RIDGE IEWS Volume 20, No. 17 B Highlighting Community NewsV and Events October 2011

79th Street project complete, Bridge work: 71st Street project under way

Traffic moves across the 79th Street bridge (above) after the completion of the repair project, which was funded by the State of . fter a year of work that was larly uses 71st Street. delayed by construction issues, Bridgeview is the only Illinois com- lane changes and traffic backups, munity to be approved for federal funds Athe safety barrels are gone and the 79th as part of the CREATE improvement Street bridge repairs are complete. plan. State and federal funds are being The final touches were made to the used for the underpass, which is being bridge deck and railings on Sept. 16, built without any local funds required. and all lanes of 79th Street are now open Once complete, the underpass will again. give Bridgeview residents and other The project to rebuild the bridge, motorists full use of 71st Street, reduce which was originally constructed in the rush-hour traffic on Oketo Avenue, cut early 1950s, was funded 100 percent by down truck traffic on 79th Street, and the State of Illinois. Work has begun on the 71st Street railroad generally make the entire community Completion couldn’t have come at a underpass project. more accessible. better time. During construction, all traffic is being No sooner were work crews opening underpass as part of a federal railroad detoured down Harlem Avenue to 79th 79th Street than they were closing 71st improvement plan. Street, over to Roberts Road and then Street to all traffic between Harlem Av- The project is designed to speed back to 71st Street. enue and Roberts Road until next May. rail traffic through the area Both projects are another example The road closed on Sept. 19 so crews and reduce street traffic delays, which of Bridgeview improving the life of its can build a long-awaited railroad should please any motorist who regu- citizens at no cost to them. For the latest BridgeViews updates, log on to http://www.bridgeviews.net Page 2 BRIDGEVIEWS October 2011 Fire Prevention Month reminds us to review safety advice and tips ridgeview Trustee Patt TVs, monitors, radios, pow- Higginson reminds erful lamps, appliances, etc. Bresidents that October is Fire to prevent overheating. Prevention Month and on be- • Never leave cooking half of the Bridgeview Fire unattended. Department asks residents • Never pour water on a and businesses to review grease fire; turn off the stove fire escape plans and offers and tightly cover the pan some fire prevention advice with a lid. and tips. • It’s wise to have a fire ex- Use smoke alarms tinguisher near the kitchen. and carbon monoxide detectors Escaping from a fire • Install smoke alarms on • Have an escape plan. Regularly review and prac- Standing with the ceremonial fire bell donated by the family of Pat every level of your residence, Hutton are (front row from left): Wayne Hutton (Pat's husband), including the basement. tice EDITH (Exit Drills in Trustee Claudette Struzik, Angela Burdelik (Pat's daughter), Trustee • Install a working carbon the Home) with your family. Patt Higginson, and Angela’s children; (back row, from left): Bridge- monoxide detector in the • Stay low to the floor, view firefighter Keith Gradziel, Lt. Dave Lis, firefighter Bob Denson, common area of the bed- where the air is safer, when firefighter Jeff Wojciak, and Battalion Chief Rick Brown. rooms. escaping from a fire. • Test and clean smoke • Make sure windows are alarms once a month and not nailed or painted shut. Ceremonial fire bell donated replace batteries twice a year. • Never lock fire exits or Replace smoke alarms once doorways, halls or stairways. every 10 years. Never prop stairway or other in memory of Pat Hutton fire doors open. n Sept. 21, the family of working in the fire department Appliance safety • Remember, if your Pat Hutton presented to were her fondest and wanted clothes catch on fire — Stop! Othe Bridgeview Fire Depart- to honor that bond. The family • Never leave your home Drop! and Roll until the fire with the clothes dryer run- is out! ment a ceremonial bell in Pat's discovered that our fire depart- ning. • Don’t panic. Get out of memory. ment would borrow a ceremoni- • Clean the lint screen and the house and stay out. Call Pat was a village employee al bell from other communities, duct frequently to keep the 911 from a neighbor’s house for many years until her illness as they did not have one. It was airway clear. and wait for the fire depart- forced her into retirement. Her then obvious what they would • Allow air space around ment to arrive. family knew that Pat’s years of do to honor their beloved. Bridgeview Police visit schools to discuss problem of bullying ridgeview Trustee Norma Wojciak told students that have a hard time defending and friends, lead by example, Pinion reports that Sep- bullying is a serious problem themselves. Bullies want to do not accept that bullying Btember was Bully Prevention that can happen anywhere to hurt people. Bullies pick on is a part of life or growing Month and that during the anybody and can be face- the same victims over and up, listen and believe your month, Bridgeview Police to-face, by text message over again. children when they say they Officer Patty Wojciak visited or through social media on Bullying can be as simple are victims of bullying, con- every school in the village the Internet. Bullies are not as name-calling and teasing. tact school authorities if you to inform the students about limited by age, gender or It can involve rumors, leaving suspect bullying, explain that bullying. education. Bullying is not a people out of social gather- teasing is not acceptable be- Wojciak warned students phase and it is never funny. ings and intentionally break- havior, encourage your child that cyber-bullying is a Bullying can cause lasting ing up friendships. Technol- to be a role model, never crime. She said parents need harm. ogy has made it easier for encourage your child to settle to realize that Facebook’s Bullying is an abuse of bullies to do their worst. problems with a fist fight. policy is that a user must be power. Bullies use their Some tips for parents in- If you need more informa- at least 13 years old to be on power to control or harm and clude communicate with your tion, contact Wojciak at the their site. the people being bullied may children and ask about school Bridgeview Police Dept. October 2011 BRIDGEVIEWS Page 3

VILLAGE OF BRIDGEVIEW

MAYOR Steven M. Landek

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Norma Pinion James Cecott Patricia Higginson Mary Sutton Michael Pticek Claudette Struzik

VILLAGE CLERK Congrats, Bridgeview Beautification Contest winners! John Altar Robert & Helen Lewis, 7024 Garden Lane Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Bukowski, 9237 Beloit Harold & Virginia Nix, 7815 W. 73rd Place Fred & Diane Imrisek, 9243 Stanford VILLAGE CUSTOMER Elzbieta & Stanislaw Kopec, 7916 W. 80th St. Noe, Daniel Renne DeLatorre, 7627 Octavia SERVICE HOURS James Malcolm & Kay Lovitt, Lot 1891, 8800 S. Harlem Zofia & Jozef Chraca, 8132 Odell Mon, Tues., Thurs., Fri.: Tadeusz & Marianna Niezgoda, 7933 W. 79th Place Stanley & Maria Urbanowicz, 8420 Octavia 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Patricia Radloff, 9206 Homestead Erik & Jessica Mitchell, 7511 S. Oketo Wed.: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat.: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 7500 S. Oketo Avenue AARP offers Bridgeview, IL 60455 ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE IN BRIDGEVIEW (708) 594-2525 driver safety Fax (708) 924-8095 program Oktoberfest for 55 and older: Oct. 14

The AARP is of- Bridgeview Mayor Steve Landek and the Bridgeview Village One convenient fering a driver safety Board invite residents 55 and older to Oktoberfest on Friday, Oct. number for: program for seniors 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Stadium Club at Toyota Park. PUBLIC WORKS on Nov. 1-2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Guests will be able to dance, sing along to musical favorites, BUILDING DEPT. day at Village Hall, and enjoy an afternoon of good food and good friends. COMMUNITY SERVICES 7500 S. Oketo Ave. Make your reservations by calling Pam at 708-594-1818. (708) 594-2525 You must attend Let the village know if you need a ride. both days to earn FIRE and POLICE credit that may Senior Fair and Expo set for Nov. 4 make you eligible Emergencies only: 911 for a safe-driving Enjoy the Good Life in Bridgeview is bringing a Senior Fair and discount on your car Expo to the Bridgeview Community Center next month. Fire non-emergency The free information and fun event will run from 10:30 a.m. to (708) 924-8250 insurance. The fee is $14 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, and is open to all residents 55 and Police non-emergency per person ($12 for older and also to senior caregivers. (708) 458-2131 AARP members). There will be speakers, raffles, food, fun, information booths, Free for veterans or hands-on demonstrations and health screenings. TOYOTA PARK spouses of veter- ans. You must have Chicago Fire soccer, The Village of Bridgeview, through Aging Well, is offering proper ID. Payment concerts, special events is due on the first day (708) 594-7200 of class. FLU SHOTS Class size is limited at the Bridgeview Community Center, Friday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon SPORTS DOME to 35. To reserve a Flu shots are provided by Preventacare. Availability, pricing spot, call the Bridge- Medicare Part B Acccepted. You must bring your Medicare card. view Police Depart- Non-Medicare cost is $25. (708) 924-8290 ment at 708-458-2131. Bridgeview Community Center, 708-594-1818 Page 4 BRIDGEVIEWS October 2011 October 2011 BRIDGEVIEWS Page 5 What's happening at Toyota Park? Fire, frights and football are among the treats at Toyota Park in October. Bliss will kiss home season goodbye on Oct. 7 The Chicago Bliss women’s football team will play its season finale against the Green Bay Chill at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7. The Bliss was an inaugural member of the Lingerie Football League in 2004 and moved their home games to Toyota Park this season. The players run around in what most The Chicago Bliss will closely resemble two-piece bathing play its season finale suits, but they also wear helmets, mouth on Friday, Oct. 7 at guards, and shoulder, knee and elbow Toyota Park. pads. They also slam into each other like good football players and occasionally bounce off the turf. They play on an Arena football sized field (50 yards by 30 yards), they play two 17-minute halves and there are seven players on the field. After October’s match, their final two games are on the road. For tickets and team information, visit www.mychicagobliss.com. Fire's season wraps up The Chicago Fire will wrap up their 2011 season with two games in October. They face off against FC Dallas at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 12 and their season finale vs. the Columbus Crew will start at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 22. For ticket information, visit www. chicago-fire.com. Frightful fun at Haunted Hollow Then there are the ghosts and goblins that will be running around as part of the Haunted Hollow on Oct. 14-16, Oct. 21, Oct. 23, and Oct. 28-31. Times are 7-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 7-10 p.m. on Sunday and Halloween. Tickets cost $10 per person for ages 7 and older. For information, visit www. bridgeviewhauntedhouse.com. Tow Trucks for Tots to return in November Oktoberfest for 55 and up The 4th Annual Tow Trucks for Tots Bridgeview followed by food, music, The village will host an Oktoberfest Parade will be returning to Toyota Park at games and tours of Toyota Park. for residents 55 and older on Friday, 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. Visit www.towtrucksfortots.com for Oct. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be a parade from Joliet to more information. at the Stadium Club. Page 6 BRIDGEVIEWS October 2011

LIBRARY NEWS AND EVENTS Halloween happenings at the library ridgeview win a free paper- teens will get back book. For Bthe chance to carve information and to their own pumpkin register, call 708- on Wednesday, 458-2880. Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. and they can enjoy Preschool a scary movie on Craft Tuesday, Oct. 25, starting at 5:30 p.m. For preschool- Register in advance ers, the library will so there will be have Preschool enough pumpkins Craft at 1 p.m. and pizza for every- on Mondays, one. Preschool Story- The library will time at 1 p.m. on hold fall parties Tuesdays, Toddler for all ages during Storytime at 11 the last week of a.m. on Wednes- October. days, and Music, The Preschool Movement, and Party will be on More at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, on Fridays. For at 1 p.m., and the information and to Toddler Party is on register, call 708- Wednesday, Oct. 458-2880. 26, at 11 a.m. Kids in grades K-8 will are engaging and interactive, featuring More for kids have their own party on Thursday, Oct. props and costumes and giving kids a 28, from 6-7:30 p.m. chance to help tell the story. Board Game Club meets at 4:15 on All fall parties have lots of fun activi- Also in October, Arabic Storytime and Mondays, K-2 Club at 4 p.m. on Wednes- ties, including games, trick-or-treating, a Arabic Language will be held at 1 p.m. days, Book Club at 4:15 on Thursdays, costume parade, and lots of great prizes. on Saturdays. Polish Storytime will be and Cinema Club at 5 p.m. on Thursdays. For information and to register, call at 6:30 p.m. on alternating Tuesdays. Club 36 will visit Ancient Egypt on Tues- 708-458-2880. Slovak Storytime will be at 4 p.m. days at 5 p.m. Craft will be on alternating on alternating Thursdays. All native Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., and kids in grades Storytimes in October language programs are held entirely in K-2 can attend Kids Art on alternating On Oct. 1, the library will hold its the language, and are intended for native Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. annual Fall Storytelling Festival at 1 speakers. Fall Session I will conclude during the p.m. at Marquette Bank, 8020 S. Harlem For information and to register, call second week of October. Session II will be- Ave. There will be stories and a craft for 708-458-2880. gin the week of Nov. 6. You can check the families with kids in preschool through calendar at http://kids.bridgeviewlibrary. 6th grade. Book Bingo org for up-to-date information about the This event will also feature a special Book Bingo will be on Thursday, library’s children’s schedule and programs. performance by storyteller Paddy Lynn Oct. 20, at 4:30 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 are For information and to register, call beginning at 1:30 p.m. Her programs invited to play bingo for the chance to 708-458-2880.

CVS Pharmacy to offer flu shots at the library BRIDGEVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY CVS Pharmacy will offer flu Cost of the vaccination is $29.99 Address: 7840 W. 79th St. shots for anyone 14 and older on and recipients will have to submit Phone: (708) 458-2880 Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 5-7 p.m. their own claims to their insurance Website: www.bridgeviewlibrary.org and on Wednesday, Oct. 13, from companies. Medicare and Medicaid Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and 10 a.m. to noon at the Bridgeview patients can get the shots for free. Friday; noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 9 Public Library, 7840 W. 79th St. For information, call 708-458- a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Closed on Sunday. No appointment is needed. 2880. October 2011 BRIDGEVIEWS Page 7 PARK DISTRICT ACTIVITIES

Horseshoe Casino Boo! Hollow Scream trip set for Nov. 1 Residents 21 or older can Cheerleading, poms costume contest Oct. 22 take a one-day trip to the Park district also wants your Horseshoe Casino in Ham- classes for girls mond on Tuesday, Nov. 1, Cheerleading and poms pumpkin and scarecrow creations from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. A deluxe motor coach will classes are available for girls Little ghouls and gob- Bring your creations to from kindergarten to eighth depart at 10 a.m. Guests will lins are invited to Hollow the park district no later enjoy a buffet lunch and get grade. Students will learn Scream, a spooktacular than Friday, Oct. 21, at 3 all aspects of cheerleading $10 in casino credits. costume contest, on p.m. There is no charge Cost for the trip is $30. including arm movements, Saturday, to enter your jumps, pyramids, sideline Oct.22, from scarecrow cheers, halftime cheers and 3:30-5:30 or pumpkin, dances. p.m. at Kids but be sure This is a great way to learn Safe City. your mas- Polar Bear Camp for kids who are looking to Prizes will terpieces are coming in Dec. try out for junior high or high be awarded marked with school cheer or poms squads. for special your name, Relive your summer camp Classes for K-2nd grade costumes. address and days with old friends and are 4-5 p.m. on Wednesdays Kids should phone num- new at Polar Bear Camp. starting Oct. 19, 3rd-5th bring their ber. There will be all sorts grade are 4-5:15 p.m. on own Hallow- Judging of fun activities planned, Mondays starting Oct. 17 and een bags or buckets for by guests will take place from sports to arts and 6th-8th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. trick-or-treating. the next day at Hollow crafts. Please bring a lunch on Mondays starting Oct. 17. Cost is $4 per goblin. Scream. People’s Choice and drink daily. Dress for Cost is $80 for K-2 and 3-5 Register by Oct. 17 at the awards for Top Pumpkin warmth, as some activities while 6-8 costs $160. There park district. and Top Scarecrow will may be geared for outside will be additional fees for The park district also be presented. play. spankies and socks. is looking for homemade No store-bought, For ages 6-12 years old. Cheerleaders and poms will scarecrows and carved or pre-stuffed scarecrows Camp runs from 9 a.m. to cheer at Hornets decorated pumpkins. allowed. 3 p.m. from Dec. 19-Dec. 23 games on Saturdays starting and Dec. 26-30. in January. Cost is $90 for each week.

Hornets basketball practices begin in November, games in January Hornets Basketball will begin schedules will be handed out at A parent’s meeting will be with practices in November the start of the program. held Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the and games in January. Each team has maximum of Sports Complex. Boys and girls from fourth 12 players. All teams practice Cost is $100 for district to eighth grade can sign up for at least once a week at the residents and $110 for non- the league. Practice and game Sports Complex. residents. Bridgeview Park District 8100 S. Beloit • Phone: (708) 594-1818 VILLAGE OF BRIDGEVIEW PRSRT STD 7500 South Oketo Ave. U.S. POSTAGE Bridgeview, IL 60455 PAID BRIDGEVIEW, IL 60455 PERMIT NO. 1

New trees honor War on Terror soldiers Enjoy a fun but safe embers of the Arab Halloween! American Family Here are some Halloween safety tips to make MServices and Bridgeview sure the holiday is enjoyable. Park District volunteers Dress with safety in mind planted five trees on Sept. 16 at Commis- • Make sure costumes are sioners Park as a living flame-retardant. memorial for American • Keep costumes short to soldiers killed fighting prevent trips, falls and other bumps in the night. the War on Terror in Iraq • Try makeup instead of a and Afghanistan. mask. Mayor Steven Landek, • Make sure kids wear light colors or put reflec- Trustee Jim Cecott, tive tape on their costumes. village Clerk John Altar and Park Com- Stay trouble-free missioner Joe Mazarka • Trick-or-treaters should always travel in groups. joined in this tribute to Parents should accompany young children. fallen American military • Older kids should trick-or-treat with friends. personnel. Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek (from left), Itedal Shelabi Stop only at familiar homes where the outside The living memo- of Arab American Family Services, Village Clerk John Altar, lights are on. rial was the idea of the Trustee Jim Cecott, Park Commissioner Joe Mazarka, and • Make sure kids never know to enter a stranger’s Arab American Family Nareman Taha of AAFS stand next to one of the newly house or car. planted trees at Commissioners Park. Services, which do- Check those treats nated the trees as a way • One way to keep trick-or-treaters from digging to help heal the wounds District invites every- soldiers who have given in while they are still out is to feed them a meal or of war. one to use the walking all so that others may live snack beforehand. The Bridgeview Park paths and remember our in freedom. • Check out all candy in a well-lit room before digging in. • Eat only unopened candies and other treats Veterans Day Dinner Dance Nov. 13 that are in original wrappers. Don’t forget to inspect fruit and homemade goodies for anything Bridgeview will honor all are asked to give their name and suspicious. military veterans Sunday, Nov. 13 address to the Customer Service with a Veterans Day Dinner Dance Office at the village hall or call Trick-or-Treat hours at Toyota Park. Area Veterans 708-594-2525. • Kids can go from house to house between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Oct. 31.