AI21722

FREE

1 • Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

TAKE ONE

Addison

Independent

VOL. 19 • NO. 9

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sign Up Now for Fin

e Arts Programs

Painting & Pencils Workshop Saturdays through March 26

Piano Lessons Every Tuesday

Family Clay Play Saturday, February 26

410798

THURSDAY, FEB. 17, 2022

SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent

Montini ‘Mathletes’ prep for state finals

Montini Catholic High School’s Math Team, led by Christine McManus, has been 3rd in AA. Pictured are (from left): senior Justin Gergen, senior Joshua Tolefree, juworking diligently to prepare for the state finals after competing in the Math Teach- nior Alex Silveyra, senior Sarah Ernat, senior Lupe Herrmann and sophomore Sam ers Association Invitational Math Competition on Saturday, Feb. 5, where it placed Hemmersmeier. Silveyra earned a 4th place trophy in the individual competition.

Addison police launch Crime-Free Multi-Housing program Officials work to empower property owners Twelve Addison rental property owners attended a class on Saturday, Feb. 5 as officials from the village’s Police Department educated owners on how to make their properties safer

and more desirable for residents.

Addison’s Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program, part of the Police Department’s Community Response Unit, began in 2009 with the goal

Inside:

Police Reports...........6 Puzzles ������������������ 11 Viewpoint.................7 Classifieds..............14

of reducing crime in multi-family neighborhoods.

Since the program’s inception there has been a 50 percent reduction in police calls for service from multi-housing locations.

“The goal of the Community Response Unit is to forge a working relationship with property owners by working together as a team,” said Deputy Police Chief Sean Gilhooley, who heads the unit for the Addison Police Department.

Rental property owners required to attend Addison requires rental property owners to attend the four-hour class.

More than 1,400 owners and landlords have participated in the pro-

gram during its 13 years of operation.

The town of more than 35,000 residents has nearly 4,000 rental units.

Police officers, trained as program instructors, teach the class. Topics include crime prevention through environmental design, tenant background screening, gang awareness, narcotics trends, laws on controlled substances, landlord and tenant responsibilities, nuisance abatement, and the eviction process.

Instructor and Community Response Unit Officer Emilio Chiappetta warned owners to be cautious of prospective tenants, who say “I need to move in tomorrow,” or “I will give you six months of rent in cash in advance.” Hearing this tip, a Michael Lane owner commented he

had the same experience with a prospective tenant.

“Something didn’t sound right,” the owner said.

Chris, a property owner on Wrightwood Ave., and former 40-year resident, said the class helped her learn about crime prevention.

“I feel like it was well worth coming [to the class] and learning,” she said. “Addison is a great place to live. I have seen the changes over time and it’s always been an improvement.”

Chris advised other property owners: “You invested money in those properties, take care of them.”

See PROGRAM, Page 4

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC

2 • Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Did you know that dental-related ailments are responsible for the loss of more than 50 million school hours each year? That’s right. Thousands of children miss school every year because of some dental-related ailment. Fortunately, many of these ailments can be prevented through good oral care.

This National Children’s Dental Health Month, make your child’s smile a priority.

Take them to the dentist regularly and teach them to care for their teeth properly.

York Street

Save $200

917 South York Street • Elmhurst, IL 60126

917 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 60126

410710

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 • 3

AAUW offers returning student scholarships for women Deadline to submit applications is April 15

The AAUW Elmhurst Area Branch is offering three scholarships of $3,000 each to women from the communities of Elmhurst, Addison, Bensenville, Berkeley, Northlake, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, or Villa Park who need financial assistance to continue education at the undergraduate or graduate level.

An applicant may be studying full or part time. Besides being from one of the above communities, the applicant must be continuing her education after completing at least 12 credit hours at an accredited college or university and be age 25 or older.

The AAUW mission is to advance

equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research at both the national and local levels.

Funds for these scholarships come from the Used Book Sale that AAUW hosts each summer.

The 2021 Used Book Sale was so successful that the organization is pleased to be able to offer three scholarships this year.

Scholarship requirements as well as the application form for the scholarship can be found on the AAUW website: www.aauwelmhurst.org.

The application deadline is Friday, April 15.

312 E. St. Charles Rd., Villa Park, IL 60181 www.Taefutogo.com

630-832-2269 Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Sunday 11am-9pm Closed Tuesdays • Fri. & Sat. 11am-9pm

Carry Out / Delivery / Catering

Special seniors

FREE

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Willowbrook High School’s dance team performed during halftime of Saturday’s boys basketball game against Proviso East. The performance highlighted the dance team’s seniors. Pictured left to right are seniors Ava Cappitelli, Nelly Irion, Coco Bernardi, Sabrina Corso and Olivia Ehrhardt.

On Jan. 29, Willowbrook’s dance team earned a ninth-place finish in the Class 2A level of the IHSA competitive dance state meet in Bloomington.

Dining Room Open 11am-8pm

FREE

Spring Rolls

Crab Ragoon

On Order of $25 or more before tax.

On Order of $40 or more before tax.

One offer per visit.

Not valid with any other offers.

One offer per visit.

Not valid with any other offers.

(Carry Out Only)

(Carry Out Only)

410498

Since 1979

CHINESE MANDARIN RESTAURANT

412811

248134

4A • Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

The IndependenT Your Hometown Newspaper 240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126 Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900 The Independent is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126.

Display Advertising: 630.834-8355 Classified Advertising: 630.834-8244 News: 630.834-8244 General Information: 630.834-8244

E-mail: Advertising Department: ads1@rvpublishing.com News Department: Independent@rvpublishing.com Classified Department: Classifieds@rvpublishing.com

Administration: Dee Longfellow News Coordinator Debra Hamilton Advertising Director Pete Cruger Publisher

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

Subscriptions: 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.

Reprints: Content appearing in the Independent may not be reprinted without permission of the publisher or editor.

Requests should be directed to Independent@rvpublishing.com or 630.834-8244.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: THE INDEPENDENT 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Office Hours:

223501

Monday-Friday 11am-3pm

Addison Trail student Lloveras named 88’s Best for January Alicia Lloveras has been named as Addison Trail’s January recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her stellar involvement in extracurricular activities. Lloveras, a senior, was recognized during the Jan. 24 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

During her four years at Addison Trail, Lloveras has played sports, participated in numerous clubs and managed to be at the top of her class. She is a great role model for her peers and has spent her high school career balancing all of it with a positive attitude and a contagious Blazer spirit that has had a lasting impact on her teachers, coaches, classmates and teammates. Lloveras credits her parents as her largest influence and key to her success. “(My parents) taught me how to excel in school and life skills that I can use in my future,” Lloveras said.

Academic achievements: • Named to the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of her high school career • Recognized as AT’s Best several times • Member of National Honor Society • Member of Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society Involvement at Addison Trail: • Member of Best Buddies (a club dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities) • Member of Concert Band and Marching Band (also Band Officer) • Member of Future Medical Professionals Club • Secretary of Key Club • Member of the Girls Badminton Team (placed 33rd for singles during the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Tournament) • Member of the Girls Tennis Team (placed 3rd in singles and 3rd in doubles during the West Sub-

• Program

(Continued from front page) Other phases of program Other phases of the program include an on-site property assessment by a trained police officer to inspect for such safety features as exterior lighting, properly maintained landscaping, door and window locking features and functioning smoke detectors. After owners complete the first two phases of the program, there is a “safety social” with residents from the rental property and police personnel to celebrate their achievement. Two apartment complexes where owners completed all three phases of the program are College Park, located at 930 College Blvd., Addison, and Northgate Apartments, 900 N. Rohlwing Road.

“Every property owner should take this program,” said Iqbal, a property owner on Kimberley Ave., who intends to enroll in other phases of the program. “I will tell other [property owners] they should take this class.”

urban Conference Gold Division meet and received All-Academic Team honors) Community involvement: • Volunteers with Kiwanis Club • Volunteers with Addison Township Food Pantry • Volunteers with Feed My Starving Children • Volunteers with St. Philip the Apostle Parish Annual Giving Tree • Volunteers with the Addison Park District Park Pride event • Works as a swim instructor and lifeguard at Goldfish Swim School Future plans: Lloveras plans to study science at a post-secondary-education institution and pursue a career as a pharmacist.

Staff members offer their comments “I had the pleasure of coaching Lloveras in badminton for the past three years. Lloveras earned the role of captain on the team due to her unbelievable work ethic and her ability to lead. She is an extremely hard worker in athletics, on the badminton court, in the classroom and as a member of the band. It is because of this work ethic that she qualified for the state tournament last year during the 2021 season.

She understands the work it takes to become a great teammate and has gone beyond those characteristics.”

—Eric Norberg, math teacher and girls badminton team coach “Lloveras was a bright spot in AP English Language and Composition, because she came to class full of energy and ready to engage in conversation. She was thoughtful in her contributions to class discussions and produced clear, crisp writing when it came to arguments.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Alicia Lloveras is pictured here with Addison Trail Principal Jack Andrews, after being selected as Addison Trail’s 88’s Best for the month of January.

She is organized, responsible and determined to succeed.”

—Amy Ferraro, English Department Head “I have had the pleasure of having Lloveras in my Anatomy class last year and again in Medical Careers last semester. Lloveras is such a self-motivated, hardworking student. She is one of the few students who consistently participated during remote learning last year

and learned everything she could from my class. In Medical Careers, she took advantage of learning as much as she could during her time at the hospital. Lloveras is talented in so many ways – from academics to athletics. She knows how to balance and excel in whatever she puts her mind to. I have no doubt Lloveras will go on to do great things in her future!”

—Tracy Marzullo, science teacher

Chicago woman charged with burglary/retail theft from Oak Brook Neiman Marcus DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Interim Chief of Police John Krull have announced that bond was set for a Chicago woman accused of stealing more than $17,000 worth of merchandise from the Neiman Marcus store in Oak Brook.

Terri Collins, 21, appeared in Terri Collins bond court where Judge Leah Bendik set bond at $50,000 with 10 percent to apply. Collins has been charged with one count of burglary (Class 2 felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 felony).

It is alleged on Feb. 5 at approximately 2:54 p.m., Collins, along with several other individuals, entered the store and met up with two males who were already in the store.

It is alleged that Collins and the individuals with whom she entered the store, along with the two males who were previously in the store, then went directly to a coat section of the store.

It is further alleged that Collins and the others cut the security wires off numerous Moncler coats and ran toward the store’s exit.

It is alleged that as Collins and the other individuals attempted to leave the store, a loss prevention officer knocked the items out of Collins’ hands, including coats and a pair of wire cutters.

Collins was detained at the scene while all the other individuals were able to flee prior to the arrival of the Oak Brook Police Department.

Additional coats were found outside the store.

“Smash and grab thefts involving multiple individuals are not a crime of opportunity, Berlin said. They are well organized by those who resort to violence and sheer numbers to commit their crimes. The allegations that this defendant, along with several others, entered a retail store in the middle of the afternoon intent on stealing merchandise will not be tolerated in DuPage County and will be met with the full force of the law.

“As I have said many times before, public safety is our top priority in DuPage County, and anyone who commits this type of violent forcible felony will be caught, prosecuted and, if found guilty, face significant consequences.”

Collins’ next court appearance is scheduled for March arraignment in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.

Coming events

Thursday, Feb. 17 History unveiled: The truth about presidents with Jim Gibbons Starting at 7 p.m. on Zoom via the Addison Public Library, did you know that four presidents rode in the same car that President Kennedy was assassinated in after his assassination? Have you heard about the meeting between President Nixon and Elvis? Historian Jim Gibbons will present fun-filled trivia and historical facts on the presidents. Co-Sponsored by the Addison Historical Society. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events Saturday, Feb. 19 Device drop-in From 10 a.m.-noon at the Teen Program Room of the Addison Public Library, need help getting familiar with a new device? We can help! Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

Sunday, Feb. 20 Getting Addison back to work kickoff celebration From 1-3 p.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Addison Public Library, come to our kick-off to take a new professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile, meet our community partners that work with job seekers, and pick up information about the Getting Addison Back to Work series. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

Monday, Feb. 21 • Book discussion: “Still Lives”

by Maria Hummel Starting at 10 a.m. at the Community Rec Center, 120 E. Oak, the book is about a young editor at a Los Angeles art museum who finds herself pulled into the disturbing and dangerous world of a famous artist who goes missing on the opening night of her exhibition. Info: addisonlibrary.org/events.

• Hive Minds (for teens) From 3-4:30 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, chill out with us. All week we’ll showcase different ways to calm down, focus, and recharge. Try some ASMR and simple crafts, or talk with experts about mental health. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

• Steps to develop an effective online business From 6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom via the

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 • 5A

Addison Public Library, an online presence is critical for business today, even more with social distancing guidelines. From which social media platform you should use for your business, to how to know if the content you post is effective, this program will teach you what it takes to create an effective online business presence in 2022. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/ events.

• Why meditation matters Starting at 7 p.m. on Zoom via the Addison Public Library, learn a simple meditation technique that can help you in all aspects of your life. John Bednarik is a long-time meditator and has been speaking on the topic over 30 years. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

Tuesday, Feb. 22 • Job search like a pro: Resumes From 7-8 p.m. on Zoom via the Addison Public Library, Erica Reckamp of Job Search Like a Pro, TopResume, ZipJob, and Monster.com will teach you how to craft content that performs well when subjected to hiring committees and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). We will also discuss keyword-optimized content and how to stand out as a top candidate. Part of the Getting Addison Back to Work series. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

• Creative Studio drop-in help From 1-3 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, need help with a Creative Studio project? Drop-in to get assistance from staff! Equipment and staff help will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

• Computer basics Starting at 7 p.m. at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

Wednesday, Feb. 23 • Dinosaur story time From 10-10:30 a.m. at the Addison Public Library. Registration is now open. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

• Meet the threats Starting at 7 p.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Addison Public Library, a roundtable discussion of current events from foreign policy and social issues to

the business world and the legal system.

Attendees will share their opinions and perspectives that shape American society.

If you’re concerned about the direction the U.S. is heading, this program is for you! Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/ events.

Thursday, Feb. 24 • Chair yoga Starting at 10 a.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Addison Public Library, certified yoga instructor Marti Lahood will guide you through one of the gentlest forms of yoga, emphasizing breath awareness and relaxation. Learn more at: addisonlibrary. org/events.

• STEM Club: Mini Zipline From 4-4:45 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, join us to construct your own mini zipline that will carry toys across the room. For grades 1-5. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

• Desueño Dance: Line Dancing Starting at 6 p.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Addison Public Library, whether you call it hustle, a shuffle, or a slide, line dancing is a popular activity at parties, weddings, and cookouts throughout the US. Dust off your dance shoes and get ready to be the star of the next party. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

Friday, Feb. 25 TinkerCad Basics: Keychains From 1-2 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, learn the basics of TinkerCad, an online 3D designing software. During this class, you will learn how to add your name to a 3D keychain. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

Ongoing events Talking politics English conversation groups 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.

Story time on Zoom On Mondays Feb. 14 through March 7 from 10-10:30 a.m. via the Addison Public Library, stories, songs and more! Geared

ATHS implements new program to support English learners

One of the greatest strengths of District 88 and Addison Trail is the rich diversity represented among the students and staff.

About 40 languages and more than 30 countries are represented among District 88 families, and almost half of the nearly 4,000 students speak a language other than English at home. The district’s core values include ensuring all students, staff and community members feel safe, valued, respected and welcome – regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

As part of that commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and a sense of belonging for all students, Addison Trail recently implemented a program to support English learner (EL) students.

Spearheaded by Addison Trail EL reading teacher Maria DiNovo and the leadership team of Erica Craig, Director of Biliteracy for District 88 and Addison School District 4, and Jenna Phillips, Addison Trail EL and Reading Department Head, the program – called Puentes, which means “Bridges” in Spanish – trains students in advanced EL classes or recently exited EL students to

provide guidance and social-emotional assistance to new EL students.

Puentes was inspired by pupils in EL 3 classes who were looking for a way to help new students, because they “remember what it was like” when they first came to Addison Trail.

The group met for the first time on Jan. 27.

Mentors will meet regularly with Addison Trail Social Worker Jorge de Leon to develop leadership skills to connect with and guide the school’s newest language learners.

Students in the program will meet for activities twice a month, with an overall goal of having mentors and mentees participate in extracurricular activities together to increase participation of language learners in clubs, activities and sports at Addison Trail.

“Through this program, we hope to help increase the feeling of belonging for the newest members of the Addison Trail community,” DiNovo said.

For questions or more information about Puentes, contact DiNovo at mdinovo@dupage88. net or 630-458-4355.

toward ages 2-5 but all ages welcome. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

Story time inside From 10-10:30 a.m. Thursdays Feb. 17 and 24 at the Addison Public Library, story time inside is geared toward ages infant to 3, but all ages are welcome. Registration is now open. Learn more at: addisonlibrary. org/events.

English reading circle At 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

Ladies Night Wine and Golf Ninety (90) minutes of golfing fun includes instruction from a certified PGA coach at Links and Tees Golf Dome starting at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 9 and 23.

Info: addisonparks.org. ¡Hola! (drop-in) Join the Addison Public Library on Thursdays from 10:43 to 11:15 a.m. for an in-person bilingual story time in Spanish and English. Drop-in. Info: addisonlibrary. org or call 630-543-3617.

Homework help From 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays through Feb. 25, meet with a volunteer from an area college or university in our Children’s Services area for assistance with homework or skill building. For grades K-12 on a first come, first served basis. Info: addisonlibrary.org/events.

Computer basics Learn computer basics from 6-7 p.m. at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library. Info: addisonlibrary.org or call 630-543-3617.

Heroes story time From 10-10:30 a.m. at the Addison Public Library, join us for stories and activities about everyday heroes, superheroes, and more. Info: addisonlibrary.org or call 630543-3617.

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.

Parks and Rec Foundation seeks funds for scholarships The Addison Park District’s Parks opportunities. and Recreation Foundation supports and enhances the Park experience for all Addison residents through tax-deductible donations and fundraising.

Projects are selected each year to help add value to the park district as well as provide scholarship funding to the community for recreational

Scholarships are granted to those who are unable to pay to participate in park activities and programs. Contributions from the public help fund those scholarships. For more information or to make a donation, visit addisonparkfoundation.org or call 630-361-2313.

We want to print your news!

Is your church hosting a special event?

Community Calendar listings are free!

Send details to independent@rvpublishing.com

6 • Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

Police Reports 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.

calling the store non-stop and harassing employees.

A complainant in the 700 block of W. Vermont reported at 6:36 p.m. that a subject is calling and harassing them nonstop.

Jan. 30 Melique L. Cannon, 19, of Franklin Park, was charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle and contributing to the delinquency of a minor near E. Addison Maple and N. Illinois at 1:40 p.m.

Jan. 30 Police said Marvin A. Garcia-GarVictor Carrillo-Garcia, 27, of Ad- cia, 28, of Villa Park, was arrested dison, was charged with DUI at 4 on a failure to appear warrant out of p.m.

DuPage County in the 800 block of W. North at 3:51 a.m.

Jan. 29 Sergio Suarez, 27, of Northlake, Jan. 29 was charged with speeding 30 to 39 Retail theft was reported at a store mph over the limit in the 500 block in the 1-100 block of E. North at of W. Lake at 1:35 a.m.

12:17 p.m. A complainant reported that an unknown suspect removed an Villa Park electric scooter from a display shelf Feb. 5 and left the store without paying.

A complainant at a gas station in the 1-100 block of E. St. Charles Jan. 25 reported at 8:40 p.m. that a subject A complainant at an entertainment was causing a disturbance inside the center in the 1000 block of N. Villa station and wanted the subject tres- reported at 2:12 p.m. that a subject passed. battered them while they were at a A complainant in the 700 block of concert.

W. Plymouth reported at 10:56 p.m. that a subject was harassing them Fraud and they no longer wanted to be conAccording to information providtacted by the subject. ed last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported two inFeb. 4 cidents of residents being a victim of Theft was reported at a store in the fraud.

800 block of W. North at 11:47 a.m.

A complainant reported that an un- Bensenville known suspect removed a catalytic The Bensenville Police Departconverter from a vehicle. ment recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who Jan. 31 are charged with domestic battery A complainant at a furniture store are not named in order to protect in the 100 block of W. Roosevelt re- the victim’s privacy. Readers are reported at 6:14 p.m. that a subject is minded that an arrest does not con-

Anytime.

Anywhere.

Any day...

1101198.1

That’s when you can count on State Farm .

I know life doesn’t come with a schedule. That’s why at State Farm you can always count on me for whatever you need – 24/7, 365.

GET TO A BETTER STATE™.

CALL ME TODAY.

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

®

354403

Stolper Insurance Agency Inc Brian D Stolper, President 447 N York Street Elmhurst, IL 60126 Bus: 630-832-0182

stitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

Feb. 9, 4:59 p.m. in the 1100 block of N. Ellis St., a complainant reported a catalytic converter was found to be missing from one of the company’s box trucks. This case is under investigation. BEPC2200109.

Feb. 9, 12:49 a.m. in the 1100 block of N. Ellis St., the complainant reported he found the catalytic converter from the company’s box truck was missing. This case is under investigation. BEPC2200106.

Feb. 8, 11:42 p.m. in the 200 block of S. Addison St., a 26-yearold Bensenville man was arrested for two counts of domestic battery.

BEPC2200105 and BEPC2200107.

Feb. 7, 2:47 PM, in the 400 block of Supreme Drive, Darius Hamilton, 30, was arrested for theft.

BEPC2200100 and BEPC22000101.

Feb. 6, 9:19 p.m. near N. Addison St. and W. Irving Park Road, Genri A. Tello Garcia, 28, of Elk Grove Village, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and transportation or possession of open alcohol by the driver and traffic violation. BEPC2200097.

Feb. 4, 12:41 a.m., the Bensenville Police Department was contacted by the Elmhurst Police Department regarding an arrest of a suspect for theft of vehicle tires belonging to Grand Subaru. This case is under investigation. BEPC2200086.

Feb. 3, 12:08 p.m. in the 1000 block of York Road, a 30-year-old Bensenville man was arrested for domestic battery. BEPC2200088.

Feb. 3, 3:31 p.m. in the 1-100 block of S. Addison St., a 51-yearold Bensenville man was arrested for domestic battery. BEPC2200090.

Chicago man accused of shooting pregnant woman in the back while driving on Route 83 DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Willowbrook Chief of Police Robert Schaller have announced that bond has been set for a Chicago Lawrence Grant man charged with shooting a woman who was eight months pregnant while she was traveling on Route 83 in Willowbrook.

Lawrence Grant, 38, appeared in bond court where Judge Robert Kleeman set bond at $2 million with 10 percent to apply.

Grant has been charged with one count of attempted first degree murder (Class X felony), one count of attempted intentional homicide of an unborn child (Class X felony), one count of aggravated battery with a firearm (Class X felony) and one count of aggravated battery to a pregnant woman (Class 3 felony).

On Jan. 28 at approximately 7 p.m., officers with the Willowbrook Police Department responded to the scene of a crashed vehicle on Route 83.

Upon their arrival, officers found the victim, a pregnant woman, suffering from a gunshot wound to her back.

The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital where the baby was delivered while the victim was in surgery.

Both the baby and mother survived. It is alleged that prior to the crash, Grant, the victim and another individual were involved in a

verbal altercation that eventually turned physical in a nearby grocery store.

It is further alleged that after the altercation, all three individuals left the store in different vehicles with the victim traveling southbound on Route 83.

It is alleged that Grant followed the victim in his vehicle and fired at her, striking the vehicle several times and the victim in her back, causing the vehicle to crash.

At approximately 10 p.m., Grant was located at the University of Chicago Hospital where he was admitted on an unrelated matter.

The vehicle in which Grant was allegedly traveling was found on fire approximately one block from the University of Chicago Hospital.

Grant was immediately taken into custody following his discharge from the hospital.

“The allegations that, following a physical altercation with the victim’s boyfriend, Mr. Grant decided to follow the victim, who was 36 weeks pregnant, and open fire on a major roadway are unconscionable,” Berlin said. “Thankfully, no innocent motorists were injured and, while still hospitalized, Mr. Grant’s alleged target and her baby are expected to survive. This defendant’s alleged violent behavior put the motoring public at risk and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Grant’s next court appearance is scheduled Feb. 28 for arraignment in front of Judge Daniel Guerin. If found guilty, he faces a penalty of between 31 years to life in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Chicago couple accused of stealing more than $2 million of merchandise from a retail distribution company DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Carol Stream Chief of Police William Holmer have announced that bond has been set for a Chicago couple accused of stealing more than $2 million worth of merchandise from a retail distribution company.

German Ramirez-Mendoza, 31, and Sara Garcia del Valle, 35, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Brian Telander set bond for Ramirez-Mendoza at $1 million with 10 percent to apply in accordance with a previously issued arrest warrant and at $200,000 with 10 percent to apply for Garcia del Valle.

Judge Telander also granted the state’s motion for a source of bail hearing at which the defendants must prove that any funds used for bond were not illegally obtained. Ramirez-Mendoza has been charged with four counts of felony theft, the most serious of which is theft in excess of $1 million, a Class X felony. Garcia del Valle has been charged with two counts of felony theft, the most serious of which is theft in excess of $100,000 but less than $500,000, Class 1 felony.

In August 2021, the Carol Stream Police Department began an investigation into a series of suspected high-value thefts from a warehouse owned and

operated by Demar Logistics on Lies Road.

Through the course of their investigation, Carol Stream officers focused on Ramirez-Mendoza, an employee at Demar Logistics, as a suspect in the thefts. In early September 2021, officers with the Carol Stream Police Department were surveilling in the 6700 block of South Loomis Avenue, later determined to be Ramirez-Mendoza’s address, when they observed a vehicle exit an alley next to the residence.

Officers followed the vehicle, which was driven by Ramirez-Mendoza, and performed a stop after observing a traffic violation.

Inside the vehicle, officers allegedly found nearly $9,000 worth of fragrances stolen from the Demar Logistics warehouse.

Further investigation led authorities to the recovery of approximately $2,157,827 worth of allegedly stolen merchandise located at Ramirez-Mendoza’s residence as well as seven storage units he and his wife had rented.

Authorities also recovered more than $20,000 in cash at Ramirez-Mendoza’s residence.

The merchandise allegedly stolen included items from Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, Michael Kors Ex-

press, Sephora, Foot Locker and Old Navy, among others. It is alleged that from approximately April 1, 2015, through Sept. 2, 2021, Ramirez-Mendoza worked as a “spotter” for Demar Logistics.

In this capacity, Ramirez-Mendoza’s duties included moving delivery trucks from the loading dock to the front of the warehouse where delivery drivers take the trucks to their destinations. It is alleged that on numerous occasions, when bringing a truck to the front of the warehouse, Ramirez-Mendoza would stop in the parking lot and unload merchandise from the truck into his personal vehicle before bringing the truck to its driver.

On Feb. 1, Judge Daniel Guerin issued a $1 million arrest warrant for Ramirez-Mendoza and a $250,000 arrest warrant for Garcia del Valle. Both defendants were taken into custody on Feb. 3 without incident.

“According to the National Retail Federation, retail shrink losses average over $40 billion annually and have been consistently increasing,” Berlin said.

The next court appearance for both defendants is scheduled Feb. 22 for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 • 7

Rock Valley Publishing

Viewpoint

Feb. 17, 2022 • 7

House passage of the America COMPETES Act

By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Recently, I fought for the passage through the House of Representatives of the bipartisan America COMPETES Act (Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength Act).

This bill will increase U.S. global competitiveness, especially with countries like the People’s Republic of China, and address our country’s supply chain issues while boosting American industries.

This package included several provisions I authored, including my bipartisan College Transparency Act which will provide students and their families with information on schools and programs to help them shop for the education options that are best for them.

The bill will establish a secure, privacy-protected system to provide actionable and customizable information, such as how likely students are to graduate from a particular school or program and their future earnings potential. Higher education is one of the biggest investments American families make, and they deserve the best available information to make informed decisions.

In addition, the America COMPETES Act incorporated several other provisions I authored: • The Gathering and Reporting Assessments Yielding Zero Overlooked Nefarious Efforts (GRAY ZONE) Act requires the Director of National Intelligence to produce a National Intelligence Estimate that assesses different aspects of gray zone activities—actions that fall between ordinary statecraft and open warfare, such as disinformation campaigns or terrorist financing which Russia, the People’s Republic of China, and non-state actors have increasingly employed.

• The Monitoring China-United Arab Emirates Cooperation Act will help us safeguard American technology and national security information as the Chinese Communist Party increasingly targets the UAE as a way of gaining an edge against the United States • The AI Jobs Act will prepare American workers for the emerging job opportunities created by artificial intelligence.

• Immigration reforms to expand the number of green cards available to those with advanced degrees in critical industries and health care, so that we can attract top talent from around the world to create more jobs in the U.S. Oversight Committee Roundtable on workplace harassment at the Washington Commanders As chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, I led a roundtable briefing alongside Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney regarding our investigation into workplace harassment at the Washington Commanders and the National Football League’s failed oversight of it.

Our reason for investigating these failures is that the NFL and the Washington Commanders are two of our nation’s most visible employers at a time when the Pew Research Center has found that nearly 60 percent of women have been sexually harassed, and 40 percent of women have been harassed at work.

The NFL appears to have not only failed to meet the “higher standard” to which they claim to hold themselves, but the NFL also appears to have failed to maintain a basic standard of decency for any employer and has refused to provide transparency and accountability.

At our roundtable, former employees of the Washington Commanders courageously came forward to testify about their experience with the organization’s culture of sexual harassment and retribution. During the roundtable, our witnesses recounted their daily harassment by top executives, including secret tapings of lewd videos of cheerleaders and even sexual harassment by the team’s owner, Daniel Snyder.

After the event, Chairwoman Maloney and I sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell demanding that the NFL release all documents involving the investigation of the Washington Commanders.

After hearing the stories of the brave women who addressed our roundtable, it is clear that the Washington Commanders facilitated a culture of sexual harassment, and the NFL must engage with our committee to bring transparency and accountability.

Raja Krishnamoorthi represents Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, which includes parts of Addison, Wood Dale, Elmhurst, Bensenville, Villa Park and Lombard.

Slices of life

Our amazing body

In the last year, I’ve been working on appreciation.

Appreciating the big things.

Appreciating the small things.

Appreciating what I have and what I am.

As part of that, I’ve been practicing appreciation of one of the most basic, most taken for granted and one of the most awesome things we all possess.

Our body.

In developing an appreciating for my own body and all the things it does, I attempt to contemplate the different systems, organs and the multitude of tasks that happen every second of every day without my even giving them a second thought. In this, I realize I’ve taken this magnificent entity of my physical body for granted for far too long.

The things it does are nothing short of miraculous and worth writing about. Let’s hit the highlights.

We breathe—in and out—every minute of the day. Our lungs take in air, filter out the oxygen and then release carbon dioxide back out to the world. We could look at this as breathing in energy and breathing out waste, but carbon dioxide is not waste. It is the life breath of the grass, flowers and trees living around us. They breathe it in and (here comes the magic) release oxygen back into the air, which our lungs use to nourish our bodies.

I’ve known about this process for most of my life, but I never really contemplated the overall

By

JILL PERTLER Columnist

simplicity and genius of it. It’s recycling at its best. And we don’t even have to think about separating the paper from the plastic – or in this case the oxygen from the carbon dioxide. Not ever. We don’t have to think about breathing or converting oxygen, our body just does it for us, and in doing so keeps us alive. It keeps the planet alive.

It’s hard to top the oxygen cycle, but I’ll try. Let’s pay homage to the lungs’ life partner: the heart.

It beats 24/7, circulating blood throughout the body, distributing oxygen and then returning “old” blood to the lungs to replenish with more oxygen. The heart—and lungs and pretty much every cell in our body—work 24/7. They keep on ticking even when we are asleep.

We can check out and rest; they keep working.

The 26 small bones in our feet carry our entire body weight, even when barefoot. You probably know your fingerprints are unique to you, but did you know the same is true of your tongue? Human fingertips each contain more than 3,000 touch receptors. It’s likely they house the most sensitive skin found in any mammal.

Our skin is a miracle in itself. It

helps regulate body temperature.

It protects us from infection and the sun, among other things. It provides a protective cushion for our bones and organs. At any given time, our skin could very well have more than 1,000 species of bacteria living on it. The skin fights that off and keeps us healthy. It is a source of beauty.

Like most cells in the body, the skin is a multi, multi-tasker. Yet, we often don’t give it a second thought unless we get a cut or a bruise and then we may pay a short amount of attention to our pain, but we don’t fully or willfully focus on healing.

We take that for granted. Our skin heals automatically, on its own. In a word: magnificently awesome.

I have more to say, but not the room here to say it. Much like the human body, this miraculous information doesn’t stop. Perhaps I’ll put more information together in the weeks to come.

We have a tendency to harshly judge our bodies. We are too fat, too thin, too wrinkled, too pale. We forget about all our body does for us, without our even realizing it.

Maybe it’s time for that realization, and appreciation. Of your breath.

Your heartbeat. Your skin. The way it all works together, not just within your own body but within the planet. Appreciate that. All of it.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. She invites readers to follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

8 • Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

The Moreci Family Invites You to Experience

the Finest Selection of Italian Cuisine. Roberto’s Ristorante Features One-of-a-Kind Gourmet Specialties Custom Created by Experienced Chefs Inquire about our private party luncheons for Memorials, Corporate Meetings, Graduations, Confirmations, Weddings & Baptisms Try Our

Stadium Pizza Carry-Out & Delivery Only

483 SPRING ROAD ELMHURST www.robertosristorante.com

Enjoy Our Outdoor Dining Area

Let our Family cater to your Family!!

Call for Details.

Call us for Carry Out or Delivery Service

Make Your St. Patrick’s Day Reservations Now!

Roberto’s Pizzeria

Established in 1962 FAST DELIVERY AND CARRY OUT SERVICE

DOWNLOAD THE ROBERTO’S APP Order online and receive Royalty points

483 SPRING ROAD, ELMHURST • 630-279-8474 • www.robertosristorante.com Open 7 Days A Week M-Th. 11am-10pm • Fri. 11am-11pm • Sat. 12pm-11pm • Sun. 12pm-10pm

1 OFF

$ 00

FREE

On Full Slab of Ribs

On 14”, 16” or 18” Pizza

with $15 Purchase or More

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Pick Up or Delivery Only One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not Valid In Dining Room Expires Feb. 24, 2022

Pick Up or Delivery Only One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not Valid In Dining Room Expires Feb. 24, 2022

2 Liter of Soda

Pick Up or Delivery Only One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not Valid In Dining Room Expires Feb. 24, 2022

1 OFF

$ 00

On 14”, 16” or 18” Pizza Pick Up or Delivery Only One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not Valid In Dining Room Expires Feb. 24, 2022

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

410796

1 OFF

$ 50

State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) released the following statement in response to Governor Pritzker’s recent mask mandate update: “Governor Pritzker seems to have finally accepted what even the CDC admitted many months ago: that his cloth mask mandates don’t work to protect against COVID-19. So in 2 1/2 weeks, he says he’s going to let you take them off.

“As for the schools, a court told Governor Pritzker you’re doing it wrong.

If you want this kind of power, go to the legislature to get it. If you delegate this power, you have to have the correct agency doing it. And if you are going to enforce this power, you have to give people due process.

“Two years in, the Governor still won’t do any of it. Two years in, he still can’t tell you a plan for when he will bring this to an end. Small businesses and our children have suffered immeasurably in the meantime.

“Before his press conference, the Governor had his team brief the legislature on his mask mandate reasoning. He said at his press conference that he changed his mind because the data looks different. I’m a scientist, I analyze data every day for work.

I asked his team what studies and data he was relying on and they could not or would not provide it. Even more alarmingly, they could not produce any scientific data to

“

Two years in, the Governor still won’t do any of it. Two years in, he still can’t tell you a plan for when he will bring this to an end. Small businesses and our children have suffered immeasurably in the meantime.”

– State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi

justify the reasoning behind eliminating the mask mandate for restaurants and other crowded venues, but not for schools.

“So what has changed isn’t the science.

What changed is the political cost-benefit analysis. To him.

“This is how Springfield and Pritzker narratives get built.”

(This was received from the office of State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi.)

DOWNTOWN AURORA

TICKETS START AT $38 NOW PLAYING–MARCH 13, 2022 PARAMOUNTAURORA.COM/DAY

411799

Reservations 630.279-8486 Pizzeria 630.279.8474

Mazzochi releases statement regarding Pritzker’s recent mask mandate

412590

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 • 9

PRIVATE GAMING ROOM BAR HOURS Monday Closed Tues-Thurs 12PM-11PM Fri 12PM-12AM Sat 11AM-12AM Sun 11AM-10PM

Sebastianshouse.com

801 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard (630) 376-6947 8900 Fairview Ave., Brookfield

KITCHEN HOURS Monday Closed Tues-Thurs 12PM-9PM Fri 12PM-10PM Sat 11AM-10PM Sun 11AM-9PM

H Daily Specials ~ DINE IN ONLY H TUESDAY

FRIDAY

$9 Pepper & Egg with a Side $10 Fish Fry $5 Stella Draft $5 Tito’s, Jack or Jameson $18 White Claw Buckets

$2 Beef Tacos / Pork Tacos $8 Bacon Nachos $5 Margaritas $4 Modelo Drafts $15 Buckets any Mexican Beer

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

$9 1/2 lb. BLT with a Side $8 Bacon Croquettes $5 Sam Seasonal Draft $5 Ketel One, Proper Twelve $20 Modelo Buckets

Kids Eat FREE FREE Bar Bingo (win up to $10,000) $9 Gourmet Cheese Burger with a Side $5 U Call It ($8 and under, liquor only) $6 Martini Menu

THURSDAY

$9 Pulled Pork with a Side $8 Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks $4 Drafts (most drafts) 1/2 Price Wine Bottles ($25 bottle or more)

SUNDAY

50¢ Boneless Wings $7 Pasta Marinara $9 Sausage & Peppers with a Side $5 Bloodys 1/2 OFF Bourbon, Scotch and Whiskey ($20 or more) $12 Miller Lite 64 oz. Pitcher $15 Import 64 oz. Pitchers

H Everyday Carryout Special H XL Pizza Family Pack $35 1 XL 2 Topping Pizza 1/2 Tray Pasta Marinara 1/2 Tray Salad

36 Drafts HHH 350 Bourbons, Scotches & Whiskeys

Medium Pizza Pack $25 1 Medium 2 Topping Pizza 1 Dinner Pasta Marinara 1 Dinner Salad

Pasta Pack $25 1/2 Tray Pasta Marinara 1/2 Tray Salad 18 Boneless Wings

$

5 OFF $ 25

DINE IN ONLY (Not valid on daily or happy hour specials)

Good only at Sebastian’s Ale & Whiskey House 801 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard

10 • Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Warriors compete at sectional Willowbrook’s girls gymnastics team competed in last week’s Glenbard West Sectional in Glen Ellyn. The Warriors posted a sixth-place score of 136.85 in the event, which featured six teams. DeKalb won the sectional title with a score of 146.0. Glenbard West (143.675) finished second. Willowbrook senior Bella Naumovsky earned multiple individual berths in this week’s IHSA state meet with her strong performances at the sectional. The top five finishers in each sectional event automatically qualified for the state meet, which will take place at Palatine High School. Naumovsky earned a second-place score of 9.375 on the uneven bars at the sectional. She delivered another second-place effort on the balance beam with her score of 9.25. Naumovsky is pictured (above, far right) during her balance beam routine. Naumovsky earned an individual state-meet berth on the vault by tying for fourth place with her score of 9.225.

Naumovsky also advanced to the state meet’s all-around competition by producing a second-place all-around score of 36.575 at the sectional. Willowbrook senior Tess Placek is pictured (above right) during her floor exercises routine. Placek earned a 17th-place score of 8.825 for her performance. She finished 17th in the meet’s all-around standings with her score of 33.4. Junior Sarah Ball of the Warriors is also pictured (above left) at the conclusion of her floor exercises routine at last week’s sectional.

Ball tied for 21st in the event with her score of 8.75. She placed 22nd in the all-around competition with her total of 32.15. Ball’s all-around total included a 15th-place score of 9.025 on the vault. Pictured (left to right) behind Ball at the end of her floor exercises routine are: junior Hanna Mitrick, sophomore Mia McBride, junior Molly Morris, Placek and Naumovsky.

Worship Services Directory

Gather with us for Weekend Worship Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.

Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Education Hour between services at 9:45 a.m.

142 E. Third St. Elmhurst, IL

ImmanuelElmhurst.org 630-832-1649

Handicapped accessible and hearing loop enabled

411832

online worship is available at www.immanuelelmhurst.org

Directory for as low as $15 per week Call...Brenda at 630-834-4450 301805

Historic

Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elmhurst Please join us for worship!

Sundays: 9am Adult Education and Sunday School 10am Traditional Divine Service ✥ Fully handicapped-accessible ✥ Bible Study, Sunday School, Handbell Choir, 1st Steps In Music classes 123 E. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630/834-1411 www.RedeemerLCMS.com FB/RedeemerOfElmhurst

410163

Be a part of the Worship Services

412713

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 • 11

ALMANAC ALPHABETICAL ANNOTATION ARCHIVES BARCODE BIBLIOGRAPHY BINDING BOOKS BORROW BROWSER CALL NUMBER CIRCULATION CITATION DATABASE DICTIONARY EDITION FOLIO HOLD INDEX JOURNAL LIBRARIAN MAGAZINES REFERENCE TEXT

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!

Answers on page 13

CLUES ACROSS 1. Remain as is 5. Functional 11. News magazine 12. Popular treat 16. Area units 17. Artificial intelligence 18. Marten valued for its fur 19. Forms of matter 24. Home of the Dodgers 25. Bordering 26. Part of the eye 27. It might be nervous 28. Visualizes 29. Crest of a hill 30. Measures engine speed (abbr.)

31. Tears in a garment (Br. Eng.) 33. Not easily explained 34 Song in short stanzas 38. Detonations 39. Intestinal 40. EU cofounder Paul-Henri __ 43. Balmy 44. New Mexico mountain town 45. Gobblers 49. Insecticide 50. Golf scores 51. Has its own altar 53. “Pollock” actor Harris 54. Being livable 56. NHL play-by-play man 58. “The Great Lakes State” (abbr.)

59. Unpainted 60. Swam underwater 63. Native American people 64. Containing salt 65. Exam CLUES DOWN 1. Small bone in middle ear 2. Long, angry speech 3. Move out of 4. Male organ 5. Two-toed sloth 6. Making dirty 7. Article

8. Oil company 9. Emits coherent radiation 10. Amounts of time 13. Unit equal to one quintillion bytes (abbr.)

14. Forbidden by law 15. Drains away 20. Not out 21. Sea patrol (abbr.)

22. Bird genus 23. Gratuity 27. __ and feathers 29. Spiritual part of an individual (ancient Egypt) 30. Hot beverage 31. Pouch 32. It followed the cassette 33. Large northern deer 34. Ones who offer formally 35. Famed genie

36. Bequeathed 37. Skeletal muscle 38. Atomic #56 40. Silk garment 41. They deliver the mail 42. Equally 44. Check 45. Light-colored breed of hound 46. Drug that soothes 47. Railroads 48. Most slick 50. Jacket 51. A radio band 52. Hello 54. His and __ 55. Supporter 57. Popular software suite (abbr.)

61. Railway 62. NY coastal region (abbr.)

12A • Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

A message from Superintendent Ongtengco

Fenton girls basketball makes school history Our girls basketball team made history on Thursday, Feb. 3 when they won their 23rd game of the season, more than any other girls or boys basketball team at Fenton. They have a few more games, so I’m confident 23 wins won’t be the final all-time record. I can’t say enough good things about Coach Dave Mello and Assistant Coach Tara Lawson. They have their players locked in and believing in each other.

These are the relationships we foster at Fenton. These are the success stories we see time and time again.

To the girls basketball players, congratulations on your historic achievement and thank you for your commitment to Fenton High School.

COVID update: Fenton not involved in court case As you may have heard over the weekend, a judge in downstate Sangamon County issued a ruling on some of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s COVID-19 mitigations.

I want to make sure it’s clear that Fenton High School was not involved with that court case, and no individuals associated with Fenton High School were involved in the court case. That means Fenton is not affected by the decision. We will continue with all provisions of our Return To Learn Plan, which can be found on our COVID-19 Information webpage.

Again, the downstate court case changes nothing at Fenton High School.

James Ongtengco Superintendent Fenton School District 100

Glowiak Hilton: Local businesses to receive recovery assistance Seven additional small businesses in the 24th Senate District were awarded $350,000 in combined funding from the Back to Business grant program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the support of State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“By offering support to some of our state’s hardest hit industries - including dining, hospitality, salons, fitness and the arts - we are lending a hand to a diverse, inclusive group of small business owners,” Glowiak Hilton said. “These grants will allow many DuPage County businesses retain employees, cover operating expenses and serve patrons effectively as our economy recovers from financial strains.”

In Addison, 46 businesses were

collectively granted more than $1.85 million. In Bensenville, 22 businesses received almost $1.1 million.

Two businesses in Wood Dale were able to secure $65,000 collectively.

In Villa Park, two businesses were awarded a collective $40,000. Two businesses in Lombard were granted a collective $150,000.

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far, DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

In the district Sen. Glowiak Hil-

ton represents, 16 businesses in total were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 to help them cover the costs of safely staying open through the ongoing pandemic. Businesses ranged from hotels to an escape room and more.

“Small businesses have been resilient in these unpredictable times,” Glowiak Hilton said. “We can all help by prioritizing shopping small and utilizing the services our community has.”

Businesses will continue to be notified of their application status throughout the next few weeks until all the funds are exhausted. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program.

(This was received from the office of State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton.)

Mazzochi hosts experts on latest COVID-19 developments, policies, testing information State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) is hosting local experts to present information on the latest with COVID-19 and how we can move beyond it. The online webinar will take place via zoom tonight Feb. 17 at 6 p.m.

“COVID is going to become a part of everyday life,” Rep. Mazzochi said. “I want to arm people with knowledge to help people return to a sense of normalcy.”

Rep. Mazzochi will be joined by immunologist Dr. Mia Taormina, Kurt Jose, CEO of IndiviDx labs, DuPage County Public Health

Emergency Response Supervisor Kristen Lundeen, and Dr. Rashmi Chugh, also of the DuPage County Health Department.

The panel will discuss effective COVID-19 tests and test practices, the latest COVID-19 information including treatments and their availability. Rep. Mazzochi will also discuss the latest in state policy. Together they will answer any and all questions participants have about COVID-19.

“This info session is more important than ever as parents and others have concerns with changing

mandates, especially in schools, and proposed legislation in Springfield,” Rep Mazzochi continued.

“I’ll address all these concerns and any misinformation that may be out there.”

Interested participants can register for the zoom at RepMazzochi. com or watch via Facebook live at her page, Facebook.com/RepDeanneMazzochi.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to Rep. Mazzochi’s legislative office at (630) 852-8633 or email mazzochi@ilhousegop.org.

‘Coexist with COVID:’ Pritzker, Ezike address plan to lift mask mandate by Feb. 28 School mandates would remain in place for ‘coming weeks,’ pending court decision

By Jerry Nowicki

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

If hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to decline for the rest of the month, Gov. JB Pritzker plans to lift his executive order that mandates face coverings indoors by Feb. 28.

The plan does not apply to schools.

It’s unclear what level of rise in hospitalizations could lead the state to change its course, but Pritzker and health officials said at an afternoon news conference Wednesday that such a scenario was not out of the question.

“It’s the end of the statewide mask mandate,” Pritzker said of the planned Feb. 28 lifting of the order.

“But as we’ve all said, if things get very bad, I think we’ve seen this before with the onslaught of delta and then omicron (variants of the coronavirus), boy, masks really helped us to keep infection rates, transmission rates down. So, there may come a time in the future when that happens.”

Regardless of what happens with hospitalizations, masks will continue to be mandated at schools, on school busses and other public transportation, at nursing homes and congregate living facilities, and at day cares beyond March 1.

“The equation for schools just looks different right now than it does for the general population,” Pritzker said at the news conference in Chicago. “Schools need a little more time for community infection rates to drop, for our youngest learners to become vaccine eligible and for more parents to get their kids vaccinated.”

Masks, testing and vaccines have worked to keep schools open, Pritzker said, and that was the primary goal of the administration.

But whether he has the authority to issue such mandates in schools will be a question decided by state courts.

The 4th District Court of Appeals is currently considering whether a lower court’s temporary restraining order on the governor’s school mandates pertaining to about 170 school districts will remain in effect.

Pritzker called Judge Raylene Grischow’s opinion an “extremely bad decision,” as well as “poorly written” and “poorly decided.”

Without giving a timeline, Pritzker said “in the coming weeks” school mask mandates could be lifted if the state continues to see progress in terms of hospitalization and disease spread.

The reason the state was able to get to a place where Pritzker could

consider lifting the mandate, he said, is because hospitalizations for COVID-19, which pushed heights of 7,400 cases in mid-January, have fallen by nearly two-thirds, to 2,496 cases as of Tuesday night. That marked a decrease of more than 140 from the day prior.

Twenty percent of statewide intensive care unit beds were available as of Feb. 8, up from a low of about 8 percent four weeks ago, Pritzker said.

It’s a faster decline in hospitalizations than at any point in the pandemic, Pritzker said.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said 89 percent of those hospitalizations are in unvaccinated individuals. Approximately 75 percent of the state’s population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, according the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, putting Illinois at the top of Midwestern states.

Ezike said lifting the mandate does not signify an end to COVID-19, but the latest in the state’s effort to “coexist with COVID.” “Your actions that you’ve already taken have helped to reduce the amount of virus circulating and it absolutely has saved lives,” she said.

“But be clear that COVID is not gone

and it won’t be gone on Feb. 28. So, we are going to continue to find ways to live with the virus.”

The path forward likely includes masks, vaccines, testing and creating safer settings through better ventilation, she said.

Local jurisdictions and businesses may continue to enforce stricter masking guidelines than outlined by the state.

Pritzker did not state specific metric thresholds would need to be met before school mask mandates could be lifted, but noted he hoped it would be “weeks rather than months” when a decision could be made. He deferred to Dr. Emily Landon, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Chicago, when asked about specific metrics.

Landon said “metrics are really tough” when it comes to COVID-19 tracking. The CDC recommends an analysis of COVID-19 cases and positivity rates, but new at-home tests could change that calculus. For schools, which can serve as a breeding ground for the virus as community hubs, case rates, hospitalizations and other metrics should be watched, she said.

Flexibility is needed, she said earlier in the news conference.

“Many have asked for a metric or a number that will guide the rules and regulations,” she said. “But each wave of this pandemic has had different characteristics, different behavior, and no single metric has been able to reliably predict the outcomes and the trajectory of each of the variants.”

Ultimately, Pritzker said, his decisions will come down to the advice of doctors, epidemiologists and the CDC. “People really do feel that the trajectory here is one that we’re going to be able to hold onto,” he said.

The announcement didn’t sit well with Republicans in the General Assembly who have criticized Pritzker’s “top-down” approach to the pandemic. House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, criticized the governor in a statement.

“Gov. Pritzker’s failure to have a clear plan in place for schools to give parents and children hope of returning to a normal life is astounding,” Durkin said in the statement. “It is year three of this pandemic, and continuing to leave these families in the dark, with no data or metrics presented, is unconscionable and a clear sign the governor should not be trusted to get us out of this pandemic.”

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 • 13

Mabutas secures a state-meet berth

Answers PUZZLE 1

PUZZLE 2

Warrior places third in the 170-pound weight class at the Conant Sectional; Addison Trail wrestler also state-bound Willowbrook senior Nick Mabutas earned a berth in the IHSA Class 3A individual state wrestling meet by placing among the top four competitors in his weight division at Saturday’s Conant Sectional in Hoffman Estates.

Mabutas earned a third-place finish in the sectional’s 170-pound weight class.

He qualified for the sectional by winning the 170-pound championship at the Wheaton North Regional on Feb. 5.

Mabutas received a first-round bye at the sectional. He delivered a first-period pin in his quarterfinal match before losing a 6-1 decision in the semifinal round.

Mabutas pinned his opponent in the first round of a consolation-round semifinal match.

Mabutas provided another first-period win in the third-place match.

The IHSA individual state meet takes place this week at State Farm

Center in Champaign.

Two other Willowbrook wrestlers competed at the Conant Sectional. Chris Giroux battled in the 113-pound weight division, while Isaiah Smith participated in the 126-pound level.

Giroux won one of three matches at the sectional. Smith opened the event with a loss. He then received a bye in the consolation round. Smith pinned his opponent in the next round before ending his season with a 7-5 loss.

Addison Trail junior Seth Skamra earned a state-meet berth by placing fourth in the Conant Sectional’s 182-pound weight level.

Skamra lost his first match at the sectional.

He then received a bye in the consolation round. Skamra posted victories (a second-period pin, a 7-0 decision and an 11-5 decision) in his next three matches before defaulting the third-place match due to injury.

LEGAL NOTICES

$

412712

To find out how your business can be included, call Debbie at 630-834-8355 or Brenda at 630-834-4450

Savings 228287

Smart Mama

PUBLIC NOTICE Addison School District 4 will be receiving sealed proposals for Security Camera Replacements until 1:00 PM, March 2, 2022, at which time the bids will be opened and read aloud at the Addison School District #4 Office, 222 N. Kennedy Drive, Addison, IL 60101. An optional pre-bid meeting will take place at the same location at 10:00am on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 17, 2022) 412565

Early Bird Specials Tuesday-Friday 7.95 7am-11am ONLY

$

✿ 3 Potato Pancakes & Sour Cream or Applesauce ✿ ✿ 2 Slices of French Toast & 2 Sausage Links ✿ ✿ 2 Eggs, 2 Slices Bacon, Hash Browns & Toast ✿

DAILY HOMEMADE SOUPS & LUNCHEON SPECIALS 363 W. Lake Street Elmhurst

630-279-3738

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 7am to 3pm; Sunday 7am to 2pm

Your In Print and Online source for discounts, special offers and coupons from your hometown merchants 410795

STAFF REPORT

MamaMaria’s Visit one of Pizza

these fine Established in 1982 130 W Vallette, Elmhurst establishments 630-832-0555 to take MamaMariasElmhurst.com advantage $1 OFF any $10 pizza purchase of terrific FREE 6 Pack of RC savings! with any $10 pizza purchase Pick Pick up up or or delivery. delivery. With With this this coupon coupon only. only. Not Not valid valid with with other other offers. offers. not valid valid in dining room. Expires 7/19/15 Coupon not 2/24/22.

Try Our

Visit one of these fine establishments to take advantage of terrific savings!

Homemade Potato Pancakes 400475

Pick up or delivery. With this coupon only. Not valid with other offers.

Coupon not valid in dining dining room. room. Expires Expires 7/19/15 2/24/22.

14 • Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

Serving Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Lombard & Villa Park

Call Classifieds at

BUSINESS & SERVICE Painting

Part Time Help Wanted

HELP WANTED

CARL WUNSCHEL BLDRS. 369531

• Interlocking Flooring •Kitchen/Bathroom Remodeling • Tile Installation & Painting - Guaranteed Workmanship For a fair quote & prompt service call 630-220-8138(cell) or 630-627-7844

GREG STEBEN CARPENTRY

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Small Home Repairs and Remodeling

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

247155

Plumbing

Concrete

Call Greg 630-469-6898

388922

CUSTOM CONCRETE

Residential driveways, patios, walkways.

Stamped and colored concrete.

410555

PROFESSIONAL. DEPENDABLE. INSIDE, OUTSIDE. HOME, BUSINESS. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. CALL GREG: (630)234-1471

“Specializing in Quality Workmanship and Attention to Detail”

630-495-8077

PAINTERS.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

General Carpentry 30 Years Experience

Electrical

Firewood

FIND YOUR NEXT JOB IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Tree Service

CALL Elmhurst (630) 834-8244 or Lombard (630) 627-7010 TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD!

T & M TREE SERVICE

Heating and AC

REAL ESTATE

SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT 411647

$120 a core delivered Call Jim 630-461-2280

Gutters

708-785-2619

409297

SEASONED MIXED FIREWOOD

Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators • Ranges • Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded ~ 25 yrs experience

Landscaping/ Lawn/Garden LAWN & SNOW MANAGEMENT

Available Services • Commercial & Residential Affordable Weekly Mowing • Aeration Spring & Fall clean up • Power Raking Fertilizing and/or Seeding • Sidewalk edging Black dirt/Mulch/Stone • Driveway Bush trimming sealcoating Call for Free Estimate • Villa Park

630-832-9530

Handyman

247158

Lessons

EXCELLENT REFERENCES

• Gutter Cleaning • Painting • Plumbing • Electric • Drywall Repair • Carpentry Trim • Siding Repair • Doors Installed • Roofing

630-747-3244

FREE ESTIMATES • curtwex1@gmail.com

370024

PIANO LESSONS ON LINE

Need Help Finding Your Next Home?

Check Our Real Estate Section

Call 630-834-8244 for details on placing an ad

FOR SALE 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.

Furniture Paul Bunyan queen size bed & elec. hospital bed, sofa & loveseat, green leather chair, lamps, computer stand, office chair, patio furn., bicycles, wheelchair and lots more! 630-698-6049

FIND BARGAINS IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

• Tree Removal • Tree Trimming • Bush Removal • Stump Grinding • Free wood chips • Free Estimates • Insured Call Todd

630-303-4641

403865

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, 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

All Levels including adults.

Highly experienced, conservatory trained, Masters Degree.

630-418-8740

CALL Elmhurst (630) 834-8244 or Lombard (630) 627-7010 TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD!

390643

CURT’S HANDYMAN SERVICE No job too small

Part-time sales / marketing rep for group of weekly newspapers and websites in DuPage County. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. 20 hours per week. Work from home. Sales/Marketing experience helpful, but not necessary.

Reliable car needed.

Please email resume to: Pete@rvpublishing.com The Independent Newspapers 240 N. West Ave., Elmhurst

vvvvvv

HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT

In-Print and Onlne at www.Lombardian.info

EMPLOYMENT

Handyman

Building Repair/ Remodeling

Lombard Office (630) 627-7010

405561

Elmhurst Office (630) 834-8244

In-Print and Onlne at www.TheIndependentNewspapers.com

222787

Classifieds

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

379666

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 • 15

RICAN EX E T AM

S IOR ER

GREA T

WINDOWS • SIDING • DOORS • FASCIA • ROOFING • DECKS • SOFFITS GUTTERS • STONE & CONCRETE

We Can Make It Happen For YOU in 2022!!

Visit GRAMEX.COM for exterior ideas.

BEFORE GR M A M E X.C O

Let’s give your house a facelift!

Custom Triangle Gable Vent

8” Insulated Fiber Cement Siding

Louvered Shutters

Window Crown Molding

Standing Seam Decorative Roof Thermal Pane Havington Windows

New Gooseneck Lights

New Great American Entryway System

Decorative Stone Knee Wall with Rock Face Lime Stone Sill

Custom Stained Douglasfir Beaded Soffit

Colored Stamped Concrete Porch Stoop

Paver Retaining Wall

Call for a FREE Consultation

AFTER

630-279-2222

470 Spring Rd., Elmhurst

Enriching & Enhancing Neighborhoods Since 1987

412719

Home & Gar d en Show

16 • Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

ONE WEEKEND ONLY!

Find 1,000’s of Ideas to Remodel, Repair & Beautify Your Home!

Drury Lane Theater & Event Center 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace - Just N. of Oakbrook Shopping Ctr.

Feb. 19 th & 20 th v Sat. & Sun. 10am - 5pm If You’re Planning to Improve Your Home, This is THE Event for You! See the Latest Products & Services & Speak With Home Improvement Experts!

ExtERiOR

iNtERiOR

OUtDOOR

DESiGN

DECOR

PLUS! Many Special Features, Exhibits & Displays! v Kitchen & Bath Remodeling! v Tesla Power Wall & Solar Systems! v Windows, Doors & Siding! v Swimming Pools, Spas & Saunas! v Landscaping, Decks & Patios! v Roofing & Gutter Protection! v Flooring, Painting & Decor! v Free Live Cooking Shows!

Show Specials, Exclusive Offers, Discounts & Much More!

OakBrookHomeShow .com

630-953-2500 412289