Village of Westchester January 2023 Newsletter

Village of Westchester

From the desk of Acting Village President Nick Steker

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and wishing a blessed new year for all of our residents and their families. The Village was able to spread a little extra Christmas cheer this year participating in events such as Shop with a Cop, Secret Santa, and Christmas in Proviso. In the Shop with a Cop program, Westchester Partnered with Maywood and Bellwood Police Departments to bring some holiday cheer to kids from town. Christmas in Proviso was a huge event with all of the communities in Proviso Township and several sponsors coming together to make over one hundred kids Christmas bright.

The senior snow removal program was initiated and we hope it is a service we can refine, and continue to provide in the future. Our Public Works workers worked tirelessly around the clock just before the holiday, in the subarctic temperatures, to try to keep our streets clear. We typically use 80 tons of salt during a snowfall like we saw just before Christmas. Public Works dropped 300 tons due to the high winds and limited effectiveness of the salt in the extreme cold. Our Public Works department is in the process of hiring so please check the Village website for application details.

I am looking for three volunteers to sit on the Village’s Ethics Commission. The duties of the office are outlined in Section 2.96.060 of the Village Code. These positions will be held to the highest standard in investigating complaints for specific

items identified in the code. A relevant background in these matters would be preferred. Please email me with your interest at nsteker@westchester-il. org.

I always love coming across a resident or former resident doing amazing things. I am a big podcast fan and one that I really enjoy is Jocko Willink. Jocko is a former Navy Seal who does great interviews with soldiers, leaders, and mixed-martial artists. I was listening to Jocko Podcast 355 when I heard him interviewing Pete “The Greek” Letsos. I grew up with Pete in my grammar school days. Pete was always a scrappy and tough kid growing up, but I never thought he would go on to be one of the most well known Jiu Jitsu fighters today. His family was in the restaurant business and he lived on Nelson St. Listening to the podcast I found out he is a three time PanAm medalist as well as a three time Gracie world champion! He lived in Brazil after leaving Westchester to train and is said to have won seven Jiu-Jitsu tournaments in one month!!! It was cool to hear the stories of his life and knowing his roots were right here in our great town.

There has been a large social media following of some furry friends around town. Residents have assisted in tracking and even catching some sick coyotes and foxes so they can be treated and released. A local resident Tessa Martyn who has worked tirelessly to help these animals has provided us with an update.

News from WPTC

Happy New Year! The WPTC is excited to start off 2023 and share all the fun experiences this year has to offer!

Last month we had two delicious fundraisers - Lou Malnati’s and Como’s Pizza. Thank you for your support. We hope you enjoyed the food at both restaurants as much as we did!

In December, the WPTC and School District hosted a Cyberbullying Presentation for the students as well as parents. It was very informative and wellreceived. All our gratitude to Detective Rich Wistocki (Ret.) for presenting and helping our children stay safe. The Keeping Our Kids Safe Presentation can be viewed online.

December also brought some fun winter festivities. The WPTC sponsored 3 trees at the park district that were beautifully decorated by students from Westchester Schools. The fun-filled winter parties at WPS and WIS took place and the WMS winter dance was enjoyed by all who attended. Thank you to all the volunteers that helped make these events possible. We appreciate you!

Please remember the WMS School Store has returned and will be open once a month!! Dates will be announced on our Facebook page and announcements are made during school to remind the students.

As we look to the new year, January holds an event everyone is excited for

The Nutcracker

Maggie McCarthy-Angel and understudy Toy Soldier, Isabel Espin-Toy Soldier, Mrs. Stahlbaum and Angel, and Tim Dent-Party Adult. This is Ballet Legere’s 37th annual production.

Please note that the Village of Westchester has previously adopted Municipal Code Chapter 7.128 “Rental Residential Property” that states all property owners must register with the Village in order to operate, maintain or offer to rent or rent within the village any rental residential property. If you are a property owner of a rental residential property please ensure you register with the Village as soon as possible to avoid receiving any tickets for a code violations of Chapter 7.128. If you are a tenant of a rental residential property, please make sure to ask your landlord if they are properly registered with the Village to ensure there will be no interruptions or issues with your tenancy. Please contact the Building Department with any questions (708) 345-0199.

- WPTC Family Day with the Chicago Wolves! Please join us for this family event on January 29th. All Westchester families will be seated together to experience the thrills of the Wolves with

family and friends. See Facebook and our website for more details. Keep an eye out for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities!

Lots of stars in Westchester. Our town has several talented citizens that performed in Ballet Legere’s “The Nutcracker”. The following auditioned for and received roles in the production. They are Indy Espin as Marzipan, Flower, Snowflake, and understudy for Spanish and Party Adult. Miranda Meier as The Maid, Abby Milas-Harlequin and Jester, Natalie Tistoj-Jester, Mia Scatchell-Angel and Mother Ginger Child, Audrey Gudmundson-Angel,

Mange spreading among local wildlife

Over the course of 2022, a skin disease called mange has been spreading among our wildlife population, mostly due to the drought that we’ve experienced.

The drought poses a threat to the health and well-being of the animals around us, causing mites to come to the surface of forest vegetation and begin burrowing into the skin of animals who roam through these mange-infested areas.

This burrowing of mites causes hair loss, open wounds, crusting, and severe itching to the animals that are infected with mange. As the mange gets worse, infected animals’ immune systems begin to weaken, leaving way for secondary infections to take hold, causing organ failure, other (potentially fatal) harm such as losing the ability to regulate body temperature, see, smell, and therefore, hunt, and sometimes even death.

These animals are a vital part of our ecosystem. They control the rodent population and spread the seeds of fruit and vegetables they eat. Oftentimes posing no threat to people or pets who are properly attended to.

No living being deserves to meet this end, especially when there are lifesaving treatments to cure mange.

Over the past few months, the Community of Westchester alongside K.A.R.E (Kane Area Rehabilitation and Education for Wildlife) and Ty Holden, the professional trapper that we are working with, have come together and played a vital role in rescuing and rehabilitating some of the local wildlife who have been infected with mange, and because of this group effort, three foxes and one coyote have been saved!

These animals are a testament to what is possible, with a little medical attention and a whole lot of compassion.

A lot of residents were concerned when they saw the poor coyote with mange wandering around the streets of Westchester. After much community cooperation, the trapper was able to bring the coyote in for treatment, and it was nursed back to health by K.A.R.E and released back into the wild where it will have a chance to live a long and healthy life thanks to so many!

Shortly after that, the foxes started roaming the area looking sick and injured, and once again the community jumped in to save them as well.

A GoFundMe page was set up, the trapper was back to help, neighbors went above and beyond helping them any way they could. The community really stepped up to give these poor sick foxes a chance at a healthy and happy life too!

It was so inspiring and amazing to see this little town of 16,492 come together and save lives. Let’s not forget to mention the children

always on the lookout, Mr.Steker’s support, and each and every one of you who has donated, notified us of sightings, gained the trust of these sick animals and helped them get the help that they so desperately needed.

Unfortunately, as the weather gets colder, these animals are becoming weaker and more susceptible to sickness and hunger as the grounds get colder and food supply for them becomes sparse. We love seeing them living a healthy, happy life in our little community, but if you notice that they are sick or injured, we ask that you please be vigilant about spotting and reporting wildlife in need, especially during these cold months ahead.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our efforts thus far. We encourage everyone to continue to share in the responsibility of protecting our furry friends from the dangers that lie within our forests, prairies, and our own backyards.

Be safe on New Year’s eve

New Year’s Eve is one of the most festive nights of the year. Despite its reputation for revelry, New Year’s Eve also can be dangerous, which underscores the need to celebrate responsibly when ringing in a new year.

American Addiction Centers surveyed 1,000 Americans regarding their alcohol consumption habits on certain holidays. The survey found that the average person consumes 4.4 alcoholic drinks on New Year’s Eve, making the holiday second only to Mardi Gras in terms of drinks consumed. Alcohol lowers individuals’ inhibitions and adversely affects their judgment, which could make them vulnerable to criminals and more likely to make bad decisions, including driving after a few drinks. In fact, the National Safety Council estimates that 427 people may die on U.S. roads during the 2022 New Year’s holiday period.

A new year is worthy of celebration, and the festivities can be even more enjoyable when individuals take these safety tips to heart.

• Recognize the risks. Recognition of the potentially serious threats that can be lurking on New Year’s Eve is vital to celebrating safely. In 2016, leaked documents indicated that more than 1,200 women were sexually assaulted on New Year’s Eve in various German cities. A 2011 report from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research in the United States noted a significant spike in the rate of assaults, murders, sexual assaults, and robberies on New Year’s Eve, linking that increase to higher levels of alcohol consumption. Individuals who recognize how vulnerable overconsumption of alcohol can make them may be less inclined to overdo it this year.

• Avoid the roads. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that 68 percent of drunk driving traffic fatalities on New Year’s 2016 involved drivers with a high blood alcohol concentration. One of the safest things individuals can do on New Year’s Eve is to avoid the roads. Consider celebrating at home or staying in a hotel or the home of a loved one. If you must be on the road, call a cab or book an Uber when you need to get to and from a party.

• Be careful even if you’re hosting. New Year’s Eve celebrants also must be vigilant if they’re hosting a gathering at home. Laws vary, but social host liability laws generally hold hosts who serve alcohol responsible for the actions of their guests after they leave their homes. So hosts could conceivably be vulnerable to criminal or civil proceedings if they serve alcohol to guests who are then involved in traffic accidents or other incidents after they leave hosts’ homes. New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration. Taking steps to ensure celebrations are safe can make the night even more fun.

POLICE BLOTTER

1) At 1:28am on November 16, 2022 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported at 1835 Mannheim. An officer on routine patrol observed painted graffiti on the walls of the abandoned restaurant. Security cameras from the area were being reviewed.

2) At 6:48am on November 18, 2022 a Burglary from Motor Vehicle was reported at 745 Westchester Blvd. The resident reported that unknown person(s) entered their vehicle sometime during the previous evening taking various items from inside.

3) At 6:23am on November 28, 2022 a Motor Vehicle Theft was reported at 10325 Chaucer. The resident reported their 2017 Kia was taken during the overnight hours of the previous evening. The vehicle was tracked and located in Chicago.

4) At 2:31pm on December 5, 2022 a Theft was reported at 10526 Cermak Road. A citizen advised that a VISA gift card was mailed to the address but had not arrived. Upon

investigation it was discovered that the card was previously used.

5) At 4:14pm on December 7, 2022 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported on the 1500 block of Concord. The resident reported damage to their vinyl fence possibly due to BB’s.

6) At 1:37pm on December 9, 2022 an Armed Robbery was reported at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 11000 31st Street. Officer were alerted of an alarm at the bank, and also obtained offending vehicle information. GPS location information for the stolen money directed investigators to Chicago and two subjects were taken into custody and turned over to the FBI.

7) At 11:37am on December 12, 2022 an Attempted Burglary was reported on the 10300 Block of Canterbury. Damage was reported to a side garage door but entry was not gained due to a double deadbolt lock. Security cameras are being reviewed for offender information.

A low salt diet for Westchester’s streets, sidewalks and entry ways is good for the environment

all snow on the parkway as far from the street as possible. Keeping up with the snow and slush will make the job easier, as well as making access safter. Pushing snow into the street, is a safety hazard, as well as being likely to end up back on your driveway next time the plow comes around. Plow operators are instructed to plow at low speeds, under 15 miles per hour, for safety and to limit the travel distance of the snow as they work.

Keeping shovels handy, to do a little maintenance is a good idea. Clearing away any slush promptly will keep driveways and sidewalks ice free. Never deposit salt laden snow on delicate plants. Be especially careful of salt contact with delicate plants in late winter and early spring when plants are beginning to bud.

(GROW) Ecological Commission

Winter is coming with snow and ice. Salt/De-icers help to keep roads and walkways clear. Salt relates to negative environmental impacts, as well as damage to infrastructure and vehicles.

Environmental Impacts of Salt Soil Damage: When salt accumulates in the soil, it reduces water infiltration and aeration, creating erosion and runoff.

Plant Damage: Salt damages roots, leaves, and buds, interfering with photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration, year-round.

Water Damage: Road salt runoff negatively affects our rivers, lakes, and ponds.

Capital Impacts of Salt Corrosion: Salt affects our streets, sidewalks, bridges, doorways, as well as vehicles, fences, railings and more. Nationally it is estimated that the cost of damage due to salt corrosion is in the billions of dollars annually.

Simply, the less salt we use the healthier our environment will be inside and out.

De-icing only works after the bulk of snow has been removed. Whenever possible remove snow and ice manually, then spread an abrasive such as sand. Use Deicers as an aid to mechanical removal. All De-icers need to be used after shoveling and sweeping has removed as much snow and ice as possible, and after the threat of additional snowfall has ended. The sun is a powerful force for deicing, helping to keep roads and walkways clear and dry. Problem areas that do not receive much sunlight, or thaw and then freeze again, are the spots to deploy De-icers. To prevent salt injury to plants and infrastructure, apply only in highrisk areas, such as steps, and major walkways. Apply Deicers sparingly and allow the sun to finish the job.

Westchester Public Works is aware of the importance of being careful and conservative with their use of deicing materials.

Here are couple things that we can do to help Public Works do the job better and easier.

Be sure to have your car off the street when snow is coming, so that streets can be cleared curb to curb. Emergency vehicles, motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists all benefit from clear snow free roads and sidewalks. Steve Crowley, acting Public Works Director, mentioned that the snow which remains from cars left in the street, often causes damage to plows when trying to clear it away at a later time.

Be sure your car doesn’t end up like these. Obey snow parking signage.

When clearing driveways, work sideways and deposit

Entryways also, will benefit from conservative use of salt. Cleaner entries need less maintenance, look fresher, and feel more welcoming. Keeping the area outside of your entries & exits clear of snow will reduce or eliminate the need for de-icing. Keeping a broom and or shovel handy will make this maintenance proactive and easy.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Sure, there are salt resistant plants, shrubs, and trees. There are ways to remediate soil & you can paint over the rust. The environment will benefit from the conservative use of salt and De-icers.

Be part of the conversation, GROW meeting are the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM in the Court room of Westchester Village Hall. Please join us.

Interested in Joining the GROW Commission?

The Green Residents of Westchester (GROW) Ecological Commission will have two 3-year terms open beginning February 2023.

Purpose of the GROW Commission:

Our mission is to work to advise the Village and help educate the community in environmental programs and practices to improve the quality of our air, water and land, to reduce greenhouse gases, minimize waste, and reduce energy consumption. We work to be critical partners in beautification and ecological decisions. The commission shall also prepare, maintain, achieve objectives of, and sustain Westchester’s Climate Action Plan.

Responsibilities of GROW Commissioners:

Candidates should have ability and availability to participate in commission meetings, community education/ outreach via local events, and contribute to the Village newsletter. Relevant knowledge, education or experience is helpful, but not required. Commission meetings are generally held the first Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Key to the commission being able to educate and engage residents for action on environmental issues/ practices, individuals that have some availability outside of our monthly meetings are preferred. Westchester resident or a person whose profession is substantially within the village, 21 or older, welcome to apply.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the GROW Commission, submit a copy of your resume/bio along with a cover letter/statement about your background and interests to: Evie Slavic (eslavic@westchester-il.org)

Upcoming GROW event:

Nicor Energy Efficiency Program

Saturday Jan 21st - 9am - 10am

Sunday Jan 22nd - 9am - 10am

At: Westchester Village Hall

Be sure your car doesn’t end up like these. Obey snow parking signage.

B Y Lee K AU f MAN Commissioner, Green Residents of Westchester

SUBMITTED PHOTO

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MIP held its annual Holiday Party

On Friday night, 12/2/22, Miracles In Progress held their Very Merry Holiday Party. It was held at the Mayfair Recreational Center. This annual event is designed to celebrate the holidays serving those with brain injuries and other special needs. Families had the opportunity to enjoy dinner, desserts, decorate holiday cookies from Two Sweet, Inc., enjoy holiday music, play trivia and bingo and take pictures with Santa Claus. We gave each special attendee and their siblings a gift bag of great surprises! And…this year we were honored to receive over 100 brand new, unwrapped presents for the MIP children and young adults. These presents were a very generous gift from the Illinois Police Association TriCounty Division, (ipacops.org) Thank you, Brian Kuratko, for organizing and coordinating this! Another generous surprise we received this year was from the Tri-County Heroes United. Appearances and photo opportunities were with Batman, Batgirl, Superman, Supergirl, SpiderMan, the Hulk and Wonder Woman. Everyone was thrilled to see and take photos with their favorite superhero!

Again this year, we thank Derek and Lisa Gordon for sponsoring this event in memory of Derek’s late Mother, Wilda Gordon. Thank you to Paul and Andrea Gattuso from Paul’s Pizza & Hot Dogs @ 31st and Wolf Road who generously donated and catered our event again this year.

Your generosity is boundless and they continue their MIP support in memory of the late Joe Woss, who was a dedicated MIP volunteer for many years. Everyone raved about the scrumptious dinner which included pizzas, dinner and antipasto salad, mostaccioli and meatballs. The tables of desserts were donated by Torres Fresh Market, Berwyn. The vanilla strawberry mini cupcakes were donated by Mariano’s Westchester.

The abundant and delicious fresh fruit salad was donated by Paisans Pizzeria And Bar, Berwyn.

Thank you to our donors and sponsors: Culver’s, Lyons, Ty, Inc., Buddy Bear Car Wash, Brookfield Zoo and Jeannie Helgesen of Jeannie’s Hair Company. A very big THANK YOU to the most talented and creative Nancy Kosiek for sharing your holiday decorating skills with us! You outdo yourself every year! Thank you to Peter Marzano for being our event photographer.

The pictures were phenomenal.

Thank you volunteers - Patricia Hylard, Barbara Hylard Akkeron, Parker, Alexander and Emmett Akkeron, Rebecca Watson, Bryan McQuaid, Ava Franklin, Tyler Swenson, Leah Banda, Parker Swenson, Sally Saraceno, Bill Jirek (Mr. & Mrs. Incredible), Sharon Henk, Eden Saraceno, Michael Gobber, Rosemary Klitchman, Nazareth Academy Baseball Coach, Lee Milano and Nazareth baseball team. Thanks boys, you did a great job and hit another homerun with MIP! Thank you to John Watson and Judy Saraceno-Swenson for everything you do - which is way too much to mention! And, this year, our MIP Santa Claus, Derek Gordon - we thank you for your love and patience for the extra time needed for our MIP kids who look forward to seeing Santa every year! Thank you to all of our donors and volunteers!

Those who attended had a wonderful evening thanks to you. Since 2002, Miracles In Progress is a volunteer-driven, 501(c)(3) notfor-profit organization dedicated to maximizing the lifetime potential of those with brain injuries and other special needs. If you wish to contact MIP, you can call 708-531-1616 or miraclesinprogress.org.