BI052523

Bensenville Independent

also serving Wood dale

Shrieks of delight

These three little girls are having a great time, running around with the #1 giant foam fingers they received at the Cars and Clothes event presented by the Bensenville Park District and sponsored by Grand Subaru on Friday, May

19. Residents were asked to bring a bag of gently-used clothing that could be donated to the less fortunate, then play games, enjoy food and free ice cream. More photos inside.

Bensenville man charged with leading police on high-speed chase

Suspect allegedly crashes vehicle into

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Bensenville Chief of Police Daniel Schulze have announced that bond has been set for a Bensenville man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase and ultimately crashing into a Wood Dale home.

Jose Guzman, 39, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Joshua Dieden set bond at $750,000.

Guzman is charged with three counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony), one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Class 4 felony) and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses.

On Sunday, April 2 at approximately 1:40 a.m., an officer with the Bensenville Police Depart -

Wood Dale home

ment observed a vehicle allegedly committing multiple traffic violations. The officer activated his emergency lights and sirens and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, instead of stopping, the driver of the vehicle, later determined to be Guzman, allegedly fled from the officer through a residential area, at speeds exceeding 90 mph.

It is alleged that Guzman crossed over a median at Route 83 at which time the car became airborne and eventually crashed into a home, passing through the garage and kitchen before stopping at the back of the house. It is alleged that following the crash, Guzman fled the scene on foot through the back of the house.

Through the course of their investigation into the crash, authorities identified Guzman as the alleged driver of the vehicle. On Thursday, April 6, Guzman was taken into custody on unrelated charges of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance—cocaine 900 grams or more (Class X felony) and one count of possession of a controlled substance—cocaine 900 grams or more (Class 1 felony). The following day, he appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Brian Telander set bond at $500,000. He has remained in custody at the DuPage County Jail since that time.

“I have been sounding the alarm on this epidemic of fleeing and eluding for quite some time that sooner or later our luck is going to run out,” Berlin said. “This surge of motorists fleeing from police must end before someone gets killed. While the defendant allegedly caused more than $100,000 in dam -

ages to the home and displaced the homeowners for a substantial amount of time, we are still incredibly lucky that no one in the home was injured. We may not be as fortunate next time.

“I thank the Bensenville Police Department for their work on this case and for their ongoing efforts in keeping our roadways safe as well as the Wood Dale Police Department for their assistance.”

“Had Mr. Guzman simply stopped when the police officer activated his lights and sirens, he may have received a traffic citation or two, which I am sure he would gladly trade for the charges he is currently facing,” Schulze said.

Guzman’s next court appearance is scheduled June 12 for arraignment in front of Judge Telander.

The public is reminded that this report contains only charges and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

Jose Guzman

Phillip’s Flowers celebrates 100 years

Family business success attributed to customer care, loyal employees, getting along

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE INDEPENDENT

What can you say about a family that has operated a successful business continuously through World War I, the Great Depression, World War II and, of course, the coronavirus pandemic? How did they do it for 100 years?

“With seven family members spanning three generations, the key

to success is that we all get along!”

Baxter Phillip told the Independent recently in an exclusive interview.

“We all like each other, which I suppose is rare, but we all have different strengths and we each work at what we’re good at and what we enjoy and that’s what makes it work.”

Family history dates back to Baxter’s grandfather James A. Phillip, whose parents came to America from

Barrington ties for 11th in the high jump at the state meet

Willowbrook senior clears 5 feet, 3 inches during the preliminaries in Charleston;

AT sophomore competes in

100 hurdles prelims

Senior Amelia Barrington of the Willowbrook girls track and field team advanced to the finals of the high jump at the IHSA Class 3A state meet, which concluded on Saturday at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Barrington qualified for the finals after clearing 5 feet, 3 inches during Friday’s preliminaries. Barrington was one of 15 athletes to advance to Saturday’s Class 3A finals of the high jump.

Barrington finished in a tie for 11th place in Saturday’s finals. She cleared

5 feet, 1 inch during the finals.

Addison Trail sophomore Brooke Greaves competed in the 100-meter hurdles at the state meet. Greaves finished the race in 15.49 seconds during Friday’s preliminaries and did not advance to Saturday’s finals.

AT sophomore qualifies for IHSA boys state meet

Addison Trail sophomore Daniel Lupa claimed a berth in this week’s IHSA Class 3A state meet with his second-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles at the Wheaton Warrenville South Sectional.

Lupa posted a second-place time of 40.97 seconds. Addison Trail (12 points) finished in 14th place at last week’s IHSA Class 3A sectional at Wheaton Warrenville South High School.

Europe. James had been a gardener in Austria, where he fell in love with flowers. When James was in 5th grade, his father passed away so his mother pulled him out of school to help with the family business.

“Those were the days when they had to deliver flowers at night on the streetcar,” Baxter said. “One of the customers was the Lyric Opera of Chicago.”

When the first World War came along, James discovered he had a real knack for flowers so in 1923, he opened the first Phillip’s flower shop in Cicero by the Western Electric Hawthorne Plant, which was close to Al Capone’s neighborhood.

“We delivered to Capone’s, but they had to knock on the door and then wait outside to be paid. People came outside and took the flowers, there was no going inside at Capone’s!”

At that time, James met a pretty bookkeeper and they got married. Then he built a bigger shop with a few small apartments on top, where the family lived.

“Our business has been a labor of love,” Baxter said. “A love of family and flowers and it’s still that way today.”

They were the classic post-Depression family with three kids. James Jr. was the oldest and, in 1952, he opened a second Phillip’s shop in LaGrange Park. His sister Lee Phillip went to Northwestern University and

broke into television. She had the opportunity to interview people like Arthur Godfrey, John F. Kennedy and other big personalities of the day. Lee worked on TV programs like the soap operas, “The Young and the Restless, “The Bold and the Beautiful,” and “As the World Turns.”

In 1961, a third Phillip’s shop was opened in the Oak Brook mall. At that time, it was only the second tenant in the brand-new shopping center, the first being Jewel-Osco.

Asked how the business has changed over the years, Baxter noted that there were no computers in 1923!

“We didn’t really use computers in the ‘60s or the ‘70s, I believe it was into the ‘80s before we started using computers. Today, of course, we can’t imagine life without them.”

Business philosophy

“We’re actually in the people business,” Baxter said. “We believe that if you first treat your customers well, then everything else falls into place. The secret is, we have 150 fantastic employees who make it all look good.”

He added that even though they purchase flowers from around the world, including Holland, South America and the Philippines, they still operate like a small business.

Along comes COVID-19

When the pandemic hit, Phillip’s

closed several stores, but remained in business designing floral arrangements.

“Because life goes on,” Baxter said. “Our employees came through for us and we had curbside service for Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, all the main ‘flower’ holidays during the pandemic, and Christmas – December is typically our busiest month.”

How does a business bring flowers from all over the world?

“When we were a very small company, we used to offer seasonal flowers only, but today most of our flowers come from Columbia and Ecuador. They are grown up in the mountains where there is plenty of sun, but the air is cool – that’s what flowers need. It’s like spring and summer all year round up in those mountains.”

Baxter said the flowers are harvested in South America, then shipped to Florida. From there, they are transported by trucks in which the air is controlled to maintain about 75% humidity which what the flowers need.

“In transit, they are kept at a temperature that ‘puts them to sleep,’” he said. “When they arrive, they are revived and designed into arrangements.”

See PHILLIP’S, Page 10

IndependenT

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Cullerton registers as a lobbyist after being released from prison

Former state senator now chief public affairs officer for PR, government affairs firm in Itasca

STAFF REPORT

Sentenced last June in federal court in Chicago to a year-and-a-day in prison for fraudulently receiving salary and benefits from a labor union, former Democratic State Sen. Tom Cullerton was released from a federal prison April 14, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

All told, Cullerton, of Villa Park, who began serving his sentence Aug. 31, 2022, spent around 7 1/2 months in prison.

Eleven days after his release, state records show that Cullerton registered as a lobbyist with Strategia Consulting, a public relations and government affairs firm based in Itasca.

Strategia Consulting’s website

lists Cullerton as its chief public affairs officer and says in his biography that he possesses “over 20 years of incredibly successful government service at all levels. Tom’s keen knowledge and experience of the legislative process are critical to all of Strategia’s clients’ needs.”

According to state records, Strategia’s list of state government clients include the City of Oakbrook Terrace, the Village of Itasca, Americans for Fair Energy Prices, Shotspotter—a company that provides gunshot detection software currently being used by the Chicago Police Department— and Justice Grown, a medicinal cannabis cultivation company.

In a recent interview with WBEZFM Chicago, Lissa Druss, founder and chief executive of Strategia Consulting, said, “People make mistakes. Tom is taking this opportunity to pay back his restitution, but more importantly, our firm is getting involved

Grand Subaru sponsors

‘Cars and Clothes’ event

The Bensenville community came together for a car show and clothing drive on Friday, May 19, sponsored by Grand Subaru in Bensenville. For those who donated a bag of gently-used clothing, the event featured an inflatable obstacle course, carni-

val games from the Bensenville Park District, food, free ice cream and more outside on the lawn by Bensenville Village Hall. Most importantly, thousands of clothing items were collected to help those in need.

in a (prisoner) reentry program, and Tom will be volunteering some of his time to help returning citizens.”

“Tom is a good person. He was a talented and successful legislator. He’s been a longtime friend. He’s a friend to many.”

According to a U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of Illinois press release, Cullerton, 53, was hired in 2013 by Teamsters Joint Council 25 as a purported union organizer and remained on the payroll until February 2016. In addition to receiving a salary, monthly car and telephone allowances, and bonuses, Teamsters Joint Council 25 funded Cullerton’s participation in Teamsters Local Union 734’s health and pension funds, which enabled Cullerton to receive health and welfare benefits.

Cullerton admitted in a plea agreement that he did little to no work as an organizer during the time he was on the union payroll. When his su-

pervisors requested that he perform his job duties, Cullerton routinely ignored them.

Cullerton fraudulently obtained from Joint Council 25 and its members approximately $169,488 in salary, bonuses, and other benefits, approximately $57,662 in health and pension contributions, and approximately $21,678 in reimbursed medical claims.

Cullerton admitted that he used the embezzled money to pay personal expenses, such as his mortgage, utilities, and groceries.

A former Villa Park village president and trustee, Cullerton resigned from the Illinois Senate in February, 2022, and pleaded guilty to a federal embezzlement charge in March, 2022.

Cullerton spent nine years in the state Senate. He was first elected to the Senate in 2012, and re-elected in 2016 and 2018.

Man gets 22 years for hijacking car from Lombard McDonald’s drive-thru at gunpoint

Elmhurst police assist in pursuit

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin has announced that a Broadview man who participated in hijacking a man’s car from a Lombard McDonalds drive-thru has been sentenced to 22 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).

Dallas Dabney, 28, appeared in court where he entered a plea of guilty to one count of aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm, a Class X felony.

Judge Brian Telander handed down the sentence.

On April 24, 2020, Dabney appeared in bond court where bond was set at $250,000 with 10 percent to apply. On March 18, 2021, Dabney posted the necessary 10 percent, or $25,000, and was released from custody. On Friday, Jan. 27, Dabney’s bond was exonerated and he was returned to the custody of the DuPage County Jail, where he has since remained.

The case against Dabney’s co-defendant, Antonio Protho, 22, of Chicago, is ongoing. Protho’s next court appearance is scheduled June 15 for a status hearing in front of Judge Telander.

On April 23, 2020, at approximately 2:46 a.m., the victim of the carjacking was waiting in line at the McDonald’s restaurant drive-thru, located at 300 E. Roosevelt Road, Lombard, when Dabney and Protho, allegedly armed and wearing ski masks, approached the man’s vehicle, pointed a gun at him and ordered him out of the car.

The victim exited his car at which time it is alleged that Dabney and Protho entered the car, with Protho driving, and fled the scene. After locating the vehicle, officers with the Lombard Police Department activated their emergency lights and sirens and briefly pursued the stolen vehicle on Roosevelt Road but called off the pursuit out of safety concerns when speeds allegedly reached approximately 100 mph. A short time later, after observing the allegedly hijacked vehicle on Roosevelt Road, officers with the Elmhurst Police Department activated their emergency lights and sirens and reengaged the pursuit. Officers then observed the hijacked vehicle lose control on the I-290 entrance ramp and crash.

Dabney was taken into custody a few minutes later while Protho was taken into custody approximately one hour later when he was found hiding near a restaurant on Roosevelt Road. Two guns, both Ruger 9mm, were found in the hijacked vehicle.

Dallas Dabney

This young man takes aim at a row of milk bottles to win a prize at the Cars and Clothes event.

Tom Cullerton

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Area police departments recently reported the following arrests and citations. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.

Addison

Editor’s note: There were no reports submitted by the Addison Police Department last week.

Villa Park

May 13

Brandon S. Baier, 22, of Franklin Park, was charged with DUI and disobeying a stop sign near S. Monterey and E. Wildwood at 2:09 a.m.

A complainant at a pharmacy in the 200 block of E. Roosevelt reported at 12:35 p.m. that an unknown suspect removed several pieces of merchandise from display shelves and left the store without paying.

May 12

A complainant at a school in the 300 block of W. Jackson reported at 12:22 a.m. that an unknown suspect damaged their vehicle while it was parked in the parking lot.

May 11

A complainant in the 1100 block of S. Ardmore reported at 8:59 a.m. that an unknown suspect is harassing them via cyberspace.

May 10

Jeremy J. Newbern, 25, of Chicago, was charged with disorderly conduct/breach of peace at an entertainment center in the 200 block of W. North for an incident that allegedly

occurred on May 7.

A complainant at a fitness center in the 300 block of W. North reported at 9:50 p.m. that an unknown suspect broke into their secured locker and removed their wallet. A short time later the suspect used the complainant’s credit cards.

May 9

Police said Anthony Y. Jordan, 30, of Lombard, was arrested on an original complaint and warrant for an alleged incident of disorderly conduct/ breach of peace that occurred April 7.

Police said Terry C. Profit, 23, of Villa Park, was arrested on a warrant out of Elk Grove Village in the 1-100 block of E. St. Charles at 2:19 a.m.

A complainant at Willowbrook High School reported that two juveniles were fighting in the hallway.

May 8

Sarah A. Brant, 45, of Villa Park, was charged with battery causing bodily harm and battery making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature in the 300 block of N. Ardmore at 9:42 p.m.

Police said Jesus Salazar, 30, of Villa Park, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant out of DuPage County in the 400 block of W. Division at 6:03 p.m.

A complainant at a business in 300 block of W. North reported at 9:31 p.m. that an unknown suspect slashed the tires of a vehicle parked in the parking lot.

May 7

Jose M Ayala, 31, of Carol Stream; Thomas Ayala, 24, of Lombard; Sean M. Dunn, 31, of Villa Park; and Nicholas P. Putrim, 30, of Villa Park, were issued citations for disorderly conduct/breach of peace at a church

in the 300 block of S. Cornell at 3:14 a.m.

Urbano Rolando Carrillo-Pascual, 22, of Addison, was charged with DUI, driving too fast for conditions, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and failure to notify the Secretary of State of name/address change for driver’s license in the 500 block of W. Division at 8:14 p.m.

Fraud, identity theft

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

Bensenville

The Bensenville Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy.

Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

May 17, 7:04 p.m. in the 200 block of James Street., Syed A. Zaidi, 41, was arrested for five warrants, fugitive from justice and resisting arrest.

BEPC2300418

May 16, 9:29 p.m., a Bensenville police officer assisted the Wood Dale Police Department in the 300 block of N. Edgewood Ave. Wood Dale, with a subject screaming in the area.

BEP23005541

May 16, 12:14 a.m. in the 600 block of N. Route 83, after an alarm for broken glass, upon arrival, officers found glass door shattered with various tobacco products taken.

BEPC2300417

May 15, 8:07 p.m. in the 1100 block of S. York Road, Marco Flores, 37, of Bensenville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. BEPC2300416

May 14, 8:21 a.m. in the 1100 block of S. Center St., a complainant reported an unknown suspect broke the rear windshield to his vehicle.

BEPC2300415

May 13, 6:18 p.m. in the 200 block of Center Street, a complainant reported an unknown suspect withdrew money from their checking account

without permission. BEPC2300413

May 12, 7:43 p.m. near S. York Road and George Street, Sudul Krzysztof, 35, of Bensenville, was arrested for aggravated assault on public property.

BEPC2300410

May 12, 8:44 p.m. in the 1200 block of Twin Oaks Street, a 27-year-old Bensenville man was arrested for interference with reporting a domestic and resisting arrest.

BEPC2300411

May 11, 12:23 p.m. in the 100 block of George St., a complainant reported a computer delivery was taken from the common area of building.

BEPC2300406

May 11, 10:27 p.m. in the 1000 block of York Road, a complainant reported a delayed retail theft.

BEPC2300408

May 10, 1:42 p.m. in the 800 block of E. Green St., a complainant reported damage to her vehicle by an unknown suspect. Documentation purposes only. BEPC2300403

May 10, 4:19 p.m. in the 200 block of Rose Street, a complainant reported they lost money via Zelle over a fake apartment listing on Facebook.

BEPC2300405

Corrections deputy accused of sexual misconduct

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick have announced that bond has been set for a former DuPage County Deputy Sheriff assigned to the Corrections Bureau accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with a female prisoner.

Ricardo Hardy, 52, of Elgin, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $300,000. Hardy is charged with five counts of custodial sexual misconduct and five counts of official misconduct, all Class 3 felonies.

Hardy, who served as a DuPage County deputy sheriff assigned to the DuPage County Jail, was terminated from his position on Monday, May 15.

It is alleged that on at least two occasions, beginning on Monday, March 13 through Wednesday, April 26, Hardy and the prisoner engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexual acts in the prisoner’s cell as well as a shower/ bathroom area. It is further alleged that Hardy had arranged for $300 to be put on the prisoner’s commissary account.

On Wednesday, May 10, after receiving information regarding these

LEGAL NOTICES

of closing bids.

This project generally consists of the reconstruction of Bryn Mawr Avenue from Busse Road (IL Route 83) to Birginal Drive and Birginal Drive from Bryn Mawr Avenue to Industrial Drive with new Portland cement concrete pavement and the installation of a new 12-inch water main. The project also includes driveway removal and replacement, storm sewer improvements, landscape restoration and all related appurtenances and accessories necessary to complete the work.

allegations, the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office immediately contacted the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, which opened an investigation into the matter.

Five days later, on Monday, May 15, Hardy was charged.

Following the charges, Judge Brian Telander issued a $500,000 arrest warrant for Hardy. On the same day, he was taken into custody at his home without incident.

Hardy’s next court appearance is scheduled Monday, June 12 for arraignment in front of Judge Reidy.

the Village of Bensenville, or a bid bond in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the bid shall be submitted with each proposal as a guarantee that, if the proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract is properly secured.

Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 5TH day of MAY, A.D. 2023.

Jean

Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review May 18, 25 & June 1, 2023) 437955

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Village will receive sealed proposals for the following improvements at the Bensenville Village Hall, 12 S. Center Street, Bensenville, IL 60106 until 11:00 A.M. on June 6, 2023.

VILLAGE OF BENSENVILLE, IL

BRYN MAWR AVENUE AND BIRGINAL DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION

Proposals will be publicly read aloud at 11:00 A.M. on June 6, 2023. No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the proposals without the consent of the Village for a period of sixty days after the scheduled time

All proposals shall be sealed in an envelope, addressed to the Village of Bensenville, attention Village Clerk. Name, address and phone number of the bidder and the name of the project shall also appear on the outside of the envelope. Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided by the Engineer.

The Bidding Documents can be obtained through QuestCDN via the CBBEL website at www.cbbel.com/bidding-info or at www. questcdn.com under Login using QuestCDN #8422712 for a $30 nonrefundable fee. A QuestCDN login will be required for each planholder. Contact QuestCDN at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in membership registration and downloading digital product information.

Contractors must purchase bid documents and be shown on the Bidder’s Planholder List in order to bid. Bids received from contractors who are not in the Bidder’s Planholder List may be rejected. A certified check/bank draft drawn on a solvent bank, payable without condition to

A Contract Bond, each in a sum equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the bid with sureties to be approved by the Village, must be furnished by the successful bidder. All bids or proposals shall contain an offer to furnish bonds upon acceptance of such bid or proposal.

Contractors shall be required to pay not less than the prevailing wage rates on the Project as established by the United States Department of Labor and the State of Illinois Department of Labor for DuPage County. Copies of these wage rates are incorporated in the Contract Documents.

Contractors and subcontractors shall be IDOT pre-qualified in the respective discipline(s) they will be responsible for constructing. The right is reserved to reject any or all proposals, to waive technicalities, to postpone the bid opening, or to advertise for new proposals, if in the judgment of the Village their best interests will be promoted thereby.

Nancy Quinn, Village Clerk, Village of Bensenville

DuPAGE DESTINATIONS

Your Dining & Entertainment Guide to the Western Suburbs

Can’t-miss events throughout DuPage County

Editor’s note: Our next DuPage Destinations section will be published Thursday, June 8. If you have information on an event in DuPage County taking place after June 8 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

Now through June 4 “Grease” at Drury Lane Theater, Oak-

brook Terrace

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at Drury Lane Theater, 100 Drury Lane, relive those “Summer Nights” with Danny and Sandy as they rediscover their summer fling romance. Grease became the soundtrack of a generation and one of the world’s most popular musicals. For tickets, information and show times, visit: https://drurylanetheatre.com/grease.

Friday, May 26 through Sept. 1

Moose Cruise Nights and Friday Night Live Downtown Downers Grove

From 5:30-8 p.m. every Friday, it’s time for Downtown Downers Grove’s live concert series. The Moose Cruise Night, sponsored by the Moose Lodge is located on Warren Avenue between Forest and Main as well as Lot A, from 4-8 p.m. Warren Avenue will be closed from Forest to Main. Space is limited and registration not available. For a full sched-

ule of concerts, visit: www.downtowndg.org/ whats-happening/moose-cruise-night-and-friday-night-live.

Saturday, May 27

Blues & Brews Fest

Lemont

Starting at noon at The Forge: Lemont Quarries 1001 Main St., this event is only $5 for admission and includes live blues music all day from renowned artists, including Joanna Connor. Drink tickets will be available for pours from more than 15 featured Illinois breweries. For more information, visit: https://forgeparks. com/events-races/special-events/blues-andbrews.

Sunday, May 28

Battle of Cantigny, 105th anniversary

Wheaton

From 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, On May 28, 1918, the U.S. Army’s First Division successfully attacked and defeated German forces holding the small village of Cantigny, 75 miles north of Paris, in America’s first significant battle of World War I. That day, Colonel Robert R. McCormick, then Major McCormick, commanded the 1st Battalion of the 5th Field Artillery, leading his unit in providing crucial weapon support. Upon returning from his service in Europe, he renamed his family estate “Cantigny.” To commemorate the battle’s 105th anniversary, the First Division Museum will offer a moment of reflection with a wreath-laying, followed by heartfelt presentations and family-friendly activities. For more information, visit: https://cantigny.org/event/battle-of-cantigny-105th-anniversary/.

Race to the Flag 5K Westmont

Starting at 8 a.m. at Ty Warner Park, 700 Blackhawk Drive, presented by the Westmont Park District, at the annual 5K Race, the Westmont Park District has partnered together with the local nonprofit People’s Resource Center (PRC) so that proceeds from the race can benefit neighbors in need. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.racetotheflag.org/.

May 28 through Aug. 20

Marvelocity: The art of Alex Ross

Elmhurst

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

Monday, May 29

Memorial Day unlimited attractions

Lombard

From noon-9 p.m. at Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center, 1103 S. Main St., Kick off your summer with unlimited fun. Enjoy up to 3 hours of unlimited rides and attractions. Price: $33.95 per person. For more information, visit: https://enchanted.com/.

May 31-Aug. 30

Arbor Evenings

Lisle

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

Thursday, June 1 through Sunday, June 4

Cream of Wheaton

From 4-10 p.m. each day at Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga, Wheaton, Cream of Wheaton is a four-day festival in Memorial Park and downtown Wheaton that will feature live entertainment, food, a business expo, arts and crafts, carnival rides and games. Admission: free. For more information, visit: https://wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/cream-of-wheaton.

Thursday, June 1 through July 27

Concerts on the Village Green

Burr Ridge

From 7-8:30 p.m. at the Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Drive, the concerts, recurring weekly, will be held outside on The Village Green. You may arrive as early as 6 p.m. to grab your spot and relax before the music begins. Seating is not provided, so please bring your own chairs, blankets, etc. Admission: free. For more information, visit: www. shopburrridge.com/event/Concerts-on-TheVillage-Green/2145570463.

Thursday, June 1 through Aug. 31 Rock ‘N Wheels

Addison

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

Thursday, June 1 through Aug. 31

Crusin’ Nights and Street Fair Westmont

Recurring Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. at Cass Avenue and Norfolk Street, live music, cool See EVENTS, Page 9

Being someone’s You

There are some things I really miss. Lots of them, actually.

When I called him, I knew he’d pick up if he could. And if he couldn’t, I knew he’d call me back as soon as he was able, and probably send a text before that.

When he answered my calls, I’d often say, “It’s me,” and he’d answer “Hello, You!”

I miss being someone’s You.

In his phone contacts, he had me listed as AAJill, so that my number would show up at the top of his list.

I miss being at the top of someone’s list. I miss being their AA.

Sometimes I’d have an itch on my back that I couldn’t reach. I’d simply ask him to scratch that particular spot. It was no big deal.

I miss having something as simple and complex as an itch being no big deal. I miss having someone to scratch my back.

I miss having someone who has my back.

The other day, I got tangled up while trying to get out of a complicated bathing suit. Seriously. It would have been hilarious if I wasn’t trapped, contorted and alone.

The suit had lots of criss-crosses in the back and I found myself unable to navigate the web of straps. In the old days, I would have summoned for my husband’s help. He would’ve given me a hard time about it, and we both would have laughed, but he would have helped me free myself from the fabric.

I miss his help. I miss him teasing me and giving me a hard time. I miss us laughing together. I miss having someone who will help free me from life’s tangles and awkward spots.

He was really proud that I wrote this column. He’d bring it up in conversation with people we didn’t know well, and I’d sort of cringe because I didn’t want the spotlight on me.

I miss having someone be proud of my writing, or any of the things I do. I

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

miss him building me up.

We used to take each other for granted. After 33 years of marriage, I think that’s pretty common, but it isn’t necessarily a negative thing. He took it for granted that I’d prep the coffee every night. I took it for granted that he’d pour me my first cup every morning. I took it for granted that we’d go to bed together each night. He took it for granted that we’d make the bed together each morning.

I miss being taken for granted and having someone to take for granted.

He talked about his grandparents and how they used to shop for dinner each day at the grocery store. We couldn’t wait to do that. To waste time at the grocery store, as a couple, without kids, carrying one of those mini baskets because we didn’t need a whole cart.

I miss that this never happened for us.

I miss lots of things that happened and never got the chance to happen. Many details. I miss everything. The things we had and the things we planned for. I miss him.

That won’t change.

But I am here and he isn’t and I have to do the best with what I have. It isn’t my first choice, but it’s what I’ve got.

It’s what we’ve all got. Making the best with what we have.

While still remembering how nice it was to be someone’s 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

• Events

(Continued from page 8)

cars, festival environment—walk with your beverage throughout the event, food and beverage specials, kids activities, and three blocks of streets closed off and dedicated to classic car parking. Admission: free.

For more information, visit: https:// westmontevents.com/cruisin-nights.

Thursday, June 1 through Sept. 23

Fifteen Minutes of Fame

exhibit

Lombard

Recurring daily at the Lombard

Historical Society, 23 W. Maple St., AndyWarhol was simultaneously an artist, magazine illustrator and magazine owner, filmmaker and gossip columnist. His life and work have endured, and he continues to influence product design, media and fashion. However, it is especially his influence as a fashionista that is at the core of these events. Admission: free.

For more information, visit: www.lombardhistory.org/newevents-1/2023/6/1/fifteen-minutes-of-fame-exhibit-opening.

By State Rep. Dagmara Avelar and State Rep. Ryan Spain

All around Illinois, the signs of change are apparent. The COVID-19 pandemic changed our economy, how we live and work, and how working-class and lower-income families struggle day to day.

We come together to argue for a solution to one of our state’s most pressing needs to address this change head on: affordable housing. This is not a regional problem, or one of partisan politics. We all know someone who needs help finding a home to call their own, without bankrupting them.

Illinois is far from alone, as our nation grapples with a tenacious housing crisis. As the Illinois Housing Council shared in a report last fall, our state has the eighth-highest deficit of homes nationally, and our housing deficit has grown 64 percent

just in the past decade.

Without affordable housing, Illinois cannot grow its population or attract new businesses. Our families cannot build wealth and save for a better future. Residents travel farther for jobs, for education, for basic services. Stress grows in our economy, our environment, and on every form of public service.

We are coming together as a Democrat and Republican in the Illinois House for a better path forward.

The Build Illinois Homes Tax Credit would build on our state’s most successful production tool—the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit—to attract private investment for shovel ready affordable housing developments that cannot move forward due to financing gaps.

As envisioned under House Bill 2044, Illinois can take a major step toward addressing its affordable

housing shortage by mirroring that successful federal tax credit program with a state credit that more than 20 other states already have adopted.

The Build Illinois Homes State Tax Credit calls for creating an estimated 3,500 homes or apartments each year, generating nearly $1 billion in economic activity and $300 million in state and local taxes paid over the next decade, and more than 17,000 jobs supported during that time. Each annual round of tax credits will cost the state $350 million spread over 10 years, but the economic returns generated from the program will more than offset the cost.

If the Legislature and governor approve the tax credit as part of next year’s state budget, Illinoisans will pay nothing to support it for sev-

Letter to the editor A farewell from Joe’s Hairstyling after 50 years

To my loyal customers and the Addison community, the time has come for Joe’s Hairstyling to close its doors and for me to hang my scissors up one last time. Our last day will be Wednesday, May 31. I opened Joe’s Hairstyling 50 years ago not realizing what an impact this community would have on my career and ultimately, my life. I am humbled by my loyal clientele, who have truly become like family to me. It has been my pleasure to serve Addison all of these wonderful years. With great appreciation and thanks.

Joe Benedetti

• Deficit

(Continued from page 9)

eral years unlike most state grant programs. Developers receiving the credit use its promise to finance their project fully upfront, and then must complete construction that meets state guidelines and must have qualified tenants move in before investors can collect a single dollar in credits. Unlike grant dollars, any investor found not to be following the credit’s rules must pay back tax dollars they receive.

We stepped up in the Legislature during the pandemic to invest $225 million in federal dollars to ensure affordable housing developments could move forward because of funding shortfalls caused by rising interest rates, inflation on construction costs or other financing challenges. But those funds are running out, and our long-term needs are growing. If we do not act now, Illinois will see a drop in the production of desperately needed affordable homes and apartments.

Workers relocating to our suburbs for warehouse and logistics jobs need affordable housing for our economic success. Seniors and working families on smaller incomes in our cities, suburbs, and rural areas need affordable housing to stabilize their lives. Our neighbors struggling with homelessness need access to safe and stable housing coupled with services. We know the will to create more affordable housing is strong, and we believe the Build Illinois Homes Tax Credit is the way.

We urge our colleagues in Springfield to embrace our changing post-pandemic world and make a commitment to affordable, accessible, quality housing throughout our great state. Support the Build Illinois Homes Tax Credit.

Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, represents the 85th District. Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, serves the 73rd District and is deputy Republican leader.

Just had to ask

Asked about the “tricks” that supposedly increase the life of a flower arrangement once it is home, Baxter dispelled a few rumors.

“The ‘trick’ of dropping an aspirin in the water or adding a small amount of sugar or soda pop doesn’t really help,” he said. “The little packet that comes with the arrangement is good to use, but you don’t have to dump the whole packet in the water right away. You should use a little bit at a time every few days to keep them fresh as they start to droop. That’s the best way to make them last.”

Now that they have been in Elmhurst for more than 30 years and in business for 100, Phillip’s has chalked up a few achievements and recognition through the years. About 20 years ago, it was named the Loyola University Family Business of the Year. About ten years ago, Phillip’s was named Illinois Merchant of the Year.

“Perhaps what we are most proud of is that we are ranked by FTD and by Telefloral among the Top 100 Florists in America, titles we have held for more than 20 years.”

Attracting, keeping good employees

“Most of our employees really want to work with flowers, they don’t necessarily want to run a flower business,” Baxter said. “They are quite content at their jobs, as many remain for several years.

“Some of our employees are from other countries, which helps with communication with some of our

Pictured here at the Phillip’s Flowers on Spring Road in Elmhurst are (from left): Karen, who has worked there five years, Gabriela, 13 years, and Jasmin for two years. They agree it is a pleasant place to work, which explains the longevity of their employment.

customers. Many have been working for Facebook or Amazon but prefer our small, well-merchandised shop.”

Phillip’s has a 30,000 square-foot plant as well as a 20,000 square-foot commercial interior plant. The company provides green walls with live plants in buildings, they decorate lobbies and atriums of businesses, hotels and restaurants, bringing nature indoors.

“Flowers bring beauty at happy times – weddings, births, holidays -and bring comfort in difficult times, like death or illness,” Baxter said.

The employees offered their

thoughts about working for the Phillip family business. Courtney Wyszynski began at the Westmont store while she was still in high school and has worked for the company for 15 years. She was the manager of the Lombard store for four years and has been the manager of the Elmhurst shop for almost three.

“I like it because I get to work with pretty things and it smells good all the time,” she said. “I really like hearing people’s stories when they buy flowers, even though sometimes the stories are sad. Flowers are a universal language.”

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Puzzle page

ALL-THE-WAY BLOWOUT BLUE BUTTER BURGER COMBO

DOUBLE MEAT

EAST COAST FACIAL HAMMERED

LTO MID-RARE MINIBURGER NO FUN ON WHEELS PATTY

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. Wear away by friction

7. Insecticide

10. Elicited a secret vote

12. Beef

13. Disagreement

14. __ Crawford, supermodel

15. Jeweled headdress

16. Digits

17. Trillion hertz

18. Snap up

19. Classical portico

21. Residue after burning

22. Large integers

27. Free agent

28. Where ballplayers work

33. Blood type

34. Scottish city

36. Google certification (abbr.)

37. Serbian monetary unit

38. Make a sudden surprise attack on

39. Wood or metal bolt

40. Relaxing attire

41. Famed neurologist

44. Dullish brown fabrics

45. Member of ancient Jewish sect

48. Griffith, Rooney

49. Lawmakers

50. Government lawyers

51. The arch of the foot

CLUES DOWN

1. Nonflowering aquatic plant

2. Britpop rockers

3. National capital

4. Consumed

5. The habitat of wild animals

6. Sun up in New York

7. Cygnus star

8. Male parents

9. Talk to you (abbr.)

10. A place to clean oneself

11. Southwestern US state

12. South Korean idol singer

14. Pirate

17. Pituitary hormone (abbr.)

18. Mistake

20. Promotions

23. Prepares

24. Partner to flowed

25. State lawyer

26. Patti Hearst’s captors

29. Pound

30. Electronic data processing

31. Sports player

32. Treats with contempt

35. Apprehend

36. Excessively talkative

38. Highways

40. Ribosomal ribonucleic acid

41. College organization for males

42. Any customary observance or practice

43. Employee stock ownership plan

44. Male parent

45. The 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet

46. Female bird

47. Autonomic nervous system

PLAIN JANE RABBIT FOOD RATIO SALLY SEAR SLIDER SLUG SMASH BURGER SPECIAL SAUCE Answers

Addison gears up for 5th annual Medinah Shriners Parade Applications sought for parade entries; Lynchs to be grand marshals

The 5th annual Addison-Medinah Shriners Parade returns on Sunday, Aug. 27.

This year’s theme is “Addison Means Business” and celebrates the local businesses and industry in the Village.

Former Village Trustee William Lynch and his wife Adele will be the honorary grand marshals of the parade.

The parade is open to any notfor-profit, taxing body, community and youth group and business that is Addison based or conducts its business or service in Addison.

Parade units may consist of walking groups, bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses, floats or combinations of the aforementioned.

All units are encouraged to decorate their unit festively and display the parade theme.

Units are required to submit a completed parade application in -

cluding the signed rules and waiver form and return it to the Village by Friday, Aug. 11.

Applications are available at the front desk of Village Hall, on the website at addisonadvantage.org or through the Parade Coordinator Susan English at the Addison Historical Museum, 630-628-1433 or museum @addison-il.org.

An After Party following the parade is planned for the Village Green from 4:30-8 p.m. “Our So Called Band” will start off the party with alternative hits from the 90’s followed by Rick Lindy and the Jukebox Legends and their Rockabilly sound.

Stay for the party after the parade to enjoy the music, food and drinks, provided by local Addison restaurants.

A browse the information booths of local businesses and community organizations.

In a previous year, the Addison Trail High School Blazette cheerleaders carried a banner to lead off the Addison-Medinah parade. Businesses, clubs, not-for-profits, youth and community groups are urged to sign up for this year’s event on Sunday, Aug. 27.

A slam dunk

This young fellow takes a turn trying to dunk a basketball to win a prize at the games made available by the Bensenville Park District.

Eye on the prize

This young man seems quite delighted with this pair of sunglasses he received at the Cars & Clothes event on Friday, May 19.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

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SUREGREENLANDSCAPE.COM 847-888-9999 630-876-0111

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 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

has been placed. Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account. DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

Burial Needs

7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.

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

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

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