Village of Westchester June 2021 Newsletter by Village of Westchester, IL

Village of

Westchester JUNE, 2021

MAYORAL: OBJECTIVE: From the Desk of President Frank Perry

POLICE DEPARTMENT

PUBLIC WORKS

FIRE DEPARTMENT

WATER REPORT

LIBRARY

SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPOTLIGHT ON SENIORS

First and foremost I’d like to show my appreciation to all voters, residents and supporters by saying THANK YOU! We have a great “diamond in the rough “community that has always come together to help each other in a myriad of ways. We have a community that raises each other’s children, protects each other’s houses when on vacation and does odd jobs when times are tough. We cook for each other, clear snow for neighbors, and have an overall connection as a neighborhood. We are Westchester!! After the new board was sworn, I shared some objectives, initiatives and future goals. I’d like to take the opportunity to reiterate what we have been working on and what is to come.

COMMUNITY AND EVENTS - SENIORS Bus Program for Westchester Seniors – This is a program that we are working to implement this calendar year. Westchester Seniors will have a dedicated bus that can be used to take them to doctor appointments, shopping and to other nearby locations. We have included the cost of this program in the proposed budget for the current fiscal year. S ● enior Center/Senior Programs – As we will be relocating Village Hall in the coming months, our new location will include an area that will house Senior Programs. The Village will also have a Senior care coordinator who will organize and work with the Senior community to develop new programs and activities that will be available for Westchester Seniors. S ● enior Services – We will be offering snow removal services and lawn services at a discounted rate to seniors who wish to sign up for these services.

OTHER COMMUNITY AND EVENTS Special Events – The Village is working on adding new and more frequent events offered to the residents. We are currently planning the 4th of July Parade, Westchester Fest as well as an Oktoberfest. More details will be available in the coming weeks on those events and we will be looking to add even more events next year. E ● nvironmental Sustainability/Beautification Committee – Some years ago the Village had an Environmental Sustainability Committee; however, in the past 4 years it has not been active. We will be bringing this committee back and will also be creating a beautification committee. The two will work hand in hand to improve the overall visual appeal of the Village. P ● ark Patrol/RV Patrol – We will be purchasing an

RV for police to utilize to patrol the parks and other areas of town which will assist in keeping our parks safe and allow for law enforcement to be more visible and accessible.

COMMUNICATION IMPROVEMENTS B ● reakfast with the Board – The Village will host a monthly event that will allow residents the opportunity to talk with their elected officials on a more personal level, ask questions, voice ideas/ concerns while enjoying breakfast. N ● ew Website – We have been working with an outside company to overhaul our website to make it more user friendly for residents. We will also be working on a community calendar so residents can see what events are happening throughout the Village; and not just those sponsored by the village, but also with the school district, park district, food pantry, library, etc. Our vision is to have one place to go to get information on anything happening in town. We will also be adding a section that communicates monthly highlights, Board News and an overview from the President. A ● ccessibility of Village Officials – In the coming months I will be working to designate specific members of the board who will act as the liaison between the residents and the various areas of the Village. This will allow for residents to ask questions and receive answers quicker as well as communicate concerns or needs that they may have from a specific department.

DEVELOPMENT Mannheim and Roosevelt Development – We have been working with developers to add new retail development along Mannheim and Roosevelt. We are now in the final stages and anticipate construction to begin in the coming months. S ● t. Joe’s Property – We are working hand in hand and communicating constantly with St. Joseph administrators to make sure their property is sold and developed in a manner that will benefit both the Village of Westchester and the Christian Brothers. As you can see there are a lot of wonderful things in the works and so much great is in store for our Village! Myself and the BOA are committed to serving our residents and we are always working to improve our community. By accomplishing these goals and meeting these initiatives we will see our Village transform, reach potentials, and shine Together we are Westchester strong!

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P olice D e partment JUNE 2021

Safety Tips from the Chief of Police for our Residents Summer is coming and people will be very active in nice weather. So always, remember the following tips to help protect you this summer. Please get to know your neighbors and always look out for each other and always reports suspicious circumstances to the police department. Have a great summer Sincerely Chief Daniel Babich Westchester Police Department 1) Please make sure that your address is on your home and garage and properly located and bright, so police officers can save time finding your residence, especially when they are needed in an emergency. 2) Make sure to always secure your house and garage doors at night along with your vehicles by removing personal items in plain view especially garage clickers. 3) Never let anyone inside your house no matter what their reason is unless you know them personally. 4) Please remember fireworks are illegal and should be left to the professionals. 5) Always leave a contact list on your bed stand or refrigerator in case of an emergency for police and fire to contact a key holder.

POLICE BLOTTER 1) At 7:47am on April 15, 2021 a Theft was reported on the 1800 block of Norfolk Ave. The resident advised that a package delivered by U.P.S. was delivered and taken sometime on April 13, 2021. 2) At 11:06am on April 18, 2021 a Criminal Damage to Auto was reported on the 800 block of Bristol Ave. The resident reported that the rear window of their vehicle was damaged by a piece of concrete thrown at the window. Security footage in the area is being reviewed. 3) At 1:43 am on April 23, 2021 a Retail Theft was reported at BP Amoco located at 11201 Cermak Road. A male and a female customer took various items without paying and left the area. 4) At 12:39pm on April 23, 2021 a Burglary to Motor Vehicle was reported on the 1400 block of Bristol. The Resident reported that

someone entered their unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway taking various items from the vehicle. 5) At 3:20pm on April 24, 2021 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported at 1840 Mayfair. It was reported that unknown person(s) made entry into the former St. Joseph High School building and caused damage inside. 6) At 1:19pm on May 5, 2021 a Criminal Damage to Auto was reported at the Mariano’s located at 3020 Wolf Road. A customer advised they noticed a scratch that appeared to be intentional down the side of the driver’s side door while parked in the parking lot. 7) At 8:11pm on May 5, 2021 a Theft was reported on the 1300 block of Evers. The resident reported that a package was mistakenly delivered to the incorrect address and was unable to retrieve the package from the neighbor.

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PUBLIC WORKS Branch Pick-up Branch pickup for June will be the week of June 7-11, 2021 Branch pickup for July will be the week of July 12-16, 2021 Branch pickup for August will be the week of August 2-6, 2021

The Public Works Department will pick up branches the first full week of every month. (April-November) All brush must be put out on the front parkway by 7:00 a.m. on the designated pickup day. Branches can be up to 7 ‘in length and stacked with the butt ends facing the street in the same direction. If not stacked properly, a “restack” notice will be left. Again, please put ALL brush out on your designated pickup day and Public Works crews will determine what constitutes an open load, which will be picked up later in the week. An open load would include any brush that will not fit through the chipper such as logs, stumps, and large limbs. These must be cut for one man to lift. Dirt must

be removed from any root balls for pickup. Public Works Crews will only pass through a designated pickup area once due to time schedule and other workload responsibilities. Landscaping contractors are responsible for their own brush pickup and disposal. Please note the following schedule for branch pickup: MONDAY: From Mannheim Road west to Wolf Road and from Canterbury south to Windsor-including both sides of Windsor Drive. Also, Waterford, Waverly, Camelot and Concord. TUESDAY: Roosevelt Road south to Cermak Road-from Gardner Road west to Mannheim Road. WEDNESDAY: From Roosevelt Road north to the expressway and from Gardner Road west to Mannheim Road. Also, Roosevelt Road south to Canterbury from Haase west to Heidorn. THURSDAY: From Belleview west to Wolf Road, Martindale Drive to 31st Street

Remember….. Waste Management will

also pick up your branches if they are bundled no more than 4’ in length. These will be picked up on your regular garbage day every week. Free yard waste stickers for reusable yard waste receptacles are available at the Village Hall.

Construction season is in full swing…Please drive carefully in all work zones The Public Works Department repairs potholes throughout the Village, weather permitting. Please call Public Works at 708345-0041 to report potholes. The vac and jet machine will continue to clean out storm sewer inlets, as weather permits.

As Always….. Village residents are asked to call Public Works at 708-345-0041 or the Police Non Emergency number after hours at 708345-0060 if an unusual amount of water is visible in the street or parkway. This could be a main break or water leak that requires our immediate attention.

An Introduction to Illinois Prairies Speaker: Jack Shouba, one of the first supporters of saving Wolf Road Prairie from development. Called “the most beautiful country imaginable” by French explorer Pierre Liette, and “gardens of the desert” by poet William Cullen Bryant, the Illinois prairie is all but gone and the word prairie has lost its meaning. We are still “the prairie state,” but today it is Silicon Prairie, not Silphium prairie. In this program we explore the question of just what is an Illinois prairie and we look at how the relationships of people to the prairie changed over time. We look at prairie plants and their adaptations, prairie animals, and the role of fire. We search for places that still contain scraps of prairie, and consider why we must save these precious remnants. The program includes “Prairie Reverie,” a humorous look at the (mis)use and misspelling of the word prairie. Suitable for all audiences. Sunday, June 27 at 1 pm The Prairie House 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester

50/50 Shared Cost Sidewalk Replacement Program The Village offers a shared cost sidewalk replacement program. If the sidewalk in front of your residence is in poor condition and you would like to replace it, the Village will share the cost with you. Please call Public Works at 708-345-0041 for more information or to register.

Sprinkling Ban Reminder We have water use restrictions in effect every year, May 15-September 15, from 12pm to 6pm. This includes: (1) (2) (3) (4)

Outdoor Watering Cleaning Outdoor Surfaces Cleaning Buildings Pool Filling

Sprinkling during unrestricted hours (before noon, after 6pm) shall be allowed on even numbered days for those even numbered addresses, and on odd numbered days for those residents having odd numbered addresses. If we have a dry summer, further restrictions may be necessary.

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Flood Safety Information

The following common sense guidelines can help you stay safe from the dangers of flooding: Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around barriers. Do not walk through flowing water. Currents can be deceptive. Six inches of water can knock you off your feet. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. If your house is about to be flooded, turn off the power at the service box. Electrical current can travel through water. Electrocution is the 2nd leading cause of death during floods. Be alert to gas leaks. Turn off the gas to your house before it floods. If you smell gas, report it to a Village official or your gas company. Do not use candles, lanterns or open flames if you smell gas or are unsure if your gas has been shut off. Keep children away from the flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains. Flood waters can carry unimaginable items that have dislodged themselves. Culverts may suck smaller people into them rendering them helpless. Clean everything that has been wet. Flood water will be contaminated with sewage and other chemicals which pose severe health threats. Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their home may seek shelter in yours. Do not use gas engines, such as generators, or charcoal fires indoors during power outages. Carbon monoxide exhaust can pose serious health hazards.

Property Protection Measures

If your property is susceptible to flooding, some flood damage reduction measures you can employ:  Watertight seals can be applied to brick & block walls to protect against low-level flooding.  Utilities such as heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and other major appliances can be elevated to higher floors in the structure or on raised platforms.  Temporary measures such as moving furniture and other valuables to higher floors or sandbagging exterior opening will also help.  Elevating or relocating the entire structure may also be a feasible option.

Flood Warning System

Many times, flooding along the Addison and Salt Creeks within the Village of Westchester can be predicted in advance, giving ample warning for preparation and evacuation. However, in the event of a flash flood due to a large rain event, you may be the first to notice the oncoming situation and have only hours to execute your plan. Notify the Village’s Police Department (911). The Village’s Emergency Alert System will be activated. Tune in your radio for local and National Weather Service Updates.

You will also see regular interruption on local radio and television stations advising you of the situation.

Additional Information

If you would like more detailed information regarding flood-related issues in Westchester, here are some additional sources:  www.fema.gov  www.floodsmart.gov  Westchester Public Library has resources on file  You can reach Village Hall at: 10300 Roosevelt Rd. Westchester, IL 60154 Phone: (708) 345-0020 Email: building@westchester-il.org Website: www.westchester-il.org Floodplain FAQ

Be prepared for the heat of summer As summer and warmer weather approaches, the Village wants to remind residents about things they can do to prepare for extreme heat. To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. • Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary. • Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation. • Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foilcovered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside. • Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in. • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)

• Keep storm windows up all year. • Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes. • Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help. • Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas. • Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies. Information above was prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more tips on what to do during and after thunderstorms and lightning, please check the FEMA’s website at http://www.ready.gov/heat

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Divine Providence School Graduates Accept Zdun Scholarship ByLinda Hawkins

Director of Marketing and Enrollment Choosing a Catholic Education means making financial sacrifices for many families. Need-based scholarships are available for those who qualify and most certainly make private education possible for many families. Through an extremely generous donation from the Zdun family, a meritbased scholarship program has been provided as financial assistance for two Divine Providence graduates who will attend high-school at the local Catholic level. The scholarship program is offered to support those exceptional students who share the same passion and intellectual curiosity in the fields of Math and Science as Mrs. Zdun.

The late Rita Zdun was a local, wellrespected lifelong educator who dedicated her life to the intellectual growth of her students. She received the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Award of Excellence in 1988. She was also honored by being selected for inclusion in the fourth edition of Who’s Who Among Americas Teachers, 1996. She taught for 34 years in the Westchester Public School system. Each Spring, two Divine Providence graduates are each awarded $10,000 towards the cost of their Catholic high school tuition. The scholarship is renewable for the remaining three years of the recipient’s high school education, considering they maintain a B average at the high school level. “As a person who has a strong passion

for math, I am very excited and grateful for this scholarship. D i v i n e Providence School is thankful to Mr. Adolph Zdun for creating this scholarship in his late wife’s memory. This scholarship will ensure that the Divine Providence School recipients will carry on the love for math and science that Rita Zdun instilled in her students. Although Rita is gone, she will live on as an inspiration

Troop #73 Scouting News On Saturday, May 8th the Pathway to Adventure Council held their Eagle Scout Recognition and Award Celebration. Due to Covid-19 restrains, the ceremony was a virtual event. Over 310 Scouts were recognized from within the council, which encompasses troops from northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Only 4% of all Boy Scouts ever reach the rank of Eagle Scout. Two Troop #73 Boy Scouts were recognized for achieving the highest rank within Boy Scouts for the 2020 calendar year. They were Ja’Ron Brown, a 2020 St. Joseph graduate and Jimmy Milas a junior at St. Joseph High School. Jimmy was also recognized during the award ceremony as a finalist for the Eagle Scout Project of the Year. This is a huge achievement and the first time a Troop #73 project was recognized as a finalist for this honor. Jimmy’s project was a Cancer Awareness Courtyard at St. Joseph High School. The courtyard is a place for community members to tie a ribbon to the Japanese Tree Lilac in honor of someone who is a cancer survivor, someone who is fighting cancer or someone that has lost their battle.

Due to the sad and sudden news that St. Joe’s will be closing at the end of the school year, Jimmy is hoping to move his Eagle project to a new location. Congratulations to Life Scout Ryan Kalish and Troop Leader, Mr. Mike Kalish who were inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s Honor Society on May 16th. Danny Kalish, who is a Vigil Honor member for the Order of the Arrow received an exceptional service award while attending a service weekend at Camp Napowan in Wisconsin. The last couple of months the Troop has gone tubing, worked on first aid skills, built and raced blast cars and worked on skills for their upcoming trip to summer camp at Rainbow Scout Reservation. The boys have also been working hard on requirements for rank. Christian Cermak, Noah Glinke, Payton Grant, Julian Meyer, Tommy Newhouse, Evan Peneschi, Weston Sjostrom achieved the rank of Scout. Aiden Laurie, Jason Henderson Jacob Lehmann achieved the rank of Tenderfoot and Ryan Kalish has now achieved the rank of Life Scout. Congratulations to all Troop #73’s Scouts for their accomplishments.

for others to pursue the fields of math and science”, states Mrs. Karen Blase, Divine Providence Assistant Principal and Middle School Teacher. We congratulate our Class of 2020 recipients; Erin Weger, Trinity High School Class of 2024 and Michael Neris, Nazareth Academy, Class of 2024 and our Class of 2021 recipients; Isabel Cervantes, Nazareth Academy Class of 2025 and Mia Gage, Nazareth Academy Class of 2025. The role that scholarship programs play in helping students achieve their educational goals cannot be overestimated. We are overjoyed that our Divine Providence graduates benefit from this opportunity. The Rita Zdun Scholarship Fund will help talented students achieve their full potential. For this, we are truly blessed!

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