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Village board honors Villa Park native for his hall-of-fame

Villa Park native Todd Borchardt was inducted into the Suburban Windy City United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Hall of Fame in March. The Villa Park Village Board recognized Borchardt’s induction during last week’s board meeting. Borchardt joined a youth bowling league in 1979. He graduated from Willowbrook High School in 1984. Borchardt has fired 29 perfect games during his bowling career. In addition to those 29 game scores of 300, he has bowled seven 299 games and three 298 games. He was inducted into the Suburban Windy City USBC Hall of Fame for Superior Performance during the organization’s March 23 induction ceremony in Schaumburg. Borchardt is pictured with the members of the Villa Park

Homecoming parade

Freshman Lindsey Rugg of the Willowbrook softball team is pictured while attempting to score a run during Friday’s game at Downers Grove South. Rugg tried to score from second base on a single by sophomore Katelyn Cox in the top of the second inning, when the game was tied at 2-2. Downers Grove South’s catcher tagged Rugg out at home plate for the third out of the inning. The Mustangs went on to defeat the Warriors 7-3 in the West Suburban Gold Conference contest. Wil lowbrook rebounded from Friday’s loss to post an 11-2 win in Saturday’s Hinsdale Central. The Warriors bashed three home runs in the second urday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Conference. Senior Annemarie Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo Kayleigh Dennison provided the home runs. Dennison (No. 5) is background of the above photo. For more about the Warriors, see

Village Board during the April 14 board meeting. Pictured left to right are: Trustee Jorge Cordova, Trustee Jack Kozar, Trustee Kevin Patrick, Borchardt, Village President Nick Cuzzone, Trustee Deepasriya Kumar, Trustee Cari Alfano and Trustee Jack Corkery. “I’ve met some great people along the way,” said Borchardt during last week’s board meeting. He also noted that there were no bowling programs at Willowbrook when he attended high school. The school now has girls and boys bowling teams. Willowbrook’s boys bowling team completed its first season as an official Illinois High School Association (IHSA) sport at the school during the 2023-24 school year.

Arbor Day in Villa Park

Willowbrook High School celebrated its homecoming last week. The week’s special activities included Friday afternoon’s homecoming parade, which took place in hot and sunny conditions. The parade procession began near Park Boulevard and Ardmore Avenue. Parade participants marched south on Ardmore before turn ing west onto Highridge Road and into the school’s north parking lot. Willowbrook’s marching band are pictured along the parade route. The also included several of the Warriors’ fall athletic teams, as well as members

Village

Willowbrook High School’s Class of 2021 celebrated its commencement with two separate ceremonies in the school’s main gymnasium on Sunday morning. The en tire class includes over 470 students. About half of those students attended the ceremony that began at 9 a.m. The others participated in the ceremony at 11 a.m. The photo shows members of the Willowbrook Senior Choir

of the Villa Park Commission. Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday of each April. The National Arbor has recognized Villa Park with Tree City USA designation for 36 straight years. To receive tion, a community must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive

2801 members who

That list included World War II veteran Charles “Sid” Bergh, who served as

Tom

of the post’s annual Memorial Day service for several years. A veteran of

October 2020. He was 94 years old. Bergh was the post’s last surviving World War

Homeschool bill stalls in Illinois House, but Costa Howard says it’s still alive

The bill’s future is uncertain as it draws fierce opposition from homeschool families, a threat against its sponsor prompting a police investigation and shaky support from Democrats

By Molly Parker and Beth

Hundsdorfer

Capitol News illiNois

A bill that would tighten homeschooling regulations in Illinois missed a key deadline on April 11. But its sponsor, Rep. Terra Costa Howard, said it’s still alive—and she’s working on changes recommended by fellow lawmakers

to get it passed.

“We recognize that there’s some more changes that need to be made and so we want to be respectful of the process,” Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, told Capitol News Illinois. “I want to pass a bill that we can be proud of. And even though I’m proud of the bill now, I want to be able to take into

Blair-Sherlock Youth Advisory Council meeting takes place this Saturday, April 26

On Saturday, April 26, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:10 p.m.) State Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock’s Youth Advisory Council will be hosting a youth town hall at Willowbrook High School.

High school students Ishanth Dontha (chairman) and Ivan Figueroa (co-chair), Carol Davis (outreach coordinator) and its other members are the individuals who have organized and prepared for this youth town hall.

The council’s mission is to civically engage the youth community in political processes, amplifying their voices in policy and politics.

At the town hall, the council will place individuals into small groups. Each group will be given a question to answer within their group, with one person being the spokesperson to share out. Questions will mostly revolve around government efficiency in situations about environmental issues and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), specifically regarding civic education and media literacy. The council will end the town hall with ways to get involved politically in the community and answer reminding questions from the audience. Food and refreshments will be provided.

Glenbard East Theatre to present ‘The

Importance of Being Earnest’

this Thursday through Saturday

The Glenbard East High School Theatre Department proudly presents Oscar Wilde’s timeless comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 24, 25, and 26 in Rider Hall. Join us for an evening of wit, mistaken identities, and Victorian charm in this classic tale of love, deception, and the art of being truly earnest.

Set in Victorian England, “The Importance of Being Earnest” follows two young gentlemen, Jack and Algernon, who invent alter egos to escape their social obligations and pur-

sue romance. But when their lies catch up to them, hilarity ensues in a battle of wits involving overbearing relatives, unexpected revelations, and cucumber sandwiches. Wilde’s most famous play is a satirical masterpiece that continues to delight audiences more than a century after its debut.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and can be purchased at the box office or online at www.gefinearts.org

Email Fine Arts Administrative Assistant Mary Laird with any questions: mary_laird@ glenbard.org

consideration some of the other suggestions that have been made.”

The proposal, amended twice in recent weeks, would require parents to file a declaration of intent with their regional office of education. If a truancy investigation arises, officials could ask for schoolwork or lesson plans.

Costa Howard introduced the bill after a Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica investigation last summer revealed Illinois’ lack of oversight in cases where children weren’t receiving an education. Illinois has some of the loosest homeschooling laws in the country, and multiple truancy officers told reporters that when they investigated a truancy case and parents claimed they were homeschooling, the investigation came to a grinding halt, even if concerns remained.

In the worst cases, children disappeared from school and endured abuse or neglect at home for years before authorities became aware.

The bill has become one of

the most divisive issues at the Capitol this session, drawing thousands of opponents led by two Christian homeschooling organizations: Illinois Christian Home Educators and the Home School Legal Defense Association.

On April 10, Will Estrada, in an upbeat message on the Home School Legal Defense Association’s Facebook page, shared news that the bill’s sponsors “did not have the votes currently on the floor to move the bill.” The organization’s chief legal counsel called it “hard to overstate how significant this news is.”

Estrada congratulated homeschooling families for their efforts, adding, “The good news is your phone calls, your efforts, your talking to your friends, your continuing to get the word out to the legislators in Springfield, your voices are being heard.”

However, Estrada cautioned that the stall “doesn’t mean the battle is over.”

On April 12, Estrada joined Illinois Christian Home Educators Executive Director

Kirk Smith in a Facebook video message from a homeschooling conference in Peoria. They urged their followers to tone down their efforts during the legislative break that coincides with Passover and Easter.

“We have kind of a change of strategy,” Estrada said.

“We want to limit the activity politically this week,” Smith added. “We encourage those who may have friends who are representatives to reach out to them lovingly during this time. But let’s give the legislature a little time to catch their breath.”

Though both organizations have stressed their members to communicate their opposition politely with lawmakers, Costa Howard says these organizations have stoked fear, amplifying fringe voices.

“It’s all over the country. We all know. It starts here and must end here. If we have to break the 6th Commandment, so be it. God said “Do Not Kill,” but also said “Smite thine enemy.” We’re watching ….”—Anonymous Costa Howard turned the letter over to police, who she says are investigating it in her home district, which includes most of Lombard.

The bill has also drawn opposition from minority communities. Pastor Chris Butler testified against the bill last week when the amended version came before the House Education Policy Committee.

“I am here today as somebody who grew up in Chicago public schools,” Butler said.

“I am here today sitting next to somebody who taught in Chicago’s public schools. And we too have grown up, and we too have something to say about the education that

Since introducing the bill, Costa Howard said she’s been inundated with hostile calls and emails, even including a letter she perceived as a death threat. The anonymous letter, addressed to Costa Howard at her legislative office in Lombard, referenced HB2827— the Homeschool Act—contained five lines:

See BILL , Page 5

Montini Catholic Prom King, Queen to be crowned on Friday

Montini Catholic High School has announced the senior members of its 2025 Prom Court. The king and queen will be revealed and crowned during the school’s prom this Friday, April 25. The event, themed The Roaring 2020s, will be held at Bolingbrook Country Club. Montini’s Class of 2025 Prom Court members include, from left to right: Peyton Farrell, Collins Whitfield, Natalie

submitted photo Rock Valley Publishing

Gartlan, Sean Hubeny, Liliana Cruz, Nicky Castaldo, Autumn Schumerth, Matthew Silveyra, Sienna Skarda and Jonathan Hayes.

Firefighters respond to fire at manufacturing facility on Route 83

Multiple employees evacuated before firefighters arrived, no injuries reported; neighboring departments provided assistance

On Thursday, April 17, at approximately 11:31 a.m., the Villa Park Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at the Crown Metal Manufacturing Company facility at 765 S. Route 83, Elmhurst. That facility is located on the east side of Route 83.

According to a statement from the Village of Villa Park, Villa Park Engine 81 and Deputy 81 were the first units to arrive on the scene. They found a large, single-story manufacturing building with moderate smoke emanating from the front.

Firefighters from Villa Park and neighboring municipalities conducted a detailed search for the source of the fire, noted the village’s statement. “They quickly deployed a hose line and launched an aggressive interior attack, targeting the fire that was located inside a metal dust collection system,” the statement related. “Additional resources were utilized for searches and ventilation within the structure.”

The village’s statement added that the fire was brought under control and contained to the metal dust collection system that was

located toward the middle of the manufacturing facility. At the time of the fire, multiple employees were present, but were able to self-evacuate before the fire department’s arrival. All employees were accounted for and unharmed by the fire.

Villa Park received assistance from firefighters from Lombard, Elmhurst, Oakbrook Terrace and York Center, as well as from the Villa Park Police Department. The Villa Park Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) conducted the origin and cause investigation of the incident.

Traffic study cameras on Ardmore Avenue collect data for improvement project

The Village of Villa Park recently announced that over the next few months, a consultant working on behalf of the village on the Ardmore Avenue Improvement Project will periodically be placing traffic study cameras at various locations on Ardmore Avenue between Roosevelt Road and North Avenue.

These cameras are used to

collect traffic data, and will typically remain at each location for a few days before being removed.

The improvement project consists of the rehabilitation of Ardmore Avenue. The village’s pavement management program has determined that the condition of the street has deteriorated to the point that pavement rehabilitation is needed.

The scope of improvements will include roadway resurfacing, roadway reconstruction, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and traffic calming improvements. Due to the large scale of the proposed work, the project will likely be broken up into multiple smaller projects that take place over several years.

Obituary

PATRICIA A. CASTROGIOVANNI, 80

Patricia A. Castrogiovanni, nee McMahon, age 80, a dual Irish and United States citizen and longtime resident of Villa Park, Illinois.

Beloved wife of 60 years to Anthony V. Castrogiovanni; loving mother of Michael Castrogiovanni, Maryangela (Robert Meiszner) Castrogiovanni and Joanna (Joseph) Skiles; devoted grandmother of Christopher Castrogiovanni, Sarah Meiszner, Ash-

leigh Castrogiovanni, Joshua Meiszner, Daniel (Jordan) Castrogiovanni, Mitchell Castrogiovanni, Matthew Meiszner, Sabrina Skiles and Oliver Skiles; fond sister of Mary (the late Tony) Mullen and William (the late Eileen) McMahon; aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Mass was held at St. Alexander Catholic Church on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 10:15 a.m. Interment Private. Funeral info: steuerlefh.com or (630) 832-4161.

Applications accepted to fill vacancy on the Villa Park Board of Trustees

The Village of Villa Park is seeking applications from residents interested in serving on the Village Board of Trustees. There will be a vacancy on the village board when President-Elect Kevin Patrick is sworn in as Villa Park’s village president on Monday, May 12, leaving his trustee seat open for the remainder of the current two-year term.

This is an opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of Villa Park by serving on the village’s governing body. Six trustees and the village president work collaboratively to set policy, adopt ordinances, and make decisions that impact the daily lives of residents and the direction of the community.

To be eligible to serve on

the Board of Trustees, applicants must have resided within the corporate limits of the village for at least one year prior to appointment.

To apply, submit the following by the end of the day, Monday, May 12:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in serving as a trustee

• A current résumé outlining relevant experience, community involvement, or areas of expertise

Applicants should submit their materials via email to Villa Park Village President-Elect Kevin Patrick at trusteepatrick@invillapark.com.

All submissions will be reviewed, and the appointment will be made in accordance with village procedures.

Willowbrook honors its Outstanding Students for the fourth quarter

Last week, Willowbrook High School recognized 12 students as Outstanding Students for the fourth quarter of the 2024-25 school year. To be chosen for the Outstanding Student distinction, students must demonstrate extraordinary achievement and an outstanding effort, along with a commendable attitude. Students who receive the award must also demonstrate motivation and the ability to overcome obstacles. Principal Dan Krause and Assistant Principal Jamie Gourley welcomed the recipients and their families to the April 17 event that celebrated the honor. Willowbrook staff members who nominated the students for the award in various departments also attended the celebration at the school. The school’s Outstanding Students for the fourth quarter (pictured left to right) are: (front row) freshman Maryam Eshal Aslam (Learning services), senior Margaret Brennan (Music), junior Eden Frazier (World languages), senior Olivia Romero (Art), freshman Justyna Smolucha (English) and senior Carson Kulczyski (Career and Technical Education–CTE); (back row) freshman Adam Rafat Hajyasin (Science), sophomore Job Davalos-Melchor (Warrior Resource Center–WRC), junior Josias Garcia-Marquez (Literacy), senior Julio Molina (Physical education), senior Nauraiz Ali (Math) and senior Troy Wisner (Social Studies).

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Opinion

Slices of life

A name by any other name

What’s in a name?

My daughter, who is expecting a baby, is currently considering this question and it’s a deep one for sure. A name can connote so many things. It can remind you of someone you really like—or really don’t like. It can inadvertently rhyme with a swear word. An easy nickname could be associated with something negative.

A name sort of sticks with you and that’s heavy-duty stuff.

With great power comes great responsibility.

We learn our name at an early age. We identify with it. In many ways it becomes us and we become it.

I am Jill. You are Steve or Mary, Laura or John.

And, while we may answer to “Hey, you!”

Hearing someone speak our name is more powerful and more positive.

It’s like a pat on the back. A mini massage to the psyche.

It’s a scientific fact. One study published in Brain Research showed that hearing your name activated brain regions responsible for thought patterns and behaviors related to identity and personality markers. In other words, hearing your name makes you feel more engaged and a more active part of your environment.

Another study, in Cerebral Cortex, showed that hearing

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

your name makes you automatically perk up—even if you aren’t really paying attention. (Almost like you are a more active participant in your environment.)

I’m not sure we have to complicate it too much.

I just think hearing your name spoken out loud by another individual is simply humanizing. It provides a connection—one soul to another. It is recognition. It is me reaching out to you in one of the easiest and most accessible ways possible.

Of course, this isn’t true when someone is yelling at you—and using your middle name, at that. That is no massage. It is nails on a chalkboard.

But when you aren’t in trouble and someone takes the time to address you by name? It’s music to your ears.

And there’s an easy way to up the musical score.

Pair a name with a compliment. It’s an effortless way—100% of the time—to brighten someone’s day. But it isn’t always easy.

If you are like me, you can meet someone, hear their name, and then within half a

second forget that name. And then, if you are like me, you feel bad about forgetting, because what type of person can’t remember a simple name?

It happens to the best of us. It happens to all of us.

When this happens to me, I’ve learned a new and innovative technique. It involves something a little out of the box: honesty.

I admit I don’t remember and then ask the person to repeat their name. “I’m sorry, I forgot. You said your name was?”

It works 100% of the time. So far no one has refused to repeat their name.

Now… me remembering?

Not always 100%, but I’ve got a better chance when hearing it for the second time, mostly because I’ve had to confess my initial forgetful blunder.

Then, I have the power to do some good. To bring some humanity into the conversation. To connect.

And at the end of the day, isn’t that what our parentsthose who named us in the first place—hoped we would do?

Connect with one another? I’d like to think so. Knowing my parents (they were the best) I know so.

Jill Pertler is an awardwinning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

Illinois Fuel and Retail Association supports Pritzker’s request to treat E10 and E15 waivers equally

Consumers deserve access to the lowest cost fuel options during the busy summer driving season.

Following the decision by the Trump Administration to grant the request of certain Midwest states to opt out of an E10 RVP waiver, Illinois consumers faced a summer of higher prices and lower supply, had something not been done to address the looming deadline.

Last week, the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association issued the following statement of support for Gov. JB Pritzker and the other Midwest Governors who signed the joint letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, asking any emergency E15 RVP waiver also apply to E10:

“The Illinois Fuel and Retail Association thanks Governor Pritzker for his efforts to protect Illinois consumers, especially those in Southern Illinois who would have experienced supply issues and increased prices.”

said Nate Harris, CEO and Vice President of the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association (IFRA).

“Terminals in Norris City, Illinois and Cape Girardeau, Missouri were going to be under intense storage capacity issues dealing with minimum order requirements of this boutique fuel. This request to include E10 in any emergency E15 federal waiver will allow gas stations, fuel distributors, bulk storage facilities and terminal operators the needed time to

Roundtable discussion on protecting Medicaid for Illinoisans

By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

prepare for a statewide switch from 9.0 psi to 7.8 psi.”

“Inconsistent treatment of E10 and E15 would lead to a boutique fuel market for the Midwest, increasing prices for everyday Illinoisans. IFRA now calls on EPA Administrator Zeldin and President Trump to issue these federal emergency waivers in order to ensure consistent and uniform fuel specifications for both blends are applied nationwide.”

“IFRA members understand and appreciate the importance of Illinois leading the way on biofuels, including ethanol. We are committed to advocating for the continued and expanded use of ethanol in the liquid fuel industry in the state.”

On April 15, I joined Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis and Kathy Waligora from EverThrive Illinois/Protect Our Care Illinois, as well as medical professionals, patients, and advocates, to discuss the importance of protecting Medicaid funding.

The event comes a week after I voted against the Republican budget resolution that lays the groundwork for $1.5 trillion in federal spending cuts, the majority of which would come from critical social programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Roughly 3.4 million Illinoisans depend on Medicaid for their health care, and more than 862,000 of them are at risk of losing their benefits completely if these cuts go into effect.

As someone whose family relied on programs like SNAP and public housing to help us through a difficult time, any attempts to slash these programs are deeply personal to me.

Gutting Medicaid will lead to Illinoisans having to make impossible decisions for their health and the health of their loved ones.

During our roundtable conversation, I made clear I will continue to fight any attempts to cut Medicaid, SNAP, and other vital programs Illinoisans depend on to get back on their feet.

Calling for greater action to protect young people from vapes

During a recent Oversight

Committee hearing, I renewed my call for greater federal action to combat youth vaping. During my line of questioning, I highlighted how e-cigarette companies use candy-flavored vapes to entice young people into nicotine addiction.

Despite Big Tobacco’s claim that these flavors are targeted at adults, I pointed out that products labeled ‘Rainbow Road’ and ‘Sour Skittles’ clearly exist to hook children.

As a father of three and the co-founder of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus to End Youth Vaping, I find these attempts by Big Tobacco to market to young people disgraceful and worthy of action by federal agencies and Congress.

Exposing how the CCP targets American seniors

I recently co-led a joint hearing of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Senate Special Committee on Aging to examine how the CCP targets seniors with financial scams and other illicit activities.

Cyber scamming in Southeastern Asian countries like Burma and Cambodia is fueled by Chinese gangs, generating almost $44 billion in profit annually from unsuspecting victims and creating widespread human rights abuses for those forced to work as scammers in dangerous and inhumane conditions. The scams also strike close to home - during my opening statement questions to witnesses, I highlighted the story of Erika DeMask, a Lombard woman who lost her life savings of nearly $1 million to such a scam operation.

We need to do more to combat these organized crime scams and to help call attention to this issue. My staff and I organized a sting operation against a scammer named “Daisy” who reached out to my staff looking for an “approximate investment of 10 million to 30 million dollars” after just a few brief conversations. It’s critical that the U.S. work with our international partners and allies to crack down on these scammers and protect all Americans, but particularly seniors, from these complex schemes.

Reintroducing my STOP Bullying Act to protect LGBTQI+ youth and all students

Earlier this month, I reintroduced my State Taskforce Opportunity Program (STOP) Bullying Act, legislation designed to reduce bullying of students of all backgrounds and ages in primary and secondary schools, with a specific focus on LGBTQI+ students.

The bill incentivizes the establishment of statewide anti-bullying task forces to study, address, and reduce bullying in schools— environments that should be safe and supportive for all students to learn and grow. Every child deserves that environment, and my STOP Bullying Act will help ensure safer and healthier climates for all students. I hope to see my legislation move to the floor of the House soon.

Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8 th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes part of Addison, Wood Dale and Bensenville.

Hi, I’m calling about Eastgate at Jackson and Westmore roads. Along Westmore there are all kinds of vehicles and equipment. It looks pretty bad. I know Eastgate has been under construction but it would be nice to have that area looking better. I don’t think you would see that in Glen Ellyn, Elmhurst or Downers Grove.

* * *

So now the village wants to put a tax on groceries. Well, I guess we’ve taxed everything else, why not? But really, come on now, how about cutting people a break? Maybe you can tax alcohol, tobacco, things like that but food? Funny how this comes up after the election. All you people complaining about the library, why don’t you jump on this bandwagon.

Editor’s note: To clarify, Village of Lombard officials have stated that this is not a new tax for Lombard, but rather will replace the 1 percent state tax that is being eliminated as of Jan. 1, 2026.

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I do enjoy Jill Pertler’s wit and wisdom from time to time, but as much as I hate to say it, and with all due respect, constantly reminding us that she is now a widow is getting old. I am a widow and her sentiments do resonate with me, but I do not dwell on it. Believe me, it is a club nobody wants to be a member of, so for the purposes of this newspaper, I prefer the humorous side of her musings. But that’s just me.

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If this isn’t a good, but horrific, example of “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” I don’t know what is. A Wisconsin

teenager was arrested for allegedly killing his mother and stepfather—to get the money he needed to gain the financial means and autonomy to carry out a plan to assassinate President Trump. In all honesty, even though I voted for Trump, I do believe he takes some pleasure in inciting strong reactions from people, and I wish his own party would do more to rein him in and advise him to focus his energy on running the country. This is not the Donald Trump I voted for. On another note, had I known Trump was going to be bulldozing so many organizations in his path, I still would not have voted for Kamala Harris, allowing her to continue letting illegal immigrants flood our country, and keep raising the national debt. Check out www.usdebtclock.org to see what we’re up against.

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I read that there is a House bill on the table that would prohibit school teams from using Native American names, logos or mascots yet, get this, the students can still wear the logos on their uniforms. School districts will still have to use taxpayer money to change their logos, repaint and “rebrand” their teams. First of all, I don’t see the disrespect there, and I have a Native American heritage; and actually so does Illinois, for that matter. Whenever the state creates a new mandate, I never see any funding to go with it, and we taxpayers are the ones who have to pay for it, although we will pay for it either way, whether the state provides the funds or not.

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I read that there was a rash of “smash and grab” burglaries in Downers Grove, and just read in the April 17 paper that Lombard got hit along Highland Avenue. This is getting to be madness, and while I am sure these businesses have security, that doesn’t seem to deter these brazen thieves. I certainly have no clue as to how to stop this, but I am guessing these criminals are coming in from Chicago because they have exhausted places to rob there, or the police are on higher alert. I have a feeling they choose places that are easy in, easy out, with quick access to highways and tollways. And, they know they will be able to get out on “no cash” bail.

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So, in our trade battle with China the Democrats side with China? Just like when COVID hit and the Democrats blamed Trump and not China. I think the Democrats admire China so much because that is their model—an authoritarian socialist state that doesn’t have to worry about annoying things that Americans have historically cherished like natural/God-given rights, personal responsibility, rugged individualism and a constitution.

* * *

Last Wednesday (referring to April 9), the richest of Trump’s friends made over $300 billion in one day due to Trump saying “it’s time to buy”—and they did. The market was in the toilet and they were waiting to buy up stock after millions of us lost money due to Trump’s tariff announcements. Sure hope November of 2026 comes very soon!

* * *

There’s an old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” That may be good

• Bill

advice to illegal immigrants and student visa holders. They are guests in our country and don’t have the right to protest our government policies If they’re unhappy they should go back where they came from.

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Hi, just an FYI for homeowners. Putting mulch too high around trees will kill the tree. It may take some years but it will warp the bark and kill it. The flare of the tree should not be covered. You can Google flare of the tree.

* * *

This is Lombard calling. This is to all the Republicans who voted for Trump and are using Musk on top of Trump to destroy the United States with the stock market going down 4,000 points in two days, and everybody’s 401K is destroyed. I hope everybody who voted for Trump is happy. Thank you.

* * *

Just wondering how many Trump supporters would still vote for him after they see what he’s done to their retirement plan.

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Recently we enjoyed the American Heritage Concert at Lombard’s Maple Street Chapel. The setting is historic and peaceful. The 21-piece orchestra was entertaining, fun, beautiful, some toe tapping, clapping to the various rhythms. Just made us feel good and relaxed. Smiling and content. We hope others will enjoy it next year, a year from now. We recommend it highly. Thank you.

* * *

Hi, somebody called in saying that Democrats hate America. That is so far from the truth. Democrats are the true patriots. We love America and we are willing to fight for it.

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(Continued from page 2)

we received, and it is why people in our generation have stepped up and said, we must do something different.”

He argued that any regulation would impede minority families from homeschooling to escape failing public schools and encouraged opponents to continue filing witness slips opposing the bill and speaking out against it.

Editorial boards at the Chicago Tribune and The Wall Street Journal have also opposed the bill. The Tribune said the bill “overreaches,” while the Journal raised privacy concerns about the information homeschool families could be required to provide on the forms.

The anonymous letter to Costa Howard was postmarked from a mail distribution site in Kearny, New Jersey, on March 24—three days after the editorial appeared in the Wall Street Journal. The return address was listed simply as The Rancher, East

The old-school Democrats have to be upset how the Democratic establishment is allowing the far left to take over the party. Who in their right mind wants biological males competing in women’s sports and believe men can have babies? We need good candidates with common sense in the future.

* * *

Four wonderful U.S. military personnel died recently. Trump and Hegseth did not even show up for one single moment out of respect for them.

* * *

Tammy Duckworth sent out a letter addressing President Trump as Commander in Chief and Commander of Thief. Her opinion is not only unprofessional but also unpatriotic when degrading the elected president of the United States. No wonder other countries don’t respect us when we don’t respect our own country.

* * *

Hi this is Lombard calling. You know, this is such a great town. We’ve lived here for only 30 years and hopefully 30 more. I’m 72 and I’ve seen changes from the carrier kids who used to come around to now, today, delivery through the United States Postal Service. Is it possible to request a change back to the carriers? The service was great. We love the kids going out and being responsible. And lastly we had a guaranteed delivery on Thursday. It is sad and I hope the Lombardian and the publishing company can work something out to go back to a real credible source of delivery for your customers. Thank you.

* * *

This is Lombard calling. What these liberals don’t seem to understand is that we have to take the hit on the tariffs now to defend our country later.

We have to defend our country from the Vietnamese and the Chinese trying to take our jobs. More stuff will now be American made instead of Chinese and Vietnamese made. This is what the liberals don’t seem to understand.

* * *

I noticed that Harvard is whining about the government freezing more than $2 billion in federal grants and contracts. Harvard is a private university, yet they receive $2 billion in funding from the government. How can that be? On top of that, Harvard’s endowment is valued at $53.2 billion, the largest academic endowment in the world. The government shouldn’t give them a penny!

* * *

I see there was an online fundraiser for Karmelo Anthony that has reached $453,283. He’s the teenager in Texas accused of stabbing and murdering fellow student Austin Metcalf at a track meet on April 2. Since the left likes to keep score on their race card, Anthony is black, and Metcalf was white. Then we have so-called heartthrob Luigi Mangione. He was charged with shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare in the back and killing him. He gets excessive fan mail from young women, and his defense fund is up to over $830,000. Then, there’s the bleeding heart leftist U.S. Senator from Maryland, flying to El Salvador to get a photo-op with the illegal immigrant who was confirmed by two separate immigration judges as being a member the MS-13 gang and was deported. Never thought I would see the day where we make victims out of lowlifes like these and put them on a pedestal, but here we are. What a country!

Coast.

Under Illinois law, threatening a public official is a Class 3 felony. The Lombard Police Department declined to comment, but did provide, under a Freedom of Information Act request, a copy of the report that contained the typewritten, unsigned letter.

Costa Howard also alerted the Illinois State Police regarding the letter. An ISP spokesman said the agency assesses potential threats and determines needed actions based on the findings of the assessment, which may include further consultation and, if necessary, makes recommendations to enhance security.

Despite the vitriolic communication, Costa Howard said she is pressing forward because of those who’ve also reached out to say they were victims of inadequate homeschooling and want more protections in the law.

The bill missed a proce-

dural deadline on April 11 for non-budget bills to clear their chamber of origin. But lawmakers can request an extension, which Costa Howard has done.

“The one thing I’ve learned about Springfield is don’t ever count something out,” she said.

Rep. Amy Elik, R-Alton, disagreed.

“This bill was doomed from the beginning,” Elik said from the House floor Friday after Costa Howard made a brief speech about the bill.

Costa Howard says changes to the bill have already been made to address concerns, and that she’s working on more.

The amendment that passed a House committee on Wednesday, April 9, provided more specific details for the declaration form, ensured that an online version would be available, and clarified that a truancy investigation would be required to compel fami-

lies to turn over homeschooling portfolios.

Another change addresses concerns from private schools, which had opposed having to provide a list of students to the Illinois State Board of Education. Under the change, private schools would only need to verify a student’s attendance record if asked in a truancy investigation.

Costa Howard said she remains open to negotiations on the bill’s finer details but believes passing new safeguards is critical to protect children from parents who claim they are homeschooling, but don’t follow through.

“I do not back down from bullies,” Costa Howard said.

“And there are victims that have reached out to me constantly thanking me because it has also allowed them to raise their voices and feel that they could speak out about the experiences they’ve had as well.”

out& about Jane Charmelo

The Outreach House moving in July

New Lombard location has triple the space

What started out in 1997 as essentially a grassroots emergency walk-in ministry, The Outreach House went on to add an infant needs outreach and has since evolved to include a food pantry and clothes closet—all in one location for the convenience of the guests it serves.

Now, after moving less than three years ago to 805 S. Main St., Lombard, the non-profit organization will be relocating to 700 Springer Drive in Lombard—and triple the space at 15,000 square feet.

The Outreach House Executive Director Catherine Lynott said she has outgrown the current 5,000-square-foot facility, in part because “We are serving more people faster than we anticipated,” so she needed more room to store and provide donations of food, clothing and infant care items.

At one time, the walk-in ministry was located on Ash Street, behind First Church of Lombard, and the actual “The Outreach House” was so named in 2003 when First Things First infant needs outreach was added.

Meanwhile, a food pantry was located at the adjacent First United Methodist Church on Main Street since 1981, then added a clothes closet in 2007.

In 2021 the programs were combined so guests could shop at one location.

“This combining of services has been so effective for

Cat

the guests we’ve been serving,” Lynott commented.

In a recent release, the director stated that since moving to its current location, The Outreach House has “more than doubled the number of people we are serving and the amount of food, diapers, clothing and emergency financial assistance we are providing and we continue to see an increase in demand for our services.”

As of 2024, The Outreach House had 25,300 visits and provided 1.7 million pounds of food, according to Lynott’s figures, as well as 261,884 diapers, over 1,600 winter coats and $27,196 in emergency financial assistance.

She said The Outreach House had been considering a move to a larger space since last year, adding, “We’re really lucky to have a building committee,” which includes Dean Albright, who has a background in retail; and Steve Flint, who is an architect.

“They fully understood the needs,” she said, relating that at first the committee was looking for a facility that was around 10,000 square feet.

Besides being three times the size, the new location is all on one floor, is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant and has lots of windows to allow for direct sunlight.

Additionally, Lynott noted, “Parking was one of our considerations … so it [the

Guardians’

new location] ticks off all the boxes.”

She said the former office space is being renovated to fit the needs of The Outreach House and many of the renovations/remodeling services have been donated or provided at a reduced cost by “local contractors, suppliers and skilled craftspeople,” including numerous construction, restoration, painting, office equipment, disposal (dumpsters) and building materials businesses.

spring bake sale and open house this Saturday and Sunday

Join Lombard-based Cat Guardians on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for a weekend full of sweet treats and even sweeter kitties.

Enjoy delicious baked goods, Meet Cat Guardians’ adorable, adoptable cats and kittens and support the shelter kitties with every purchase.

Your generosity helps provide food and care for our feline friends:

• $5 provides four cans of wet cat food

• $10 provides half a bag of dry food;

• $25 provides a small bag of dry food and a couple of cans of wet cat food. Every donation makes a

difference for the cats at Cat Guardians and the kittens in foster care! Spread the word and help make this a successful weekend for their shelter kitties.

Located at 932 E. St. Charles Road, Cat Guardians, which opened in 1988, has seen over 2,000 cats adopted from the shelter, where they have been nursed back to health or at least avoided the need to scavenge garbage or prowl for prey in the wilds of the suburbs. Cat Guardians does not employ euthanasia, except in extreme circumstances in which medical conditions are such that prolonging a cat’s life would no longer be humane.

Due to this policy, Cat Guardians is usually filled to its legal capacity of feline residents. Today, some 50 cats and a rotating population of kittens reside at Cat Guardians shelter. For over 30 years, Cat Guardians has matched abandoned and stray street cats with loving families, and provided a permanent home for cats that have not been adopted due to age, medical conditions or socialization issues. Cat Guardians is funded entirely by generous public donations and staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers. For more information, email: info@catguardians. org or visit their website at: https://catguardians.org.

Grateful for these contributions, “The buildout has shown how much community support we have,” Lynott credited, adding that The Outreach House was able to sign a 10-year lease.

This endeavor, she said, has only been possible because of donations, fundraisers, grants and being able to purchase $8 worth of food from the Northern Illinois Food Bank for every dollar spent (2024 figures).

In the release, Lynott said she is still seeking support through donated or re-

duced-cost work for flooring, plumbing/supplies, electrical work/supplies, miscellaneous millwork items and a painting subcontractor.

If interested, you can contact her at director@theoutreachhouse.org.

The director also mentioned that Giving DuPage Days on May 1 is one of The Outreach House’s biggest fundraisers, especially now, to help raise money toward costs for renovation of the new facility. She has set a goal to raise $75,000.

The ability to provide

needed services in both the current location and the new location are, simply put, “because of the support of our community,” Lynott emphasized, adding that the new location “aligns with the goals of our three-year strategic plan,” and also “gives us further room to grow.” To make a donation on May 1, visit www.givingdupageday.org/organizations/the-outreach-house, and for more information about hours and municipalities served, visit www.theoutreachhouse.org.

57th annual pancake breakfast to support Scout Troop 140/Cub Scout Pack 140 to be held May 4

The annual pancake breakfast that supports both Boy Scout Troup 140 and Cub Scout Pack 140 will be held Sunday, May 4 from 7-11:30 a.m. at the St. Pius X Church Social Center, 601 S. Westmore Ave., Lombard.

The price is $12 per meal; children ages 5-and-under are free. The public is welcome; tickets can be purchased the day of the breakfast.

Menu items include pancakes, sausage, ham, gluten-free options and beverages.

For more information on tickets, donations and business sponsorship opportunities— as well as other questions—email: BSA140PancakeBreakfast@gmail.com

Donations must be received by April 21.

This year is the 57th Pack/Troop 140

pancake breakfast fundraiser. The Pack/ Troup like to recognize and thank the Knights of Columbus Council 6090 for hosting this year’s event, as well as recognize and thank St. Pius X for allowing the Pack/ Troup to once again host at its facility. Established in 1966, Troup 140 and Pack 140 represent the Lombard and Villa Park communities. They are comprised of over 20 registered and trained leaders who work to instill the values of the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan—in addition to valuable life skills—to the scouts. The organization is chartered by Calvary Episcopal Church in Lombard, with more than 75 scouts from multiple schools in the surrounding area.

Submitted photo Rock Valley Publishing

The Outreach House is planning a big move, slated for July, to 700 Springer Drive in Lombard, which will triple the space from its current 5,000-square-foot location at 805 S. Main St., Lombard.

Lombard police urge drivers to ‘Put the Phone Away or Pay’

Law enforcement to step up efforts targeting distracted drivers

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Lombard Police Department is ramping up efforts to keep our roads safe. Officers will be out in full force this month, watching for drivers who are texting or otherwise distracted behind the wheel.

“Distracted driving is a serious threat to public safety and in 2023 it was responsible for 58 deaths in Illinois,” said Police Sgt. Tom Balsitis.

“Taking your eyes off the road

Obituaries

WILLA MAE ANDERSON, 86

Willa “Willie” Mae Anderson, nee Rhear, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, Aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Lombard, Illinois, on April 7, 2025, at the age of 86. Willa Mae was born in Iuka, Mississippi, and was a proud southern lady who carried the warmth, charm, and grace of the south throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Al Anderson, with whom she shared 48 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2018. She is survived by her two daughters, Wanda Nelson and Sarah Pearson (Kevin), her cherished grandchildren Peter Nelson (Beth), Laura Horner (Christopher), and six great-grandchildren, whom she affectionately referred to as her “angels”: Ryan, Elissa Mae, Lily, Caleb, Samuel, and Violet. She is also survived by her brother George Rhear Sr. (Brenda), along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

A talented and hardworking woman, Willa was a business owner and skilled hairdresser. Beyond her work, she had a deep love for creativity, making beautiful greeting cards, decorating cakes, and piecing together her family’s genealogy with great care and passion that showed a deep love for her heritage. Willa’s unwavering faith in the Lord was evident in all she did, and she was known for her dedication to praying for anyone and everyone in need.

A true Southern lady, Willa’s kindness, generosity, and warm spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be remembered for her deep love of family, her caring heart, and her Southern hospitality.

A celebration of Willa’s life will be held on Sunday, April 27th, 2025, at 3:00 PM, until time of service at 7:00 PM, at Knollcrest Funeral Home. Her final resting place will be in Booneville, Missis-

for even a few seconds can have devastating consequences. We urge all drivers to stay focused and make safe driving their priority.”

Lombard police remind drivers of three simple steps to prevent distracted driving: put your phone away, set your navigation before you start driving and stay focused on the road.

Despite the risks, many drivers still use their phones while driving. In Illinois, it

sippi, alongside her mother and brother.

Willa Mae leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family, and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers donations to New Hope Community Church are appreciated.

Funeral info: knollcrest.net or (630) 932-1500.

MARK J. KOMEL, 63

Mark J. Komel, age 63, of Lisle, formerly of Lombard, passed away April 17, 2025, at Edward/Elmhurst Hospital.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 23, at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Interment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Elmhurst.

Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.

MARY ANN VICHIO, 81

Mary Ann Vichio, nee Wlas, age 81, of Lombard for 58 years.

Beloved wife of the late Nicholas Vichio; loving mother of Nicholas (Bonnie) Vichio, Anthony (Tina) Vichio, and Michael Vichio; dear daughter of the late Bernice, nee Tuminski, and the late John Wlas; devoted grandmother of Nick Jr. (Franchesca) Vichio, Natalie (Sean) Corey, Anthony (fiancee Aerielle), Joey, and Marisa Vichio; great-grandmother of Bella Vichio, Nicholas Vichio III, and Conor Corey; fond sister of Marcia (Al) Szymanski and the late John Wlas; aunt of many nieces and nephews. Services are being held April 24th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 114 S. Elizabeth St., Lombard, IL 60148. Mass 10 AM. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorials to National Association for Down Syndrome, 1460 Renaissance Drive, Suite #102, Park Ridge, IL 60068 or GiGi’s Playhouse 2350 West Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60169 are appreciated. Funeral info: knollcrest.net or (630) 932-1500.

is illegal to use a handheld phone behind the wheel and violators can face fines and other penalties.

The Lombard Police Department is working with the

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois State Police, and more than 200 law enforcement agencies statewide to reinforce a simple message: Put the phone

Coming events

April 28 GPS program to focus on career skills

On Monday, April 28, the GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will present “Stop Calling Them Soft Skills: The Essential Skills Employers Seek” with educator and author Trevor Muir at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Muir will challenge the outdated terminology and explore why these “soft skills” are actually essential in the modern workplace. He will share strategies on how families and educators can integrate and teach development of these critical competencies in schools and at home. Continuing professional development units are available for this program. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or 630-942-7668. Visit GPSparentseries.org for details and the link to this webinar.

Volunteers needed for clean-up week on April 26

The Village of Lombard seeks volunteers on April 26

to clean up the Illinois Prairie Path and Great Western Trail during Lombard Pride Week. For registration and information, visit https://ipp.org/ cleanup.

Lilac Time events with the historical society

Lilac Time Festival Official Dates: May 3-May 18. For more information about the festival visit https://www. lombardlilactime.com.

Tour Schedule: Tours run May 1–May 17, with no tours on Sundays (except Mother’s Day, May 11), no tours on Mondays, and no tours on Sunday, May 18 (Lilac Parade Day). The public tour begins daily at 11 a.m., weather permitting. Tour starting point and parking: All tours begin at the Carriage House, located at 23 W. Maple St. Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Carriage House. Tickets: Tours are $9 Per Adult and $5 Per Children. Advance registration is recommended at www.lombardhistory.org/lilac-time. Group tours and school visits are also available by reservation. For more information or to book a group tour, contact the Lombard Historical So-

down and focus on the road.

Throughout the month, drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts as officers stop and ticket anyone who violates distracted driving and other Illinois motor vehicle laws. The Illinois distracted driving campaign is funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.

ciety at (630) 629-1885 or email, visit lombardhistory. org, or email education@ lombardhistory.org.

Genealogy club to meet April 28 at Plum Library April 28 at 7 p.m., The Genealogy Club at Helen Plum Library will have the program, “Locating Your Canadian Ancestors.” Jenny Warner will present a brief history of Canada. You will learn about Canadian records that are available for research and how to locate them in print or online. This program will be in-person and held in the Plum Meeting Rooms (1st floor). Registration required. Visit www.helenplum.org/ event/genealogy-club-70013 to register.

‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ at Glenbard East April 24, 25, 26

The Glenbard East High School Theatre Department proudly presents Oscar Wilde’s timeless comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” at 7 p.m. on April 24, 25, and 26 in Rider Hall. Join us for an evening of wit, mistaken identities, and Victorian charm in this classic tale of love, deception, and the art of being truly earnest. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and can be purchased at the box office or online at www.gefinearts.org. Email Fine Arts Administrative Assistant Mary Laird with any questions: mary_laird@ glenbard.org.

Go with a good neighbor

Being a good neighbor means being there for my community. As your local State Farm® agent, I'm ready to help whenever you need me. Give me a call.

Receive a digital copy of your hometown newspaper every week with an eSubscription for only $35 a year.

THANK YOU TO THE ELMHURST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR NAMING OUR AGENCY THE 2025 ELMHURST BUSINESS OF THE YEAR!

There’s no waiting for your home delivery. Your link to the weekly newspaper will be emailed to you every Thursday. The digital version of the newspaper can be read on a computer, laptop or tablet. For an eSubscription, visit rockvalleyenews.com or call 627-7010.

Stolper Insurance Agency Inc

Brian Stolper, President 447 N York Street Elmhurst, IL 60126-2003

Stolper Insurance Agency Inc

Brian Stolper, President 447 N York Street

IL 60126-2003

Bus: 630-832-0182

www.brianstolper.com

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Willowbrook English teacher

earns Outstanding Teacher award

Willowbrook High School English teacher Scott Grobstein received the school’s Outstanding Teacher award last week. Grobstein (right) is pictured at the April 17 celebration at Willowbrook that also featured presentations of the school’s Outstanding Student awards for the fourth quarter. Willowbrook freshman Janeth Vazquez (left) presented the Outstanding Teacher award to Grobstein. To earn that award, a staff member must treat teaching as a passion, create a positive learning environment, use a variety of strategies to engage students, be willing to offer extra support, provide prompt and effective feedback to students, and relate to and understand students’ viewpoints and perspectives.

Police Reports

The Villa Park Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.

April 15

A 31-year-old Maywood man was charged with domestic battery at a motel in the 1-100 block of W. Roosevelt at 8:06 a.m. The subject was transported to the DuPage County Jail.

April 14

Criminal damage to a vehicle was reported in the 200 block of W. Division at 1:20 p.m.

April 12

Justin De Simone, 50, of Elmwood Park, was charged with DUI-drugs, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver, transportation or possession of open alcohol, driving without insurance, disobeying a traffic-control device and failure to signal near W. North and N. Lincoln at 8:31 p.m.

Retail theft was reported at a store in the 1-100 block of E. North at 7:41 p.m. after a subject removed merchandise from display shelves and left without paying.

April 11

Fraud was reported at a bank in the 1-100 block of E. Roosevelt at 9:45 a.m. after a subject reportedly attempted to withdraw money with someone else’s identification.

April 9

Retail theft was reported at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 at 3:11 p.m. after a subject removed merchandise from display shelves and left without paying.

April 8

A complainant in the 600 block of N. Bierman reported suspicious noises in the area at 11:51 a.m.

April 5

A complainant at a restaurant in the 200 block of W. Roosevelt reported they left their bag in the restaurant, and that their AirPods were stolen.

April 4

A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 reported a juvenile subject removed items from display shelves and attempted

Village holds its Spring Sweep on May 17

While the drive-through event is free to Villa Park residents, some vendors have fees

Villa Park’s F.U.N. (Focus on Unifying Neighbors) Commission is joining the Villa Park Environmental Concerns Commission to hold the 2025 Villa Park Spring Sweep recycling and shredding drop-off event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 17.

The drive-through Spring Sweep will take place along Home Avenue, near Villa Park Village Hall. Traffic will enter from Harvard Avenue, heading north, and exit onto Ardmore Avenue.

Participants will recycle from their vehicles by driving to each station. Volunteers will collect and remove items from vehicles for disposal. Attendees are asked to remain in their vehicles at all times.

If possible, residents should pack items in easy-tocarry boxes clearly labeled with what items are inside.

The event is free to Villa Park residents, but a fee will apply for residents who drop off paint for recycling. There is a $20 flat fee per vehicle for non-residents for electronics and paper shredding, in addition to the paint recycling fees.

The paint fees for latex paint are: $2.99 for a quart or less, $5.99 for a gallon and $19.99 for a 5-gallon bucket.

The paint fees for oil-based paint are: $5.99 for a quart or less, $9.99 for a gallon and $25.99 for a 5-gallon bucket.

Paint must remain in its original container to be recycled. Consolidating paint is prohibited.

Accepted items include working adult and children’s bikes, hardcover and paperback books, used clothing and shoes, small appliances in working order, full and discharged fire extinguishers, old and faded American flags, eyeglasses, paint, holiday lights, computers, monitors, printers, digital cameras and cell phones.

The document shredding offers a limit of three banker boxes per household.

Small engines, compressors, units, medications and sharps, Styrofoam, wooden speakers and tires will not be accepted.

For more about this year’s Spring Sweep, including a link to a list of vendors and acceptable items, visit invillapark.com/spring-sweep.

Willowbrook to hold summer school courses

The deadline to sign up is April 30

Willowbrook High School is committed to providing opportunities to help students succeed and build positive futures.

As part of that focus, Willowbrook is sharing important information regarding

summer school registration. Summer school classes help students earn credit to stay on track for graduation, as well as provide an opportunity for students to get ahead with graduation requirements.

agement

• Online Health

The deadline to sign up is April 30. Transportation and breakfast will be provided.

to leave without paying. The subject was issued a citation and a trespass warning.

April 3

Deantwon Coleman, 39, of Maywood, was charged with burglary/retail theft—possessing displayed merchandise exceeding $300 at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 at 6:43 p.m.

A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 reported at 1:28 p.m. that a subject was causing a disturbance.

A complainant in the 300 block of S. Ardmore reported at 4:05 p.m. that something was thrown at a window at their residence, causing the window to break.

April 2

Alessandra Vaduva, 26, of Hillside, was charged with retail theft/possessing displayed merchandise on the above date for an alleged incident that occurred at a store in the 1-100 block of E. North on Jan. 4.

Identity theft, fraud

According to information provided by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported four incidents of identity theft or fraud in the village between April 2 and April 15.

Willowbrook Music Boosters Club’s Trivia Night takes place this Saturday, April 26

The Willowbrook High School Music Boosters Club will present its 11th annual Trivia Night event at the school on Saturday, April 26. The event will start at 6 p.m. Check-in will begin at 5 p.m.

Willowbrook students, parents, guardians, alumni, staff, community members and friends are invited to participate. Players must be at least 13 years old.

Teams of eight to 10 players are recommended. The entry fee is $100 per team. For teams with 11 to 15 players, the entry fee is $150. Proceeds support Willowbrook’s music programs and students by going toward scholarships, activities, uniforms and concerts, as well as the school choir’s trip to Nashville.

The upcoming Trivia Night will feature raffles and prizes, including a prize for the team with the best theme. Food and drinks are allowed, but alcohol is prohibited.

To register, visit https:// tinyurl.com/WBTriviaNight2025. For more information, visit wbhsmusicboosters.org.

Willowbrook’s 2025 summer school courses will take place from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday from June 2 until June 26, except for Thursday, June 19.

The summer school courses include:

• Public Speaking and Communication

• Online Consumer Man-

Courses need to meet a minimum enrollment to run. Course fees are $160 per student. Should a course not run, fees will be refunded.

Course descriptions are available at http://www. dupage88.net/WBSummerSchool2025

To register, go to http:// www.dupage88.net/WBSummerSchool2025.

State police: ‘Move Over or Get Pulled Over’

The Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are warning drivers to Move Over or Get Pulled Over.

The Move Over Law, known as Scott’s Law in Illinois, requires drivers to move over and slow down when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated.

If changing lanes is unsafe or impossible, drivers must slow down to a safe speed, proceed with caution, and be prepared to stop if necessary.

“We’ve all heard it, move over and slow down for emergency vehicles on the side of the road with their emergency lights activated,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Despite this, we continue to see to crashes, including deadly crashes, because someone refused to move over and slow down.

To help end this reckless behavior, we want the public to know that if you fail to move over and slow down in Illinois, you will get a ticket. The days of receiving a warning are over. Move over or get pulled over.”

The Move Over Law not only applies to law enforcement vehicles, but ambulances, fire vehicles, IDOT Emergency Traffic Patrol vehicles, tow trucks, and other authorized emergency vehicles as defined under the Illinois Vehicle Code

However, ISP and IDOT urge drivers to move over and slow down for any vehicle with flashing lights stopped on the side of the road.

More information about Illinois’ Scott’s Law can be found on the ISP website, as well as a Scott’s Law dashboard that includes information and data about ISP crashes.

Lilac royalty visits blood drive

Lombardian

Villa Park Review

42nd Annual

Many Faces

of Lombard & Villa Park

For more than three decades, local businesses have used this popular photo section to acquaint thousands of readers in Lombard and Villa Park with their businesses.

To be included in this popular business promotion or for more information, call or email. We will then contact you to set up a photo appointment and pick up the copy for your cutline. Don’t miss out on this great advertising special because you waited too long to call! Space is limited and each year we turn away businesses due to space limitations. Call 630-834-8244 or e-mail bjesensky@rvpublishing.com. The reservation deadline is May 1 “Faces” will be published on Thursday, May 29.

NOTE: Remember, it is very important to have your cutline information available when your photo is taken. Also, remember this is a photo section, so please keep your cutline information brief to allow adequate space for your photo. Cutlines may be faxed to 630-834-0900 or e-mailed to: bjesensky@rvpublishing.com

Published — Thursday, May 29, 2025 Deadline — May 1, 2025

contact

Top right: Lilac Princesses (left to right) Khloe Hickman, Jillian Gorvett and Olive Turner volunteered at the Tuesday, April 15, Village of Lombard/Versiti Blood Drive at First Church of Lombard—visiting with donors and handing out snacks, as part of a longstanding tradition. Above: Princess Khloe also donated blood for the first time.

Plum Library programs

Taylor Swift’s Literary Lyrics Sunday, April 27, at 2 p.m. Taylor Swift’s songs cover the full emotional spectrum, from love and friendship to heartbreak and grief, but did you know many also contain literary references? Explore Taylor’s bookshelf through her discography, including Robert Frost, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, and more. Presented by librarian, public speaker, and Swiftie, Jez Layman.

Locating Your Canadian

Coming events Worship Services Directory

Ancestors Monday, April 28, at 7 p.m. Jenny Warner will present a brief history of Canada. You will learn about Canadian records that are available for research and how to locate them in print or online. Visit helenplum. org or call (630) 627-0316 to register for these programs.

Glenbard South presents ‘Cinderella’ (Broadway Version) April 25, 26, 27 Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” (Broadway Version) will be presented

on April 25-26 at 7:30 p.m. and on April 27 at 2 p.m. in the Glenbard South Auditorium. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at glenbardsouthhs.seatyourself.biz, or with cash or check at the door. Patrons should enter at Door 9 for the performances. For more information or special seating arrangements, please contact Jessica Keuth-Rahtjen at jessica_keuth-rahtjen@glenbard. org or Stephanie Wallace at stephanie_wallace@glenbard.org.

GPS program May 1 to discuss self-harm

The GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will host licensed clinical social worker and author Jonathan Singer in a presentation titled “Suicide Signs and Symptoms: Let’s Talk About It.” This event will be presented in a Zoom webinar at noon and a hybrid in-person event at the Carol Stream Public Library at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 1. Singer will give participants an understanding of suicide and discuss the warning

signs, myths and facts. He will offer suggestions for parents, students, schools and communities. Visit GPSparentseries.org for information and the links to these webinars. Continuing professional development units are available for this program. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@ glenbard.org or 630-9427668.

Growin’ Green Garden Market May 3 SCARCE, 800 S. Rohlwing Road (Rte. 53), Addison, is hosting a Growin’ Green Garden Market Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Look for eco-friendly garden supplies, games/toys, fun jewelry, garden tool sharpening, native plants and advice to help you grow green. For more information or to order compost or seedlings, visit www.scarce.org/ growin-green.

Worship Services Directory

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church

St. Timothy Evangelical

Lutheran Church

547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am

Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.

Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am

“The Crucial Hours”

Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022

Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26

Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm Wednesday Service at 7pm Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service Saturday, April 26, Game Night at 4 pm

Everyone is Welcome!

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

Everyone is Welcome!

All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org

Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org

Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4

Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022

Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove

Fifth Lenten Service

Rev. Tom Nicholson Resurrection, Aurora

Fifth Lenten Service

Rev. Tom Nicholson Resurrection, Aurora

Sixth Lenten Service

Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora

Sixth Lenten Service

Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora

Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14

Good Friday Tenebrae

Easter Sunrise

Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14

Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17

Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15

Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17

Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM

Daily Masses:

Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM

Monday Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM

Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM

Daily Masses: Monday Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM

Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM

Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM

Join us at the corner of Spring and Vallette 314 W. Vallette Street, Elmhurst, IL www.epiphanyelmhurst.org 630-832-8457

us at the corner of Spring and Vallette 314 W. Vallette Street, Elmhurst, IL www.epiphanyelmhurst.org 630-832-8457 Worship with Us! Saturdays 5:30pm Sundays 9:30am All are Welcome!

Worship with Us!

Saturdays 5:30pm Sundays 9:30am

630-834-6700 www.visitationparish.org

Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17

Adoration: Parish Center Eucharist Chapel 24/7

Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM Adoration:

Adoration: Parish Center Eucharist Chapel 24/7 630-834-6700 www.visitationparish.org

All are Welcome! Sunday services are live streamed on our website. Children’s Sunday School, Childcare and Adult Opportunities Available

Can’t-miss events in and around the area

Editor’s note: If you have information on an event in Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Lombard and Villa Park taking place that you would like us to consider listing here, please email that information to: news1@rvpublishing.com.

Ongoing

North Suburban Carvers meetings

The North Suburban Carvers meet on the first and third Mondays of each month at the Wood Dale Public Library from 6:308:30 p.m. Anyone interested in carving, power carving, wood burning or special finishing techniques is welcome. North Suburban Carvers is a non-profit organization that promotes carving in the Chicago area. For more information, visit: northsurburbancarvers.com .org/calendar.aspx.

Thursday, April 3

Multi-chamber event

Lombard

Join the Lombard Chamber of Commerce for an exclusive multi-chamber event. The Lombard chamber and 16 other area chambers invite you to an informative and timely discussing featuring keynote speaker Anna Paulson, executive vice president, director of research and executive committee member at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Visit lombardchamber.com for details.

Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4

Art in Wilder Park Elmhurst

Free and open to the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., this highly anticipated event kicks off the Spring festival season in the western suburbs each year. The free two-day event draws thousands of visitors with over 130 booths of artists selling one-of-a-kind jewelry, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, fiber arts, and delicious treats from local food vendors. Booths by

over 80 Midwest artists, 10 nonprofits, 10 food vendors, 10 Kids Court participants, and 20 other local business partners will be featured. For more information, visit: https://elmhurstartmuseum. org/events/art%20in%20 wilder%20park%202025.

Sunday, May 4

Lilac Time Arts & Crafts Fair

Lombard

From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in downtown Lombard on St. Charles Road between Main and Elizabeth streets, this much-anticipated event celebrates creativity, community, and fun for the entire family. There will be over 120 vendors, including regional food vendors, live entertainment, and a family zone—dedicated area packed with kid-friendly activities and entertainment, perfect for making memories with your loved ones. For more information, visit: www.lombardchamber.com.

Friday, May 9

Mom and Son Night

Villa Park

From 6-8 p.m. at the Villa Park Recreation Center, young men and their special date are invited to an exciting evening out. Enjoy great music, a photo booth, and a keepsake photo of the night. Participate in fun activities and games in the Villa Park Recreation Center Gym. Snacks, desserts, and soft drinks will be served. Registration required in advance; not available at the door. To register, visit: www.invillapark.com/299/Events.

Saturday, May 10

Spring Park Pride

Addison

From 9 a.m.-noon, register to volunteer at one of these parks—Community Park, Links & Tees, Lake Manor Park, Centennial Park, Club Fitness and Byron Park. The Addison Park District will provide volunteers with a T-shirt, work gloves and tools. This is a great opportunity for

students, families, Scout troops, churches, local businesses and other organizations to give back to the community. Show your hometown pride by participating in the beautification and sprucing up local parks. To register to volunteer, go to: addisonparks.org Code: 602811.

Thursday, May 15

UCCA Taste of the Town Elmhurst

From 6-10 p.m. United Community Concerns Association (UCCA) will hold the eighth annual Taste of the Town: Dining for a Cause, an Elmhurst food and drink experience, on May 15 at Wilder Mansion. The evening will showcase food, wine, and beer tastings from 15 Elmhurst businesses. Proceeds from the event will benefit UCCA, an all-volunteer, not-forprofit organization that fights hunger by providing food, referrals, and services to Elmhurst District 205’s most financially disadvantaged children and their families. Tickets are $75 in advance and $80 after May

8 or at the door and can be purchased online at ucca-elmhurst.org or by mail at UCCA, Box 324, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Visit ucca-elmhurst.org for more details. Art in Wilder Park. The the 28th annual Art in Wilder Park is free and open to the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Friday, May 16

Cop on a Rooftop

Bensenville

From 5 a.m.-noon at Dunkin Donuts, 1004 W. Irving Park Road, stop by for your daily coffee, make a donation to Special Olympics and take a selfie with Bensenville’s police officers behind you on the rooftop. For more information, visit: www.bensenville.il.us/1309/ Cop-on-a-Rooftop.

Sunday, May 18

2025 Lombard Lilac Parade

Starting at 1:30 p.m., the 96 th annual parade is a can’t miss event with floats, vintage cars, bands, performances and various groups and organizations, capped off by a float that features

the 2025 Lilac Queen and princesses. The parade will start at Main Street and Wilson Avenue, and proceed north on Main. For more information, visit: https:// lombardlilacparade.com.

Thursday, May 22

Public Works open house

Bensenville

From 3:30-7 p.m. at the Bensenville Public Works Facility, 717 E Jefferson St., there will be a free Public Works open house event. Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the skills, tools and equipment required to maintain the village’s infrastructure. At this family fun-filled event, you can participate in activities and visit informational booths to learn more about Public Works departments—Water, Streets/Forestry, Wastewater, Fleet and Building Services, Stormwater, and Engineering. For more information, visit bensenville.il.us/1310/Public-Works-Open-House.

May 20 through Oct. 7 2025 Farmers Market

Lombard

From 3-7 p.m. every Tuesday in downtown Lombard at Park Avenue and St. Charles Road, get your farm fresh goods, enjoy local vendors and live entertainment, and gather with your community at Farmers Market! For more information, visit: www.lombardchamber.com.

Saturday, June 7

Children’s fishing derby

Villa Park

From 9 a.m.-noon at North Terrace Park, A fishing license is not required for anyone under 16, but don’t forget your tackle and bait. Prizes, generously provided by the Villa Park Sportsmen’s Club, will be awarded for the largest, smallest, and most fish caught by children under 16. The casting contest will take place between 9:009:45 am. Registration is not required.

All ages welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For questions, call 630-7493217 or email SEarl@invillapark.com.

Meet ‘Declaration’

The area’s largest lilac sale, in Lombard, will be held on Thursday, May 8, in Lilacia Park (near the Metra station) from noon until 7 p.m. or sold out. You may choose from 19 different lilacs of varying sizes. Colors of the blooms range from deep violet, magenta and lilac to pink, blue and white. Proceeds support the Lombard Garden Club’s scholarship program, community beautification projects and educational outreach about the environment and gardening in our region. This week’s feature is Declaration (Syringa xhyacinthiflora). The name refers to the U. S. Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. It is an early bloomer, fragrant with magenta and purple flowers. Fast growing, it reaches a height of 6’8’ and a spread of 6’-7.’ It is similar to “Old Glory” with green foliage and it is one of 19 cultivars available at the Lombard Garden Club Lilac Sale. You may view color photos of the lilacs at www.lombardgardenclub.org.

Artist Series concludes May 4

The St. John’s Artist Series concludes its 17th season on Sunday, May 4 at 3 p.m. by welcoming back the renown bluegrass band Monroe Crossing. This will be the third appearance at the Series for the ensemble and their first since 2019. Known for a distinctive bluegrass style that stems from the musical diversity of its members, Monroe Crossing continues to be eagerly welcomed on tour around the U.S., Canada and Europe. Come prepared for a wonderful program of bluegrass music and more. Their previous appearances with the Artist Series have packed the house. One mission of the Artist Series has been to bring a wide selection of arts experiences to the community by limiting traditional barriers of attendance—such as cost and accessibility. If you haven’t been, an Artist Series event is an ideal opportunity to engage in a new arts experience! This program will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 215 S. Lincoln in Lombard, IL. No tickets are required. Admission is free, though a free-will offering will be taken. For information, visit www.stjohnslombard.org or email artistseries@stjohnslombard.org.

Brass Brilliance

Lombard Service League

celebrating 75 years of service

This is a special year for Lombard Service League. It is their 75th year of service to Lombard and those in need. They received a Proclamation from the Village of Lombard marking Thursday, April 24, as Lombard Service League Day in Lombard. The club is planning various events throughout the year to celebrate this milestone beginning with a club social on April 24 for a champaign toast with members and guests. Pictured (left to right) with the proclamation are current officers: Patty Lindstrom, treasurer; Claudia Arroyo, GFWC 5th/6th District representative; Anna Weselak, president, and Patti Blazejak, vice president. Not pictured is Barbara Madigan, secretary. For more information on how to support the efforts of the club or to become a member, go to www.lombardserviceleague.org, follow on Facebook, email info@lombardserviceleague.org or call/text 630-988-0625.

AgeGuide hosts urgent Advocacy Breakfasts

Critical aging services face funding threats as legislators prepare to make budget decisions

With essential aging programs facing devastating federal cuts, AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois announces its 2025 Advocacy Breakfast Collaboratives—three critical events where advocates can rally to protect the services that help older adults remain healthy, independent, and fed.

Why does this matter now? Proposed reductions in federal funding could significantly impact the Older Americans Act, endangering vital services such as Meals on Wheels, caregiver respite, transportation and other home and community-based services. These cuts come as last year’s bipartisan Older Americans Act Reauthorization Bill still hangs in legislative limbo, and potential changes to the Administration on Commu-

nity Living could further unravel the support system for older adults.

“These aren’t just budget lines—they’re lifelines,” said Marla Fronczak, CEO of AgeGuide. “When seniors lose Meals on Wheels or home care, hospitalizations and long-term care placements skyrocket. We need every concerned citizen at these events before legislators finalize spending decisions.”

2025 Advocacy Breakfast Collaborative Dats & Locations:

• Friday, May 2, from 9-11 a.m. at Maravela’s Banquet & Catering (4 Washington Street, Ingleside), hosted in partnership with Maravela’s Banquet & Catering.

• Monday, May 5, from 9-11 a.m. at Senior Services Associ-

ates (2111 Plum Street, Aurora), hosted in partnership with Senior Services Associates.

• Monday, May 12, from 9-11 a.m. held virtually. These breakfasts will feature powerful stories from older adults directly impacted by these services, legislators representing AgeGuide’s eight-county region and clear, actionable steps attendees can take to influence policy and protect funding. Without strong advocacy, older adults may face increased waitlists for meals, reduced access to caregiver relief, and the elimination of vital community services.

Sponsored by AARP Illinois, these collaboratives offer a rare opportunity to engage directly with decisionmakers before critical budget deadlines.

Prisoner Review Board reform bill clears Senate

Updated from last year’s bill, it aims to increase transparency of prisoner releases

By Jade Aubrey and UIS Public Affairs Reporting

A bill that would reform the Prisoner Review Board passed the Illinois Senate on April 10, aiming to protect victims and increase transparency about prisoner releases following years of controversy surround-

ing the board’s decisions.

Championed by Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, Senate Bill 19 would give victims the ability to file victim impact statements ahead of hearings, provide them with additional notice when their offender is

granted early release, and allow them to seek an order of protection against an offender who is incarcerated.

The bill passed on a 33-22 vote, with some Democrat senators opposing the legislation. See bill , Page 17

Submitted Photo Rock Valley Publishing

Montini beats Deerfield

The Montini Catholic baseball team improved its overall season record to 9-7 with Saturday’s 7-1 win over Deerfield in Lombard. Deerfield scored one run in the top of the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. Montini scored all seven of its runs with a seven-run outburst in the bottom of the second inning. After sophomore Julio Ayala walked with two outs in that inning, junior Quin Paprockas (No. 9above) hit a two-run home run to give the Broncos a 2-1 lead. Senior Drew Church (No. 2 - below left) hit a two-run double later in the inning to boost Montini’s lead to 4-1. Senior Max Bell singled to drive in Church and move the Broncos’ lead to 5-1. Senior Nick Sheeran tripled to drive in Bell and increase the lead to 6-1. Sophomore Johnny Louise singled to drive in Sheeran for Montini’s seventh run of the inning. Junior Blake Heyer pitched the first four innings of Saturday’s game for the Broncos and earned the victory. Heyer allowed one earned run and one hit. He walked two batters and recorded six strikeouts. Senior Jimmy Fitzpatrick, senior Christopher Zayed and Bell (No. 5 - below right) pitched one scoreless inning each for the Broncos to close out Saturday’s win. Montini began last week’s action with a 20-4 Chicago Catholic League (CCL) triumph at Aurora Central Catholic on April 14. One day later, the Broncos beat Aurora Central Catholic 10-0 in a CCL game in Lombard. Bell and Church drilled home runs in Montini’s April 14 win in Aurora. Bell’s three-run homer gave the Broncos a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Church launched a two-run homer in the second inning to extend Montini’s lead to 5-0. Church hit another home run—a solo blast in the bottom of the third inning—during the April 15 contest against the Chargers in Lombard. Montini suffered a 5-3 loss at Lincoln-Way East on April 16.

Rams rout Wildcats

Glenbard East’s baseball team improved its Upstate Eight Conference record to 5-0 with last week’s pair of decisive victories over West Chicago. The Rams pounded the Wildcats 22-3 in a four-inning game in West Chicago on April 14. One day later, Glenbard East defeated West Chicago 12-1 in a five-inning contest in Lombard. Senior Ryan Frano bashed two home runs and drove in five runs in Glenbard East’s April 14 win. Junior Justin Kay homered and drove in two runs for the Rams in the 22-run onslaught, while senior John Murphy went 3-for-3 with three runs batted in for Glenbard East. Senior Devin Kraft went 3-for-3 and drove in two runs for the Rams. Senior Konrad Toth pitched the first three innings of the game for Glenbard East and picked up the win. Toth didn’t give up any hits. He issued three walks and allowed one run while recording seven strikeouts. Frano (No. 13 - above) pitched a five-inning complete game in the Rams’ April 15 home win. He allowed one run, two hits and three walks while piling up seven strikeouts. Junior Josh Ziemer (No. 20 - top left) went 3-for-3 and drove in two runs for Glenbard East in their five-inning victory in Lombard. Kraft went 2-for-3 and drove in one run. Senior Paulie Steiskal went 2-for-2 with two RBIs for the Rams. Glenbard East senior Brian Kud (No. 11 - left) went 2-for-3 and drove in three runs. Kud is pictured while heading toward home plate to score a run in the fourth inning. The Rams’ overall season record fell to 8-5 following Saturday’s 11-4 non-conference loss at Geneva.

Rams defeat Trojans

Glenbard East’s girls soccer team defeated Downers Grove North 1-0 in last week’s match in Lombard. Junior Lily Tripp of the Rams scored the only goal of the April 15 contest during the second half. Tripp scored the goal off of a corner kick by junior Paige Goldsmith (No. 13 - above right). Another photo from the match shows Glenbard East senior Julia Bereta (No. 6 - above left). The battle between the Rams and Trojans in Lombard was part of Plainfield North’s tournament. The Rams went 1-3 in that event. Glenbard East opened the tournament with a 3-0 loss to Plainfield North on April 12. Two days later, the Rams dropped a 3-0 decision to Oswego. Glenbard East concluded the tournament with a 3-0 loss to Geneva on April 17. The Rams’ overall season record stood at 2-6-2 after their loss to Geneva.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Broncos vs. Redwings

The Montini Catholic girls lacrosse team faced Benet Academy in Saturday morning’s game in Lombard. The visiting Redwings defeated the Broncos 10-3. Montini’s season record dropped to 3-6 with the loss. Junior Miley Brunski (No. 14 - above left)

scored two goals for the Broncos in Saturday’s contest. Senior Annika Bartell provided one goal for Montini. Senior Jamie Loftus (No. 5 - above middle) and junior Juliana Neustadt (No. 10 - above right) are pictured during the Broncos’ game against Benet.

Rams take third at the New Trier Featherfest

The Glenbard East badminton team battled to a third-place finish at Saturday’s 16-team New Trier Featherfest in Winnetka. The Rams began the competitive event by defeating Schaumburg, Evanston and Hersey to post a 3-0 record in pool play. Glenbard East then defeated Highland Park in the round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals. The Rams beat New Trier in the quarterfinal round to move on to the semifinals. Glenbard East lost to Schaumburg in the semifinal round and completed the competition with a victory over Deerfield in the third-place match. Downers Grove North won first-place honors at the event. Pictured (above, left to right) after Saturday’s event are: (front row) sophomore Daniela Romero, sophomore Betsy Facchini, senior Caitlin Rossi and sophomore Marija Cheeks; (back row) head coach Scott Llorens, junior varsity/assistant coach Alec Buckley, junior Sarah Crocker, junior Gabi Jackonyte, senior Marisa Olas and senior Ren Manning. Two days before playing at the New Trier Featherfest, the Rams improved to 8-0 in Upstate Eight Conference play with their 11-4 win over Glenbard South in Lombard. Senior Kaitlyn Kelly (top right) and Jackonyte (right) are pictured during their singles victories in the April 17 meet against the Raiders.

submitted photo/Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Warriors split two games with the Mustangs

The Willowbrook baseball team faced Downers Grove South in two West Suburban Gold Conference games last week. The Mustangs rallied for an 8-6 victory over the Warriors in an April 14 meeting in Downers Grove. One day later, Willowbrook beat the Mustangs 6-3 in Villa Park. The two teams were supposed to complete their three-game conference series with an April 17 contest in Downers Grove, but that game was rained out and rescheduled to this week. The Warriors completed their week with Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Hinsdale Central in a non-conference game in Villa Park. Willowbrook led Downers Grove South 6-2 late in the April 14 game, but the Mustangs scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take an 8-6 lead. Senior Sam Marrese went 3-for-3 and drove in two runs for the Warriors in their series opener against Downers Grove South. Junior Jake Bonino (pictured at right while batting during Saturday’s game) went 3-for-4 and drove in one run for Willowbrook. Bonino went 2-for-3 and scored two runs in his team’s 6-3 victory over the Mustangs on April 15. Marrese went 2-for-2 and scored one run in the win. Senior Vinny Ippolito went 1-for-1 and drove in one run, while senior Jesus Torres went 1-for-3 with one RBI. The game was tied at 2-2 in the middle of the fifth inning. Willowbrook scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to take a 5-2 lead. Torres hit an RBI single to give the Warriors a 3-2 advantage. Ippolito hit a run-scoring double to extend the lead to 4-2. Junior Bobby Biggs pitched the first four innings of the game for Willowbrook. Biggs allowed one earned run and two hits. He walked three batters and recorded six strikeouts. Junior Luke Ranieri (No. 22 - above) of the Warriors earned the victory after pitching three innings in relief. Ranieri allowed two hits and one earned run. He issued one walk and struck out four batters. Willowbrook, which opened its 2025 conference season by sweeping a three-game series against Hinsdale South, improved its conference record to 4-1 with its April 15 win. Willowbrook sophomore Michael Garner (top right) pitched four innings in relief during Saturday’s loss to Hinsdale Central. Garner, who is pictured on the mound during that game, didn’t allow any earned runs. He gave up four hits and two walks while striking out three batters. The Warriors’ overall season record fell to 10-5 after Saturday’s loss.

It would also create the Office of the Director of Victim and Witness Services, which would ensure the board complies with victims’ rights, and mandates victims are provided with contact information for the State Victim Assistance Hotline

The reforms come after Crosetti Brand allegedly murdered an 11-year-old Chicago boy in 2024. That February, the board voted to release Brand, finding there was not enough evidence he had violated his conditions of release.

His ex-girlfriend, Laterria Smith, was denied an emergency order of protection by a Cook County judge while Brand was imprisoned at Stateville in Crest Hill.

A day after he was released, Brand attacked Smith and murdered her 11-year-old son, Jayden Perkins, who attempted to protect his mother.

The murder caused two PRB members, including the board chair, to resign.

Brand’s history of domestic violence against women prompted both advocates and lawmakers to call for stricter review of prisoners’ backgrounds before their release.

During last year’s legislative session, Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, championed a PRB reform bill that that had bipartisan support, but was never called for a vote in the House on the final day of session.

That bill would have made changes that included requiring the board to notify victims within 24 hours if an offender, whom they had an order of protection against, was released early.

In a news conference held the day after the session ended, Gov. JB Pritzker expressed his concerns with parts of the bill regarding the live stream of certain PRB meetings and the lack of funding for other requirements.

Harmon described this year’s reform bill as a “similar to, but improved upon” version of Cassidy’s bill that “expands the rights of victims to be heard and to be notified.”

The bill would change qualifications for board members, requiring seven out of the 15 board members to have at least five years of experience as a law enforcement officer, parole officer, prosecu-

Registration is open for Willowbrook’s athletic summer camps

Starting in June, Willowbrook High School will host a variety of athletic summer camps. Registration for those camps is open and can be completed online at https:// dupage88.revtrak.net/rw-wbhs-athletics.

tor, criminal defense attorney or judge.

It would also change the term limits of any new board members elected from six to eight years, something Harmon said would allow board members to be less concerned about their reappointment and more focused on making “good decisions.”

Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, voiced his disagreement on the Senate floor Thursday. He asked Harmon how he thought it was a “great idea” to lengthen terms for members, who he said are vetted by the governor.

“The Senate can’t pass a law by itself. The bill before us, I believe, will be well-received and passed by the House and signed by the governor,” Harmon said in response. “It is the best bill we are able to pass into law at the present time.”

Republicans have spent years criticizing Pritzker’s appointments to the board following several controversial nominations in recent years.

The bill now awaits action in the House.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 7:00 pm, a public hearing conducted by School District 45 DuPage County, Villa Park, will take place at School District 45 Central Office located at 255 W Vermont Street, Villa Park, IL 60181. The purpose of this public hearing is to inform the public of plans to request an Illinois School Code waiver (ILCS 105/18-8.05 (F) (2)(d)(2)) for an alternative use of School Improvement days. A waiver would allow the district to combine four half School Improvement days into two full School Improvement days. This recommendation will increase instructional time for students, improve the model for delivering effective professional development to district staff and reduce the number of non-attendance days during the school year. Public comment will be allowed during the hearing. If you have further questions pertaining to this hearing, please contact, Dr. Annetta Spychalski, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at 630-5167887.

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent, Villa Park Review and Lombardian April 24, 2025) 470858

That link includes a list of available camps, as well as camp fees and online payment.

For more information, call the Willowbrook Athletic Department at 630782-3144.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Sudoku

Fun by the Numbers

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

CLUES ACROSS

1. English TV station

4. It fuels cars

7. Where ships dock (abbr.)

10. Indigenous people of Thailand

11. Midway between northeast and east

12. Small Milky Way constellation

13. Fritz __, Austrian chemist

15. A Brit’s grandmother

16. Colombian city

19. Visualize

21. Charged

23. People’s assets

24. Informative books

25. Jeer

26. You can do it with your horn

27. Agents of your downfall

30. Central Uganda city

34. Supervises flying

35. Type of tree

36. Alfalfa

41. Dishwasher soap brand

45. Hall where military eats

46. Ancient Greek City

47. Speaks incessantly

50. Discuss again

54. Extreme greed

55. Adopt or support

56. Fantasy writer Russell

57. Seize

59. Early Mesoamerican civilization

60. Noted pet detective

Ventura

61. Automobile

62. Georgia rockers

63. Color opposite green

64. Amount of time

65. Attempt

CLUES DOWN

1. Sheep sound

2. Some can be emotional

3. Inflammation of colon lining

4. Origins

5. Comedienne Gasteyer

6. Perceived by the senses

7. A place to play ball

8. Occur before

9. Animal body parts

13. Thanksgiving dessert

14. Root mean square (abbr.)

17. 1960s teen idol Bobby

18. Promotional materials

20. One point east of northeast

22. Piers Anthony protagonist

27. Popular sports league

28. Cologne

29. Partner to cheese

31. Constrictor snake

32. Not good

33. Supplement with difficulty

37. Hug with fondness

38. Enforced again

39. Small amount of time (abbr.)

40. Substance

41. Anterior parts of the brain

42. Brews

43. Where ships load cargo

44. Holiday season singer

47. “__ humbug!”

48. Monetary unit of Macao

49. Popular children’s book elephant

51. Glutinous

52. Function

53. Old world, new

58. Swiss river

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Classifieds

Announcements

CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed. Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

Burial Needs

7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.

gion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Business & Service DIRECTORY

MECHANIC’S LIEN NOTICE

This notice is to enforce a Mechanic’s Lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 45/1 et seq, and 90/1 et seq., against:

Eva Logistics Inc and General Electric Capital Corp for the following vehicle, 2015 VANGUARD TRAILER VIN 5V8VC6322FM503289, for the amount owed of $9,183.20. A sale will be held at Windy Auto Sales, 865 Fairway Dr., Bensenville, IL 60106 after May 6, 2025, unless redeemed by owner within 30 days of the date of the first publication of this notice.

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review April 17, 24, May 1, 2025) 470377

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79672 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on APRIL 2, 2025, wherein the business firm of U.S. TAXPAYERS COME FIRST, 1138 LITCHFIELD LN., BARTLETT, IL 60103 was registered; that the true or real name or names of

the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/ are as follows:

Lee A. Russin, 1138 Litchfield Ln., Bartlett, IL 60103. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 2ND day of APRIL, A.D. 2025. Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian April 10, 17 & 24, 2025) 470260

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HERBEY GIVEN That at 9:00am on April 22,2025 a sale will be held at 60 E Hill St Villa Park Il 60181 to sell the following articles to enforce a Mechanics Lien existing Under laws of the State of Illinois against such articles of the labor/towing services, skill, or material expanded upon a storage furnishing for such article at the request of the following designated person, unless such article at the requested of the receipt of the notice. Owner Micah Alexander Leach 0N680 Courtney Lane Winfield, IL 60190 and Lienhold-

In Print and Online Every Thursday

LEGAL NOTICES

er Santander Consumer Usa Inc

PO BOX 961288 Forth Worth, Tx 76161 and Mariner Finance Florida Inc 8211 Town Center Dr Baltimore , MD 21236 Lien amount 1,145.00 for further information regarding this sale you may contact Argeniz Vasquez 312/543/47/64

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review April 17, 24, May 1, 2025) 470581

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79673 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on APRIL 4, 2025 wherein the business firm of CRAFTY CLAN CANDLES, 605 E. SOUTH BROADWAY AVE., LOMBARD, IL 60148 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/ are as follows: Jason C. Warda, 605 E. South Broadway Ave., Lombard, IL 60148. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand

and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 4TH day of APRIL, A.D. 2025. Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian April 10, 17 & 24, 2025) 470287

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF DU PAGE IN RE THE ESTATE OF Arnold F. Spink DECEASED 2025 PR 267 CASE NUMBER PUBLICATION NOTICE AND/OR CLAIMS NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of Arnold F. Spink whose address was 1150 E. Jackson St., Unit 1K, Lombard, IL 60148. Letters of Office were issued on April 7, 2025 to Frederick C. Poole, 525 S. Illinois St., Villa Park, IL 60181, Independent Executor, whose attorney is James Reichardt.

NOTICE TO HEIRS AND LEGATEES

P.O. Box 14575 Chicago, IL 60614-8515 630-832-4800

Email: jim@jimreichardt.com

(Published in The Lombardian April 17, 24, & May 1, 2025) 470434

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

COUNTY OF DU PAGE

IN RE THE ESTATE OF Randall Robert Swain

DECEASED

2025 PR 268 CASE NUMBER

PUBLICATION NOTICE

AND/OR CLAIMS NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of Randall Robert Swain whose address was 2701 Technology Dr., Lombard, IL 60148. Letters of Office were issued on April 7, 2025 to Kelly Giambri, 1717 Lakecliffe Dr., Apt. A, Wheaton, IL 60189, Independent Executor, whose attorney is James Reichardt.

NOTICE TO HEIRS AND LEGATEES

Chicago, IL 60614-8515

630-832-4800

Email: jim@jimreichardt.com

(Published in The Lombardian April 17, 24, & May 1, 2025) 470435

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79674 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on APRIL 4, 2025 wherein the business firm of THE BARTLETT INSIGHTS & CONSULTING GROUP, 3300 CREEKSIDE COURT, WOODRIDGE, IL 60517 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/ are as follows:

William J. Bartlett II, 3300 Creekside Court, Woodridge, IL 60517.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 4TH day of APRIL, A.D. 2025.

The estate will be administered without Court Supervision, unless under section 28-4 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Circuit Court Clerk. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of CANDICE ADAMS, Circuit Court Clerk, 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois, or with the representative or both on or before October 20, 2025, any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Circuit Court Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney, if any, within 10 days after it has been filed with the Circuit Court Clerk.

James Reichardt DuPage Attorney No.: 70005

Attorney For: Independent Executor

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian April 10, 17 & 24, 2025) 470288

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79675 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on APRIL 7, 2025, wherein the business firm of LIFESORT HOME, 0N326 COTTONWOOD DRIVE, WHEATON, IL 60187 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:

Samia Bono, 0N326 Cottonwood Drive, Wheaton, IL 60187. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 7TH day of APRIL, A.D. 2025.

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian April 17, 24, May 1, 2025) 470580