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Village breaks ground on future veterans tribute site

On Monday, May 29, the V.F.W. Post 7446 Auxiliary joined Mayor Rich Veenstra and members of the Village Board of Trustees to be a part of the groundbreaking for phase 5 of the Village Green Improvement Project. The completed project will be a tribute to our veterans by providing a new place for the Veteran’s Circle Monument in a new, more accessible location for the community. A historical marker will be installed, noting the site of the first English language public school in Addison in 1858. Construction will continue throughout the summer with a formal dedication of the new site on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Illinois State Police to conduct distracted driving enforcement

Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 15

Commander Linda Mandat has announced that the ISP will conduct distracted driving enforcement program patrols in Cook and DuPage counties during June.

This program allows ISP to focus on distracted driving laws to prevent traffic deaths and serious injury crashes. Distractions can increase a driver’s

risk of being in an accident:

• Eating or drinking (non-alcoholic beverages) increases the risk by three times.

• Sending a text message increases the risk by four times.

• Reaching for an object increases the risk by eight times.

• Reading a text message can take a driver’s eyes off the road for an aver-

age of five seconds. Officers will be on the lookout for drivers who disobey Illinois’ distracted driving laws, especially the following:

• All drivers are prohibited from reading, sending or receiving text messages or communication, and from browsing the internet.

• All drivers are prohibited from

using handheld electronic communication devices.

• Drivers under the age of 19 are prohibited from using any cellphone, even hands-free.

• All drivers are prohibited from using any cellphone, even hands-free, while in school speed zones and work zones.

• School bus drivers are not permit-

ted to use any type of cellphone, even hands-free.

• It is illegal to use a cellphone or take photos or videos on wireless devices when driving within 500 feet of an emergency scene.

This distracted driving enforcement campaign is made possible by traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Opening June 9: The Bicycle: Two Wheels to Adventure EHM new summer exhibit takes a ride through history of bicycling

Over the past 200 years, the bicycle has evolved into a vehicle that opens doors to new adventures and experiences for all ages. From transportation and infrastructure to manufacturing and recreation, this humble 19th-century invention significantly impacted life in the Chicago area by redefining an era of newfound leisure and independence.

The Elmhurst History Museum (EHM) presents a new exhibit that considers the myriad ways the bicycle has made an imprint on Chicagoland.

“The Bicycle: Two Wheels to Adventure,” will be on display from Friday, June 9 through Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Elmhurst History Museum, located at 120 E. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst.

The exhibit depicts the story of the “human-powered carriage” as told through examples of iconic bicycles, artifacts, and timeless photographs. Visitors will view photos and video as well as bicycles

and gear from different eras interwoven with interactive displays. A spotlight will shine on Elmhurst adventurer, educator, and “World’s Most Traveled Man,” J. Hart Rosdail, and share colorful tales from his record-setting journeys across the globe on his trusted bicycle, Jacqueline. Another feature will profile the history of the Illinois Prairie Path, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and runs through central Elmhurst providing a “rails-to-trails” recreational pathway that links the western suburbs.

Developing the exhibit

EHM curator of exhibits Sarah Cox researched, wrote and designed the “Two Wheels to Adventure” exhibit, and she learned some interesting stories about the history of bicycling in the process.

“Bicycles are such a great topic for a summer exhibit due to their wide appeal, and because everyone can relate to stories

of their first bicycle or riding around their neighborhoods with friends and family,” said Cox. “I loved putting this exhibition together, from learning about the significance of the Chicagoland area to the bicycle’s history to working with local collectors and community cycling organizations.”

Cox tapped into the EMH’s own collection for many artifacts to build the exhibit storyline, including Rosdail’s bicycle and photos and memorabilia from his journeys. In addition, a few rare bicycles loaned by a private collector will be featured, including a “velocipede” bone shaker from the 1860s and an 1888 high-wheeler. A women’s cycling outfit circa 1890, on loan from the DuPage County History Museum, illustrates how bicycles were a liberating “freedom machine” for turn-of-the-century women.

Exhibit-related programs

• Thursday, June 22 : Elmhurst Com -

munity Ride, Free, 6:30 p.m. The Elmhurst Bicycle Club will lead a fun summer ride on low-traffic streets throughout Elmhurst.

• Sunday, June 25 : Cycling in Chicago lecture, free to members/$5 non-members, 2 p.m. Author Chris McAuliffe shares an intriguing look at the history of cycling in the area and its influence on recreational culture throughout history.

• Sunday, July 9 : Bicycle Bonanza, free, 1-5 p.m. The Elmhurst History Museum is throwing a summer celebration on the museum grounds lawn with an afternoon of bike-themed games, crafts, performances, face painting, and other activities for all ages.

Visitors can explore the exhibit, see BMX champion and America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Matt Wilhelm perform, enjoy live music by School of Rock, test skills on the big wheel obstacle course, and more. Program details and reservation information can be found at elmhursthistory.org.

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Wood Dale man accused of leading police on hour-long, 100 mph highspeed chase

Pursuit continues through Bensenville, parts of Addison

DuPage County State’s Attorney

Robert Berlin and Bensenville Chief of Police Daniel Schulze have announced that a Wood Dale man stands accused of leading police on an hour-long, 100-mph, high-speed chase.

Anthony Oplinger, 27, appeared before Judge Daniel Guerin who set bond at $100,000. Oplinger is charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a peace officer, a Class 4 felony, and more than a dozen misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including speeding 35+ mph over the speed limit and reckless driving.

On Tuesday, May 30 at approximately 10:08 p.m., officers with the Bensenville Police Department observed a vehicle near Jefferson Street and Church Road that was wanted out of Schiller Park for an aggravated fleeing and eluding incident in April.

Officers activated their emergency lights and sirens and initiated pursuit near Route 83 until the vehicle allegedly entered eastbound I-290, at which time an Illinois State Police helicopter and airplane continued to monitor the vehicle.

It is alleged that the vehicle, later determined to be driven by Oplinger, continued to drive on I-290 to Chicago only to return to Route 83 in Bensenville at which time Bensenville police officers reactivated their lights and sirens and continued pursuing the vehicle.

It is further alleged that after officers deployed spike strips, Oplinger continued to drive to unincorporated Addison where he pulled into a random driveway and fled the vehicle on foot.

Oplinger was taken into custody a short time later.

It is alleged that the entire pursuit lasted for approximately one hour and that Oplinger reached speeds in excess of 100 mph.

At the time of his arrest, Oplinger’s driver’s license suspended.

“Mr. Oplinger had a fast car and didn’t hesitate to run from the police, but his luck ran out thanks to the collaborative efforts put forth by the officers from all the agencies involved,” Schulze said.

Oplinger’s next court appearance is scheduled Wednesday, June 28 for arraignment in front of Judge Guerin.

Village completes sewer project with new technology

The Addison Public Works Department recently completed a sewer lining project on Comstock Avenue with a contractor. Approximately 800 feet of sanitary sewer was lined with a process called Cured In Place Pipe (CIPP). The trenchless technology can be inserted from “manhole to manhole” without any excavation or restoration required. Once cured and hardened, a robotic cutter is sent down the line to cut open the residential connections.

Rock ‘N Wheels welcomes Abbey Road, Neverly Brothers

The Village of Addison continues its 12th season of Rock ‘N Wheels every Thursday through the summer, from 6 to 10 p.m. on the Village Green. Rock ‘N Wheels includes live music, food and beverages from Addison restaurants, attractions available for children, and more.

On Thursday, June 8, Addison welcomes The Neverly Brothers, with music from Elvis to the Beatles at 6:30 p.m. Headlining the night is Beatles tribute band Abbey

Road performing at 8 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Addison’s very own restaurants: Tacos Puebla, Lou Malnati’s, 601 Bar & Grill, Nuova Italia, Mario’s Deli, Flavor Frenzy, and Dunkley. Also on June 8, the Addison Historical Museum will welcome Rebecca Tulloch to present “Home Front World War II.” The museum is located at 135 W Army Trail Blvd, just southwest of the Village Green, and will be open from 6 to

8 p.m. every Thursday throughout the summer. There will also be a Craft & Vintage Fair outside the museum buildings during this time. Rock ‘N Wheels takes place on the Village Green, east of Village Hall, at 1 Friendship Plaza. Parking is available at Friendship Plaza, as well as at Indian Trail High School, located at 222 N John F Kennedy Dr.

For more details and the complete season schedule, visit ItHappensInAddison.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Anthony Oplinger

Pritzker touts new budget’s higher education spending

MAP grant increase will make community college tuition-free for many

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Gov. JB Pritzker began a tour of the state to tout the new state budget that lawmakers recently passed, stopping at two university campuses last week to highlight the spending plan’s increased funding for higher education.

“With this new budget, we’re making it possible for nearly every student from a low-, moderate- or middle-income family to go to community college tuition free,” Pritzker said at the University of Illinois Springfield. “Getting a college or university degree shouldn’t strap you in debt for the rest of your life.”

The $50.6 billion budget, which has not yet arrived on Pritzker’s desk, includes a $100 million increase in funding for the state’s needs-based Monetary Award Program, or MAP grants, bringing the total level of funding for that program to $701 million—a 75 percent increase since

2019, when Pritzker first in office.

Pritzker noted that most undergraduate students at UIS start working on their degree at a two-year community college. He said the increase in MAP grant funding will mean that virtually all community college students from households at or below median income levels will have their tuition and fees fully covered between MAP and federal Pell grants.

The higher education budget also includes a $15 million increase in the state’s AIM HIGH merit-based scholarship program and an overall 7 percent increase in the base operating budgets of universities and community colleges.

Pritzker said the increase in base funding was especially important to help schools recruit and retain the best faculty and staff.

“Look what happened in other states, and what happened in Illinois during those bad years five, seven years ago,” he said, referring to the

state’s budget impasse of 2015-2017.

“Universities had to either lay off faculty or faculty saw how uncertain funding was and they left. ... Now, because we’re funding universities properly, university professors, faculty, the people who work at universities have less to fear and more to be optimistic about it.”

In addition to increases in higher education funding, the budget also includes the statutorily required annual $350 million increase in the Evidence Based Funding formula for K-12 schools and $250 million to launch a four-year initiative called Smart Start Illinois that seeks to make early childhood day care and preschool available to every family in Illinois that wants it.

The budget passed through the General Assembly in the final days of their spring session with only Democratic support. Some Republicans, including House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, of Savanna, said

Addison Park District says ‘POW!

To Cancer’ at upcoming fundraiser

With support from Edward-Elmhurst Health, the Addison Park District is hosting an event called “POW! to Cancer” on Saturday, June 17 at Community Park in Addison beginning with packet pick-up at 7 a.m. and the race at 8 a.m. Partici-

pants will receive an event t-shirt, a finisher medal upon completion of the 5K and an invitation to the postrace celebration and awards ceremony.

Clyde’s Donuts will provide donuts and Starbucks Addison will be

bringing hot and iced coffee for participants.

The fee is $35 to register and $5 from each registration will be donated to the American Cancer Society. For more information or to register, visit addisonparks.org.

they were concerned about whether all the new spending in the budget— including K-12 education and early childhood programs—would be sustainable in future years.

“There’s nothing worse than starting a new program and then having it not be sustainable,” she said during House floor debate May 27.

Pritzker, however, said his administration used conservative revenue estimates when building his budget proposal, and he said he was confident the new spending could be sustained.

“The baseline revenues of the state have risen,” he said. “There are a variety of reasons for that but one is the economy grew. The Illinois economy used to be $800 billion when I took office, it’s now above a $1 trillion. That gives you at least some idea of why our tax revenues are going up in the state of Illinois, because people are making more money, the economy is doing better.”

After speaking on the UIS campus, Pritzker traveled to the U of I’s Urbana-Champaign campus for a similar event.

Legislature approves bill to tighten restrictions on red-light camera industry

Bill hailed as first step toward broader ethics reform

By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Lawmakers in Springfield have unanimously approved a measure that would place new restrictions on the red-light and speed camera industry’s involvement in state and local elections and government.

House Bill 3903 would ban automatic traffic enforcement companies or their officers from donating to candidates for public office at the state and local level. It would also prevent state and local government officials from accepting jobs or contracts with those companies while in office or for two years after leaving office, a kind of “revolving door” ban.

Sponsors praised the bill as much-needed ethics reform after several public officials in the past decade have been caught by federal investigators engaging in bribery deals and kickback schemes involving red-light camera companies.

“What this does is it tightens up the ethics surrounding the red-light camera corruption and scandals,” Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, said during the House debate on May 25.

Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, called the two-year revolving door ban “a good step.”

HB 3909 received unanimous approval in the House on May 25 after a similar unanimous vote in the Senate.

The bill would also grant the Illinois Department of Transportation new authority to review and either approve or revoke approval for automated traffic enforcement systems under certain circumstances, such as if a public official is charged with bribery.

Ready for Rock ‘N Wheels

The Neverly Brothers will perform at Rock ‘N Wheels on the Village Green on Thursday, June 8 beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by Beatles tribute band Abbey Road at 8 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Addison restaurants, there will be a craft and vintage fair and a special program at the Historical Society.

and speed camera companies they contract with.

Br ibes in the legislature, local government

The spate of indictments and convictions of public officials caught up in bribery schemes with automated traffic enforcement companies was alluded to during debate on the bill at the Capitol.

“We’ve had issues with this and I think the bill is a great first step,” Sen. Jil Tracy, a Quincy Republican and member of the legislature’s ethics commission, said.

Tracy has seen two of her Senate colleagues indicted on such charges in the last four years.

In September of last year, Sen. Emil Jones III, D-Chicago, was charged with bribery for a scheme allegedly orchestrated by Omar Maani, a former co-owner of red-light camera company SafeSpeed LLC, who was at the time cooperating with federal prosecutors as part of his own deal with the feds. Jones allegedly agreed to protect SafeSpeed from a statewide study of red-light camera systems in exchange for $5,000 and a job for his associate.

Jones has pleaded not guilty and remains in the Senate. He voted in favor of HB 3903 last week.

The late Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-Chicago, also admitted to accepting bribes from Maani and falsifying tax returns in 2020. Sandoval died of COVID-19 complications later that year while he was awaiting sentencing.

The measure would also require that local governments review the safety impacts of automated enforcement systems every two years. Local governments would also have the sole authority to decide to issue tickets, ending their current ability to delegate that decision to the red-light

“The public deserves to have the utmost trust in their government and their law enforcement,” bill sponsor Sen. Laura Murphy, D-Des Plaines, said in a news release. “We need to ensure that there is accountability and honesty on all levels.”

Two former suburban Chicago mayors have also pleaded guilty to charges involving bribes or kick-

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

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

May 29

Olga Carrillo Merida, 39, of Addison, was charged with resisting a police officer at 12:55 a.m.

A 30-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 100 block of S. Villa at 7:45 p.m.

May 28

Heriberto Lopez, 39, of Addison, was charged with two counts of battery in the 300 block of N. Highview at 1:33 p.m.

Jessie Felipe Tellez, 30, of Addison, was charged with possession of a controlled substance in the 400 block of W. Lake at 3:57 a.m.

A 52-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery at 3:25 a.m.

May 26

Jeffrey A. Parnell, 46, of Addison, was charged with DUI in the 500 block of W. Lake at 1:06 a.m.

A 37-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery at 12:13 p.m.

May 25

Sebastian Galvez, 23, of Addi

son, was charged with obstructing a police officer near Lincoln and Park at 9:13 p.m.

Veronika Sypita, 21, of Addison, was charged with obstructing a police officer near Lincoln and Park at 9:11 p.m.

May 24

Gustavo A. Calzada-Samaniego, 26, of Addison, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, obstructing identification, driving while license revoked and was issued a warrant near Westgate and Official at 3:30 p.m.

May 21

Wanderley A. Felipe Perez, 23, of Des Plaines, was charged with two counts of disorderly conduct, and two counts of aggravated assault/use of a deadly weapon at 2:13 a.m.

Howard M. Galton, 42, of Addison, was charged with obstructing a police officer in the 600 block of N. Lincoln at 12:41 a.m.

Christopher S. Goodman, 41, of Park Forest, was charged with DUI and improper lane usage near Lake and Route 53 at 9:52 p.m.

Gurpreet Kaur, 20, of Addison, was charged with consumption of liquor by a minor, purchase/possession of liquor by a minor and disregarding a stop sign in the 600 block of N. Lincoln at 12:48 a.m.

Zachary David Paskvan, 28, of East Dundee, was charged with criminal damage to property and criminal trespassing to vehicles at 10:15 p.m.

May 20

Michael A. Arroyo, 23, of Addi -

son, was charged with two counts of DUI and speeding near Lake and 6 th at 12:47 a.m.

Abraham Diaz Jr., 32, of Addison, was charged with violation of an order of protection in the 1-100 block of N. School at 10:51 p.m.

Laurencio Olivos-Rangel, 33, of Glendale Heights, was charged with two counts of DUI and speeding 30-39 mph over the limit near Fullerton and Powers at 4:30 a.m.

May 19

Anthony Simon, 21, of Addison, was charged with DUI near Stone and Mill at 9:12 p.m.

May 18

Johnny Bueno-Abdala, 61, of Glenview, was charged with DUI, illegal lane usage and speeding 3039 mph over the limit near Route 53 and Stone at 11:59 p.m.

May 17

Lauren P. Carr, 32, of Wauconda, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and obstructing identification at 11:45 a.m.

Alexis Mendoza, 26, of Itasca, was charged with two counts of DUI, improper lane usage and disregarding a stop sign near Lombard and Stone at 1:33 a.m.

Victor Perez-Lemarroy, 37, of Melrose Park, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, improper turn signal and no insurance near Villa and Myrick at 4:04 a.m.

Villa Park

May 27

Police said Oscar Adame Carmona, 38, of Bensenville, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant out of DuPage County.

Kurtis A. Koepp, 35, of Princeville, was charged with DUI, driving while license suspended for DUI, leaving the scene of an accident involving damage to an attended vehicle, driving too fast for conditions, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper lane usage and no insurance near N. Iowa and W. Ridge at 11:44 p.m.

A complainant at a convenience store in the 1-100 block of S. Villa reported at 2:11 a.m. that an unknown suspect removed three cans of beer from display shelves and left the store.

Agency Inc

A complainant at a pharmacy in the 200 block of E. Roosevelt reported that unknown suspects removed several bottles of alcohol from display shelves and left the store without paying.

A complainant in the 200 block of N. Addison reported at 6:48 p.m. that a suspect threatened him.

May 25

A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 reported at 4:37 p.m. that a suspect removed Apple watches from display shelves and left without paying.

May 24

A complainant at an auto dealership in the 300 block of W. Roosevelt reported at 7:49 a.m. that an

unknown suspect smashed out the rear window of a vehicle parked in the parking lot.

May 23

A 28-year-old homeless man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 1-100 block of W. Roosevelt on the above date for an incident that reportedly occurred May 7.

May 22

Police said Julian N. Alejandre, 28, of Aurora, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant out of Cook County near E. St. Charles and N. Westmore at 6:19 p.m. The suspect also was charged with obstructing identification, no valid driver’s license, no insurance and no seat belt.

A complainant in the 200 block of E. Adele reported at 7:19 a.m. that an unknown suspect broke the windows of three vehicles parked in the parking lot and removed screws.

A complainant in the 400 block of S. Wisconsin reported at 10 p.m. that a suspect battered them.

May 21

Kane M. Meeker, 18, of Lombard, was issued citations for unlawful consumption of an alcoholic beverage by a minor and unlawful possession of alcohol by a minor, while Adelle Valev, 18, of Lombard, was issued a citation for unlawful consumption of an alcoholic beverage by a minor in the 500 block of E. Park at 12:38 a.m. A 17-year-old male and female juvenile, both of Oak Brook, and a 17-year-old female juvenile of Lombard also were issued citations for unlawful consumption of an alcoholic beverage by a minor.

A complainant in the 100 block of N. Summit reported at 3:44 p.m. that an unknown suspect removed baseball cards from their bedroom.

Fraud, identity theft

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

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.

May 31, 4:26 p.m. in the 700 block of Thomas Drive, a complainant reported an unknown suspect using a fake identity to make a purchase. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300455

May 30, 10:08 p.m. near S. Church Road and W. Jefferson St., Anthony J. Oplinger, 27, of

Wood Dale, was arrested for aggravated fleeing to elude police officers. (See pg. 1 of this issue.) BEPC2300453

May 29, 2:24 a.m. in the 100 block of Gerry Steven Court, a complainant reported a known suspect violated two counts of their bail bond. This case is under investigation.

BEPC2300451

May 28, 6:11 p.m. in the 100 block of S. Church Road, a complainant reported an unknown suspect attempted to withdraw money from her checking account. This incident is under investigation.

BEPC2300450

May 27, 9:25 p.m. in the 100 block of George Street, Wilmer Tereso Lopez-Lopez, 22, was arrested for possession of controlled substance – cocaine.

BEPC2300449

May 27, 6:10 p.m. near N. Route 83 and W. North Ave., Bensenville officers assisted Elmhurst police with a road rage incident that occurred in their town. BEP23006006

May 27, 10:42 a.m. in the 100 block of W. Devon Ave., Wood Dale, Bensenville officers assisted Wood Dale police with a search for an armed gunman. BEP23005987

May 27, 5:48 a.m. near Park Street and E. Green St., Raul Gomez Perez, 21, of Addison, was arrested for driving while license is suspended, possession of controlled substance and other traffic violation. BEPC2300448

May 26, 5:15 p.m. in the 100 block of George Street, a complainant reported two credit cards were opened under his name by an unknown suspect. This incident is under investigation. BEPC2300445

May 26, 2:22 a.m. in the 600 block of John Street, Michael Paz, 22, of Darien, was arrested for unlawful use of weapon and possession of controlled substance. He was arrested, transported to the station for processing, issued a court date and released. BEPC2300443

May 26, 11:58 p.m., Bensenville police officers assisted Wood Dale police with an armed robbery. BEP23005977

May 26, 7:04 p.m. in the 1000 block of Argyle Street, Luciano Lopez Lopez, 44, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant. BEPC2300446

May 26, 9:05 a.m. near N. York Road and E. Irving Park Road, Lakrystal Loyd, 29, of Schaumburg, was arrested for no valid license, criminal trespass to vehicle, and unlawful possession of cannabis by the driver. BEPC2300444

May 25, 12:47 p.m. in the 700 block of County Line Road, a complainant reported unknown suspect(s) apparently broke into his trailer. BEPC2300439

May 25, 2:12 p.m. in the 1000 block of York Road, a complainant reported lottery tickets were stolen. BEPC2300440

May 25, 11:54 p.m. near Memorial and Marion, officers discovered a stolen motor vehicle and recovered it. BEPC2300442

Slices

of life

Kayaking the river

My middle son flew in (on a plane) to visit his brothers and me in Florida. As it was just me and the three boys (#testosterone), it fell to reason we’d want to do something both athletic and outdoorsy. Kayaking on a river seemed like a good fit.

I’ve kayaked lots of timesduring the summer, at the lake. We have a little trek we take whenever the whim hits us. We go up a narrow river - against current—until we hit a small rapid (turnaround time) and head back— with the current. It’s a course encompasses about a mile and a half.

The Florida river website (I thought) offered two courses. One was 4.7 miles, the other 2.5. Gosh did the 2.5 sound doable. More than I was used to, but I’m tough, and I enjoy pushing myself from time to time. Besides, my boys would be watching.

We arrived at the kayak rental place and were offered just one route: the 4.7 mile one. Apparently the 2.5-mile rookie route was no longer available, or maybe I just imagined it.

I attempted the math inside my head. It goes without saying 4.7 is a lot more than 1.5. Practically three times as much - maybe even more. I gulped and didn’t say a word as we paid our kayak rental fees. I was with my boys. And much like when they tricked me into the upside-down scary rollercoaster at Disney, I wasn’t going to back out.

En route to the river, our van driver described the excursion, and let it slip that the trip was actually closer to 5 miles versus the advertised 4.7. We’d been awarded a bonus .3 miles! I cringed.

We got to the river and set set out on the 4.7 (or quite possibly 5) mile trek.

Five miles! And they hadn’t even offered us a fail-safe option for bailout should that option be needed.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you can’t make the whole trip, and are in danger of kayak failure, pull over to the side of the river and call the number on your wristband. We will send an air-conditioned river van to pick your party up ASAP.”

There was none of that.

It was just me, my kayak, the paddle and the 4.7 (or let’s just

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

be honest and call it 5) miles of endless river.

The experts at the kayak shop told us the trip would take three or four hours. Half an hour in I was feeling the strain just a bit in my arms, and the kayak seat was, let’s say, less than comfortable.

I wasn’t tired—yet, but I wondered just when that would happen.

And then I saw a diving bird. It disappeared under the crystal-clear water and swam underneath the boat. Pretty cool.

A bit further downstream, turtles sunned themselves on a river rock. All along the route, trees grew from within the river itself. Their bark looked like driftwood and their leaves hung heavy with gray moss.

But the highlight came about three-quarters in when we saw critters we weren’t expecting (hoping, but not expecting.)

And it wasn’t alligators.

It was a family of otters. They were swimming and playing like only a family of otters can. They popped their heads up from the water and stared. We watched them and they watched us.

My son described them best when he said they looked like a batch of river puppies.

It was, in a word, very, very cool. Worth the trip, actually.

We could have watched the otters all day, but there was the rest of the river to conquer. So we paddled on and (I’m proud to say) finished the 4.7 (probably 5) mile route without calling it quits. We didn’t even think of calling it quits.

The tour guides said we’d do the trip in three or four hours. It took us less than two. Along the way we saw otters (exclamation point.)

And my boys saw me (effortlessly) pull off the 4.75 miles.

It was a good day.

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.

A blueprint to better mental health care, access in Illinois

By Abdi Tinwalla, MD, and Andrew Lancia, MD

In all parts of Illinois, mental health awareness and treatment is a public issue like it has never been before. On behalf of frontline care providers, we welcome the attention and call for the support that must follow.

The Illinois Psychiatric Society represents psychiatrists and psychiatric practices across the state, where our members work in private and public settings, see adult and child patients every day, and have the experience, training, and mindset to help people struggling with all forms of mental health challenges.

We are encouraged by the renewed focus at the State Capitol in Springfield and across the state to bring mental health care into the spotlight.

Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious plans to transform behavioral health services for children, and to coordinate state agencies and higher education institutions behind the new Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center to improve recruitment of professionals are welcome steps forward.

Our mental health care system is in crisis, with access to equal, quality, affordable care a challenge nearly everywhere. We propose a true team approach to the problem. We offer here a blueprint of policy ideas we believe will help address the challenge comprehensively and effec-

tively.

Our first pillar calls for increasing equitable access. Many people in rural, minority, and low-income communities have some of the greatest needs, yet they have the greatest challenges to see those needs met.

Illinois policymakers should promote more collaborative care programs, where mental health professionals consult directly with primary care physicians to address patients’ physical and mental needs. We should increase and improve laws promoting telehealth which, since the COVID-19 pandemic, has become an increasingly popular option for patients who live many miles from the nearest provider. We can also add more psychiatrists through funding of more residency training slots right here in Illinois, rather than watching promising students go elsewhere to practice.

Incentives will encourage more providers to work in underserved areas. Smart changes to the administrative side of our practices—full parity for psychiatric treatment, streamlined medication prior authorizations, and improved mental health court equity and access—will provide the support psychiatrists and other mental health professionals need to succeed.

Our second pillar focuses on systems of care, where all mental health providers work together to meet pa-

tients’ varied needs. When one piece of the system is weak, or when providers work outside their area of expertise, the entire system struggles – and ultimately patient care suffers. Here, we believe stronger communication and coordination is key.

Patients often see different providers along their mental health journey. Those providers—state agencies, public entities, private providers— should work better together to share medical records and insight into patient analysis and recognize the strengths each bring to helping meet patients’ needs. We need to ensure all levels of care are properly staffed to handle all issues ranging from one-on-one counseling to preventing acts of violence.

Our third pillar might be the most consequential to address our crisis: prevention. We go to the dentist and the doctor regularly for checkups and screenings, or if something just doesn’t quite feel right. Yet too often in our mental health, we wait too long to seek professional help. The problems get worse as we put off the visit—out of fear, embarrassment, or denial.

We believe helping youth understand the importance of mental health care early in life is critical for widespread adoption of prevention.

DuPAGE DESTINATIONS Your Dining & Entertainment Guide to the Western Suburbs

Can’t-miss events throughout DuPage County

Editor’s note: Our next DuPage Destinations section will be published Thursday, June 22. If you have information on an event in DuPage County taking place after June 22 that you would like us to consider listing here, please email that information to: news1@ rvpublishing.com.

Ongoing

North Suburban Carvers meetings

The North Suburban Carvers meet on the first and third Mondays of each month at the Wood Dale Public Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Anyone interested in carving, power carving, wood burning or special finishing techniques is welcome. North Suburban Carvers is a non-profit organization that promotes carving in the Chicago area. For more information, visit: northsurburbancarvers.com .org/calendar.aspx.

Saturday, June 10

Warrenville Multicultural Festival

From noon-6 p.m. at the Warrenville City Hall Complex, 28W701 Stafford Place, the Warrenville Park District is bringing the community together to share a variety of cultures through a variety of informational booths, performing

arts, and food trucks. For more information, visit: https://www. warrenvilleparks.org/.

Roselle Beer Fest

From noon-11 p.m. at Pollyanna Brewing Company, 245 E. Main St., enjoy beer, live music, food and summer fun.

Pollyanna Vodka Seltzers and a limited cocktail and wine menu will also be available.The general public is invited after 2 p.m. No dogs allowed during festival hours. Tickets available the day of the event. The $15 price includes a souvenir mug. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/213985184722918.

Summerfest, Lombard

Starting at 11 a.m. at Noon Whistle Brewing, 800 E. Roosevelt Road, the fest is an event filled with fantastic brews, live music, and a lively atmosphere. Free. For more information, visit: www.facebook. com/events/170724155652483.

Sunday, June 11

Just for Kids Fishing Derby

Warrenville

From 8-11 a.m. at Blackwell Forest Preserve, Bring the family to this friendly fishing competition just for kids 15 and younger with raffles

and prizes for the biggest catches. Ages 15 and under with an adult. Free. Register online at: https:// www.dupageforest.orgat or at the event, or by calling 630-933-7248.

Wednesday, June 14 through Aug. 23

Music in the Park

Bensenville

Recurring weekly on Wednesdays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in downtown Bensenville, one of the area’s favorite summer concert series features great music, a classic car cruise night and a 50/50 split the pot raffle that benefits not for profit organizations in the community. Free. For more information on bands that will be performing, visit: https://www.bensenville.il.us/.

Now through July 27

Concerts on the Village Green

Burr Ridge Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Drive, the concerts, recurring weekly, will be held outside on The Village Green. You may arrive as early as 6 p.m. to grab your spot and relax before the music begins. Seating is not provided, so please bring your own chairs, blankets, etc. Admission: free. For more information, visit: www. shopburrridge.com/event/Concerts-

on-The-Village-Green/2145570463.

Now through Aug. 9

Wednesday Nights Live Elmhurst

Recurring Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Elmhurst City Centre, 256 N. York St., enjoy the region’s top cover bands under the Umbrella Sky Installation. Free. For more information, visit: https:// elmhurstcitycentre.com.

Now through Aug. 15

Summer Concert Series

Downers Grove

Recurring Tuesdays from 6-8:30 p.m. at Fishel Park, 1036 Curtiss St., these free concerts feature rock, country, blues, and oldies bands. Watch the concerts in person at the park. Doors open and food and beverage sales begin at 6 p.m. Music will play between 7 and 8:30 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs or blankets. For more information, visit: www.dgparks. org/summer-concert-series.

Now through Aug. 20

Marvelocity: The art of Alex Ross

Elmhurst

Recurring daily at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., this exhibit celebrates one of the greatest artists in the field of comic books. From his home in the Chicago area, Ross has revitalized classic superheroes into works of fine art by illustrating characters such as Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, Storm from the X-Men, the Avengers, Black Panther and many more for nearly 30 years. For more information, visit: www. elmhurstartmuseum.org/exhibitions/ marvelocity/.

Now through Aug. 22

Vintage Rides

Wheaton

Recurring on select dates in downtown Wheaton on Liberty Drive—June 20, June 27, July 11, July 25, Aug. 8 and Aug. 22— from 5-9 p.m., admire cars from Model Ts to Teslas, and everything in between, as a DJ spins tunes. There are no fees to exhibit and no advanced registration necessary. Vintage Rides vehicle parking will only be allowed in designated parking spaces. All types of classic vehicles are welcome on any night. Free. For more information, visit:

www.downtownwheaton.com/ vintagerides.

Now through Aug. 30 Arbor Evenings

Lisle

Recurring weekly on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Unwind with family and friends on Wednesday evenings at The Morton Arboretum this summer. Mingle as you enjoy live music surrounded by beautiful trees on the picturesque Frost Hill. Admission: $8 for members, $13 for nonmenbers. For more information and a performance schedule, visit: https://mortonarb.org/explore/ activities/events/arbor-evenings.

Now through Aug. 31 Rock ‘N Wheels Addison

Recurring Thursdays from 6-10 p.m. presented by the Village of Addison, Rock ‘N Wheels features vintage vehicles, great bands from the area and food tents. Admission: free. For more information and a schedule of bands, visit: www. ithappensinaddison.com/events.

Crusin’ Nights and Street Fair Westmont

Recurring Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. at Cass Avenue and Norfolk Street, live music, cool cars, festival environment—walk with your beverage throughout the event, food and beverage specials, kids activities, and three blocks of streets closed off and dedicated to classic car parking. Admission: free. For more information, visit: https:// westmontevents.com/cruisin-nights.

Now through Sept. 1 Moose Cruise Nights and Friday Night Live Downers Grove

From 5:30-8 p.m. every Friday, it’s time for Downtown Downers Grove’s live concert series. The Moose Cruise Night, sponsored by the Moose Lodge is located on Warren Avenue between Forest and Main as well as Lot A, from 4-8 p.m. Warren Avenue will be closed from Forest to Main. Space is limited and registration not available. For a full schedule of concerts, visit: www.downtowndg. org/whats-happening/moose-cruisenight-and-friday-night-live.

See EVENTS, Page 9

University’s ‘June Jazz’ to feature Jeff Hamilton Trio, EU Jazz Band

The Jeff Hamilton Trio, performing with the Elmhurst University Jazz Band, will headline the University’s 27th Annual June Jazz concert on the evening of Saturday, June 17. This outdoor concert is free and open to the public. All are invited to bring their lawn chairs, blankets, drinks and a picnic to the concert, which begins at 6:30 p.m. on the Mall of Elmhurst University’s lovely arboretum campus. Guests are welcome to come early and enjoy this

musical celebration of summer.

About the performers

• Widely considered to be one of the finest small groups in jazz, The Jeff Hamilton Trio sets the bar for what a versatile trio can do. Drummer Jeff Hamilton is a dynamic bandleader and top-tier jazz musician who has recorded and performed with Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall and countless others; and who has toured the

world many times leading The Jeff Hamilton Trio. In addition to Hamilton, the Trio features award-winning jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman and bassist Jon Hamar, who also perform with the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. The Trio’s latest album, Jeff Hamilton Trio – Live From San Pedro, took the top spot on NPR critic Ken Franckling’s ballot for Best New Release of 2018. Other highly regarded albums include It’s Hamilton Time, Jeff Hamilton Trio—LIVE!,

The Best Things Happen, Symbiosis and Great American Song: Through The Years

• The acclaimed Elmhurst University Jazz Band has performed across the country and around the world, and has appeared at the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Umbria Jazz Festival and the Jak Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia. The band has twice toured Europe at the invitation of the U.S. State Department and, closer to home, performed around the Mid-

west with legendary trumpeter Doc Severinsen. In 2001, the band accompanied Dee Dee Bridgewater at the Chicago Jazz Festival in Grant Park. And in 2014, the Jazz Band was the winner of DownBeat magazine’s Student Music Award in the Large Jazz Ensemble category for undergraduate institutions. For more information, visit elmhurst.edu/JuneJazz or call (630) 617-3611. June Jazz is presented by Elmhurst University and PNC Bank.

Pictured is the Jeff Hamilton Trio, which will be featured as part of Elmhurst University’s 27th annual June Jazz concert on Saturday, June 17 beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the University Mall. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, picnics and celebrate summer. The EU Jazz Band will perform as well.

DuPAGE DESTINATIONS

Your Dining & Entertainment Guide to the Western Suburbs

• Events

(Continued from page 8)

Now through Sept. 23

Fifteen Minutes of Fame

exhibit

Lombard

Recurring daily at the Lombard Historical Society, 23 W. Maple St., AndyWarhol was simultaneously an artist, magazine illustrator and magazine owner, filmmaker and gossip columnist. His life and work have endured, and he continues to influence product design, media and fashion. However, it is especially his influence as a fashionista that is at the core of these events. Admission: free. For more information, visit: www.lombardhistory.org/new-events-1/2023/6/1/fifteen-minutes-of-fameexhibit-opening.

Now through Sept. 30

Muddy Warhol Art Exhibit

Westmont

Recurring daily t the Westmont Centre, 1 S. Cass Ave., the Westmont Special Events Corporation (WSEC) NFP has created the Muddy Warhol Art Contest & Exhibit to cross promote a new Andy Warhol Exhibit at the College of DuPage, which will debut this spring, as well as highlight the Muddy Waters Blues Exhibit in Westmont. The contest and exhibit will encourage artists to create and submit Warhol-inspired art featuring the image of blues music legend Muddy Waters. Waters lived in Westmont from 1973 until he passed in 1983. Westmont Special Events has created a blues exhibit and annual Muddy Waters Blues Tribute music event to honor the American music icon. For more information, visit: https://westmont. illinois.tmYhMwTjagx47XRwCWzQ9NuKvRHcRTcJqjJHMpmsM.

Now through Nov. 25

French Market

Wheaton

Recurring weekly from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays in downtown Wheaton (Main Street and Liberty Drive), Saturdays are Market Days in Wheaton. Come and explore ... you will find a great assortment of goods. Flowers, locally grown produce, jewelry, crafts and more are sold. Free. For more information, visit: https://bensidounusa.com/wheaton/.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Puzzle page

CAT CUDDLE

FELINE

FUR

HIDDEN

HUNT INDEPENDENT

LITTER

LIVES

LOUNGE

MEOW

MICE

NIGHT

NINE

POST POUNCE

PURR

SCRATCH

SLEEPING

STEALTHY WHISKERS

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. Flat tableland with steep edges

5. Where there’s __, there’s fire

10. Talked incessantly

12. Skill

14. Without shame

16. Where teens spend their days (abbr.)

18. Boxing’s GOAT

19. Used to anoint

20. Cluster cups

22. Footballer Newton

23. They make up a forest

25. Split pulses

26. Self

27. Post-office box

28. Test for high schoolers

30. Large, flightless bird

31. Expectorated

33. Falsehood

35. Prickly, scrambling shrub

37. French river

38. Told on

40. Hillside

41. Peyton’s little brother

42. Soviet Socialist Republic

44. Cathedral city in Cambridgeshire

45. Witness

48. Brews

50. Yellowish-brown

52. Arctic explorers, abbr.

53. Mexican agave

55. A type of “cast”

56. Encourage

57. Atomic #52

58. Relating to position north of south of equator

63. Gadget whose name you forget

65. Another recording

66. Small blisters

67. Dark brown or black

CLUES DOWN

1. Licensed for Wall Street

2. “__ and flow”

3. A very large body of water

4. Accumulate on the surface of

5. Central cores of the stem

6. Angry

7. Ceramic jar

8. Scraped a car

9. __ route

10. Soviet labor camp system

11. Strong hostilities

13. Vitamin of the B complex

15. Go quickly

17. Toast

18. A team’s best pitcher

21. A Philly culinary specialty

23. Small child

24. Unhappy

27. Trims away

29. Characterized by crying eyes

32. Soft touch

34. American spy organization

35. A person’s chest

36. Came from behind to win

39. Fall back

40. Nellie __, journalist

43. Great places to kayak

44. Suffer patiently

46. Majestic bird

47. Electroencephalograph

49. Organic compound used as an antiseptic

51. Objects connected to the web (abbr.)

54. Ship as cargo

59. The bill in a restaurant

60. Upper-class young woman (abbr.)

61. Judge in OJ Simpson trial

62. One’s grandmother

64. Siberian river

YARN Answers

Kilgast awarded full tuition scholarship to West Point ICCP senior was inspired by his grandfather’s service

Congratulations to Immaculate Conception Catholic Prep (ICCP)

senior Kal Kilgast, who has earned a full tuition college scholarship renewable for up to four years to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Kal Kilgast

Kal excelled academically with a 4.43 GPA, was a member of the High Honor Roll, a member of the National Honor Society serving as the Vice President, an AP Scholar with an Honors Award, on the Math Team, and a member of the Spanish Honor Society.

He played on the ICCP basketball team all four years, filling the role of team captain, and was a regular starter in games. He took part in golf, track & field and lacrosse.

Over the summer, Kal spent a week participating in the Summer Leaders Experience at West Point,

(Continued from page 5)

backs from Maani, as has the chief of staff to a former Cook County commissioner who has pleaded guilty to unrelated charges.

In 2016, former assistant Chicago transportation commissioner John Bills was convicted of accepting lavish gifts and $600,000 in exchange for pushing the city to accept contracts from the red-light camera company Redflex.

Bills received a 10-year prison sentence, the longest sentence so far handed down to an Illinois official in connection with a red-light camera company. Federal prison records show he’s moved on to a halfway house.

A first step?

The General Assembly is facing pressure to enact ethics reforms in response to federal probes beyond those involving red light camera companies. Earlier this month, three ex-lobbyists and the former CEO of electric utility Commonwealth Edison were convicted of orchestrating a bribery scheme to curry favor with former House Speaker Michael Madigan, who was himself indicted on related corruption and racketeering charges last year.

In mid-May, former Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn made an appearance in Springfield to call for a special legislative session to consider ethics

where he served as a retreat leader.

Also at ICCP, he was a member of Athletic Leadership Club, was a Knight Ambassador, was involved in the Students of Impact group, was elected to the Homecoming Court, and sat on the Student Council.

“Since my grandpa served in the U.S. Army, West Point has always been my first choice of the Academies,” he said. “As I carefully and thoroughly studied their website, I fell in love with the history, the mission, and the motto – Duty, Honor, Service. Additionally, West Point is among the most prestigious engineering programs.

“I aim to study engineering, fight for my country, if need be, build bridges, come up with solutions, and serve my fellow men and women of the United States. As an officer, I would be honored to lead with humility, kindness, understanding, curiosity, and honor.”

The ICCP community is proud of Kal and his accomplishments and wishes him the best at West Point.

reform, noting that the ComEd verdict revealed a “grievous breach of public trust.”

“If you take a look at the indictments that have been made that are going to be tried next year, the allegations include violations of conflict of interest,” Quinn said. “That’s just not right. It’s not right for anybody in Illinois who’s a taxpayer to have legislators voting on bills where they have a financial interest.”

Ryan Tolley, the policy director for the government reform group CHANGE Illinois, noted that HB 3909 marks the first time the legislature has enacted a two-year revolving door ban, an idea that was contentious even when the General Assembly passed a six-month ban on lawmakers leaving for lobbying gigs in 2021.

“Hopefully this can be a first step moving forward,” Tolley said in an interview.

Tolley noted that he believes further action is needed on ethics reform, such as giving the Legislative Inspector General, the General Assembly’s top ethics official, more independent authority to investigate potential wrongdoing.

Former LIG Carol Pope cited her lack of power to conduct investigations or impose sanctions as a reason for her 2021 resignation, calling the office a “paper tiger.”

ICCP senior earns Chick Evans Scholarship

Congratulations to ICCP senior Natasha DeRose, who has earned the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship, a full tuition and housing college scholarship renewable for up to four years. Natasha will be attending Northwestern University and intends to major in biological studies.

Natasha qualified for this prestigious scholarship as a caddie at Glen View Country Club. Recipients must display a strong caddie record, excellent grades, and outstanding character. Natasha has embodied the

vision of IC Catholic Prep to learn, lead, and serve both as a student and in the community.

“On the golf course, I learned the valuable lesson of teamwork and how to work with others to complete a common goal,” Natasha said.

“While at ICCP, I had the support to pursue challenging classes and be a high-achieving student.”

Natasha has been involved with the Math Team, Academic Challenge Team, Ecology Club, Art Club, National Honor Society, Book

Club, and Varsity Softball. Speaking to her experiences at ICCP.

“I am thankful to be a part of the softball team and to be one of the captains,” she said. “Not only do I enjoy playing the sport, but I have also learned leadership skills that are essential to being an Evans Scholar.”

The ICCP community is so proud of Natasha and all her accomplishments and look forward to watching her flourish at Northwestern University.

Health department reminds residents to protect swimmers this summer

As the summer swimming season begins, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) reminds residents to stay vigilant and swim safely by practicing simple water safety steps to keep children safe when they are in or around the water this season.

DuPage County Health Department’s Protect Swimmers 10M (PS10M) Community Awareness Initiative works to prevent child drowning and suction drain entrapment through community awareness-raising activities and professional trainings.

Drowning continues to be a leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-14. Children under the age of five are more likely to drown in backyard pools, while children over the age of six are more likely to drown in open water.

Last year in Illinois, fatal drownings involving children occurred in backyard pools, retention ponds, riv-

ers, small lakes, and Lake Michigan. Drowning can happen anytime, including when children are not expected to be near water, such as when they gain unsupervised access to pools.

According to the State of Illinois, in 2021, “18 Illinois children lost their lives to accidental drowning in pools, bathtubs, lakes and ponds, creeks and rivers, and a hot tub. Eight of the children who drowned in pools were age 5 and younger.”

Swimming pools are a great way to spend time together for family fun. To keep everyone safe in and around the water, parents and caregivers can follow PS10M’s simple steps:

• Never leave a child unattended in or near water. Designate a focused adult Water Watcher to supervise children who are swimming.

• Teach children how to swim. Infant, child, adult, group, and adapted swim lessons are offered at pools

throughout our region.

• Ensure that any pool or spa/hot tub that you use has drain covers that meet federal safety standards. If you’re not sure, ask the swimming pool owner or facility manager.

• Avoid entrapment by teaching children to stay away from pool drains and pipes. Keep long hair, bathing suit straps, and drawstrings away from drains.

• Install proper barriers, covers, and alarms on and around your pool area.

• Learn how to perform CPR on children and adults. Before the long weekend, make a water safety plan and take the pool safely pledge to protect children in your family and your community.

Together, we can prevent child drownings all year long.

For more information, visit https://www.dupagehealth.org/231/ Pool-Safely.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing ICCP senior Natasha DeRose (center) has received the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship. With her is ICCP principal Steve Davidson and assistant principal Danielle Wagner. Natasha plans to study biological studies at Northwestern University in the fall.

Roberto’s Ristorante

Is a trip to Italy on your “to-do” list, yet seems out of reach? Fear not- Roberto’s brings the elegance and intimacy of classic Italy to the western suburbs of Chicago. The Tuscan murals and warm earth tones emulate the sophistication of Italy.

The outdoor dining along the Prairie Path on Spring Road offers a beautiful view of the park. The park-like setting is a nice quiet area that provides a very quaint dining experience. Sure our decorating will allure you with its Italian charm, but the exquisite cuisine is what really shines. Our specialities include homemade pastas with savory fillings and sauces, chicken parmesan, gourmet pizzas and salads, delicious desserts, and much more. Our private dining rooms are fit to accommodate private parties for an event your family and friends will enjoy. The charming and relaxed ambience

For the finest in Italian cuisine

is perfect for a romantic night out or a comfortable evening with the family.

Roberto’s Ristorante is located at 483 Spring Road, in Elmhurst, Illinois.

Valet parking is available on Friday and Saturday nights.

Open 7 Days to Serve You Better

MIDWEST GUTTER CLEANING

•

Lombard

CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed. Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

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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!!!

Man gets 100 years for breaking into woman’s home, committing sexual assault

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced that Judge Michael Reidy has sentenced Thaddeus Jones, 26, formerly of Aurora, to 100 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for breaking into a woman’s house, sexually assaulting the woman and forcing her to drive him to her bank to withdraw money from her account.

On April 14, a jury found Jones

Thaddeus Jones

guilty of the crimes following approximately two hours of deliberations and a four-day-long trial in front of Judge Reidy. In all, the jury found Jones guilty of two counts of home invasion (Class X

felony), eight counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault (Class X felony), two counts of aggravated kidnapping (Class X Felony), one count of robbery (Class 2 felony) and one count of possession of a stolen vehicle (Class 2 felony).

On March 23, 2018, at approximately 7:15 a.m., DuPage County sheriff deputies responded to a residence in unincorporated Naperville

for a report of a home invasion. Through the course of their investigation into the matter, authorities learned that Jones had broken into the woman’s home, sexually assaulted her, then forced her into her car which he then drove to her bank to withdraw money for him out of her account.

Jones then returned to the woman’s home with her at which time

the woman was able to escape. Jones then fled the scene in the woman’s car.

Within hours, Jones was located at a motel in Naperville and taken into custody.

He has remained in custody at the DuPage County Jail since that time.

Jones will not be eligible for parole until 2096.

Cannabis regulatory reform bill fails to advance in spring legislative session

Measure pushed to fall as lawmakers, advocates disagree about delta-8 regulation

By Nika Schoonover

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A proposed cannabis reform bill won’t get further consideration until at least the General Assembly’s fall veto session after stakeholders failed to come to an agreement during the spring session’s final stretch.

Rep. La Shawn Ford, a Chicago Democrat and the bill’s sponsor, told Capitol News Illinois that Senate Bill 1559 didn’t pass in part due to disagreements around delta-8 THC, a synthetic psychoactive substance typically manufactured from hemp-derived CBD.

“We need to regulate it, make it safe, make sure that it’s taxed and treat it just like cannabis,” Ford said in an interview.

But advocates for the cannabis industry are pushing for a full ban. Ford said he refused to rewrite the bill to include a ban “without any serious dialogue from the public and from the state regulators.”

Delta-8, found in small traces of hemp and cannabis plants, is an easily accessible substance that can be purchased in licensed dispensaries but also in convenience stores that otherwise are prohibited from selling cannabis.

• Blueprint

Unlike the more well-known form of THC, delta-8 is often derived from CBD and causes a much milder high. But concerns over the substance’s safety have arisen across the country because it remains unregulated, and consumers of delta-8 have gotten sick after consumption.

On the federal level, the substance’s legal standing is murky. In response to a cannabis industry attorney’s inquiry about the substance’s legal status, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration issued a letter in February saying delta-8 should be considered an illegal controlled substance because it can only be obtained synthetically.

But last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that delta-8 is generally legal because is derived from the cannabis plant, classifying it as hemp.

While the substance’s legal status remains uncertain, several states have moved to regulate or ban the drug because of safety concerns. The FDA received 104 reports of adverse events in patients who consumed delta-8 THC products between Dec. 1, 2020, and Feb. 28, 2022. In 55 percent of those reports, the individual needed some type of medical intervention.

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Increased public education programs on mental health, increased and regular screenings in pediatric and school settings, stronger parent and family engagement in preventative care—all these steps will help students see their mental health as they do their physical health, and develop the good habits that will undoubtedly spare pain and strug -

Answers

gle later. We need to recognize the need to promote caring for one’s complete health, as nutrition and physical illness highly affect one’s mental health.

We thank Gov. Pritzker’s team and state legislators for recognizing mental and behavioral health as critical needs that must be addressed now. Together, we will

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Pamela Althoff, executive director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois, said she supports a ban because, in addition to its synthetic nature, it could be detrimental to the industry.

“To allow those types of products to proliferate undermines the cannabis industry,” Althoff said in an interview. “It will have a devastating effect on any new license holder who was trying to establish themselves, either from a cultivation craft grow side or from opening up a dispensary.”

Althoff added that her association will support regulating the substance eventually but wants to ban the drug immediately while regulation measures are finalized.

Peter Contos, deputy director of the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition, said they’ve been pushing for lawmakers to regulate delta-8 for over two years but they’re opposed to banning the substance.

“This needs to be regulated,” Contos said. “A ban is not going to get us any closer to the solution and it’s really key that we regulate this with intention and care so that we can ultimately expand this industry…but also ensure that products are safe and tested.”

work to establish the progress we need to help all Illinoisans live healthier lives and move past the stigmas and fear that drive people from the care they need to get better.

Abdi Tinwalla, MD, is immediate past president and Andrew Lancia, MD, is the president of the Illinois Psychiatric Society.

CROSSWORD

Ford argued that banning it while trying to decriminalize cannabis and reform the industry would be hypocritical.

Additionally, beginning Jan. 1,

2024, calendar year, cannabis businesses will be allowed to deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses from their income for state tax purposes.

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79094 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MAY 16, 2023, wherein the business firm of KEY STEPS CHILDREN’S THERAPY, 53 E. PARK BLVD., 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:

Rebecca Williams, 35 W. Jackson St., Villa Park, IL 60181.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 16TH day of MAY, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review June 1, 8 & 15, 2023)

438643

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ADDISON TOWNSHIP BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Township of ADDISON, in the County Of DUPAGE, State of Illinois, for the Fiscal Year beginning June 1, 2023, and ending May 31, 2024, will be on file and conveniently available for public inspection at ADDISON TOWNSHIP, 401 N. ADDISON RD., ADDISON, IL Monday, June 12, 2023, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M.

Notice is further given hereby that a Public Hearing of the Addison Township Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held at 7:00 P.M. On WEDNESDAY,

JULY 12, 2023, at 401 N. Addison Rd., Addison, IL

By Order of ADDISON TOWNSHIP

PAMELA JOY MORETTI TOWN CLERK

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review June 8, 2023) 439048

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ADDISON TOWNSHIP ROAD DISTRICT BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that the Road District Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Township of ADDISON Road District, in the County Of DUPAGE, State of Illinois, for the Fiscal Year beginning June 1, 2023, and ending May 31, 2024, will be on file and conveniently available for public inspection at ADDISON TOWNSHIP, 401 N. ADDISON RD., ADDISON, IL Monday, June 12, 2023, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M.

Notice is further given hereby that a Public Hearing of the Addison Township Road District Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held at 7:00 P.M. on WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2023, at 401 N. Addison Rd., Addison, IL

By Order of ADDISON TOWNSHIP

PAMELA JOY MORETTI TOWN CLERK

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review June 8, 2023)

439049