As many people in Winnetka know, I have been a longtime supporter of storm water flooding relief for western and southwestern Winnetka. [Please participate in the Strand studies, which offer the only hope we have for a solution in the foreseeable future; come to the Winnetka Community House March 3 or 5.] Two years ago I worked to elect Carol Fessler and Marilyn Prodromos as Village trustees, in part because they shared my vision. To their credit, they have stayed committed to this project. I am grateful for their service to our community.

This election I am supporting the Caucus nominated candidates, Chris Rintz, Louise Holland and Penny Lanphier for Village Trustee. I have known all these individuals for many years and can personally attest to their integrity, skill sets and devotion to the Village of Winnetka. I reached out to each of them, to understand their position on storm water relief as well as other major challenges facing Winnetka today. Each one attended the recent Strand meetings and understands the need for relief. All have experienced flooding in their homes or neighborhoods first hand.

I am convinced we need the experience Louise, Penny and Chris have with major public works projects and the personal and professional relationships they have with key stake holders in government agencies, such as Cook County, in order to get the storm water work accomplished. No solution will be without significant cost, and they are well schooled in how to gain consensus and public buy in for civic projects of this scope.

Another goal I share with these three candidates is to ratchet down the acrimony in Village politics that has tainted our civil discourse over the past decade or so. The bitterness and mudslinging that has evolved over many issues obstructs compromise and discourages many wonderful potential Village Board members from seeking office. Sadly, WHOA, who endorses the Independent candidates, continues its truth-bending rancorous attacks in support of their candidacy. I, for one, am tired of this kind of discourse. I welcome the return to listening and civility Chris, Louise and Penny will bring to the Council.

Thanks for your attention and friendship.

Leslie Farmer
Winnetka

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. We encourage readers to post Letters to the Editor– please use this link to do so.

Lawn signs promoting Winnetka independent candidates for trustee.

A lawn sign endorsing Winnetka Caucus-backed candidates.

WINNETKA – Residents will have the opportunity to elect three village trustees on March 15, choosing between Caucus-endorsed and independent candidates who have expressed differing views on the critical issues of downtown revitalization and stormwater.

Running as independents, Kristin Ziv and incumbents Marilyn Prodromos and Carol Fessler have shared views supporting revitalization of Winnetka’s struggling business districts and One Winnetka’s role in that transformation.

At a candidate forum hosted by the Rotary Club of Northfield-Winnetka on February 11, incumbent Fessler noted One Winnetka developer Stonestreet Partners’ responsiveness when it agreed to lowering the building’s height from seven stories to five and one-half. “I think we can honor our past and treasure our historically significant buildings without destroying our future,” Fessler was quoted, in a Chicago News Tribune article.

Candidate Ziv was quoted in the same Chicago News Tribune article as saying a vote against One Winnetka “could be a big signal to the development community that Winnetka is closed for business, and that is not what the residents of the community want.”

The independent candidates have joined forces, encouraging voters to elect all three candidates, with lawns signs as well as a website www.winnetkaindependents.com.

While Caucus-backed candidates Louise Holland, Penny Lanphier and Chris Rintz also seek revitalization of Winnetka’s downtowns, they have treaded lightly on the issue of One Winnetka. Candidate Rintz wrote in an opinion letter published on February 19 on Daily North Shore:  “One Winnetka presents a great opportunity to provide a badly needed facelift to East Elm and could prove to be catalytic for further efforts — both private and public.” But Rintz also expressed the need to move forward carefully, noting the developer seeks a “significant financial subsidy from the taxpayers.”

Candidate Holland has already expressed her views on One Winnetka, voting against the project as a member of the Plan Commission in September. “It is painful. There is nothing in these recommendations I can vote for,” she said at the Plan Commission’s September 30 meeting.

As the village looks to solving its stormwater problems, the Caucus-endorsed candidates support consultants Strand Associate’s plan to route stormwater westward. But they have criticized the council’s use of taxpayer money to pay hundreds of thousands in consultant fees on a proposed stormwater tunnel that was abandoned due to run-away costs.

Concerning the stormwater tunnel project the candidates state on their website www.yourwinnetka.org:

“March, 2014, the Village Council and its present leadership ignored the results of a non-binding referendum in which 55% of voters and eight of 10 precincts concerned about the cost, disruption to the village, and uncertainty as to the success of the project, voted against moving the project forward.”

The Caucus candidates also propose a limit on the village’s spending on capital projects, requiring a referendum for projects that are $10 million or greater. They have also criticized the village’s stormwater utility fee, which they say on their website is one of the highest in the state, possibly the nation.

While the independent candidates also support solving the village’s flooding problems, they question on their website any constraints on financing for capital improvements. “The Caucus platform constrains financing for capital improvements within the village.  Their candidates are likely to find excuses to postpone work on stormwater solutions,” their website states. And all three independent candidates said at the Rotary Club February 11 meeting, that the village’s stormwater fee was a fair and appropriate way to generate revenue, according to a Chicago Tribune article.

The independent candidates have also voiced strong opposition to the Winnetka Caucus, an organization they view as irrelevant and backwards thinking. “People are done with the drama and dysfunction of the caucus. I am too,” Prodromos is quoted as saying on their website.

Soon enough it will be the residents turn to weigh in, as they vote next week to elect trustees that will lead the village on these critical issues.

Getting ready for last year’s show are (back row, from left) Sarah Soren, Laila Abdelmonem, Shaina Hakimian, Aya Kroncke, Sheli Ruffer, Gabrielle Cohen, Yael Uziel, Tobi Klein, Angela Bazianos and Jenna Sonshine. Photo courtesy of Lexie Rand Photography.

North Shore high school students who want a glimpse of the latest prom attire will get an opportunity at the fourth annual Prom Fashion Show.

Teen-age models from local high schools will display gowns and tuxedos at 2 p.m. March 13 at the North Suburban YMCA. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Northbrook Family Network.

The show is organized by Glenbrook North High School students Grace Elisco, Ben Zhao, Kamryn Abraskin and Jordan Quant under the mentorship of Bob Lazaro. There will be 65 student models, both boys and girls, from several North Shore high schools.

Among their organizing tasks, Elisco, Quant, Zhao and Abraskin had to find the formal wear for the models to wear as well as finding the models.

They’re going to show off the latest fashions,” Abraskin said. “The gowns were donated by Lord & Taylor and the tuxedos were donated by Men’s Wearhouse. The hair and makeup are being done by the Red Door Spa.”

One of the models, Nicole Volchek, a Glenbrook South High School senior, said she is glad her school is included this year and is excited about the opportunity to walk down the runway.

“It’s just great to get all dressed up,” Volchek said. “I get to be with people I know and meet new people. And, (the money) goes to charity.”

“I don’t get the experience very often to get dressed up and look great,” Tyler Marovitz, a Glenbrook North senior and another model, added.

The runway comes to the show courtesy of Lewis Floor and Home, according to Zhao.

Though Marovitz likes the idea of getting dressed up for the event, he said his greater motivation is the cause.

“All the money goes to the Northbrook Family Network,” Marovitz said. “It goes into educating people about teen issues like bullying, depression and drugs. I’m excited to play a role in that.”

With the boys getting into the act are (from left) Brian Agins, Lexie Rand, Sydney Rothman and Matt Brown. Photo courtesy of Lexie Rand Photography.

Elisco said the show raised more than $2,600 for the network a year ago. She said the organization is composed of people working on issues of importance to teenagers.

“It puts together programs on educating a lot of teens about depression, bullying, drug and alcohol abuse and having self confidence,” Elisco said.

“It’s about everyday things teens encounter,” Abraskin added.

While Elisco, Zhao and Abraskin put a lot of work into getting the show ready, learning planning and business tools along the way.

“Business leadership will be my major in college and the experience I’m getting here is going to help me in business,” said Elisco, who will attend Bradley University in the fall and has a passion for event planning.

Zhao said the experience he has gained with organizational skills is invaluable both now and when he and Abraskin take a stronger leadership role next year as seniors.

“We’re learning how to reach out to the community,” Zhao said. “We’re finding out what the market is and how to plan so everything works well.

Lazaro said he helps guide the four-student group but they are the ones who make it happen.

“They keep the show on track,” Lazaro said. “They have to be prepared for the unexpected.”

The unexpected happened last year when one of the male models got sick and was unable to be part of the show, according to Elisco. Since each model walks the runway twice, she said they altered the lineup very slightly to ensure all the fashions were displayed and everyone got as many turns as possible.

Besides Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South, students from Highland Park, Deerfield, New Trier and Rochelle Zell Jewish High Schools along with Loyola Academy plan to attend, according to Zhao.

With the boys getting into the act are (from left) Brian Agins, Lexie Rand, Sydney Rothman and Matt Brown. Photo courtesy of Lexie Rand Photography.

New Trier’s Charlie Gentzkow. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Charlie Gentzkow has been named The North Shore Weekend/DailyNorthShore.com East Zone Athlete of the Month.

The maximum number of medals an individual can collect at a state swimming and diving meet is four. Gentzkow, a New Trier senior, owns 16 career state swimming medals. Another maximum number.

The Trevian ended his decorated prep career with a flourish at the state meet last month at Evanston Township High School, setting state records in two events for athletes with disabilities and silvering in two others. He established Illinois marks in the 200-yard freestyle (2:11.92) and 100 free (58.63).

Take a look at that time in the 200 free again. Three years ago, as a freshman at the state meet, Gentzkow clocked a 2:39.16 in the event.

For his sensational efforts, Gentzkow will receive a special gift from @Properties.

The March 15th election provides an opportunity to elect three Winnetka residents to the Village Council that have the experience, track record and reputation we need for Winnetka to move forward and solve the problems long discussed on storm-water management, revitalization of our business districts, zoning issues and so many other concerns that will affect life in Winnetka for many years to come.

As a former Village trustee, I am 100% certain that the best individuals to serve our community are Louise Holland, Penny Lanphier and Chris Rintz. The reason I am so sure of these 3 candidates is that I have worked with each of them during my service as Village Trustee, member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Plan Commission, Winnetka Police Pension Board and the Winnetka Caucus Council. Louise, Penny and Chris each have the integrity, honesty, hard work ethic, ability to listen and build consensus and they have the passion to serve the Winnetka community in the best interests of all Winnetka residents.

We need individuals to serve who have not already made up their mind on major issues and respect the opinion of all Winnetka residents.

I urge you to vote for the best candidates, I am sure you will find Louise Holland, Penny Lanphier and Chris Rintz to be the right individuals to lead Winnetka’s future and return our Village to a respectful and civil community.

Sandy Berger
Winnetka

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. We encourage readers to post Letters to the Editor– please use this link to do so.

Louise Holland, Penny Lanphier and Chris Rintz are the most qualified candidates to serve us on the Village Council. I know them personally and have worked with each during my years of service to Winnetka. The Council needs people that can listen well, forge consensus and lead in finding solutions that are right for the Village as a whole. Each of these candidates possesses these skills and more.

During my years on the Zoning Board, Plan Commission and Council, both as a Trustee and Village President, I have found the best Trustees are those that think deeply about issues. A Trustee often confronts many varied issues – no one can be expected to be an expert at all of these. The ability to think independently, listen intently to community input and reach conclusions that reflect positively on the Village is vital to our long-term success as a community.

We all should value the role of the Caucus in their surveying, platform creation and candidate interview process. Having been slated (and not) for elected office, I can vouch for the rigorous process that seeks the right candidates for the right positions. For me, I don’t vote for a Caucus slate because of the Caucus, I vote for the right people to serve in the right positions. I encourage you to get to know Louise, Penny and Chris as I do and I encourage you to vote for them on March 15.

Ed Woodbury, former Village President
Winnetka

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. We encourage readers to post Letters to the Editor– please use this link to do so.

Our Dad –

Is dedicated and hardworking in all aspects of his life.

Is incredibly humble and will surely be embarrassed by this letter.

He loves our family, our dog, Bailey, his cars, and the occasional cigar.

And he loves our town.

He takes Bailey for walks every night, something we have been doing as a family since we moved to Winnetka. On these walks, he always makes a point to clear out leaves from clogging sewer grates as he walks by, walks rogue newspapers up to people’s front steps, and even puts an occasional fallen bird nest back in a tree.

When we are lucky enough to join our dad on his walks, he always points out little details that we would never notice— telling us to stop and imagine how great this street would look if we put all of the power lines underground, or how nice that street would look if we put up new street lights and evened out the sidewalks. (Meanwhile, all we notice are the bricks outside of Little Ricky’s that have our names on them). He notices every detail and has a million ideas for how to fix the problem or make it better.

Growing up, our dad was our soccer coach every year. He stayed involved in our lives despite how busy his job was. Even when we got too old for him to coach, he continued to coach younger kids because he loved giving back to the community and staying involved.

Our dad finds joy in making others smile and being a part of something that brings others happiness. His Christmas decorations pretty much speak for themselves. He loves to set up all of his crazy decorations every year just to put a smile on people’s faces as they drive by, or for the little kids that run up to say hi to Santa and leave him letters in his newest addition—Santa’s Mailbox.

If anything is a testament to how well he knows Winnetka, how determined he is, and how much he cares about us, it is his Halloween plans. He knows every street, inside and out, and took the time to plan the very best trick or treating route for us when we were little. Every year, the route was better and every year we got more candy. Insider tip—streets with houses that are far apart or have lots of stairs must be avoided. Our dad could probably still tell you which route would be the most lucrative and efficient.

In the big flood in 2011, our Dad was acting Village president then, and we watched him work for days helping neighbors clean out their basements and pump out their water. We are lucky to have him as our dad and you are lucky to have him as your Trustee.

We both live downtown now, but we had the best time growing up in Winnetka. We have so many great memories and hope that new families will get to have those too. We know our dad will be able to help everyone have the amazing experience we did. We’ve got to make this town better again – and our Dad can do that.

Please vote for our dad, Chris Rintz on Mach 15th!

Molly & Elizabeth Rintz
Winnetka

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. We encourage readers to post Letters to the Editor– please use this link to do so.

Months ago, I and two other Independent candidates laid out our reasons for running to represent Winnetka on its Village Council. We have emphasized business revitalization, making the town more attractive to young families, completing plans for storm water management. That is, we emphasize solving problems created in part by earlier Village Councils that were dominated by the Caucus candidates we are now running against. The three of us – Kristin Ziv, Marilyn Prodromos and Carol Fessler – are Independent of the Caucus.

Over the past few weeks the Caucus and its sympathizers have tied themselves in knots trying to co-opt our messages. They are now using our language, while avoiding concrete proposals. But the Caucus candidates had their chance. Saying now that they want to address problems they ignored in years past doesn’t erase their records.

The Caucus campaign to co-opt the Independents’ message has now reached a new and laughable height. The latest Caucus email strangely claims that all six candidates for Village Trustee are “independents” even though the Caucus recruited two of their preferred candidates to run. The third Caucus candidate is a long-time fixture of that body.

Meanwhile the Caucus keeps criticizing the Independent candidates for “refusing” to interview with the Caucus. Why doesn’t the Caucus examine the public record of the two incumbent trustees and examine their public statements? In any case, why should an Independent candidate submit to private interviews with a body the candidate considers unrepresentative? Does the Caucus respect independence or not? It seems not.

We Independents have taken our positions and backgrounds directly to our fellow citizens. We did not ask any organization for clearance. While we value endorsements such as we have received from WHOA, we do not represent WHOA and did not interview with WHOA. The Independents have patiently made our case to the public – by actions as Village trustees, through a public website, through many well-publicized meet and greets, through public forums (Rotary Club and League of Women Voters), through the vetting of the media, and by introducing ourselves to hundreds of Winnetkans as we campaign door-to-door.

We have run independently of the Caucus because the Caucus helped create the problems we want to solve. We run independently because the Caucus nominates its candidates behind closed doors according to criteria known only to an inner circle. We run independently because we do not believe the Caucus represents Winnetka. We believe that we do.

Kristin Ziv
Winnetka Village Trustee candidate

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. We encourage readers to post Letters to the Editor– please use this link to do so.

Winnetka Follies producers, from left: Terrence Sherrill, Francesca Sherrill and Laura Chaveriat; photography by George Pfoertner/JWC Media

WINNETKA – The Village Follies variety show is more than just a fundraiser for the Winnetka Community House – with a 35-year history it’s a tradition in its own right.

“Our motto is to put the fun in fundraising,” said Laura Chaveriat, co-producer of this year’s show.

Originally sponsored by the Winnetka Woman’s Club, the show was always a fundraiser and a pretty successful one too, Chaveriat explained. At some point, the Village Follies was spun off and formed its own Board of Directors that focuses exclusively on raising money for the Community House. The variety show is one of its largest events, raising about $10,000 to $15,000 each year.

Most of the Village Follies’ 70-plus members participate in the variety show. This year, about 60 people are involved. While every year there are newcomers to the show, many cast members have been involved for a long time. Chaveriat has participated for about 10 years, but she noted that others have participated from up to 40 years. People are really committed to this show, with ages that range from 21 to 89.

“This is an annual experience that people look forward to,” Chaveriat said.

Beyond raising money, people develop strong friendships, combat the winter blues and find an outlet to be creative and have fun. Every year, the show includes about 30 to 35 acts that feature singing, dancing and comedy, all loosely connected to a theme. The show this year is called “Village Follies Extravaganza Review” and plays homage to variety shows of the 1960s and 1970s.

“The flavor of many of the skits is related to 1960s and 1970s comedy, music and dancing,” Chaveriat said.

For example, the choral number will draw on the psychedelic period with music from “Hair” and “The 5th Dimension.” The show is accompanied by a live band comprised of community members, which formed specifically to play for the Village Follies. “We like to make ample use of our live band,” she said.

Many of the skits are written by the cast members, who gather over the summer with the producers to present ideas for the show. “A lot of creativity goes into the generation of skits,” Chaveriat said.

Winnetka Follies cast members

And while no one is turned away, not everyone who participates in the Village Follies has theatre arts experience. There is a wide range of ability, with some members who have little to no experience and others who are former professionals. Chaveriat’s co-producers, husband and wife team Francesca and Terrence Sherrill, both have extensive experience in music and theatre. “They are very talented in terms of their own theatrical backgrounds,” Chaveriat said. Chaveriat feels fortunate for the Sherill’s experience, who have helped considerably guiding the cast — particularly those who have little to no experience.

The variety show is widely supported by residents, who enjoy supporting their friends performing on stage. And the viewing experience is unique. The audience is encouraged to watch the show Ravinia-style, bringing picnic dinners and drinks and camping out to socialize before the show begins. Tables of 10 are arranged in the theatre at the Community House, where large groups of friends can gather or smaller groups can share a table. “Even if a table is shared, everyone is friends by the end of the night,” Chaveriat said.

At this point, the cast is hard at work rehearsing for a show that will be put on March 11-12 and March 17-19. “There is a lot of work that goes into putting on a show,” Chaveriat said.

But all of that hard work seems to be worth it. “The fact that we are able to raise money in this way is a real gift,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way to give to the organization as well as to the Community House.”

For more information and to buy tickets to to www.villagefollies.org.

Winnetka Follies cast members rehurseing a dance number. Photography by George Pfoertner/JWC Media.

Loyola Academy’s Ramar Evans beats the double team of New Trier’s Tino Malnati and Michael Hurley and fires a pass to Julian DeGuzman late in the regional semifinal game on March 1. DeGuzman turned the pass into a key score. PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRACY ALLEN

Ramar Evans gripped the ball and threw a right-handed fastball. It also could have passed for a football pass, tight-spiraling to a wideout crossing the middle of a field.

What Evans, a Loyola Academy junior guard, chucked was a basketball in a big basketball game on March 1. The ball, after traveling about half the length of a court, landed in the hands of junior Julian DeGuzman, who plopped it in for an easy bucket in a Class 4A regional semifinal at Loyola Academy. The field goal on hardwood gave LA a 51-42 lead against visiting New Trier, with 55 seconds left in the fourth quarter. It turned out to be a crucial deuce, since NT would score the final seven points in the final 53 seconds of a 51-49 Loyola Academy victory.

“Second half of the season, Ramar has been a fantastic guard for us, a fantastic basketball player,” Ramblers coach Tom Livatino said. “He has, essentially, put the team on his shoulders.”

Evans’ shoulders are part of a 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame. They hanger-support sculpted arms that would look perfectly normal on the cover of this month’s Men’s Fitness magazine. Or any month’s. Loyola Academy football coach John Holecek would like nothing more than to see those shoulders under football pads on Game Days in the fall. How often does Holecek attempt to lure Evans to a football field?

“Every time I see him at the school,” a smiling Evans said.

Evans poured in three touchdowns worth of points against fifth-seeded New Trier (17-10), with 10 of his 18 coming in the first half. He tallied four of 12th-seeded Loyola’s points in a 14-0 run at the outset of the second half, helping the hosts secure a 36-23 lead. It took the Ramblers three minutes and 46 seconds to score 14 points. That’s one unanswered point every 16 seconds. Fantastic and fun and frenetic. The run transformed Loyola’s student cheering section into a pulsating mass of happiness, all lathered up.

“We made big plays,” Evans said, his explanation serving as the equivalent of a shrug.

NT got back in it at the start of the fourth quarter, netting seven free throws in an 11-2 spurt. What was once a sit-back-and-relax 43-27 score became a ten-hut! 45-38 margin, 3:05 remaining in regulation. A DeGuzman (six points) basket put LA up by nine points, Evans hit two free throws, and Evans unleashed that baseball/football pass, the delivery of the night. LA survived. Next up: fourth-seeded Notre Dame, for a regional title on March 4.

LA had to play that tilt without starting senior guard Eddie Trapp, a three-point threat and a reliable defender. Illness ensnared Trapp and refused to let him go. Ramblers senior shooting guard Will Plodzeen figured somebody had better elevate his game to make up for the loss of Trapp. That somebody: Plodzeen. The 6-2, 185-pounder from the School of St. Mary in Lake Forest connected for 12 points, all of them coming from three-point real estate. The 12 points were 12 more than his point total in the regional semifinal. Plodzeen played with steadfast urgency in the final, striking for six of LA’s 10 points in the first quarter.

“Will kept us in the game in the first half. He played fantastic basketball,” Livatino said.

The Ramblers trailed 20-19 at the break and then dropped five treys on the Dons in the first six minutes of the third quarter, a pair of the triples originating from the hands of senior guard Brandon Danowski. Evans (14 points, five rebounds), Plodzeen and freshman guard Andre White Jr. (11 points, two steals) each drained a three-pointer in a stretch that gave the hosts a 38-31 advantage.

ND produced a 9-0 run at the start of the fourth quarter and weathered a steely trey from White Jr., with seven ticks left, to earn a 52-50 victory. The Dons (23-6) advanced to a sectional semifinal.

“Great high school game, tremendous environment, championship atmosphere,” Livatino said. “I am really, really proud of how we played, battled. I feel for the guys, especially our seniors who played tonight. Will [Plodzeen], what he did out there as a shooter; [senior forward] Matt Manella was … Matt Manella, giving it his all; and Brandon Danowski guarded, didn’t turn the ball over, made shots.

“The guys, all our guys, took on adversity this year, on and off the court,” the coach added. “There’s no shame in our record [16-15].”

Plodzeen stood near a balcony rail in the home gym after the loss, he and his teammates having just descended a steep stairway following a post-game confab in Livatino’s spacious hoops office. The senior looked around. Reflected. Looked around some more.

“It’s going to be weird, not playing basketball at this level again,” he said. “Maybe I’ll play some CYO basketball.”

Notable: Ramblers coach Tom Livatino, on what his team’s record was after it defeated New Trier 51-49 in a Class 4A Loyola Academy Regional semifinal on March 1: “We’re 16-14, a robust 16-14.” … Ramblers senior guard Brandon Danowski finished with 13 points (three treys), and freshman guard Andre White, Jr. tossed in 11 against the Trevians in the regional semifinal. … LA senior guard Will Plodzeen, on junior guard Ramar Evans, a chiseled product of Walt Disney Magnet School in Chicago: “He came here built that way. Hard worker … that’s what he is. Ramar turned himself into a knock-down shooter. All season he was solid for us, really solid.” … Evans, on White, Jr., who averaged 11 points in the last two playoff games of his freshman season: “I’m proud of him, proud of the [way he handled life on varsity]. Off the court, 50 percent of what he talks about is hoops. The other half? Jokes.”

New Trier: Tino Malnati tallied a team-high 16 points in the loss to Loyola. Teammate Colin Winchester came up with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Spencer Boehm had eight points and seven rebounds.

I am writing to you to support Penny Lanphier’s candidacy for Village Trustee.

Full disclosure: Penny Lanphier has been my mom for the last 28 years of my life, despite my many pleas to neighbors with less television restrictions to adopt me. After nearly three decades of observing her, arguing with her, and learning from her, I can say without hesitation that there would be no better Village Trustee than Penny Lanphier.

My mom’s only “agenda” is thoughtful competency. The Winnetka Caucus asked my mom to run, not because she was interested in public office, but because she is balanced, intelligent, effective and the expertise needed to make informed Council decisions. She is against snap decisions – like building the $81 million “Willow Road Tunnel”. Instead, she is for transparency, asking the village for input on decisions, and building lasting relationships with teachers, police and other civil service providers.

My mom has the experience to make good decisions. Since moving here 28 years ago, she has dedicated her life to bettering Winnetka – from the PTA, to the Village Council, to the Historical Society, to the School Board – and she knows how the village operates. She is very familiar with the successes and failures of past administrations, why we’ve arrived in our present circumstance, and how to move forward effectively. I think that without knowing where we’ve been, it’s hard to know how to move forward.

My mom is more than a two-issue candidate. Does she know storm water? Yes. In some summers, Jeep Wranglers drive wake boarders down our street. Does she know about the downtown plan? Yes, she helped write the Village Plan 20-years ago. But more importantly, my mom understands how Winnetka operates, and can methodically and intelligently address any problems that arise, ensuring that issues get resolved.

Most importantly, my mom is genuine and respectful. You won’t hear her or her campaign say anything negative about other candidates. I don’t think she could, if she wanted to, which is why she’d make a terrible Congressional candidate. Even in heated discussions, she speaks with patience and respect – never condescension or vitriol – because she fundamentally believes that everyone is worth listening to, even if they yell or are disrespectful.

Such compassionate leadership is the foundation of our village and the embodiment of what makes Winnetka special. It is disagreeing with a smile. It is considering all sides of an issue. It is seeing knowledge gaps as learning opportunities, not weaknesses to be hidden. It is treating neighbors as family. It is electing leaders that reflect these values.

I encourage all Winnetka residents to vet my reasoning. Talk to my mom at open discussions. Listen to her thinking. Ask yourself who would help Winnetka grow, while keeping it a wonderful place to raise a family and the special village it is.

I have a feeling you’ll agree that that person is My Mom, Penny Lanphier.

Yours truly,
Carr Lanphier

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. We encourage readers to post Letters to the Editor– please use this link to do so.

Vote for My Mother

Vote for Louise Holland.

For the dedicated mother, grandmother, neighbor.

But more than that, vote for my mother, two-term President of Winnetka, two-term Trustee of Winnetka, Chair of the Landmark Preservation Commission, Trustee of the Hadley School, Zoning Board of Appeals, Plan Commissioner, Home Rule champion and more.

You may ask yourself, “What can she do for me, my wife, my husband, my children and grandchildren?”

We as residents of Winnetka expect many things. Most importantly, we want solid stewardship of our Village. We also want excellent restaurants and quality shopping in our own downtown.

For more than 20 years, Louise has been chairperson of a firm specializing in retail shopping centers. Brokers and community development people respect her, and her experience in the private sector will help her jump-start the downtown we all want.

For my family and for our friends, stormwater is a major problem. As a Trustee, my mother worked on the Village’s first efforts to get rid of water in southwest Winnetka. I know she is committed to finding a sensible, cost-effective and well thought out solution to this problem. She has existing, established relationships with the Forest Preserve, Parks Department and
other agencies.

On the Village Council, my mother oversaw the rebuilding of the Village’s six bridges, the Police and Fire station, and the Public Works building on Willow Road. She has worked with the EPA, Cook County, the State of Illinois, Union Pacific and IDOT. She has the experience to get things done.

We are her family. But for more than 45 years, Winnetka has been her other family. My mother has dedicated many years to this Village. She believes in this community. She is a uniquely qualified candidate who can draw on her extensive experience in order to help guide this Village to a place we are all proud to call home.

Please vote for Louise Holland, Village Trustee, on March 15th.

Ethan Holland
Winnetka

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. We encourage readers to post Letters to the Editor– please use this link to do so.

In the Fall of 2014, I signed a petition for Gene Greable’s independent candidacy for Winnetka Village President. In that election cycle, the Winnetka Caucus chose not to re-slate Mr. Greable for a second term, although they had slated him two years earlier. (He won that first, contested election against an independent candidate, Mr. Chris Rintz). Interestingly, Mr. Greable, the “Independent”, ran unopposed in his bid for a second term as village president.

This entire episode tweaked my interest in the caucus slating process and its continued viability. Why would the caucus not have re-slated a capable, hard working, dedicated, current village president when it seemed apparent that no one else had applied unless, of course, his views on certain issues did not comport with certain caucus members’ views?

Although I appreciate the work of many caucus members, I do believe the system attracts and solicits many of the same people and/or like-minded residents year after year. The Independent candidates who are challenging the caucus-slated candidates have created a healthy dialogue and have reached out to and engaged a large segment of our community in this important election process.

Options are a good thing. In my 43 years as a somewhat complacent/uninvolved resident, I applaud the efforts of the three women who have brought important issues to the forefront; they have succeeded in generating real interest in the pivotal issues that face our community. They have impressed me with their knowledge, competency and vision. They have provided our citizenry with a choice. Win or lose, their candidacies have been a good thing for Winnetka and do not deserve the Caucus’ derision.

Sincerely,

Sue Pappas
Winnetka

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. We encourage readers to post Letters to the Editor– please use this link to do so.

This is an ACT-SAT preference map by state, created for Wikicommons. Blue represents more ACT takers and orange more SAT takers.

Now that the Illinois Board of Education has chosen the SAT college entrance exam over the ACT, which test will North Shore high schools offer? And who will fund the tests? Daily North Shore asked administrators of North Shore public high schools to share their plans for college entrance exams this year and beyond.

First a little background: High school juniors in Illinois have been taking the state-paid ACT test every spring since 2001. The College Board last year beat the ACT in a bid for a three-year, $14.3 million contract to administer its SAT to juniors in all public high schools in Illinois, and in February began negotiating the contract with the state Board of Education, according to the Chicago Tribune. While ISBE officials stated that the state-funded SAT exam is supposed to be given to all high school juniors free of charge this year, the state budget crisis has stalled those plans.

“Whether we offer the state-funded SAT or not this spring will be up to ISBE,” Rosanne Williamson, assistant superintendent for educational services at Glenbrook High Schools District 225 told Daily North Shore.

New Trier High School had already made plans to offer the ACT this spring when the state decided to switch to the SAT. “We are offering only the ACT this year. We had already made plans to give the ACT by the time the state made its decision about the SAT,” said Nicole Dizon, New Trier director of communications. New Trier will offer a district-funded ACT exam in April.

But New Trier officials are unsure whether the SAT will be offered to students in the future. “The state has not informed school districts about its plans for administering the SAT going forward. For example, there is still no state funding for testing due to the state budget standoff. Due to this uncertainty at the state level, we cannot yet make an informed decision about our plans for next school year,” Dizon said.

Likewise, Township High School District 113, which includes Highland Park High School and Deerfield High School, will also offer the ACT test this April as the schools have in past years, only this year the test will be funded by the district, according to Jennifer Waldorf, director of communications and alumni relations. The district also plans to administer an optional SAT on multiple Saturdays this spring, but students will have to pay for that test.

According to D-225 Assistant Superintendent Williamson, Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South high schools will serve as ACT test sites as part of Saturday national ACT testing in April and June. The schools will also host an SAT exam in May and June. While none of these exams are funded by the state or district, vouchers will be available for low-income students. “I expect we will continue to host Saturday national testing for both ACT and SAT, as we have done for a number of years,” Williamson said.

Lake Forest High School will offer a district-funded ACT exam this spring, with no plans to offer the SAT exam this year. “Our students have been preparing for the ACT. We have made ACT preparation available to all students,” said Barry Rodgers, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction, technology and assessment. However, going forward the district is planning to shift to the SAT exam, with the possibility of an optional ACT exam offered on a Saturday, Rodgers said.

Administrators said their schools do not anticipate significant changes to their curriculum as the state shifts to the SAT exam.

“We are confident that our curriculum prepares students for both the ACT and SAT. We do not anticipate any curricular changes because of the shift to a state-funded SAT instead of a state-funded ACT. Although higher numbers of our students participate in the ACT, many students from both [Glenbrook North] and [Glenbrook South] have routinely taken both ACT and SAT exams and consistently perform well on both assessments,” Assistant Superintendent Williamson said.

Likewise, New Trier anticipates no changes in its curriculum and neither does Highland Park High School. “We don’t anticipate major changes. Our curriculum is aligned to the Common Core Standards and 21st century skills, so our students should be well prepared for any standardized tests they have to take, as well as college and career,” Waldorf said.

Lake Forest school officials view the SAT exam— which tracks the Common Core standards — as aligned with Illinois State Standards.

“Our school has been aligning its work to the new Illinois State Standards. From what we have learned about the new SAT, the assessment is more closely mapped to the Illinois State Standards than the ACT. We believe that the best type of test preparation is rigorous curriculum that is aligned to standards,” Assistant Superintendent Rodgers said.

The North Shore Weekend/DailyNorthShore.com has selected its 2015-16 All-Area Girls Basketball Team. Here’s our Supreme Court. Photography by Joel Lerner, George Pfoertner, Steve Handwerker and Tracy Allen.

GIRLS SUPREME COURT

Player of the Year: Jeannie Boehm (New Trier) Sr.

New Trier’s Jeannie Boehm

Fab Five

C: Jeannie Boehm (New Trier) Sr.

G: Caitlin Morrison (Glenbrook South) Sr.

G: Kathryn Pedi (New Trier) Sr.

C: Liz Satter (Loyola Academy) Sr.

G: Carie Weinman (Glenbrook South) Jr.

Glenbrook South’s Caitlin Morrison

New Trier’s Kathryn Pedi

Glenbrook South’s Carie Weinman

Second Five

G: Haley Greer (New Trier) Sr.

G: Autumn Kalis (New Trier) Sr.

G: Sarah McDonagh (Glenbrook South) Sr.

F: Tessy Onwuka (LF Academy) Sr.

G: Delaney Williams (Lake Forest) Jr.

New Trier’s Haley Greer

New Trier’s Autumn Kalis

Glenbrook South’s Sarah McDonagh

Lake Forest Academy’s Tessy Onwuka

Lake Forest’s Delaney Williams

Third Five

F: Kaci Burden (Highland Park) Sr.

F: Ilana Malman (Glenbrook North) Sr.

G: Colleen Palmer (Regina Dominican) Jr.

F: Maeve Summerville (Lake Forest) So.

F: Miranda Weber (Glenbrook North) Sr.

Highland Park’s Kaci Burden

Glenbrook North’s Ilana Malman

Regina Dominican Colleen Palmer

Lake Forest’s Maeve Summerville

Glenbrook North’s Miranda Weber

Fourth Five

G: Kirby Bartelstein (Highland Park) So.

C: Mary Cormier (Loyola Academy) So.

G: Kelly French (Regina Dominican) So.

G: Lizzy Shaw (Glenbrook South) So.

F: Brianna Sturkey (LF Academy) Sr.

Highland Park’s Kirby Bartelstein

Loyola Academy’s Mary Cormier

Regina Dominican’s Kelly French

Glenbrook South’s Lizzy Shaw

Lake Forest Academy’s Brianna Sturkey

All-Rookie Team

G: Jordan Davison (Glenbrook North) So.

G: Sydney Ignoffo (Highland Park) Fr.

G: Julia Martinez (Loyola Academy) Fr.

G: Mikayla Stadler (Glenbrook South) Fr.

F: Grace Tirzmalis (Lake Forest) Fr.

Rookie of the Year

Grace Tirzmalis (Lake Forest) Fr.

Unsung Hero

Madison Kane (Loyola Academy) Jr.

Best off the Bench

Erin Dowdle (Loyola Academy) Sr.

Best Shot Blocker

Jeannie Boehm (New Trier) Sr.

Chairwoman of the Boards

Jeannie Boehm (New Trier) Sr.

Spirit Award

Dahlia Cohen (Highland Park) Sr.

This election is not about the future of the Caucus. It’s about the future of Winnetka.

Caucus has been faltering for years. When we won as independents in 2014, we hoped Caucus would get its house in order. Unfortunately things got worse as leaders of YourWinnetka brazenly took control of what should be a non-partisan Caucus. We no longer consider the Caucus to be non-partisan on Village issues.

As incumbents up for re-election, we wanted this election campaign aired in the open – out of the Caucus closet – where our records as trustees can be judged directly by voters. Where, along with Kristin Ziv, we have participated in every non-partisan forum available. At Meet & Greets we engaged with small groups. And walking the town, we’ve rung over 3,000 doorbells and spoken directly with 1,000 voters. In so doing, we have once again raised the bar in running the most inclusive, transparent campaign in Winnetka’s history.

To understand the questions raised about WHOA you need to understand YourWinnetka – a particularly dangerous secret in the Caucus closet.

YourWinnetka is the latest name for a coalition of politically active groups that have advocated on behalf of issues such as affordable housing and against others such as stormwater relief projects. It dates back to the 1990s when Louise Holland was part of a movement to preserve old homes in Winnetka and establish historical districts. So Louise Holland could be viewed as the matriarch of YourWinnetka. YourWinnetka members today hold the very top leadership positions in the Winnetka Caucus and have slated their friends for Village Council.

WHOA was started in response to the historic preservation movement in the 1990s. Carry Buck and Ann Dillon saw this movement as an assault on homeowners’ property rights. So they began a counter movement which they called Winnetka Homeowners Association, or WHOA. While YourWinnetka is constantly active in Winnetka politics, WHOA goes dormant until an issue comes to a head at election time.

It is no surprise that, once the Caucus slated Louise Holland for Village Trustee, WHOA came out of retirement to endorse the Winnetka Independent slate of candidates. We value WHOA’s endorsement of our stand on the issues. And we appreciate its effort to help level the playing field against the combined resources of YourWinnetka and the Caucus.

The Caucus wants you to vote for their candidates – not because you agree with them on the issues, but because they want you to help the Caucus save face.

I have no idea whether the Caucus can regain the credibility it once had. I do know that if the Caucus does fall apart, as virtually every other municipal caucus in the State of Illinois has done, Winnetka will be just fine. Candidates will get endorsements from local groups and appear at local forums and perhaps even go door-to-door. Discussion of our issues and candidates will come out of the Caucus closet and into the open.

Vote for the candidates who are best for the future of Winnetka, and let the Caucus look after itself.

Dr. Marilyn Prodromos and Carol Fessler
Winnetka Village Trustees, Independent Candidates

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. We encourage readers to post Letters to the Editor– please use this link to do so.

On March 15, 2016, Winnetka voters will elect three new Village Trustees. I urge all Winnetkans to vote for the Caucus slate of candidates: Louise Holland, Penny Lanphier and Chris Rintz. Each of these individuals has the experience of previous service on the Village Council, as well as service on many Village committees and volunteer boards. Each cares deeply about Winnetka, and has proven his or her ability to listen, to learn, and to lead.
As a prior Winnetka Village Trustee, with service on the Plan Commission, ZBA, DRB, BCDC and other Village committees, I have worked with these candidates during their service in office. I know them to be fully informed on Winnetka issues, totally engaged in open and transparent public discourse, and completely committed to finding solutions in the best interests of all Winnetkans.
This is simply the strongest slate of Village candidates I have seen in my 33 years as a Winnetka resident. They will be ready to tackle the issues facing our Village on day one, with a deep understanding of Winnetka and a clear vision for its future. Please vote for the Caucus Village Trustee candidates Louise Holland, Penny Lanphier and Chris Rintz on March 15th.

Kenneth L. Behles
Winnetka

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. We encourage readers to post Letters to the Editor– please use this link to do so.

OneWinnetka vastly exceeds village rules for building size.

Every extra square foot of usable space that exceeds our zoning code puts extra profit directly in the pocket of the OneWinnetka developer.

In the latest version of the proposal, almost all retail has been removed and now, a Fitness Club that will directly compete with – and deeply harm – the Community House has been added.

There is supposed to be a negotiation between the Village and the developer – if extra space is built, those extra profits are to be shared between the Village and the developer. The Village’s share comes back as a “public benefit” that the developer pays out of those profits. The Village can also influence the development to make sure that it adds to, doesn’t detract from, existing village institutions.

Real village resources are being demanded in the OneWinnetka proposal, including a big chunk of Lincoln Avenue. We need Village Trustees who will negotiate on our behalf – on behalf of the citizens – on this development. We need to have the very best talent available working for us on this very complex project.

We need to know that the Village Trustees have our back – and are not about to give away the store.

Louise Holland, Penny Lanphier and Chris Rintz know how to negotiate complex projects for the Village. Vote for them on March 15. Punch 264, 265 and 266.

Nan Greenough
Winnetka

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. We encourage readers to post Letters to the Editor– please use this link to do so.

The North Shore Weekend/DailyNorthShore.com has selected its 2015-16 All-Area Boys Basketball Team. Here’s our Supreme Court. Photography by Joel Lerner, George Pfoertner, Jon Durr and Tracy Allen.

SUPREME COURT

Player of the Year: Lorenzo Edwards (Lake Forest) Sr.

Lake Forest’s Lorenzo Edwards

Fab Five

C: Lorenzo Edwards (Lake Forest) Sr.

G: Ramar Evans (Loyola Academy) Jr.

F: Jimmy Martinelli (Glenbrook South) Sr.

F: Michael Stachnik (Glenbrook North) Sr.

F: Colin Winchester (New Trier) Sr.

Loyola Academy’s Ramar Evans

Glenbrook South’s Jimmy Martinelli

Glenbrook North’s Michael Stachnik

New Trier’s Colin Winchester

Second Five

G: Brandon Danowski (Loyola Academy) Sr.

F: Zach Fleischer (Highland Park) Sr.

G: Chris Harris (LF Academy) Jr.

G: Tino Malnati (New Trier) Sr.

F: Kellen Witherell (Glenbrook North) So.

Loyola Academy’s Brandon Danowski

Highland Park’s Zach Fleisher

Lake Forest Academy’s Chris Harris

New Trier’s Tino Malnati

Glenbrook North’s Kellen Witherell

Third Five

G: Matt Giannakopoulos (Glenbrook South) Jr.

C: Daniel Joseph (LF Academy) Sr.

G: Zach Hoffman (Glenbrook North) Sr.

G: James Karis (Glenbrook North) Jr.

G: Justin McMahon (Lake Forest) Jr.

Glenbrook South’s Matt Giannakopoulos

Lake Forest Academy’s Daniel Joseph

Glenbrook North’s Zach Hoffman

Glenbrook North’s James Karis

Lake Forest’s Justin McMahon

Fourth Five

C: Spencer Boehm (New Trier) Fr.

G: Dan Jenkins (Glenbrook South) Sr.

F: Ryan Kitchel (Lake Forest) Sr.

G: Ziv Tal (Highland Park) So.

G: Andre White Jr. (Loyola Academy) Fr.

New Trier’s Spencer Boehm

Glenbrook South’s Daniel Jenkins

Lake Forest’s Ryan Kitchel

Highland Park’s Ziv Tal

Loyola Academy’s Andre White Jr.

All-Rookie Team

C: Spencer Boehm (New Trier) Fr.

G: Evan Myers (Glenbrook North) Fr.

G: Ziv Tal (Highland Park) So.

G: Andre White Jr. (Loyola Academy) Fr.

F: Kellen Witherell (Glenbrook North) So.

Rookie of the Year

Kellen Witherell (Glenbrook North) So.

Unsung Hero

Joey Saslow (Highland Park) Sr.

Best off the Bench

Reed Thomas (Lake Forest) Jr.

Best Shot Blocker

Lorenzo Edwards (Lake Forest) Sr.

Chairman of the Boards

Lorenzo Edwards (Lake Forest) Sr.

Spirit Award

Eddie Trapp (Loyola Academy) Sr.

It is with great pleasure that I endorse Carol Fessler, Marilyn Prodromos and Kristin Ziv for the office of Village Trustee at the March 15th election. As a previous Trustee (April 2011 to April 2015), I am well aware of the many challenges facing the Village and I am certain that Carol, Marilyn and Kristin are committed to addressing these challenges. They are creative and work with the available resources to make things happen. They are forward-looking and recognize that what worked in the 20th Century needs updating in this ever-changing world. I believe that their background, experience, ethics and balanced understanding of Village challenges make Carol, Marilyn and Kristin excellent Candidates to serve as Village Trustees.

Arthur Braun
Winnetka

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. We encourage readers to post Letters to the Editor– please use this link to do so.