Shayle Arenson (left), seen here in earlier action, has been a valuable player for the Trevians this season. PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE HANDWERKER

You have to love the athlete in Shayle Arenson.

The New Trier senior is best known for her play on the softball field. The athletic Arenson is a base-stealing middle infielder for NT’s Girls of Spring.

On the basketball court, the 5-foot-9 Arenson is more of a role player.

At the start of the season, the hustling guard was one of the first “athletes” off the bench for head coach Teri Rodgers, who loves having multi-sport athletes on her squad.

Then, in late December, Arenson was thrust into the starting lineup, when star point guard and Colgate University recruit Haley Greer sustained a back injury,

Greer has missed 16 straight games. And according to Rodgers, she remains “day to day.”

Arenson, meanwhile, is just trying to make the most of the situation. Usually, she finds herself in the shadows of teammates Jeannie Boehm, Kathryn Pedi and Autumn Kalis.

And, for the most part, that again was the case, when the Trevians edged Evanston 62-61 in a Central Suburban League South Division showdown on Feb. 5.

Harvard-bound Boehm did her thing. The 6-foot-3 McDonald’s All-American tossed in 27 points to go along with six rebounds and three assists. Pedi, a Holy Cross recruit, came up with 17 points and 15 rebounds. And the ever-improving Kalis tallied seven of her nine points in the second half. She added four assists.

And who came up with the biggest shot of the game? Arguably, that belonged to Arenson.

With 3:03 left in regulation, Arenson drilled a three-pointer from the left wing against an unsuspecting Evanston zone defense.

Her instincts took over.

“I was wide open,” said Arenson, who is not one to fire up a lot of threes. “I felt like I had to take it.

“I wasn’t thinking about anything,” she added. “My dad always says not to think when you shoot.”

The three-pointer was key. The pressure was on. After trailing by nine points after three quarters, Evanston was on a 6-0 run at the time. The Wildkits had cut NT’s lead down to three points.

“For her to take that shot right then. That was insane,” said Pedi. “But we have confidence in her. We have so much confidence in each other.”

In front of a huge crowd — this game preceded the varsity boys — New Trier (23-4, 9-0) did just enough to beat a dangerous Evanston team (21-4, 7-2). Wildkits guard Savannah Norfleet (18 points) missed a hurried half-court shot at the buzzer.

“It was an exhilarating win,” said Arenson.

The fun is just beginning. Basketball’s championship season begins on Feb. 15. The Trevians, who took third in the Class 4A state tournament, are set to host a sectional.

Once the season ends, look for Arenson at a local ball diamond. She’s got big plans for the 2016 softball campaign.

“I’d like to hit around .380,” said Arenson, who figures to start at shortstop.

Last spring, as the team’s starting second baseman, she hit .286 with 21 runs and 15 RBIs. She also finished with a team-high nine steals in 10 attempts.

WILMETTE – It’s time for the Alliance for Early Childhood’s 22nd Annual ScreenBreak, when people are challenged to to take a break from televisions, computers, and other screens.

The Wilmette Historical Museum is hosting a free family program called ScreenBreak on Sunday, March 6 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Spend Sunday afternoon, as in days past, playing old-fashioned games and making traditional toys with family and friends. This free event is March 6th from 1:30-3:00 p.m. at the Wilmette Historical Museum, 609 Ridge Road.

For more information, visit www.wilmettehistory.org, or call 847-853-7666.

Submitted by the Wilmette Historical Society

WILMETTE – A new baseball scoreboard at Northwestern’s Rocky Miller Park that drew ire from Wilmette residents was unanimously approved at the Evanston City Council meeting on Feb. 8.

While the item was removed from the meeting’s consent agenda, the scoreboard was passed with no discussion by the City Council. Charles Davidson, senior manager of construction projects for Northwestern, told the council that the university had doubled the landscaping around the park. The revised plan also includes transplanting mature trees from other parts of the campus.

The revised landscaping plan was described in a memorandum to the council dated Feb. 1 from Evanston’s departments of community development and zoning as follows:

“The revised landscape plan includes transplanting five deciduous trees ranging in caliper size from 3” – 11” and three evergreen trees ranging in caliper size from 6” – 12” that will be removed from other NU locations due to ongoing construction projects and installed along Isabella Street.”

Northwestern officials have argued that the landscaping and additional buildings being built around the baseball field will obscure most of the visibility of the scoreboard.

While no Wilmette residents spoke out against the project at the meeting, residents have been vocal at previous meetings of the Planning and Development Committee. Primarily residents have objected to the height and size of the scoreboard, which will be 24 feet tall by 36 feet wide and mounted 10 feet above the ground. They fear it is impossible to shield their view of the LED lighted video scoreboard with any type of landscaping. Here is a mock-up that the neighbors created:

This is a mockup image of the proposed scoreboard at Rocky Miller Field, provided by neighbor Laurel Sheffer.

Davidson said after the meeting that Northwestern planned to begin transplanting the trees as soon as possible.

Gilson Park on a chilly January day in 2016; soon Wilmette will construct a bird sanctuary in the park. Photography by George Pfoertner for JWC Media

WILMETTE – The Park District is moving forward to create a migrant bird habitat in Gillson Park. The Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved hiring landscape architects Living Habitats to develop a landscape design at a board meeting Jan. 11.

In May 2015 the Park District received a $60,000 matching grant from The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the project that will include a layering of native wildflowers, grasses and shrubs planted beneath existing larger canopy trees. The Ouilmette Foundation has committed to funding the $60,000 balance.

Living Habitats was one of five firms that responded to a Request For Proposal (RFP) issued by the Park District. While two bids were significantly more expensive, three of the proposals were all made by qualified companies at reasonable rates. The Lakefront Committee discussed those three proposals and unanimously recommended Living Habitats to design the bird habitat. Living Habitats’ fees for  theservice are $17,895.

“What stuck out with Living Habitats was prior work experience,” said Steve Wilson, executive director of the Park District. “They had glowing letters of reference on those jobs.”

Located in Chicago, Living Habitats has done work for Chicago Botanic Garden, Morton Arboretum and Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. “We felt that gave them a good working experience for what we are trying to do,” Wilson said.

Heidi Natura, founder and partner of Living Habitats, received a B.S. in landscape architecture from the University of Wisconsin and stated in a letter to the Park District on Dec. 10 that she has “developed a reputation for producing work that is grounded in a deep understanding of and respect for local native ecosystems.” Judy Pollock is a project manager for Living Habitats who will work on the Gillson project and was formerly the director of bird conservation for Audubon in the Chicago region.

The design will be implemented in phases over a three-year period, allowing the Park District to observe bird behavior at various stages. The Park District is required to report its findings to the Department of Fish and Wildlife as part of the grant.

Wilson told Daily North Shore that the first phase will be in the northeast portion of Gillson Park between Lake Avenue and the Washington Avenue exit, because that area is removed from the busiest areas of the park. Over time, the bird habitat will be throughout the entire park but hardly noticeable to most people.

Moving forward, Living Habitats plans to attend the Lakefront Committee’s meeting Feb. 1 to outline plans for proceeding. Wilson hopes that some plants will be planted in the park by the spring. It is likely that the Park District staff will do the planting depending on the budget, Wilson said.

WINNETKA- New Trier High School presents its production of the hit Broadway musical “Footloose” on Feb. 8-13, marking one of the last performances in the McGee Theatre on the Winnetka Campus. Based on the popular movie starring Kevin Bacon and John Lithgow, and told through a Tony-nominated rock score, “Footloose” tells the story of a young man who challenges a local ban on dancing and, in the process, teaches a whole town something new about themselves. Performances will take place on February 8 – 10 at 7:30 p.m., February 11 at 4:30 p.m., February 12 at 7:30 p.m., and February 13 at 2:00 p.m.

Director Hilerre Kirsch said: “Staging “Footloose” in the intimate space of the McGee Theatre has been a wonderful learning experience for our students, challenging and expanding their ideas about space, movement and the actor/audience connection. In addition, the deeper and moving dramatic storyline will resonate with our audience in a more personal way. It has been a special journey for me as well, staging the last public musical theatre performance in the McGee Theatre.”

“The soundtrack of the original Kevin Bacon movie was the soundtrack for any of us who came of age in the ’80s and ’90s,” said Nina Lynn, Media, Speech and Theatre Department Chair. “However, this production is more than a nostalgia trip. It’s a joyous celebration of youth and possibility and I know the audience will love it.”

Cast Members

Monday – Wednesday – Friday

Ethan Burfield, Elena Cata, Rachael Chiao, Emily Colitte, Lucy Conlon, Julia Damen, Ella Denman, Annie Eidelman, Olivia Hart, Sonia Holstein, Aiden Isaacson, Lucas Kane, Sofia , McGrath, Emma Michelson, Frankie Nayman, Gracie Nayman, John Nunemaker, Jordyn Pritsker, Nolan Raymond, Max Rezek-TeWinkle, Jack Ryan, Keaton Schiller, Allison Schwartz, Chris Sciortino, Sarah Shapiro, Henry Shaw, Isaac Slomski-Pritz, Rebecca Smith, Julia Smulson, Talia Thomas, Will Thornton, Maria von Kunhardt

Tuesday – Thursday – Saturday

Lucas Alcantara, Aidan Cahill, Ellyn Cunningham, Lauren Ellis, Nick Falter, Teddy Fischer, Elise Hall, Elizabeth Hanold, Sydney Heekin, Joshua Hoffman, Jacob Imber, Andrew Kline, Anna Kruger, Sophie Leuchtner, Caroline Lockwood, Carly Martin, Jesse McCauley, Quinn McClamroch, Nicki Montenegro, Megan Morris, Liam Oh, Mia Papoutsis, Esther Park, Alexia Raucci, Elise Reehl, Phoebe Rudnick, Maliha Sayed, Hannah Spinner, Morgan Thoem, Ella Torres, Helen Ware, Noah Zelinsky

Crew
Skye Ko, Lindsay Lerner, Lillian Meehan-Egan, Macy Nanda, Katie Schindler, Claire Scott, Madeleine Starr, Hale Stolberg, Ryan Cason

Staff
Hilerre Kirsch, Director

David Ladd, Musical Director

Matthew Temple, Orchestra Director

David Ferguson, Technical Director

Karli Blalock, Sound Designer

Jen Cupani, Choreographer

Grace Bono, Costumer

Submitted by New Trier Township High School

I have lived on Isabella for 35 years. I am part of an extended family that includes 12 NU alums and one former professor. We have enjoyed the various athletic activities through the years and also tolerated the ongoing disruptions experienced with all the various athletic activities and fan behaviors.

I have just learned of the proposed potential scoreboard and the required Evanston Zoning approval from the recent Wilmette electronic newsletter which mentioned it as a courtesy to our neighborhood. Though Northwestern professes to value its place in our collective communities, my neighbors and myself have received absolutely no outreach or word from them on this significant proposal. I do have some personal bias as my house is the closest to the projected scoreboard of any resident, either Evanston or Wilmette, with the scoreboard being approx. 300 feet from my front door and will shine directly at my house and be visible through all my windows.

I do strenuously object to the proposed scoreboard on several grounds. I have read completely NU’s Mr. Davidson’s extensive report submitted to the ZBA and disagree with a number of his conclusions.

As a big athletic fan I am very familiar with the large video screens being used in athletic venues including the recent NU additions in Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena. These screens are virtually always in enclosed arenas and not open and visible to residential neighborhoods such as ours

Property values
Mr. Davidson concludes that no residential property values will be affected. This is simply not true……as reinforced by several of my realtor friends when asked to opine on the issue. Some people will be blocked by the new baseball buildings being constructed…….but many of us will not. The proposed landscaping will simply not do much to block the view. The proposed trees are simply too short and too separated to have any significant effect. I can stand on my front walk and see the total scoreboard which will be 40 feet off the ground. For easy reference, the scoreboard will be the same height as the “batters eye” visual background which has been erected in center field. Assumedly the windscreens which are pictured in Mr. Davidson’s photos will also not block any view going forward as they were only erected to shield the existing construction site. This type and size of signage will definitely have an effect on the property values of those most affected

Size/Scope
While I can understand NU’s desire to update their scoreboard commensurate with their other improvements, I have followed NU baseball and its’ attendance for 35 years and the size of the proposed scoreboard seems far in excess of what their typical crowds would need.

Traffic distraction
I feel that a scoreboard of the proposed dimensions will also have a potential dangerous effect on traffic passing by the ball field. I have continually seen traffic on Isabella in both directions slow, or even stop, to observe the field, the activity, or try to glimpse the score. I am also concerned about cars traveling south on 4th st. and trying to enter the intersection at Isabella where there are no traffic controls to assist anyone entering the intersection.

Conclusion
Though a new scoreboard may be desired/warranted, I feel the overall size and height of the current proposed scoreboard will have a significant detrimental effect on the neighborhood and is not in keeping with the existing residential quality which we highly value.

Location
Regardless of the outcome of the issue of size and scope…I have also given considerable thought to the location of the proposed scoreboard. I believe that many of the negative issues resulting from the proposed scoreboard could be significantly lessened if any new scoreboard was erected and centered behind the left field fence instead of the current, and proposed right field location. If the scoreboard was erected in left field, the impact on all the fans would be zero, as such a location would provide exactly the same viewing perspective to all of the stadium seats.

David Carlsen
Isabella Street resident

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore. 

WILMETTE – Wilmette residents will receive updated electric meters this spring when ComEd installs new “smart meters” to replace the traditional analog meters that are situated on the rear of most homes in the village.

At the Village Board meeting on Jan. 26, ComEd Vice President for smart grid technology Michael McMahon gave a detailed presentation of how the company plans to install smart meters in the village as part of a larger installation of four million smart meters in ComEd’s service territory. The village of Wilmette currently has a total of 11,262 analog meters that will be replaced primarily during the month of April.

So what is a smart meter? According to McMahon, it is a digital meter containing a computer chip that collects a home’s electric usage in 30-minute intervals and then transmits that data over ComEd’s private network via a small radio to ComEd four times a day every six hours. The new smart meter means that ComEd will no longer need to deploy workers to read residents’ meters once a month. ComEd has already installed antennas on utility polls in the village to host the network.

The smart meter also contains another small radio that if enabled, communicates information directly to the home owner. This feature would allow residents to see their power-usage in real time.

Village trustees’ questions at the meeting focused on how this change would impact residents. Trustee Cameron Krueger asked whether residents would see any changes on their bill. McMahon responded that residents can expect to see rates stay the same, with elective rate options that could potentially save residents money. Trustee Krueger also asked whether residents could expect interference with home networks. While McMahon noted that most people do not enable the radio that communicates directly to the home, when people do choose that option there has been virtually no interference.

Village Manager Timothy Frenzer asked about the installation process. McMahon said it will take about 15-20 minutes for a new meter to be installed and typically power is not lost during the installation. While the smart meter is installed in the same location as the analog meter, sometimes they are unable to jump around the fitting, resulting in a power loss for about two minutes at the most.

Residents should also be aware that the installation will be completed by Corix, one of ComEd’s authorized vendors. Installers will be carrying badges and should be able to produce a badge upon request. McMahon noted that ComEd is not requesting any money in exchange for the smart meters, and so anybody asking for money is not a ComEd representative and should be reported to the police.

While the vast majority of people opt for the new smart meters, McMahon said some people choose to keep the traditional analog meters. But this choice is at a cost. ComEd will bill residents who choose to keep the analog meters $21.53 per month, due to the cost of reading the meter. “It is an inducement to take the meter,” McMahon said.

One of the reasons people choose to keep an analog meter is a concern over data security. While McMahon acknowledged that the smart meters are not hack-proof, he did say that ComEd is doing everything it can to maintain cyber security. If a meter is hacked, the only information on the meter is kilowatt usage and a meter serial number. No personal information is accessible.

Other concerns raised by consumers have been the potential for ComEd to sell usage information to third parties. They’ve also asked about health affects. McMahon said ComEd will never release that information unless requested by the owner and that studies have shown the radio frequencies are so low, health concerns are not an issue.

For more information about ComEd’s smart meters go to www.comed.com.

Last year, the Wilmette Park District’s Board of Park Commissioners proposed a comprehensive plan of renovations, improvements and new construction for Gillson and Langdon parks. Ultimately, the voters did not approve the referenda related to the proposed plan. We are now trying to develop a new plan that carefully reflects the wishes of our community.

As part of our effort to listen closely to the voices of all residents, community-wide surveys were put in the mail at the start of this month. This is a critical opportunity to express your suggestions for improvements to the Wilmette Lakefront. With this survey, we will determine public opinion and preferences for changes to the Lakefront infrastructure.

We encourage you to participate in this survey. Voice your ideas and share your viewpoint about our Lakefront, and help determine the future of our parks. It is only with your help that we can provide the best solutions to meet the needs of the community; therefore, we strongly urge you to participate and help us understand how best to serve you.

Thank you in advance for joining us in our effort to make our lakefront parks beautiful and safe for generations to come.

Respectfully,
John J. Olvany
President
Board of Park Commissioners
Wilmette Park District

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor represent the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of Daily North Shore.

WILMETTE – Wilmette residents will see some much needed road repair completed this year on streets situated both east and west of Green Bay Road. At a meeting on Jan. 26, the Village Board of Trustees approved a resolution authorizing $923,500 of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds from the state to help cover a portion of those costs.

While village officials were concerned in the fall that the state had not released MFT funds to the village due to the budget impasse in Springfield, at this point the village has received that money.

“The Village has received all of its 2015 MFT revenues from the State of Illinois. However, there is no guarantee that the State will not sweep the MFT allotment in 2016 or beyond,” Assistant Village Manager Michael Braiman told Daily North Shore on Feb. 2.

According to Braiman, the roadwork that will be completed over the course of the summer into next fall includes asphalt resurfacing of the following streets:

• 7th Street from Lake Avenue to Greenwood Avenue
• Laurel Avenue from 4th Street to 8th Street
• 15^th Street from Walnut Avenue to Green Bay Road
• Harvard Street from Washington Avenue to  Lake Avenue
• West Park Drive from Lake Ave to PW Gate

The village will also remove asphalt and restore the brickwork on 15th Street from Walnut Avenue to Green Bay Road.

While the village has budgeted $2.9 million for its entire engineering and capital program that includes alleys, sidewalks, curbs, brick streets, and other related projects, the street re-surfacing project is budgeted at $1.2 million. The MFT funds will cover a portion of those costs, with the remaining money coming from the village’s general fund, Braiman said.

Robert (Bob) Allen Koonz passed away on Monday, February 1st, 2016, at Evanston Hospital. Bob was born on February, 21, 1941, in Chicago, IL, son of Carl and Gladys Koonz. After graduating from Downers Grove High School, Bob attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He graduated from Wabash in 1962 and went on to obtain an MS in Chemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 1965. Bob remained a loyal alumnus over the years.

Bob taught Chemistry/AP Chemistry at New Trier High School for over 30 years. He was a remarkable teacher who was very beloved by his students. He retired from full time teaching in 2003; however, he continued to substitute teach and tutor throughout his retirement.

Bob Koonz is survived by his niece, Katy (Steve) Weihe and his nephew, Nicholas Koonz, both of Atlanta, GA. He was great uncle to Kylie & Ian Weihe and Aya Koonz. Bob’s younger brother, Charles, preceded him in death in 2014. Funeral services are private but donations in Bob’s name may be made to Wabash College, 301 W Wabash Ave, Crawfordsville, IN. 47933. www.wabash.edu/giving/give or Mercy’s Home for Boys and Girls. 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL, 60607, http://www.mercyhome.org.

Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990

Keating Crown

WILMETTE – The District 39 Educational Foundation of Wilmette has chosen alumnus Keating Crown for its ninth annual Distinguished Citizen Award, recognizing him as a passionate leader who is committed to rebuilding and revitalizing communities.

Crown grew up in Wilmette and is a member of New Trier High School’s class of 1996. He studied sociology at Duke University and was captain of the men’s lacrosse team. After graduating from Duke in 2000 he moved to New York City to work for Aon Financial Services in the World Trade Center. On the morning of 9/11, he was working on the 100th floor of the south tower when the first plane hit. Crown escaped, and he has been dedicated to rebuilding himself and his communities ever since.

As the only survivor asked to serve on the 9/11 Memorial board, Crown was instrumental in helping rebuild the World Trade site into a sacred place that recognizes not only the incredible loss but also the courage of those who survived. The memorial serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of all those involved in the 9/11 tragedy.

In 2002 Crown switched careers and found his way home to Chicago where he attended Northwestern University and received a MBA/JD degree. In 2012 he joined Sterling Bay Companies with a focus on real estate development and has been instrumental in the revitalization of the West Loop neighborhood.

Crown’s experience in real estate development and philanthropic work came together in his role as the joint fundraising chair for The 606 — Chicago’s Bloomingdale trail, a 2.7 mile elevated rails-to-trails project that has been compared to New York City’s High Line. This park opened in 2015, replacing deteriorated train lines with beautiful public green spaces in some of Chicago’s most densely populated neighborhoods. Keating has volunteered his energy, passion and incredible network to help the city of Chicago create a place for residents to walk and gather while providing a safe passage for bicycle commuters as they navigate the city.

“Keating Crown is truly a gifted leader who has made notable contributions to the communities we call home. The Foundation is thrilled to recognize him as this year’s Distinguished Citizen,” said Margie Karabas, D-39 Foundation committee chair.

The D-39 Foundation stated in a press release: “Crown has a talent for spearheading complicated projects focused on improving the communities around him. Through his professional life, philanthropic endeavors and survival during a national tragedy he has demonstrated the beauty in rebuilding and the strength of communities. We are proud to celebrate him as an alumnus of the Wilmette District 39 schools and as an example of citizenship.”

Everyone is invited to attend the Distinguished Citizen reception and award presentation honoring Crown on Thursday, April 7, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the Michigan Shores Club, 911 Michigan Avenue in Wilmette. Tickets will be sold in advance at www.d39foundation.org; $75 for adults and $45 for students (18 and under).

All net proceeds from the Distinguished Citizen event benefit the District 39 Educational Foundation’s Gripp Grants promoting educational innovations in Wilmette schools. Twice per year, the Foundation grants funds for educational programs, experiences, and technologies that expand, enrich, and complement the schools’ curricula.

For more information on District 39 Educational Foundation donor programs and initiatives, or the Distinguished Citizen award, please contact the District 39 Educational Foundation office at 847-853-3939, d39found@wilmette39.org, or www.d39foundation.org.

New Trier’s Mia Solberg takes control of the puck during last week’s game against Loyola Academy. The two teams skated to a 3-3 tie. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER

There is a sign above the door to Mia Solberg’s room at her home in Winnetka.

It announces: “Attitude is everything. Pick a good one.”

It is one of the last things the New Trier senior hockey captain sees before stepping outside and living her life each day. She picked a good one on this day. She must have. Her quick smile, in the presence of friends, of teammates, of coaches, of humans in general, is all the evidence you need.

“I love meeting people, getting to know them, learning new perspectives,” Solberg, a 5-foot-3 forward with a magnetic, fun-loving personality. “I’m big on keeping an open mind. It’s important. Having an open mind could change your life for the better.”

Solberg’s head won’t be buried in books at a college library in 2016-17. She will spend the first semester, mostly outdoors, in the Patagonia region at the southernmost tip of South America (shared by Argentina and Chile). The second semester in her gap year? To be determined.

“I was a junior, and I was freaking out,” Solberg, a two-time state champion field hockey player and a one-time state champion ice hockey player, recalls. “I didn’t know where I wanted to go to college, what I wanted my major to be. That led me to consider taking a gap year, to figure some things out. I’m looking forward to learning outdoor skills and hands-on skills in other countries.”

Her stickhandling skills have come in quite handy for New Trier’s varsity hockey club (8-4-2 through Jan. 28) this winter, along with her pregame speeches to teammates and ability to make each player on a young crew — six freshmen made NT’s varsity — feel indispensible. The captain likes to collect all those pucks resting in or near goal after pregame warm-up sessions. See the ‘C’ pick up the pucks. See an example of leadership. Solberg, a fourth-year varsity player, was nervous, at first, about delivering speeches before each puck drop. Not anymore.

“I feel sick,” was the start of one of her speeches. It got her teammates’ attention right away. Solberg was healthy that day.

“I was sick of losing, and I thought it would be a good idea to let my teammates know how I felt on that day,” Solberg says. “We had had a bad stretch, lost some tough games.”

Wondering how Solberg felt when she scored the first goal of NT’s double-overtime defeat of Loyola Academy in the state championship game at the United Center in 2014? Wonder no more.

“I was in shock,” Solberg says. “Right after I scored [on a rebound of her shot on goal], I couldn’t move parts of my arms. It was like my arms were stuck to my sides. I wish I had danced, or celebrated in some way, but I couldn’t do much of anything. I guess I was too shocked to get excited.

“Best moment of my life. Best day of my life.”

A funny moment: freshman year, at an ice rink. A New Trier coach had described Solberg as a tenacious player. Solberg had no idea what “tenacious” meant. She hoped it was a compliment or at least a good thing. Solberg looked for help. She asked a teammate, “What does ‘tenacious’ mean?”

“That teammate,” Solberg, smiling, says, “didn’t know what it meant, either.”

NT girls hockey coach Nelson Forsberg welcomed Solberg to the varsity program way back in 2012. No other freshman made the varsity in ’12. Solberg, the athlete, was unassuming then. Self-deprecating, too, another good thing, with a knack for effortlessly moving a puck and making defensemen feel dizzy, occasionally turning them into spinners on blades.

“She is a solid, all-around player,” Forsberg says of Solberg, a spin instructor, no kidding, away from the rinks. “You don’t always notice her on the ice, but more often than not, Mia is there, where she has to be, when it matters. Great hands, great skills. She has this one move, this one-on-one move … it’s a series of moves, actually, a lot of dekes, preceded by a quick release.

“And as a captain,” he adds, “she’s good at bringing everybody together.”

Meghan Talbot, a New Trier junior forward, has been on the receiving end of Solberg’s speeches. The speeches work. New Trier hockey players listen to their captain’s words. New Trier hockey players get inspired, all fired up in chilly arenas.

“Her energy … it motivates us, and it keeps us motivated,” Talbot says. “Mia is outgoing, bubbly and fun, a fun kind of gal. You want those qualities from a captain. On the ice she dangles around everyone. Her knowledge of the game, it’s definitely one of her strengths.

“Mia,” Talbot adds, “is a good role model.”

Solberg’s sister, Tommy, is a junior forward on New Trier’s varsity hockey team. Their sister, 24-year-old Liza, lives in Denver. Brother Gunnar, 22, played hockey, as did another brother, Matt (New Trier, Class of 2014). Matt Solberg, the most decorated athlete of Tor and Jen’s five children, also played lacrosse at New Trier. The Matt Solberg Shrine (trophies, press clipping, etc.) is located in the Solberg kitchen, Mia notes.

Tor played hockey, lacrosse and football before his college days. He extended his hockey career at Colgate University.

“My dad was a stud athlete,” Mia says. “He reminds me to be an aggressive hockey player. And Matt, what an all-star he was, what a competitive athlete. He motivated me when he played sports at New Trier. He was a huge role model for me.”

Among Mia Solberg’s other serious likes in life are steak-and-rice dinners, old movies and soundtracks in old movies. Bring up The Graduate or Rear Window or Cape Fear around Solberg and prepare to watch an animated Solberg grow more animated. The flicks fascinated her. The soundtracks moved her.

“Music determines the mood of a movie, the entire mood.” Solberg says. “It’s such an important element in a movie. I’m thinking of the music from Cape Fear right now, and I’m feeling goose bumps.”

Mia Solberg appears to shiver a little. Another smile appears.

Mia Solberg, clearly, had picked a good attitude on this day.

Notable: New Trier and host Loyola Academy skated to a 3-3 tie at American Heartland Ice Arena in Lincolnwood on Jan. 28. NT freshman Emma Katzman scored twice, and classmate Addie Budington netted the other goal in between Katzman’s tallies. Hayden Snow, another freshman, was in goal for New Trier.

Meaghan Collins as a senior at Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette. Photo courtesy of Regina Dominican High School.

NORTHBROOK — Ten members of the Regina Dominican High School class of 1996 wanted a special time to remember classmate Meaghan Mary Collins before going to her funeral Feb. 5 at St. Norbert Church in Northbrook.

Collins was afflicted by facioscapulohumeral, a progressive form of muscular dystrophy, since she was in fifth grade and confined to a wheel chair, according to a 1995 Chicago Tribune article. She died Jan. 30 at age 37.

The 10 Regina classmates gathered in the chapel of the school for a memorial service and were soon joined by two of Collins’ former teachers, Sister Marion O’Connor, who taught her social studies, and Verna Allworth, an English teacher.

“She had exceptional grace and courage. It was unusual to see that kind of feeling in such a young woman. She had the best spirit that drew people to her,” Allworth said. “They were telling stories about what they remembered,” she added describing the service.

“They came back to Regina where they remember her where their friendship began,” Allworth said.

The classmates reached out to Regina because they wanted to hold a service in the chapel before going to the funeral, according to Diane Garvey, the school’s alumnae director.

O’Connor said she remembers a student who was always prepared for class the minute the bell rang despite the fact it was harder for her to move around than it was for the other students.

“She was a very good student,” O’Connor said. “She always had her book and pencil out and anything else she needed.

“She was an excellent student, a very hard worker,” said Mike Small, the school’s athletic director at the time who is now retired.

It wasn’t just academic prowess that made her special, O’Connor said, it was her attitude toward others.

“She was very gentle, one of a kind,” O’Connor said. “She was very compassionate. If someone needed a pen or a pencil she would be the first to give it to them.”

Collins had a twin sister, Maureen Collins, who was another member of the Regina class of 1996. Maureen Collins was a standout basketball player, according to Small. Meaghan Collins was part of the team too.

“She was the best manager we ever had here,” said Small, who was at Regina for 37 years. “She was very conscientious and very helpful despite her illness. She was always there to help whoever needed assistance.”

In addition to her twin, Meaghan Collins is survived by her parents, Philip and Deirdre, nee Murray, and siblings Thomas (Staci) McGurn, Brian (Katie) McGurn and Michele (Michael) Keating.

WILMETTE – The Wilmette Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred, Friday Feb. 5 at 7:40 a.m. in the 1500 block of Forest. An unknown offender entered a home by removing a screen and crawling through a ground floor window. The offender encountered an 11 year old girl in the hallway of the home and subsequently left. The offender apparently observed an adult leave the home a few moments prior to the burglary.

The offender was described as a male/ white in his 20s. He was approximately 6’2 and 240 lbs.  He has light brown hair and a light brown goatee.

From the Wilmette Police blotter.

James Sippy King (Jim), age 55, passed away suddenly at his home in Evanston on Monday, February 1, 2016.

Services will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopalian Church at 1509 Ridge Avenue in Evanston on February 12th at 12 noon, with Reverend Debra K. Bullock officiating. Private internment will be at at Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago, IL immediately thereafter.

An amazing and extraordinary man, Jim was born at Evanston Hospital on May 18, 1960 and attended New Trier High School in Wilmette. He had a great love of sports (go Bears, Bulls & Blackhawks!). Boating, jet-skiing, Dobermans, and vacationing at Big Sand Lake, WI, with loved and cherished childhood best friends Ric, Ernie and Dave were among his favorite things in life.

Jim is survived by his wife of 24 years, Carrie King; the love of his life– who absolutely loved and adored him. Jim is preceded in death by his father, Robert King and will be missed greatly by all, including his mother, Sheril King, brother Tom King (Lea), sister Sandra Moran (Oscar), beloved nephew of Jeri King and Brooke Simonds. Brother-in-law to Cindy Colar (Mike), Carole Fiducci (Phil) and Sam Fiducci (Stephanie). Amazing Godfather to niece Kasey Moss (Colin). Treasured uncle to Cynthia, Sarah, Alexandria, Bob (April), Samantha, Justin Elaina) and Stuart (Christina) and beloved cousin to Pam (Stephen), Beth (David), and Alan Simonds.

In lieu of flowers, prayers and blessings for Jim, his family, and the incredible life he led would be greatly appreciated.

— William H. Scott Funeral Home

WINNETKA – Whether you prefer to imbibe red, white or amber you’ll find it at the Winnetka Community House’s annual Wine and Beer Tasting event. Our wine sponsor The International House of Wine & Cheese, will pour 80 wines for your tasting enjoyment. Owner, Tom Jiaras, has graciously offered to pour three wines from his personal wine cellar…..a magnum of Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 and two bottles each of Chateau Montrose St. Estephe 2000 (96 pts) and Krug Grand Cuvee Champagne NV (98 pts). Microbrew and premium beers will also be available for tasting including, Three Floyd’s Zombie Dust, Rodenbach Grand Cru (98 pts), Farnum Hill Cider, Stone Brewery and Oskar Blues.

The Wine and Beer Tasting will take place on March 4 at 6:30 p.m. in Matz Hall at the Winnetka Community House. Tickets are on sale online at WinnetkaCommunityHouse.org or in person at The Winnetka Community House. Advanced registration tickets are $75, and tickets at the door will be available for $85. All wine and beer will be sale-priced plus case discounts and free delivery/pick up in Winnetka. Participants must be 21+.The Wine and Beer Tasting is produced by the Woman’s Board of Winnetka Community House, proceeds benefit this unique non-tax supported organization on the North Shore.

Winnetka Community House is a unique non-profit on Chicago’s North Shore that has played a special role in the community for over a century. Founded in 1911, the mission of the WCH is to enrich the lives of North Shore residents, their families and friends by providing educational, cultural, social and recreational opportunities for people of all ages.

To learn more visit WinnetkaCommunityHouse.org, or call us at 847-446-0537.

Submitted by the Winnetka Community House

WILMETTE – The Wilmette Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred the morning of Friday, Feb. 5 at 7:40 a.m. in the 1500 block of Forest. An unknown offender entered a home by removing a screen and crawling through a ground floor window. The offender encountered an 11-year-old girl in the hallway of the home and subsequently left. The offender apparently observed an adult leave the home a few moments prior to the burglary.

The offender was described as a male/ white in his 20s, approximately 6’2 and 240 lbs, with light brown hair and a light brown goatee.

Also, on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 3 a.m., Wilmette police responded to the 2200 block of Elmwood for a reported burglary to a garage that was in progress. Responding officers located the offender who led them on a foot pursuit through several yards. The offender, a 27-year-old resident of Chicago, was taken into custody after a short struggle with the police. Property from unreported burglaries to cars and garages was recovered from his person.

From the Wilmette Police Department

Shayle Arenson (left), seen here in earlier action, has been a valuable player for the Trevians this season. PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE HANDWERKER

You have to love the athlete in Shayle Arenson.

The New Trier senior is best known for her play on the softball field. The athletic Arenson is a base-stealing middle infielder for NT’s Girls of Spring.

On the basketball court, the 5-foot-9 Arenson is more of a role player.

At the start of the season, the hustling guard was one of the first “athletes” off the bench for head coach Teri Rodgers, who loves having multi-sport athletes on her squad.

Then, in late December, Arenson was thrust into the starting lineup, when star point guard and Colgate University recruit Haley Greer sustained a back injury,

Greer has missed 16 straight games. And according to Rodgers, she remains “day to day.”

Arenson, meanwhile, is just trying to make the most of the situation. Usually, she finds herself in the shadows of teammates Jeannie Boehm, Kathryn Pedi and Autumn Kalis.

And, for the most part, that again was the case, when the Trevians edged Evanston 62-61 in a Central Suburban League South Division showdown on Feb. 5.

Harvard-bound Boehm did her thing. The 6-foot-3 McDonald’s All-American tossed in 27 points to go along with six rebounds and three assists. Pedi, a Holy Cross recruit, came up with 17 points and 15 rebounds. And the ever-improving Kalis tallied seven of her nine points in the second half. She added four assists.

And who came up with the biggest shot of the game? Arguably, that belonged to Arenson.

With 3:03 left in regulation, Arenson drilled a three-pointer from the left wing against an unsuspecting Evanston zone defense.

Her instincts took over.

“I was wide open,” said Arenson, who is not one to fire up a lot of threes. “I felt like I had to take it.

“I wasn’t thinking about anything,” she added. “My dad always says not to think when you shoot.”

The three-pointer was key. The pressure was on. After trailing by nine points after three quarters, Evanston was on a 6-0 run at the time. The Wildkits had cut NT’s lead down to three points.

“For her to take that shot right then. That was insane,” said Pedi. “But we have confidence in her. We have so much confidence in each other.”

In front of a huge crowd — this game preceded the varsity boys — New Trier (23-4, 9-0) did just enough to beat a dangerous Evanston team (21-4, 7-2). Wildkits guard Savannah Norfleet (18 points) missed a hurried half-court shot at the buzzer.

“It was an exhilarating win,” said Arenson.

The fun is just beginning. Basketball’s championship season begins on Feb. 15. The Trevians, who took third in the Class 4A state tournament, are set to host a sectional.

Once the season ends, look for Arenson at a local ball diamond. She’s got big plans for the 2016 softball campaign.

“I’d like to hit around .380,” said Arenson, who figures to start at shortstop.

Last spring, as the team’s starting second baseman, she hit .286 with 21 runs and 15 RBIs. She also finished with a team-high nine steals in 10 attempts.

WILMETTE – It’s time for the Alliance for Early Childhood’s 22nd Annual ScreenBreak, when people are challenged to to take a break from televisions, computers, and other screens.

The Wilmette Historical Museum is hosting a free family program called ScreenBreak on Sunday, March 6 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Spend Sunday afternoon, as in days past, playing old-fashioned games and making traditional toys with family and friends. This free event is March 6th from 1:30-3:00 p.m. at the Wilmette Historical Museum, 609 Ridge Road.

For more information, visit www.wilmettehistory.org, or call 847-853-7666.

Submitted by the Wilmette Historical Society