Suburban Life Brookfield 12-19-12

Delivery or subscription question? Call (630) 368-1144 Published by Suburban Life Media Vol. 64 No. 3 A2

Brent Chamberlain and his son, Griffin, 3, of Hampshire, give each other thumbs-ups while riding on the Merry-Go-Round during the Holiday Magic event at Brookfield Zoo on Dec. 8. Matthew Piechalak [email protected]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012 | RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD | $1.50 | MYSUBURBANLIFE.COM

Deck the townBrookfield holiday events give residents Christmas cheer Page 28

Local youngsters share their Christmas wishes for Santa Page 23

Dreams for Daniele todayKomarek School event to benefit 6-year-old with cancer Page 5

Community voicePowers: New year holds exciting opportunities for library Page 10

Power of threeStandout trio leads RB girls basketballs impressive start Page 35

2 Suburban Life* Wednesday, December 19, 2012

3GET TO KNOW

Do you miss the snow?

STREET TALK

RIVERSIDE CONVERSATION PIECE FURNITURE AND CONSIGNMENT

No. If I want snow, Ill go to the snow.John ScalettaBrookfield

Yes, definitely. It doesnt feel like the holiday season without it.Eric MikeshBrookfield

I just hope we get snow on Christmas. I prefer a 15-degree day with snow than a 15-degree day without snow.Jacob MalkinsonLTHS

SLB Wednesday, December 19, 2012 Suburban Life*

The perfect piece: Riverside women open shop for vintage-loversBy JESSICA [email protected]

RIVERSIDE It was around this time last year when Maura Harrington and Laura Wienke realized their respective experience in real estate and interior design was a perfect match.

After working together on a fundraiser in memory of two friends who had passed away, the Riverside duo decided they wanted to continue collaborating.

Within months, they opened Riverside Conversation Piece Furniture and Consignment, a store that has quickly become a destination for vintage-lov-ers and homeowners looking for unique, high-quality furniture.

I would find the pieces and she would bring them to life, Harrington said of their plan.

The store offers a constantly changing inventory, with everything from reuphol-stered chairs and painted desks to vintage wood tables and mid-century dressers.

We find pieces that we think have great bones, conversation pieces if you will, and we make them come alive with beautiful fabrics, painting, distressing whatever needs to be done to make it a beautiful piece, Harrington said. We also take in very cool, unique consignment pieces.

Aside from the furniture on display, the store offers upholstery and interior deco-rating services, along with custom orders and delivery.

The business relationship began in February, at which time Harrington and Wienke were selling a few things here and there while organizing pieces in a local warehouse.

When people really loved the results of our stuff we decided we needed a store-front, Harrington said.

In May, they moved into a space in the villages historic Arcade Building. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and by September they had moved again, to a different space in the building that was triple the size.

We really felt it was important to invest in the town, Harrington said. We love Riverside. We felt it was important to do our business in Riverside and the Arcade Building was the perfect place.

Harrington said customers are now coming from all over the suburbs and Chicago, and she feels no one leaves dis-appointed. Even if they dont leave with a piece of furniture, she said, they walk out of the store with great ideas.

They love it. They think the prices are amazing, they think the quality is just

phenomenal, she said, adding that if the store doesnt carry an item similar to what a customer is looking for, theyll help them find it elsewhere.

Anyone who is interested in consign-ing furniture should email the store a picture of the item. Harrington empha-sized that they only take items that are truly conversation pieces ones that will sell.

Its all about making rooms come alive, she said. Thats our main focus and purpose.

About Conversation Piece Furniture and ConsignmentWhere: 1 Riverside Road, RiversideHours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays; closed MondaysInfo: Call 708-214-9227, email [email protected] or visit conver-sationpiecefurniture.biz

Riverside residents and co-owners Laura Wienke (left) and Maura Harrington opened their Riverside business, Conversation Piece Furniture and Consignment, in May at the historic Arcade Building and expanded by September. Bill Ackerman [email protected]

4INDEX

TOYS FOR TOTS PICK UPTom Mantel (right) of Riverside talks with Electro-Motive Diesel employees on Friday. McCook Fire Department personnel and Toys for Tots representatives pick up toys collected by EMD employees in McCook. Bill Ackerman [email protected]

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Suburban Life* Wednesday, December 19, 2012 SLB

Serving the communities of Brook eld, Lyons, McCook, North Riverside, Riverside, and Riverside Lawn.

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5NEWS SLB Wednesday, December 19, 2012 Suburban Life*

North Riverside school rallies for kindergartner with cancerBy JESSICA [email protected]

NORTH RIVERSIDE With her love for princesses, the color yellow and reading, Daniele Santucci could be described as a typical little girl.

But Daniele has gone through more hardships in her life than most young children. Just a few weeks after turning 6 years old this past October, Daniele was diagnosed with liver cancer.

To gather support from the community for Daniele, longtime family friend Kathy Ranieri and her friend, Terri Sarro, decid-ed to co-organize a rally called Dreams for Daniele that will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. today at Komarek School, 8940 W. 24th St. in North Riverside.

I wanted to show Daniele, even though she was only a student there for a month, that all her friends and teachers and everyone at the school were here for her, Ranieri said.

The rally is for students only, but any-one who wishes to show their support that day can come in and donate their hair to Locks of Love or get their head shaved to stand in solidarity with cancer patients for a $10 donation. Dreams for Daniele

T-shirts also will be on sale during the event.

Daniele was born premature, along with a twin sister who died a few days later, Ranieri said. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and for the past six years has regularly gone through

rehab treatments.Now, with the cancer, Danieles rehab

has been put on hold, which has resulted in the loss of much of her muscle strength.

Shes back to square one. She has no control of her neck, her arms, Ranieri said, adding that Daniele is in a wheel-chair and, due to the cancer, has lost her hair, has mouth sores and recently was given a feeding tube.

Ranieri hopes money raised during the rally and at an additional fundraiser she is still planning for late January will help Danieles family pay for in-home therapy and other medical expenses.

Daniele has already gone through three rounds of chemotherapy and is scheduled to have surgery and more chemotherapy in the coming months, Ranieri said.

The doctors are pleased with the results of the treatments so far and Daniele and her family whom Ranieri said are com-pletely overwhelmed with the outpouring of support are staying positive.

Its mind-blowing, the amount of support that everyone is giving her, Ranieri said. Thats what I love about North Riverside. Its a small town with a big heart.

Share your thoughtsHave something to say on this topic? Comment on this story online at mysuburbanlife.com.

If you goWhat: Dreams for Daniele When: 2 to 3 p.m. todayWhere: Komarek School, 8940 W. 24th St., North RiversideCost: $10 donation to get a haircut or head shaveInfo: Visit komarek94.org or call Ranieri at 708-442-3112

Daniele Santucci Submitted photo

6 Suburban Life* Wednesday, December 19, 2012 SLB NEWS

Riverside police respond to school security concerns

RIVERSIDE When parents send their children off to school, security isnt neces-sarily the first thing thats on their minds, but after tragedies like those at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., questions begin to swirl about the topic and whats being done locally.

Riverside Police Chief Thomas Weitzel said the safety and welfare of children and staff is always an area of emphasis.

We have Shelter in Place, a procedure that we practice at our schools campuses so that staff knows what to do to secure classrooms, he said.

Weitzel said police also have plans in place for varying degrees of shutting off a school, from locking specific rooms to a complete shutdown. The plans have been place since before Fridays events.

In an effort to assist parents, students and staff, Riverside police will be on hand this week at District 96 schools on foot in front of the building to reassure par-ents that police are ready to assist in any emergency situation that may take place at Riverside schools.

Oil painter Tanya Gadbaw showcased at North Riverside Mall Theatre

NORTH RIVERSIDE Throughout the month of January, the oil paintings of local artist Tanya Gadbaw will be shown in the North Riverside Mall Theatres lobby, 7501 West Cermak Road.

Gadbaws folk-centric paintings were inspired by her upbringing in the rolling hills of upstate New York.

Gadbaw is affiliated with 33 Contemporary Gallery in Chicago and displays her work there often. She holds a bachelors degree in painting and drawing from S.U.N.Y Potsdam as well as a masters degree in painting from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

With 12 years of experience, Gadbaw has honed in on her artistic identity and describes herself as an oil painter who loves to paint based on expression.

Her work has been showcased in galler-ies from Chicago to Vienna, Austria.

Gadbaw said the collection that will be exhibited at North Riverside Mall Theatre

speaks of the home she grew up in, where folk, the farm and many home elements were important. These objects remind me of my childhood and my close family.

In addition to her feature in North Riverside, Gadbaw has an upcoming show-case in the Laura A. Sprague Art Gallery at Joliet Junior College Jan. 22 through Feb. 15.

Police chief to help lead statewide crime prevention group

RIVERSIDE Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel has been named to the Illinois Executive Committee of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, a national anti-crime orga-nization of more than 5,000 law enforce-ment executives and crime survivors.

In Illinois, 326 police chiefs, sheriffs, states attorneys, leaders of police officer organizations and crime survivors are members of the organization. Weitzel joins a statewide Executive Committee of 21 of Illinois most respected law enforcement leaders.

Weitzel has been a member of the orga-nization since 2007.

Chief Weitzel brings a deep commit-ment to the idea that the best way to ensure public safety is to start kids off on the right path in life and keep them there, said Tim Carpenter, state director of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, in a news release.

The organization looks at the research about what keeps kids away from crime and works to educate policymakers and the public on which programs are most effective.

Fight Crime: Invest in Kids representsa growing consensus among law enforce-ment that we cant just arrest our way out of the crime problem, Weitzel said. We must use proven strategies to make sure children become successful, law-abiding adults. Im pleased to help make sure law enforcements voice is heard on these issues.

Among the strategies to prevent crime are increased access to high-quality early childhood education; parent coaching through voluntary home visits for high-risk families to prevent child abuse and neglect; quality in-school and after-school programs; and proven interventions for troubled children.

Suburban Life Media

NEWS BRIEFS

More onlineFor more news and daily updates on your phone or computer, visit mysuburbanlife.com

8 Suburban Life* Wednesday, December 19, 2012 NEWS

LT named semifinalist in Grammy Signature School competitionSUBURBAN LIFE MEDIA

LA GRANGE Lyons Township High School recently was named a semifinalist in the GRAMMY Foundations Signature Schools program.

Only 129 schools nationwide were rec-ognized. Created in 1998, the GRAMMY Signature Schools program recognizes the top U.S. public high schools that are mak-ing an outstanding commitment to music education during an academic school year.

As a semifinalist school, LT is busy sub-mitting additional documentation, such as recordings of school concerts, sample concert programs and repertoire, which will then be reviewed by an independent blue-ribbon committee of top music educators and professionals to determine the semifinalists that merit GRAMMY Signature School status.

In mid-March 2013, the GRAMMY Foundation will announce the finalists. These schools will receive a custom award and a monetary grant ranging from $1,000

to $10,000 to benefit their music program.The top finalists will be designated

as Gold recipients. The best of the Gold recipients is then determined and desig-nated as the National GRAMMY Signature School. The remaining schools are desig-nated GRAMMY Signature Schools.

Achieving semifinalist status is a motivating factor for LT moving for-ward, said LT music teacher Zach May. Involvement in the Grammy program is just one of many ways we seek new opportunities and higher standards for our students and their education.

The selection process for GRAMMY Signature Schools begins each year in August when the GRAMMY Foundation mails notification to more than 20,000 public high schools, requesting informa-tion about each schools music program.

The GRAMMY Foundation was estab-lished in 1989 to cultivate the understand-ing, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to America.

MoreonlineFor more news and daily updates on your phone or computer, visit mysuburbanlife.com

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9Wednesday, December 19, 2012 Suburban Life*

Hi. My name is Dan Powers, and I am the newly appointed director of the Lyons Public Library.

I come to Lyons after two-and-a-half years as the library director of a for-profit college. Before that, I worked in a myriad of capacities at numerous college and public libraries. I have also spent time teaching high school English and appraising real estate.

I am very excited and blessed to be able to help continue developing the very best possible library for the Lyons community. I look forward to work-ing alongside of the Village and Library boards in order to initiate ideas, promote partnerships and encourage growth for the benefit of the

town of Lyons.I consider myself fortunate to have a very

friendly, hard-working and extremely capable staff already in place. The staffs care and con-cern for, and dedication to, the library and its patrons is overwhelming, and I hope we can continue working together in order to keep the Lyons Library as a focal point of the community.

Upon entering the library, it is already obvi-ous that we have moved some furniture around in an effort to liven things up a bit. In the very near future, we plan on expanding our variety of materials, such as books, videos, CDs and magazines.

Patrons are now able to plug in laptop com-puters at certain stations around the library while performing research, and we will soon have a laptop computer available for patrons to use inside of the library. In our upcom-ing library newsletter, to be mailed before Christmas, we have also outlined some of the early 2013 programs that we are pleased to have been able to put into place.

All in all, it has been an exciting and fun beginning here in Lyons. I look forward to increased connections with patrons, better partnerships with the community, contin-ued cooperation with the village of Lyons and more exciting programming for everyone. Our efforts for community outreach, patron assis-tance and personal service are as important to us as they are to you.

Stop by for a visit. I think you will be glad that you did.

Remember, Your journey starts here, at the Lyons Public Library! Merry Christmas!

Dan Powers is the director of the Lyons Public Library

Join the community discussion at mysuburbanlife.com/brook eld

Suburban Life* Wednesday, December 19, 2012 SLB10

Jerry Moore, opinions [email protected] J. Tom Shaw, [email protected]

New year holds excitingopportunities for library

Dave Lemery, managing [email protected]

Thumbs Up The Brookfield chapter of The Compassionate Friends meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Cornerstone Community Church so members can help each other grieve the loss of their children. The groups mission, accord-ing to its website, is: When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister or a grandchild and helps others bet-ter assist the grieving family. Its good to know there are such valu-able resources in our comminunity.

Thumbs Up In January, Riverside police officers will be able to complete accident reports on their in-car computers. When com-plete, they can send the report directly to the Illinois Department of Transportation and Docview, reducing down time for officers handling auto accidents. The software package is 100 percent grant funded. Additional recordkeeping, now done by police dispatchers, will be eliminated, thus saving time. By utilizing the new software, an officer responding to the accident scene can complete the accident report quickly with less error, police said.

How has the rate increase by the Illinois Tollway impacted you over the past year?

>> Take side streets rather than the tollway 57%>> Have absorbed higher expenses 31%>> Can use tollways when I can afford it 11%>>Now using public transportation 1%141 respondents

How often to you go to a movie the-ater during the year?>> One to 10 times>> 10 to 20 times>> More than 20 times>> I dont go to movie theaters

LAST WEEKS POLL RESULTS THIS WEEKS POLL

Vote at mysuburbanlife.com

Dan Powers

C O M M U N I T Y V O I C ET H U M B S U P/ T H U M B S D O W N

Write to usWe want to hear from you. Letters must be no more than 300 words. They must include your first and last name, town and a phone number for verification. We may edit them for clarity, accu-racy and style. Email letters to [email protected]. The deadline is 4 p.m. Thursday for the following weeks paper.

Have any Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down ideas? Send them to [email protected].

Wendy Vach reads a poem in memory of her deceased daughter during a candlelight memorial service organized by The Compassionate Friends group. The event was held at Cornerstone Community Church in Brookfield. By Colin McAuliffe For Suburban Life Media

Y O U R O F F I C I A L SVILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Villiage President Michael [email protected]

Village Clerk Brigid Weber708-485-7344, [email protected]

Village Hall708-485-7344

Police Department (nonemergency)708-485-8131

Fire Department (nonemergency)708-485-0076

Y O U R O F F I C I A L SVILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE

Village President Michael C. [email protected]

Village Hall708-447-2700

Village Manager Peter Scalera,708-447-2700, ext. 350

Fire Chief Spencer Kimura, 708-447-2700, ext. 245

Police Chief Tom Weitzel708-447-2700, ext. 263

11Wednesday, December 19, 2012 Suburban Life*NEWS

Riverside Township Lions Club shares $11K among 33 local organizations

SUBURBAN LIFE MEDIARIVERSIDE Officials with the Riverside Township Lions Club

have announced that 33 organizations will share more than $11,000 of the clubs annual distribution of funds.

The Riverside Township Lions Club donates to organizations that provide services to the blind and deaf, as well as to organiza-tions that assist children and adults who are disabled or have spe-cial needs. Financial support also is provided to a number of local charities and organizations.

Organizations serving Riverside Township that received dona-tions this year include: The North Riverside and Riverside pub-lic libraries, to purchase materials for the hearing-impaired and visually impaired; the anti-drug program at Hauser Junior High School in Riverside; Boy Scout Troops 24 and 92; Explorer Posts 126 and 390; People Care in Riverside; the Riverside Township Food Pantry; Girl Scout Troops 4590 and 657; the Riverside Historical

Commission; the North Riverside Historical Society; the Riverside Friends of July 4th; All in for Ethan; and the Riverside Office of the American Cancer Society.

Other west suburban organizations receiving donations this year include: Pillars in Berwyn; Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center in Countryside; Scottish Home in North Riverside; Seguin Services Inc. in Cicero; and Aging Care Connections in La Grange.

In addition, donations were given this year to the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, Chicagoland Radio Information Services, Guild for the Blind, Hadley School for the Blind, Recording for the Blind, Chicago Hearing Society, the Illinois Eye Bank, the Fisher House at Hines VA Hospital and Dogs for the Deaf.

Donations also were made to Camp Lions, Vision First and the Lions Governors Fund, endeavors associated with Lions International.


12 NEWSSuburban Life* Wednesday, December 19, 2012 SLB

POLICE REPORTSBROOKFIELD

Information in Police Reports is obtained from the Brookfield and Riverside police departments. Individuals listed in Police Reports who have been charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court.

Drug charges filed after traffic stop

Brookfield police charged two people with possession of marijuana and posses-sion with intent to sell marijuana after a suspicious car report on Sunday.

The driver, identified as Daniel C. Argentati, 20, stepped out of a car parked near the intersection of Burlington Avenue and DuBois Boulevard and police detected a strong odor of marijuana. Upon search-ing the car, police discovered a large bag of marijuana plus a scale containing mari-juana residue on the passenger seat of the car. Police also discovered $200 in cash in Argentatis shoe.

Police charged Argentati, of the 100 block of South Edgewood Avenue in La Grange, with unlawful delivery of mari-juana, unlawful possession of marijuana (over 30 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia. He also was cited with pos-session of a pocket knife with a blade mea-suring longer than 3 inches.

During another search, police discov-ered a bag of marijuana and paraphernalia containing marijuana residue in a purse belonging to Sandra Guadalupe, a passen-ger in the car. Guadalupe, a 20-year-old Brookfield resident, was cited with unlaw-ful possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Burglaries reportedn Someone kicked in a side garage

door of a house in the 4400 block of Deyo Avenue on Monday. Two cars in the garage appeared to have been searched, but own-ers told police nothing appeared to be stolen.n Someone gained entry into a van

parked overnight Dec. 7 in the 9100 block of Plainfield Road, but nothing was report-ed stolen.

Christmas decorations damaged

A homeowner in the 4000 block of DuBois Boulevard reported someone sev-ered strands of Christmas lights on the outside of his house. The owner told police he last noticed the lights working on Dec. 7.

Fraud reportedOn Dec. 8, a 33-year-old resident of the

400 block of Maple Avenue told police he responded to an employment posting for

a painter on Craigslist.org. The resident told police he was contacted by a man who mailed the resident a check in the amount of $3,500 and asked him to cash the check and send him back $1,000.

Police said this is a common Internet scam and advised the resident against cashing any check, and encouraged him to contact the Illinois Attorney Generals Office about the incident.

RIVERSIDECrash leads to DUI charges

Gonzalo Aguilera, 28, of the 2700 block of 73rd Avenue, Elmwood Park, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs and other traffic offenses after an early-morning accident Saturday, accord-ing to media reports.

Police responded to a call about a car that crashed into the woods near the intersection of Waubansee and Forbes roads. The car was on fire and police found Aguilera bleeding from the head. He was taken to Loyola University Medical Center and released.

Firefighters extinguished the flames and removed the car.

LA GRANGEInformation in Police Reports is obtained

from the La Grange Police Department. Individuals listed in Police Reports who have been charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court.

Christmas ornaments stolenn A resident of the 600 block of Stone

Avenue reported to police Dec. 10 that two reindeer, one large and one small, were sto-len from her front yard. The resident also told police that a wire to a lighted snowmanhad been cut.n A resident of the 600 block of South

Spring Avenue reported to police that her 7-foot Santa made of plywood was stolen from her front lawn on Dec. 7.

Drunk and asleep in the La Grange Library

An intoxicated man was discovered on the second floor of the La Grange Public Library at 5 p.m. Dec. 12. The man, who allegedly had a bottle of alcohol on him, was woken up and sent on his way.

Firewood for saleA man wearing a red hood allegedly was

going door-to-door Thursday attempt-ing to sell firewood. Police located the man, who worked for Dobbelar LLC out of Missouri, and made them aware of the villages soliciting ordinance.


BUSINESS NOTES

Submit announcements EMAIL [email protected] FAX 630-969-0228 MAIL Suburban Life Media, 1101 W. 31st St., Suite 260, Downers Grove, IL 60515For more business stories and updates, check out mysuburbanlife.com

NEWS

n Adventist Midwest Health has named Ekta Punwani its vice president for performance improvement at Adventist Hinsdale and Adventist La Grange Memorial hospitals. In her new role, Punwani will create a strategy to improve patient outcomes and patient safety. She joins Adventist Midwest Health from Advocate Health Care, where she worked as system administrator for operations improvement and project management.

n AT&T announces the launch of AT&T Alerts, a free opt-in, location-based text messaging alerts service that sends AT&T wireless customers offers from nearby retailers on their mobile phones. AT&T Alerts uses geo-location technology and consumer preferences to

deliver offers and rewards, without having to download an application. To opt-in to the servicce, customers can text JOIN to ATTAlerts (288253787).

n Brian Caldwell, Corporate Banking Relationship Manager at Charter One in Western Springs, has been recognized with a Chairmans Good Banking Award, the highest honor that RBS Citizens Financial Group awards to its colleagues.

n The Board of Directors of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System has appointed of Deirdre (Dee) Brennan to the position of executive director. The system serves more than 1,500 private, public, school, and university library members in in northern and western Illinois in three areas of concentration: van delivery, shared online catalogs and talking book services.


IN MEMORIAM

FREDERICK WHITNEY

4/21/1918 - 12/17/2003

In Loving Memory

Dear Dad,

You are not forgotten, though on earth you are no more. Still in memory you are with us as you always were before.

Your loving daughters,Carole, Judy & Deb

OBITUARIES

ROBERT CHARLES ALEXA

74, of Countryside

Robert Charles Alexa, 74, of Countryside, passed away suddenly at LaGrange Memorial Hospital. Beloved husband of Evelyn nee Keyko; loving father of Charles Robert (Margaret); grandfather of Daniel and Sarah; dear brother-in-law of Carolyn (Evon) Matveychik and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Care Memorial Cremation Services.

GEORGE BANDIK

86, of Riverside

George Bandik, age 86, of Riverside, passed away December 12, 2012. Arrangements handled by Conboys-Westchester Funeral Home, (708) 562-5900.

JACQUELINE CARROLL

76, of LaGrange Highlands

Jacqueline Carroll, 76, of LaGrange Highlands, passed away December 12, 2012. Arrangements by Kopickis Heritage Funeral Home, (708) 788-7775.

LORETTA A. GACEK

87, of North Riverside

Loretta A. Gacek, 87, of North Riverside, passed away December 10, 2012. Funeral arrangements handled by Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, (708) 447-2500.

ALLEN JACKSON

57, of Broadview

Allen Jackson, age 57, of Broadview, passed away December 13, 2012. Arrangements by Kopickis Heritage Funeral Home, Berwyn, (708) 788-7775.

JAMES EDDIE MASTERSON

Age 84

James Eddie Masterson, 84, passed away December 12, 2012. Arrangements by Conboys-Westchester Funeral Home, (708) 562-5900.

MICHELE MEREDITH

89, of LaGrange Park

Michele Meredith, age 89, of LaGrange Park, passed away December 12, 2012. Arrangements handled by Conboys-Westchester Funeral Home (708) 562-5900.

KENNETH G. NELSON

70, of Edwardsville, IL

Kenneth G. Nelson, age 70, of Edwardsville, Illinois, formerly of Western Springs, Illinois, died at 4:14 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Illinois. He was born on April 3, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late George H. & Jeannette B. (Hendrickson) Nelson. Kenneth worked for Bell Telephone for thirty years, and was instrumental in developing the cell phone and text messaging. He married Faye E. Larson on May 23, 1964 in Chicago. Besides his wife Kenneth is survived by one son, Gary Nelson & wife Samantha of Edwardsville; one daughter, Nancy Smith & husband Wade of St. Louis, Missouri; fi ve grandchildren, Alysa Smith, Annika Smith, Joseph Zollner, Matthew Zollner and A.J. Nelson; one brother, Donald Nelson & wife Donna; and one sister, Lois Stone & husband James. Kenneth was a vol-unteer fi refi ghter and EMT with the Western Springs Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, in The Village of Western Springs, Illinois. He retired from the fi re department after 25 years as a Captain. There will be no visitation or funeral service. He will be cremated according to his wishes. The family asks that memorials be made to the Western Springs Fire and Rescue Association or the Salvation Army, in care of Weber & Rodney Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Edwardsville, IL 62025. Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.

DOROTHY NOER

87, of Westchester

Dorothy Noer, age 87, of Westchester, passed away December 12, 2012. Arrangements handled by Conboys-Westchester Funeral Home, (708) 562-5900.

FRANCES MARIE MARSHAL PINAS

Age 87

Frances Marie Marshall Pinas, formerly of Justice and Chicago, Illinois, a retired nurse born in Walla Walla, Washington on October 12, 1925 to Joe

and Nellie Marshall, died December 5, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; son, Robert; 4 broth-ers and 2 sisters. She is survived by a son, Dr. Gerald J. Pinas along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends. Frances grew up in College Place, Washington loving and attending schools in Walla Walla plus nurses train-ing where she met and married Frank when he was stationed there in the Air Force during World War II. They were married for 66 years when he passed away in 2011. They moved to Chicago in 1946 where they worked, lived and raised their two sons in the Berwyn and LaGrange areas. They also lived in Irvine, California for 10 years before returning to the LaGrange area after her husband had been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease.Frances was an avid volunteer for Hospice Care, Meals on Wheels, St. Blase Choir, Ladies Club, and the Rosary Hill Nursing Home as well as counting the weekly collec-tions at Church. Frances was a mem-ber of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Summit American Legion Auxiliary and a Minister of Care at St. Blase. She was a devoted volunteer for anyone needing her and was also the primary caregiver to her husband for the nearly 20 years he suffered from Alzheimers. Frances and Frank moved to Allen, Texas in 2008 to be near their son, Robert, due to the health issues they both faced. Robert was a caregiver to both of them until his death in 2011. She is to be cremated and her ashes placed in the Columbarium at St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen, Texas follow-ing a Memorial Service. She will join her husband and son, Robert, who are also interred at St. Jude. Remembrances of her and her life at Masses are appreciated. In lieu of fl owers, dona-tions should be made to the Rosary Hill Nuns in Minooka, Illinois, St. Jude Catholic Church, St. Blase Church or the Alzheimers Association. A memo-rial service will be held at 1:30 p.m.,

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 North Greenville, Ave., Allen, Texas 75002. Arrangements are under the direction of Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, Allen, Texas.

WALTER W. SLAWKO

93, of Berwyn

Walter W. Slawko, 93, of Berwyn passed away December 15, 2012. Loving husband of Myrtle

nee DeKnoblough; beloved father of Gregory and Kyle (Steven) Scanlon; dear brother-in-law of Thelma Santelli and Patricia Broadbent. Walter was a WWII Veteran, a Chicago Business owner for over 40 years. A Berwyn resident for 57 years. Walter loved fi shing, football, bowling and traveling. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at Mount Auburn Funeral Home, 4101 S. Oak Park Ave. Stickney from 2 pm to 8 pm. Chapel Service Thursday at 10:30 am. Entombment at Mount Auburn Memorial Park. Info: (708) 749-2033 or www.mountauburnfuneralhome.com

CHRISTIE WICKLUND

58, of Lyons

Christie Wicklund, 58, of Lyons, passed away December 19, 2012. Arrangements by Kopickis Tower Home for Funerals, 4007 Joliet Ave., Lyons, (708) 447-7900.

DONALD J. WROBEL

80, of Riverside

Donald J. Wrobel, 80, of Riverside, passed away December 16, 2012. Arrangements by Conboys-Westchester Funeral Home, (708) 562-5900.

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Sweethearts start legacy of sweet treatsBy JOE [email protected]

BERWYN They met where they worked making sweet treats and became sweethearts. George and Therese Brunslik built a life together on a foundation of good business sense and a ton of choco-late.

Today, the Brunslik daughters Lynn White, Donna Greenwald, Sandra Figatner and Karyn Downey carry on the tradi-tion as owners of the store started by their parents.

At Old Fashioned Candies in Berwyn, theres a fairyland for those with a sweet tooth, a nightmare for those watching their waist line and a time capsule of the days when penny candy was sold in big pickle jars and candy bars with names like Abba Zabba and Mallo Cups were smeared around the mouths of content kids.

George and Therese met when they worked for Morkes Chocolates on 26th Street in Chicago. Morkes moved to Palatine in 1969 and the Brunsliks bought the Chicago store, renamed it Old Fashioned Candies, and stayed there until moving to their Berwyn location in 1976.

Therese passed away and George is retired, but he still serves as the sage con-sultant for his daughters, Lynn White said.

Hes to the best taste tester, she said, and hes instinctive when it comes to the machinery.

The store is open seven day a week, and a typical day starts about 7 a.m. On occa-sion, another sister, Therese Kerstein, whose husband owns Arts Bike Shop next door, comes in to lend a hand, and many of the girls children have taken a turn behind the counter as well.

All candies are hand-dipped and cen-ters are made from scratch on the prem-ises. The sisters also roast the nuts that go into the chocolates at the store.

We generally start cooking up batches of candy about 7:30 a.m., White said. For Valentines Day, we start dipping strawberries at 4 a.m. and finish at 8 p.m. for three days.

But strawberries are perishable and customers are told they need to be eaten soon after purchase.

Were fussy and we want our straw-berries to be the best, White said.

During Christmas, Holiday Bark, a mixture of dark and milk chocolate and salted, roasted whole pecans is a favorite.

We have one customer who orders 2,500 pounds, White said. Each batch is 23.5 pounds.

The store also is noted for its chocolate novelties, such as place cards for wed-dings, proms and special events. There are molded chocolates representing every interest, from baseball to ballet. One of the Santa molds used is from Germany and is 95 years old.

We try to cater to everyones needs, White said.

And it turns out the sisters are just as sweet as their chocolates. During the Christmas season, they set up a fund for the less fortunate, many of whom they know by name. Last year, they bought and cooked a turkey for a woman who didnt have a stove, and this year theyre pur-chasing clothing for another woman in need.

Each year, the sisters also feed a lot of people.

White said being in the candy business is a true labor of love.

Weve been in candy all our lives, White said. We grew up in it. Fortunately, or unfortunately, you never get tired of eating candy.

About Old Fashioned CandiesWhere: 6210 W. Cermak Road, BerwynHours: Open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays Info: Call 708-788-6669 or visit oldfash-ionedcandiesinc.com


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Education NotesWe want your education news. Send student achievements to [email protected].

GRADUATES

University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignLA GRANGEEmily Paice, bachelors in mechanical engineeringLA GRANGE HIGHLANDSElizabeth Rehwoldt, masters in civil engineering NORTH RIVERSIDEMichelle Torres, bachelors in psychology WESTCHESTERJonathan Cernok, bachelors in communicationWESTERN SPRINGSAlexander Burt, bachelors in accountancy Allison Cabaj, masters in library & information science Cem Onyuksel, masters in electrical & computer engineering

HONOR ROLLS

Pleasantdale Middle School, first trimesterGOLDEIGHTH GRADELillian Hahn, Samantha Hauser, Nicole Krueger, Alexandra Manaves, Dheeksha Ranginani, Jacqueline Rigley and Emma SorrentinoSEVENTH GRADESidney Bugaieski, Madeline Cohen, Melissa Danilov, Emma Doyle, Julia Gilman, Grace Gremer, Mariah Kulhanek, Otto Meccia, Christine Moravek, Andrew Peev, Kevin Qin, Alexander Rivera, Sophie Sorrentino, Haley Spolar, Zoe Trujillo, Natasha Vassek, Nicole Von Drasek, Natasha Youssef and Kevin ZhuSIXTH GRADEHayley Mirabile, Grace Quinn, Mary Russell, Madison Scheman, Terah Thomas, Gabriella Wadach and Lahari YelamanchilliFIFTH GRADEMonica Busza, Maya Goyal, Sophie Grabis, Meghan Gron, Kalina Jasiak, Ariana Jiotis, Gwen Konatarevic, Cara Merkle and Angela Mitevska

SILVEREIGHTH GRADEAndjelija Bozovic, Anna Busza, Maya Chiapetta, Michael Courtney, Kenna Hansen, Halley Hoffman, Kate Kidwell, Kristyn Lisowski, Julie Mekhail, Alexander Morales, Megan Ng, Alexandra Rich, Rhiannon Schuenemann and Chloe SuhajdaSEVENTH GRADEJohn Andrews, Lianne Awah, Jordan Bryant, Kendall Cassidy, Gabriel Egert, Evelyn Hanns, Maksymilian Jasiak, Kevin Keller, Hailey Shah, Charlotte Strazis, Jenna Uckerman and Philip VetaSIXTH GRADEDaniel Abdoue, Megan Aletich, Ariana Chiapetta, William Duerr, Thomas Galateo, Charles Hojjat, Michael Kozub, Lara Moreno Zepeda, Emily OHeron, Daniel Orsic and Ermira RexhepiFIFTH GRADEElena Chronis, Joshua Heath, Thalir Moorthi, Andrew OConnell, Maxwell Rockrohr, Andrew Striegel, Marguerite Striegel, Colleen Sullivan, Alexa Varchetto, Dominic Varchetto, Elise Vorpahl and Andrea Vuckovic

BRONZEEIGHTH GRADEMason Borzym, Alyssa Brillisour, Tanner Burke, Emma

Garcia, Austin Graf, Gwendolyn Grodek, Alix Lamana, Grace Polka, David Rak, Julia Reichert, Alyssa Soto and Charlie StancikSEVENTH GRADEChristopher Azzarello, Michael Becker, Nicholas Grba, Raunaq Kohli, Matthew Petromilli, Magdalena Piwowarczyk and Jazmin VenegasSIXTH GRADECourtney Branch, Elizabeth Cremins, Drew Dilcher, Jeffrey Dillon, William Finnegan, Kaeli Keller, Julia Kolosa, Olivia Lata, Anna Satala, Megan Tobias, Brendan Wienold and Natalie WienoldFIFTH GRADELuke Becker, Benjamin Cassioppi, Addison Claudin, Kellie Courtney, Samuel Duerr, John Floros, Elizabeth Gremer, Alec Jabr, Luciana Ligammari, Salvatore Meccia, Kylie Orrick, Aman Penmetcha, Jalen Peterson, Blaise Reichert, Matthew Urban, Rylee Wilkinson, Kyle Williams and Anand Yallapragada

Park Junior High School, first trimesterGOLDEIGHTH GRADEAudrey Ashburn, Thomas Atseff, Claire Battista, Merrell Brzeczek, Hallie Coleman, Erica Dugue, Megan Galbreath, Alison Hamilton, Sydney Hansen, Lauren Hoffman, Charlotte Hoigard, Benjamin Johnston, Madeline Karlson, Yaman Kelemet, Patrick King, Marissa Kural, Graham Kutchek, Greta Leader, Matthew Linden, Alexandra Lubera, Isabella Mahmoud, Eleanor Nalbach, Claire OConnor, Timothy OGallagher, Clara Olsen, Daniel Palmer, Brandon Paras, Shanti Peterson, Claire Purcell, Parker Raycroft, Elle Schaefer, Madeline Schierl, Elizabeth Strzelczyk, Emily Vega, Natasha Vitas, Abigail Vulich, Hannah Walleck and Elizabeth WestSEVENTH GRADEMichael Ahrens, Eileen Bergman, Robert Clark, Cole Flott, Charles Hall, Elizabeth Hall, Lindsey Hauch, Jacob Hollowed, Ayse Kelemet, Daniel Kilrea, Luke Lusson, Nicole Lynch, Sarah McAllister, Caitlin McCarthy, Elsa McMahon, Nora Nofal, Lydia Olson, Lorenzo Orders, Christina Rossetti, Alex Saacke, Christopher Sedlacek, Alexandra Smith, Katherine Stamatakos, Maxwell James Stapel-Kalat, Rachel Stern, Maeve Sullivan, Charlotte Trecartin, Piper Turckes, Sarah Valeika and Adelaide Vear

REDEIGHTH GRADEJulia Aubert, Megan Beumer, Megan Bobrowski, Mia Brizz, Andrew Buel, Shannon Butler, Siobhan Callahan,

See Education, Page 22


Bulletin Board Got an event?Go to mysuburbanlife.com and click on the Event link at the top of the page to submit your event.CLUBS

Post Social Meeting 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, Robert E. Coulter Jr. Post 1941 American Legion, 900 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. Presentation on Boy State high school educational program.

Brookfield Jazz Society 7 p.m. Thursdays, Cottage at Irish Times, 8869 Burlington Ave., Brookfield. www.Brookfieldjazz.org.

La Grange Kiwanis Club Noon to 1:15 p.m. Thursdays, Park District of La Grange, 536 East Ave. (46th Street and East Avenue), Room 108. 708-352-2992.

Broadview Rotary Club 12:15 p.m. Thursdays, Sawas Old Warsaw Restaurant, 9200 W. Cermak Road.

The Leisuretime Club Senior mens bridge club, noon, Thursdays, Lyonsville Congregational Church, 6871 Joliet Road, Indian Head Park. All men of any bridge-playing experience welcome. Club hosts three eight-week bridge tournaments a year. For more informa-tion, call Vern Kramer, 708-246-8888, or Bob Terp, 708-784-0921.

Riverside Community Band 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road. Looking for players. No tryouts required. Call Ray Nosal, 708-386-1286.

Chicago Suburban Radio Association 7:30 p.m. every third Thursday, Grace Lutheran Church, 1100 Manchester St., Westchester. www.csraham.com.

West Suburban Toastmasters 7 to 9 p.m. every first and third Thursday, LaGrange Park Public Library, 555 N. La Grange Road. Organization to teach communication, effec-tive listening, evalu-ation and leadership skills. Contact Maggie Lome, 773-239-1152, [email protected]. wsuburban.freetoast-host.org.

Lyons Retirees 6 p.m. every third Thursday, Lyons Village Hall, 4200 S. Lawndale Ave. Call Ken Getty, 708-447-6600.

Countryside Lions Club 6 p.m. every first Wednesday and Thursday after the third Wednesday, Old Country Buffet, 21 Countryside Plaza, Countryside. Call Barbara, 708-352-7912.

La Grange Rotary Club 12:15 p.m. Fridays, Bella Bacinos, 36 S. La Grange Road. www.lagrangero-tary.org.

BrookPark Sr. Social Club 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, Brookfield Municipal Building, Recreation Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave. Cards on Monday, cards and bingo on Friday. Special events, friendly atmosphere. Call Irene, 708-409-0518.

Over 50 Club 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every third Friday, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 1937 S. 50th Ave., Cicero.

Newcomers and Neighbors La Grange area play group, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays, First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Ave. $3 per family. 708-482-0042.

Tower Chorale 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. Mondays, Grand Center, 4211 Grand Ave., Western Springs. www.towerchorale.org.

Luna Chix Run 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, The Runners Soul, 5 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. LUNA Chicago Triathlon Team. 708-354-7685, www.therunnerssoul.com, [email protected].

Surprise Bridge Stakes Etc. 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Park District of La Grange, 536 East Ave. Call Vera, 708-447-8185.

Kiwanis Club of Western Springs 8 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesday, Community Bank, 1000 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs. Call Dr. Sarah Kelly, 708-246-6611.

Brookfield-La Grange Park Lions Club 7 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday, Ryans Public House, 8942 W. Ogden Ave., Brookfield. Call Phil Bochniarz, 708-352-6422.

Suburban Collectors Club Stamp collectors, 8 p.m. every second and

fourth Wednesday, Sokol Spirit Hall, 3909 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Contact Jack, 630-257-7430, [email protected].

SUPPORT

Take Off Pounds Sensibly Countryside Chapter, 6 p.m. weigh-in, 6:30 p.m. meeting Thursdays, Countryside City Hall, 5550 East Ave. Call Donna, 708-579-9633.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly La Grange Chapter, 6:30 p.m. weigh-in, 6:40 p.m. meeting Thursdays, Grace Lutheran Church, 200 N. Catherine Ave. Call Meribeth, 708-354-9126.

Al-Anon 10 to 11 a.m. Thursdays, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 203 S. Kensington Ave., La Grange.

Men aging issues group 9 a.m. Fridays, Aging Care Connections, 111 W. Harris Ave., La Grange. 708-354-1323 Ext. 15.

Dementia exercise group For patient and caregiver, 9:30 to 10:20 a.m. Fridays, Aging

Care Connections, 111 W. Harris Ave., La Grange. 708-354-1323.

Alanon Q Meeting 7:30 p.m. Fridays, First Congregational Church of LaGrange, 100 S. Sixth Ave. 312-407-7245.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance 7 p.m. Fridays, Brookfield Municipal Building, 8820 Brookfield Ave. Meet in lower level. Call John Ross, 708-856-1992.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, La Grange Park Public Library, 555 N. La Grange Road. La Grange Park chapter. First meeting free, then $28 for the year. tops.org, [email protected].

Al-Anon 9:30 a.m. Mondays, St. Johns United Church of Christ, 4500 Prescott Ave., Lyons.

Families Anonymous 7:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Dixon Education Center at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road. Enter main entrance on north side. For friends and families of individuals

with substance abuse/related behavioral prob-lems. 708-642-2098, [email protected].

Take Off Pounds Sensibly Riverside chap-ter, 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road. Call Evelyn, 708-442-7944.

Compassionate Friends East Suburban 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every fourth Tuesday, Cornerstone Community Church, 9008 Fairview Ave., Brookfield. Support group for parents who lost a child. Call 630-935-1228. [email protected].

1 Day At A Time-ers Al-Anon Family group, 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, St. Barbaras Rectory, 4008 Prairie Ave., Brookfield.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly Brookfield Chapter, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, First Congregational Church of Christ, 9146 Lincoln Ave. 708-352-0890.

West Suburban Celiac Group Celiac sprue disease support network, 7 p.m. every fourth Wednesday,

at members homes. Contact LuEllen Giera, [email protected] or 708-819-0866 after 5 p.m.

Ostomy support group 7 to 8:30 p.m. every fourth Wednesday, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. 630-933-4234.

LIBRARY

Exam Cram 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 19 and 20, Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St., Western Springs. Snacks, study space, and extended hours for high school stu-dents preparing for finals. School ID required for those staying past 9 p.m.

Animals in Winter 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Fun facts, stories and live animals. Register at 708-485-6917 Ext. 140. www.brookfieldlibrary.info.

Knitting Club 7 p.m. every first and third Wednesday, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Knitters and crocheters of all levels welcome. www.brook-fieldpubliclibrary.info.

Holiday Family Pajama Storytime 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Register at 708-485-6917 Ext. 140. www.brookfieldlibrary.info.

Daycare Story Time 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 26 to Feb. 27, Broadview Public Library, 2226 S. 16th Ave. For daycare centers as well as those bringing more than three children. www.broadviewlibrary.org, .

CLASSES

Computer Basics for Seniors 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, Broadview Public Library, 2226 S. 16th Ave. Registration required. broadviewlibrary.org.

Salsa dance lessons 7:30 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays, Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 Archer Ave., Willow Springs. $10. 708-839-1000, www.willowbrook-ballroom.com.

Dance classes 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and 3 to 8 p.m. Sundays, TranscenDance Studios, Fitness Formula Club, 1114 Lake St., Oak Park. 773-944-5352.

Free Tae Kwon Do martial arts class Noon Mondays, Lions Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts Academy, 6811 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Childrens class, ages 4 to 12 years, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; teens and adult class, 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Wear comfortable cloth-ing. 708-484-7555, www.lions-tkd.com.

FITNESS

Zumba Fitness 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Village Club of Western Springs, 4221 Lawn Ave. Walk-ins, $10. 847-567-8236, [email protected].

Rock Bottoms workout for women 8 to 8:45 p.m. Thursdays, Brookfield Recreation Department, 8820 Brookfield Ave. $10 drop-in fee, $48 for session. 708-369-0017, [email protected].

ConfiCare Act II Tae Chi 10 to 11 a.m. Fridays, Bethlehem Woods Retirement Center, 1571 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park. [email protected] or [email protected].

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Several high school students from The LeaderShop in La Grange received the Cook County Sheriff Youth Service Medal of Honor, given to residents of Cook County who have provided a minimum of 100 volunteer hours of service to their community: DAngelo Allen, Tatiana Areizaga, Cheyenne Baker, Guadalupe Castro, Miriam Cruz, Manuel Delgado, Salvador Delgado, Kimberly Selena Rose Fields, Daniel Gonzalez, Martha Harris, Stephanie Hernandez, Ramiro Jimenez, Zawattanao Jones, Kristin Kennedy, Paige Marogil, Cody Melka, Kennedy Mistretta, Kristina Morales, Giselle Nevarez, Christopher Ortman, Brandy Parks, Brittany Parks, Cookie Penrod, Brandon Phan, Jasmine Richter, Alex Rivera, Christopher Romano, Dominique Smith, Elizabeth Tabor and Drake Walker. Submitted photo

Volunteers awarded for hours of work

EDUCATION Continued from Page 20Nicholas Chomko, Eleanor Cooper, Ivy Cornelison, Michelle Dinh, Charlsie Domabyl, August Domanchuk, Morgan Fabian, Sara Finnegan, Claire Fitzpatrick, Zoe Forsyth, Sara Franceschina, Katya Garcia, Caroline Garrow, Alexandra Gawthrop, Nynena Gaye, Gloria Guadalajara, William Haberkorn, Peyton Hammon, Emma Hawkins, Avery Herndon, Hunter Jasinski, Matthew Kennedy, Mark Lehmann, Brianna Liddell, Ashley Lites, Nicole Miller, Frederick Moody, Tyler Morales, David Morey, Sapphire Munoz, Nathan Myslicki, Caroline Norton-Williams, Maggie Nutter, Amanda OBryan, Ryan OMalley, Kathleen Palermo, Grace Palmer, Antonia Parrish, Ryan Peake, Brendan Pugliese, Michael Quinlan, Noah Reardon, Grace Reilly, Yunuen Reyes Vera, Caroline Roe, Nicholas Rogers, Jessica Rotstein, Sonia Rousary, Jack Rudzinski, Charlotte Saunders, Megan Seyer, Kate Sheehan, Claire Stevens, Blaine Teppema, John Thornton, Eric Townsend, Amber Troesch, Carlyn Uhlir, Andrew Walker and Tyler ZemanSEVENTH GRADEMaxwell Abrahamson, Abigail Ahrens, George Anagnos, Mary Arito, Grace Ashby, Katherine Beumer, Stephanie Birch, Abigail Bulir, Nicholas Burriesci, Samuel Byczek, Sarah Ann Cada, Jiyan Cen, Henry Claesson, Meghan Collins, Anna Conneely, William Cooke, Eric Cooper, Luke Cunningham, Samuel DeBoer, Jack Doherty, Emma Dziura, Ryan Easterday, Linnea Eich, Dylan Ellison, Mauricio Espitia, Tara Flaherty, Meredith Gebhart, Marlene Govea,

Tyler Guagenti, Mary Hart, Ellen Henderson, John Henneberry, Nicholas Hughes, Lucas Huneryager, Yusuf Husain, Isabelle Jensen, Abigail Jocke, Sydney Kaehler, Alexandra Kales, Peyton Kapp, Spiro Kass, Audrys Kelecius, Laura Kimberling, Colleen Kirby, Margaret Kowalski, Samantha Land, Patrick Larmon, Mikaela Larson, Andrew Leach, Casey Linn, Claire Lizak, Kaitlin Lizik, Kristina Lynch, Katelyn Mannella, Anna Mattern, Cassidy McNichols, Thomas McTigue, Elise Naval, Kathleen Niedermeyer, Adlah Nofal, Angel Nunnery, Daniel Nyhan, Aidan OBrenski, Clare OConnor, Rose Peters, Ciara Potter, Jonah Reardon, John Reilly, Edgar Reyes Vera, Dana Reynolds, Stephen Rudofski, Joseph Rutkowski, Grace Sampson, Angelo Sandoval, Jared Shadle, Ryan Shanley, Abigail Sheehan, Zachary Sheehan, Aleksa Silinis, Litzy Soto, Aubrie Studwell, Luke Szczesniak, Stefan Theiss, Emma Tiemeyer, Gessica Torrisi, Luke VanKoevering and Miranda Vickery

BLUE EIGHTH GRADEJacob Bandyk, Alexander Barrett, John Bernstein, Montel Blackwell, Jane Bolton, Thomas Borst, Samuel Bradley, Erin Cook, Henry Cordes, Claire Cunningham, Grady Davis, Joseph Deditz, Alexander Dellios, Matthew Donahoe, Alec Ducham, Jeremy Freund, William Geisert, Meghan Gove, Clara Grayson, Francesca Heffner, Thomas Henehan, Joshua Hesse, Brianna Hicks-Jones, William Higgins, William Hyland, Christina Iacono, Lucas Isaacson, Riley Kloes, Megan Kotil, Aaron Kriha, Paul Kurtzner, Zachary Lake, Matthew Lang, Isabella Lazarski, Delaney Leibforth, Thomas Lynch, Collin Madajewski, Patrick McCollum,

Declan McDermott, Michael Mlynski, Elizabeth Moravec, Noah Niego, Jessica North, Erin Pawlak, Sara Pietrzak, Alexander Pusateri, John Roche, Andrew Rodgers, Julian Sanchez, Peter Schwabe, Seamus Scotty, Kyle Sievers, Grant Smith, Quinten Sorice, Jeffrey Stejskal, Henry Stevens, Jack Sylvia, Henry Tio, Stefan Vukovic, Catherine Wahl and Isabel ZuppaSEVENTH GRADEBelinda Andrade, Graham Andrews, Sean Arnold, Karli Artale, Frances Bailey, Damian Benitez, Anna Rose Benson, Rebecca Bernier, Sarah Better, Margaret Carrabine, Enrique Castaneda, Patrick Catezone, Matthew Cavanaugh, Mollie Chambers, Michael Clifton, Lauren DeLaRosa, Dominic Detente, Kaylee Domanchuk, Alexander Dzierwa, Jessica Elder, Cayla Erzinger, Christiana Espinoza, Michael Foisy, Quinn Fraser, Jane Freeman, Annie Gallagher, Alexa Geissler, Antonio Giron, Catalina Gogonea, Josue Gonzalez, Nicholas Gonzalez, Eric Gradilla, Michael Henehan, Lucas Herbeck, Keller Hyde, Brandon Jackson, Evan Junius, Joseph Kartzmark, Joshua Leavitt, Lydia Lenigan, Spencer Levinson, Trevor Lewandowski, Hailey Mantooth, Elliott Marovec, Francis McCarter, Noah Mendoza, Bryce Moskiewicz, Zachary Newman, Grant Nicholaus, Sean OConnor, Benjamin Pieczynski, Thomas Pigatto, Jack Quigley, Lukas Rasutis, Sean Robinson, Frank Rocco, Luis Sandoval, Adam Schaefer, John Scriba IV, Bridget Shannon, Daniel Shapland, Frank Smith, Tyrese Smith, William Stenner, Andrew Tarasuk, Emma Tecktiel, Riley Vires, Luciano Vitale, Carl Volz, Sydney Weber, Matthew Weiler, Alexander Weisshaar, Isaac Wisthuff, Nathaniel Wolcott and Dylan Wolf

Sensible Fitness for Older Adults 9:30 to 10:20 a.m. Fridays, Aging Care Connections, 111 W. Harris Ave., La Grange. $56. 708-354-1323, www.agingcareconnec-tions.org, [email protected].

SERVICE

Child care provider training United Child Care Network, 6:30 p.m. every third Thursday, Woodridge United Methodist Church, 2700 75th St. Call Peggy, 630-768-1587.

RELIGION

Wednesday Evening Youth Group 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through May 15, La Grange Bible Church, 850 S. Seventh Ave. Age 3 through grade 12. 708-354-2485, www.lagrangebible.org.

Handbell choir practice Handbells I, adults, 9 a.m. Wednesdays; Handbells II, adults, middle school and high school students, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Ave. members welcome. 708-354-0771, fpclg.org.

Bible Study for Seekers & Skeptics 7:30 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Riverside United Methodist Church, 82 Woodside Road. www.umcriver-side.org/site/.

Taize prayer service 7:30 p.m. every third Friday, Divine Providence Parish, 2550 Mayfair Ave., Westchester.

Choir practice Cherub Choir, ages 4 and 5, 10:45 a.m. Sundays; Crusader Choir, grades one to five, 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays; Sanctuary Choir, adults, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Ave. members welcome. 708-354-0771, fpclg.org.

Christmas Eve Service 5 to 6:15 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24, Ascension Lutheran Church of

Riverside, 400 Nuttall Road. www.asension-riverside.org.

Christmas Carol Sing 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25, St. James Lutheran Church, 5129 Wolf Road, Western Springs. Informal Christmas service and singing favorite Christmas carol hymns. www.stjamesws.org.

Christmas Dinner Noon to 2 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25, Ascension Lutheran Church of Riverside, 400 Nuttall Road. Register with church office by Thursday, Dec. 20, at 708-447-2600. www.asension-riverside.org.

Christmas Worship Service 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25, Ascension Lutheran Church of Riverside, 400 Nuttall Road. www.asension-riverside.org.

REUNIONS

Farragut High School 60 year reunion 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, Quality Inn & Conference Center, 300 S. Frontage Road, Burr Ridge. Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; dancing, 8 to 11 p.m. Call Carolee Michalek, 815-407-1934.

MISCELLANEOUS

Bingo 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Robert E Coulter Jr Post 1941 American Legion, 900 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. www.Coulterpost1941.org.

Christmas Capers & Holiday Open Gym 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, to Friday, Jan 4, Western Springs Recreation Center, 1500 Walker St. Christmas Capers day camp for age 4 to second grade; $20 resi-dents, $27 nonresidents for half day; $40 residents, $54 nonresidents for full day. Holiday Open Gym, noon to 2 p.m. for fourth to fitth grade, 2 to 4 p.m. for sixth to eighth grade, 4 to 6 p.m. for high school and college. Call 708-246-9070. www.wsprings.com.


Letters to Santa Christmas 2012 Cook Edition

To see all the wonderful letters and coloring entries,

please go to mysuburbanlife.com

Congratulations to Our Coloring Contest Winners

Name: MadelineAge: 5, Wheaton

Name: JoshuaAge: 6, Riverside

Name: SamanthaAge: 10, Downers Grove

29SLB Wednesday, December 19, 2012 Suburban Life*28 Suburban Life* Wednesday, December 19, 2012 SLB

Keith Brennan, owner of For The Birds in Brookfield, decorates the outside of his store for the Holidays on Nov. 30. Mark Busch [email protected]

Austin Riedel, 14, and his sister, Alicia, 12, construct gingerbread houses during The Nightmare Before Christmas Extravaganza event at the Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd., on Dec. 10. Matthew Piechalak [email protected]

Bill Cartwright of River Forest holds up his granddaughter, Alaina Marino, 3, for a closer look at a Christmas tree during the Holiday Magic event at Brookfield Zoo on Dec. 8. Matthew Piechalak [email protected]

Four-year-olds Madison Newkirk, right, of Arlington Heights, and Teagan King, of Palatine, dance to the music during a DJ feature presented by Radio Disney 1300 at Brookfield Zoos Holiday Magic lights event on Dec. 8. Matthew Piechalak [email protected]

Natalie Fhugailo of Brookfield paints holiday decorations Dec. 5 outside Giordanos Pizza in Westchester. Erica Benson [email protected]

HOMETOWN

HOLIDAY


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COMING NEXT WEEKSTAY IN OR GO OUT? CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF PLACES TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR.

listtodoEND OF THE WORLD PARTYHey, if the world is about to end, why not spend it propped atop a bar stool surrounded by friends? The Forest View Lounge is hosting an End of the World Party from 11 a.m. to midnight Friday. Grab a brew, a few friends and leave the world in style. Commemorative T-shirts will also be available for purchase printed with Im going to party like there is no tomorrow. The party is at Forest View Lounge, 4519 S. Harlem Ave., Forest View. For details, call 708-484-9778 or visit forestviewlounge.com.

HOLIDAY SONGSThis holiday performance by NRBQ wont include your average rendition of Jingle Bells. Since 1967, the lively pop group has been making music and taking names. Expect some festive holiday music, as well as a few NRBQ classics. The show will kick off at 9:30 p.m. Friday at FitzGeralds, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Tickets are $20 and are available at ticketweb.com. For more information, visit fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

WHA

T TO

TRY

TASTE OF THE TOWN

Treat yourself well RED MANGOADDRESS 81 S. La Grange Road, La GrangeCONTACT 708-639-4329 redmangousa.com

Delivering a sweet treat with a healthful twist is Red Mango, which opened a year ago in downtown La Grange. Customers build their own dessert from a changing array of frozen yogurt flavors that are all-natural and packed with probiotics. Fresh fruits and other top-pings make the combinations endless.

Franchise owners Trisha and Jeff Fendt became restau-rateurs after changing careers. He was a union plumber whose last big project was Trump Tower, while Trisha, a social worker, ran a multi-county diversion program for juvenile delinquents and gang offenders until funding dried up.

When a door closes, a window opens, and with our staff now, Im able to do what I love to do work with kids, work with people, she says.

In fact, it was Trishas brother, Travis Tuomey, who had experience running an ice cream shop and introduced the couple to the business in which they all partner. They also opened Red Mango locations in Orland Park, McHenry and Chicago. Both Tuomey and Trisha Fendt are graduates of Lyons Township High School in La Grange.

Jeff Fendt praises the quality of Red Mango yogurt, not-ing that founder Dan Kim is always inventing new flavors.

He wont (introduce) flavors unless theyre absolutely right on target, he says. If you taste the summer melon yogurt, it tastes like summer melon.

Yogurt options range from the tangy original to sweet and creamy, all with live cultures. Theyre gluten-free and contain no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. A yogurt serving has about 100 calories.

When we found out the quality of the products and the health benefits, we knew we couldnt do any better, Trisha Fendt says. We knew it was something people would be affected by in a positive way.

And while they offer toppings that include fresh fruit, the selections also range from gummy worms to cheese-cake, brownie bites, candies and chocolate-covered pret-zels. Her pick is original yogurt, tart and tangy with no flavoring added paired with blueberries and granola.

Red Mango is a favorite destination for Kate McDermott, who provides nanny services in Western Springs and often brings her charges along to the shop.

Its a healthier option for a special treat for them, she says, noting the kids like the little taster cups to choose from the rotating flavors. I dont think you can go wrong with any of the flavor combinations. I really love the pea-nut butter (and) the fall flavors, (like) the red velvet yogurt. The kids love putting sprinkles on top.

Jeff Fendts current favorite is a parfait with original yogurt, granola and berries. Other Red Mango specialties are the Frozen Coffee Chillers and fruit smoothies.

To push their primarily high school and college age staff to succeed in life, he says they promote academic achieve-ment.

We reward kids for As on their report card, Trisha Fendt says, noting high grades translate into pay raises. Weve had such a response from the parents, and the kids have such a sense of pride.

Renee Tomell

ITEM Mixed-berry parfaitPRICE 54 cents per ounce

ITEM Self-serve frozen yogurt with toppingsPRICE 54 cents per ounce

ITEM Large strawberry-and-banana smoothiePRICE $5.95

Red Mango employee Iryna Smal adds a layer of fruit to a mixed-berry parfait at the La Grange dessert destination known for its all-natural frozen yogurt. Staff photos by Bill Ackerman


Renee Tomell, reporter(630) [email protected]

Dan Farnham, calendar(630) [email protected]

Erinn Hutkin, editor(630) [email protected]

DO ITThanks to suburban family ties, the California-

based Calliope Foundation charity recently launched a project to help cheer up children who are being treated for cancer at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.The foundations Case for Caring is collecting pillowcas-es with light-hearted, fun designs. They can be dropped off at Wool and Company, a knitting and crochet shop in St. Charles.

I know so many of you love to sew, so there is a great way you can join Bonnie Kellogg of Fix-a-Stitch; she has wanted to do something for pediatric oncol-ogy patients, Wool and Company owner Lesley Edmondson writes on her website.

She says the drive will continue on an ongoing basis, and invites everyone to sew pillowcases for the project or donate purchased ones.Kellogg, a member of Calliope Foundations volunteer board of directors, was inspired to create the project by her niece, a registered nurse working in pediatric oncol-ogy at Central DuPage Hospital.

This month, Edmondson is also collecting hand-made scarves for the Heartstrings Scarves project, which will deliver them to girls in treatment facilities

for eating disorders. The program was started by some-one who was helped through treatment.

She (knew) how much comfort it would be to get things that people had made, says Edmondson, who compares a scarf to comfort from a hug. Weve just supported her ever since, and our customers have been amazing. Its so nice that people are so thoughtful at this time of the year.

WHOM CASE FOR CARING HELPSWhen children arrive for treatment at the hospi-

tal, they find a brightly colored pillowcase selected by a nurse, the foundations website explains, noting that nurses have observed the positive emotional impact the simple item can have on a hospitalized child. The pillowcase personalizes their bed during treatment, and they take it home when they leave.

The first recipient hospital will be Central DuPage. The goal is to put 100 pillowcases in the storage room at CDH so nurses will have plenty to choose from for their incoming patients.

HOW TO HELPThe foundation says materials should be wash-

able, no-iron fabrics in designs children like, with cotton and flannel recommended. For details on pil-lowcase specifications, visit the projects website.

People who dont sew can purchase pillowcases or make a tax-deductible, monetary contribution to Calliope Foundation designated for Case for Caring.

MORE INFOWHO: Wool and Company, 107 W. Main St., St. CharlesPHONE: 630 444-0480WEB: woolandcompany.com, caseforcaring.org, calliopefoundation.com

Pillowcases brighten kids hospital stay This weeks volunteer opportunity: Case for Caring

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Inspiration for writing often comes from many places for some, its a recurring thought, while for oth-ers, a plot just hits them one day. For Annette Vera Werle, inspiration started with her experiences as a teacher and it grew from there.

Her resulting book, Augustus to the Rescue! is a story about a young boy dealing with the pressures of sports while using the help of a newfound friend to become successful.

The book, which Werle self-pub-lished, was released online during the summer.

Werle, who goes by the pen name Dale Delarew, spent over 30 years teaching middle school 18 of those years were spent in the Elmhurst school system. Although Werle now lives in Riverside, she also spent time living in Lombard and teaching in Hinsdale.

After working in the school sys-tem for so long, Werle started seeing trends with students and athletics. She noticed some kids seemed to be under tremendous pressure to succeed

in athletics at a young age. Even in her own family, she watched her nephew struggle to participate in after-school sports and maintain good grades.

Werle recalls her own childhood a time when she focused on getting good grades rather than being absorbed in athletics. Back then, girls didnt even have teams that practiced after school, but the relationship between academ-ics and sports is a lot different than it used to be, and extracurricular athlet-ics were just a jumping off point for Werles book.

Tell us a little about the book.Its about a student, Tyler, whos in a

fictitious school in the middle grades. Hes 10 years old, and in the town in which he lives in, basketball is king. The parents want the kids to be good

at basketball, so much that the kids are starting basketball in fifth grade gym classes. Tyler is good at sports, but isnt good at basketball. The kids are telling him that hes not doing what they know hes capable of. Thats when a fictitious being from outer space enters his bedroom by means of computer monitor. The being, named Gussie, is there to help him. ... So Tyler accepts Gussie as a coach.

What made you want to write the book?

My kids would came back from gym and be yelling at each other and call-ing each other names, and I would say, Its only a game. What difference does it make? I decided to take them back to the gym, I said, Were not keeping score. When we didnt keep scores, they had a wonderful time. The story was just one thing that led to another in my mind.

I know a coach of a basketball team in Cicero through one of my friends, and he says the kids are under tre-

mendous pressure to perform well. ...Everybody is under pressure so that they can get scholarships to pay for school. Its unfair pressure.

Kids need sports and gym class, but they do not need the additional pres-sure of sports. Theyre doing it because tuition is so high in the colleges, so kids have to do well in sports so they can afford a college education. Thats what my book is about.

What was the writing process like?

Well, I started this book in 1993, and my sister had a stroke shortly after, so I wasnt really in the mental frame of mind to be able to create this book. I have had it evaluated, and was told that I excluded the parents too much. ... I finally found time to sit down and look at the book again. It took me a year to rewrite it. I then had it evaluated again and was told it was boring. I rewrote it, and have had a good response, so now I think Ive got it.

Allison Horne

CHIT-CHAT

Career teacher Annette Vera Werle publishes debut book,

Augustus to the Rescue!

WHAT Augustus to the Rescue! by Annette Vera WerleGET IT The book can be found at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com

Author of Augustus to The Rescue Annette Vera Werle (pen name Dale Delarew) at her work area in her Riverside home Thursday, Dec. 13. Erica [email protected]


Add your events at www.mysuburbanlife.com

Join Niche Restaurant, 14 S. Third St., Geneva, on Monday, Dec. 24, for a new holiday tradition Christmas Eve Dinner. A prix fixe family style dinner will be served from 4 to 8 p.m. for $48 per person. In addition to the meal, guests can chose to have wine pairings for $22. The menu includes: chestnut soup, enriched with cognac and cream garnished with duck confit; pheasant or beef tenderloin, accompanied by pars-nip pave, roasted mushrooms and truffle jus; gingerbread with creamy lemon curd; and Christmas cookies to take home.

Two Brothers Brewing Company announce their venture into spe-cialty coffee, with two blends in time for the holidays: Brew House Blend and Holiday Blend. Both are made up of coffees from Indonesia, Central America, and East Africa. They are also offering a limited release micro lot from Costa Rica. These coffees can be purchased in three quarter pound bags at both restaurants Two Brothers Taphouse in Warrenville and Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora and through their online store at twobrothersbrewing.com.

Carlucci Restaurant, 1801 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove, welcomes award-winning Executive Chef Jonathan Harootunian, who brings with more than 30 years of experience and four years with Carlucci Hospitality Group as a consulting chef. Most recently, Harootunian was Executive Chef at Menecat in Western Springs and previously held the position of Executive Chef at Michelin-starred eatery Courtrights in Willow Springs. Much of Harootunians time has already been dedicated to adding seasonal creations to the menu, and he will continue to change items every few months.

RESTAURANT NOTES

Whats for dinner?Find out more about your local restaurants and watering holes at mysuburbanlife.com. Send your restaurant news to [email protected].

ON THE GO

MUSIC

"Christmas Time's a Comin'" 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, North Central College Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. Oaks Ridge Boys. $45 to $60. 630-637-7469, tickets.noctrl.edu/, [email protected].

Children's Christmas Concert 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, Pierce Memorial Chapel - Wheaton College, southeast corner of Washington and Franklin streets. The Community School of the Arts Choirs, Handbells and Musical Theater. 630-752-5567.

"Viennese Pops with a French Twist" concert 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, Dominican University Lund Auditorium, 7900 W. Division St. New Philharmonic Orchestra. $55 to $65. 630-942-4000, www.atthemac.org, [email protected].

NIGHT LIFE

NRBQ Christmas Show 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $20. www.fitzgeralds-nightclub.com.

Two Way Street Christmas Show 8:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Chris McIntosh, Alvin McGovern, Cathy Jones and their guests. $7. 630-969-9720, www.twowaystreet.org.

Harry Hmura Band fea-turing Katie Andrick 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. www.HarlemAvenueLounge.com.

The Well Hungarians 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, Time Out Sports Bar & Grill, 6025 S. La Grange Road, Countryside.

OPEN MIC

Open Mic Blues Jam 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. www.HarlemAvenueLounge.com.

TRIVIA/GAMES

Quiz night 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Fitzgerald's Night Club, SideBar, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $20. 708-788-2118, www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

THEATER

Singin' In The Rain Through Sunday, Jan. 13, Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane. 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Friday, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays. $35 to $46. 630-530-0111, www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

ART

Paint and Play classes 7 to 9:15 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, Brigantine Gallery, 5149 Main St., Downers Grove. Painting and refreshments.

Thursday nights open to ages 12 and older. Register at 630-663-0399. $20.

Holiday Artists Bazaar 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23, Lemont Center for the Arts, 1243 State St., Unit 101. 630-2437375, lemontcenter-forthearts.wordpress.com.

Christmas in La Grange, Fine Art and Gift Gallery 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Saturday, Dec. 29, La Grange Art League Gallery and Studio, 122 Calendar Ave. 708-352-3101, www.lagrangeartleague.org.

C.K. Wilde collage exhibit Through Sunday, Jan. 6, Schoenherr Gallery, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630-637-5375, finearts.northcentralcollege.edu/art-exhibits, [email protected].

MUSEUM

"Centuries of Progress: American World's Fairs, 1853-1982" exhibit 1 to 5 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 6, Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave. Includes supplemental exhibit, Elmhurst Goes to the Fair. 630-833-1457, www.elmhursthistory.org, [email protected].

"Florentine Mosaics" exhibit 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 6, Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. 630-833-1616, www.lizzadromuseum.org.

The New Rock and Mineral Experience Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. New per-manent exhibit hall in the lower level of the Museum with 26 new exhibits. 630-833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.

OUTDOORS

Winter Solstice Walk 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Procession around Meadow Lake with story-telling. Meet in Arbor Court. mortonarb.org.

Enchanted Railroad Through Sunday, Jan. 6, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Closed on Dec. 24 and 25. www.mortonarb.org, [email protected].

Wilder Park Conservatory show Holiday Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Wednesday, Jan. 2, Wilder Park Conservatory, 225 Prospect, Elmhurst. www.epd.org.

Gnome Hunt 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday, Feb. 28, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Check out sign at Childrens Garden entrance for details. www.mortonarb.org.

DANCE

Holly Jolly Christmas Dance with the Flat Cats Band Swing dance lessons, 7:30 p.m.; danc-ing, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, Willowbrook

Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs $12, $10 with student ID. 708-839-1000, www.willowbrook-ballroom.com.

Weekly swing night 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Estebans, 1550 N. Route 59, Naperville. Lessons and dancing. $5. 708-544-7150, carlandkarrie.com.

Dancing in Naperville Swing lessons, 7 p.m. Wednesdays; Salsa les-sons, 8 p.m. Thursdays, Frankies Blue Room, 16 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630-416-4898.

Latin Night at Coop's Den 8 p.m. to midnight Wednesdays, Coop's Den, 148 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. Free beginner salsa dance lesson, 8 p.m.; open dancing, 9 p.m. to midnight. 630-759-0148, www.facebook.com/hamp22entertainment.

FILMS

Thursday Afternoon At The Movies 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road. "Catch Me If You Can."

FOOD/DRINK

Breakfast with Santa9 to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 22 and 23, Morton Arboretum, Ginkgo Restaurant, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. $23 adults, $21 children for members; $29 and $25 for non-members. Reservations required. 630-725-2066, www.mortonarb.org.

HOLIDAYS

Holiday Magic 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 22 and 23, and Wednesday to Monday, Dec. 26 to 31, Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St. Light festival, music and entertainment. www.brookfieldzoo.org.

Festival of Light & Trees 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Monday, Dec. 31, Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. 9 a.m. to noon Mondays,

Dec. 24 and 31, and closed Tuesday, Dec. 25. 630-665-5534, www.cosleyzoo.org.

Symphony in Lights Holiday Show 5, 6, 7 and 8 p.m. daily through Monday, Dec. 31, The Promenade Bolingbrook, 619 E Boughton Road. 630-296-8340, www.thepromenadeboling-brook.com.

NEW YEARS EVE

Ring in the New Year at White Pines 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31, White Pines Golf Club, 500 W. Jefferson Ave., Bensenville. Food, live music and dancing. Register by Wednesday, Dec. 26, at 630-766-0304 Ext. 2. www.whitepinesgolf.com/Ring-in-the-New-Year-at-White-P0.news, [email protected].

Zoo Years Eve 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St. Music, games and early countdown. www.brookfieldzoo.org.

New Years Eve at the Abbington 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31, Abbington Distinctive Banquets, 3S002 IL Route 53, Glen Ellyn. Five course dinner, open bar, balloon drop and midnight cham-pagne toast. Music by the Hiline Band and DJ. $115, $105 if purchased prior to December. 630-942-8600, www.abbington-banquets.com/Upcoming-Events/Upcoming-Events.asp.

New Year's Eve Celebration Dinner, 7 p.m.; dancing, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31, Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Dinner entrees range from $75 to $110 by Saturday, Dec. 15; $10 more afterwards. Dance only package, $35 before Sunday, Dec. 30; $45 at the door. 708-839-1000, www.willowbrook-ballroom.com.

Former local high school stars gear up for college football bowl games.See page 36

SportsComments? Contact David Goodassistant managing editor | [email protected] (630) 368-8874

Riverside Brookfields Hannah Claywell drives to the basket Dec. 11 at Glenbard South. Matthew Piechalak [email protected]

Power of threeStandout trio anchors RBs strong start, conference title hopesBy DAN [email protected]

Before the season started, Riverside Brookfield girls bas-ketball coach Dallas Till knew he would have to get big production out of seniors Hannah Claywell and Brittney JnoBaptiste.

Claywell runs the show as point guard and JnoBaptiste is the Bulldogs leading scorer, but sophomore Janae Dabney has emerged to help RB get off to its strong start this season. Dabney is the Bulldogs third leading scorer at almost 11 points per game and has been neck and neck with JnoBaptiste for the team rebounding lead all season.

The trio has helped the Bulldogs win two tourna-ments and put them in contention in the Metro Suburban League. RB entered Tuesdays game at Elmwood Park with an 11-2 record (4-1 in conference).

Claywell leads the team in assists thanks to her ability to get deep in the paint and dish off to her teammates. Her ability to drive has cre-ated opportunities for the inside duo of JnoBaptiste and Dabney.

JnoBaptiste worked

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Suburban Life Brookfield 12-19-12