Football Playoffs, an Oil Spill, a Presidential Election and More: Nov. 2012 in Review

New Lenox residents came together this month to vote, to cheer, to give thanks, to cry and more. Take a look at the top 10 stories in Patch for November.

November 2012 is destined to stand out because it brought Americans together for a specific purpose—the Presidential Election. And New Lenox was no different. The 20 precincts in the community saw a record voter turn-out; however, voters here would have preferred Mitt Romney.   The American spirit and the realization of the freedoms enjoyed in this nation were lived out in genuine New Lenox style this month. The Scouts collected for a food drive, and those who sacrificed on our behalf were memorialized in a time-honored tradition on Veterans Day at the Village Commons. Crowds filled the bleachers to cheer during the playoffs for football teams at Lincoln-Way West High School and Providence Catholic High School. Later in the month, families…

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Austin Lempera Loved and Honored at Funeral

Friends shared anecdotes and memories of a genuine and caring young man.

The Lincoln-Way Community Says 'Good-Bye" to Austin Lempera

The death of Lincoln-Way Central football player, 16-year-old Austin Lempera, wrenched the hearts of many at his funeral Saturday at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Frankfort.

The tragic death of Lincoln-Way Central's football player, 16-year-old Austin Lempera of New Lenox put a damper on traditional Thanksgiving Day celebrations. The funeral for Lempera, who died Nov. 19 of an apparent heart attack while working out in the basement of his family's home, was crowded with mourners young and old. The mass was held at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Frankfort. At the earlier prayer service at Kurtz-Goodale Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, somber-looking family members, friends and students huddled close as they attempted grapple with the loss of a friend known for making people laugh. His girlfriend of 14 months, Cassidy Cozen, a junior at Lincoln-Way Central High School, will miss him terribly. Reflecting …

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Wake and Funeral Services for Lincoln-Way Central's Austin Lempera

Mr. Lempera, of New Lenox, died Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. He was 16.

#RIPAustin: L-W Students Mourn Loss of Classmate Austin Lempera

Austin Lempera, of New Lenox Township, died suddenly on Nov. 19, 2012. He was 16. Here's a collection of reactions from the community.

Did you know Austin Lempera? Share your memories in the comments section below. A wake for Mr. Lempera will be from 3-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, at Kurtz Goodale Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort. A funeral service with prayers will be 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, and then to St. Anthony Church, 7659 W. Sauk Trail, Frankfort, for a funeral Mass. Interment will be at 10 a.m. at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.    The collection of links, photos and social media posts above was created using Storify.com.

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Austin M. Lempera Funeral Services Announced

Mr. Lempera, of New Lenox, died Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. He was 16.

Austin Lempera, of New Lenox, died Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. He was 16. He was born Dec. 6, 1995, to parents Steven Lempera and Connie (nee) Bochenek. Austin was an honor roll student and a varsity football player at Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Frankfort. Read more about Mr. Lempera here.  He is survived by his brother Westley; nephew Thomas Lempera, Jeff (Donna) Lempera, Thomas (Carol) Bochenke, Kim (John) Crowley; Linda (late Ray) Bochenek, and the late Julie Kornecki. He is also survived by many loving friends and relatives.    Visitation will be from 3-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, at Kurtz Goodale Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort. A funeral service with prayers…

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