BI020923

Bensenville Independent

also serving Wood dale

THURSDAY, FEB. 9, 2023

Former parish president accused of stealing from St. Demetrios Church Bond for Addison resident set at $100,000

By Dee Longfellow

FOR THE ADDISON INDEPENDENT

According to a release issued on Friday, Feb. 3 by DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean, a former parish President of the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Elmhurst had been charged with stealing approximately $700 from church memorial donations.

Peter Barkoulies, 68, of Addison, appeared before Judge Margaret O’Connell who set bond at $100,000 with 10% to apply. Barkoulies has been charged with four counts of Burglary to a Place of Worship, a Class

1 Felony.

According to the release, located inside the church is a memorial table where parishioners insert money through a slot as a free-will offering. Barkoulies had served as parish President from 2019-21 and in that role, he was given a key to the memorial box during that time. The key is typically passed from president to president at the completion of their term. It was later determined that Barkoulies had never returned the key at the end of his service, as required.

According to the investigation, it is alleged that on four separate occasions between the dates of Thursday,

Park District tabs DeMoss to lead recreation department

The Bensenville Park District has hired a familiar face in the area to lead its recreation team. Leslie DeMoss comes to Bensenville after serving as Addison Park District’s superintendent of recreation and revenue facilities.

“We are thrilled to announce that Leslie has joined our team,” said executive director Joseph C. Vallez. “He brings many years of experience in community-based programming. Leslie’s experience will assist our staff in putting out great programs for our community.”

DeMoss says his passion for parks and recreation comes directly from his childhood in Chicago. He was raised by a single father after his mother passed away when he was 11

years old and spent his days at the local parks participating in sports and other activities.

“I had a wonderful childhood thanks to the Chicago Park District recreation staff. The local park was a haven filled with fun, challenges and opportunities,” he said. “Early on, I decided to become a parks and recreation professional in the hopes of making positive contributions to others.”

Early in his career, DeMoss worked full time as a recreation supervisor for the Chicago Park District while at the same time pursuing his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University. There, he developed a three-season youth sports program that started with 38 children and grew to 500 participants.

After working for the Chicago Park District, DeMoss was recruited

See LEAD, Page 4

Dec. 8, 2022, and Tuesday, Jan. 25, Barkoulies accessed the money slot in the memorial table with the key that he had not returned. It is alleged that in all, Barkoulies stole approximately $700 from the church. Barkoulies’ alleged thefts were discovered when church officials grew suspicious when they discovered funds were missing from the memorial table contributions. On Friday afternoon, leaders in the church contacted the Elmhurst Police Department, which began an investigation, after which Barkoulies was located and taken into custody.

“The allegations against Mr. Barkoulies are very disheartening,” Berlin

said. “As parish President, Mr. Barkoulies was entrusted with the well-being of the parish. He allegedly betrayed that trust by treating the parish’s memorial table as his own personal piggy bank.

“I thank authorities at St. Demetrious for bringing this matter to the attention of law enforcement. I also thank the Elmhurst Police Department.”

“Mr. Barkoulies’ alleged betrayal of trust to this religious institution is very disappointing,” Chief McLean said. “However, the church community should be thankful for the proactive cooperation between church leadership, the Elmhurst Police De-

partment, and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office to stop these thefts from continuing and bring the individual allegedly responsible to justice.”

Barkoulies’ next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1, for arraignment in front of Judge O’Connell.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Report card time

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

The Very Reverend Tom Paul presents a kindergartener with her report card at Immaculate Conception Grade School.

Leslie DeMoss

Two Addison Trail wrestlers win individual regional titles

Duarte and Olascoaga deliver championship efforts at the Oak Park/River Forest Regional

STAFF REPORT

A pair of Addison Trail juniors won individual titles at Saturday’s IHSA 3A wrestling regional at Oak Park/River Forest High School.

Martin Duarte and Elmer Olascoaga captured individual titles for the Blazers at the regional. Duarte won the 160-pound title at the regional, while Olascoaga captured the event’s 195-pound championship.

Duarte and Olascoaga will join one other Addison Trail wrestler in this week’s individual sectional at Conant High School. The top four finishers in each of the sectional’s weight levels will qualify for the IHSA Class 3A individual state meet, which takes place Feb. 16-18 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.

Duarte received a first-round bye at the regional. He then earned a first-period pin in the semifinal round. Duarte produced another first-period pin in the 160-pound final, beating Leyden junior Brian Gonzalez about one minute into the match.

Duarte will enter this week’s sectional with an overall season record of 24-5.

Olascoaga also received a firstround bye at the regional. He pinned his opponent in the second period of a semifinal match. Olascoaga pinned York senior Anthony Mancini in the second period of the 195-pound final.

Olascoaga will head to the sectional with a season record of 16-6.

Addison Trail freshman Josh Amorn-Vichet earned a sectional berth with his third-place finish in

the 120-pound level at Saturday’s regional. Amorn-Vichet, who earned a 9-2 win over his opponent in the 120-pound division’s third-place match, will enter the sectional with a 21-11 season record.

The Blazers finished fourth in the team standings of the six-team regional with their total of 90 points. York won the regional’s team title with its score of 230.5 points.

Willowbrook

Willowbrook senior Isaiah Smith earned an individual berth in this week’s Class 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional with his second-place finish in the 132-pound weight level of Saturday’s Glenbard East Regional in Lombard.

Smith opened the regional by pinning his opponent in the first period of a quarterfinal match. Smith then won his semifinal match with a second-period pin. Smith lost a 5-3 decision to Wheaton Warrenville South junior Cooper Hollis in the 132-pound final.

Smith will enter the sectional with an overall season record of 24-12.

Smith was the only Willowbrook wrestler to earn a berth in the sectional. The top three finishers in each weight class at the Glenbard East Regional advanced to the sectional.

Three Warriors—junior Noah Brockie, senior Darren Jackowiak and sophomore Elias Samayoa— earned fourth-place finishes at the regional. Brockie finished fourth in

the 145-pound level and completed the season with a record of 27-16.

Jackowiak, who placed fourth in the 152-pound division, finished the season with a 24-20 record. Samayoa wound up fourth in the heavyweight level and wrapped up the season with a 28-16 record.

Willowbrook placed seventh in the team results of the eight-team regional with its total of 52.5 points. Naperville Central won the regional title with its score of 213.5 points.

Right: Senior Isaiah Smith of the Willowbrook wrestling team earned a berth in this week’s IHSA Class 3A individual sectional at Hinsdale Central when he turned in a second-place finish in the 132-pound weight level of Saturday’s Glenbard East Regional. Smith, who is pictured on the awards stand at the regional, opened the regional with a first-period pin in the quarterfinal round. He delivered a second-period pin in the semifinal round to advance to the regional’s 132-pound championship match. Smith lost a 5-3 decision in the regional final. The top three finishers in each weight class at the Glenbard East Regional qualified for this week’s Hinsdale Central Sectional. The top four finishers in each weight level at the sectional will advance to the IHSA individual state meet in Champaign.

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Blazers’ girls bowlers win a regional title; Willowbrook takes second

Both teams advance to this week’s Hinsdale Central Sectional

STAFF REPORT

The Addison Trail and Willowbrook girls bowling teams claimed the top two spots in the team standings of Saturday’s 12-team IHSA Hinsdale South Regional at Bowlero in Woodridge. Both teams advanced to this week’s Hinsdale Central Sectional at Suburbanite Bowl in Westmont.

Addison Trail won the regional title with its overall score of 5,326. Willowbrook finished second with its total of 5,248. York (5,159) claimed third, while Downers Grove North (5,030) secured fourth, narrowly edging out fifth-place Downers Grove South (5,020) for the last available team spot in the sectional.

The top four teams at the Hinsdale South Regional advanced to the team competition of this week’s Hinsdale Central Sectional. Twelve teams will battle in that sectional’s team competition. The top four teams at the sectional will qualify for the upcoming IHSA state meet, which takes place Feb. 17-18 at the Cherry Bowl in Rockford.

Addison Trail sophomore Val Pizzoferrato led the Blazers to their regional title with her six-game regional total of 1,112 (an average of 185.3 per game). Senior Kylie Fiermuga, who nearly matched Pizzoferrato’s total, contributed a six-game regional score of 1,109 for Addison Trail. Senior Hannah Melone (1,079), sophomore Amelia Leslie (1,014) and sophomore Grace Cannizzo (1,012) rounded out the Blazers’ regional lineup.

Pizzoferrato, who wound up ninth in the regional’s individual standings, bowled her best game of the event in her second game, when she fired a 257. Fiermuga, who placed 10th among all individuals at the regional, also bowled her best game of the event in her second game, when she rolled a 206.

Melone rolled a 223 in her fourth game at the regional. She finished 12th in the event’s individual standings. Leslie and Cannizzo placed 19th and 20th, respectively, in the regional’s individual competition. Leslie fired a 190 in her fourth game of the day, while Cannizzo shot a 189 in her fifth game.

Addison Trail led Willowbrook by 18 pins through five games at the regional. The Blazers outscored the Warriors 890 to 830 in the sixth and final game to beat the Warriors by 78 pins. Addison Trail outscored York by 116 pins (890 to 774) in the final game. The Blazers led the Dukes by 51 pins with one game to play.

Willowbrook bowling

Junior Jacquelyn Porro led Willowbrook to its second-place finish at the regional with her six-game total of 1,169 (an average of 194.8 per game). Porro finished fifth in the event’s individual standings. She turned in her best game of the regional in her second game, when she rolled a 246. Porro added a 227 in her fourth game of the day.

Junior Olivia Williams of Willowbrook, who placed sixth in the regional’s individual competition, con-

tributed a six-game score of 1,147. Williams posted her best game of the regional—a 218—in her third game.

Willowbrook senior Brianna Smalling (1,059) placed 13th in regional’s individual standings. Smalling produced her best game of the regional when she fired a 230 in her third game.

Junior Lauren Carson of the Warriors supplied a six-game total of 951. Carson delivered her best game of the regional when she bowled a 190 in her first game.

Willowbrook junior Annabelle Thompson bowled four games at the regional and turned in an overall score of 644, which included a 195 in her final game of the day. Junior Maddie Wolf bowled two games for the Warriors at the regional. She provided game scores of 150 and 128.

Addison Trail girls gymnastics

Addison Trail senior Maddie Muccianti earned an automatic sectional berth with her fourth-place finish in floor exercises at last week’s Wheaton Warrenville South Regional. Muccianti received a score of 8.9 for her routine on the floor during the Jan. 30 regional. She also earned an at-large sectional berth on the uneven bars with her regional score of 8.05. That score produced a seventh-place finish for Muccianti at the regional.

Addison Trail finished fourth in the team standings of the Wheaton Warrenville South Regional with its total of 120.85. DeKalb won the regional title with its score of 141.275. Wheaton Warrenville South (138.15) finished second, while Kaneland (120.975) claimed third.

Muccianti landed in ninth place in the regional’s all-around standings with her score of 31.25. Junior Nicolette Franczak of the Blazers delivered an eighth-place score of 31.55 in the regional’s all-around competition.

This week’s sectional competitors will attempt to qualify for the IHSA state meet, which will take place Feb. 17-18 at Palatine High School. The top five finishers in each event of this week’s four sectionals will automatically qualify for the state meet.

Willowbrook’s girls bowling team competed in Saturday’s 12team IHSA Hinsdale South Regional. The Warriors earned a second-place finish in the regional’s team standings to advance to this week’s Hinsdale Central Sectional. Addison Trail won the regional title. York and Downers North placed third and fourth, respectively. The top four teams at the regional advanced to this week’s sectional, which will be held at Suburbanite Bowl in Westmont. Willowbrook’s regional lineup, pictured clockwise from the bottom, included: junior Annabelle Thompson, junior Maddie Wolf, senior Brianna Smalling, junior Jacquelyn Porro, junior Olivia Williams and junior Lauren Carson. The top four teams at the Hinsdale Central Sectional will qualify for the IHSA state meet.

IndependenT

Your Hometown Newspaper

240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900

The Independent is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126.

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The Independent is mailed to the 60101, 60106 and 60181 zip code areas for $15.95 yearly. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $29.95 yearly. For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

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Bensenville Park District plans ‘Beautiful Maine’ trip in May Includes

Kennebunkport, Pineland Farms, Portland waterfront, lighthouses

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, “When the warm sun, that brings Seed-time and harvest, has returned again, ‘Tis sweet to visit the still wood where springs the first flower of the plain.” With that in mind, the Bensenville Park District is offering an opportunity to see Longfellow’s boyhood home and more as part of its spring “Beautiful Maine” trip.

The nine-day-eight-night-trip from May 13-21 includes motorcoach transportation, lodging, 14 meals (eight breakfasts and six dinners), a tour of historic Victoria Mansion, a stop at Boothbay Railway village and its vintage train, a visit to the Seashore Trolley Museum with a countryside trolley ride, a guided tour of picturesque Pineland Farms, and guided tours of Portland--Maine’s largest city by the sea -- quaint Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.

Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine, in 1807 and became a national literary figure by the 1850s. While in Portland, the tour will stop at the urban oasis that is his home and garden, sea captains’ houses, Portland Head Lighthouse—the most photographed lighthouse in America— and enjoy free time at the historic Portland waterfront, home to unique shops and eateries.

Built between 1858 and 1860, Victoria Mansion is a national historic landmark, an elegant, historic home in Portland featuring spectacular architecture, stunning interiors and exquisite, original furnishings. It contains more than 90 percent of the original interiors, including almost

• Lead

(Continued from front page)

to manage the 110,000 square-foot recreation facility at the Elk Grove Park District. As the West Chicago Park District Superintendent, DeMoss supervised recreational programming, special events and all marketing initiatives and was able to expand programs, camps and rentals through strategic planning, team building and mentoring.

DeMoss spent nearly four years at the Addison Park District, restructuring the recreation department and growing annual golf revenue from $425,000 to $1.23 million.

He describes his leadership style as flexible.

“I coined the term ‘liquid leadership’ to explain my adaptable leadership abilities. ‘Liquid leadership’ is the ability to adapt to a variety of settings, teams and conditions while infusing excellence into organizations to achieve goals.”

His first priority at the Bensenville Park District will be learning the community, the park district and his staff in order to continue delivering quality programs.

“I am fortunate to have had many successful experiences, but nothing has been as rewarding as instilling confidence into the lives of young people as they learn a new sport or activity.”

all the original wall paintings by Italian-born artist Giuseppe Guidicini, a master of the trompe l’oeil style (meaning, fool the eye).

The tour of Pineland Farms includes the beautiful rural landscape of a working farm. Visitors will explore the Holstein Dairy Barn and see the award-winning dairy cows. The adventure continues at the creamery, where award-winning cheese is made. The Pineland Farms Market offers Maine-made gifts and gourmet food.

Boothbay Railway Village provides 35 acres of Maine history where visitors ride an authentic, narrow-gauge steam locomotive sur-

rounded by 28 historic Maine structures preserved in a recreated village of buildings from across the state and see a collection of 60 antique autos or experience model trains as never before.

The guided tour of the Maine coastal villages of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport include Dock Square, a drive by the estate of President George H.W. Bush at Walker’s Point and coastline comparisons of Kennebunk beaches. Explore the gardens and shrines of the Franciscan Monastery and during free time, visit the quaint shops and eateries in downtown Kennebunkport.

At the Seashore Trolley Museum,

visitors enjoy a trolley ride through the Maine countryside on an authentically restored streetcar. The trip continues with a lobster dinner and visit the L.L. Bean flagship store.

The trip also makes stops at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie, Penn., as well as Verona’s Turning Stone Casino and the Made in America Store in Elma, both in New York.

The fee is $1095 per person based on double occupancy, and $1250 for single. The minimum age to travel on this trip is 21. Register by Friday, March 3 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Street, Bensenville, or by calling 630-766-7015.

Wood Street to host ‘Ladies Night Mini Yoga Retreat’

According to the rhythm and blues band Kool and the Gang, “It’s Ladies’ Night and the feeling’s right.” Wood Street Fitness is promising its two-hour ‘Ladies Night Mini Yoga Retreat’ will have participants feeling right. The special event will be Friday, Feb. 24 from 6-8 p.m., at the Deer Grove Leisure Center (DGLC), 1000 W. Wood Street.

“Participants will leave feeling better in their body, calmer in the mind and more connected in life,” said fitness supervisor Silvia Acevedo.

The evening begins with gentle stretching and pranayama (breath work), followed by a guided self-facelifting massage and lymphatic drainage using essential oils. After a short break with a healthy, organic snack and infused water, they will enjoy a restorative Hatha Yoga practice, suitable for all levels. The program concludes with a fully relaxing yoga Nidra session.

Hatha yoga is a traditional category of yoga that is based on practices that balance mental and physical health through breath and movement and it’s designed to leave participants feeling calm and balanced both inside and out.

Yoga Nidra could be described as “yogic sleep”. Participants lie on their backs as the instructor leads them through a guided meditation about their body meant to bring deep relaxation for the body as well as the mind.

The ‘Ladies Night Mini Yoga Retreat’ is open to females aged 18 and over, and enrollment is limited to 20 people to fit comfortably in the DGLC’s Exercise Room. Register by Monday, Feb. 20, at the DGLC, or call 630-766-7015. The fee is $25, but those living within Bensenville Park District boundaries receive a $2 discount ($23 in-district rate).

Wood Street Fitness is a full-service fitness center, offering ma-

chine- and free-weights in addition to group fitness classes. Annual fitness center membership rates are $184 ($153 for in-district adults 17 and over). Couples rates are $306 ($255 in-district). Senior rates are available for patrons 55 and older, and fees are just $143 ($112 in-district). Those 12 to 16 years of age are $153 per year and $112 for those living within Bensenville Park District boundaries.

The Core Class Pass allows for unlimited access to all group fitness classes, excluding premier classes and special events. The annual membership fee is $360 with a discounted rate of $300 for in-district patrons. The Core Class Pass can also be added to a regular Wood Street Fitness Center annual membership for an additional fee of $204. A complete schedule of group fitness classes offered by Wood Street Fitness may be found at WoodStFitness.com/Classes.

Danhouser wins U.S. Soccer

‘Adapt and Thrive’ Disability Award

Serves on the board for diversity, inclusion in soccer

On Tuesday, Jan. 18, U.S. Soccer announced that Shawn Danhouser had won the second annual ADAPTandTHRIVE Disability Award, which recognizes an individual who is making an impact in the United States’ broad landscape of Disability soccer. Danhouser is also a coach at Addison United in Addison.

Shawn Danhouser

“I am so pleased to see Shawn being recognized in this way, as he has dedicated so much of his life to creating and providing opportunities for players with disabilities to access the game,” said U.S. Soccer sr. director of technical and grassroots of extended national teams Stuart Sharp. “We are lucky to have so many active coaches in this area of the game, and this award allows us to celebrate the work they are doing week in and week out. In what was a very tight voting category, Shawn

is a very deserving winner.”

Danhouser earned the honor after serving on the Board for Diversity and Inclusion in Soccer with the US Soccer Coaches community, as well as for his work with US Youth Soccer’s TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer), a community-based training program for athletes with intellectual, emotional and/or physical disabilities to play the game in a safe, fun and supportive environment

“This is a fantastic honor and I’m humbled,” said Danhouser. “I was up against some really good competition and I’m just really grateful toward U.S. Soccer and everyone who cast a vote. I’ll continue to do as much good work as I can in my career to help out these great organizations.”

Danhouser is also a member of the Disabilities Allies Coaches Community, dedicated to providing resources and information, raising awareness, and creating a community for coaches of athletes with disabilities and coaches with disabilities to share experiences and ideas.

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. 29

Jose A. Rivera, 47, of Berwyn, was charged with two counts of DUI and improper lane usage near Addison and Green Meadows at 12:18 a.m.

Jan. 28

Pablo J. Hernandez Funes, 50, of Addison, was charged with two counts of DUI near Fullerton and Addison at 3:11 a.m.

Jan. 27

Ludin Alejandro Chavez, 27, of Addison, was charged with endangering the life of a child at 12:53 a.m.

Kaja I. Stanisz, 24, of Bartlett, was charged with DUI, resisting a police officer, improper lane usage and no insurance in the 600 block of Briar Hill at 12:44 a.m.

Jan. 26

Police said Agurio Vargas-Flores, 39, of Addison, was issued a warrant near Lake and Mill at 8:58 p.m.

A 25-year-old Chicago man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 500 block of N. Mill at 11:26 a.m.

Jan. 22

Fernando Aguilera, 18, of Addison, was charged with aggravated battery, obstructing an officer, criminal trespass to a building and consumption of liquor by a minor in the 500 block of W. Green Oaks at 9:52 p.m.

Jan. 21

Police said Tina George, 36, of Addison, was issued a warrant in the 1700 block of W. Army Trail.

Jan. 20

Julian J. Senase, 27, of Addison, was charged with DUI and speeding over 40 mph over the limit in the 100 block of S. Villa at 2:48 a.m.

A 29-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 700 block of N. Swift at 3:35 a.m.

Jan. 18

Juan Santiago Lopez, 21, of Addison, was charged with DUI and making an improper U-turn near Lake and Michigan at 8:13 p.m.

Jan. 17

Jerry John, 41, of Addison, was charged with obstructing identification in the 1700 bloc of W. Army Trail at 1:44 a.m.

Jan. 16

Julio C. Cruz-Sanchez, 48, of Addison, was charged with DUI, illegal possession/transportation of liquor by a driver, speeding and improp-

er lane usage near Lake and Mill at 2:25 a.m.

Jan. 15

Alexis Cruz-Martinez, 27, of Addison, was charged with wo counts of DUI near Mill and Army Trail at 1:45 a.m.

Moises Ramos Chable, 34, of Mount Prospect, was charged with DUI and improper lane usage near Lake and Grand at 1:54 a.m.

Elvis J. Salas-Bastardo, 32, of Addison, was charged with speeding 30-39 mph over the limit and two counts of DUI near Army Trail and Heritage at 9:37 p.m.

Jan. 14

Shanna B. Arnett, 44, of Lombard, was charged with DUI and speeding near Army Trail and Swift at 10:31 p.m.

Sipriano A. Tomas Garcia, 31, of Addison, was charged with DUI and improper parking near School and Byron at 3:40 a.m.

Jan. 13

Pierre Alei Carll Moton, 20, of Chicago, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon on person near Army Trail and Swift at 10:01 p.m.

Justin Alexander Cosby, 22, of Chicago, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon on person and speeding 40 mph or above over the speed limit near Army Trail and Swift at 9:59 p.m.

Jan. 12

Jesus Macias, 42, of Addison, was charged with DUI, illegal transportation/possession of liquor by a driver and driving while license suspended in the 800 block of College.

Jan. 11

Juan R. Gutierrez-Rivas, 57, of Addison, was charged with three counts of violation of an order of protection at 12:45 p.m.

Villa Park

Jan. 27

Police said Gina A. Auriene (homeless), 60, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant out of DuPage County at 3:47 p.m.

A complainant at a store in the 300 block of N. Illinois reported at 5 p.m. that a suspect was damaging multiple items in the store.

Michael J. Ducksworth, 35, of Harvey, was charged with felony possession or use of a weapon/firearm/ammunition when on parole, receiving, possession or selling a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing or attempting to elude a police office in a vehicle, resisting or obstructing a police officer, reckless driving and driving while license suspended near Summit and Roosevelt at 12:08 a.m.

Jan. 26

A complainant at a hotel in the 1-100 block of W. Roosevelt reported at 1:20 a.m. a subject threw their laptop off the balcony after the complainant argued with the subject.

A complainant in the 400 block of N. Douglas reported at 1:30 p.m. that a suspect battered them.

Jan. 25

Retail theft was reported at a store in the 200 block of E. Roosevelt at 11 p.m. A complainant reported that several unknown suspects removed multiple bottles of alcohol from display shelves and left the store without paying.

Jan. 24

A 23-year-old Chicago man was charged with two counts of domestic battery at a hotel in the 300 block of E. Roosevelt at 6:42 p.m.

Jan. 23

Shannon D. Harper, 23, of Streamwood, was charged with retail theft/ displayed merchandise exceeding $300 at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 at 12:31 p.m.

Theft was reported at a business in the 900 block of N. Ellsworth at 1:14 p.m. A complainant reported that an unknown suspect removed propane tanks from a secured fence.

Theft was reported at a hotel in the 1-100 block of W. Roosevelt at 3:35 p.m. A complainant reported that suspects removed a wallet from their room.

Jan. 22

A 39-year-old Chicago man was charged with two counts of domestic battery, theft and unauthorized control/possession of cannabis near E. St. Charles and N. Villa at 1:37 a.m.

A complainant in the 400 block of N. Hamilton reported at 8:57 a.m. that an unknown suspect was harassing them.

Jan. 18

Retail theft was reported in the 900 block of S. Route 83 at 8:32 p.m. A complainant reported that a suspect under-rang items while checking out.

Fraud, identity theft

According to information provided last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported one incident 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.

Jan. 31, 6:37 p.m. in the 1300 block of Irving Park Road, a victim reports someone stole a package he ordered from his apartment complex. The incident is under investigation.

BEPC2300111

Jan. 30, 1:41 p.m. in the lobby of police station, Ernesto Candia-Campos, 49, of South Elgin, turned himself in on an outstanding warrant. He was taken into custody, processed, issued a court date, posted bond and released.

BEP23001211

Jan. 29,7:43 AM, at the Edge Ice Arena an unidentified male threw a pallet through the window of a municipal vehicle. The incident is under

investigation. BEPC2300103

Jan. 29, 9:27 a.m. in the 1000 block of Argyle, officers responded to verbal argument. Police said Freddy Lopez Garcia of Bensenville, was discovered to have a failure to appear warrant. He was transported to the station for processing, then transported to the DuPage County Jail.

BEPC2300104

Jan. 29, 1:28 p.m. in the 400 block of N. Wood St, a stone angel statue at St Alexis Church was spray-painted with red paint sometime overnight. The incident is under investigation.

BEPC2300105

Jan 29, 2:50 p.m. near Minor and Memorial, graffiti found on the sidewalk by a resident. Public works was notified for removal. BEPC2300106

Jan. 28, 1:20 a.m. near Jefferson and County Line Road, Marcus Greene, 31, of Palatine, was arrested for criminal damage to property. Police said Greene was upset after crashing into the structure and struck the main entrance glass door with a closed fist, shattering it. He was transported to the station for processing, issued complaints, a court date and released, BEPC2300098

Jan. 28, 11:55 p.m. in the 700 block of Larsen Lane, two victims report being battered and robbed of items by three males—one with a

knife. The incident is under investigation, BEPC22000101

Jan. 27, 2:51 p.m. in the lobby of the police station, Francisco Arizmendi-Garcia, 38, of Carpentersville, turned himself in on an outstanding warrant. He was taken into custody, processed, issued a court date, posted bond and released. BEPC2300093

Jan. 27, 2:51 p.m. in the lobby of the police station, Oscar Gil-Sandoval, 47, of Chicago, turned himself in on an outstanding warrant. He was taken into custody, processed, issued a court date, posted bond and released. BEPC2300094

Jan. 27, 4 a.m. in the 500 block of E Jefferson, graffiti was discovered on the White Pines event sign. Photos taken for evidence; the incident is under investigation. BEPC2300092

Jan. 26, 10:09 a.m. in the 100 block of Grand Avenue, a victim states a person cashed a fraudulent check. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2300088

Jan. 26, 5:02 p.m. in the 200 block of W. Grand, Laura Schneider, 59, of Melrose Park, was taken into custody and charged with deceptive practice. Reference case BEPC2300088. She was brought to the station for processing and then transported to the DuPage County Jail. BEPC2300089

Appellate court upholds restraining order on assault weapons ban

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A temporary restraining order that partially blocks Illinois’ new assault weapons ban from being enforced will remain in place after a divided state appellate court panel’s ruling Jan. 31.

The restraining order was issued Jan. 20 by Effingham County Circuit Judge Joshua Morrison, but it applies only to the 800 or so gun owners and firearms dealers named as plaintiffs in the suit. The case was filed by southern Illinois attorney Thomas DeVore, the unsuccessful Republican candidate for attorney general in 2022.

In a 2-1 ruling, the justices said plaintiffs in the case made a plausible argument that the law violates their rights to equal protection under the law. Under the law, some categories of people—active and retired law enforcement officers, correctional officers and military personnel on active duty, for example—may purchase and possess those weapons. Other groups, such as retired military personnel or those who are not on active duty, are barred from obtaining assault-style weapons after Jan. 1, 2024.

Attorneys for the state argued that it was reasonable to exempt certain groups of people who have extensive training in the use of such firearms. But the court majority rejected that argument, saying: “The fundamental rights at stake require lawmakers to ‘narrowly tailor’ legislation to effec-

tuate its purpose.”

“Perhaps, as suggested during the circuit court hearing, some of the plaintiffs’ employment render them more or equally qualified to possess and purchase weapons than the qualifications required for the exempted classes,” the justices wrote. “Perhaps, some of the plaintiffs’ training is equal to, or superior to, that of the exempted classes.”

In accepting the argument that equal protection rights are at stake, the appellate court also rejected arguments that the General Assembly violated the Illinois Constitution’s requirements that bills deal with only one subject, that they be read three times on different days in both chambers, and the guarantee of due process.

Justice Barry L. Vaughn wrote the decision. Justice Mark M. Boie concurred in the opinion while Justice James R. Moore dissented in part, saying he would have overturned the circuit court entirely by rejecting the equal protection argument.

The law passed through the General Assembly during its lame duck session in January. Although a House Committee held extensive hearings on the bill in December, there was not enough time in the brief lame duck session to meet the constitution’s three-reading requirement.

In order to get around that requirement, they used a common procedure known as a “gut-and-replace,”

In 2-1 ruling, court says law likely violates equal protection guarantee

Illinois’ COVID-19 disaster proclamation to end in May

State emergency orders will end in tandem with national public health emergency

By Hannah Meisel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Exactly 38 months after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, Illinois will no longer be under a disaster proclamation as of May 11, Gov.

JB Pritzker announced Tuesday.

That’s the same day President Joe Biden will end the national public health emergency, which just passed the three-year mark last week. The White House announced the May 11 end date on Jan. 30.

Pritzker had declared a public

Coming events

health emergency two days before the WHO’s pandemic determination and has renewed his disaster proclamation every 30 days since then.

The repeated proclamations gave the governor authority for COVID-related actions such as closing schools, issuing stay-at-home orders and mandating masks and vaccines. But they were a source of consternation for Pritzker’s political opponents.

The governor had slowly rolled back his COVID-19 mandates over the past year, including an action in

October when he reversed the requirement for vaccines, testing and masks in health care settings.

But Illinois is still one of seven states with some sort of COVID-related emergency proclamation on its books.

These disaster declarations have allowed those states—including Republican-run Texas—to continue benefiting from COVID-era bumps in federal reimbursements for programs like Medicaid, additional benefits for those on food stamps and the ability to quickly deploy emergency

Editor’s note: Unless otherwise specified, learn more about these events and programs at: addisonlibrary.org/ events or call 630-543-3617.

Monday, Feb. 13

Google Drive basics

From 7-8 p.m. in the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library, get to know how to store and share files in Google Drive. Discover how Google Drive keeps files safe and secure. Practice using your drive and get helpful tips about how to keep it organized. Part of our Technology Made Simple series; learn more and sign

Thursday, Feb. 16

Monthly meditation

From 10-11 a.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Addison Public Library, join friends old and new in-person to discover the life changing effects of meditation. No experience required.

Friday, Feb. 17

Free time Fridays

From 11 a.m.-noon at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library, join us for crafts, games, light refreshments, conversation, and fun with friends old and new. We’ll do something different each time we meet and it will always be a fun treat.

Saturday, Feb. 18

Care Con

From 1-4 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, join community partners and friends for an afternoon of music, movement, and play to support mental health. Practice self-care with activities and crafts and learn about community resources for when you need extra support. We’ll have chances to win raffle prizes throughout the afternoon; all ages welcome.

Monday, Feb. 20

16 steps to starting a business while working fulltime

From 6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom via the Addison Public Library, do you want to create your own business, but need the security of your full-time job? Developing a company while still employed is not only possible but actually offers several benefits. At this highly interactive discussion, we will share how you can develop your own business while working full time. Part one of a two-part series; Part two will be held Monday, March 27 at the same time.

Tuesday, Feb. 21

Is this the right job for me?

From 10-11 a.m. on Zoom via the Addison Public Library, neither companies nor employees want to be part of a bad hiring decision; it costs time, money and effort. So, what can you do to make the best possible decision for you? By asking a few targeted questions during the interview process, you can determine whether a job will be a good fit and increase your chances of being happy there.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

Hot topics round table

From 7-8:30 p.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the

Addison Public Library, we’ll be discussing three hot topics that can range from legal issues, politics, foreign policy, business, education, and more. Let your voice be heard during this discussion.

Saturday, Feb. 25

Bilingual stories and crafts

From 2-2:30 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, enjoy stories and crafts and learn some new words in Spanish. No registration required.

Monday, Feb. 27

Artemis: Returning to the moon

From 7-8 p.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Addison Public Library, in the next few years, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the moon, exploring more of the lunar surface than ever before. Astro educator Michelle Nichols will discuss the future plans and technologies that will get us back to the moon for the first time since 1972.

Ongoing events

Open enrollment is ongoing for the Addison Park District Preschool

The Addison Park District preschool program curriculum reflects the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. Visit www. illinoisearlylearning.org for more details. The Park District helps children develop prekindergarten skills, including letter/name recognition, listening skills, healthy habits, cooperative play, fine motor, and socialization skills. The experiences are both educational and recreational, which aid in social, physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. Registration is taken in-person at the Centennial Rec Center. Call (630) 233-7275 option 3 for registration availability. Visit addisonparks.org for required paperwork due prior to first day of program.

English reading circle

Starting at 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library, build your vocabulary and reading skills in a small group setting.

English conversation groups

At 2 p.m. Mondays on Zoom, and at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library, practice listening and speaking skills in a small group setting. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events

English reading circle

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

Heroes story time

From 10-10:30 a.m. at the Addison Public Library, join us for stories and activities about everyday heroes, superheroes, and more.

Clubs and organizations are welcome to send entries for this column to: news1@rvpublishing.com. Please include a phone number or e-mail address to contact for information.

workers to respond to areas in need, like hospitals with severely short staffing.

“Our state’s disaster proclamation and executive orders enabled us to use every resource at our disposal from building up testing capacity and expanding our health care workforce to supporting our vaccine rollout and mutual aid efforts,” Pritzker said in a statement.

Pritzker said 1.4 million children in Illinois received nutrition support under the additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. He also pointed to the expansion of telehealth during the pandemic under his disaster proclamation, which has largely been adapted into state law after it proved popular with doctors and patients alike.

“Let me be clear: COVID-19 has not disappeared,” Pritzker said in the statement. “It is still a real and present danger to people with compro-

mised immune system—and I urge all Illinoisans to get vaccinated or get their booster shots if they have not done so already.”

Opponents to Pritzker’s repeated issuance of disaster proclamations insisted the governor was limited to the 30 days laid out in state law, but legal challenges to that effect ultimately failed after months of litigation.

The governor’s disaster proclamation also allowed for the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center, which brokered cooperation between the leaders of different state agencies in response to COVID-19.

In a message to Congress on Jan. 30, Biden wrote that waiting until May to end the national public health emergency will avert “wide-ranging chaos and uncertainty throughout the health care system” than if it faced the “abrupt end” sought by the Republican-controlled House.

By Jerry Nowicki CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Sustained higher-than-predicted state tax revenues have in recent months given lawmakers a level of budgeting flexibility that is, at least in modern times, without precedent in a state with a reputation for perilous finances.

For the current fiscal year and the one before it, that’s led to another uncommon Capitol occurrence: budget surpluses in the billions of dollars.

Over those two budget years, lawmakers have increased pension contributions by $500 million beyond required levels, paid off hundreds of millions of dollars in interest-accruing debt and saved nearly $2 billion in a budget stabilization fund—all while increasing education and human services funding and even providing tax relief for most Illinoisans last year.

“Balancing the budget in Illinois is a relatively new thing, you know, over the last four years, and so we’re proud of the fact that we’ve focused on that,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a recent media call.

The current-year expected surplus has been driven by the state’s “big three” revenue sources—sales tax and personal and corporate income taxes—which have continued to outperform even their robust growth from the year prior even without increases to the base tax rates.

The governor attributed the strong revenue performance at least partially to conservative initial budgeting estimates, changes to corporate tax exemptions and collection of online sales tax. Others have cited such factors as inflation and wage growth, as well as changes in consumer spending amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pritzker and Comptroller Susana Mendoza have frequently pointed out that recent budgets have not been balanced by the $8.1 billion in direct federal COVID-19 stimulus funds sent to Illinois through the American Rescue Plan Act. But the comptroller noted in a recent interview with Capitol News Illinois that the economic effects of broader federal stimulus— such as added unemployment benefits and direct checks to Illinoisans— have been a main driver of state revenue growth nationwide.

“The stimulus that went directly into people’s homes was significant in terms of its help, not just in Illinois, but across the country,” Mendoza said. “These numbers could be replicated in any other state, where instead of collapsing the economies, those states saw that their residents who received this direct stimulus did not save it in most instances, but they actually spent it in the marketplace.”

Low unemployment rates continue to boost revenue performance, she said.

‘Genuinely surprising’

Former Rep. Tom Demmer, the House Republicans’ longtime budgeting point man and the party’s unsuccessful candidate for state treasurer last year, said the revenue trends are something he hadn’t seen in his decade in Springfield.

“It is genuinely surprising to see not just a slight revision upward, but really multiple consistent revisions upward in what we think we’re going to collect this fiscal year,” Demmer told CNI. “That’s really unprecedented.”

For the fiscal year that ended in

Amid ‘unprecedented’ prolonged revenue boom, state finds budget breathing room

Billions in budget surpluses have led to repayment of old, new debt

Viewpoint

Inviting students to help revive our democracy

Editor’s note: This op-ed was distributed by Capitol News Illinois on behalf of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own.

By John T. Shaw

Sen. Paul Simon was keenly aware of the endless challenge and enduring opportunity to revitalize our democracy and strengthen our communities.

He believed that democracy can be sustained and enhanced when citizens respect values such as tolerance and responsibility and take practical steps to make the world better.

In his book, “Fifty-Two Simple Ways to Make a Difference,” Simon outlined dozens of specific things we all can do to become better citizens who build better communities.

Inspired by his vision and commitment, the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will soon accept applications for the inaugural Paul Simon Democracy Prize.

The Institute will award $5,000 prizes to three current Illinois college or university students for the design—and implementation—of projects to strengthen democracy in their communities. Proposals could involve hosting public discussions or debates, registering voters, funding school newspapers to cover local issues, creating a speaker series on community matters, developing a program to recruit and train poll watchers, or an entirely

new idea.

To enter the competition, students must submit a video proposal by April 1, 2023, to the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. Winners will be announced on April 17. We are looking for proposals that are persuasive, imaginative, optimistic, and can plausibly be implemented within six months. Videos should be between 3 and 5 minutes and will be assessed on the quality of the proposal, not the video itself. However, creative and well-produced videos will get our attention!

The three winning videos will be posted on the Institute’s website and YouTube channel. Prize recipients will be invited to a celebratory reception at the Institute in the fall of 2023 and asked to describe how their proposals are being implemented.

Complete details of the Paul Simon Democracy Prize will soon be available on our website, https:// paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/.

The Simon Institute recently hosted a conversation with Rachel Kleinfeld, a democracy expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Dr. Kleinfeld described the many challenges confronting our democracy but warned against despair. She urged America’s colleges and universities to encourage students to renew and reimagine our democracy.

This challenge resonated with me and it’s in that spirit that the Institute is creating the Paul Simon Democracy Prize. It complements two ongoing Institute programs focused on “Better politics and

Slices of life

Lessons from the past two years

The last couple of years have been doozies—for just about all of us. The world has changed before our eyes, in ways we never would have or could have imagined.

I’ve found—often the hard way—that difficult times are opportunities for growth, new perspectives and outlooks.

Two years ago, my world felt devastated because it was. We were smack dab in the middle of COVID and I had the bonus life change of becoming a new widow. New widow. How’s that for a conundrum of terms?

State Rep. Jenn Ladisch Douglass, D-Elmhurst, has been appointed to serve on the Appropriations - Health and Human Services committee, the Appropriations - Public Safety committee, and on the Energy and Environment, Insurance, Judiciary - Civil, Public Utilities, and Tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship committees.

“Whether I’m fighting for investments in human services or working to support small businesses, I plan to use my professional and lived experience to improve the lives of my constituents and all Illinois residents,” Ladisch Douglass said. “I look forward to using my membership on these committees to make sure my community’s voices are heard.”

She said she would work to uplift small businesses, fund health care and human services priorities and to improve public safety, as a member of these key House committees.

“There’s a lot of work to be done to continue moving Illinois forward, and I’m excited to let Springfield know exactly what our communities expect,” she said. “Serving on these committees gives me the chance to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support working families and make Illinois a better place for all.”

(Editor’s note: This was received from the office of State Rep. Jenn Ladisch Douglass.)

I wouldn’t want to repeat the last two years of my life. Not ever. I’m glad I’m here (now) and not there (then). Still, as I alluded to above, times of great stress can be times of great learning and positive change. I hope I’ve accomplished both. I guess I’m still trying, and that, in itself, counts for something.

The past two years have been life-changing. I’ve written about these changes and outlooks, but I’m putting some of them together here as a sort of summary. A Cliff Notes for life, if you will.

Life is fleeting; it is short. It can all change in an instant. Live in the present—not yesterday, not tomorrow, but now. Live in the now, and appreciate it for all that it is.

Having said that, understand the big picture. What troubled you last year or last month is likely no longer on your radar. Appreciate

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

what is good right now. Understand the hurdles and challenges along your path are most likely temporary.

We are all connected. We all look up at the same sky and are warmed by the same sun. We all claim the same home—Mother Earth. We all breathe the same air. Our bodies are universally hydrated by the same H2O compound known as water. We all yearn for love. We have more in common than we have differences. Be kind.

Happiness and joy come from within, as does the most important emotion of all: love. They are always in you, waiting—an infinite reservoir of beauty, reverence and delight, yours for the taking. You, and you alone, can choose happiness and joy—or the opposite.

Choose joy. Choose love.

We all make mistakes. Every day. Give yourself grace. Forgive yourself abundantly. The best you can do is learn and step forward, wiser for the lesson.

The world has a tendency to judge harshly. Don’t repay the favor — for yourself or for anyone else whom you may be tempted to judge. In that, realize that not

judging yourself may very well be one the hardest things you’ll ever aspire to do.

I read a quote about the moon that I love. The premise isn’t original with me, but I think it’s good enough to share. The moon, much like people, goes through different phases of darkness and light—a quarter moon, a half moon and so on. Much like the moon, you may change as the illumination in your life waxes and wanes, but through it all you are always whole. Remember this wholeness is always within you.

As much as you (and I) dislike it, we are not in control. The world provides us with both possibilities and hardships. Take both with equal amounts of gratitude and fortitude. Make the best of every circumstance and hold your head high, despite setbacks and heartbreak.

You’ve got this.

Life can be hard. It often is hard. But you’ve made it this far. Keep pressing forward. Keep going. You can always quit tomorrow. But don’t. Please don’t. You are worth fighting for. Day after day after day.

I’m rooting for you. I’m right there with you.

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.

DuPAGE DESTINATIONS Your Dining & Entertainment Guide to the Western Suburbs

Addison-Villa Park-Bensenville happenings

Here are some upcoming events and programs you won’t want to miss:

Addison

Valentine’s Dance Friday, Feb. 10

From 6:30-8:30 p.m., parents and guardians of those ages 3 and older are invited to dress up and come to a sweetheart dance at the Community Recreation Center, 120 E. Oak St. Dinner and refreshments will be provided as well as a commemorative photo. Fee: $15R/$20NR per person. To register, go to addisonparks.org and use Code 602811.

Ladies Night Wine and Golf Wednesday, Feb. 22

From 7:30-9 p.m., ladies are invited to get together with friends at the Golf Dome, next to Links & Tees golf course at 900 W. Lake St.. While the course is closed for the season, the Golf Dome remains open. Enjoy 90 minutes of practice time, short game practice with a certified coach, light snacks, a glass of wine or bottled water. Pre-registration is not required, but participation is on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a limit of 20 participants. The fee is $40. Info: addisonparks.org. This event is offered on selected Wednesdays through the winter months. For information or to register, visit: addisonparks.org.

Bensenville

Little Chefs

The kitchen is heating up with Little Chefs. Your child will love this introductory cooking class. New skills and easy DIY recipes will be introduced each week. Please inform the front desk of any food allergies upon registration. The program starts Tuesday, Feb. 14. Register at the Deer Grove Leisure Center by Feb. 11.

Tiny Tot Tumbling

Parents, do you want your little one to be a gymnastics champion? Get them started with Tiny Tot Tumbling. Beginning Feb. 21, this class is designed for preschoolers and will teach body awareness and coordination. Students will learn fundamental tumbling moves, balance and basic motor skills. Register by Feb. 14 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center or

call 630-766-7015.

Crochet Shell Lace

It’s time to learn the crochet shell lace on Feb. 28. This pattern is very easy to learn and you’ll enjoy creating this quick project. Some experience is required. Call 630-766-7015 for more information. Register by Feb. 14 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center.

Women’s basketball league

The women’s basketball league starts Feb. 22. Does your team have what it takes to win the cash prize? With 12 players on the roster, eight guaranteed games and an exciting playoff season, you won’t want to miss out on this action-packed experience. Register by Feb. 14 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center.

Tumbling

Tumbling classes start Wednesday, Feb. 22. Students will learn the basics to increase their flexibility and strength, such as forward rolls, handstands and cartwheels. Register by Feb. 15 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center.

Cheerleading program

The Bensenville Park District is hosting an in-house cheerleading program starting Feb. 18. Learn stunts, tumbling and cheer at basketball games. Open to new and experienced cheerleaders. Register by Feb. 15 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center.

Villa Park

Valentine’s Day Craft Open House Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11

The Villa Park Public Library will hold a Valentine’s Day Craft Open House on Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11 from 2-4 p.m. Children of all ages are invited celebrate sweethearts with a fun craft project. Young children will need some adult help. Registration is not required but supplies are limited. For more information, visit: www.vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

Cocoa Crawl starts at library Saturday, Feb. 25

From 1-4 p.m. the Villa Park Public Li -

Sebastian’s Ale House offers vegan menu

Sebastian’s Ale & Whiskey House, located at 801 Roosevelt Road. in Lombard, is usually thought of as a great place to have a beer and watch a game on one of its 36 HDTV screen— or to try your luck at their live video gaming machines.

The food has always been a good complement to the sports bar atmosphere at Sebastian’s with a list of nine bacon appetizers such as bacon croquettes and bacon mac and cheese eggrolls.

Diners will even find bacon-wrapped Oreos on the dessert menu!

Other appetizer selections appear on the menu, such as soft pretzels, sliders, housemade chips, kabobs and wings in your choice of 12 available sauces. There are also soups, salads, pizza and sandwiches. The dinner menu offers meatloaf, stuffed peppers, chili mac and fish and chips, among its options. However, the biggest news at Sebastian’s is there is now a vegan menu available, which offers many of the same dishes as the regular menu but made with “impossible” meat. There

See MENU, Page 11

brary will be the first stop at this winter’s Villa Park Cocoa Crawl a fun-filled day of supporting local businesses and sampling cocoa beverages—some hot, some cold and even some for those 21 and older.

Each $10 ticket includes a passport/ticket book that covers the cost of your cocoa drinks and a map to the participating vendor locations.

Tickets are free for children ages 16 and younger. There are also a limited number of souvenir Cocoa Crawl mugs available and distributed on a first come, first served registration basis for each paying adult (one per paid reservation).

All registrants will pick up their passport (and souvenir mug, if applicable) at the library, then visit other participating locations in any order. Passports can be dropped off at the last location visited for a chance to win raffle prizes.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends

of the Villa Park Library, Villa Park Chamber of Commerce and the Villa Park Public Library. Tickets are available now and must be purchased in person at the Villa Park Public Library during business hours. Cash, check and credit card will be accepted. For more information, visit: www.vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

Parks and Recreation sponsoring Princess Ball Friday, March 3

From 6-8:30 p.m., young ladies and their favorite “Dad Dates” are invited to Elm West (formerly the Diplomat West). Don your finest attire, hop into your carriage and get ready to enjoy a memorable evening that includes being treated like royalty and dancing the night away. You’ll get a keepsake photo of you and your date in the photo booth and there are packages that include a corsage and boutonniere. Register for FEA07 at invillapark.com/Parks & Recreation.

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, Feb. 23. If you have information on an event in DuPage County taking place after Feb. 23 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

Friday, Feb. 10

Family Night Out, Lisle

From 6-8 p.m. at the Lisle Recreation Center, 1925 Ohio St., MP Rooms 1 and 2, join the Lisle Park District for its first family night out with the theme of Game Night. Dinner will be provided. Fee for ages 3 and up: $12 for residents, $18 for nonresidents. Register by Feb. 3. For more information, visit: www.lisleparkdistrict.org/ familynightout

Taylor Dayne live, Naperville

Enjoy an evening of cocktails, threecourse dinner, and a live concert from pop star Taylor Dayne in support of arts education at the Yellow Box Theater, 1635 Emerson Lane. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 and the concert begins at 8. Academy of the Arts is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. For more information, visit: https:// illinoisartsacademy.ticketleap.com/ taylordayne

Saturday, Feb. 11

Victorian Valentines, Wheaton

From 1-3:30 p.m. at the DuPage

County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Valentines of the Victorian era were treasured keepsakes, incorporating feathers, beads, and bits of fabric. Create your own Victorian-style valentines in a fun, afternoon workshop. Admission: Free, but there is a suggested donation of $3 per participant. For more information, https:// dupagemuseum.org/events/victorian-valentines

Best of the Second City, Glen Ellyn

At 5 p.m. and 8 pm. at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, The Second City has been laughing at love and its infinite scroll of side effects for decades. In the world-famous comedy company’s latest laughter-inducing undertaking, The Second City takes shots at heartbreak, missed connections and the mire of human relationships. May contain adult languages and themes. Ticket prices range from $30 to $48. For more information, visit: https:// www.atthemac.org/events/the-best-ofthe-second-city-2

Valentine Family Geocache, Wheaton

From 1-3 p.m. at Northside Park Girl Scout Cabin, 1300 N. West St., Cupid has hidden Valentines in Northside Park. Use a GPS unit to find them all and you will receive a prize. Recommended for ages 6-and-up. Children must be accompanied by a non-paying adult. One GPS unit provided per family. Price: $20 for Wheaton residents, $25 for nonresidents. For more information, call 630-871-2810.

Sunday, Feb. 12

Super Bowl Sunday, Itasca

Starting at 5:30 p.m. at Church Street Brewing Company, 1480 Industrial Drive, join us in the taproom for the Super Bowl. $4 beers during the game and a free buffet during half-time. Admission: free. For more information, visit: www.churchstreetbrew.com

(Continued from page 9)

is a vegan chili bowl, vegan sliders, vegan kabobs, quesadillas, an “impossible” burger and “impossible” buffalo wings. Other menu choices are vegan pasta, burritos, stuffed peppers, and pizza as well as six choices of vegan sides.

Diners will even find two vegan dessert options: vegan chocolate peanut butter ice cream and three-layer

Wally’s Big Bowl Family Bash, Lombard

From 4:30-9 p.m. at Enchanted Castle Entertainment, 1103 S. Main St., Wally Wizard is once again hosting the Big Bowl Family Bash on Super Bowl Sunday. Football fans can watch the top two teams battle for glory on a 10foot jumbo wall projection TV while enjoying a tailgater’s buffet of pizza, pasta, salad, unlimited soft drinks, and more. Price: $21.95 per guest (buffet only), $46.95 per guest (buffet plus unlimited fun pass). For more information, visit: https://enchanted.com

Brews and yoga, Downers Grove

From 11 a.m.-noon at Alter Brewing Company, 2300 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 213, get together with fellow beer lovers for an invigorating one- hour yoga session. Please bring your own yoga mat if you have one. Price: $20. For more information, visit: www. eventbrite.com/e/brews-yoga-at-alterbrewing-co-tickets-519178947207

Tuesday, Feb. 14

Valentine’s Day four-course dinner, Naperville

From 4-10 p.m. at Tapville Social, 216 S. Washington, celebrate Valentine’s Day in style this year with a romantic four-course prix fixe dinner. The menu has a variety of exciting dishes that are sure to please. Price: $65 per person. For more in-

formation, visit: www.facebook.com/ events/3464570043864646

Thursday, Feb. 16

Love Bug Dance, Naperville

From 5:30-8 p.m. at the DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., You’re invited to celebrate an evening of love, friendship, and family with your little “Love Bugs” at DuPage Children’s Museum. Groove out with Bach to Rock’s family-friendly DJ, indulge in sweet treats, remember the evening with special photo-ops, explore a variety of fun activities, and play in the museum’s exhibits. Price: $12 for DuPage Children’s Museum members; $17 for nonmembers. For more information, visit: https://dupagechildrens.org/family-fun/love-bug

Thursday, Feb. 16 and Thursday, March 16

Your Friendly Neighborhood Historian, Naperville

From 6-7 p.m. both days at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., learn about fascinating topics in history and hear museum staff and occasional guest historians debate challenging questions at Naper Settlement’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Historian. Each program date has a different theme. Feb 16: “No, that really happened.” March 16: Solving problems that men couldn’t. The surprising impact of women philanthropists.”

Admission: $10 per person. For more information, visit: https://napersettlement.org

Friday, Feb. 17

Bags and Brew Tournament, Glen Ellyn

From 6-10 p.m. at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road, face off in a good old-fashioned cornhole competition. Two Hound Red will be on hand with craft beer for purchase. Teams will consist of two players and will participate in a double-elimination tournament. Each team receives a swag bag full of stuff. One person will register as the team captain.

Tournament rules, bracket, and waiver forms will be emailed to the team captains prior to the event. Registration fee: $50 for residents, $65 for nonresidents. For more information, visit: https://gepark.org/gepdevent/ bags-and-brews-winter

The Challenge: Trivia quiz game, Addison

From 7-8:30 p.m. at The Preserve at Oak Meadows, 900 N. Wood Dale Road, for ages 18 and up, challenge your friends and neighbors, and show off your knowledge as you compete for prizes during this friendly quiz game featuring categories to test your familiarity with music, animals, geography, history, and more.

vegan cake, which is also gluten-free.

If you’re a strict vegan or your friends are, there’s no place like Sebastian’s to get together and enjoy vegan food along with a beer and the game.

Sebastian’s can be reached at 630376-6947 or visit sebastianshouse. com. They also have a smartphone app.

PRIVATE GAMING ROOM

HDAILY DINE IN ONLY SPECIALS H

SUNDAYS

50¢ Boneless Wings LIMIT 12 (with side purchase)

$5 Sausage & Peppers ‘Wich (with side purchase)

$9 Pasta Marinara (add $2 for Vodka, Meat, Carbonara or Alfredo)

$10 Bacon Wrapped Pickle Spears

$10 Vegan Pasta Marinara

$4 Mimosa - $6 Tito’s Bloody Mary

$4.50 Miller Lite or $6 Import 22 oz. Drafts

$17 Bottles of Woodbridge House Wine

TUESDAYS

$2 Beef/Pulled Pork Taco

$3 Chicken - Fish - Pork Belly - Steak

$4 Vegan Tacos - Impossible Meat - Chicken - Pork

$4 Cilantro Lime Rice or Seasoned Black Beans

$10 BACON Nachos

$4 Modelo Draft

$6 Don Julio Margaritas

$7 Don Julio Frozen Margaritas

$20 Any Mexican Beer Buckets

VEGAN

Vegan Chili Bowl - $7

Vegan Chicken

WEDNESDAYS

FREE Bar Bingo/Kids eat free

10 and Under - Ask server for more details

$5 Gourmet Cheeseburger (with side purchase)

$10 BACON Wrapped Mushrooms

$8 Impossible Burger (with side purchase)

$5 U Call Its $8 and Under Wine/Liquor ONLY

THURSDAYS

$5 Pulled Pork ‘Wich (with side purchase)

$10 BACON Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

$8 Vegan Chicken Parmesan ‘Wich (with side purchase)

$4 Drafts $8 and Under

Half Price Bottles of Wine $25 or More

1/2 Off any $20 or More Bourbon, Scotch or Whiskey

FRIDAYS

$5 Pepper & Egg ‘Wich (with side purchase)

$15 Fish & Chips (1/2 Pound Alaskan White Fish)

$10 Bacon Stuffed Avocado

$8 Vegan Burrito (with side purchase)

$5 Stella Draft

$5 Crown or Titos

$25 High Noon Buckets

SATURDAYS/UFC

$5 1/2 Lb BLT ‘Wich (with side purchase)

$10 BACON Croquettes

$8 Vegan Buffalo Chicken ‘Wich (with side purchase)

$5 Sam Seasonal Draft

$5 Proper Twelve Shot

$5 Absolut or Jameson

$22 Modelo Buckets

CLOSED - MONDAYS

H H H

99¢ Chicken Tenders ~ SLIDERS ~

$2 Grilled Chicken - Meatball - Pulled Pork

$3 Burger - Fish - Pork Belly

$4 Vegan Chicken or Impossible Slider

$5 Italian Beef ‘Wich

$8 Medium Cheese Pizza - $3 Full Toppings

$12 XL Cheese Pizza - $4 Full Toppings

$4 Well Gin, Rum, Tequila, Vodka & Whiskey

$4 House Wine (Woodbridge)

$5 Blue Moon Drafts

$15 Domestic Buckets - $20 Import Buckets

$8 Jefferson Old Fashioned

$5 Jefferson 1.25 oz. Pour

350 Bourbons, Scotches & Whiskeys

Puzzle page

BABY BASSINET BATH

BOTTLES

BOUNCER BURP CLOTH

CARRIAGE

CARRIER CAR SEAT

CRIB

DIAPERS HAT

MOBILE MONITOR

ONESIE

PAJAMAS RATTLE

SLING SPIT

SPOONS STROLLER

SWADDLE

SWING TOYS

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. Functions

5. Records electric currents associated with contractions of the heart

8. Trigonometric function (abbr.)

11. Secret political clique

13. Type of gibbon

14. Nocturnal S. American rodent

15. Famed American playwright

16. Mesopotamian goddess

17. Abba __, Israeli politician

18. Long ridge of gravel and sediment

20. A place to stay

21. Actor Idris

22. One who behaves in a rebellious way

25. A way to measure movement

30. Distinguish oneself

31. Type of drug (abbr.)

32. Basketball great Baylor

33. Masses of salivary matter

38. Calls balls and strikes

41. Plant that grows along the ground

43. A recreational activity in the air

45. Consumes too much

47. Island nation

49. Pistol

50. Mixtures of soul and calypso

55. Ancient Greek City

56. Similar

57. Roughly trimmed tree trunk used in a Scottish game

59. Semitic fertility god

60. Born of

61. Frogs, toads, tree toads

62. School in the northeast (abbr.)

63. Soviet Socialist Republic

64. “__ the Man” Musical, baseball player

CLUES DOWN

1. Fiddler crabs

2. Discount

3. Partner to “flows”

4. Ethnic group of Laos

5. Beloved “Seinfeld” character

6 .Book of tickets

7. The last name of “Hermione”

8. Type of TV package

9. Helps to heal a cut

10. Town in Galilee

12. Actor Horsley

14. “Hocus Pocus 2” actor Ed

19. Bird-loving group (abbr.)

23. They respond when someone is sick

24. Emerged

25. Midway between south and southeast

26. Monetary unit of Afghanistan

27. Unit of work or energy

28. Indicates near

29. Famed river

34. For each

35. News organization

36. CNN’s founder

37. They __

39. Areas off to the side

40. Satisfies

41. A spare bed

42. Legendary singer Diana

44. Frothy mass of bubbles

45. A kind of sorcery

46. River in South Africa

47. Philippine Island

48. County in China

51. S. American plant

52. Beverage containers

53. Edge

54. Protein-rich liquids

58. Moved quickly on foot

Answers

Senator to host donation drives for ‘#LovePurse’

State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton is partnering with Metropolitan Family Services DuPage to host “#LovePurse” donation drives for local women in need.

“Love Purse gives survivors of domestic violence the products and care they need,” Glowiak Hilton (D - Western Springs) said. “This event gives our community the ability to rise up and help women with the challenges they often face alone.”

The “#LovePurse” movement collects new purses that are filled with personal care items, toiletries, menstrual products, and notes of encouragement to distribute to women in need and survivors of domestic violence. Members of the community are asked to purchase a purse and fill it with the requested products. Residents should take these products to the drop-off locations mentioned below.

“I am so excited as this will be the 4th time that purses will be going to MFS,” said Maria Castro, the founder of #LovePurse. “The senators have been so very thoughtful and kind by using their platforms to get the word out and donate them to women in need in their districts.”

Purses and personal care products can be dropped off at the following locations now through March 10 at:

• Villa Park Public Library, 305 Ardmore Ave., Villa Park

• Courts Plus- Elmhurst Fitness, 186 S. West Ave., Elmhurst

• Oak Brook Library, 600 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook

More information about “#LovePurse,” as well as a full list of requested products can be found at lovepurse.org.

• Boom

(Continued from page 7)

June, revenues soared past the state’s initial $42.3 billion approved budget by nearly $8 billion when excluding ARPA fund transfers.

In the recently concluded lame duck session, Democrats passed a surplus spending plan that allocated an additional $3.6 billion in unexpected revenues beyond the initial $46.5 billion budget approved last spring. That included nearly $2.7 billion in debt repayment and long-term savings and about $925 million in new, one-time spending.

“I mean, it is weird because we’re not used to seeing this, right?” Mendoza said. “And when I say that, it’s sarcastically because this is a very good thing. If (lawmakers are) going to have new spending, it should be for responsible fiscal measures, and this is a perfect example of that.”

Mendoza specifically referenced a $1.8 billion cash infusion into the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund that was included in the plan.

Her office recently sent about $1.4 billion of that to the federal government to repay the last of a $4.5 billion debt taken on to keep the state’s unemployment system afloat amid the pandemic.

The debt had already cost the state $60 million in interest. Repaying it saves about $20 million in interest and prevents greater increases to employer tax rates and a disruption of benefits for individuals claiming unemployment.

The recent spending plan also included an $850 million allocation to the “rainy day” fund, which will bring it to its highest-ever balance of $1.9 billion—a far cry from its $60,000 balance when the pandemic hit.

It’s the type of budgeting practice that even some Republicans can support, even if they remain

Hotel relief program seeing return on investment

The DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB) today announced that the DuPage County Hotel Relief Program is already seeing a return on investment, with hoteliers quickly investing their financial award to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program, approved in July 2022 by the DuPage County Board and administered by the DCVB, was created to infuse dollars directly to the properties at a critical time when travel had returned but hotels still faced significant headwinds. DCVB is calling this a celebratory milestone, helping hotels to stabilize operations as DuPage County prepares for a busier year in leisure and business travel.

“On behalf of the DCVB Board of Directors and our many partners, I want to thank the DuPage County Board, as distribution of these ARPA dollars to our hard-hit hotels would not have been possible without their support,” said DCVB Executive Director Beth Marchetti, who has advocated for the industry throughout the pandemic.

“This year, leisure visitation is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels and business travel reach 90 percent of 2019 levels. Our hotel partners are now

in a better position to capitalize on this business.” At DCVB’s 2022 Annual Meeting on Oct. 26, 2022, at Whirlyball Naperville, Marchetti discussed the state of the industry, noting areas of resilience, yet the significant need to support hotels as they rally to meet demand amidst a historic employment gap and host of other challenges caused by COVID-19.

“As one of the largest suburban hotel markets in the United States, there is a direct correlation between the health of our hotels and the health of our economy,” said Marchetti. “It is essential our hotels are on strong footing.”

Different from federal programs that required repayment or a matching grant, the county’s program was created as a one-time distribution of ARPA funds to be used for qualified expenses to assist in recovering transient, business, and group travel or guest experience. Many important needs expressed by hoteliers fell under qualified expenses, including audio/visual equipment costs; technology to deliver hybrid meetings; hosting and incentive fees to recover or rebook transient and group rooms; programs for guest transportation; reinstatement of amenities,

and more.

“Hotels have had to make difficult financial decisions so what a great moment to receive our program award and immediately check several needs off our list,” said General Manager Max Schultz, who oversees two hotels in Warrenville: Hyatt Place Chicago/ Naperville/Warrenville and its sister property Hyatt House. “Now we can operate two shuttles, which means we can win corporate business and weekend wedding business—both of which require the shuttling of guests. Our meeting spaces are being updated to provide new table dimensions, stateof-the-art audio/visual equipment, and catering and reception supplies. These are just two examples out of five immediate investments already making a difference at our two properties.”

The Hotel Relief Program is one of three components of DCVB’s relief plan focused on revitalizing the area’s hospitality community which relies on meetings, events, and leisure visitors. $750,000 is allocated for a joint business attraction and marketing program through DCVB and Choose DuPage, and $50,000 for a seven-county regional tourism program.

reticent to vote for what they view as spending increases that could prove problematic when recent revenue trends subside.

“I do give credit to the administration for their prioritizing paying down any of the debt that we incurred,” Demmer said. “On the other hand, I’m still concerned about some of the spending growth relative to what we expect our economic and revenue growth is going to look like.”

Demmer referenced the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget’s five-year state budget projection. The November report noted after an expected surplus this year and next, Illinois could be in for a deficit of about $384 million in Fiscal Year 2025 and beyond.

“Unlike some years in the past where we could point to one thing—sometimes it was just pensions or Medicaid growing too fast—I think that by contrast, now there’s spending growth across the board on existing programs,” Demmer said. “And then add on to that any new legislative initiatives that come on, that’s where it gets to be real concern.”

Demmer said he was concerned by the prospect of two new major spending areas floated by Pritzker in his inaugural address earlier this month: an expansion of access to free child care, preschool and college education for Illinoisans.

New one-time expenditures

Mendoza said there will always be pressure on legislators to deliver new programs and spending, but for the most part recent spending plans have focused excess revenues on one-time expenditures with a heavy emphasis on debt repayment.

“What I would be opposed to is seeing new funding items—unless you can really sell that this is an extreme necessity for the state at

this time—we want to stay away from funding new programs that are going to have to be funded year to year,” she said.

In the recent supplemental plan, contained in House Bill 969 and Senate Bill 1720, lawmakers authorized about $925 million worth of spending beyond the debt and savings measures.

That included $400 million to create a business attraction or “ closing ” fund under Pritzker’s authority that the administration hopes will help lure new or existing businesses to expand in Illinois. That was part of a broader expansion of several economic incentives.

Other appropriations included $196 million in temporary payments to hospitals and community mental health providers through the state’s Medicaid program, $110 million for the Department of Human Services to support asylum seekers, and $100 million to the Department of Innovation and Technology to pay interest-accruing bills.

The plan also included added funding for DHS-run mental health centers and for the courts to cover costs associated with the SAFE-T Act criminal justice reform among other expenditures.

During the lame duck session, Republicans criticized the inclusion of a list of more than 100 violence prevention grants totaling $45 million that were concentrated in Democratic districts. Demmer cited such perceived partisan spending as another reason many recent spending plans passed without Republican support.

Lessons from the past

Along with Demmer on the Republican side, two of the House Democrats’ budgeting leaders recently retired from the General

Assembly—Reps. Greg Harris, of Chicago, and Mike Zalewski, of Riverside.

“I came in during this toxic cloud of three things happening,” Zalewski told CNI.

“One, the Great Recession. Two, I would say, a spending base that didn’t meet the existing revenues. And three, this political upheaval of Gov. (Rod) Blagojevich getting arrested and then Gov. Pat Quinn coming in.”

The end of Quinn’s term coincided with the expiration of a temporary four-year income tax hike, sending state revenues plummeting by billions of dollars in the first year of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s term. That suddenly exacerbated structural deficit laid the groundwork for a crippling two-year budget impasse between Rauner and Democrats in the General Assembly, eventually leaving Illinois with a nearly $17 billion backlog of unpaid bills.

The impasse finally ended when lawmakers—including a group of Republicans—overrode Rauner’s veto on a spending plan that included a tax increase nearly to the level of the 2011 temporary tax hike.

Two years later, Pritzker defeated Rauner in a landslide, bringing what Zalewski called a more “pragmatic” approach to state budgeting that’s been made easier by revenue growth.

Both Harris and Pritzker noted that, in recent years, lessons from the past have led lawmakers and the administration to take a conservative approach to revenue estimates.

“We don’t ever want to get into a situation where you get near the end of the year, and then it turns out revenue isn’t meeting your expenditure needs,” Pritzker said. “And so we’ve been conservative about it and as a result, you know, we’ve

balanced budgets and run surpluses.”

In the current fiscal year’s budgeting process last April, for example, lawmakers planned for an 8 percent decrease from their final base revenue levels from the previous year.

As those revenues continue to perform well, lawmakers have considered the supplemental spending plans.

Harris, meanwhile, pointed to a recent report from the legislative Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability which noted a slight decline in base revenues in December could be an indicator that the economy is beginning to slow.

“You’re beginning to see a downturn in numbers,” he said. “And it’s too early to tell yet if this is a onetime thing, or if this is the beginning of a weaker economic period that people have been saying could be coming. So we’ll see what the future holds.”

But Zalewski and others maintain Illinois is likely better equipped to handle the unforeseen after its recent budgeting actions and because the state’s required pension payment—which generally exceeds 20 percent of general revenue fund spending—is leveling.

“I think we’re way better prepared than we would have been eight years ago,” Zalewski said. “We have a rainy day fund. And I think we have a leadership structure in place that understands that adding spending during those times is not a good idea. So I’m overall sort of cautiously optimistic we can weather whatever’s coming our way.”

Pritzker will propose his spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year to lawmakers on Wednesday, Feb. 15, during his annual State of the State address.

New murder mystery by local playwright comes to GreenMan Theatre

Dinner theatre production opens Friday, Feb. 24 at Angelo’s

All grown up and ready to solve their first-ever murder mystery – set in Elmhurst, no less! – familiar characters from a classic TV cartoon show will take the stage in performances of GreenMan Theatre’s “Shooby Doo in That’s the Way the Cookie Murders!” on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 3 through March 5.

About Justin Vidovic, director and playwright

The murder-mystery dinner theatre will be directed by veteran GreenMan Theatre actor and director Justin Vidovic. Vidovic was a big fan of the cartoon since age six.

“I loved the way the show was able to make fearful things manageable through friendship, teamwork and humor,” he said.

“This brand-new production sends a beautiful message about handling challenges together.”

“Shooby Doo in That’s the Way the Cookie Murders!” features a familiar gang of intrepid mystery buffs and a dog who come to Elmhurst when they hear that Angelo’s restaurant is being haunted by a Cookie Elf who attacks anyone who orders dessert. It’s just a usual day for this team of whodunit solvers, complete with friends new and old, clues, high jinks, and plenty of wild chase scenes. That is, until someone is murdered by a ghost from Elmhurst’s past. They’ve always handled masked villains aplenty, but is the gang ready to take on its first MURDER investigation?

Vidovic, also the murder-mystery’s playwright, is an English professor and play director at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights. He previously directed GreenMan’s productions of “Monstrous Regiment” and “Moon Over Buffalo.”

The actors in “Shooby Doo in That’s the Way the Cookie Murders!” are of different ages, which “allows us to connect multiple generations,” Vidovic said.

“Some of the actors are fans of the original cartoon series, too,” he added. “They’re great comic performers who bring energy and ideas to the play and are wonderful representations of their characters.”

Many talented local actors are set to appear in GreenMan Theatre’s upcoming production of “Shooby Doo in That’s the Way the Cookie Murders!”

Tickets and information

The show runs five performances over two weekends at Angelo’s Ristorante at 247 N. York Rd. in Elmhurst. The production opens Friday, Feb. 24 with additional shows Saturday, Feb. 25 and Friday through Sunday, March 3 - 5. Performances on Friday and Saturday evenings are at 7 p.m. with Sunday’s show at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $57 and include the show and a Italian dinner served by Angelo’s. Cash bar and a chance to mingle with the cast begins an hour before curtain. There is ample free parking available, but seating is limited. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at greenmant-

Cast members surround director and playwright Justin Vidovic (seated) in “Shooby Doo in That’s the Way the Cookie Murders!” a tribute to a beloved cartoon series, performed by the GreenMan Theatre Feb. 24-25 and March 3-5. For tickets and information, visit greenmantheatre.org or call 630-464-2646.

heatre.org or by calling 630-464-2646. The dinner production is a popular event and performances sell out early.

Solving the mystery

After a famous bumbling detective arrives to help the gang, the audience will have an opportunity to win prizes by guessing the killer or killers. Prizes will also be awarded to audience members who dress up as their favorite groovy characters.

Appearing in “Shooby Doo in

That’s the Way the Cookie Murders!” will be several actors new to GreenMan’s stage, including Cayley D’Anna, Gwynneth Davidoff, Kevin Hathaway, Kimberlyn Gayle, Elmhurst resident Doug Peterson, Stephen Pickering, and Vinny Prisco.

Returning to GreenMan will be Elliot Brtva, Derek Dillon, Elizabeth Ley, Tom Ochocinski, and Lombard resident Debbie Proska. Behind the scenes is stage manager Katie Lahey, Proska working on props and cos-

tumes, and Steven Soria, working on sound and lights for the show.

In its 19th season, GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a non-profit 501[c]3 organization whose mission is to provide a source of cultural enrichment and pride for the community by presenting diverse, quality productions and providing opportunities for personal growth in the theatrical arts. GreenMan programs are partially supported by Explore Elmhurst, as well as other individual and corporate donations.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Business briefs

Hospital announces new president

Kimberley Darey, MD, CPE, FACOG, a board-certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/ GYN) and certified physician executive, is now President of Elmhurst Hospital, one of nine hospitals part of NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health. Dr. Darey takes over for Pamela Dunley, RN, MS, MBA, CENP, who retired after 25 years at Elmhurst Hospital and 40 years in healthcare.

State Education

Superintendent appointed

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Governor JB Pritzker named School District U-46 Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders the new Illinois State Superintendent of Education.

DuPage County events

Saturday, Feb. 18 Dance party, Willowbrook

From 9 p.m.-1 a.m. at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket, 645 Joliet Road, Time for an epic dance party with DJ’s spinning 1960s, 70s, and 80s hits. Appetizers: fried ravioli, cheese curds, chips, onion rings, mac ‘n cheese balls, and more. Reservations recommended. Price: $10 per person for appetizers. For more information, visit: www.instagram.com/p/CnzeqeZMkJl

Seedy Saturday Seed Swap, Wheaton

From 1-2:30 p.m. at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, want to add some new varieties to your seed collection? Connect with others in the local gardening community? Share some favorite seeds with others, find

Women urged to apply for AAUW scholarships Application deadline April 15

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

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

The AAUW mission is to advance

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

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

The 2022 Used Book Sale was so successful that the organization is pleased to be able to offer three scholarships this year.

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

The application deadline is April 15, 2023.

new favorites, and save some money in the process? Join Cantigny Park for its first Seedy Saturday Seed Swap. Admission: $5. For more information, visit: https://cantigny.org/event/seedysaturday-seed-swap.

Winter Beer Festival, Westmont

From 3-7 p.m. presented by the Westmont Park District at Ty Warner Park, 700 Blackhawk Drive, the festival features craft brewers from the Chicago area. Ty Warner Park will host breweries such as: Elmhurst Brewing Co., Riverlands Brewing Company, Noon Whistle Brewing, and more. Participants will receive 20 four-ounce pours of a variety of craft beer selections. The event will have heated and lighted tents, bonfires, outdoor seating, and food trucks. General admission: $50; at the door: $70; designated driver: $10 (complementary non-alcoholic beverages available). For more information, visit: www.westmontparks. org/event/winter-beer-festival-2023

Sunday, Feb. 19

Vegan Market, Downers Grove

From noon-4 p.m. at Alter Brewing Company, 2300 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 213, Cruelty Free You and Me will be at Alter Brewing for another afternoon of feel-good sipping and shopping. Peruse a variety of vegan goods while you get to know fellow beer lovers. In addition, the event is kid-friendly. Admission: free. For more information, visit: www.alterbrewing.com/events

Sunday, Feb. 26

81st Illinois Plastic Kit and Toy Show, Wheaton

From 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 West

Joint statement on DuPage County public safety

Editor’s note: These statements, released Jan. 30, are attributable to DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin:

“DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy, Sheriff James Mendrick, and State’s Attorney Robert Berlin engaged in a meaningful conversation during which they discussed their shared commitment to the safety of DuPage County residents. The conversation also included discussion of Illinois’ new assault weapons ban, known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act. Enforcement of this law does not demand that deputies go door to door seek-

Answers

PUZZLE 1

ing to remove weapons from those licensed to own them.

“With this understanding, Sheriff Mendrick is committed to enforcing all state and local laws. Chair Conroy is committed to supporting the Sheriff’s Office in maintaining safe communities within DuPage County and sees no reason to pursue a censure resolution at this time. All parties look forward to positive, productive collaboration on important initiatives that will keep DuPage residents safe and ensure the security of our communities moving forward.”

Feb. 2 update

There have been several inquiries regarding the term “license,” as used in the Joint Statement on DuPage

PUZZLE 2

County Public Safety issued on Jan. 30. Our reference to “licensed” owners in the Joint Statement by Chair Conroy, Sheriff Mendrick and State’s Attorney Berlin means “…law-abiding gun owners”.

We would like to clarify that the County of DuPage has not passed an ordinance or resolution regarding the registration or licensing of firearms. Matters regarding the Protect Illinois Community Act endorsement affidavit, required to be provided by Jan. 1, 2024, will be handled at the State level.

Under the Protect Illinois Communities Act, the Illinois State Police will be the agency for these matters. Visit their website at https://isp.illinois.gov.

CROSSWORD

Manchester Road, buy, sell, trade or just browse. Admission: $7. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Illinois-Plastic-Kit-andToy-Show-1052168418157988/ or call 630-969-1847

Saturday, April 22

Paper shred event, Lisle From 8-11 a.m. at the Sea Lion Aquatic Park parking lot, 1825 Short St., The Lisle Park District will host its annual shred event where you can drive-up and dropoff documents while an on-site industrial shredder destroys the documents into high-security confetti-size pieces. Event staff will help remove the bags from your vehicles and load them into the shredding truck where they will be destroyed. All shredded material is recycled and you save 17 trees for every ton of paper recycled. For more information, visit: https://www.lisleparkdistrict.org/shredevent.html.

• Students

(Continued from page 8)

Smarter government” in our state: the Renewing Illinois Summit for Illinois college and university students and the Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Award to acknowledge and celebrate statesmanship in state and local government in Illinois.

When Senator Simon announced his candidacy for president in May of 1987, he offered both inspiration and a challenge. “You and I are on this planet but a short time,” he said. “Let us seize this time and opportunity to build a better tomorrow so that generations to come will look back upon us and say, ‘These were people of uncommon compassion and vision and courage.’ ”

The Democracy Prize, along with the Renewing Illinois student summit and the Simon-Edgar statesmanship award, embody Paul Simon’s highest values and aspirations.

John T. Shaw is the director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Shaw’s monthly column explores how Illinois can work toward better politics and smarter government.

in which the Senate stripped out the contents of a bill that had already passed the House. Language originally contained in House Bill 5855 was inserted into House Bill 5471, which originally dealt with insurance regulations. The Senate then sent the amended bill back to the House for its concurrence with the amendment.

The House voted to concur on Jan. 10, the final day of the lame duck session, and Gov. JB Pritzker signed it that evening.

The law bans the sale and purchase of a long list of semi-automatic weapons defined as “assault weapons,” .50 caliber rifles and large-capacity magazines, as well as various devices that effectively convert other weapons into something identical to one of the banned weapons.

It also allows people who already own such weapons to keep them, but it requires those owners to register them with the Illinois State Police by Jan. 1, 2024, while also restricting where they can be used or stored.

The law came in response to multiple mass shootings in the United States in which those types of weapons have been used, including the July 4, 2022, mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park that left seven people dead and dozens more injured and traumatized.

The ruling means that the state is prevented from enforcing the law against the named plaintiffs in the case. The decision is expected to be appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TowerCo 2013, LLC proposes to construct a 130-foot monopole tower (with appurtenances) located at 307 W Highridge Road, Villa Park, IL 60181, DuPage County (N 4151-59.90, W 87-59-11.48). Lighting- None (Not Lit). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) filing number is A1237584. We invite your comments pertaining to the effect of the proposed tower on historic properties. Please submit comments within 30 days to Amy Perrine c/o MartinEnviro at 3830 Crown Point Road Suite F, Jacksonville, FL 32257, aperrine@martinenviro. com, or call (904) 737-1034.

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 9, 2023) 432517

Valentine’s / Galentine’s Day —

We have the sweets for your very special Sweetie!

Flying solo or practicing self-care? Our desserts are portioned for those wanting to treat themselves deliciously! We’re full of love with our decadent heart cake for one or many, who doesn’t l-u-u-u-u-v-e a richly dressed strawberry?

Cooling things down? Try our Berry Berry Raspberry Italian Ice or Gelato . . . We have it all and we’re open til 5pm on Sunday.

Don’t forget your Paczki!

Paczki Day is February 21st

We’re taking orders for your faves!

Our go-to flavors: Apple, Apricot, Blueberry, Bavarian Creme, Buttercream, Butter Plum, Cheese, Cherry, Fudge, Lemon, Pineapple, Raspberry, Strawberry. Kick up your Paczki game with our Extreme Paczki - Turtle, Fresh Strawberry and Cream, Banana, Maple Chocolate Bacon (wait...did someone say BACON?) and Cannoli (but of course!) We’ll see you soon!