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1 • Thursday, January 19, 2017 - The Independent

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Fenton’s Kelly Mullins named ‘Chicago Bears Classroom Champion’

for Summer 2021

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THURSDAY, JAN. 28, 2021

Bears’ George McCaskey surprises her during ‘virtual’ class

Social Studies teacher Kelly Mullins was recognized during the Jan. 20 Fenton Community High School District 100 Board of Education meeting for having been named a Chicago Bears Classroom Champion.

George McCaskey, part of the McCaskey family that owns the Bears, made a surprise visit into Mullins’ virtual classroom right before winter break. He read a few sentences from the nomination, written by Fenton students Eric Moreno and Nickolas Benn.

“It’s a wonderful idea to honor these people who give so much of themselves for our future leaders,” McCaskey said.

Eric Moreno and Nickolas Benn each won the Chicago Bears Community High School All Star Award in November and quickly decided to show their appreciation for Mullins, an influential teacher during their time at Fenton.

“When students are dealing with personal issues, Ms. Mullins makes it clear she will always be there to help support them and provide any assistance needed,” McCaskey said, reading from the nomination. “It is not uncommon for Ms. Mullins to extend assignment deadlines, lend an ear to listen, or open her heart to show her students she cares about them.

“She has an amazing way of teaching that gives her students the re-

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

Kelly Mullins

sponsibility, which challenges them through in-depth class discussions and personal reflections.

“It is truly an honor to have a teacher who constantly wants to connect with her students. The student body at Fenton High School is fortunate to have Ms. Mullins in our lives.”

McCaskey concluded his comments by saying, “the Chicago Bears could not agree more.”

The Bears sent Mullins a custom jersey with her name on the back, as well as an autographed ball, a bag of novelty Bears items, and a $1,000

See MULLINS, Page 4

Inside:

Police Reports...........6 Sports �������������������� 16 Smart Mama............8 Classifieds..............15

Now that’s a good match

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

Fenton senior Aixa “Audrey” Benitez Rojo shows off the poster she made to celebrate being chosen as a Questbridge Scholarship recipient and was matched with Northwestern University. “I was lucky enough to have influential figures in my life, such as my mom and my older sister, who supported me and drove me to be the best I could,” she said. “Anyone can achieve great things if they put their mind to it.” (See story on page 4.)

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 • 3

State school board member criticizes new graduation requirements

By Peter Hancock

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

New high school graduation requirements that were part of an omnibus education bill passed during the lame duck session are drawing criticism from some members of the Illinois State Board of Education.

Those new requirements were included in House Bill 2170, Amendment 3, which was introduced by Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood.

They include the addition of two years of foreign language classes and two years of laboratory science instead of just science courses.

“And so, the message this sends to me is that somebody has decided that two years of a foreign language class are more important than art, more important than music, more important than career and technical education courses, in a school day that is already so full and so very limited with time,” ISBE member Susie Morrison, of

Carlinville, said during a virtual board meeting last week.

Morrison also noted that foreign language is also an area where there is a significant shortage of teachers in Illinois, and she predicted that many districts will have a hard time finding qualified staff to meet the requirements.

The legislation, which Gov. JB Pritzker is expected to sign, will establish the laboratory science requirement for students entering ninth grade during the 2024-2025 school year.

The foreign language requirement is scheduled to take effect for students entering ninth grade for the 20282029 school year.

However, lawmakers have said the target date for the foreign language requirement was a drafting error in the bill and there will likely be a follow-up bill in the current legislative session to move that date up.

In addition to the foreign language

and laboratory science requirements, beginning in the 2023-24 school year, students entering ninth grade will be required to take one year of a course that includes “intensive instruction in computer literacy,” but that can include English, social studies or any other course that also fulfills another graduation requirement.

Those changes were all part of a 218-page omnibus education bill that was advanced by the Legislative Black Caucus.

ISBE’s legislative affairs director Amanda Elliot said during the board meeting the additional requirements overall were intended to align the state’s graduation requirements with the admission standards at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

She also said the laboratory science requirement would not be a significant change because that content is already needed to meet the state’s learning standards for science.

“

What’s the best time to teach a foreign language? Is it not high school? What’s the second-worst time to teach a foreign language? It’s junior high. So, they did no research on this. They just added it on.”

– Christine Benson Board member

Regarding the foreign language requirements, Elliot said, “I think this was something that was a pretty large priority for the members of the Black Caucus and I don’t know that there

was much we could have done to really make any additional changes.”

Board member Christine Benson, of Ottawa, said her concerns about the foreign language requirements come from her belief lawmakers had not properly researched the issue and did not consult with ISBE before passing the bill.

“What’s the best time to teach a foreign language? It is not high school,” Benson said. “What’s the second-worst time to teach a foreign language? It’s junior high. So, they did no research on this. They just added it on.”

Morrison said she would like to see ISBE do a complete review of all of the state’s graduation requirements, an idea Board Chairman Darren Reisberg, of Chicago, said was a possibility.

Lightford did not immediately respond to a request for comment or reaction to the criticisms.

WorkNet DuPage: The Year in Review Last week, WorkNet DuPage released its annual Year in Review: Unlocking Opportunity During Crisis. During a program year unlike any other, DuPage County’s workNet center established itself as a bedrock of support during an unprecedented pandemic. By adapting to the urgent needs of both job seekers and local businesses, workNet DuPage played a crucial role mitigating the economic fallout.

Laid-off and furloughed workers turned to the Lisle-based center to participate in From Layoff to Launch, a first-of-its-kind communications program amongst workNet offices in the State of Illinois. Live weekly seminars covered everything from unemployment insurance, health care, career training, job search support, and rent assistance.

Businesses witnessed workNet DuPage expand from its traditional role providing workforce training grants and recruitment assistance.

By distributing additional funding to small companies and nonprofits, numerous entities avoided layoffs and remained open. WorkNet DuPage saved nearly 700 jobs generating a total of $36.2 million in annual wages.

More than $2M used for apprenticeships, partnerships Despite overwhelming, unforeseen disruptions, the center carried on with its primary mission: unlocking opportunities in the County’s fastest-growing industries. WorkNet DuPage awarded $2,611,641 to boost the skills of 521 job seekers mostly advancing careers in four key sectors: 42 percent of clients pursued information technology, followed by healthcare (12 percent), transportation, distribution, and logistics (11 percent), and manufacturing (10 per-

cent). Successful job training graduates collectively earned more than $17.7 million in wages.

All year long, the center promoted the value of apprenticeships, most significantly, spearheading a public-private partnership to upskill regional Ford automotive technicians and combat the alarming rate of retirements among skilled diesel and auto mechanics.

WorkNet DuPage amplified its impact by developing key partnerships. The center joined forces with the DuPage County Health Department to augment the county’s contact tracing efforts and create jobs for individuals who lost work due to the pandemic.

The center also collaborated with the DuPage County Community Services staff to offer qualified county

residents rent assistance, removing potential barriers to job training. Additionally, the center strengthened alliances with organizations such as World Relief DuPage Aurora to provide job training opportunities for the community’s most vulnerable residents. As a result of the partnership, refugees and asylum seekers saw their wages increase by an average of 40 percent.

During an historic time, workNet DuPage’s unfaltering commitment to DuPage County communities continued unabated.

By focusing on direct assistance to residents, new programming, and strategic partnerships, the center created momentum and established new tools to help job seekers and businesses navigate a post-pandemic economy.

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4B • Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

The IndependenT Your Hometown Newspaper 240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Fenton senior earns full-ride scholarship matches with Northwestern U Aixa “Audrey” Benitez Rojo was selected as a Questbridge Scholarship recipient and she matched with Northwestern University, where she plans to study Computer Science in hopes of fulfilling her dream of making technology more accessible in schools and communities throughout the world.

The QuestBridge National College Match is an equity program that connects high-achieving high school seniors from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to the nation’s top colleges.

“The Match scholarship has opened physical and mental doors for me,” Audrey said. “Thanks to Questbridge, my college options expanded far beyond the horizons my financial situation had once set; it mentally pushed me to apply to some of my dream institutions.

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

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There was no harm in giving it a try.

“Once I found out I got matched to Northwestern, all the hard work and determination I had put in throughout the journey of my education paid off.”

Audrey’s computer science teacher Mike Berago said, “the sky is the limit for Audrey” and he can’t wait to see and hear about all of her future accomplishments.

“Audrey is a perfect example of what it means to persevere and I am in awe of her accomplishments,” he said. “This is the same girl who once told me she didn’t belong in computer science. She not only received an amazing and life-changing scholarship, but she will be majoring in the same field she once felt was out of her reach.”

Berago said he’s proud of the great app mock-ups Audrey developed and the very difficult program-

ming problems she solved during her time at Fenton.

Audrey thanked Mr. Berago and many, many others for every bit of advice, support, and encouragement.

“I was lucky enough to have influential figures in my life, such as my mom and my older sister, who supported me and drove me to be the best I could,” she said. “Anyone can achieve great things if they put their mind to it, and they’ve shown me that. I am also thankful for all the supportive coaches, teachers, and counselors who accompanied me throughout my high school journey, as well as my friends, whom I know great things await them.”

Michael Berry, one of Audrey’s science teachers, said he’s proud of Audrey’s dedication, ingenuity, and hard work.

“I can’t think of a more deserving individual for this scholarship

than Audrey,” he said. “She has been nothing short of amazing in her four years here at Fenton. Going forward, Audrey is going to make a wonderful ambassador for herself and Fenton High School.”

Audrey’s counselor, Ms. Nancy Connor, said the Questbridge program is extremely competitive and a “great honor that Audrey definitely deserves.”

According to a Questbridge news release, this year’s 1,464 recipients combined for an average GPA of 3.93, and 94% of the students are in the top 10% of their graduating class.

Audrey said she’s eager to participate in Northwestern University’s influential research programs, volunteer activities, and clubs. She said she also hopes to paint a rock on the lakeshore, a longstanding tradition at Northwestern.

Police reports 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.

Jan. 20, 8:20 a.m. in the 1000 block of W. Wood St., a complainant reported she received a fraudulent email from an unknown suspect posing as an employee and made the direct deposit change.

This case is under investigation.

BEPC2100043.

Jan. 20, 10:29 a.m. in the 200 block of S. Center St., a complainant reported an online fraudulent job offer from a company

named DisperSol Technologies.

Jan. 14, 4:34 p.m. in the 1100 suspect identifying himself as a soThe complainant suffered monetary block of S. York Road, a com- cial distancing officer requesting loss. This case is under investiga- plainant reported that he received a monetary funds. This case is under tion. BEPC2100044. message via text from an unknown investigation. BEPC2100034.

Jan. 19, 10:37 a.m. in the 1000 block of W. Green St., a complainant reported that the west wall of a government agency was found to have been vandalized.

This case is under investigation.

BEPC2100042.

Jan. 18, 12:52 p.m. in the 400 block of W. Irving Park Road, Ricardo Diaz, 42, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, no driver’s license, no insurance. BEPC2100039.

Jan. 18, 2:30 p.m. in the 100 block of N. Addison St., a complainant reported that the front license plate of her vehicle was missing. This case is under investigation. BEPC2100040.

Jan. 15, 8:24 p.m. in the 1000 block of N. York Road, Steve C. Cleary, 56, of Northlake, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, operating an unin(Continued from front page) sured motor vehicle and other trafcheck for her to spend on her classes fic violations. BEPC2100037. or students however she sees fit.

Mullins was ecstatic and often put her hands on her face in disbelief.

“This has been absolutely incredible because I love teaching and I love the Chicago Bears,” she said a few days later. “Having Chairman McCaskey in my online classroom was a complete shock and such a cool thing SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing for such a busy person to do. That personal touch still blows me away.”

Fenton is distributing free meal Mullins joined Fenton’s staff in 2007 after serving in the United bundles on Tuesdays and ThursStates Army. She said she chose to days to anyone age 18 and younger teach history because history holds (or their parents). The food is free Kyra Behnke, French and ESL teacher at Fenton High all the pieces to help us make sense of charge and can be picked up usSchool, holds a sign expressing support and motivation for ing Fenton’s bus lane at any time of today. the student body as they navigate the pandemic. Last week, “I’ve had stellar teachers to look between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on either Fenton began a new Monday afternoon system, especially up to in my career,” Mullins said. day. Tuesdays will consist of three for students who may need further support as we navigate “Fenton is full of dedicated profes- breakfasts and three lunches. Thursthrough this pandemic. This initiative takes place virtually on sionals and I’m thankful to work days will consist of four breakfasts Mondays from 12:45-1:45 p.m. (Parents are asked to please and four lunches. For those who canamong them.” ensure that your child joins the GoogleMeet on time and parCongratulations, Ms. Mullins. not make it during the daytime hours, ticipates for the entire hour.) Info: contact Assistant Principal Fenton is proud of you and grateful there will also be a 4 to 6 p.m. distriEileen Roberts (roberts@fenton100.org). bution on Tuesdays only. to have you on staff.

• Mullins

Free breakfast, lunch available twice per week at Fenton

‘Monday Mentors’ lend students a hand

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 • 5

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6 • Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

CLUES ACROSS 1. Ancient Persian city 5. Spindles 11. Stake 12. Retrain 16. Close by 17. Commercial 18. One who publicly announces 19. American ballplayer 24. Junior’s father 25. Go up or climb 26. Concern 27. When you hope to get there 28. Iacocca and Oswald are two 29. Plant of the lily family 30. Male college organization 31. National capital 33. Raccoonlike animal 34. Symbols of fertility 38. Astronomy unit 39. Series of ridges in anatomy 40. Hebrew leader 43. A portent of good or evil 44. Supreme goddess 45. Gelatinous substance 49. Engage in a contest 50. Famed ballplayer Ruth 51. Pledge 53. -__, denotes past 54. Revival 56. Spanish surname 58. Gold 59. Elsa’s sister 60. Workplace 63. Large quantity of something 64. Engraved 65. Discount CLUES DOWN 1. Shoe 2. Disquiet 3. Posture 4. Large nests 5. Soviet “Second Symphony” composer 6. Joins two pipes of different diameter 7. Exist 8. Overdose 9. Pleat of fabric 10. Predict the future

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 Jan. 21 Miguel R. Gomez, 22, of Des Plaines, was charged with criminal damage to property at around 6:40 p.m. Police said Gomez threw a glass cup at a victim’s vehicle, damaging the window.

Police said Vito N. Vitulli, 63, of Roselle, turned himself in on an original warrant out of the Addison Police Department for aggravated DUI at around 3:05 p.m.

13. Burgeoning technology 14. Having made a valid will 15. Having no fixed course 20. __ route 21. Lethal dose 22. Indian musical pattern of notes 23. Athlete 27. Geological times 29. Atomic #21 30. In support of 31. Brew 32. Certificate of insurance 33. Taxi 34. Type of saying 35. For cigars 36. Phil __, former CIA 37. Local area network

38. Gym class 40. Philippine Island 41. Not great or bad 42. Eastern part of NY state 44. Gov’t lawyers 45. Constructions 46. Former British gold coin 47. Unkeyed 48. Rechristen 50. Threaten persistently 51. Southeast 52. Cools your home 54. Removes the leaves 55. Regretted 57. Thus 61. Relief organization (abbr.)

62. Exclamation of surprise Answers on page 17

and swearing at the victim in an atJan. 8 tempt to provoke the victim.

Tausha L. White, 49, of Maywood, was charged with criminal trespass at a hotel in the 1600 block of W. Lake at around 2:16 p.m. Police said officers responded to the hotel where White had returned to the property

Theft was reported at a hair salon at around 12:15 a.m. Police said an unknown suspect stole the contents from a wallet that was inadvertently left behind in a women’s restroom.

COVID-19 drive-thru testing in Wheaton to close after Jan. 29

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Jan. 13 Anthony J. Eaves, 31, of Addison, was charged with two counts of DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no insurance in the 1100 block of N. Ellsworth at around 8:43 p.m.

Retail theft was reported at a liquor store at around 6:35 p.m. Police said an unknown suspect reached behind the counter and removed a box of vape pens from display shelf and left the store without paying.

Jan. 6-Jan. 13 Residential burglary was reported in the 100 block of E. St. Charles.

Police said an unknown suspect used an unknown object to smash a small glass window on the front door sometime between 5 a.m. Jan. gento bumped a victim with his 6 and 7:30 a.m. Jan. 13. The suspect shoulder twice, and took a fighting entered and stole cash and a vaping stance with his hands up, yelling device.

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DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) will close the COVID-19 community-based drive-thru testing site located at the DuPage County Complex in Wheaton at the end of the month, with the last scheduled day set for Friday, Jan. 29.

The COVID-19 drive-thru testing site at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park will remain open with the capacity to provide up to 1,000 tests per day.

The community-based drive-thru testing site in Wheaton is closing to provide additional support to DCHD’s COVID-19 mass vaccination efforts. Over the last few months, the number of testing facilities in DuPage has increased.

Thus, residents have various options across the county for their viral testing needs, including doctor’s offices, urgent care facilities, pharmacies, and mobile sites which offer nasal swab and saliva tests.

DCHD opened the community-based testing site to meet the significant demand for COVID-19 testing from our communities in June 2020. Since then, staff at the site have collected 56,009 samples, as of Jan. 15, 2021.

Details on testing at the Odeum COVID-19 testing site will continue to be available at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park. The site is open Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Anyone can get tested, and no appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is required. Visitors are encouraged to pre-register at testdirectly.com to help reduce wait times. Please note, each individual being tested must create an account, and staff members will register anyone who does not have an email or who has not already created an account.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 • 7A

Addison Trail freshman performs on ‘Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ Anello, Chicago Children’s Choir were to sing at inauguration

As we continue to face a time of unprecedented social unrest, one Addison Trail student recently participated in an event focused on unity, peace and equity.

As a member of the Chicago Children’s Choir, freshman Angela (Ella) Anello appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Wednesday, Jan. 20 after the Presidential Inauguration. Peter CottonTale – a music producer and composer from Chicago – assembled an ensemble featuring the Angela Anello choir, Chance The Rapper, Cynthia Erivo, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras and Kofi Lost for a performance of his song “Together.” The performance, filmed in Chicago, is available on youTube.

Anello and 19 other members of the Chicago Children’s Choir were originally selected to sing as part of the inauguration program but were invited to “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” instead, following the events of Jan. 6, 2021.

“It was a really emotional, really inspiring and really cool experience,” Anello said. “It feels amazing to be part of something to make our ancestors proud that we’re standing up for blackness and our history. Our goal with this performance is to create hope and unity.”

It was a This is Anello’s first year with the Chicago Children’s Choir, really emotional, where she is part of the alto section. really inspiring She also is a member of and really cool Addison Trail’s Beginning Mixed Chorus. experience.”

“I’m excited to see what the – Angela Anello school’s music program has to offer,” she said.

“

New law on odometer disclosure Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is alerting the automobile industry, along with private party vehicle sellers, of a new federal odometer disclosure rule that increases the amount of time odometer readings must be declared at the time of a vehicle sale. The new federal rule took effect Jan. 1.

The new federal rule, which was issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is intended to help combat odometer fraud as the nation’s fleet of vehicles ages.

The average age of a vehicle in the United States is now almost 12 years, up from 7.6 years when the odometer rules were last changed in 1988.

Under this new federal rule, vehicles made in 2011 and newer will be subject to odometer disclosure for 20 years rather than the current 10 years.

Under the old rule, a 2011 vehicle would have become exempt from disclosure in 2021. Now, the odometer reading must be disclosed at the sale of a 2011 vehicle until 2031. For example, 2012 vehicles will become exempt in 2032,

and so on.

The immediate impact is that 2011 vehicles will not become odometer exempt on Jan. 1, as they would have under the old rule. The new rule applies even if the existing title says “Exempt - Model year over 9 years old.” This applies to automobile dealers and private party vehicle sellers.

Simple guidelines to help ensure compliance include: • If the vehicle is a 2011 model or newer, the seller must enter the current mileage in the Odometer Reading section of the title upon sale of the vehicle.

• If the vehicle is a 2010 model or older, the seller may check the “Exempt” box on the title.

Due to the new federal rule, the Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department must reject paperwork for sales of vehicles 2011 or newer unless the odometer disclosure is completed.

For used vehicle dealers and other businesses in the automobile industry, the new federal rule means they will be required to disclose the odometer reading on a greater number of vehicles.

P.I.E. Foundation to host pop-the-trunk donation drive Items for residents overcoming effects of COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can wear on every resource, and the Partnership for Inspired Education (PIE) Foundation will host a pop-the-trunk donation drive to help residents overcome the adverse impacts of COVID-19.

• The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 27 at Addison Trail (213 N. Lombard Road in Addison) and Willowbrook (1250 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park).

• See a list of requested items at dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=5611.

• Items received will be donated to local food pantries in school districts 4, 45, 48 and 88 communities to be distributed to needy families.

• For questions or more information, contact District 88 Director of Community Relations Dani Brink at dbrink@dupage88.net or 630-5303989.

The PIE Foundation is a 501(c)(3)

charitable organization that serves public school students in Addison School District 4, School District 45, Salt Creek School District 48 and District 88.

Founded in 2009, PIE is designed to be the foundation that supports a longterm partnership with the community, businesses, schools and, most importantly, the children served. For more information about PIE, visit piefoundation.org.

More than 46,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses administered despite limited supply DuPage County leads the state in number of inoculations As of Wednesday, Jan. 20, DuPage County leads the state with 1.39% of the population fully vaccinated.

More than 46,000 vaccines have been administered to DuPage County residents, and 12,949 persons have been fully vaccinated with two doses, according to COVID-19 vaccination data.

As the number of individuals vaccinated in the Phase 1a category increases to a substantial level, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) anticipates beginning the transition to Phase 1b starting Monday, January 25.

Based on the very limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine across the country and in DuPage County, we anticipate it may take approximately 12 weeks to vaccine the estimated 268,000 individuals in DuPage County who meet Phase 1b criteria.

Anyone who lives, works, or attends college/university in DuPage County can register for updates about where and when COVID-19 vaccine will be available at dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine. Over the coming months, people will be able to access vaccine through a health care provider, retail pharmacies, the

Health Department, and many other locations. As the vaccine supply increases, much more information will be available from all of these providers about vaccine scheduling.

Healthcare providers in DuPage County have made substantial progress in administering vaccine received into the arms of Phase 1a healthcare personnel. DCHD is receiving and distributing an average total of 13,000 Pfizer and Moderna vaccines per week. The most significant factor in how many vaccines can be administered in DuPage County is the supply of vaccine available to us each week. The vaccine supply made available to DuPage County has varied from 10,075 to 23,925 each week.

“We recognize the sense of urgency to vaccinate our residents as quickly as possible. The Health Department team is working tirelessly seven days a week to increase vaccine accessibility and to ensure everyone who wants the vaccine will get it,” stated Karen Ayala, executive director of DuPage County Health Department.

“The demand for vaccine currently exceeds the supply available to us which means it will take time to fully

vaccinate those in DuPage County.

We ask for everyone to understand that we can only administer the vaccine that is available to us each week through both the Health Department and our network of partner providers in the community.”

The Health Department is working diligently with many different partners at all levels, including hospitals, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and community leaders to expand access to vaccine through numerous sites across DuPage County. As vaccine supply increases over time and additional vaccination sites become available, the Health Department expects the rate of vaccination will increase and more information will be available about the specific locations people will be able to contact to schedule appointments for vaccine.

Furthermore, to provide additional support to the expansion of vaccination efforts in the County, the community-based drive-thru testing site in Wheaton will close at the end of this month.

The last operating day is Friday, Jan. 29. For more information regarding local testing, please visit dupagehealth.org/covid19.

Illinois awards $31.5 million in grants funded by marijuana revenue Restore, Reinvest and Renew program helps communities hit by war on drugs

By Peter Hancock

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The state announced Jan. 21 that it has awarded $31.5 million in grants to 81 community organizations around Illinois to help fund legal services for low-income residents, youth development, violence prevention and economic development in areas hardest hit by the war on drugs.

The Restore, Reinvest and Renew, or “R3” grants are funded with a portion of the state’s revenue from sales of adult-use marijuana, and they were a key element of the 2019 bill that legalized recreational marijuana in Illinois.

“We know that too many communities, disproportionately Black and brown communities throughout our state, have suffered from over incarceration and decades of disinvestment due to the failed war on drugs,”

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who chairs the R3 Program Board, said during an interview with Capitol News Illinois. “And so the R3 program was one component that was included by the members of the General Assembly, with the leadership of the Legislative Black Caucus, in particular, to make sure that we focused on restorative justice.”

The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

Under that law, the state levies an excise tax of 10 percent of the purchase price of marijuana with a THC content of 35 percent or less. Marijuana with THC levels higher than that is taxed at 25 percent of the purchase price while cannabis-infused products are taxed at 10 percent.

The law also provides that 25 percent of that revenue be used to fund grants in communities that have suffered from economic disinvestment, violence, and the severe and disproportionate damage caused by the war on drugs, which are largely low-income communities of color.

Officials said the grants an-

nounced Jan. 21 were funded with revenues from the first month of legalized sales through the present.

The deadline for submitting applications for the first round of grants was in July. Applications were submitted through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, which was also responsible for identifying communities that were eligible.

Many of those grants will help fund free legal services for low-income residents involved in civil cases, including debt collection. A report published in the Illinois Bar Journal found that as many as two-thirds of all civil cases filed in Illinois outside of Chicago in 2015 involved at least one litigant who did not have an attorney.

Prairie State Legal Services, which provides services in northern and parts of central Illinois, was awarded four grants totaling just over $1 million to provide civil legal aid, while Land of Lincoln Legal Services, which operates in central and south-

See GRANTS, Page 14

8 • Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

State Senator congratulates local grade schools on IDNR grant awards

Salt Creek school in Elmhurst among recipients

Salt Creek Primary School in Elmhurst and Stella May Swartz Elementary School in Oakbrook Terrace have received Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grants to fund the creation of butterfly gardens at each school, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) announced.

“Creating interactive, educational spaces at

our schools will teach children the importance of taking care of their environment,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Butterfly gardens will provide students with a hands-on learning opportunity about many aspects of nature including insects, pollination and native plants in Illinois.”

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program is administered by the Illinois Depart-

ment of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Fund (ICF) to support the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on the school grounds or other public places.

Funding for the program is provided through donations to the ICF. More than $329,000 in Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant funding has been distributed since the program’s incep-

tion.

Applications for the next round of Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grants will be open soon, with an application deadline of Nov. 30, 2021.

More information on applying for the next round of grants can be found on the IDNR at www2.illinois.gov/dnr/education/Pages/ GrantsSHAG.aspx

State Senator calls on young artists to enter state art contest State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton annual art contest sponsored by the Abraham (D-Western Springs) is encouraging K-12 Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and students to create and submit artwork for the the Illinois State Board of Education. This

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year’s theme is “Art Surrounds Us.” “Creating artwork allows students to express themselves, be creative and inspire the people around them,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Parents, teachers and friends: Please encourage your young, talented artists to enter. I look forward to seeing the pieces of art submitted to this statewide contest.”

The contest includes four entry levels: grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. A panel of judges selects a winner and three runners-up in each entry level.

All winners and runners-up will have their

work displayed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. One student’s work will be chosen by the judges as “Best in Show” and will be featured on a poster to celebrate the arts during Illinois Arts Education Week, which takes place March 15-19 this year.

Student submissions must be postmarked by Feb. 12, 2021 to be considered. More information on the competition and how to submit artwork can be found on the ALPLM web site at: Presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/learn/juniorhistorians/art-contest/.

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Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mindbending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box.

Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! Answers on page 17.

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IRS investigation warns taxpayers about new wave of COVID-19 scams Concern raised as second round of Economic Impact Payments are delivered

The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) is warning Illinois taxpayers about a new wave of COVID-19-related scams as the agency delivers the second round of Economic Impact Payments.

In the last several months, IRS-CI has seen a variety of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) scams and other financial schemes designed to steal money and personal information from taxpayers. Criminals are taking advantage of the second round of Economic Impact Payments – as well as the approaching filing season – to trick honest taxpayers out of their hard-earned money.

“Criminals will look for any opportunity to take what they are not entitled to and this is no exception,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Tamera Cantu, of IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office.

“This payment is meant to help those that are struggling to get by as a result of the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. Be wary of any phone calls, emails, or text messages asking for your personal information or offering a deal that seems too good to be true,” said Cantu.

count numbers and passwords).

• The organized and unofficial sale of fake at-home COVID-19 test kits (as well as offers to sell fake cures, vaccines, pills, and professional medical advice regarding unproven COVID-19 treatments).

• Fake donation requests for individuals, groups and areas heavily Common COVID-19 affected by the disease. scams include: • Bogus opportunities to invest in • Text messages asking taxpayers companies developing COVID-19 to disclose bank account informa- vaccines while promising that the tion under the guise of receiving the “company” will dramatically in$1,200 Economic Impact Payments. crease in value as a result.

• Phishing schemes using email, letters and social media messages Understand how with key words such as “Coronavi- IRS communicates rus,” “COVID-19,” and “stimulus” According to the IRS, although in varying ways. These communica- criminals are constantly changing tions are blasted to large numbers of their tactics, taxpayers can help people and aim to access personally protect themselves by acting as the identifying information and financial first line of defense. The best way account information (including ac- to avoid falling victim to a scam is

knowing how the IRS communicates with taxpayers. The IRS does not send unsolicited texts or emails. The IRS does not call people with threats of jail or lawsuits, nor does it demand tax payments on gift cards.

IRS-CI continues investigating hundreds of COVID-19-related cases with law enforcement agencies domestically and abroad and educating taxpayers about scams.

COVID-19 scams should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submitted through the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and

other emergencies.

Taxpayers can also report fraud or theft of their Economic Impact Payments to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).

Reports can be made online at TIPS. TIGTA.GOV. Taxpayers who receive unsolicited emails or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, should forward the message to phishing@ irs.gov.

Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone.

To learn more about COVID-19 scams and other financial schemes visit IRS.gov. Official IRS information about COVID-19 and Economic Impact Payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page, which is updated frequently.

Education bill to revamp social studies classes Bill also puts heavier emphasis on computer science and computer literacy

By Peter Hancock

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Social studies classes in Illinois public schools are about to get a major overhaul, with more emphasis on black history and the contributions of other underrepresented groups to American culture.

In addition, within the next few years, all school districts in the state will be required to offer computer science courses and more instruction in computer literacy.

Those are just two of the major provisions of a 218-page education equity bill, House Bill 2170, that passed during the recent lame duck session of the General Assembly with the backing of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.

Jennifer Kirmes, executive director of teaching and learning at the Illinois State Board of Education, said in an interview that the agency has been working toward updating the state’s social studies standards for

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months.

“Over the summer, we convened a working group of educators and advocates and gave that group the task of reviewing the existing Illinois social science learning standards, in particular through the lenses of equity and social justice, and to ensure that the standards aligned with the statutory mandates to teach about the contributions of underrepresented groups like African Americans and LGBTQ Americans,” Kirmes said.

“So really, what’s in the bill codifies work that we started several months ago, and are still undertaking now.”

Specifically, the bill calls on ISBE to adopt new standards by July 1 “that are inclusive and reflective of all individuals in this country.”

It also calls for establishing an “Inclusive American History Commission” to help the board develop the new standards. That 22-member commission will be charged with reviewing educational resources that teachers can use that “reflect the racial and ethnic diversity” of Illinois and the United States, providing guidance for educators on how to ensure that their class content is not biased in favor of certain cultures

(Continued from page 7) ern Illinois, was awarded three grants “What I’m really proud of is not totaling just over $230,000. just the fact that these funds are getSeveral of the grants also went to ting to communities, but I’m proud agencies that provide re-entry ser- of the way that it’s getting to commuvices for state prison inmates being nities, and that’s centered on equity,” released back into the community. Stratton said. “We made sure that we Among those was a $228,702 grant to had town halls and meetings throughLutheran Social Services in Marion. out the communities that were attendThe largest single grant announced ed by hundreds of organizations and Jan. 21, $2.5 million, was awarded hundreds of people to make sure that to the Emerald South Economic De- we were doing outreach, especially velopment Collaborative to provide a for some of the smaller organizations combination of youth development, that that might not often have had an economic development and violence opportunity to get these grant funds.” prevention services on Chicago’s Stratton said the R3 board hasn’t mid-south side. set a timeline for distributing the secA number of cities also received ond round of grants. grants for similar programs, including “We are very excited to get this first the cities of Harrisburg, Kankakee, round of grants off the ground,” she Madison, Rockford and Springfield. said.

and providing guidance on how to identify resources for “non-dominant cultural narratives.”

The bill also calls on every elementary and high school to develop a curriculum that includes one unit of studying pre-enslavement black history. That unit will cover the period from 3,000 BCE to 1619, when the first enslaved Africans were brought to America. Black history units will also have to include the study of the reasons why black people came to be enslaved and the study of the American civil rights movement.

Social studies programs in the United States have been criticized for years for putting too much emphasis on the white European origins of the original 13 colonies and the development of a predominantly white culture while paying only scant attention to the history of slavery or the contributions of people from other, non-European cultures.

“I cannot speak to what is happening in every district across Illinois and I think it’s hard to make any kind of sweeping statement about all of history education in Illinois,” Kirmes said. “Our position is that we want it to be well supported and well executed in every community.”

Kirmes said ISBE expects to have a draft of the new standards available for public comment in March. The fi-

nal standards will then be presented to the board for approval early in the summer.

In addition to revising social studies standards, the bill also tries to ensure greater access throughout the state to computer literacy programs and computer science education.

It calls on all districts to provide “developmentally appropriate opportunities” to gain computer literacy skills beginning in elementary school.

Also, starting in the 2022-23 academic year, students entering ninth grade will be required to take at least one course that provides “intensive instruction” in computer literacy.

That could be a course that also meets other graduation requirements such as math or social studies.

Beginning in the 2023-24 academic year, all districts that operate high schools will be required to offer at least one course in computer science, which is defined as “the study of computers and algorithms, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their implementation, and their impact on society.”

It does not include the study of everyday uses of computers and applications such as keyboarding or accessing the internet.

ISBE does not currently have educational standards for computer sci-

ence, Kirmes said, so those will have to be developed from scratch.

She said ISBE has already convened a group to begin drafting computer science standards and the agency expects those to be adopted this summer as well.

Other provisions of the bill call for changing the state’s high school graduation requirements so they are more closely aligned with college admission requirements at the University of Illinois.

Starting in the 2024-25 academic year, students entering ninth grade will have to complete two years of laboratory science. And beginning in the 2028-29 school year, they will be required to complete two years of a foreign language.

In the area of higher education, the bill changes the funding formula for the AIM HIGH student aid program.

Instead of splitting the cost of those grants evenly between universities and the state, schools where 49 percent or more of their undergraduate student body are eligible for federal Pell grants will only have to match 20 percent of their state allocation while schools where fewer than 49 percent of students qualify for Pell grants will have to match 60 percent of the state allocation.

The bill needs only a signature from Gov. JB Pritzker to become law.

A message from EEHealth…I had COVID-19, now what?

Millions of people in the U.S. have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

While the infection may have been unpleasant, or even serious, the fact that someone has recovered means they likely have the powerful benefit of antibody protection from reinfection, called natural immunity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states anyone who has recovered from COVID-19 can safely be around others after: • 10 days since symptoms first appeared and; • 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and;

• Other symptoms (besides loss of taste and smell, which could linger for weeks) of COVID-19 are improving.

The CDC recommends people who had an asymptomatic infection isolate themselves until 10 days have passed since their positive viral test for COVID-19.

People who were seriously ill from COVID-19 may need to wait up to 20 days before ending isolation, according to the CDC.

virus by donating convalescent plasma. Only people who have natural immunity — not vaccinated immunity — are eligible to donate convalescent plasma. Plasma (the yellow, liquid part of blood that contains antibodies) from people who have been fully recovered from COVID-19 for two weeks could be used to save the lives of people with severe illness from COVID-19.

Despite the presence of antibodies, experts say people who have recovered from COVID-19 are not necessarily immune from future infection. Studies How you can help others Those who have recovered from have shown that someone who recovCOVID-19 can make an important ered from COVID-19 isn’t likely to get contribution to the fight against the infected again, but it isn’t impossible.

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OPPORTUNITY • Driveway Sealcoating asO afficE service to our customers, l Ombard (630) 627-7010 Elmhurst OfficE (630) FREE ESTIMATES • REASONABLE RATES834-8244 “No Job Too Small” all lassifiEds at in-Print but and Ono nlnE credit at www.lor Ombardian .infOwill be in-Print and OnlnE at www.thEindEPEndEntnEwsPaPErs.cOm refund 630-832-8169 630-673-2182 issued to your account.

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PREM.30BLEND ................................... $34 Years Experience Owner Operated Since 1987 “Specializing in Quality Workmanship PREM. ALL BARK ............................. $42 246899 and Attention to Detail” BLONDE CEDAR ............................... $48 CURT’S HANDYMAN SERVICE 630-495-8077 247155 No job too small SPREADING AVAILABLE EXCELLENT REFERENCES • Gutter Cleaning ALSO TOPSOIL, GARDEN MIX, GRAVEL, • Painting •• Plumbing Tankless/water heatersReal • Sump Pumps Concrete Other Estate • Electric • Drywall Repair • Carpentry Trim • Remodels/additions • Garbage disposals MUSHROOM COMPOST, SUPER MIX, • Siding Repair • Doors Installed • Roofing 630-747-3244 • Faucets •PUBLISHER’S Power rodding NOTICE • Toilets All real SAND, FIREWOOD FREE ESTIMATES estate advertising in this newspa• curtwex1@gmail.com 370024 All your plumbing service needs AMERICAN CONCRETE per is subject to the Fair Housing SUREGREENLANDSCAPE.COM Act which makes it illegal to adALL TYPES OF CONCRETE WORK 630-796-9336 any preference, limitation HANDYMAN BILL vertise * 31 Years Experience * 847-888-9999 630-876-0111 or discrimination based on race, 369531

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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 1-800-927-9275.

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Lombard Apartments Holy Spirit. You who make me see everything and who show me the way to reach my ideal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrongs that are done to me and you who are in all the instances of my life with me. In this short dialogue I want to thank you Small, clean, one bedroom for everything and confirm once more that I never want apartment.

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vertising. Readers are cautioned to place to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those askingyour for money in advance.

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classified ads Garden

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

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

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16 • Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

High school sports restart outlook much brighter About-face by IDPH last week gives hope for basketball, football teams

Late last week the Illinois Department of Public Health pulled a stunner, announcing all COVID-19 regions of the state that reach Phase 4 mitigations can resume high school athletics competitions, including the much talked-about higher-risk sports of football and basketball.

As of last Friday, only two regions in the state had reached Phase 4 (East Central and Southern). The DuPage County region (Region 8), which encompasses York, IC Catholic Prep, Timothy Christian, Willowbrook, Addison Trail and Fenton, moved into Tier 2 or two steps away from Phase 4 (the next stop for Region 8 would be Tier 1 before reaching Phase 4).

According to an IDPH chart posted on the IHSA website, low-risk sports currently in Tier 2 can begin to play games within their conference and COVID region. Medium-risk sports

can conduct practices and intra-team scrimmages, but no games. High-risk sports in Tier 2 are allowed to stage non-contact practices and trainings.

For the current winter IHSA season that has been on hold, girls badminton, boys swimming, cheer and dance, boys and girls bowling and girls gymnastics are all low-risk sports, while boys and girls basketball remain high-risk. The IHSA said all medium-risk sports will need seven practices before starting a competition schedule, while basketball will need 12 practices before starting competitions.

Of critical interest was the IHSA’s board meeting held earlier this week that was expected to lay out a completely revised competition schedule for the remainder of the school year, including what a truncated winter sports schedule will look like.

For Independent coverage area schools (all classified in Tier 2 as of Sunday morning), winter low-risk

$

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sports can begin practice immediately and will await competition start dates coming out of that IHSA board meeting. Basketball teams may start intra-team scrimmages immediately.

Spring and summer sports, the IHSA noted, for schools in the Tier 2 phrase were able to conduct contact days starting this past Monday. All contact days must be conducted under IDPH All Sports Policy based on risk level.

This means football teams in the Independent coverage area were able to reconvene starting this week. Weight training may be conducted under Tier 2 mitigations as along as social distancing and masks are utilized.

Also of note in Phase 4, IDPH allows for the return of tournaments, out-of-conference/league play, out-ofstate play and championship games for all low-risk sports. Any sports in the medium-level category can enjoy Phase 4 designation for outdoor sports and then Phase 3 for indoor

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The DuPage Care Center is offering several ways to spread Valentine’s Day love to the residents of the center with the click of a button.

The DuPage Care Center created an Amazon Wish List featuring items the residents need. It can be found at amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3CLF3ZEGAQVRT/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex. Items will be shipped directly to the DuPage Care Center.

The list contains art supplies, inexpensive electronics, books, and other items that will help improve the residents’ quality of life. Monetary donations are also being accepted and can be made payable to the DuPage Care Center Foundation. Donations can also be mailed to the DuPage Care Center, 400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.

The DuPage Care Center is also providing Valentine’s balloons to residents to spread cheer and warm wishes. For a $4 donation, community members can send a balloon to a Care Center resident.

In the past, the public sent more than 800 heart-shaped, helium balloons to line the corridors and rooms on Valentine’s Day. Volunteers and staff delivered the balloons to more than 350 res-

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idents living at the Center, brightening their days, and bringing lots of smiles along the way.

Balloon donations will be accepted until Feb. 10, and may be sent to: DuPage Care Center, Attn: Valentine Balloons, 400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. Balloons can also be sent by visiting dpccfoundation. org/valentines-day-balloons/. Balloons will be delivered on Feb. 12.

“The past year has been especially difficult for the residents of the Care Center, and these fundraisers provide a perfect way to raise their spirits and warm their hearts,” said DuPage County Health and Human Services Chairwoman Julie Renehan. “People have always stepped up to help our residents, and we are pleased to be able to continue this tradition.”

Funds from the sale of balloons will benefit the Resident Recreation Fund, which provides programs and activities to improve the quality of life of residents living at the Center The Care Center is currently not allowing visitors, per guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control. For more information, call (630) 784-4260 or email dpcc@dupageco.org.

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er this week).

“We all need to continue to take the mitigations seriously,” he said. “Wear a mask. Socially distance. We need to get these other regions to Tier 2 and not risk having others backslide.”

Football, boys soccer, girls volleyball, boys gymnastics and boys and girls water polo are part of the IHSA’s adjusted spring season.

Those sports, as of now, are slated to begin official season practices on Feb. 15 with football games slated to start March 5 and all other spring sports scheduled to begin competitions on March 1.

Football remains a high-risk sport, while boys soccer, girls volleyball and water polo are classified as moderate risk, while boys gymnastics is the lone lower-risk sport in the spring lot.

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sports, meaning intra-conference and COVID-region games allowed, plus intra-league play/meets. High-risk sports (currently basketball in the winter, football in the spring) in Phase 4 can play against teams in their conference and COVID region only.

“This is certainly positive news, but we still have a long way to go until we get all of our student-athletes back to being active,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said in a release.

“High school student-athletes are hurting from a mental, physical and emotional standpoint, so we hope this is the first step toward getting that back to some normalcy.”

Anderson said he anticipates the IHSA board will set competition start dates for low-risk winter sports prior to the Wednesday, Jan. 27 meeting (earli-

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CORRESPONDENT

389026

By Mike Miazga

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 • 17

Slices of life

By

JILL PERTLER Contributor

I went downstairs to check his phone and decided to bring it upstairs with me. I haven’t been able to peruse his phone, other than to check news notifications.

So far, it’s felt too raw. Too painful.

But something about this morning was different; I clicked on the photos icon. And I scrolled through.

The last photo he took was of a

Answers PUZZLE 1

PUZZLE 2

piece of pumpkin pie that tasted especially good to him when he was in the hospital. It was dated Oct. 4. He passed away Nov. 16.

Ever since he got his first smartphone he’s been the family photographer. He relished in it.

Sometimes we giggled at his huge appetite for taking photos, but we went along with his wishes. He was so giddy and innocent and kid-like about it. We sometimes thought it was overboard, but we indulged him.

I’m so glad we did.

As I scrolled through, there were lots of photos of fun family times, at home and at the lake. There were lake views, holiday pics and restaurant photos, you know, the usual.

I knew he loved taking photos of us and over time I learned to smile patiently whenever we went to a restaurant, and he made a big to-do about getting up and taking my picture. In one of my favorites, I’m sitting at a table with a mirrored wall behind me so the photo features not only me, but his mirrored image holding the camera.

Of course he took photos of our granddaughter. In one video, he and I were at the fleet supply store; it must have been in the spring because they had baby chicks and ducks. The video starts out with my face, full frame.

He narrates. “Here I am with Grammy at the store, and we found some baby chicks.” Then he pans to the metal bins holding the tiny birds. As he videoed, he encouraged our granddaughter to ask her mommy for a pet ducky.

It was all fun, of course. We had a lot of fun. I miss that. I miss that a lot. We were so darn cute together.

As I continued scrolling, there were other memories, moments in time, I didn’t expect to see.

He took photo, after photo, after photo – of me. Many of them were taken without my even knowing.

What I didn’t understand then, but do now, is when I wasn’t paying attention, when I wasn’t smiling or even looking at the

camera, he was still capturing moments in time. He was still capturing me.

He took countless pictures of me sitting on the boat, staring at the water. Many don’t include my face, but the back of my head. He captured my profile at sunset. He caught me with my feet up, eyes closed and sunbathing. Whenever he had a moment and thought about his camera and it was just the two of us, he took a photo of me.

From my perspective, this demonstrates an undying, true and beautiful love. He could have taken a photo of the gorgeous sunset, or loons on the lake but he chose to focus his camera on me, much like he focused his life on me. Now, looking back, this sentiment is even more breathtakingly beautiful than a sunset could ever be.

He loved me even when I wasn’t looking. What more could a girl wish for or want than that?

I miss you, Thom. I treasure the photos you took. Thank you for doing that.

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

TO BUY OR SELL A HOUSE CALL EVA TODAY! Eva Sanchez, REALTOR

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It’s been nearly two months, and I still keep his phone charged. I check it each morning. We didn’t share the same thumbprint, but I knew his password, as he did mine.

It was like that between us. We shared almost everything.

I know taking his phone off the account would save me money, but somehow it doesn’t feel right quite yet – to disconnect him. It feels too much like disconnecting with him, and I’ll never be ready for that.

We always used to share a charging cord. Still do. I charge at night and then plug him in during the day.

Early this morning, sleep was elusive, as it often is right now.

When I wasn’t looking

18 • Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

388895

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 • 19

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20 • Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

435 North York Street • Elmhurst, Illinois

www.PedersenRyberg.com info@pedersenryberg.com 630-834-1133

Robert “Bob” Chapelle has served many families at Pedersen Ryberg over the last 30+ years and we are excited to have him back!

He is truly committed to each family that walks through the door and treats them as his own.

Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home is dedicated to providing a full range of services by our staff of compassionate professionals. From pre-planning and pre-funding to an unexpected death, we are here for you and your family 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - no matter the situation.

For well over fifty years, we have been providing meaningful and proven options with total respect in keeping with family values (and budget) - whether a traditional funeral, celebration of life, burial, entombment, or cremation. We strive to respect your wishes with uncompromised quality and value and help create a way to memorialize yourself or a loved one. Our commitment and goal is to assist families in any way we can during what is considered one of the most difficult times in their lives.

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