Addison Trail High School cheerleaders take first place






With the holiday season under way and COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses continuing to rise across the state, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging Illinoisans to take action to protect themselves and their loved ones during the festive season.
IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra is reminding the public that basic health precautions are especially important when it comes to protecting members of the family who are most vulnerable to severe outcome, including older family members and the very young.
He strongly urges parents to take advantage of the newly authorized bivalent boosters for children six months and older.
According to the CDC, 86 counties in Illinois rated at an elevated level for COVID-19 by the CDC, up from 74 a week ago. Of those, the CDC reported 43 Illinois counties at a High Community Level for COVID-19, up from 29 a week ago; while 43 counties are at Medium Level, compared to 45 last week. IDPH is reporting 23,334 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois since Dec. 9, and 82 deaths.
“Illinois continues to see a dramatic rise in communities at elevated risk levels for COVID-19, including 43 counties that are now at a high risk,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “As we prepare for holiday gatherings with our loved ones, I want to remind Illinoisians that these elevated COVID-19 community levels, along with rising flu levels, are leading to a surge of respiratory infections, increased hospitalizations and limited hospital beds. I strongly recommend all Illinoisians take preventative steps to protect themselves and their family and friends, especially those most vulnerable including young children and individuals over 65.
“These preventative measures start with being up-to-date with the COVID-19 bivalent booster that is now authorized for children as young as six months old. Getting your flu shot is very important too. Other important protective steps include COVID-19 testing, especially if visiting someone at risk for severe disease; enhanced ventilation at gatherings; and good hand hygiene. And if you are sick, stay home and consult with your provider about
whether you need one of the effective treatments that are available. A high-quality mask or respirator is also recommended and will protect you from COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory viruses. Our hope is for Illinoisians across our state to have a happy and healthy holiday season.”
Dr. Vohra stressed that those who test positive for COVID-19 should immediately contact their healthcare provider to discuss whether they need treatment with one of the effective antiviral medications, Paxlovid, Lagverio and Remdesivir. All of these have been found to work against the current strains of the virus.
Access to tests and treatments can be found at the following test to treat site or by contacting your provider for treatment options, within five days of feeling ill.
The IDPH is helping Illinoisans prepare for the fall and winter surge of COVID-19 cases by offering 1 million free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to Illinois residents in all zip codes outside of Chicago through a partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Cat-
alytic Capital and its Project ACT (Access COVID Tests) program.
Through Project ACT, the IDPH is distributing up to one million athome antigen tests to 200,000 Illinois households. You can request one package of five tests on a firstcome-first-serve basis at the Project ACT website. The tests will be delivered to the home address.
Free or low cost COVID-19 testing locations are also available throughout the state, including in Chicago, and can be found on the IDPH website’s testing locator page.
The CDC authorized two new bivalent booster vaccines on September 1 that include an mRNA component of the original strain to provide an immune response that is broadly protective against COVID-19 and an added mRNA component in com-
mon between the omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5 lineages to provide better protection against COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant.
Initially, the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent, was authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 18 years of age and older and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent, was authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 12 years of age and older.
On Oct. 12, the CDC authorized the updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech for children ages 5 through 11 years, and from Moderna for children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years.
On Dec. 9, the CDC expanded its authorization for bivalent boosters to include children aged 6 months to 5 years.
On Friday, Dec. 16, the DuPage County Election Commission announced that it would conduct a discovery recount of certain precinct results from the Tuesday, Nov. 8 General Election. The recount was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Dec. 20 in the auditorium of the Jack T. Knuepfer Administration Building at the Du Page County Complex in Wheaton.
The races subject to the recount are to include DuPage County Board member in District 2 and the office of State Representative in Illinois House District 45.
The recount in the race for DuPage County Board in District 2 is to confirm the vote for the third representative. The official results reported thus far show Democrat Paula Deacon Garcia with 25,411 votes and 25,335 for Republican incumbent Sean T. Noonan, a difference of just 76 votes.
The race for State Representative in District 45 ended up with 21,293 votes for Democrat Jenn Ladisch Douglass and 21,020 for incumbent Republican Deanne Marie Mazzochi.
The results will be reported as soon as they are made available by the DuPage Election Commission.
“Looking back I think this year was going to be a little bit slower … but that didn’t happen!” quipped Matt Kissane from his suburban Villa Park home. “I wound up taking more flights for out-of-town gigs than ever before!” He traveled to Deadwood S.D., Wisconsin and the University of Nebraska for corporate functions, and made a rare comedy club appearance at The Laugh Factory. The Onion Comedy Network even cast Kissane in a video short for their YouTube channel and he recently shot some print work for @Properties Realtors. This past spring, he took part in live theater shows at The Des Plaines Theater and The Arcada Theatre in Saint Charles.”That was a special show since it was the last gig I ever did with legendary Chicago-based Rock singer Jimy Sohns from The Shadows of Knight.” Sohns passed away over the summer. “I had Jimy on my podcast earlier this year, it was really a cool interview, very revealing.” Other memorable moments include an unexpected phone call from SNL Alum and Cheers star George Wendt and an impromptu performance of the Cheap Trick classic “I Want You To Want Me” at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with their house band.” Pictured here is Kissane performing at the Laugh Factory.
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Addison’s Christmas Tree Lighting held on Friday, Dec. 2 included hundreds of residents gathered at the Village Green to welcome in the season. Choral groups from Lake Park School, Lincoln School, Stone School, and Addison Trail High School provided music of the season. The arrival of Santa Claus on a horse-drawn wagon to light the grand Christmas Tree capped off the event. More than 300 visitors toured the Addison Historical Museum’s Century House, to hear the Vagabond
Singers caroling group perform traditional holiday carols.
The 1893-era Century House, 129 W. Army Trail Rd., on the Addison Historical Museum campus, is decorated for the holidays in a traditional German style of the late 19th Century. Historical Museum Coordinator Susan English offered a tour of the Century House to Mayor Rich Veenstra and Deputy Mayor Tom Hundley. The Century House is open for holiday tours Wednesdays and Fridays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. through
Friday, Jan. 6 (except Friday, Dec. 23). Call 630-628-1433 for group tours.
Christmas parades were held Saturday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 10.
The Village Board, Addison Police Department and Addison Fire Protection District brought holiday cheer to Addison neighborhoods during two evening parades. Santa Claus waved to residents as he traveled on board an Addison fire engine, while spectators along the routes tracked the parade with a special “Santa Tracker”
app.
The 17th annual “Shop with a Hero” event on Saturday, Dec. 10 helped 29 Addison families and 68 children have a brighter Christmas holiday.
Volunteers from the Village of Addison, Addison Police Department, Addison Fire Protection District, and donations from Overton Chicago Gear, Knights of Columbus and Addison Walmart employees brought smiles to the faces of Addison children and their families.
The Independent is mailed to the 60101, 60106 and 60181 zip code areas for $15.95 yearly. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $29.95 yearly. For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.
Content appearing in the Independent may not be reprinted without permission of the publisher or editor.
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THE INDEPENDENT
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Left: Santa Claus came to Addison on Friday, Dec. 2 for the tree-lighting in front of Village Hall in Friendship Plaza. He took some time to talk to the local Addison children to find out what they hope to find under the tree on Christmas morning.
On Thursday, Dec. 15, Addison Trail celebrated and recognized 40 students as December graduates for the 2022-23 school year. They include (listed alphabetically, not as pictured): Despoina D. Alexakos, Rolando Banuelos, Jason Barajas Lopez, Richard Ehrlich Jr., Yahya Farooqui, Shanice Fox, Arianna Fricano, Maria-Fernanda Galindo, Melissa Galvan, Miguel Garcia Jr., Samantha Garcia, Javier Godinez, Hesler Gomez, Armando Gonzalez, Lizbeth Gonzalez, Adrian Guerrero Valenz, Malik Hopkins, Yahira Humphrey-Abram, Sabrina Jimenez, Roselyn Mancil -
la-Garcia, Carlos Martinez Jr., Samira Melendez, Kimberly Montero, Karen Montes Leal, Paulina Nowak, Daniel Ortega, Marlen Pereida, Angel Perez, Keira Ramos, Giovanni Rebollo, Danilo Rivas, Melissa Salazar, Alondra Sandoval, Djordje Stankovich, Alexa Torres, Angel Valadez and Giselle Villa. School officials noted that the class of 2023 has shown “extraordinary adaptability, empathy and resilience as they’ve overcome the COVID-19 pandemic as they have worked to develop lifelong proficiencies that will help them in future years.”
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, Addison Trail hosted a Pack the Place night for the school’s Special Olympics Basketball Team to fill the stands and encourage students, staff and community members to show their Blazer Pride and cheer on the players. The team played against Hinsdale South. Showing their support on the court were the
Addison Trail Boys Basketball Team, Girls Basketball Team, Blazettes and Cheerleaders. Members of the Addison Trail Special Olympics Basketball Team are Francesco Conforti, Brianna Duncan, Geronimo Galan Jr., Nathan Jacinto, Alexis Juarez, Berenice Melendez-Rios and Dwen Morris.
Big confession, which might not be such big news to regular readers of this column: I don’t do Christmas trees.
I haven’t had one for more than a decade, and even before then, I didn’t feel it. I did manage to fake it, however.
For years I pulled that big bad boy of a dead tree into my living room and adorned him with lights and tinsel for four important reasons: my kids. Like most parents, my husband and I did a lot for our kids—meal provision, laundry completion, Band-Aid placement, new tennis shoes and Christmas trees to name just a few.
Christmas trees are embedded in history and serve as a representation of life.
The coniferous evergreens that are traditional Christmas trees never shed leaves (or in their case needles). During the winter months they remain green and alive, a symbol of immortality.
Until early January when they are hauled out to the backyard and converted to bonfire wood, while their needles are sucked up by Hoovers, making room for the living room couches, coffee tables and Lego masterpieces once more.
My mom was a proponent of Christmas trees. She loved all things Christmas. I looked up to my mom and wanted to emulate her, so I did my best to embrace
By JILL PERTLER Columnistthe concept of the tree. I did this for years, even though (to me) it seemed like effort and work all in the name of having a dead tree sit for a month in my living room.
I was half doing it for my kids. Half doing it for my mom and half doing it for everyone else—to keep up impressions. What would the neighbors think if my blinking tree lights weren’t visible from the large front room window for the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years? Plus, as I’ve alluded, the kids enjoyed placing the star and eating the candy canes. It was for the kids. Well, the cat enjoyed the tree as well. We mustn’t forget that.
I was doing my best with the tree, albeit half-heartedly.
Then my mom died.
This was 12 years ago. Since then, I haven’t had the heart to have a tree.
Feel free to shudder
I understand many of you (most of you) can’t imagine the holidays without tree. It is beauty. It is tradition. It is the ornaments that all hold memories. It is the fresh
pine scent. It is a place to place presents. It is Christmas carols and hot toddies. It is integral to the celebration. It is a bit of holiday magic and all it takes is rearranging the furniture to incorporate a tree in the center of the living room.
I get it. It makes perfect logical sense.
Until it doesn’t.
Again, please don’t judge.
I still have the spirit of the holidays alive and well inside my heart. I feel the magic of the season and want to reach out and give to others. I know and appreciate the reason for the season and try to live that out every day.
It’s just that for me, a tree isn’t a necessary part of the bliss.
And as with all things in life, I’ve decided that’s probably OK.
If you love your tree (or trees, in some cases for those of you extremists) I am happy for you. I rejoice with you in your love of all things tinsel. I will truly appreciate your tree if I come to visit.
But for me, right now, I’ll appreciate the trees in my back yard. And leave it to that.
Merry, happy and ho, ho, ho to all; and to all a good night!
Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. She invites readers to follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook
Elmhurst University President Troy D. VanAken and other University ambassadors recently hit the road to personally congratulate more than 100 Chicago-area high school and transfer students, and even a graduate student who all were just accepted to Elmhurst through its early action admission program.
On Dec. 1-2, VanAken, University mascot Victor E. Bluejay, and a small army of counselors and leaders from the Office of Admission surprised nearly 50 seniors at Fenton High School in Bensenville, 40 seniors at Addison Trail High School in Addison, 20 seniors at Benito Juarez Community Academy in Chicago, and several transfer students currently attending Triton College, Harper College and College of DuPage.
College of DuPage student Tiffany Cuevas, who was surprised at her home in Addison, thanked the admission team for making that in-person visit. “I had no idea you and my mom had planned this!” she said.
At Fenton High School, 49 unsuspecting seniors were called out of class to attend a mysterious “Special Recognition,” where VanAken congratulated the students and presented each with a “Bluejay Box” containing their letter of acceptance, a scholarship offer, an Elmhurst T-shirt and more.
He noted that annual merit scholarships totaling $958,000 were offered to the Fenton students, or more than $4 million over the four years that they would be Elmhurst stu-
dents, should they decide to attend.
“It means so much for us to be able to come and be a small part of your journey,” he said, adding that their early acceptance to Elmhurst reflected their hard work and investment in themselves and their future.
Encouraging them to pursue their college dreams, whether at Elmhurst or somewhere else, he advised them to “choose a place where you can reach your full potential, where they’re committed to you, and where you feel you can belong.”
Fenton senior Tera Pabico, of Bensenville, applauded enthusiastically for each of her fellow students as their names were called to get their Bluejay Box.
“I thought it was really nice, very personal, for the University to do this for us,” said Pabico, who plans to major in communications or marketing. “It felt really welcoming and shows that Elmhurst cares.”
An Elmhurst University project that has significantly improved energy efficiency in campus buildings recently won the Excellence in Engineering Technology Award from the Illinois chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or ASHRAE.
The project involved replacing and modernizing the campus’ aging heat plant and chilled water systems, and the award recognized Elmhurst University, AMS Industries, Cyclone Energy Group, Momentum, Inc., and Trane Heating & Air Conditioning.
Nora O’Malley, executive director of facilities management, accepted the award on behalf of the University at an awards dinner held earlier this month in Chicago.
In 2019 the university went into the project with a 55-year-old centralized boiler and steam distribution system, as well as obsolete chillers and cooling towers. Steam traveled from the heat plant through a maze of tunnels to individual campus buildings, a system that was outdated,
inefficient and difficult to maintain, O’Malley said. In the wintertime, heat rising from the tunnels led people to mistakenly believe the campus had installed heated sidewalks to melt the snow.
After two years of planning and preparation, the old boiler system was replaced with standalone boiler plants in 17 buildings. The new, decentralized system is more reliable and less costly to operate and maintain. It also earned more than $750,000 in rebates from local utility providers, and already has resulted in improved energy efficiency for the campus, which used 32 percent fewer therms in 2021-22 than in 2020-21.
“Receiving this award from a prestigious organization like ASHRAE means so much to our team, which was working together on this project from its earliest stages,” said Elmhurst University President Troy D. VanAken. “It also affirms the University’s commitment to responsible stewardship of our fiscal and physical resources, and will benefit the campus for years to come.”
“ It means so much for us to be able to come and be a small part of your journey.”
– Troy D. VanAken
Area police departments 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.
Dec. 10
Brian R. Moran, 35, of Schaumburg, was charged with two counts of DUI near Lake and Route 53 at 3:21 a.m.
Dec. 8
Fredy A. Cifuentes Carrillo, 21, of Addison, was charged with two counts of DUI and no valid classified driver’s license near Addison and Fullerton at 1:08 a.m.
Dec. 6
Lukasz J. Czachor, 30, of Addison, was charged with DUI in the 300 block of S. Lalonde at 2:54 a.m.
Dec. 5
LB Bounds-Bey, 31, of Chicago, was charged with theft in the 100 block of S. Lombard at 4 p.m.
Abdul H. Khan, 52, of Addison, was charged with two counts of battery in the 1000 block of N. Rohlwing at 5:18 p.m.
Brayan O. Cifuentes-Escobedo, 18, of Addison, was charged with two counts of DUI and failure to notify of a damaged/unattended vehicle in the 200 block of W. Lake at 8:26 p.m.
Dec. 3
Maria D. Arceo, 49, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI and driving while license suspended near Army Trail and I-355 at 1:34 a.m.
Brent James Hansen, 33, of Addison, was charged with DUI, failure to reduce speed and disregarding a stop sign at Itasca Road at 3:21 a.m.
Dec. 1
A 22-year-old Carol Stream man was charged with two counts of domestic battery, interference with the report of domestic violence and criminal damage to property in the 500 block of N. Mill at 2:41 a.m.
Nov. 30
Janise Gladney, 58, of Carol Stream, was charged with two counts of DUI-drugs at 6:30 p.m.
A 16-year-old female juvenile was charged with two counts of failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in personal injury, failure to report an accident to police authority by a driver, driving too fast for conditions, violation of driver instruction permit for a car and no insurance near S. Addison and E. Jackson at 4:41 p.m.
Dec. 7
German Hernandez-Guevara, 39, of Addison, was charged with retail theft/possession of displayed merchandise at a store in the 1-100 block of E. North at 6:30 p.m.
Retail theft was reported at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 at 4:10 p.m. A complainant reported that a suspect removed items from display shelves and left the store without paying. A citation was issued.
A complainant at a business in the 1100 block of N. Ellsworth reported at 10:19 p.m. that a subject was causing a disturbance at the business and they wanted them to leave. Officer spoke with the subject and they left.
Retail theft was reported at a store in the 100 block of W. Roosevelt at 2:51 p.m. A complainant reported unknown suspect removed several coats and left the store without paying.
A complainant at a pharmacy in the 1-100 block of E. St. Charles reported at 3:23 p.m. they located bags with an unknown substance in the aisle.
According to information provided last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported six incidents of residents being a victim of fraud or identity theft.
The Bensenville Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy. 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. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.
Dec. 14, 11:03 a.m. in the 1200 block of Mark Street, a complainant reports a credit card processing company, without permission removed $3,000 from their company bank account, the incident is under investigation. BEPC2201103
Dec. 14, 10:02 p.m. in the 100 block of E. George St., while officers were investigating a suspicious occupied parked vehicle, Rajput Karan, 23, of Melrose Park, was found to be in illegal possession of cannabis. He was issued a citation, court date and released. BEPC2201105
Dec. 14, 11:45 p.m. in the 800 block of Grand Avenue, a victim reports while staying in hotel with a subject, he discovered the other subject had gone and discovered his wallet stolen. The incident is under investigation. BEP2201106
Dec. 12, 11:01 a.m., police said Alexander Delgado of Bensenville, turned himself in at the Bensenville Police Department on an outstanding DuPage County warrant. He was processed and bonded out. BEPC2200875
Dec. 12, 1:20 p.m. in the 200 block of James St., a victim reports the catalytic converter stolen from
their vehicle while parked in lot.
BEPC2201096
Dec. 12, 4:51 p.m. in the 200 block of Park Street, a victim reports the window of a vehicle broken out. A key fob not belonging to the victim was found in the car. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2201097
Dec. 11, 2:30 a.m. near North Avenue and I-290, Elmhurst officers assisted police with a subject who fled a traffic stop. The vehicle was
involved in a rollover crash. The suspect fled on foot and is still at large. This case is under investigation. BEP22014352
Dec. 10, 9:23 a.m. in the 200 block of James Street, a complainant reported his catalytic converter stolen from his boxed truck. This case is under investigation. BEPC2201090
Dec. 8, 3:51 p.m., officers and detectives responded to Lombard to assist officer who was shot.
BEP22014230
Dec. 8, 8:56 p.m. in the 400 block of Supreme Drive, a complainant report criminal damage to property after their car was hit by an unknown suspect. This case is under investigation. BEPC2201087
Dec. 9, 2:28 a.m. in the 1300 block of W. Irving Park Road, a complainant reported unknown suspects broke into their business. This case is under investigation. BEPC2201088
Visitation Parish 779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6700
Christmas Eve 3:00pm and 4:30pm Midnight (Carols and Blessing of Crib at 11:30pm)
Christmas Day 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am
Solemnity of Mary Saturday, December 31 (Daily Mass at 8:15am) Vigil of Sunday 4:00pm Sunday, January 1 7:30, 9:30, 11:30am and 6pm 430131
Saturday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Service of Lessons and Carols - 4:00 pm Service of Lessons and Carols - 10:00 pm
Sunday, December 25
Christmas Morning
Worship Service - 10:00 am
Are those igloos on the Village Green? Your eyes do not deceive you. MK Holiday Popup is partnering with the Village of Addison to make your holiday season bright throughout the month of December. Food, entertainment, and a holiday market can be enjoyed.
You can even rent your own igloo for a unique dining experience. Celebrate through a magical experience and make unforgettable memories with family and friends in one of the igloos or in the Jingle Bar.
For more information and to make your reservation, visit www.MKholidaypopup. com
Starting at 7 p.m. at the Medinah Shrine Center, 550 N. Shriners Drive, Addison, this is a 21-and-over party … please bring a bottle of your favorite libation to share. The dress code is that you dress in the decade you were born, so be creative and represent your decade with pride. Pricing will be $60 per person, which includes a barbecue dinner, a DJ and dancing, along with a champagne toast. You can RSVP online at medinah.org.
Need some ideas for a last-minute Christmas gift? The Addison Historical Museum is housed in the historic 1892 Balzer House, the home of William Balzer, his wife Marie Heidemann and their family. The Museum
offers two Addison history books.
Addison: Village of Friendship-Reprint Edition is a limited reprint edition of Addison: Village of Friendship, the 1984 comprehensive history of Addison from its founding to 1984. This 232-page high-quality edition features a new epilogue chapter detailing Village Centennial events and updated index. The book sells for $39.95 plus tax.
Addison: The Vision Continues-New Edition was the winner of the Award of Merit, Printed Materials by Illinois Association of Museums in 2021; and, was the winner of Certification of Excellence, Illinois State Historical Society in 2021.
This newly researched and written volume provides an illustrated historical narrative of Addison’s critical growth and development from 1985-2019 under the stewardship of three local leaders: Anthony Russotto, Lorenz Hartwig and Richard Veenstra. This 128-page high quality edition features four color printing, over 175 images, and appendices on Village leadership 1985-2019 and a timeline history of Addison. This book sells for $34.95 plus tax.
Or, buy both books for $69.95 plus tax.
For more information, call 630-628-1433 or send an email to: museum@addison-il.org
Hearty and ambitious golfers come out to play in the annual “Chili Open” outing at
Sugar Creek Golf Course. Single-digit temps and a snow-covered golf course are nothing for the annual traditional January “must-do” at Sugar Creek. Located at 500 E. Van Buren in Villa Park, Sugar Creek Golf Course is a 9-hole, par 32 course, owned and operated by the Elmhurst Park District and Village of Villa Park. Come out the play and enjoy some tasty chili.
To register or for more information, call 630-834-3325.
Is your child ready to explore cooking and baking ingredients? Well, the Bensenville Park District is offering Little Chefs for children ages 3-5 that introduce them to these basics during the winter months.
Each Tuesday beginning Jan. 10, Little Chefs participants will learn different, basic kitchen skills involved in becoming a chef. They will learn new skills with easy, do-itat-home recipes introduced each class.
Little Chefs runs Jan. 10-31, Feb. 14-March 7, March 21-April 11 and April 25-May 16.
The fee, which covers the cost of materials and instruction, is $45 for residents and $60 for non-residents each session.
Register at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St., at least one week prior to the start of each session.
Please inform the staff of any food allergies upon registration for Little Chefs.
Time to get messy with art materials! Messy Mondays at the Bensenville Park District allows children ages 3-5 and their parents to experiment with a variety of art materials, including finger paints, stamps, modeling clay, scissors, glue and more.
Four four-week sessions are offered in winter-spring 2023, beginning Monday, Jan. 9. Other sessions begin Feb. 13, March 20 and April 24.
The fee is $45 for residents and $60 for non-residents, which covers the cost of materials and instruction.
Register at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Street, at least one week prior to the start of each session.
Editor’s note: Our next DuPage Destinations section will be published Thursday, Jan. 5. If you have information on an event in DuPage County taking place after Jan. 5 that you would like us to consider listing here, please email that information to: news1@rvpublishing.com
The North Suburban Carvers meet on the first and third Mondays of each month at the Wood Dale Public Library from 6:30-8:30 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
Now through Saturday, Dec. 24
Santa at Yorktown Center, Lombard Meet and have your picture with Santa Claus from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday (with a break between 3-4 p.m.) and 9 a.m.5 p.m. Christmas Eve (with a break between 1-:45 p.m.) Photo packages are available. For more information, visit: https://yorktowncenter.com/holiday
Santa at Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook Recurring daily, revel in the excitement of taking pictures with Santa (located on the lawn at Oakbrook Center) reconnecting with family and friends while you shop together, spreading holiday cheer to those in need. Reservations are scheduled in 15-minute time blocks throughout the day, with up to five families booked in each time block. We recommend arriving within the 15-minute time block of your reservation. For more information, visit: www.oakbrookcenter. com/en.html
Now through Sunday, Dec. 25
Christmas Tree Walk, Wheaton
Downtown Wheaton, 130 W. Liberty Drive, stroll the tree-lined streets of this upscale retail and service district and delight in the quaint shops, award-winning restaurants, indulgent day spas and unique boutiques. For more information, visit: www.downtownwheaton.com.
A Christmas Carol at Drury Theatre and Events, Oakbrook Terrace
Continue your tradition or start a new one by gathering the whole family for the 30th anniversary of Drury Lane Theatre’s heartwarming production. Complete with falling snow and magical illusions. Recurring weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. To purchase tickets and show information, call 630-530-0111.
Festival of Lights and Christmas tree sales, Wheaton
From 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays,
and 3-9 p.m. Monday through Friday at Cosley Zoo (lights come on at 3 p.m.), a winter visit to the zoo has become a favorite family tradition. Cosley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery, hot chocolate, and a unique assortment of holiday gifts in the Wild Side Gift Shop. Admission is free. For more information, visit: https://cosleyzoo.org/festival-of-lights.
In downtown Naperville, from 4-10 p.m. daily, enjoy a magical holiday lights celebration. Marvel at this free dazzling display of holiday lights and sound as you stroll down Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park and the Riverwalk in Downtown Naperville. For more information, visit: https://naperlights.com.
From 3-9 p.m. on the following dates—Dec. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31—Brookfield Zoo is featuring the Chicago area’s longest running lights festival with over two million twinkling LED lights. A 600-foot tunnel of lights, a skating rink, illuminated animal sculptures and drop-off letter for Santa are among the features. In 2022, for North Gate entry, advance reservations are not required; however, you may purchase these in advance. Advanced reservations are required for South Gate entry. Holiday Magic admission is free for Brookfield Zoo members. For more information, call 708-688-8357 or visit: https:// www.czs.org/HolidayMagic-2.
Holiday lights at Lilacia Park, Lombard
Sponsored by the Village of Lombard and the Lombard Park District, the park is open daily from 4:30-10 p.m. for one of the Chicago area’s most spectacular holiday lights displays. Free admission. For more information, visit: https://lombardparks.com/holiday-lights
Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Join in celebrating the 10th annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum during the Arboretum’s 100th anniversary year. Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound featuring six dazzling new displays as well as returning favorites. Tickets are between $10-$22 for members and $16-$27 for nonmembers. For questions about purchasing tickets, email: tickets@mortonarb.org For more information, visit: https://mortonarb.org/ explore/activities/exhibitions/illumination/.
Winter Lights at Central Park, Oak Brook
From 4:30-9:30 p.m. at the park, 1510 For-
est Gate Road, bundle up and enjoy a half mile walk through the beautifully lit park. Discover dancing trees, inspirational signs, colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes, and musical hearts throughout this scenic walk. There will be photo opportunities throughout the walk. Inclusive and accessible. Anyone can walk or roll through the light show on our paved pathways. Dogs are allowed on a leash. For more information, call 630-990-4660 or visit: www. obparks.org/winterlights
Night of Lights, Adams Park, Wheaton Recurring daily at Adams Park, 303 W. Wesley St., Adams Park will be lit up with 57,500 bulbs, making the downtown a festive destination “where the treetops glisten.” This year, the holiday spectacle will return the Friday after Thanksgiving, but with thousands more bulbs and new features. For more information, visit: www.discoverdupage.com/event/night-oflights/6200.
Teenie Weenie New Year’s Eve ball, Carol Stream
From 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Simkus Recreation Center, 849 W. Lies Road, kick off the new year Teenie Weenie style! Kids 8 and under get an early start on the festivities as we countdown to noon! Activities include a DJ and dancing, a bounce house, games, crafts and a balloon drop. Light refreshments are served. Fee is per child; adults are free but required to stay at the event. Advance registration is required. Pre-registration closes Dec. 29. For more information, call 630-784-6100 or visit: www.csparks.org.
Bubble Bash at DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville
From 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the museum, 301 N. Washington St., spend time together creating lasting memories, taking part in special activities, grooving to good music, exploring the museum’s hands-on exhibits, and counting down with confetti, bubbles, and more. For more information, visit: https://dupagechildrens. org/family-fun/bubble-bash/.
Jonny Cab’s New Year’s Eve Party, Burr Ridge
Starting at 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. at Jonny Cab’s, located at 212 Burr Ridge Parkway, the inaugural Jonny Cab’s New Year’s Eve Party featuring the Jersey Girls. Pre-sale admission tickets are a $50 deposit towards the final $125 ticket price. All deposits are non-refundable. Final ticket price will include tax and 20 percent gratuity. All attendees must be 21 years of age; we reserve
the right to check your ID at the door. All guests attending must have a ticket for entry. Tickets can be purchased online with a deposit through EventBrite or in-house on your next visit to Jonny Cab’s with the same deposit. For reservations, call 630-468-2125.
New Year’s Eve Bollywood Gala 2023,
From 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at Ashton Place, 341 75th St, SK Productions formally invites you to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2023 with us in luxurious style, at the annual New Year’s Eve Bollywood Gala. Food and drinks included with the ticket. Ticket includes seating at an exclusive, reserved VIP table with a complimentary bottle of champagne, dinner, unlimited premium top-shelf drinks, and bottle service. Each group member must purchase a VIP ticket to be seated at the VIP table. Reservations only. Dress code: formal/ semi formal Indian or Western attire. Strict dress code enforced. For reservations call 773-312-3534.
At the Wood Dale VFW Tioga Post 2149, 510 Georgetown Square, there will be live music and later a juke box for dancing. Try your luck on the gaming machines. All money spent in this hall goes directly to veterans’ services. The drinks are reasonably priced. Free champagne toast at midnight. For more information, call 630-766-0334 or visit: https://vfw2149. org.
Editor’s note: Unless otherwise specified, learn more about these events and programs at: addisonlibrary.org/events or call 630-5433617.
From 6-9 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, need help acing that test? Just need a place to chill out? We’ve got you. Stop by the library for snacks, games, and help from a librarian.
From 2-2:30 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, did you know singing helps your child develop their language skills and learn new words? Join us for this fun new program with a heavy focus on music, singing, and plenty of movement too! Geared toward ages 2-5 but all ages welcome.
From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, we’ll provide the supplies; you provide the creativity. Materials will be available to make picture frames to display some of your favorite photos.
From 7-8:30 p.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Addison Public Library, get out of your echo cham-
ber! Discuss and debate political issues with your neighbors in this safe space.
From 10 a.m.-noon at the Addison Public Library, at this program for littles, we’ll have out some special toys in the children’s department for you to try. Practice yoga moves, walk the balance beam, or move across some stepping stones. No registration required.
From 6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom via the Addison Public Library, in this presentation, you’ll learn why WordPress, the world’s most popular web-building platform, is the best choice for showcasing your business online and see a step-by-step website startup demonstration.
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From 6-7 p.m. at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library, have a new iPad or iPhone or are looking to get one? Join us to learn all the basic functions and get the most out of your device! We will discuss how to get connected, common apps, and how to use your device safely. Part of our Technology Made Simple series; learn more and sign up at https://www.addisonli-
brary.org/Tech-Simple.
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From 6:30-7 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, join us for an evening of stories and crafts all about winter. All ages welcome. No registration required.
From 10-11 a.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Addison Public Library, join friends old and new in-person to discover the life changing effects of meditation. No experience required.
From 7-8 p.m. on Zoom via the Addison Public Library, in 1895, Eastman Kodak was producing 90 percent of all the film in the world. Join us as we meet Kodak founder George Eastman, who will share stories of experiences in his hometown of Rochester, N.Y. and across the country that shaped his life and photography as we know it. You’ll also see photos with demonstrations of several distinctive Kodak cameras from 1896-1936, including the famous Brownie camera. Co-sponsored by Addison Historical Society.
From 11 a.m.-noon at the Adult
Program Room of the Addison Public Library, Join us for crafts, games, light refreshments, conversation, and fun with friends old and new. We’ll do something different each time we meet and it will always be a fun treat.
From 2-2:30 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, learn about the origins of Chinese New Year, share stories, and make a traditional Chinese New Year craft.
The Addison Park District preschool program curriculum reflects the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. Visit www. illinoisearlylearning.org for more details.
The Park District helps children develop prekindergarten skills, including letter/name recognition, listening skills, healthy habits, cooperative play, fine motor, and socialization skills.
The experiences are both educational and recreational, which aid in social, physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. Registration is taken in-person at the Centennial Rec Center. Call (630) 233-7275 option 3 for registration availability. Visit addisonparks.org for required
paperwork due prior to first day of program.
Starting at 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library, build your vocabulary and reading skills in a small group setting.
At 2 p.m. Mondays on Zoom, and at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library, practice listening and speaking skills in a small group setting. Learn more at: addisonlibrary. org/events.
At 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.
From 10-10:30 a.m. at the Addison Public Library, join us for stories and activities about everyday heroes, superheroes, and more.
Clubs and organizations are welcome to send entries for this column to: news1@rvpublishing.com. Please include a phone number or e-mail address to contact for information.
A leadless pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device with no wires that delivers electrical energy to the heart to keep it in regular rhythm. Manufactured by Abbott, the Aveir™ VR Leadless Pacemaker (LP) is the next evolution in leadless technology that has been designed for chronic retrieval. At just 38.0 mm and smaller than an AAA battery, the Aveir™ VR LP features up to twice the projected battery life compared to other leadless pacemakers when using ISO standard settings and brings fewer lead-related complications compared to transvenous pacemakers with wires. It also offers mapping capability to assess correct placement of the device before final fixation within the heart and is designed to be enabled by future software to support a dual-chamber pacing system upon regulatory approval.
“We want our patients to not only live longer, but better,” said Dr. Krishnan. “The entire electrophysiology team at Edward Elmhurst Health is proud to offer this new technology to patients in need of a pacemaker. It is a game-changer for our patients due to no lead-related complications, future upgradeability, and fewer restrictions post-implant.”
For more information or to make an appointment, visit midwestcardio.com.
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!
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https://homepaintingillino.wixsite.com/website PAINTERS. FULL-SERVICE. 425020
Mount Carmel Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity, Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (say three times). Amen. Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you. I am confident my prayers will be answered. Thank You Mother of God!!! JC 349866
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1-900669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
Starting at 8:30 p.m. at Brauer House, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard, Mr. Blotto and Terrapin Flyer bring in the new year together. A full set by each band and then at midnight both bands jam in a 2023 free-for-all. For more information, call 630-4952141 or visit: brauerhouse.com.
From 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Lantern, 8 W. Chicago Ave., #1, celebrate at The Lantern’s Daytime New Year’s Eve Party with live music by Junkyard Groove from 4-7 p.m., champagne toast at 6 p.m. Bar open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
From 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at the Naperville Public Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd, can’t stay up until midnight? Then countdown to noon with us and help ring in 2023 at our New Year’s Eve party with a craft and a surprise or two. Crafts are intended for children only and are limited to one craft per child. This program is limited to 140 participants. No registration is required. Pick up a numbered entry ticket the day of the event at the children’s services desk. Tickets will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit: https://napervillepl.librarycalendar.com/event/ noon-years-eve-party.
Family New Year’s Eve, Warrenville
From 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. pre-
sented by the Warrenville Park District, 3S260 Warren Ave., bring the whole family and celebrate the incoming New Year with a rockin’ DJ, bounce houses, snacks, party favors and a balloon drop at Noon to welcome in the New Year. Everyone attending must register. Admission: $15 nonresidents. For more information, visit: www. warrenvilleparks.org/event/familynew-years-eve/.
Jan. 3-Feb. 21
Brews and Painting, Itasca Jan. 3, 17 and 31, and Feb. 14 and 21, at Church Street Brewing Company, 1480 Industrial Drive C, save the
dates and plan a fun evening in the taproom with your friends. This isn’t an art class but experience some tricks on making your painting a work of art. Visit the website for more details about each individual date. https:// www.paintnite.com/venue-owners/ church-street-brewing-company.
Peter Mulvey concert, Hinsdale Mulvey, who has opened for the likes of luminaries such as Ani DiFranco, Emmylou Harris, and Chuck Prophet, will perform at 7 p.m. at Acoustic Renaissance Concerts, 11 W. Maple, Hinsdale.
CERTIFICATE NO. 78892 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 29, 2022 wherein the business firm of THERE FOR YOU HOME TECHNOLOGIES, 46 W. ADAMS STREET, VILLA PARK, IL 60181 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: Jeffrey G. Werner, 46 W. Adams Street, Villa Park, IL 60181.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 29TH day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2022. Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 8, 15 & 22, 2022) 429561
THE VILLAGE OF BENSENVILLE, COOK AND DuPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, is issuing a Request for Proposals for Professional Auditing Services for the Calendar Years ending December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Proposals will be accepted until 5:00 P.M. (CST) Friday February 3, 2023 at Bensenville Village Hall, 12 S. Center Street, Bensenville, Illinois 60106.
Request for Proposal details can be obtained online at https://www.bensenville.il.us/ Bids.aspx or by contacting the Finance Director at JMcManus@bensenville.il.us.
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 22, 2022) 430483
CERTIFICATE NO. 78913 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 15, 2022 wherein the business firm of ANS GARAGE DOORS, 111 E. PINE AVENUE, BENSENVILLE, IL 60106 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: Saul Junior Aguirre, 111 E. Pine Avenue, Bensenville, IL 60106.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 15TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2022.
Jean KaczmarekDuPage County Clerk
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 22 & 29, 2022 & Jan. 5, 2023)
430484
CERTIFICATE NO. 78911 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 15, 2022 wherein the business firm of J + K MILITARY COLLECTIBLES, 604 S. GRANT AVE., VILLA PARK, IL 60181 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:
Richard A. Rodrigues, 604 S. Grant Ave., Villa Park, IL 60181; Lisa C. Rodrigues, 604 S. Grant Ave., Villa Park, IL 60181.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 15TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2022.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 22 & 29, 2022 & Jan. 5, 2023) 430544