You’re at the beach around here, and it’s postcard perfect. They don’t call the North Shore a “shore” for nothing. A guy’s playing with his dog in the surf, and they’re having a ball.

Dog’s emotions have a “boomerang effect.” They circle back to you. When your dog’s happy you are, too. You muse about this, remembering it’s not always that simple…

A few years ago you took your young dog to this same North Shore beach to show her some fun and have it boomerang back to you.

She hesitated to enter the water, so you gently carried her in, saying “you’re gonna love this.” She was a retriever, a breed born to enjoy swimming.

Standing in clear Lake Michigan up to your chest, you held her, letting her feel the buoyant waves, a taste of fun to come. Then you eased her in so she could enjoy her first dog-paddle.

She dropped like a rock. What about the inborn canine instinct for swimming? Don’t count on it! You quickly dove under to grab her. She came up coughing, sputtering, climbing onto you in a no-fun mood. Back at the beach she shook herself and looked up, saying with big eyes: “Why’d you do that to me?”

All you’d wanted was to show her a good time. She went on to live a long, contented life on dry land, never interested in going back into the water. You were fine with that.

Seems the connection we have with dogs goes beyond just feeling their fun. All their moods can boomerang back at you.

Cheryl Levin-Folio received the phone call on a Friday afternoon nearly four years ago. A neurologist had some news for Cheryl and her husband, Michael Folio, 56 at the time. Tough news. Michael had early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Michael and Cheryl had been married for a grand total of four months.

“I cried when I got off the phone,” Cheryl, now 56, recalls. “We had plans to go out with friends that night, so I didn’t tell him.”

She told him two days later, on a Sunday morning.

One of Michael’s first reactions in front of his wife was, “You didn’t sign up for this when we got married.” Cheryl’s quick reply: “We’ve never run away from anything; we’re not going to run away from this.”

Michael, nearing his 60th birthday, and Cheryl order breakfast on a July morning at Country Kitchen in Highland Park, their hometown. Michael’s Alzheimer’s is in the moderate-to-severe stage. We’re at a table near the front window of the restaurant. It’s warm outside. It’s bright and sunny inside, thanks mostly to the expressions of Michael and Cheryl. Michael sports a contagious smile and a perma-twinkle in each eye. Cheryl, animated and wide-eyed, has much to say and can’t wait to share it.

They are here to tell a love story.

“I met Michael 15 years ago, and he became my mentor [in the real estate industry],” Cheryl says. “I had tremendous respect for him before I fell in love with him. We are truly friends. He continues to make me laugh.

“My husband has always had a personal philosophy regarding the handling of a challenging situation: ‘You have one day, only one day, to be sad or angry or frustrated about something.’ It’s the day you get to cry, feel depressed, express any emotion you need to express. The next day you put a plan in place.”

Cheryl’s plan, the day after that call from the neurologist: learn everything there is about Alzheimer’s.

“I went to a bookstore and bought every Alzheimer’s book,” she says, in between bites of an avocado and spinach omelet. “You know what? I couldn’t find any book about what a young person with Alzheimer’s should do to keep the mind stimulated, to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s. We wanted some type of guidance on how someone with Alzheimer’s can live well, and long, after the diagnosis.”

Cheryl, a University of Arizona graduate with a degree in psychology, contacted experts across the country and learned more about a disease that was discovered in 1906. (Five million Americans today have Alzheimer’s, and an estimated 500,000 will be diagnosed with it this year; only four percent of Alzheimer’s patients are younger than 65.) She parked herself in front of a computer and searched for information she had not gathered in books. The Lincolnwood native and Niles West High School graduate clicked, clicked, clicked. She read, read, read.

The woman who had sought experts became an expert.

Early this fall, Cheryl Levin-Folio will become a self-published author with the launch of The 24-Hour Rule: Living with Alzheimer’s (to be available at amazon.com).

“Our hope is the book will be a rich resource for newly diagnosed patients and a helpful, how-to-guide for family members, new caregivers and friends who want and need to understand the illness,” Cheryl writes on the couple’s touching website, alzheimers-everydayliving.com. “On every page are practical strategies you can implement at home, away from where you live, at friends’ houses, just about anywhere.”

Every morning Michael and Cheryl nestle on a couch at home and view a 22-minute memory montage video. There’s Michael as a young baseball player. There’s one cousin, then another, wishing Michael a Happy Birthday. There’s footage of Michael and Cheryl’s wedding. Michael spends time with a buddy, Lee, three times a week. They work out together, bike together, play tennis and golf together. Alzheimer’s wasn’t a death sentence. More like a let’s-tackle-this challenge. Now. And hard. And daily. Michael reads sweet reminders from Cheryl before he gets ready to face each day. “Brush your pearly whites,” the list begins. “Put on your cologne. Dress cute.” She does not sign her name at the bottom of the sheet. She pens three words instead: “I love you.”

Wednesdays are art therapy days for Michael, Fridays music therapy days. Michael plays the drums on Fridays.

“His verbal abilities get stronger after his music therapy sessions,” Cheryl says, adding her husband is also a participant in a clinical trial conducted by the University of South Florida Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute in Tampa, Florida. “Routine enhances our life and our environment. Routine is good. Structure is good. Interfering a routine, I learned, allows the illness to take control.

“Our message to people with Alzheimer’s and those who know them and care for them is, ‘Don’t be afraid of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.’ There’s no need to hide it, either. At first I was scared, yes, because I didn’t want to lose a strength in my life, the man who brings out the best in me. We made the decision to fight this, and that’s what we’ve been doing.”

The husband and wife sometimes play tennis. The wife smacks a ball to her husband’s forehand. It comes back. The wife smacks a ball to her husband’s backhand. It comes back. The rally continues, Cheryl looking for an opportunity to end the point, Michael looking to extend it.

“He gets everything back,” Cheryl says. “It’s annoying.”

Cheryl turns to her right and looks right at Michael. She squeezes his left hand. They grin at the same time.

Combatants in tennis, teammates vs. Alzheimer’s.

Elli Sweet is headed to Washington this fall as a Senate Page for the first semester of her junior year in high school

WINNETKA – New Trier High School’s Elli Sweet is headed to Washington D.C. this fall as one of only 30 students nationwide selected to participate in the prestigious Senate Page Program.

The rising high school junior from Winnetka was nominated by U.S. Senator James Inhofe, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, based on her grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and essay. The program provides high school students interested in politics direct experience with politicians in Washington D.C., serving primarily as messengers between the House and Senate.

Sweet will live in Daniel Webster Page Dormitory and attend the Senate Page School in the mornings from September through January, before heading to the Senate floor to work as a page.

DailyNorthShore.com spoke with Sweet about why she was interested in the program, what she expects to learn while in Washington D.C. this fall and how she became interested in politics:

Q: First off, how did you find out about the Senate Page Program?

A family friend participated in the program and so it was always in the back of my mind. I initially wanted to do the program over the summer, but I missed the age cut-off by a couple of days. I applied to Senator Inhofe when I learned he was taking out-of-state applicants. Illinois Senator Mark Kirk is not senior enough to sponsor high school students for the Senate Page Program and Senator Dick Durbin sponsors a boy for the fall program and a girl for the spring program.

Q: How did you first get interested in politics?

I became interested in politics from conversations at the dinner table and watching the evening news with my family. It is interesting to learn other view points and different ideas and decide for yourself what you believe. I enjoy learning how different pieces of politics fit into how the government is run.

Q: How have you been active in politics as a high school student?

I was active with the Republican Club my freshman year and canvased for Governor Bruce Rauner’s campaign. We went door-to-door asking people to vote for Governor Rauner throughout the New Trier Township. After I became active on the dance team, I was less involved with the Republican Club. I canvased for Marco Rubio on his campaign with my father.

When we went door-to-door some people would shut the door in our face while others would listen and be more open to possibilities. It was interesting to see different reactions. I think we may have swayed people’s views for those who listened, and on the Rubio campaign we may have made people more aware of him as a candidate.

Q: What did you learn from working on those campaigns?

I learned I can be involved. It opened my eyes that I can personally help out and make a difference in the political process. It also gave me a taste for a career in politics. I am interested in possibly going into politics, law or business.

Q: What do you expect to learn from the Senate Page Program?

By physically being in Washington D.C., interacting with senators and congressmen, I will learn what it is really like to be in politics. There is only so much you can learn from books, the internet and television. It will give me the opportunity to dive into the political world and give me a real taste for what it is like. There is no better way to learn about government then to be participating in it.

Q: What is the school component like?

I will take classes in the morning before the senate floor opens. I have heard from other pages that there is a lot more homework because you are not in class as long as in traditional high school. The classes cover the four core subjects: math, science, english and history.

Q: Where will you live and have you spent much time in Washington D.C.?

We’ll live in Daniel Webster Hall with about four to six students per room. The school is in the basement of the hall. It will give me a taste of college living and I am looking forward to the independence. I lived in D.C. when I was four years old but I don’t remember much besides the playground.

Q: How do you feel you can contribute to the political process?

I’ve been told I am a natural leader. I feel as a leader I listen to others and do not shut out other people’s views. By listening to others I can form the best decision that will benefit everyone. I’ve learned how to relate to others and navigate different worlds by participating in the dance team and debate team at New Trier, which are really different from one another.

Flooding backed up traffic for miles on I-94 at Winnetka Avenue at about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23.

WINNETKA – Saturday’s storm hit Winnetka hard and the village is asking people to not drive through flooded streets or enter submerged basements. Those who need assistance should call the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 847-501-6034 — or in an emergency call 911.

During the evening of Saturday, July 23, the powerful thunderstorm that crashed through the North Shore and Chicago area impacted Winnetka and surrounding areas hard. In Winnetka alone between 5:40 and 7:10 p.m., in approximately 1 ½ hours, 2.75 inches of rain fell. This first wave of storms caused power outages and widespread flooding in the village. Another wave of strong storms in the late evening/early morning hours added an additional 2.4 inches of rain, for a total of just over 5 inches of rain from these combined events.

Village Public Works, Water & Electric, Police, and Fire Departments responded to calls for service during the storm and overnight. All village pump stations remained operational and fully functioning throughout these storms. Additional temporary pumps were deployed at the Winnetka Avenue pump station to pump down the ditches feeding this system. Once this system was relieved, a temporary pump was deployed to assist the Ash Street pump station.

Recently constructed stormwater improvements performed well in the areas of northwest and northeast Winnetka. The Village is currently assessing areas impacted by these storms. The storm rainfall from approximately 5:40 p.m. to 11 p.m. exceeded a 50-year storm event.

The village will schedule a special refuse collection to assist residents who experienced flooding damage. Please check the village’s website and e-news for further scheduling information.

To assist the village in making sure ongoing planning efforts bring relief to as many affect areas as possible, please send any photos, comments, or flooding descriptions to stormwatercomments@winnetka.org.

From the Village of Winnetka

SUMMER GOLF TOURNAMENTS

Northfield’s Justin Choi took second at the Players Challenge #4/Junior PGA Qualifier at the Highland Park Country Club on July 21-22. Choi, who will be a senior at New Trier, shot 70 on both rounds to finish four strokes behind Wheaton’s Luke Armbrust, who qualified to the Junior PGA Championship on Aug. 9-12 at Rumford, Rhode Island.

Michael Tanaka of Wilmette was third (76-67—143), while Winnetka’s Connor Prassas came in fifth (74-71—145). Other area golfers finishing in the top 20 included Wilmette’s Brian Joseph (146), Northfield’s Ben Scherman (148), Glenview’s John Kryscio (148), Lake Forest’s Jed Thomas (150), Winnetka’s William Nummy (150), Glenview’s Jack Grier (151), Lake Forest’s Billy Jack Bailes (152) and Wilmette’s Daniel Tanaka (152).

In Players Challenge #3 at Deerfield Golf Club on July 18-19, Lake Forest’s Jason Folker took medalist honors (70-68—138). Northbrook’s Evan Myers was fifth with a 151. Others in the top 10 included Highland Park’s Charlie Ezgur (152), Lake Forest’s Billy Jack Bailes (153), Northbrook’s Quinn McCarthy (153) and Wilmette’s Michael Tanaka (153).

Folker also won Players Challenge #2 at Pleasant Run Resort on June 16-17 with a 144 (71-73). Highland Park’s Ari Herzog shot a 149 to finish in a tie for seventh.

And, Glenview’s Kevin Paek was the winner of Players Challenge #1 at White Pine GC on May 1.

MAJGT Harborside Classic: Northbrook’s Charlie Van Cleave finished fourth (72-78—150) in the Mid-American Junior Golf Tour’s Harborside Classic on July 13-14 at Harborside International. Glenview’s Jarrett Prchal placed in a tie for 10^th (156), while Glenview’s Jack Grier and Winnetka’s Peter Miles shared 12^th place (157) with three other golfers.

MAJGT Classic at Notre Dame: Reb Banas of Winnetka was a top 10 finisher at the MAJGT Classic at Notre Dame on July 11-12 at The Warren Golf Course. He shot a 159 (82-77—159) to share 10^th place with two other players.

AJGA Wincraft/McArthur Towel & Sports Future Legends: New Trier grad Matt Murlick definitely was in the hunt for a title in this American Junior Golf Association tourney at The Legend at Merrill Hills in Waukesha, Wisconsin on July 12-15. He finished three strokes back with a 223 (74-77-72). Northfield’s Justin Choi and Winnetka’s Chip Savarie shot 228s to finish in a tie for 15^th. Lake Bluff’s Scott Frevert carded a 231 for 25^th place.

AJGA Coca-Cola Junior Championships at Boyne Highlands: Glenview’s Charlies Nikitas shot a 66 on the second round and wound placing third in the Coca-Cola Junior Championships at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, Michigan on July 4-7. He ended up with a 212 (75-66-71—212), three strokes behind Michigan’s Devin Deogun. Glenview’s Kevin Paek took fourth (72-69-73—214), while Winnetka’s Connor Prassas was fifth (71-72-72—215). Jed Thomas of Lake Forest finished in a tie for 24^th (223).

Girls

Players Challenge/Junior PGA Qualifier at Highland Park: Glenview’s Hanna Tanaka placed third (74-73—147) in the Players Challenge #4/Junior PGA Qualifier at Highland Park Country Club on July 21-22. Penelope Tir came in fifth (80-70—150), while Emily Young was seventh (77-77-154).

On July 18-19 at the Players Challenge #3 at Deerfield GC, Glencoe’s Rachel Rhee finished fifth (79-78—157). Glenview’s Sophia Lau was sixth (158), while Glenview’s Hanna Tanka was seventh (160).

MAJGT Harborside Classic: Glenview’s Nicole Wetoska finished one stroke in back of medalist Grace Curran (New Lenox) in the MAJGT Harborside Classic on July 13-14. Wetoska shot a 77 on the second round to end up with a 156. Hanna Tanaka of Glenview and Rachel Rhee of Glencoe finished in a tie for the fourth (167).

MAJGT Classic at Notre Dame: Nina Rutkowski, who will be a junior at Loyola Academy, was the clearcut winner at the MAJGT Classic at Notre Dame on July 11-12. Rutkowski shot a 74 on the first round and a 73 on the second round at The Warren Golf Course to win the tourney by six strokes over Wheaton’s Sarah Hauenstein (153). Lake Forest’s Emily Young came in fourth (78-82—160), while Winnetka’s Madison Banas took ninth (177).

This was Rutkowski’s first MAJGT victory of the summer. She took runner-up honors in the Championship at Geneva National (71-81-74—226) on June 14-16 and MAJGT-IJGA Championship at Royal Hawk (78-77-75—230) on June 27-29. She had a third-place finish at the Windmill Open on May 14-15.

He’s on the cusp.

Speedy center fielder Charlie Tilson continues to get high marks in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. The 23-year-old New Trier graduate, who is hitting .284 with a .349 on-base percentage and .761 OPS (on-base plus slugging), could be a September call-up for the big club.

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Tilson, a second round pick in 2011 by St. Louis, is the prototypical top-of-the-order guy. He’s hitting .315 in the leadoff spot this summer for the Triple A Memphis Redbirds.

He’s put his speed to efficient use. Tilson has swiped 15 bases in 18 attempts in 95 games.

And he’s got what Major League managers are looking for in a No. 1 hitter: punch. Tilson doesn’t hit a lot of home runs (4), but he does lace the ball into the gaps. He’s got 15 doubles and eight triples (tying a Memphis Redbirds single-season record).

Tilson usually is not one to fall into extended slumps. Currently, he has put together a modest six-game hitting streak.

His progression through the system has been strong and steady. He hit .303 for Class A Peoria in 2013, .308 for Class A Advanced Palm Beach in 2014 and .295 for Class AA Springfield in 2015.

Ben Klimesh: At one point, things were going awfully well for the 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander. The Wilmette native, who pitched collegiately for Trinity University in Texas, was promoted all of the way to the Cincinnati Reds’ Triple A affiliate in 2015.

But despite having solid stats — 2-0 record, 3.65 ERA — Klimesh was afforded only 12.1 innings with the Louisville Bats. Then, after being moved to the Double A Pensacola Blue Wahoos, he had a couple of stints on the disabled list.

Currently, Klimesh is pitching in the Class A Advanced Florida State League with Daytona. He’s made two short relief appearances for the Tortugas (2.1 innings, 0 runs, 0 hits, 3 strikeouts, 3 walks).

Luke Harrison: Selected in the 35^th round of the 2015 June Free Agent Draft, Harrison has proved to be a value pick for the St. Louis Cardinals.

The 23-year-old right-hander has been an effective reliever for the Class A Peoria Chiefs. The Glenbrook South grad, who went to Indiana University, has allowed only 27 hits in 40.1 innings this spring. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is 38-15. He’s 3-1 with a 2.01 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. The opposition is hitting just .182 against him.

Harrison (6-4, 225) is stacking good seasons. In his rookie campaign in 2015, he allowed only 31 hits in 35.1 innings to go along with 28 Ks and only three walks. His ERA last year for State College (Class A, Short Season) was 1.02.

Alex Hermeling: The Los Angeles Dodgers have to be keeping an eye on this 6-foot-5, 230-pound right-hander.

Hermeling, a Glenbrook North product, is putting up fairly eye-popping numbers for the Great Lakes Loons in the Class A Midwest League this summer. The reliever has worked 47 innings and given up only 33 hits. He has recorded 54 strikeouts to go along with 22 base-on-balls.

He’s been credited with five saves. His ERA is 3.45 and his WHIP is 1.17. Opponents are hitting .189 against him.

Hermeling, who pitched collegiately for Louisiana-Monroe, was a star at GBN. During his senior year, he went 9-1 with a 1.72 ERA with 92 strikeouts in 62 innings.

Chris Godinez: Being a Yankee and playing in the South Atlantic League appears to be a good fit for the Lake Forest High School graduate.

Godinez has collected nine hits in first 20 at-bats for the Charleston RiverDogs, a Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees, this summer. He’s hitting .450 with three walks, three runs and one steal.

Prior to playing in the Sally League, things had been a little rocky for the 5-foot-8 second baseman. Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015 (18^th round), the ex-Bradley University star hit .226 with a .385 on-base percentage for the Ogden Raptors in his first pro season.

The Dodgers released the 23-year-old on March 10. He was picked up eight days later by the Yankees, who initially assigned him to the Staten Island Yankees. He was promoted to the RiverDogs despite hitting only .189 in 15 games with Staten Island.

Jason Goldstein: The hamstring is healed. It’s go-time for the former Highland Park High School and University of Illinois standout.

Goldstein, 22, a ninth round selection by the Seattle Mariners in the 2016 June Free Agent Draft, proved to be instant success in his pro debut on July 14. After one game, he was hitting 1.000.

As a member of the Arizona Rookie League (AZL) Mariners, Goldstein came off the bench in the ninth inning and singled home a run in his team’s 4-1 victory.

The catcher’s stay in the Rookie League was short and sweet. In five games for the AZL Mariners, he hit .400.

On July 20, Goldstein was promoted to the Class A Short Season Northwest League. After going hitless in game one, he had two hits and a stolen base against Salem-Keizer on July 23.

Danny Woodrow: He’s rising quickly.

The ex-Loyola Academy star has earned a quick promotion during his first pro season. The speedy outfielder, a 2016 draft pick of the Detroit Tigers, hit .351 and lasted all of 18 games in rookie ball with the Gulf Coast League Tigers West squad.

On July 22, Woodrow was assigned to the Class A Short Season Connecticut Tigers. On July 23, he went hitless in four at-bats.

No worries. Woodrow will get plenty of opportunities to rectify that.

His time in the Gulf Coast League was quite impressive. The 21-year-old left-hitting Woodrow, who played his college baseball at Creighton, had an on-base percentage of .441. His OPS was .915. And he had five steals in five attempts with seven doubles and nine runs batted in.

Charley Gould: Check out the RBIs.

Gould might not have a high batting average (.241) at the moment, but the Lake Forest High School graduate has come up with some timely hitting (14 RBIs) during his pro debut with the Oakland Athletics in the Arizona Rookie League (AZL).

The 23-year-old first baseman, who was drafted in the 26^th round, is coming off a terrific senior year at William & Mary (22 doubles, 46 RBIs).

Chris Hall: The New Trier grad is transitioning well to pro baseball.

The 22-year-old relief pitcher, a 14^th round pick by Toronto, has seen action in seven games for the Bluefield Blue Jays rookie league team.

Competing in the Appalachian League, Hall (6-2, 212) has registered 13 Ks in 10 innings while allowing eight hits and four walks. His ERA is 2.70. He has one win and one save on his ledger.

Working out of the bullpen is a familiar role for Hall, who was the closer for Elon University this past spring. A converted catcher, he had 10 saves for the Phoenix.

Boomer Synek: Two games. Two hits. And two walks.

The former Glenbrook North standout debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates rookie league team on July 20. And he came through immediately. In a Gulf Coast League game against the Phillies, Synek went 1-for-3 with a walk.

Two days later, Synek, an undrafted free agent who played collegiately at the University of Evansville and Oakton College, had a run-scoring triple in the seventh inning in a 10-0 win over the Yankees. He also drew a walk.

WINNETKA – During Illinois Speed Awareness Day on July 27, the Winnetka Police Department is taking a proactive approach to promote safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists through both education and enforcement. In Illinois during 2014, speed was the reason for 32.4% of all traffic fatalities. That’s 348 deaths for the year, or one life every 25 hours.

These lives can be easily saved by being aware of our speed and understanding how speeding impacts a crash. In urban areas, speeding can have the following consequences:

•  348 lives were loss in 2014 on Illinois roadways from speeding
•  55% of the total lives lost in Illinois from motor vehicle crashes were in urban areas
•  The higher the speed at impact, the more severe the injuries sustained
•  37.4% of the speed-related crashes result in injuries
•  When speeding there is a greater chance that other road users will misjudge how fast you are traveling
•  Speeding extends the distance required to stop a vehicle in emergency situations
•  87% of the speed-related fatalities occur on local roadways
•  Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to navigate safely around curves or objects in the roadway
•  A 1% decrease in travel speed reduces injuries by about 2%, a serious crash by 3% & a fatal crash by
  4%

Let’s all do our part by taking a proactive approach to prevent fatalities and reduce injuries on the roadways by being aware of our speed and obeying the speed limit signs ALL the time. If you would like more information about Illinois Speed Awareness Day, please visit www.illinoisspeedawarenessday.org.

Submitted by the Winnetka Police Department

WINNETKA – The New Trier Citizens League is seeking residents to serve as trustees for New Trier Township. Trustees serve a four-year term and service includes monthly meetings September through June. The Board oversees the work of the township in conjunction with the supervisor, and trustees participate on Advisory Committees to allocate grant funding to social service agencies that meet the needs of residents.

The process of exploring a fit begins now in order that candidates may be slated on the ballot in November 2016 for the April 2017 Consolidated Election. The only requirement is that elected officials must be registered voters who reside in New Trier Township.

Interested parties or those wishing to nominate an acquaintance are encouraged to contact League President Peter Tyor at 847-446- 2217, 847-924- 8457 or ptyor@ripco.com for more information.

The New Trier Citizens League is a non-partisan community organization made up of volunteers who function as a caucus to slate candidates to serve as Township officials. Secondarily, the Citizens League functions as a watchdog group to provide oversight on behalf of residents to observe the work of New Trier Township. The relationship between the Citizens League and the Township is a partnership wherein members of the Citizens League educate themselves on the business of the Township to assure the Township stays focused on its core mission of providing leadership, advocacy and resources to benefit the physical, mental and social well-being of Township residents.

Submitted by New Trier Township
New Trier Township’s mission is to provide leadership, advocacy and resources to benefit the physical, mental and social well being of Township residents. Established in 1850, New Trier Township government serves the 56,000 residents in the villages of Glencoe, Kenilworth, Wilmette and Winnetka, plus portions of Glenview and Northfield. The Township Office is located at 739 Elm Street in Winnetka or on-line at www.newtriertownship.com

Crow Island School was in lock down on June 8, 2016

WILMETTE – The 13-year-old Wilmette boy accused of making false, threatening telephone calls to local schools was not a District 39 student.

The teen faces seven felony counts of disorderly conduct related to false bomb threats, two felony counts of making threats against schools, one felony count abuse of an elderly person and one misdemeanor battery. He was arrested and taken into custody on July 19 by the Wilmette, Winnetka and Glenview police departments.

The boy was held overnight at the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center and subsequently released on July 20 to his mother pending a hearing.

Superintendent Ray Lechner told parents in an email on July 22 the teenager was not a student of Wilmette public schools. And on July 25 Wilmette Police Chief Brian King told DailyNorthShore.com he did not know where the boy attended school.

On April 5 and June 7, schools in Wilmette received suspicious phone calls that included threats of shootings and bombings at the schools, as well as death to specific faculty members, according to police.

On June 8, Crow Island Elementary School in Winnetka and Avoca West in Glenview received similar threatening calls. At Crow Island the threatening phone call prompted school officials to contact the police, believing someone with a gun may have been on school property. The elementary school was on lock-down until police determined the grounds were safe.

Chief King said the Wilmette, Winnetka and Glenview police departments have worked together investigating the origin of the phone calls since June.

Initially, the police believed the calls were hoax phone calls similar to ones made throughout the country and United Kingdom. But further analysis of phone records eventually led the police to question the Wilmette teen.

Wilmette police said the calls originated from a mobile phone application that led to the teen’s electronic device. Under a search warrant, the police reviewed the boy’s device. The police allege he placed vulgar and threatening phone calls to the schools as well as other businesses, stores and institutions, but that he did not have the means to carry out the threats.

According to the Wilmette Police Department news release, the teen was also charged with elder abuse and domestic battery  after the police reviewed videos on his device that showed the boy had abused his elderly father.

Chief King noted that this type of behavior is not taken lightly. “We take these calls very seriously and they consume a lot of police resources. They are unnecessary and cause disruption to the school day. When someone is identified making these types of threats electronically they will be prosecuted,” he said.

Crow Island School was in lock down on June 8, 2016

Winnetkan Conor Dwyer, seen here swimming the butterfly, will compete in his second Olympic Games in early August. The Loyola Academy graduate and former competitor for the Lake Forest Swim Club qualified in two events (200-meter freestyle and 400 free). PHOTOGRAPHY BY USA SWIMMING

The swimmer from Loyola Academy headed west to check out a college. This was in the 2006-07 school year, the swimmer’s senior year. The swimmer finished 10th in the 200-yard freestyle and sixth as a member of a pair of relay teams (200 medley, 200 free) at his final state meet.

Not bad. Not spectacular.

He wanted to introduce himself to the college’s swimming coach during his visit.

“The coach wouldn’t even meet with him,” Cindy Dell, still perplexed and a Lake Forest Swim Club (LFSC) coach, recalls.

The coach wouldn’t meet with Winnetka resident and LFSC member Conor Dwyer, future two-time NCAA champion [at the University of Florida], future Olympic gold medalist [at the 2012 Summer Games in London], future Olympic qualifier at next month’s 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Coaches everywhere like to tell the Conor Dwyer Story to any athlete within earshot. One of the story’s messages: Never, ever let mediocre results keep you from envisioning big, big dreams.

“His growth and development got on a slower track than the growth and development of other swimmers,” Mo Sheehan, LFSC executive director/head coach, says. “Same with his work. But he was prepared when his body was ready, prepared to train hard and do whatever it took to get better, to get faster. He could handle our workouts. He liked them. The tougher they got, the more he thrived. You’d ask him to do 500 crunches, and he’d do those and 1,000 more before going to bed.

“He had a lot of passion to improve,” she adds, “and he blossomed. He’s still blossoming.”

Dwyer, 27, joined the LFSC in his junior year at Loyola Academy and represented the club at the 2008 Olympic trials in Omaha, Nebraska.

“Conor,” Dell says, “started opening eyes at a meet in Nashville [Tennessee] after his senior season at Loyola. He’d made the ‘A’ final in an event. Then, in a Grand Prix meet, before the trials [in ’08], Conor swam under a trials cut. Every time he raced he got better, leaps-and-bounds better. That’s why I called [University of Iowa men’s swimming coach] Marc Long and told him, ‘You’ve got to take a look at this kid.’ ”

Dwyer became an Iowa Hawkeye. Dwyer ranks third on the program’s all-time list in the 200-yard free (1:35.27) and fourth all-time in the 100-yard free (43.67). The son of Patrick Dwyer and former Florida State University swimmer Jeanne Dwyer (nee Dowdle) transferred to the University of Florida before his junior year. All he did as a Gator was touch first in the 200 free and first in the 500 free at the NCAA Championships in 2010 and earn NCAA Swimmer of the Year honors after the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

“You could tell, immediately, he was a talent,” Dell says. “Great strokes, great technique, and he moved through the water so effortlessly. And he had that burst, that extra burst, at the end of his races. Fabulous. He still has that burst.”

Dwyer placed fifth in the 400-meter (3:46.39) and swam the second leg of the 800-meter relay at the 2012 London Games. Ryan Lochte swam the first leg, Ricky Berens the third. Some guy named Michael Phelps took care of the anchor leg.

The quartet clocked a 6:59.7, electric enough for the gold medal.

Dell and some 70 friends and family members of Dwyer attended the 2016 Olympic trials in Omaha, Nebraska, June 26-July 3. Some of the doors at the pool facility, CenturyLink Center, feature images of past Olympians. There is a Conor Dwyer door. It got touched. Often.

“We’d all meet at the Hilton, across the street [from CenturyLink], before each session, wearing our Conor Dwyer T-shirts (‘Dwyer, ’16’),” Dell says of the Conor Dwyer contingent of fans. “And then we’d walk, together, and enter through the Conor Dwyer door, always the Conor Dwyer door.”

Their 6-foot-5, 194-pound hero sped to runner-up and Olympic-qualifying finishes in the 200-meter free (1:45.67) and 400-meter free (3:44.66) events. The 200 free was super close, 19-year-old Townley Haas of NOVA Virginia Aquatics edging Dwyer by one-hundredth of a second. Haas and Dwyer might be 800 free relay mates in Rio.

“He certainly turned into a great athlete and a great competitor,” Sheehan says. “Conor had such a great approach to training when he worked with us, getting ramped up the way he did during workouts. He has talent and a great work ethic. Not many have both of those qualities.”

Dwyer, born in Evanston, lives in California and trains with the Trojan Swim Club. He did much of his pre-Olympic trials training in Colorado Springs.

Folks from the North Shore, though, raised him, shaped him, impacted him. Sheehan and Dell challenged him at LFSC workouts. They watched him knife, knife, knife in lanes. Watched his times melt. When he was out of the water?

They noticed a different guy.

“The nicest guy in the world, with the nicest family,” Dell says of Dwyer. “Humble as humble can be. There’s not a show-off bone in his body. Low-key as a person, but he is tenacious as a trainer, tenacious as a competitor.

“It was so special,” she adds, “to be a part of Conor’s swim-career puzzle.”

Conor Dwyer

WINNETKA – Winnetka suffered power outages and widespread flooding from a powerful thunderstorm that swept across the region on Saturday, July 23. The storm exceeded a 50-year storm event, according to a village newsletter.

“We had 50-plus emergency calls over the weekend and our phone has not stopped ringing since 7:30 a.m.,” Carrie Hoza, of Bratschi Plumbing Company, located in Winnetka, told DailyNorthShore.com on July 25.

While Hoza said the company received phone calls from residents located all over Winnetka, most calls seemed to be coming from western and central Winnetka. “We got a lot of phone calls from Cherry and Ash (streets),” she said. She also noted an uptick of phone calls from Willow Road.

In a news release emailed to residents after the storm, village officials urged residents to stay off the flooded streets and out of submerged basements until floodwaters receded. In approximately one-and-one-half hours, between 5:40 p.m.and 7:10 p.m., 2.75 inches of rain fell on Winnetka, according to the email. A second wave of rain during the late evening hours added 2.4 inches, bringing the total to just over 5 inches.

Greg Kurr, chief financial officer of Winnetka School District 36, said some flooding occurred throughout the school district. While many buildings suffered minor water seepage, Skokie School and Hubbard Woods School both took in more water, mainly in the sub-basement where the boiler is located.

School officials immediately contacted companies to clean up. “People were very responsive. As soon as the storm hit we had people out here to clean up,” Kurr said.

Kurr said school officials continue to assess the situation to determine whether any carpeting or other damaged items need to be replaced. The fact that the storm occurred in the summer when school is out is a plus, Kurr said. “It gives us a little extra time to address those matters,” he said.

Likewise, New Trier High School also suffered some water issues throughout its Winnetka campus. Media spokesman Nicole Dizon said Physical Plant Services resolved most of the issues, while Pepper Construction Company cleaned up water in areas related to demolition and construction.

“(W)e were able to clean up most areas quickly and have not required the services of any outside restoration companies,” Dizon wrote in an email on July 25 to DailyNorthShore.com. Duke Childs Field also flooded and is being pumped out by PPS. Other than overtime, the flooding issues came at no extra cost to the school.

Village pump stations were fully operational throughout the storms and additional temporary pumps were deployed at the Winnetka Avenue pump station and Ash Street pump station, according to the news release.

The village plans to schedule a special refuse collection to assist residents who experienced flooding damage.

Holding an informal meeting between Democratic National Convention sessions are (from left) former state Rep. Carol Ronen (D-Chicago), Rozanne Ronen of Barrington, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, 8th Congressional District State Central Committeewoman Nancy Shepherdson of Barrington and former state Rep. Lauren Beth Gash (D-Highland Park), who is also the 10th Congressional District State Central Committeewoman. Photo courtesy of Lauren Beth Gash.

Lauren Beth Gash has a 20-year-old pillow in her Highland Park home with the message, “A woman’s place is in the House … and Senate.”

As the 10th Congressional District State Central committeewoman, Lake County Democratic Party vice chair and a former four-term member of the Illinois General Assembly from 1992 to 2000, Gash is ready for a new model of the pillow now that former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is the Democrats presidential nominee.

Gash, who is one of five North Shore delegates to the Democratic National Convention July 25-28 in Philadelphia, gets emotional when she thinks about a vote for Clinton as the first female presidential nominee of a major party.

“I don’t plan on wearing mascara,” Gash, who is an elected Clinton delegate, told DailyNorthShore.com before Clinton secured the Democratic nomination during a roll call vote shortly before 6 p.m. July 26. “I cried. I’m still crying,” she added after the nomination.

“When I bought that pillow there were only two women senators (out of 100) and we were hopeful of getting more women in Congress. We said two percent is fine for milk but not for women in Congress.”

Sharon Sanders of Northbrook takes a different view. Sanders was elected as a delegate to support Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) who waged a close primary battle with Clinton for the nomination before losing. Sharon Sanders said she sees issues, not gender. She said the two are not related.

Northbrook Delegate Seeks Racial, Economic Justice

“If things were better in the country I might feel different,” Sanders told DNS.com. “I want someone who will promote racial and economic justice. We can’t have an economy where everything flows to the top one percent.”

Another delegate is Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston). She is a super delegate by virtue of her office and committed to Clinton. Like Gash, she is excited about the history of this convention and feels the Democratic Party is unifying behind Clinton.

“It gives me goose bumps, it really does,” Schakowsky, who was first elected in 1998, said of Clinton’s nomination. “I’m not seeing disunity in spite of what they showed on TV. They had to have their moment but they know who is the bully and the name caller,” she added referring to Republican nominee Donald J. Trump.

Though she will be casting her convention vote for Bernie Sanders, Sharon Sanders said she will vote for Clinton in the fall but not with enthusiasm. Sharon Sanders said there is not unity in the party yet and wants to see Clinton more in line with issues Bernie Sanders champions.

“I don’t feel we’re unified,” Sharon Sanders said. “We may get there but we’re not there yet. Maybe by the third day or maybe by the fourth. There are issues about poverty and education and the Trans Pacific Partnership,” she added referring to a trade pact between nations on both sides of the Pacific Ocean Bernie Sanders opposes. “It will allow the multinationals to take control.”

Bernie Sanders made an effort to unify the party at the end of the roll call of the states when delegates voted for him or Clinton. The tally continued after South Dakota gave Clinton a majority. When it was Vermont’s opportunity, the delegation passed its turn until the Wyoming voted and the convention chairperson returned to Vermont.

Sen. Sanders Makes Unity Move

Sanders had moved from his seat in the gallery to a spot with his state’s delegates on the convention floor. He asked the convention to suspend the rules and nominate Clinton by acclamation.

After Clinton officially secured the nomination, Schakowsky spoke the same evening during the convention. She said the purpose was highlighting the role of women in Congress. It began when House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) finished her speech and called the other 107 female members of the chamber to the stage.

“I’ll be the eighth one she calls up,” Schakowsky said the morning of July 26. “I’ll talk about how Republicans want to hold women back. Women are not going to go back. With Hillary Clinton all women (and all people) can go forward.” She said she will speak for approximately two minutes.

Gash said she has seen a lot of history in the five Democratic conventions she has attended. As a delegate in 2008 and 2012, she voted for President Barack Obama. She said she also sees significance in a Democratic primary where a Jewish senator and a female former senator and secretary of state competed in a close contest to succeed the first African American president.

“As a Jewish woman I feel proud to see what Bernie (Sanders) and Hilary (Clinton) have done,” Gash said. “I cast a vote for Barack Obama as the first African American presidential nominee and I can remember it was quite an extraordinary moment.”

The two other delegates from the North Shore are Andrew Boron of Highland Park, pledged to Clinton, and Brian Dupuis of Lake Bluff, a Bernie Sanders delegate. Schakowsky represents all of Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka and Northfield as well as parts of Northbrook and Glenview.

Sharing a meal before going to the convention hall to watch Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton nominated for president are (from left) Sanders’ delegates Sharon Sanders of Northbrook, Maureen Sullivan of Chicago and Brendan Houlihan of Palos Heights. Photo courtesy of Sharon Sanders.

WINNETKA – Vandalism of outdoor decor continued in the village between July 18 and July 20. According to the Winnetka Police Department, a victim discovered between 10:30 p.m. on July 18 and 7 a.m. on July 19 that a decorative lawn lamp on the side of the residence had been damaged. Monetary loss is estimated to be $1,800.

Also, between noon on July 13 and 9 a.m. on July 20 an employee at 180 Ridge Road discovered unknown offender(s) had damaged 10 glass block windows on the east side of the property’s shed. Repair costs are estimated to be $500.

Also worth noting is that on July 20, unknown offender(s) attempted to gain entry into a residence on the 1200 block of Ash Street by damaging the glass patio door. The incident occurred at 2:49 p.m. to 2:51 p.m. and was phoned in to the police at 2:51 p.m.

From the Winnetka Police Department blotter from July 26, 2016

As the annual Be Part of the Cure Summer Party approaches, event co-chairs Michelle Bernstein and Jana Brok are clear: theirs are labors of love.

The Summer Party is hosted by the Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem at Highland Park Hospital, to benefit the NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center at Highland Park Hospital, part of the NorthShore Research Institute. Funds raised will expand clinical research efforts, enhance patient care treatments and provide funds for advanced collaborative nursing education.

“It’s our local hospital with a great reputation for doing great things, and we all know so many people who have used the hospital; it almost feels like this is for our neighbors and friends and our community,” said Bernstein, of Deerfield. She is a frequent Cancer Center volunteer, and knows of what she speaks.

“What I like about it is the personal, one-on-one care everyone receives from the staff and volunteers. If a patient comes in alone, someone is there to talk to them for a little while, keep them company and calm their nerves or bring them a blanket”

Added Brok, of Highland Park, “At Kellogg, they feel passionate about helping patients. We see that in their day-to-day demeanor; the way the nurses sing to patients on their birthdays and celebrate their final treatments is above and beyond anyone’s professional expectations. And as volunteers, we love to be a part of and support the ways in which the staff is going above and beyond in any way possible. These patients are receiving superior care in our backyard, and it says so much about our community.”

Sarah Adess is a third event co-chair.

The Summer Party will be held at W.W. Grainger in Lake Forest Friday, July 29. Guests will enjoy signature cocktails and food stations, music from a DJ and a silent auction among other activities. And yet, the attire is that of a true summer party: demin and white preferred.

“I think when you go anywhere in jeans, you automatically feel better, more casual and ready to have fun,” Brok said.

Nevertheless, the Auxiliary Board’s work is not to be taken lightly. Since its inception in 1936, its donations to this local hospital have exceeded $21 million.

More information about the Summer Party and the Auxiliary of the NorthShore University HealthSystem at Highland Park Hospital is available at foundation.northshore.org/bpotc.

Danny McDermed, seen here in the state championship game, was a shutdown force for the Trevians this past spring. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Danny McDermed and lacrosse parted ways on a field in Lombard in early June. The New Trier defenseman, a 2016 graduate, did not shed buckets of tears after the state championship game against Loyola Academy, an NT loss at Montini Catholic, and he did not strive to mend whatever had to be mended with lacrosse.

It was an amicable separation.

It was time. Time to move on, time to look ahead to his summer job as a sports camp counselor in his hometown of Wilmette and to campus life as an engineering major at Valparaiso University. He sees cars in his rearview mirror. He sees lacrosse in it, too. It certainly would have been sweet, leaving his steady, the sport of a lacrosse, as a three-time state champion. He settled for Danny McDermed, two-time state champion (2014 and ’15) and one-time US Lacrosse Association All-American (’16).

“He is a Division I athlete,” Trevians lacrosse coach Tom Herrala says of the 6-foot-3, 185-pounder, among the state’s top shutdown defensemen in his final season in Trevians lax togs. “He was a beast, the way he played. Great feet, super fast. He’d always been one of the biggest kids on our teams, and he was aggressive … aggressive to a point; Danny didn’t draw a lot of penalties.”

McDermed guarded a Marquette University-bound attackman in each of his last two seasons, virtually erasing the first one in a 2015 game in Detroit and dogging the second one in a 14-1 defeat of Fenwick in a 2016 playoff game. Marquette is a Division I school.

“The attackman [in Detroit] was all-world, all this, all that,” Herrala recalls. “Danny shut that kid down. The kid scored a late goal, meaningless.”

The Fenwick Friar attached to McDermed in a second-round playoff game in late May tried desperately to free himself from McDermed. The Fenwick Friar had been touted as the best attack in the western suburbs, thick hype surrounding him when he played in any suburb. The goal Fenwick scored on that day? It was tallied by somebody other than McDermed’s man.

“Our team watched film of that game,” long stick middie and University of North Carolina recruit Tyler Seminetta, a 2015 All-American and another 2016 NTHS graduate, says. “You could tell, we all could, how frustrated he was when he had the ball and Danny was guarding him. Fun to watch. Danny is an insane athlete, a phenomenal athlete. He guarded big guys and small, speedy guys. Players on other teams were genuinely scared of him and his abilities.

“Had Danny stuck with football,” he adds, “he would have been the best defensive end in the conference.”

McDermed tried football as a sophomore and ended up concluding, “It wasn’t for me.” Lacrosse, the sport that was introduced to him in the fifth grade, was his sport.

“I went to a clinic and learned how to cradle and throw in a gym at Highcrest Middle School [in Wilmette],” says McDermed, sporting Kris Bryant-esque facial hair, wispy and neat. “I liked it. Lacrosse was new, fast-paced. My family had been a baseball family, a huge baseball family, and I played basketball. Defense was what I enjoyed playing in basketball, so defense was what I played in lacrosse.

“I was skinny when I was little, really skinny. You could see my heart beating out of my chest.”

He made the Freshman ‘A’ lacrosse team in 2013. Toward the end of the season, his coaches noticed the significant impact he made in games and reported their impressions to Herrala.

“They told me, ‘You’ve got to look at this McDermed kid,’ ” Herrala says.

The varsity coach looked at McDermed in the summer before McDermed’s sophomore year and challenged him in the offseason sessions, tested him. McDermed was ready, the coach surmised. Ready for varsity ball. The McDermed kid, with little club experience, made NT’s parent club in ’14, rotating in as a reserve and seeing time in special situations for a state championship squad.

“I think he surprised a lot of people,” Herrala says. “People probably were thinking, at the beginning of the season, ‘Who is this McDermed and what’s he’s doing on varsity?’ He turned into a really good defenseman and leader [voted captain, by his teammates, in ’16]. Good kid, great kid, super nice and down-to-earth. If you were to just talk to him, without ever having seen him play lacrosse, you’d never believe he is the athlete he is … aggressive and intense and highly competitive.”

The former lacrosse player is an introspective teen and a former band member (singer/songwriter/guitarist) of a group named Big Brother. The multi-genre band cut an album, “Dune”, but disbanded after a year because the drummer left for college. McDermed wrote his Junior Theme at New Trier on what he’d gleaned from an Odd Thomas series book by Dean Koontz.

“Choosing the right way to do things isn’t always the easiest way to do things — I considered that to be the book’s message,” McDermed says. “Say you’re walking and you cross paths with a homeless person asking for money. The easy thing to do would be to keep on walking; you wouldn’t have to stop, take your wallet out and give the person money. Offseason weightlifting? The easy thing to do would be to skip it one day. Do the hard thing, lift, and it would help in the end.

“My mantra my whole junior year was, ‘Work hard, do the right things.’ ”

McDermed got named to the all-Central Suburban team at the end of his junior season, the year NT won its second straight state championship. He got stronger before the start of his senior season, more aggressive, and he made sure he wielded a highly active stick. McDermed was a handful for opposing attackmen. From “Who is this McDermed?” to “McDermed, All-American,” in two years.

“I might play club or intramural basketball at Valparaiso,” he says. “If I get bored, maybe I’ll pick up a lacrosse stick and a ball and find a wall.”

McDermed and lacrosse, together again?

Old flames are hard to douse completely.

There are more images on the village’s website at this address: http://www.villageofwinnetka.org/assets/1/20/2016_0727_sm.pdf

A new plan for One Winnetka that now includes the Conney’s Pharmacy property and eliminates any contribution of village funds was presented to the Village Council at a lengthy special session held on July 27.

The plan presented by Stonestreet Partners, LLC was a significantly scaled down plan from that proposed over a year ago by the developer, and a departure from what was presented in April, the last time this issue was before the Village Council.

Since that time, Stonestreet has been in negotiations with Conney’s Pharmacy and reached a deal that would move the pharmacy across the street to a storefront at 727 Elm Street, where Mirani’s Restaurant was previously located.

The revised plan reduces the number of residential units from 71 to 61 units, which will include 15 condos, 6 townhouses and 40 luxury rental units. The total square footage of commercial space has also been reduced from 41,380 to 33,895 square feet.

Most significantly, additional public parking spaces have been reduced from 149 to 100 parking spaces, by eliminating the public plaza on Lincoln Avenue and shrinking the west garage. David Trandel, CEO of Stonestreet, said the developer no longer seeks any financial contribution from the village to build a commuter garage, which was originally spun as a “public-private partnership” for more than $6 million.

The new plan also includes $1.7 million in streetscape improvements — costs borne solely by the developer— which would include both sides of Elm Street and Lincoln Avenue. It also still includes some encroachment onto Lincoln Avenue.

While the new plan is significantly scaled down, the developer still seeks to construct a building that is higher than the permitted four stories, 45 feet — a height that some residents still say is too high.

The proposed west building situated on Lincoln Avenue is five stories, 59 feet, the east Elm Street building is five stories, 58 feet and the center Elm Street building is four stories, 48 feet and 10 inches. Stonestreet also seeks zoning exceptions to an upper story setback requirement for the west and east buildings, as well as an exception to a rear yard setback requirement for the east property line.

Trandel emphasized the public benefits of the project, which must be established in a planned development in exchange for flexibility under the zoning code. He pointed to a $6.7 million contribution from the developer, representing $5 million for the east parking lot/west garage, and $1.7 million in streetscape improvements. He noted that the village would benefit from an increase in tax revenues and fees and a downtown revitalization, as well as meeting a housing need for empty nesters.

“I think we have a far more attractive plan,” Trandel said, adding that the height of the building makes it financially viable. “As a resident of Winnetka, I would be proud to see what is there replaced with something beautiful,” Trandel said.

Michael Pullman and Martin Stern, real estate advisors hired by the village, told the council that the project would be a positive for Winnetka. “We believe this project as it was set forth tonight provides the village with substantial benefits,” Pullman said.

The consultants pointed to a revised retail plan that allows for subdividing the retail spaces — something that could be more attractive to retailers in Winnetka. They also noted the plan included a refurbished downtown, with both sides of Lincoln Avenue and Elm Street receiving streetscape improvements, without any financial contribution by the village.

While Stern and Pullman acknowledged that this type of luxury housing does not exist outside of Chicago — the condo units are likely to be priced at much higher levels than what is currently on the market — they felt there would be a demand for it. “We think there is demand and we think the project is viable,” Stern said.

The consultants estimated that while the Lincoln Avenue property technically has no value — the developer’s proposal includes encroaching on a small portion of it — they noted that the village trustees were tasked with weighing whether granting Stonestreet that village property and zoning exceptions was worth the public benefits the proposed project promises to return.

Most of the trustees reserved their comments until a later date, noting they were more interested in hearing what the residents had to say about the revised plans. But Trustee Kristin Ziv seized the opportunity to express her support of the project — noting that the project would “fill a hole” in the suffering business district — and urged fellow council members to move forward.

“The time has come to grant preliminary approval for the sake of the village,” Ziv said.

President Gene Greable provided ample time for residents to come forward and ask questions about the project, some of which focused on details of the project — such as how the garbage would be picked up — to broader questions of the message sent to developers if the project is not approved.

Residents continued to question whether the height and density of the project was appropriate for the village. “Stop coming in with such a large variance on height,” Winnetka resident Steve Miller said.

But other residents expressed support of a project they viewed as a change in the right direction. “We need to change our community. We need to build this,” Phil Hoza said. Winnetka resident Jeffrey Liss also supported change. “Winnetka is not frozen in time, it changes,” he said. Liss urged the Village Council to move forward. “This proposal gives us huge advantages, more than anything else that may come down the line,” he said.

While the Village Council made no decision regarding the development, some of the trustees expressed their views at this stage. Trustee Andrew Cripe, who said he lives close to the project on the corner of Maple and Elm streets, was pleased with the new plan. “I like where we are at with this project,” he said. Cripe noted that the public process has only improved the project. “I think it has gotten better because of community input,” he said. But he also urged the council to move forward. “Let’s set the date. This process has been very long,” he said.

Other trustee members agreed that a lot of progress has been made, and with further discussion, a preliminary vote in September could be a possibility.

To view the revised plan go to www.villageofwinnetka.org.

There was a capacity crowd at the concert.

HIGHLAND PARK – Whether it was friends on the lawn or pavilion patrons jumping out of their seats, most of the crowd made Diana Ross’s Ravinia Festival debut on July 27 a participatory affair.

Ross performed the Motown tunes that began her career more than 50 years ago along with later music, as most of the capacity crowd moved to the rhythm.

“We had to see her,” said Cindy Clamage of Highland Park, who was there with a group of friends for a picnic and music. “This was the music of our youth in the 1970s. It’s what we danced to.”

“We grew up with this music,” added Wendy Klepper of Highland Park, a member of the same group as Clamage.

After her first two songs, Ross broke into “More Today Than Yesterday” and the crowd in the pavilion stood and danced to the beat by their seats. By the time she sang the words, “Oh baby love, my baby love,” few were sitting.

“It was terrific,” said Merle Styer of Highland Park. “Diana Ross was great to see. It was electric for everyone inside and outside.”

The audience got into the act vocally with the next song, “Stop! In the Name of Love,” as the crowd went from dancing to singing along too. Each time Ross was ready to utter the word, “stop,” everyone seemed to know when to chime in.

“It was great to hear all the songs and know all the words,” said Bette Feinerman of Highland Park. “It gets you up and (brings back) happy memories of your younger days.”

The crowd sing-a-long intensified with Diana Ross’s 12th song, “Inside Out.” Each time she got to the chorus the audience was ready, singing “upside down, inside out.”

Feinerman also called the band “terrific.” The ensemble had two drummers, three guitarists, a man playing saxophone, three backup singers and a man on keyboard.

After Rhonda Ross, Diana Ross’s daughter, got the crowd going with a 20-minute opening act, Diana Ross came on stage singing 20 consecutive turns without an intermission break.

Diana Ross made her Ravinia debut July 27 in Highland Park. Photo courtesy of Ravinia Festival.

Shortly after Rhonda Ross and her band left, music came from behind a curtain with only the musicians’ silhouettes showing. The curtain literally dropped to the floor as Ross came on stage in her first of three costumes.

“I loved the dresses, especially the blue one,” Styer said.

“The clothing was amazing,” Feinerman added.

Dianna Ross left the stage briefly to change while the band kept playing. She returned each time breaking into another song. The sequins on her second dress resembled star designs on the black screen behind her.

One concertgoer, Andy Smiltneek, came from Neenah, Wis., with his wife to hear Diana Ross for the second time.

“I saw Diana Ross in 1971 and we came back to see her again,” Smiltneek said. “She’s just raw energy. I first remember her as Diana Ross and the Supremes,” he added referring to Ross’s original group.

Clamage was part of a group of women who arrived early with a picnic to secure a spot near one of the walkways.

“We ran in when the gate opened,” said Sherri Schmidt of Wilmette, another member of the group.

The evening was excellent but not perfect, according to Styer and Feinerman. Feinerman said she wished Ross had talked to the audience a little as other artists often do and Styer was critical of the audio transmission.

“The sound system at Ravinia could be better,” Styer said. “I don’t know if the band was too loud but it was hard to hear her. It might depend on where the speakers are.” Styer said friends sitting closer to the stage did not share the same experience.

Getting their picnic in order are Evanston residents (from left) Debra O’Brien, Walter Willis and Yvonne Moore.

SUMMER GOLF TOURNAMENTS

Glencoe’s Margaret Hickey, who will be a senior at Loyola Academy, took runner-up honors in the Illinois Junior Golf Association’s Chick Evans Jr. Am Championship at Itasca Country Club on July 25-29.

Caroline Smith of Inverness defeated Hickey 4 and 3 in the match play championship.

Hickey, who finished in the top 16 at the 2015 IHSA state meet, shot a 149 (78-71) in the stroke play qualifier on July 25-25. Smith and Mokena’s Brianne Bolder also finished with 149s.

Then, in the match play competition, Hickey earned wins over Wheaton’s Priya Desai (2 and 1), Buffalo Grove’s Haeri Lee (3 and 1) and Riverside’s Amy Kucera (2 and 1) before losing to Smith.

Hickey has put together a solid summer. She won the IJGA Open #5 at Old Orchard Country Club on June 27, while she finished in a tie for fourth at the MAJGT Championship at Geneva National on June 14-16.

Glenview’s Hanna Tanaka finished in a tie for 10^th in the stroke play qualifier (81-77—158). She then lost 4 and 3 to Naperville’s Lauren Hay in the round of 16 in the match play bracket.

Players Challenge/Junior PGA Qualifier at Highland Park: Glenview’s Hanna Tanaka placed third (74-73—147) in the Players Challenge #4/Junior PGA Qualifier at Highland Park Country Club on July 21-22. Penelope Tir came in fifth (80-70—150), while Emily Young was seventh (77-77-154).

On July 18-19 at the Players Challenge #3 at Deerfield GC, Glencoe’s Rachel Rhee finished fifth (79-78—157). Glenview’s Sophia Lau was sixth (158), while Glenview’s Hanna Tanka was seventh (160).

MAJGT Harborside Classic: Glenview’s Nicole Wetoska finished one stroke in back of medalist Grace Curran (New Lenox) in the MAJGT Harborside Classic on July 13-14. Wetoska shot a 77 on the second round to end up with a 156. Hanna Tanaka of Glenview and Rachel Rhee of Glencoe finished in a tie for the fourth (167).

MAJGT Classic at Notre Dame: Nina Rutkowski, who will be a junior at Loyola Academy, was the clearcut winner at the MAJGT Classic at Notre Dame on July 11-12. Rutkowski shot a 74 on the first round and a 73 on the second round at The Warren Golf Course to win the tourney by six strokes over Wheaton’s Sarah Hauenstein (153). Lake Forest’s Emily Young came in fourth (78-82—160), while Winnetka’s Madison Banas took ninth (177).

This was Rutkowski’s first MAJGT victory of the summer. She took runner-up honors in the Championship at Geneva National (71-81-74—226) on June 14-16 and MAJGT-IJGA Championship at Royal Hawk (78-77-75—230) on June 27-29. She had a third-place finish at the Windmill Open on May 14-15.

IJGA-CDGA Junior Amateur: Glenview’s Hanna Tanaka carded a 156 (81-75) to finish in a three-way tie for fourth in the IJGA-CDGA Junior Amateur at Mill Creek Golf Club on July 7-8.

Glenview’s Evan Kirie came in with a 172 to share 12^th place with Hinsdale’s Madison Labedz. Naperville’s Lauren Nay was the medalist (143).

MAJGT Kenosha Classic: Glencoe’s Rachel Rhee, who will be a junior at New Trier, shot a 161 (78-83) to place sixth in the Kenosha Classic on July 7-8 at the Kenosha Country Club.

Highland Park’s Nicole Berardi (class of 2017) finished with a 172 to take 12^th place. Julia Alhemoud of Johnstown, Pennsylvania had a 72 on the second round to take top honors.

PGA Junior Series at Chaska Town Course: Winnetka’s Penelope Tir, who will be a sophomore at New Trier High School, shot a 154 (77-77) to end up in a tie for sixth at the Chaska Town Course in Chaska, Minnesota on June 23-24. Anni Heck of Eagan, Minnesota was the medalist (142).

MAJGT Championship at Geneva National: Glencoe’s Margaret Hickey, who will be a senior at Loyola Academy, recorded a 232 (77-78-77) to end up a tie for fourth place at Championship at Geneva National on June 14-16.

PGA Junior Series Kearney Hill Golf Links: Thanks to a strong finish, Winnetka’s Penelope Tir came up with a fifth-place finish (74-73-72—219) in a PGA Junior Series tourney at Kearney Hill Golf Links in Lexington, Kentucky on June 8-10. In her final nine holes, Tir, who will be a sophomore at New Trier, birdied three holes and made par on the other six. She ended up 10 holes behind the champion, Gina Kim of Chapel Hill, N.C.

MAJGT Second City Classic: Ex-New Trier High School star Louise McCulloch wound up taking second place in the Second City Classic on June 8-9 at Ravisloe Country Club, when she lost a playoff round to South Elgin’s Megan Furtney. Both golfers shot 76s on the first round and 70s on the second round.

MAJGT Windmill Open: Glenview’s Sophia Lau, class of 2018, shot a 162 (78-84) to come in seventh in the Windmill Open on May 14-15 at Mill Creek Golf Club in Geneva.

MAJGT Shepherd’s Crook Open: Louise McCulloch registered a 78 on Day One and a 76 on Day Two to place fourth in the Shepherd’s Crook Open in Zion on May 7-8.

AJGA Preview at The Glen Club: Glenview’s Hanna Tanaka earned runner-up honors (77-85—162) in the AJGA Preview at The Glen on April 29-May 1.

MAJGT Bolingbrook Open: Penelope Tir, a standout freshman at New Trier last fall, captured medalist honors (74-79—153) in the Bolingbrook Open on April 23-24. She edged Mokena’s Alyssa Gromala by two strokes. Glenview’s Hanna Tanaka finished eighth (165), while Winnetka’s Audrey Tir (class of 2021) came in 11^th (170).

MAJGT North Shore Open: She won by six strokes. Winnetka’s Penelop Tir posted scores of 76 and 75 to win the North Shore Open with a 151 on April 16-17. Runner-up honors (157) were shared by five players: Oak Brook’s Maria Harrast, Winnetka’s Madison Banas, Glenview’s Hanna Tanaka, Glenview’s Sophia Lau and Buffalo Grove’s Emily Duan.

MAJGT Sanctuary Open: Winnetka’s Penelope Tir came in second in the Sanctuary Open in New Lenox on April 9-10. She shot 76 both days to finish with a 152, two strokes better than Mokena’s Brianne Bolden.

Boys

IJGA Chick Evans Jr. Am Championship: Glenview’s Charlie Nikitas and Lake Forest’s Jason Folker turned in solid performances at the Illinois Junior Golf Association’s Chick Evans Jr. Am Championship at Itasca Country Club on July 25-29.

Nikitas, who will be a senior at Glenbrook South, reached the semifinal round of the match play bracket before losing to Geneva’s Devin Johnson (1 up).

Nikitas, who placed sixth in the IHSA state meet last season, shot a 146 (75-71) to place in a tie for fourth with Northbrook’s Evan Myers, Hinsdale’s Mac McClear and Lake Villa’s Ricky Leme in the stroke play qualifier. Then, in match play, he scored wins over Lake Bluff’s Connor Polender (2 and 1), Winnetka’s Ethan Schmitt (4 and 2) and McClear (9 and 7).

Like Nikitas, Folker also advanced to the match play semifinals. He topped Leme (3 and 2), Mundelein’s Brian Favia (5 and 4) and Arlington Heights’ Robert Garmoe (4 and 3) before losing to Naperville’s Jake Wright (20 holes) in the semifinal round.

In the stroke play qualifier, Folker shot a 73 on the second round to finish in a five-way tie for 27^th place (151).

In addition to Myers (71-75–146), Schmitt (75-73—148) and Polender (74-77—151), Northbrook’s Charlie Van Cleave (72-76—148), Highland Park’s Bradley Goldstein (77-71—148), Wilmette’s Brian Joseph (73-75—148), Lake Bluff’s Scott Frevert (78-73—151) and Winnetka’s Connor Hansen (76-75—151) also made the top 32 cut. But only Van Cleave and Schmitt claimed wins in match play.

Players Challenge #4/Junior PGA Qualifier at the HP Country Club: Northfield’s Justin Choi took second at the Players Challenge #4/Junior PGA Qualifier at the Highland Park Country Club on July 21-22. Choi, who will be a senior at New Trier, shot 70 on both rounds to finish four strokes behind Wheaton’s Luke Armbrust, who qualified to the Junior PGA Championship on Aug. 9-12 at Rumford, Rhode Island.

Michael Tanaka of Wilmette was third (76-67—143), while Winnetka’s Connor Prassas came in fifth (74-71—145). Other area golfers finishing in the top 20 included Wilmette’s Brian Joseph (146), Northfield’s Ben Scherman (148), Glenview’s John Kryscio (148), Lake Forest’s Jed Thomas (150), Winnetka’s William Nummy (150), Glenview’s Jack Grier (151), Lake Forest’s Billy Jack Bailes (152) and Wilmette’s Daniel Tanaka (152).

In Players Challenge #3 at Deerfield Golf Club on July 18-19, Lake Forest’s Jason Folker took medalist honors (70-68—138). Northbrook’s Evan Myers was fifth with a 151. Others in the top 10 included Highland Park’s Charlie Ezgur (152), Lake Forest’s Billy Jack Bailes (153), Northbrook’s Quinn McCarthy (153) and Wilmette’s Michael Tanaka (153).

Folker also won Players Challenge #2 at Pleasant Run Resort on June 16-17 with a 144 (71-73). Highland Park’s Ari Herzog shot a 149 to finish in a tie for seventh.

And, Glenview’s Kevin Paek was the winner of Players Challenge #1 at White Pine GC on May 1.

MAJGT Harborside Classic: Northbrook’s Charlie Van Cleave finished fourth (72-78—150) in the Mid-American Junior Golf Tour’s Harborside Classic on July 13-14 at Harborside International. Glenview’s Jarrett Prchal placed in a tie for 10^th (156), while Glenview’s Jack Grier and Winnetka’s Peter Miles shared 12^th place (157) with three other golfers.

MAJGT Classic at Notre Dame: Reb Banas of Winnetka was a top 10 finisher at the MAJGT Classic at Notre Dame on July 11-12 at The Warren Golf Course. He shot a 159 (82-77—159) to share 10^th place with two other players.

AJGA Wincraft/McArthur Towel & Sports Future Legends: New Trier grad Matt Murlick definitely was in the hunt for a title in this American Junior Golf Association tourney at The Legend at Merrill Hills in Waukesha, Wisconsin on July 12-15. He finished three strokes back with a 223 (74-77-72). Northfield’s Justin Choi and Winnetka’s Chip Savarie shot 228s to finish in a tie for 15^th. Lake Bluff’s Scott Frevert carded a 231 for 25^th place.

AJGA Coca-Cola Junior Championships at Boyne Highlands: Glenview’s Charlies Nikitas shot a 66 on the second round and wound placing third in the Coca-Cola Junior Championships at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, Michigan on July 4-7. He ended up with a 212 (75-66-71—212), three strokes behind Michigan’s Devin Deogun. Glenview’s Kevin Paek took fourth (72-69-73—214), while Winnetka’s Connor Prassas was fifth (71-72-72—215). Jed Thomas of Lake Forest finished in a tie for 24^th (223).

IJGA-CDGA Junior Amateur at Mill Creek: Lake Forest’s Jason Folker carded a 69 on round two and ended up with a 215 in the 54-hole IJGA-CDGA Junior Amateur at Mill Creek Golf Club on July 6-8. That score placed the rising LFHS senior in a three-way tie for third place with Willow Springs’ Patrick Akaniroj and Geneva’s Tyler Isenhart.

Geneva’s Devin Johnson finished first with a 1-under 212 (72-70-72). Glenview’s Jarrett Prchal (class of 2018) recorded a 223 (tied for 13^th), while Lake Bluff’s Scott Frevert (class of 2018) tallied a 224 (tied for 17^th).

MAJGT Kenosha Classic: Sixth place drew quite the crowd in Kenosha Classic on July 7-8. Four players from the North Shore area — Winnetka’s William Nummy, Peter Miles and Henry Horne and Northbrook’s Henry Knez — completed the 36-hole Mid-American Junior Golf Tour’s tourney at the Kenosha Country Club with 155s. All told, there were seven players shooting that score.

The medalist was Matthew Tuman of Wausau, Wisconsin, who finished with a 2-over 146. John Bowen of Kenilworth placed 14^th (157).

Nummy (class of 2018) is putting together a solid summer. He placed 11^th in the recent Illinois State Junior Amateur at Makray Memorial in Barrington.

Illinois State Junior Amateur: See feature story.

ISJA Qualifier at Winnetka Golf Course: Brian Joseph of Wilmette was the medalist in the Illinois State Junior Amateur Qualifier #5 on June 23 at Winnetka GC. Joseph (class of 2020) shot a 1-over 72 to edge Lake Villa’s Ricky Lerner by one stroke. Northbrook’s Charlie Van Cleave and Winnetka’s Jack Finken shared third place by carding 74s.

The other area players to qualify to the 2016 Illinois State Junior Amateur, which will be held June 28-30 at Makray Memorial in Barrington, include Winnetka’s Timmy Crawford (75, tied for 5^th), Winnetka’s Reb Banas (75, tied for 5^th), Highland Park’s Ari Herzog (76, tied for 9^th), Winnetka’s Jeremy Barretta (76, tied for 9^th), Winnetka’s Michael Adler (78, tied for 13^th), Winnetka’s Henry Horne (78, tied for 13^th), Lake Forest’s Wesley Dixon (78, tied for 13^th), Glenview’s Kevin Paek (79, tied for 16^th), Lake Forest’s Jason Folker (80, tied for 19^th), Glenview’s Aaron Chong (80, tied for 19^th) and Winnetka’s Robbie Gapp (82, tied for 24^th).

MAJGT Illinois Classic: Glenview’s Jarrett Prchal came up with a top-10 finish in the Mid-American Junior Golf Tour’s (MAJGT) Illinois Classic at Stone Creek Golf Club on June 23. He shot a 154 (76-78) to finish in a tie with Lockport’s Tyler Roat.

MAJGT Championship at Geneva National: Glenview’s Kevin Paek claimed runner-up honors in this Mid-American Junior Golf Tour (MAJGT) event on June 14-16 at Geneva National in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The Glenbrook South senior shot a 223 (69-75-79) to finish two strokes in back of Wheaton’s Luke Armbrust.

Wilmette’s Michael Tanaka and Winnetka’s Peter Radler came in with 226s to share fourth place. Lake Forest’s Spencer Crowe finished in a five-way tie for ninth (229).

ISJA Qualifier at Pine Meadow: Highland Park’s Noah Fishbein and Lincolnshire’s Jackson Bussell shared the top score (70) in the Illinois State Junior Amateur Qualifier #3 at Pine Meadow in Mundelein on June 16. Twenty-one players qualified, including Northfield’s Justin Choi (72, tied for 4th) and Highland Park’s Bradley Goldstein 74). Lake Bluff’s Scott Frevert (76) and Connor Polender (76) are alternates.

ISJA Qualifier at Sportsman’s Country Club: Wilmette’s Michael Tanaka shot an even 70 to take first place in the Illinois State Junior Amateur Qualifier #2 at Sportsman’s Country Club on June 12. Other area qualifiers include Northbrook’s Henry Knez (71, tied for 2nd), Lake Forest’s Lowell Weil III (73, 5^th), Glenview’s Jack Grier (74, tied for 6^th), Glenview’s Jarrett Prchal (9^th, 75), Northbrook’s Matthew Chapman (76, tied for 10^th), Winnetka’s Peter Miles (76, tied for 10^th), Northfield’s Ben Scherman (76, tied for 10^th), Wilmette’s Daniel Tanaka (77, tied for 16^th), Lake Forest’s Billy Jack Bailes (77, tied for 16^th) and Highland Park’s Joseph Harrigan (77, tied for 16^th).

ISJA Qualifer at Broken Arrow: Winnetka’s Chip Savarie and Connor Prassis shot two-under 70s to share first-place honors in the Illinois State Junior Amateur Qualifier #1 at Broken Arrow in Lockport on June 11. Lake Forest’s Danny Fisher also qualified (78, tied for 20^th). The alternates were Winnetka’s Drew Buck (79), Highland Park’s Max Golding (79) and Evanston’s Jon Kendall (79).

MAJGT Second City Classic: Bennett Cotten of Winnetka shot a 71 in round one and a 76 in round two to finish in a tie for seventh at the Second City Classic at Ravisloe Country Club on June 8-9.

MAJGT Windmill Open: Kevin Paek of Glenview finished five strokes back (77-75—152) and placed in a three-way tie for eighth place in the Windmill Open on May 14-15 at Mill Creek Golf Club in Geneva.

MAJGT Shepherd’s Crook Open: Connor Prassas, who will be a senior at Loyola Academy in the fall, carded a 68 on the second round to win the Shepherd’s Crook Open by four strokes (147) on May 7-8. Northfield’s Justin Choi, who will be a senior at New Trier, also played well on the Zion course. He scored a 72 on Day Two to earn runner-up honors (151). Lake Forest’s Spencer Crowe (class of 2018) and Highland Park’s Bradley Goldstein (class of 2019) shot 154s to finish in a five-way tie for fifth place. Lake Bluff’s Scott Frevert, who will be a junior at Lake Forest High School, shot a 155 to share 10^th place with Glen Ellyn’s Jacob Valdick.

AJGA Preview at The Glen Club: Lake Forest’s Jason Folker finished in a tie for third place (74-75—149) at the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Preview at The Glen Club on April 29-May 1. Lake Bluff’s Scott Frevert shot a 152 to place seventh, while Lake Forest’s Jed Thomas ended up in a tie for eighth (153). Lake Forest’s Spence Crowe shared 12^th place (155).

MAJGT North Shore Open: Chip Savarie, a standout at Loyola Academy, claimed medalist honors in the North Shore Open on April 16-17 at Wilmette Golf Course. He needed to shoot a 68 on round two to hold off Northfield’s Justin Choi. Savarie ended up with a 139. Choi had a 141. Matt Murlick of Winnekta placed fourth (147). He was followed by Winnetka’s Reb Banas (148, tie for 5^th) and Wilmette’s Michael Tanaka (149, 8^th).

MAJGT Sanctuary Open: Lake Forest’s Jed Thomas finished in a three-way tie sixth place (75-75—150) at the Sanctuary Open in New Lenox on April 9-10.

GLENCOE – A Chicago man has been arrested and charged after repeatedly asking two 11-year-old girls if they needed a ride.

Huseyin Gungor, 34, was charged with two counts of disorderly conduct.

Police were told by the two girls that they were walking on Monday, July 25 at 5 p.m. when a man pulled over and asked if they needed a ride. The girls said they ignored the man followed them and again asked if they wanted a ride.

Police state that as the girls came to Scott Avenue, the man drove away westbound on Scott Avenue and the girls called 9-1-1. The incident happened near Euclid and Scott Avenues.

Gungor is scheduled to appear at the Cook County Circuit Court in Skokie on Sept. 7.

From the Glencoe Police Department.

On July 23 right around the time lighting split the evening sky, my niece and her betrothed said their “I wills” at Kenilworth Union Church. The wind was so strong and the rain fell so hard for so many hours that the dance floor at their reception venue in Winnetka had to be squee-gee’ed constantly throughout the night. Fortunately no one fell, the electricity stayed on, and the plumbing never backed up. Others in Winnetka were not so lucky.

“We had 50-plus emergency calls over the weekend and our phone has not stopped ringing since 7:30 a.m.,” Carrie Hoza of Bratschi Plumbing told DailyNorthShore.com reporter Emily Spectre on July 25. The village admin described the July 23 storm as exceeding a “50-year event” that dropped more than five inches in just a few hours. Yards, basements, and soccer fields flooded all over town – though neighborhoods in central and western Winnetka seemed hardest hit. Read about it in the article “Winnetka in Clean-up Mode.”

Chicago photographer/journalist David Harpe took this photo of lighting striking the shoreline around the same time my niece was taking her vows in Kenilworth. Visit David’s Facebook page to see more great storm photos: https://www.facebook.com/davidharpephotography/

The car next door

In addition to covering the Winnetka storm this week, Emily wrote about crime. In one story she wonders why, with all the reports of stolen cars on the North Shore this summer, would anyone leave keys in an unlocked Porsche or a new-model Lexus? She posed this question to Wilmette Police Department Deputy Police Chief Kyle Perkins, who said two things:

• It’s convenient
• People feel safe here and so they don’t take necessary precautions

Three weeks ago I asked Lake Forest Commander Craig Lepkowski the same question, and in addition to echoing the above sentiments, he said:

• “A lot of people worldwide have the mentality that it is not going to happen to me, until it does.”

Wilmette Boy Faces Felony Charges

No one wants to think their kids’ school is going to be bombed, but threats to several North Shore schools were made in the spring and on July 23 police said they have a suspect, and it’s not a robo-caller from England. The suspect is a 13-year-old Wilmette boy who faces seven felony counts of disorderly conduct related to false bomb threats, two felony counts of making threats against schools, one felony count of abuse of an elderly person and one misdemeanor battery. Authorities told DNS.com he was not enrolled in the Wilmete school district.

Fighting Fire With Family

On a warmer note, the owner of Chief’s Pub in Lake Forest didn’t have to look far when he decided to sell the popular restaurant and bar: his son Joe Knesley and daughter Sarah Sundquist bought it. DNS.com reporter Steve Sadin wrote about the changing of the guard, New Owners are Old Faces at Chief’s, which prompted me to stop by for a beer after work one day (where I took the below selfie while chatting with Joe.) As Steve reported, they’re all firefighters – Joe in North Chicago and Sarah in Lake Villa, and their dad Chuck Knesley is a retired chief at Knollwood, where both Joe and Sarah still volunteer– when they’re not working their other jobs.

After editing a story with several mouth-watering photos about Chief’s Pub, I stopped by for a beer and to chat with one of the new owners, Joe Knesley

Old Houses, Uncertain Future

Two other big stories this week had to do with real estate –specifically the fate of older, grand estates in Lake Forest and architecturally significant homes in Highland Park. Steve Sadin’s story examines how brokers, buyers and city administrators are Finding Creative Uses for Big-Ticket Mansions in Lake Forest.

In Highland Park, Julie Kemp Pick wrote about a John Van Bergen house that was nominated for landmark designation without the owners’ consent. The person who nominated the home — architect and preservationist Christopher Enck — has a thing or two for Van Bergen. As a child, he attended a school designed by the Prairie School architect. And last year Enck relocated a Van Bergen home from Wilmette to Evanston after purchasing it from a developer for $10.

“The goal of that project was to show that there are alternatives to demolition,” said Enck, who hopes a solution other then demolition can be found for the Highland Park Van Bergen. On August 11, the HPC will vote on whether to recommend the landmark application for 1570 Hawthorne Lane; after that the issue goes to City Council, and DNS.com will be there to write about it.