BENET ACADEMY        23-4       8-1     16 Straight for Redwings! 2^nd in mighty ESCC
JOLIET CENTRAL          21-5      13-1    Steelmen win SPC Championship
NORTHRIDGE              22-6       12-0    Interesting final call leads to last second loss to Uplift
MAINE SOUTH            21-7        6-4     Nobody wants to meet Hawks in tourney
BOLINGBROOK           19-6        7-3     Rally from 11 down to beat LW East (20-5, 7-3)
ROMEOVILLE              19-7       11-3    Spartans-LW East at LW Central Friday?
LISLE                             20-10      9-2    20-WIN Lion season ends; I-8 Tournament Champs!
PLAINFIELD EAST       17-11      8-6     Bengals have to beat Lemont, The Brook, for reg. title
WESTMONT                17-11     6-5     Season Over
DG NORTH                  13-12     4-8     Meet Geneva (17-12) at Naperville North on Wed.
MINOOKA                   15-14      7-7    Indians meet Oswego (3-23) on Monday at Oswego E
DG SOUTH                   13-15      4-8    Mustangs at Addison Trial (11-19) on Monday
NOTRE DAME             13-15      4-8    Dons draw CSL Champion Maine West (19-7) on Tuesday
NILES WEST                 11-13     2-8    Red-Hot Wolves open with Mather (5-14) Monday
JOLIET WEST               11-14     7-7    Tigers open with Neuqua Valley (9-19) on Monday
PLAINFIELD CENTRAL  9-17     2-12   Wildcats open regional play with Lockport on Monday
MAINE EAST                10-19    2-8      Demons meet Senn (10-8), in reg. opener on Monday
LOCKPORT                     7-17     1-9      Porters look to avenge WJOL loss to Wildcats
JCA                                  7-20     1-8      Hilltoppers meet archrival Providence (9-16) Mon.

PLAINFIELD SOUTH      3-25     2-12    Cougars host Waubonsie Valley (12-17) on Monday

VOYAGER MEDIA PUBLICATION TERRIFIC TEN
1 (1) BENET ACADEMY        23-4      Top-Ranked Redwings could met DG South on Tuesday
2 (2) JOLIET CENTRAL          21-5      Steelmen open up with Yorkville-E Aurora winner Tues
3 (3) MAINE SOUTH             21-7      Hawks could meet Wolves Tuesday at Maine South
4 (4) BOLINGBROOK             19-6      Healthy again; Look out for the Raiders…
5 (5) ROMEOVILLE                19-7   Can Ville get past LWE and go home for Class 4A sect.
6 (6) PLAINFIELD EAST          17-11   Bengal Coach Mike  Fowler making case for Coach of the Year!
7 (7 ) PLAINFIELD NORTH     14-12   Tigers open with SWSC Red co-champ Andrew (20-8)
8 (10) NORTHRIDGE             22-6     Knights show they belong; fall 66-64 to Uplift
9 (8) MINOOKA                     15-14    If Indians get past Panthers, Oswego East (19-7) Wed.
10 (9) LISLE                            20-10    Stitt injury, poor shooting, sinks Lions in regional final

• Compiled by Drake Skleba

By Mark Gregory
Sports Editor
@Hear_The_Beard
mark@buglenewspapers.com

Like it had all season, the Bolingbrook girls basketball team played lights out defense in its Lewis University Supersectional match up with Montini Catholic – the top-ranked team in the state.

The Raiders forced the Broncos into 17 turnovers on 12

Jayden Marable(right) and Bolingbrook forced Montini into 17 turnovers, but poor shooting doomed the Raiders in a 43-35 loss to the Broncos. (Matt Evans/For the Bugle)

steals.

Unfortunately, too often those turnovers resulted in lost possessions instead of points as Montini ended Bolingbrook’s season with a 43-35 win.

“It was a good game,” Bolingbrook coach Chris Smith said. “Defensively, I couldn’t be mad. Although they shot a high percentage, we limited their shot opportunities.”

Montini converted on 15-of-33 shot attempts for the game and 5-of-12 from behind the three-point arc.

Bolinbrook, on the other hand, shot just 32 percent from the field and 12.5 percent from long range.

“We just had problems putting the ball in the basket,” Smith said. “You can’t go 16-of-50 and expect to win games.

“We had by far our season low in turnovers with 10 – we just didn’t make shots. One of the things we talked about was having to make shots. We got 50 shot attempts up – Fifty. Their zone defense will do that to you, but I still feel like we didn’t execute the opportunities we had. I thought we had a chance to attack the middle more than we did and we just settled for jump shots. We were 2-of-16 from three-point line.”

Despite the loss, the Raiders still turned in a 24-6 season and earned a sectional championship with a 54-39 win over Naperville Central at Neuqua Valley.

It was Bolingbrook’s first sectional championship since 2013.

“We have a lot to be proud of and we have a lot to learn from and we will get better,” Smith said. “We got it going back in the right direction. Hopefully the underclassmen learned from the seniors and what they went through and the efforts they went through to get the program back to the state it is in today and hopefully we grow from it.”

One of the players that Smith looks at to help continue the growth of the Raider program is sophomore Danyel Middleton, who scored a game-high 12 points on 6-of-12 shooting.

“She embraces the challenge and that is why I am a really big fan of hers,” Smith said of Middleton. “She wants the competition and she wants to compete at that level and that is what makes her a special player. She is the kind of kid you can build around to take it to that next level.”

For Middleton, this was the first time she had played in an atmosphere as electric as Neil Carrey Arena was Monday night.

“This is my first time in a big game like this,” she said. “We have to go harder. We can’t settle.”

Jahari Smith tallied nine points and grabbed with rebounds in her last game as a Raider, while fellow seniors Gabby Smith had five and Taylor Robinson added four. Sophomore Lynese Johnson also scored five.

“It was a hard loss, but we are going to stick together off the court now,” Gabby Smith said, “This group of seniors, we were really, really together. I am really happy and I am always going to love them for this.”

Bugle Newspapers thanks all the participants of our annual Valentine’s Day coloring contest. Each winner won a pair of movie tickets.

The Bugle also wishes to thank our contest sponsors: Fountaindale Public Library, YMCA, Romeoville Dental, Holy Family School, Woodridge Library, Signature Event Designs and the Joliet Area Historical Museum.

By Mark Gregory
Staff writer
@Hear_The_Beard
mark@buglenewspapers.com

The CMT: Next Women of Country Tour came to Joliet’s historic Rialto Square Theater Sunday and did not disappoint fans.

The show promoted ‘girl power’ across the county genre and was built to show off not only an industry icon – but rising stars in the business.

The stage hands were on point leaving very little downtime between sets, keeping the fans engaged the entire evening.

Country music veteran Sara Evans headlined the show with an hour-plus performance that saw her belt out all the big hits from her award-winning career including “A Little Bit Stronger,” “Born To Fly,” and she got the fans out of their seats and dancing in the aisles with “Suds In the Bucket” along with covering Gavin DeGraw’s “Not Over You,” “Shut Up and Dance” By Walk the Moon and Chicago’s “Hard for Me to Say I’m Sorry” – which I’m not sure if it is a staple on the set list on the tour or if it was added because, well, Joliet is close to the city that gave the band its name – either way, it won the crowd over.

Evans also included a block in the middle of her set where she introduced fans to some new songs off her new album “Words.”

The set included her first single off the album “Marquee Sign” as well as “Night Light” and “All The Love You Left Me” a song about losing the love of your life in a song Evans called one of the saddest songs she has ever performed.”

Her performance was a family affair as she was joined on stage by her sister on backup vocals and her brother and her 18-year-old son Avery Schelske.

While Evans brought the star power to the 92-year-old theater, the concert was about showing off some of the rising stars in country music.

Texas native RaeLynn took the stage before Evans and showed her moxie as she came out to the high energy title track to her debut album “WildHorse.”

The 23-year-old “The Voice” Alumnae treated fans to all the songs they know her for including “Lonely Call,” “God Made Girls” and “Love Triangle,” her story of a child caught in the middle of a divorce – and she killed every one of them.

There is a reason she is one of the Next Women of Country.

RaeLynn also performed “Queen’s Don’t” a new song with a yet undetermined release date.

“I have really been loving these shows because I really love the theater aspect of really being able to talk about the songs and the reason we wrote them and what they mean to us,” RaeLynn said in a recent interview with the Bugle. “I am obsessed with theaters and being in a more intimate setting because fans can really hear the heart and why we wrote these songs and it has been my favorite part of why I have enjoyed this tour so much.

“There is so much history behind some of these theaters and they are just the prettiest things you have ever seen – they are just gorgeous.”

For this reviewer, however, the hit of the show was the unexpected way it opened.

Kalie Shorr, a country-inspired artist from Maine took to the stage with just her electric guitar and in her first Chicagoland performance gave fans the opportunity to be able to say, “I saw her when,” as they watch on TV as Shorr cleans up at an awards show.

The 23-year-old says she mixes country with rock and at her age, that is Shania Twain meets Curt Cobain, but it caught the attention of a guy who is a more into Waylon Jennings meets Megadeth.

Whatever it is comes out with a sound that is a little Maren Morris and a little Kacey Musgraves that just works on songs like “Candy,” Fight Like a Girl,” and the radio ready “Two Hands.”

Oh, and Kalie, that opening like of “Two Hands” – Challenge accepted.

(Don’t understand? I guess you have to listen to the song).

If you missed my feature story on RaeLynn or Kalie Shorr – click here to check them out.

Note to readers: Information in Police Blotter is obtained from the Romeoville Police Departments and the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals listed in Police Blotter charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

JANUARY 27

Sarah Contreras Caproni, 23, of Bolingbrook, was arrested at 2:49 a.m. in the area of Route 53 and Enterprise Drive for DUI, speeding, improper lane use, no insurance, failure to signal, illegal transportation of alcohol and failure to notify Secretary of State of address change.

JANUARY 28

Charles Van Allen, 50, of Romeoville, was arrested at 6:30 a.m. in the 1800 block of Wentworth Circle for an in-state warrant.

JANUARY 30

Juliana Balbuena-Hernandez, 41, of Chicago, was arrested at 11:59 p.m. in the area of Crossroads and Normantown for speeding, no valid driver’s license and no insurance.

FEBRUARY 1

A retail theft was reported at 8:04 p.m. the 400 block of North Independence. An unknown person took four bottles of whiskey with a total value of $59.96 from the business.

FEBRUARY 5

A burglary to motor vehicle was reported at 9:42 p.m. in the 600 block of North Weber Road. An unknown person entered a parked vehicle and took a cell phone.

FEBRUARY 7

A motor vehicle theft was reported at 4:39 p.m. in the 700 block of Farragut. Unknown person(s) took a vehicle that was parked in the driveway of the residence. The vehicle was later located in another community.

A retail theft was reported at 6:04 p.m. in the 400 block of North Independence. An unknown person took two bottles of whiskey and numerous lighters with a total value of $227.08 from the business.

FEBRUARY 10

Oscar Rogel-Fuentes, 41, of Chicago, was arrested at 12:03 a.m. in the area of Weber and Creekside for driving with a suspended license, no insurance and improper lighting.

Dervail Pickens, 33, of Romeoville, was arrested at 10:44 a.m. in the area of Murphy and West Savannah for no valid driver’s license and disobey traffic sign.

FEBRUARY 11

Prince Amoako, 52, of Romeoville, was arrested at 1:46 a.m. in the 0-100 block of Phelps for battery.

FEBRUARY 12

Deshauna Hines, 23, of Normal, was arrested at 8:32 a.m. in the area of Weber and Normantown for driving with a suspended license and failure to reduce speed to avoid crash.

Rosalyn Medeiros, 27, of Joliet, was arrested at 8:34 a.m. in the area of Weber and Romeo roads for driving with a suspended license and too fast for conditions.

Juan Moreno, 34, of 344 Eaton Ave., Romeoville, was arrested at 11:04 p.m. in the area of Romeo and Heritage Parkway for no valid driver’s license, no insurance and no rear registration lamp.

FEBRUARY 13

Mario Mora, 30, of Romeoville, was arrested at 7:33 p.m. in the 600 block of Lynn for violation of order of protection.

James Baity, 43, of Chicago, was arrested at 11:04 p.m. in the area of Crossroads and Normantown for driving with a suspended license, no insurance and speeding.

Note to readers: Information in Police Blotter is obtained from Romeoville police department and the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals listed in Police Blotter charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

FEBRUARY 3

Richard Cihlar, 26, of Romeoville, was arrested at 12:59 p.m. in the area of Weber and Lakewood Falls Drive for driving with a suspended license, no insurance and illegal use of cell phone.

Laporcha Johnson, 36, of Joliet, was arrested at 11:16 p.m. in the area of Independence and Taylor for DUI and improper lane use.

FEBRUARY 4

Michael Barron, 51, of Romeoville, was arrested at 12:16 a.m. in the area of Route 53 and Taylor for DUI, speeding, improper lane usage, no insurance and unlawful possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.

FEBRUARY 9

Minh Dinh, 37, of Romeoville, was arrested at 6 p.m. in the area of Route 53 and Romeo Road for DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

FEBRUARY 10

Ralph Blakney, 21, of Lockport, was arrested at 4:57 p.m. in the 200 block of South Weber Road for retail theft.

FEBRUARY 11

Nicole Olita, 45, of Romeoville, was arrested at 5:56 p.m. in the area of Belmont and Dalhart for an in-state warrant and no rear registration light.

FEBRUARY 12

Jerry Bryant, 36, of Joliet, was arrested at 9:31 a.m. in the area of Weber and Romeo Road for improper turn at intersection, no insurance, improper lane usage and in-state warrant.

FEBRUARY 13

Eloy Jimenez, 51, of Bolingbrook, was arrested at 7:00 p.m. in the area of Romeo Road and Independence for no valid driver’s license.

FEBRUARY 14

Stacey Wesley, 46, of Chicago, was arrested at 8:44 p.m. in the area of Naperville and Honeytree for driving with a suspended license, no insurance and unsafe tires.

Lawrence Young, 43, of Romeoville, was arrested at 7:20 p.m. in the 1000 block of Romeo Road for violation of order of protection.

Joseph Martinez, 33, of Romeoville, was arrested at 10:25 p.m. in the 2000 block of Wheatfield for an in-state warrant.

FEBRUARY 16

Arnulfo Mendoza, 36, of Romeoville, was arrested at 10:56 p.m. in the area of Romeo Road and Emery for aggravated DUI, driving with a revoked license, DUI, no insurance, improper lane usage and driving in wrong lane.

FEBRUARY 17

Matthew Hamilton, 36, of Park Forest, was arrested at 3:31 a.m. in the area of Route 53 and Murphy for driving with a suspended license and improper lighting.

Joshua Pearson, 18, of 405 W Jefferson St., Joliet was arrested at 10:41 p.m. in the area of Route 53 and Romeo for no valid driver’s license and improper lighting.

FEBRUARY 18

A burglary to motor vehicle was reported at 5:21 p.m. in the 700 block of Rogers. Unknown person(s) took a wallet from a parked car that was left unlocked.

Jose Godinez, 29, of Chicago, was arrested at 11:05 p.m. in the area of Taylor and Harmony for no valid driver’s license and expired registration.

FEBRUARY 19

A criminal damage to property was reported at 11:11 a.m. in the 600 block South Weber. Unknown person(s) cut two tires on a parked vehicle.

A theft over $500 was reported at 1:02 p.m. in the 1300 block of Enterprise Drive. Unknown person(s) took two trailers and cargo containers. One container carried over 3500 packages of towels valued at $32.795.22. The other container carried fencing material valued at $19.985.70.

FEBRUARY 20

A burglary from motor vehicle was reported at 12:11 a.m. in the 0-100 block of Coralbell. Unknown person(s) entered an unlocked vehicle and took a purse and backpack.

Hans Holz relive memories of trips to Lake Tahoe. Photo by Laura Katauskas

Technology keeps residents active and engaged while letting them cycle through familiar neighborhoods or foreign lands

By Laura Katauskas

Staff Reporter

Imagine biking through Switzerland one day and Lake Tahoe the next.

Now imagining doing that at 97 years old and from the comfort of the living room. That’s just what Otto Soyk is able to do thanks to a new innovative program.

The first senior living community in the United States to do so, Senior Star at Weber Place is utilizing BikeAround ™, an innovative program developed in Sweden to help senior adults, particularly those with dementia, stay active and engaged.

BikeAround™ pairs a stationary, individually adjustable assistive bike with Google Street View to take those using the bike on a virtual ride anywhere in the world. The combined action of biking and choosing their own destination, practically anywhere in the world, is meant to provide both the low-impact exercise for the body as well as simulating their mind to recall memories and helps lower anxiety.

“They are able to come in, and we can punch in their hometown or wherever they want to go and they start telling stories and connecting–that’s what they need,” said Elizabeth Bartleman, executive director at Senior Star Weber Place. “It’s just so innovative and who wouldn’t want to relive some of their happiest times.”

Users input a street address of a place that means something to them, a childhood home or other location they wish to travel to anywhere around the world that the Google Street View has photographed, and use the pedals and handlebars to “bike around” their old neighborhoods and/or destinations that have personal significance.

Senior Star schedules the sessions so that a group can come together to take turns, inviting that conversation. Soyk, who was taking a bike ride, stopped to talk about the 17-city tour he and his wife, who recently passed, took together. Bringing memories to life and an opportunity to share heartfelt stories about their 74-year marriage. For Helen Soto, 80, it was an emotional ride when she biked through pictures of Puerto Rico, before the hurricane, and spotted her church. Hans Holz, 88, relives memories from his trips to Lake Tahoe. “There are so many places to go and I get to see it in all its beauty,” said Holz.

Using the BikeAround ™ system is a more holistic approach to helping seniors lessen their function and mental decline, explained Bartleman.

“This type of important stimulation promotes self-worth and joy and offers our residents the comfort of going down memory lane as well as the opportunity to experience and see new places in a forum that combines lifelong learning with physical and cognitive exercise,” said Bartleman.
According to the Camanio Care company which owns BikeAround ™, in 2005, technical innovator John Nilsson decided to make it possible to literally step into a video game. Five years later his invention jDome® (a screen that surrounds the user) was fully developed. Once it was fully developed, Nilsson put the screen on the market in the gaming industry as simulation equipment. Anne-Christine Hertz at Center for Health Technology Halland learned of the new jDome® technology and had the innovative idea to use it with seniors. Hertz developed the BikeAround ™ application in cooperation with Techno Science Metropol in Copenhagen. Camanio Care is a company operating in the caretech marketplace with robotics, assistive devices and gamification that focus on supporting basic human needs.
Now the group sits and speculates on where they want to go next, planning virtual vacations, mainly to European countries they seem to favor, but the possibilities are endless.

Senior Star at Weber Place is the first of 14 Senior Star locations that will incorporate BikeAround ™ in their programs.

“Being on the forefront of providing programs that will benefit the physical, emotional and social well-being of the residents who call Senior Star home, as well as our associates who serve them, is an inherent part of our core values as an organization,” said Senior Star CEO Anja Rogers. “We are excited to bring this unique technology to the residents who live in all of our communities and look forward to sharing in their personal stories and journeys from using BikeAround™.”
For more information about Senior Star at Weber Place, to schedule a tour or see the debut of the BikeAround™, call 815-439-9955 or visit the website at www.seniorstar.com/weberplace.
 

Learning Step Preschool Registration

Registration for the Lockport Township Park District’s Learning Step Program begins March 10th for residents and March 19th for non-residents. Registration will be taken at Challenge Fitness, 2021 S. Lawrence Ave., Lockport, or at the Crest Hill Office, 1610 Plainfield Rd. Priority registration for currently enrolled 3 year olds, to the 4 year old program (same location and time), and for siblings of currently enrolled students: Monday, February 26 – Friday, March 9. Central Square and Meader House students will be able to select which 4-year-old program they want in the NEW Dellwood Park Community Center, 2 day, 3 day or 5 day, but has to be the same time. Children must be of age by September 1st, 2018. For more information call 815-838-3621, ext. 0.

Modern Karate: Youth

The Lockport Township Park District is offering Modern Youth Karate. This program is based on Okinawan and Japanese Karate and has been operating regularly at LTPD since 1984. The program emphasizes self-discipline, dealing with bullies, traditional techniques and self-defense. We do not focus on the competitive sport aspects of martial arts. Students develop both a mental and physical confidence which often carries over into school and sports performances. Tuesdays starting March 13th from 6:45pm – 7:30pm for Beginner ages 10-14, 7:35pm-8:20pm for Intermediate ages aged 10-14 at Central Square Gym. Fees: $45/Resident $55/Non-Resident. For more information visit www.lockportpark.org or call 815-838-3621, ext. 0.

Modern Karate: Parent/Child Beginner/Intermediate

The Lockport Township Park District offers Parent & Child Karate for ages 8 years and older at Central Square Gym, located at 222 E. Ninth Street, on Tuesday evenings beginning March 13th with Beginner/Continuer sessions meeting 6:45pm – 7:30pm. Classes develop agility, improve muscle tone, coordination, and safety skills, and provide an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with your child. Fees (per person): $45/Resident; $55/Non-resident. For more information, please visit our website at www.lockportpark.org or call 815-838-3621, ext. 0.

BENET  ACADEMY             25-4       16 IN A ROW FOR HEIDKAMP’S WINGS
JOLIET CENTRAL                23-5      STEELMEN FINISH OFF OSWEGO EAST WITH 18-0 RUN
NORTHRIDGE                     22-6      TERRIFIC TEN SEASON FOR KNIGHTS
BOLINGBROOK                  21-6       RAIDERS-STEELMEN 2 AT THE VILLE ON TUES. BE THERE!
MAINE SOUTH                   22-8       BEAT WOLVES; FALL TO LOYOLA TO END SEASON
ROMEOVILLE                     20-8       FALL TO SIU-BOUND SHAFER AND LW EAST
LISLE                                   20-10     HAD A 16-GAME WINNING STREAK IN 2017-18
WESTMONT                      17-11     SENTINELS OPENED SEASON AT 13-1
PLAINFIELD EAST              17-12    BENGALS LOSE HEARTBREAKER AT LEMONT
PLAINFIELD NORTH          14-13    5 WINS IN 2016-17, 14 IN 2017-18 FOR TIGERS
MINOOKA                          15-15    .500 SEASON FOR INDIANS
DG NORTH                         13-13     HENDERSON, BOSTON AND MORE RETURN IN 2018-19
DG SOUTH                         14-16     BATTLE TOP-RANKED BENET TO THE END
NOTRE DAME                    14-16     SURPRISED CSL CHAMP MAINE WEST; FALL TO EVANSTON
NILES WEST                       12-14     WOLVES  FALL AT MAINE SOUTH TO END SEASON
JOLIET WEST                      12-15     TIGER MIKE THOMAS HAD ALL-AREA SEASON
PLAINFIELD CENTRAL       10-18     BEAT PORTERS AGAIN; GAVE THE BROOK A BATTLE
MAINE EAST                       10-20     ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK FOR DEMONS
LOCKPORT                            7-18     PORTERS DID BEAT THE BROOK!
JCA                                         7-21     FALL TO ARCHRIVAL PROVIDENCE IN REGIONAL
PLAINFIELD SOUTH             3-26     DIAMOND PRESNIAKOVAS SHINED FOR COUGARS

VOYAGER MEDIA PUBLICATIONS TERRIFIC
1 (1) BENET ACADEMY        25-4     REDWINGS’ D = ADDISON TRAIL REGIONAL CROWN
2 (2) JOLIET CENTRAL          23-5     ADD OSWEGO EAST REGIONAL TITLE TO SPC CROWN
3 (3) BOLINGBROOK            21-6     RAIDERS ARE LEMONT REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
4 (3) MAINE SOUTH             22-8      HAWKS HAD GREAT SEASON
5 (5)ROMEOVILLE                20-8      FIRST 20-WIN SEASON IN SPARTAN HISTORY
6 (6)PLAINFIELD EAST         17-12    MIKE FOWLER GOT BENGALS ON RIGHT TRACK
7 (7)PLAINFIELD NORTH     14-13    BASEBALL NEXT FOR BRADY MILLER
8 (8)NORTHRIDGE                22-6     KNIGHTS WERE THE REAL DEAL IN 2017-18
9 (NR)NOTRE DAME            14-16    “DUS” MOVES ON – REST OF DONS RETURN IN 2018-19
10 (NR)DG SOUTH                14-16   MUSTANG’S JUSTIN EAGINS LEADS TEAM

ON THE BUBBLE  LISLE 20-10; NILES WEST 12-14, DG NORTH 13-13, MINOOKA 15-15

 – Compiled by Drake Skleba/For the Bugle

Senior Star at Weber Place will host geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Rajeev Malhotra at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28 at 605 South Edward Drive, Romeoville.
The presentation will share the latest research on dementia awareness and prevention methods for aging adults including a discussion on normal memory loss vs. dementia. Malhotra has a special interest in diagnosing and managing a variety of dementias and psychiatric issues in the geriatric population, and this educational forum will provide attendees the opportunity to learn from his extensive knowledge beyond what can be found with Internet research alone.
Malhotra is a board certified general and geriatric psychiatrist with an M.D., completing his psychiatry residency at Chicago Medical School. Additionally, he completed his geriatric psychiatry fellowship from Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Malhotra currently works at Conventions Psychiatry and Counseling in Naperville.
RSVPs are recommended for the complimentary presentation, which includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, by calling 815-733-8036.

“Valley View is one of the preeminent school districts in the metropolitan Chicago area, if not the country when it comes to the safety and security of its students and staff.”

By Laura Katauskas

Staff Reporter

In the aftermath of the Florida school shooting, school safety is a top priority, and one that is not lost on the local community.

Days after the Florida shooting, Valley View School District 365u Superintendent James Mitchem issued a message, ensuring the district takes steps everyday “to maximize deterrents and minimize threats to the greatest extent possible.”

“Valley View is one of the preeminent school districts in the metropolitan Chicago area, if not the country when it comes to the safety and security of its students and staff,” said Valley View Safety Director Carter Larry. “We have an amazing collaborative partnership with our board, senior administrators, staff, local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other emergency management agencies. However, we don’t take our responsibility to the community lightly, nor do we rest on our laurels.”
He said the district constantly reviews best practices,continually trains staff and has implemented safety protocols that other districts have yet to consider.

“As technology, training standards and policies evolve; we will remain fluid and evolve as well,” said Larry.

Calling it one of the most comprehensive public school security systems in the country, Mitchem rallied that its systems are backed up by a staff that with continued practice is trained in how to keep students safe.

“One of our greatest safety measures is created by the time our staff members use every day simply getting to know our students. Our staff does much more than provide instruction that aligns with our curriculum. Our staff is also invested in the social and emotional growth of students so we can assist them in navigating the road from childhood to adulthood,” said Mitchem in his message.

Mitchem called on the community to understand their role in keeping our schools safe, urging anyone and everyone to speak up.

“Quite simply, if you see something or know something, say something. If you know of a student who is struggling, keep in mind we have comprehensive student services teams at every one of our schools. We are here to help and we have the people in place who work every day to make a difference in the lives of kids,” said Mitchem.

Larry echoed that fact.
“If you see something say something,” said Larry. “The students, staff and parents will always be our first line of defense. I am very grateful for those who have come forward and reported threats regardless of whether or not they didn’t know if it was credible. You allow me and my staff to be even more effective in the performance of our duties, and for that I say thank you.”

Larry explains that drills and tactics used in school lockdowns have evolved over time and that Valley View’s drills are anything but routine.

“Although the Illinois Safety Drill Act requires a certain number of evacuation drills per year, Valley View School District’s schools go above and beyond the minimum standards required by the State Statute. We do this because we want our students and staff to be prepared to react and respond for a real incident,” said Larry.
It remains important that students listen to building staff, and take the drills seriously. Larry maintains that teachers need to review protocols, ask questions if there is an issue with how to respond or where to go, and remain vigilant.

With controversy in the political arena in regards to arming teachers, Valley View stands opposed to the measure.

“We continue to drill and inform our teachers about new tactics and training that exist,” said Larry. As a district we continue to strive to keep our staff prepared, informed, and confident in their ability to respond in a critical incident.”
He said the district’s procedures are being consistently reviewed and updated.

“It is a never-ending process,” said Larry. “…Valley View is a school district that proactively researches information, new training standards, policies and procedures as they become available. Then we work with our school board on the best way to implement those changes into the district.”
The district has had its own incidents of suspicious behavior, acting on student reports of a student with a weapon. Though the weapon was fake, the incident was both disruptive and disturbing nonetheless.
“Our staff worked tirelessly with the Bolingbrook and Romeoville Police Departments, the Tinley Park FBI Task Force, and Will County State’s Attorney’s office on tracking students down. Those students then received swift and appropriate consequences for alarming and disturbing the community. We take every threat very seriously,” said Larry.

According to the district’s website, in addition to its collaboration with local authorities, various measures have been taken at each school.
The district has in place, lockdown alarms in every one of our schools. When the alarm is activated, an alert is sent to law enforcement and the entire building that a lockdown has been initiated. Through extensive training, staff knows what to do to keep students safe until law enforcement arrives to assist.
Outside, blue lockdown indicator lights at the main and secondary entrances and all corners of each school will alert anyone coming onto the school grounds that the school is in a hard or soft lockdown.This is especially important if any type of incident occurs during student arrival or dismissal.
All schools have audible alarms on secondary exit doors including main office panels that will alert staff that someone is opening a door. In addition, security cameras are placed near doors to see who is opening a door, creating a safer environment because individuals can see people who may be attempting to enter a school.

The district also is working with the police to put a camera monitoring system in place that will allow the police department to monitor the schools from their squad cars. Should a threat occur, police will have the advantage of being able to see inside the building, assess any situation that may arise, and then conduct the proper response.
Every classroom door in Valley View is equipped with a lock that can be activated from inside the classroom. This way, a teacher does not have to open the door nor exit the classroom to lock the door.
For a full look at the district’s safety measures visit https://www.vvsd.org/Page/484.

By Laura Katauskas

Staff reporter

More than 600 people came out to experience how using science and technology work to make life a little more than interesting.

White Oak Library District hosted its second annual STEM Fest March 3 where visitors enjoyed a full day of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at its Romeoville branch.

From flying a plane into a windtunnel to pod racing, a variety of vendors from various museums, colleges and universities and community organizations offered stimulating, hands-on activities during the day.

As the push to bring science and engineering to the forefront on a national level increases, a local opportunity to learn science is awesome, was at the heart of the district’s STEM fest.

Free crafts and raffle prizes were offered throughout the day as well as presentations from the Sci Tech Museum, Lewis University, Joliet Junior College, Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn, STEM Scouts, Village of Romeoville TV, Science Ninja, College of DuPage STEM Department, TnT Paranormal, Pilcher Park Nature Center Rescue, author Janet Riehecky, Bolingbrook Amateur Radio Society, K9/Chibots, Joliet Cyborgs Robotics Team, IMSA (Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy), and USDA Forest Service – Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

Dave DiNaso’s Traveling Worlds of Reptiles also made an appearance for two shows.

According to national standards, STEM is becoming a priority as the realization that there are less students studying these pursuits, potentially leaving expertise in these career fields lacking. According to the US Department of Education, STEM jobs are expected to grow at almost double the rate of the national average in the near future, and currently there are not enough adults educated in STEM fields to fill current jobs.
The White Oak Library District was able to host STEM Fest thanks to a grant provided by CITGO and its continued support from the Friends of the White Oak Library District.

Girls

South – Home White Jerseys 

3 – Maiya Creal – Plainfield East

3 – Destiny Davis – Lockport

5 – Sarah Gersch – Joliet West

30 – Taylor Hopkins – Lockport

23 – Megan James – Lockport

33 – Olivia Jenkins – Plainfield East

55 – Sam Lordan – Plainfield South

20 – Deericka Martin – Joliet Central

22 – Dasia Norris – Joliet West

23 – My’nasia Raymond – Plainfield South

12 – Taylor Shingler – Lockport

23 – Emily Vollmer – Joliet Central

North – Road Dark Jerseys

30 – Lynese Johnson – Bolingbrook

33 – Kelle Knopp – Plainfield North

1 – Tsimba Malonga – Benet

11 – Jen Masello – Downers Grove South

1 – Brittany Osborne – Romeoville

5 – Sydney Pardy – Westmont

2 – Taylor Robinson – Bolingbrook

23 – Gabriella Smith – Bolingbrook

21 – Jahari Smith – Bolingbrook

21 – Hayley Semple – Maine South

50 – Fiona Spuria – Maine South

2 – Natalie Takahashi – Lisle

25 – Krystina Wayne- Plainfield North

Guys

South – Home White Jerseys

3 – Cameron Blackmon – Joliet Central

5- Deondre Cooper – Lockport

4 – Keegan Graebner –Minooka

11 – Kyle Graebner –Minooka

3 – Brandon Hill – Minooka

5 – Don Joachim – Joliet Central

4 – Charles McKinney – Joliet West

12 – Brady Miller – Plainfield North

23 – Matthews Morganfield -Plainfield Central

24 – Ryan Saunders – Joliet Central

2 – Michael Smith – Joliet West

13 – Mylan Walters – Plainfield East

11 – Darren Williams – Joliet West

1 – Derron Williams – Joliet West

North – Road Dark Jerseys

1 – Kahlil Blakney – Romeoville

12 – David Buh – Benet

40 – Daniel Burford – Bolingbrook

4 – Isaiah T. Clemons – Bolingbrook

0 – Eddie Creal- Romeoville

3 – Deandre Heckard – Romeoville

12 – Mychale Hyland – Downers Grove North

10 – Donita Johnson – Romeoville

13 – Dusan Mahorcic – Notre Dame

4 – Jacob Petrovic – Benet

11 – Jake Rozema – Downers Grove North

35 – Joey Saracco – Bolingbrook

20 – Clyde Singleton – Niles West

5 – Cameron Stitt (Injured) – Lisle

3 – Kaleb Thornton – Bolingbrook

35 – Devin Tincu – Lisle

When Minerva Spurlock arrived as an intern in the Will County Health Department Behavioral Health Division about three months ago, she had a specific objective.

As a doctoral student at Walden University in Minneapolis, Spurlock was instructed by both her Walden professors as well as American Psychological Association guidelines to “be a facilitator for a great amount of people.”

Spurlock is pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology. So to help get youngsters who were already clients of the Health Department’s Behavioral Health Program “think a little differently,” the simple question was: “How?”

“The interns brainstormed,” Spurlock recalled. “We thought about doing an anger management group, but finally decided on the coping skills group because we’d be able to get into other emotions besides anger, and therefore involve more kids.”

Soon, between posting flyers around the Behavioral Health Division, word of mouth among the interns, and shared information with kids who were already receiving counseling and their parents, two “Conflict Resolution” classes were established.

“For group sessions, it is typical to run a program that lasts between eight and 12 weeks,” Spurlock explained. “We have about 10 kids in the 13-and-older class and just a couple more in the 12-and-under class.”

The interns created a 10-week program schedule of hour-long sessions. Spurlock joined Sierrah Avant and Jennifer vonPerbandt in working with the older kids, and Grace Domzalski and Nakia Hubbard were assigned to work with the younger kids. At the halfway point of five down and five to go, Spurlock said some very significant changes were noticed in how the students approach the sessions.

“They are getting into the habit of following rules, understanding boundaries, and not talking over each other. In addition, they are speaking out more, and more confidently. It’s great to see a client, who starts the program being somewhat disruptive, learning how to apply conflict resolution techniques, and be able to calm down and feel more positive.”

Spurlock also said one specific instance she recalls is two students realizing they had something in common.

“The students open up when they realize they are not alone, and are surprised to know some of them are experiencing and going through the same things. For example, a shy kid might open up and share that he has been bullied at school; and then a more talkative, outgoing kid will speak up and say he has been bullied too. And outside of these sessions, they may never have talked to one another and realized this. These group sessions allow the kids to see that they have more in common with each other than they first thought.”

So what should the result be for these youngsters once all 10 sessions have taken place?

“I think,” Spurlock said, “one of the main goals is for them to have gained a mindfulness, and simply be aware they have conflict resolution tools they can apply to life situations. One kid said he tried counting to ten instead of acting out. He admitted he doesn’t like doing it, but still tried it. We told him the fact that he was open to trying this is very good. Another one told us he ‘just went to his room,’ and decided to try something else besides ‘just acting out.’ Each week we ask them, ‘Has anyone had a chance to try out the strategies we have been learning about?’”

Director of Clinical Training and Licensed Psychologist Dr. Rita Gray says the interns are proving to be a huge asset to the Health Department.

“The clients we serve are fortunate to have knowledgeable and dedicated interns to conduct groups around conflict resolution. Since relationship conflicts are bound to happen, learning to deal with them in a healthy way is vital. These group leaders are teaching the youngsters skills that will help them into adolescence and beyond.”

And after the conflict resolution classes end in March, at least two more group sessions are lined up, including an LGBTQ group and a healthy relationships group. Spurlock is scheduled to be with the Will County Health Department through this coming September. For information on Behavioral Health programs at the Health Department, go to www.willcountyhealth.org, or call 815-727-8521.

The 2018 Hero Helps Community Forum is slated for Friday, May 11 at the Edward Hospital Athletic and Event Center in Romeoville.

This year’s event will bring together all of the efforts being made towards reducing opioid use and overdose in Will County and across the State. The seventh annual event will again be sponsored by HERO (Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization) and Will County HELPS (Heroin Education Leads to Preventative Solutions) as well as the Village of Romeoville and the Southwest Coalition.

“Laura Porter, our keynote speaker, will discuss the effect of childhood trauma on substance use, said Paul Lauridsen, co-chairman of the event. “We will also examine the work that has been done to address the issue of opioid use and overdose. We know there is still work to be done and we will also hear from leaders at the state health department about these efforts.”

Porter is with ACE Interface and has more than a decade of experience implementing statewide ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience) Study Concepts. She will speak about the effect of childhood trauma on substance abuse which the Center for Disease Control has widely reported.

Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, will speak about work of the Illinois Opioid Task Force and Maria Bruni, Associate Secretary with the Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, will share details of the Illinois Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council.

CPDU’s, CME’s and CEU’s are being provided for education, medical, social work professionals, licensed professional counselors, and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery support professionals.

While pre-registration is not required, those planning to attend are encouraged to visit the website: www.herohelpsevent.org to register.

Photo via GoFundMe

The son of Danny Rios, the 52-year-old murder victim at Izzy’s Bar in Joliet, has started a GoFundMe Page to help with funeral expenses.

Rios was murdered around 1:15 Friday morning when Patrick K. Gleason of Dearborn St. in Crest Hill returned to the bar after being kicked out and opened fire.

Donations can be made at  https://www.gofundme.com/58xxynk

For the first time since it debuted in 2016, the entire national parks quilt exhibit will be on display in Illinois when it opens to the public in June at four Forest Preserve District of Will County locations.

People who love the national parks, quilting – or both – should save the date for this fantastic fabric fete to the country’s natural areas. Though portions of the quilt exhibit were displayed in Illinois in 2016 and 2017, this will be the first time in the state that all 177 quilts included in the collection will be available for viewing.

Four Forest Preserve visitor centers will each host around one-quarter of the quilts starting Sunday, June 17, and running through Tuesday, July 3. The free “Inspired by the National Parks” quilt exhibition was spearheaded by Donna DeSoto, a member of the Fairfax, Va., chapter of Quilters Unlimited. DeSoto and quilters across the country created the collection to demonstrate their love of nature and the national parks in honor of the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary in 2016.

Each quilt is a work of art incorporating materials and objects reflective of the park it represents. The collection highlights 59 national parks in all, with three quilts representing each park’s flora, fauna and landscape.

Quilts will be on display simultaneously from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and noon-4 p.m. Sundays at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Isle a la Cache Museum Romeoville, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township near Beecher and Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet.

Registration is not required for this free, all-ages event.

More quilt exhibit information will be posted on the Forest Preserve District’s website, ReconnectWithNature.org, prior to the exhibit opening.

On March 10 at 3:30 p.m. the Romeoville Police Department responded to a domestic dispute between a husband/wife on the 400 Block of Gainsborough Drive. Upon police arrival, officers were met in the front yard by Brian Engelsman Jr., 22, who was holding a knife and had blood on his person. Officers then entered the home and found the father, Brian Engelsman Sr., 49,  laying on the floor with multiple stab wounds. Brian Engelsman Sr. advised he was stabbed by his son, Brian Engelsman Jr. The original domestic dispute was between Brian Engelsman Sr. and his wife. The domestic dispute was not physical. Brian Engelsman Sr. was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital and is in Critical Condition. Brian Engelsman Jr. was transported to Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital for treatment of wounds received during the altercation with his father over the knife. Brian Engelsman Jr. was released from the hospital after treatment, and taken into custody. He was booked into the the Will County Adult Detention Facility at 1:33 a.m. Sunday on a charge of aggravated domestic battery.

Engelsman Jr. was due to appear in court on Monday afternoon.

Note: The charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Romeoville resident plans pro gun rally near RHS

By Laura Katauskas | Staff Reporter

As students grapple with the events of the Parkland, Fla. school shooting, a call to action is resonating with students nationwide and throughout the community.

In a show of solidarity, both Bolingbrook and Romeoville High Schools have been planning a means to support the right to have a safe school environment and are expected to have a walkout on March 14.

In a letter to the community, Valley View Superintendent James Mitchem, said “We recognize that there are differing opinions on how to address issues related to school safety, hence the need to offer students the option to participate as well as respect their right to refrain from participation.”

What is now being met with some controversy as spelled out over social media, a 2nd Amendment rally was also expected near Romeoville High School at the same time.

Romeoville resident Savannah Denvir posted a Pro2nd event for 9:30 a.m. March 14 at 101 Troxel Ave, near the Heritage Falls Water Park.

“My only intentions of this rally is to make sure our kids were told the truth,” said Denvir. “To be told who sponsored the national walk out which is the Woman’s March and be told about the Leftist Agenda of demands being asked for by this national walk-out. I want these children to know it’s wonderful to remember the victims of the Parkland, Florida shooting, and to also know that the Left is using this tragedy to further their agenda with more gun control demands…”

Both school and police officials maintain the right for anyone to state their beliefs. Romeoville Police and Fire Departments are working with both groups to ensure safety and security for all who were to attend.

“The Romeoville Police Department is working with RHS staff to ensure the safety of students and staff during this event,” said Romeoville Deputy Chief of Police Steve Lucchesi. “The Police Department has also communicated with the organizer of the 2nd Amendment demonstration, and expressed our desire for their safety as well. We respect the right of all persons who wish to peacefully exercise their first amendment rights, and we will be present to ensure a peaceful event.”
Each high school has a plan in place to accommodate students who would like to participate in the 17-minute event, while at the same time, providing a safe and secure environment. Students were to be allowed to exit the building to go to a designated location on campus, but will not be allowed to leave the school property.

In a message from Romeoville High School Principal Derek Kinder, the walkout is about honoring the 17 lives lost. RHS has planned a student and staff activity that will allow us to show our support in a safe, peaceful, and respectful manner to honor the 17 victims and show a sign of unity and advocacy for school safety.”

Students will be standing on the athletic field for an aerial photograph while students and staff spell out RHS United. Students that do not wish to participate will report to the auditorium.

Denvir said the demonstration is about providing “more security for our children more programs for bullying and teaching them to be kinder and more understanding to one another…I support these kids no matter what and just want them to be educated on the 2nd Amendment and not feel pressured from any school or peer to have their own belief or be made to do something they don’t want by feeling compelled to join either way or be self conscious in school about their choice to not walk out if that was the case. Just wanted to show those kids we are out there standing for them they, are not alone and it’s OK to love your country, Constitution and 2nd as well as mourn the victims of Parkland.”

Kinder said in his message: “We are hoping that providing this opportunity for our students to stand together, united as one, we will strengthen our relationships within “R” house and create a safe venue for our students and staff to advocate for school safety.”

 STEP students seek pledges to end use of “The R-Word”

Valley View’s STEP students visited the Administration Center to ask staff to join them in taking a pledge for “Spread the Word to End the Word”.

Spread the Word to End the Word is an ongoing effort by our STEP students, Special Olympics, Best Buddies, and other supporters to inspire respect and acceptance in the world. The pledge simply commits people to stop the use of one of the most disrespectful and hurtful words in the English language- retard.

Those taking the pledge were asked to sign a banner and given a sticker as signs of their commitment.

You can take the pledge by visiting www.r-word.org

Student Superintendents for a day

Skoff Elementary students Dominic and Addison Rizzatto received a close up look at a day in the life of a school superintendent as they spent a day visiting Valley View Schools with Superintendent Dr. James Mitchem.

Dom and Addy were Student Superintendents for a Day as part of their mother’s winning bid on the prize at the Heart Haven Outreach (H2O) Fundraising event last summer.

Skoff Principal Dr. Cheryl Lockard took Dr. Mitchem to meet Dom and Addy in their classrooms and after being given their superintendent credentials, Dr. Mitchem took his temporary colleagues to Lukancic Middle School for a clap-out for state championship bound wrestlers. The next part of the trip was supposed to be a visit to Romeoville HS, but Dom and Addy asked for, and were granted a special stop before going to RHS.

While Dom and Addy currently attend Skoff, they moved to a new house recently and until Winter Break, they attended R.C. Hill. They asked Dr. Mitchem if they could stop by R.C. Hill and visit their former classmates.

Brooks 8th Graders “Clap-In” Future Bulldogs

Many of us are familiar with the tradition of “Clap-Outs” in Valley View Schools. This tradition mainly takes place at the end of the school year as the seniors, 8th graders, and 5th graders leave their schools for the next level.

At the Brooks Middle School Step-Up Day for 5th graders who will be Bulldogs next August, the current Brooks 8th graders greeted 5th graders from Pioneer Elementary School. After the 5th graders were welcomed to Brooks, other 8th graders served as tour guides.