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Rehabbed Dwyer Park Now Open

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WINNETKA – Dwyer Park, one of Winnetka’s most popular playgrounds, reopened in late August after receiving a much-needed facelift that aims to appeal to a broader demographic.

In particular, the Winnetka Park District sought to appeal to “tweens,” children between the ages of 10 and 13 years old, in addition to younger children and adults.

“We found there was an unmet need for the tween demographic in the community,” Costa Kutulas, the village’s superintendent of parks told DailyNorthShore.

The planning process for rehabbing the park, located in the Elm Street business district, began about a year and half ago. The park had last been renovated 15 years ago and in accordance with Park District policy, the park was reviewed to ensure safety measures and community needs were being met.

The Park District spent months seeking community input to better understand what residents wanted. “Dwyer Park is one of our busiest used playground in our system. We wanted to make sure we were hitting the mark,” Kutulas explained.

After collecting residents’ responses — which ranged from requests for a zip line to a splash pad — Rick Schram, a landscape architect for the Park District, sifted through all of the feedback and used that information to design a park site that met residents’ needs. Schram is no newbie to this process; he designed the original playground for Dwyer Park in the 1990s.

Some of the feedback the Park District received was that residents would like to see the park appeal to a broader demographic, including tweens. At one point, Schram met with a group of tweens and presented some of his ideas to get their input.

Winnetka’s rehabbed Dwyer Park includes things to do for all ages of kids.

The refurbished Dwyer Park now includes bean bag targets at the south end of the park, aimed at attracting an older demographic. There is also a ping pong table adjacent to the gazebo, where residents can bring their own paddles and balls to play games. The playground equipment was also reconfigured to include more movement features, such as spinners, rope and cable climbing for more active tweens and teens.

In addition to active areas, Schram included sitting areas under the playground platforms where older kids can hang out and chat. The park also boasts more benches in the south end for tweens and teens to gather. According to Kutulas, many parents said students from Washburne Middle School walk to the Elm Street business district after school and gather at Starbucks or Pete’s Coffee. Parents wanted their kids to have something else to do besides hang out in coffee shops.

While the Park District sought to broaden the demographic, Dwyer Park was also renovated to appeal to the young age set. A large seesaw was added and individual spinners, as well as tools to play in the sand. Schram said all of these features are popular with the preschool age group.

Instead of purchasing all new equipment, the Park District reconfigured some of the original playground equipment and repainted it to look brand new. Repurposing the original equipment turned out to be both cost-effective, as well as meeting the Park District’s goal of being environmentally sensitive. Some of the redesign was also to keep the park in compliance with the American With Disabilities Act. For example, the Park District included some rubberized surface around the equipment that is a softer surface if children fall.

While the process took about a year and half to complete, Park District officials and the community are pleased with the result.

“We’ve had nothing but thank you’s and gracious remarks. I feel like this project has been well embraced by the community and still will be in years to come,” Kutulas said.


825 Foxdale Avenue, Winnetka

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825 Foxdale Avenue, Winnetka

5 Bedrooms, 2.2 Bathrooms
$779,000

Christina Fawcett
@properties
847.881.0200
christinafawcett@atproperties.com

Wonderful 5 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half bath traditional home in East Winnetka. Updated eat-in kitchen, open floor plan and attached 2 car garage distinguish the first floor. Additional features include hardwood floors, first floor laundry, built-in shelving and lots of natural light. 5 bedrooms on 2nd level with newer large hall bath. Full basement with options for work and play spaces. Tree top deck and wonderful fenced in yard. Fresh neutral decor.

LA’s Gilroy tackles new position with aplomb

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Charlie Gilroy of the Ramblers stays on a block in Saturday’s game against Mt. Carmel. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Charlie Gilroy put on a different uniform prior to Loyola Academy’s game against Mt. Carmel.

He exchanged jersey No. 87 for jersey No. 78.

It was tight.

It was snug.

It was … a perfect fit.

LA’s football team was in tight spot heading into this rivalry game.

Something had to be done. The host Ramblers had to reshape their lineup — and they had to do it quickly.

Enter Sir Charles.

Noble-minded and nimble afoot, Gilroy proved to be the ultimate warrior — and teammate — in LA’s decisive 31-7 victory over visiting Mt. Carmel on Sept. 9.

Gilroy was a Rambler in shining armor.

For the good of the team — and on just four days’ notice — the 6-foot-5, 225-pound senior agreed to move off his regular tight end position and fill in at tackle.

It was a sacrificial move.

Gilroy has become a hot item at tight end. So far, he has received offers from seven schools: Lafayette College, Indiana State, Western Illinois, Southern Illinois-Carbondale, Army, University of Dayton and University of San Diego.

“Pure dedication on his part,” said LA wide receiver James Joyce. “He did what was best for the team.”

LA’s coaching staff had to work — and think — fast. Starting tackle Joshua Green went down with an injury earlier in the week.

“I can’t be more proud of him,” said LA head coach John Holecek. “He was a blocking tight end for us last year. So moving him was not a far-fetched idea.

“He’s a guy with good hands, good feet,” the coach added.

Still, Gilroy wasn’t so sure … at first.

“I’ve been a tight end my entire life,” he said.

Ever played center, guard or tackle?

“Never,” he said.

But it was an offer that Gilroy could not refuse.

“They asked me to step in,” said Gilroy. “I’ll do anything for the team.”

The Ramblers (2-1) didn’t miss a beat with Gilroy, who teamed up with senior center Ryan Hagedorn, senior tackle Charlie Gross and sophomore guards Christopher Kelly and Peter Gianaris.

“For playing the position for the first time, I thought he did great. He meshed well with the other guys,” said LA offensive line coach Mike Kotowski. “There was a lot of things for him to pick up and learn.

“He’s a smart kid. Very athletic,” Kotowski added. “I know it was a big sacrifice for him because he wants to be a tight end. But I thought he did remarkably well.”

The O-line still might be a little unsettled. But that hasn’t fazed Quinn Boyle. The senior quarterback, who possesses 4.7 speed, displayed his dual-threat capabilities by completing 17 of 25 passes for 144 yards and running the ball 13 times for 79 yards.

Boyle opened the game’s scoring with an 11-yard run on LA’s second series. He also tossed touchdown passes to Joyce (23 yards), Rory Boos (11 yards) and Alex King (1 yard).

The O-line kept Boyle clean. Mt. Carmel recorded no sacks.

“We did pretty well for having two sophomores [Kelly and Gianaris] and a tight end in there,” said Holecek.

“It was fun,” said Gilroy. “A good experience.”

And the best part?

“This was just for one game,” he said. “I’ll be wearing No. 87 next week.”

NSCD Introduces New Faculty/Staff

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WINNETKA – The North Shore Country Day School community packed into the Auditorium Wednesday for a standing-room-only gathering known as the Morning Exercise, or Morning Ex for short.

“Now that I’ve experienced an entire school year, I have a much deeper appreciation of the role of Morning Ex, Buddy Days, and the day-to-day connections that North Shore fosters among its faculty, staff, students, and parents,” said Head of School Tom Flemma in his opening remarks. “It is no secret that those relationships are at the heart of our learning community, but I had to really live those relationships to fully understand how powerful they are.”

Morning Ex, typically held several times a month, brings faculty, staff and students from junior kindergarten to 12th grade together for a shared experience. It begins with a poetry reading, followed by a presentation by teachers, students or invited guests. The Opening Morning Ex is particularly steeped with tradition.

This year, 3rd-grade teacher David Green opened with a poem called “The Thing You Must Remember,” by Maggie Anderson. “We come together as a JK-12 community to learn from one another, to learn about one another and to share with one another,” Green said, as he introduced the poem. “Morning Ex is often a window into how we all spend our time here at school. ”

Each year, the Head of School chooses and reads aloud a children’s book to set the tone for the year and to reflect on its deeper meaning. This year, Flemma chose “A Bad Case of Stripes,” by David Shannon, which tells the story of Camilla Cream, a little girl who loves lima beans but is afraid to admit it because she wants to fit in.

Opening ceremony at North Shore Country Day School 2017.

“It is always best to be yourself, even when that means standing out in a crowd,” Flemma explained. “Stand up and be proud, even if its feel scary or if people give you grief. As Camilla showed us, it is only when we are truly ourselves that we feel whole, we feel our best, and we can meet the world — even the scary parts — head on.”

Joining the School community this year are 20 new faculty and staff members and 104 new students, who were recognized at the gathering. Three not-so-new faces were recognized as well. Seniors Haniya Ghazi, Thomas McDowell and Nina Valenti are what the North Shore community calls “Lifers” — students who have attended the school since junior or senior kindergarten.

Each Lifer addressed the crowd and talked about their experiences at North Shore over the years. Then, after music teachers Linda Kiracibasi and Will Hester led the crowd in a rousing rendition of the School songs, “O’er the Fields” and “Wake the Echoes,” the Lifers and their kindergarten buddies led everyone outside to ring the school bell and raise the American flag.

New North Shore Faculty/Staff 2017-2018

Kristen Allen of Park Ridge, has joined North Shore full time as Athletic Trainer and Middle School Health Teacher. Since 2013, she has been a part-time athletic trainer for us through Athletico Physical Therapy. She has a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from North Park University. Kristen has worked for Athletico since 2012 including positions as an athletic trainer at Oakton Community College and Mundelein High School, and as interim Health services coordinator at Christian Heritage Academy.

Kate Berlin of Wilmette will be our new part-time Upper School English Teacher. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Medieval Studies from the University of Chicago, and a Masters of Science in Teaching Secondary English Education from Lehman College, The City University of New York. Kate was previously a Teacher-in-Residence at the Center for Elementary Mathematics and Science Education at the University of Chicago. She also held teaching positions at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Chicago as a 1st and 6th grade teacher, and was a New York City Board of Education Teaching Fellow at two middle schools in the Bronx teaching Language Arts.

Zach Blickensderfer of Los Angeles comes to North Shore as an Upper School Math Teacher and Teaching Fellow in the University of Pennsylvania Independent School Teaching Residency program. Zach has a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from Yale University and wrote his senior thesis on “The NP-Completeness of the Quadratic Minimum Linear Arrangement Problem.” While at Yale, he also served as the First Tenor and Tour Manager of The Whiffenpoofs of Yale, an Associate Director & Teacher with Arts Unlimited, and a Freshman Counselor in the Yale College Dean’s Office.

Sheila Burke of Evanston joins North Shore as the Middle School Administrative Assistant and part-time Centennial Events Coordinator. She received her Bachelor and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise from more than a decade working as the executive assistant to the CEO/Superintendent of Schools for the Evanston/Skokie school district. Earlier in her career, Sheila worked as a trained therapist as well as in IT operations management. Sheila’s front-line experience with parents, faculty and students, combined with her operational knowledge and strong skills all contribute to our enthusiasm in welcoming her to our Middle School and to the North Shore community.

Siera Erazo of Chicago returns to us as our part-time Archivist. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Arts in Public History from Loyola University of Chicago. Most recently, Siera was an Exhibition Developer at the Field Museum in Chicago. She was hired as the School’s first archivist in 2013 and is largely responsible for creating the organizational structure and accessibility of our archives. Siera also has experience working at the Winnetka Historical Society, as a museum curator.

Josh Fidler of Glenview joins the School as the 5th Grade Assistant Teacher. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies from the University of Montana and a Master of Arts in Political Science from Universite libre de Bruxelles. Josh most recently was a teacher at the Heartland Alliance in Des Plaines providing instruction to K-12 students in various subject areas. He has also been a tutor in Brussels, a project manager at Women’s Opportunity and Resource Development in Missoula, MT, and a preschool teacher at the YMCA in Missoula.

Tracie Frederick of Skokie returns to North Shore as the Senior Associate Director of Development, a newly created position that will support the School’s development and alumni engagement as well as the Centennial celebration. She earned Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Mass Communication from Iowa State University. Tracie was previously North Shore’s Advancement Associate from 2006-2009. In that role, Tracie led the Annual Giving Campaign and supported other parts of the Alumni/Development program. Since departing from that role, Tracie has served as the Director of Development for Marillac St. Vincent Family Services.

Barry Fulton of Queens, NY, is our new Head of Middle School. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology from Williams College and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Private School Leadership from Teachers College of Columbia University and The Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership. Barry was most recently the Middle School Dean of Student Life at The Pingry School in New Jersey. In addition, he fulfilled roles as 6th-Grade Team Leader, Middle School English Coordinator and English Teacher. He also has experience at The Pennington School, Berkshire School, Salisbury Summer School, Williamstown Elementary School, the Louis August Jonas Foundation and Upward Bound.

Arturo Garcia from Chicago will be our new Middle and Upper School Computer Science Teacher. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Cognitive Science from Pomona College. Prior to joining North Shore, Arturo was the Technology Innovation Specialist, STEAM Instructor and Lower School Technology Instructor at Quest Academy in Palatine. In addition, Arturo was an Instructor of Computer Science and Advisor at Lake Forest Academy.

Will Hester of Nashville, TN, is the School’s new Middle and Upper School Choral Director and Music Teacher. He has a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Spanish and minoring in Music, from the University of Alabama, a master’s degree in Music focusing on choral conducting from the University of Houston, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University. Will comes from the Nashville School of the Arts where he was Director of Choral Studies and taught AP music theory. He also has experience as Director of Choral Music at The Ensworth School in Nashville, and KIPP Houston High School and The Kinkaid School, both in Houston.

Jake Kann ’12 of Wilmette returns to North Shore as the 1st and 2nd Grade Assistant Teacher. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Denison University. Jake was previously a 2nd-Grade Associate Teacher at Baker Demonstration School. In addition, he was a Summer Travel Baseball Coach for the Wilmette Baseball Association, an Intern and Assistant Coach for Active Kidz Shanghai in China during his study-abroad program and a Senior Counselor at North Shore’s Summer Camp Program.

Jenna Nemec-Loise of Chicago comes to the School as our Head Librarian. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from St. Norbert College and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science/Youth Services from Dominican University. Jenna has held numerous librarian roles including Acting Branch Manager and Children’s Librarian at a Chicago Public Library, Youth Librarian at Lincolnwood Public Library and School Librarian at St. Norbert School. She is also an Adjunct Instructor at Dominican University in the School of Information Studies for graduate students.

Tobye Ostrow of New York is joining North Shore as the Lower School Learning Specialist. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies from Indiana University and a Master of Arts in Teaching as Applied Behavior Analysis from Teachers College-Columbia University. Most recently, Tobye was an Administrator at Aaron School in New York and also served as Educational Supervisor of six primary classrooms. She also was a Preschool Classroom Teacher at Fred S. Keller School, a private Educational and Behavioral Services Specialist providing training to families and individuals working with students, and a home-based instructor through the YAI New York League Lifestart Program.

Sara Pyne of Bainbridge Island, WA, is the new 3rd and 4th Grade Assistant Teacher at North Shore. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Political Science from Lesley University. Sara has experience as a private nanny that included tutoring in all elementary subjects and as a Summer Intern at Boston Collegiate Charter School. She also has been an active volunteer for the Girl Scouts and Hope By Twelve that helps raise funds for underprivileged girls in Ethiopia.

Rebecca Reátegui ’12 of Highland Park returns to North Shore as the JK and SK Assistant and Spanish Teacher. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Bennington College. Rebecca most recently was an assistant 4th Grade Teacher and Middle School Extended-Day Leader at The Catherine Cook School in Chicago. She also has experience as a Counselor and Director of the After-Care program at North Shore’s Summer Camp Program.

Catalina Rincón-Bisbey of Chicago joins North Shore as an Upper School Spanish Teacher for the 2017-18 academic year during Carmen Gomez-Fiegl’s sabbatical. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies from The National University of Colombia and a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Spanish from Tulane University. She has previously served as teaching assistant, instructor and researcher at Tulane and other educational institutions. Beyond teaching, she has also served as a translator, tutor and academic conference organizer.

Tom Saleh of Evanston is a new Upper School Learning Specialist. He has a Bachelor of Arts in American History from Northwestern University and a Master of Education in Secondary History and Social Sciences. Most recently, Tom was a Special Education Teacher at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein. Previously, he was a United States History Teacher and Special Education Teaching Assistant at Lake Forest High School, Social Studies Teacher at St. Joan of Arc School in Evanston and History Teacher at Evanston Township High School, as well as a long-term substitute teacher at New Trier High School.

Brian Sarfo of New York joins us as Upper School Social Studies Teacher and Teaching Fellow in the University of Pennsylvania Independent School Teaching Residency program. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies with concentrations Hispanic Studies and African-American Studies from Columbia University. Brian has experience as a summer Teaching Fellow at UnCommon Schools in Brooklyn, a Training and Organizing Intern for Everytown for Gun Safety/Moms Demand Action, a Legislative Intern for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation working with U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel and an Intern for New York City Council Office of Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito—Community Engagement Unit.

Ty Scaletta of Evanston comes to North Shore as a Middle School Science Teacher. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Northwestern University. Ty’s experience includes student teaching middle and high school science at Lane Tech College Prep in Chicago, tutoring at Evanston Township High School and serving as a Teaching Assistant at Northwestern’s Center for Talent Development.

Christine Wachter of Chicago joins us as our Communications Associate—Print Specialist in the Marketing and Communications Department. She has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Journalism from the Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University. Christine is a talented marketing and operations manager with experience in nonprofit publishing. She has more than a decade of publication management, editing and design experience with the Community Renewal Society as Marketing and Operations Manager of The Chicago Reporter and its sister publication Catalyst Chicago.

Submitted by North Shore Country Day School

National Merit Semifinalists: 35 from New Trier

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WINNETKA – Thirty-five New Trier High School students have been named as Semifinalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship competition.

Of about 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools across the country who entered the 2018 program by taking the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), only approximately 16,000 earned the Semifinalist designation. This nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than 1 percent of all U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest scoring entrants of the state, who will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million.

To become a Finalist, a Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. The Semifinalist’s participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received must also be submitted.

Approximately 15,000 Semifinalists are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and Merit Scholar designees will be selected based on their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

New Trier High School’s 2018 National Merit Semifinalists (not pictured: Jack Cable and Elliot Chow).

New Trier’s 2018 National Merit Semifinalists are: Yamenah Ambreen; Tony Bayvas; Jack Cable; Lily Carley; Daniel Chang; Linda Chiu; Elliot Chow; Benjamin Citow; John Crawford; Zachary Crispino; Silpian Dhiantravan; Tori Edington; Andrew Feng; Coleman Horvath; Nicholas Jarmusz; Elliot Jung-Beeman; Rebecca Lee; Katherine Macakanja; Jordan Meyer; Rebecca Miller; Ilana Nazari; Liam Oh; Thomas Okun; Jason Paul; Dillan Prasad; Meagan Rittmanic; Amia Ross; Matthew Roth; Allison Salmon; Marie Sowlat; Simone Wall; Vivian Wu; Hannah Xu; Jisu Yang; and Natalie Ye.

More information on the National Merit Scholarship Program is available through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, www.nationalmerit.org.

Submitted by New Trier Township High School

Krueger adds another weapon to his arsenal

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

New Trier’s Ryan Krueger (No. 7) protects the ball against a Libertyville player during the Northside College Showcase. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Left-footed soccer player Ryan Krueger had heard it for years, mostly from coaches:

Use your right foot more!

Teammates — New Trier teammates and club colleagues — gave him a hard time for being too dependent on half of his wheels.

Tired of the badgering and the fun-loving verbal jabs, Krueger, now a Trevians senior forward, devoted a significant part of his 2017 summer to becoming better than all right with his right foot.

“I saw him work hard on that part of his game,” New Trier junior midfielder Logan Weaver says. “We worked out together here [at the school’s Northfield campus], drilled constantly all summer. He’s been an enthusiastic guy, full of energy about everything, since I’ve known him … even if it’s 6 in the morning.

“Ryan,” Weaver adds, “is now a creative player who sees things in games that no one else sees and can be effective with both feet.”

Krueger’s most impressive feat to date for the 7-2 Trevians, through Sept. 11: a hat trick versus host Deerfield High School in a 7-0 victory on Sept. 5. Two days earlier, in a 5-0 defeat of visiting Lake Forest Academy, the 6-foot, 155-pound Krueger struck for two goals — his second two-goal effort in a match this fall.

Krueger had generated 40 percent of NT’s output in a 5-0 defeat of Buffalo Grove High School on Aug. 26.

The threat-per-second playmaker already has 10 goals and two assists in only nine contests, a season after tallying just two goals as a supportive player who had been asked to distribute first and look to score only if the go-to forces up top were covered tightly and the path in the final third of the pitch appeared slightly wider than Texas.

As a first-year varsity member in his sophomore season (2015), Krueger had paced the Trevians in scoring with seven goals.

“If we are to succeed this year, we need Ryan to score goals, and that’s exactly what he’s doing for us,” Trevians second-year varsity soccer coach Matt Ravenscraft says of the Wilmette resident who has verbally committed to Colgate University. “He’s arguably our most gifted technical player. He’s extremely confident with the ball at his feet, and he has the ability to create space when the ball is in tight areas.

“His decisiveness — either when he’s taking a shot or making that final pass [on a rush] — has improved a great deal,” the coach adds. “And his explosiveness, in those first five to 10 yards with the ball, is outstanding.”

Krueger was 4 when his left foot first tapped a soccer ball. His right foot probably felt left out back then, but it no longer has to worry about neglect or atrophy. He began playing for the Wilmette Wings in the fourth grade before competing with Chicago Magic (eighth grade through sophomore year) and FC United (last year) teams.

“I love to play soccer. I love to watch soccer,” says Krueger, a huge Liverpool soccer fan whose brother, Jake, a New Trier freshman, opted to play club soccer (FC United) rather than prep soccer this fall despite the lobbying efforts of big bro, who respects little bro’s decision.

“I watch professional soccer on TV pretty much every single weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 6 to 10 a.m. I set my alarm to make sure I don’t miss any of the action.”

What he’ll miss at this time next year, as he settles in as a Patriot League booter in cozy Hamilton, New York: battling with Trevians in highly competitive matches and hanging out with them after matches, on bus rides, in between periods at schools, whenever.

“We’re more than soccer teammates,” Krueger says. “We’re incredibly close friends, all of us; we’re … brothers. What I also love about this team is the ability each player has; I consider myself fortunate to be around so many super-skilled players.”

Right on, Ryan Krueger.

Right on.

Notable: New Trier’s boys soccer team won its first five matches this fall — with a 15-0 goal differential — before falling 5-2 to visiting Libertyville High School in the Northside College Showcase championship match on Sept. 2. Williams College recruit and tri-captain Will Felitto, a senior forward, and junior Andrew Kuhn scored the Trevians’ goals, with junior midfielder and tri-captain Logan Weaver dishing both assists. NT’s other tri-captain is senior goalkeeper Sam Rutherford. … Weaver scored twice and provided two assists in NT’s 5-0 defeat of visiting Lake Forest Academy on Sept. 7. Rutherford stopped four shots. … Felitto and NT senior forwards Alex Donnelly-Maine and Eric Plante each had a goal and an assist, and senior defender Ben Axelrod authored a pair of assists in a 7-0 rout of host Deerfield High School on Sept. 5. NT senior keeper Sam Warden made two saves. … Senior forward Ryan Krueger (off an assist from junior forward Sean Gooze) and senior defender Riles Walsh (unassisted) tallied the first two goals in NT’s 3-0 win over visiting St. Charles East in a Northside College Showcase contest on Aug. 31. Weaver initially got credit for the third goal, but Trevians coach Matt Ravenscraft cleared that up after the match. “It was an own goal,” the coach said. “Right after it was announced that Logan had scored, I looked at him, and he was shaking his head; Logan hadn’t scored. Honest guy.” Walsh’s goal in the same match, with 2:32 remaining in the first half, traveled at least 45 yards before scooting under the hands of a stunned Saints goalkeeper. NT led 2-0 at the half. As Ravenscraft walked off the home pitch in Northfield following the blanking of St. Charles East, he noticed a skunk scurrying near a bank of bleachers. A skunk sighting and a shutout, on the same night — how redundant.

Ryan Krueger. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

 

 

Football Gamer: Dable, NT top Conant

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Daniel Passeri of the Trevians hauls in a pass during his team’s win at Conant. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

If you can’t stand the heat, get … off the football field.

New Trier junior placekicker Graham Dable did nothing of the sort for the second time in less than a year on Sept. 15, kicking the game-winning field goal — a 39-yarder in the first minute of the fourth quarter — in the Trevians’ 10-7 defeat of host Conant in Hoffman Estates.

“We threw him into the fire last year [as a fill-in for starter Sam Rutherford] in the playoffs,” NT coach Brian Doll said, recalling his club’s 31-24 win over Marist in a Class 8A opener.

“Tonight,” the coach added, “he was a difference-maker.”

Rutherford, a senior attempting to compete concurrently as NT’s starting placekicker and as a New Trier varsity soccer goalkeeper in another busy fall season, chose to leave the football program earlier this week to focus only on soccer.

Dable had assumed the kicking duties against Marist last fall when Rutherford protected the nets in a postseason soccer match.

“It’s tough to juggle football and soccer and the academic demands of a New Trier education,” Doll said after his squad improved to 2-2 and Conant fell to 1-3. “Sam talked to the special-teams group about his decision; he was mature about it. He’d given us some great memories.”

Two of them: his pair of second-half field goals (37 and 30 yards) in NT’s 27-21 victory over eventual Class 8A state champ Maine South last fall.

Trevians senior defensive back Jacob Levy had a game to remember against Conant’s Cougars on Sept. 15, coming down with a pair of interceptions, including one on a fake punt attempt at 11:04 of the second quarter.

He’ll forever associate his second pick — at 5:14 of the third quarter — with pain.

“Halfway through [the play], I felt my legs start to cramp up,” said the 5-foot-9, 170-pound Levy, who intercepted a pass against York in the Trevs’ season-opening win on Aug. 25. “When I went up for the ball, my legs tightened up pretty badly … did not feel good at all.”

Junior running back Donovan Perkins opened the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run to cap an 88-yard drive in the first quarter. The highlight of the trip was senior wideout Daniel Passeri’s 57-yard reception from junior quarterback Carson Ochsenhirt, who finished with 109 yards passing (8-of-12) and a team-high 78 yards rushing (on 24 carries) in his first varsity start.

Conant — helmed by first-year coach Bryan Stortz, who guided Lake Zurich High School to the Class 7A state championship in 2007 — got on the board with a one-yard TD run at 1:24 of the second quarter.

Passeri finished with two catches for 62 yards, and NT senior wideout Anthony Nicholas grabbed a team-best five receptions for 42 yards.

Conant’s final possession of the night ended near midfield, with pressure from Trevians senior linebacker Max Kaufman forcing an incompletion from Cougars junior quarterback Kevin Polaski.

Kaufman had recovered a fumble at 1:13 of the third quarter.

On fourth down of the ensuing possession, Dable trotted out for that field-goal attempt.

A little Dable do ya.

Same goes for a big Dable field goal.

NT quarterback Carson Ochsenhirt tries to shed a tackler. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Carson Kosanovich of the Trevians tries to keep his balance after making a catch. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

NT’s Brian Sitzer brings down a Conant ballcarrier. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Peter Murray of the Trevians trips up a Conant running back. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Zane Albrecht of New Trier gets in position to make a tackle. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

New Trier’s Jacob Levy intercepts a pass on a fake punt attempt. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Anthony Nicholas of the Trevians makes a sideline grab. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

 

Week 4: HP gets into the win column

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Highland Park jumped ahead 21-0 and never looked back.

The Giants snapped a three-game losing streak by soundly beating host Prospect 31-7 on Sept. 15.

A 52-yard pass play from quarterback John Sakos to Giancarlo Volpentesta with 7:09 left in the second quarter was a highlight. That score combined with short touchdown runs by Tommy Motzko (1-yard) and Ryan Brincks (4-yard) put the Giants (1-3, 0-0) in control.

Brincks, who led the team in rushing (11 carries, 61 yards), also connected on a 30-yard field goal with no time left in the second quarter and added a two-yard TD run in the third quarter.

Sakos had another solid outing. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 177 yards.

Volpentesta caught three passes for 72 yards, while Noah Shutan made three grabs for 50 yards. Motzko had a 33-yard reception.

The other leading rushers were Jacob Joiner (7-47) and Jared Bloom (7-37).

Motzko and Luke Baldwin led HP’s defense with nine tackles each.

The other tackle leaders were Brincks (8), Marcus Shaw (7), Nick Heilizer (7), Kevin Kaufman (6), Jack Finfer (5), and Spitz (5).

Motzko, Heilizer and Kaufman recorded sacks.

With the loss, Prospect slipped to 1-3 on the season.

Loyola Academy 42, St. Francis 7

Loyola made a quick statement in this one.

With 10:07 left in the first quarter, senior quarterback Quinn Boyle tossed a 50-yard touchdown pass to junior Rory Boos.

It got even easier after that as the Ramblers (3-1) claimed a 42-7 road win at Wheaton St. Francis on Sept. 15.

Boyle ended up 6-for-7 for 91 yards, while backup quarterback Jack Fallon (4-7-0, 45 yards) tossed second-quarter TD passes to Charlie Gilroy (13 yards) and Andrew Forsyth (15 yards).

The team’s other scores came on the ground on runs by Hamid Bullie (1 yard), Tyler Flores (18 yards) and Alec Brownlee (23 yards).

LA finished the game with 363 yards. St. Francis (1-3) was limited to 85 yards.

Brownlee was the game’s leading rusher (7-77). Flores gained 24 yards on three carries, while Bullie ran seven times for 28 yards. Vernon Green had 23 yards on five attempts.

The leading receivers were Boos (2-59), Gilroy (2-21) and James Joyce (2-19).

Barrington 44, Glenbrook South 24

Glenbrook South had an early lead — a field goal by Julian Aragon — against one of the top teams in the state.

But, in the end, host Barrington proved to be too much as the Titans fell from the unbeaten ranks. The undefeated Broncos scored 28 unanswered points to gain a 44-24 victory.

GBS (3-1, 0-0) had some highlights. Senior running back Savontae (21 rushes, 77 yards) had touchdown runs of 10 and four yards.

Titans quarterback Jeffery Chrones scored on a 20-yard run with 2:05 left in the third quarter. The senior finished the night with three rushes for 37 yards, while he completed 10 of 17 passes for 115 yards.

GBS’s leading receivers were Garner (2-31), Andy Sirakides (3-28), Brandon Streb (3-18) and Aidan O’Dea (1-27).

Defensively, the Titans were led by Sirakides (6 tackles), Jack Budra (5 tackles, ½ sack), Brendan Darcy (4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss), Joe Villatte (3 tackles, 1 TFL), Jalen Covington (3 tackles), Andrew Gall (3 tackles) and Ryan O’Hara (1/2 sack).

Warren 36, Lake Forest 7

Bryan Ooms 46-yard touchdown reception excited a homecoming crowd at Lake Forest on Sept. 15.

Big moments like that one, however, were hard to come by for the Scouts, who dropped a 36-7 decision to a talented Warren team (3-1).

LF (2-2. 0-2) ended the game with only 97 yards and six first downs.

Warren wound up with 21 first downs and 378 yards.

Jack Mislinski threw the TD pass to Ooms. The senior quarterback finished the game 5 of 14 for 61 yards.

LF’s leading rusher was Jacob Thomas (6-16).

On the defensive side, Eddie Scheidler came up with his second interception of the season. He also registered six tackles, including one for loss.

The other defensive leaders were John Deering (8 tackles, 1 TFL), Chris Cavalaris (6 tackles, 1 TFL), Alex Moss (6 tackles), Will Wisniewski (5 tackles), Spencer Yauch (4 tackles, 1 fumble recovery), Rylie Mills (3 tackles, 2 TFLs) and Luca Passinato (3 tackles, 1 fumble recovery).


Fuelfed Coffee & Classics Winnetka

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CORT, CHARLIE & LOUIE MEGAN Photography by Nan Stein

North Shore European car club members showcased their pristine classic cars in downtown Winnetka, including the Amelia Island winning Aston DB4 and Lancia Stratos. Families enjoyed mingling with fellow car enthusiasts over classic European cars rarely seen outside museums. Fuelfed events are hosted throughout the Chicago area promoting the club’s passion of unique European automotive ownership. fuelfed.wordpress.com

SHARON & BARRY MILLMAN

MY LE, DAVE HEIPLE WITH REAGAN

ROBERT BERNAT

LISA, JOE, PARKER & ALEX CANEPARI

Winnetka Entrepreneur Teaches Altruism

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Nicole Jakob

What began as a love for art and a dislike for participation trophies led Winnetka resident Nicole Jakob to start Renegade Made, a line of craft and activity kits that teaches children the value of altruism. But she wanted to make sure the kits weren’t boring or preachy.

“The key was to make (the kits) slightly irreverent and cheeky for the kids so they feel like it is slightly naughty but it is all nice,” Jakob told DailyNorthShore.

Renegade Made produces four different kits aimed at children ages 8 years old and up. Each of the kits includes a craft project a child can make at home — either in a group or alone— and also suggests ideas on how to anonymously share that creation with a stranger to brighten their day.

Sounds fairly innocuous, so what’s the cheeky part? Each kit contains a renegade mask kids can wear as they carry out their secret plan. And each of the kits include irreverent designs and clever sayings.

Take the Random Acts of Flowers kit. Each kit includes tissue paper and materials to make 12 colorful flowers and a paper vase. Kids are encourage to don the renegade mask and hang the vase somewhere strangers will find it. Completely disguised, the renegade can hang back and watch as people take a flower with a leaf tag attached, that explains the flower is a gift and in return, they need to do something nice for someone else.

“I believe one hundred percent in this message. It had to be something I am passionate about,” Jakobs said, explaining why she started the business.

One of the other craft activities is a “Sidewalk Tagging Kit,” described on Renegade’s site as “everything a kid needs to become a famous graffiti artist” and includes cheeky messages like “Make Art Not Your Bed.” With the “Fairly Painless Tattoo Lounge for Charity,” renegades hold tattoo sessions and donate the proceeds to charity. The “Made You Look Kit” includes material to make fun art  for kids to decorate and share in public, such as the flyers that dare people to pick a funny fortune or put on a fake mustache supplied by the renegade.

Jakob, whose background includes graphic design and marketing, worked hard to create designs that everyone could enjoy. “I tried my hardest not to dumb-down the design for children so that adults could enjoy them too,” she said. She was also careful to create a product that was distinctly unisex, after observing that many crafts kits are marketed toward girls.

While Jakob conceived of the idea about three years ago, she didn’t bring the product to market until a little over a year ago. “I wanted the level of the product to be the same as the message,” she explained. Jakob solicited advice from her own three children, as well as friends. Her thirteen-year-old daughter was particularly helpful and acted as an “unpaid intern,” according to Jacob.

Jakob also sought advice from businesses such as the Children’s Gift Shop in Northfield, which now carries her line. “I think it is a great line and she is very creative. She has really done her due diligence,” Makrie Gekas, store owner, told DailyNorthShore. In addition to the Children’s Gift Shop, Renegade Made is sold locally at Lad & Lassie in Wilmette, Wild Child in Glencoe and The Book Stall in Winnetka. It’s also sold online and in stores across the country.

Gekas is not the only one to take notice of Renegade Made. Jakob has received awards from a number of reputable organizations including the Parents’ Choice Silver Award 2017, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award and Creative Child Magazine Product of the Year Award 2017.

While the kits were created with children in mind, Jakob said adults have enjoyed them as well, noting a sorority purchased the tattoo kit to raise money for a charity. Since altruism is the primary message of the Renegade Made, it’s only logical that a portion of Jakob profits are donated to two of her favorite charities: Random Acts of Flowers and Camp Kesem.

“I wanted to pick smaller charities that don’t get as much as the larger ones. I am a small company too and wanted to have a large impact,” Jakob said.

So far, Jakob has noticed that the Renegade Made kits empower children to do good, even in very small ways. “I am trying to show kids that it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be a silly little thing that makes people smile,” Jakob said.

For more information about Renegade Made go to www.renegade-made.com.

A stencil from the Sidewalk Tagging Kit.

A bouquet of flowers from the Random Acts of Flowers kit.

915 Euclid Avenue, Winnetka

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915 Euclid Avenue, Winnetka

5 Bedrooms, 4.2 Bathrooms
$1,249,000

Deborah Richwine
@properties
847.881.0200
debbierichwine@atproperties.com

Colonial home situated on quiet cul-de-sac!. Center entry, to your right is the spacious living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and wood-burning fireplace. Continue to family room with bookshelves, gas fireplace and large windows. Newer kitchen with white cabinets, all stainless appliances and large eat-in area. All new hardwood floors on first floor. Master bedroom on 2nd floor has ensuite bath. Basement has rec room, wine cellar and great storage. Large 85 x 210 lot. Pretty bluestone patio. in-ground lighting and sprinkler system.

Lagniappe-Potpourri Parodies New Trier

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New Trier students prepare the set, lighting and tech for Lagniappe-Potpourri 2018: Not What You Think.

WINNEKA – New Trier High School students will kick off the Performing Arts season later in September with the 74th production of Lagniappe-Potpourri, an original comedy that features student-created scenes, songs and dances as well as student-designed sets, lights, props and costumes.

Performances of Lagniappe-Potpourri 2018: Not What You Think are at 7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Sept. 26-28, in the Gaffney Auditorium on New Trier’s Winnetka Campus. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online here.

“Whether writing, building, composing, acting, dancing, managing, singing, designing, playing or painting, each member is key to the success of this fantastic production,” co-producer Grace Verhoog said of the 140 student members.

A primary objective of Lagniappe-Potpourri is to create successful adult-student mentoring relationships, and student board members work in collaboration with sponsors and mentors on decision-making and leadership throughout the entire process.

“The Lagniappe-Potpourri Production Team is the heart and soul of this production. These students worked tirelessly all summer long to make this project a reality. Our performances in September are the culmination of their amazing work,” added co-producer Alex DeTrempe.

The following students participated in this year’s production:

Leadership Board: Bibi Belknap-Fernandez, Elena Cata, Alex DeTrempe, Thomas Fischer, Jared Glaaser, Jacob Imber, William Kerpan, Marisol Lariviere, Lily Lederer, Andrew Morhun, Liam Oh, Elise Reehl, Margaret Seymour, Sarah Shapiro, Elaine Sowlat, Kara Struckman, Ella Torres, Grace Verhoog

Production Board: Henry Blasingame, Claire Chevalier, Marcus Chong, Mack Hall, Sofia Mena, Rachel Miller, Christian Tingle

Cast: Olivia Appel, Cammi Avery, Sara Bunge, Ethan Burfield, Lauren Ellis, Kelly Foy, Syd Heekin, Joshua Hoffman, Lucas Kane, Andrew Kline, Anna Kruger, Sydney Kunkler, Kathryn Madigan, Carly Martin, James McColl, Leah Merrill, Nicki Montenegro, Megan Morris, Frankie Nayman, Gracie Nayman, Mia Papoutsis, Jordyn Pritsker, Max Rezek-TeWinkle, Spencer Rosin, Maliha Sayed, Keaton Schiller, Chris Sciortino, Isaac Slomski-Pritz, Helen Ware

Pit Band: Jack Brereton, Roslyn Co, Andrew Feng, Yara Goldina, Stina Hawkinson, Cole Horvath, Joe Huang, Maia Law, Jack Maitra, Daniel Maloney, Sadie Michel, Liam Murphy, Danny Oh, Hitomi Ono, Jason Paul, Alexandra Riedinger, Mason Rodriguez Rand, Ava Schparago, Peter Seymore, Jack Tangen, JP Tucker, Florian Vining, Ryan Williamson

Scenic Construction and Stage Crew: Cameron Baba, Max Bennett, Jasper Bickers, Sage Bradford, Andrew Brierly, Jules Brown, Tori Budin, Noah Burfield, Claire Cohen, Quinton Eudy, Anna Feinerman, Isabella Figlioli, Daniel Friedland, Sydney Gaines-Wheeler, Jamie Goldman, Adiana Grossman, Mia Hales, Joe Handelman, Ellie Hartman, Katie Klaskin, Skye Ko, Brianna Logvinsky, Katie Maatman, Louie Madanguit, Owen May, Carter McDermott, Rachel Miller, Billy Nayman, Kira Noe, Julie Oelerich, Simon Okun, James Owen, Eva Roytburg, Grace Shin, Sidney Speicher, Zach Stein, Marie Tasiopoulos, Maggie Tinsley, Grace Tobey, Meici Yang, Renee Zhou, Greta Zimmer

Costume Crew: Kylie Boyd, Jules Brown, Lili Daskais, Alexis Heredia, Lillian Jones, Grace Lee, Yetong Li, Lilly Meehan-Egan, Jack Ryan, Rebecca Smith, Simone Wall, Noah Zelinsky

Sponsors: Nina Lynn, Kerri Simons, Matt Temple

Mentors: Cassie Bowers, Dave Ferguson, Denise Karczewski, Malcolm Ruhl, Bruce Daugherty, Hilerre Kirsch, Karli Blalock, Katie Kritek

 

Submitted by New Trier Township High School

NT’s Levy picks a good time to shine

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

New Trier senior special teamer and defensive back Jacob Levy knew exactly what do when Conant’s punter turned into an on-the-fly quarterback on a fourth down in the second quarter of a football game last weekend:

Get into attack mode.

“I saw his hand go up, preparing to pass,” Levy said. “Then I went after the pass. We’re told, ‘Attack the ball, attack the hands [of the intended receiver].’ ”

Levy’s alertness and aggressiveness resulted in an interception — his first of two picks in a 10-7 defeat of Conant in Hoffman Estates on Sept. 15.

Parts of Levy’s body attacked Levy moments before his second interception at 5:14 of the third quarter, with the teams locked in a 7-7 tie.

“Halfway through [the pass play], I felt my legs start to cramp up,” said the 5-foot-9, 170-pound Levy, who intercepted his first pass of the season in NT’s season-opening 31-0 win against York on Aug. 25.

“When I went up for the ball, my legs tightened up pretty badly … did not feel good at all.”

But that attack failed to stifle Levy on a muggy night, and he came down with the pigskin at NT’s 24-yard line and remained flat on his back for several minutes.

The pain abated, eventually.

“Big one,” Trevians football coach Brian Doll said of Levy’s second INT. “We needed it; that stopped Conant’s momentum. Jacob sure has a knack for finding the ball.”

At the beginning of the season, Levy served as a “rotation guy,” or a guy who would occasionally come in and out for another mate in the secondary. He secured his very first varsity interception last fall, in the waning moments of a blowout.

New Trier junior Graham Dable started the season as a backup kicker.

“Good kid,” Levy said. “We were in a similar position before the opener. We both kept battling, kept our heads up.”

Dable, like Levy, stood out in the game against Conant’s Cougars (1-3). The Trevians’ new starting placekicker — since senior starter Sam Rutherford chose to leave the football program last week in order to commit fully to tending soccer nets as a captain/goalkeeper — booted the game-winning field goal, a 39-yarder, in the first minute of the fourth quarter.

“We threw [Dable] into the fire last year [as a fill-in for Rutherford],” Doll said, recalling his club’s 31-24 defeat of Marist in a Class 8A playoff opener in late October — on the night in which Rutherford competed for the Trevians’ soccer team in a postseason match.

“Tonight,” Doll added last weekend, “Graham was a difference-maker.”

Trevians junior quarterback Carson Ochsenhirt had an impact, too, passing for 109 yards (8-of-12) and rushing for a team-high 78 yards on 24 carries in his first varsity start. Ochsenhirt’s 57-yard heave to senior wideout Daniel Passeri highlighted NT’s lone touchdown drive, an 88-yard trip that junior running back Donovan Perkins capped with a one-yard burst with 49 ticks left in the first quarter.

Passeri finished with two receptions for 62 yards. Ochsenhirt connected with senior wideout Anthony Nicholas five times for 42 yards.

“We had to learn to walk with our new quarterback tonight,” Doll said after his squad improved to 2-2. “We gave him a simple package, some basic plays. It’ll grow from here. Carson did a great job, running the way he did in key situations; I’m proud of him. He took a lot of hits.

“We’ll spread teams out with Carson’s [dual-threat] abilities.”

New Trier’s defense limited an opponent to seven points or fewer for the third time in four weeks. Trevians senior Max Kaufman recovered a fumble at 1:13 of the third quarter — setting the stage for Dable’s clincher — and pressured Cougars junior quarterback Kevin Polaski on a fourth-and-seven on the host’s last possession.

Polaski’s final flick fell incomplete.

Junior linebacker Brian Sitzer also came up big on that last drive, recording a sack on a first-and-10.

The 5-8, 155-pound Perkins, also a punt returner and a defensive back, made two stops in the red zone in the second quarter after his short TD run had opened the scoring.

“Donovan does it all for us,” Doll said. “Great coverage kid, great tackler.”

Notable: New Trier hosts Niles West (0-4) in a Central Suburban League South opener on Sept. 22 (7:30 p.m.). The Wolves have been outscored 147-17 this fall. NT has scored 53 points to its opponents’ 50 in four games. … New Trier played without injured starters Brian Kaiser (wide receiver), Chamberlain Coffee (offensive lineman/linebacker) and Duke Olges (tight end/linebacker) last weekend. All are expected to return to action against Niles West. … Trevians football coach Brian Doll, on senior kicker Sam Rutherford’s decision to turn in his football uniform and play just soccer this fall: “It’s tough to juggle football and soccer and the academic demands of a New Trier education. Sam talked to the special-teams group about his decision; he was mature about it. He’d given us some great memories.” Rutherford kicked 37- and 30-yard field goals in the second half of NT’s 27-21 victory over eventual Class 8A state champion Maine South last fall. The win halted Maine South’s 16-year, CSL South winning streak at 77 games. … NT senior defensive back Jacob Levy, on his two interceptions in his team’s 10-7 defeat of host Conant on Sept. 15: “The only thing I care about now is that score on the scoreboard. That’s a win; we’ll take it. We did not want to head home with a 1-3 record.” … Conant first-year football coach Bryan Stortz guided Lake Zurich High School to the Class 7A state championship in 2007 and went 62-16 in six seasons with the Bears before serving as head coach at Rock Island High School from 2012-16.

Jacob Levy gets the INT after wrestling the ball away from a Conant receiver. NO. 24 is Matt Mosher. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Winnetka D-36 Seeks Community Input

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WINNETKA – District 36 is conducting Future Ready D36, its first Educational Master Facility Plan in 20 years. Future Ready D36 is a holistic process that will measure, validate, quantify and qualify opportunities to align the District’s school facilities, enrollment, and vision for teaching and learning to meet the needs of current and future students in a fiscally responsible manner. The District invites Winnetka community members to engage in the Future Ready D36 process.

For all who wish to learn more and share input, there will be many community engagement opportunities centered around Future Ready D36. The first sessions, specific to each school facility, are scheduled for to begin the last week of September 2017:

  • Monday, September 25, 2017
    7 p.m.-9 p.m.
    The Skokie School
  • Tuesday, September 26, 2017
    7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
    Crow Island School
  • Wednesday September 27, 2017
    7 p.m.-9 p.m.
    Carleton Washburne School
  • Monday, October 2, 2017
    7 p.m.-9 p.m.
    Hubbard Woods School
  • Tuesday, October 3, 2017
    7 p.m.-9 p.m.
    Greeley School

For community members who would like to become involved in this initiative in a more formal capacity, please complete an application to serve on the Future Ready D36 Core Team by visiting the District website (www.winnetka36.org) or clicking here: https://goo.gl/G2UcEp. The application will be available through September 20. The Core Team will serve as a Superintendent advisory committee consisting of teachers, administrators, community members, and a board member. An overview of the charge of the Future Ready D36 Core Team, as well details on the time commitment involved during the 2017-2018 school year, are included in the application.

Community members are also encouraged to visit the Future Ready D36 webpage to stay informed on upcoming meeting dates and view meeting materials related to Future Ready D36.

Submitted by Winnetka Public Schools District 36

ZIA Opens Mary Burke Exhibit

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WINNETKA – The art season has begun with Art Expo and gallery openings. The latest event at ZIA Gallery introduces Mary Burke’s new paintings, fresh and vibrant abstractions with references to the physicality of paint and the endless rich variations of marks and gestures.

Mary says of her work, “Formally, my work manifests the play of design elements which are created through a combination of accidental and intentional marks. I love the paint to entertain me, and then I respond. I work expressively with line, intermingling non-figurative, gestural marks with those that reference plants and flowers.”

Inherent in her work is a fascination with nature’s complexities. She loves to experiment branching off with her painterly explorations in a variety of directions, expanding her vocabulary of forms and color. At the core, however, is her recognizable self-expression. Chicago native Mary Burke now makes her studio in the woods of southwest Michigan.

The National Parks inform the complementary exhibition of black and white, mostly, silver gelatin photographs by renowned artist Clyde Butcher. The exhibition shows his passion for nature and the richness of the land. Clyde has captured the very essence of rewards offered by our unique park system. His images serve as ambassadors making the case on behalf of these landscapes themselves. Fifty years in the making, this collection of sensitive photographs helps to celebrate our national heritage and the places that tell the story of who we are and who we hope to be in perpetuity. Clyde has chosen to compile a remarkable body of black and white, mostly, silver gelatin prints to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our National Parks. ZIA Gallery is pleased to introduce to lovers of nature and fine photography of the Chicago area, this stunning tribute.

At the time of the exhibition opening Clyde Butcher was hunkered down to stave off the forces of Hurricane Irma. Thankfully, all are well and cleanup is in progress. Over the years Clyde Butcher has become known for his efforts in bringing forth the wonders of the Everglades and the importance of their preservation.

Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns states, “Clyde Butcher’s remarkable photographs give us an access to nature we rarely see or experience. They not only reveal the intimate and majestic beauty of nature, but they also remind us of the abiding kinship we mortals share when we work together to preserve these magnificent places. Butcher’s art is a national treasure.”

The exhibitions continue at ZIA Gallery through October 7.

Painter Mary Burke with two of her creations.

 


New Trier Dems Plan Annual Dinner

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WINNETKA – Congressman Mike Quigley will discuss his work on intelligence and national security issues and Democrat gubernatorial candidates Daniel Biss, Chris Kennedy, JB Pritzker and possibly others will reveal their plans at the New Trier Democrats Annual Dinner, Sunday evening, October 8 at Maggiano’s Old Orchard.

Quigley represents Chicago’s north side and parts of DuPage County, including Hinsdale. He will address current national security issues and provide an update on the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. The Democratic primary is March 20th and the gubernatorial victor will face Gov. Bruce Rauner in November.

Also expected at the New Trier Democrats Annual Dinner are U.S. Congresspersons Jan Schakowsky and Brad Schneider, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, State Senator Julie Morrison, State Reps. Robyn Gabel, Laura Fine, Scott Drury and Elaine Nekritz, and Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin. New Trier Democratic Committeeman Dean Maragos will be host. The 2017 Annual Dinner includes a 5:00 p.m. reception and 6:15 p.m. dinner. Information and tickets are available at www.ntdo.com.

New Trier Democrats have dedicated themselves since the 1960s to promoting government integrity and helping North Shore neighbors become involved in the political process. Strong grassroots volunteerism helps it thrive. The organization is based at 800 Oak Street, Winnetka, 847-446-8030, www.ntdo.org, Facebook New Trier Democrats.

Submitted by New Trier Democrats

Winnetka Children’s Author Wins Book Award

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The book jacket for “Dancing with Tex”

WINNETKA – Lynn Sanders’ very first writing award sits framed over her desk. She earned it in second grade at a South Side elementary school for writing a poem about Chicago.

The Winnetka resident hasn’t stopped writing since. And she continues to win awards for her writing.

On September 15, the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) announced that Sanders was selected as its 2017 Conservation Author of the Year for her children’s book, Dancing with Tex: The Remarkable Friendship to Save the Whooping Cranes. In the book, Sanders tells the inspiring true story of ornithologist Dr. George Archibald’s efforts to successfully breed an endangered whooping crane named Tex.

“I feel very strongly that the world needs more positivity. I am motivated to get out more positive stories that educate and inspire,” Sanders told DailyNorthShore.

Sanders first heard the story of Tex and Dr. Archibald in 1995 when she was hired by Amoco to co-produce a video of the International Crane Foundation in Wisconsin, an organization Dr. Archibald had co-founded.

Off camera, Dr. Archibald told Sanders the story of how he had befriended a rare whooping crane named Tex who had been imprinted as a baby chick by a zookeeper to believe humans were her real family.

Whooping cranes perform a mating dance before laying eggs, and so Dr. Archibald danced with Tex for six years until she finally laid a fertile egg. Tex’s baby eventually had her own baby chicks, boosting a population of endangered birds on the verge of extinction.

Sanders never forgot such an inspiring story of how one man’s perseverance make a difference. She was determined to write a children’s book, never mind that over the years she had primarily focused on commercial writing for companies. Sanders took courses, networked and joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

But Sanders also experienced some set backs. In 2004, three people close to Sanders, including her mother, died in one year. “It shook me up and I realized that our time on Earth is limited. I decided I wanted to write about something that made a difference,” she said.

And so Sanders began shifting her writing to focus on organizations that focus on environmental issues, healthcare and education. She also continued to work on writing George and Tex’s story. Sanders ultimately decided to self-publish the book, after the traditional publisher she had signed a book contract with ran out of money.

Sanders raised money through online crowd funding to hire an illustrator, and she persevered through setbacks to find the perfect artist to illustrate her book. She even pushed on when her son suffered a stroke. “The only happy thing I could do was to focus on the story,” she said.

Sanders acknowledges that nearly 20 years to publish the book was a long haul, but she believes her own story runs parallel to the book’s story. “My achievement is symbolic. I want youth and adults to never give up on their dreams,” she said. Just like Dr. Archibald — who persevered with an idea that many were skeptical of — Sanders held on to her dream.

“Everything comes from the inside out and you have to believe in yourself to see results. You have to put in your time,” Sanders said.

Dancing with Tex: The Remarkable Friendship to Save the Whooping Cranes is available online and locally at The Book Stall in Winnetka, Wild Birds in Glenview and the gift shop at The Botanic Gardens in Glencoe.

Dr. Archibald and Tex dancing. Photograph courtesy of The International Crane Foundation.

 

The author and Dr. Archibald.

Save the Date: Hounds for Hadley

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Hounds for Hadley 2016

WINNETKA — Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired will host Hounds for Hadley, a family-fun, charity dog-walking event, on Saturday, October 14, 9:00 a.m., at 700 Elm Street, in Winnetka.

Pre-registration is now available and can be made online by visiting www.hadley.edu/hounds. Entry is $30 for individuals ($40 day of event) or $80 for a family ($100), and includes a t-shirt, doggy bandana, goody bag and raffle ticket.

Walkers will enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery as they strut their mutts on a leisurely two-mile walk through Winnetka. The event will include complimentary refreshments for both people and pups, trick treat fun and plenty of raffle prizes.

Participants are encouraged to dress their dogs, and themselves, for Halloween and compete in the Hounds for Hadley costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for the three best costumes and to the largest fundraiser.

Funds raised will help support people with sight loss to thrive at home, at work, and in their communities. Participants are encouraged to invite friends and family to donate to the walk, in support of Hadley’s distance education courses, seminars, and instructional videos for people who are blind or visually impaired, their families, and service providers.

To register, sponsor or make a donation, contact Joe Flint at (847) 784-2765 or email joe@hadley.edu.

Submitted by Hadley Institute for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Founded in 1920 by William Hadley and Dr. E.V.L. Brown, Hadley offers learning opportunities free of charge to adults with vision loss and their families, and affordable tuition to blindness professionals. Today, Hadley is the largest provider of distance education for people who are blind or visually impaired around the world, serving more than 100,000 learners annually in all 50 states and in 100countries. Hadley is also the largest educator of braille worldwide. A 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, Hadley relies on contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations to fund its programs.

Lynch’s picks help Ramblers roll past Friars

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FOOTBALL RECAP

Loyola Academy’s John Lynch (No. 24) intercepts a pass intended for Fenwick’s Jack Polston. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

John Lynch impersonated … John Lynch.

The Loyola Academy senior defensive back — no relation to the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos defensive back — turned in an elite performance in his team’s 41-14 victory over visiting Fenwick on Sept. 23.

“At the start of the year, we were wondering if he would step up,” said Loyola head coach John Holecek. “He has.

“He’s had a heck of a year so far,” the coach added. “He’s been a shutdown corner.”

Lynch, a first-year starter at cornerback for the Ramblers (4-1), intercepted a pair of passes in the contest.

“First two of my career,” said Lynch.

For the record, the other John Lynch — the current GM for the San Francisco 49ers, known mostly as a ferocious hitter — finished his 15-year pro career with 26 INTs.

Also, for the record, Lynch’s first pick against Fenwick was … NFL-like.

While defending a deep sideline route late in the first quarter, Lynch — also a basketball player at the school — went up high and “won a jump ball” against Fenwick wideout Jack Polston.

“A 50-50 ball,” said Lynch. “And I was able to come down with it.”

Three minutes and 43 seconds later, LA turned the turnover into seven points to take a 14-0 lead with 5.5 seconds left in the opening quarter.

Pick No. 2 wasn’t as spectacular. But it was just as vital.

It came on Fenwick’s first series of the second half. And Lynch nearly turned it into a pick six, returning the ball to the Friars’ 10-yard line.

There was a cost, however. On the runback, Lynch sustained a left shoulder injury. He finished the game with an ice pack wrap around his shoulder.

“A deep bruise,” said Lynch. “I should be fine by Tuesday.”

Three plays after the interception, LA went up 24-7 as quarterback Quinn Boyle connected with Dillon Grant on a six-yard fade in the left corner of the end zone.

Stepping up on the defensive end has always been Lynch’s thing.

He’s also a defensive ace on the basketball court.

“I always want to guard the other team’s best player. Lock him down and chase down the loose balls,” said Lynch. “Playing ‘D’ is how I’ve found my way.”

 

LA’s Game Balls: John Lynch (DB), Quinn Boyle (QB), Hamid Bullie (RB), John Costello (LB), Christopher Scott (LB), Dillon Grant (WR)

Fenwick Game Ball: Mike O’Laughlin (WR)

LA’s Offensive Player of the Game: Boyle

LA’s Defensive Player of the Game: Lynch

LA’s Offensive Stat Leaders:

— Boyle (16 rushes, 122 yards; 12-33-1 passing, 205 yards, 2 TDs)

— Bullie (14 rushes, 60 yards, 8-yard TD run, 1-yard TD run; 2 catches, 8 yards)

— Grant (5 catches, 36 yards, 6-yard TD catch)

— Artie Collins (4 catches, 54 yards, 12-yard TD catch)

— Andrew Forsyth (4 catches, 34 yards)

— Rory Boos (3 catches, 31 yards)

— James Joyce (2 catches, 32 yards)

— Alex King (1 catch, 10 yards)

— John Fallon (5 rushes, 28 yards)

Fenwick’s Offensive Stat Leaders:

— O’Laughlin (8 catches, 131 yards, 24-yard TD catch, 5-yard TD catch)

LA’s Defensive Stat Leaders:

— Lynch (2 tackles, 2 INTs)

— Costello (5 tackles)

— Scott (3 tackles, 5-yard QB sack)

— Marty Geary (3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss)

— Kelly Hugh (1 INT)

— Timothy Thompson (2 TFLs)

— Andrew Shearson (fumble recovery)

LA’s Unsung Hero: Danny Baker

Notable: With senior star Anthony Rodriguez not suiting up for the game (concussion protocol), the tandem of Christopher Scott and John Costello saw even more action than usual at inside linebacker. “All three of those guys play a lot so we were OK,” said LA head coach John Holecek. “I’m really proud with the way Scott is developing. He’s the brains of the operation back there. And Costello is a tough kid. He’ll hit you like a ton of bricks. He brings a physical element.”… Danny Baker continues to be solid weapon for the Ramblers. He nailed a 42-yard field goal in the first half and added a 36-yard field goal in the second half. He also capped a couple of his kickoffs with tackles. … Check your twitter (@qpboyle7). LA quarterback Quinn Boyle added a little pizzazz to his position just before halftime. He received a bunch of oohs and aahs from LA fans — and teammates — when he scrambled out of the pocket, ran to his left and hurdled over an unsuspecting defensive back. The seven-yard pickup gave LA a first down at the Fenwick 44. Six plays later, Baker drilled a 41-yard field goal with 6 second left in the half. “That showed Quinn’s great athleticism,” said Holecek. “It also showed you how competitive he is. He’ll risk whatever to make a play.”

LA quarterback Quinn Boyle stretches for more yards. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Armoni Dixon of the Ramblers chases Fenwick quarterback Danny Cronin. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Rory Boos of the Ramblers tries to shake off Fenwick’s Solomon Singelton. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

The official becomes a part of play as Quinn Boyle tries to break free from Fenwick’s Jason Ivery. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

John Costello crashes into Fenwick quarterback Danny Cronin. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

LA running back Hamid Bullie rushes the ball against Fenwick. He had a pair of TD runs. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Dillon Grant of the Ramblers makes a TD grab against Fenwick’s Lorenzano Blakeney. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

Dillon Grant receives a lift from Charlie Gross after scoring his touchdown. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

 

LA’s Phillips making quite an impression

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Loyola Academy’s Luke Phillips heads the ball during earlier action this season. The senior tri-captain PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK GORSKI

The Rambler with a thousand voices — a slight exaggeration — used the one he was born with after a soccer match earlier this month.

Senior left back Luke Phillips and his Loyola Academy teammates had lost 4-0 to visiting New Trier on Sept. 16.

“We took it on the chin today,” said the 5-foot-9, 130-pound Phillips, a tri-captain (with senior defender Jonas Madison an junior midfielder Christian Jimenez) for a 9-3 team (through Sept. 25). “But we’re good, very good; I like the makeup of our team.

“I’m very lucky to be able to play with a group of guys like we have.”

Consider yourself fortunate if you’ve ever heard Phillips do a vocal impression of President Donald Trump.

Or King Julien from the Madagascar movies.

Or Cubs radio broadcaster Pat Hughes.

Or TV and radio sports announcer Kevin Harlan.

The young man has a good ear and plenty of talent. Put Phillips on a stage at a Zanies Comedy Club, and you wouldn’t want his gig to end.

“I am not as good as my cousin, Daniel [a Hersey High School graduate and a sophomore at the University of Illinois],” said Phillips, the play-by-play voice of Rambler Radio for LA football and basketball games. “Close your eyes and listen to him, and you’d swear you’re in the same room as the person he’s imitating. It all started with the two of us mimicking movie lines. Daniel is quite a character — and one of my role models. He’s like a brother to me. I’m in touch with him at least once a week.”

Phillips showed deft touch in the match against New Trier, trapping a zippy second-half pass near midfield and quickly distributing the ball to junior midfielder Collin Leider. Later, back on familiar ground in front of his goalkeeper, Phillips’ speed and high soccer IQ combined to disrupt attacks by NT forwards.

The sun and muggy conditions should have sapped Phillips, an FC United club player and an 80-minute-per-match booter in 80-minute matches.

They failed to do so.

An elite Ironman athlete would happily trade his or her first-string bike for Phillips’ stamina.

“Luke is an important piece of our team,” Ramblers boys soccer coach Baer Fisher said of the former midfielder who shifted to defense as a first-year varsity member last fall. “Real steady, a leader and a great captain. His mentality from the end of last year to now … he’s a hungrier kid, always wanting to improve. That kind of willingness makes his teammates better.”

Teammate Roger Akela, a senior forward, admires Phillips, the soccer player; Phillips, the leader; and Phillips, a younger version of Frank Caliendo, the comic known for his spot-on impersonation of former NFL coach and NFL TV color commentator John Madden.

“Luke is a funny and intelligent guy, with a great personality,” Akela said. “When he plays soccer he’s focused, ambitious and hardworking, and he talks when we need him to talk.”

A Wilmette resident with four younger siblings (Madeline, Meredith, John and James), Phillips played mostly soccer and basketball and ran for cross country teams before enrolling at LA in the fall of 2014. His love for soccer made him drop cross country, another fall sport, but it didn’t stop him from hustling as a middle distance runner on LA track and field teams.

Phillips helped the varsity’s 1600-meter relay team capture a Catholic League title last spring with a personal-best 400-meter time of 52.4. He took runner-up honors in the 800 (1.59.4) at the same meet and later missed qualifying for state in the 800 by two seconds at a sectional.

The two major influences in Phillips’ life?

Jim and Laura Phillips — Luke’s father and mother.

Jim became director of intercollegiate athletics and recreation at Northwestern University in 2008 and was named NU’s vice president for athletics & recreation four years later. A former athletic director at Northern Illinois University, Jim is in his 10th year at the Big Ten school in Evanston.

“Purple tie and white starchy shirt, plus a full-on navy blue suit,” Luke said of his father’s uniform at NU athletic events. “My mentor, my biggest hero. My dad is an incredible leader at home and at work, and he’s incredibly loyal. I admire his work ethic and the way he shows respect for people wherever he happens to be.

“And my mom,” he added, “what an angel, with all she has done for our family.”

The voice Luke Phillips used to express such sincere thoughts?

His own.

Notable: Loyola Academy’s boys soccer team defeated host St. Joseph 3-0 on Sept. 19 and blanked visiting Brother Rice 1-0 two days later. The Ramblers had won five straight matches from Aug. 31-Sept. 12, outscoring their opponents 16-2. … With only 1:20 left in Loyola Academy’s match with visiting New Trier on Sept. 16, Ramblers senior tri-captain Jonas Madison, from his team’s sideline, continued to bark encouraging words to his teammates. The score at the time: New Trier 4, LA 0. “You’re not going to find a player with more intensity or with a better work ethic than Jonas’,” LA senior tri-captain Luke Phillips said. … Phillips is considering Northwestern, Duke and Notre Dame for the next stop along his educational path. … Phillips attended Northwestern’s home football game against Bowling Green on Sept. 16, hours after the NT-LA boys soccer match at the Munz Campus in Glenview. NU won 49-7. “I’ve always enjoyed going to those games and taking in a college-football atmosphere from a seat in the stands,” Phillips said.

LA’s Luke Phillips. PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK GORSKI

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