October Westchester Newsletter

Village of Westchester

October 2010 Newsletter

President’sletter

It is hard to believe that fall is already here, and the dog days of summer are only a memory. To some of us, this transition couldn’t happen soon enough. School has been in full swing for over a month and hopefully parents and children alike have become familiar with their routines. Many pleasurable moments are ahead as we enjoy the great outdoors, the changing tree colors, fall sporting events, Homecoming, and Halloween fun. Also, please don’t forget that the clocks turn back one hour on Saturday, November 6th this year. Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 a.m. on November 7th, 2010. A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries in all smoke detectors in your home when you change the clocks. This simple step can double your chance of surviving, in the unfortunate event of a home fi re.

UPDATE ON THE “GREAT FLOOD OF 2010”

It is hard to believe that it has been more than two months since Westchester and the surrounding communities were battered by the worst storms and rainfall in documented history. Despite the overwhelming devastation that these storms left, the clean up process has gone very smoothly and today, just driving around town, one would be hard pressed to believe the devastation that surrounded us just short few months ago. That however, does not change the fact that the cleanup inside many of our homes continues.

Daily, as I pass through the corridors of the Village Hall I recall the destruction in Westchester depicted in the poster size pictures on the wall showing the fl ooding of the streets, homes, and businesses in Westchester. It is something I pledge to never forget until all steps necessary to prevent this from ever happening again are taken. By the number of repair and contractor permits being issued, it appears Westchester is beginning to rebuild, and that is a good thing.

For those of you who may not know, FEMA has setup a Disaster Recovery Center at St. Joseph H.S. North Campus. This Center is a great source for getting answers to any questions you have regarding monetary grants and loans for those who qualify. To date FEMA has awarded $170,000,000 (170 million dollars) to thousands of residents throughout the State of Illinois in counties Governor Quinn and President Barack Obama declared Disaster Areas. The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is tentatively scheduled to be open until Mid October 2010. I have received confi rmation as of September 23, FEMA has given Westchester residents over $6,000,000 (6 million dollars) to assist them with their recovery.

On the public side, the Village of Westchester has requested just over $1,000,000 (1 million dollars) in fl ood related expenses. These costs span the spectrum of waste hauling services; dumpsters that were placed throughout the village; damage to streets, sewers, and other infrastructure; and expenses related to employees overtime. The Westchester Park District, School District 92.5 and the Westchester Library also made claims to the tune of $950,000 (950 thousand dollars). As of this date we have not heard whether any of these monies will be reimbursed by FEMA. In order for these monies to be reimbursed Cook County has to meet a threshold of 17 million dollars in damage before any award of reimbursement would be considered. As of mid-September 2010, the entire County of Cook was about 4 million dollars short of that target. As such, the deadline for re-submittal was extended to September 30th 2010. Let’s all cross our fi ngers that Cook County will reach the required amount

From the Desk of The PresidentFrom the Desk of The President

Community Calendar

News from the Police Dept.

Leaf Program Updates for fall

Lifesaving trip to the Dentist

Restaurant listings

Puzzle

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Sam Pulia and Senator Roland Burris.

October 2010

Registration continues for Youth Department’s fall storytimes and reading programs. Contact

Library at (708) 562-3573. Friday, October 1

Westchester Community Church Fish/Chicken Fry, 4:30 - 7:30 pm. Please join us for an evening of food and fellowship. For more information, please call the church office 708/865-1282.

Friday, October 1

First Friday Adoration, 8:00 AM-7:00 PM, Divine Providence Ministry Center Chapel, 2540 Mayfair; Call 708-562-3364 for more info.

Saturday, October 2

Divine Providence Annual Four Seasons Bazaar and Craft Show from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in the parish’s McInerney Center and Mayfair Room. Over 50 crafters and vendors are participating. Come and enjoy a delicious lunch in the café. Treat your family to homemade bakery in our bakery booth and take a chance on over 30 themed gift baskets. For further information, please contact Maria Lovera, chairperson at 708-449-2740

Saturday, October 2

Westchester Community Church S c r a p b o o k i n g / C a r d m a k i n g Fundraiser - 9am - 11 pm. or 1/2 day option available, meals included. For more information, please call the church office 708/865-1282.

Sunday, October 3

11:30 AM Mass, Anointing of the Sick, Divine Providence Parish, 2600 Mayfair. Call 708-562-3364 for more info.

Sunday, October 3

Blessing of Pets 2PM, Rectory Courtyard, Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258. www.divineprovidenceschool.org

Monday, October 4

School Mass celebrating St. Francis of Assisi, 9:00 AM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair. 2:30 PM Blessing of Pets, Divine Providence Parish Courtyard

Wednesday, October 6

Divine Infant Jesus School Board Meeting at 7:00 pm at the Rectory, 1601 Newcastle Avenue. Contact

person: Mr. Leonard Gramarossa 708-865-0122

Wednesday, October 6 -Friday October 8

Parent Teacher Conferences, Westchester Public Schools

Wednesday, October 6Divine Providence Over 50 Club:

The October 6th meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m. We will have a speaker at this meeting. Come and join us. Guests are welcome for a donation of $1.00. Our Thanksgiving Luncheon will be on Nov. 3rd in the School Gym. Tickets are still available and are $8.50 for members and $10.00 for guests. Please bring a check for the amount made out to Divine Providence Over 50 Club. Tickets will also be available for the Christmas Luncheon on Dec. 15 which is being held at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Oak Brook.

Thursday, October 7

Early dismissal, Westchester Public Schools

Friday, October 8

No class at Westchester Public Schools.

October 8th and 9th

Lions Candy Days - Please donate generously to your local Lions Club members at street corners in town to benefit those with vision and hearing impairment. Please contact Matt Duff at (708) 345-9829 if you have questions or are interested in joining the Westchester Lions Club.

Saturday, October 9

Harvest Fest from 10 am to 4 pm. Pumpkin Painting, a Native American Tepee, craft vendors, attic treasures, story teller from 2pm to 3pm, kids games, Meet Hody Coyote, wool spinning, house tours, music, refreshments and much more. On the grounds of the Prairie House - 11225 Constitution Dr. Visit www.svetheprairiesociety.org or call Rita 708-354-5512.

Grandparents raising grandchildren. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Forest Park library, 7555 Jackson Boulevard. Event is to help attendees by providing information on benefits available to them to assist children and their grandparents’ caregivers. For more information, call 708-615-1747.

Saturday/Sunday, October 9/10

Manna Certificate and Entertainment 2011 Book Sale after all Masses; 5:00 on Saturday and 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 on Sunday; Divine Providence Parish, 2600 Mayfair.

Monday, October 11

Columbus Day - No School, Westchester Public Schools

Tuesday, October 12

2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Edward Jones Investments will sponsor an upcoming seminar entitled Important Facts About Social Security. Learn about your Social Security benefits and managing your retirement income through this event. Refreshments will be served. Mayfair Banquet Facility 10835 Wakefield Street. Call (708) 562-0004 to reserve space.

Wednesday, October 13

WPTC Member Meeting, Westchester Intermediate School Cafeteria, 7:00PM. All members are welcome to attend.

Friday, October 15

Taize Prayer, 7:30 PM, Divine Providence Church, 2600 Mayfair. Call 708-562-3364 for more info.

Saturday, October 16

Harvest of Crafts Sale at Westchester Community Church from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Field Fellowship Hall and South Basement. Homemade crafts for many occasions, scarves, spices for dips, homemade granola, cards, crochet items, etc. all at affordable prices. There will be “Treasures and Trinkets” selling for $1.00 and a raffle for items on display. We are also featuring 10 crafters and vendors. The youth group will have a Café serving Breakfast and Lunch items. For more information contact the church at 708-865-1282.

Saturday, October 16

Day Pick-up 8:30-9:30AM Mayfair Room, School, Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258.

Saturday, October 16

1100 am to 1200 pm. Paying for Education. This Edward Jones seminar will discuss the various options for education saving, including 529 plans, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and financial aid. Parents and grandparents interested in saving for a child’s education expenses are welcome to attend this event. Refreshments will be served. Event location is 10526 W Cermak Rd Ste 100 in Westchester. Please call (708) 562-0004 to reserve space.

October 17-23

National Friends of Libraries Week

Sunday, October 17

Divine Providence Parish 8th annual Oktoberfest, 11:30, Polka Mass in church; 1:00-4:00: Bratwurst or Hot Dog dinner, dancing, bakery, children’s activities, pumpkin carving contest and raffle in McInerney Center 2500 Mayfair Avenue and School Courtyard. Call 708-562-3364 for more info.

Sunday, October 17

Polka Mass, 11:30 AM and Oktoberfest 1:00-4:00 PM, Divine Providence Parish, 2550 Mayfair, Call 708-562-3364 for more info.

Tuesday, October 19

“Retirement Has Changed. What’s Your Next Move?” This Edward Jones seminar will discuss how to take inventory of current assets and determine how much money you may need during retirement. Open to everyone. Seminar will be held at 10526 W Cermak Rd Ste 100 from 630 PM to 730 PM. Call 708-562-0004 to reserve space.

Wednesday, October 20

Casino Night 2PM-midnight, Grazie’s Banquets, DesPlaines IL , Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258.

Friday, October 22

WMS Dance & Cheerleading Tryouts

Property Tax AppealsProviso Township Assessors’ office is now accepting appeals for flood damaged properties. Please make an appointment by calling 708-449-4304

CALENDAROCTOBER 2010 3

Shred Fest

Shred up to 3 boxes FREE•October 16•10 am to 12 pm•1860 Mannheim Road•Featuring a jumpy house, •snacks, and a professional photographer

See EVENTS, page 6

and that the Village will receive 75% reimbursement from FEMA as soon as possible.

We Will Never Forget

On September 11th, 2010 Westchester hosted a remembrance ceremony for all the victims, their families and our nation. About 75 people attended. I would like to thank all the village officials, staff, members of the fire and police departments, as well as the Westchester Middle School Choir, St Joseph H.S. Band, Proviso West H.S. NJROTC, local clergy, and residents for attending our 9-1-1 ceremony.

Due to a personal loss of our cousin, New York Firefighter Thomas A. Casoria, a Firefighter from Engine Company 22, on September 11th, 2001 each year my wife and I travel to Ground Zero to attend the 9-1-1 ceremony and pay our respects to all those who lost their lives that day, their families and our nation. Firefighter Thomas Casoria died outside Tower 1 of the World Trade Center and his body was not located until April 8th 2002 when the rubble was removed.

The show of respect for the people who lost their life as a result of the terrorist attacks on 9-1-1 in New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon shows our strength and resolve as citizens of Westchester “Not to Forget” the tragedy of 9-1-1. Presidents Obama’s signature on Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s Serve America Act in April 2009 officially recognized September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance reminding us that “United We Serve.”

With Fall Comes The “Falling” Of Leaves

The fall season is a very busy time for the Village of Westchester. The changing temperature has the leaves falling from the trees in preparation for their winter hibernation. The Public Works Department, under the direction of John Fecarotta, is ready to tackle leaf collection, but will need

your help in removing the leaves from our streets to prevent our storm sewer system from being clogged up. Leaf collection has always been a challenge for all but I am confident by working together we can get the job done right.

Last year we borrowed a piece of equipment from LaGrange Park that worked very well pushing leaves at the curb into a pile where our end loader could pick them up. We have purchased two of the units for the Village and I am told both pieces will be out there in full force. Additionally, the leaf bag distribution has begun. Residents will have a pack of 5 leaf bags delivered to their door steps. The goal is to encourage residents to fill up the bags and leave them out for your regular garbage pick-up. We pay Waste Management under contract to pick-up the leaf bags each week. Please bag as many leaves as you can. Leaves and other debris enter the storm sewers and can clog them making the flow of storm water difficult. By preventing leaves from entering the storm sewers we can maintain a flow of water into the sewers and diminish street flooding in the streets and yards of our residents.

Residents may also have noticed a large white truck with a large stainless steel pipe going down into a sanitary or storm sewer in your neighborhood. This “Vactor” truck was purchased at auction and after a thorough going-over has been out there vacuuming debris out of the sewers, and jetting the underground pipes to remove any obstructions.

Our public works crews have been playing catch-up with the paving machine. Several hundred thousand pounds of asphalt have been put in various sections and streets. The areas that are targeted are those prioritized by need. The crew will be working as long as the weather allows them to do so. Our paving plans were cut short this summer by the strike of the labor unions and by our severe flooding.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) has been removing dead trees, invasive trees, bushes and debris from the Addison Creek. As you may remember MWRD started this project last year north

of Gladstone to the I-290 and was supposed to complete it last spring. Perseverance pays off and the MWRD is out there again working south of Gladstone to Roosevelt. Several tons of branches have been sent to the recycler. Removing the obstructions from the Addison Creek will improve the flow of the water as it meets the Salt Creek in Riverside.

I, along with Trustee Pat Casey, Village Manager Stan Urban and Public Works Superintendent John Fecarotta attended an Inflow and Infiltration Seminar held at the MWRD Headquarters in Stickney, Illinois. Approximately 50 elected officials, village managers, and public works personnel enrolled in the seminar which was designed to inform municipalities of the amount of storm water that is entering the sanitary systems. The seminar also informed participants about steps we should be looking at to reduce the amount of flow that is costing millions of dollars to treat before being re-introduced to our waterways.

The village tree trimming program will begin in February. The purpose of this project is to maintain the safety and promote the health and beauty of our parkway trees. The next target area is from Portsmouth West to Mannheim, and from Roosevelt to Cermak Road.

October Is Fire Safety Month

Safety… Safety …Safety... is always a concern for the village. October is Fire Safety Month and our Fire Chief Rich Belmonte reminds us to change the battery in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as previously mentioned.

The Fire Department hosted an open house on October 3rd from Noon to 4pm. Westchester Firefighters demonstrated the effects of a fire on a room that has a sprinkler system and one that does not have a sprinkler system. It was amazing to see the fire be snuffed out so quickly with a sprinkler system and the total destruction and the amount of spreading flame on the one without. Also demonstrated was the Technical Rescue training that our Firefighters receive. The Fire Safety House was a big hit with the children as they learned about fire safety and “Stop, Drop, and Roll”.

Flu Season Upon Us: Taking Proper Precautions

Flu season is on the way once again and the Cook County Department of Public Health along with The

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention remind us to get Flu shots/vaccinations. Everyone 6 months and older should get a Flu vaccine as soon as possible. While the Flu is unpredictable, it’s likely that 2009 H1N1 viruses and regular seasonal viruses will cause illness in the U.S. this Flu season. The 2010-2011 Flu vaccine will protect against three different Flu viruses: H3N2, an influenza B virus, and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season. As always please consult with your doctor.

Remember the 3 C’SClean: Wash your HandsCover: Cover your cough and

sneezeContain: Contain your germs –stay

home if you are sickMore information is available from

the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO or www.cdc.gov/flu/

School Is Open

School has been in full swing for over a month, and hopefully parents and children alike have become familiar to their routines. The Westchester Middle School, in partnership with the Westchester Police Department, has a School Resource Officer at the school. This is the second year of the program with Officer Brian Lamphere assigned to the school. I believe that our police officer’s interaction with the children of the community is an integral part of our community policing strategy.

Police have been keeping a watchful eye on all of the schools in Westchester. Students are reminded not to talk to strangers, not to accept any rides or approach any strange vehicle, and report anything suspicious to teachers, parents, and the police immediately.

Police Walking The Beat

Hopefully this summer you were able to see and speak to our police officers who were walking the beat. Since early summer officers have been out on foot in our neighborhoods as part of our Community Policing Initiative. Their efforts along with their reminders to lock up our cars and homes and to be on the look-out and report any suspicious activities will lead to yet another reduction of our crime statistics for 2010.

Halloween October 31st

Halloween falls on Sunday, October 31st this year.

THE RECOMMENDED TRICK or TREAT TIME IS FROM 1 PM UNTIL 5 PM. The police department will

OCTOBER 2010 5

See DESK, page 11

PRESIDENTContinued from page 1

During the summer of 2009, northern Illinois experienced unusually cool temperatures and a comparative lack of severe weather, resulting in one of the least active storm periods for ComEd.

In contrast, ComEd activated its storm response command center five times in the summer of 2010, including three events in June when ComEd’s service territory was hit with a series of violent storms that disrupted service for nearly one million customers.

Multiple storm fronts struck the ComEd service territory between June 18 and June 27 resulting in more than one million customer interruptions.

More than 120,000 lightning strokes were recorded as wind speeds exceeded 80 MPH. These storms

wreaked havoc on the power lines and approximately 10,100 customers in Westchester were affected by service interruptions that ComEd worked to quickly restore. As a result of the utility’s efforts:

• 74% of Westchester customerswere restored within 12 hours of losing power• 92% of Westchester customerswere restored within 24 hours of losing power“Quickly restoring service to

customers is one of our core responsibilities,” said Mike Guerra, vice president of ComEd External Affairs & Large Customer Solutions. “We are extremely proud of the speed and efficiency with which our crews and storm team completed these massive restoration efforts. ComEd also thanks our customers

for their continued patience.”ComEd’s restoration process is

prioritized as follows:

Step 1: Through switching and repair of high voltage transmission lines and substations, ComEd restores service to the largest number of customers.

Step 2: ComEd restores power to facilities critical to public health and safety—including hospitals, police and fire stations, water reclamation plants, and communication systems.

Step 3: ComEd dispatches crews to make repairs to equipment that will return service to the largest number of customers in the least amount of time. These include major feeder

trunk lines, high-density housing projects, and large neighborhoods. Step 4: Finally, ComEd restores power to smaller neighborhoods and individual services. The safety of ComEd employees

and customers is always ComEd’s most important priority.

Please don’t assume that someone has called in a power outage that affects your home or business. Call 1-800-EDISON1 (1800 334-7661) if your power goes out.

If you think that you experience a significant number of outages throughout the year, please email [email protected] with your address and phone number, so that we may record multiple occurrences. The Village is working with ComED to improve service to our residents.

ComEd restores power to those affected by storms

NEWS6 October 2010

(3:00-6:00pm) Westchester Public Schools

Saturday/Sunday, October 23/24

Manna Certificate and Entertainment 201. Book Sale after all Masses; 5:00 on Saturday and 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 on Sunday; Divine Providence Parish, 2600 Mayfair.

Call 708-562-3364 for more info. Monday, October 25

Fall Band Concert at 7:00 p.m. in Langan Hall, 1640 Newcastle Ave. Contact person: Mrs. Carolyn Rife 708-865-0122

Monday, October 25

Deadline for submission of entries for “Write-A-Book Contest” in Youth Department at the Library.

Monday, October 25

WMS 7th & 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball Tryouts, Westchester Public Schools

Tuesday, October 26

WMS Make A Difference Day, Westchester Public Schools

Wednesday, October 27

The Westchester Intermediate and Middle School will be hosting their annual fundraiser kick off. Back by popular demand, the students will be selling gourmet coffee. The money raised goes right back to the students and helps to offset the cost of equipment and educational field trips. Our students will be selling this wonderful product until November 10, 2010. With the holidays approaching, this makes a great gift that anyone will enjoy, or you may decide to keep it for yourself.

Thursday, October 28

Haunted House 6:30-10:30PM, McInerney Center, School, Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258.

Friday, October 29

Early Childhood Parent Participation

Day, Westchester Public Schools Friday, October 29

WMS Fall Dance (7:00-9:15pm), Westchester Public Schools

Saturday, October 30

Haunted House 6:30-10:30PM, McInerney Center, Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258.

Saturday, October 30

Happy 85th Birthday to the Village of

WestchesterSunday, October 31

Haunted House 6-9PM, McInerney Center, Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Avenue, 708-562-2258.

Monday, November 1

School Mass celebrating All Saints Day, 9:00 AM, Divine Providence

Church, 2600 Mayfair.

Tuesday, November 2

Teacher Institute Day - No school for students, Westchester Public Schools

Thursday, November 4

630 pm to 730 pm, Making Sense of Retirement. Learn about the 5-step planning process, and the importance of consulting a professional to help prepare for retirement. This event will be held at 10526 W Cermak Rd Ste 100 in Westchester. Please call

(708) 562-0004 to reserve space. Saturday, November 6

Divine Infant Jesus School proudly presents “The Langan Luau 2010”. The 20th Annual Cash Raffle Drawing of will take place at 10 PM. For tickets or further information, contact the school at 708-865-0122

Thursday, November 11

Veteran’s Day Assembly at 1:45 pm

The Citizens Advisory Board of Westchester is conducting a food drive to benefit all Westchester residents who have been affected by the recent floods and for families who are in need. Non-perishable,

non-expired food items may be dropped off at the Village Hall until October 30th for this food drive. We also welcome donations of gift cards to such stores as Target and Wal-Mart. The food drive will also

help replenish the Westchester Food Pantry which accepts donations and disburses food to Westchester residents all year. If you are a flood victim or family in need, please contact Westchester Administrative

Offices at 708-345-0020 or email: [email protected] for additional information.

All communications will be kept confidential at the recipient’s request.

Food drive to benefit residents affected by recent flooding

EVENTSContinued from page 3

One of the few west suburban all-volunteer organizations whose single mission is to save lives has been rewarded with a high honor. LifeSource Blood Services, the largest Chicagoland group specializing in providing hospitals with donated whole blood and blood products, recognized the Westchester Blood Program at its seventh annual Top 20 Luncheon.

The event took place September 8 in the Empire Room of Chicago’s Palmer House Hilton. It honored the 20 most-productive blood groups under its auspices during the past fiscal year. Seven members of the Westchester group’s executive board, all volunteers, represented the WBP as it accepted a memento of the 2010 honor. It has been part of the Top 20 seven successive years.

The program, which depends heavily on donors from across the region, collected more than 550 units during fiscal 2010 (July 2009 to June 2010), making it the most successful community blood-collection group. That’s enough blood to impact the lives of 1,600 hospital patients.

Only one other all-volunteer group, Addison Community, was honored, at 20th place.

Seventeen of the other 18 honorees were large corporate, civic or military organizations. Here is a list of all 20:

Great Lakes Naval Training Station; BOMA (Building Owners Management Assn.); Abbott Labs; Loyola University Medical

Center; City of Chicago Police and other employees; Baxter Labs; Advocate Healthcare; Hollywood Cinemas, Woodridge; Allstate Corp.; Northwestern University Medical Center; JP Morgan Chase; Kraft Foods; Westchester Community; Alexian Brothers Health System; Comcast Corp.; St. Margaret-Mary Knights of Columbus Council 11091 in Algonquin; Resurrection Medical Center; Alcatel-Lucent; X Port Fitness centers; Addison Community.

The WBP has raised at least 500 units each year since 1990 except for one year. Since its founding in June 1974, it has collected 22,500 units for Chicago area hospitals and trauma centers, making it one of the

most successful such groups in the country. In 2000, it was honored by the American Association of Blood Banks at its annual dinner in Washington. “It is so heartening to see people from throughout the western suburbs file in to our four annual drives to give back to their community in a way that makes a big difference,” said Carl J. Panek, who has served as chairman of the WBP since 1989. “Our statistics show that nearly one-third of all of our regular donors come from outside Westchester, some from as far away as Elgin and Chicago’s north side. Many live in Oak Park, Brookfield, La Grange Park, Hillside, Western Springs and Oak Brook. These donors

realize that, until science succeeds in creating a synthetic blood, hospitals will depend solely on the life-giving fluid that we all carry in our veins.

“And among those who deserve thanks are the dozens of volunteers who put in time planning our drives or working at them.

“If more people were aware that fewer than 5 per cent of eligible adults donate blood regularly for the other 95 per cent, we might have more donors coming forward. And few realize that it takes less than an hour to donate a unit, and that includes filling out the federally mandated questionnaire. Our main drives are held in January, April, July and October, alternating between Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair, and the Community Center, Bond and Westchester Blvd.”

Panek pointed out that donating blood can improve the health of the giver. This applies particularly to male donors and post-menopausal women. In these cases, the body builds up an increasing amount of iron, which can be a cause of coronary problems and cancer.

Westchester’s next drive will be Saturday, Oct. 16, from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Community Center. On Nov. 10, it will sponsor a makeup drive for those unable to donate at the Oct.16 drive. It will be held in a LifeSource donor coach parked in the south lot of Westchester Community Church, 1840 Westchester Blvd., from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Accepting the award as LifeSource’s No. 1 community blood program are Westchester Blood Pro-gram volunteer officers (from left) Bill Hannon, Nadine Trumbull, Ruth Dugo, chairman Carl Panek, Joan Steinhauer, Mary Ann Hannon and Maria Ortiz. Not present were Bil Mize, Bob Smith, Joyce Loechel and Kevin Lah.

It is that time of year again … as Summer came to an end and we welcomed in Fall, we anticipated the needs of the new season and have revamped the Fall Preventive Maintenance Program.

This year’s program will include four main components:

(1) Leaf Bags(2) Sweeping Equipment(3) Vactor Machine(4) Street Sweeper Last year we used a Leaf Vacuum

Machine, however, that machine was sold and replaced by a Vector Machine. The Village will also use Sweeping Equipment that was manufactured for us, replicated from the units loaned to us by La Grange Park last year.

The Leaf Vacuum Machine was an aged piece of equipment that had limited capabilities and could only be used for a couple months of the

year. The Vector Machine will be used nearly year-round to clean catch basins and flush sewer lines.

This is a significant improvement to in-house sewer maintenance capabilities.

The Westchester Leaf Bag Program returned as part of an initiative to promote a beautiful Westchester and a Fall Preventive Maintenance Program that would reduce the amount of debris in our storm sewers. The program was made possible by the businesses and residents listed to the right, and bags were delivered by volunteers that included Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, Proviso Junior ROTC, Andy Natanek, Timothy Hinsdale and the Board’s family members. The partnership that began last year between the Village, residents and businesses will be continuing this year. This joint effort results in a better, more efficient program, control of

costs, promotes beautification and contributes to the maintenance of our sewer system.

If you would like your name or business to appear in the Village Newsletter in November and December: Support the Leaf Bag Program. There will be an ad similar to the flyer attached to the leaf bags last year, but this year it will appear in the next two monthly newsletters. If you are interested in sponsoring the leaf bags or would like to help with the delivery, please contact Trustee Brian Sloan via e-mail at [email protected] or Trustee Wally Novak via e-mail at [email protected] or call Village Hall at 708.345.0020.

REMINDER:Raking leaves into the streets

or along the curbs is prohibited. Violators will be fined.

See the Village website for the street sweeping schedule.

2009 SPONSORS

MacNeal Physicians GroupMenardsMinuteman PressGobber Real EstateLaw Offices of Randall B. Hribal& Thomas J. SpahnPreferred PlumbingAntonio’s Ice Cream & CaféPaul’s Pizza & Hot DogsHenry’s Hot DogsWally’s DonutsChristopher’s SpeakeasyThomas Michael Hair SalonLe Petite CaféPresident Sam D. PuliaClerk Catherine M. BoothTrustee Walter J. NovakTrustee Brian A. SloanTrustee Nicholas C. Steker

Village leaf maintenance program updated for autumn season

LifeSource Blood Services honors Westchester’s program8 OCTOBER 2010

Shirley E. Slanker, HistorianFranzosenbusch Heritage Project

Ever wonder why or where the name Franzosenbusch came from and/or what it stands for? Well, here is the answer! Franzosenbusch (pronounced Frahn-tso-zen-bush) stands for “French Man’s Grove”.

When the area that now emcompasses Westchester and Hillside was first settled … it was basically settled by immigrants from Germany…for the most part from Rodewell, Hannover, Germany. But among all of the German immigrants lived a man with his family by the name of Torode.

Torode came from the Isle of Guernsey in France. He settled and built a home in the area that we now know as 12th Street/Roosevelt Road and York Road. Actually, his homestead would now sit under the Illinois Toll Road. But, back to the story…when you were telling people or directing them to your home…you would refer to the area as Franzosenbusch…the Frenchman’s grove….and that is why we are named Franzosenbusch. We are just going back in time to the beginning of the development of the area.

Well, now that you know why we call ourselves the Franzosenbusch Heritage Project we would like for you to get to know us better. The German immigrants that settled in the area belonged to the Mother Church which was Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church located on Church Road in Bensenville, DuPage, Illinois. The German immigrants that settled in the area of 22nd Street/Cermak Road and Wolf Road belonged to that Church which was the first Lutheran Church in the area. Their children

attended school there and they attended Church there.

However, after the winter of 1852 when their children had to walk four miles to and from school, ”Nine Founding Fathers” asked and received permission from the Mother Church to build their own school. They stated enough was enough and granted permission to build a two room school house at 22nd Street/Cermak Road and Wolf Road. Shortly following, in around 1858, they formed a daughter Church called Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church which is still in existence today.

We, as a group, have actively been collecting and preserving the history of this area with the co-operation of many volunteers over the years. We started out as Westchester Commission and then Westchester Historical Society and then became Franzosenbusch Historical Society and now we are now known as a Franzosenbusch Heritage Project, an affiliate of Save the Prairie. Actually, we have been in existence dating

back to the 1960’s.Although we have been in

existence for many, many years, we have never formed a membership to the organization and that is why we are writing this letter to you. We are in the process of preserving the two room school house which sits in the interior of the Prairie House located at 11225 Constitution Drive in Westchester.

To continue with our project it is necessary, like all projects, to have money to work with. So, it has been decided to open a “Membership

Drive” for our Project. We will be offering programs, newsletters, research materials, and consultations, tours, etc. to our members. Rather than just ask for donations, we want to give you something for your support. We are hoping to provide four programs a year, along with a newsletter mailed out on a quarterly basis, and also, research to help answer questions about your family and the area. We also hope to provide tours.

Over the years we have been asked by people how they join our organization and here is your chance to join and participate in the collection of history. Please consider our offer. It is very beneficial for everybody, not just the organization.

The dues will be for a year and will cost $25.00 for an individual and $30.00 for a family. Your membership will entitle you to FREE entry to our programs, newsletters, research material, and consultation.

We are hoping to hear from you and hoping that you will join our organization and make big things happen! If you want to learn more about us please visit our website. www.FranzosenbuschHeritageProject.org. Seeing is believing!

HERITAGEOCTOBER 2010 9

From the Franzosenbusch Project

By Michael S. Pulia, MD FAAEM

If trips to the dentist strike fear in your heart because you cannot forget Steven Martin’s hilarious portrayal of Dr. Farb in Little Shop of Horrors, this article might not be for you. For those readers who are not familiar with this classic 80’s movie, just imagine a sadistic character that enjoys inflicting pain on his patients and huffing his own laughing gas during surgery.

Thankfully this representation is complete fiction as modern dentists are skilled professionals dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy mouth. As experts in the practice of regional anesthesia, dentists also use medications like Novocaine to numb nerves and reduce the pain associated with procedures involving drilling or tooth removal.

The recent application of lasers, to dental practice have even eliminated the widely dreaded ‘buzz of the drill’. Needless to say, we are a long way from the Middle Ages when barbers performed extractions of infected teeth with nothing besides alcohol to alleviate pain. Hopefully this information is enough for any dentophobic readers out there to continue on and learn about how dental health can help you avoid an untimely visit to the Emergency Department.

Before revealing how healthy teeth and gums can be life saving, it is critical to understand what happens in a mouth that has been neglected. Long before 1674, when Antony Van Leeuwenhoek viewed scrapings from his teeth under a microscope and discovered bacteria, the ancient Greeks believed dental cavities were the sinister work of ‘dental worms’.

Thanks to the self-made Dutch scientist, today we know it is plaque, a thin film of microscopic

bacteria, and not worms that accumulates to cause tooth decay and gum disease. The mainstays of dental hygiene, daily brushing and flossing, are s p e c i f i c a l l y designed to remove plaque germs that thrive in the warm, moist environment of our mouth.

Unchecked, these bacteria can accumulate quickly because they thrive on the carbohydrates we eat (especially sugars). Most of the damaging effects of plaque results from the acid its bacteria produce while feeding. This acid then wears holes in teeth and damages the gums. During the generally recommended biannual dental checkup, the dentist will remove hardened dental plaque and screen for signs of acid related tooth decay or gum disease.

Now that we understand the relationship between bacteria and cavities, let’s examine how a simple cavity could land you in the Emergency Department needing surgery. Untreated, the bacteria that cause cavities can spread beyond the tooth and cause infections in the deeper structures of your face.

One particularly frightening condition, termed Ludwig’s Angina, is an abscess that accumulates under your tongue. It is typically seen in individuals with untreated infections of the lower molars. The term angina here does not refer to chest pain but rather a strangulation sensation the patient feels as the tongue is forced backwards into their throat by the pus.

As this condition can rapidly occlude the airway, upon making this diagnosis, the emergency physician will immediately sedate

the patient, insert a breathing tube and place them on the ventilator while arranging for surgery. If this prospect isn’t reason enough to brush and floss daily, know that ‘cavities gone wild’ have been implicated in life-threatening infections involving the facial bones, chest cavity, bloodstream, eyes, and brain.

In addition to helping you avoid bad breath, stained teeth, painful cavities, serious infections and strangling on your own tongue, routine dental hygiene also plays a significant role in cardiovascular health.

For over a decade, a large body of evidence has been accumulating that a healthy mouth, specifically the gums, may be a significant factor in keeping your circulatory system functioning properly. The destruction of gum tissue, by plaque associated acid and toxins, is termed periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is widespread, present in 15-30% of all adults. The effect of this process is loose teeth that are prone to deeper invasion of plaque and subsequent infection. Beyond the dental impact of gum disease, researchers have found that periodontal disease is linked with higher risks of heart attack and stroke.

Although it sounds like a stretch, let me explain the proposed mechanism behind this connection. It is hypothesized that diseased gums readily allow bacteria and their toxic byproducts to move from the oral cavity into the bloodstream.

While traveling through our blood vessels, these irritants cause inflammation which may trigger blood clot formation or destabilize preexisting blockages (plaques) in the arteries supplying our heart and brain.

Once destabilized, these plaques are more likely to rupture, which would then trigger blood clot formation and result in a heart

attack or stroke. Although the extent to which gum disease increases the risk of catastrophic cardiovascular events is unknown, we already have enough information to make a compelling argument that routine dental hygiene and dental checkups are more important than ever.

If all the preceding information has yet to make you a believer in all things dentistry, the early detection of oral cancer might change your mind.

As part of their routine screening, dentists will exam your mouth for abnormal growths. The incidence of oral cancers, often associated with smoking, drinking, and the sexually transmitted disease HPV, is increasing.

The prognosis is highly dependent on early detection and treatment. Catching one of these growths before it spreads vastly improves the chance of survival.

Although some people associate time spent in ‘the chair’ with needles, drilling, and pain, regular visits to your friendly neighborhood dentist should be relatively painless and can help you avoid an untimely trip to the Emergency Department.

If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental checkup or you are having any tooth pain/sensitivity, gum bleeding/swelling/drainage, or notice an unusual growth in your mouth, my suggestion is to pick up the phone and call your dentist today. It just might save your life.

Michael S. Pulia, MD FAAEM is an assistant professor of Emergency Medicine at the Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC) and Vice President of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) Young Physician Section. This article should not be taken as specific medical advice and any medical condition should be discussed with your personal physician or dentist. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policies or positions of LUMC or the AAEM.

A lifesaving trip to the dentist

Michael Pulia, MD FAAEM

HEALTH10 OCTOBER 2010

… that you can make online requests, such as report a pot hole, report a street light out, etc.... Also please notice that the Village is replacing our E-brief e-newsletter with a new notification system, Nixel. Check it on the Village’s website www.westchester-il.org”

Did you know…

be patrolling the side streets to make sure all of our little ghosts and goblins are safe. There are many safety tips available as well as safe costumes for the kids. Please visit web site www.Halloween-Safety.com for a complete listing of available information. BOO!!

Senator Burris Visits Westchester

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting with Illinois’ United States Senator Roland Burris. Senator Burris stopped by on September 9th to give Police Chief April Padalik, Fire Chief Richard Belmonte and myself a Leadership Award for our efforts as they relate to the “Great Flood of 2010.” Senator Burris also visited with students, staff, and teachers at the Westchester Middle School and Westchester Primary School before visiting the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at St. Joseph High School. The Senator spoke to FEMA officials, employees and citizens applying for needed assistance through the federal government. Senator Burris ended his visit in the history classroom at St. Joe’s speaking directly to the students about their role in our society. In particular, he reminded the students that as the future leaders of our country it is important to complete their education, work hard and be dedicated to family and nation. He also signed a life size cardboard likeness of Abraham Lincoln as a reminder of his visit and their pledge to graduate high school. I would like to personally thank Senator Roland Burris, and especially Mr. Toni Randle for organizing the senator’s visit. I will remember this visit fondly.

From The Board

On September 7th the Board met as a Committee of the Whole. A lengthy presentation from the Acting Director of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) and her staff made a presentation to the board regarding the flood event of July 24, 2010. An estimated 3 to 4 Billion gallons of rainfall hit our area in 12 hours. That converts to 50 million gallons per hour. Graphic posters were displayed of the Districts “Lock” system and what preparation the District has in place for severe rain events. Board members and the audience were able to ask questions of the district employees regarding what the MWRD

presently had in place to mitigate storm and sanitary water as well as what additional holding retention areas may be available in the future. The DEEP TUNNEL project was discussed with the MWRD traveling to Washington D.C. late September to see what money appropriations they could receive in completing the second phase of the DEEP TUNNEL PROJECT. The second phase deals with the available quarry sites for an additional 10 billion gallon storage.

Alpine Restaurant located at Roosevelt Road and Heidorn is remodeling the restaurant and as a result parking was eliminated on the east side of the building. A request will be forthcoming to the Zoning Board for an advisory recommendation to the board of trustees regarding additional parking along the parkway just south of the east/west alley. The Village’s reworked Sign Ordinance came before the board on September 14th for approval. The board unanimously passed the ordinance which will take effect in January 2011. Greg Hribal, the Village’s 9-1-1 director, presented the possibility of bringing Fiber Optics to the Village Hall. As you may remember, the

storm event of July 24 flooded a SBC telephone line vault at Mannheim and Roosevelt Road causing our 9-1-1 operators to utilize the Broadview Police Department as a call center. Our back-up system worked exactly as it was designed; however having Fiber Optics would prevent the phone system from being knocked out of service.

Chief April Padalik requested the purchase of new bullet proof vests for the officers of the police department, replacing the expiring ones. Chief Padalik was able to purchase 31 vests with grant monies, leaving the total Village expense $385.00. The vests cost approximately $575.00 each.

New Board Meeting Schedule

The board decided to change the meeting formats a Board Meeting followed by a Committee of the Whole Meeting will be held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. This will allow the Board and staff more time between meeting to formulate agendas and synopses. It will also reduce legal costs. The new meeting schedule began September

28th 2010 at 7pm. This schedule will be in effect unless a special meeting is called.

Beginning January 1, 2011 solicitation of money on the Westchester public streets is prohibited. Additionally, Solicitation Permits for Commercial and Non-Commercial enterprises are required. More information on this topic will be forthcoming.

The village smoke testing project which is part of the village flood mitigation plan has been underway for a month. Data is being collected and photographs have been taken of gutter downspouts being hooked up illegally to the sanitary sewer system. The smoke being used is non-toxic and safe for humans and pets. Residents are being reminded to make sure to run water into their sink drains. You may have to put additional water into any basement floor drains. A letter is being distributed to the areas were where the testing is taking place. We believe that improper connections to the sanitary sewer system are a contributing factor in the amount of inflow and infiltration that is being received at the MWRD treatment site.

“Westchester World” is currently shown on Comcast Channel 6 every Friday at noon and replayed Thursdays at 5:00 pm (please note these times are subject to change).

As the President, I will continue to work hard to ensure that all residents know what the Village is doing to keep residents happy, while trying to improve the quality of life amenities that we currently have.

The most recent episode features interviews with Cook County Homeland Security Director, David Ramos along with FEMA representatives. The second part of that same “Westchester World” episode includes interviews with our Westchester Fire Chief and our Chief of Police. Please check out this wonderful new media program we are utilizing to better serve you.

OCTOBER 2010 11

Addison Creek before and after the clean-up program began. The goal is to remove obstructions and invasive species, and improve water flow.

DESKContinued from page 5

Fire Chief Richard Belmonte, Police Chief April Padalik, and Sam Pulia receive a Leadership Award from Sen. Burris for their efforts in the “Great Flood of 2010.”

Practically, it is the government’s official statement on building safety.

Technically, it is a compendium of laws and ordinances setting minimum safety standards, arranged in a systematic manner (codified) for easy reference. It embraces all aspects of the building construction - fire and structural items as well as the plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems.

The most recent assignment to building officials comes from the need to conserve energy use in buildings.

Elected officials have established definite goals in the area of energy conservation which can best be administered through the routine building regulatory system.

Beyond the mere addition of insulation, energy-saving steps include new standards for appliance construction, new design concepts to conserve heat from lighting fixtures and a myriad of other approaches to minimize energy demands.

Other innovations include such items as showerhead restrictors, setback thermostats and low-flush toilets.

Steps have also been taken to facilitate solar-heating applications and the use of other alternative energy resources.

Local building departments provide a wide range of services beyond the usual plan review and building inspection process.

These range from the administration of planning or zoning laws to housing maintenance inspection, nuisance abatement and a number of other related or ancillary duties.

Visit your local building department

and get acquainted with the people who make it work.

The regulation of building construction is not a recent phenomenon. It can be traced through recorded history for over 4,000 years.

This provides evidence that people have become increasingly aware of their ability to avoid the catastrophic consequences of building construction failures.

In early America, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson encouraged the development of building regulations to provide for minimum standards that would ensure health and safety.

Today, most of the United States is covered by a network of modern building regulations ranging in coverage from fire and structural safety to health, security and conservation of energy.

Public safety is not the only byproduct afforded by modern codes.

Architects, engineers, contractors, and others in the building community can take advantage of the latest technological advances accommodated in these codes with resultant savings to the consumer.

For codes to be effective, an understanding and cooperative relationship must exist between building officials and the groups whom they serve - homeowners, developers, urban planners and designers, as well as other echelons of the construction industry.

Codes must therefore be responsive to the government’s need to protect the public.

They must provide due process for all affected and they must keep pace with a rapidly changing technology which gives birth to innovative ideas.

The inability of communities to provide such a code process is understandable, but collectively these communities can work together to develop and maintain codes.

This approach has given birth to the model code system.

During the early 1900s, model building codes were authored by the code enforcement officials of various communities with key assistance from all segments of the building industry.

Model codes have now become the central regulatory basis for the administration of building regulatory programs in cities, counties and states throughout the United States.

They simply represent a collective undertaking which shares the cost of

code development and maintenance while ensuring uniformity of regulations so that the advantages of technology can be optimized.

Building safety code enforcement has historically been accomplished by defraying the costs of administration through a system of fees relating to a specific project - a system which is self-supporting.

These fees are generally less than 2 percent of the overall cost of the building project. Public protection is thus obtained in a cost-effective manner.

The system is so well developed that the true complexity of the process is obscure to many. It is for the purpose of creating awareness of this important public service that this article was chosen to be published in this newsletter.

Taken from http://www.sandersville.net/site/page5825.html 2-5-10

OCTOBER 2010 17

What is a building code?

For businesses who would like to secure advertising space, please send an email to [email protected]. All interested parties will receive a confirmation email with deadline, pricing, payment and submittal requirements, all of which will be strictly enforced. All Content is accepted on a first come first serve basis. Payment is due with submittal.

PresidentSAM D. PULIA

[email protected]

ClerkCATHY BOOTH-

[email protected]

TreasurerBARB BRANDT

[email protected]

AttorneyDONALD STORINO

TrusteesNEIL BOYLE

[email protected]

PATRICK CASEY [email protected]

PAUL GATTUSO [email protected]

WALTER J. NOVAK [email protected]

BRIAN A. SLOAN [email protected]

NICK STEKER [email protected]

Community Development/ Building 708 345-0199

DENNIS DIPASQUALE- Commissioner

[email protected]

Fire Department, non-emergency: 708-345-0441

RICHARD BELMONTE Fire Chief

[email protected]

Police Department, non-emergency 708-345-0060

APRIL PADALIK Police Chief

[email protected]

Public Works Department708-345-0041

JOHN FECAROTTA Superintendent

[email protected]

Village of

Westchester10300 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, IL 60154, www.westchester-il.org, 708-345-0020

Village Officials Village Departments and Staff ContactsSTAN URBAN-Manager

[email protected]

EMILY FISTER-Asst. to the [email protected]

JIM EGEBERG Finance [email protected]

Answers to puzzles from page 16

18 OCTOBER 2010

Subway Sandwiches10350 Roosevelt Rd.(708) 860-0800American

Subway Sandwiches3062 Wolf Road(708) 531-1611American

Taco Bell3063 Wolf Road(708) 562-3441Fast Food

Wally’s Donuts1901 Wolf Road(708) 615-1099Coffee Shop

D’s Dog Hut11061 Roosevelt Rd.(708) 562-2330American

Deli Time Inc2 Westbrook Corp. Center(708) 562-8022American

Donalds Hot Dogs9833 Roosevelt Rd.(708) 344-2522Fast foods

Kentucky Fried Chicken11158 West 31st St., (708) 409-0404Fast Foods

Benjarong Thai Cuisine2138 Mannheim Rd.(708) 409-0339Asian

Chai Yo Thai Cuisine10026 Roosevelt Rd.(708) 345-6718Asian

Chinese Kitchen3003 Wolf Road(708) 531-1688Asian

El Alegre Burrito2142 Mannheim Rd.(708) 531-0981Mexican

IHOP1137 Mannheim Rd.(708) 343-4420‎Breakfast/American

Joe’s Place1553 Westchester. Blvd(708) 865-9590American

Le Petite Café1855 Mannheim Rd.(708) 344-4100Breakfeast/Lunch

New China Wok9906 Roosevelt Rd.(708) 338-2398Asian

Pancheros11223 West 22nd St.(708) 409-4700Mexican

Westchester Inn3069 Wolf Rd.(708) 409-1313American

Young Prince1912 Mannheim Rd.(708) 562-9100American

Pappanino Pizza9916 W. Roosevelt Rd.(708) 938-5742American

Albano’s Deli10712 West 31st. St.(708) 562-0262American

Kentucky Fried Chicken9950 Roosevelt Rd. (708) 345-7744Fast Food

Antonio’s Ice Cream3019 S. Wolf Rd.(708) 531-8100Ice cream/coffee shop

Burger King11124 W. 31st St. (708) 531-1211Fast Food

Christopher’s Speakeasy1929 Mannheim Rd. (708) 345-2920American

McDonalds11110 W. 31st St.(708) 531-1236Fast Food

Panera Bread11215 Cermak Rd.(708) 409-9910American

Pepe’s II Hot Dogs10229 Roosevelt Rd. (708) 344-9399American

Rocky’s Pizza10421 Cermak Rd. (708) 562-3501American

Spice N Eat9908 Roosevelt Rd. (708) 344-9908America

Starbucks3 Westbrook Corp. Center(708) 409-1417Coffee Shop

Sweet House Deli/Little Europe10702 W. 31st St. (708) 531-1883American

Alpine Banquet Haus11141 Roosevelt Rd.(708) 409-8640 Americanwww.alpinebanquethouse.com

The BistroWestchester Corp. CenterBetween Towers 2 and 3(708) 947-2940www.fftchicago.com/westbrook

Paul’s Pizza3044 Wolf Road(708) 531-9080 Americanwww.pauls-pizza.com

Giordano’s10410 Cermak Road(708) 531-1122 Italianwww.giordanos.com

RESTAURANTS22 OCTOBER 2010

Fire HydrantsThe Village has hired a painting contractor to sandblast and paint every

fire hydrant in town. The contractor has completed approximately one third to one half of the hydrants. The newly painted fire hydrants are a traditional red color. There may be

a small amount of overspray. Please move all cars and plants away from the fire hydrants while the

contractor is working in your area.

Water main construction project updateThe Village has hired Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd to design new

water mains on Fleet Street from Mayfair Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue and on Preston Street from Sunnyside Avenue to the eastern terminus. The existing water mains along these streets have suffered multiple water main breaks in the recent years. The new water main on Fleet Street will be under the sidewalk along the North side of the right of way.

This will require the removal and replacement of all the driveways and sidewalk along the North side of Fleet Street from Mayfair Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue. There will also be some driveway and sidewalk removal along the south side due to necessary tie-ins and spot repairs. The new water main on Preston Street will be moved to the North side of the right of way from Sunnyside Avenue to the Eastern street terminus.

The new fire hydrants will also be located along the north side of the street. This will require the removal and replacement of all the driveways and sidewalk along the North side of Preston Street from Sunnyside Avenue to the eastern terminus. There will also be some driveway and sidewalk removal along the south side due to necessary tie-ins and spot repairs.

Both streets will have new sidewalk and driveways in the areas where water main construction is occurring. The project will also include new sod in the construction area for restoration purposes. There will be no interruption in water service for the north and south sides of the street, except for a brief time when the service connections to the homes are switched from the old water main to the new water main.

Gardner Road 2010 ResurfacingConstruction on the second phase of Gardner Road will be commencing

before the end of September. There was a delay in the start date of the project due to paperwork regarding new regulations. The construction will extend from Canterbury Street to Roosevelt Road. This project is a joint project with the Village of Broadview. A portion of the second phase is being paid for by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). IDOT will pay 80% of the construction costs, Broadview will pay 10%, and Westchester will pay the remaining 10%. The low bid was submitted by K-Five in the amount of $265,000. There will be minimal underground repairs and curb & gutter replacement as part of this project.

PUBLIC WORKSOCTOBER 2010 23

Workers from J. Nardulli replacing curb and gutter along Bond Street.

2010 Street Improvements Projects UpdateThe Village of Westchester has embarked upon a roadway project that will include replacement of

deteriorated sections of storm and sanitary sewer; replacement of defective curb and gutter; and roadway resurfacing.

As of September 17, 2010, sewer work has been completed on Evers, Heidorn, Manchester, Bond, Devonshire, and Kent. Concrete work has been completed on Evers and is commencing on Heidorn, Manchester, Bond, Devonshire, and Kent. .

BOARD PROFILE24 OCTOBER 2010