EI111623

1 • Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

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Turkey trot is coming VOL. 21• NO. 48

art of living and giving

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

THURSDAY, NOV. 16, 2023

Number of participants up 14% for this year’s 40th DGTT

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The 40th annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot is set to step off as usual on Thanksgiving morning from Park and Cottage Hill Aves. in downtown at 9 a.m. Before you tie on that Thanksgiving feedbag, why not come out with the rest of the community – and people from 30 states across the country – and join the fun and fitness.

At the time the Independent caught up with a very busy Dan Gibbons, he said registrations were 14% over last year with 16 days to go.

Bib bids close Friday His biggest concern was letting people know that there was still time, but running short, to bid on one of the premier bibs. Bidding closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17. The silent auction is open for bids at DanGibbonsTurkeyTrot.org.

“There are three special bibs being offered in a silent auction this year,” he said. “You can bid on bibs #1, #40 and #2023.”

Go to dangibbonsturkeytrot.org/ 40years/auctions/ and place a bid on the bib of your choice. The winner will be notified via email and will be able to pay for their bib and pick it up at packet pickup at Knights of Columbus this weekend.

Inside:

“Bidding will close on Friday, Nov. 17. Good luck!”

Fighting hunger As for the “good stuff,” Gibbons said 16 agencies committed to the fight against hunger had applied for grants so far. He anticipates being able to award each of them as much as $200,000.

As for the day itself, it’s worth coming out, even if you’re only a walker (MANY people are!) because you’ll enjoy the National Anthem performed by Jim Cornelison, the Lima Lima Flight Team (weather permitting) and a performance by the Men of Spirito! Then Randy Bronge of ICI will take on his duties as Honorary Starter this year.

If you’re new to the Turkey Trot, you’ll see people in costumes from turkeys to pumpkin pie. It’s a good day to people-watch.

As the day approaches and plans are finalized, Gibbons couldn’t say enough about the outstanding support the race receives from the City in terms of police and fire as well as public works with the road closures.

“We never have any complaints from any of the neighbors in the area, despite as many as 8,000 people descending on the downtown,” he said.

See TURKEY, Page 3

Police Reports...........6 Classifieds..............14 Viewpoint.................8 Sports ��������������� 16-18

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Fire Department celebrates promotions

The City Council meeting held on Monday, Nov. 6 was a big night for the Elmhurst Fire Department. Two new firefighters Cymon Wind and Nick Holbrook took the oath of office. In addition, firefighter Drew Scarlett was promoted to Lieutenant, Bill Oeflling was promoted from Lieutenant to Battalion Chief, and Battalion Chief Steve Reynolds was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief.

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2 • Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 • 3

State gets ninth recent credit upgrade as administration faces scrutiny for pandemic unemployment handling CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Illinois received another credit upgrade Nov. 7, the same day a legislative committee once again scrutinized Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration for its handling of unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The upgrade came from Fitch Ratings, the last remaining holdout of the nation’s three major credit reporting agencies to advance the state’s status to “A” grade. Collectively, Fitch, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service have given the state nine credit upgrades since 2021.

Credit upgrades generally make it cheaper for the state to borrow money, playing a major role in investors’ assessment of risk in buying state bonds. Fitch moved Illinois to an A-, up from the BBB+ rating it had given the state last year. Illinois’ ratings had been on a general downward trajectory across administrations of both parties since the mild recession two decades ago.

Fitch’s review of state finances drew similar conclusions to those that came before it: reserves are growing while long-term liabilities, including pension debt, remain “an elevated but still moderate burden.”

• Turkey

“Reserves have improved to historically high levels for the state and provide an important fiscal cushion, but levels remain relatively modest versus other states,” Fitch said in its analysis. “Management has eliminated many outstanding budgetary liabilities and established a sustainable pattern of smoother fiscal decision-making.”

The state’s “rainy day” fund – officially referred to as the Budget Stabilization Fund – had a balance of nearly $2 billion as of Nov. 7.

Still, the state’s unfunded pension liabilities sit at roughly $140 billion—a number representing what the state would owe if every pensioner sought to collect benefits at once. While an indicator of the pension funds’ financial health, it does not reflect their current ability to pay out benefits that are owed.

In recent years, lawmakers have allocated hundreds of millions of dollars beyond statutory requirements to Illinois’ pension funds, lessening future liabilities. Fitch called those payments “helpful, but insufficient to address this structural budget gap.”

It also warned the rating could once again be lowered if Illinois returns to a point of “irresolute and contentious fiscal decision-making” which had become common-

(Continued from front page)

“It’s all about communication and the police have been more than helpful with getting the word out.

“I think the fact that we receive no complaints from neighbors is a testament to the residents and to the police and the City notifying everyone.

And I’m very proud of that.”

Sponsors Sponsors of the 40th annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot include: Platinum sponsor, JelSert; Premier sponsors, Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare and Kelly Stetler Compass; Gold sponsors: John Noldan/Guaranteed Rate, the Schiller Team @properties, Johnson Wilbur Adams, Inc. Structural Engineering, Tito’s, Unlimited Heating & Cooling, Inc., Midwest Cardiovascular Institute; and Bronze sponsors Duly Health and Care and LW Reedy Real Estate. A full list of all sponsors is available at the web site.

place over several recent administrations, especially during the two years the state went without a budget between 2015 and 2017.

“We are continuing to right the past fiscal wrongs in our state with disciplined fiscal leadership, and credit rating agencies and businesses alike are taking notice of Illinois’ remarkable progress,” Pritzker said in a statement.

The upgrade was issued, Fitch noted, because Illinois is planning on issuing bonds next week to continue financing a pension buyout program that’s anticipated to shave $1.4 billion off the state’s pension liability over its lifetime.

Also in recent years, Illinois has reduced its “backlog” of unpaid bills to within a 30-day accounts payable cycle.

That effort was boosted by an $898 million allocation to pay off old group health insurance bills last year, which passed as part of a broader plan to pay down debt accrued by the unemployment insurance trust fund during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unemployment fund was about $4.5 billion in the red at its lowest point, but lawmakers approved multiple cash infusions to pay off the debt to avoid further massive tax hikes on employers.

“

I think the fact that we receive no complaints from neighbors is a testament to the residents and to the police and the City notifying everyone. And I’m very proud of that.”

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Dan Gibbons Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot

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(630)782-1234 - www.communityelmhurst.com

Cathy Richardson and Jim Peterik perform the song Blue Storm Rising together last Thursday inside Buik Recital Hall at Elmhurst University, where the ECPA hosted “An Intimate Evening with Jim Peterik.” Story and another photo on page 7.

Our CBE Board of Directors is Local and Engaged in Your Satisfaction.

Fran Marcucci Decker Gonnella Baking Co.

George F. Hammersmith, Jr. Chairman of the Board

Richard W. Reichert President & C.E.O.

Maryann Gorski

Martha Hammersmith-Delgado

Joshua Bretl FSR Wealth Strategies

Ken Bartels Sr. Vice President

Dr. Lawrence B. Carroll Elmhurst University

We Know Elmhurst. We ARE Elmhurst.

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By Jerry Nowicki

4 • Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 - 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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Display Advertising: 630.834-8355 Classified Advertising: 630.834-8244 News: 630.834-8244 General Information: 630.834-8244

Leading the procession

These three York High School musicians took part in the Elmhurst Veterans Day Ceremony held Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park.

A friendly greeting

Veteran Russ Caforio (right) chats with a uniformed officer just before the Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony was held in Wilder Park.

Caforio was a U.S. Army combat veteran who served during the Vietnam War. He was selected as Grand Marshal of the Elmhurst Memorial Day parade last May.

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Administration: Dee Longfellow News Coordinator Debra Hamilton Advertising Director Pete Cruger Publisher

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

Subscriptions:

The Elmhurst Independent is mailed at no charge by request to residents in the 60126 zip code area.

Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $29.95 yearly. Single copies are also available at more than 80 newsstand locations in Elmhurst.

For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

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Content appearing in the Elmhurst Independent may not be reprinted without permission of the publisher or editor. Requests should be directed to Independent@rvpublishing.com or 630.834-8244.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

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Ready to post the colors

Pictured are the members of the Color Guard for the Elmhurst American Legion Post THB 187. It was a beautiful sunny day in Elmhurst on Veterans Day when the community gathered in Wilder Park for the ceremony.

EU faculty members awarded grants Two Elmhurst University faculty members have been awarded a federal grant of nearly $500,000 to encourage more people to enter the rapidly growing cybersecurity profession by empowering high school teachers with cybersecurity knowledge.

The National Science Foundation awarded the three-year collaborative grant, “Cybersecurity Faculty Development for High School Teachers,” to David Brown and Dean Jensen, both assistant professors in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems. Arcadia University, a comprehensive university in suburban Philadelphia, is a partner on the project.

As the lead institution, Elmhurst will work with Arcadia to provide summer training workshops for high school teachers in Chicago and Philadelphia that will help them become more comfortable teaching cybersecurity. In addition, Beverly Troiano, associate professor of education at Elmhurst, will

help to develop cybersecurity curricula for the classroom.

This additional support will equip educators to encourage more students to consider cybersecurity degrees and careers, addressing a widening gap between the growing number of available positions and the number of college graduates who can fill them.

In recent years, the frequency and scale of cyberattacks has increased significantly, with high-profile breaches affecting government agencies, businesses, infrastructure and individual people.

“Cybercrime is here, and whether it’s targeting our businesses or us personally, it’s the new Wild, Wild West and we have to be concerned,” Jensen said. “And as we become more cyber dependent, we need dedicated people who are able to understand and mitigate these threats.”

The teacher training workshops are expected to begin in the summer of

2025.

The federal grant is the latest in the University’s efforts to strengthen its cyber education offerings. Since launching Elmhurst’s cybersecurity major in 2020, Jensen and Brown have received an innovation grant to develop a “cyber range” where students can build their cybersecurity skills. The University will also host a camp next summer for high school students interested in cybersecurity.

And earlier this fall, the University was designated a CyberPatriot Center of Excellence by the U.S. Air Force Association, a non-profit military association that supports the Air Force.

The award means that Elmhurst has demonstrated excellence and exceptional commitment to advancing STEM and cybersecurity education.

The designation also makes Elmhurst eligible for student grants and internships, hardware and software grants, and other benefits.

A thoughtful address

Fifth Ward Alderman Jacob Hill did an excellent job filling in for Mayor Scott Levin, delivering a thoughtful and inspirational message for not only veterans, but also for everyone in attendance. To allow the crowd to rise and face east for a moment of silence, Ald. Hill concluded his remarks just before “the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” the official declaration from then-President Woodrow Wilson, who first established Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 • 5

Annual Love Lights program begins Friday, Dec. 1 The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) Foundation will mark the beginning of the holiday season on Friday, Dec. 1, with its annual Love Lights program, featuring the lighting of the Central Garden at Elmhurst Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Rd. With a $25 donation, community

members can dedicate a Love Light touched a life, or a loved one who to recognize a caregiver, colleague, has passed away. volunteer, physician or special perThe EMH Foundation will feature son. With a $35 contribution, donors the names of all Love Light honorwill also receive a commemorative Love Lights ornament.

Each light symbolically commemorates a special person who has

For more information, to purchase ees from donations received through Dec. 18 that will appear in the Dec. Love Lights or to donate to the Love 28 issue of the Elmhurst Indepen- Lights program, visit eehealth.org/ love-lights or call (331) 221-0388. dent.

EMH Foundation’s Reindeer Route Housewalk returns Dec. 1 The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) Foundation will host its 47th Annual Reindeer Route Housewalk on Friday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. The event will feature four homes in Elmhurst and one in Oak Brook decorated for the holidays by local businesses: • 326 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, decorated by Vetiver & Vine.

• 118 W. Eggleston Ave., Elmhurst, decorated by Carousel Flowers

by Shamrock Garden Florists.

• 206 E. South St., Elmhurst, decorated by Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts – Elmhurst, seasonal pots by Erwin Steinhebel & Sons, Inc. • 360 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst, decorated by Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Wild Rose Floral and Gift Shop.

• 51 Yorkshire Woods, Oak Brook, decorated by Blossoms & Branches.

A portion of proceeds from the 2023 Reindeer Route Housewalk will

fund the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Teen Volunteer Health Profession Scholarship program, in addition to other programs and services, such as nursing and staff development.

Tickets are $50 in advance and can be purchased online at eehealth. org/reindeerwalk. Tickets are $60 on the day of the event, Dec. 1, and will only be available for purchase at Guaranteed Rate, 115 Adelaide St. in Elmhurst. Tickets will not be available at the featured homes.

In addition, unique gifts will be available for purchase at a Vendor Showcase on Friday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m.

– 5 p.m. at Guaranteed Rate, 115 Adelaide St. in Elmhurst.

For more information about the Reindeer Route Housewalk, visit eehealth.org/reindeerwalk.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent For more information about the The lights along the Central Garden promenade of Elmhurst Memorial Hospital is a spectacular sight EMH Foundation, visit www.emto behold and residents can be a part of it by recognizing a loved one with a “Love Light.” To participate, hfoundation.org or call (331) 221visit eehealth.org/love-lights or call (331) 221-0388.

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These guests gathered in the foyer of one of the houses that was featured on a previous Reindeer Route Housewalk. This year’s 47th annual event takes place on Friday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and will feature four homes in Elmhurst and one in Oak Brook. For tickets and information, visit eehealth.org/reindeerwalk.

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6 • Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

Police beat

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.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance, dispute Nov. 4 Police said officers responded to the 600 block of N. Larch at 4:25 a.m. for the report of a dispute. Upon arrival, a complainant related he got into a verbal argument with the suspect over a parking spot. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. The reporting officer attempted to contact the suspect with no results.

Nov. 3 Scotty V. Cannon, 64, of Elmhurst, was issued a citation for loud noise in the 700 block of S. Saylor at 5:03 a.m. Police said a complainant states the suspect is constantly yelling and throwing things on the ground outside, making a lot of noise all hours of the day and night. There have been several calls to this residence for the same problem, according to police.

Nov. 2 A victim at Elmhurst Hospital reported that a suspect grabbed both of his arms and forcefully moved him out of the way. The suspect denied grabbing the victim. Due to conflicting statements and no physical evidence, no arrests were made.

DUI, DUI-drugs, transportation of open alcohol, possession of open alcohol, consumption of alcohol by a minor Nov. 4 Gilberto Gonzalez, 54, of Chicago, was issued citations for DUI, improper turn and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Grand and Lake at 10:37 p.m.

of DuPage County subsequent to a road rage incident near Butterfield and Commonwealth at 1:24 p.m.

CALL 800-222-TIPS An investigation is pending by the Lombard Police Department.

Identity theft, fraud, forgery

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported two incidents of identity theft or fraud.

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported four incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Milton Brown, 39, of Lombard, near St. Charles and West at 7:59 p.m. Nov. 3; Tywan S. Locke, 24, of Chicago, near Route 83 and North at 5:46 p.m. Nov. 5; Luis Rivera, 20, of Addison, near Route 83 and North at 2:54 a.m. Nov. 6; and Ervin Michaun, 31, of Gary, Ind., near Van Auken and Fullerton at 11:06 a.m. Nov. 7.

Possession of a controlled substance Nov. 6 Bruce A. James, 31, of Chicago, was charged with unlawful possession of controlled substance, driving while license suspended, possession of cannabis by a driver, possession of open alcohol by a driver, operating a vehicle with suspended registration, failure to signal and no insurance, while Ladonna Perkins, 55, of Chicago, was cited for possession of alcohol by a passenger and possession of cannabis by a passenger subsequent to a traffic stop near Lake and McNair at 11:05 p.m.

Suspicious incident

Fleeing, eluding

Nov. 8 A reporting officer responded to Elmhurst Hospital at 3:39 p.m. for the report of unlawful custody interference. The two parties were disrupting the hospital staff’s ability to treat their child by arguing over custody interference. No actual violations were committed with regard to their custody agreement.

Harassments, threats

Nov. 6 A complainant in the 500 block of W. Grand told police his ex-girlfriend was throwing away his property. Officers met with the suspect who had two bags full of the complainant’s property. The complainant reported several items were missing and requested the report be taken as a matter of record.

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of fleeing and eluding during which the driver of a vehicle fled the scene after being stopped for a traffic stop by police.

Nov. 4-Nov. 7 A victim in the 100 block of N. Michigan, said she received approximately eight phone calls on her cell phone from an unknown caller. The victim did not answer the calls but is concerned it is the suspect with whom she has an order of protection. An investigation pending.

Nov. 1-Nov. 2 A victim found a threatening note on her vehicle left sometime between the above dates.

Warrant arrest

Nov. 3 Police said Robert C. Klein, 36, of Elmhurst, was found to have a valid warrant out

Theft, retail theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery Nov. 7 Jesus Cervante Rojas, 43, of Vacaville, Calif., and Brittany Baldwin, 36, of Black Creek, Wis., were charged with burglary and retail theft at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 3:43 p.m.

A complainant at a restaurant in the 500 block of W. St. Charles told police an unknown suspect came into the restaurant, grabbed a Door Dash To-Go order and left the store.

Nov. 6 Jesus Cervante Rojas, 43, of Vacaville, Calif., and Brittany Baldwin, 36 of Black Creek, Wis., were charged with burglary and retail theft at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 4:17 p.m.

Alicia S. Smith, 42, of Chicago, was charged with burglary and retail theft in the 100 block of E. Schiller at 2:55 p.m. Police said a victim reported her wallet was taken from her desk. Officers located Smith, who was found to be in possession of the victim’s property, according to police. Smith also was charged with burglary and retail theft at a business in the 100 block of N. York the same day at 3:44 p.m.

A complainant at a business in the 200 block of S. Route 83 reported an unknown suspect(s) removed a spool of wire from the work site.

A check of video surveillance showed an unknown suspect removing the spool of wire and leaving the area in a white Chevy Silverado.

Nov. 5 A victim in the 100 block of N. York told police after posting his wristwatch on Facebook Marketplace, he sold his Rolex Sea Dweller wristwatch to the suspect. The suspect used a fictitious cashier’s check as payment for the watch. An investigation is pending.

Nov. 4 Yorge Yosney Taimuza-Romero, 25, and Raynner Blanco, 26, both of Chicago, were charged with felony retail theft, while Jeixon Alejandro Gonzalez-Maldonado, 28, of Chicago, was charged with misdemeanor retail theft at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 1:34 p.m. Police said a complainant related the suspects removed cologne and left the store without paying.

Police said officers responded to a convenience store in the 100 block of E. First at 12:46 a.m. for the report of a retail theft that had just occurred. The complainant related the suspect exited the store with various tobacco items and fled in a black SUV westbound on First Street. An investigation is pending.

Nov. 3 A victim in the 300 block of W. Grand elated she believes unknown person(s) removed her wallet from her purse while her vehicle was being serviced at the above location. A charge was made on her TJ Maxx Mastercard.

Police said officers responded to a store in the 100 block of E. Schiller for the report of a retail theft that had just occurred at 11:31 p.m.

The complainant related the suspect exited the store with various bottles of alcohol. An investigation is pending.

ISP to conduct alcohol countermeasure enforcement patrols through November

Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 15 Acting Commander Ken Benson announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Cook and DuPage counties during November.

ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs.

The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for drivers who are operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, transporting open alcoholic beverages and most importantly: • Driving under the influence (DUI); • Safety belt and child restraint use; • Speeding; • Distracted driving; and, • All Illinois vehicle code and criminal violations.

Alcohol and drug impairment are factors in more than 30 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois.

There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 53 minutes in the United States. The ACE program allows officers to work even harder at removing dangerous DUI offenders from the road.

This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Roadside safety checks in DuPage Nov. 17 Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 15 Acting Commander Ken Benson has announced the ISP will conduct a Roadside Safety Check (RSC) in DuPage County on Friday, Nov. 17.

Holly Trolley set to roll through the holidays

The City of Elmhurst has announced that free Holly Trolley Service will be available on Saturdays from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30.

Hours of service will be 12 noon to midnight. Shoppers are invited to hop on, hop off, shop, dine, explore.

The Trolley stops are: 1. York and Park 2. York and Schiller 3. York and Third 4. Second and Addison 5. Cottage Hill and Virginia 6. Spring Road and the Illinois Prairie Path 7. York and Vallette Fun on the trolley will also include special events such as appearances by Princesses Elsa and Anna, Holiday Carolers, Elmhurst Public Library Storytime, Elmhurst History and more. Be sure to scan the QR Code located inside the trolley to enter-towin a weekly prize.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 • 7

Jim Peterik packs the house for ECPA

Free Medicare Information Meeting

York horns bring audience to their feet

John G. O’Connor, 61 John (61) born May 28, 1962, died October 17, 2023, in Alva, FL, formerly of Oswego, Illinois, with his family at his side. John was the beloved husband and best friend of Lori (nee Petersen) for 36 years. Dad of Kellie (Cal) Wagner and Kyle. Best Grandpa of Beckham and Maddox Wagner.

Son of William and Rosaleen (nee Donlin) O’Connor; brother of Jim (Mary), Nancy (Jim) Burke, Rosaleen (Jack) Tully, Michael, Mary Frances (Rick) Fowich, Joan (Jay) Fox. Son-in-law of Howard and Donna Petersen of Sycamore; brother-in-law of Jeff. Uncle of 16 and Great Uncle of 3.

John was a graduate of ICHS. A Vice President of Operations of several local golf courses for over 30 years; his favorite, Settlers Hill Golf Course, Batavia, IL. Celebration of Life, Saturday, December 2nd from 3-7 p.m. Chapel of the Pines, Sycamore, IL.

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Obituary

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Jim Peterik packed the house and showed guests what it is to be a legendary performer, bringing laughs, cheers, and thunderous applause throughout the evening at ECPA’s “An Intimate Evening with…” series last Thursday night at Buik Recital Hall on the campus of Elmhurst University.

Peterik opened the night treating guests to hits by Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and the Beatles before welcoming his band “The Ides of BETSY MARKWALD PHOTO Elmhurst Independent March” onstage to sing You Wouldn’t Vasili Malamis, Jim Peterik, Julian Dominguez, Matthew Markwald Listen and other favorites from the rehearse together at York High School ahead of ECPA presents “An band.

Introducing the song as he has Intimate Evening with Jim Peterik.” The three York musicians joined since 1970, Peterik invited York Peterik on stage to perform the classic hit Vehicle. director of bands Mike Pavlik and Symphonic Band students Matthew Markwald, Julian Dominguez, and Vasili Malamis on stage to join him in the performance of “Vehicle,” the Established in 1982 1970 classic hit that took Jim Peterik and The Ides to the top of the charts.

130 W Vallette, Elmhurst The crowd thanked the musicians with roaring applause and a standing ovation.

To the delight of all in attendance, MamaMariasElmhurst.com Cathy Richardson, lead vocalist of Jefferson Starship, joined the band $ on stage and they rocked through classics High On You, The Search any $10 pizza purchase is Over, I Can’t Hold Back, Hold Pick up or delivery. With this coupon only. Not valid with other offers.

Coupon not valid in dining room. Expires 7/19/15 On Loosely, and Caught Up In You, among others. The evening concluded with Peterik taking questions from with any $10 pizza purchase those in the audience in a Q&A sesup or delivery.

Pick up or delivery. With thisPick coupon only. With this coupon only. Not valid with other offers. sion moderated by Richardson. dining room. Expires 7/19/15 Not valid with other offers. Coupon not valid inPick The Elmhurst Centre for Performup or delivery. With this coupon only.

Coupon not valid in dining room.

Not valid with other offers. ing Arts is a non-profit 501(c)3 orgaExpires 11/23/23.

Coupon not valid in dining room. nization dedicated to building a stateExpires 11/23/23. of-the-art venue for live music, theatre, dance, comedy, and events. To connect with ECPA regarding future artists for the series ECPA presents “An Intimate Evening with…” contact Shawna Roubitchek at ECPAElmhurst@gmail.com.

8 • Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Viewpoint

Nov. 16, 2023 • 8

Slices of life

Part 2: If trees could talk, surviving a great fire

DSCC salutes International Volunteer Day

DuPage Senior Citizens Council (DSCC) is offering volunteer opportunities for International Volunteer Day. Established as Dec. 5 in 1985, International Volunteer Day aims to recognize those who volunteer and encourage others to join in volunteering their time as well. This year to celebrate International Volunteer Day, DSCC is looking for volunteers to deliver shelf-stable meals on Tuesday,

Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 8. Volunteers will help delivers shelf-stable meals to seniors in both DuPage and Kane Counties.

Volunteers will pick up the shelf-stable meals from the main office located at 1990 Springer Drive in Lombard, where they will then receive a list of seniors and delivery instructions. Volunteers may stay in their vehicles while meals are being loaded.

For the month of December, pickup dates and times are as follows: • Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 9 – 11 a.m.

• Friday, Dec. 8 from 9 – 11 a.m. and 4:30– 5:30 p.m.

To sign up to volunteer, visit www. dupageseniorcouncil.org/volunteering/ and fill out the Volunteer Interest Form. The volunteer department will be in contact to schedule a day to pick up and deliver meals. For more information, please call 630-620-0804.

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Entertainers share ‘Stories Behind the Songs’

It was a wildly entertaining evening at the Elmhurst American Legion Post THB 187 on Saturday, Nov. 11 for the 4th annual Stories Behind the Songs event. Wynn Varble (left) told a joke that had the entire audience in stitches, while Frank J. Myers (center) and Danny Wells looked on. While the musicians took a well-deserved break, there was a live auction which included three guitars, one of which went for $500. The event drew a record crowd, more than previous years. It was a great fundraiser for the Legion, although the exact amount raised will be announced at a later day.

In part one, Tree grew tall and firm in the forest in the mid-1800s, only to be felled by a human and cut into boards used to build a house. While most would see boards and call them such, Tree continued to see itself as a tree, because one never travels far from ones roots.

Whereas bunnies, squirrels and deer used to encompass Tree’s days, now interests included humans called Dad, Mom and a very small seedling referred to as Mary. Tree watched little Mary grow taller. And soon another little tree-human named Mikey was added to the mix.

Tree was fond of these beings and took pride in keeping them safe from heat and cold and rain and snow. Tree loved the laughter in the house and found it hard to remember the days when rabbits and squirrels were the height of its existence.

This all happened around 1910 to 1918. Life was good during those years. And then came The Fire.

Tree didn’t know much about the fire until it was right upon them. The early evening went from windy and dry to fiery and dangerous. Tree didn’t even consider its own well-being. It was concerned about the humans, especially Mary and Mikey.

But there wasn’t much it could do, being a tree and all.

Dad doused the roof and perimeter of the house with water before leaving with the rest of the humans. Tree understood Dad wanted to protect its walls and was glad. Then all Tree could do was wait.

It was a scary time. The minutes ticked by. Then hours. The wind whipped this way and that and the great fire reciprocated. Tree watched as neighboring houses succumbed to the blaze, lighting up the night sky.

Tree was sad.

Tree had lost neighbors and family.

What had been such a happy time became sorrowful. Devastating, even.

The days ticked by slowly. The fires dissipated and finally became smoldering piles of lost dreams.

Tree was despondent.

And then, there was movement on the street outside—familiar movement. It was the humans called Dad and Mom and best of all they had with them Mary and Mikey. It was the first time, and perhaps the only time, tree wished it had a voice. It would have called out to its humans - to welcome them back. To say thank you for the water, which had undoubtedly saved its wooden being from being taken by the fire.

Instead, tree stayed silent, and gave thanks for the humans who loved him

By

JILL PERTLER Columnist

(and who Tree loved in return.)

Mary and Mikey grew to be teenagers (a hilarious yet trying time for Tree). They moved out of the house. Shortly after, Dad and Mom left and another set of humans (Tree had learned they are called family) inhabited the house. They had little humans of their own, and tree grew to love them nearly as much and maybe even more than Mary and Mikey.

This happened over and over.

Humans replaced humans. Tree was amazed and saddened at the brevity of human life. One just gets to know the humans inhabiting itself and they up and leave or, worse yet, die. Tree witnessed three humans die and felt immense sadness when this happened, while understanding this was how it is supposed to be. Death here on earth is only a rebirth of some sort, much like Tree’s rebirth and metamorphosis from branches to boards.

Tree has cultivated the ability to sense when a human death is near and has come to realize that death is not ugly, but beautiful. The humans witnessing the death don’t typically see this, so Tree employs a tactic it has come to know as “pray” to connect with its roots and the humans in proximity. Tree prays for the humans to see the unfolding of the universe’s grand plans—including the beauty of death and a celebration of a life welllived.

If trees could talk, the tree at 758 Lilac St. could recite volumes. But that’s not how it’s supposed to be.

Trees don’t talk.

But they can stand near. They can shelter. They can witness. They can love.

And they do.

They see comings and goings. They see life and death. They see the world at its best and its worst.

They can grow toward the clouds or they can be cut to their quick.

Through it all they stand by us and support us, albeit silently.

As Tree at 758 Lilac has done—for generations—and will continue to do.

As Tree only hopes.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 • 9

ATTENTION 8TH GRADERS! ON DECEMBER 2ND AT 8:00AM.....

TEST AT FENWICK HOME OF THE FRIARS

REGISTER AT WWW.FENWICKFRIARS.COM/EXAM

446823

Fenwick High School A history of excellence, a future of faithful leaders

10 • Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

Real Estate and Business Tribune names real estate firm Top Workplace for 2023

Artist’s Guild opens new show

Chicago real estate brokerage Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago is proud to be named the No. 1 Top Workplace in Chicago among large companies for 2023 by The Chicago Tribune. The company has ranked among the top three firms for five consecutive years, holding the No. 1 spot three times. The award is based on employee feedback from independent employee surveys and speaks to the strength of the company’s culture and commitment to helping Chicago-area buyers, sellers and renters move confidently.

“It is truly an honor to be named the No. 1 Top Workplace in Chicago,” said CEO Diane Glass.

“I am very proud of our organization and the people that make us us. I love to hear that our agents and employees describe our company culture as one of professionalism and inclusivity – it shows me that we’re on the right track as an organization. But our guiding light has and always will be helping our clients move confidently.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Pictured is Dalia Abdelaziz with her painting “Bittersweet Moment,” which was named Best of Show on Saturday, Nov. 11 at the opening reception for the Elmhurst Artist’s Guild’s current show titled “Blue.” The judge for the show was Chris Cantele, president of the Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA). First place was awarded to Katherine Marra; second place, Peter Steeves; third place, Debra Vaccaro; and honorable mention was given to Rebecca Russow, Katy Costello and Cynthia Lee. The show remains on display at the Guild Gallery inside the Elmhurst Art Museum through Saturday, Dec. 2.

Lawmakers decline to extend private school scholarship tax credit program

By Peter Hancock

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Illinois lawmakers adjourned their fall veto session Nov. 9 without renewing a controversial program that provided indirect state support for students attending private and religious schools.

The Invest in Kids program will sunset as scheduled on Dec. 31, meaning donors to six state-approved private school scholarship funds will no longer be able to claim a 75 percent tax credit for their donations. The program has been capped at $75 million annually since its implementation in 2018.

Advocates for the program say without the tax incentives, the scholarship

organizations won’t be able to raise the money they have in recent years, and an estimated 9,600 students who currently receive those scholarships may have to find another way to pay for their education or transfer to their local public school.

Lawmakers passed the Invest in Kids Act in 2017 as part of a bipartisan package that also included an overhaul of the way Illinois funds public preK12 education. The scholarship program was considered necessary in order to get then-Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican, to sign the public school funding overhaul.

Supporters of the program argued that it gave children from lower-in-

come backgrounds the ability to attend schools that would otherwise be available only to wealthier families.

But opponents, including teachers’ unions and other advocates for public education, argued that the tax credits siphoned money out of state coffers that could have been used to support public schools.

Last month, state Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar, D-Chicago, introduced House Bill 4194, which would have renewed a scaled-back version of the program. But that bill was never called for a vote.

One question that remained unanswered about the program is whether students who received private school

scholarships performed any better academically than their peers who went to public schools.

The 2017 law required students receiving the scholarships to take the same standardized tests that public school students take each year, and it called on the Illinois State Board of Education to publish an analysis of that data.

But ISBE has not yet published that analysis. Officials at the agency said they were unable to collect reliable data during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. An analysis using 2022 and 2023 test results is scheduled for release later this year or early in 2024.

Throughout the veto session, dozens of supporters of the program converged on the Statehouse wearing blue t-shirts and waving signs that read, “Protect our scholarships.”

House Republican leader Tony McCombie, of Savanna, told reporters Nov. 9 that she believes the program still has bipartisan support, and she said its backers will continue working to have it reinstated.

“It certainly will continue to be a priority of the caucus, and it certainly will be a priority of several of the Democrats in the House as well as, I believe, in the Senate,” she said. “I don’t think it’s going to be something that they’re going to want to just stop.”

State police still drafting assault weapons registration rules as deadline nears

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Officials at the Illinois State Police said Nov. 7 they are working to finalize rules for registering assault weapons and other items that are now tightly regulated under the state’s new assault weapons ban as a Jan. 1 compliance deadline approaches.

ISP attorney Suzanne Bond told the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, a bipartisan panel that oversees administrative rulemaking, that the agency just completed anoth-

er round of public hearings this week and is now in the process of trying to answer all the questions it received from the public.

“They were well-attended by the public and various organizations,” she said of the hearings. “Those groups have committed to sending us their questions in writing. To the extent possible, if we had answers, we did provide them. We pointed them to relevant FAQs on our website, which have been updated.”

The registration requirement is

part of the state’s new assault weapons ban, known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which lawmakers passed in January. It bans the sale, purchase, possession, and distribution of a long list of firearms defined as “assault weapons” as well as various firearm attachments, large-capacity magazines, and certain kinds of ammunition.

The law also states that people who owned those items before it took effect are allowed to keep them, as long as they register them with the

Illinois State Police before Jan. 1.

As that deadline approaches, however, ISP is still in the process of finalizing administrative rules that will spell out exactly what items must be registered.

In September, ISP published temporary rules spelling out a registration process, and the agency began accepting online registrations Oct. 1.

But many people have complained that those rules are not clear and that it’s difficult to tell what items must be registered and what items are ex-

LEGAL NOTICES Request for Conditional Use Permits and Variations Notice is hereby given that the Elmhurst Zoning and Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., in the Elmhurst City Hall, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, Illinois. The purpose of this hearing is to consider a request by Mirjan Sadik (Sadik 609, LLC.), Tenant, (current owners Thomas P. Samatas and Catherine Samatas and Nick Soppi and Olga Soppi Trust) for a Conditional Use Permit for a drive-through establishment, Conditional Use Permit for a Pylon Sign, and associated

parking and signage Variations at the property commonly known as 609 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, Illinois for the purpose of operating a restaurant with a drive-through and replacing an existing pylon sign.

Following is a legal description of the subject property: LOT 2 (EXCEPT THE WEST 200 FEET OF SAID LOT 2) IN HEINE’S DIVISION OF PART OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED SEPTEMBER 23, 1968 AS DOCUMENT R6844007, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PIN: 06-03-415-009

The common street address is 609 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, IL. The subject property is located within the C2 Community Shopping and Service District.

If you have any questions regarding this case, please contact the Community Development Department at 630-530-3121.

NOTE: Any person who has a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting, should contact Emily Wagner, ADA Compliance Officer,

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., City of Elmhurst, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126, or call 630-530-8095 TDD, within a reasonable time before the meeting. Requests for a qualified interpreter require five (5) working days’ advance notice.

Eileen Franz, City Planner (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Nov. 16, 2023) 447041

Rock Valley Publishing LLC

Can Publish Your Legals Call 815-877-4044 or email your legals to Legals@rvpublishing.com

425134

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CASE NUMBER 23 P 11

empt.

Interested parties have until Nov. 20 to submit written comments on the proposed rules. The email address for submitting those comments is ISP.Legal.PublicComments@illinois.gov.

As of Nov. 7, according to ISP statistics, 2,906 individuals had submitted registrations under the temporary rules.

Those registrations covered 5,450 firearms, 2,871 accessories, and 58 sets of ammunition.

NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79251 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 1, 2023, wherein the business firm of UNFILTER’D DESIGNS LOCATED AT 460 W. IRVING PARK ROAD SUITE C-234, BENSENVILLE, IL 60106 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) ISABELLE SCHREINER, HOME ADDRESS 581 JOHN STREET, BENSENVILLE, IL 60106.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 1ST day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2023.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Nov. 16, 23 & 30, 2023) 447098

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 • 11

E L M H U R S T 130 W. PARK AVE.

Debbie Obradovich • 5bed/4.1ba • $1,985,000 630.935.8106 • 434 S Stratford Avenue

Trish Orndorff • 5bed/5ba • $1,249,000 708.655.7947 • 585 S Kearsage Avenue

Bryan Bomba • 4bed/3.1ba • $1,499,000 630.286.9242 • 3001 Meyers Road

Shelly Perkowski • 3bed/3ba • $1,059,999 630.251.7790 • 71 Briarwood Circle

Despinich/Markgraf • 4bed/3ba • $679,000 630.989.9500 • 257 N Elm Avenue

The Schiller Team • 5bed/5ba • $1,455,000 630.992.0582 • 768 S Kent Avenue

Alex Haried • 4bed/2.1ba • $899,000 630.308.0795 • 305 E Adelia Street

Drury/Schiller • 6bed/3ba • $499,000 630.514.9961 • 228 W Grove Street

Yvonne Despinich • 2bed/2ba • $699,900 630.989.9500 • 105 S Cottage Hill Avenue #405

Toby Stange • 4bed/3.1ba • $440,000 630.940.8460 • 166 E Lake Street #F

MICHIGAN

Kris Maranda • 5bed/2.1ba • $439,000 630.699.2211 • 1135 S Summit Avenue

Molly Radoha • 2bed/2ba • $365,000 630.408.3069 • 309 N Geneva Avenue

BENTON HARBOR Justin Lucas • 4bed/4.2ba $1,849,000 • 312.989.0512 151 Higman Park Hill #1

ST. JOSEPH Wortman Group • 4bed/4.1ba $1,650,000 • 269.930.2250 565 Golden Bear Court

446782

12 • Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

Cead Mille Failte (One Hundred Thousand Welcomes)

172 Addison Avenue • Elmhurst IL 60126 Phone (630) 530-0777 • Fax (630) 530-4599 • www.fitzspub.com

• Fish Fry Fridays • Daily Specials • Private Parties • $3.00 food Specials on Saturday & Sunday

Kitchen Hours: Sunday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

If You Enjoyed Our Food and Service Please Tell Your Friends. If You Didn’t, Please Tell Us! Family Owned By Elmhurst Residents

DINE IN OR CARRY OUT

Daily Specials

♣ Monday ♣

Chicken Dinner .................................................... $10.50 Served fried, roasted, or BBQ with mashed potatoes & Gravy, vegetables of the day, & garlic bread

♣ Tuesday ♣

Homemade Meat Loaf ............................................ $9.50

♣ Friday ♣

Our World Famous Beer Battered Fish Fry ALL YOU CAN EAT ............................................. $13.95 Served with fries, homemade coleslaw, & tartar sauce

FISH SANDWICH ............................................... $10.95 Served on garlic French bread with fries, homemade coleslaw, & tartar sauce

2 Hard or Soft Tacos (Dine-In Only) ..................... $3.00

Pepper & Egg Sandwich ......................................... $9.95 Fish Tacos ............................................................. $10.95

♣ Wednesday ♣

♣ Saturday & Sunday ♣

Served with mashed potatoes, vegetables of the day, & garlic bread

substitute Chicken $1.00, served with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, salsa & sour cream, Guacamole 50¢

Meat Loaf Sandwich ............................................... $8.95 Served with Potato Chips

Pot Roast ............................................................... $12.95 Served with new potatoes, carrots, & garlic bread

Pot Roast Grilled Cheese...................................... $11.95 Your choice of sides

♣ Thursday ♣

Pasta Special ......................................................... $12.95

Three soft or hard shell tacos served with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded Cheddar cheese, salsa & sour cream, guacamole 50¢

Weekend Specials (Dine-In Only)

-Mini Fitz Chips - Homemade otato chips covered with bacon, Mozzarella, Cheddar, & crumbled Bleu cheese; served with Ranch dressing ..................... $4.00 -Mini Basket of Fries $4.00 (add cheese for $1.00) -Mini Basket of Waffle Fries $4.75 -Mini Basket of Onion Rings $5.00 Sandwiches: 1/4 Cheeseburger, Mini-Italian Beef, Mini Slopper Joes - $3.00; Mini Fish - $4.00 Jumbo Hot Dog, Bratwurst $4.00 add chips or fries for $1.00; peppers or grilled onions 35¢

Ask server for details; served with garlic bread and a side salad

Pot Roast Sandwich .............................................. $10.95 Served with Potato Chips

♣ Everyday ♣

Jumbo Deep Fried Shrimp ................................... $12.95

Served with homemade cocktail sauce & fries * Prices are subject to change without notice.*

Be sure to visit our other locations:

Punky’s Irish Pub

630-832-8479

630-629-8033

314 W. St. Charles Rd., Villa Park

16 S. Park, Lombard

Fitz’s Thirsty Irishman

1989 Bloomingdale Rd., Glendale Heights

847-278-7132

446349

Fitz’s Irish Bulldog

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 • 13

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

ILS students celebrate their grandparents

Worship Services Directory

FAITH CHURCH OF ELMHURST LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL METHODIST COMMUNITY IN ELMHURST

Come Join the Global Methodist Movement As We Create Connec�ons through Extending Christ’s Love 10 a.m. Sundays 11 a.m. Wednesdays

111 W North Avenue Elmhurst 630-941-0212

547 N. Main St. Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 627-2435

Sunday Worship at 10:15am Sunday School & Bible Study 9am Wednesday Service at 7pm Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30pm Thanksgiving Service Wed., Nov. 22nd at 7pm

Everyone is Welcome!

www.faithchurchelmhurst.org faithelm@gmail.com

All services are live streamed.

You can watch them on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org

446322

Worship: Prayer:

✝

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church

446425

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.

Give Thanks!

Thanksgiving Eve Service at 5:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving Day Service at 9:00 a.m.

ImmanuelElmhurst.org 630-832-1649

Handicapped accessible and hearing loop enabled

446779

142 E. Third St. Elmhurst, IL

407855

Be a part of the Worship Services Directory for as low as $20 per week

Call Brenda at 630-834-4450 or Betty at 630-627-7010

444410

Immanuel Lutheran School held a Grandparents Day celebration on Friday, Nov. 10. Students from preschool through 8th grade took the opportunity to share their school with their grandparents and special grand-friends by displaying their classrooms, playing games, and treating their grandparents to a performance.

The morning concluded with chapel, where kids and grandparents worshipped together.

446917

14 • Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

Serving Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Lombard & Villa Park

Classifieds

Call Classifieds at

Elmhurst Office (630) 834-8244

In-Print and Onlne at www.TheIndependentNewspapers.com

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

BUSINESS & SERVICE Sink & tub rodding, water heaters, sump pumps, sewer pumps, leaky pipes & faucets

General Carpentry 30 Years Experience

Licensed Plumbers From Elmhurst

“Specializing in Quality Workmanship and Attention to Detail”

Landscaping/ Lawn/Garden

DetaileD expert trimming & pruning to Keep Your trees HealtHY & propertY Well maintaineD

LAWN & SNOW MANAGEMENT

708-681-9031

CommerCial & resiDential tree experts

630-832-9530

RESTORE/REPLACE CONCRETE

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

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

Painting

403865

630-248-3222

SUN PRO WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING “We’re the Best of the Rest You’ll Be Highly Impressed”

Call Joe @ 773-766-5780 or Paul @ 847-606-5717 - 44 years experience -

For details on placing an ad in our

Classified Section Call 630-834-8244 or 630-627-7010

388922

Residential driveways, patios, walkways.

Stamped and colored concrete.

Call Greg 630-469-6898

630-303-4641

I BUY OLD TOYS

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

Electrical

The Elmhurst Independent The Addison Independent • The Bensenville Independent Villa Park Review • Lombardian 364628

TROUBLE SHOOTING SPECIALISTS

Burial Needs

7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale.

Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.

Windows

247158

T & M TREE SERVICE

CUSTOM CONCRETE

Wanted

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

Time To Sell Your Home?

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

Call

422784

Overlay - Epoxy - Repair

FREE Evaluations

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

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

437446

CONCRETE RESTORATION

• Pruning • Complete Removal Of Unhealthy Or Overgrown Trees • Tree & Stump Removal • Storm Damage Cleanup • Firewood Available • Insurance Work Welcome • 24-Hour Emergency Service

tree maintenanCe program To Fit Your Needs Available 24 Hours For All Your Emergency Needs

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

Bobby 630.520.5812 Mynor 630.631.3073

We Have The Newest State-Of-The-Art Tree Equipment To Meet Your Needs Safely & Efficiently

425230

Concrete

mynorconcrete.com

No Tree Is Beyond Our Reach!

Contact Bill @ 630-918-2945

247155

Announcements

437136

GREG STEBEN CARPENTRY Small Home Repairs and Remodeling

630-495-8077

Tree Service

Plumbing

Handyman

431090

Building Repair/ Remodeling

FOR SALE

630-834-8244 or (Lombard) 630-627-7010

(Elmhurst)

for details on placing an ad

Find us online: theindependentnewspapers.com https://homepaintingillino.wixsite.com/website https://homepaintingillino.wixsite.com/website

630-495-8500

630-981-1459 Cell

Firewood

425020

ELECTRICAL SERVICE REMODELING WORK & UP-GRADE SERVICE

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

(630)234-1471.

422796

REAL ESTATE

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 • 15

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16 • Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Sports Nov. 16, 2023 • 16

York football advances to Class 8A state semifinals

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

IC Catholic Prep loses to St. Laurence in 4A quarters

It’s back to the state semifinals for the York football team. The Dukes defeated Edwardsville 36-29 in a Class 8A quarterfinal game held a Clarence D. East Field in Elmhurst.

The win sends York (11-1) back to the state semifinals for a second year in a row. The Dukes head to Wilmette Saturday at 12:30 p.m. to face defending Class 8A state-champion Loyola Academy (12-0) for a chance to play in the 8A state title game against either Barrington (120) or Lincoln-Way East (12-0).

York lost to Loyola last year 30-3 in the 8A semifinals. Loyola, as a No. 6 seed, went on to defeat Lincoln-Way East 13-3 for the state title. This year, Loyola is the No. 1 seed in the 32-team Class 8A bracket, while York is the No. 5 seed. Lincoln-Way East is the No. 2 seed and Barrington is the No. 3 seed. York is 23-2 over the last two seasons.

In the win against No. 4 seed Edwardsville, Jake Melion’s five-yard run put York up 7-0 in the first quarter. Edwardsville scored rushing touchdowns of 19 and four yards and returned an interception for a score to go up 21-7 in the second quarter. Melion ran a touchdown in from two yards out to cut the lead to 21-14 and Luke Mailander caught a 29-yard pass from Sean Winton to tie the game at 21-21 at halftime.

Mailander then hauled in a 39-yard touchdown pass from Winton to put York up 27-21 after the extra point was no good. York drilled a 30-yard

field goal to go up 30-21 after three quarters. Melion scored his third touchdown of the game on a threeyard run to put York up 36-21 in the fourth quarter. York missed the two-point conversion. Edwardsville scored a touchdown and converted the two-point try for the final margin.

Edwardsville had a chance to tie the game but threw an incomplete pass deep in York territory as time expired in regulation. York outscored Edwardsville 29-8 after trailing 21-7 at one point. York racked up 422 yards of total offense and converted 58 percent of its thirddown attempts.

Winton finished the game 14for-18 for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Melion ran 36 times for 160 yards and three scores. Mailander caught 10 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Winton set a new school record for passing yards in a season, while Melion broke the school record for most rushing yards in a season.

Sica led the Dukes defense with 10 total tackles. Joseph Reiff had nine tackles, while Cole Ostendorf and Jimmy Conners each had eight tackles. Jack Trautmann had four tackles for loss (all sacks), while Reiff had 2.5 tackles for loss (all sacks) and Joey Maucieri had two tackles for loss. York had 11.5 tackles for loss in the game and 7.5 sacks. Trautmann tied the school record for most sacks in a game with four.

York’s defense now has five players with 10 or more tackles for loss

York Football week 13 preview York (11-1) at Loyola Academy (12-0)

When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Where: Hoerster Field, Loyola Academy, Wilmette Seeds: York is the No. 5 seed in the 32-team Class 8A bracket; Loyola is the No. 1 seed.

Outlook: A repeat matchup of one 8A semifinal from a year ago. In 2022, Loyola downed York 30-3 on its way to winning the Class 8A state championship. A quick look at Loyola’s body of work shows a team that had 10 or more points scored against it but twice this season (Brother Rice scored 24 points and Mt. Carmel scored 21 points).

Otherwise, the Ramblers have held 10 of 12 opponents to nine or less points. In terms of playoff foes, Loyola has played eight teams in Illinois that made the playoffs. In the playoffs, Loyola defeated 4-5 Plainfield North 45-9, Neuqua Valley (7-4 record) 33-6 and St. Ignatius (8-4) by a 41-7 count. Loyola defeated IC Catholic Prep 47-0 in Week 7. York’s defense has been up to snuff as well, limiting seven opponents to 17 or less points. Quarterback Sean Winton has set the school record for most passing yards in a season, while running back Jake Melion has set the school mark for most rushing yards in a season. Hats off to the Dukes for earning back-to-back state semifinal appearances in the state’s largest playoff classification.

Up next: The winner gets Barrington or Lincoln-Way East in the Class 8A state title game at Illinois State University.

on the season (Reiff leads with 19.5, while Ostendorf has 18.5 and Trautmann has 18). Reiff and Trautmann are tied for the team lead in sacks with 11, while Ostendorf has 9.5.

IC Catholic Prep football The IC Catholic Prep football team saw its season come to a close after a 24-20 loss to Burbank St. Laurence in the Class 4A quarterfinals at Lewis Stadium at Plunkett Athletic Complex in Elmhurst.

The two teams played to a 7-7 tie after the first quarter and a 14-14 stalemate at halftime. The Knights brought a 20-17 lead into the fourth

quarter, but St. Laurence scored the game-winning touchdown.

Aaron Harvey scored the Knights’ first touchdown on a 1-yard run to tie the game at 7-7 with two minutes to play in the first quarter. Dominik Hulak hauled in a 14-yard pass from Dennis Mandala to erase a St. Laurence second-quarter lead, tying the score at 14-14.

The Knights went up 20-14 on a 15-yard touchdown pass with nine minutes to play in the third quarter.

ICCP missed the two-point conversion try.

St. Laurence cut the lead to 20-17 after a 27-yard field goal with three

minutes to play in the third and then won it with under a minute to play in regulation on a 2-yard rushing touchdown and extra point. ICCP was the No. 7 seed in the top half of the Class 4A bracket, while St. Laurence was the No. 11 seed.

ICCP finished the season 9-3 and was in the state quarterfinals for the eighth season in a row (not including the COVID-19 season in 2020).

St. Laurence (9-3) will host No. 4 seed Wheaton Academy (11-1) in the state semifinals. The winner plays either No. 1 Rochester (12-0) or No. 2 Murphysboro (11-1) for the state title.

IC Catholic Prep girls volleyball team second in the state

Knights faced Breese Mater Dei in Class 2A title match

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Make room in the IC Catholic Prep girls volleyball trophy case. Another piece of hardware needs to be added.

The Knights recently took second at the Class 2A state finals tournament held at CEFCU Arena on the grounds of Illinois State University in Normal.

It was ICCP’s second runner-up finish in a row. The Knights also took second in the state in Class 2A a year ago, losing to Genoa-Kingston in the 2022 final.

In the state semifinals, ICCP scored a 25-5, 25-16 win over Carmi-White County. The Knights hit .403 as a team with only five hitting errors on 67 swings.

The Knights hit .565 (14 kills, 1 error on 23 swings) in the first set and .318 in the second set.

Penn State-bound Ava Falduto, who came into the semifinals with 350 kills and 323 digs, had nine kills, 11 digs, six assists and three aces, while hitting .333. Emily Carling hit .421 and finished with eight kills.

Lucy Russ had seven kills, hit .667 and had 22 assists and six digs. Deliliah Hyland had four kills, while Alysa Lawton had 12 digs and three assists.

ICCP held Carmi-White County to a negative .107 hitting percentage in the first set (3 kills, 6 errors on 28 swings) and a .129 hitting percentage in the second set. Carmi-White County hit .017 for the game.

The Knights then lost 25-21, 2522 in the state-title match to Breese Mater Dei. ICCP hit .018 in the math with 22 kills and 20 hitting errors on 111 swings. Falduto was set 58 times in the match and had 11 kills, hitting

minus .017. Hyland had five kills and hit .500, while Russ had three kills and 19 setting assists to go with 11 digs. Carling had 10 digs, while Lawton had 14 digs. Falduto also had two aces and eight digs.

ICCP finished the season 36-4 and had a 21-match winning streak snapped in the state-title match. In addition to state titles in 1981, 1984 and 2013, the Knights now have runner-up finishes in 1979, 1980, 1982, 2022 and 2023. The 1989 team took third in the state.

ICCP coach Nancy Kerrigan’s teams have now won 20 or matches in eight of her 10 seasons at the helm.

The Knights are 99-14 over the last three seasons (30-8, 33-2 and 36-4).

Breese Mater Dei finished the season 33-6 and won its seventh state championship, but first since 2011.

Timothy Christian’s Buikema named Section 2 goalkeeper of the year Helped Trojans advance to Class 2A supersectional round

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

In a season filled with many positives, the Timothy Christian boys soccer team has racked up plenty of postseason accolades. Junior goalie Peter Buikema not only was named the Chicagoland Christian Conference goalkeeper of the year, but also earned Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association Section 2 goalkeeper of the year honors. Buikema joined senior midfielder Caleb Bode and junior midfielder Cooper

Rainone on the all-sectional team.

Buikema also was one of six Timothy Christian players selected to the first all-Chicagoland Christian Conference team, joining Bode, senior forward Hendrik De Vries, junior midfielder Owen Wise, junior defender Trevor Munk and Rainone.

Timothy finished the 2023 season 18-7 overall and won the CCC title with a 5-1 record before advancing all the way to a Class 2A supersectional where it lost to eventual state-champion Crystal Lake South.

The Trojans downed Benet Academy 2-1 in overtime to win the sectional title. The game was tied 0-0 at half before De Vries capitalized on a Benet defensive turnover and slotted a ball into the net in the first two minutes of the second half. Benet tied the game five minutes later.

In overtime, junior Owen Wise scored the game-winner—a free kick from 20 yards out. “Owen slipped it under the wall to the near post,”

See BUIKEMA, Page 17

SPORTS 19

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 • 17 The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 19

York’s Stangarone 15th in girls state diving competition

sports

IC Catholic Prep graduate Dukes 19th in 200 medley relay Leslie headed to Le Moyne

shy of the sectional team title, won ninth in the 100 at 56.28. Gustafson

by Lake Park (230 points). York won was fourth in the 500 with a time of the 200 medley relay sectional title 5:20.82, while Gibson was fifth at with a time of 1:47.43. That team in- 5:21.94. York was fourth in the 200 cluded Marlott, a senior, McCarthy, relay with a time of 1:40.01 with

By Mike Miazga a freshman, Amendola and Szejner, a Czerwinski, Natalie Tuerk, Morgan CORRESPONDENT A host of York girls swimmers fin- sophomore. Stangarone was second and Szejner. Tuerk was third in the feel I would be so bored thelike diving competition with awithscore backstroke with a time of 59.56. ished their seasons on the big stage Iin Will play volleyball out it because it has been such a big McCarthy was seventh in the breastof 442.75.

Daniella Chavez, a senior, at the recent IHSA state finals meet I’m really my life.” wasoffourth with a score of 398.35. stroke with a time of 1:11.27, while for Division schoolin part hosted at the FMCIINatatorium Leslie said she has plenty of Amendola qualified for state by finMorgan was ninth at 1:12.43. York Westmont.

By Mike Miazga excited memories frominICthe Catholic Prep’s ishing fourth butterly with took second into thebe 400 able relay with a In the diving competition, York CORRESPONDENT coach Nancy Kerrigan’s program. a time of 57.69 that was under the time of 3:36.91.

That team senior Angela Stangarone sevto play volleyballincluded in Recent IC Catholic Prepwas gradu“I loved playing there,” she said. Czerwinski, Tuerk, Amendola and state-qualifying standard of 58.33. enth in the prelims with a score of ate Bella Leslie wantedthto head east “IShe probably enjoyed volley-in Szejner. also was under school the standard college. It gives me 216.10.

She finished 14 in the semifor college. ball more than club because I love the backstroke, where she took secAlso, York took third at the West finals with a score of 317.55 and then Her landing spot ended up being my something to Silver do. I Divith team and the coaching staff ond with a time of 57.73 (58.44 was Suburban Conference the stateII with a finals 15 inDivision attook NCAA Le Moyne was very supportivemark). on and off the sion meet. The Dukes finished with the state-qualifying score of 416.45.

College where the former Knights court. feel likeLyons I would bewon th AnnMarie sixth points.

Township It madeCzerwinski it a reallywas good en-in 210 York took in the 200 medley volleyball and19soccer standout will vironment the 200 free with a time of 1:59.01, the conference title with 315 points, to be in.

Coach (Kerrirelay withhera time of 1:48.62. so bored without continue volleyball careerThat at gan) while Layla Gustafson was seventh while Hinsdale Central was second was great.

I have known her team includedNew JaneYork Marlott, Kaththe Syracuse, school as at 1:59.84.

MarlottI was little, third in the with 292 points. Stangarone a while. When I did McCarthy, Sophia Amendola for it because it hasfinished aleen libero.

IM with a time of 2:14.27, while fifth in the diving competition with all the little kids camps, and her and Samantha Szejner.I was looking “All of the schools th Anna Gibson at 2:18.18. points.

Chavez was sixth at daughter was inwas my ninth brother’s grade 360.60 been such a big Amendola, a junior, took 25 in at were on the East Coast,” Leslie atSzejner IC.” took fourth in the 50 with a 351.50. York was third in the 200 the butterfly with a time of 58.47, told the Independent partrelay of my life.” thlast week. “I time of 24.39. in 1:54.87 with Marlott, Leslie said she will miss plen- medley in the backand also finished 26 th visited Le Moyne and really liked ty about in the butHaylie Morgan was 12 McCarthy, Amendola and Morgan.

IC Catholic Prep.

“I will – Bella Leslie stroke with a time of 58.65. it. It reminded me of high school miss withclose a time Czer- Gibson was sixth in the 200 with a knitofof1:02.93. a communiEarlier, the Dukes took second at terflyhow because it was a small school, and tywinski wasshe seventh in knew the 100 with time of 2:01.17, while Czerwinski it was,” said. “I everythe Downers Grove North sectional. in a smaller school you will know a body Marlott was been was ninth in 2:04.29. was at of the55.04, school.while It will be weird cancelled due toAmendola the pandemYork finished with 227 points, three a time lot more faces than if I would have going on campus and not knowing ic. “I will probably leave Aug. gone to a bigger school. The cam- all the faces. I’ll miss those close 10-11 because it’s a far drive,” pus there is really pretty. It sits on connections with the coaches and she said. “We had Zoom call with a big hill and the scenery around it teachers. It will be weird for the the team recently and they said is great. Everything is pretty close first year or so.” they should have an answer about together. They have very nice facilLeslie said pandemic life hasn’t our season in the next 7-10 days.

By Mike ego Ochoa six saves in goal. each of our last three games,” Stopities.

TheMiazga volleyball program has been overlymade exciting, though her They talked about three scenarios CORRESPONDENT “We volleyball started off team just fine made and ka said. the defense and good workout facilities and a nice club hasbutstarted what “He couldread happen like if we Members the York boys soctwo mentalagain. mistakes in the firstbeen half start picked a passand andsomeone finished gets on a locker room. Iofliked how modern it practicing “We have theoff season cer team were honored recently practicing to go downtwo 2-0,” breakaway.” was.” or York threecoach timesJora sick and we have to stop and go. forLeslie theirplans on-field excellence.

Rico week,” dan Stopka noted.

“We it 2-2 Stopka saw of why improveon studying nursing she said.

“We aretied going to That’s one of theplenty reasons they Herrera was named the all-state before the tournaments end of the half, played ments throughout the the course of the at Le Moyne.

“Theytohave a good be starting again.

Be- are looking at moving season to team, while Jayden wasfar an fore greatthat defense, butbeen couldn’t season.

“We improved lot on nursing program,” sheWaski said. “As I haven’t doing break any- the spring.

Right now thea plan is the to all-sectional Herrera, through in thesenior second.” backaline and making mistakes as what kind ofselection. a nurse I want to thing because soccer season have season, but we less won’t know Waski, Michael Greco, and Jobi scored in were over- until building up from back,” he said. be, I’m not quite sure yet.” Mateusz andGlodz the club volleyball season the next 7-10the days.”

Janowski and Damian Glodz were cancelled. time to give win. “Into overwas a veryare funa team, and Leslie played volleyball and girls WeYork werethe supposed go “This But if allalso systems go, LesnamedattoICthe all-West time, some by lie thecan’t camaraderie was her phenomenal. soccer Catholic PrepSuburban all four to a few clubindividual volleyball efforts qualifiers wait to take skills as Conference Silver Division team. in Damian Aaronand put Louisville. us over the aOur biggest be the the years.

She was a center-midfielder Grandand Rapids libero to thememories next levelwill with Those players soccer helpedteam.

York finish This top,”summer, Stopka noted. daily grind much afun we on the Knights we haveStopka some added tour- Dolphins.

“I and feel how like being libe16-5 overall and 4-2 in WSC Silver naments Ochoa made “one save” have.

Manyto will remember our Leslie’s volleyball journey planned overhuge the next fewin ro you have be really quick and play. in the fifth grade, the first weekends. the secondThey half to The that tournament in the Quad started arehelp littleYork. tournais typically what I amCities good this at. advanced Class 3A ments Dukeswith did lose Herrera to anclubs. ankle Isummer and good othersreaction will remember yearYork she could play to the asport at IC all of the local have really time,” sectional championship game.playThe Nothing injury in the second scoring goals in theonfinal Grade School.

She’s been large and half. really local. she said. two “I like diving the seven floor Dukes Glenbard Westseventh 4-2 in Other York lostthat, in penalty kickstrying to St. and minutes survive Glening clubbeat volleyball since than I have been savingtoballs.

It’s aagainst really good overtime in the sectional Charles Easta in cham- feeling bard East.

I personally rememgrade, most recently withsemifinals the Chi- to work out lotthe andsectional stay in shape. when you make will a save.

The whereElite Glodz hadthat twopractices goals, while pionship game. a Jobi York’s ber this fits group seniors for leadcago group out I’ve been running lot, sohad I got into position myof personality, too.

Aaron Jobiinand Janowski each and had that. onlyIgoal of the ers, have but also a fun one sideonto of Scores Willow Springs try and rungame. every“Aaron day.” once You to behaving the loudest a goal. Waski onein assist and Di- again came big, isscoring a goaltoin the them, which made the 2personality.

1/2 months Montini High had School Lombard.

Leslie saidupshe scheduled court.

I have a loud “I’m really excited to be able report to Le Moyne in the Aug. 12- You have to be pretty loud if you to play volleyball in college,” she 15 timeframe, (Continued from page 16) but noted preseason want to be a libero. I think I match said. “It gives me something to do. volleyball activities already have that description.”

Timothy coach Joel Zielke pointed forward Caleb Hoekstra had 12 goals were working towards with a mindset out. “It was a tight match throughout and three assists. Junior midfielder that we could compete with anyone in with both sides creating scoring op(Continued fromTimothy page 18)Nulty had nine goals and five the state. Although we don’t have a portunities.” Timothy then defended assists and Rainone had six goals and state trophy to add to the case, I would They to West Chicago on huge I’m a more little dybit ble and communicate the final lost 15 minutes to secure its first eight rah-rah assists. person.

“We became putand thistransparent group up there as one of the IClass think 2A an own goal title in the five more individual players’ coach. sectional in last program namicofasanthe season progressed,” Ziel- with greateverybody.” teams in program history. I am minutes.

That against the state Ike will pull“This kids group to the was sideable at practice As far asproud the future, wants overall. history and 10thwas said. to play extremely of theStopka work we put champs in the finals. games and — teach them.” competing at aforhigh level on In a 2-1 losssectional to Crystal LakeThat’s South and multiple styles sit back defensively York in. The results speak themselves.” ainhell of a season if you ask me.”

Stopka York has been doing a consistent basis. short-term double overtime in the supersec- and attacknoted on the counter or possess The Trojans will “The graduate seniors Stopkathe willTrojans teach Spanish York. conditioning drillsstretches and saidand the score plan goal is to restock build upElliot the tional, battledat tough, the ball for long De Vries, Bode, and Hoekstra, He taughtconditions Spanish and onea math class as week wasextremely to start team,” heJack said.Schaafsma “A large portion of wintery with snow-covoffof setearlier pieces.last We defended Mathew, and Diego atered St. field Pat’s.that “My philosophy is I am District year’s teamthankful was seniors, made it challenging to summer well. Thiscamp gave pending us chances to win,205 and last Garcia.

“I am for the espeleadmore players’ coach,” heZielke said. approval.

“I have probably been goals able cially 11. Weof have to createofina the offensive third, we were able to deliver timely ership the andstarting commitment our six “I haveAfter beenplaying a big Liverpool meet 60 tothe70postseason.” percent of the play- make surethe thecoach now juniors are future up to noted. to a 0-0 tiesoccer in the to throughout Timothy seniors,” said. “The supporter Jur- ers so far,” he said.

“If itindoes get apspeed of varsityfor level are first half, ever Southsince took2015 a 1-0when lead midallowed only six goals its final 13 the continues to the be bright TCand soccer. gen came and he’s to contribute.

Weseniors, want tobut keep wayKlopp through theover second halfknown before proved games. that would be the start of our ready We graduate those six we as players’ He’s kind my contact four that days was a week withincluding the younger Dea Vries tiedcoach. the game at 1-1of with “Thisdays waswith a group 100 that will pipeline return 15going players, nine coaching idol. Ileft. wantSouth to related to the threeteam weeks straight. players.

WeThis want make two minutes scored the for percent first,” Zielke And said. even “Dif- groups startersof next season. is atohungry players and form with them. the IHSA the blackwecoming are not only but game-winner withbonds 2:30 remaining in though ferent guys steppedwaived up throughout the sure group off acompetitive, tough 2-1 douIthe amsecond more overtime. light-hearted smil- out datesinbefore the school year, we we are competing for region“Weand dominatseason big moments.

Moving up that ble-overtime supersectional loss. I ing.

I like to have fun and jokegame,” with won’t takeinto advantage that.people I’m als, supersectionals. ed possession for most of the a division 2A, not of many fullysectionals expect thisand to motivate how the the kids.said.

The“The goalboys is understanding have plans do Itboys startsprepare for me in with junior class Zielke kept creating pretty outsidesure our families circle expected muchtofrom thethis offseason.

We where player can be successful things school starts. I’m the that is acoming in. We want them scoringeach chances.” us. We before developed a mentality this year gained lot of experience this season andDe theVries provide the best possible and I’m to than say ready to go setting standard finished theway season with new with guy this group thatnot wasgoing different and will useand that as thethefoundation to thefive knowledge theyhad need family. other classes 18convey goals and assists. Wise 12 you yearscan’t past.goWewith haveyour a group of Go be- for nextthese season as we push that to getcome back in to atgoals the position they play. Iwhile am not big do it andthat enjoy it. This a crazy and also contribute right off and three assists, senior lievers bought into is everything we so thethey statecan finals.”

“

third in the IM with a time of 2:14.05 and Marlott was 10th at 2:22.61. Szejner was fifth in the 50 with a time of 25.21 and Gustafson was eighth at 26.20. Amendola took fourth in the butterfly with a time of 1:00.39.

Czerwinski was seventh at 1:02.53.

Szejner was fifth in the 100 with a time of 55.33. Tuerk was seventh at 56.55. Gustafson was eighth in the 500 with a time of 5:27.29 and Gibson was ninth in the 500 with a time of 5:31.75.

The Dukes took fourth in the 200 relay with a time of 1:43.29 with Morgan, Tuerk, Czerwinski and Szejner. Marlott was second in the backstroke with a time of 1:01.21 and Tuerk was sixth at 1:03.70.

Morgan was sixth in the breakstroke with a time of 1:13.30, while McCarthy was eighth at 1:14.98.

York took fourth in the 400 relay at 3:44.14 with Szejner, Tuerk, Amendola and Czerwinski.

York third at the JV level as well with 224 points. Hinsdale Central won the JV title with 320 points.

Lyons was second at 305. Hayley Schiltz was third in the JV diving

competition at 313.20 points, while Mia Carone was fourth with 303.50 points.

York took third in the 200 medley relay in 2:00.33 with Emily Jensen, Paige Neal, Frannie Cunningham and Samantha Shish. Elyse Prangen was fifth in the 200 with a time of 2:03.54 and Maggie Rennick was sixth at 2:06.34. Jensen was sixth in the 50 with a time of 26.89.

Cunningham finished fifth in the butterfly with a time of 1:05.69.

Rennick was fifth in the 100 with a time of 59.27. Prangen was fifth in the 500 with a time of 5:29.78. York was fourth in the 200 relay with a time of 1:49.29. That team included Dominika Pindor, Neal, Rennick and Prangen.

Grace Hudson was fifth in the backstroke with a time of 1:07.95, while Jensen was sixth at 1:07.97.

Megan McLafferty was sixth in the breaststroke at 1:16.81, while Neal was seventh at 1:16.99. York took third in the 400 relay at the JV level with a time of 3:57.34 with Jensen, Cunningham, Emma Cabage and Prangen.

Herrera, Waski lead the way for York boys soccer award recipients

• Stopka

“

It looks great. We have a lot of hard work happening at our lower levels and I fully expect to be strong for years to come. It is time to look to the future.”

– Jordan Stopka, York soccer coach

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

U12 baseball action

all the more better.” a lot of hard work happening at our Anthony firesisa bright pitch during a recent Stopka saidBucolo the future lower levels and U12 I fullybaseball expect to be game. for the York boys soccer program. strong for years to come. It is time “It looks great,” he said. “We have to look to the future.”

Player of the week sponsored by

Community Bank Member FDIC LENDER

of Elmhurst

www.communityelmhurst.com (630)782-1234

100380

• Buikema

Dukes finished 16-5 overall, reached sectional title game

proudly presents proudly presents

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK HIGHANGELA SCHOOLSTANGARONE PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK GIRLSGIGI SWIMMING BARR AND DIVING th Stangarone recently took 15 in the state at the IHSA YORK GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

girls swimming and diving state finals meet in Westmont.

Barr was the recipient the 2019-2020 York Valround.

Cothern Stangarone finished withof 416.45 points in the final She qualified for the finals after a 317.55 score in the junior female athlete of the year award. Barr went over the semifinals (14th).

She was last seventh in the round 1,000-career kill threshold fall for the preliminary Dukes girls volleywith a score of 216.10. ball team and still has a season to add to that total.

18 • Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst Public Library programs

Community calendar

Elmhurst History Museum The museum’s latest exhibit is Lost Chicagoland Department Stores. Admission to the Museum is always free, although some events carry a fee.

Pick of the Week Saturday, Nov. 18 - Sunday, Nov. 19 From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, stop by the Knights of Columbus at 537 So. York St. to register in person and pick up your packet for the 40th annua Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot coming up on Thanksgiving morning. Info: dangibbonsturkeytrot.org.

Thursday, Nov. 23 The 40th annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot steps off on Thanksgiving morning in downtown Elmhurst.

The time to register is now because Thanksgiving is upon us! Sign up now at dangibbonsturkeytrot.org.

ginning of the holiday season on Friday, Dec. 1, with its annual Love Lights program, featuring the lighting of the Central Garden at Elmhurst Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Rd. To purchase a Love Light, please visit eehealth.org/ love-lights or call (331) 221-0388.

Friday, Dec. 1 • From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) Foundation will host its 47th Annual Reindeer Route Housewalk. Tickets are $50 in advance and can be purchased online at eehealth.org/reindeerwalk.

Tickets are $60 on the day of the event and will only be available for purchase at Guaranteed Rate, 115 Adelaide St. in Elmhurst. Tickets will NOT be available at the featured homes.

• The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) Foundation will mark the be-

Saturdays from Nov. 25-Dec. 30 Free Holly Trolley Service will be available on Saturdays for holiday shopping. Hours of service will be 12 noon to midnight.

The Trolley stops are: 1. York and Park 2. York and Schiller 3. York and Third 4. Second and Addison 5. Cottage Hill and Virginia 6. Spring Road and the Illinois Prairie Path 7. York and Vallette

READERS

Monday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m.-noon Scrabble Club Play a friendly game of Scrabble. All skill levels welcome. Live in-person. No registration required.

Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9:30 a.m.-noon DIY Crop Day Bring your supplies for cardmaking, scrapbooking, and more, and spread out at our craft tables. The Makery’s in-house paper craft equipment is available to use. Live in-person. No registration.

Monday, Nov. 20 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Stock and Bond Investing Learn the basics of stock & bond investing from an investor with over 40 years of stock and bonding investing experience. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m.-noon Canasta Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration.

Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 1-3 p.m.

Bridge and Pinochle Club Enjoy an afternoon of card games every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

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:

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Elmhurst Art Museum The exhibition Picasso: Fifty Years Later is open, remaining through Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.

Elmhurst Artist’s Guild’s current show entitled “Blue,” is currently on display, remaining through Saturday, Dec. 2.

In addition, there is a new exhibit in the McCormick House entitled, “Seasons Creep Under a Shading Tree.”

Five artists came together to create works that take nature into consideration from the vantage point of a McCormick House resident. Info: elmhurstartistsguild.org or elmhurstartmuseum.org or 630-834-0202.

Friday, Nov. 17 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: Haunted Mansion Enjoy an afternoon at the movies.

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

IC Catholic Prep girls cross country finishes the season strong

The IC Catholic Prep girls cross country team recently finished 15th at the Class 1A state finals meet in Peoria. The Knights came into the meet ranked 22nd. Graziella Narcisi earned all-state honors after finishing 15th overall. The Knights had six runners clock personal bests in the meet. “This was the fastest girls 1A race I have personally ever seen,” ICCP coach Joe Hughes noted. “Grazi’s 18:05 three-mile most years would have gotten her 10 places higher than 25.”

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 • 19

1st annual feztival of trees Ra

Tic ffle $1 kets eac h

Free Admission

presented by the medinah shriners and knights of columbus

Mon, Nov 20 - 5PM to 8PM Tues, Nov 21 - 5PM to 8PM Wed, Nov 22 - 5 PM to 8PM

Thurs, Nov 23 - 5PM to 8PM Fri, Nov 24 - 10AM to 8PM Sat, Nov 25 - 10AM to 8PM

Santa, Food and Cider available on select days

Fully decorated trees & gifts to be raffled

446783

550 N SHRINERS DRIVE, ADDISON, IL 60101 WWW.MEDINAH.ORG

20 • Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

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