native freed in exchange for Afghan tribal leader imprisoned in U.S. on drug trafficking changes
By Mike Sandrolini FOR THE INDEPENDENT
The long ordeal oThe long ordeal of Lombard native Mark Frerichs being held hostage in Afghanistan has finally ended. And it is indeed a happy ending for him and his family.
After over two years of being held captive by the Taliban, senior Biden Administration officials confirmed early last week that Frerichs has been released following a prisoner swap.
Frerichs was exchanged for Haji Bashir Noorzai, who had been in U.S. custody for 17 years on drug trafficking charges and was sentenced to life in prison in 2009. Noorzai, an Afghan tribal leader linked to the Taliban, was granted clemency by President Joe Biden as part of the deal.
“His (Frerichs’) release is the culmination of years of tireless work by dedicated public servants across our government and other partner governments, and I want to thank them for all that effort,” Biden said in a statement. “Bringing the negotiations that led to Mark’s freedom to a successful resolution required difficult decisions, which I did not take lightly. Our priority now is to make
See NATIVE, Page 2
Taking the pledge to save the monarch
Rotarian Ken Bartels served as emcee of the Save the
Thursday, Sept. 15. The dignitaries on the dais signed a pledge to
to plant 60,000 oyamel trees at El Rosario
has only a 10 percent chance of persisting above the extinction threshold over the next 30 years. More photos inside.
Mark Frerichs
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Rotary hosts Monarch Boxcar event in Bensenville
Effort to help save the iconic butterfly, create awareness of its importance
By Dee Longfellow FOR THE BENSENVILLE INDEPENDENT
Monarch butterflies are among the most recognizable butterfly species in North America. In addition to being an international symbol of the environment, monarch butterflies, as pollinators, contribute to the health of the planet. Pollinators are critical to global food security and healthy natural ecosystems, but they’re disappearing at an alarming rate.
The survival of the monarch depends on the sacred oyamel tree that grows in Michoacán, Mexico, where monarchs spend the winter. Deforestation has decreased this forest to only 2% of what it once was, and the monarch population has decreased by 80% in just 20 years. This has also affected the local communities that depend on the forest.
Beloved across its tri-national North American range, the iconic monarch butterfly has only a 10 percent chance of persisting above the extinction threshold over the next 30 years. The time is now to protect monarchs and their incredible 3,000mile migration, which aligns with the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS) networks.
Earlier this month, KCS, CP, GATX, the Monterrey, Mexico Metropolitan Rotary Club and the North American Strategy for Competitiveness (NASCO), have been working with local Rotary Clubs to launch the Save the Monarch Butterfly 60,000 Tree Challenge North American Boxcar Tour to raise $100,000. The funds raised will be used to plant 60,000 oyamel trees at El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Michoacán, Mexico to help reestablish the monarch population.
This project was developed and organized by the Rotary Club of Monterrey Metropolitan and has been endorsed by Rotary International president Jennifer Jones.
On Thursday, Sept. 15, area Rotary Clubs hosted a Pollinator Pledge Signing Event in Bensenville at the Monarch Boxcar’s first stop as it follows the annual fall butterfly migra-
• Native
Local media interview retired railroad executive Bill Lyman, a member of the Elmhurst Rotary Club, who helped coordinate the effort to bring the Monarch Boxcar to Bensenville, the first of many stops along its way to El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Mexico. Rotary Clubs have embraced the Save the Monarch Butterfly North American Boxcar Tour to help raise $100,000 to be used to plant 60,000 oyamel trees which are needed for the monarchs’ survival.
tion from Canada to Mexico. Area Rotarians were joined by representatives from the Mexican Consulate in Chicago along with GATX, KCS, and leaders of local community groups to learn more about planting pollinator gardens along the migration path and to raise funds for the purchase of oyamel trees. Also represented at the event were members of the Rotary Club of Monterrey Metropolitano in Mexico. The event was held in the railroad yard just east
(Continued from front page)
sure Mark receives a healthy and safe return and is given the space and time he needs to transition back into society.”
According to Reuters, the exchange took place at Kabul airport. Frerichs arrived in Doha, Qatar by plane from Kabul at around 5:30 a.m. Central Time on Sept. 19, and was reported to be in good health.
Frerichs, a U.S. Navy veteran, had been living and working in Kabul for 10 years as a civil engineer until his abduction in late January, 2020.
“I am grateful to our State Department team and to our broader national security professionals as well as to our partners in Qatar,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. “Mark’s return to his loved ones is the result of intense engagement with the Taliban. Our commitment to bring Mark home never wavered, and it will never waver for the Americans who are held captive
anywhere around the world.”
Biden spoke with Charlene Cakora, Frerichs’ sister, on Sept. 19 to inform her of her brother’s release. She and Frerichs’ father, Art Frerichs, both live in Lombard.
“I am so happy to hear that my brother is safe and on his way home to us,” she said in a statement. “Our family has prayed for this each day of the more than 31 months he has been a hostage. We never gave up hope that he would survive and come home safely to us.
“We are grateful to President Biden, Secretary Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and (Illinois U.S.) Senators (Tammy) Duckworth and (Dick) Durbin for their efforts to free Mark. Sen. Duckworth got personally involved—advocating tirelessly within our government to get him home.
“My brother is alive and safe because President Biden took action.”
This woman came to the Rotary Clubs’ Save the Monarch Butterfly North American Boxcar event in Bensenville dressed as a monarch butterfly. She served as a reminder of how important these pollinators are to the planet and how they are currently threatened with extinction.
supplier located in Chicago. After remarks were delivered, community leaders signed “Pollinator Pledge” agreements to commit to the effort to save the monarch.
After the program, the crowd was treated to frozen fruit bars provided by the Paleta Factory in Chicago.
of the Bensenville depot.
A crowd of some 100 people gathered by the railroad car adorned with a Monarch butterfly and a crowd-funding QR code featured on the side.
Among those addressing the crowd were David Eaton of Kansas City Southern Railways, Ambassador Reyna Torres Medivil, Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, and Robert C. Lyons of the GATX Corporation, a railroad equipment
“It’s a profound relief that Mark Frerichs, a Navy veteran who served our nation honorably, is now safely back in American hands after being kidnapped in Afghanistan more than two and a half years ago,” said Duckworth, herself a veteran and a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonial. “I’m thrilled that his family, who have long been Mark’s champions, will get to reunite with him. I applaud President Biden, who I spoke with personally about the need to get Mark home, for taking the steps necessary to prove that we do not leave Americans behind.”
“I am deeply heartened by Mark’s long overdue release and the relief it will bring to him and his family,” Durbin added. “The tragic and cruel use of him as a hostage has finally come to an end.”
According to senior officials, the Biden Administration negotiated with the Taliban for months to secure
The boxcar departed from Windsor, Ontario, Canada and traveled to its first stop in Bensenville. Other stops will include: Kansas City, Mo.; Laredo, Tex.; Nuevo Laredo, Tamps.; Monterrey, Nuevo Leon; San Luis Potosi, S.L.P.; Morelia, Michoacán; and conclude at the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. In coordination with local Rotary clubs along the way, these events will generate awareness and raise funds to help save the butterfly.
To help the cause, visit SaveOurMonarchs.org/donate.
(Editor’s note: Some information in this article was provided by David Eaton of Kansas City Southern Railways to Illinois Rotary Clubs and Rotary, International.)
Frerichs’ release. In April, a video that showed Frerichs in captivity surfaced.
In the video, Frerichs was shown wearing Afghan clothes and had a short beard. The video was around 30 seconds long. Frerichs said in the video that it was recorded on Nov. 28, 2021.
“When U.S. troops departed Afghanistan and we ended America’s longest war last year, we remained committed to bringing Mark home, as we said publicly at the time,” a senior official said in a press briefing last week. “Since then, we’ve raised Mark’s case with the Taliban at every opportunity and we’ve regularly reminded them that Mark had done nothing wrong and that releasing Mark had to occur before the Taliban could hope for better relations with the United States. We undertook months of tough negotiations with the Taliban for Mark’s release.”
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
Sept. 19
Ricardo R. Hernandez, 38, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI and no insurance in the 100 block of E. Lake at 6:26 a.m.
Sept. 18
Andrew W. Keil, 62, of Itasca, was charged with DUI and failure to reduce speed near Addison and I-290 at 4:14 p.m.
A 27-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery at 4:26 a.m.
Sept. 17
Timothy B. Kenny, 36, of Alsip, was charged with DUI and driving while license suspended in the 2100 block of W. Army Trail at 2:30 a.m.
Jonathan Martinez-Vazquez, 18, of Addison, was charged with obstructing identification and no driver’s license/ permit in the 300 block of W. Lake at 10:26 p.m.
Sept. 16
Antonio Carrasco, 19, of Addison, was charged with two counts of resisting/obstructing a police officer, consumption of liquor by a minor and possession of cannabis in the 500 block of Green Oaks at 7:34 p.m.
Jesus Zermeno, 20, of Cicero, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon on person, illegal possession of ammunition/FOID and resist-
ing a police officer near Denise and Elizabeth Sts. at 9:52 p.m.
Villa Park
Sept. 17
A complainant in the 300 block of N. Illinois reported at 1:07 a.m. that a suspect battered them. No charges were filed at this time.
A complainant at a business in the 1-100 block of S. Villa reported at 1:29 p.m. that a suspect was threatening them. The suspect was issued a no-trespass notice.
A complainant at a business in the 300 block of N. Ardmore reported at 9:44 p.m. that a subject was causing a disturbance. The subject was issued a no-trespass notice.
Sept. 16
Matthew S. Snodell, 33, of McLeod, Mont., was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon/on person on in a vehicle, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon/loaded firearm on person at a pub in the 300 block of W. St. Charles at 11:37 a.m.
A complainant in the 300 block of N. Ardmore reported at 3:43 p.m. that a suspect battered them. No charges were filed at this time.
Officers observed a subject in the 200 block of E. North drinking in a parking lot at 10:45 p.m. A citation was issued.
A complainant at a lounge in the 100 block of E. Roosevelt reported at 12:10 p.m. that a suspect was causing a disturbance. The suspect was issued a no-trespass notice.
Sept. 15
Anthony Palacios, 20, of Bensenville, was issued citations for unlawful use of cannabis by a driver, no valid driver’s license, failure to yield from a private road or drive and no insurance near N. Ardmore and W. Division at 1:47 a.m.
Sept. 14
Calvin M. Griffith, 29, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI in the 200 block of S. Villa at 7:37 p.m.
A complainant in the 300 block of S. Oakland reported at 9:20 a.m. that a suspect sent them an unwanted text message.
Sept. 13
Nicholas Santiago, 52, of Elmhurst, was charged on the above date with two counts of reckless driving, driving too fast for conditions, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving a vehicle on a sidewalk and improper lane usage for the above alleged incidents that occurred on July 24.
A complainant in the 400 block of W. Division reported at 8:59 p.m. that unknown suspects were attempting to enter through a locked door. No entry was made and the suspects were gone upon an officer’s arrival.
Sept. 12
Vehicle theft was reported in the 1-100 block of E. Hill at 7:49 p.m. A complainant reported that an unknown suspect damaged a gate on the property and removed a vehicle from a parking lot.
A complainant in the 500 block of E. Wildwood reported at 5:08 p.m. that an unknown suspect broke a bird bath that was in the yard.
A complainant in the 300 block of W. Division reported at 7:14 p.m. that unknown suspects were attempting to enter through a locked door. No entry
W. Division reported at 7:14 p.m. that an unknown suspect damaged an outside door with an unknown object.
Sept. 11
Police said Nicholas Whealan, 30, of Villa Park, was arrested on an original complaint and warrant in the 500 block of N. Westmore on the above date for an alleged incident that occurred Aug. 4.
Fraud, identity theft
According to information provided last week by the Villa Park Police
Catalytic converter theft
According to information provided last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported no incidents of a catalytic converter being removed from vehicles.
Unwanted person on property
According to information provided last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported one incident of complainants having an unwanted person on their property.
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County awards Addison flags for earth, water quality
Village honored for environmental sustainability
On Monday, Sept. 19, DuPage County officials, joined by Kay McKeen, founder and executive director of SCARCE, the environmental and recycling program, presented the Village of Addison with the DuPage County Earth Flag and the nationally recognized “Love Blue. Live Green.” Water Quality Flag, in recognition of the Village’s initiatives in environmental sustainability, operations and conservation.
“We’re very proud to earn these awards…it is a great way to showcase the great things we’re doing throughout the Village,” said Ryan Hayden, superintendent of the Village’s Public Works Department.
Village staff began the application process in February by completing a sustainability assessment and performance of a “green audit” on all Village buildings. The Village also demonstrated conservation activities, including its comprehensive recycling program, maintenance of native planting areas, and water conservation through the use of a non-potable water system.
County Board member Sheila Rutledge, chair of the Environmental Committee, acknowledged what Addison has done through the use of environmentally-friendly vehicles.
“I particularly like the fact that you’re getting into hybrid police
“ We’re very proud to earn these awards...it is a great way to showcase the great things we’re doing throughout the Village.”
– Ryan Hayden, superintendent of the Village’s Public Works Department
cars,” Rutledge said. “We’re trying to get that pushed through at the County. Now I can say the Village of Addison is doing that.”
County Board member Sam Tornatore, a member of the Stormwater Committee, added.
“[The Village of Addison has] been a great partner to the County regarding water quality and sustainability.”
Tornatore presented Mayor Rich Veenstra with a county resolution congratulating Addison on the flag honor.
All Addison schools, the Park District, Library, and several area businesses have received the Earth
Flag for their environmental initiatives.
The next recycling event for residents is on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Addison Trail High School, from 8
a.m. to 12 noon.
The SCARCE donation and retail store is located at 800 S. Rohlwing Road in Addison and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to
Monday, Sept. 19, Public Works Superintendent Ryan Hayden discusses environmental initiatives at the Board meeting, where the Village was honored by the School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education (SCARCE) organization.
4:30 p.m.
“We are very proud to be the host [community] for SCARCE,” Veenstra said. “That was a very happy day for us when you moved in!”
and sustainability.”
Kay McKeen (center, with mic), executive director of SCARCE, presents these DuPage County Earth and Water Quality Flags to the Village of Addison at the Monday, Sept. 19 Board meeting. Addison received the honors for its commitment to environmental sustainability, operations and conservation.
On
DuPage County Board Member Sheila Rutledge congratulates the Addison Village Board on Sept. 19 for receiving the Earth and Water Quality Flag honors from SCARCE.
Sam Tornatore, County Board member who sits on the Stormwater Committee, presented Addison Mayor Rich Veenstra with an official County resolution congratulating the Village on the flags presented to them by SCARCE. In his remarks, Tornatore said Addison had “been a great partner to the County regarding water quality
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
Mazzochi bill to crack down on products hiding fentanyl, targeting kids
In light of reports of “rainbow” fentanyl and increased deaths from deceptive products, State Representative Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) introduced legislation to combat the ubiquitous spread of the deadliest drug threat facing the
country. House Bill 5808 would create an additional crime of fentanyl trafficking and target the use of candy, regular prescription drugs, and other vehicles for fentanyl distribution.
“Fentanyl and its analogs are fifty times more powerful than heroin, and a mere two milligram amount can be lethal,” said Rep. Mazzochi. “Traffickers are mixing or packaging fentanyl to look like candy, gummies, or different prescription medications to skirt the law and target innocent users. HB 5808 delineates that and gives prosecutors stronger tools that they need to combat a leading source of drug deaths in our county and state.”
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, 42% of these types of counterfeit pills they tested for fentanyl contained at least two milligrams of fentanyl, equal to just 10 to 15 grains of table salt. The Centers for Disease Control reported that synthetic opioids are the primary driver
Slices of life
of overdose deaths in the United States; in 2021 overdoses involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids surpassed 71,000, up 23% from the year before.
Mazzochi contrasted her approach to the House Democrat legislation, House Bill 3447, to further decriminalize possessing or distributing lethal fentanyl levels.
“Our suburban legislators know full well that kids are inadvertently dying from fentanyl overdoses, precisely because of deceptive tactics by distributors,” she said. “We shouldn’t be making it easier for drug dealers to avoid prosecution, so they can save some money on production, distribution, or using sleight of hand to get users an opioid fix. This drug wreaks havoc in Illinois communities and destroys lives. We should be sending a message to the people who deal it, not letting them off the hook.”
(Editor’s note: This was received from the office of State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi.)
More than a cheerleader
Confession: I was a cheerleader back in the day. It was a fun time for me. Really fun. And that’s all it was. Fun. Well, that and I got to meet some cute wrestlers. I guess at the time it helped me fit in, but don’t we all need to find a way to fit in during high school? I did my best to enjoy it. I believe I was lucky—to have a rather easy go of it, but it wasn’t always easy. It was often stressful. Trying to fit in all of the time –like is expected in high school—is seldom easy, even for the coolest of the cool. And not many feel content and confident in that group.
Confession: I hardly every felt cool in high school, but I learned to smile and fake it when I didn’t. I’m guessing I’m not the only one.
From my perspective I enjoyed a class reunion this summer. People have matured— in the best of ways—over the years. I hope me included. Still, so many of my old (and now new) friends defined me as a cheerleader. It’s been decades since I threw out my pom poms but it seemed some of my high school classmates still envisioned me wearing the school colors and singing the fight song.
It caused me to pause.
I really enjoyed the pom poms all those years ago, but I’ve done so much since then. I’ve experienced life—marriage, children and grands. I’ve become a writer of sorts. I never dreamed cheerleading could still define me.
Apparently it did. It does, in some peoples’ eyes.
That makes me a little sad. (No disrespect meant toward those friends who still think of me as a cheerleader, those who are currently cheerleaders, those who may aspire to being a cheerleader, or those who at one point in time knew a cheerleader.)
Honestly I’m so much more. We all are. Aren’t we?
We get defined by what we do, or what we believe in or how we worship or myriad other things that can be objectified and judged by our cultural norms.
I was a cheerleader in high school. But if I had it to do over, you know what?
I’d still be a cheerleader, but I’d do it a little differently.
I’d still be friends with those people I
By JILL PERTLER Columnist
connected with on a heart level. Many of those were cheerleaders, but I’d also get to know the people who didn’t have a conveniently cool label.
I’d seek out the interesting people. Those with a short description on the senior summary page. Those who didn’t necessarily play the premium sports or have pom poms in their locker.
I’d talk to everyone, because everyone matters. I’d reach out. I’d do more because I could have at the time. I wish I would have. I think I may have tried to, but I can’t remember. It’s been too may years. I hope I was kind in high school, but know I could have been even kinder.
If I had it to do all over again, I’d try to see people as people. I’d try to see everyone as worthwhile and let them know it. I’d practice the opposite of high school popularity (because I never really was popular) and embrace the geek that I really was.
I was a cheerleader. I really enjoyed the experiences it allowed me. I met some great friends because of it. I gained athletic prowess because of it. It gave me much. But in my heart, in my soul, it was but a sliver of my entire being.
I can’t go back and have a do-over at high school or life. I only hope to learn from my past and make better of my future. I was a cheerleader, and maybe I was drawn to that role. Maybe I can (and should) find a new set of metaphorical pom poms and cheer on those good people in my life who need cheering right now (and who amongst us doesn’t?)
Maybe building others up, builds me (and you and us) up as well.
Hip, hip, hurray!
Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. She invites readers to follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
1. Fall
A superior grade of
Wrath 14. Eating house 15. Delay leaving a place 16. People now inhabiting Myanmar
Canadian flyers 18. Walks back and forth 20. Frequently
21. Humans have two 22. Surrounds with armed forces
25. Made proper
30. Medical buildings
31. Patty Hearst’s captors
32. Hits with a drop shot
33. Italy’s PM 1919-20
38. Promotions
41. En __: incidentally
43. Queens baseball team
45. Commoner
47. Expenses in insurance world (abbr.)
49. Payroll firm
50. Broadway actress Daisy
55. Skipper butterflies
56. Hint
57. Daniel __, French composer
59. English children’s author Blyton
60. Midway between east and southeast
61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation
62. Patriotic women’s
group
63. The woman
64. Tall, slender-leaved plant
CLUES DOWN
1. Parts per thousand (abbr.)
2. Jump
3. Eaten as a vegetable
4. Residual paresis after anesthesia
5. Brunchtime staple
6. Makes money off of
7. Refined
8. Nocturnal S. American rodents
9. From a distance
10. Officials
12. It helps you see
14. Central Canadian indigenous person
19. Invests in little enterprises
23. They help in tough situations
24. Industrial port in Poland
25. Type of screen
26. Peyton’s little brother
27. Alcoholic beverage
28. Newspapers need it
29. Herbal tea
34. Distinctive practice
35. Exercise system __-bo
36. Explosive 37. Belonging to a thing
39. Presidential candidates engage in them
40. Of the Swedes
41. Meadow-grass
42. “Rule, Britannia” composer
44. Hooray!
45. Greek city
46. One way to do it by example
47. Imitated
48. “Game of Thrones” actress Headey
51. Swiss river
52. Drought-resistant plant
53. A French abbot
54. One point east of northeast
58. Get free of
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Bensenville police reports
The Bensenville Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations.
Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy.
Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.
Sept 21, 12:52 p.m. in the 300 block of Judson Street, a complainant reported that an unknown suspect opened a bank account in complainant’s name. No financial loss was reported. This case is under investigation.
BEPC2200848
Sept. 20, 8:47 a.m. in the 100 block of Grand Avenue, a complainant reported an unknown suspect removed the front license plate and the I-pass transponder from a loaner vehicle. This case is under investigation.
BEPC2200843
Sept. 20, 11:14 a.m. in the 300 block of W. Grand Ave., a complainant reported an unknown suspect attempted to take their vehicle. This case is under
investigation. BEPC2200844
Sept 20, 5:46 p.m. in the 1-100 block of Addison Street, a complainant reported a man brandished a knife on some juveniles after comments were made. This incident is under investigations. BEPC2200846
Sept. 20, 2:46 a.m. in the 400 block of Supreme, a complainant reported that his cell phone was stolen. Incident is under investigation. BEPC2200842
Sept. 19, 11:31 a.m. in the 100 block of George Street, a complainant reported that a package was missing after getting notification that it was delivered. This incident is under investigation. BEPC2200838
Sept. 19, 12:11 p.m. in the 600 block of Route 83, construction workers discovered that entry was made to building and copper wiring was removed. This incident is under investigation. BEPC2200839
Sept. 18, 4:35 p.m. near York and Roosevelt, Kevin Raida (no residence listed) was stopped for traffic and found to be in illegal possession of cannabis. He was issued citation, a court date, and released. BEPC2200836
Sept. 17, 8:15 p.m. in the 100 block
Park District news
Wood Street Fitness brings
‘Beer Yoga’ to Fischer Farm
Ever wonder whether a love of beer could be somehow fused with fitness? Well, the Bensenville Park District’s ‘Beer Yoga at the Barn,’ might just be what the doctor ordered!
Join the Wood Street Fitness yoga instructor at Fischer Farm on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. for an hour-long experience where a can of beer becomes a prop and an important part of the yoga routine.
“Beer yoga is the marriage of two great loves–beer and yoga,” said Fitness Supervisor Silvia Acevedo. “Both are centuries-old therapies for body, mind and soul. The joy of drinking beer and the mindfulness of yoga complement each other and are sure to make for an energizing experience.”
The program is open to those ages 21 and older, and the registration fee is $10. Participants must present ID to check in before class starts. Wear
comfortable workout clothes in layers.
Mats and yoga props such as blocks and straps can be provided, but participants can bring their own if they prefer. Participants should bring their own unopened beer cans (no glass bottles), limit two, which can be consumed during the program. Water is encouraged for hydration purposes. Space is limited. Those interested must register by Oct. 14 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Street, Bensenville. Fischer Farm is located at 16W680 Grand Avenue, Bensenville.
Park District offers kids fitness classes
The Bensenville Park District announced it will offer yoga and Zumba for kids beginning in October. Classes are geared for children ages 4-12 and run 4-5 p.m. Mondays. Three sessions are available: Oct. 3-24, November 7-28 and December 5-19. The fee is $24 for residents and $32 for
of Irving Park Road, a business reported criminal damage to property. The incident is under investigation
BEPC2200833
Sept. 17, 8:15 p.m., a complainant came into the police station to make a report of threatening text messages. The incident is under investigation BEPC2200835
Sept. 17, 7:24 p.m. near Bernice and Entry Drive, Reynaldo G. Saenz-Hernandez, 20, of Bensenville, was stopped for traffic and found to be driving with no valid driver’s license and an active warrant. Hernandez was placed in custody, transported to the station for processing, issued citations, then transported to the DuPage County Jail.
BEPC2200832
Sept. 15, 9:26 a.m. in the 100 block of George Street, a complainant reports that an Amazon package that had been emailed as delivered was missing. The incident is under investigation.
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Sept. 15, 10:12 p.m. in the 200 block of Roosevelt Avenue, a complainant reports that a package was taken from front porch The incident is under investigation. BEPC2200828
non-residents for the October and November sessions. The December session is shorter and is $18 for residents ($24 non-residents). A free trial class is offered 4-5 p.m. Monday, September 26.
Zumba Kids classes are back by popular demand, delivering a high-energy dance party combining movement, music, games and cultural exploration in each class. The program features kid-friendly routines and music such as hip-hop, reggaeton, cumbia and more.
Zumba Kids is geared toward children ages 4-12 and runs from 4:155:15 p.m. Fridays. There are three sessions: October 7-28 ($24 residents, $32 non-residents), November 4-18 ($18 residents, $24 non-residents) and December 2-16 ($18 residents, $24 non-residents).
Register for both programs at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Street, Bensenville.
A bilingual discussion
A group of delegates from Mongolia visited the Chicago area last week, including a few stops in DuPage County. Among them was Addison Township, where they met with Addison Township Supervisor Dennis Reboletti to talk about Township government and the services it provides its constituents. A bilingual, bicultural interpreter was on hand to facilitate conversation.
Park District partners with Chicago Wolves to benefit Youth Services Coalition
Hockey fans of all ages and those seeking affordable family entertainment can do something fun while doing some good for the community.
The Bensenville Park District has joined forces with the Chicago Wolves to offer a ticket package that includes a game ticket, hot dog, soft drink and winter cap and provides at least $4.50 per ticket to benefit the Bensenville Youth Services Coalition.
Tickets purchased for the 7 p.m. game Saturday, Nov. 19, between the Wolves and Rockford Ice Hogs, American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, through BvilleParks.org/Wolves will receive special pricing and benefits. The event is open to all, and ticket packages start at just $27. The Chicago Wolves are the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes. All Wolves home games are played at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road in Rosemont. Parking is available on-site. Visit ChicagoWolves. com/gameday for more information.
Jury awards $363 million in Sterigenics lawsuit
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
A Cook County jury last week awarded 70-year-old Sue Kamuda with a $363 million verdict after she sued medical supply sterilization company Sterigenics, alleging the company exposed her and surrounding residents to a known carcinogen that led to her breast cancer diagnosis.
Sterigenics used the cancer-causing chemical ethylene oxide to sterilize medical supplies at its facility in Willowbrook for decades. Kamuda sued the company as well as its corporate parent and a corporate predecessor, and hers was the first of more than 760 lawsuits against the company to reach a verdict.
In August 2018, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reported in a letter there was an “elevated cancer risk” for anyone who lives near or works in the facility.
The plant was shuttered by the Illinois EPA in 2019 before ultimately shutting down permanently amid public pressure. It had been in operation since 1985.
State Sen. John Curran, a Downers Grove Republican, was one of the first lawmakers to raise alarms about Sterigenics. He called the verdict “astounding” and said it “puts facilities that deal with potentially harmful chemicals on
notice.”
“This is just the first of 762 cases that are currently pending against Sterigenics, and the size of this verdict validates the belief that the cancer cluster in the Willowbrook area is a direct result of toxins released into the atmosphere by Sterigenics,” Curran said in a statement. “What we suspected all along, and what has now been found by a jury, is that Sterigenics was a bad actor that turned a blind eye to the fact that they were slowly poisoning the residents who lived in the vicinity of their facility.”
In response to the elevated cancer risk surrounding the facility, Illinois lawmakers passed legislation strictly limiting allowable ethylene oxide emissions and mandating shutdowns for companies that fail annual emissions tests.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported the company argued that the verdict didn’t reflect the evidence presented in court.
“We will continue to vigorously defend against allegations about our ethylene oxide operations and emissions,” a Sterigenics spokesperson told the newspaper. “As we have consistently done throughout our history, we will continue to operate in compliance with applicable rules and regulations to ensure the safety of our employees, the communities in which we operate and patients around the world.”
Illinois Department on Aging to retirees: Action required to claim property tax rebate
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is encouraging older adults and retirees who were not required to file an Illinois income tax return for 2021 to claim their property tax rebate of up to $300 by submitting Form IL-1040-PTR to the Illinois Department of Revenue.
“Many Illinois residents who filed 2021 state income taxes and claimed a property tax credit will automatically receive a property tax rebate under Gov Pritzker’s Illinois Family Relief Plan,” said Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Paula Basta. “Older adults and retirees may not realize they
can get the rebate as well, but only if they submit the right paperwork to the State of Illinois.”
Under the Illinois Family Relief Plan passed by the Illinois House and Senate, one-time individual income and property tax rebates will be issued to taxpayers who meet certain income requirements.
For information about the department’s programs and services for older adults and persons with disabilities, visit https://www2. illinois.gov/aging/programs or contact the Senior HelpLine tollfree at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
Color in and mail, deliver, or, scan and email to Eva, no later than October 15th
Eva Sanchez, REALTOR @properties, 130 W. Park Avenue, Elmhurst IL 60126 I LOVE Taking You To Your Next Home!
Call or Text Eva at (630) 561 8742 Email to SeeYourHouse@outlook.com
Pumpkins will be delivered between October 17th to the 21st
Classifieds
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 1-800927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
Elmhurst
429 S. COTTAGE HILL, Fri., 9/30 & Sat., 10/1, 7:30am-2pm. Snowshoes, RC & model plane kits, silver earrings, quilt, garden, antiques, xmas, paintings, clothing and much misc.
American Flyer, Lionel trains, Barbie and other dolls; G.I. Joe, Tonka, Matchbox, Hot Wheels cars, slot cars & more! Plus any other antiques and collectibles. Call: 630-248-3222
Lombard
524 S. EDGEWOOD AVE., MULTI FAMILY G.S., Friday, 9/30 & Saturday, 10/1, 9am5pm. Collectibles, furniture, clothing and household items.
to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.
Rock Valley Publishing Can Publish Your Legals. Call 815-877-4044 Or email your legals to legals@rvpublishing.com 425131
LEGAL NOTICES
Request of: Ridaul Fatima Hanafi
There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from Ridaul Fatima Hanafi to the new name of Izzabella Salvatrice Amore.
The court date will be held on October 19, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. at 505 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton DuPage County in Courtroom #2005.
/s/Rida Hanafi Ridaul Fatima Hanafi
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Sept. 15, 22 & 29, 2022) 424633
