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1 • Thursday, March 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

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Independent

VOL. 18 • NO. 11

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THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent

Gather round, happy campers!

Pictured are participants in last year’s Addison Park District All Stars Summer Day Camp. It’s time to sign up because camp begins June 14, which will be here before we know it. See story and registration details inside.

Elmhurst man charged with 21 counts of home repair fraud, plus theft

By Dee Longfellow

FOR ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING

On Thursday, Feb. 18, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the owner of a home repair company was facing criminal charges over allegedly defrauding customers out of thousands of dollars by failing to complete home repair projects that had been agreed upon.

Edmund Kavanaugh, 57, of Elm-

hurst, was charged in Cook County Circuit Court with one count of aggravated home repair fraud, a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years in prison; 21 counts of home repair fraud, a Class 4 felony punishable by up to three years in prison; and six counts of theft, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison. He was arraigned and his bond was set at a total of $350,000.

Inside:

Police Reports...........6 Sports ��������������� 17-18 Viewpoint.................8 Classifieds..............15

His next court date is scheduled for Thursday, March 25.

“Edmund Kavanaugh is a prolific scammer who has spent years adjusting and evolving his scams in order to continue defrauding victims out of thousands of dollars,” Raoul said.

“Individuals who scam unsuspecting consumers have no place in our communities, and I am committed to continuing to hold accountable individuals who take advantage of consumers for personal gain.”

According to the Attorney General, Kavanaugh owns and operates a home repair business by the name of Goliath Construction. Raoul alleges that Kavanaugh’s various schemes involved him being hired for a home repair job and collecting payment but failing to complete the work.

Kavanaugh also allegedly used alias names for himself and his business in order to procure home repair projects after details of his past scams be-

came public. As he did when using his real name and business, Kavanaugh allegedly collected payments but did no work or only partial work while operating under these aliases.

Raoul’s office investigated this case in partnership with the Arlington Heights, Berkeley, Hoffman Estates, Niles, Tinley Park and Western Springs police departments.

Previously, Kavanaugh was arrested and charged in Niles on Jan. 28 after a 34-year-old woman told police she had given Kavanaugh more than $3,000 as a down payment on a fence and drain pipe repairs. The victim, according to police, said that the little amount of work Kavanaugh did actually did damage to the basement of the home. At that time, he called his business Drain Landscaping.

Raoul’s Consumer Fraud Bureau has received numerous consumer complaints about Kavanaugh. In October 2018, the Illinois Attorney

General’s Office filed a civil lawsuit against Kavanaugh for defrauding customers out of thousands of dollars by selling defective appliances.

In August 2018, the Attorney General’s Office indicted Kavanaugh on charges of aggravated home repair fraud and theft against a separate group of victims. In 2006, the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Bureau entered into a consent decree with Kavanaugh that enjoined him from various home repair conduct.

The public is reminded that the defendant is innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Consumers who believe they have been the victim of fraud can file a complaint on the Attorney General’s website or by calling the Consumer Fraud Hotline at 1-800-243-0618.

Assistant Attorney General Maryanne Mlikotic handled the cases for Raoul’s Criminal Enforcement Division.

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2 • Thursday, March 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

CORONA VIRUS UPDATE 2021 We hope this email finds you and your family in good health. The previous year brought a lot of change, but one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety and well being.

As always, we are following the latest infection control recommendations made by OSHA, CDC and the ADA to ensure we are in accordance with their guidance at all times. If you haven’t been to our office in the last 9 months, you may be wondering what additional precautions have been taken to ensure your safety • A deep disinfecting of treatment rooms between patient appointments and increased sanitizing of doorknobs, counters and waiting room areas.

• Everyone entering our facility will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 one to two days prior to arrival and temperatures will be taken when entering the office.

• All patients will wear a mask to prevent the spread of infection to others. A mask will be provided, if needed.

• Dentist and staff members will be wearing additional personal protective equipment as an added layer of security for you and them.

• We are continuing safe distancing measures and fewer appointment times are offered to space out patient arrivals and departures.

• Magazines and other high touch items in the waiting room have been removed to limit the spread of germs.

Amid the pandemic, taking care of your health is more important than ever. Maintaining good oral health goes hand in hand with total body health. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or further discuss our measures to ensure your continued safety, please call us at 630-833-8088.

Sincerely,

389572

Dr. Daniel J. Fornatto, D.D.S.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 4, 2021 • 3

County says one in seven residents has received first vaccine dose Progress in COVID-19 vaccine administration continues with approximately 140,636, or 15 percent, of DuPage County residents being vaccinated with at least one dose and 47,391 residents, or 5.1 percent of the County’s population fully vaccinated with two doses, as of Feb. 24.

However, due to the limited vaccine supply of first doses provided by the State, DuPage County Health Department’s (DCHD) Community Vaccination Clinic and other local vaccine providers are scaling back first-dose appointments and primarily focusing on administering second doses in the coming weeks.

This week, DCHD received just 4,510 first vaccine doses. From this allocation, 2,540 doses were distrib-

uted to pharmacies, 400 doses were distributed to medical practices, 400 doses were distributed to Federally Qualified Health Centers, and 1,170 are supplying the DCHD Community Vaccination Clinic. To provide additional information to residents and stakeholders, DCHD has launched a COVID-19 Vaccine Data feature on the current COVID-19 Dashboard to provide county-specific vaccine data, including first dose allocations by week and allocations by provider type at dupagehealth.org/covid19data.

“Although the demand for vaccine far exceeds supply at this point, we urge residents not to be discouraged,” said Karen Ayala, executive director of DuPage County Health

Choose DuPage provides economic indicators report for 2020

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS

in April. The figure has dropped every month since, it has yet to reach fewer than 5,000.

• At the end of Q4, there were 54,832 job opportunities posted in DuPage County. The following list shows the top openings by occupation: • Retail salespersons; • Stockers, order fillers; • First-line supervisors of retail salespersons; • Fast food and counter workers; • Registered nurses; • Sales representatives of services except advertising, insurance, financial services, travel; • Laborers, freight, stock and material movers; • Customer service representatives; • Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers; • First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers.

Choose DuPage has released the 2020 Annual Economic Indicators Report, which provides a snapshot of the current state of the County’s local economy.

Report highlights include: • Office vacancy rates rose slightly to 15% in Q4, compared to 14.6% in Q3, and 13.9% at the same time last year.

• The industrial vacancy rate dropped to 5.3% in Q4, compared to 5.8% in Q3. This is lower than it was during this time last year, at 5.6%.

• At the end of 2020, the unemployment rate in DuPage was 6.7%, lower than the previous quarter at 8.2% and down from a recent high of 14.8% in April 2020. Unemployment in the state was 7.6%, while the U.S. remains at 6.7%. In Chicago, the rate was 9.3%.

• Not surprising because of the pandemic, job losses and temporary layoffs went from less than 5,000 in For more information, the report March of 2020 to more than 20,000 can be found at choosedupage.com.

COVID-19 one year later Americans step up to address urgent family needs, volunteer, give blood

Roldán, chief executive office of the Illinois Red Cross. “When help can’t wait, they provide families with the support they need during emergencies. During Red Cross Month in March, we honor this humanitarian spirit and ask you to join us by donating, giving blood, volunteering or taking a class to learn lifesaving skills.”

What Is Red Cross Month?

For nearly 80 years, U.S. presidents have proclaimed March as Red Cross Month to recognize people giving back through its lifesaving mission — which is powered by more than 90% volunteers.

Julia Goerlich has been volunteering as a blood donor ambassador with the Illinois Region for the past 12 years. Julia worked in the medi-

See COVID-19 Page 5

dose inventory will be administered to new individuals during upcoming vaccine clinics and will be exhausted within one week.

To ensure effectiveness of these vaccines, DCHD will continue to follow CDC guidance on prioritizing and administering second doses to individuals who have received a first dose. This guidance includes making sure vaccine is available for people when they return for their second dose. However, if an individual does not return within 42 days of their first dose, that dose will be used as a first dose for another eligible individual.

The Health Department and vaccine providers in DuPage County remain focused on vaccinating the 270,000 people in DuPage County previously eligible in Phase 1b and assuring that all healthcare workers who meet Phase 1a criteria have also had the opportunity to be vaccinated. Since Dec. 17, more than 164,000 doses of vaccine have been administered to residents and in the past week over 21,000 residents have been administered.

All individuals who live or work in DuPage County are welcome to register for vaccine on our website at dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine.

It is important to note that DuPage County will not be expanding to the Phase 1b Plus group that includes individuals ages 16–64 years with co-morbidities and underlying conditions, as well as individuals with disabilities until vaccine supply significantly increases, demand in the current group declines, or a significant proportion of the current group is vaccinated.

Based upon national reports and trends shared from IDPH, DCHD expects the vaccine supply will increase over the next few weeks, and additional new first dose appoint-

ments will become more accessible in March.

Residents who are eligible in Phase 1a or 1b and are interested in receiving vaccine should register on DCHD’s website at dupagehealth. org/covid19vaccine or call (630) 682-7400 if assistance is needed with registration (i.e., no internet or computer access, language assistance, or other questions).

Also, they should contact their primary care doctor or local retail pharmacy for appointment availability and explore additional opportunities through other vaccine providers in the area. For a list of available locations compiled by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), visit coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location.

Individuals who have registered with DCHD will receive weekly updates on the progress of our vaccination efforts. Once it is their turn, they will receive a link to schedule their appointment with DCHD or another healthcare provider. While individuals wait their turn, they may also contact their healthcare provider and private pharmacies for earlier appointment opportunities.

As residents wait for vaccine to be available to them, the Health Department urges everyone to do their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19 including the new variants by wearing face masks, physical distancing, avoiding in-person gatherings, washing their hands, and isolating or quarantining when necessary. Everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, should continue using these measures to help end this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions.

Additional information is available at dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine.

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One year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, people have stepped up to address the emotional needs of families reeling from the coronavirus and 2020’s record-breaking disasters.

In our region and across the country, trained American Red Cross disaster mental health and spiritual care volunteers have had more than 53,000 conversations to provide emotional support to people in 2020 — which had the greatest number of billion-dollar disasters in a single year. In addition, trained volunteers have provided free crisis counseling through the Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center for grieving families during COVID-19.

“The past year has been overwhelming for many in our community, and yet through it all, people are caring for one another,” said Celena

Department. “The vaccine supply is expected to increase over the coming weeks and months as additional doses become available and more vaccines are hopefully approved for use.

We continue to expand our vaccine distribution infrastructure with over 110 approved vaccination partners.

The only constraint is the limited vaccine supply but when the supply is ample, we will have the ability to vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible.”

Current Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) vaccine inventory reports show DuPage County Health Department has 3,120 vaccine doses and community partners have 42,894 vaccine doses on hand as of Tuesday, Feb. 23. However, the reported vaccine inventory does not separate first and second doses accurately which can be misleading. Each vaccine provider receives a matching number of second doses to ensure people are fully vaccinated with two doses, but these arrive at variable times before they are needed. This means providers may have inventory on hand, but a portion of that inventory is allocated for second doses and may not be immediately used per current IDPH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

While the County strongly supports the Governor’s Office and IDPH efforts to get doses out as quickly as possible, the reported vaccine inventory on hand does not accurately represent doses available that can be used to vaccinate more people. In fact, DCHD and its vaccine partners are monitoring inventory very closely. As of Wednesday, Feb. 24, more than 80% of all vaccine inventory on hand is allocated for second doses that will be administered in the coming days. The limited remaining first

4A • Thursday, March 4, 2021 - 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

Addison Park District preps for Summer Day Camp The Addison Park District’s acclaimed camps will help children make new friends, build positive relationships, stay active and safe, and have fun while creating lasting memories.

Participants will go on supervised hikes, learn to play sports, adventure out to new outdoor places, plant a children’s garden, create arts and crafts projects, have fun with dance parties, and will enjoy fitness and movie days. The program will operate in small ratios and groups which will enable participants to receive individual attention in a fun, safe environment. Enroll in a five day a week option or as little as two days per week. Addison All Star Summer will supply a sealed morning

snack and afternoon snack.

Dates: Camp begins June 14 and the last week to enroll is Aug. 16.

Meeting location: Community Rec Center, Addison Park District Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Grade level: Preschool-8th grade Staff: Addison Park District will be led by staff with backgrounds in education, child development, or recreation. All day camp staff will adhere to all IDPH and CDC guidelines with safety being our top priority. Staff will have trainings focusing on health and safety standards, certified in CPR/First Aid training and child wellness, best practice for social distancing and mask wearing, behavior management, and program development for weekly activities.

Calendar/schedule of events: Addison All Star Summer will email parents the week-by-week calendars the Sunday prior to each camp week listing the activities that all will participate in such as art, dance, theme days, gardening and more.

What to bring to the Addison All Star Summer: Backpack with supplies needed for the day. Addison All Star Summer may ask parents to send specific supplies depending on activities. Sealed water-bottle sent every day with participant. Disposable lunch bag (brown paper bag) with lunch. No fridge available. Addison All Star Summer will supply a sealed morning snack and afternoon snack. Sunscreen and hand sanitiz-

er. Please label and seal in plastic bag. Hat or headwear for sun protection not required but suggested.

Provide facial mask per guidelines.

Small blanket/towel for sitting on.

Before and After Care: Are you looking for additional supervision before or after the Addison All Star Summer program for your child? The Park District offers both before and after care options to complement your schedule. Before Care will operate starting at 7:30 to 9 a.m. when regular program dropoff begins. After Care will begin at 4 p.m. when the regular program pick-up ends and will operate until 5:30 p.m.

For more information, contact: dmacdonald@addisonparks.org

Addison Trail to present ‘The Addams Family Quarantined: A Dramatic Concert Version’

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

It’s an all-too-familiar scenario for most of us – brining your boyfriend or girlfriend home to meet your loved ones for the first time. Introducing a significant other to your family can be an awkward life moment – but it’s even trickier when you’re a member of the infamous Addams Family.

Addison Trail Theatre will explore this relatable life experience when it presents “The Addams Family Quarantined: A Dramatic Concert Version” on Friday and Saturday, Mar. 12 and 13. According to Theatrical Rights Worldwide, the musical is “a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he has

never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents.”

Addison Trail Theatre Director Anna McSweeney said she selected this production because of its flexibility to be performed on stage or in a remote setting to meet requirements with regard to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. She said the cast members started with virtual rehearsals on Zoom to block the scenes and to learn the choreography. They recently were able to start meeting at the school in small groups, following all policies, procedures and guidance in place regarding social distancing, health and cleaning protocols. The performance might look a little different this year – the actors will be wearing masks and will be six feet apart, and the music will be a mix of live singing and prerecorded pieces – but McSweeney and the students are thankful to

Swedish immigrant subject of upcoming talk via ZOOM Program hosted by Addison Library, Historical Society

Dr. Donald Grossnickle, author and educator, will discuss the research and writing of his newly released book, “My Maja: A Grandson’s Tribute” during a joint Addison Historical Society and Addison Public Library free ZOOM program on Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m.

“My Maja” weaves tradition and truth into an exciting story of the life of a Swedish immigrant to Chicago in the 1920’s. Grossnickle details his grandmother’s travels, subsequent marriage and her struggles and survival during the Great Depression through historic photos, documents, and personal items found in her keepsake trunk. Maja was no ordinary woman, and Dr. Grossnickle tells you why. Those interested in histor-

ical memoirs, the Great Depression, women’s history, and genealogy will gain inspiration and courage to begin researching and writing their own family history.

Dr. Grossnickle is a former Assistant Principal at Addison Trail High School and the author of over 50 published articles and several books.

After 15 years of delving into the secrets of his family history, he decided to publish his findings. “My Maja” documents his journey of discovery.

To register for this free program, please go to the Addison Public library website, addisonlibrary.org, and search the Events tab for Thursday, March 18. For more information, contact the library at 630-5433617 or the Society at 630-628-1433.

be back onstage.

“It has definitely been a challenge, but we’re so grateful for this opportunity and for the support from our Board of Education and district and building administration to provide this experience for the students and the community,” McSweeney said.

“High schools are one of the few places providing theatre right now, and it’s remarkable and exciting that we’re able to safely allow our students to be onstage this year.”

Addison Trail Theatre presents “The Addams Family Quarantined: A Dramatic Concert Version” Credits: Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice; Music and Lyrics

by Andrew Lippa Cast list: dupage88.net/site/public/ files/?item=5675 When: 7 p.m. on March 12 and 13 Where: The shows will be streamed online at no cost. Follow the steps below to access the performances.

1. Go to dupage88.net/ATMusi-

cal2021.

2. Click on “Login” in the upper right corner 3. Click on “Create Account” 4. Enter your information 5. Click on “View Performances” 6. Select which performance you would like to view and how many tickets you need, and then click on “Purchase Tickets” (NOTE: Tickets are free) 7. Click on “Add to Cart” 8. There is an option to make a donation to support the Addison Trail Theatre Booster Club (enter the donation amount, and then click on “Apply”) (NOTE: This is optional) 9. Click on “Checkout Now” 10. Enter your billing information (NOTE: Tickets are free – you won’t be charged) 11. Click on “Continue” 12. Click on “Process Order Now” For questions or more information: Contact Addison Trail Theatre Director Anna McSweeney at amcsweeney@dupage88.net

About 60,000 DuPage County residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 Nearly 200,000 doses have been administered in the county

STAFF REPORT

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) daily COVID-19 update of Feb. 28 indicated that about 6.44 percent of DuPage County’s population has been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

According to the IDPH, as of Feb. 28, 59,774 DuPage County residents (out of the county’s total reported population of 928,589) had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The IDPH report from the same day related that a total of 196,518 COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered to county residents.

The IDPH report from one week earlier—Feb. 21—noted that about 42,250 (about 4.55 percent) of DuPage County’s residents had been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. In the seven days between the Feb. 21 and Feb. 28 updates, therefore, an additional 17,524 county residents became fully vaccinated, according to the IDPH. The first COVID-19 vaccinations in DuPage County were administered on Dec. 16, 2020.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 4, 2021 • 5

Madigan resigns as state Democratic Party chairman Karen Yarborough to serve as interim chair until replacement elected

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan announced Feb. 22 that he is resigning as chairman of the state Democratic Party, a post he has held since 1998.

The announcement came just days after Madigan resigned his seat in the House after a 50-year career in the General Assembly.

Madigan handpicked his successor on Feb. 21 when he voted to fill the House seat he resigned from. Out of 10 candidates, Madigan voted for Edward Guerra Kodatt, a 26-year-old employee of Madigan’s 13th ward organization on the southwest side of Chicago, who is of Ecuadorian descent and bilingual.

However, Kodatt resigned abruptly Feb. 24 after Madigan and Chicago Ald. Marty Quinn issued a statement Feb. 23 Kodatt to step down in light of unspecified “alleged questionable conduct.”

Madigan announced Feb. 24 he would back Angelica Guerrero Cuellar, the candidate who received the second-highest number of votes.

“After learning of alleged questionable conduct by Mr. Kodatt, it was suggested that he resign as state representative for the 22nd District.

We are committed to a zero-tolerance policy in the workplace,” they said in the statement.

Guerrero-Cuellar was nominated

by Madigan on Feb. 25 during the brief meeting of the five Democratic committeepersons who represent the Chicago wards and Stickney Township within the 22nd District.

Guerrero-Cuellar, a 30-year resident of Chicago’s southwest side, is the first Latina to represent the 22nd House District, which has seen a dramatic increase in its Latino population since Madigan was first elected in 1971. Latinos now represent a majority of the district.

• COVID-19

Guerrero-Cuellar was sworn in after the meeting concluded.

“Over the last two decades, we have elected a diverse array of Democrats across Illinois and helped send a hometown Chicago leader to the White House, turning Illinois into a Democratic stronghold in the Midwest,” Madigan said in a statement.

“Together, we faced conservative extremism and stood up for working men and women. I’m confident the Democratic Party of Illinois will continue to cement our place as a beacon of progressive values.

“My work would not have been possible without the support of my family, Shirley, Lisa, Tiffany, Nicole and Andrew. I thank each of them for their unwavering love and support that has allowed me to do this work for so long.”

Madigan, 78, resigned his House seat Feb. 18, a month after he failed to win another term as speaker. He had served as the top officer in the House for all but two years since 1983.

But support for him within the Democratic caucus began eroding after officials at utility giant Commonwealth Edison admitted to a years-long bribery scheme in which they admitted awarding jobs and contracts to Madigan’s associates in order to curry his favor for legislation benefitting the company.

Madigan has not been charged in that case and has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. But his connection to the scandal prompted other high-ranking Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, to blame him for key losses in the 2020 elections, including the failure of Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed graduated income tax amendment.

In a separate statement, newly elected Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, thanked Madigan for his years of service to the party

(Continued from page 3)

cal field, so volunteering as a blood donor ambassador was a natural transition for her. She helps to make the blood donor experience a positive one by greeting people at the door, takes their temperature, and makes them feel welcome. Julia treasures the personal stories she hears from donors and it motivates her to keep going. Read more about Julia’s journey as a volunteer here.

A growing desire to give back A 2020 study on a rise in volunteer experiences added to LinkedIn profiles shows that more people want to help others during this unprecedented time. Last year, more than 70,000 people across the country became new Red Cross volunteers largely to support urgent disaster and essential blood donation needs. In addition, thousands of COVID-19 survivors — many new to blood donation — rolled up a sleeve to give convalescent plasma and help patients battling COVID-19.

How to help You can help ensure that families don’t face emergencies alone — es-

pecially during a pandemic: • Donate: Support our Disaster Relief efforts at redcross.org/ GivingDay. A gift of any size makes a difference to provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance. Your donation will be part of our annual Giving Day on March 24 to aid families in need across the country.

• Volunteer: Visit redcross.org/ VolunteerToday for most-needed positions and local opportunities.

• Give blood: If you’re healthy and feeling well, make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org. Your donation can make a lifesaving difference for a patient in need. As a thank you, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma on March 15-26 will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

• Learn lifesaving skills: Take a class in skills like CPR and first aid to help in an emergency at redcross. org/TakeAClass. Online options include our Psychological First Aid for COVID-19 course, which covers how to manage stress and support yourself and others.

“I have full confidence in the state central committee’s ability to select a new chair. The Illinois Democratic party remains strong, and we will continue our work to create a more equitable state,” Welch said.

Madigan’s resignation from the party chairmanship was effective immediately. His four-year term as a state central committeeman is scheduled to end following the March primary in 2022. According to a press

release, Vice Chairwoman Karen Yarbrough will serve as interim chairwoman until the 36 members of the state central committee meet within the next 30 days to elect a new chairperson to serve out the remainder of Madigan’s term.

“One thing everyone knows about Illinois is that it’s a reliably blue state in the Midwest and throughout the country, and that’s in large part because of the leadership of Mike

Madigan,” Yarbrough said in a statement. “Democrats across Illinois owe Chairman Madigan a huge debt of gratitude for the support, resources and time he’s dedicated to candidates and races at every level. While our party enters a transition and looks to the future, I hope we don’t lose sight of the extraordinary contributions he has made. I thank him for his leadership and wish him the best in his next chapter.”

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6 • Thursday, March 4, 2021 - 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.

Addison Feb. 24 Police said an Elmhurst police officer transported Ananda Jacquez, 25, of Elmhurst, and Joshua A. Samayoa, 24, of Plainfield, to the Addison Police Department to be processed on Addison Police Department original warrants for mob action and aggravated battery.

According to police, Samayoa had a second original warrant out of Addison Police Department for mob action, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.

Feb. 23 Alicia Grom, 43, of Addison, was charged with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident at around 10:51 p.m.

Police said David G. Kucera, 44, of Bensenville, had an original warrant out of the Addison Police de-

partment for violation of an order of follow-up report in the 1700 block of protection near Grand and Lake at Armitage Court at around 6:45 p.m., around 9:36 p.m. officers found it suspicious that the entrance, office and warehouse doors Feb. 21 were found unsecured and there was Police said Jose M. Soto, 41, of no response to officer’s shouts of “PoElkhart, Ind., had a failure to appear lice Department” from anyone on the warrant out of the DuPage County property. Officers conducted a well-beSheriff’s Office for DUI, no valid driv- ing and premise check. Luis O. Santos, er’s license, driving without wearing a 64, of Addison, was charged with unseat belt, improper lane usage and fail- lawful possession of cannabis with ure to signal when required at around intent to deliver, unlawful possession 10 a.m. of cannabis, and unlawful possession of production of cannabis sativa plants.

Feb. 20 Police said an officer picked up Feb. 1 Kameron R. Jefferson, 26, of MayPolice said Alvin Guzman-Corrales, wood, and transported him to the Addison Police Department and processed on an original warrant at around 8:39 p.m.

Police said a 25-year-old Addison By Tim Kirsininkas man had an original warrant out of CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS Illinois Sen. Darren Bailey, who the Addison Police Department for domestic battery and interfering with gained notoriety for challenging Gov. the reporting of domestic violence at JB Pritzker’s COVID-19 executive orders last year, has announced that he around 5:03 a.m. will seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2022.

Feb. 19 Speaking before a crowd of supportJose A. Hernandez-Lopez, 21, of Addison, was charged with DUI and ers at the Thelma Keller Convention no valid driver’s license at around Center in Effingham, Bailey cast himself as an outsider candidate who would 12:35 a.m. stand up to who he referred to as “political elites”.

Feb. 9 “We’ve tried the country club apPolice said that while conducting a proach. We’ve tried the Chicago loop approach. And I don’t think that’s worked for anyone in this room,” Bailey told supporters.

Bailey, a downstate Republican from Xenia, filed a lawsuit against the Pritzker administration in May challenging the governor’s executive orders issued amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pritzker referred to the suit as “a cheap political stunt” at the time. Bailey received a favorable ruling in that case from a judge in Clay County that was later thrown out by a Sangamon County judge.

State Sen. Darren Bailey announces campaign for governor

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Bloomingdale, was charged with criminal damage to property/trespass to residence, knowing one or more persons are present; and theft, unauthorized control not exceeding $500, in the 500 block of S. Monterey on Dec. 25, 2019. The original comVilla Park plaint and arrest warrant were issued Feb. 20 Battery was reported at a local recre- Feb. 16. ation center at around 9:14 p.m. Police said an unknown suspect threw a full Feb. 15 Jose E. Contreras De Jesus, 33, water bottle at a patron, striking the patron in the back. The suspect left the of Addison, was charged with two counts of DUI and failure to yield center. from a private road or drive in the 300 block of W. North at around 6:34 Feb. 16 Lauren E. Bassett, 21, of p.m.

19, of Bloomingdale, had an original warrant out of the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance near Lake and Marcus at around 7:32 p.m.

Bailey was elected as a state representative in 2018 before winning election as state senator for the 55th District in November. During the General Assembly’s abbreviated session last spring, Bailey was removed from the house floor at the Bank of Springfield Center for refusing to wear a mask. In subsequent session days he obeyed the mask mandates and was not removed.

Since then, Bailey has toured the state and held rallies calling on Pritzker to lift restrictions on businesses and raising other issues.

According to his campaign website, Bailey is a third-generation farmer and a graduate of Lake Land College.

Bailey and his family co-founded Full Armor Christian Academy, and Bailey served for 17 years on the North Clay Unit 25 Board of Education in Louisville before his election to the General Assembly in 2018.

Speaking before a mostly unmasked crowd while announcing his candidacy, Bailey said his campaign would be a “grassroots movement.”

“We’ve been used, we’ve been mocked, we’ve been marginalized,” Bailey said. “People in Illinois have

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been ignored based on their race, they’ve been ignored based on their class, their zip code, or by special interests.”

“The days of putting the interests of the corrupt political class above the people is over,” he added.

Bailey criticized Pritzker and former House Speaker Michael Madigan, placing blame on them for causing residents to move out of state.

“Our family and friends are leaving because of high taxes,” Bailey said.

“Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Democrats, they failed us, and it’s time to stop it.”

Bailey also offered criticisms for the Republican Party, saying “the political elites of both parties have failed us.”

“Republicans and Democrats have worried more about the donor class than they’ve worried about the working class, and friends, that ends now,” Bailey said.

Bailey touted a campaign platform based on strict fiscal conservatism, calling for “a budget that freezes spending with no tax increases.”

“We’ve got to stop passing budgets that spend dollars without an honest review of each spending item,” Bailey said.

Bailey proposed what he referred to as a “zero-base budget ideal,” in which state departments would not be guaranteed any part of the state budget, saying instead that departments would be required to “make their case for every dollar in funding.”

Pritzker responded to Bailey’s criticisms in an unrelated news conference, saying that outmigration from the state has been a problem since before he took office, and that he has been working on creating programs to encourage students and workers to remain in Illinois.

Pritzker also expressed concern over the lack of masking and social distancing at Bailey’s campaign announcement.

“I heard that announcement was in a room of hundreds of people and no one was wearing masks,” Pritzker said. “So, I am concerned about a super spreader event being caused by someone who’s running for governor.”

At the event, Bailey was also endorsed by U.S. Rep. Mary Miller and her husband, state Rep. Chris Miller, both of Oakland.

Bailey joins former state senator Paul Schimpf and businessman Gary Rabine as the currently declared candidates in the Republican primary. The primary is scheduled for March 15, 2022.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 4, 2021 • 7A

Montini students test their knowledge at annual Trivia Night Students and faculty at Montini Catholic found a creative way to weather the winter blues by enjoying a night of fun, food and facts at the Lasallian high school’s 3rd annual Trivia Night on Friday, Feb. 19.

Hosted by the school’s Student Government, the evening was a rousing success.

Sixteen energetic teams (two playing from home) showed up to test their wits throughout ten grueling categories, all in an attempt to be crowned “Bronco Trivia Night Champs.” Winning this year was the four-person team of Heather Sledzinski, Maddie McDowell, Maria Hemmersmeier and Zena Jabir.

“Like many school events during these [COVID-19-regulated] times, we had to be creative and have faith and flexibility in how we executed it,” said student government moderator Laura Medina. “All that really changed was the space in which we hosted the event. The cafeteria would’ve been a tight squeeze, given our school social-distancing guide-

lines and the amount of participants we had, so we moved to the classrooms instead. This switch allowed students to enjoy the feel of friendly competition between friends, classmates, and schoolmates, while also staying safe and respecting our mitigation strategies.

“Thanks to the power of Zoom, a set of Google Slides, a group of talented teachers/ moderators and their question-creating abilities, we were able to make it a fun event for everyone. It truly went better than we could have anticipated. I think our students needed something fun and safe to do on a Friday night, and I’m so glad we were able to make that happen for them.”

Medina and the members of her Student Government are looking forward to hosting a movie night in March and are also making plans for prom.

“With sports making a roaring reSUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing turn, we anticipate some celebrations The winning team of Montini Catholic’s Trivia Night includes (from left): Zena Jabir, Maria Hemmersto commemorate those seasons as meier, Heather Sledzinski and Maddie McDowell. They’re pictured here by the “tote” board, showing their well,” she said. winning progress along the top row.

ATHS names Jina Patel ‘88’s Best’ for February Jina Patel has been named as Addison Trail’s February recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding service work. A senior, Jina was recognized during the Feb. 22 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

Jina is a student who is on everyone’s radar at Addison Trail – including with her peers – for all of the amazing things she continues to accomplish. Senior Huda Siddiqui recently requested to meet with administrators to let them know how amazing Patel is and to nominate her for the 88’s Best award.

Service work Jina has been dedicated to service since she stepped foot inside the doors of Addison Trail, and she has continued on that path all four years of her high school career.

• Jina is a District Lieutenant Governor for the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District of Key Club International, overseeing Key Clubs from Addison Trail, Willowbrook, Glenbard East, Downers Grove South and York high schools.

• Jina’s favorite service projects include Feed My Starving Children; blessing bags filled with personal care items, snacks and kindness notes to help those in need; and Paws for a Cause (an animal-friendly adoption fair).

• Breaking the cycle of poverty is a cause close to Jina’s heart – her family is from India, and she has seen firsthand the impact poverty can have on children. She is truly dedicated to making sure poverty and hunger do not get in the way of a child’s education. She said she draws inspiration from her grandmother, who never learned how to read or write, and she wants to make her grandmother and her parents very proud by performing the best she can.

Involvement at ATHS • National Honor Society (where she serves as Co-President) • International Club • International Dance Show (where she serves as a dance leader) • Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) series (a program to prepare students to

Jina Patel

recognize and learn from the diversity around them) • Student Council • Class Board • AT News Channel Academic achievements • Completed 13 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses (earned As in all of them) • Completed nine honors courses (earned As in all of them) Future plans After high school, Jina plans to attend college and pursue a career as a doctor. Her top choices include Northwestern University, Washington University and University of Michigan. By choosing medicine as her career, Jina is able to blend her favorite things – her love of science and her love of service.

Faculty and staff weigh in “I have had the pleasure of not only working with Jina in Leadership Training as a student last year, but also as the Vice President of National Honor Society and a leader on the district’s Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) series. Jina is a class act and a leader in and out of the classroom. Her dedication to her school and the students is evident in all that she engages in after the final bell rings. I am honored to be able to work beside her in these extracurricular areas.”

- Rob Schader, Physical Education Department Head and National Honor Society sponsor “Jina is amazing! What a bright,

compassionate, focused young woman. She was a joy to have in AP Physics and the National Honor Society.

Jina is a role model for her peers and the adults in her life. Truly a brilliant young woman.”

- Kira Bonk, science teacher “I am thrilled Jina is being honored for her amazing legacy of service throughout her years at Addison Trail.

As a student in AP Biology last year, Jina’s keen intellect and incredible work ethic became apparent from the start.

I could always count on her meaningful contributions to class discussions to move us forward. When I started to grasp the full scope of her involvement in extracurriculars and the active leadership roles she held, I often wondered when she slept! Her selfless dedication to making our school a place where all students feel welcome will be her legacy long after she graduates. I stand in awe of all she has accomplished already, and I can’t wait to see how her future unfolds. Congratulations, Jina, and thank you for your leadership and service. It was an honor to be one of your teachers.”

- Carolyn Erwin, science teacher “Jina’s compassion for humanity is a driving force in everything she does. I know Jina through her visits to the writing center, and she is not only talented in service, but equally gifted in the arts and science, too. Through scholarship and college admission essay drafts, I have learned so much about Jina’s family, passions, strengths, vulnerabilities, goals, kindness and intelligence – how they define her and her place in this world. One thing is for certain: Jina will leave a lasting mark on the world of medicine through her endeavors – not only as an empathetic physician, but through her altruistic service to mankind. I will remember Jina by her ambitious and heartfelt words: ‘Through the challenges of life, my purpose of caring for and healing the sick acts as an indestructible motivator.’”

- MaryKathryn Maranowicz, Writing Center Assistant

Fenton’s Spring Musical ‘Sister Act’ is underway Fenton’s music and theater departments hosted auditions a few weeks ago and are getting started with practice for the 2021 spring musical. Directors chose to produce Sister Act, which was supposed to be last year’s show but got cancelled due to the pandemic.

Auditions were held on stage in the auditorium. Only one student was allowed in at a time, and they were screened and temperaturechecked at the front door. Performance areas were cleaned inbetween auditions.

Seredy Williams and George Mussman were excited to see their students again.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Fenton student Aiden Torres belts out a song to impress at an audition for the upcoming spring musical production of “Sister Act.” The show was planned for last year, but had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

8 • Thursday, March 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

Viewpoint

March 4, 2021 • 8

Do you, like me, suffer from malaise?

In the 1970s, President Jimmy Carter supposedly worried that Americans were suffering from collective malaise, the French word for an underlying feeling of discomfort, uneasiness.

Carter was roundly ridiculed. A few years later, President Ronald Reagan campaigned in 1984 on the theme, in sharp contrast: “It’s morning again in America.”

Whether that were true, the Reagan positivity fueled his successful reelection.

But today, I do feel a sense of personal malaise about how things are going in our country. Do you feel like I do? And if so, why, and what can we do about it?

The present brutal winter doesn’t help, of course, and the prolonged pandemic has made me appreciate how much I miss my former, lively social life with friends. Yet, I think my malaise goes deeper.

For example, I am sorely distressed by the continuing, deep polarization, even enmity, in Washington and across the country between otherwise generally decent people on both sides of the Trump/ anti-Trump divide.

Second, the pandemic has resulted in a lost year of effective schooling for many, maybe most kids. I fear this will worsen the gaps that exist in American education.

We can’t seem to reduce much the yawning gap between the achievement of minorities and whites. Nor, for that matter, the big gap in achievement between whites and Asian-Americans, as well as overseas Asian students.

Further, there appears to be American—probably worldwide— obsession with the pursuit of “things,” as if owning stuff will comfort, amuse, satisfy us. Yet, we seem no happier overall.

To me, the above adds up to a worry over general American decline. Worse, I have the sense that many of my friends are resigned to this.

Alas, malaise. But what to do about it?

First, short-term and practical, I think we need a massive program of summer school for kids of all ages, to help them catch up.

Chinese students have not lost a school year, and as I have hectored readers before, we face intense economic competition from that former, extremely proud “Middle Kingdom.”

With apologies for this inept comparison, I feel like Winston Churchill in the 1930s, crying out for his countrymen to take Hitler’s military preparations

By

JIM NOWLAN

very seriously, which plaints were ignored.

As for summer school, or some such show of determination not to fall behind, we should tax ourselves to pay the significant costs of operating a major summer program.

We cannot continue to overheat the printing presses with the production of endless streams of what I call funny money. First it was the $2 trillion Trump tax cut in 2017, paid for wholly with debt, and now the multi-trillions in pandemic relief, all unsupported by tax revenue.

On a larger scale, we could use something to rally Americans.

The only issue I can think of that could conceivably rally most of us is that of, “Will it be good for our grandkids?” After all, I see bumper strips: “Ask me how much I love my grandkids!”

I wonder if the people in the auto really know what we are bequeathing the little ones. The unprecedented amount of debt I speak of above (approaching that of World War II) will sure not be good for our youngsters.

My very smart young friend, Jake Secrist of Farmington, suggests that our nation needs to think about updating our mission statement. Maybe, after “the pursuit of happiness,” we should, I say, add, “the pursuit of harmony, at home and around the world.” I don’t know. You fill in the blank.

Can President Joe Biden, our governors and community leaders provide the leadership to rally us somehow? And would their leadership arouse energized followers?

After all, if you and I don’t rise to the occasion, it won’t happen.

Life is a struggle; always will be.

I know the above paragraphs sound hokey, yet it is bedrock.

Civilizations rise and fall. Yet our present, relative national slide, if it be such, is not foreordained.

For many years, Jim Nowlan was a senior fellow and political science professor at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

He was a state representative, worked for three governors and publishes a weekly newspaper in central Illinois.

Slices of life

The widow’s club: no one wants to join I woke up this morning to a message no one ever wants to receive.

It was from dear friend, roommate from college and bridesmaid at my wedding.

Her husband was in a car accident yesterday and died. I cry writing this because it is so close right now.

She wrote looking for help.

Looking for advice. Looking for something, anything to make sense out of something that makes no sense. She asked, “How did you do it? How did you get through it?”

I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I didn’t do anything. Still haven’t gotten through it. I’m not sure anyone ever does.

I had tears – lots and lots of tears for her, but no clear-cut advice.

There is none.

I’m glad she sought me out. I did the same thing. Unfortunately I have a few friends who have walked this path before me and I turned to them for help, answers, advice, an ear – whatever they could give me.

They were more than gracious; I think because they knew.

I was now a member of their club. It’s a club no one ever wants to join. Membership is the opposite of coveted, yet some of us find

By

JILL PERTLER Contributor

ourselves here, with the label we never, ever thought possible.

Members of this elite, prestigious, inane, stupid club.

Widow. Widower.

Alone. Filled with sorrow. Heart literally aching. Chest pounding.

Not knowing what tomorrow will bring. Afraid to move forward.

Terrified to look back.

But we are in this together, whether it’s been five days, five weeks or five years; we all know.

Quite honestly it’s a horrible reality that no one should ever know. There are countless other horrible realities out there. I get it.

But I’m a member of this particular special club. And it sucks.

It’s a club like the Hotel California; You can check out anytime you like; you just can’t ever leave.

Those of us in this special club can’t leave. Not ever. But we can move forward, on a new path that

we probably never considered before our membership was thrust upon us.

It’s hard as heck, though. It’s like a never-ending, scary ride that just keeps running around the track over and over and over even though you are screaming to get off.

I’m not sure any of us will make it. But we’ll try. I know I’m going to try. I am trying.

Although some days it doesn’t feel that way. Some days it feels as though I’m stepping backwards instead of forward. Some days it doesn’t feel like anything at all.

Some days the feelings are so intense I can hardly breathe. Some days I wake up to a memory that tightens in my chest and takes my breath away and I have to get up and just walk and breath slow and steady. People tell you to think of happy memories, but sometimes (often times) even the happy memories feel sad and you feel your chest tightening.

Some days thoughts of my own mortality creep in and I lose my breath again. Some days I think it’s all too hard, but then I think of my kids and know I have to find a way

See SLICES OF LIFE, Page 13

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 4, 2021 • 9

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About Sciatica

Are you suffering from back pain or sciatica? Then it’s likely your biggest problem is pain. But there’s another major problem: bad information.

To end sciatica misery you must have the right information. Pay close attention because local doctor Kelly SynowiecMoroney DC is going to destroy sciatica myths and give you the facts.

MYTH: Sciatica will just “go away” with some rest.

FACT: If you are dealing with back pain, buttock pain or leg pain, then you must seek help from a doctor who is knowledgeable in sciatica immediately.

Left untreated, sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage - and lifelong pain.

MYTH: Pain is the only problem associated with sciatica.

FACT: In severe cases, sciatica can lead to the inability to control your bowels or bladder - leading to embarrassing situations.

MYTH: You must take pain medications to deal with sciatica.

FACT: Drugs like muscle relaxants, pain killers, narcotics, antidepressants, and antiseizure medications have serious potential side-effects and do not cure the root cause of sciatica.

MYTH: “I must have done something wrong to get sciatica.”

FACT: Physical work or simply sitting at a desk for long periods can lead to sciatica. Accidents and trauma can also be the culprits. Pregnancy can cause sciatica.

Sciatica can affect anyone - including

super-fit celebrities like Tiger Woods, Sylvester Stallone, and British Olympic medallist Ian Wynne.

MYTH: Stop exercising and get several weeks of bed rest to overcome sciatica.

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MYTH: Sciatica requires surgery.

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MYTH: “There’s nothing anyone can really do. I’m just stuck with this for the rest of my life.”

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MYTH: Getting Sciatica properly diagnosed is expensive.

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This procedure does not require a hospital stay. The focus is on finding - and correcting - the original cause of the back pain and sciatica.

According to Dr. Kelly, “We use a combination of ultra-advanced technology, not found elsewhere in the region, for precisely diagnosing the cause of your low back pain and sciatica. This means superior long-term results for most people.”

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Set for delivery in Spring 2021, this new Center of Town luxury home’s location puts you within walking distance to everything! Being built by a well respected, long-time Elmhurst builder working alongside an interior designer set to help pick 1,295,000

Center of Town Set for delivery in Spring 2021, this new Center of Town luxury home’s location puts you within walking distance to everything! Being built by a well respected, long-time Elmhurst builder working alongside an interior designer set to help pick out all of your finishes & fixtures. Offering over 4,800 sf of finished living space with its fully finished basement - exercise room, rec room, custom bar and wine room! Gracious 10 ft first floor ceilings welcome you to this impressive home with HWF’s & extensive trim & ceiling detail throughout, 5 beds, 4.5 baths, a 2.5 car garage, custom kitchen w/ huge island, high-end SS appliances (Wolf & Sub-Zero) & eating area open to family rm w/ fireplace, master suite w/ spa bath, designer plumbing/lighting fixtures, surround sound + more! Equipped with all the bells and whistles - backup generator, central vac, security system, and irrigation system. All this within walking distance to Field GS (rebuild in 2023), the Metra station and Elmhurst’s City Centre. 1,295,000

Check out the new and refreshed look complete with NEW ROOF, NEW 96% High-efficiency Lennox furnace with transferrable warranty, & freshly painted interior! Enjoy the quiet tree-lined prestigious single block of S Lawndale from $559,000

Check out the new and refreshed look complete with NEW ROOF, NEW 96% Highefficiency Lennox furnace with transferrable warranty, & freshly painted interior! Enjoy the quiet tree-lined prestigious single block of S Lawndale from your front porch of this updated and expanded Georgian, yet close to all Elmhurst has to offer in this center of town location - shops, restaurants, train, & expressway access. This light-filled 3 bed / 2.1 bath home boasts flexible living conducive to work from home or e-learning needs and great entertainment options with a floor plan perfect for today’s owner. $559,000

Build New or Rehab

Build New or Rehab

Attention Builders or Rehabbers. Great potential for building your Dream House located in awesome neighborhood. The home is situated on a 50 x 167. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, stainless steel appliances, full unfinished basement. Tiny Tot $279,900

Attention Builders or Rehabbers. Great potential for building your Dream House located in awesome neighborhood. The home is situated on a 50 x 167. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, stainless steel appliances, full unfinished basement.

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390983

12 • Thursday, March 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 4, 2021 • 13

Pritzker signs criminal justice reform bill Omnibus package backed by Black Caucus touches policing, courts, corrections

By Raymon Troncoso CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a criminal justice omnibus bill backed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Monday, abolishing cash bail, overhauling police certification and reforming use-of-force standards among numerous other provisions.

Pritzker signed the legislation, House Bill 3653, referred to as the “Safe-T Act,” during an event at Chicago State University alongside members of his administration and lawmakers from the Black Caucus.

“This legislation marks a substantial step toward dismantling the systemic racism that plagues our communities, our state and our nation, and brings us closer to true safety, true fairness and true justice,” Pritzker said.

While the legislation received grassroots support from activists, buoyed by the growing national concern over policing following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor last year, the bill faced strong opposition from Republican lawmakers and law enforcement groups.

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, called the signing “an insult to our first

• Slices

responders.”

“We live in a civilized state where our elected officials’ greatest responsibility is the health and safety of Illinois citizens … At a crucial time when we should coalesce around the good men and women of law enforcement, Governor Pritzker has turned his back on them with his signature on House Bill 3653,” Durkin said in a statement released Monday.

Opponents of the legislation have said it will result in a less safe Illinois and have criticized the process behind its development as lacking in transparency without proper input from Republican lawmakers and the public at large.

Proponents say HB 3653 will make Illinois safer by making the justice system more equitable for Black, Latino, low-income and minority communities that have been disproportionately harmed by disparate policies in sentencing, incarceration and policing.

Members of the Black Caucus have countered claims against the bill’s transparency by pointing to nine subject matter hearings held by the caucus in state Senate committees between September and November. For nearly 30 hours,

lawmakers from both parties, law enforcement, judges, state’s attorneys, legal experts, representatives of the court, the governor’s office and the attorney general’s office hashed out many of the issues that became provisions in the bill, such as the abolition of cash bail by 2023 and police certification.

The office of the governor and Attorney General Kwame Raoul held working meetings over several months starting in July with representatives from both chambers and parties, Fraternal Order of Police groups, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Here is what HB 3653, now law, does.

Pretrial detention Starting on Jan. 1, 2023, all bail bonds and conditions of bail will be replaced by a system of pretrial release to be developed by the Illinois courts based on a detainee’s alleged crime, their risk of not appearing for their court date, and the threat or danger they may pose to an individual or community if released. Illinois is the first state to completely abolish cash bail by statute. Washington, D.C. does

not use cash bail, and New Jersey effectively eliminated cash bail in most cases in 2017.

Exceptions from pretrial release under the new law include forcible felonies such as first-degree murder, sexual assault, arson and any other felony involving the use or threat of physical force; stalking and aggravated stalking where the defendant poses a threat to the victim if released; abuse or battery of a family member where their release poses a danger to that family member; gun crimes where the defendant poses a threat to a specific, identifiable person; and cases where the defendant has committed a felony that wouldn’t otherwise result in detention but they are considered a high risk of fleeing prosecution and missing their court date.

Use of force House Bill 3653 establishes the intent of the General Assembly to establish statewide use-of-force standards by 2022.

It changes current standards by banning chokeholds and any actions that restrict breathing being used above the chest unless in a situation that authorizes deadly force.

Under the law, use of force is only allowed when it is necessary for the officer to defend themselves or others from bodily harm when making an arrest. When a suspect is attempting to escape arrest, officers are only authorized to use deadly force if that person is unable to be caught at a later date and is likely to harm others.

Officers must make a reasonable effort to identify themselves as law enforcement and warn suspects before they can use deadly force, with some exceptions.

Police certification Under House Bill 3653, the state will have more power over the certification and hiring of law enforcement at every agency through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, known as ILETSB. Body cameras The new law also makes body cameras mandatory for law enforcement agencies statewide. The largest departments must have body cameras in place by 2022, while all agencies, no matter how small, must have body cameras implemented by 2025.

Send your news items to independent@rvpublishing.com

(Continued from page 8)

Worship Services Directory

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–­ some way – for them and for me.

Some days I wake up calm and I roll over and give thanks for comfy pillows and a warm bed.

Some days I feel a small hint of normal again.

People have lots of kind advice about getting through and over grief.

About the healing process.

I don’t think I’ll ever be healed; there is no healing this grief. At best, I think, there is learning to live in tandem with it.

Learning to laugh again, despite the loss. Learning to be okay with laughing again, despite the sadness. Learning to be okay with feeling sort of normal again without collapsing in a pool of anxiety because how can you feel normal when your world has collapsed from within? How do you orchestrate such a feat?

I’m not sure. Not sure I ever will be sure. But I am trying. I am trying to reconcile these two worlds in which I now live, and I hope and pray that the people I come across will understand and allow me the grace I am aching for.

The exact same sentiment goes out to my dear friend who is experiencing her own grief, which is even more recent than mine. This is for you, Paula. Hugs and love.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright, author and member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

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14 • Thursday, March 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

Three losses send Warriors to 1-6 Late charge against Leyden falls short; Eagles earn a 53-50 win on Friday in Villa Park

STAFF REPORT

The Willowbrook boys basketball team lost three straight games last week. The losses to Proviso East, Leyden and Downers Grove North dropped the Warriors’ overall record to 1-6.

Willowbrook’s week began with a 57-49 loss at Proviso East on Feb. 23.

The two West Suburban Gold Conference teams were tied at 20-20 at halftime, but the Pirates built a 39-35 lead by the end of the third quarter. Proviso East’s lead grew to as many as 10 points (46-36) during the fourth quarter.

Junior Marquel Saleek made five field goals, including a pair of 3-point shots, on his way to scoring a teamhigh 15 points for the Warriors. Saleek

made five of 10 shots from the field and connected on three of four free-throw attempts.

Junior Evan Stubblefield provided nine points for Willowbrook. Stubblefield made three of four free throws for the Warriors, who sank 12 of 14 foul shots during the game. Sophomore Noah Campbell added eight points for the Warriors. Junior Alexander Simmons, who made all four of his freethrow attempts, contributed six points.

Leyden edged the Warriors 53-50 in Friday’s game between West Suburban Gold Conference rivals in Villa Park.

The visiting Eagles held a 14-7 lead after one quarter. The Warriors cut Ley-

den’s lead to 26-22 by halftime. The Eagles, who did not surrender the lead in the second half, held a 39-35 advantage at the end of the third quarter.

Campbell’s driving basket early in the fourth quarter cut Leyden’s lead to 39-38 with about 6:30 left in the game.

The Eagles, who made a pair of 3-point shots and converted all six of their foul shots during the final quarter, responded with an 8-1 run to push their lead to 47-39 with about 4:20 to play.

Baskets from Saleek and Campbell trimmed the Eagles’ lead to 47-43. Another basket from Campbell sliced the lead to 47-45 with 1:55 remaining.

Leyden made four straight free

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Willowbrook girls win two, lose one in recent basketball action

Willowbrook’s girls basketball team won two of three games last week. The Warriors beat Proviso East and Leyden during the week. In between those wins, Willowbrook faced Lyons Township in Villa Park on Feb. 24. The visiting Lions defeated the Warriors 57-48. One photo from that game shows Willowbrook senior Taris Thornton (No. 25), who scored a team-leading 18 points.

Another photo from the contest shows Willowbrook freshman Calli Kenny (No. 35, foreground) on defense. Willowbrook’s other defenders, pictured (left to right) in the background are senior Stephanie Dasbach, senior Gracie Tumilty, junior Sophie Sullivan (No. 11) and Thornton. The Warriors’ schedule this week includes games against Hinsdale South and Morton. Willowbrook will complete its abbreviated season on March 13. See story on page 17.

throws to take a 51-45 advantage, but Campbell sank a 3-point shot to reduce the Eagles’ lead to 51-48 with less than 40 seconds on the clock.

The Eagles converted a pair of free throws to push their lead to 53-48 with 31.7 seconds to play. Senior Amaris Hughes delivered a basket with about 25 seconds remaining to cut Leyden’s lead to 53-50.

Willowbrook stole the ball seconds later, but the Warriors soon missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw.

Following a battle for the rebound, the ball went out of bounds, with possession to the Warriors. Willowbrook had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds, but missed a lengthy 3-point attempt.

Campbell and Hughes both scored 11 points in the loss to the Eagles.

Hughes also provided seven rebounds.

Saleek, who made all four of his foul shots, added eight points. Junior Terrell Walker delivered six points and a team-leading eight rebounds. Simmons tallied six points and six rebounds.

Saleek made eight of 17 shots from the field and scored a team-leading 21 points in Saturday’s loss to Downers Grove North. Saleek made one of four attempts from 3-point range. For the second straight game, he made all four of his free-throw attempts.

The Warriors trailed the Trojans 2722 at halftime. Downers Grove North unleashed a 24-10 run during the third quarter to extend its lead to 51-32 with eight minutes to play. The Trojans’ lead grew to as many as 32 points during the final quarter.

Willowbrook’s season continues with this week’s West Suburban Gold Conference games against Hinsdale South and Morton.

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Willowbrook’s boys basketball team lost 53-50 to Leyden on Friday night in Villa Park. The Warriors trailed throughout the second half, but kept the game close until the closing seconds. Sophomore Noah Campbell (No. 25) scored 11 points for the Warriors. He scored nine points during the fourth period, when he made four baskets, including a 3-point shot. Senior Amaris Hughes (No. 10) also scored 11 points for Willowbrook. Friday’s loss moved the Warriors’ record to 1-5. Willowbrook dropped to 1-6 with Saturday’s loss at Downers Grove North.

includes Rock childrenValley underPublishing the age - Thursday, York Road Location March 4, 2021 • 15 of 18 living with parents or legal Retail or Office Use For Expert Service Call Today! custodians, pregnant women (630) 833-3500 ext 207 and people securing custody of woodmechanical.net Charlie children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate fficE which lisOmbard in violation ofOthe law. (630) 627-7010 all lassifiEds at in-Pare rint and O nlnE at www.lOmbardian.infO Our readers hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call IN-COLUMN ADS HANDYMAN BILL JK MAINTENANCE HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. CLASSIFIED Never Known torefunded Fail cannot be credited or Lessons The Job at a Glance Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. The toll-free tele phone number PAINTING & MORE Reliable Handyman As a Warehouse Associate, you will work within our automated fast-paced DC and will after thefruitful ad has placed.

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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.

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DISCLAIMER humbly beseechNOTICE you fromThis the pubbottom ofdoes my heart answer meaclication not toknowingly in this necessity. There are none cept fraudulent or deceptive adthat can withstand your power. vertising.

Readers are are cautioned Oh, show me herein you my Oh, Mary conceivedall ads, tomother. thoroughly investigate without sin, pray for us who especially those asking for money have recourse to thee (3x). Holy inMother, advance.

I place this cause in your

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One way we can help each other get through these challenging times is to keep our dollars local. Here are three good reasons.

Reason #1: Shopping locally saves you gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.

Reason #2: When you spend your money locally, you support the businesses whose property taxes pay for our municipal services.

Reason #3: Many of our youth programs are supported and sponsored by local businesses and if we don’t support them, they can’t support our kids.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Rock V alley Publishing LLC

262148

16 • Thursday, March 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

PUZZLE 1

Puzzles on page 19 PUZZLE 2

LEGAL NOTICES

Notice of Public Hearing Concerning the Intent of the Board of Education of School District Number 4, DuPage County, Illinois to Sell $500,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds Public Notice is Hereby Given that School District Number 4, DuPage County, Illinois (the “District”), will hold a public hearing on the 24th day of March, 2021, at 7:00 o’clock P.M. The hearing will be held (a) at the Indian Trail Junior High School Building, 222 North Kennedy Drive, Addison, Illinois, in the District, and (b) by video conference, which connection information will be made available via the following link: https://www.asd4.org/apps/pages/index. jsp?uREC_ID=1211048&type=d&pREC_ ID=1944466. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive public comments on the proposal to sell bonds in the amount of $500,000 for the purpose of increasing the working cash fund of the District.

By order of the Board of Education of School District Number 4, DuPage County, Illinois.

Dated the 24th day of February, 2021.

Serge Ruffolo Secretary, Board of Education, School District Number 4, DuPage County, Illinois (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review March 4, 2021) 390617

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 4, 2021 • 17

The Independent

Sports

March 4, 2021 • 17

Willowbrook gymnasts outscore Leyden in a virtual meet Placek’s first-place effort in the allaround competition includes a winning performance on the balance beam STAFF REPORT

The Willowbrook girls gymnastics team earned a victory over Leyden in last week’s virtual meet. The Warriors, who competed in their own gym, earned a team score of 124.6 in the Feb. 25 meet.

The Eagles, who performed their routines in their own gym at the same time, received a score of 119.85.

Junior Bella Naumovsky of the Warriors delivered the meet’s best individual score on the uneven bars. Her routine yielded a score of 8.4. Willowbrook junior Tess Placek turned in the event’s top score on the balance beam with an 8.2. Sophomore Sarah Ball of the Warriors posted the meet’s highest score in floor exercises.

Her routine received a score of 8.3.

Placek finished second overall on the uneven bars (8.0). She and Willowbrook sophomore Hanna Mitrick tied for second in floor exercises, with each Warrior earning a score of 8.2.

Placek placed first in the event’s individual all-around standings with her total score of 32.3 in four events. Mitrick claimed third in the all-around scoring with her total of 30.5.

Leyden earned the meet’s best two scores in the vault. Mitrick

delivered the Warriors’ best score on the vault; her 8.3 tied a Leyden gymnast for third in that event. Mitrick added a fifth-place effort on the uneven bars (7.3) and tied for seventh on the balance beam (6.7) before finishing the meet by tying for second in floor exercises.

In addition to her first-place score in the floor exercises, Ball

tied for third on the balance beam (7.3) and placed sixth on the uneven bars (7.2) Sophomore Molly Morris contributed a fourth-place score of 8.1 in floor exercises. She also delivered a sixth-place performance on the vault (8.1) and tied for seventh on the balance beam (6.7).

The Warriors will compete in today’s virtual meet against Morton. Willowbrook will conclude its abbreviated season by joining its conference rivals at the West Suburban Gold Conference Meet, which will take place on March 13 at Hinsdale South.

Warriors’ week includes two wins and one loss Team posts lop-sided wins over Proviso East and Leyden, but loses to Lyons Township

STAFF REPORT

The Willowbrook girls basketball team won two of three games last week to move its overall season record to 5-2.

The Warriors began the week with a 61-31 win over Proviso East in Villa Park on Feb. 23. One night later, Willowbrook played a home game against Lyons Township. The Lions defeated the Warriors 57-48. Willowbrook completed the week with Friday’s decisive 61-30 win at Leyden.

Senior Stephanie Dasbach provided 13 points and 15 rebounds in the victory over Proviso East. Junior Sophie Sullivan also scored 13 points, while senior Taris Thornton contributed 12 points. Freshman Elle Bruschuk added nine points and eight rebounds. Senior Gracie Tumilty and freshman Calli Kenny both scored six points.

The Warriors led Proviso East 19-5 after one quarter and 3515 at halftime. Willowbrook outscored the Pirates 22-3 during the third period.

The Warriors tried to battle back from a large deficit during their game against Lyons Township. The Lions, who made eight 3-point shots and sank 11 of 13 free-throw attempts during the game, outscored Willowbrook 22-7 during the second quarter. That surge lifted Lyons Township to a 37-17 halftime lead.

The Warriors cut the Lions’ lead to 49-34 by the end of the third quarter. Lyons Township maintained a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter until Sullivan drained a 3-point shot in the closing seconds to account for the game’s final points.

Thornton scored a team-high 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the Warriors’ loss to the Lions. Dasbach scored 12 points and snared seven rebounds, while Sullivan contributed 10 points.

Kenny scored six points and made a team-leading 13 rebounds.

Willowbrook outscored Leyden 25-2 in the second quarter of Friday’s game to take a 47-14 halftime lead.

Sullivan made six baskets, including a pair of 3-point shots, against the Eagles. She made three of four attempts from the foul line and finished the night with a team-leading 17 points. Kenny, who made two shots from 3-point range, provided 10 points. Dasbach also scored 10 points, while Thornton and Bruschuk scored nine and seven points, respectively.

Willowbrook’s schedule this week includes games against West Suburban Gold Conference rivals Hinsdale South and Morton.

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Willowbrook’s girls gymnastics team defeated Leyden 124.6 to 119.85 in last week’s virtual meet. Each team performed in its own gymnasium during the Feb. 25 meet. Willowbrook junior Tess Placek won the meet’s allaround competition with her total score of 32.3. Placek is pictured during her first-place performance on the balance beam. She delivered the meet’s best overall score in that event, earning an 8.2. Placek secured a second-place finish on the uneven bars (8.0) and landed in a second-place tie in floor exercises. Willowbrook sophomore Sarah Ball (left) earned the meet’s best score in floor exercises; her routine yielded a score of 8.3. Ball is pictured during her first-place floor routine. Sophomore Hanna Mitrick of the Warriors (above left) is also pictured during the floor exercises. Mitrick’s routine on the floor earned a score of 8.2, good for a second-place tie with Placek. Mitrick placed third in the meet’s all-around standings with her total score of 30.5.

18 • Thursday, March 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

Under my father’s fedora

The Dead Beat gives a one-two punch scoreboard and seeing all zeroes – because it only went to as high as 9.99 – it looked like her score was 0.00! Never had a perfect score been achieved in Olympic history in gymnastics, and she went on to make seven in total!

By

DEE LONGFELLOW Editor

and-field events – including “then-Bruce-now-Caitlyn” Jenner winning the Decathalon! It was emotionally stirring to sit there is that big stadium and hear them play the National Anthem as our U.S. athletes stood on the Gold Medal podium. It was equally strange and a bit crushing to hear the anthems of other countries when their athletes won the gold.

In gymnastics, we were able to witness Nadia Comaneci make her first perfect score of 10 – I still remember looking at the

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Boxing Day… But let’s talk about boxing.

Couldn’t believe I could fall in love with a sport like that, but I did. We only had one ticket to a certain boxing event, so I went by myself. I got to see Sugar Ray Leonard before he hit the big time – and saw none other than future heavyweight champion Leon Spinks. Little did I know, 45 years later in my job as editor of the Independent, I would be writing an obituary for the Addison resident.

What struck me while sitting 391033

In 1976, I went to the Olympics in Montreal. I had just graduated from college and my boyfriend at the time obtained tickets. Many of his friends originally intended to go and tickets had to be purchased a year in advance, so by the time the event rolled around, most of the folks who planned to go bailed out.

Here’s how it worked -- you bought tickets to each individual event, so it can run into the serious expense – plus you have to decide what sports you want to see. For some reason – still don’t know why – no one thought to buy tickets to the Opening Ceremonies, typically one of the best parts. Oh well.

The boyfriend/traveling companion was a distance runner – one of those 10-miles-a-day guys -- so we saw a lot of track-

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there was that all these people from around the world had gathered in this one small room (it was a smaller arena than the Olympic Stadium) to watch a series of two men get into a ring and beat the heck out of one another. Something about it was raw, primal and fascinating, even beautiful – I learned why they call boxing the “sweet science.”

Years later, I dated a man who had been an amateur boxer and he took me to several boxing matches, which was quite fun. One of the first matches we attended was early in our relationship – before we had reached any level of intimacy.

During a break, we walked outside onto a balcony to get some fresh air.

“Why don’t you kiss me?” I said. “Then we can always say we had our first kiss at a boxing match.” (He obliged!)

Enough about old boyfriends – shout-out to my current beau, Paul – who is neither a boxer nor a distance runner. And that’s fine with me.

Speaking of obits…

When Pete Cruger began publication of the Elmhurst Independent in Sept. of 2002 (yes, close to 20 years ago), the first person I met at the Elmhurst City Council meeting was Jim Pluta.

Jim was a big guy, carrying more than 300 pounds on his 6-foot-5 frame – and the kind of guy who didn’t remain a stranger for long. Despite being competitors (he worked for Suburban Life), we had a lot of fun at the press table. Sometimes we’d guess in advance how a vote would go, we’d help each other out if someone missed something (did she say million or billion?), and, yes, after meetings, we were occasionally known to imbibe at one of Elmhurst’s local watering holes.

There was one underlying issue with Jim – he had diabetes and it was pretty severe. He often wore one of those big heavy boots in order to allow a sore on his foot to heal – never a good sign. Still, Jim always brought candy to share at the press table and was always up for a beer – two things diabetics should really avoid.

What I admired about him… after a meeting, Jim would step

up and ask someone on the dais to explain their vote or to expound on a comment. On community media tours – the new library, Newton Fieldhouse, etc. – he could think on his feet, in terms of good questions to ask.

He left Elmhurst to cover another community for Suburban Life and then went to work for a nursing publication he learned about during his own dialysis treatments.

“It’s a tough job,” he quipped.

“I get to interview nurses all day long!”

And through that job, he began dating a nurse!

The last time I saw him was at a political event in Villa Park several years ago. He was in a wheelchair, having just had a leg amputated from below the knee.

He was in very good spirits.

I just learned last week that Jim Pluta passed away earlier in February. The cause of death was sepsis, no doubt related to his long struggle with diabetes. He had the second leg amputated as well, along with several fingers.

No one passes through our lives without touching us in some way.

RIP Jim Pluta my good friend at the press table. You made me a better reporter.

We can always learn new things, even from a competitor -a competitor who is a good writer with journalistic integrity, that is.

One more thing…

Tuesday, March 2 was exactly one year since The Independent’s former freelance writer Dan McLeister passed away. I mention it because it feels like ten years ago, thanks to COVID-19! I remember going to the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade last year, then heading out to Wheaton to attend Dan’s wake.

Here’s what we learned from Dan… you’ve heard of NIMBYs, that is a common political term that stands for “Not In My Back Yard,” used typically to describe people who shun builders who encroach on residential neighborhoods.

Dan used to live in Ohio and shared the term they used out there – BANANA – that means “Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything.” RIP Dan McLeister.

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 4, 2021 • 19

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

CLUES ACROSS 1. Now and __ 5. Israeli city __ Aviv 8. Indicates near 11. Minneapolis suburb 13. Large Australian flightless bird 14. Fine-grained earth 15. Plant genus that includes water caltrop 16. Peacock network 17. TV writer Dunham 18. Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues 20. They __ 21. Muslim ruler title 22. Position given in respect of 25. Explaining further 30. Measuring instrument 31. Romanian monetary unit 32. Council of __, l545-1563 33. Savory jelly made with meat stock 38. Journalist Tarbell 41. Most suspenseful 43. Festivity 45. Animal embryos 48. Fertility god 49. Medical patients’ choice (abbr.)

50. Type of sword 55. Competition 56. Bird of the cuckoo family 57. Afflicted in mind or body 59. Engineering organization 60. Beverage receptacle 61. Spiritual leader 62. Doctor of Education 63. Where golfers begin 64. Impudence CLUES DOWN 1. Vietnamese offensive 2. Fast mammal 3. Oh goodness!

4. The back of one’s neck 5. One who lives in another’s property

6. Involve deeply 7. Alfalfa 8. Tropical tree resin 9. Sudden fear 10. Jewish religious month 12. Veterans battleground 14. Musical symbol 19. German river 23. Paddle 24. Lizard 25. Shock treatment 26. The common gibbon 27. Brew 28. Usually has a lid 29. Lenses in optical instruments 34. Time zone in Samoa (abbr.)

35. Wrinkled dog: Shar __

36. Denotes equal 37. TV network for children 39. Take the value away from 40. Female graduates 41. Don’t know when yet 42. “__ tú”: Spanish song 44. “Seinfeld” character 45. Bleated 46. Entwined 47. Away from wind 48. Soft creamy white cheese 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Actor Idris 54. They resist authority (slang) 58. Speak ill of

Answers to puzzles on page 16

20 • Thursday, March 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

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