to Lisa Tessitore, Hainsville, IL, Thomas (Lana) Lazarz, Lisa (Mark) Pratt, Brian (Jennifer) Tessitore, Frank Tessitore, and Dean (Christine) Tessitore. Mr. Lazarz also had 6 Great Grandchildren. Visitation was held at the Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, on Tuesday,

November 30, 2010. Services were held at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, Wednesday, December 1, 2010. Interment at St. Adalbert Cemetery, Niles, IL.

Memorial contributions to: Unity Hospice, 439 E. 31st St., Suite 213, Chicago, IL 60616

Carol F. PowerCarol F. Power, 65, of Niles, IL,

passed away Saturday, November 27, 2010 at her residence. She was born Tuesday, December 12, 1944. Beloved daughter of the late Albert Heckrotte, and Helen Heckrotte. Survived by her husband Michael Power, Niles, IL, two children Leslie and Kristi, and her grandchildren Taylor and Cristian. Visitation was at Skaja Terrance Funeral

Home, Wednesday, December 1, 2010. Services were at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home. Thursday, December 2, 2010. Interment at Maryhill Cemetery, Niles, IL. Carol was a homemaker. Memorials can be to the charity of your choice.

Clifford M. Schultz

Clifford M. Schultz, 86, passed away Friday, November 26, 2010 at Resurrection Medical Center. He was born Wednesday, October 1, 1924. Beloved son of the late Louis Schultz and Josephine Schultz. Survived by his wife Barbara Gerber, Park Ridge, IL, his children, Curtis (Lynn), David (the late Fran), and Jeanine Clark, and his grandchildren, Curt, Eric, Tenele,

Nicole, Becky, Heather and Brandi.

He also had 11 great grandchildren. Visitation was held at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, Tuesday, November 30, 2010 and the Services were at

Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, Wednesday, December 1, 2010. Interment at Maryhill Cemetery, Niles, IL. Clifford was an Air Force Veteran, from World War II, and he was and engineer with Illinois Bell.

Obituaries

John Kaczkowski (center) of Boy Scout Troop #175 successfully completed his Eagle Scout project, as well as passed the scrutiny of the Eagle Board of Review.

John was honored at a special Eagle Court of Honor, scheduled

to take place early next year, where he will receive his Eagle patch, Neckerchief and slide to commemorate this great accomplishment.

John worked to restore the special Museum established to store the Niles Fire Department’s antique Blue Boy water

pumping fire engine. John spent months cleaning, restoring and upgrading the museum piece. Eagle Scout John joins fellow Eagle Scouts at Troop 175, completing 52 Merit badges on his way to becoming the Troop’s 7th Eagle Scout in 2010, the 43rd Eagle overall and

25th Eagle scout from Troop 175, since 2000.

The sponsoring organizations, St. John Brebeuf Holy Name Men’s Club and North American Martyrs Council 4338, of the Knights of Columbus, congratulate John, along with his entire family.

Scout leaders Leo Weiss, Dan Wiechec, Dave Okun, John Mazur, Greg Cipley, Mark Kaczkowski, Benny Costes, Richard Zaprzalka, Deacon Andy Beierwaltes and Bob Galassi were among those to welcome him to the Eagle Court of Honor.

Boy Scout troop #175 honors newest Eaglesubmitted photo

Kaczkowski (center) was welcomed to the Eagle Court of Honor by scout leaders and others.

Illustrated Opinion

Failure to CommunicateImagine going to a popular

restaurant only to find that the place is booked and the line stretches around the block. What would you do?

Imagine you’re the restaurateur. If the demand keeps up you’d expand your seating to accommodate all your customers. That’s the free market response to supply and demand.

This very same problem occurs over the Internet where demand exceeds supply. Like a water pipe you can only push so much data through at the same time.

Originally you couldn’t stream content like movies, but today you can stream a movie to your mobile phone – problem solved, right?

Not in the eyes of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). To them this “problem” can only be solved by adding red tape (and eventually taxes & fees) to the Internet.

Worse Congress has rejected this kind of regulation again and again. Even a federal appeals court quashed the last attempt. Yet, control over the Internet

remains a desperate goal for an FCC that is no longer necessary or needed.

W h e n Great Britain attempted to assert control over America debate raged in Parliament. A government man said, “What! Will these American colonies, these children of ours, who have been planted by our care, nourished by us, protected by us, will they now grudge us…” The Internet did grow out of a government project, one that languished and the free market picked up and made great.

Colonel Barre jumped up saying, “Nourished by you! When have you nourished them? They have grown up by your very neglect of them!” Ten years ago you couldn’t watch YouTube or stream a movie or shop online, but today you can and all without government interference in the least.

William Pitt then said, “I

rejoice that America has resisted. I rejoice that they are not so dead to all feelings of liberty as to be willing to submit like slaves!” The marketplace works; there is no need for the FCC or anyone to regulate the Internet. It is self-regulating. This is just another brazen power grab by an Imperial Executive. Keep the Internet free – both of red tape and taxes and it will continue to blossom.

In the movie Cool Hand Luke the Captain says, “What we got here is... failure to communicate. You gonna get used to wearin’ them chains afer a while, Luke. Don’t you never stop listenin’ to them clinking. ‘Cause they gonna remind you of what I been saying. For your own good.” Luke (Paul Newman) replies, “Wish you’d stop bein’ so good to me, cap’n.”

The FCC, like all bureaucracies, is just doing this for our own good, but it’s not wanted or needed.

At this point the captain hits Luke with a club, knocking him downhill. Of course in this movie Luke’s a prisoner of the state. Ironic, no?

FORUMTHE BUGLE DECEMBER 9, 2010 7

PublisherRich Masterson

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Editor-in-chiefAndrew Schneider

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Managing EditorM. Grace Tucker

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Sports EditorRob Valentin

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ReportersSherri Dauskurdis

Rick Kambic Laura Katauskas

Debbie Lively

Sports ReportersMark Gregory

Scott Taylor

Staff PhotographerRobert Bykowski

Editorial DeadlinesCalendar & News: 3 p.m. Monday,

three weeks before date of publication Letters to Editor: 9 a.m. Friday

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Michael [email protected]

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E-mail your letter to Grace Tucker, managing editor, at [email protected]; send your letter to The Enterprise, P.O. Box 1613, Plainfield, IL 60544; or fax to 847-588-1400. For more information, call (847) 588-1401.

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SCHOOLS8 THE BUGLE DECEMBER 9, 2010

International Club hosts winter party

Niles North’s International Club will host a winter party at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 9 in the East Cafeteria at 9800 Lawler, Skokie.

Admission is free to this popular event that celebrates the diversity of the Niles North community through song, dance and food.

Many of the school’s ethnic clubs will perform. This year’s participants include: Hellenic Club, Chinese Club, Black Student Union, German Club, Latino Club, Assyrian Club, Indo-Pak Club, French Club, Korean Club, Israeli Club and Filipino Club.

See the beauty of Niles North’s many cultures, then sample the tastes of the world at the international feast. The International Club sponsor is Aaron Minkus.

Literacy coordinator elected to IWCA

Niles West High School

Literacy Center Coordinator Andrew Jeter was recently elected to the board of the International Writing Center Association (IWCA) as their Secondary School Representative. Niles West Principal Kaine Osburn said, “Andrew Jeter is a pioneer in the development of peer-to-peer tutoring and the development of the idea of multiple literacies.

The students, teachers, administrators, and parents of the Niles West community are proud to have collaborated with Andrew in his passion and we are proud of the recognition of his work that comes with being elected to the board of the IWCA.”

Jeter has served as the Literacy Center’s Coordinator since its inception about five years ago and has been a driving force behind the Center’s success.

Earlier this year, Jeter announced that the Literacy Center had reached an important milestone: more than 100,000 students had been helped by Literacy Center tutors since it began.

West teacher appointed Physics vice-chair

Niles West High School teacher Martha Lietz has been appointed Vice-Chair of the Committee on Physics in High Schools of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) by President-Elect David Sokoloff.

Lietz’s one-year term as Vice-Chair will commence at the conclusion of the AAPT 2011 Winter Meeting; Lietz will then serve a one-year term as Chair of the Committee. As a Committee Officer for the AAPT, Lietz’s work will enrich the larger community of physics educators, as well as advance physics education as a whole.

The mission of the Committee on Physics in High Schools is to provide a common meeting ground and opportunities for communication for high school teachers of physics and astronomy, and to seek ways in which the AAPT can be of assistance to high school teachers, providing a channel of communication between the high school teachers and the Executive Board, Executive

Office, Council, and membership of AAPT.

West students honoredNiles West Principal Kaine

Osburn welcomed students and their parents at the Principal’s Recognition Breakfast held December 1.

The following Niles West students have improved their academic standing, demonstrated their love of learning, shown compassion for others, and/or demonstrated an exemplary attitude of consistently exhibited positive behavior: Ken Banchoercharoen, Dabin Chen, Daniela Dadesho, Nicholas Flatley, Morgan Gstalter, Daniel Heo, Rozy Kanjee, Hae Young Kim, Aleksandr Krapivkin, Agnes Krason, Jason Lupas, Haley Martin-Mau, Kara Mui, Jenna Poladian, Rossi Ruiz, and Vinny Varghese.

Faculty members who nominated the honorees were: Lou Metallo, Teri Langston, Gevik Anbarchian, Jessica Ogulnik, Josef Neumayer, Joyce Van Alstin, Evelyn Lauer, Ryan Geu, Colleen Gogerty, Bob Nortillo,

Andrew Sinclair, Janet Kelsey, Matt Wiemer, John Zilewicz, Ben Brzezinski, Martha Lietz, Elizabeth Ramseyer, Sheree Freeman, Andrew Jeter, and Diane Latessa.

Community invited to holiday science demo

The community is invited to attend a free Holiday Science Demo Show from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, December 17 in the Auditorium at Niles North High School, 9800 Lawler, Skokie.

Members of the Niles North Science department will present holiday-themed demonstrations such as making icicles and instant snow, floating Santa’s sleigh in mid-air, freezing cold demos with liquid nitrogen, blowing out candles from 40 feet away, the science of holiday lights, and much more.

Elementary and middle school students are encouraged to attend to see scientific principles at work. After the show, Niles North students will give hands-on science demonstrations.

Six Notre Dame College Prep students from Glenview were recognized as 2010 Youth Appreciation recipient award winners by the Optimist Club of Glenview.

The recipients include Chung Hyun Cho ’11, Dong Kun Lee ’12, Yoo Jong Lim ’11, Matt Livingston ’12, Nick Sero ’12 and Tae Kyung Suh ’12.

They received their awards at the annual Ralph Lynch Youth Appreciation Awards Luncheon. This luncheon is part of the club’s Youth Appreciation Week.

The Notre Dame students and other Glenview area juniors and seniors were selected by their teachers, counselors or clergy for their accomplishments in one of five categories: Scholarship, Sportsmanship, Citizenship, Vocational Ability, and Religious Service.

Dons honor their grandparents at Mass

Students honored their grandparents and other special people at the annual Grandparents Liturgy held at the school on Nov. 23. Some 300 guests joined the 830 students for the Mass concelebrated by President Rev. John P. Smyth, Executive Vice President Rev. Raymond Klees and Fine Art Department Chairman and teacher Rev. Richard Conyers, CSC.

Each Don who had a significant guest attend the Mass sat with them. At the end of Mass, each of these students gave that person or persons a rose to signify their love for each other.

47 inducted into NHSForty-seven Notre Dame

College Prep students were

inducted into the Father Basil Moreau Chapter of the National Honor Society in the fall. The Father Basil Moreau Chapter is an active group of some of the finest young men at Notre Dame. Once inducted, active participation in the chapter and its activities is expected of all members. The club sponsors the annual Leaf Raking Project, Adopt-A-Kid Christmas Toy Drive, supplies tutors for the Peer Tutoring Program, and elects a monthly “Don of the Month,” said NHS moderator and counselor Joan Daul. The inductees include:Seniors:Alexander BabusciTodd BradyNicholas CicconeWilliam DiFrancescaSamuel EstermanKevin FayAndrew GustafsonLawrence Lajewski

Daniel LyonsJohn MaineyJoe MontesAnthony PopeKevin RegalKevin SanetraPeter SistoJustin Sta AnaConnor ThomasJuniors:Thomas BankEun Taek ChoiKeenan ConnellyDavid ContrerasJames CravensSean FlahertyRobert GettyKhalil HaddadMichael HelwigMichael KestlerMichael KolodziejNathan LaneDong Kung LeeMatthew LivingstonMark LukasiewiczBrian McGinnis

Gregory McGuiganMatthew NeeMax O’MalleyDaniel PanicoSean PavelSteven PelrineChristopher RonchiEric RubelKeith RyanJoseph SolitaConnor VelascoMatthew WalshRyan WalshMichael Welch

Nationally, the National Honor Society was officially established in 1921 by the NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals). Four main purposes have guided chapters of NHS from the beginning: To create enthusiasm for scholarship, to simulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in students of secondary schools.

Six Dons recognized by Glenview Optimists

District 219 Briefs


CALENDARONGOING

Hunger Takes a Holiday. Until Dec. 17, Village of Niles employees and local banks are partnering for a food drive to ensure no person in Niles goes hungry this Thanksgiving and holiday season. Donations of nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the following locations: Village Hall, 1000 Civic Center Dr.; Family Services and Senior Center; Niles Fitness Center 987 Civic Center Dr.; Niles Fire Department, Niles Police Department, Niles Public Works, 6849 Touhy Ave.; Niles Teen Center, 373 Golf Mill Center; Citibank, 8400 W. Dempster; Parkway Bank and Trust, 7601 N. Milwaukee Ave.; First Merit Bank, 8720 W. Dempster; First American Bank, 7747 Waukegan Rd.

Toys for Tots. Until Dec. 16, donations of new and unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Niles Fire Department stations, Niles Village Hall, Niles Senior Center, Niles Fitness Center, Niles Teen Center, Niles Public Library, and Toy Land at Golf Mill Shopping Center. Any toys purchased for donation to Toys for Tots at Toy Land will receive a 15 percent discount. No stuffed animals or toiletries please.

Babytime. Continuous year round drop-in program for children ages birth to two years old with an adult. Includes stories, songs, fingerplays and an extended playtime afterward at 11 a.m. Mondays at the Niles Public Library, 6960 West Oakton Street, 847-663-1234.

Rise & Shine Storytime. Drop in to hear some stories, sing some songs, and do some wiggling at 10 a.m. Thursdays. Children ages 2-6 with an adult at the Niles Public Library, 6960 West Oakton Street, 847-663-1234.

Veterans History Project. The Morton Grove Library has partnered with the Morton Grove Historical Museum, American Legion Post 134, Morton Grove Family and Senior Services, and the North Shore Senior Center of Morton Grove in developing an oral history of veterans’ remembrances of wartime experiences and building the Museum’s collection of photographs, documents and artifacts. If you are interested in recording stories of military service, call 847-965-0203

to schedule an interview. Applications for volunteers are available through all five of the sponsoring organizations, and on the Village of Morton Grove’s website, www.mortongroveil.org

Knitting club. Mondays 4-5 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. No registration required. Bring a project or learn a new one. Ages 6 and up.

Kay Cassidy Book Hunt. Love to read? Love to win? Niles Public Library Youth and Teen departments are joining in on the Kay Cassidy Scavenger Hunt (http://www.kaycassidy.com/hunt/). For more information ask at Youth Services and Readers’ Advisory desks, at the Niles Public Library, 6960 West Oakton Street, 847-663-1234

DECEMBER 9Gingerbread storytime. 6:30 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. There are gingerbread men loose in the library! Come catch them if you can, decorate them, and hear some fun stories at the same time. There will be sweet fun, tasty snacks, and stories all in one fun-filled special storytime. Recommended for ages 3-7, registration is required at calendar.webrary.org or visiting the youth services desk.

Employment power workshop. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. This all-day job seeker workshop is provided by employment coaches from Illinois WorkNet. Bring your own lunch, coffee and water will be provided. Workshop will cover writing resumes and cover letters, effective techniques to find jobs in today’s market, internet job search tips and network strategies, and interviewing skills. For more information call 847-864-3530 or go to www.worknetncc.com

DECEMBER 10The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. 4 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. Balthazar Blake is a modern-day sorcerer with his hands full defending Manhattan against dark forces. When a seemingly average kid shows hidden potential, Balthazar takes his reluctant recruit on a crash course in the art and science of magic to become the ultimate sorcerer’s apprentice. (2010, PG, 109 min.)

DECEMBER 11

Crafty Saturday. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. While supplies last, drop into the Youth Services department to make a seasonal craft.

Sea Beast Puppets presents Surf & Turf. 2 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. The entire family will enjoy this wonderful presentation that uses puppets, music, and audience interactions to tell the imaginative stories of ‘Stone Soup’ and Rudyard Kipling’s ‘How the Whale Got His Throat.’ Czech marionettes and rod puppets are combined together on one stage to make this engaging show come to life.

Staley da Bear. 2-3 p.m. at the Niles Public Library. Tackle reading this winter with Staley Da Bear, the Chicago Bears mascot. Staley will be in the library to sign autographs and get kids revved up to read all winter long. For more information contact the library at 847-663-6405.

Super-easy scarf design. 2-3:30 p.m. at the Niles Public Library. Teens can create a cozy scarf to ward off winter winds. Crafter Linda Williams will conduct the snuggly scarf workshop. Registration is required, so call the library at 847-663-6405 to register or get more information.

DECEMBER 12The Other Three Tenors. 2 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. This talented triumvirate will take visitors on a musical tour of the world with everything from operatic arias and holiday standards to Korean folksongs, Viennese waltzes, French cabaret favorites, Spanish melodies, Irish ballad, Neopolitan love songs, and a Yiddish lullaby. Join the library when Franco Martorana, Warren Moulton, and Simon Kyung Lee return for a festive holiday concert. Light refreshments will be served.

Winter fest with Dave Rudolph. 2 p.m. at the Niles Public Library. Call to reserve your free tickets for this fun filled musical family show. You will laugh, move, and sing. Fun is guaranteed! Call 847-663-6405 to reserve your seats.

It’s a Wonderful Life. 3 p.m. at the Pickwick Theater, 5 S. Prospect Ave. in Park Ridge.

Families and individuals of all ages are invited to attend this joyous holiday event. Holiday music and live entertainment will begin when doors open at 3 p.m., with the movie set to begin at 4 p.m. Admission is free but donations to the Park Ridge Community Fund are gratefully accepted. For more information, call 847-825-5311 or go online to www.prcommunityfund.org.

DECEMBER 13Teen tech workshop: Blogging. 7 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. Learn about the Library’s Teen Zone blog and how you can become a teen blogger. Registration is limited to 6, so reserve your spot today by calling 847-929-5101.

DECEMBER 14Women of Note concert. 11:30 a.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. Joseph Agnew directs the Women of Note in a holiday concert featuring a range of favorites from ‘The Christmas Song’ and ‘Winter Wonderland,’ jazz arrangements of several well-known carols, and a medley of Chanukah songs.

Winter reading club yoga and tea. 2-3 p.m. at the Niles Public Library. Join yoga teacher Allison Wilmes in a relaxing chair-based yoga class. Afterward, join her for a soothing cup of tea. Registration is required, so reserve a spot by calling 847-663-6405.

Friendship bracelets for grades 3-6. 6-7 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. Come learn to make a gift for your best friend. Supplies and instruction are included. Call the library at 847-929-5101 to register or for more information.

This is Just to Say. 7-8 p.m. at the Niles Public Library. For families, grades K and up. A wonderful family theatre experience for free. Mudlark Theater Company children’s theater will present an adaptation of Joyce Sidman’s terrific book, ‘This is Just to Say.’

DECEMBER 15Decorative Origami. 6:30-8 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. Try your hand at four different projects, all of which can be used to decorate your home for the holidays, used as gifts, or for everyday enjoyment. Learn the basics of Japanese paper folding as well as how to do more complicated

techniques. Call 847-929-5101 to register. Registration is required, class limited to 20 participants.

Scrabble and Chess for adults. 1-3 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. Challenge your brain with friendly, non-competitive games of chess and Scrabble. Light refreshments are served.

DECEMBER 16Open computer practice. 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Niles Public Library. Adults who have taken one of the library’s computer classes may come in at any time during the session to practice what they have learned in class. Handouts will be available, along with staff to assist.

Killers. 2 p.m. at the Niles Public Library. He’s tall, dark, and handsome with a hint of mystery. What more does Jen need to know about the man who’s just swept her off her feet? Well, maybe that he’s an assassin. (PG-13, 93 min. Closed captioned) For more information contact the library at 847-663-6405.

A Single Man. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows at the Morton Grove Public Library. After the death of his longtime partner, a British college professor in Los Angeles struggles to find meaning in his life. As hr dwells in the past, he begins to contemplate suicide. A series of events and encounters will lead him to question if there really is a meaning to his life after all. (2010, R, 100 min.)

DECEMBER 17The Road. 2 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. A father and son are two of the last remaining people on Earth after an unexplained tragedy has destroyed most of life. As the two head south, they are faced with many trials and tribulations along the way. (2010, R, 111 min.)

Dear Diary. 4:30 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library. For ages 9 and up. If you enjoy reading books like ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ and ‘Dear Dumb Diary,’ this writing workshop is for you. Everyone will get a journal of their own to write in and will learn about what goes into keeping a record of your life. Excerpts will be read from some of the ‘Diary’ and ‘Journal’ books in the library. Registration is required, call 847-929-5101 for more information or to register.


Protect your personal privacy without

being pig-headed. Not that there is anything wrong with pigs. An exaggerated sense of your own importance can impede your common sense in the week ahead.

Even full-fledged flirting fails to fulfill

fantasies. In the week ahead, your eyes may wander - even if you have a steady Freddy or Hedy waiting in the wings. Wear blinders and stick to the tried and true.

It is sometimes feast or famine. You enjoy

the thrill of the chase this week, but aren’t sure what to do if you catch your prey. You quickly lose interest in anyone that succumbs to your charms too easily.

Watch and weigh your words. A

restless inability to do anything without a congenial partner along for the ride can interfere with harmony. You can easily say something that offends this week.

With the new moon in your opposite sign,

there can be a realignment of focus over the next several weeks. You might be more aware of relationship dynamics or get caught up in a loved one’s situation this week.

A new moon can set sparks flying in

your workplace. You may become increasingly aware of how you can provide services for others in the week ahead, especially an overworked partner.

The new moon in your sign might shift

your interests. The rhythm of daily life might subtly realign during the next several weeks as your attention is drawn to personally appealing subjects.

Schedules and routines can rile you up. In

the week ahead, repetitive activities can sour your mood. You may need to work harder than usual to keep on top of existing obligations and may tire easily.

Today’s new moon moves the focus to fun.

Over the next several weeks, you may become progressively more involved in personal entertainments, hobbies or creative endeavors. Work hard to play hard this week.

Nothing beats a good book. This is an

excellent week to begin a study or to perform research. Whether your quest for knowledge leads you to the library or the Internet, don’t believe everything you read.

The workplace is no place for horseplay. Too

much chatter and banter, or socializing around the water cooler, can earn a black mark from the boss. Honor your highest ideals in the week to come.

The more you see, the more you want. Your

eyes could be bigger than your stomach and your dreams can be bigger than your wallet in the week to come. Watch a tendency to be extravagant.

1 Very, in music 6 Therefore 10 Skeleton piece 14 “Guys and __” 15 Bring up 16 Pig or cast follower 17 Texas shrine 18 Cleave 19 Donate 20 Colorado scenic attraction 22 Sports group 23 Pineapple firm 24 Actress Judd 26 Combined 30 Orchestral instruments 32 Profess 33 Superlative endings 35 Freeze over 39 Last Supper room 41 Dining-room

linen 43 Swedish cash 44 Not kosher 46 Greek goddess of discord 47 Edible red seaweed 49 Most recent 51 Repair shoes 54 Ride the wind 56 Earthenware jar 57 HOMES 63 Port of Yemen 64 Staffs 65 Italian fascist Balbo 66 Swim alternative 67 La commedia dell’ __ 68 Sub detector 69 Turner and Williams 70 Scottish loch 71 Small, silvery fish

1 Hebrew month 2 Go it alone 3 Bowl over 4 __ mater 5 Tristan’s love 6 Actor Flynn 7 Put back up 8 Band of hoods 9 Trying experience 10 National preserve in Texas 11 Bay window 12 Exploding stars 13 Foe 21 Hofstadter’s “__, Escher, Bach” 25 Lapse in concentration 26 Ted or Connie 27 At any time 28 Nevada city 29 Shoals off Newfoundland 31 Slave of the past 34 Solidifies 36 Irish homeland 37 Les Etats-__

38 Hey you! 40 Greater omentum 42 G-sharp 45 Holds a grudge 48 Admirer of Betty Grable? 50 George of “Disraeli” 51 Freewheel 52 Nostalgic song 53 Mix together 55 Watering places 58 Spotted infrequently 59 Particle 60 Welles character 61 Israeli carrier 62 Ilk©2010 TRIBUNE MEDIA

SERVICES, INC.

S U D O K U

Last Week’s AnswersJumbles: QUEEN PRIME INDICT YEARLYAnswer: What the new pensioner did after his going away party - “RETIRED”

www.nilesbugle.com THE BUGLE DECEMBER 9, 2010 11

INSIDE: Niles West beats arch-rival Niles North in girls b-ball, page 14; Buy sports photos online at www.buglenewspapers.com

Rob Valentin/Bugle staff

Notre Dame’s Rodney Pryor goes up for a basket during the Dons 64-44 victory over Loyola in Wilmette last Saturday.

By Rob ValentinSports editor

Tied to start the second half, Notre Dame gave Loyola its best punch.

The Ramblers got knocked down and couldn’t get back up as the Dons steamrolled their way to a 64-44 victory in Wilmette last Saturday night.

“In the first quarter they scored 19 points and we didn’t guard,” Notre Dame head coach Tom Les said. “In the second half we held them to 14 points. We started guarding and we’re deep enough where we start wearing down people. We can sub and our guys, stay fresh and it becomes a little more difficult for teams to run their stuff.”

The victory improved the Dons record to 7-0, something that’s a bit surprising, except to those in the Notre Dame program.

“I thought we had a good summer and I thought kids worked hard,” Les said. “I think our chemistry is getting better but what I like about us is our defense.”

Rodney Pryor had another terrific game for the Dons, pouring in 25 points while teammate Quinton Chievous added 17. Just a day before, Pryor dropped 34 points on Carmel in a 73-55 win to start East Suburban Catholic Conference play.

“Last year I didn’t really get that many ticks,” said Pryor, who had 21 points in the second half. “I took this summer and worked out really hard, training. I didn’t play any AAU. I knew this year all eyes would be on Quinton so I needed to step up to take pressure off him.

“There were no days off. I’d lift, try to get off as many shots

as I can, ball handling. I’d say I’m a way better player than last year. I think my IQ as a player has gotten better and being unselfish has made me better too. When I dribble drive and kick, it makes my teammates a threat too.”

Les has been impressed with Pryor’s play so far. But he thinks a lot of it comes from what the 6-foot 4-inch senior is doing on the defensive side of the floor.

“I thought Rodney was pretty good a year ago but he didn’t really buy into defense but now he’s buying in,” Les said. “He struggled a little bit in the first half. I thought he was pressing, trying to do too much. He just has to let the game come to him. He’s an athlete, run, jump, just guard and then wide-open shots will start coming.”

Chievous, who was the Niles Bugle Player of the Year last season, has enjoyed having a player to take a little pressure off.

“I said Rodney was big (before the season),” Chievous said. “If he does everything on defense, his offense will come. In my opinion, he’s one of the best shooters in the state. If he keeps playing like this he’s going to get a lot of looks. I’m real thankful for him.”

As for Saturday night’s game, Notre Dame actually trailed 19-10 after one quarter of play. The Dons asserted themselves to start the second quarter going on a 10-0 run.

But the Ramblers (3-3) hung tough, sending the game into

halftime tied at 30-30.Notre Dame completely took

control to start the second half thanks to a 9-0 run that included a pair of big three-pointers from Pryor. Loyola didn’t put its first points on the board until a field goal with 2:55 to play in the third.

The Ramblers managed to hang around in the fourth trailing 54-44, before the Dons closed out the game with 10 straight points.

“Being seniors this year (Chievous and I) had to step up. I think our third quarter is the best half we play. Going into halftime we knew we were going to step it up.”

“We kind of had a slow start but we went into a zone and that defense really fed to our offense,” Chievous said. “We got a lot of fast breaks.”

With a 7-0 record Notre Dame has jumped into a lot of publications’ rankings. While the notoriety is nice, it also has side effects.

“We came into the season and we were the people hunting, now we’re being hunted,” Chievous said. “We have to protect everything we’ve done. Whether it’s on offense or defense we really have to go hard.”

Notre Dame has just one game this week but it’s a biggie. The Dons travel to Benet to take on the defending ESCC champs and one of the top teams in the state.

“It will be huge,” Les said. “I haven’t really thought about it yet because I knew this weekend was a big weekend for us. At their place though we’ll find out how good we are. Benet went undefeated in the league last year and their thee best players are back.”

[email protected]

Notre Dame rallies past Loyola, remains perfect

BOYS BASKETBALLHIGHLIGHT: Rodney Pryor scored a total of 59 points in two Notre Dame wins over Carmel and Loyola last week.

COMING UP: Notre Dame travels to Benet on Friday. That game could wind up deciding the ESCC title.



The message on Niles West’s warm-up shirts as they prepared to take on Niles North Saturday night was simple: Beat North.

The Wolves did just that, dispatching their arch-rival 51-44 behind another big night from Jewell Loyd. The junior guard dropped 30 points on the Vikings and added 12 rebounds for good measure.

“I think most of us got caught up in the atmosphere instead of what our task was, which was beating North,” Loyd said. “I think that’s why in the first couple quarters we came out sloppy and not focused. But overall a win’s a win and I’ll take it no matter how we got it.”

The first quarter was back and forth but Niles West (6-2) started to assert itself down 11-10. A pair of free throws from freshman Dashae Shumate (9 points), a field goal from Nicole Moy (12 points) and a layup by Loyd gave the Wolves a 16-11 lead.

Niles West was able to push that lead to 26-19 in the second quarter after a three-pointer by Loyd. The Wolves led 29-22 at the break with 15 first-half points coming from Loyd.

The Vikings would hang around in the second half and pulled within 33-32 late in the third quarter. Another trey by Loyd gave the Wolves a 36-32 lead heading into the fourth.

Niles North refused to go away pulling within 39-38 after a field goal by Kaitlyn Schlauder with 2:35 left and 41-40 after a field goal by Alissa Hirsh with 1:32 to play.

Loyd tried to push the lead back to three but a layup rimmed out. However, the 5-10 junior came up with a steal and was fouled with 1:03 to play. She calmly sank both to move the lead to 43-40.

Hirsh was fouled on the Vikings’ next possession to cut the lead back to one with 50.5 seconds remaining but it would be all Niles West after that.

Loyd hit a pair of free throws with 39.3 left and then pulled down a defensive rebound. Moy sank a pair of tries from the charity stripe with 18.8 seconds left and Niles North would be called for a five-second violation on its next possession.

Loyd hit two more free throws to extend the Niles West advantage to 49-42 with 13

seconds left. After a Vikings field goal, Moy closed out the game with two more free throws.

It was a very solid game for Moy. The 5-8 senior finished with 12 points and seems to be fully into basketball mode.

Moy played for the girls volleyball team which advanced to a sectional final. That meant Moy had just six practices with the basketball team before the season began.

“Right now I think I’m getting into the swing of things,” Moy said. “I think it was a pretty good transition. After the two losses (to start the season) I think it hit me that I had to start stepping up. I couldn’t think about volleyball anymore.”

The atmosphere at Niles North was pretty crazy. The Niles North players were wearing warm up shirts saying ‘Kill em all. This is our year’ with a picture of a Wolf in crosshairs.

“That’s what they do but it’s our job to come out on the floor and win,” Loyd said. “That’s what we did tonight. I can’t get caught up in that. We have to keep our composure and get a ‘W’.”

“It definitely is a big game for all of us,” Moy added. “It’s my fourth year playing against North. I just had to calm my emotions down. It’s not just another game but we have to work hard like any other game.”

The biggest negative for Niles West on Saturday night might have been that only three girls managed to score in the victory.

“We had three girls step up and everyone else got nervous or scared or something,” Loyd said. “But we had three girls step up and that’s what we needed to win.”

Up next for Niles West is a big Central Suburban League South game against Maine South at home on Friday night. The Hawks are one of the front runners for a conference crown but the Wolves are the defending champs.

“I know a lot of them and we’re good friends,” Loyd said. “I’m ready for it, bring it on. I have to get my teammates involved and I have to get myself going. I can’t get tired.”

[email protected]

Loyd leads Wolves past arch-rival VikingsGIRLS BASKETBALLHIGHLIGHT: Niles West beat arch-rival Niles North 51-44 behind 30 points from junior guard Jewell Loyd and 12 points from Nicole Moy.

COMING UP: Niles West plays host to Maine South Friday night with first place in the CSL South on the line.


Niles West’s Jewell Loyd scored 30 points in a 51-44 victory over Niles North.


Niles West continued its strong start to the 2010-2011 season with a dominating 67-30 road win against Maine East in a Central Suburban League crossover last Friday.

The Wolves (6-0) remained perfect on the season while Maine East fell to 2-4.

“We’re a whole different team compared to last year,” said senior guard Tony Pierce who led the Wolves with 15 points. “I think we’re a lot better than last year. Last year was a learning experience. Now we have a year under our belts with coach (Bob) Williams.”

The game was never in doubt as Niles West built a 17-8 lead after the first quarter and led 37-13 at halftime.

“This is like a learning game,” Pierce said. “We just want to

make sure we do everything perfect. We need to step to the ball when someone drives, deny passes. Games like these, you can work on that.”

The Wolves kept the momentum to start the second half as they went on a 10-0 run. That allowed Williams to rest his starters a little and get the backups some important minutes. Rabael Rasho scored 10 points coming off the bench while 14 different players scored for the Wolves.

“It makes your practices more competitive because we had more questions asked (about game situations) today from

some kids because they had to know,” Williams said. “All of a sudden they’re playing and they need to know. They’re asking questions and really listening.”

“It’s nice to see people scoring that we normally don’t get to see score,” Pierce added. “It’s good to see them look good in front of the crowd.”

While Pierce has done a lot of the scoring, it’s senior point guard Donte Logan (6 points) who runs the show as the point guard. Maine East head coach Dave Genis was certainly impressed.

“Donte Logan is a very, very nice guard and he might be the best point guard in the conference,” Genis said. “He doesn’t do a lot of things offensively but it’s not because he can’t. He manages the game very well and plays defense very well. His containment of the basketball is where they start.”

For Maine East, the first half of the season is more about players learning their roles on the team and perfecting their skill sets. Senior guard Aaron Shannon is one of those players that has shown flashes but Genis wants to make him a more complete player.

“I told Aaron, everyone sees you, you’re right up front offensively and defensively,” Genis said. “Everybody takes their cues from how you play. He’s got a long way to go but we’ll stay at it. I think he can be it but he has to learn how to manage the floor better.”

The Blue Demons didn’t have anyone reach double digits in points Friday night but Jacob Younan had a nice game scoring seven points.

“Our defense is not there and we need to stop them for scoring,” Younan said. “That’s bring us down and puts our offense into a bigger drought. Mentally and physically it wears us down.”

Younan would like to see all five guys on the floor going full speed, even if the other team’s lead is insurmountable.

“It’s difficult but the thing is that all five players need to give 100 percent even if we’re down by 30,” Younan said. “That’s the problem right now. Maybe three or four guys are giving it 100 percent but that other guy is only giving it 50 percent. There’s no comeback from that.”

Maine East will try to turn

things around this week. They travel to district rival Maine West on Friday night for a 7:30 tipoff.

“I think we played them like 30 times during the summer,” Genis said. “The kids know each other and it’s typically a hard-fought game. But I don’t care who we play, we need to know how to start and maintain a game.”

Niles West kept rolling one night later as they defeated Niles North 65-58 in a thrilling comeback at North. The Wolves (6-0) trailed by eight points midway through the fourth

quarter. Ramsan Younatham finished with 25 points while Logan had 10.

Niles West will have a couple big games this weekend as they travel to Maine South for a 7:30 p.m. game on Friday and host Loyola on Saturday at 7:00.

“Obviously (Maine South) had a great season last year so we’re looking forward to it,” Williams said. “We weren’t very competitive with them last year so we’re looking to take a step up.”

[email protected]


Niles West knocks off Maine East to remain undefeated


Maine East’s Jacob Younan goes up for a basket while being guarded by Niles West’s Donte Logan.

BOYS BASKETBALLHIGHLIGHT: Niles West rolled to a 67-30 win over Maine East behind 15 points from Tony Pierce. The Wolves are 6-0 this season.

COMING UP: Niles West travels to Maine South on Friday night while Maine East travels to Maine West.



It was a perfect week for Maine South.

The Hawks went 3-0 while knocking off arch-rival New Trier 55-53 in overtime last Friday night.

“New Trier is a team we have so much respect for and they’re ranked in the state so to beat them, especially the way we did means a lot to the kids,” Maine South coach Mark Smith said. “I think both of us had this day circled on our schedule, especially after last year.”

The Hawks, who upset New Trier in regionals last year, struggled early on with the Trevians leading by 12 points at halftime and 16 early in the third quarter.

“(New Trier) came out and played really well,” Smith said. “I

felt we didn’t execute our game plan. We were expecting their best and got it.”

Maine South moved from a zone defense to a man-to-man defense. The change paid off as the Hawks slowly crept back into the game. By the end of the third quarter the deficit was down to eight points. Alicia Gutierrez came off the bench and hit a pair of three pointers, the second coming with just over a minute left to cut the lead to a point.

After the Trevians split a pair of free throws Nina Duric was

Hawks soar past New Trier again

GIRLS BASKETBALL

HIGHLIGHT: Maine South went 3-0 last week with wins over New Trier (55-53 OT), Warren (43-35) and Maine East (61-23).

COMING UP: Maine South travels to Niles West on Friday night with first place in the CSL South on the line.


Maine South’s Jacqui Grant goes up for a shot against Maine East.See SOUTH, page 16


By Mark GregorySports reporter

The Niles West wrestling team is young this year, returning only four starters from a year ago, as well as having a host of underclassmen in the lineup.

That is partially why coach Anthony Genovesi wanted to take the trip to Joliet Central Saturday for the Steelmen quad.

“It is nice to get away from the North Shore,” Genovesi said. “We were looking to come here and face some good competition.”

That they did, the young Wolves fell to both Lincoln-Way West and the host Steelmen and defeated Metea Valley.

“Lincoln-Way West is a good, senior laden team and I wanted our sophomores who wrestled their seniors to see that. They have to see the way they battle hard for six minutes,” Geneovesi said. “I think we are trying to wrestle against good competition.

“We have seniors that can hopefully lead by example, as can Vaughn Monreal Verner, a sophomore who has varsity experience. We had eight sophomores, one freshman and one junior in the lineup and only Vaughn Monreal Verner was on varsity last year.”

Some of the other newcomers for Niles West include seniors Nadin Alijonovic (135), senior Ameen Salehitzangi (215); junior Sanchir Bayersaikhan (145), junior Andrew Matias (160), junior Zach Kenney (215); sophomores Nathan Schapmann (103), Carlos Trujillo (119), Tommy Williams (125), Mac Coss (130), Sam Conrad (152), Anthony Underwood (160) and Bobby Tran (285) and freshman Matt Delauega (130).

Joining Verner (171) will be senior David Shields (189) and sophomore Stevel Appel (112). They will all follow the lead of senior Elias Schiheiber (140), a returning sectional qualifier.

Schiheiber was 3-0, wrestling two matches at Joliet Central.

“We knew there was a lot of competition and we knew we were a young team going against teams that have been wrestling for a while,” Schiheiber said. “I think I wrestled pretty well, I was happy to get two matches in.”

Schiheiber wants to leave Niles West will a full cupboard when he leaves after this season, and because of that, he is making sure the underclassmen put in the work in practice.

“We are looking to evolve into a great team,” he said. “In the practice gym, we really go hard and push the younger kids and run the practice hard so they can go full six minutes hard on the mat so they can go hard every match.”

It is the hard work that Genovesi hopes will pay off in the long run for all his wrestlers.

“I know some guys are not happy with the individual results, but as long as we are getting better for the end of the year, I will be happy,” he said. “We went 1-2 and everyone faced good competition. We beat who we should beat and we saw good

teams. Lincoln-Way West is tough and Joliet has some really good kids that we knew of and some others surprised us. We will get better.”

Up next for the Wolves is a home quad Saturday with Mundelein, Rolling Meadows and Reavis.

“Mundelein and Rolling

Meadows are both good teams,” Genovesi said. “And Reavis, I know their coach and I know they will be ready to go.”

[email protected]

Niles West wrestlers learning on the go

Mark Gregory/Bugle staff

Elias Schiheiber (right) went 3-0 on the day at the Joliet Central Steelmen Quad.

WRESTLINGHIGHLIGHT: Elias Schiheiber went 3-0 as the Wolves went 1-2 at the Steelmen Quad at Joliet Central in Joliet last week.

COMING UP: Niles West travels to Waukegan for a dual meet on Friday and Lake Park for an invite on Saturday.

Mark Gregory/Bugle staff

Bobby Tran (right) is one of the underclassmen looking to make an impact for the Wolves.


able to tie it up with 16 second and force overtime. The overtime period would be decided when Jacqui Grant was fouled going for a rebound in the closing seconds with the score tied at 53-53. She knocked down both and the Hawks left happy with a big win.

“We just kept on clawing back and the kids kept believing in themselves,” Smith said. “(Jacqui) has a very good shot from the outside and as a team we were 14-of-15 from the free-throw line.”

Maine South (7-2, 1-0) also registered victories over Maine East (61-23 on Nov. 30) and Warren (43-35 last Saturday).

Against Maine East, the game was never in doubt. The Hawks led 33-9 at halftime and 44-12 after three quarters. Alicia Gutierrez came off the bench to lead Maine South with 13 points.

“I think our team played very well tonight,” she said. “Everyone was out there working hard. We passed the ball around and took good shots.”

“We’ve been playing an eight-girl rotation and have been in some tight games so we got a chance to get some girls in,” Smith said. “We had a lot of

teachable moments and a lot to talk about at halftime. We have a lot of respect for the Maine East program and any time you step on the floor there’s things to work on.”

Gutierrez has been a good addition to the team. She took off last year to focus on her boxing career but she’s back now and that boxing background has paid off.

“Boxing is all footwork and for basketball, defense is all footwork,” she said. “It’s great cross training for each sport. When I came back I thought I would be a little rusty, not in tune with rotations but I’m impressed with myself. I never pat myself on the back but I think I’m doing alright.”

The Hawks will get another good test on Friday night when they play host to Niles West. The Wolves are the defending CSL South champs and they feature junior guard Jewell Loyd, one of the top players in the nation.

“Just like New Trier lost to us in the regional and that turned into a big game for them and us, we lost to Niles West in the sectional so it’s a big game for us to go out there and redeem ourselves,” Smith said.

Maine East struggled to get anything going against the Hawks, but it wasn’t because of a lack of effort.

“We had seen them play twice

so we knew they were tough,” Blue Demons head coach Karol Hanusiak said. “We were giving up 6-8 inches (of height) per kid. We tried to come up with a game plan to slow them down.

“You never go into a game just trying to stay close. We came into this game trying to win, period. They played a lot better than we did and they have so many more weapons.”

Junior Angela Jones, Maine East’s leading scorer, was held without a point.

“They were playing real tough defense and a lot of her points

come off steals and she didn’t get that opportunity today,” Hanusiak said. “She had some wide-open layups and just missed them. I think she was pressing and trying to do too much. Once you get into that mode and things don’t go your way, they just spiral out of control.”

Monay Crawford was one of the bright spots for the Blue Demons. The junior guard scored nine points in the loss.

“I was trying to help the team out, assists or shots and work as a team to beat them,” Crawford said. “We knew they were good

and we knew what we were coming after. We tried our best.”

While the Blue Demons didn’t pull out the win, they were able to learn some valuable lessons.

“We need to have our mindset and not come into the gym thinking we’re going to lose the game,” Crawford said. “We want to have a positive attitude coming in.”

“Were still young and learning,” Hanusiak said. “You just try to find the positives and point that out to the kids. Hopefully it will click one day.”

[email protected]


Maine East’s Monay Crawford goes up for a layup against Maine South.

SOUTHContinued from page 14


Maine South’s Alicia Gutierrez looks to pass the ball.

HEALTH & FITNESS18 THE BUGLE DECEMBER 9, 2010

Many of us can recall the use of products like Vicks VapoRub and Mentholatum during childhood. In a manufacturer-sponsored study, 138 children (ranging in age from two to 11 years) seen at a single pediatric center in Pennsylvania for colds characterized by cough, runny nose, and congestion for at least one week were randomized to receive mentholated petrolatum rub, plain petrolatum, or no treatment for one night.

Symptoms improved in all groups on the night after treatment. However, consistent restful sleep for children was greater in the mentholated petrolatum rub group than in the non- mentholated petro-latum rub and no-treatment groups.

In addition, use of a mentholated petrolatum rub significantly reduced the frequency of cough and congestion compared with no treatment. Almost half of the mentholated petrolatum rub group users reported minor,

adverse side effects, such as a burning sensation on the skin.

D o c t o r s Rx: If both children and adults are sleeping better with this inexpensive over the counter product then that’s good enough for me! It’s amazing that Vicks VapoRub was developed in 1891 by Dr. Richardson and is still being used to reduce symptoms of cough in 2010.

Metformin reduces diabetes death rate

Metformin use is associated with reduced all-cause mortality among type 2 diabetic patients with vascular disease, according to an international, observational study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Researchers studied nearly 20,000 patients with diabetes and a history of coronary artery disease, strokes, or peripheral

arterial disease; slightly more than a third were using metformin at baseline. During 2 years’ follow-up, mortality was lower among metformin users than non-users (6 percent vs. 10 percemt). The difference was observed across numerous subgroups, including patients older than 65, those with histories of congestive heart failure, and those with chronic kidney disease.

Researchers call for a randomized clinical trial to confirm their findings but conclude: “Metformin use may decrease mortality among patients with diabetes when used as a means of secondary prevention, including subsets of patients in whom metformin use is not now recommended.”

Doctors Rx: Metformin is a low cost generic drug that reduces sugars in type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it helps diabetics to lose weight. Finally this drug now appears to reduce the death rate from this rampant disease. Our society is eating more and exercising less and these two factors have contributed to an epidemic in diabetes.

Annual low-dose CT screening is better

Annual low-dose computed tomography reduces more lung cancer deaths than chest x-rays among high-risk patients, according to early, as-yet unpublished findings from the National Lung Screening Trial released by the National Cancer Institute.

More than 53,000 current or former heavy smokers (aged 55 to 74) without signs or symptoms of lung cancer were randomized to undergo low-dose CT or a chest x-ray at baseline and then annually for 2 years. During follow-up, lung cancer mortality was 20 percent lower with CT than with an x-ray. Based on this finding, the trial’s data and safety monitoring board recommended stopping the study.

The NCI’s Dr. Christine Berg said: “This is the first time that we have seen clear evidence of a significant reduction in lung

cancer mortality with a screening test in a randomized controlled trial. The fact that low-dose helical CT provides a decided benefit is a result that will have implications for the screening and management of lung cancer for many years to come.”

Doctors Rx: The risk factors for lung cancer include smoking, passive smoke exposure, radon (a gas found in homes) and asbestos. Prevention is a lot more effective than trying to screen for this disease. A low dose CT scan (computed tomography) may help to reduce the death rate from lung cancer by detecting the tumor earlier. This scan may lead to unnecessary testing because it detects nodules that are not cancerous as well.

Dr. Evan Lipkis, M.D., is a physician, author and lecturer based in Glenview, Illinois. The advice contained in this column is for informational purposes only. Readers should consult with their own physician to evaluate any illness or medical condition.

Mom was right about value of mentholated rubs

Andrea Donsky & Randy BoyerNaturally Savvy.com

Make no bones about it, osteoporosis is serious. The skeletal system is just as important as the heart, skin, and digestive system, yet we tend to disregard it, often until it’s too late. While it’s true that women are more often affected by osteoporosis, men can develop this disease too.

Osteoporosis literally means porous bones. It’s a progressive disease in which the bones become weaker, gradually causing changes in posture and increasing one’s susceptibility to bone fractures. It’s asymptomatic until a bone breaks; however, it’s preventable with the appropriate dietary and lifestyle measures.

There are three basic causes of osteoporosis: hormonal changes, such as menopause or thyroid problems; poor diet - nutrient deficiencies, especially calcium and vitamin D, as well as alcohol, caffeine, and excessive sugar and protein all contribute to bone

loss; treatment with certain drugs, including chemotherapy, anti-seizure medication, antacids, certain steroids and anti-coagulants.

Just as important as bone-building with diet, supplements and exercise is preventing bone loss. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Encourage an alkaline dietLimit acid-forming substances,

including coffee, soda pop, oversized portions of meat and poultry, and sugar. These foods reduce blood pH, causing calcium to leech from the bones.

The highest rates of hip fractures occur in countries where women consume lots of animal protein per day. A vegetarian diet is associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis.

2. Avoid “calcium drainers”These substances decrease the

body’s ability to absorb calcium: refined sugar, excessive sodium and salt, excessive protein intake, a high phosphorus intake from soft drinks and meat, and caffeine. Smoking and stress

hormones also interfere with calcium absorption.

3. Eat a calcium-rich dietAim for 1,200 mg of calcium

daily. Good sources include broccoli, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, squash, chickpeas, and sesame seeds.

4. Include vitamin DIn addition to direct exposure

to sunlight, vitamin D-rich foods include fatty fish, such as salmon, cod liver oil, sun-exposed mushrooms, eggs, fortified milk, and fortified soy milk.

Bones also need the vitamins D, C, and K, as well as boron, zinc, iron, fluoride, copper, magnesium, and manganese. Calcium supplementation alone does not prevent bone matrix disintegration, calcium loss, or fractures.

Andrea Donsky and Randy Boyer are the co-founders of NaturallySavvy.com, a website that educates people on the benefits of living a natural, organic and green lifestyle. For more information and to sign up for their newsletter, visit www.NaturallySavvy.com

Bone up on bone health information


REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

Q. I’m the marketing manager for a medium-sized company and trying to figure out how to use the Internet more effectively to reach our consumers. I see people using banner ads and search engines to sell what they do, but these turn me off. Is there any new model that appeals emotionally to people looking for services or products?

A. Many readers have written to me about how the Internet has hurt, not helped, their business by providing a glut of low-quality content. How does your consumer tell the good from the bad, the expert from the huckster, or effective products/services from the snake oil?

One promising Internet model has been developed by a company in the health-care industry called Sharecare. It has set up a website that allows consumers to ask increasingly complicated medical questions and receive thorough, accurate and useful information about

health. A c o n s u m e r knows who is providing the answers and can go as deeply as they want in r e s e a r ch i n g i n fo r m a t i o n that will keep them healthy. Organizations and experts must first apply to participate on the site and then are screened by a team of medical experts before they are allowed. The information is free to site visitors.

The real payoff of the site is that it connects customers with providers in a way that builds confidence and connection. Sharecare offers providers a way to reach out to customers, and provides customers a way to interact with and gain confidence in the providers before buying the good or service. The hope is that the organizations and

experts will transform the site into an online learning community that advances the knowledge and resources within the industry. Bottom line: Everybody wins!

So many of my readers have complained that they are seeking but not finding a model that lets them really use the internet to increase their business. Traditional advertising just annoys consumers, and websites are helpful but old hat.

“Traditional advertising focuses on benefits and features rather than providing immediate useful knowledge to their customers,” says Jeff Arnold, Sharecare’s chairman and chief architect. “There are 17 billion searches happening in the U.S. on the Internet every 30 days. It doesn’t matter if you are an accountant, mechanic, or beautician if you have expertise someone on the Internet is looking for that expertise. This new model lets business people become fisherman and the bait

is knowledge!”What I found most fascinating

about Arnold’s model of integrating the Internet with business is the combination of social benefits and profits for organizations. Companies that are willing to contribute knowledge to these types of business ecosystems can increase customer traffic, educate their customers, reduce the suffering people experience due to ignorance, and share ideas with their brightest peers to advance breakthroughs in their industries.

Here’s the takeaway point for innovative business readers: Recognize that your customers are using the Internet this minute to get enlightened, to help make tough decisions, and to get information they need to solve problems.

Stop thinking of yourself as merely selling a product or service and start to think of your company as selling education first. Your business will win

new customers; your customers will find new solutions. And the information you provide may even contribute to improving the world. Work doesn’t get too much better than that!

The final word(s)

Q. I tend to hire people who are just like me. Is that a problem?

A. Yes, no one on your team will have the complementary strengths to your weaknesses.

Daneen Skube, Ph.D., executive coach, trainer, therapist and speaker, also appears as the FOX Channel’s “Workplace Guru” each Monday morning. She’s the author of “Interpersonal Edge: Breakthrough Tools for Talking to Anyone, Anywhere, About Anything” (Hay House, 2006). You can contact Dr. Skube at www.interpersonaledge.com or 1420 NW Gilman Blvd., #2845, Issaquah, WA 98027. Sorry, no personal replies.

(c) 2010 INTERPERSONAL EDGE

A new model for profiting from the Internet

Tom Heskin, owner of Brilliant Electric, Heating & Cooling in Niles, was honored recently for his ability to implement significant sales, marketing, or operational changes in the businesses. The Step-It-Up Competition examined the efforts by small businesses to demonstrate their prowess over the course of the 2010 Business Accelerator Program, a free resource presented by American Family Insurance.

Award winners were transported to Chicago for a night on the town and peer recognition at the Business Accelerator symposium at the Hyatt Rosemont on Oct. 22.

“We all get absorbed into working in our business, when in reality, we should be working on our business,” said Heskin. “The Business Accelerator webinars provided valuable information on how to make our businesses function more optimally in these tough times.”

The Business Accelerator Program is a national, online

program available for viewing live or on-demand. Small business education is delivered via symposiums, webinars, e-tips, small learning groups and an online coaching forum. The series addresses topics critical to small businesses, including marketing, sales, finance and growth. Participants learn to generate more business, increase profitability and effectively manage their businesses.

Local business owner is stepping it up


LEGAL SHERIFF’S SALE LEGAL SHERIFF’S SALE

SENIORS22 THE BUGLE DECEMBER 9, 2010

The growing momentum for federal budget deficit reduction is pointing toward cuts in Social Security benefits for millions of Americans-and one of the proposed changes would begin taking effect quickly.

President Obama’s deficit reduction commission won’t issue a report until December, but several panel members have released detailed trial balloon proposals. The two bipartisan plans released so far each include Social Security benefit cuts; a third, released by Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-Illinois), wouldn’t cut benefits.

Social Security does have a long-term problem. The program operates on a 75-year time horizon-and it requires adjustment periodically due to rising longevity and the fact that the nation’s birthrate has been falling. Current projections show the SSTF will be exhausted around 2035; at that point, Social Security would be reliant on current payroll tax revenue, and would only be able to pay about 76 cents of promised benefits.

The two sets of bipartisan plans tackle it through a combination of Social Security benefit cuts and new revenue.

One plan, released by the co-chairman of the deficit commission, address that shortfall with a proposal made up of about 25 percent new revenue and 75 percent benefit cuts. New revenue would be generated by gradually lifting the percentage of wages subject to Social Security payroll taxes, currently capped at $106,800; by 2050, 90 percent of wages would be subject to tax.

Past Social Security benefit cuts have nearly always been phased in slowly to avoid impacting current retirees or those close to retirement. Not so with this proposal. One of the most important changes would change the formula for Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The changes would be phased in starting in 2012.

Commission co-chairmen Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles propose replacing the current measure, the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers-known as the CPI-W-with a new “chained” CPI that takes into account

“substitution p u r c h a s e s ” c o n s u m e r s often make to avoid high prices. The “chained” CPI is expected to rise 0.3 percent less annually than the CPI-W. That may sound small, but it’s powerful when compounding is factored in, cutting lifetime benefits by about 9 percent for someone reaching the age of 92, according to the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI).

Critics of this reform argue that the “chained” CPI doesn’t reflect accurately the inflation experienced by seniors, since they spend a higher proportion of their income on health care, where prices are rising at about four times the rate of general inflation.

Another key benefit reduction would be made by making technical changes to the way that Social Security averages workers’ lifetime earnings to

determine benefits. This is the biggest single change, reducing the Social Security Trust Fund (SSTF) long-term shortfall by 45 percent.

The last big proposed cut is to push the full benefits retirement age to 68 by 2050, and 69 by 2075. Reform advocates and actuaries argue that we’ll all need to work longer due to rising longevity rates. But it’s important to understand that boosting Social Security’s full retirement age is a lifetime benefit cut for everyone, no matter when you claim benefits.

Consider the increase in retirement age already being implemented under the 1983 reforms. When the full benefit age hits 67 in 2022, anyone claiming between age 62 and 66 will receive about 12 to 14 percent less in lifetime benefits, according to NASI.

The second bi-partisan deficit reduction trial balloon steers clear of the higher retirement age, but does recommend other cuts, including the “chained” CPI to compute COLAS. This proposal, the brainchild of Alice

Rivlin, who served as budget director during the Clinton Administration, also suggests several new revenue sources.

Finally, Schakowsky’s proposal keeps current benefits where they are, addressing the SSTF’s long-range solvency issue through new revenue.

It’s not clear yet which, if any, of these proposals will move forward, although the conservative shift in Washington’s political climate following the mid-term elections suggests the odds are rising for Social Security benefit cuts of some kind.

That would be a bad move at a time when the need to bolster retirement security is rising dramatically. Americans simply are on track to run out of money in retirement-the result of depressed retirement accounts, unemployment and rising expenses for healthcare.

Earlier this year, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) reported that many American households-in all income brackets-won’t have enough cash in retirement to meet expenses

in retirement. EBRI’s 2010 Retirement Readiness Rating study projected that almost one-third of Americans in the second-highest income bracket will run out money after 10 to 20 years in retirement. And, nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of Americans in the two lowest pre-retirement income brackets will run short 10 years out.

Meanwhile, Social Security benefits already are modest-the average benefit paid is about $14,000-about $6,000 less than it takes for an average senior to make ends meet, according to the Elder Economic Security Standard. Against that backdrop, it’s hard to see why cuts in Social Security should be included in whatever cure we decide to take for the federal budget deficit.

Mark Miller is the author of “The Hard Times Guide to Retirement Security: Practical Strategies for Money, Work and Living” (John Wiley & Sons/Bloomberg Press, June 2010). He publishes RetirementRevised.com, featured recently in Money Magazine as one of the best retirement planning sites on the web.

Affect of deficit reduction proposals on Social Security


Niles Senior Center

Holiday Giving TreeIn the spirit of the season,

Niles Senior Center would like to give back to the community by sponsoring a Holiday Giving Tree. Through the Giving Tree, Niles residents are able to provide new clothes, toys, food, or other amenities to individuals who otherwise would do without. The tree, decorated with numbered tags, containing the age, gender and gift wish of an individual is in the lobby of the Senior Center.

Holiday Pancake Breakfast and Bingo, Wed., Dec. 15, 9 a.m. $5M/$7.50NM Enjoy a delicious brunch featuring pancakes and sausage (made by our staff) followed by a few games of Bingo. Pancakes served at 9AM.

New Year’s Luncheon, Tuesday, December 28, 11:30AM-2PM $18M $23NM

Get a head start on the new year and join us for a delightful afternoon. Our first stop is at the Niles Senior Center Punch Bowl for a refreshing cup of welcome, followed by a catered lunch from Graziano’s featuring their delicious garden salad, boneless breast of chicken Limonese served with real mashed potatoes, fresh broccoli steamed with lemon, olive oil, and garlic, a roll, beverage, and lemon chiffon cake. Following lunch dance or listen to the music of Denny Diamond and his two very talented musician sons. We’ll even welcome the new year with a champagne toast. Reserved seating sheets are available at the Front Desk.

Medicare Prescription Drug

Coverage Open Enrollment. Are you considering enrolling in or changing your Medicare Part D plan? During this annual open enrollment period (thru Dec.31) you can add, drop, or change your Part D coverage. If you currently have Medicare prescription coverage, you should review your coverage at this time. This is the only time of the year you can make a change (unless you qualify for an exception). For more information, contact the Senior Center (847 588-8420).

Ron Hawking Holiday Show at Drury Lane, Dec. 14, 10:15AM $70M/$75NM In this special holiday version of Hawking’s hit show, the “man of a thousand voices” will pay homage to Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Julio Iglesias, Jack Nicholson and many more. Prior to the show, lunch at Drury Lane will feature butternut squash soup, strip loin au poivre, rolls, and dessert.

Brain Fitness, Dec. 15, 1:30-2:30 $3M/$4.50NM Joni Gatz from Marbles – The Brain Store, in Evanston, will conduct a session that involves stress reduction for the holidays. Also learn how “Brain Fitness” should be one of your New Year’s Resolutions.

ITAC Amplified PhonesMake an appointment to

try an amplified phone - FREE to those who qualify. Dec. 20, 9:30AM -1PM. An appointment is required.

Caregiver Support Available at the Senior Center. If you have questions about resources to assist a caregiver or would like to participate in a caregiver support group, please contact Bev Wessels at 847 588-8420.

Park Ridge Senior Center

CAMERA CLUBThe next meeting of the

Center’s Camera Club begins at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 28. Got a new digital camera for Christmas? Arrangements can be made with the Center mentor for a one on one session immediately after the regular meetings. On the 28th, the program will feature a demonstration of sending and receiving beautiful photos as e-mail attachments.

BREAKFAST CLUB.The meeting of the Breakfast

Club with the Park Ridge Police begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, December 21. This monthly event includes a free breakfast followed by a program concerning safety, scams and other pertinent topics. RSVP by calling the Center at 847-692-3597. All are welcome.

TRIVIA CHALLENGE.Thanks for all the support the

group has received. This is a group effort and fun to find the correct answer. Come out and give it a try. Next meeting is at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 21. Leaders are Jean Whitford and Donna Kuhn.

COMMUNITY SERVICEThe Center members have

been very responsive to all the projects organized in 2010. Thanks to all. Reminder of ongoing projects. Angel tree: This year the Center was able to help 25 children have a Merry Christmas. For those who took tags and adopted a child for Christmas, gifts were due on December 14. Medicine bottles; The Center continues to collect medicine bottles which

will be sent to Third World Countries. The bottles should be amber or yellow with labels removed. Gently used children’s books: These books will go to hospital waiting rooms. Box tops for education: Lists of the items being collected can be picked up at the Center. The collected labels will be donated to Park

Ridge schools. LAST CALL FOR RECIPESFinal call for recipes for the

Senior Center 30th Anniversary cookbook. Deadline is Dec. 22. Recipes must be on a form that is available at the Center office. The cookbook will be coming out in April.

FINAL-NW-120910

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