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O W! Register at Deer Gr ove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St. More info at BvilleP arks.org

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1 • Thursday, March 31, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

Park district to hold April 23 Earth Day volunteer event Free t-shirt to those who help clean up Fischer Farm, tend to animals and garden

Ready to take the first step in protecting the planet? There’s no better way to contribute to a cleaner and healthier community than by volunteering to help make sure its natural resources are maintained and kept clean! The Bensenville Park District is hosting an Earth Day at the Farm, presented by Grand Subaru, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 23, at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Grand Avenue.

Volunteers will be helping staff tidy up the prairie, fix up the garden, tend to the animals and many other activities.

Participants will receive a special Earth Day t-shirt for volunteering. Water and snacks also will be provided throughout the two-hour event, including an ice cream truck with free ice cream for participants, complements of Grand Subaru.

“Grand Subaru is excited to team up with the Bensenville Park District again this year. We’re looking forward to doing more for our neighbors through events like these, and showing people that we’re more than a dealership,” said Grand Subaru General Manager Ryan Drouin. “Taking care of the

environment and our community really resonates with Grand Subaru’s core values, and we’re thankful that the park district has given us an opportunity to support such a great cause.”

The dealership, located just a few blocks from the farm at 125 W. Grand Ave. in Bensenville, will be holding a free raffle on-site for participants to win environmentally-friendly prizes.

Representatives also will be distributing valuable information about recycling and the new Grand Subaru community recycling drop-

off center, which opens Friday, April 22.

According to Earth Day Network, more than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.

Fischer Farm is believed to be one of the oldest remaining homesteads in the county.

The Fischers established their home around the year 1836.

Through the years, they built barns and a large farmhouse in 1919.

Fischer Woods is a rare forest preserve with the remnants of prairie,

wetland and woodland ecosystems.

The land just north of the cabin has been left untouched and is valued for its original seedbeds. This unchanged landscape is what settlers peered upon when they arrived in the area.

The event is free, but registration is necessary. Volunteers also may be eligible for community service credit; check with the specific organization to see if this event qualifies.

Further information may be found on the park district website, BvilleParks.org.

18th Judicial Circuit Court rules that 2020 election results for auditor stands Losing candidate’s claims of election irregularities deemed unfounded

Judge Craig R. Belford of the Court of the 18th Judicial Circuit has ruled that Bill White “was, is and remains” the winner of the election for auditor, as certified by the DuPage County Clerk’s Office in November 2020.

The decision follows the first countywide recount in DuPage history and 15 months of litigation by Bob Grogan, White’s opponent in the election.

The decision follows the court’s previous ruling on Sept. 8, 2021, granting summary judgment against the petitioner’s claim that there were more ballots than voters.

“The court likes to be very clear on this. It certainly does not establish anything even suggesting or smacking of election fraud,” Belford stated.

“The two numbers here, specifically the number of registered voters that

Mr. Grogan was given, showing the number of registered voters as of Dec. 4 and other number being the number of votes cast on Election Day, those two numbers simply have nothing to do with each other. There’s no ‘there’ there.”

“The recount did not change the result that Bill White was the certified winner,” DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek said. “For public trust in the foundation of democracy—our elections—we must accept the facts. The 2020 election is over.”

As Patrick Bond, special counsel representing the DuPage County Clerk’s office, argued to the court, the processes and procedures of the 2020 election have been more closely scrutinized than any election in DuPage County history.

See RESULTS, Page 4

Inside:

Police Reports...........6 Puzzles ������������������ 13 Viewpoint.................7 Classifieds..............14

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

Fenton takes first at drama sectionals

Dr. Mike Mitchell and his contest drama cast and crew performed “A Piece of My Heart,” for which they won first place at the IHSA Drama Sectional at Lake Park High School on Saturday, March 19. As sectional champions, the cast is advancing to the IHSA State Finals. The show is based on the true events of military nurses in Vietnam during the war.

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DuPage Community Transformation Partnership releases grant guidelines

Guidelines include eligibility, application deadlines

The DuPage Community Transformation Partnership (Partnership) released guidelines for its inaugural grant program. The Partnership’s goal is to support programs focused on eliminating food insecurity, promoting housing stability, and providing effective mental health and substance use disorder prevention or treatment programs for DuPage County residents. Guidelines are available at dupagefoundation.org/ DCTP. The Partnership designed two grant categories to address immediate and long-term needs in the com-

munity in response to the COVID-19 health emergency.

• Immediate Intervention grants are intended to provide financial resources to enable organizations to respond to the immediate needs of their clients and/or to quickly increase capacity of the organization to deliver efficient services. These grants will be distributed annually in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

• Transformational grants are intended to support evidence-based programs focused on long-term solutions to build capacity, improve efficiency and ensure efficacy of pro-

grams that support DuPage County residents. The overall objective is to eliminate food insecurity, promote housing stability, and provide effective mental health and substance use disorder treatment or prevention programs. Relative to the scope of the program and the financial needs, applicants may apply for a one-year or two-year grant. A second Transformational grant opportunity will be offered in 2024.

To be eligible to apply for a grant through the Partnership, an organization must be a 501(c)(3) social service not-for-profit providing assis-

formation Partnership (Partnership) is funded by a grant from the DuPage County Board through the American Rescue Plan Act. The Partnership, a collaboration between DuPage County and DuPage Foundation, supports programs to address some of the community’s most urgent social service needs including: food insecurity, housing instability, mental health and substance use disorder. Programs funded through the Partnership will provide positive, About the DuPage Community measurable impact, helping people in need move from instability to seTransformation Partnership The DuPage Community Trans- curity and self-sufficiency. tance in the areas of food insecurity, housing instability, mental health, or substance use disorder that meets at least one of the following criteria: • Have more than 50 percent of its total clients be DuPage County residents; or • Provide services in facilities physically located in DuPage County; or • Have a DuPage County advisory board.

Pritzker announces initiative to improve children’s behavioral health services Six state agencies to work together to determine improvements

By Grace Kinnicutt CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Gov. JB Pritzker announced the launch of an initiative to improve behavioral and mental health services for children.

The Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative will help build a coordinated response between six state agencies in an effort to support children with behavioral health needs while increasing transparency in the process.

At the governor’s direction, the departments of Human Services, Children and Family Services, Public Health, Healthcare and Family Services, Juvenile Justice and State Board of Education are to take part in a working group aimed at bettering support for children in need of behavioral health services.

Dr. Dana Weiner, Chapin Hall child welfare expert at the University of Chicago, will serve as the director of the initiative. Weiner will work alongside members of the Pritzker administration to develop a blueprint by the end of the year for overhauling the state’s response to children’s behavioral and mental health needs.

“Our current system is difficult to navigate and does not provide families with consistent, transparent solutions to the challenges they face,” Weiner said.

“This uncertainty can threaten the health development of children and the integrity and stability of families.”

Michelle Trager, a mother of four, told the story of how her oldest son, who is now 16 years old and lives in a residential facility in another state, has been in and out of the juvenile justice system due to significant health struggles.

Trager said they adopted him when he was 14 months old and as he aged he increasingly struggled with emotional and behavioral problems that impacted his everyday life. For more than a decade, Trager sought interventions and recommendations from professionals to help her son.

But she said it came to a point when her son’s behavior was disruptive and dangerous to himself and those around him. A compre-

hensive evaluation was performed that revealed the likelihood of her son having prenatal alcohol exposure with a background of early childhood trauma.

By the time Trager was advised and required by the school district to seek residential treatment, none of the limited number of facilities would or could accept him. Trager said at age 14, her son spent 331 days in county detention and continually harmed himself, resulting in multiple trips to the emergency room.

“Out of 10 (visits), only once was the hospital able to secure admission to an inpatient psychiatric unit which sent him back to detention after two weeks of ineffective treatment,” Trager said.

Her son was eventually moved to the Department of Juvenile Justice where they realized he needed treatment and not incarceration.

Due to her son meeting his time limit at the DJJ, he was discharged even though he was not deemed safe to return home.

With no Illinois State Police-approved facilities available for help, Trager said they had to find a residential placement out-of-state but had to go through due process in court to send him to an out-of-state facility.

The six state agencies are to work through a step-by-step process that examines and reviews if children and their families have access to behavioral health services in their community, schools or through residential programs.

Agencies will review the allocation of resources to meet needs within existing programs, eligibility requirements for different levels of care, barriers to interagency coordination and the best practices from other child-serving systems across the country.

Rich Bobby said the non-profit Little City facility at which he is senior chief program officer serves children and adults who are impacted by autism, intellectual, and other mental and behavioral health challenges.

Bobby noted that problems regarding the state’s behavioral health response date back more than a decade, but the pandemic

has made it “incomprehensible to a point where families are just at their wits’ end.”

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that children’s mental-health related emergency visits increased from March to October 2020. In Illinois, more than 100,000 students with disabilities receive social, psychological or counseling services.

In the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023, DHS would receive $50 million from federal funds for programs that address trauma, mental and behavioral health.

DHS and the other five state agencies would partner with community-based organizations to establish and support the new federal 988 crisis line and response services for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

The budget also includes $150 million to fully implement the

“

Our children are our greatest treasure and not one of them should fall through the cracks because of an antiquated system that is too small and too slow to fit the scope of their needs.”

– Gov. JB Pritzker

Pathways to Success Program for children with serious mental illnesses.

Pathways to Success is a program through DHS for Medicaid-enrolled children under the age of 21 who have behavioral and mental health needs.

The program provides access to

an evidence-based model of intensive care coordination and home and community-based services.

“Our children are our greatest treasure and not one of them should fall through the cracks because of an antiquated system that is too small and too slow to fit the scope of their needs,” Pritzker said.

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4B • Thursday, March 31, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

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

Fenton superintendent appreciates support for referendum us to keep pace and secure our learning spaces. Our kids deserve safe facilities capable of 21st Century Learning. They’ll have more opportunities to follow their passion, graduating healthier, more well-rounded, and ready for high-wage careers.

We appreciate the work all our current and former school board members, administrators, and staff have put forth in leading us to this point.

Today we look forward to working hand-in-hand with our community

members to transform Fenton and lead our students to new opportunities for success.

We collaborated with many in our community these past six months to understand their priorities in this mission. Fenton will provide many more opportunities for you to visit, review our plan, and ask questions leading up to the election on June 28.

Let’s Go Bison!

James Ongtengco, Superintendent

events of military nurses in Vietnam during the war, and at least one veteran was in the audience for the public showcase at Fenton on Thursday, March 17. Dr. Mitchell and the cast each thanked the person for his service.

fundraiser Spaghetti With a Song, which was temporarily rebranded as “Sweets with a Song.” It was the first fundraising café show since 2020.

All money raised is going toward scholarships and other Boosters programming.

Group interpretation team qualifies for State Congratulations to Mrs. Nicole Hendricks and her Group Interpretation cast of “Edward Scissorhands” for taking 2nd place at the Saturday, March 19, IHSA Drama Sectional at Lake Park High School.

The cast is advancing to the IHSA Contest drama State Finals! The show, based on the qualifies for State 1990 movie by Tim Burton, was also Congratulations to Dr. Mike performed during a public Showcase Mitchell and his Contest Drama cast/ at Fenton on Thursday, March 17. crew of “A Piece of My Heart” for winning first place at the Saturday, Sweet tunes, sweet tooth March 19, IHSA Drama Sectional at boost fundraising for Lake Park High School.

Learning about Music Boosters As Sectional Champions, the cast ancient Raku firing Parents, family, and members of Students in 3D Art 1 with Mrs. is advancing to the IHSA State Fi- the community enjoyed an afternoon Joanna Rieger on Thursday, March nals. of fun songs on March 13 during The show is based on the true the Fenton Music Boosters annual 17 performed a Raku firing, which is an ancient Japanese ceramics technique that has been used for many centuries to create a very unique finish to wares. Students completed their surface embellishThe Bensenville Police Depart- rant. BEPC2200241. ment on culturally inspired pinch/ ment recently reported the following March 22, 11:37 p.m. in the 700 coil vessels by using the ancient arrests and citations. Persons who block of E. Grand Ave., Donotechnique of smoke firing on the are charged with domestic battery van Graham 32, of Chicago, and patio outside Mrs. Rieger’s class- are not named in order to protect the Ashley Saylor, 21, of Strongville, room. victim’s privacy.

Ohio, were both arrested for unPotters chose to wrap their vesReaders are reminded that an ar- lawful use of a weapon charges. sels in banana peels, used coffee rest does not constitute a convic- BEPC2200240. filters, hemp rope, shredded paper, tion, and that suspects are considMarch 21, 10:11 p.m. in the 200 hay, copper wire, or newspaper. ered innocent unless proven guilty block of Grace Street, complainants After school, students retrieved in a court of law. Juveniles age reported both of their vehicles had their pieces from the ashes, as seen 17-or-younger are not named. windows broken out. above.

March 23, 8:57 a.m., Eric M SeeThis case is under investigation. mann, 35, of Hanover Park, was ar- BEPC2200232. rested for an out of jurisdiction warMarch 17, 9:20 a.m. in the 700

Vote for “Greater Papyrus” in National Engineering Contest Support our future Bison at Wood Dale Jr. High by voting for their future city “Greater Papyrus” in the online Future City National Competition.

Established in 1992, Future City is a national competition that challenges students to showcase their engineering solutions to a citywide sustainability issue.

This year’s theme, Waste-Free Future, tasked teams to design a wastefree city using the principles of a circular economy.

Greater Papyrus and its team of Wood Dale engineers won the Illinois Regional 1st place and is now facing 40 teams from schools across the United States.

The Board of Education at Fenton Community High School District 100 voted Wednesday, March 16 to proceed with a referendum seeking voter approval to modernize and expand Fenton High School.

A $129.7 million community-driven plan will address critical deficiencies in our 1950s school building and the surrounding campus, plus allow us to transform our educational programs to better compete with others in DuPage County.

Approval to begin this plan will appear on our ballots as a referendum in the June 28 primary election. Proceeds from the referendum can only be used for building improvements.

Investing in schools adds value to a community. We are witnessing incredible community development all around us, but Fenton itself has not received comprehensive enhancements since taxpayers approved the last referendum in 1975. A successful referendum in June would allow

Fenton High School news

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Fenton bowler recognized by the Board of Education Congratulations to Dylan Thompson for being recognized by the Fenton Board of Education for outstanding performances that led to him qualifying for the IHSA State Finals in January. His average score at Regionals was 213 and his average score at Sectionals was 224.5, with 267 as his highest scoring Sectionals game.

“Dylan is only the second bowler since 2014 from Fenton High School to qualify for state,” Coach Matthew Lynch said. “He’s done a fantastic job.”

When he took the podium, Dylan thanked his family and coaches for the opportunity to go to state and to represent Fenton High School. He then declared his intention to bring home a championship next year.

English students “go to trial” Guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Students in Accelerated English with Mrs. Sara Pahl and Mrs. Abra Millman strengthened their argumentative writing skills by conducting mock trials based on the acclaimed 1954 book “Lord of the Flies.” Each class on Wednesday, March 16 had to decide Jack’s fate after the killing of two boys on the island. This example of project-based learning requires students to use and evaluate persuasive rhetoric, while enjoying the experience impersonating fictional characters.

Police reports

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• Results

(Continued from front page) Despite local attempts to politicize and undermine faith in DuPage County elections that mirror the attacks on free and fair elections nationwide, the ruling confirmed the will of the voters has been reflected. The losing candidate’s claims of election irregularities have been exhaustively analyzed, thoroughly heard and definitively refuted.

“I am grateful to my professional staff and bipartisan election judges for their diligent oversight of the first countywide recount, especially during a pandemic,” Kaczmarek added. “Now my staff can finally put the 2020 election to rest and focus their full attention on this year’s upcoming elections.”

block of Frontier Way, report of stolen catalytic converter from parked Mitsubishi truck. This case is under investigation. BEPC2200218.

March 17, 2:03 p.m. in the 1100 block of block of Ellis Street, there was a report of a stolen catalytic converter from a parked vehicle.

This case is under investigation.

BEPC2200219.

March 17, 9:32 p.m., Sean Sadjak, of Dixon, was arrested near Route 83 and I-290 for possession of a controlled substance and no valid driver’s license.

Addison Trail to present ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Addison Trail Theatre invites you to step into a world of lighthearted, whimsical comedy filled with fantasy and love with the school’s spring play, Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Performances will take place at Addison Trail on Thursday, April 7, Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 at 7 p.m., plus an additional performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 9.

The show will feature a special surprise – a song for the fairies composed by Addison Trail senior Fernando Padua III, entitled “The Queen’s Lullaby.” Padua plans to pursue a career in music education.

“We hope the audience members enjoy a good laugh when they watch the show,” said Padua (who plays Demetrius) and seniors Neela Lugo and Abigail Ficarra (who play Helena and Hermia, respectively). “When people hear the name Shakespeare, they don’t often think of comedy.

But this show is different and is full of magic, fun and fantasy.”

The students added they are thrilled to return to the school’s Blackbox Studio Theatre and perform in the round for the first time in two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seniors Adam Sakleh, as Nick Bottom, Enzo Ciaccia, as Francis

Flute and Cindy Nakhammouane as Snug, said this production has been a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a positive final performance at Addison Trail.

“After seeing the show, we hope people think about what they want in life and remember to love who you want and to be yourself,” said the students.

Director Anna McSweeney said this show is extra special for her, as she performed as Helena during her high school (Lyons Township) production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” McSweeney’s high school Director Bob Cooner even reached out to her to send his well-wishes.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 31, 2022 • 5A

District 88 hosts program for Spanish-speaking parents Dr. Ferney Ramírez explains about decisive role parents play in child’s life

On March 23, Dr. Ferney Ramírez (pictured), a respected psychologist and coordinator of bilingual parent-education programs, presented in Spanish to about 40 District 88 parents/guardians who are members of the Padres Latinos en Acción group at Addison Trail and the Padres Unidos group at Willowbrook.

Through those groups, Spanish-speaking parents/guardians are provided the opportunity to increase their knowledge of the school system to help their students achieve at the highest level. Meeting topics include

information on accessing college, financial aid, rigorous academic programming, social-emotional concerns and community issues.

Dr. Ramírez presented “The Power of Influence: How to Influence the Lives of Our Children to Make them Leaders and Responsible for Themselves,” which highlighted the decisive role parents play in their child’s life and education.

For more information about Dr. Ramírez, go to https://www.facebook.com/La-familia-primero-Ferney-Ramirez-193125840706909/.

SUBMITTED PHOTO SRock Valley Publishing

Dr. Ferney Ramírez

Coming events

Throughout March, District 88 has recognized Women’s History Month, which commemorates and encourages the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

Addison Trail social studies teacher Claire Sychta designed the logo above, while AT’s International Club hosted a Women’s Drive to collect items for women at the Community Crisis Center in Elgin.

Coming events

Saturday, April 9 Easter Egg Breakfast and Egg Hunt Sponsored by the Addison Park District, the breakfast will be held at 9 a.m. and the egg hunt at 10:30 a.m.

Location: Community Recreation Center Please register in advance.

Fee: $15 breakfast and $6 egg hunt only. Info: addisonparks.org

lic Library. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events

Ongoing events 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

Computer basics Learn computer basics from 6-7 p.m. at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library. Info: addisonlibrary.org or call 630-5433617.

¡Hola! (drop-in) Join the Addison Public Library on Thursdays from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. for an in-person bilingual story time in Spanish and English. Dropin. Info: addisonlibrary.org or call 630-543-3617.

Heroes story time From 10-10:30 a.m. at the Addison Public Library, join us for stories and Story time on Zoom activities about everyday heroes, suOn Mondays from 10-10:30 a.m. perheroes, and more. through April 11, stories, songs and Info: addisonlibrary.org or call more! Geared towards ages 2-5 but 630-543-3617. all ages welcome. Call 630-543-3617 or learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/ Clubs and organizations are welevents come to send entries for this column to: news1@rvpublishing.com.

English reading circle Please include a phone number or At 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Adult e-mail address to contact for inforProgram Room of the Addison Pub- mation.

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Send details to independent@rvpublishing.com

Friday, April 1 • Let’s Move! story time From 10-10:30 a.m. at the Addison Public Library, join us for songs, stories, and fun in this movement-oriented story time! Please register for each session separately.

Call 630-543-3617 or learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/ events.

• Patient and doctor communication From 1-2 p.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Addison Public Library, presented by Duly Heath and Care.

Call 630-543-3617 or learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/ events.

Monday, April 4 and April 10 Creative corner From 10:45-11:15 a.m. both Mondays at the Addison Public Library, join us for books, rhymes, songs, and crafts and also learn a few words in Polish. Drop-in.

Call 630-543-3617 or learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/ events.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, April 5-7 Friends of the Library membership drive From 10 a.m.-noon April 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:307:30 p.m. April 6 and 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 7, National Library Week, “Connect with Your Library,” is April 3-9. There’s no better way to connect than becoming a Friend of the Addison Public Library. To see how you can get involved, stop by the Friends’ table in the lobby.

Call 630-543-3617 or learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/ events.

Tuesday, April 5 • Microsoft Office bare basics: Excel Starting at 11 a.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Addison Public Library, want to use Office but don’t know where to start? We’ll cover the basics: creating a document, formatting, saving, and printing. Call 630543-3617 or learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

• Cricut Design Space Basics: Monograms From 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library, learn the basics of Cricut Design Space, the designing software for the Cricut Maker cutting machine. This class will teach you how to create a custom monogram using the text tool and uploading images. Call 630-543-3617 or learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

Monday, April 4-Friday, April 8 Hive Art Studio: Portraits (for teens) Paint, draw, and sculpt with us while you learn about famous artists. Work on your project at the library throughout the week or take it home. Each studio is first come, first served while supplies last. All supplies provided. Call 630-543-3617 or learn more at: addisonli- Wednesday, April 6 brary.org/events.

Talking politics Starting at 7 p.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Monday, April 4 Addison Public Library, get out of your echo chamber • Setting up MyChart and discuss the biggest political stories of the month with Starting at 1 p.m. at the Adult Program Room of the your neighbors. Call 630-543-3617 or learn more at: adAddison Public Library, kick off National Public Health disonlibrary.org/events.

Week (April 4-10) by creating your MyChart account.

MyChart offers patients personalized and secure online access to portions of their medical records. Call 630-543- Thursday, April 7 Drawing with Mark Anderson (for teens) 3617 or learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

Starting at 3:15 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, • Bullet journaling for everyone professional illustrator and cartoonist Mark Anderson Starting at 7 p.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the brings your drawings to life. All skill levels are welAddison Public Library, join us for an introduction to come. Call 630-543-3617 or learn more at: addisonlibullet journaling, a creative way to organize and docu- brary.org/events. ment your life. We’ll have supplies. Call 630-543-3617 or learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events Thursday, April 7 and April 17 • Addison Park District Swim Clinic This is perfect for children who have passed out of the Story time inside From 10-10:30 a.m. at the Addison Public Library, stoDolphins Level in group lessons. Swim Clinic is a great way to introduce children to swim team. To qualify to be ries, songs and more. Geared toward ages birth-3, but all in swim clinic, your child must be able to swim freestyle ages welcome. Please register for each session separateand backstroke properly for 50 yards without stopping. ly. Call 630-543-3617 or learn more at: addisonlibrary.

In Swim Clinic, they will learn proper starts and finishes, org/events. work on making their strokes legal for competition, and get familiar with common drills and games that occur in Friday, April 8 and April 15 practice on a swim team. The class will have an empha- Craft time for littles From 10-10:45 a.m. at the Addison Public Library, sis on stroke technique and endurance. Dates: Session 1: April 4-28 or session 2: May 2-26. Times 7-8 p.m. Days: join us for crafts geared toward ages 2-5. Call 630-543Tuesday and Thursday. Info: addisonparks.org.

3617 or learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events.

6 • Thursday, March 31, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

Police Reports Area police departments recently reported the following arrests and citations. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims.

Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.

ical contact of an insulting or provoking nature at a restaurant in the 600 block of W. North at 9:33 p.m.

Malik J. Northern, 23, of Chicago, was charged with two counts of DUI, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, speeding and disobeying a traffic control device near E. Roosevelt and S. Westmore-Meyers Road at 3:34 a.m.

March 16 Addison Nicole T. Martinez, 47, of LomEditor’s note: There were no re- bard, was charged with DUI-combiports submitted by the Addison Po- nation of alcohol and drugs, and unlice Department last week. lawful transportation of open alcohol in the 1-100 block of E. St. Charles Villa Park at 12:38 a.m.

March 19 Police said Kelli B. Wright, 36, Juan Carlos Marin, 33, of West of East St. Louis, was arrested on a Chicago, was charged with two failure to appear warrant out of DuPcounts of aggravated fleeing and age County. Wright also was issued eluding a police officer, reckless citations for driving while license driving, improper window tint on suspended and driving with expired windows, improper lane usage, dis- plates near Roosevelt and Summit at obeying a traffic control signal and 8:41 p.m. improper windshield condition tinted Burglary to a vehicle was reported near E. North and N. Grace at 8:30 in the 200 block of N. Villa at 7:22 p.m. a.m. A complainant reported that A complainant at a store in the an unknown suspect shattered the 1-100 block of E. St. Charles report- back passenger window of a vehicle ed at 5:05 p.m. that a suspect threat- parked in the driveway. The suspect ened them. removed multiple items from inside the vehicle.

March 18 Retail theft was reported at a store A complainant at a pub in the 100 in the 100 block of W. Roosevelt at block of S. Villa reported at 12:57 2:12 p.m. A complainant reported a.m. that an unknown suspect com- that a suspect removed a pair of jeans mitted battery against them at 12:57 from a display shelf and left the store a.m. without paying.

Theft was reported in the 300 block of S. Villa at 5:09 p.m. A com- March 15 plainant reported that they received a Theft was reported in the 300 package in the mail, but the package block of N. Biermann at 8:56 a.m. A was empty. complainant reported that a suspect stole jewelry from their home.

March 17 Irene Alcala, 26, of Villa Park, was March 14 charged with battery—making physAisha M. Payton, 28, of Oakbrook

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Terrace, was charged with DUI, illegal stopping, standing or parking where prohibited and no insurance near Summit and Roosevelt at 1:59 a.m.

Lisa N. Pelton, 29, of Oak Park, was charged with obstructing identification and retail theft/possession displayed merchandise at a store in the 1-100 block of E. North at 6:04 p.m.

Theft was reported at an entertainment center in the 1000 block of N. Villa at 12:27 p.m. A complainant re-

ported that they purchased items that ed last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported five inwere stolen. cidents of residents being a victim of fraud.

March 13 Steven R. Rodriguez, 36, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, improper Catalytic converter theft According to information providlane usage, transportation or possession of open alcohol by a driver, no ed last week by the Villa Park Police valid driver’s license and no insur- Department, police reported three inance near W. North and N. West at cidents of catalytic converters being removed from residents’ vehicles— 12:15 a.m. in the 900 block of S. Route 83, and two incidents at Willowbrook High Fraud According to information provid- School.

Lawmakers direct $2.7 billion in federal funds toward $4.5 billion unemployment deficit Pritzker says he’ll sign it as negotiations continue on addressing remaining debt

By Jerry Nowicki CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Illinois lawmakers last week advanced a measure to allocate $2.7 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay down more than half of the state’s outstanding $4.5 billion Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt.

The measure, an amendment to Senate Bill 2803, also included over $1.4 billion in general revenue fund spending to pay down other state debts.

Debate lasted nearly an hour in the House March 23 as the bill passed 68-43 with only Democratic support.

The Senate passed it Thursday on a 39-16 vote, also with only Democratic support.

Gov. JB Pritzker said at a news conference March 24 that he will sign the bill as soon as it hits his desk.

“Every Republican voted against paying down our state’s debts,” Pritzker said at the news conference in his office. “Clearly, they’ve decided that because it’s an election year, they’re willing to put politics ahead of the people of Illinois. It drives me crazy to see that it drives them crazy to acknowledge the Democrats have done what their party hasn’t done – pay down debt and balance the budget while giving people real tax relief.”

Republicans, meanwhile, said that not allocating greater funding to the trust fund deficit will force some combination of tax increases on employers or benefit cuts to those on unemployment as a solution to paying down the remaining $1.8 billion in trust fund debt.

Negotiations continue The trust fund is the pool of money paid into by businesses that funds unemployment claims. The debt accrued as the state borrowed from the federal government at the height of the pandemic to keep the trust fund solvent amid an unprecedented crush of claims.

When states accrue trust fund debt, the ways to pay it down have historically included raising insurance premium rates paid by employers, decreasing unemployment benefits, or seeing a new influx of cash, such as federal, state or private funds.

Rep. Jay Hoffman, a Swansea

Democrat who is a lead House negotiator on unemployment issues, said discussions continue with business and labor interests on addressing the remaining $1.8 billion. But at least $2.5 billion was needed to keep those negotiations moving forward.

“This is an agreed bill process.

Business and labor have to agree or we’re not going to move the bill,” he said of ongoing negotiations to pay down the $1.8 billion. “This was a budgetary measure in order to make it easier on the agreed bill process.”

Hoffman said in 2011 after the Great Recession, the state went to the private bond market to pay down a $2.3 billion trust fund deficit and dedicated a revenue stream from increased employer premiums to pay it down. On March 24, Hoffman said employers “took the entire responsibility to pay off the bonds” in 2011 and there were no benefit decreases.

In a July email to Capitol News Illinois, Illinois Retail Merchants Association president and CEO Rob Karr—a negotiator on behalf of business in 2011 and currently – said the only concession from labor at the time was agreeing to a slight decrease to the dependent child allowance for unemployed individuals.

IRMA is part of a group called the Joint Employers, which also includes the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Businesses of Illinois, and the Associated General Contractors of Illinois.

They issued a statement regarding the ongoing negotiations.

“This vote will inject $2.7 billion from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) into the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund,” they said in the statement. “Illinois employers appreciate the governor and members of the General Assembly for taking this positive step in addressing the massive $4.5 billion in outstanding debt. We’re hopeful that negotiations will continue to resolve the remaining balance of this unprecedented deficit.”

Private bonding is a path being considered again this time around.

The state needed to act by April 1 to keep all options – including increas-

ing premiums, lowering benefits or bonding—on the table moving forward, according to House Majority Leader Greg Harris, a Chicago Democrat who sponsored the bill. Hoffman said he is hopeful the parties will agree by the April 8 adjournment date.

The governor’s office held closeddoor meetings throughout the day on March 23 to discuss the debt retirement proposal. A late amendment increased the previously planned allocation to the trust fund from $2 billion to the $2.7 billion sum.

After the governor’s March 24 news conference, the parties returned to negotiations.

Partisan disagreement Democrats said the $2.7 billion will come from an unallocated ARPA fund balance that sits at about $3.5 billion. Illinois received $8.1 billion directly from the ARPA stimulus plan signed by President Joe Biden last year.

But Republicans urged full repayment of the $4.5 billion, noting that about $6.9 billion in ARPA funds remains unspent, even if more than that has been promised in previous spending plans that passed the General Assembly.

Before the pandemic, the state had $1.2 billion in its trust fund, Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, said in a floor speech on March 23. Republicans urged the state to use ARPA funds to replenish that amount as well.

“So you might ask what happens when our unemployment insurance trust fund is in debt?” Demmer said.

“Two things: One, a major tax increase on every job in the state of Illinois; and two, a benefit reduction for every worker in the state of Illinois. It’s a lose-lose scenario. Taxes go up; benefits go down because the fund is in debt.”

Republicans urged reallocating other ARPA funds, particularly a $1 billion sum allocated last year to capital projects, to pay down the entire debt to stave off the negative consequences for employers and workers.

Republican Senators, in a March 24 news conference after the vote,

See LAWMAKERS, Page 8

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 31, 2022 • 7

Rock Valley Publishing

Viewpoint

March 31, 2022 • 7

Illinois doesn’t know where it’s going

By Jim Nowlan I spoke recently to an audience of attorneys and financial planners about the future of Illinois. I asked for a show of hands as to who thought our state would reverse the almost 1 percent decline in population we experienced in the past decade.

Only 1 of 30 thought it was likely.

Why, I asked: high taxes; climate; business climate; corruption, and lack of state pride were responses from this highly educated group.

Yes, I agreed, Illinois has obvious shortcomings, yet the state has incredible strengths as well, which would make Illinois an economic powerhouse otherwise.

And the problems are fixable, though politically daunting.

Now let’s look at the positive side of the ledger, which is strikingly bright, in ways I rarely hear trumpeted. Former state commerce director Jim Schultz of Effingham sums it up succinctly: In each of the five critical Rs— roads, rails, runways, rivers and routers—Illinois is among the top three states in the nation.

I called Jim and told him he should add a six R: research.

A recent ranking of graduate research universities found the universities of Chicago, Northwestern and Illinois to be among the top 20 in the world—3 of 20, not just in the nation, but in the world.

I could go through each of the Rs in detail, but space limits me: Yet, look at a highway map of the U.S. See the density of interstate highways crisscrossing Illinois— thicker than for just about any state. We have more miles, 2,200, of interstate highways than any states in the nation other than California and Texas. And, our state is located smack dab in the middle of the world’s largest market.

Our strengths would be the envy of most other states, if I weren’t for our weaknesses. Yet, the weaknesses can be addressed.

Other states have done so.

I contend the biggest problem for Illinois is that the state doesn’t know where it is going. That is, there is no roadmap to where we want the state to be in 10 years, and of what it would take to get us there.

I continue to be confounded that the state has never—never— done any long-term thinking.

The closest we have is the 6,000 disparate bills introduced into the legislature every two years. Crazy.

The singular piece of forward thinking in Illinois history was the Burnham Plan for Chicago of the early 1900s, led by the architect Daniel Burnham and commissioned by the Commercial Club of Chicago. The effort followed on the heels of the stupendous Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, visited by 27 million folks from around the world.

So, the City of Big Shoulders, as Sandburg described the city, knew it could do big things.

After much work, the plan was presented to the City Council, which also labored over the plan, ultimately adopting about half the recommendations. But what marvelous results: A magnificent lakefront reserved, not for private property owners, but for the public. Wide boulevards and a spectacular park system, and more. Chicagoans and visitors have benefited every day since its adoption in 1909.

Texans think big. Their business leadership has been developing a Texas 2036 plan, for where they want Texas to be on the 200th anniversary of their nationhood.

They have a Can-Do attitude.

Illinoisans are so down in the mouth about our future that we have a Can’t-Do frame of mind. There are, people think, too many political and interest group obstacles in our way. Elon Musk would be appalled at such thinking.

The business leadership of the 19th Century, such as Marshall Field, Potter Palmer, Bertha Honore Palmer, Julius Rosenwald (who built Sears), focused on the city they loved and built.

Chicago’s bigtime CEOs today at such behemoths as McDonald’s, Boeing, CAT, United Airlines are up their eyeballs in alligators heading global companies; they don’t have much time for Illinois, even though if it were a nation, the Illinois economy would be one of the top 20 in the world.

I have an idea of how to tap into an incredible underutilized resource.

Former governor Jim Edgar’s greatest legacy may prove to be his Edgar Fellows Program. Each

See ILLINOIS, Page 15

Slices of life

We all need an Alice in our life

The doorbell rang unexpectedly tonight. I wasn’t anticipating anyone.

I went to answer it and got quite a wonderful gift.

Outside my front door stood a lovely, petite woman with bright blue eyes. She wore designer glasses, hoop earrings and turquoise Nikes. Her hair was a medium blond with just hints of gray here and there. She was a stranger; but not for long.

Within moments, she’d introduced herself as Alice, the friend I’ve corresponded with via mail sent the old-fashioned way. Alice reads my column in a newspaper in Ohio and she’s taken the time to write me and send cards on numerous occasions. I return the favor.

We’ve become pen pal friends.

Until tonight. Tonight we became real friends because she showed up on my doorstep to say, “Hi,” and I quickly realized her mind and outlook are as bright as her eyes.

Did I mention Alice is 98? We’d never met. She didn’t know where I lived. She just had the return address from a card I’d sent. She happened to be on vacation in Florida and decided to go out of her way to find me. (And Florida is not a small state.)

Alice no longer drives, so her

By

JILL PERTLER Columnist

daughter served as chauffeur for this visit. But it was Alice, alone, who navigated the two steps to reach my front door. It was Alice, alone, who rang the doorbell and greeted me when I answered. She may be small in stature, but her presence is anything but.

We sat on my front porch with her daughter and chatted. They couldn’t stay long because they were on their way to a different destination. I was a pit stop, and glad to be one.

I am in awe and wonder that Alice decided she wanted to meet me in person and then made it happen. She is 98 and teaching me things every time we cross paths.

She is brave and alive in ways that many people many years younger could only hope to be. It brings tears to my eyes.

Today she wondered aloud why she is still here on earth. I tried to tell her, “Alice, you are teaching us all so many things.” I hope she heard.

Today Alice taught me there are items on my bucket list that I haven’t even thought of. Meeting her was definitely one of them.

I wish she could have stayed longer. I wish I could have asked her questions and listened to her answers for hours. Her visit was one of those moments in life that we don’t always realize are magic until they are all but over.

This one I realized.

Stop by anytime you are in the neighborhood, Alice. (And your daughter, Pat, too.) My door is always open. Next time I’ll put on a pot of coffee or a kettle for tea and maybe you can stay just a little bit longer. I’d like that.

No, I’d love that.

Sometimes angels arrive in our lives with their wings spread wide.

Other times they step up onto our front porch wearing turquoise Nikes.

I met my friend, Alice, today.

She is 98 years young and I’m so glad to know her.

(A big thanks to Alice’s daughter, Pat, for making this visit possible! Big hugs to you both.)

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. She invites readers to follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

8 • Thursday, March 31, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

Villa Park Library events Editor’s note: Unless otherwise indicated, information on each of the following events and programs can be found by visiting the library’s website at vppl.info or by calling 630-834-1164.

Tuesday, April 5-Wednesday, April 6 Library hosts AARP Safe Driver Course The Villa Park Public Library will host a two-day AARP Safe Driver Course on Tuesday, April 5 and Wednesday, April 6 from noon to 4 p.m.

Participants attend both days. The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-AARP members, payable by check to AARP and collected by the instructor on the first day of the class. All class materials will be provided.

Registration is required.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

State send-off at Willowbrook

On March 24, Willowbrook High School held a state send-off celebration for the cast and crew of the school’s Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Contest Play, “Good People.” The production, which was directed by Willowbrook English teacher/Theatre Director Regina Wathier, qualified for the IHSA Drama State Competition. Willowbrook’s performance took place on Friday, March 25, at Oak Lawn Community High School. Willowbrook’s cast and crew of 54 students earned second-place honors at the state competition. Reavis High School of Burbank claimed the first-place award for its presentation of “Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles.” The following description—available at www.steppenwolf.org— provides details about Willowbrook’s presentation at the state event: “When Margie Walsh (played by Willowbrook junior Amelia Tortorici) loses her job at a South Boston dollar store, she reaches out to old flame Mike (played by Willowbrook sophomore Sean O’Brochta), a Southie boy (Southie is a blue-collar Boston neighborhood) who left the neighborhood and became a successful doctor. Margie’s attempt to hit Mike up for a job takes on a threatening cast when she realizes the power a secret from Mike’s past holds. From Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire, “Good People” looks at the dangerous consequences of choosing to hold on to the past or leaving it behind.”

• Lawmakers

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Saturday, April 9 Virtual SAT practice test at the Library The Villa Park Public Library will hold a virtual SAT Practice Test on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., proctored by Huntington Learning Center. Students will need to have a calculator, two pencils, a quiet area, and the ability to download an answer sheet. All registrants must live in or attend a high school in Villa Park or Oakbrook Terrace.

The test will begin promptly at 10 a.m. All test-takers will be automatically registered for the virtual SAT Results Follow-Up Session on Thursday, April 10 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Students will return with results from Saturday’s SAT Practice Test to hear a clear explanation of the numbers and to ask questions. Diane Kilcommons, director of Huntington Learn Center Elmhurst, will explain categories of questions and the structure of the SAT, and even suggest a few strategies.

Both sessions will be held online via Zoom. Registration with a valid email address is required.

See LIBRARY, Page 10 (Continued from page 6)

did not identify any other ARPA funds that they would like to see reallocated to be put toward the trust fund.

“If it was up to me, I would have taken $5.5 billion a year ago—$4.5 billion to completely wipe out this debt that we have to the federal government … and $1 billion to get back to our $1 billion solvency target, which is part of the law today,” Sen. Win Stoller, R-East Peoria, said at the GOP news conference.

GOP Senators said a $16 billion revenue windfall in recent years—including $8.1 billion from ARPA, $3.4 billion from a previous federal stimulus and $4.6 billion in state revenue growth beyond what was projected for the current year—should have first been used to pay down the deficit before other allocations.

Democrats called their action a fiscally prudent measure that goes a long way to addressing the trust fund problem while allowing other necessary expenditures of ARPA funds.

“You know as well as I do that we’ve used the ARPA funding during this emergency to support those institutions and those businesses who have been on the frontlines and delivering health care in our communities,” Harris said in response to Republican criticisms March 23.

He pointed to spending for hospitals, nursing homes and purchases of personal protective equipment, as well as trust fund payments to gig workers and increased unemployment payments to workers which were paid by the federal government.

“And actually, I’m proud that we spent that money to be sure that these Illinoisans were protected, and the fact that you want to take it away from them, you think we should have shorted them—shame on you,” he said.

Pritzker pointed to other expenditures of federal funds such as to aid child care providers, small businesses, homeowners and renters.

Interest accruing As of March 23, the state had already accrued $41 million of interest on the debt and it continued to accrue at a rate of 1.59 percent.

That interest was due to be paid by Sept. 30, according to the U.S. Treasury.

By November, without action, that interest was expected to grow to $80 million, Hoffman said. Interest can’t be paid through ARPA, so it

would require a General Revenue Fund allotment, he added. Taking action by November would diminish that amount, he said.

GOP lawmakers argued that Democrats could have staved off some of that interest accrual by acting earlier. When lawmakers passed a budget last year, Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, and other Republicans called out the majority party for not acting on the trust fund deficit.

“When I brought this up a year ago, and I said you are failing to take action, you are going to make this worse, and you’re going to hurt people,” he said Thursday. “And here we are a year later. That’s exactly what’s happened.”

Because Democrats put off action on the trust fund for over a year, the GOP said, interest not only accrued on the outstanding debt, but interest rates for the bonding the state is considering to pay down the remaining $1.8 billion will have increased as well.

In July, Pritzker incorrectly told Capitol News Illinois that ARPA funds could not be used to pay down trust fund deficits although several states had already done so.

Other debt repayment The measure also allocated $898 million in general revenue funds to pay off old group health insurance bills, an added $300 million to pension payments beyond statutory levels and $230 million to pay off the unfunded liabilities of the College Illinois savings program—all cornerstones of Pritzker’s debt retirement initiatives put forth in his budget proposal. Those allotments will come from the state’s General Revenue Funds from the anticipated Fiscal Year 2022 surplus.

The pension spending would create $1 billion in savings to the state’s pension system over its life, while the group health insurance payments would save over $100 million in interest and the College Illinois payment would create a $75 million savings, according to estimates from House Democrats.

“By following through on our commitments to dedicate one-time revenues to one-time costs or liabilities, we are delivering Illinoisans, a stronger budget and a stronger state for years to come,” Pritzker said.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 31, 2022 • 9

Edward-Elmhurst Health: Is too much caffeine bad for you?

It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t rely on a cup of caffeinated coffee to help them wake up in the morning.

It’s also not unusual to have a second or third cup throughout the day, while working or meeting a friend for a break.

“Caffeine is a natural drug that promotes alertness,” said Denise Valero, M.D., an internal medicine physician with Edward Medical Group. “It typically takes about 30 minutes to affect someone’s state of mind, but it stays in your body for hours. It can take about 10 hours to eliminate the caffeine from the body.”

• Nausea • Headache • A feeling of unhappiness (dysphoria) Get more information at EEHealth. org/hereforit.

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known,” said Dr. Valero.

It helps to be aware of how much caffeine your favorite beverage contains. The Academy lists the caffeine content of several common beverages: • Energy drinks: 8 fluid (fl.) ounces (oz.): 47-163 mg • Coffee: 8 fl. oz.: 96 • Espresso: 1 fl. oz.: 64 • Black tea: 1 cup: 48 • Cola: 12 fl. oz.: 33 • Candy, semi-sweet chocolate: 1 oz.: 18 • Hot chocolate: 8 fl. oz.: 8 Many packaged foods and beverages include the amount of caffeine per serving on the nutrition label.

While you aren’t likely to experience a toxic level of caffeine from

The priests of Eastern DuPage County will be available to celebrate the Sacrament of Forgivness of Sin!

Saturday, April 2, from 8am until 3pm There will be select times when the Sacrament will be offered in both Polish and Spanish.

All are invited to receive God’s grace

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How much is too much caffeine?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says adults can safely consume 400 milligrams of caffeine each day — about the amount in 4 or 5 cups of coffee.

Caffeine affects people differently. For some, it takes several cups to perk up. For others, one cup of coffee and they’re jolted into action for hours.

Regardless of personal sensitivity, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends limiting caffeine intake in children and avoiding it altogether for kids age 5 and younger.

Kids can have trouble sleeping, anxiety, and higher blood pressure and heart rate when they consume too much caffeine.

“In general, pregnant women and those trying to conceive should avoid caffeine, since all the effects of caffeine during pregnancy are not

too much coffee, the FDA estimates also lead to side effects, such as: toxic effects, like seizures, can occur • Insomnia with “rapid consumption” of around • Jitters 1,200 milligrams of caffeine or 0.15 • Anxiousness tablespoons of pure caffeine.

• Fast heart rate Drinking too much caffeine can • Upset stomach

10 • Thursday, March 31, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

• Library

(Continued from page 8)

Library offers digitization scan sessions The Villa Park Public Library will hold a 15-minute one-on-one scan session from 2 to 4 p.m. Participants will learn how to digitize their photos or documents (maximum size: 11x17) using the library’s Scan Station. There is a limit of 10 items per participant.

Registration is required. Attendees must bring a digital storage device.

Face masks are required to enter the library by all individuals over age 2 who can medically tolerate it, regardless of vaccination status.

Monday, April 11 Library offers STEAM kits The Villa Park Public Library offers free STEAM kits aimed at tweens and teens in grades 5 through 12. Each take-home kit includes materials for a project that encourages creativity, exploration, and critical thinking through inquiry-based learning.

The next kit will be available for pickup at the library starting on Wednesday, April 13. The deadline to register for a kit is Monday, April 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, April 12Wednesday April 13 Library celebrates Money Smart Week The Villa Park Public Library will celebrate Money Smart Week with two informative programs presented by Lana Thompson of BMO Harris. First up is identity theft, which will be held on Tuesday, April 12 from 3-4 p.m. Attendees will learn about methods used by identity thieves to steal personal information and how to protect themselves. The second program is Credit Scores and Reports on Wednesday,

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April 13 from 6-7 p.m. At this program, attendees will learn about credit scores and how to read a credit report.

Both programs will be held in person at the library. Registration is required for each one.

Friday, April 15Saturday, April 16 Library holds spring Holiday Craft open house The Villa Park Public Library will hold a Spring Holiday Craft Open House on Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16; both sessions from 2 to 4 p.m. Children of all ages can celebrate the springtime holidays with a craft.

Young children will need an adult.

Registration is not required, but supplies are limited.

Monday, April 18 through Saturday, April 23 Spice Club at the Library The Villa Park Public Library’s Spice Club is well under way. Sign up every month to get a take-home spice kit that will include a recipe, spices,

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and book recommendations. Each month will feature a different spice.

Pickling spice is featured in April. Pick up your kit at the library anytime from Monday, April 18 through Saturday, April 23. Upcoming months will feature sumac, nutmeg, Szechuan pepper, and garam masala. Registration is required for each month’s kit. For more information, visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

Wednesday, April 27 Library partners with Arboretum to present Nature Storytime The Villa Park Public Library is partnering with The Morton Arboretum to present Nature Storytime for children ages 3 through 6. This session will be held in person at the library from 10 to 10:30 a.m. A guest presenter from The Morton Arboretum will present some fun nature stories that show how weather, trees, and animals change with the season.

Registration is required for each session.

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 78600 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MARCH 8, 2022 wherein the business firm of AMBIENT HEATING COOLING, 1S178 INGERSOLL LANE, VILLA PARK, IL 60181was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: Razi Siddiqi, 1S178 Ingersoll Lane, Villa Park, IL 60181.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 8TH day of MARCH, A.D. 2022.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review March 17, 24 & 31, 2022) 414132 NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 78619 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MARCH 23, 2022 wherein the business firm of ARTS AUTO INTERIORS, 1S281 DANBY ST., VILLA PARK, IL 60181 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: Artur Pawlina, 1S281 Danby St., Villa Park, IL 60181.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 23RD day of MARCH, A.D. 2022.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review March 31, April 7 & 14, 2022) 414944

A licensed REALTOR® for over 25 years

Taking You and Your Family To Your Next Home!

www.SeeYourHouseRightHere.com Email: SeeYourHouse@outlook.com

408189

130 West Park Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126

NOTICE TO BIDDERS NEW 2023 CONVENTIONAL STYLE BUS March 31, 2022 The Board of Education, School District 45, DuPage County, 255 West Vermont Street, Villa Park, Illinois 60181, is accepting bids for: TWO (2) NEW 2023 CONVENTIONAL STYLE BUSES until 10:00 A.M. (CST), Thursday, April 21, 2022, and invites you to bid. The bid opening will be on Thursday, April 21, 2022 starting at 10:00 A.M. (CST).

Contract documents are on file and may be examined at any time on/or after Thursday, March 31, 2022. Any questions or requests for clarifications concerning the bid docu-

ments or specifications must be submitted in writing no later than Friday, April 8, 2022, and directed to: School District 45, DuPage County 255 West Vermont Street Villa Park, Illinois 60181 Attention: Jeff Eagan or jeagan@d45.org All bids shall be submitted to: School District 45, DuPage County 255 West Vermont Street Villa Park, Illinois 60181 Attention: Jeff Eagan, Assistant Superintendent for Finance/CSBO New 2023 Conventional Style Bus Bid Bid Opening Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. (CST) No bids may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days after the bid opening date.

The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any immaterial variances or irregularities or reject any or all proposals when, in its opinion, such action will serve the best interest of the Board of Education, School District 45, DuPage County.

By authorization of the Board of Education: _____________________ Jeff Eagan Assistant Superintendent for Finance/CSBO (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent, Villa Park Review and the Lombardian March 31, 2022) 414995

LEGAL NOTICE On Monday May 2, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., a virtual meeting conducted by DuPage High School District 88 will take place. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the District’s plan for providing special education services to students with identified disabilities who attend parentally placed private/parochial schools and home schools located within the District’s boundaries for the 2022-2023 school year.

If you are a parent/guardian of a homeschooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of DuPage High School District 88, you are encouraged to attend.

If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact Dr. Raquel Wilson, Director of Student Services for DuPage High School District 88 at rwilson@ dupage88.net or 630-782-3005 (Published in the Elmhurst Independent, Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review March 31, April 7 & 14, 2022) 414871

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 31, 2022 • 11

Bill would provide $500 tax credit to volunteer firefighters and EMS workers Senate Bill 3027 is estimated to cost about $22 million to fully implement

Members of the Illinois Firefighters Association joined state legislators at a news conference March 23 to outline a measure that they claim would recruit more long-term volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel by offering them a tax credit.

Senate Bill 3027 would provide a $500 tax credit to those who serve as volunteer firefighters or EMS personnel. To qualify for the tax credit, volunteers must work for a fire department or fire protection district for at least nine months and not receive more than $10,000 in compensation for those services during the taxable year.

Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Swansea,

Glowiak Hilton highlights new behavioral health education opportunities at COD

With support from State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), the College of DuPage was awarded funding for the Certified Recovery Support Specialist Success program to create behavioral and mental health education opportunities for students.

“The behavioral and mental health industries depends on skilled, reliable workers,” Glowiak Hilton said.

“By creating education opportunities for mental health professionals at the College of DuPage and throughout the state, Illinois is working to provide better quality care for individuals in recovery, give students handson experience and strengthen the workforce.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services awarded $4 million in grants to 11 colleges and universities throughout the state to support the CRSS Success program. Through the program, students can experience working in mental health capacities, substance treatment services, mobile crisis teams and more.

Additionally, the program incentivizes post-secondary education for up to 600 students with experiences in mental health or substance use recovery. Students can receive funding for assistance with tuition, textbook costs, childcare, application fees and transportation.

“Affordability is a critical element for students exploring higher education programs,” Glowiak Hilton said.

“By investing in students at Illinois universities, our state is working to support the young professionals most likely to contribute to our behavioral health workforce.”

chief sponsor of the bill, said offering the tax credit would help address the shortage of firefighter and EMS personnel at departments that rely on volunteers.

“These individuals give up their personal time that could be spent with their families to ensure the well-being of our state’s residents with no monetary incentive,” Belt said.

The bill states that if the tax credit exceeds the tax liability for the year, the excess can be applied to the earliest tax year in which there is a tax liability.

The credit will not reduce a taxpayer’s liability to less than zero.

During a news conference March 18, Belt noted that if the bill is ap-

proved, it would cost about $20 million to $22 million in lost revenue to implement it. Belt said the cost upfront pales in comparison to the lives lost without volunteer firefighters and EMS workers.

Margaret Vaughn, government affairs director at the Illinois Firefighters Association, said the number of emergency calls to fire departments has tripled over the past 20 years, with most calls being for EMS, while the number of volunteer emergency workers continues to decrease.

Vaughn told the story of a fire at a 100-unit apartment dwelling in Silvis, a blaze that, according to National Fire Protection Association standards, should have had 30 firefighters facing it. But only five firefighters

showed up.

“That is a public safety crisis,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn said the aging population, additional training requirements and new policies have been contributing factors in the plummeting number of emergency workers. Training requirements vary by the fire department and district, she said.

National Fire Protection Association standard 1710 sets the minimum requirements for the number of firefighters needed when deploying fire suppression operations, EMS operations and other operations. NFPA standard 1720 establishes the minimum number of volunteers needed to assist professional firefighters.

Rep. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City,

said passing the measure would help address staffing issues in rural areas that cannot afford full-time firefighters. He noted that the incentive can attract new volunteers to keep communities safe while showing appreciation for their service.

“They don’t do it for the money (or) do it for the glory,” Bennett said.

“They do it because they are committed to their communities, their neighbors and their families and they want to help.”

The measure passed the Senate unanimously but awaits further consideration in the House. The House Revenue and Finance Committee was expected to discuss uncertainty as to how the tax credit would be implemented on March 24.

Worship Services Directory St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church

547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148

630-627-2435

Lent and Easter Services

Gather with us for Weekend Worship Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.

Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Education Hour between services at 9:45 a.m.

at 7 p.m.

“The Crucial Hours”

Mid-week Worship during lent Wednesdays, March 2 - April 6 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

142 E. Third St. Elmhurst, IL

ImmanuelElmhurst.org 630-832-1649

Handicapped accessible and hearing loop enabled

413226

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Historic

Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elmhurst Please join us for worship!

Sundays: 9 a.m. Adult Education and Sunday School 10 a.m. Traditional Divine Service Wednesday Evening Lent Services: March 9 thru April 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Fifth Lenten Service Rev. Tom Nicholson Resurrection, Aurora

March 30, 2022 “They Bound Him” John 18:12

Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022 Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66 ✝✝✝✝✝✝✝✝✝✝ Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14 Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15 Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17 Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17 Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17

Sunday Worship Schedule

✥ Fully handicapped-accessible ✥ Bible Study, Sunday School, Handbell Choir, 1st Steps In Music classes

Bible Study at 9 a.m.

Worship Service at 10:15 a.m.

123 E. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630/834-1411 www.RedeemerLCMS.com FB/RedeemerOfElmhurst

Everyone is welcome!

413096

By Grace Kinnicutt

414839

414961

12A • Thursday, March 31, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

Addison Trail volleyball teams visit Benedictine University On March 18, members of the Addison Trail Boys Volleyball Team (junior varsity and varsity levels) traveled to Lisle to watch the Benedictine University Men’s Volleyball Team compete against Lakeland University. Benedictine won, 3-0.

Addison Trail Boys Volleyball Head Coach Jessica Clark said the field trip was a tremendous opportunity for the student-athletes to experience being on a college campus and to see firsthand what it’s like to compete at the collegiate level.

The players also were able to meet with Benedictine senior Jacob Grygo, who graduated from Addison Trail in 2018. Grygo is a Setter/Right Side player for the Eagles.

Club Fitness offers health, fitness opportunities

Chair Based Yoga for ages 18+ Club Fitness members can now enjoy other health benefits of yoga, including improved muscle tone, better breathing habits, stress reduction, better sleep, and improved sense of well-being. Location: At Club Fitness Centennial Recreation center on Fridays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Addison Road Warriors Running Club for ages 16+ Are you currently a runner or thinking about getting into running?

Joining a running club has great advantages for all running abilities!

Our club will incorporate various distances, paces, and surfaces to perform your best. It will provide guidance on goal setting, strengthening, flexibility and nutrition geared specifically for runners. Local races will also be targeted in this program.

Location: Club Fitness.

Rep. Mazzochi asks for help for children in Ukraine

Following up on previously successful drive efforts, State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) is partnering with Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies & Hummingbird Children’s Academy for a toy drive for the children in Ukraine.

“Heartbreakingly, according to UNICEF, one in two children in Ukraine have been displaced as a result of the Russian invasion,” Rep. Mazzochi said. “These kids are losing something so precious: their childhoods. We want to give them a little comfort to help them stay kids so they do not lose hope in their future or humankind.”

Donors are asked to drop off small toys such as small stuffed animals, coloring books, children’s books, early learning games, puzzles, crayons, baby rattles, teething toys, etc.

The items must be new and not used.

Donations will be accepted until Monday, April 4.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Above: Members of the Addison Trail Boys Volleyball Team watch the Benedictine University Men’s Volleyball Team compete against Lakeland University on Friday, March 18.

The players also were able to meet with Benedictine senior Jacob Grygo (pictured in the front row), who graduated from Addison Trail in 2018. Grygo is a Setter/Right Side player for the Eagles.

Right: Members of the Addison Trail Boys Volleyball Team watch the Benedictine University Men’s Volleyball Team compete against Lakeland University on Friday, March 18.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 31, 2022 • 13

ANNUAL AWN BIENNIAL BULB CAPSULE DIPLOID DOMINANCE FERMENTATION FERTILIZER FRUIT GERMINATE GRAINS GREENHOUSE HERBACEOUS HUSK LEAFLETS MAIZE NURSERY PRESERVATION RIPE ROOTS TUBER VEGETABLE WOODY

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!

Answers on page 15

CLUES ACROSS 1. Hillsides 6. A way to ingest 9. Large number 13. Southeastern Minnesota city 14. Cronies 15. Having sufficient skill, knowledge 16. Supplements with difficulty 17. Former VP nominee Palin 18. Cambodian monetary unit 19. Where coaches work 21. Secret political clique 22. A type of lute 23. Tan 24. Empire State 25. Where golfers begin 28. For each 29. Muslim inhabitants of the Philippines 31. Bird genus 33. Popular Dave Matthews Band song 36. Domesticates 38. “Boardwalk Empire” actress Gretchen 39. Asian antelope 41. One who takes apart 44. Kin 45. Dresses 46. Says something about you (abbr.)

48. Doctor of Education 49. One quintillion bytes (abbr.)

51. Overcharge 52. Sailboats 54. Indian musical patterns 56. Predisposition to a condition 60. Share a common boundary with 61. Wide 62. Skin disease 63. Monetary unit of Samoa 64. Source of the Blue Nile 65. Instrument 66. Red deer 67. Unidentified flying object 68. Bar or preclude

CLUES DOWN 1. Flying insects 2. Strong alcoholic spirit 3. Old 4. Moves in slowly 5. Symbol for tin 6. Having certain appendages 7. Expression of sorrow or pity 8. Type of hormone (abbr.)

9. One with an unjustified mistrust 10. Hebrew calendar month 11. Pure 12. LSU football coach 14. Unbroken views 17. Fathers 20. Part of a race 21. Hairstyle 23. Fifth note of a major scale 25. Body art 26. Amounts of time 27. Designed chairs 29. Sensational dramatic piece

30. Arrangement of steps 32. Classifies 34. Young child 35. Oh, no!

37. Astronomical period of about 18 years 40. Not or 42. Poke fun at 43. Consisting of roots 47. “__ Humbug!”

49. A way to remove 50. A confusion of voices and other sounds 52. Keyed instrument 53. Varnishes 55. Unpleasantly sticky substance 56. Unable to hear 57. A short erect tail 58. Indicates interest 59. Flow or leak through 61. British thermal unit 65. Iron

14 • Thursday, March 31, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

Serving Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Lombard & Villa Park

Classifieds

Call Classifieds at

Lombard Office (630) 627-7010 In-Print and Onlne at www.Lombardian.info

BUSINESS & SERVICE

36 Years of Quality Work

NEW CONSTRUCTION • RESURFACING

$100 Off Asphalt Work 00

630-832-9530

www.faheyandsonpaving.com LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

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General Carpentry 30 Years Experience

393904

Painting

“Specializing in Quality Workmanship and Attention to Detail”

Concrete Handyman AL’S DECORATING SERVICE

RESTORE/REPLACE CONCRETE

Free Estimates ~ Call Anytime @ 630-853-3059 The Home Repair & Improvement Company No job is too small! References available upon request.

Stoop - Steps - Drives Garage Floors & More! * Licensed/Bonded/Insured * 395580

mynorconcrete.com

AMERICAN CONCRETE ALL TYPES OF CONCRETE WORK * 32 Years Experience * Licensed, Bonded and Fully Insured

Call Pete @ 630-307-7500

414151

EXCELLENT REFERENCES

• Gutter Cleaning • Painting • Plumbing • Electric • Drywall Repair • Carpentry Trim • Siding Repair • Doors Installed • Roofing

630-747-3244

370024

388922

Call Greg 630-469-6898

CURT’S HANDYMAN SERVICE No job too small

FREE ESTIMATES • curtwex1@gmail.com

CUSTOM CONCRETE

Residential driveways, patios, walkways.

Stamped and colored concrete.

https://homepaintingillino.wixsite.com/website

PAINTERS. FULL-SERVICE. INSIDE. OUTSIDE. HOME. BUSINESS. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. CALL GREG: (630)234-1471.

414373

Bobby 630.520.5812 Mynor 630.631.3073

402081

• Interior & Exterior Painting • Power Washing Anything • Wallpapering • Kitchen & Bathroom Floor/Wall Tiles • Tuck Pointing

Overlay - Epoxy - Repair

CALL Elmhurst (630) 834-8244 or Lombard (630) 627-7010 TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD!

781 Industrial Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126

Full-time $18/hour. No weekends!

Entry level, training provided.

US Environmental is a small, dynamic, and fun company that prefers to promote from within. We are in a growth phase and looking for ground-floor employees to train for future opportunities. If you’re interested in learning about environmental services, please email Cassy, and include resume. cshaw@usenvironmental.com

Thomas-Vil Painting • Interior Painting • Small Exterior • Wallpaper Removal • Drywall Repair

Fully insured; Free estimates

630-941-1893

Plumbing

Apartments APARTMENT TO SHARE

Immediate hire 630-461-6855 call or email Tlcmontessoriorg@yahoo.com

393528

30 N. Park Ave., Lombard

Working woman to share 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment; very clean, walking distance to Villa Park train. $475 per month; all utilities included except A/C. 414856

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

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

Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you.

I am confident my prayers will be answered. Thank You Mother of God!!!

JC

349866

Part Time Help Wanted Our COUNTRY Financial office located in Lombard is looking for a Part-time Office Assistant to add to our growing team. Working hours can be flexible. If interested, please contact Hieu Tran at hieu.tran@ countryfinancial.com

2 PT TEACHER AIDE’S NEEDED (1) 10:00 am - 1:30 pm (1) 1:30 pm - 6:00 pm 3-5 days a week TLC Montessori

630-290-4547

247155

CONCRETE RESTORATION

369039

FOR RENT

FREE Estimates Call for all your masonry work

Small Home Repairs and Remodeling

630-495-8077

630-248-3222

All types of Masonry Work, Tuckpointing & Chimney Repairs

Gutters

U.S. Environmental Rental Corporation

American Flyer, Lionel trains, Barbie and other dolls; G.I. Joe, Tonka, Matchbox, Hot Wheels cars & more! Plus any other antiques and collectibles. Call:

Masonry/ Tuckpointing

369531

GREG STEBEN CARPENTRY

Wanted

247158

Electrical

CARL WUNSCHEL BLDRS. • Interlocking Flooring •Kitchen/Bathroom Remodeling • Tile Installation & Painting - Guaranteed Workmanship For a fair quote & prompt service call 630-220-8138(cell) or 630-627-7844

403865

I BUY OLD TOYS

630-543-6323

Building Repair/ Remodeling

630-303-4641

413724

CALL TODAY Free Estimates within 24 hrs.

• Tree Removal • Tree Trimming • Bush Removal • Stump Grinding • Free wood chips • Free Estimates • Insured Call Todd

Available Services • Commercial & Residential Affordable Weekly Mowing • Aeration Spring & Fall clean up • Power Raking Fertilizing and/or Seeding • Sidewalk edging Black dirt/Mulch/Stone • Driveway Bush trimming sealcoating Call for Free Estimate • Villa Park

DRIVEWAYS • PARKING LOTS ork All Wanteed r Gua

T & M TREE SERVICE

LAWN & SNOW MANAGEMENT

Driver and Equipment Technician Needed!

406332

Fahey & Son Asphalt Paving

Tree Service

414721

Landscaping/ Lawn/Garden

FOR SALE Announcements

Misc. For Sale

CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed.

Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

NOLAN MOTORCYCLE HELMET, graphite black, size small, brand new, never been used.

Originally paid $230; sell for $175.

630-464-7651

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

In Elmhurst Call

630-834-8244 or Lombard Call

630-627-7010

to place your classified ads DEADLINE IS NOON ON MONDAY

The IndependenT newspapers

411139

Blacktop/Paving/Dirt

EMPLOYMENT

414497

Elmhurst Office (630) 834-8244

In-Print and Onlne at www.TheIndependentNewspapers.com

• Illinois

(Continued from page 7) summer for a decade now, for Illinois, one they could then Jim gathers 40 of the state’s implement, as they are tomorrow’s young leaders, including many leaders. lawmakers, from all walks of This could be done outside the life, political persuasion and hurly burly of politics, after which geography. they would take their vision into For a week, the Fellows are that hurly arena, where it would sequestered at the U. of I. in have to be wrestled with, and just Urbana, where they learn about maybe, ultimately adopted. We our state and its government from need to know where we’re going. experts and national leaders. Over Why not, Elon Musk would say! bourbon and branch water at night, they bond, and come to appreciate Jim Nowlan is a former Illinois one another. legislator, state agency director, But then they leave town, and aide to three unindicted Illinois fail to build on their relationships governors, professor and author and any aspirations for a state they of a 2019 essay of the future of call home.

Illinois, done for the Paul Simon I propose that the 400 Edgar Public Policy Institute at Southern Fellows, rather than simply feel Illinois University. Jim invites you good about themselves, take to visit his new, interactive website on the task of creating a vision at jimnowlan.net

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, March 31, 2022 • 15

Answers PUZZLE 1

PUZZLE 2

312 E. St. Charles Rd., Villa Park, IL 60181 www.Taefutogo.com

630-832-2269

Guidelines for writing, submitting a letter to the editor

Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Sunday 11am-9pm Closed Tuesdays • Fri. & Sat. 11am-9pm CROSSWORD

Carry Out / Delivery / Catering

FREE

Established in 1982

130 W Vallette, Elmhurst

630-832-0555 MamaMariasElmhurst.com

1 OFF

$

any $10 pizza purchase Pick Pick up up or or delivery. delivery. With With this this coupon coupon only. only. Not Not valid valid with with other other offers. offers.

Coupon Coupon not not valid valid in in dining diningroom. room.Expires Expires7/19/15 4/7/22.

FREE 6 Pack of RC with any $10 pizza purchase

Pick up or delivery. With this coupon only. Not valid with other offers.

Coupon Coupon not not valid validinindining diningroom. room.Expires Expires7/19/15 4/7/22.

Crab Ragoon

On Order of $25 or more before tax.

On Order of $40 or more before tax.

One offer per visit.

Not valid with any other offers.

One offer per visit.

Not valid with any other offers.

(Carry Out Only)

414962

To find out how your business can be included, call Debbie at 630-834-8355 or Brenda at 630-834-4450

Savings

Your In Print and Online source for discounts, special offers and coupons from your hometown merchants

228287

413760

MamaMaria’s Pizza

FREE

Spring Rolls (Carry Out Only)

$

Smart Mama

Dining Room Open 11am-8pm

Since 1979

CHINESE MANDARIN RESTAURANT

410498

The Independent encourages our readers to reach out to the community by writing a letter to the editor.

Letters are limited to 500 words; if a letter exceeds 500 words, it will be sent back to the author to reduce the length of the letter. Authors must include their first and last name, the city or village in which they reside, and a phone number and email address where they can be reached in case of questions.

Send letters to: independent@rvpublishing.com.

Letter-writers will be limited to one letter per month except for locally elected officials, or individuals specifically associated with local village governments or entities such as school districts, park districts or library districts.

No letters directed to a third party will be accepted for publication.

We reserve the right to edit a letter for reasons of clarity, space restrictions and libel.

Visit one of these fine Early Bird Specials establishments 7.95 to take DAILY HOMEMADE SOUPS advantage & LUNCHEON SPECIALS of terrific Open Easter 630-279-3738 savings! $

Monday-Friday 7am-11am ONLY

✿ 3 Potato Pancakes & Sour Cream or Applesauce ✿ ✿ 2 Slices of French Toast & 2 Sausage Links ✿ ✿ 2 Eggs, 2 Slices Bacon, Hash Browns & Toast ✿

Visit one of these fine establishments to take advantage of terrific savings!

363 W. Lake Street Elmhurst

Hours: Closed Mondays Tuesday - Saturday 7am to 3pm; Sunday 7am to 2pm

7am-1pm Call now for reservations

414806

16 • Thursday, March 31, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

BROADWAY SERIES

2022 / 2023 SEASON

BUY 2 SHOWS GET 2 SHOWS

FREE

Jeff Award Winner for Best Large Musical three years in a row, Paramount Theatre’s Broadway Series offers the best in Broadway. Pre-order your subscription today, and pay no more than $39.50 per show. Visit ParamountAurora.com.

tickets 630.896.6666 or PARAMOUNTAURORA.COM

413753

DOWNTOWN AURORA

SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW! THE BEST THEATER FOR THE BEST PRICE

ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?

DOWNTOWN AURORA

ETS TICK AT T STAR

$

TICKETS

630.896.6666

OR

ParamountAurora.com/rock 412715

APRIL 13–MAY 29

36