AI042023

Barbanente announces grants for bilingual education for teachers

D88 superintendent hopes to expand college-level course offerings

By Dee Longfellow

FOR THE ADDISON INDEPENDENT

Last week, District 88 su-

perintendent

Jean Barbanente, Ed.D., released a statement about District 88’s commitment to making sure students are college ready, career ready, culturally ready and future ready. This involves providing rigorous, yet flexible and individualized programming to meet the needs of the District 88 student population.

“It is our focus to have each student working toward a viable college and career integrated pathway, including access to college coursework and real-life career opportunities in the field of his/her choice,” Barbenente said in the statement published in the District 88 newsletter.

“We also are proud to have a diverse school community – about 50 languages and more than 30 countries are represented, and almost half of the nearly 4,000 students at District 88 speak a language other than English.”

In order to expand college-level course offerings and to meet the diverse needs of the students, Barbanente said the D88 Board of Education, administration and the teachers union are working to establish incentives to encourage teachers to pursue additional credentials.

“We are so blessed here in District 88 to have highly dedicated staff members, who go above and beyond to support our students and our fam-

ilies each and every day, including the pursuit of additional degrees and licensure to enhance their credentials,” she said. “While some of our District 88 teachers already hold the credentials to teach dual-credit courses, at this time, an additional 18 staff members are pursuing the required graduate coursework to teach dual-credit. This involves earning a qualified master’s degree, or any master’s degree with 18 graduate credit hours of coursework in the desired content area. Dual-credit courses provide students with an opportunity to earn college credit while in high school.

“In District 88, students save an average of $1 million in college tuition each year by taking AP (advanced placement) exams and dual-credit classes.”

Barbanente added that while many District 88 staff already hold English Learner (EL) endorsements, at this time 39 staff members are pursuing those endorsements, which requires completing 18 semester hours of credit, with coursework in a variety of areas related to bilingual education and English as a Second Language (ESL).

“The majority of District 88 students speak a second language, and we are so pleased our staff continues to learn new ways to help students tap this incredible asset they bring to their learning in order to foster their academic achievement,” she said.

Barbanente announced that District 88 has received an “Elevating Educators: Bilingual Education Grant” from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

“We have been awarded $8,247 to assist with the bilingual educator

pipeline,” she said.

The initiative provides funding (from federal pandemic relief funds) for school districts that have EL students and have a need to increase the number of qualified staff able to support those learners; or support staff who have an educator license with stipulations endorsed for Transitional Bilingual Education with getting their professional educator license.

According to the ISBE, “The

number of EL students enrolled in Illinois schools has increased steadily during the past 12 years, but the number of teachers qualified to teach these students has not kept pace. The Elevating Educators: Bilingual Education Grants will support up to an estimated 780 teachers in 219 school districts throughout the state in getting trained and licensed to teach the state’s growing number of ELs.”

“We continue to seek funding

sources to expand these efforts, and during the 2023-24 school year, we will pursue more grants to bring these rich learning opportunities to our staff, which benefits our students,” Barbanente said. “We truly appreciate our staff members continuing to go above and beyond for our students to help build futures for each and every child.”

(See related article, ISBE: Illinois leads nation in AP exam performance, elsewhere in this issue.)

Dr. Jean Barbanente, Ed.D

Happy 103rd birthday

On Tuesday, April 12, York Township Supervisor John W. Valle surprised Lombard resident Darlene Merchant at the Senior Nutrition Center with a cake and resolution honoring her 103rd birthday. The resolution passed unanimously at the April regular monthly board meeting. “I am blown away by Darlene’s generosity, kindness and young spirit,” Valle said. “With over 10 decades of bringing knowledge, love and compassion to the world, she is truly an inspiration to us all. I hope she has an amazing birthday and I wish her many more years of continued good health, good fortune, overwhelming happiness and perfect peace of mind.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

At the EL Multilingual Student Summit

On Thursday, April 6, about 120 English Learner (EL) students from Addison Trail, Willowbrook, Fenton and York High Schools – who represent 12 native languages – attended the inaugural Multilingual Student Summit, spearheaded by Addison Trail, and hosted by the Bensenville Park District.

During the event, participants were able to network and engage in meaningful sessions and presentations about topics like identity, career pathways, college planning and relationships. The keynote speaker was Marilyn Rodriguez, bilingual psychotherapist at Latinx Talk Therapy. Music at the end of the day was provided by Almafuerte.

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Addison Trail High School appoints new head of athletics

Humberto Ayala spells out goals for future of athletics

For as long as he can remember, Humberto Ayala has enjoyed helping others as a servant leader. As a first-generation American, Ayala learned the value of hard work and giving back from his mother. And he’s ready to share those qualities with Addison Trail.

Ayala to the District 88 family,” said Jack Andrews, Addison Trail principal. “The skills and experiences he brings to the table will be a tremendous asset to ensure the Blazer Pride at Addison Trail continues for years to come.”

excellent athletic environment, and I plan to keep his work going and add my expertise, skills and bilingual abilities to further remove barriers and reach more students and families to showcase our facilities and the talents of our students,” Ayala said.

parents with that process to navigate the education system and high school athletics,” Ayala said.

“I want them to know the school isn’t just where their student attends – they belong in our learning community as well.”

Humberto Ayala

During its April 10 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education approved the administration’s recommendation to name Ayala as the school’s new athletic director, effective July 1. Ayala will succeed Matt Thompson, who has served as athletic director for 19 years and will move to the position of assistant athletic director/Dean. Addison Trail is extremely grateful for Thompson’s leadership and contributions, as well as his assistance during this transition.

“We look forward to welcoming

Ayala has been the Athletic Director at Leman Middle School in West Chicago since 2011 and has coached soccer, volleyball, wrestling, football and track and field. He also was a health and physical education teacher, with experience in teaching English Learner (EL) students. Ayala has a bachelor’s degree in physical education, a master’s degree in teaching with certification and a master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration.

He is a member of the Illinois Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, the Illinois Athletic Directors Association and the Illinois Elementary School Association.

“Mr. Thompson has created an

“I’m looking forward to continuing a well-established department and the school’s strong athletic history and getting to know the staff, students and families. I’m very excited for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Ayala said his goals include:

• 1. Increase student involvement: “My focus is to provide more opportunities for high school students and children in the community to be engaged,” Ayala said. “Athletics expand your horizons and teach life lessons. When students are involved, more adults are part of their journey to help them succeed and reach their goals.”

• 2. Increase parent/guardian involvement: “We all want our children to succeed, and I want to help

• 3. Get acclimated: Become familiar with the school learning community and a new, larger athletic conference.

• 4. Increase the number of athletic events hosted at Addison Trail: “I enjoy hosting events – whether at home or at work. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our strengths and what we have at Addison Trail.”

“When I met and spoke with students in Addison, there was an immediate comfort level,” Ayala said. “I can see myself in these kids, and I know Addison Trail is a perfect fit for my family and me. Becoming a high school Athletic Director is a dream job.”

Ayala lives in Wheaton with his wife, Lindy, and their two sons –Nico, 14, and Nate, 10.

Multilingual Week celebrates student diversity

District 88 is proud to have a diverse school community, with about 50 languages and more than 30 countries represented. More than half of the nearly 2,000 students at Addison Trail speak a language other than English.

To recognize and celebrate that diversity, Addison Trail hosted a Multilingual Week from April 3-6 with a goal to show students that being multilingual is an asset and has many benefits. Some of the programs and activities were:

“Move for Multilingualism”

On Monday, April 3, staff and students were invited to walk in the school’s field house in support of multilingualism. The event featured music, conversation and a banner for everyone to sign.

“Cafe con Chisme”

(“Coffee with Gossip”)

On Tuesday, April 4, students from the school’s World Language and English Learner (EL) departments came together to get to know one another and chitchat in multiple languages.

Movie Day

On Wednesday, April 5, students and staff had the opportunity to view international films in the school’s Black Box/Studio Theatre.

A Multilingual Student Summit

On Thursday, April 6, about 120 English Learner (EL) students from Addison Trail, Willowbrook, Fenton Community High School and York High School – who represent 12 native languages – attended the group’s first Multilingual Student Summit. During the Summit, participants were able to network and engage in meaningful sessions and presentations that discussed identity, career pathways, college planning and relationships.

The keynote speaker was Marilyn Rodriguez, bilingual psychotherapist at Latinx Talk Therapy. The event was hosted by the Bensenville Park District, and music was provided by Almafuerte to end the day.

Above: Addison Trail students participate in a “Cafe con Chisme” (“Coffee with Gossip”) event on Tuesday, April 4. During the event, students from the school’s World Language Department and English Learner (EL) Department came together to get to know one another and chitchat in various languages.

Right: These two friends who are students in the World Language/EL Depts., take part in “Cafe con Chisme” or “Coffee with Gossip,” just one of the events during Multilingual Week. Students came together to get acquainted and to chat in multiple languages.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

This year’s Orchesis Show performance, “Divine Movement,” will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 28 and 29 in the Addison Trail High School auditorium. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Orchesis to perform ‘Divine Movement’

On Friday and Saturday, April 28 and 29, Addison Trail will present its annual Orchesis Show in the Addison Trail auditorium.

This year’s theme is “Divine Movement,” and will feature 21 dance numbers showcasing an array of styles such as hiphop, jazz, lyrical, modern/contemporary and ballet, performed by 35 dancers, 35 escorts and three hosts.

Every aspect of the show – from the choreography, to the costumes, to the set design to lighting – is being operated and

handled by students.

Highlights of this year’s show include:

• A number choreographed by Addison Trail alumna Riley O’Donnell (class of 2017), who is a former Orchesis Team president.

• Popular, well-known music “that will have people dancing in their seats.”

• A number in which the escorts will perform along with the Orchesis Team members.

Officers of the AT Orchesis include: copresidents, seniors Ava Colella, Miabella

DiGrazia and Aiste Siupienius; secretary, junior Gianna Palazzolo; treasurer, senior Domenica D’Ugo; publicity, juniors Niccola Barges and Nicolette Franczak; wardrobe, junior Abigail Proske and senior Ayleen Vazquez; historian, junior Angela (Ella) Anello.

“We want the audience to feel our excitement and the bond we all have together,” the Orchesis officers said. “We are all very passionate about dance, and our goal is to convey that through our presence on stage and maybe inspire some students to

join Orchesis.”

Curtain times for the performance are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. In addition, there will be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday. Tickets, available at the door, are $7 for adults, $5 for students and children ages 3 to 12 (children younger than 3 are free); $3 for senior citizens; and free for D88 students with an ID and senior citizens with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. Family activity passes will not be accepted for this event. For more information, visit dupage88.net.

The Preserve at Oak Meadows earns accolades

Golfers can find a top-notch experience and PGA-recognized staff at local golf preserve and clubhouse.

Most recently, the PGA of America recognized The Preserve’s golf services supervisor and PGA head golf professional Jamie Nieto with its Deacon Palmer Award, which honors a PGA professional who displays outstanding integrity, character, and leadership in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life. Nieto is one of 13 award recipients for 2023.

On his 20th birthday in 2003, Nieto sustained life-threatening burns to more than half of his body. Four

years of intense treatment combined with his never-give-up attitude resulted in him not only playing golf again but also eventually earning his PGA membership in 2012. He continues to volunteer his time counseling other burn patients and sharing his story and relating it back to the game of golf.

As Nieto continues his PGA-recognized work at The Preserve, the facility itself continues to earn its own awards. The Preserve’s clubhouse, which opened its doors at the end of the 2021 season, was recognized this past fall in Golf Inc. Magazine’s 2022 Best New Clubhouse competition in the new

public clubhouse category.

Four clubhouses were honored in this international competition, and the new building in Addison joined winning entries from North Carolina, Greece and Scotland. The building’s design is a reinterpretation of the midcentury modern style that features angled roofs, the blending of indoor and outdoor spaces, and large expanses of windows that feature views of the course, which won Golf Inc. Magazine’s worldwide “Renovation of the Year” award for public golf courses in 2018.

The clubhouse restaurant, the Greenway Tap, continues to gain a reputation with local foodies. Chef

Mike Riley is a graduate of both Culinary Institute of America and Roosevelt University Chicago, and his menu includes featured entrees, salads, healthy inspirations, and seasonal cuisine.

Recently, the online restaurant-reservation service OpenTable awarded the Greenway Tap its Diner’s Choice award for top-rated restaurants in the West Suburbs and Chicago/Illinois. OpenTable reviewers have consistently given the restaurant high marks, placing it on “top 10” lists for best American cuisine, outdoor dining, and scenic views as well as its value, service, and ambience.

“We’re excited to see that the restaurant is much more than a grab-and-golf dining option but really offers an experience in and of itself and is attracting not only a fair share of regulars but also many first timers who have heard about it outside of golf from other happy patrons,” said Ed Stevenson, executive advisor for the Forest Preserve District and head of golf operations.

For information, call 630-9337200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the district’s e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok pages.

SUBMITTED PHOTO 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

April 11

Police said Alciviades Andrade, 55, of Franklin Park, was issued a warrant near Fullerton and Cherry Hill at 11:36 p.m.

Police said Isac A. Martinez, 19, of Addison, was issued a warrant near Lincoln and Addison at 10:16 p.m.

April 10

Daniel R. Chalus, 31, of Chicago, was charged with DUI and obstructing a police officer in the 1700 block of W. Lake at 1:21 a.m.

Abraham G. Garcia, 18, of Addison, was charged with three counts of child pornography at 1:10 p.m.

Juan R. Gutierrez Rivas, 61, of Addison, was charged with violation of an order of protection near La Londe and Wrightwood at 11:14 p.m.

Police said Kevin B. Miranda, 22, of Berwyn was issued a warrant at 11:15 p.m.

April 9

Maria D. Arceo, 49, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI alcohol/ drugs in the 200 block of George at 9:51 p.m.

A 32-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 2100 block of W. Army Trail at 5:51 p.m.

Maurichio H. Cardona Cifuentes, 43 of Addison, was charged with DUI near Valerie and Elizabeth at 2:12 a.m.

Carlos E. Guzman Gonzalez, 25, of Addison, was charged with DUI near Addison and Green Meadow at 12:15 a.m.

Lizandro Salazar, 32, of Addison, was charged with DUI near Fullerton and Power at 2:29 a.m.

April 8

Oscar E. Lucas, 22, of Addison, was charged with DUI near Michael and Lullo at 12:19 a.m.

Joshua C. McCoy, 19, of Addison, was charged with criminal trespassing to land, criminal damage to state property and reckless driving in the 1100 block of Westwood at 3:05 a.m.

A 41-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 300 block of W. Lincoln at 9:08 p.m.

April 7

Clarisa E. Funes Rivas, 18, of Addison, was charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor and failure to reduce speed near Palmer and Princeton at 9:28 p.m.

April 5

Police said Santo W. Fabian Pascual, 24, of Bensenville, was issued a warrant near Army Trail and Natalie at 8:07 p.m.

Villa Park

April 7

A complainant in the 100 block of E. Division reported at 9:56 p.m. that a subject came to their home and shined a red laser through the window, causing a disturbance.

A 34-year-old Naperville woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery at a restaurant in the 200 block of W. Roosevelt. The alleged incident occurred Nov. 12, 2022, and the suspect was arrested on April 7.

April 6

Tajana Haynes-Mahone, 18, of Lisle, was charged with two counts of battery at Willowbrook High School at 12:11 p.m.

Alfredo Reyes, 40, of Evergreen Park, was charged with DUI, transportation of open alcohol by a driver and improper lane usage near Roosevelt and S. York at 3:26 a.m.

Joseph R. Tretina, 18, of Villa Park, was charged with two counts of criminal sexual abuse in the 400 block of S. Yale. The alleged incident occurred March 27, and the suspect was arrested April 6.

A complainant at store in the 300 block of W. St. Charles reported at 8:42 p.m. that an unknown suspect attempted to enter the store through the side back door.

April 5

Anthony J. Simmons, 37, of Romeoville, was charged with criminal damage to property under $500 in the 1-100 block of N. Westmore at 7:36 a.m.

April 4

Sarah A. Brant, 45, of Villa Park, was charged with violation of bail bond in the 300 block of N. Ardmore at 10:27 p.m.

A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 reported at 11:14 p.m. that an unknown suspect removed multiple items from display shelves and left the store without paying.

April 3

Angel R. Molina-Borjas, 35, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI, transportation or possession of open alcohol by a driver and driving while license revoked for DUI in the 1700 block of Riordan at 2:16 a.m. Police said Noah D. Vulpitta, 42, of Villa Park, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant out of DuPage County near S. Ardmore and E. Jackson at 9:41 a.m.

A complainant in the 700 block of W. Roy reported at 4:43 p.m. that an unknown suspect used an unknown object to smash a rear windshield of a vehicle parked in a parking lot.

April 2

Freddie E. Harding, 29, of Chicago, was charged with aggravating fleeing and eluding a police officer, resisting a police officer, speeding 35 mph or over, over the speed limit, reckless driving, making an improper U-turn on a roadway, improper lane usage and no insurance near Roosevelt and S. York at 1:50 a.m.

A 36-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 700 block of S. Riverside at 7:03 p.m.

March 30

A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 reported at 10:52 a.m. that an unknown suspect removed their purse from the cart. Later the suspect attempted to use their credit card.

Fraud, identity theft

According to information provided last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported three incidents of residents being a victim of fraud or identity theft.

Catalytic converter theft

According to information provided last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported one incident of a catalytic converter being removed from vehicles: in the 1100 block of N. Villa at 6:52 a.m. April 5.

Bensenville

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

April 12, 7:53 a.m. in the 500 block of W. Irving Park Road, a complainant reported a burglary to their business by unknown suspects. A cash register and cash were taken. This case is under investigation.

BEPC2300315

April 12, 9:22 a.m. in the 100

block of S. York Road, Amanda Wolford, 36, of Bourbonnais, was arrested for criminal damage to property.

BEPC2300316

April 11, 10:18 a.m. in the 600 block of Supreme Drive, a vehicle/ trailer was pulled over due to the trailer being listed as stolen. After contact was made with the owner, they came and took possession of the trailer. This incident is under investigation.

BEPC2300314

April 10, 8:24 a.m. in the 1100 block of N. Ellis St., a complainant reported an unknown suspect broke into his semi-tractor and damaged it. This case is under investigation.

BEPC2300311

April 10, 9:51 a.m. in the 1-100 block of Gateway Road, a complainant reported a burglary to their business. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300312

April 10, 7:52 p.m. in the 1000 block of Green Valley Street, Christopher Galvez, 25, of Addison, was arrested for in-jurisdiction warrants. BEPC2300313

April 9, 5:44 p.m. in the 1100 block of N. Ellis St., a complainant reported a glass window was shattered and a cinderblock wall was broken through. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300309

April 9, 6:53 p.m. near Foster Avenue and N. York Road, Zunilda Castillo, 40, and Gregory A. Mejias, 19, both of Bensenville, were arrested for aggravated battery to police officers and obstructing and resisting police officers. BEPC2300310

April 7, 10:56 p.m. in the 1-100 block of S. Addison St., a complainant reported fraud by an unknown suspect on purchasing gift cards. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300303

April 7, 2:35 p.m. in the 500 block of Meyer Road, a complainant reported two vehicles missing/stolen from Meyers Road. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300304

April 6, 3:27 p.m. in the 1000 block of N. Route 83, a complainant reported theft of a credit card which was used at a gas station by an unknown suspect. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300301

Bond set for Maywood man charged with possession of Methamphetamine/fleeing from police

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas have announced that bond has been set for a Maywood man accused of possessing methamphetamine and fleeing from police.

Dionte Washington, 25, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Brian Telander set bond at $100,000 with 10 percent to apply.

Washington is charged with one count of possession of Methamphetamine (Class 3 felony) and misdemeanor charges of attempt fleeing or eluding police and driving while license suspended.

On April 11 at approximately 3:49 p.m., officers with the Villa Park

Police Department responded to the Walmart Store located on Route 83 for a call of a disturbance in progress. Upon their arrival, officers found Washington, who was allegedly involved in the disturbance, entering his vehicle.

It is alleged that as officers initiated a traffic stop, Washington fled the scene in his vehicle southbound on Route 83. Officers initiated pursuit and with the assistance of the Maywood Police Department, Washington was taken into custody in Maywood a short time later. It is further alleged that Washington was in possession of more than a dozen pills containing methamphetamine when he was taken into custody.

“I thank the Villa Park Police Department for their quick response to the initial disturbance and their efforts in bringing the defendant into custody as well as the Maywood Po-

lice Department for their assistance,” Berlin said.

“As a society, we must never accept violence as a means to handle any situation,” Rivas said. “The decision to elude our officers placed the public at great risk. To compound these alleged wrongdoings, the subject was allegedly in possession of a dangerous controlled substance. All these criminal acts will not be tolerated by the Villa Park Police Department as well as by the police departments in DuPage County. We applaud the efforts of the Villa Park officers to work in concert with the Maywood Police Department to bring these subjects into custody and thank the Maywood Police Department for their assistance.”

Washington’s next court appearance is scheduled May 8 for arraignment in front of Judge Michael Reidy.

Viewpoint

Slices of life Beauty in the backyard

It doesn’t happen suddenly. At least it didn’t for me.

You live your whole life as a normal person, taking it all in. Appreciating, yet taking it for granted.

But not really seeing it, or hearing them, for what they are.

It is a gradual process. First you see one. Then you might hear another. Or maybe there’s a whole group. Whatever it is, it makes you take notice, even though they’ve been right there, in your backyard all along. Right under your nose, or perhaps beak, so to speak.

There are things in life that are so common you simply don’t see them, or pay attention to them.

Like the TV playing in the background, faces in a crowd, the taste of water, the smell of fresh air or the softness of a favorite sweatshirt.

Our senses tune things out because they are commonplace— everyday—and we don’t always pay attention to the everyday things in life.

Until that changes, in one way or another.

For me it culminated with the birds in my backyard.

For most of my life, I lived a parallel existence with these winged creatures. I knew they were there, but that is where it ended. They existed - nothing more.

But then, I started noticing. One morning, one chirp at a time.

And one day I realized: the birds were singing. Their chorus of songs was a literal symphony waiting for me to hear.

I heard.

Then I started looking. Who was singing such songs? What color were his or her feathers?

And so it began.

Bird watching, or for me, more appropriately, bird listening.

I am a bird groupie—one of the flock.

Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

You might think I sound as crazy as a loon, but consider the birds in my backyard. They’re anything but crazy when they singsong their sing songs at 6 in the morning, That might sound like an alarm clock, and it might be, if it weren’t so joyous.

For me it started with one itty bit of a bird, who perched on a tree right outside my window one morning. He belted out his song like a troubadour: regal and

By JILL PERTLER Slices of Life

unapologetic. He was so confident; I found a need to know what—or exactly who he was.

Turns out there is an app for that. I downloaded it and entered the professional world of bird listening.

My troubadour was a Carolina wren—well known for his small stature and large voice. I can personally attest to that.

Since then, I’ve heard more than 20 different species of birds in my backyard. And I’m learning to identify them. It takes a perceptive ear to differentiate between a tufted titmouse and a yellow rumped warbler, but now I’m just bragging—proud as a peacock you might say.

In noticing their songs, my eyes and ears have opened to other backyard wonders. The way the sunlight reflects off the grass carpet under the oaks. The way the wind moves the leaves on the trees, causing them to dance. The tree branches, which serve as home and haven to not only the birds but other woodland critters. Even the harsh and loud caws of the American crow contribute to the mix (and then some). My backyard is beautiful. It has been all along.

This may all seem new to me, but it isn’t new. The birds have been there, all along, creating their synchronized chorus—just waiting for me to notice. Or maybe not caring if I noticed at all.

Maybe they create simply to create and me noticing their beauty is but a happy by-product manufactured by and for me.

Either way, it’s a gift. One I’ve overlooked for far too long.

Call me a bird lady. Call me what you will, but feel free (as a bird) to join the flock. I’d welcome you under my wing.

But even if I end up flying solo, it will be an adventure. My eyes and ears are now open.

Tufted titmouse—chirp away!

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

Combine your Earth Week and National Volunteer Week by helping at an upcoming Forest Preserve District of DuPage County volunteer workday.

The Forest Preserve District invites individuals and families as well as school, Scout, church and other organized groups to work together for the benefit of natural areas, visitors, and wildlife. Participants should dress to work outdoors, wear layers, and bring hats and gloves.

“The theme of this year’s Earth Week is ‘Invest in Our Planet,’ and we have quite a few opportunities for residents to do just that at our nature workdays next week,” said Karie Friling, executive director for the Forest Preserve District.

“It’s also National Volunteer Week, so celebrating both in the forest preserves seems fitting.”

At Volunteer Restoration Workdays, volunteers help improve a forest preserve prairie or woodland by collecting seeds or removing nonnative plants. The workdays are appropriate for ages 8 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers should register online or at 630-206-9630 at least five days in advance (10 days by phone for groups of five or more).

Volunteer Restoration Workdays will be offered on Saturday, April 22 at the following times, and locations:

• From 8:30-11 a.m., Churchill Woods

• From 9 a.m. to noon, Churchill Woods/Glacial Ridge

• From 9 a.m. to noon, Fullersburg Woods

• From 9 a.m. to noon, Maple Grove

• From 9 a.m. to noon, Willowbrook

Also, people can lend a hand weeding, watering or collecting and cleaning seeds from native grasses and flowers at the Volunteer Workday at the Nursery on Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at the district’s native plant nursery at Blackwell. This workday is for ages 12 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

People can register online or at 630-206-9630.

IEA: Public education wins big in school board elections

The Illinois Education Association (IEA) is celebrating a near 90 percent success rate in the April 4 school board elections.

The following statement is attributable to IEA President Kathi Griffin:

“We are thrilled to see public education win and win big during the April 4 consolidated elections. This was an unprecedented school board election cycle. For the first time ever, there was a national dark mon-

ey group created to put extremist, fringe candidates on our local school boards.

“But these outside influences were no match for our members and the good people of Illinois. Illinois voters have spoken. They believe we need strong public schools for all students. It gives me great joy to say the Illinois Education Association (IEA) had a nearly 90 percent success rate in the races for which we

recommended candidates.

“This confirms what we see reflected in the data from the IEA’s State of Education Report year after year, Illinoisans trust our educators most when it comes to making decisions within our public schools. Our IEA locals participated in school board elections at an astounding rate this cycle.

“We were involved in upwards of 100 different races across the state,

Eva Sanchez, REALTOR®

holding meet and greets, canvassing and campaigning on behalf of pro-public education candidates who will put our students first. We also supported and helped elect former public education teacher and union organizer, Brandon Johnson, to be Chicago’s next mayor.

“I want to issue a deep, heartfelt thank you to all our teachers, educa-

tion support staff and public education advocates for your hard work. Because of you, voters knew what was at stake and overwhelmingly chose to support our students, our educators and our public schools. We know strong schools mean strong communities. Together we can do what’s best for all students. Public schools unite us.”

Bill calls for review of teacher licensing standards

Task force would review use of edTPA exam

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Some Illinois lawmakers are calling for a review of one of the tests prospective teachers must pass in order to be licensed in Illinois.

The test is known as the Teacher Performance Assessment, or “edTPA,” and it is intended to determine whether a prospective teacher has the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective in the classroom. It has been a requirement for teacher licensing in Illinois since 2015.

State Sen. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City, said he started hearing concerns about the test from people in his district, and he later learned that those concerns were shared by other lawmakers.

“And it was over and over again,” he said in an interview. “I was only hearing from a few folks that thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, which, okay, but then I hear from the other side. It’s like, I’m not hearing the same thing from people in my district.”

Every state has its own criteria for licensing teachers and every school of education uses its own curriculum for training teachers. Developed at Stanford University, the edTPA was intended to be a standardized way of measuring an aspiring teacher’s knowledge and abilities, regardless of what state they came from or which college or university they attended.

The assessment is given at the end of a prospective teacher’s student teaching experience. It’s a performance-based assessment that, among other things, requires applicants to submit a portfolio that includes actual lesson plans and tests that they’ve administered, examples of their students’ work, and other material that demonstrates their knowledge and competence.

The portfolios are then scored by teachers and teacher educators with expertise in the subjects and grade level in which the applicant is seeking a license.

Bennett said that having outside

evaluators who have never met or worked with the applicant scoring their portfolios is one of the issues that concerns him about edTPA.

“They’re weighing in, and their weight is pretty heavy,” he said. “If they pass, great. If they don’t, it’s based on this evaluation from these folks that don’t understand the whole situation. So that just got my attention.”

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, a cosponsor of the bill, said she has concerns that edTPA is so rigorous and intensive that it could deter some people from ever trying to become a teacher.

“You will have someone that wants to be a math teacher, and then they get to the point where they have to do all this work for their student teaching and all this additional rigorous testing and projects,” she said. “And what you end up having is, they’re like, ‘Why would I go through all of this and maybe not even make it, only to make $40,000 coming out (of college) when I could stop what I’m doing right now as a junior, take a couple extra classes and become an accountant and come out making $60,000 or $65,000?’ ”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. JB Pritzker issued an executive order suspending use of the edTPA but that executive order will expire when the disaster declaration is lifted on May 11.

Bennett is the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 1488, which passed unanimously out of the Senate March 30 and now awaits action in the House. It would continue the suspension of the edTPA through Aug. 31, 2025. It would also establish a task force to evaluate teacher performance assessment systems and make recommendations to the State Board of Education and the General Assembly by Aug. 1, 2024.

“I think this is a good time to sit back, let’s review it, see what we got, and I’m very grateful for bipartisan support from a number of Republican and Democrat senators really feeling the same way,” Bennett said.

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SUDOKU Fun by the Numbers

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

CLUES ACROSS

1. Dylan and Marley are two

5. Makes healthy

10 The Who’s “O’Riley”

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16. Egyptian supreme god

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18. Mass of small, loose stones

19. Online learning services provider

20. “Lords” in Northwest Semitic languages

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24. Critical and mocking

27. Consumed

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29. Partner to flowed

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47. Flower cluster

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51. Polio vaccine developer

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61. Touch lightly

62. Witnessed

‘Devil’s in the details’ when

considering lifting ban on new nuclear reactors

Statewide building code, requirement that retailers accept cash also advancing through legislature

By Jerry Nowicki and Nika Schoonover CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Lawmakers went on a two-week spring break with more than 700 bills already passed in at least one chamber of the General Assembly.

They returned to Springfield on Tuesday for a final one-month stretch in which the measures can be amended, defeated or sent to the governor.

Among the bills to successfully move to the other chamber are a measure to lift the state’s 1987 moratorium on nuclear power plant construction , a bill that would create statewide building codes and another requiring retail establishments to accept cash payments within certain hours.

Gov. JB Pritzker noted that he’s generally supportive of the concept of lifting the nuclear construction ban, although he didn’t commit to signing the proposal contained in Senate Bill 76 , which passed on a 39-13 bipartisan roll call.

Pritzker said he is supportive of allowing for the construction of small modular nuclear reactors , which are small-scale generators that could be used to power individual factories or for other uses.

He said he didn’t think doing so

would be contradictory to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act that he signed in 2021. Some environmentalists have opposed lifting the nuclear ban due to the dangers associated with nuclear waste.

“These are smaller, less prone to an accident, more likely for us to be able to maintain them for a long period of time, that’s something that’s worthy of consideration,” Pritzker said. “Now the devil’s in the details and we want to make sure that we’re not just opening this up to nuclear everywhere or any type of nuclear.”

SB 76, as written, would allow any type of nuclear construction, including the large-scale projects.

“I don’t know where that bill will go this session, but I’m not opposed to it as if I’m, you know, just dead set against any nuclear,” he said. “I just want, if we’re going to consider it, it’s got to be safe.”

Statewide building codes

Beginning in 2025, Illinois could have statewide building codes for new or substantially renovated commercial and residential construction under a bill that passed the Senate before break.

Sponsored by Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, Senate Bill 2368 allows

the state’s Capital Development Board to prohibit occupation of such a facility until it is inspected. The building would have to be compliant with several state or federal building codes for electricity, energy efficiency, accessibility, and plumbing, as well as the Fire Investigation Act.

“Basically, what this does is establishes a statewide building code as a minimum standard,” Koehler said during floor debate. “Now most communities are going to have well above the minimum standard. But the reason that this is important is because Illinois is one of only six states in the union that does not have a statewide building code.”

Koehler said when Illinois has a natural disaster and applies for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the state has to check a box noting it doesn’t currently have such a code.

“And so it costs us money,” he said.

The bill would require municipalities with existing building codes to adopt at least the newly created statewide minimum standard and submit their plans to the state.

A homeowner renovating a res -

idential property in a jurisdiction without a building code would have to adopt the code of any jurisdiction within 100 miles of the construction in the contract with their builder.

Otherwise, it would have to comply with the new statewide standards, which apply to new construction and any renovations that increase the property’s value by 50 percent or more.

Republicans questioned whether a statewide code would be enforceable in smaller towns.

“It’s up to a municipality as to how they want to enforce it,” Koehler said. “The Capital Development Board is responsible for having organizations say that they’re, you know, what codes they have and all that. In terms of who enforces that? I don’t know.”

Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, used a small town in his district as an example to speak against the bill.

“In Metcalf, Illinois, they don’t have anybody to mow the lawn, okay, let alone inspect a house,” Rose said. “But more importantly, you’re telling an awful lot of people who couldn’t afford to repair and maintain their home in the first place that we just doubled or tri -

pled the bill. And there may or may not be some guy from the (Capital Development Board) knocking on their door.”

The measure passed 34-18 with one present vote and it awaits action in the House.

Cash requirements

Lawmakers advanced a bill that would mandate retail establishments to accept cash for purchases under $750. Senate Bill 1979 passed 40-16 in the Senate with mainly Democratic support.

Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, is the bill’s lead sponsor. He said SB 1979 is aimed at protecting “underbanked and unbanked” people who only carry cash.

“This bill is making sure that those folks … have an ability to still purchase needed things,” Aquino said. “Getting fuel, getting their medicine at the pharmacy, getting food on the table that they’re able to purchase from groceries and restaurants.”

The bill also says retail establishments can’t charge a higher price to customers paying with cash. SB 1979 also exempts restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores from the

See REACTORS, Page 14

Bill aims to limit excessive school district cash reserves Some districts could operate for years on money they’ve stashed away

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The overall financial health of Illinois school districts has been improving in recent years, according to a recent state report, but a bill moving through the General Assembly seeks to rein in the amount of money some districts are saving.

Senate Bill 1994, which recently passed unanimously out of the Senate and now awaits action in the House, would put a cap on how much money school districts could hold in reserves. Districts that exceed it would be required to file a report with the state.

“They’re kind of like a nonprofit where, you know, money comes in and resources come in, and then it needs to be spent,” the bill’s sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, said during an interview. “Like, yes, you need to have savings. Yes, those are good practic-

es. But you can’t just be sitting on all this cash and then not doing anything with it.”

The Illinois State Board of Education publishes a report each year measuring the financial health of all 852 school districts in the state. The report looks at several factors such as their expenditure-to-revenue ratio, short-term and long-term debt, and how many days’ worth of cash on hand they keep.

ISBE uses those factors to generate an overall “financial profile” score for each district. Over the last seven years, the latest report noted, the statewide average score has risen steadily.

To receive ISBE’s highest rating, districts must keep the equivalent of 180 days of operating expenditures on hand. The agency also notes that bond underwriters and financial advisers typically recommend 144 to 180 days of operating expenditures.

According to the most recent report, which includes data from the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2021, 70 percent of districts had cash reserves of between 100 and 359 days of expenses. But 197 districts, or 23 percent, had reserves of 360 to 720 days, and 10 districts had reserves greater than 720 days.

The report does not identify which districts have those large reserves.

SB 1994 would require districts to calculate their three-year average operating expenses each year and report their cash on hand. If their cash reserves ever exceed 2.5 times their annual average, they would have to submit a plan to ISBE for how they intend to spend those reserves.

Districts would not be required to spend excess reserves, but only to submit the plan detailing how they intend to do so over the next three years.

Cappel said that limit was ne-

leads nation in AP exam performance

gotiated with superintendents and other officials involved in school district budgeting who had pushed back against the original version of the bill, which would have required districts to immediately spend down any reserves beyond 250 days of operating expenses.

She noted that there are many reasons why a district might build up large reserves. Some, she said, might save up so they can pay cash for capital expenses like a new security system or to build a new elementary school. Others might be bracing themselves for the possibility that their heating or air conditioning system might go out.

“I don’t want to stop any district, if they’ve got plans to build something that’s appropriate, you know, a kindergarten building or whatever,” she said. “Of course, we want you to be able to use that. So that’s kind of where this came from.”

ESO, ECU prepare for Beethoven 9

Alltop to conduct one of the greatest symphonies of all time; Stanger winner to perform on violin

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra (ESO) presents Beethoven 9 on Saturday, May 6 at 7 p.m. at ESO’s home venue, Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, located at 149 W. Brush Hill Rd. The concert will feature Beethoven’s awe-inspiring masterpiece, Symphony No. 9, along with the beautiful and technically-challenging Violin Concerto by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Violinist Elinor Detmer, a Stanger Young Artist Competition winner, and the Elmhurst Choral Union join ESO and music director/ conductor Stephen Alltop for a magnificent evening.

What’s interesting about this concert:

• Joy! Ludwig van Beethoven’s

Outperforms pre-pandemic years, outpaces other states

A recent article published by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) discussed Illinois’ performance and participation with regard to Advanced Placement (AP)/ college-level exams.

According to the article, “Illinois students’ AP performance and participation not only continues to rebound from the pandemic but has outpaced all other states in the nation.”

Below are more highlights:

• Between 2012 and 2022, Illinois had the largest increase of any state in its percentage of high school graduates scoring a 3 or higher on an AP Exam, according to data released by College Board. Among the class of 2022, more than one in four Illinois public high school graduates scored a 3 or higher on an AP exam, which qualifies for free college credit at all public colleges and universities in Illinois.

Ninth Symphony adapts the text of the “Ode to Joy,” a poem by Friedrich Schiller (with some additional text thrown in there by Beethoven himself). If there was ever a piece to feed your soul, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony is it!

• The very first symphony to ever employ a chorus (sung at this performance by the Elmhurst Choral Union), the work is considered Beethoven’s greatest and one of the most significant pieces of music in history.

• The program opens by featuring Detmer in a performance of the Violin Concerto by Sibelius, widely considered one of the best and most difficult violin concertos ever written.

University presents ‘Festival of Lights’ to celebrate three faith traditions

In the tradition of Elmhurst University’s popular Festival of Lessons and Carols, the inaugural Festival of Lights welcomes the campus and community for an interfaith candlelight gathering that will feature music, song and text from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith traditions.

It will be held on Monday, May 1 beginning at 7 p.m. in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel on the

campus of Elmhurst University.

Music and readings will be provided by Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elmhurst, and Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, with additional program support from local Muslim and Christian communities and congregations.

Admission is free and all are welcome.

What’s playing…

Sibelius: Violin Concerto — I. Allegro moderato

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125

Who’s performing

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, the Elmhurst Choral Union, members of Apollo Chorus of Chicago, Alltop, Detmer, soprano Michelle Areyzaga, mezzo-soprano Tetyana Vakhnovska, tenor Peder Reiff, and bass-baritone Bill McMurray.

Hatmaker to present final lecture

ESO’s popular pre-concert lecture with Ted Hatmaker will be held before the concert at 5:45 p.m. It will be Hatmaker’s last lecture before his retirement.

Tickets and information

General admission tickets are $35 and reduced fare tickets for students and seniors are available online at ElmhurstSymphony.org/event/beethoven-9.

First Congregational’s Green Garden Fair coming soon

On Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, the First Congregational Church, 235 S. Kenilworth, will be holding its annual Green Garden Fair. It will be a time to pick up pre-ordered seedlings as well as looking over a large selection of additional certified organic vegetable and herb seedlings and flower seedlings. Specially selected because they support pollinators, these seedlings will be available for purchase at the Fair. Visitors can also get gardening questions answered by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and other local garden clubs. Learn how to live more sustainably from a variety of “green” exhibitors, such as the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition. Purchase local raw honey, birdseed ornaments and receive free heirloom bean seeds.

For more information, visit elmhurstucc.org/.

• The number of public high school graduates in Illinois who took an AP exam during high school has increased by 42 percent during the last decade, compared to a 14-percent increase nationwide.

• The number of Illinois high school students taking dual-credit courses has increased by 30 percent since 2018 – from about 61,500 in 2018 to about 90,000 in 2022. These opportunities allow students to earn college credit while in high school.

“The best investment we can make for our state’s future is in our young people—and that means making higher education more affordable,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

“While we work to pass a state budget that includes historic investments in the MAP grant program, we’ve also prioritized expanding access to Advanced Placement programs in our state’s high schools—especially for lowincome students.”

To read the entire article, go to isbe.net/news-illinois leads nation in AP exam performance.

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requirement between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. in an effort to protect against robbery.

“It goes directly into trying to keep people safe,” Aquino said of the time exemption.

“Businesses are accepting cash, we’re just trying to get ahead of the trend that looks like more locations are going for a non-cash payment.”

Debate on the measure centered around the question of accessibility versus safety, with Republican opponents arguing that mandating businesses to accept cash was putting them at risk.

“What I’m concerned about is the small businessman who operates in an area that he’s worried about theft, or he’s worried about robbery, and he chooses how he runs his business to operate in a

certain area,” said Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy.

Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, added that not all robberies occur at night.

“These businesses, some have been ransacked, and the times in which they were ransacked in the last several years was not between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.,” McClure said. “They were in broad daylight, and we are seeing that more and more.”

The bill also notes that retailers are not required to accept any denomination of currency larger than a $20 bill.

A violation could result in a $50 fine for the retail establishment, $100 for a second offense in a 12-month period or $500 for a third offense during that period. No establishment could be fined more than $5,000 in one year.

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Lombardian

Villa Park Review

40th Annual

Many Faces

of Lombard & Villa Park

NOTICE OF INTENT TO BORROW FUNDS AND RIGHT TO FILE PETITION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to Ordinance Number 9-2023, adopted on April 11, 2023, the Village of Bensenville of DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois (the “ENTITY”), intends to enter into a Loan Agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $7,535,000 and bearing annual interest at an amount not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by law at the time of execution of the Loan Agreement, for the purpose of paying the cost of certain improvement to the public water supply system of the Village of Bensenville. A complete copy of the Ordinance accompanies this notice.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that if a petition signed by 875 or more electors of the Village of Bensenville (being equal to 10% of the registered voters in the Village of Bensenville), requesting that the question of improving the public water supply system and entering into the Loan Agreement is submitted to the Village of Bensenville Clerk within 30 days after the publication of this Notice, the question of improving the public water supply system

LEGAL NOTICES

of the Village of Bensenville as provided in the Ordinance and Loan Agreement shall be submitted to the electors of the Village of Bensenville at the next election to be held under general election law on November 5, 2024. A petition form is available from the office of the Village of Bensenville Clerk.

Village of Bensenville Clerk Village of Bensenville of DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review April 20, 2023) 436146

Exhibit A

NOTICE OF INTENT TO BORROW FUNDS AND RIGHT TO FILE PETITION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to Ordinance Number 10-2023, adopted on April 11, 2023, the Village of Bensenville of DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois (the “ENTITY”), intends to enter into a Loan Agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,855,000 and bearing annual interest at an amount not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by law at the time of execution of the Loan Agreement, for the purpose of paying the cost of certain improvement to the public water supply system of the Village of Bensenville. A complete copy of the Ordinance accompanies this notice.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that if a petition signed by 875 or more electors of the Village of Bensenville (being equal to 10% of the registered voters in the Village of Bensenville), requesting that the question of improving the public water

supply system and entering into the Loan Agreement is submitted to the Village of Bensenville Clerk within 30 days after the publication of this Notice, the question of improving the public water supply system of the Village of Bensenville as provided in the Ordinance and Loan Agreement shall be submitted to the electors of the Village of Bensenville at the next election to be held under general election law on November 5, 2024. A petition form is available from the office of the Village of Bensenville Clerk.

Village of Bensenville Clerk

Village of Bensenville of DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review April 20, 2023) 436147

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79053 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on APRIL 11, 2023 wherein the business firm of THE SCOZZY SOLUTION, 1S206 RADFORD LANE, VILLA PARK, IL 60181 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:

Scott Socha, 1S206 Radford Lane, Villa Park, IL 60181.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 11TH day of APRIL, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review April 20, 27 & May 4, 2023) 436080

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Mount Carmel Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity, Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (say three times). Amen. Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you. I am confident my prayers will be answered. Thank You Mother of God!!!

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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.

JC 349866

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 1-900669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is