A P RI L 16 -17, 2 0 2 5 • vol . 6 4 iss u e 23
News from Plainfield • Joliet • Shorewood • Lockport • Crest Hill • Bolingbrook • Romeoville • Downers Grove • Westmont • Woodridge • Lisle • Niles • Morton Grove • Park Ridge & more
By randy whalen For the Bugle
Marshall students place 2nd in stock market competition A fifth-grade student team from A.O. Marshall Elementary School came in second place in a statewide Stock Market Game™ spring elementary state competition. Hosted by the SIFMA Foundation in collaboration with dedicated local partners, The Stock Market Game continues to underscore the value of equipping young people with essential financial skills and knowledge. This program allows students to engage in the complexities of stock trading by managing a simulated portfolio with a virtual $100,000. Through this hands-on learning experience, participants gain valuable insights into economics, finance, and market dynamics. The students on the winning second place team included A.O. Marshall Elementary School fifth-grade students Noah Guzman, Jamarr Lee, Charon McNair, Hector Ortiz Calderon, and Marco Santana. The students will each receive a medal and split a $75.00 American Express Team Gift Card. The fifth-grade social studies unit focused on civics and economics in the United States. Students also spend time learning about the free-market
economic system. Other Marshall fifth-grade students who participated in the virtual game were Jesse Dezee, Justin Hernandez, Jonah Johnson, Miracle Johnson, Enijah Mcglothen, Maleah Murphy, Elena Ortiz, Jazlyn Reyes, and Viviana Reyes. “We are so proud of our fifth-grade students who participated in the Stock Market Game,” said A.O. Marshall Elementary School Principal Dr. Emilia Herrera, “The competition allowed our students to practice research, critical thinking, and analytical skills.” “This program truly built up the students’ financial literacy and piqued their interest.” fifth-grade Marshall teacher Maida Cornelio-Sauseda added, “Seeing my 5th graders checking their stock prices and monitoring trends daily was impressive!” The SIFMA Foundation, with its enduring commitment to financial education, partners with local organizations to bring this transformative program to students nationwide. The program ensures learners from diverse backgrounds gain access to critical financial education tools, fostering skills that prepare them for a lifetime of informed financial decision-making.
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Second place team members were A.O. Marshall Elementary School fifth-graders (from left to right) Hector Ortiz Calderon, Charon McNair, Marco Santana, Jamarr Lee, and Noah Guzman. Students simulate real-world investing by trading stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. They research market trends, monitor global news, and make strategic trades in real time using the Stock Market Game’s online tools or smartphone app. Additionally, students can prioritize socially responsible investments aligned with
the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. “Congratulations to all the outstanding student teams who excelled in this semester’s Stock Market Game,” said Melanie Mortimer, President of the SIFMA Foundation. “This program is about more than just numbers—it’s about inspiring the next generation of leaders to think critically, make informed choices, and approach fi-
nancial challenges with confidence. By partnering with schools across the country, we’re providing students with tools and opportunities that will serve them for a lifetime, from excelling in their careers to achieving personal financial security. We are deeply thankful for the dedication of educators who make this transformative learning possible.”
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Graue Mill and Museum opens for 2025 season The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Graue Mill and Museum will open for the 2025 season on Wednesday, April 16, offering visitors a glimpse into 1850s life through engaging programs and expert demonstrations. The historic mill will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Programs on milling, spinning, and weaving will showcase how mills shaped the local culture between 1850 and 1860. Each Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. historical interpreters will demonstrate skills like spinning, weaving, mill mechanics, and corn grinding. “Visitors can step back in time and experience history in action,” said Fullersburg Woods campus coordinator Dave Andrusyk. “Whether you’re grinding corn, watching wool transform into thread, or exploring the role of grains, you’ll get a handson glimpse of life 175 years ago.” Visitors can also enjoy a 0.6-mile walk along the newly restored Salt Creek to the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, which is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays. The surrounding forest preserve is open daily from one hour after sunrise to one hour after
sunset. Admission to Graue Mill and Museum and the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center is free. For details, call 630-850-8112. Located at 3800 York Road in Oak Brook, Graue Mill is the only operating waterwheel gristmill in the Chicago area and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also the only gristmill recognized as an Illinois Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for its role in 19th-century technology. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County improves the quality of life for all DuPage County residents. Its 26,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and waterways contribute to cleaner air and water, help with flood control, create vital habitats for wildlife, and provide safe spaces where people can boost their physical and mental health. More than 5.5 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 175 miles of trails, seven education centers, and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter and Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok pages.
JCA Names Ava Tomich as head dance coach Joliet Catholic Academy announced today the hiring of Ava Tomich ‘20 as their new Head Dance Coach, bringing firsthand experience and a wealth of knowledge to the team. “We are very excited to welcome back one of our own! As a 2020 alum and member of a State Championship Team, she understands the rich tradition of our dance program and has the passion, along with a deep connection to the team,” said Jim O’Brien, Joliet Catholic Academy’s Athletic Director. In September 2024, Tomich became the Assistant Varsity Dance Team Coach at Joliet Catholic Academy and immediately made a positive impact on the team. She is looking forward to transitioning into the Head Coach role and continuing to
inspire and mentor the dance team’s student-athletes. “I am so honored to step into the role of Head Coach for the Varsity Dance Team. As a 2020 JCA graduate and former mem-
ber of the 2019 State Champion Dance Team, this program holds a very special place in my heart. Dance has always been an amazing part of my life, and I am thrilled to lead such a talented group of athletes. I’m looking forward to building a strong, supportive team culture and helping each dancer grow both on and off the floor,” said Tomich. Tomich holds a Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles from the University of Kentucky. She is also currently the Social Media Manager for Dr. Jack’s Dental Lounge in Chicago. Tomich previously was a Dance Choreographer and Head Greek Sing Coach for the Alpha Phi Sorority and has also held positions in social media, design, marketing, sales, and merchandising.
10/2/2024
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Native American mascot ban clears the Illinois House, heads to Senate By BRIDGeTTe FoX Capitol News Illinois
Illinois K-12 schools may soon be required to pick new mascots to replace those that reference Native American names and imagery. That would include logos, team names and mascots which 90 schools throughout the state use, such as the Mt. Zion Braves or the Cahokia Comanches, according to legislators. House Bill 1237 passed in the House on Thursday with a vote of 71-40. The bill points out specific mas-
cots and names like “Redskins, Braves, Chiefs, Chieftains, Tribe, Indians, or any synonymous term” as those being banned. It also applies to logos with Native American feathered headdresses or traditionally Native American weapons, especially if combined with feathers. If signed into law, schools would have to have a new mascot chosen by July 1, 2026. Other big changes, that would cost schools money, have a slightly longer delay. Instead of requiring schools to buy new athletic uniforms and
other school materials with new iconography as soon as the bill passes, schools could keep using those old materials until Sept. 1, 2030, as long as the new names and logo designs have been picked out. There is also an exception for any school whose mascot has a direct tie with a federally recognized tribe and the school gets permission from that tribe to continue using the mascot. That consent would have to be renewed every five years, according to the bill. This isn’t the first year the bill’s
main sponsor, Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, has tried to pass the Native mascot ban. When West tried in 2020, members of the Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois asked him to push for teaching Native American history in schools first. That education bill didn’t make it into law until 2023. “This is about the welfare and benefit of our students. It’s about not harming our students,” said Andrew Johnson, executive director of NACCI, during a March 20 committee hearing. “It’s also not about polls, popularity, contests, anecdotes, tradition, honor, DEI, wokeness or political correctness.” Advocates said they wanted to focus on K-12 schools because they can choose not to be fans of professional sports teams like the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL, but they can’t choose not to send their children to school. This bill also does not apply to universities. Educators and representatives said the bill would minimize children’s exposure in school to stereotypes about Native Americans. “At one point, native mascots and logos were the most widespread education about native people in our state,” said Megan Bang, a professor at Northwestern University, during a committee hearing. “This year is our first time as a state to require teaching about native people.”
“The contradictions of both having educators teach about real Native people, but continue to perpetuate stereotyped images, sets up for educators to have harder times with young people, and sets in motion contradictory learning objectives for young people as well,” Bang said. When the bill was discussed on the House floor, Republicans were united against the bill in their votes after they came back from an hour-long meeting they took during the bill’s debate. “If there’s bad actors, absolutely let’s get rid of them. And I will also just leave you with this question,” Travis Weaver, R-Edwards, said. “This group of people were oppressed, but is oppressed and forgotten better?” Aaron Golding, member of the Seneca Nation Beaver Clan and member of the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative, said in March that Native Americans’ input and concerns are often dismissed. “Our voices and expertise on these issues are ignored,” Golding said. “See, when people are taught about our history prior to 1900 only, without an understanding of our contemporary experiences over the most recent 125 years – and ‘recent’ is pretty loosely said there – it’s easy to dismiss us as ghosts of the past whose needs don’t matter today.” The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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BuSINeSS AND ReAL eSTATe
Pros and cons of open concept floor plans Open floor plans that make it easy to move through primary living and entertaining areas have been popular for decades. Open concept floor plans join the dining room, kitchen and living (great) room into a communal space where sight lines are maximized and walls are minimal. According to JJones Design Co., the origins of open concept floor plans may be traced to the deaf community. An open layout allows for better visual communication and awareness of one’s surroundings, and some deaf individuals modified their kitchen and living spaces to facilitate more room for social gatherings and signing. Nowadays, it’s nearly impossible to find a new construction with closedoff rooms. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of having an open-concept home. Benefit: Open concept plans make small spaces feel bigger. When smaller homes are broken up by walls, they can seem even smaller. By tearing down walls, one can trick the mind into thinking there is more square footage. Drawback: The space may feel too large. An open concept floor plan in a large home can make interior spaces feel cavernous. A cozy home can be difficult to achieve with fewer walls. Benefit: Open concept plans facilitate the flow of natural light. Without walls to break up rooms, homeowners can maximize light coming in through their windows. This also may help to brighten darker rooms that do not get as much natural light. Drawback: Privacy can be hard to achieve. Unobstructed views from windows and doors can make it more challenging to create privacy when desired. When window shades are open, passersby can see into a home. Also, sunlight may end up wearing out flooring and furniture throughout the home. Benefit: Open floor plans allow more space to spread out when entertaining. One of the biggest plusses of open floor plans is that it makes it easier to host crowds. Guests can en-
joy the communal space, while hosts can still interact with friends and family even while preparing meals in the kitchen. Drawback: Homeowners will likely need to do more cleaning ahead of hosting guests, as multiple rooms will be on display. Also, cleanup afterwards may be more arduous since
guests have spent time in multiple spaces. Benefit: Open concept plans can improve property value. The home renovation experts at The Spruce note open floor plans are desirable and increase the value of a home by up to 7.4 percent a year. Drawback: Some home buyers are
beginning to shy away from open floor plans. This may have been prompted by stay-at-home requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, when multiple family members were working and doing school work at home. In that environment, an open-concept layout didn’t provide the privacy or distraction-free spaces residents may
have needed. Open floor plans have been around for more than 30 years, but they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. The pros and cons of this design style merits consideration when renovating or shopping for a home.
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