EI12022

1 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

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THURSDAY, JAN. 20, 2022

Yet another incident at Oak Brook shopping center Burberry store hit for estimated $23,000 in stolen merchandise, Oak Brook police say

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE INDEPENDENT

According to various news reports, another robbery took place at the Oak Brook Center, this time at the Burberry store.

The estimated loss at the Burberry store is $23,000 in merchandise, which was reportedly taken on Friday, Jan. 14 at about 11:30 a.m.

According to ABC Channel 7 news, three men described to be in their 20s broke in and removed the merchandise, then escaped in a black BMW with tinted windows. Oak

See INCIDENT, Page 4

ECT to perform The Music Man Jan. 21-23

Elmhurst Children’s Theatre has announced production details for The Music Man by Meredith Willson, to be performed Friday-Sunday, Jan. 21-23. Directed by Jason Sperling, The Music Man takes the stage in the spacious auditorium at Timothy Christian High School.

The Music Man follows fasttalking traveling salesman Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys band that he

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

The Music Man comes to life

“Seventy-six trombones” will lead the hit parade this weekend as Elmhurst Children’s Theatre’s bring the musical, The Music Man, to life. Performances are Friday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. All shows will be at the Timothy Christian auditorium, 188 W. Butterfield Road. Tickets are $10, available at the door.

See MUSIC MAN, Page 4

Police Reports...........6 Sports �������������������� 18 Viewpoint.................8 Classifieds..............17

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2 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 • 3

Elmhurst University Symphonic Band open to community members All who play an instrument are invited to Jan. 31 rehearsal

The Elmhurst University Symphonic Band will soon begin rehearsals for the spring semester. The EU Symphonic Band is composed of students, local music teachers and community members. Rehearsals are every Monday night beginning Monday, Jan. 31, from 7-9 p.m. in Irion

Hall, home to the EU Music Department. Two concerts are scheduled for the spring. The first concert is Sunday, March 13, at 7 p.m., and the second is Monday, May 9 at 7 p.m.

If you live in the Elmhurst community and play an instrument, please come out to enjoy some great

music-making and to build new friendships. There are some community members who have been playing in the EU Symphonic Band for more than 20 years, while others may have just started playing recently. ”Participating in the Elmhurst University Symphonic Band has been a

fun and rewarding way to return to playing my instrument after a long hiatus,” said Christina Vermeulen.

“I’m able to build my musical skills while enjoying the challenge and energy of playing music with others.

The college students and community members in the band are a friendly

and inviting group. I’m so happy to have this opportunity right at my doorstep.”

Community members who are interested in performing with the Elmhurst University Symphonic Band, or would like more information, should contact the EU Band Office (630) 617-3520 or email Dr. James Hile at james.hile@elmhurst.edu

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Here is the Elmhurst College Band pictured in 1926, when there were just 15 members, including the director. Now there are several musical opportunities at Elmhurst University, including the Symphonic Band which includes members of the Elmhurst community.

Residents are invited to dust off their musical instruments and join in the first rehearsal on Monday, Jan. 31.

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Elmhurst College band in 1926

ELMHURST HISTORY MUSEUM PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

4 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

The elmhursT IndependenT Your Hometown Newspaper Locally owned and operated 240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126 Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900 Visit us at: TheElmhurstIndependent.com The Elmhurst Independent USPS#022-607 is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126.

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Administration:

County Board votes down election precincts

On Friday, Jan. 14, the DuPage County Board failed to pass updated election precincts to meet the legal deadline of Saturday, Jan. 15, leaving in place existing precincts which do not comply with the requirements of state law, according to a release from the County Clerk’s office.

On Monday, Nov. 15, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Illinois Public Act 102-0668, which required all County Boards to divide their election precincts within 60 days “so that each precinct shall contain, as near as may be practicable, 1,200 registered voters.” The legislation also mandated that “insofar as is practicable, each precinct shall be situated within a single congressional, legislative and representative district and in not more than one County Board district and one municipal ward,” and “each district shall be composed of contiguous territory in as compact form as can be for the convenience of the electors voting therein.”

DuPage County Election Division professional staff worked diligently over the following weeks to draft new precinct boundaries in compliance with the requirements of state law and without political favoritism. On Wednesday, Jan. 5, ten days before the statutory deadline, County Board members were provided the Election Division staff’s recommended precinct maps. The proposed maps were

posted on the DuPage County website for public review and provided directly to the chairs of the DuPage County Democratic and Republican parties.

Since the public distribution of the maps, the County Clerk’s Office has received no negative feedback regarding the compliance of the proposed precincts with the law’s requirements concerning population, electoral district boundaries, or voter convenience. However, at the DuPage County Board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 11, and again at a special call on Friday, several board members of both parties expressed displeasure that the maps had not been drawn to the specifications of the local political parties to deliberately prevent contested elections for the partisan position of precinct committeeperson.

During floor debate, board members spoke regarding their desire to look out for the interests of the political ground troops who work to elect them. Members stated an intention to vote against the establishment of new election precincts as a protest and openly invited a lawsuit to attempt to force the County Board to comply with the requirements signed into law by the Governor.

During a four-hour special meeting called for the sole purpose of establishing the boundaries of DuP-

• Incident

Dee Longfellow News Coordinator Debra Hamilton Advertising Director Pete Cruger Publisher

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

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(Continued from front page) Brook police told ABC-7 and other post read. news outlets that patrols have been The Independent published a stostepped up at the mall and surround- ry in its Jan. 6 issue about a shootout ing area effective immediately due to that took place between two Chicago the increased crime of late. men at Oak Brook Center Dec. 23.

According to its Facebook page, In November, there was a robbery the Oak Brook Police Department at the Louis Vuitton store, where is actively working on what they police said about $100,000 in mercalled a “grab and run” incident at chandise had been taken, according the Burberry store. to ABC-7 news.

They indicated there was video surveillance which captured the sus- Stores also burglarized in pects and the vehicle in which they downtown Chicago fled. Oak Brook police are working On Thursday, Jan. 6, the Burbwith Oak Brook Center management erry store on Michigan Avenue in and retail merchants “to address and downtown Chicago was also burreduce these incidents, including the glarized for the second time. use of technology to magnify these Chicago police told ABC-7 news enforcement efforts,” the Facebook that at around 4:45 a.m., a group

• Music Man

(Continued from front page) vows to organize. His plans to skip fifth through eighth grades, many of town with the cash are foiled when whom are seasoned actors in Elmhe falls for Marian the librarian, who hurst through ECT and their school transforms him into a respectable cit- performances. izen by curtain’s fall.

Director Jason Sperling shared his Meredith Willson’s six-time Tony insights about the upcoming perforaward-winning musical comedy has mance of The Music Man: been entertaining audiences since “The Music Man is great for this 1957 and is a family-friendly story to age group because there are a variety be shared with every generation. The of fun and interesting characters, alMusic Man is packed with nonstop lowing many actors to showcase their thrills and classic tunes and show- singing, dancing, and acting skills,” cases scores of dancing and singing Sperling said. “This is my seventh … perfect for every audience. show with Elmhurst Children’s TheThe Music Man is a Broadway-cal- atre. I love working with this group iber musical produced under direc- because the kids are always on top of tor Jason Sperling, music director things, well-prepared, talented, and a Lisa Griffith, choreographer Nina lot of fun to direct.”

Davalos, and assistant director Laney Toffler, with a live orchestra and pro- The cast weighs in fessional sets. The Music Man feaECT’s performers shared Spertures talented youth performers in ling’s enthusiasm for ECT’s pro-

age County’s election precincts, the County Board voted down the statutorily compliant precinct maps presented by the County Clerk by a 10-6 margin.

The County Board’s failure to take any action before the legal deadline leaves in place the county’s existing election precincts, which no longer align with the boundaries of congressional and other legislative districts redrawn after the 2020 Census and do not conform with the law’s requirements regarding precinct size.

“The decision of some DuPage County Board members of both parties to openly defy state law and pri-

oritize politics over voting rights is deeply disappointing,” County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek said. “Precincts exist as an organizational unit for the benefit of the voters, not for politicians. The County Board’s failure to align DuPage County’s election precincts with the boundaries of its representative districts will cause inconvenience and confusion for voters and increase the cost of elections for our taxpayers. Nevertheless, I remain committed to administering DuPage County elections in a fair and non-partisan manner with the interests and rights of our county’s voters as my highest priority.”

Obituary

Malcolm “Mal” Goodnick, 96 Malcolm “Mal” Goodnick, a long-time resident of Elmhurst for more than 63 years, passed away Jan. 8, 2022, at the age of 96.

Beloved husband of Charlene nee Gillio for 63 years; adored father of Janet (Jim) Wolande, Keith, and Judi (Dale) Dyer; cherished grandfather of Dan and Tim (Stephanie) Wolande and Lindsey, Chuck, and Matt Dyer; caring son of the late Arthur and Henrietta; fond brother of Joyce Dobrinich and the late June Dobrinich. Mal’s family was his most treasured pastime, followed closely by his second love, golf.

Services and interment private. Arrangements entrusted to Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel. For info, 630-834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFh.com.

of around six burglars, two armed with guns, jimmied the doors to the store located in the 600 block of N. Michigan. The suspects reportedly entered the store and then fled in a pickup truck. It is unknown whether or not the two incidents are related.

It was reportedly the second time that same Burberry store had been burglarized in a week.

Chicago police told ABC-7 that the downtown Burberry store had been hit in a similar manner on Tuesday, Jan. 4. Five burglary suspects reportedly broke in and stole merchandise before fleeing in a white SUV. Police said there had been anoth-

er robbery at the same store in November, when four men reportedly stole handbags and injured two people as they fled.

According to ABC-7, less than 30 minutes before the Jan. 4 Burberry incident, Chicago police had been called to another store on East Walton in downtown called Moose Knuckles, which sells highend winter coats. Again, a group of suspects reportedly pried the door open and removed the merchandise. Police said the thieves “managed to clear out all the merchandise from the first floor.”

At press time, no suspects had been taken into custody in any of the Burberry incidents.

duction of The Music Man. Eighth grader Lucas Prine plays the con man Harold Hill in the production.

“Acting in ECT productions has always been fun,” he said. “This is my first time getting an important part, and I am very excited about it.”

“I love the ECT family, and I am so happy to be able to be back onstage and in the theater,” said Dylan Wargin, who has been cast as Constable Locke.

“Pick-a-Little” Lady Caitlyn Burkeen concurred.

“I love being with everybody in person and that I will be able to perform again in front of an audience,” she said.

Performances are Friday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m.

All shows will be at Timothy Chris-

tian School, 188 W. Butterfield Road.

Tickets are available for purchase for $10 at the door prior to each performance. For more information, contact Shannon Goodrich at secretary@elmhurstchildrenstheatre.com.

About ECT ECT is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit children’s theatre company dedicated to providing an experience in all aspects of live theatre for the students of Elmhurst by promoting a supportive and positive learning environment.

Children in grades 5 – 8 who live in Elmhurst or attend District 205 or parochial schools in Elmhurst are invited to audition for ECT productions.

For more information, visit www. ectshows.com.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 • 5

Mask controversy continues at public forum

By Chris Fox FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on Jan. 11 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St. All seven board members attended the meeting, which was the board’s first regular meeting of 2022.

(Editor’s note: Due to technical difficulties, there was no audio on the online recording of the meeting.

The district did provide an audio recording of the meeting, but the audio was not clear during portions of the meeting.)

IMEA students honored The board recognized the district’s middle school students who were selected to perform at the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) District 1 Music Festival, which was held on Nov. 6, 2021, at Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox. The festival recognized middle school students from more than 60 area schools. The honored students were selected to perform at the festival after displaying their talents in rigorous auditions.

Elementary School. The presentation noted that those clubs “offer a variety of opportunities for students to demonstrate commitment, leadership, communication skills, and continue to build their collaboration skills.”

Public forum brings out mask controversy Three people spoke during the meeting’s public-participation segment. One of the speakers talked about the need to focus on the mental health of the district’s students and staff members. He said that children have been robbed of many milestones and memories during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he was tired of hearing about mask breaks and mask enforcement in schools.

Another speaker noted that no one in District 205 has died from COVID-19. He didn’t mention that the DuPage County Health Department has reported nearly 1,600 deaths related to COVID-19 since March 2020, and that none of those deaths in the county have involved a resident under the age of 20. The speaker claimed Gov. Pritzker’s mask mandate was prescient. He stated that the board and Pritzker could take credit for the lack of COVID-19 related deaths in the district.

(Editor’s note: See related letter to the editor on this week’s Viewpoint page.)

Presentation on clubs at Field School Speaker questions The meeting also included a pre- ‘ideological agenda’ sentation highlighting the many The third speaker during the pubclubs available to students at Field

lic-participation segment said he was worried about education focused on an ideological agenda and stated that a large number of young people approve of communism and socialism.

205 to assist district students who face economic challenges. School social workers will have discretion to use the funding to support individual students. The funding could pay for a variety of expenses, including school Audit presentation given supplies, instrument rentals, summer The meeting also included a pre- school and gift cards for food, clothsentation about the district’s annual ing or gas. audit review. Andrew Mace of the district’s auditing firm—Wipfli—de- Rotary BRIDGE livered the brief presentation about donation accepted the annual audit report for the oneThe board also unanimously apyear period that ended on June 30, proved a donation of $6,422 from 2021. Mace spoke of the need for the Rotary Club of Elmhurst to assist maintaining a fund balance for a va- the York High School BRIDGE proriety of reasons, including cash-flow gram, which provides support to stupurposes, covering increased costs of dents returning to school from mencapital projects and being prepared tal health hospitalization programs. for changes in state policies. Mace The program helps “bridge” students noted during his review of the year back to York after an extended abending June 30, 2021, that the district sence. was able to take advantage of favorable interest rates to retire previously Campbell notes many issued debt. He said that move will absences with COVID-19 result in a decrease in debt service Providing an update about the payments of almost $700,000 over challenges of the COVID-19 panthe next 10 years. demic, District 205 Superintendent Keisha Campbell noted the difficulBoard pays for strategic ties in staffing the district’s schools. plan consultants She said about 42 to 52 staff memBoard members voted unanimous- bers are absent each school day due ly to approve an expense of $39,900 to COVID-19 related issues. She said to pay the professional services firm the district’s administration and staff of Hazard, Young, Attea and Associ- have been deploying an “all hands ates to assist in the district’s strategic on deck” approach to provide safe planning process. in-person instruction in District 205 schools. She said the district has not Foundation 205 donation had a lot of success with building its will offer support pool of substitute teachers.

The board unanimously approved The board will hold its next regua $2,000 donation from Foundation lar meeting on Jan. 25.

Chicago man charged with threatening Lombard police officer

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Roy Daryl Meeks Newton announced that a Chicago man has been charged with threatening a Lombard police officer.

Daryl Meeks, 41, appeared in bond court where Judge Robert Kleeman set bond at $150,000 with 10 percent to apply.

Meeks has been charged with two counts of threatening a public official, a Class 3 felony.

He has also been charged with misdemeanor DUI and other traffic offenses.

On Thursday, Jan. 13 at approximately 1:54 a.m., a patrol officer with the Lombard Police Department observed a vehicle allegedly driving

See MAN, Page 7

411236

School Board discusses audit review, strategic plan

6 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

Police beat

Dec. 22 Police said a reporting officer spoke with a victim in the 700 block of N. Parker at 10:56 a.m. who reported receiving threatening text messages from an unknown suspect. This case is pending investigation.

The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations.

Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

Possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance

Battery Jan. 11 Andrew Hare Jr., 37, of Woodridge, was charged with battery in the 400 block of W. St. Charles at 6:28 p.m. Police said a victim related that due to a verbal altercation, Hare Jr. grabbed her. The victim threw a piece of a broken bottle at Hare Jr., causing a cut to his forehead, according to police.

Criminal damage, criminal trespass Jan. 11 DuPage County Adult Probation reported at 1:45 p.m. that an offender removed an ankle monitor from his person and discarded the item in the vicinity of Arlington Cemetery. Officers located the abandoned ankle monitor at Lake and Northwest. The monitor was placed into evidence. A charge of criminal damage to government supported property was approved and a warrant for the offender’s arrest was issued.

Jan. 6 Police said officers responded to the 300 block of S. Poplar at 10:51 p.m. for the report of a damage to property. The reporting officer met with the victim who reported an unknown suspect(s) threw a rock at a front window of the residence. Officers checked the area but were met with no results.

Jan. 5-Jan. 6 Police said a victim in the 100 block of Elm Tree Lane reported that an unknown suspect(s) shattered the passenger side window of her vehicle which was parked in the driveway sometime between the above dates.

Police said a victim in the 100 block of S. Linden reported at 1:18 p.m. that an unknown suspect(s) threw a rock through an exterior storm door window.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance Jan. 10 A victim near Route 83 and the Canadian National Rail Road told police at 9:11 p.m. that subsequent to a traffic accident he believes he observed the other driver hold a black handgun out the driver side window towards him. The reporting officer contacted the other driver who relayed that due to the accident he thought the victim was going to flee the scene so he began recording the incident with his cell phone.

Jan. 7 Police said a reporting officer met with the complainant near First and Addison who reported Lance Alexander, 59, of Maywood, urinated on the floor of the bus and was refusing to leave. Alexander was cited for disorderly conduct, then transported by medics to Elmhurst Hospital.

Police said officers responded to Elmhurst Hospital at 4:17 a.m. for the report of a patient

CALL 800-222-TIPS being verbally abusive to staff. The reporting officer met with hospital security who stated the suspect was seen by a doctor and was cleared to leave. He was served with a no-trespass notice and released from the scene.

Police said a victim in the 200 block of N. Larch reported his ex-wife forced her way inside and pushed and kicked him before leaving the residence with the victim’s cell phone. The reporting officer attempted to contact the suspect but was met with no results. This case is pending investigation.

A 50-year-old Lemont man was charged with domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of domestic violence in the 600 block of Prospect at 3:23 p.m. A victim told police that the suspect slapped her in the face and took her phone, preventing her from contacting the police.

DUI, transportation of open alcohol, possession of open alcohol Jan. 9 Tyray Wilkerson, 20, of Naperville, was issued citations for possession of alcohol by a minor and expired registration. Legend Wilkerson, 18, of Naperville, a passenger in the vehicle, was issued a citation for unlawful possession of cannabis under the age of 21.

Jan. 8 Tiarra Peet, 27, of Arlington Heights, was charged with DUI, driving while license suspended, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver, tinted windows and no insurance near Lake and York at 10:14 p.m.

Jan. 5 Juan Maya-Felegrino, 45, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, improper lighting, improper display of front license plate, illegal transportation of open alcohol and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near North and I-290 at 2:50 a.m.

Fleeing, eluding

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported two incidents of fleeing and eluding in which the driver of a vehicle or a motorcycle reportedly fled after a traffic stop was conducted.

Harassment, threats Jan. 10 A victim in the 400 block of W. St. Charles told police at 7:25 a.m. that he received a threatening text from the mother of his child.

Upon further investigation, it was learned this text was sent on July 14, 2021. The suspect stated she recently filed for child support and that is why he is upset. The victim stated he would forward any threatening messages to the reporting officer.

Jan. 11 Franky Gonzalez, 25, of Lansing, was charged with driving while license suspended, unlawful possession of cannabis, speeding, improper window tinting and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and Lake at 8 a.m.

Monique Turcotte, 36, of Northlake, was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in the 500 block of W. Grand at 2:28 a.m.

Possession of cannabis by a driver of a vehicle Jan. 6-Jan. 11 Between the above dates, Francisco Caksarrubias, 32, of Stone Park, was issued a citation for unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver.

Suspicious circumstances Jan. 6 Police said officers responded to 800 block of N. York at 3:30 a.m. for the report of an unknown suspect possibly looking underneath vehicles. The reporting officer arrived on the scene and observed a dark colored sedan leave the parking lot and traveled southbound on York Road at a high rate of speed. Officers attempted to locate the vehicle but were met with no results.

Theft or burglary/identity theft/fraud/forgery/ deceptive practice/ obstruction/robbery Jan. 11-Jan. 12 Theft of vehicle parts was reported in the 800 block of N. Church. A complainant related that an unknown suspect(s) removed the catalytic converter from a work truck which was parked in the parking lot. Upon further investigation, it was learned that two additional vehicles also had their catalytic converters removed.

Jan. 11 Theft by deception was reported at Elm Creek Drive at 12:20 p.m. A victim told police that as she was attempting to link her Amazon Prime account to her smart TV, she received an error message. She contacted the phone number on the screen and was instructed to purchase gift cards. The victim complied and gave the suspect(s) access to the cards. The victim then discovered her checking account had been emptied.

Jan. 10 Retail theft was reported at a store in the 900 block of S. York at 5:58 p.m. Upon arrival, the reporting officer met with the complainant who stated that she observed one of the suspects loading products from the store into her

car. The complainant relayed that she was calling the police and the suspect fled eastbound on Butterfield leaving a cart full of other items in the parking lot. An investigation is pending.

Jan. 3-Jan. 10 Theft of vehicle parts was reported at a medical business in the 600 block of W. Grand. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) removed the catalytic converter from two company vans which were parked in the parking lot overnight sometime between the above dates.

Dec. 20-Jan. 10 Identity theft was reported in the 400 block of Scott at 11:50 a.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) used her Verizon account to order an Apple iPhone and Apple watch. Also, there was an attempt to open an additional credit account in her name. The victim stated she will freeze her credit.

Jan. 6 Attempted identity theft was reported in the 800 block of S. Cambridge at 9:06 a.m. A victim reported that an unknown suspect(s) used his personal information in an attempt to open multiple bank accounts. No money loss reported at this time.

Jan. 3 Identity theft was reported in the 900 block of S. Chatham at 1:18 p.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect forged a check using his checking account and routing number and was able to withdraw funds from the account. The victim reported the forgery to BMO Harris Bank.

Jan. 2-Jan. 6 Theft of vehicle parts was reported in the 800 block of N. York at 9:59 a.m. A victim reported that an unknown suspect(s) removed the catalytic converter from their vehicle while it was parked in the parking lot sometime between the above dates.

Dec. 31-Jan. 3 Identity theft was reported in the 800 block of Euclid at 12:18 p.m. A victim reported that an unknown suspect(s) attempted to open a Wells Fargo account using his information.

Dec. 31 Identity theft was reported in the 200 block of E. Columbia at 11:21 a.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect used his personal information to open two credit cards accounts.

The victim reported the fraudulent activity to the credit card companies.

Dec. 29 Burglary to a vehicle was reported in the 200 block of W. Grand at 12:23 p.m. A victim relayed that several items were taken from his vehicle while it was at a dealership for service.

Subsequent to reviewing surveillance video, an unknown suspect was seen entering the building through the southeast service door which was unlocked and entering the victim’s vehicle.

Dec. 27 Identity theft was reported in the 300 block of S. Kenmore at 10:59 a.m. A victim reported that while reviewing his bank account he discovered a fraudulent transaction. The victim contacted his bank and closed the account.

Identity theft was reported in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 12:20 p.m. A victim reports that an unknown suspect(s) opened a Wells Fargo account in her name. The account was closed by the bank.

See POLICE, Page 7

Judge orders detention of armed juvenile charged with BMW dealership burglary

• Police

(Continued from page 6) June 2-Dec. 17, 2021 Police said a victim in the 1000 block of S. Euclid reported in 2019 he sent several checks in payments to an unknown suspect claiming the victim would receive much more money in return. The victim never received the money but was again contacted in 2021 by the same unknown suspect and again sent more checks.

Unemployment benefits identity theft

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported no incidents of identity theft with the intention of using a victim’s personal information to fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits through the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Warrant arrest Jan. 6 Police said that subsequent to a motorist assist in the 600 block of W. St. Charles at 9:20 a.m., it was discovered that Eileen Alvarez, 32, of Chicago, had an active warrant out of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. she also was charged with no valid driver’s license and attempted obstruction.

identified as the juvenile and Martin, exiting the showroom and entering a white Acura with two occupants, later identified as Wheeler and Garrett.

Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that after arriving at the dealership, the juvenile and Martin, armed with a pry bar, attempted to enter the building on the east side but were unsuccessful.

It is alleged that the two then joined Wheeler and Garrett in the Acura, drove to the west side of the building, exited the vehicle again and attempted to gain entry to the building with the pry bar.

It is further alleged that Martin eventually grabbed a landscaping rock and threw it through a pane of glass in the garage bay door. It is alleged that the juvenile and Martin then entered the building through the broken window. It is alleged that once alerted to the arrival of the police, the two suspects exited the building and entered the Acura to flee.

Officers however, had blocked the driveway with their squad car. Officers exited their squad car and as the Acura attempted to flee, drew their weapons and ordered the suspects to stop and exit the car.

Man sentenced to 20 years for causing DUI crash that killed two DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced that a Chicago man accused of causing a head-on crash that killed two passengers in an oncoming vehicle has been sentenced to twenty years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Juan Rodea-Cruz, 27, appeared Juan at his sentencing hearing in front of Rodea-Cruz Judge Daniel Guerin, who handed down the sentence. On Oct. 10, 2021, Rodea-Cruz entered a plea of guilty to two counts of aggravated DUI causing death, a Class 2 felony. He has been held in custody since the crash at the DuPage County Jail on a bond of $750,000 with 10 percent to apply.

On Oct. 20, 2019, at approximately 2:47 a.m., RodeaCruz was driving alone in his vehicle northbound on Route 83 in the southbound lanes just north of 55th Street in Clarendon Hills. While driving on the wrong side of the road, Rodea-Cruz crashed his car head-on into a southbound vehicle with four passengers.

Two of the southbound vehicle’s passengers, Marko Boskovic, 27, of Revere, Mass., and Laura Uribe, 26, of La Grange, died at a local hospital as a result of their injuries.

Additionally, a 27-year-old male was severely injured

“

This case is the definition of a tragedy.”

Robert Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney

while another 27-year-old male received treatment for his injuries and was released. The two surviving victims are both from Massachusetts.

After the crash, officers found Rodea-Cruz alone in his vehicle with numerous opened and unopened bottles of beer as well as a broken 750 ml bottle of liquor. He was taken into custody at this time and appeared in bond court the following morning.

“This case is the definition of a tragedy,” Berlin said.

“The senseless loss of two innocent lives will forever be on the shoulders of Mr. Rodea-Cruz. His decision to operate a motor vehicle after he had been drinking cost Marko Boskovic and Laura Uribe their lives. To Marco’s and Laura’s surviving family and friends, I offer my sincerest condolences and wish them well as they continue their lives with just the memories of Marko and Laura to sustain them.”

Rodea-Cruz will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

He will also receive credit for time he has already served in the DuPage County Jail.

See JUDGE, Page 10

• Man

(Continued from page 5) erratically. The vehicle, allegedly on the police report, I’m going to “The allegation that Mr. Meeks driven by Meeks, eventually made (expletive) you up on my kids. threatened a law enforcement officer an abrupt stop in the roadway at Thank God I didn’t have my gun on will not be tolerated and will be met which time the officer conducted me tonight, I would have shot the with the full force of the law. a traffic stop. While speaking (expletive) out of you. If I would “I thank the Lombard Police with Meeks, the officer allegedly have had my gun, I woulda shot the Department for their work on this observed an odor of alcohol and (expletive) out of you when you case and for their continued efforts burnt cannabis from the vehicle. asked me to step out the vehicle.” in keeping our roads safe.”

After allegedly failing field sobriety “My office takes any threat or “I commend the officer involved tests, Meeks was placed under even the perception of a threat in this case for his fine work in arrest. against a public employee or elected observing an allegedly impaired Once back at the police station official extremely seriously,” Berlin driver and getting that driver off it is alleged that Meeks asked how said. the streets before he injured himself long the officer that arrested him had been on the police force. It is alleged that when informed that the officer was on the force for six years, Meeks made a gun shape with his hands and said that “he (the officer) won’t make it to seven years.”

It is further alleged that Meeks Get great service & stated the following directly to great rates. the officer: “I hope your name’s

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 78510 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JANUARY 10, 2022, wherein the business firm of MARKETING AND EVENT CONSULTING LOCATED AT 179 BRAINTREE DRIVE, BLOOMINGDALE, IL 60108 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: NAME OF PERSON(S) MARIA L. REMPALA, HOME ADDRESS 179 BRAINTREE DRIVE, BLOOMINGDALE, IL 60108.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 10TH day of JANUARY, A.D. 2022.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Jan. 20, 27 & Feb. 3, 2022) 411293

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or someone else,” Newton said.

“Unfortunately, our officers are often times confronted with the type of threatening behavior alleged in this case.”

Meeks’ next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 7 for arraignment before Judge Michael Reidy.

WORK LENSES

“Occupational lenses” are designed to meet the needs of employees in their work environment. Perhaps the most common example of these specialty eyeglasses are those outfitted with multi-focal lenses that enable individuals working at computer stations to operate more comfortably and effectively. Lenses of this type will have an intermediate prescription at the top of the lens through which the worker can see the computer screen. At the bottom of the lens there will be a near-vision prescription that allows the worker to focus properly on the keyboard. This computer bifocal is a vast improvement over traditional reading glasses because it provides clear vision for near distances, at which computer work is actually performed. Vision problems need not mean a lifetime of squinting. Today you can choose from a wide range of glasses and contacts for better vision without sacrificing freedom or fashion. That goes for your multiple vision problems as well as for protecting your eyes outdoors, on the job, and at home. To schedule an appointment, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. We’re invested in the technology to make exam findings easier and more accurate from toddlers to seniors. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision.

P.S. Lens prescriptions can and should be incorporated into safety glasses for workers who operate in potentially hazardous environments.

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Westmont Chief of Police Jim Gunther announced that Judge Anthony Coco has ordered an armed Cook County juvenile accused of burglary and assaulting a police officer at a Westmont BMW dealership be detained until at least his next court appearance which is scheduled for Jan. 27.

The juvenile has been charged with two counts of armed violence (Class X felony), one count of burglary (Class 2 felony), one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony) one count of aggravated assault with a motor vehicle (Class 3 felony) and one count of aggravated assault on a police officer (Class 4 felony).

On Jan. 1, the juvenile’s co-defendants; Angel Martin, 23, of Dolton; Semaje Wheeler, 18, of Chicago; and Brian Garrett, 19, of Chicago, appeared in bond court where Judge Leah Bendik set bond at $1 million with 10 percent to apply for Martin and $750,000 with 10 percent to apply for Wheeler and Garrett.

All three men have been charged with two counts of armed violence (Class X felony), one count of burglary (Class 2 felony) and one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony).

On Dec. 31, 2021, at approximately 4:27 a.m., the Westmont Police Department received information of a burglary in progress at Laurel BMW located on Ogden Avenue.

Two officers responded to the call and upon their arrival allegedly encountered two individuals, later

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 • 7

8 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent T he Elmhurst Independent

Viewpoint

Jan. 20, 2022 • 8

Gerrymanderers invade your local courthouse

By Jim Nowlan When the political party in power draws new district lines to increase its share of seats and squeeze the other party into irrelevancy, it is called gerrymandering.

That is what Illinois Democrats did this past year with congressional and state legislative districts.

To celebrate the new year, Democrats went further, taking a step way too far, across the line.

They invaded your local courthouse to gerrymander the way judges are elected, by creating new subdistricts that will elect more judges from their party and fewer from the Republican side.

Lady Justice, the maiden from ancient Greece who holds the scales of justice in her hand, where the evidence can be weighed fairly and honestly for all to see, would not be happy. You see, the Greeks, the Romans, indeed our nation’s founders held the judiciary to be, at least ideally, apart from and independent of the rough and tumble of partisan politics.

Not in Illinois, where Democratic partisanship has dominated the courts for decades, from the Illinois Supreme Court, now all the way down to your local judge.

Let me illustrate with what has been wrought in Madison County (it may be even worse elsewhere in Illinois), where friends there alerted me to the situation. With more than a quarter-million residents nestled along the Mississippi River, across from St. Louis, Madison County was long a Democratic stronghold. Indeed, 17 of the present 21 circuit and associate judges in the county are Democrats.

But the county has been trending Republican in the past decade.

Democrats are worried they may soon lose their slim 5-4 majority of circuit judges, who appoint the associates.

So, in this new year, without any public hearings or significant discussion in legislative committee, Democrats imposed on Madison and other mid-size counties across Illinois new subcircuits for judges, which will protect and enhance Democrat judgeships.

For Madison County, the Democrats in Springfield (from Chicago and Cook County, actually) added a unique wrinkle, which almost

guarantees the first three new judges to be elected to fill retirements will be Democrats. This would guarantee their party’s dominance long into what otherwise may well be a Republican future.

Playing politics with the courts is not healthy for democracy. In fact, the chief administrative officer of the Illinois Supreme Court sent a memo to her justices that called the new local court redistricting “an unmitigated disaster.”

First, the Democrats reached into the judiciary to play partisan games simply because, giddy with power, they could! Dems holds more than two-thirds of the state senate seats and almost as big a fraction in the House.

Indeed, this dominance results largely from gerrymandering a decade ago, which exaggerates statewide political party divisions.

Second, the Illinois Supreme Court itself was gerrymandered in 1962 to all but guarantee a Democratic majority on that court, which has been the case unbroken until 2020. In that year, however, the Democrats lost their elected majority on the state high court. So, what did the legislature do?

You’re right; they gerrymandered the state high court districts last year, in hopes of regaining their majority.

With shameless duplicity, Democratic leaders say they have created new subcircuits so that judges will represent communities of interest.

This flies in the face, of course, of the new gerrymandered congressional and state legislative districts, which are often shaped like slithering snakes, communities be damned. One small Illinois city is shattered into four different state senate districts!

Communities of interest—balderdash!

I appreciate that to the average voter, busy with trying to make a buck and rear a family during the disrupting pandemic, this matter is political inside baseball of the highest order, and almost impossible to follow.

Yet those of us who know about this travesty must protest. Our courts are too important.

Lady Justice would not be smiling.

Jim Nowlan is a former state legislator, senior aide to three Illinois governors, newspaper publisher, and professor of American politics. He is a volunteer senior adviser to the Judicial Fairness Project, a group created after the 2016 decision by the Illinois Supreme Court, which knocked off the ballot a citizens’ initiative to create an independent redistricting commission.

Slices of life

The ABCs of making ’22 your best ’22

Turning the calendar over to a new year is often a time of reflection, not only to look backward but also to look ahead. What can happen to make the future bigger and brighter?

The past year has been overflowing with lessons for my life. It’s been a year of change and challenges, struggles and success. Simply put, I’ve learned a lot—about myself and the world.

I like to play with words and decided it might be fun to put together an ABC guide encompassing some of the eurekas I’ve experienced that might help create a bigger and better 2022 for us all.

Some of the things 2021 taught me: Allow yourself grace when you make a mistake. Allow others the same grace when they mess up.

Appreciate everything else.

Breathe. When the day is long and the road seems steep, take a break and just breathe—in and then out.

If you have to take it one breath at a time, you are still breathing, and that’s something.

Compassion builds bridges while indifference tears them down. Build bridges.

Don’t take things for granted.

It puts you on autopilot. Do pay attention. It puts you in line to see the beauty that surrounds and encompasses you. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Comparisons minimize your uniqueness. Do be authentically and unapologetically you.

Endings often have to happen for beginnings to occur.

Fulfillment comes from within.

The world we live in is a beautiful and abundant place. We may be fortunate enough to have loving friends and family in abundance, but we can’t be

Perspective can literally change your world. You (and only you) get to choose your perspective.

By Quit taking life so seriously. This is JILL PERTLER supposed to be fun. Practice fun.

Columnist Rest when you need to. Radiate joy and love outward whenever you can.

See things as they really are and trust in your gut. The sun shines truly fulfilled by the things around brightly every day, even when clouds us, not even people. That particular attempt to block our view. abundance must come from a place Trust is incompatible with worry deep inside. and fear. Trust in yourself. Trust in the Gratitude can serve as the instigator universe. Trust in life. to a joyful outlook. Growth can Unconditional love is one of germinate from the most dire of the greatest gifts we can give one circumstances. Give more than you another and ourselves. Try to love receive. unconditionally, without outcomes.

Hit it out of the park. If you’re Value what you have over what satisfied with a base hit, you’ll never you want. Value the relationships that achieve a home run. ring true in your life, whether they If a door closes, a window may have withstood the test of time or not open. A whole world might open. whether they are in their infancy.

Don’t limit your possibilities Worry less. What’s the worst thing Joy is one of the best three letter that could happen? When I ask myself words ever invented. Practice this question, I realize things probably joy. Allow joy, even if you can aren’t so bad. only fathom it in the smallest of We is always more important than increments. me.

Kindness can change the world. We You are important. You are need more kindness because we need worthwhile. You matter. to change the world.

Because X and Z are challenging Life can be hard, but it can also letters, I followed my advice under be joyous. It’s also meant to be fun.

“A” and gave myself grace to skip Sometimes it’s all three. over them. I also couldn’t whittle Miracles are often in the eye of the “W” down to just one, so included beholder. Be a beholder. two, which seems appropriate since Now is the most important time it is a double-U. I hope you find this ever. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow list useful. If one of my observations is not yet here. Be present in the meets your needs, I’ve met my goal. moment; pay attention to the now.

All the best in 2022. Let’s make it Open your heart and open your the best year ever. mind. None of us knows the answers Jill Pertler is an award-winning to all the questions. Live life with an syndicated columnist, published open outlook, especially and most playwright and author. She invites importantly toward those whose readers to follow the Slices of Life outlook differs from yours. page on Facebook.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 • 9

Letters to the editor Elmhurst Public Library programs UCCA appreciates community support

Resident tries reasoning with mask mocker to no avail Last Thursday’s Independent re-

ported on the recent District 205 School Board meeting in which a dispute occurred when one of the audience members got up to speak not wearing a mask. I was in the audience, less than ten feet from the man and along with others asked him to don a mask. The School Board President also asked him to put on a mask.

Everyone who had spoken before had worn one and there were signs at the front door and all over the building stating that masks were required.

The speaker took out a mask and it looked like he was going to comply.

However, instead of covering his face he put it on over the top of his head, mocking the Board President’s calm and reserved request for him to don a mask. This total disrespect for the Board and its rules sparked complaints from the audience. The speaker continued to refuse to properly wear a mask and started shouting at the audience.

The Board took a recess to calm things down, during which time I engaged the maskless man in a discussion. From his comments, it appeared his idea of masks was based on his experience in construction, where masks are worn to filter out airborne particulates. I tried to explain that now masks are used to protect others from the droplets we breathe out which may carry the virus. It appeared that my attempt to reason with the maskless man failed.

When the meeting resumed, I was the next speaker and I began by saying that the mask issue would not be resolved there. But the rules are the rules, and the rules, as posted in the building, say masks are required.

I shudder to think how our teachers could run classes if the students in District 205 decided to have the same disregard for the rules that some of the adults do.

Jon Baker

students, families, social workers, and staff; Dan Gibbon’s Turkey Trot; Elmhurst Jaycees; Elmhurst Park District and its employees; Elmhurst Public Library; Elmhurst YMCA; Elmhurst Rotary Club; the many local preschools, churches, organizations and businesses that collected food; our generous donors and approximately 400 volunteers who sorted, packed, loaded cars, and delivered the food.

Throughout the past year, UCCA provided about $150,000 in food and food gift cards to families, as well as approximately $7,000 in food gift cards to several senior citizens residing in Elmhurst. We are a 100% volunteer organization that helps feed our neighbors in need. This would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers, our generous partners, and our caring community.

Because the need is as strong as ever, your financial support is appreciated year-round as we continue to work together to fight hunger in our Elmhurst community. Donations may be made through our website at www. ucca-elmhurst.org or mail to UCCA, PO Box 324, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ucca-elmhurst. org.

The Officers and Directors of United Community Concerns Association (UCCA) Shari Haug, president

Friday, Jan. 21 from 2-3 p.m.

Streaming Video with Your Library Card Get introduced to video streaming services accessed through your Library card. Learn how to access them using your TV or smart devices. Kanopy, Hoopla, and Libby are a few of the available applications.

In-person event. Registration required. elmlib.org/ events.

Saturday, Jan. 22 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Apple Watch [In-person] Whether you’re a new owner or learning more before purchasing, we’ll teach you about Apple Watch, one of the leading smartwatches available.

In-person event. Registration required. elmlib.org/ events.

Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Reduce Your Phone, Cable, and Internet Bills with CUB [Hybrid] Learn ways to cut your cable costs and options when it comes to your phone and internet from the Citizens Utility Board. Also, learn about ways to keep your data safe online and how to deal with pesky robocalls!

Hybrid event. No registration required.

Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

American Mah Jongg: Open Play [In-person] Gather every Wednesday for American Mah Jongg, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance and luck.

In-person event. No registration required.

Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 2 – 3 p.m.

Using Goodreads [In-person] Get started using Goodreads. We’ll show you how to get started using this social cataloging website to rate, review, and keep track of your reading list.

In-person event. Registration required. elmlib.org/ events.

Monday, Jan. 24 from 7-8 p.m.

Houseplants 101 [Hybrid] Learn how to keep your plants alive and happy wheth- Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 7-8:30 p.m. er they live indoors year-round or are just staying with Buy Your First Home [Hybrid] A mortgage lender, a real estate agent, and a home inyou for the winter.

Hybrid event. Registration required. elmlib.org/events. spector walk you through the steps of buying your first house. Q&A session follows.

Hybrid event. Registration required. elmlib.org/events.

Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 1-3 p.m.

Bridge & Pinochle Club [In-person] Enjoy an afternoon of card games every week. Prior Thursday, Jan. 27 from 8-9:30 p.m.

Elmhurst Business Connection: experience is required.

48 Questions to Ask Your No registration required.

SWOT Analysis [Virtual] Join Fox Valley Score mentors for a roundtable discusTuesday, Jan. 25 from 1:30 - 3 p.m. sion on new topics each month. Meet with business ownGreat Decisions [In-person] Discuss critical issues facing America in a respectful ers in the Elmhurst community to get advice, network, environment with professor Gary Midkiff and other com- and share experiences with peers. munity members.

For more information about any of the above proIn-person event. Registration required. elmlib.org/ grams, call (630) 279-8696 or visit elmlib.org/events, events.

Worship Services Directory

Be a part of the Worship Services

Join our hope-filled community 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.

142 E. Third St. ImmanuelElmhurst.org Elmhurst, IL 630-832-1649 Handicapped accessible

405430

United Community Concerns Association (UCCA) would like to thank the Elmhurst community for its donations of food, money, and endless hours of time volunteered during this year’s Annual Holiday Food Drive. Our community’s generosity helped make the holiday season brighter for 273 families with children in Elmhurst Community School District 205 schools. With the community’s help, UCCA provided these families with over 1,200 boxes of donated food, valued at over $36,000, and food gift cards worth $36,660.

We would also like to give special thanks to the City of Elmhurst, City Manager Mr. James Grabowski, and all city employees, especially those from Public Works; Dr. Keisha Campbell, Superintendent of Elmhurst District 205, all District 205

Friday, Jan. 21 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: News of the World [In-person] Enjoy an afternoon at the movies.

No registration required. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/friday.

Directory for as low as $15 per week Call...Brenda at 630-834-4450 301805

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10 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

Community calendar

Welcome back to the Elmhurst Independent’s Community Calendar With the continued volatility in the fight against COVID-19, the Elmhurst Independent is bringing back its Community Calendar.

Upcoming events will be published, whether virtual or in person.

Please remember to be safe at live events by wearing masks, using hand sanitizer and maintaining social distance.

If your club or organization is gathering during this time, live OR virtually, send the information to Independent@rvpublishing.com and put “Community Calendar” in the Subject line. The Calendar also appears at theindependentnewspapers.com.

will interweave history, storytelling, songs, and drumming to present the tribes that once inhabited Illinois as well as their native traditions and culture prior to the Indian Removal Act that moved them westward. For reservations, visit elmhursthistory. org/320/Programs.

Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. seedlings through First Congregational UCC for pick up at the Green Park Ave., Elmhurst Admission: FREE Info: elmhurstGarden Fair on May 7. To place an order, call 630-832-2580, visit elm- history.org or call 630-833-1457.

hurstucc@sbcglobal.net, or find the Coming in February church on facebook.

The Elmhurst History Museum will hold a new exhibit, People of Elmhurst History Museum the Prairie: 12,000 Years in DuPage Ongoing programs: • The Elmhurst History Museum County. The exhibit will be open hosts an online pre-recorded lecture from February 4 through June 5, called From Prairie to Tree Town: 2022.

Tales of Old Elmhurst presented by Elmhurst Art Museum NOTE: The Art Museum is curMuseum Executive Director Dave Oberg. For access: visit elmhursthis- rently closed for installation and tory.org/320/Programs for the link to building maintenance.

Beginning Saturday, Feb. 5, the the pre-recorded program. Available Elmhurst Art Museum hosts its newthrough Tuesday, March 1. est exhibit “Houses of Tomorrow: • By All Accounts: Solar Homes from Keck to Today.”

The Story of Elmhurst Experience local history through It will remain through May 29. an award-winning exhibit about how Sponsored by DuPage Foundation, the City of Elmhurst grew and devel- Graham Foundation, Artis Grant oped over the years, including a his- Program and Room & Board home tory of the Glos Mansion and family. furnishings.

Monday, Feb. 7 • From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Elmhurst Art Museum and RGL Marketing for the Arts is holding Art from the Heart: Valentines for Seniors, a special gathering to prepare valentines to be delivered to seniors at Friday, Jan. 21 bentron.com. The program will be Park Place of Elmhurst for ValenSaturday, Jan. 22 repeated on Saturday, Jan. 29 and tine’s Day. If you cannot make the event Sunday, Jan. 23 Saturday, Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 12 on Feb. 7, free Valentine’s Day Elmhurst Children’s Theatre noon per session. card-making kits are available at the (ECT) will perform The Music Man Museum’s main entrance to pick-up

by Meredith Willson at the Timothy Saturday, Jan. 29 Christian High School auditorium, and Saturday, Feb. 5 and prepare at home. Finished cards 188 W Butterfield. Tickets are $10 From 9 a.m. to 12 noon per session, can be put in the mailbox on the exeach, available at the door. the Society for Financial Awareness terior of the museum by Mon, Feb. 7 Curtain times are 7 p.m. Friday, 2 will present a free two-part course to be included in the delivery to Park p.m. AND 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 3 called “Retire with Confidence” to Place. p.m. on Sunday. Info: elmhurstchil- Elmhurst University. Though en• From 7-8 p.m. at the Elmhurst drenstheatre.com. rollment is free, registration in ad- Public Library, there will be an invance is required. To register, visit troduction of the Elmhurst Art Mu- By Grace Kinnicutt Sunday, Jan. 23 https://bentron.com/retirewithconfi- seum’s current exhibition, Houses of CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS At 3 p.m., the Elmhurst Symphony dence-elmhurst/ or contact Rochelle Tomorrow. Program also available A measure before the General AsOrchestra will present “The Music Stephens at 630-505-8375 or rste- virtually. sembly would require new and renoLives,” a concert of Baroque favor- phens@bentron.com.

Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org. vated residential or commercial buildites, at its home venue, Elmhurst ings to set aside parking spaces that Christian Reformed Church. For Friday, Feb. 4 Thursday, Feb. 24 could easily be converted into electric tickets and info, visit www.elmhurstFrom 4-6 p.m., the Elmhurst From 6:30-8 p.m., the Elmhurst vehicle charging stations. symphony.org or call the Box Office Art Museum is holding a free open History Museum is hosting a Black Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, at 630-941-0202. house, sponsored by Lakeside Bank, History Month book discussion of advanced House Bill 3125 through the in celebration of the opening of its The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic House Energy and Environment ComThursday, Jan. 27 25th anniversary exhibition, Houses Story of America’s Great Migration, mittee on Jan. 11, noting she would and Thursday, Feb. 3 of Tomorrow. Get a first glimpse of with its author, Pulitzer Prize-winner work on an amendment to remove exFrom 6 to 9 p.m. each session, the the recent Education Center renova- and National Humanities Medal re- tra language that does not pertain to the Society for Financial Awareness will tions. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org. cipient, Isabel Wilkerson. Free. Lim- parking provision. present a free two-part course called Under the bill, newly built or exited to 20 participants.

“Retire with Confidence” at Elm- Sunday, Feb. 6 Reservations required. Register by tensively renovated residential buildhurst University. Though enrollment At 2 p.m., all ages are invited to email to: ehmprograms@elmhurst. ings would have to make all spaces is free, registration in advance is re- the Elmhurst History Museum for org. Includes after-hours access to “electric vehicle capable,” meaning quired. To register, visit https://ben- a free program called Journeying exhibits. they meet certain wiring requirements. tron.com/retirewithconfidence-elm- Through the American Indian Way Monday, Feb. 28 Depending on the size of the parking hurst/ or contact Rochelle Stephens of Life, led by award-winning OjibThis is the deadline to place an lot, a certain number of spaces would at 630-505-8375 or rstephens@ wa author Kim Sigafus McIver, who order for organic vegetable and herb have to be “electric vehicle ready,” meaning they contain receptacles with the necessary voltage to install an EV (Continued from page 7) charging station.

Residential buildings would be reIt is alleged that the defendants Acura had been stolen on Dec. 21 response and apprehension of the quired to have at least six parking spacattempted to flee in the Acura, out of Lake County. When process- suspects in this case.” which was driven by the juvenile, ing the scene, officers located three “Every day, law enforcement of- es ready for installation of charging by driving directly at one of the uni- firearms inside the Acura; a Glock ficers face the dangerous unknown stations. If there are one to six parking formed officers, at which time the 23 40 caliber with an extended mag- of whether or not they will be spaces, all spaces would be required to officer discharged his duty weapon azine, a Poly 80 gun with a round in forced to fire their service weapon be EV ready.

Buildings with 24 parking spaces or striking the juvenile in the chest and the chamber and a Glock 17 9mm in performance of their duty,” Gungrazing Martin, who was seated in with a fully loaded 24-round mag- ther said. “On the last day of the more would have to have at least one the front passenger seat. azine. year, 2021, one of our officers had fully equipped charging station.

Commercial buildings would need As the vehicle allegedly apOfficers also found a Glock 19 to make that difficult decision. We proached, the officer ran out of the with an extended magazine just out- are all very grateful that none of our to set aside 20 percent of parking for path of the Acura and used his free side the Acura near the driver’s side officers were injured that evening. EV ready spaces.

Neda Deylami, an EV advocate for hand to push off the vehicle to avoid door. Three of the firearms appeared They displayed courage and a proinjury. It is alleged that the vehicle to have switches which could ren- fessionalism that night of which we the Sierra Club, said the passage of the bill is “more urgent” than ever to then fled east on Ogden Avenue to der the firearms fully automatic. In- are all very proud.” northbound Route 83. Near 22nd side the vehicle, officers also found The cases against the juvenile’s fight climate change and make personStreet in Oak Brook, it is alleged a 50-round drum magazine that was co-defendants are assigned to Judge al transportation more affordable and that the vehicle crashed into a ditch nearly full, 28 key fobs for various Michael Reidy. Their next court ap- convenient.

One of the best conveniences of an and the four occupants fled on foot. automobiles and two pry bars. pearance is scheduled for Jan. 24 EV is that you can wake up to a fully All four suspects were appre“The filing of identical charges for arraignment. hended a short time later with as- against the juvenile accused in this Each of the juvenile’s co-defen- charged vehicle in your own home. A sistance from various law enforce- case sends the message that in DuP- dants faces a possible sentence of privilege that is less certain for renters ment agencies that had responded age County we will not tolerate this between 15 to 30 years in the Illi- or those in multifamily homes who to assist. The juvenile, who was type of violent behavior and will nois Department of Corrections if tend to have lower incomes overall as the alleged driver of the vehicle, aggressively prosecute anyone ac- found guilty of the Class X armed well,” Deylami said.

Gabel said the cost of adding was taken to a hospital for medi- cused of such conduct, regardless of violence charge. cal attention. He remained at the age,” Berlin said. “I commend the An investigation into the officer’s charging stations should not exceed hospital until Jan. 10 when he was Westmont Police Department and discharge of his firearm is currently $1,000, but Rep. Carol Ammons, discharged into the custody of au- the DuPage County MERIT Public under way by the DuPage County D-Urbana, said she is concerned that thorities.

Integrity Task Force and Forensic MERIT Public Integrity Task Force extra costs could be created with the construction and installation of EV It was later determined that the Investigation Unit for their quick and Forensic Investigation Unit.

Bill would require new residential buildings to be ready to accommodate electric vehicle charging

• Judge

charging stations.

“I’m concerned that people will start doing significant markups on the installation part of this that we probably won’t foresee, and so some kind of control in that would be something I’m interested in as you work on this,” Ammons said. Deylami said that the bill would help establish guidelines that protect owners and renters from “unreasonable restrictions.”

Building owners would be responsible for obtaining approval from associations in order to install a charging station which must comply with the association’s architectural standards and be installed by a licensed contractor.

Within 14 days of approval, owners would need to provide a certificate that names the association as an additional insured party. Owners would be responsible for paying for the installation, energy usage, and any damage.

But Kristofer Kasten, who represents the Community Associations Institute of Illinois, said his group doesn’t oppose electric vehicles but that they have “some very practical concerns” about financial burdens and how the bill, as drafted, applies to associations.

If associations install EV charging stations in common areas for unit owners to use, the bill outlines that the association would need to develop terms of use and may need to create new parking spaces to help with the installation of charging stations.

Associations would also be liable to unit owners for damages and would have to pay a civil penalty of up to $1,000.

Kasten said he hopes there is a way to address the concerns to not impede building owners and renters.

HB 3125 is the latest proposal to support the EV industry. The Clean Energy Jobs Act, signed last year, sets a goal of putting 1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030, while the Reimaging Electric Vehicle Act creates incentives for EV manufacturers to expand or relocate to Illinois.

The bill passed committee on a partisan roll call, although Gabel said she would continue to work on it before bringing it for a full House vote.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 • 11

Bensenville resident runs Chicago Marathon first time ever Brother from Addison urges her on, presents her with medal

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

When the 43rd annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon took over the city streets last October, Bensenville resident Maria Tiscareno was a first-time participant.

Maria, relationship manager lending specialist with Bank of America, volunteered at the marathon in 2019.

Along with her brother Ricardo, who is an Addison resident, Tiscareno handed out medals to runners at the finish line. At that point, Maria couldn’t run a single mile, but she was so inspired by the experience that she decided to lace up her shoes and give it a try herself.

“Volunteering at the finish line and seeing people from so many countries, so many ages, and so many backgrounds was such a beautiful experience for me, I immediately thought to myself, ‘could I do this?’” said Maria. “With some encouragement from my brother, I decided, why not try? I’m always up for a challenge.”

Maria set out to run two miles the next day but quit after only a few blocks. From there, she reset her goal for one mile, then three, then four, then more. In early October, she completed a 20-mile consecutive run in the Forest Preserve near Bensenville, which she said was an emotional moment.

“Every milestone along the way is so moving and significant,” she said.

“I just never thought I’d get there. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to cross that finish line.”

In what would be a full circle moment, Maria’s brother Ricardo arranged to make sure he was able to present Maria with her first Bank of America Chicago Marathon medal – a dream two years in the making. It helped that Maria’s husband and two children were cheering her on with homemade signs at various spots along the race route.

Getting started “When I was newer with the company three years ago, I had the experience of volunteering, which was really nice,” she said. “That’s when I decided to do it, [all the runners] were all sharing their story. I decided I wanted to be a part of it.”

She started in May, using a 16week training program provided by the Marathon organizers.

“They provided a guide which I followed, but I started on my own and set my own limits,” Maria said.

“I would sometimes have my two kids -- son Sebastian and daughter Stephanie – we would run at Breton Park. On the weekends were the long runs, often at the 20-mile track at the Forest Preserve.

“I kept in mind that I was being watched by my children during my training. I wanted to prove that if

you put your mind to something, you can do it, especially in school and in sports. I told them as long as you put your mind to it, you can do it.”

When asked about preparing for the race, Maria shared her routine leading up to the big day.

“Just before the race, I definitely carb-loaded,” she said. “You’re supposed to slow down your running in the last two weeks, so after my last run of 20 miles, I cut down to five miles, and then to four. Then I ate carbs, like pasta and bread. That was the fun part!”

The family stayed in downtown Chicago over that weekend and had dinner at a nice restaurant.

“My family was cheering me on the whole way,” Maria said. “I was able to share my location through my iPhone so they could track me. It really helped, getting their encouragement along the way.”

A ‘trip-up’ in her plans There was a little bad news along the way for Maria.

“There was a piece of concrete in front of a church that I didn’t see and

I fell on my knees and my hands,” she said. “I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish because I had fallen so hard because I was running so fast at the time that I fell. But I got up and felt fine.

“At first, the fall felt like a slap in the face, like I’d done all this training and now this? I had only run about five miles and I was not going to be impressed with just five miles!”

She decided to just go as far as she possibly could – which resulted in her finishing.

“The next day I went to the doctor and found out I’d broken my elbow!”

Maria said. “I was still able to finish.

I think the adrenaline kept me going.

My arm felt swollen, it felt like it was asleep, tingly, like when your foot’s asleep.”

She didn’t let anyone know she

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Maria Tiscareno receives her medal for having completed the 43rd annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon from her brother Ricardo, who is a Bank of America employee and race volunteer. Ricardo arranged to make sure he was able to present Maria with her first medal – a dream two years in the making.

“

Pictured here with her brother Ricardo is Maria Tiscareno, a resident of Bensenville, who completed the 43rd annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon for the first time ever last October. Ricardo and Maria are both employees of Bank of America and have both volunteered at previous marathons, where Maria thought she’s give it a try.

“Why not?” she said. “I’m always up for a challenge.” Ricardo is a resident of Addison.

But it was a nice experience.

The crowd and the posters, all the positivity was overwhelming, you could tell everyone was happy to be there — the crowd and the runners.

I’d recommend everyone do it at least once.”

Maria Tiscareno

had fallen until after the race.

“I saw my parents and my husband Reuben and my kids as they were cheering me on,” she said. “I didn’t tell them I was injured.

“After the race, they had trouble finding me. They were joking that they were exhausted from keeping up with me, trying to find me after the race!”

There is some self-care that runners need to take following the race, but Maria wasn’t aware of that, having never run a marathon before.

“I didn’t know you have to regulate your temperature,” she said.

“First you’re hot, then you’re cold.

Someone said all the people after the marathon looked like the ‘Walking Dead.’ People were hobbling around as if they’re wounded.”

Asked what surprised her about the experience, she said she certainly didn’t expect to break her elbow!

“I thought I was dying at about the 20-mile mark, but I knew I had to push on if I wanted to finish,” she said.

“But it was a nice experience. The crowd and the posters, all the positivity was overwhelming, you could tell everyone was happy to be there -- the crowd and the runners.

“I’d recommend everyone do it at least once.”

And she’s still running. She ran a 5K on Thanksgiving along with her kids.

“That 5K felt like a marathon to them!” she said.

Is she planning to do it again? You bet!

“I plan to run the marathon again, but I plan to do it right next time,” Maria said, “with no broken bones!”

Her brother Ricardo was indeed able to give her the medal and remains very proud of her. The two are still running together.

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12 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent T he Elmhurst Independent

Real Estate/Business

Jan. 20, 2022 •12

State of American business is competitive: U.S. Chamber our economy, we have leaders who think the government needs to step in and impose a heavy hand,” she said.

“If bureaucrats and elected officials don’t stop getting in the way, we will stop them. We will challenge overreach and defend the rule of law at every turn, in every agency, and with every tool at our disposal … in Washington, in statehouses, and in the courts.”

Centered around the theme, “Competition for the Future,” Clark addresses three key challenges:

Worker shortage • Clark called for doubling the number of people legally immigrating to the U.S.; a permanent solution for the “dreamers;” and the removal of barriers to work facing parents, those without broadband access, and formerly incarcerated individuals.

• “Let’s ensure everyone in this country has the skills, the education, and the opportunity to go as high and as far as their hard work and talent will take them—for the 11 million jobs that sit vacant to-

A BIG “THANK YOU”

410216

“The state of American business is competitive,” said United States Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark in her State of American Business address on Tuesday, Jan. 11.

“Businesses are not simply competing to win today, but to build a better tomorrow … to propel our country and world toward a brighter future of growth, solutions, and opportunity.”

Clark explained why it matters: “Despite the clear innovation, the resilience, and the dynamism of

to those readers who have sent a donation to help underwrite The Elmhurst Independent. For those of you who haven’t done so in the past year, but enjoy this newspaper and would like to help us pay for its operation, please send a donation in any amount to:

Elmhurst

Independent 240 N. West Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126

IF YOU THINK THE INDEPENDENT IS WORTH 50¢ an issue, it would be $26.00; 75¢ an issue - $39.00 or $1 an issue - $52.00 You won’t need to wear a mask. You won’t have to stand six feet away. You won’t need to get a shot or even a booster. You can do it in your COVID-comfy clothing without leaving the house. What you’ll get in return is the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped to support your favorite local newspaper.

For delivery within Elmhurst __ Please keep my paper coming:

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day,” she said. “And for the jobs of the common ground necessary to tomorrow that haven’t even been enact durable policies to move our country forward.” invented yet.”

Trade • The U.S. is falling behind on trade, Clark warned. “While other economies race to ink new deals, the U.S. hasn’t entered an agreement with a new trade partner in a decade.”

Supporting Pro-Business Leaders • We need more politicians who are focused on winning over voters to their ideas, and then building broad coalitions to turn those ideas into good policy, Clark explained.

• “The U.S. Chamber is calling for a new movement of bold—and I mean bold—business advocates committed to defending those elected officials who dare to find

The bottom line: “Competition will enable us to innovate our way through this pandemic. And it will help us use all of the challenges, disruptions, and opportunities accelerated by the pandemic to shape a new economic era that will define our future.”

• After her address, Clark told CNBC, “I’m optimistic about the ability of businesses to step forward and solve problems and serve consumers.”

To watch a video of Clark’s presentation or read the transcript, visit the U.S. Chamber web site at uschamber.org.

(This was received from the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry)

Driver Services facilities to reopen Jan. 24, 25

Out of an abundance of caution and due to the continued high numbers of new COVID-19 cases statewide, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is announcing that all Secretary of State departments– including Driver Services facilities–will resume conducting in-person transactions Monday, Jan. 24. The Secretary of State offices and facilities first closed on Jan. 3, due to the surge in COVID-19 cases statewide. Driver Services facilities operating on a Tuesday–Saturday schedule will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

“After careful consideration and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to extend the closures of offices and Driver Services facilities an additional week, with a reopening date set for Monday, Jan. 24, due to the continued high number of COVID-19 cases,” said White. “The health and safety of employees and the public remains my top priority, and face-to-face transactions potentially increase the further spread of the virus.

“We are pleased to see what appears to be the beginning of a downswing in COVID-19 cases and, if this trend continues, we will reopen Jan. 24 for face-to-face transactions.”

White noted that three Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) facilities have reopened for in-person CDL services only. The CDL facilities are: Rockford at 4734 Baxter Road., Springfield at 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy., and Marion at 1905 Rendelman St. White continues encouraging the public to visit ilsos.gov for online services. Online transactions will remain open for all departments to conduct office services, including, but not limited to the following: • Renewing a license plate sticker.

• Renewing a driver’s license or ID card for those who qualify (individuals may call 217-785-1424 to confirm their eligibility or to obtain their PIN).

• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card.

• Obtaining a driver record abstract.

• Filing Business Services documents, such as incorporations and annual reports.

In addition, the Drivers and Vehicles Services hotline phone number remains open at 800-252-8980. Customers with issues involving administrative hearings may email adminhearings@ilsos.govor call 312-793-3722 or 217-782-7065.

As a reminder, White has extended all driver’s license and ID card expiration dates to March 31. Expiration dates for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) have been extended to Jan. 31, 2022 for CDLs and CLPs with expiration dates between Nov. 1, 2021, and Jan. 31, 2022.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023.

For more information, visit ilsos.gov.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 • 13

2021 SCHILLER TEAM $147,000,000+ MILLION IN SALES | 255 HOMES SOLD

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Lifetime sales based on total sales for all team members.

14 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

2-Story Colonial

2-Story Colonial

2-story Colonial in sought after Lincoln school district on quiet, dead-end street. 4 beds up with 2 full baths, eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, and large living room. Oak hardwood flooring throughout most of 1st and 2nd floor with a finished

2-story Colonial in sought after Lincoln school district on quiet, dead-end street. 4 beds up with 2 full baths, eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, and large living room. Oak hardwood flooring throughout most of 1st and 2nd floor with a finished basement boasting a generous family room, laundry, loads of storage and rare exterior staircase to backyard. Classic curb appeal with professionally landscaped yard, newer asphalt driveway, and large rear deck overlooking backyard. Updated bathrooms & HVAC (2018).

Oversized 2 car garage with walk up loft/ mancave. Walk to NEW Lincoln School $499,900

$499,900 FIRST OFFERING

Updated 3BR Condo!

Updated 3BR Condo!

Light and bright, 3-bedroom corner unit with loads of updates.

New flooring throughout, neutrally painted, newer stainlesssteel appliances, new light fixtures, in-unit washer/dryer combo, new baseboards & doors, newer HVAC, granite $225,000 FIRST OFFERING!

Emery Manor Ranch

Emery Manor Ranch

Updated 2 bedroom / 1 bath Emery Manor ranch. Freshly painted, refinished hardwood floors, remodeled bathroom, brand new kitchen appliances and washer/dryer, detached 1.5 car garage, with deck off back. Everything on one level! Walk

Updated 2 bedroom / 1 bath Emery Manor ranch.

Freshly painted, refinished hardwood floors, remodeled bathroom, brand new kitchen appliances and washer/dryer, detached 1.5 car garage, with deck off back.

Everything on one level! Walk to town, Emerson Elementary and 2 blocks to Berens Park. $295,000

$295,000

Meticulously Maintained

Meticulously Maintained

High-end custom built home within walking distance to Berens Park, downtown Elmhurst, and Emerson Elementary. No cookie-cutter here, designed by Barnes Architects and built with the highest quality materials and finishes with 10-12 ft $898,400

South Villa Park Gem!

South Villa Park Gem!

This impeccably maintained property in beautiful south Villa Park sits on a 251 ft deep lot & offers 3 beds & 1.5 baths. An open main floor includes a spacious, updated kitchen opening to the dining room leading to the spacious living room w/ $310,000

Light and bright, 3-bedroom corner unit with loads of updates. New flooring throughout, neutrally painted, newer stainless-steel appliances, new light fixtures, in-unit washer/dryer combo, new baseboards & doors, newer HVAC, granite counters in kitchen and baths, water filtration system, same floor storage, and one heated parking spot (#38) with additional storage cage. 3 large bedrooms including a master suite with private bathroom and walk-in closet. Yorktown condos offers owners a secure, monitored building with a pool and clubhouse. Abundant guest parking just outside lobby. $225,000

This impeccably maintained property in beautiful south Villa Park sits on a 251 ft deep lot & offers 3 beds & 1.5 baths. An open main floor includes a spacious, updated kitchen opening to the dining room leading to the spacious living room w/ hardwood floors. Nearby is a convenient 1/2 bath & 3rd bedroom/home office. Upstairs boasts 2 large bedrooms w/ hardwood floors, a walk-in linen closet & updated full bath. The partially finished basement (beaded walls, built-in shelves & bar) provides ample storage & another living space. Outside is a large 2-car garage, deck, & huge backyard w/ zipline for kids to enjoy. $310,000

High-end custom built home within walking distance to Berens Park, downtown Elmhurst, and Emerson Elementary. No cookie-cutter here, designed by Barnes Architects and built with the highest quality materials and finishes with 10-12 ft ceilings in the basement. The open first floor boasts pristine hardwood floors, formal dining, office, high-end kitchen, powder room, mudroom, pantry, and large family room with masonry fireplace. Upstairs has 4 large bedrooms with luxurious primary suite with spa bath and walk-in closet. $898,400

Center of Town

Center of Town

Being built by a well respected, long-time Elmhurst builder working alongside an interior designer set to help pick out all of your finishes & fixtures. Offering over 4,800 sf of finished living space with its fully finished basement - exercise room, 1,350,000

Being built by a well respected, long-time Elmhurst builder working alongside an interior designer set to help pick out all of your finishes & fixtures. Offering over 4,800 sf of finished living space with its fully finished basement - exercise room, rec room, custom bar and wine room!

Gracious 10 ft first floor ceilings welcome you to this impressive home with HWF’s & extensive trim & ceiling detail throughout, 5 beds, 4.5 baths, a 2.5 car garage, custom kitchen w/ huge island, high-end SS appliances (Wolf & Sub-Zero) & eating area open to family rm w/ fireplace, master suite w/ spa bath, designer plumbing/lighting fixtures, surround sound + more! .

1,350,000

An Entertainer’s Dream Home!

Prepare to be impressed by this McGovern-built Modern Farmhouse in the center of town. Better than new and lightly lived in by two previous short-term corporate relocation owners. A covered paver brick front patio welcomes you home $1,549,900

An Entertainer’s Dream Home!

410427

Prepare to be impressed by this McGovern-built Modern Farmhouse in the center of town. Better than new and lightly lived in by two previous short-term corporate relocation owners. A covered paver brick front patio welcomes you home every day. The first floor offers gracious 10 ft first floor ceilings, impressive millwork & ceiling detail, pristine hardwood floors, 1st floor office, powder room, large mudroom with cubbies/bench and sink, formal dining room, white chef’s kitchen with SS Thermador appliances, large island and eating area, butler’s pantry, and spacious family room with built-ins & gas fireplace. The 2nd floor offers 4 large bedrooms, 3 full spa-like bathrooms with tile work and cabinets, huge laundry room with tons of custom cabinets. $1,549,900

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE: http://PrairiePathRealtors.com/

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 • 15

Wise Investment Builders

Work with this fresh new plan or build to suit. Covered outdoor space off family room and kitchen eating area, very open, 1st floor study, 2.5 car heated garage, 4 large beds up with luxurious master suite with dual WIC’s and spa bath, and $1,375,000

Wise Investment Builders Work with this fresh new plan or build to suit. Covered outdoor space off family room and kitchen eating area, very open, 1st floor study, 2.5 car heated garage, 4 large beds up with luxurious master suite with dual WIC’s and spa bath, and finished basement with guest suite with full bath, rec room, wet bar and flex room. Walk to new Lincoln school, the IL Prairie Path, Pioneer & Ben Allison Parks, and the hip Spring Road Business District. Rare opportunity to work with this quality of a builder from Day 1 and make it your own! $1,375,000

Berens Park

Set for delivery end of Spring 2022, this new luxury home being built by a well-respected, long-time Elmhurst builder working alongside an interior designer set to help pick out all of your finishes & fixtures. Offering 5,000 sf of finished living $1,150,000

Berens Park Set for delivery end of Spring 2022, this new luxury home being built by a well-respected, long-time Elmhurst builder working alongside an interior designer set to help pick out all of your finishes & fixtures. Offering 5,000 sf of finished living space with its fully finished basement - bedroom, full bath, rec room, & custom bar with island. 10 ft first floor ceilings welcome you to this impressive home with HWF’s & extensive trim & ceiling detail throughout, 5 beds, 4.5 baths, a 3 car garage, custom kitchen w/ huge island, high-end SS appliances (Wolf & Sub-Zero) & eating area open to family room w/ fireplace, master suite w/ spa bath, designer plumbing/lighting fixtures, surround sound + more! All this within walking distance to Berens Park, Emerson Elementary, the Metra station and Elmhurst’s City Centre. Rare chance to customize everything if you act now! $1,150,000

Free standing building located just north of North Avenue, walking distance to downtown Elmhurst. 3,625 square feet perfect for daycare, medical/dental, sales, accounting, or legal. Fully wet sprinklered, 4 handicapped bathrooms, full

FOR SALE OR LEASE

Free standing building located just north of North Avenue, walking distance to downtown Elmhurst. 3,625 square feet perfect for daycare, medical/dental, sales, accounting, or legal. Fully wet sprinklered, 4 handicapped bathrooms, full kitchen, and 7 perimeter private offices, large 16 car private parking lot $799,900 or $16 per sf on lease. Call Mickey (630) 494-0178

Build Your Dream Home!

Build Your Dream Home!

Incredible opportunity to build the home of your dreams on this 1/3-acre property in south Elmhurst. One of Elmhurst’s best kept secrets with lower taxes while still offering coveted SD205 education. Well developed area with many surrounding $299,900 NEW PRICE!

Incredible opportunity to build the home of your dreams on this 1/3-acre property in south Elmhurst. One of Elmhurst’s best kept secrets with lower taxes while still offering coveted SD205 education. Well developed area with many surrounding new/newer homes.

Close to Butterfield Park and Oak Brook shopping mall and restaurants.

Quiet location with great highway access to anywhere in Chicagoland. $299,900 410428

For Sale or Lease

For Sale or Lease

16 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

a cultural gem of

the western suburbs

Baroque Showcase Sunday, January 23, 3:00 p.m.

Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst Handel: Sonata from Tempo e del Disinganno Bach: Brandenburg Concerto no 5 in D Major, BMV 1050 Vivaldi: Concerto Grosso in D Minor (Op. 3, No. 11, RV 565) Telemann: Overture Suite in C major, TWV 55:C3 “Wassermusik”

3 Concert Subscription Packages Available Now! Baroque Showcase Sunday, January 23, 3:00 p.m.

Bach St. John’s Passion Saturday, March 13, 7:00 p.m.

Orchestral Brilliance Saturday, May 7, 7:00 p.m.

Check the ESO website “Visit Us” tab for detailed information on attendance, ticketing, and safety.

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elmhurstsymphony.org • 630.941.0202

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 • 17

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18 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Sports

Jan. 20, 2022 • 18

York boys basketball team going toe-to-toe in the West Suburban Silver Dukes faced Lyons Township and Downers Grove North in recent action

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

York boys basketball coach Mike Dunn frequently talks about the ultra-competitive nature of the West Suburban Conference Silver Division. He’s not kidding. York went toe-to-toe last week with Lyons Township and Downers Grove North in a pair of WSC Silver contests. York lost 59-53 to Lyons and 44-36 to Downers North. The two losses put the Dukes at 12-6 overall and 1-4 in WSC Silver play.

“We had a really bad first half against LT and got down by 17 at half,” Dunn said. “We came back and cut the lead down to three with the ball and didn’t score. Lyons Township is really, really good. We had a real bad start and dug ourselves a hole. In a sense, we lost the game in the first half.”

York started out much stronger against Downers North, jumping out to a 9-0 lead. “And then we struggled to score the rest of the game,” Dunn said. “We were not hitting shots. We struggled putting the ball in the hole. Going on that 9-0 run, we did some really good things. Downers North is good and they are similar to us. They are young. They start three sophomores and two juniors, and we start

two juniors and a sophomore and are playing two sophomores off the bench.”

Alex Sherman had 11 points against Downers North, while Tieran Casey had 10 points. “Both of those kids played decently for us,” Dunn said.

Drew Kircher, who had been on a roll of late with a recent threegame stretch of 20- and 30-point outputs, was held to single digits in the Downers game.

“Teams are going to game plan and try to take Drew away,” Dunn said. “You can’t win games when you only score 36 points. You won’t get wins that way. We have to find a way to put the ball in the hole. This conference is really good this year. From top to bottom, there

is never a night off.”

York played earlier in the week against Neuqua Valley at Geneva and will return home Friday for another WSC Silver game against Oak Park-River Forest.

“It’s a challenging week for us,” Dunn said. “Oak Park is real good, too. They beat Hinsdale Central the other night. They have some nice, talented players. As we said, everything will be a challenge and we are seeing different styles of basketball. Our ultimate goal is daily improvement. Get better every day.

We had a good JV game (Saturday) with the younger kids getting more time. That was a positive. This week will be a good test for us. The kids have been fantastic. They are very resilient. We have had a lot

of ups and downs in the season, especially being as young as we are. We have had to kind of remake ourselves after losing a three-year kid in Nick Hesch. You remake yourself a little, which we are continuing to do. Sometimes you have off nights and we had one against Downers north, but the effort level has been fantastic.”

In the Lyons Township game, Kircher had 22 points, while Casey had 10 points and Sherman added eight points. Kircher had 31 points against Sandburg and 23 points against IC Catholic Prep. He averaged 25.3 points per game during that three-game stretch. Kircher also was named to the all-tournament team at York’s Jack Tosh Holiday Classic.

IC Catholic Prep boys basketball team defeats Lisle and Aurora Christian Knights 9-9 overall heading into latter part of season

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The IC Catholic Prep boys basketball team gained some nice momentum recently.

After losing to York 67-49 in a non-conference game, the Knights defeated Lisle (46-39) in a non-conference game and picked up a Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division win against Aurora Christian (4840).

The Knights were 9-9 overall and were 1-4 in MSC Blue action through late last week.

“The Lisle game was a quick turnaround after a tough game against York,” IC Catholic Prep coach TJ Tyrrell said. “We came out slow in the first quarter and Lisle jumped out

to a pretty good lead, but we stayed the course and battled our way back and dominated the second half. It was a good, all-around team effort. I thought we did a nice job possessing and executing our offense, which we didn’t do against York.”

In the neighborhood game against York, “York came out with some aggressive pressure early and forced us into making some turnovers and we took some quick shots,” Tyrrell said.

“That wasn’t really the game plan.

They outexecuted us. We battled and fought our way back and got it down to 11 at one point.”

John Hilgart had a strong game against York. “John played outstanding,” Tyrrell said. “He was really impressive outside and inside. Our kids never gave up against York.

They battled all night. The game was well-attended. It was a great atmosphere for both schools and was good for both communities.”

Hilgart is IC Catholic Prep’s lead-

ing scorer. “John has put together some good games of late,” Tyrrell pointed out. “He had a really nice game against St. Francis, but we didn’t come out with energy in that game. John was a big bright spot in that one.”

Over Christmas, the Knights defeated Reavis (64-31) and Eisenhower (57-46) in their own co-hosted tournament with Westmont. IC Catholic Prep then lost to Evergreen Park in overtime (55-51) and to Chicago Taft (68-59) before returning to conference play against St. Francis (6541 loss).

“We lost a disappointing one to Evergreen Park in overtime,” Tyrrell said. “And then we get back at it and play a tough St. Francis team and a good York team, obviously. You could say we needed that one against Lisle. Those guys stepped up to the moment, which was a good sign.”

The Knights played much of the Christmas tournament without Au-

gie Wassman. “He’s back and he’s getting back to where he left off,” Tyrrell said. “He’s a big energy guy for us defensively and is doing nice things running the point and getting others involved. Augie has been doing well.”

Another big bright spot has been the play of Liam Johnson, Tyrrell noted. “With Augie out, Liam Johnson stepped up,” he said. “He normally plays a two or three guard, and we moved him over to the point guard spot and he did an outstanding job handling a lot of pressure that we saw in the tournament. He was a great facilitator and a leader for us defensively, getting deflections. He was first to the floor on loose balls, which is something we talk about. I am proud of him stepping up in the absence of Augie.”

Johnson averages 8 points and two steals a game.

The Knights also dropped a recent 60-51 MSC Blue game to Wheaton

Academy.

In the win against Lisle, Hilgart had 20 points and made three 3-pointers to go with five rebounds.

Johnson had nine points, while Wassman had eight points.

Antonio Richardson had six rebounds. Johnson also had six steals.

Wassman had three steals and four deflections Hilgart had three deflections.

Against York, Hilgart poured in 26 points, hit 3 of 4 three-pointers and shot 7 of 9 from the foul line.

Richardson added nine points. Hilgart also had eight rebounds. Richardson led in assists with four, while Wassman had four deflections.

In the St. Francis game, Hilgart had 23 points (3 three-pointers; 4-for-4 free throws). Johnson had five rebounds.

IC Catholic Prep had a front-loaded schedule this week with games earlier in the week against Chicago Academy and Westmont.

Timothy Christian boys basketball team weathering tough stretch

Trojans defeat Chicago Christian in recent action; VanderWal scores 40 against Rockford Lutheran

By Mike Miazga

CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian boys basketball team is in the midst of a rough stretch of sea. Coach Scott Plaisier pointed out the Trojans were 1-9 during a stretch that dates back to the start of the York Jack Tosh Holiday Classic.

Timothy went 0-5 at York, defeated Chicago Christian (70-55), St. Francis (48-33) and Riverside-Brookfield (71-59) in Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division action and went down to Indiana and dropped a game to longtime rival Il-

liana Christian (55-53). The Trojans also lost to Rockford Lutheran (8784) in a game that went to double overtime and saw Timothy standout Ben VanderWal score 40 points.

“It’s been a combination of a couple of things,” Plaisier said. “We haven’t been able to get consistent scoring, with the exception of Ben VanderWal, who has been giving us 20 to 30 a night. Besides getting that consistent scoring, on the nights we do get a little scoring, defensively we haven’t been where we are at. We were shorthanded in a couple of those games, but we haven’t been able to put the two together where we’ll get some good, consistent scoring along with a good defensive night. It’s been one or the other. We’ll see if we can get that worked out.”

Things haven’t been all doom and gloom, however. Plaisier has been pleased with the efforts of Kyle Steiner, in particular. “We are seeing some rising play from Kyle,” he said.

“He has stepped up in the last month with his ability to get to the rim and score it around there and lead the team from the point guard position.

We are at that point where we can run our offense and he can get us what we need to get into and also score from that position. He’s been a positive.”

Plaisier also has seen improvement on the defensive end. “I am happy, for the most part, with how we have defended,” he said. “We have shown some toughness on the defensive side in a lot of the games we have played. We will keep build-

ing on that.”

Trey Keizer also was cited for strong recent play. “Trey had a couple of nice games in the York tournament,” Plaisier said. “He has been able to score it.”

VanderWal, headed to Division I Furman University next season, continues to post strong scoring totals.

“Ben has been as consistent as you can be,” Plaisier said. “He missed a handful of games at York with an eye injury. Without him, that changes the dynamic of the group quite a bit. He’s good for 25 points and 12 rebounds, 25 points and 14 rebounds pretty much every game this year.”

Despite the rough stretch, Plaisier noted spirits remain high. “I am super-proud of the kids’ attitudes,” he said. “We have had some lopsided

losses, but they are still looking at things one possession at a time and trying to do their best in that possession, regardless of the score. On the offensive side, they are focused on limiting turnovers and valuing the shots we are getting. They are taking it in stride a little bit and keeping their eyes focused on the end goal. If we get a chance to be in a regional championship game, we are going to be battle-tested to succeed in that environment. We are super-proud of their attitudes and their willingness to commit to getting better.”

Besides Rockford Lutheran (8784 loss in 2 overtimes), the Trojans also have games this week with Class 2A schools Aurora Central Catholic

See BASKETBALL, Page 19

SPORTS 19

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 • 19 The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 19

Vaccinations, boosters, IC Catholic Prep graduatetherapeutics reduce risk ofheaded severe to outcomes from COVID-19 Leslie Le Moyne

sports

Cases, hospitalizations continue to rise locally I’m really

Will play volleyball TheDivision DuPage County Health Defor II school

I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big part of myfrom life.”the previous week. percent Lesliewere saidalso she444 hasnew plenty of partment (DCHD) is urging residents There hospital

By Mike Miazga memories from IC Catholic Prep’s to continue to take action to protect admissions in DuPage County reCORRESPONDENT coach Nancy Kerrigan’s program. themselves and the Prep community to COVID-19 illness, which Recent IC Catholic gradu- lated “I loved playing there,” she said. against spread of toCOVID-19. a 3 percent increase (or ate Bella the Leslie wanted head east “Irepresents probably enjoyed school volleyThis is the result of significant in13 additional patients) since Jan. for college. than rates club because creases in COVID-19 cases and ball 4. more Positivity have alsoI love been Her landing spot ended up being teamrising and and theare coaching related hospitalizations in DuPage my steadily now at 20staff perat NCAA Division II Le Moyne was very supportive on and off the County, and across the U.S. cent.

College where the former Knights court. It made it a really good enBeing up-to-date with COVID-19 In the past week, there have been volleyball and soccer standout will vironment to be in. Coach (Kerrivaccine recommendations, including 23 deaths due to COVID-19 in DuPcontinue her volleyball career at gan) was great.

I have a booster dose, is the best way to proage County.

Those who known are not her fulhe Syracuse, New York school as while. When I was little, I did tect yourself against severe illness for ly avaccinated against COVID-19 aand libero. the little kids camps, and her death from COVID-19. Every- all continue to remain at a consistently “All theand schools wasofinsevere my brother’s one ageof12 older Iiswas nowlooking recom- daughter higher risk illness, grade hospiatmended were on the Easta vaccine Coast,” booster.

Leslie attalization, IC.” to receive and COVID-19 related oldAsthe last week.

“I deaths.

Leslie Over said she will miss plenof Independent Jan. 11, the Centers for Dis88 percent of all devisited Le Moyne and really (CDC) liked tyceased aboutCOVID-19 IC Catholic Prep. will ease Control and Prevention cases in “I DuPage t.

It reminded of high cases schoolin miss howsince close December knit of a communireported 17,063me COVID-19 County 15, 2020, because was a over small and tyoccurred it was,”inshe said. “Inotknew DuPage itCounty theschool, last 7 days, persons fullyeveryvaccinwhich a smaller schoolan you will know a body the school.

It will be weird represents increase of 66 natedatagainst COVID-19. ot more faces than if I would have going on campus and not knowing gone to a bigger school. The cam- all the faces. I’ll miss those close pus there is really pretty. It sits on connections with the coaches and a big hill and the scenery around it teachers. It will be weird for the s great. Everything is pretty close first year or so.” ogether. have very nice facil- pitalized

By Peter They Hancock on Jan. 11. Another peoLeslie said pandemic life271 hasn’t ties.

TheNEWS volleyball CAPITOL ILLINOIS program has been ple inoverly the stateexciting, had died of the disease though her good facilities a nicein club A workout continuing sharp and spike just since Jan. 10. team has started volleyball ocker room.cases I liked how modern it practicing COVID-19 being driven by the “We have never“We hadhave this been many again. was.” omicron variant has pushed the state’s practicing COVID patients hospital at any two in or the three times a Leslie capacity plans on to studying nursing hospital its limits and is week,” point inshe the pandemic. springtoof said. “WeNot areingoing atprompting Le Moyne.

“Theyto have the state bring aingood addi- be 2020; not intournaments the winter of 2020,” starting again.IDPH Benursing program,” she said.

“Asother far fore tional health care workers from Director Ngozi been Ezikedoing said, noting that IDr. haven’t anyas what of a nurse I want to thing states andkind countries. that the previous pandemic record was because senior soccer season be, Gov. I’m not sure yet.”

JB quite Pritzker said Jan. 12 that and 6,175, in volleyball November 2020. theset club season were more thanplayed 2,000 volleyball additional health care cancelled.

Over theWe pastwere sevensupposed days, more Leslie and girls to than go workersathave been deployed throughhave qualifiers been consoccer IC Catholic Prep all four to227,000 a few new club cases volleyball out theShe state, including 919 in hospi- infirmed in Illinois 1.9 million years. was a center-midfielder Grand Rapids out andofLouisville. talsthe hitKnights hard by the surge, with another This tests summer, performed,weforhave a seven-day case on soccer team. some tour552 scheduledvolleyball to arrive withinjourney the next naments positivityplanned rate of 12 percent.

Leslie’s over the next few several in days.

“But as difficult as this started the fifth grade, the first weekends.

They are littlemoment tourna-is, “This currentplay wave COVID there will it,” Pritzker year she could theofsport at ICis ments withbeallanofend thetolocal clubs. causingSchool. more people get sickplaythan Nothing said. “Welarge have alland the necessary tools Grade She’sto been really local. everclub before in the pandemic,” Pritzker Other for prevention, we are nearer than ng volleyball since seventh than that,and I have been trying said. most recently with the Chi- toever to having everything need to grade, work out a lot and stay we in shape.

“And thegroup vast majority of the seridetect andrunning treat the disease to into keep cago Elite that practices out I’ve been a lot, so I got ousScores illnessesinand deaths Springs are amongand the that. evenIthe people alive. of Willow trymost and vulnerable run every day.” unvaccinated.”

I Leslie can’t saysaid enough how extraorMontini High School in Lombard. she about is scheduled to As ofreally Jan. 12, the Illinois dinarytoour “I’m excited to beDepartable report Le hospitals Moyne inand the our Aug.health 12Public Health was reportcare heroes have throughout this oment playofvolleyball in college,” she 15 timeframe, butbeen noted preseason ing 7,219 people hospitalizedto with pandemic.”activities already have said.

“It gives me something do. volleyball COVID-19 in the state, down slightly Pritzker said the state was taking from the record 7,353 who were hos- several actions to bolster its health (Continued from page 18)

Recently, CDC updated their recommendation for be whenable people can excited to receive their booster shot, shortening interval from 6 months totheir play volleyball in to 5 months for those who received the primary series It of Pfizer or Moderna college. gives me COVID-19 vaccine. something to do.theIeligiCDC has also expanded bility of Pfizer booster doses to those feel like I would be 12 to 15 years old. Additionally, consistent with without their prior recomso bored mendation for adults, CDC is recommending that moderately or severely it because it has immunocompromised 5- to 11-yearolds receive an additional been such a big primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their partshot. of my life.” second To find COVID-19 vaccines near – Bella Leslie you, visit www.vaccines.gov.

DuPage County Health Departbeen due to the pandemmentcancelled is now offering appointments ic. “I will probably leave Aug. 10-11 because it’s a far drive,” she said. “We had Zoom call with the team recently and they said they should have an answer about careseason workforce, as allowing our in the such next 7-10 days. out-of-state They talked health about care threeproviders scenariosto continue practicing in Illinois and what could happen like if with we expanded permissions to care for start the season and someone getsall patients, COVID-19 patients. sick and not we just have to stop and go.

In addition, doctors trained othThat’s one of the reasons whyinthey er countries beenthe given permisare looking athave moving season to sionspring. to provide to licensed the Rightassistance now the plan is to physicians in Illinois. out-of-state have a season, but weAnd won’t know providers, including physicians, nursuntil the next 7-10 days.” esBut andif mental healthareproviders, are all systems a go, Lesbeing provide telehealth lie can’tallowed wait tototake her skills as to the patients Illinois they aservices libero to nextinlevel withif the have a pre-existing Dolphins.

“I feel likeprovider-patient being a liberorelationship. you have to be really quick and an execthatMeanwhile, is typicallyPritzker what Iissued am good at.

Jan. 11 spelling protoI utive haveorder really good reactionouttime,” colssaid. that “I schools now need to follow she like diving on the floor whenever studentIt’s or aschool and savingaballs. reallyemploygood ee testswhen positive COVID-19. feeling youformake a save. The Consistent the latest guidance position fits with my personality, too. fromhave the Centers forloudest Diseaseone Control You to be the on andcourt.

Prevention, order requires inthe I have the a loud personality. fected individuals, regardless their You have to be pretty loud ifof you vaccination status, Itothink be Iexcluded want to be a libero. match fromdescription.” school premises for a minimum that of five days and a maximum of 10 days following the onset of symptoms

They lost to West Chicago on huge rah-rah person. I’m a little bit 18) players’ coach.

I think an own goal in the last (Continued five more from of an page individual and Northridge Prep.

Rockford, ACC Ifour went minutes.

That was against the state will 3-pointers pull kids toand theVanderWal side at practice and Northridge are all finals. in Timothy’s 11-for-13 theteach free-throw champs in the sectional That’s and games at and them.”line. Van2Aa postseason sectional.

Satur- derWal 17has rebounds and aClass hell of season if you ask me.”

Stopkaalso notedhad York been doing day’s game Northridge starts conditioning four blockeddrills shots.and said the plan Stopka willagainst teach Spanish at York. at 5taught p.m. in Niles.and one math class as of VanderWal hadweek 35 points 13He Spanish earlier last was toonstart “Those sectional op- summer for-20 shooting against Illiana. at St. Pat’s. are “My three philosophy is I am camp pending DistrictStein205 ponents they are all Class 2A approval. er had 10“Ipoints.

VanderWal hitable five more of aand players’ coach,” he said. have probably been Plaisier “We aresoccer going to3-pointers and seven “Ischools,” have been a bigsaid.

Liverpool meet 60 to 70had percent of rebounds. the playto get a good andJursee ers Steiner hadhenine while supporter evermeasuring since 2015stick when so far,” said.assists, “If it does getTrey apif allKlopp the learning experiences against proved Keizer that had would four assists. gen came over and he’s known be the start of our these Class coach.

4A andHe’s 3A kind schools we contact VanderWal hadfour 20 days of Timothy’s as a players’ of my days with a week are playing We’ll see for 33 three pointsweeks againststraight.

St. Francis.

Alex coaching idol.isI paying want to off. related to the And even if it hasand made a difference the though Keizer the hadIHSA six points. players form bonds withwith them. waived VanderWal the blackschools weand willsmilplay out wasdates 11-for-15 the free-throw Idifferent-size am more light-hearted before from the school year, we coming line —take the advantage only Timothy player ng.

I likeup.” to have fun and joke with won’t of that.

I’mto theThe Chicago game, pretty go to the in thehave game.plans VanderWhe In kids. goal isChristian understanding sureline families to do VanderWal struckcanforbe 32 points, things al alsobefore had 12school rebounds and I’m blocked where each player successful starts. the while Keizer had 17 and new five shots. and theTrey provide the best waypoints possible guy and I’m not going to say Keizer 10 points. hadGo 23 oAlex convey theadded knowledge theySteiner need you Against can’t goR-B, withVanderWal your family. points. points, had 15 points athad theeight position theyTrey play. Keizer I am notmade big do it andwhile enjoy Steiner it. This is a crazy and

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.” and had 11 points.wants VanAsTrey far asKeizer the future, Stopka derWal made three York competing at a 3-pointers high level and on eight rebounds.

Steiner had six ahad consistent basis. “The short-term rebounds and seven assists.up Trey goal is to restock and build the Keizer he hadsaid. four “A assists. team,” large portion of his last VanderWal year’s teamshot was15-for-23 seniors, in espe40-point against cially theeffort starting 11. Rockford We have Luto theran.

Trey had 15 make sure the Keizer now juniors arepoints, up to while Steiner had 13 points. the speed of the varsity level Timothy and are shot 52 percent inWe thewant game.

Vanready to contribute. to keep derWal made three 3-pointers and that pipeline going with the younger grabbedof10 rebounds. groups players.

We want to make ninecompetitive, rebounds but and sureSteiner we are had not only eightweassists — nearly hitting on a that are competing for regiontriple-double.

Keizer and Vanals, sectionals Trey and supersectionals. eachme had six this assists.

Timothy ItderWal starts for with junior class had is 24 coming assists onin.itsWe 32 made buckthat want them ets. to go and setting the standard ready for VanderWal these otheradded classesthree thatsteals comeand in four blocks. so they can also contribute right off

“

for 12- to 15-year-olds to receive their COVID-19 booster shots.

DCHD COVID-19 booster shots are available at the Central Public Health Center in Wheaton and through the Care Van COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

Individuals should be considered for outpatient therapy for COVID-19 if they are symptomatic with mild-moderate COVID-19 illness and have a positive SARS-CoV-2 viral test result, and are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 illness and/or hospitalization. DCHD encourages healthcare providers to stay up to date on COVID-19 outpatient treatment guidelines.

Illinois Department of Public Health has developed a list and map of outpatient therapy loca-

tions at dph.illinois.gov/covid19/ covid-19-outpatient-therapy-locator. html All residents are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and stay up to date with booster shots, wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask when in public indoor settings, especially in crowded places and poorly ventilated spaces, and consider self-testing before indoor gatherings.

In addition, anyone who becomes ill or infected with COVID-19 needs to stay home (except to receive medical care) and self-isolate to prevent further spread.

More information and resources to prevent COVID-19 in DuPage County are available at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19.

COVID surge prompts multiple state responses “Given the recent COVID-19 numbers, this is not the time to bring hundreds of people together inside the Capitol,” Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, said in a statement.

“Through our remote committee process we have proven that we can get work done, protect people’s health and at the same time expand the legislative process to people who might want to testify but wouldn’t have the time or resources to come to Springfield.”

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent And the Illinois Department of Corrections announced that it was pausing all inmate transfers into state facilities during a recent from county jailsU12 as itbaseball responds to COVID-19 outbreaks in IDOC facilities.

U12 baseball action

Player of the week sponsored by

Community Bank Member FDIC LENDER

of Elmhurst

www.communityelmhurst.com (630)782-1234

100380

• Stopka • Basketball

or the date of their test.

Schools also must exclude students or employees who come in close contact with an infected person for a minimum of five days after their exposure, and those individuals must continue to wear a mask at all times around others, including when outdoors, for an additional five days after they return to school.

The surge in COVID-19 cases has also resulted in other state actions.

House and Senate leaders in the General Assembly announced Jan. 11 that they were canceling in-perBucolo fires although a pitch son Anthony session days this week, game. will continue to meet recommittees motely.

proudly presents proudly presents

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK SPECIAL OLYMPICS GIGI BARRTEAM BASKETBALL YORK GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

The York Special Olympics basketball team won its second Special Olympics Illinois Region C of championship recently.

York defeated St. Barr was the recipient the 2019-2020 York Val Cothern Charles East and won the regional title against Oak Park-River Forest junior female athlete of the year award. Barr went over the (40-28) to punch its state ticket. The Dukes are headed Illinois State 1,000-career kill threshold the Dukes girls volleyUniversity in Normal to play inlast thefall statefor tournament.

ball team and still has a season to add to that total.

20 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

Nominate a senior for hall of fame

The Illinois Department on Aging is accepting nominations for the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame, and state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is encouraging residents to highlight local, exemplary individuals aged 65 or older who live in the 24th District.

“Older residents enrich our communities by contributing insight, experiences and achievements,” Glowiak Hilton said.

“As residents continue to support one another through challenging times, the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame is an opportunity to highlight local heroes for their successes and offer well-deserved recognition.”

Created in 1994, the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame honors older adults’ accomplishments and contributions to their communities.

Each year, four Illinoisans ages 65 or older are inducted into the Hall

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of Fame for their work in community service, education, arts or the labor force.

Nominations for 2022 inductees must be submitted by June 1.

For more information, visit https:// www2.illinois.gov/aging/HallofFame.

Editor’s note: This was submitted by the office of State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 • 21

Welch reflects on first year as House speaker Cites energy bill, redistricting as major accomplishments ocrats and Republicans and we’re going to see what the rank-and-file members believe are the priorities,” he said. “We’re going to ask them what the priorities are. But we certainly know that with COVID still being here, and the fact that we’re in the midst of a surge, that we’re going to still have to continue to address many of the things that we’re dealing with,

or have dealt with in the past.

“We know that we still have (American Rescue Plan Act) dollars that can be allocated. We did receive ARPA dollars, and we have four years to spend them. We’ve only spent $2 billion out of $8 billion. So we have some room that will allow us to continue to help people to deal with this pandemic. I think that’s really a top priority.”

Lawmakers had scheduled a shortened session this year so they can return to their districts in April to campaign for the June 28 primary. But the recent surge of COVID-19 cases brought on by the omicron variant have cut the number of scheduled session days even further. Both chambers are currently recessed until further notice.

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One year after being named speaker of the Illinois House, Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch says he is proud of the accomplishments he and his colleagues achieved and he looks forward to building on that record.

“I actually thought 2021 was one heck of a year,” the Hillside Democrat said during a recent interview.

“You know, we passed the historic, nation-leading Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the CEJA bill. We protected and expanded voting rights. We made Illinois the beacon of hope for protecting reproductive rights and a refuge for women all around the country.

The work that we did on the budget and restoring fiscal stability and credit upgrades, paying off a $2 billion loan and saving $82 million. Where do I end? We had a really great year, and certainly looking forward to building on that.”

On Jan. 13, 2021, Welch was elected speaker of the House, succeeding the long-serving but embattled Michael Madigan and becoming the first Black person to lead the House.

“It’s a very time intensive job,” he said when asked what he’d learned in his first year. “And literally, you’re working seven days a week no-stop. … A lot of work involved. It takes cooperation from your friends from your family, from your employers.”

During his first year, Welch worked to put his own imprint on the speaker’s office, setting a much different tone than Madigan, who seldom gave media interviews and shunned the use of email or social media.

“I certainly think that it’s a new day in Springfield,” he said. “I think Democrats up and down our ranks would agree with that. I think if you get past Republican leadership, the rank-andfile Republicans would agree that it’s a new day.”

“The office of the speaker has been open more than it ever has, I believe in the last 36 to 40 years,” he continued. “Many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle came into the office of speaker and said they had never been in there before. They came in to meet with me about ideas they were proposing last year in the Legislature, ideas that got out of Rules (Committee), got out of the House, got out of the Senate, and hit the governor’s desk and became law. Many of those rank-and-file Republicans were able to go home and talk about victories that we actually had in the General Assembly. I think they’ll tell you that that’s a new thing for them.”

Welch’s relationship with the GOP caucus, however, has not always been friendly. That was particularly true during redistricting, the once-in-a-decade process of redrawing state legislative and congressional district lines in accordance with the most recent U.S. Census.

With Democrats firmly in control of both chambers as well as the governor’s office, they drew maps that were intended to ensure they would maintain their majorities for the next 10 years. But Republicans called it blatant partisan gerrymandering, while

voting rights advocacy groups complained of a process conducted behind closed doors that actually resulted in the dilution of minority voting power in some parts of the state.

They all sued in federal court but were unsuccessful. Welch cited the federal court’s decision as a vindication of the Democrats’ efforts.

“I think, because of COVID, we were actually more open, more accessible, more transparent because we had over 50 or 60 hearings, because we were able to do in-person hearings and virtual hearings,” he said. “If we were not in COVID, we might not have had the opportunity to do virtual hearing. So I think we were more open and more accessible. And the proof that we got it right is the opinion written by the three-judge federal panel that totally rejected the advocacy groups’ claims. Totally rejected.”

Welch was first elected to the House in 2012 from a district in the western suburbs of Chicago. Prior to becoming speaker, one of his major focuses was addressing issues about racial equity. In 2019, he sponsored a bill requiring corporations domiciled in Illinois to report on the diversity of their governing boards. He has also pushed for more diversity in state hiring and contracting.

He has continued those efforts as speaker. On Jan. 10 and Jan. 11, Welch said, he met with the presidents of state universities and the CEOs of the private insurance companies that administer the state’s Medicaid program, known as “managed care organizations,” or MCOs, to push them further toward meeting diversity goals.

“Before I ever became speaker, diversity, equity and inclusion was really important to me. And in fact, I don’t think I would be here without that push over the last few years for diversity, equity inclusion,” Welch said.

“When I started this job in 2013, that diversity was not there. And it was quite impressive to see,” he said of his meeting with university presidents. “And to see it showing up in their hiring practices at the universities is quite impressive as well. And there’s certainly more work that can be done. And so we’re working very closely with Chairman (LaShawn K.) Ford, who chairs (Senate) Higher Ed, and Chairman (Katie) Stuart who chairs (House) Higher Ed, to continue those efforts forward. And we really plan to make this year the year where we truly plant that diversity flag in Illinois.”

Welch said his main priority for the 2022 session will be passing a budget, a task made easier this year by the state’s improving revenue picture.

At the end of December, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability reported that base revenues through the first half of the fiscal year were up $918 million from the previous year.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a lot of competition for those new dollars, but Welch said he’s hopeful of reaching a bipartisan consensus.

“We’re going to convene Dem-

l Cu

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22 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst Art Museum presents its 25th anniversary Exhibition

Houses of Tomorrow: From Keck to Today examines sustainability through mid-century solar innovations

Throughout the Elmhurst Art Museum’s 25th year of inspiring its community, the Museum will host a year-long celebration, with a focus on the three major hallmarks of its mission: architecture (Spring), education (Summer), and art (Fall). Central to the Spring season is the new multimedia exhibition, Houses of Tomorrow: Solar Homes from Keck to Today, open Feb. 5 through May 29, within the Museum’s galleries, plus an accompanying light-based installation by Chicago-based artist Jan Tichy within the Museum’s historic McCormick House. The Museum has also announced a wealth of exhibition-related programming including an artist talk led by Tichy, a panel exploring today’s sustainable practices, docent-led tours curated in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Mies van der Rohe McCormick House, hands-on STEAM activities for children, and more. Tickets available at elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Houses of Tomorrow follows the evolution of Chicago architecture firm Keck & Keck – created by brothers George Fred Keck and William Keck – who designed modern, award-winning, affordable homes throughout the Midwest from 19351979. For Chicago’s Century of Progress World’s Fair in 1933, George

Fred Keck designed the “House of Tomorrow,” the first glass house in America with groundbreaking domestic amenities. The “House of Tomorrow” showed millions of World’s Fair attendees a technology-driven vision of what domestic life could be in the future as it featured many new ideas from the first GE dishwasher to a personal airplane hangar. It was through this house that the Kecks found a new way to harness solar energy, leading them to make energy efficiency breakthroughs throughout their career.

After the creation of this home, the Keck architecture firm built mid-century homes that now stand as early precursors to today’s sustainable building practices. This exhibition explores how the Keck brothers became the first “solar architects” with historic photos, architectural artifacts, design diagrams, and a commissioned artist interpretation by Jan Tichy centered on glass and light.

Houses of Tomorrow includes: • An introduction to the groundbreaking “House of Tomorrow” with 1933 World’s Fair materials, documentary photographs, a look at the modern amenities it offered,

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 • 23

• Museum

(Continued from page 22) and blueprints of current restoration Accompanying the main exhibition plans is Jan Tichy’s immersive installation • A dedicated gallery illustrating Reflectance, which will invite visiKeck & Keck as the first “solar ar- tors into Mies van der Rohe’s historic chitects” with narratives, videos, and 1952 McCormick House, located on historic photos of their resulting solar Elmhurst Art Museum’s property, to adaptations and designs explore its domestic space as an en• Installation No. 38 (Keck & vironment of movement, light, activKeck), a commissioned artist inter- ity, and wonder. With an emphasis on pretation project by Jan Tichy cen- solar explorations, Tichy’s work will tered on glass and light incorporat- respond to the house’s south facing ing original artifacts from the 1933 windows and other architectural elHouse of Tomorrow ements along with additions of var• Images of a 2021 passive solar ious architectural fragments, found design architecture competition us- objects, mechanical and electronic ing today’s groundbreaking solar and components, and photographic maenergy-efficient building technolo- terials. His site-specific installation gies will show the McCormick House as a living, breathing, and interactive

architectural structure.

Special event Friday, Feb. 4 Exhibition Opening: Houses of Tomorrow 25th Anniversary Kickoff Friday, Feb. 4 4-6 p.m. Open House 6:30-8:30 p.m. Members-Only Reception Visitors and members will get a first glimpse at the Museum’s recent Education Center renovations, the new Houses of Tomorrow: Solar Homes from Keck to Today prior to its public opening, and a multimedia installation by Jan Tichy in the McCormick House.

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Cook County judge cites DCFS director for contempt

By Beth Hundsdorfer

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A Cook County judge found Illinois Department of Children & Family Services Director Marc Smith in contempt for the continued improper placement of two state wards.

Cook County Circuit Judge Patrick T. Murphy on Thursday, Jan. 6, also fined Smith $1,000 a day in each of the cases for every day the two children—a 9-year-old girl, known in court records as A.M.; and a 13-yearold boy, known as C.R.M.—remained in improper placements. In both cases the orders are stayed—in one case until 4 p.m. Wednesday and in the other until 4 p.m. Jan. 18—for Smith to seek appellate review.

“The contempt finding and the $1,000-a-day fine is based upon the fact that Director Smith has disobeyed numerous court orders directing him to place the minor in a clinically appropriate placement and to take the minor out of the mental hospital to which she has been confined since June 1, 2021, against the advice of medical staff which determined that she could have been discharged on that date,” Murphy wrote in the contempt order on A.M.’s case.

The 13-year-old boy C.R.M. was also ordered on Nov. 14 to be taken out of temporary shelter where he was confined since Aug. 14 when he was placed in a temporary shelter in Mount Vernon—279 miles from Chicago where his mother lives. Before that, C.R.M., who has severe mental health issues, was at another temporary

shelter in Chicago where he slept in a utility room. At that time, DCFS told the court that the child needed a therapeutic foster home placement. The Mount Vernon shelter is a temporary placement for children for fewer than 30 days. C.R.M. has been at the shelter 149 days, as of Monday.

The 9-year-old girl suffered years of sexual and physical abuse in her biological home. She was psychiatrically hospitalized since April 24. Doctors cleared her for discharge on June 1. A judge ordered three times that the girl be placed in an appropriate placement.

She is not going to school or being involved in other activities, said Cook County Public Guardian Charles Golbert.

“She’s been in there for the Fourth of July, her ninth birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s,” Golbert said. “Enough is enough. If there was ever a kid who needed to get out of a locked psych ward and into an appropriate placement, it would be this girl.”

The 9-year-old has been held in a locked psychiatric unit for 223 days, as of Jan. 10.

The Cook County Public Guardian’s Office, represents abused and neglected children. Golbert’s office represents both of the children in these cases. DCFS has placed 356 children statewide in inappropriate settings for an average of 55 days, Golbert said.

There were so many children that Murphy, the presiding judge over the child protection division, noted that created a separate “beyond medical necessity” docket.

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24 • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

SPORTS 19

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 • 25 The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 19

sports

IC Catholic Prep graduate Leslie headed to Le Moyne Will play volleyball for Division II school

Valentine’s /“Galentine’s Day —

Recent IC Catholic Prep graduate Bella Leslie wanted to head east for college.

Her landing spot ended up being at NCAA Division II Le Moyne College where the former Knights volleyball and soccer standout will continue her volleyball career at the Syracuse, New York school as a libero.

“All of the schools I was looking at were on the East Coast,” Leslie told the Independent last week. “I visited Le Moyne and really liked it. It reminded me of high school because it was a small school, and in a smaller school you will know a lot more faces than if I would have gone to a bigger school. The campus there is really pretty. It sits on a big hill and the scenery around it is great. Everything is pretty close together. They have very nice facilities. The volleyball program has good workout facilities and a nice locker room. I liked how modern it was.”

Leslie plans on studying nursing at Le Moyne. “They have a good nursing program,” she said. “As far as what kind of a nurse I want to be, I’m not quite sure yet.”

Leslie played volleyball and girls soccer at IC Catholic Prep all four years. She was a center-midfielder on the Knights soccer team.

Leslie’s volleyball journey started in the fifth grade, the first year she could play the sport at IC Grade School. She’s been playing club volleyball since seventh grade, most recently with the Chicago Elite group that practices out of Scores in Willow Springs and Montini High School in Lombard.

“I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college,” she said. “It gives me something to do.

• Stopka

We have the sweets for your very special Sweetie!

– Bella Leslie deliciously! We’re full of love with our decadent heart cake been cancelled due to the pandemfor one or many, who doesn’t l-u-u-u-u-v-e a richly dressed strawberry? ic. “I will probably leave Aug. 10-11 because it’s a far drive,” said. “We had Zoom call with Cooling things down?she Berry Berry Raspberry Italian Ice theTry teamour recently and they said they should have an answer about the next 7-10 days. or Gelato . . . We haveour itseason all inand we’re open til 5pm on Sunday.

They talked about three scenarios

and what could happen like if we start the season and someone gets sick and we have to stop and go.

That’s one of the reasons why they are looking at moving the season to the spring. Right now the plan is to have a season, but we won’t know until the next 7-10 days.”

But if all systems are a go, Leslie can’t wait to take her skills as a libero to the next level with the Dolphins. “I feel like being a libero you have to be really quick and that is typically what I am good at.

I have really good reaction time,” she said. “I like diving on the floor and saving balls. It’s a really good feeling when you make a save. The position fits my personality, too.

You have to be the loudest one on the court. I have a loud personality.

You have to be pretty loud if you want to be a libero. I think I match that description.”

Don’t forget your Paczki!

U12 baseball action Paczki Day is March 1st

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Anthony Bucolo fires a pitch during a recent U12 baseball game.

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FDIC (Continued from page 18)

They lost to West Chicago on I think an own goal in the last five minutes. That was against the state champs in the sectional finals. That’s a hell of a season if you ask me.”

Stopka will teach Spanish at York.

He taught Spanish and one math class at St. Pat’s. “My philosophy is I am more of a players’ coach,” he said.

“I have been a big Liverpool soccer supporter ever since 2015 when Jurgen Klopp came over and he’s known as a players’ coach. He’s kind of my coaching idol. I want to related to the players and form bonds with them.

I am more light-hearted and smiling. I like to have fun and joke with the kids. The goal is understanding where each player can be successful and the provide the best way possible to convey the knowledge they need at the position they play. I am not big

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huge rah-rah person. I’m a little bit ble and transparent and communicate of Elmhurst more of an individual players’ coach. with everybody.”

I will pull kids to the side at practice As far as the future, Stopka wants and games and teach them.”

York competing at a high level on Stopka noted York has been doing a consistent basis. “The short-term conditioning drills and said the plan goal is to restock and build up the 544 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst as of earlier last week was to start team,” he said. “A large portion of summer camp pending District 205 last year’s team was seniors, espeproudly presents 630.530.0630 • www.Lezza.com approval. “ISignup have probably able tocially proudly presents the starting 11. We have to for ourbeen E-blast get the Hours: Sun. to meet 60 tolatest 70 percent theall playmake sure the nowStore juniors are up to 8am-5pm • Closed Mondays newsofon things Lezza YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK ers so far,” he said. “If it does get ap- the speed of the varsity level andTues.-Sat. are 7am-6pmHIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK proved that would be the start of our ready to contribute. We want to keep Follow uswith on the younger contact days with four days a week that pipeline going GIGI BARR for three weeks straight. And even groups of players. We want to make though the IHSA waived the black- sure we are not only competitive, but YORK GIRLS VOLLEYBALL out dates before the school year, we that we are competing for regionBarr was the recipient of the 2019-2020 York Val Cothern won’t take advantage of that. I’m als, sectionals and supersectionals. pretty sure families have plans to do It starts for me with this junior class junior female athlete of the year award. Barr went over the things before school starts. I’m the that is coming in. We want them 1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volleynew guy and I’m not going to say ready to go and setting the standard you can’t go with your family. Go for these other classes that come in ball team and still has a season to add to that total. do it and enjoy it. This is a crazy and so they can also contribute right off

100380

CORRESPONDENT

I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college. It gives me something to do. I feel like I would be so bored without Flying solo or practicing Our desserts are it becauseself-care? it has been such a big to treat themselves portioned for those wanting part of my life.”

411238

By Mike Miazga

I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big part of my life.”

Leslie said she has plenty of memories from IC Catholic Prep’s coach Nancy Kerrigan’s program.

“I loved playing there,” she said.

“I probably enjoyed school volleyball more than club because I love my team and the coaching staff was very supportive on and off the court. It made it a really good environment to be in. Coach (Kerrigan) was great. I have known her for a while. When I was little, I did all the little kids camps, and her daughter was in my brother’s grade at IC.” Leslie said she will miss plenty about IC Catholic Prep. “I will miss how close knit of a community it was,” she said. “I knew everybody at the school. It will be weird going on campus and not knowing all the faces. I’ll miss those close connections with the coaches and teachers. It will be weird for the first year or so.”

Leslie said pandemic life hasn’t been overly exciting, though her club volleyball team has started practicing again. “We have been practicing two or three times a week,” she said. “We are going to be starting tournaments again. Before that I haven’t been doing anything because senior soccer season and the club volleyball season were cancelled. We were supposed to go to a few club volleyball qualifiers in Grand Rapids and Louisville.

This summer, we have some tournaments planned over the next few weekends. They are little tournaments with all of the local clubs.

Nothing large and really local.

Other than that, I have been trying to work out a lot and stay in shape.

I’ve been running a lot, so I got into that. I try and run every day.”

Leslie said she is scheduled to report to Le Moyne in the Aug. 1215 timeframe, but noted preseason volleyball activities already have

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