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

TAKE ONE

Elmhurst

Independent

Elmhurst’s Locally Owned and Operated Hometown Newspaper

VOL. 21• NO. 46

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Elmhurst police arrest driver who allegedly fled from stolen car Apprehension swift, thanks to K-9s, drones, chief says

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

On Monday, Oct. 23, at approximately 11:53 p.m. an Elmhurst police officer spotted a Ford Fusion sedan driving southbound on IL Route 83 at St. Charles Road. According to police, this vehicle had been reported as stolen on Saturday, Oct. 14, to the Chicago Police Department.

As the officer followed behind the vehicle, it reportedly turned westbound onto Washington Street in Villa Park. The officer activated emergency lights to stop the vehicle and the reportedly stolen car pulled into a residential driveway on Riverside Drive in Villa Park. The driver of the vehicle then allegedly ran from the car towards the rear yards of the neighborhood.

Elmhurst and Villa Park police set up a perimeter and searched the area with a police K-9 unit and public safety drone. Police said the suspect was located by officers hiding in a shed belonging to a nearby resident.

The suspect was transported to the Elmhurst Police Department and the stolen vehicle was impounded. An additional set of license plates and a replica pellet pistol were located in the vehicle, police said.

According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, the suspect, Maurice Sutton Jr., 31, of Hanover Park. was charged with possession of stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 fel-

ony) and obstructing a police officer (Class A misdemeanor). Sutton was transported to the DuPage County Judicial Center and appeared at First Appearance Court on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The state’s motion to deny Sutton Jr.’s pre-trial release was granted, and his next court appearance was set for Monday, Nov. 13.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Michael McLean Elmhurst Chief of Police

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

GMT presents Noel Coward’s ‘Blithe Spirit’

Elmhurst Police Chief talks about tracking suspects with K-9s, drones In a subsequent interview, Elmhurst Police Chief Michael McLean commented on the usage of K-9 officers and drones.

These three Greenman Theatre performers (from left): Katie Lahey, Mary-Carol Riehs and Carolyn Pizzato, are ready to let the ‘Blithe Spirit’ séance begin! The show will run for two weekends with eight performances scheduled; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. at GreenMan’s performance space, 232 S. York St, in the First United Methodist Church. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children/seniors (65+) and can be purchased at greenmantheatre.org.

Story on page 7.

See ARREST, Page 19

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

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Our office is located in Elmhurst, near York and Butterfield streets.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 • 3

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Continuing the fight

“Putting love on the shoulders of women in need, one #LovePurse at a time.” Those are the words of Maria Castro, founder and CEO of Love Purse, an organization that provides support and supplies to victims of domestic violence by distributing small purses with necessities, especially for those who were forced out of a situation and had to leave quickly without belongings. Gathered here at a Women in Leadership Luncheon are members of the Love Purse Board of Directors along with Mrs. America Nicole Zwiercan, who was the guest speaker. (from left): Janet DeLorenzo, Durriya Gunja, Zwiercan, Gwen McNutt, Love Purse founder Maria Castro, Nancy Vasser and Toni LoCasto. Vasser and LoCasto are both Elmhurst residents. For more information, visit Lovepurse.org.

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4 • Thursday, Nov. 2, 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

ARCHIVE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

E-mail: Advertising Department: ads1@rvpublishing.com News Department: Independent@rvpublishing.com Classified Department: Classifieds@rvpublishing.com

Administration:

The “100+ Women Who Care” Elmhurst group presented its quarterly donation to the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry (EYFP) last January.

There are several “100+ Women Who Care” groups across the country, most with about 100 members, who are committed to collectively donate $10,000 each quarter. The Elmhurst group changed its name to “100-plus” because they have well-surpassed 100 members. As you can see, this donation to the EYFP is for $15,510. For more information, send an email to elmwomenwhocare@gmail.com.

Elmhurst’s ‘100+ Women Who Care’ celebrates 10 years Seeks new members, new charities to help Wow, can you believe it?! This November, the 100+ Women Who Care will celebrate ten years as a giving circle, offering support to numerous local 501c3 non-profits in Elmhurst and the surrounding community.

The next meeting is Monday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at Angelo’s Ristorante, 247 N. York Rd. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. The group will be joined by members from Roots and Wings, last quarter’s recipient, to hear more about the great work they are doing

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.

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and how they are using the donation.

If you are unfamiliar with 100+ Women Who Care, it was developed to help women come together in their charitable contributions. Women may only be able to donate $100, but when 100 women come together with $100 each, it makes a considerable impact on a charity. During the quarterly meeting, typically three members share stories about needy not-for-profit organizations and the group takes a vote to decide which

charity will receive the contribution.

Each person writes her own personal check directly to the charity, which is helpful at tax time. At the end of the year, after four meetings, each participant will have donated a total of $400, which most people not only find manageable but also a decent donation to write off the taxes.

The beneficiary of the funds receives $10,000, often more because the Elmhurst group has grown to beyond 100 members.

Please consider putting your name in the hat to present a charity. If you do plan to present, it would be helpful for us if you can let us know in advance by email as it helps us to confirm the 501c3 charitable designation ahead of time.

For your benefit, there is a document that offers suggestions on preparing a presentation.

As always, bring a friend to the meeting. All are welcome. See you on Monday, Nov. 6.

A template for a ‘100+ Women Who Care’ presentation

If you are familiar with a not-for-profit group who needs financial assistance, you are welcome to present that charity at a “100+ Women Who Care” quarterly meeting. The following format can be used to prepare a fiveminute presentation to present the organization.

Share the facts, give some personal insight into the work of the organization, specify how the donation will be used and what impact it will have.

Beginning your presentation To start, introduce yourself, give the name of the organization you are presenting, confirming that it is a 501(c)3, and share your connection with the organization (e.g. volunteer, board member, beneficiary of service, no affiliation but passionate about what they do).

State the mission of the organization, including the geographic area served, and your connection to this group.

Example: The XYZ organization is a grassroots non-profit organization committed to transforming the lives of homeless families by helping their transition to self-sufficiency by providing housing, mentoring and support services.

Outlining the organization’s work Next, summarize concisely what the organization does, who it serves, its history (if relevant), why the work is important, and how it makes a difference in people’s lives. Also discuss the primary sources of funding. Include any relevant statistics.

Stating your case Once members understand what the organization does, describe how funding from 100+ Women would be spent specifically and what benefits it will provide to individuals and/ or to the community.

Example: If XYZ is selected tonight, our donation of approximately $15,000 will provide one homeless family with a year and a half of housing and the mentoring necessary to learn the skills to achieve financial independence and to transition to permanent housing.

Sharing a story One of the most effective ways to present your organization is to provide a success story illustrating how this organization has made a difference. Speak from your heart to make the organization “come alive” for members.

Alternatively, you may want to share some compelling statistics demonstrating the need for this charity.

Example: Amid all of the wealth in our county, there is also great need. Almost 8% of residents live in poverty – and the child poverty rate is 10.5%. The fair-market monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apt here is $1,176. With a minimum wage job, a person with a family would have to work 110 hours per week to afford to live in here.

Summarizing your case Close with a summary statement about the overall impact of funding from 100+ Women on the organization.

Prepare for questions: Be prepared to answer specific questions about staffing, programs, finances, etc.

Practice: Once the script is written, practice by presenting it to a friend. Make sure you can stay within the time limit without speaking too quickly.

If your organization is NOT chosen, present again at the next meeting. Remember, there are many deserving organizations and only one can be chosen at each meeting.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 • 5

Under my father’s fedora

Elmhurst comes up with more great things to do So many wonderful things have happened over the last few weeks, it’s time for a pause to take stock in all there is to do in the Elmhurst community, this place we call home.

Terrific people out making good things happen for themselves and others.

On a recent Sunday afternoon, Music@Bethel offered a program about Constanze Mozart, portrayed in character by historic dramatist Jenny Riddle, who is an Elmhurst resident. While the story was based on the best-selling book Mozart’s Women: His Family, His Friends, His Music by Jane Glover, it was

By

DEE LONGFELLOW Editor

Jenny’s own mother Madge Cloud who actually wrote and prepared Jenny’s presentation.

Jenny Riddle did an outstanding performance. The word that keeps coming to mind is “beautiful” – Jenny is indeed a beautiful woman, but she has a beauty that lies deep in her soul and when she performs, it

comes out in her smile, her eyes, her face, you can tell it comes right from deep inside her heart, right from her soul and she offers it to you in the form of her performance.

As Stanzi’s story unfolded, Jenny brought the emotion of a young girl with an endearing crush on a young Mozart, a crush that was overshadowed by a fear that her older sister might beat her to him.

It continued along through times of joy and happiness, as well as trial and grief, through the deaths of two of her children, while Mozart’s contributions to the music world grew and grew, until suddenly, his life was over.

Programs of this nature remind us of where our nation once was and where we are now. After all, in the mid- to late-1700s, child mortality was through the roof and, well, people just didn’t live as long as we do today. Mozart died when he was just 35. He stuffed quite a career into 35 years.

A key part of the performance that cannot be overlooked is the outstanding accompaniment provided by Bethel’s own minister of music, Jeffrey Panko. He plays so smoothly, it sounds like liquid is coming out of the piano.

Panko closed the program with a performance of all three movements of Mozart’s Piano Sonata in B flat major.

If there was anything disappointing, it was the fact that Riddle didn’t sing. Perhaps the script didn’t call for it, but she has such a beautiful soprano voice, it was one thing that seemed to be missing.

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Pictured is Elmhurst resident Jenny Riddle performing in character as Constanze Mozart, sharing the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the women in his life. She was accompanied by Bethel minister of music Jeffrey Panko. It was the latest concert of the Music@Bethel series.

See FEDORA, Page 19 DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

As president of Character Counts in Elmhurst, Dr. John “Doc Jev” Jevitz (right) presented Bill Gooch with a Character Counts award for outstanding service to the community. Bill was having a great time at the ceremony and was very honored to receive the award.

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One of the Character Counts awards was given to former Mayor Pete DiCianni (left) for his service to the community, especially for working hard in Springfield to pass legislation to mandate insurance companies to cover children on the autism spectrum.

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6 • Thursday, Nov. 2, 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.

Criminal damage, criminal trespassing Oct. 25 Darrin K. Riley, 52, of Chicago, was charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle near Lake and Grand at 10:20 a.m.

Oct. 24 Police said officers met with a complainant in the 500 block of N. Adele at 7:22 p.m. who related a suspect had been banging on her door and windows and she doesn’t want him on her property. The suspect was issued a trespass notice and informed not to return to the residence.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance Oct. 24 A 22-year-old Elmhurst woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 800 block of N. Addison at 8:52 p.m.

Police said a victim related a verbal argument turned physical.

Oct. 22 Police said that subsequent to a verbal argument in the 400 block of S. Berkley, a victim sustained an injury to his head after the suspect struck him. The suspect refused to leave the residence but was eventually taken into custody without incident. An arrest warrant for domestic battery was obtained.

Oct. 21 Corliss A. Carmelle, 46, of Villa Park and Dixie C. Salerno, 32, of Elmhurst, were charged with disorderly conduct/engaging in a fight at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 9:28 a.m. Police said the suspects were involved in a physical altercation subsequent to a verbal argument. Neither wanted to file charges.

Police said officers responded to an establishment in the 100 block of N. Addison at 12:31 a.m. for a disturbance. The victim and the suspect were involved in a physical altercation after a verbal argument. Neither party wanted to press charges; therefore, no arrests were made. All parties were cleared without incident.

Oct. 19 Barbara Andersen, 56, of Lyons, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct in the 100 block of N. Addison at 12:16 a.m. According to police, a complainant related the suspect began yelling at her and threatened to fight her.

Possession of a controlled substance Oct. 20 Aramiis Walker, 27, of Chicago Ridge, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia at a store in the 900 block of S. York at 3:27 p.m.

CALL 800-222-TIPS

DUI, DUI-drugs, transportation of open alcohol, possession of open alcohol, consumption of alcohol by a minor

Oct. 22 Izaiah Adams, 18, of Antioch, was charged with no seat belt, possession of alcohol by minor and possession of tobacco by minor, while Joseph T. Torres, 20, of Antioch, was charged with possession of cannabis and no seat belt subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and North at 4:10 a.m. Police said various citations were issued to the juveniles in the vehicle for graduated driver’s license –not valid after midnight, speeding, improper lane usage, underage possession of tobacco, underage possession of cannabis, underage possession of alcohol, violation of curfew and seatbelt violation.

Police said Lance Alexander, 61, of Chicago, was issued a no trespass notice and cited for possession of open alcohol in public at a business in the 100 block of W. Park at 6:35 p.m. According to police, officers responded to the above location for the report of a subject sleeping in the business. Police said Alexander was found to have a valid warrant out of DuPage County and was in possession of open alcohol in public.

Oct. 21 Nico S. Krajecki, 31, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving with expired plates in the 700 block of S. Spring at 4:15 a.m.

Anthony V. Panzica, 41, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI near York and Arthur at 2:06 a.m.

Oct. 20 George O. Olufunmi, 42, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI, illegal possession of cannabis by a driver, improper turn at an intersection and failure to signal subsequent to a traffic stop near North and York at 5:32 a.m.

Nemanja Petrovic, 26, of Woodridge, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, improper turn signal and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop in the 500 block of E. Lake at 1:51 a.m.

Samuel Sanchez Mendez, 41, of Harvey, was charged with DUI, possession of cannabis and illegal transportation of open alcohol subsequent to a traffic stop in the 300 block of W. Butterfield at 3:14 a.m.

Oct. 19 Christopher Heller, 22, of Chicago, was charged with DUI alcohol and drugs, disobeying a stop sign and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near Park and Cottage Hill at 3:31 a.m.

Oct. 21 reportedly refused to identify himself and was Ronnie L. Sanders, 28, of Chicago, was subsequently taken into custody. charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, speeding and improper window tinting subsequent to a traffic stop near Butterfield and Possession of Kirk at 9:52 p.m. Police said the suspect fled at a high rate of speed, last seen southbound cannabis in a vehicle According to information provided last on Route 83 and 22nd, but was later located and week by the Elmhurst Police Department, potaken into custody. lice reported three incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Sammy Omar Najib, 54, of Cedar Harassments, threats Lake, Ind., near North and Kenilworth at 8:42 Oct. 23 a.m. Oct. 21; Haad Hassan, 27, of Mount ProsA complainant in the 200 block of E. Adepect, near Route 83 and I-290 at 8:47 p.m. Oct. lia reported a suspect made several derogatory 23; and Roberto Santacruz, 28, of Lombard, in statements via voicemail. The reporting officer the 300 block of N. York at 4:18 p.m. Oct. 24. spoke with the suspect and advised him to have no further contact with the complainant.

Theft, burglary, attempted

Oct. 18-Oct. 19 A victim in the 100 block of E. Madison told theft or burglary, forgery, police she was having an affair with the suspect’s husband. The suspect recently found out deceptive practice, and started harassing the victim by texting and calling the victim. The suspect was contacted obstruction, robbery and advised to have no further contact with the July 1-Oct. 13 victim.

A victim in the 300 block of E. May told police that two gold rings were missing from her jewelry box which is located in her bedroom.

Identity theft, The victim further related she did not know when the rings were lost and that she has had fraud, forgery According to information provided by the cleaning staff in her home within the last sevElmhurst Police Department, police reported eral months. An investigation is pending. three incidents of identity theft or fraud.

Sept. 29 A victim at a business in the 500 block of N. York told police she did not receive a payment Obstructing justice after completing a manicure service for the Oct. 22 suspect. An investigation is pending.

Christopher Diego, 23, of Northlake, was charged with walking improperly on roadway Sept. 9-Sept. 24 and obstructing an officer near County Line A complainant in the 1100 block of S. Euand Grand at 9:55 p.m. Police said officers clid told police that multiple checks had been responded to the above location for a subject cashed from his mother’s bank account by an walking in the roadway. The subject was locatunknown suspect(s) sometime between the ed and continued to walk away from officers above dates. An investigation is pending. in the roadway, according to police. He then

District 205 receives $249,000 grant to support mental health services for students Plan is to step up referrals For students and families in Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, connecting students and their families with community mental health services will become easier in the coming weeks, thanks to the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Elmhurst CARES Program.

CARES, an acronym for Community Advocacy, Resilience, Engagement and Supports, will allow District staff to easily provide referrals to mental health providers. Funding from the grant will be used to pay for the referral service, called Referral GPS, and to provide mental health services at no cost to students from low-income backgrounds.

Funded through a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, eleven local school districts collaborated to ensure that as many students in DuPage County as possible would have access to these services. Students will have the opportunity to access services through referrals by the school district and receive telehealth support from established community-based providers. Families will also be able to review options for community mental health using a confidential website.

“When students have strong mental health, they are able to do better in school, have stronger relationships with their peers, and our adults are able to connect with them so that they can focus on school,” said Dr. Kevin Rubenstein, assistant superintendent for student services who helped to coordinate the grant application process. “Put simply, this will allow our students and their families to have the necessary support and services so that they can be at their best.”

The District has been focused on its student mental health efforts including training staff on Mental Health First Aid and updating resources for students in middle schools to support social and emotional learning.

“This grant aligns with the District’s mission to Educate, Engage, and Empower all students,” said Dr. Keisha Campbell, superintendent of D205 schools. “The grant will build positive community partnerships that provide opportunities for student and family engagement and enhance student learning and mental health.”

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 • 7

D205 Board discusses student assessment results, current enrollment figures Healthcare insurance rates expected to increase by 36.8 percent in ’24, agent says

By Chris Fox FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St. All seven board members attended the meeting.

The meeting began with a brief presentation about Edison Elementary’s focus on empowering students to be peer leaders. The presentation, which included comments from Edison principal Jim Pluskota, noted that the school’s staff and students are working together to create a sense of community. He referred to the importance of empathy, kindness and building relationships.

District 205 Superintendent Keisha Campbell noted during the board meeting that the week of Oct. 15-21 was Principal Appreciation Week in Illinois, and that Oct. 20 was Principal Appreciation Day. District 205 Board President Athena Arvanitis thanked the district’s principals for their commitment and contributions.

Results of recent student assessments discussed Kevin Rubenstein, the district’s assistant superintendent of student services, presented the results of the district’s recent student assessments.

Throughout each school year, the district administers assessments to measure students’ performance and the impact of the district’s instruction. Rubenstein said there are multiple assessments for each student in the district and that in most cases, the district is seeing steady growth in its students, indicating that the district’s core instruction is working. He said the district uses targeted interventions to assist students who are struggling to meet certain growth levels.

tatives of Aetna and United Healthcare to discuss their health insurance plans.

The district’s insurance committee recommended two options to the district’s employees regarding health plan options for 2024. Both options featured renewal with BC/BS. One of those options included the 36.8 percent increase. In September, about 67.5 percent of the district’s employees voted in favor of the option to renew with /(with no plan changes) with the 36.8 percent increase.

Near the end of the meeting, board members voted unanimously to approve the renewal of the BC/BS health and dental insurance plans for 2024, featuring the projected 36.8 percent increase in funding and contributions for medical insurance.

There will be no increase for dental funding and contributions. Before that vote, some board members noted the 36.8 percent increase, describing it as unsustainable. Board member Kara Caforio stated that the high insurance costs cut into the salaries the

district can pay its employees. Board member Jim Collins agreed that the rate increase was unsustainable. He added that the district’s process of determining health benefits was also unsustainable and needed to change.

Board reviews medical, dental benefit contracts The meeting included a presentation about the district’s medical and dental benefit contracts for the period from Jan. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024, delivered by John McConnell of AssuredPartners. McConnell stated

that the district’s funding rates and contributions for Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BC/BS) medical premiums are expected to increase 36.8 percent in 2024, compared to 2023. McConnell, who works with the district on its health and dental benefits plans, stated that in the 2021 calendar year, the district’s most costly medical plan featured a 6.1 percent increase from the previous year. In 2022, all of the district’s medical plans included a 3 percent increase. In 2023, all of the district’s medical plans featured a 6.5 percent increase.

While trying to explain the large 36.8 percent rate increase for 2024, McConnell referred to the current period of high inflation. He also said the district has a higher-than-average number of very sick people. He said that BC/BS has been the district’s long-term carrier. He said he met with BC/BS representatives in an effort to learn what the company was doing to try to curb significant increases in health insurance rates.

McConnell also met with represen-

holds a séance to contact the spirit world; Duard Mosley and Carolyn Pizzato as the neighbor couple Dr. and Mrs. Bradman; and daffy maid Edith, played by Maggie Liston. GreenMan’s “Blithe Spirit” boasts a well-cast, dynamic group of actors.

“My fellow cast members have great comedic timing,” said Rockholt.

Lahey added, “We’re all very supportive of one another and each of us has so much energy.”

GreenMan Theatre’s actors will perform “Blithe Spirit” in authentic

British accents. Lahey even uses her British accent in everyday life.

“My boss had to ask me to stop using the accent with clients,” she said.

Cast members also work to perfect their accents after rehearsals.

“We all go sit at the local Starbucks

and talk British to each other,” Pizzato said. “Blithe Spirit” is again being directed by David Soria, who served as director for GreenMan Theatre’s original 2005 production. Cheryl Turek is acting as stage manager and director’s assistant.

Current enrollment figures discussed The meeting also included a report about the district’s current enrollment figures. The Illinois State Board of Education requires the state’s school districts to report its enrollment as of Saturday, Sept. 30 of each year. As of Sept. 30, 2023, District 205 had an overall enrollment of 8,329 students.

That total represents an increase of 37 students from one year earlier, when the district had 8,292 students.

As of Sept. 30, 2023, York High School had 2,670 students. The school had 30 more students one year earlier, when its enrollment was 2,700 students. York’s enrollment

See ASSESSMENT, Page 19

Greenman Theatre awakens Noel Coward’s ‘Blithe Spirit’

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Actors in GreenMan Theatre Troupe’s production of British playwright Noel Coward’s ghostly, humor-filled play “Blithe Spirit” are preparing to raise Elmhurst’s proverbial rafters to the comedic roof during their upcoming performances from Nov. 10 – 19.

GreenMan Theatre’s “Blithe Spirit” will run for two weekends with eight performances scheduled. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 at GreenMan’s performance space, 232 S. York St, in the First United Methodist Church building in Elmhurst. Tickets, $20 for adults and $15 for children/ seniors (65+), can be purchased at www.greenmantheatre.org.

Previously produced by GreenMan during their second season in 2005, “Blithe Spirit” showcases the humorous antics of Brits Charles Condomine and his second wife Ruth, who get more than they bargained for when they invite a medium, Madame Arcati, to hold a séance at their home.

Comedic twists and turns ensue when Charles’s first wife, Elvira, visits the séance. “Hopefully our audience’s sides will hurt from laughter when they leave,” said Darriana Rockholt, who portrays ex-wife Elvira. Mary-Carol Riehs, in the role of medium Madame Arcati, agreed, “All these characters are entertaining in different ways. The audience will find their experiences amusing and delightful.”

The actors appearing in GreenMan’s production of “Blithe Spirit” are: Elliot Brtva who plays Charles Condomine, the husband who must deal with the ghostly appearance of his first wife; Katie Lahey and Rockholt as Charles’ two seemingly-opposite wives, Ruth Condomine and Elvira; medium Madame Arcati, played by Riehs, who

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

The Elmhurst Independent

Viewpoint

Nov. 2, 2023 • 8

Slices of life

Maintaining the personal in an impersonal world By definition, I am an introvert.

I’m usually OK with time alone and minimal interactions with other humans. I enjoy conversations within my own head and maybe, perhaps have a significant relationship with both my phone and my laptop.

However, lately I’ve noticed the world has sort of taken this concept and injected it with steroids.

In just the last decade or so, things have changed. COVID fueled these changes, but they were occurring even before the pandemic. Gradually—or perhaps not so gradually—we are losing our day-to-day human connections. Our world is becoming more and more impersonal.

For most of my lifetime friendships used to involve actually meeting in-person—for lunch, happy hour or play dates.

Now I have friends online whom I’ve never met. They live in different cities and different states than me.

Sometimes I forget who they are and wonder how we ever became “friends” in the first place. But I feel close to quite a few of them; I just don’t know if we’ll ever meet in person.

Speaking of meetings, how did we exist before the likes of Zoom?

These next few are going to date me (and not like going out to the Steve Martin movie called “The Jerk” with a cute guy in high school).

My mom never learned how to pump her own gas. She grew up and grew into adulthood having someone pump it for her, and she liked it that way. When the gas guy left his post, he was replaced by a new gas guy my dad, who made sure my mom’s tank was also at least half-full.

Remember standing in line for concert tickets? Sometimes we’d sleep on the sidewalk. Lordy, lordy, what we’d do to see REO Speedwagon, Styx or Journey live.

Now we have the privilege of picking our exact seats without ever leaving the comfort of our living rooms—until concert day. They haven’t been able to figure out how to provide us with the true concert experience from our homes. Not yet, but I’m sure it’s coming.

My daughter and her family haven’t been to the grocery store in more than a year. There is no need.

They order online and do a pick up

By

JILL PERTLER Columnist

at the store without ever leaving their car. There is no need for human contact—just a credit card.

Shopping in general has changed.

I recently furnished an entire house online. The same goes for kitchen appliances. I live in a rural area, so my experience may be different from someone in a big city, but my appliances weren’t even available to see at the appliance store that’s more than an hour’s drive from my home.

So I read the online descriptions about features, picked out the models of my choice, measured carefully and had them delivered. I’m happy to say they all fit!

Remember when banking was in in-person thing? A few months ago, I needed a document notarized so had to visit a real, live brick and mortar bank. I hadn’t been in one for at least a year.

I recently bought a new home and had the option to do the closing online. I wonder how long it will be before we can get something notarized online. Or perhaps get married online?

Why meet the person in-person when you can marry them first?

How far are we going to take this?

I’m almost afraid of the answer to this semi-facetious question.

I think we, as humans, crave real-alive connections, and there is nothing the Internet or our phones can ever do to replicate that. And whether we realize it or not, they just might be contributing to our loneliness.

How sad, and lonely, is that?

My advice? Close your laptop.

Put down your phone. Go outside.

Say hello to your neighbor. Start a conversation.

Even if you are an introvert.

Especially so.

Take it from me. We all need each other.

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.

Introducing the bipartisan Opportunity to Compete Act

By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Recently, I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Opportunity to Compete Act with Congressman John James (R-MI) to ensure that workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) rather than earning a bachelor’s degree receive fair consideration in hiring.

While automation and other technical advances in hiring have made application screening easier for employers, they have also contributed significantly to the trend of requiring degrees for jobs that previously did not require them.

As American workers and employers seek to meet the rapidly changing needs of the 21st century, we must strive to eliminate any discrimination against workers who meet every qualification for the jobs for which they apply to, except for having a bachelor’s degree.

Our bipartisan legislation will tackle this problem by ensuring prospective employees are evaluated based on whether they have the relevant skills and experience to do the job, rather than if they hold a four-year degree.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this legislation passed and signed into law swiftly.

While efforts are under way to reopen the Rafah crossing on the border between Gaza and Egypt to allow for the safe evacuation of civilians and allow additional aid in to help Palestinians, I wrote a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week requesting his immediate help in ensuring the safe evacuation of several of my constituents and their families who are currently in unsafe situations in Israel and Gaza.

Elgin native Emilee Abuhamad Rauschenberger, the niece of Elgin City Council member Carol Rauschenberger, and her family, have been among the hundreds of Americans trapped in southern Gaza. My office and I have been in close coordination with the State Department to speed up the safe exit of those in harm’s way in both Israel and Gaza, and of both Palestinian and Israeli descent.

I welcome the news that the State Department has worked with Egypt, Israel, and the United Nations to allow some aid to go through Rafah, and I am committed to ensuring additional aid currently on standby on the Egyptian side of Rafah be allowed to enter into Gaza as soon as possible.

Additionally, I applaud the efforts by the Biden Administration to secure the release of hostages taken by Ensuring the safe evacuation of Hamas. those trapped in Gaza and Israel I was particularly heartened by Last week, I voted with 411 of the release of Natalie and Judith my bipartisan House colleagues on Ranaan—who are from Evanston— a resolution condemning Hamas’ and the release of Nurit Yitzhak and brutal attack on Israel and calling on Yocheved Lifshitz Oct. 26. I am Hamas to safely release all hostages. urging the Biden Administration to I support the Biden Administration continue its efforts in earnest to ensure and its continued efforts to obtain the safe exit of Americans, hostages, the hostages and to address the and other civilians in Israel and Gaza humanitarian crisis in Gaza. who wish to depart.

Passing the president’s supplemental funding request On Oct. 21, President Joe Biden announced his request for supplemental funding from Congress, a move that includes support for critical domestic programs, including childcare, nutrition assistance, public health, research and development, and national security, while also helping the United States provide the necessary security assistance to Israel, support Israeli efforts to secure the release of hostages, and provide humanitarian aid to civilians impacted by the war in Israel and in Gaza.

This supplemental funding request includes many priorities that affect us directly and serve our community’s needs. The Biden Administration requested additional funds to strengthen the American Connectivity Program, an initiative to provide free and discounted high-speed internet for households, ensuring broadband access is easily accessible for everyone.

The Administration also requested funds to keep more than 220,000 childcare providers open and stable at a time when many face closure because of financial difficulties. This support would help buoy a system that cares for as many as 10 million children across the nation.

I look forward to working with the Biden Administration and my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come to a comprehensive, bipartisan agreement to fund the government and invest in critical national priorities— including our national security.

Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes part of Addison, Wood Dale and Bensenville.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 • 9

ESO to perform ‘The Ukrainian Symphony’ Concert to feature Chicago Symphony principal trumpet Esteban Batallán

What’s Playing Carl Maria von Weber Der Freischütz Overture Alexander Arutiunian Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra Camille Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2 (“Ukrainian”) Who’s Performing The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra will perform under the baton of music director and conductor Dr. Stephen Alltop.

Esteban Batallán on trumpet, principal trumpet player for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Cecilia O’Malley on violin, winner of the 2023 Stanger Young Artist Competition.

What’s Interesting ● A contemporary of Beethoven, Carl Maria von Weber was one of the founders of musical Romanticism (music which favors powerful expressions of emotion, often the emotions of the composers themselves). As a kind of musical father figure, von Weber inspired and influenced an entire generation of composers — including the other composers featured on this program. ● Principal trumpet for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Esteban Batallán makes his solo debut with the Elmhurst Symphony. ● Tchaikovsky’s 2nd Symphony is one of the composer’s most joyful works and earned high praise right from its premiere in 1872.

Tchaikovsky used three Ukrainian folk songs throughout the symphony and, as Ukraine was known as “Little Russia” at the time, the piece was originally nicknamed the “Little Russian.” In April 2022, the work was retitled “Ukrainian” to more accurately reflect the musical inspiration for the work.

Tickets and information Subscriptions for the 2023-24 season and single concert tickets are on sale now. Subscribers can save up to 25% off single ticket prices and can receive discounted tickets throughout the season. Additional subscriber benefits include priority seating and flexible ticket

exchange privileges.

Subscriptions and single tickets may be ordered online, by phone, or at the box office the day of the event. Visit ElmhurstSymphony. org or call the ESA office at 630941-0202 Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church is located at 149 W. Brush Hill Road, west of Elmhurst Hospital, and offers plenty of parking.

Community Partners A portion of ticket sales from this concert will support the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry. Learn more about our community partnerships at ElmhurstSymphony.org.

ELMHURST SYMPHONY PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Esteban Batallan, the principal trumpet for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will perform his solo debut with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra at the ESO’s upcoming concert, The Ukrainian Symphony.

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The Elmhurst Symphony Association (ESA) announces ‘The Ukrainian Symphony’, its second concert of the season, to be held on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m., at ESO’s home venue at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church.

A pre-concert discussion led by assistant conductor Eli Chen will be held before the concert at 2:45 p.m. in the Upper Gathering Area of ECRC.

10 • Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent T he Elmhurst Independent

Real Estate/Business

Nov. 2, 2023 •10

Worden elected Lions Club District I-J Governor

Elmhurst resident and Lions Club member Jim Worden has been elected to serve as District Governor for one of the largest Lions Clubs’ districts Jim Worden in the state of Illinois during its 2023-24 year. District 1-J encom-

passes 56 clubs representing approximately 2,100 members.

As District Governor, Worden will focus on strengthening the network of Lions Clubs throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

“The volunteer work of these members not only makes a difference here at home, but also around the world,” said Worden. “Top priorities for this year are to recognize our district’s collective achieve-

ments, and to continue to grow membership to serve even more people in need. My personal theme ‘Cheers to Service’ is to celebrate all that we do.”

During his 21 years with the Elmhurst Lions Club, Worden has served in every officer and director capacity, including club president for three terms. His commitment to helping others is evident in his coordination and participation of

the club’s annual fundraising initiatives, including the Reverse Raffle, Pumpkin Patch and Pizza Party.

These efforts have allowed the club to donate thousands of dollars to local organizations that benefit those in need.

Worden is a real estate appraiser for over 35 years. A graduate of York High School, he and his wife Patty, who is also an Elmhurst Lions Club member, have been mar-

ried for 34 years.

To celebrate Worden’s achievement as District Governor, a Roast was held on Friday, Oct. 6, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Elmhurst.

The evening included dinner catered by DiLeo’s, a live auction led

by ECCI president and CEO John R. Quigley and other activities. For more information, visit elmhurstlions.org.

Elmhurst Public Library programs Friday, Nov. 3 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: The Little Mermaid Enjoy an afternoon at the movies.

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

Sunday, Nov. 5 from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Lyric Opera Lecture: Jenufa Hear the story, learn about the composer, and listen to the music.

Live in-person. Registration required.

Monday, Nov. 6 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Android OS Learn more about your Android device and gain new skills. We’ll show you some useful apps and answer your questions. Live in-person.

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about the world-class entertainer Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 1-3 p.m. who dares us all to dream the impos- Bridge and Pinochle Club Enjoy an afternoon of card games sible. Live in-person and on Zoom. every week. Prior experience is reRegistration required. quired. Live in-person. No registration.

Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 10-11 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 4 Medicare Supplement Insurance Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 7-8 p.m. from 10 a.m.-non Monday, Nov. 6 Join us for a discussion about Medi- Potty Training: Preparation, Canasta from 10 a.m.-noon Monday, Nov. 6 from 7-8 p.m. care and Medicare Supplement Insur- Practices, and Pitfalls Terry Kmak, M.Ed. DT. And PediJoin us for a friendly game of Ca- Scrabble Club The Essential Houdini ance. Presented with Weiss Financial nasta every week. Prior experience Play a friendly game of Scrabble.

Magician William Pack goes be- Ratings & Grey House Publishing. atric Sleep and Potty-Training Conis required. Live in-person. No reg- All skill levels welcome. Live in-per- yond the myths and brings to life the Live in-person and on Zoom with a See LIBRARY, Page 19 istration. son. No registration required. true story of Harry Houdini. Learn virtual presenter. Registration required.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 • 11

More and more moms

Other ICGS 8th grade moms who joined the celebration at Katie Butman’s home included (from left): Liza Durdil, Lisa Graziano, Karon Sullivan, Kimberly Knable; (front row): Carrie Tobin.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

ICGS moms celebrate back-to-school

11

The ICGS 8th grade moms gathered at Katie Butman’s home on Thursday, Sept. 21 to celebrate their children’s final year of grade school and all the memories they have created together over the years at ICGS. Pictured are (back row, from left): Katy Ahern, Jennifer Guistolise, Corinna Wojik, Erica Landasa; (front row): Mayra McEvoy, Jessica White, Lisa Graziano, Katie Butman.

Anthony F. Lenardi, Jr. Anthony F. Lenardi, Jr. passed away suddenly.

Cherished son of Paula (nee Converse) and Anthony F. Sr.; beloved brother of Frank and Michael (Erin); loving uncle of Faith, Anthony, Ava and Keaton; nephew and cousin to many.

A visitation was held on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel, 567 South Spring Road, Elmhurst.

Interment at Mount Emblem Cemetery, 520 East Grand Avenue, Elmhurst.

In lieu of flowers, donations to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), NAMI DuPage, 115 North County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187 or https://namidupage.org/donate/.

Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel. For information, 630-834-3515 or www.elmhurstfh.com.

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Obituary

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

Worship Services Directory

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

‘Warm Coats for Cool Kids’ comes to town

Gather with us for weekend worship!

Saturdays 5 p.m.

Sundays 8:30 and 11 a.m.

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

ImmanuelElmhurst.org 630-832-1649

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On Saturday, Oct. 21, ‘Warm Coats for Cool Kids’ came out to the Elm Court neighborhood to offer coats for the upcoming winter season to families identified by School District 205. Warm Coats for Cool Kids is a local charity operated by Garry and Debra Vaccaro, who say they will likely serve more than 40 schools in Elmhurst at surrounding communities.

Students from St. Francis High School in Wheaton came out to volunteer. One group of girls put together packets of dental hygiene items to give away.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 • 13

Community calendar RGL Marketing for the Arts will host the 12th annual Holiday Market inside Wilder Mansion, where 55+ artisans will offer seasonal gifts and gourmet food items. Hours are 4-9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Info: rglmarketingforthearts.com.

Thursday, Nov. 2 The Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) presents “An Intimate Evening with Jim Peterik,” in Buik Recital Hall inside Irion Hall on the campus of Elmhurst University.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m., the 75-minute show begins at 8 p.m.

For tickets, visit ecpa-elmhurst. org.

Saturday, Nov. 4 From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. State Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock invites seniors and caregivers to a free Senior Health Fair at the St. Alexander School gym at 300 S. Cornell in Villa Park. Learn about resources, ask questions; Osco will be providing Flu, RSV and COVID-19 shots. Free.

Monday, Nov. 6 American Legion THB Post 187 at 310 W Butterfield Road is hosting a Life Line Screening community event with affordable health screenings for seniors. Pre-registration required. Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday Nov. 10-11-12 GreenMan Theatre’s “Blithe Spirit” will run for this last weekend of four performances scheduled. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. at GreenMan’s performance space, 232 S. York St, in the First United Methodist Church building in Elmhurst. Tickets, $20 for adults and $15 for children/seniors (65+), can Saturday, Nov. 11 Beginning at 7 p.m., the American be purchased at www.greenmantheLegion THB Post 187 will host the atre.org.

4th annual “Stories Behind the Songs” Nov. 23 event, featuring Frank J. Myers, Thursday, The 40th annual Dan Gibbons TurWynn Varble and Danny Wells. Tickets are $125, a table of 10 is $1,000, key Trot steps off on Thanksgiving purchased at americanlegionthb187. morning in downtown Elmhurst. The org or call 630-833-7800. Tickets in- time to register is now because it will clude heavy appetizers and an open be here before we know it! Sign up now at dangibbonsturkeytrot.org. bar. eight performances scheduled. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. at GreenMan’s performance space, 232 S. York St, in the First United Methodist Church building in Elmhurst. Tickets, $20 for adults and $15 for children/seniors (65+), can be purchased at www. greenmantheatre.org.

Elmhurst History Museum The museum’s latest exhibit, Lost Chicagoland Department Stores, opened Friday, Oct. 6. Admission to the Museum is always free, although some events carry a fee.

Sunday, Nov. 12 • At 12:15 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Rd, the SHE Single Mothers Support Group will meet. There are complimentary lunches for all who attend, free childcare (ages infants to Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12 years), inspiring guest speakers, Elmhurst Art Museum The exhibition Picasso: Fifty Nov. 10-11-12 fellowship and support from other GreenMan Theatre’s “Blithe Spir- single moms. All are invited to at- Years Later is now open, remaining it” will run for two weekends with tend this monthly event. RSVP to through Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.

Now through Friday, Oct. 20, the

Elmhurst Artists Guild is holding its fall members show in the EAG gallery inside the Elmhurst Art Museum. A portion of this exhibition is the debut of a nationally touring exhibition Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocut Prints from a Private Collection.

The Elmhurst Artists’ Guild Fall Members Show continues as well.

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 630-8340202.

To post a community event or club meeting, email the information to Independent@rvpublishing.com and put “Community Calendar” in the Subject line.

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• At 4 p.m., the Elmhurst Symphony will hold its second concert of the season, “The Ukrainian Symphony,” at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, featuring Esteban Batallán, principal trumpet for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Pre-concert lecture at 2:45 p.m. For tickets and information, call 630-941-0202 or visit ElmhurstSymphony.org.

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Dr. Kelly talks straight about sciatica Are you suffering from back pain or sciatica? Then it’s likely your biggest problem is pain. But there’s another major problem: bad information.

To end sciatica misery you must have the right information. Pay close attention because local doctor Kelly Synowiec-Moroney DC is going to destroy sciatica myths and give you the facts.

MYTH: Sciatica will just “go away” with some rest.

FACT: If you are dealing with back pain, buttock pain or leg pain, then you must seek help from a doctor who is knowledgeable in sciatica immediately.

Left untreated, sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage - and lifelong pain.

MYTH: Pain is the only problem associated with sciatica.

FACT: In severe cases, sciatica can lead to the inability to control your bowels or bladder - leading to embarrassing situations.

MYTH: You must take pain medications to deal with sciatica.

FACT: Drugs like muscle relaxants, pain killers, narcotics, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications have serious potential side-effects and do not cure the root cause of sciatica.

MYTH: “I must have done something wrong to get sciatica.”

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Sciatica can affect anyone - including super-fit celebrities like Tiger Woods, Sylvester Stallone, and British Olympic medallist Ian Wynne.

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MYTH: Getting Sciatica properly diagnosed is expensive.

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

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 • 15

Pritzker proposes creation of new standalone early childhood agency New entity would coordinate child care, preschool, early interventions

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Vowing to make Illinois the top state in the nation for child care accessibility, Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled a plan last week to consolidate all the state’s early childhood programs and funding into one new state agency.

“Early Childhood program governance has to be unified in its focus on serving children and families, easing the burden on providers and promoting equity,” Pritzker said at a news conference in Chicago. “Other states like Colorado, New Mexico, Massachusetts and Georgia, among others, have already created a unified state agency solely dedicated to early childhood. It’s time for Illinois to do the same.”

Currently, the state’s early childhood services are spread across three state agencies. The Illinois State Board of Education administers early childhood block grants, which help fund preschool programs in areas with limited access to them. The Department of Human Services administers programs that subsidize the cost of child care ser-

“

Early Childhood program governance has to be unified in its focus on serving children and families, easing the burden on providers and promoting equity.”

– Gov. JB Pritzker

vices, home visits and early intervention services for lower-income families. And the Department of Children and Family Services is in charge of licensing day care providers.

“Anybody, as a parent, who has tried to go through the system of getting everything that you need – from home visiting, to early interve

“Anybody, as a parent, who has tried to go through the system of getting everything that you need— from home visiting, to early intervention services, to childcare, to preschool, some accessing all four of those things—knows that it is an impossible bureaucracy to try to access all of those things,” Pritzker said. “I mean … it’s at least a halftime job to just do those things, to find those services. And we need to make it so much easier.”

Pritzker made the announcement on the opening day of the General Assembly’s fall veto session.

To start the multiyear process, he signed an executive order instructing existing agencies to reorganize certain functions to prepare for the potential consolidation, but he said he will work with lawmakers on legislation to formalize the process in the spring.

In the meantime, he named Ann Whalen to serve as transition director for the consolidation process.

She has worked the last two years as policy director for the education advocacy group Advance Illinois and previously worked in the U.S. Department of Education during

the Obama administration.

Pritzker also announced he is forming an external advisory committee that will gather input from stakeholders in preparation of the consolidation proposal. That committee will be chaired by Bela Moté, CEO of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning, one of the largest early childhood and youth development organizations in Chicago.

Pritzker said the idea for the consolidation grew out of an Early Childhood Funding Commission he established in 2019 to study and make recommendations on ways to provide equitable access to high-quality early childhood education and care services for children birth to age five.

Among that group’s recommendations was a call to consolidate all early childhood programs into a single new agency.

Last spring, state lawmakers approved a budget for the current fiscal year that included a $250 million increase in funding for early childhood programs. That initiative, which Pritzker called Smart Start Illinois, included a $75

million increase in early childhood block grants; $130 million to stabilize wages for child care workers; a $40 million increase for early intervention programs; and $5 million to expand the IDHS home visiting program.

Other investments the state is making in early childhood programs include $100 million in capital funding to build new preschools and day care centers and expand existing ones; $70 million for the Child Care Assistance Program; $12 million in funding for scholarships and apprenticeships to grow the child care workforce; and $1.6 million to launch the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders said those investments will pay dividends as the children receiving those services advance through school and into adulthood.

“The research is unequivocal that funding high-quality early learning is one of the best investments we can make as a state,” he said. “Increasing access to preschool leads to stronger social, economic and life outcomes for all students.”

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

The Elmhurst Independent

Sports

Nov. 2, 2023 • 16

Timothy Christian, ICCP girls volleyball teams win regional titles York girls volleyball reaches Class 4A regional final

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian girls volleyball team defeated Rosary 25-14, 25-18 to win the Class 2A Lisle regional title. The win gave the Trojans their second regional championship in a row and fifth since 2014.

Abby Vander Wal had seven kills, five aces and five digs, while Bella Potempa had seven kills, one block and five digs. Addy Vogelzang had two kills, while Ella Rickert had three kills and two blocks. Leah DeBoer had 11 assists, two aces and two digs.

Elizabeth Alex had six assists and one ace, while Clare McQuade had one assist, two aces and two digs.

“Once again, the girls were ready to go from the first whistle,” Trojans coach Scott Piersma said. “We were able to control the match defensively by frustrating them at the net. As a whole, we were able to keep them hitting negative (more errors than kills) by limiting their two best hitters to only seven kills combined. That takes a total team effort defensively.”

Piersma pointed out the team was balanced offensively with seven kills each from Vander Wal and Potempa and another five from the Trojans’ middle blockers. “We did start slow in the second set, getting down 115, before Abby went back to the service line and brought us back into the match with five aces, allowing us to close out the match in two sets,” Piersma noted.

The win moved Timothy, the Chicagoland Christian Conference champions, to 27-6 overall. The Trojans downed Lisle 25-12, 25-7 to reach the regional final. Vander Wal had 11 kills, two aces and two blocks. Potempa had five kills, three aces and one block. Vogelzang had two kills and one block. Rickert had two kills, while Lumkes had one kill and one dig. Norah Rudman had one kill and one dig, while DeBoer had seven assists, two aces and two digs. Alex had nine assists, four aces and two digs and McQuade had four assists, three aces and three digs.

“We played very well from the start by overpowering them with our offense,” Piersma said. “We had 14 aces and 22 kills, which included a perfect 11 kills on 11 swings from Abby.”

IC Catholic Prep girls volleyball The postseason titles continue to pile up for the IC Catholic Prep girls volleyball team. The Knights, the 2022 Class 2A runner-up, downed Aurora Central Catholic 25-6, 25-8 to win the Class 2A IC Catholic Prep regional title. It was ICCP’s eighth re-

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

IC Catholic Prep senior girls volleyball player Lucy Russ recently surpassed the 2,000 career setting assist mark. Russ and IC Catholic Prep played earlier this week in the Class 2A Genoa-Kingston sectional.

gional title since 2013.

ICCP played earlier this week in the Class 2A Genoa-Kingston sectional against Genoa-Kingston. If the Knights won that contest, they played either Timothy Christian or Rockford Christian for the Genoa sectional title on Wednesday. The winner of the Genoa sectional championship will play Friday in the Class 2A Timothy Christian supersectional in Elmhurst for a shot to go to the Class 2A state finals.

In the win against ACC, Ava Falduto had nine kills, 10 digs, one ace, two assists and two blocks. Lucy Russ had 18 assists, four kills, 10 digs, one ace and one block. Delilah Hyland had four kills and three blocks. Emily Carling had four kills, one assist, four digs and four aces.

Jenny Fromelt had one kill and two blocks, while Maura Grogan had two kills and three blocks. The win moved ICCP to 32-3 overall.

The Knights advanced to the regional final after a 25-6, 25-4 win over Cristo Rey St. Martin out of Waukegan in the regional semifinals.

Hyland had nine kills and one block.

Falduto had six kills, three digs and one ace. Russ had 22 assists, four digs and four aces. Fromelt had seven kills, while Kiely Kemph had three kills and Mary Kate Hilgart had two assists and one block.

York girls volleyball The York girls volleyball team lost 25-20, 25-22 to Hinsdale Central in the championship match of the Class 4A Morton regional. Amalia Toliopoulos had six kills. “Amalia really played out of her mind in this match and was a huge reason we were in two close sets,” York coach Danny Piwowarczyk said. Emelyn Stettin had 15 assists, while Leila Rodriguez and Katie Day each had two blocks. Piper Barber had six digs.

“Congrats to Hinsdale Central.

They played an amazing match,” Piwowarczyk said. “This was an incredible group of eight seniors, and they really helped inject positivity and energy into the culture of the volleyball program at York. I am so proud of all they have accomplished as both players and people over the course of their four years in the program.”

York reached the title match with a 25-9, 25-18 win over Chicago Whitney Young. Jessie Trapp had seven kills, while Stettin had 16 assists. Barber and Trapp each had six digs, while Rodriguez had four blocks. “Leila Rodriguez came out of the gates on fire with three kills and three blocks in the first set, which set the tone early,” Piwowarczyk said. “The whole team played a very complete game in set two and we were able to close it out.”

IC Catholic Prep boys soccer team wraps up season Geiger competes at state girls tennis meet

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The IC Catholic Prep boys soccer team brought home plenty of postseason honors. Adalberto Suarez was named to the all-sectional team, while Suarez, Ben Leischner, Tristan Salgado and Filip Ciepiela were named to the all-Chicago Catholic League team. Leischner also was honored with an all-sectional sportsmanship award, while Gareth Martinez won an all-sectional academic award.

ICCP finished the 2023 season with a 6-5-1 overall record and finished 5-4 in Chicago Catholic League play. The Knights lost in the first round of the state playoffs to Chicago Rauner. “I think our biggest improvement was our team culture and our mental toughness,” IC Catholic Prep co-coach Bianca Madonia said. “We have come a long way with our confidence as a team. I am so proud of the boys. I am proud of the overall growth of this group. Losing in our regional semifinal sparked something in the younger group to come back next year even better and stronger. This group was special, and I will always be proud of their effort, resilience, work ethic and heart. Their heat is unmatched.”

Madonia lauded the efforts of the ICCP seniors. “I am sad to see the seniors leave since they were a huge part of our program and have strong leadership, but I am excited for the years to come,” she said.

“The players coming back next year are excited to work hard and earn their first regional championship. They are determined and hungry for more.”

See TENNIS, Page 17

SPORTS 19

sports sports

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 • 17 The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 19

York girls cross country team dominates on way to sectional championship

ICIC Catholic Catholic graduate Prep girlsPrep cross country qualifies for state; York, Timothy boys headed to Peoria Leslie headed to Le Moyne

By Mike Miazga

in 17:40.5, senior Anna McGrail was Junior Graziella Narcisi finished fifth at 17:49.9, sophomore Maggie sixth with a time of 19:00.10. SeThe York girls cross country team Quinn was sixth at 17:56.8, and se- nior Kelsey McDonough was 14th at left zero doubt as to who was the best nior Katherine Klimek was ninth at 20:05.70, while sophomore Grace at the recent Class 3A Lake Park sec- I17:58.6, thebeDukes 27 points. feel likegiving I would so bored with- Gildea was 22nd at 20:38.80. Senior Will play tional at the Lakevolleyball Park West Campus out Wheaton North was a mile away it because it has been such a bigin Megan Van Koughnet was 31st at in Roselle. and really sophomore Chloe second with 115 points. Sophomore 21:07.00 I’m part of my life.” for Division II school Leslie The Dukes scored 27 points, 98 Sophia Galiano-Sanchez was 12thofat Brandt was 44th at 22:07.30. said she has plenty By be able lessMike thanMiazga their next-closest competi- memories 18:07.1. Sophomore GiGi Hill fin- excited ICCP runs to Saturday in the Class from IC Catholic Prep’s CORRESPONDENT tor on their way to winning the sec- coach 18:16.3 toprogram. wrap up 1A state finals meet at Detweiller ished Nancy 17th atKerrigan’s to play volleyball in Recent PrepYork gradutional titleICinCatholic a blowout. will York’s entrants in there,” the race.

“I loved playing sheYork’s said. Park in Peoria. ate head meet east “Ifive runBella in theLeslie Classwanted 3A statetofinals scoring runners had a split of probably enjoyed school volleycollege. It gives me for college. Park in Peoria Saturday ball at Detweiller 20.4more seconds. than club because I love York boys cross country landingatspot up being my team and the coaching staff forHer a chance the ended state championThe York boys cross something to country do. I team atship.

NCAA Division II Le Moyne was IC Catholic Prep on and off the finished sixth at the Class 3A Lake very supportive College where the former feel like inI would All five of York’s scoringKnights runners court. girls cross sectional Roselle andbe earned It madecountry it a really good en- Park volleyball soccer standout finished inand the top 10 of the racewill and vironment The IC to Catholic girls cross a berth in Saturday’s state finals be in. Prep Coach (Kerriso bored without continue her crossed volleyball career at gan) four of them consecutively. country also is heading the meet. wasteam great.

I have knowntoher the Syracuse, NewQuinn York was school as for Senior Michaela York’s state finals after finishing third Iatdid the top seven teams advance to a while.

When I was little, itThe because it has afirst libero. runner across the finish line in all Class Bishop sectionthe1A little kidsMcNamara camps, and her the state finals. York tied with Bata“Allplace of the I was looking third at schools 17:38.2 for three miles. daughter al in Kankakee.

Knights finished with 161 points,abutbig Batavia finwas in The my brother’s grade via been such atSenior were Margaret on the East Coast,” Owens wasLeslie fourth atwith ished fifth on a tiebreaker.

IC.”99 points. told the Independent last week. “I part of my life.”

Leslie said she will miss plenvisited Le Moyne and really liked ty about IC Catholic Prep. “I will – Bella Leslie it. It reminded me of high school miss how close knit of a communibecause it was a small school, and ty it was,” she said. “I knew everyin a smaller school you will know a body at the school. It will be weird been cancelled due to the pandemlot 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 Miazga Stopka Janowsseed. aBy bigMike hill and the scenery around it teachers.

It will be weird for the the team noted. recentlyMateusz and they said ki scored second goalabout on a isCORRESPONDENT great. Everything is pretty close firstEarlier, year or York so.” downed Glenbard they shouldYork’s have an answer The York team saw West header off a corner.

4-2 in two overtimes to adtogether.

Theyboys havesoccer very nice facilLeslie said pandemic life hasn’t our season in the next 7-10 days. its season come to aprogram close after In talked the firstabout overtime, got a vanceoverly to theexciting, West Chicago ities.

The volleyball hasa been though final. her They threeGlodz scenarios 4-3 loss in penalty St. club rebound off the crossbar on a Yorkvolleyball trailed 2-0 team in the has first started half be- and good workout facilitieskicks and atonice what could happen like if shot we Charles EastI liked in thehow championship

by Janowski andand scored.

In thegets secfore scoring two goals the end locker room. modern it practicing again.

“We at have beenof start the season someone game of the Class 3A West Chica- practicing ond and overtime, Aaron Jobiand slotted the half to two tie theorgame. was.” three times a sick we have to stop go. goLeslie sectional. was the No. 1 week,” home one the insurance goal why withthey sevDamian Glodz“We hadare York’s plans York on studying nursing she said. going first to That’s of the reasons the West Chicago en looking minutesatleft after the he season “slalomed goal “on a tournaments beautiful backheel atseed Le in Moyne.

“They havesectional, a good be starting again. assist Be- are moving to while St. Charles East was the through five defendfromthat Alan Rivas,” coach nursing program,” she said.

“Asthird far fore I haven’t been doingJordan any- the spring.about Rightfour noworthe plan is to ers down the but rightwewing,” as what kind of a nurse I want to thing because senior soccer season have a season, won’t Stopka know said.the next 7-10 days.” be, I’m not quite sure yet.” and the club volleyball season were until Stopka praised Leslie played volleyball and girls cancelled. We were supposed to go But if allalso systems are the a go,play Les-of Alan Rivas Jobi.

“Alan York Football 11club preview soccer at IC Catholic Prep all four week to a few volleyball qualifiers lie can’t waitand to Aaron take her skills as Aaron havenext been hugewith for the us,” years. She was a center-midfielder in Grand Rapids and Louisville. aand libero to the level York (9-1) (7-3) he said. “I feel like being a libeon the Knights soccer team.at Lyons ThisTownship summer, we have some tour- Dolphins.

“This team know how Leslie’s journey naments planned over next few ro you have to doesn’t be really quick andto When: volleyball Friday or Saturday.

Check IHSA.org for date andthe time. quit and never will. My new motto startedWhere: in the Bennett fifth grade, firstTownship weekends.

They are little tourna- that is typically what I am good at.

Field;the Lyons South Campus; Western the year is York Dukes soccer: yearSprings she could play the sport at IC ments with all of the local clubs. I for have really good reaction time,” We thrive on chaos.”

Grade Seeds: School.

She’s large really local. she said. “I like diving on the floor York is the been No. 5 playseed in Nothing the 32-team Classand 8A bracket; Earlier, the Dukes downed Glening Lyons club volleyball since saving balls. It’s a really good is the No. 21 seed.seventh Other than that, I have been trying and bard East 3-2 in penalty kicks to grade, Outlook: most recently with the work here out ainlottheand stay round in shape. feeling when you make a save. The Groundhog DayChifor thetoDukes second win the Class 3A Schaumburg recagoofElite group that practices I’ve running lot, I got into position fits my personality, too. the 8A playoffs.

The Dukesout return to been Bennett Field afor thesosecond gional title. It was York’s fourth reof Scores that.meeting I try and run every day.”

You have to be the loudest one on time in in fourWillow weeks. Springs York wonand the first (a West Suburban gional title since 2019. The Dukes Montini High School Lombard.

Leslie she isafternoon. scheduled to the court. I have a loud personality.

Conference Silver in Division game) 24-14 on asaid Saturday finished fourth in the state in 2022 “I’m really excited be ableConference report to entrant Le Moyne in the Aug. 12- You have to be pretty loud if you Lyons handled NorthtoSuburban Stevenson 31-6 in and won the state title in 2021. to play volleyball in week, college,” sheYork 15beat timeframe, but noted preseason want to be a libero. I think I match the first round last while Homewood-Flossmoor 43York trailed 2-0 twenty minutes said.22.

“ItThe gives me something to do. volleyball activities already have that winner of this game could face another West Suburban Silver intodescription.” the game. The Dukes then team in the quarterfinals if No. 13 seed Glenbard West (8-2) beats No. scored two goals in the last sev4 Edwardsville (9-1). If York and Edwardsville were to win in the second round, York(Continued would luckfrom out by not18) having to travel to southern page Illinois. Because Edwardsville will have hosted two playoff games and They Chicago on huge rah-rah person.

I’m York lost one, to the West quarterfinal matchup between the two would be aatlittle York.bit ble and transparent and communicate I think an own goal in the last five more of an individual players’ coach. with everybody.”

(Continued from page 16) minutes. That was against the state I will pull kids to the side at practice As far as the future, Stopka wants IC Catholic Prep ICthe Catholic PrepThat’s Football week champs in sectional finals. and games and 11 teachpreview them.”

York competing at girls a hightennis level on IC Catholic Prep girls tennis a hell IC of aCatholic season if youPrep ask me.”

Stopka noted York has been doing a consistent basis.

“The short-term (8-2) at Rockford Boylan (9-1) player Geigerand competed the Stopka will teach Spanish at York. conditioning drills and said the plan goal is Allie to restock build upin the When: Friday Saturday.

Check and was time.to start team,” recent he Class meet.

He taught Spanish andor one math class asIHSA.org of earlierfor lastdate week said.1A“Astate largefinals portion of Where: Boylan Catholic Geiger lostteam both was her matches the at St. Pat’s.

“My philosophy is IHigh am School, summerRockford camp pending District 205 last year’s seniors, at espeSeeds: ICCP is the No.he7 said. seed inapproval. the top half of theprobably Class 4Abeen playoff state meet at Hersey11.High in more of a players’ coach,” “I have able cially the starting We School have to bracket; Boylan Catholic is the No. 2 seed.

Arlington Heights.

“Allie are probably “I have been a big Liverpool soccer to meet 60 to 70 percent of the play- make sure the now juniors up to Outlook: The 2015 Knights hit Jurthe road should didn’t play her varsity best tennis, but are for supporter ever since when ersfor so what far,” he said.be “Ifaitcompetitive does get ap- the speed of the level and contest.

The Knights had no problem dispatching Geneseo someone who doesWe notwant playtotennis gen Klopp came over and he’s known proved that would be the35-12 start in of our ready to contribute. keep first-round week home. the playoffs with a year-round, who will into a as a the players’ coach.last He’s kindatof my Boylan contactopened days with four days a week that pipeline and going with theroll younger 43-12 win over Chicago Phillips.

Boylan plays in the Northern Illinois varsity of basketball season week, coaching idol. I want to related to the for three weeks straight. And even groups players. We wantintoa make Conference 10bonds (NIC-10) in the conferenceshe did great,” IC Catholic Prep but coplayers and form withwhere them.it finished though second the IHSA waived the black- sure we are not only competitive, games-only format to unbeaten Rockton Hononegah, which is the coach Tardiff said. finI am more light-hearted and smil- out dates before the school year, we that weSarah are competing for“She region2 seed in the halfwith of thewon’t Class take 7A bracket and hosts ishedsectionals in the topand 64 supersectionals. in the state. We ing. No. I like to have funbottom and joke advantage of that. I’m als, Willowbrook in the second round.

Boylan outscored opponents 380super-excited forthis her.” the kids. The goal is understanding pretty sure families have plans to do Itare starts for me with junior class 93each in theplayer regular season and has outscored its last school four foes 173-12 is ICCP’s firstwant state them qualwhere can be successful things before starts.

I’m(3the thatGeiger is coming in. We shutouts before Phillips Boylan 24-21 ifier since “We’rethe very proud and the provide the best way scored possible12 last newweek). guy and I’m lost not only going to say ready to go2016. and setting standard at home Hononegah.they need you can’t go with your family. Go for of her season,” to convey theto knowledge these other Tardiff classes said. that “And come we in arethey excited year.” right off at the position they play. I am not big do it and enjoy it. This is a crazy and so can for alsonext contribute CORRESPONDENT

“

Junior Zach Saltiel led the way for York, finishing ninth in the sectional with a time of 15:11.9 for three miles.

Junior Max Zangan finished 27th with a time of 15:33.8. Junior Sam Kehoe was 31st with a time of 15:36.4. Junior Emmett Bradford was 52nd with a time of 15:56.8 and junior Jack Sebastian was 62nd with a time of 16:02.4 — giving York a sectional scoring five containing no seniors.

York runs Saturday in the Class 3A state finals meet in Peoria.

Timothy Christian boys cross country The Timothy Christian boys cross country team finished fifth at the Class 1A Bishop McNamara sectional in Kankakee and earned a spot in

Saturday’s state meet in Peoria. The Trojans took fifth with 120 points.

Senior Tyce Plaisier finished 10th with a time of 16:37.20. Senior Gio Molina was 18th with a time of 16:58.30. Sophomore Ryan McKenzie was 30th with a time of 17:38.60.

Junior Rich Meszaros finished 32nd with a time of 17:42.30 and senior Josh Bemister took 37th with a time of 17:49.30 to round out the Timothy scoring.

Timothy Christian girls Ccoss country Timothy Christian sophomore Jen Carreon qualified for the Class 1A girls cross country state finals meet after finishing 25th at the Bishop McNamara sectional in Kankakee. Carreron scooped up one of the individual qualifying spots.

York boys soccer team reaches sectional championship

• Tennis

“

This team doesn’t know how to quit and never will. My new motto for the year is York Dukes soccer; We thrive on chaos.”

– Coach Jordan Stopka

en minutes to send the game into extra time. “Those are huge goals overtime. York buried all four of its from role players,” Stopka said. “I penalty kicks, while goalie Diego couldn’t be more proud of these Elmhurstthrough.”

Independent boysFOX forPHOTO breaking Ochoa made two saves and allowed twoCHRIS York defeated Wheaton North only one goal during the penalty 2-1 in the regional semifinals. phase.

JaydenaWaski MenoRivas scored a goal inpitch the during Anthony Bucolo fires a recentand U12Xander baseball th minute and Jobi scored in the lascina each scored a goal for the 74game.

77th minute to send the game into Dukes.

U12 baseball action

Player of the week sponsored by

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Dukes lose in penalty kicks to St. Charles East

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YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM GIGI BARR The YorkYORK girls cross country team was impressive in GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

winning the Class 3A Lake Park sectional title. All five of Barr was the recipient of the 2019-2020 York York’s scoring runners finished in the top 10 andVal the Cothern Dukes’ junior female athlete of the year award.

Barr went first four scoring runners finished sequentially 3, 4, 5over and the 6.

The Dukes won sectional 100 girls points.

1,000-career kill the threshold lasttitle fall by fornearly the Dukes volleyball team and still has a season to add to that total.

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

Timothy Christian boys soccer team wins Class 2A sectional title Trojans played earlier this week for a berth in state semifinals

CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian boys soccer team is no stranger to playing in sectional championship games.

And the Trojans are no strangers to winning them. Timothy recently recorded a 2-1 overtime win against Benet Academy to win the Class 2A St. Francis sectional in Whea-

ton.

The Trojans were playing in their ninth sectional championship game in the last 11 years. Timothy played on Halloween in the Class 2A Grayslake Central supersectional against Crystal Lake South. If Timothy won that game it will play Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the Class 2A state semifinals at Hoffman Estates High School.

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The Trojans, fourth in Class 1A in 2021 and third in Class 1A a year ago, reached the sectional final after a 2-1 win over Rockford Boylan in the semifinals.

Junior Timothy Nulty and senior Hendrik DeVries each had a goal.

Junior Owen Wise and senior Caleb Bode each had an assist. Peter Buikema made 10 saves in goal.

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“Boylan’s possession kept us on the defensive for the first 20 minutes of the game,” Timothy coach Joel Zielke said. Nulty finished a through ball from Bode at 33 minutes, but Boylan tied the game early in the second half.

Zielke noted opportunities were there for both teams down the stretch, but a long throw-in from Wise found DeVries for the winner with less than 10 minutes left in regulation.

Timothy reached the sectional after a 3-1 win against Wheaton Academy to win the Class 2A Wheaton Academy regional title.

Nulty, Cooper Rainone and senior Caleb Hoekstra each had a goal, while De Vries and Hoekstra each had an assist. Buikema made seven saves. Zielke noted the game was played in high winds. “We defended most of the first half with the wind coming at us,” he said.

In this back-and-forth game, Wheaton scored first midway

through the first half. A long throwin from De Vries to Nulty tied the game with 12 seconds left in the half. With the wind at their backs in the second half, the Trojans scored two goals in the span of two minutes to defeat rival Wheaton Academy. “With the wind at our backs, an energized group emerged,” Zielke said.

Timothy also recorded a 2-0 win over Glenbard South in the regional semifinals. Nulty and junior Trevor Munk each had a goal, while Rainone and De Vries each had an assist. Buikema made two saves.

“We opened postseason play with a dominant performance controlling possession,” Zielke said. “Glenbard South defended well in the first half, but we were able to score in the first five minutes of the second half to open up the game.”

Timothy has won six regional titles in a row dating back to 2017 and not counting the 2020 COVID-19 year.

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By Mike Miazga

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 • 19

Controversial pipeline canceled amid safety concerns, regulatory pushback Other projects still on the table as advocates, industry groups debate regulatory reform

By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Navigator CO2, a Nebraska-based company specializing in carbon capture and sequestration, has announced it is canceling plans to build a 1,300mile carbon dioxide pipeline that would have run through central Illinois.

The plan included several hundred miles of pipeline in Illinois which terminated at sequestration sites designed to store the greenhouse gas underground.

The company, which pulled its permit application at the Illinois Commerce Commission less than two weeks ago, said the cancellation was due to the “unpredictable nature” of the regulatory processes involved in permitting such a project.

The company recently had its permit denied in South Dakota and faced regulatory uncertainty in Iowa before ultimately withdrawing their applica-

tion in that state.

“We are disappointed that we will not be able to provide services to our customers and thank them for their continued support.” Navigator CO2 CEO Matt Vining said in a news release.

The project was met with significant pushback from environmentalists and landowners in Illinois, who shared concerns about safety and the company’s request to use eminent domain to obtain land or usage rights if necessary.

Much of the work to oppose the project was organized through the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines, which helped form a separate group to intervene in the state’s regulatory proceeding, attracting landowners and several county governments to its cause.

“This is, I think, the result of successful organizing,” Pam Richart, the coalition’s president, told Capitol News Illinois.

“While we’re happy to hear it, there are a lot of federal tax dollars on the table for carbon sequestration.”

The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, known as the bipartisan infrastructure bill when it went through Congress, allocated $12 billion in funding for carbon capture, utilization and storage projects.

Richart said available federal funding would continue to incentivize companies to propose similar projects. Illinois’ unique geology makes it a natural candidate for carbon sequestration.

“If it’s not Navigator, it’s going to be someone else,” she said.

Richart said her group will devote more resources to combating other similar projects and advocate for state-level regulation of the carbon sequestration sector.

Currently, state regulators are considering a separate proposal from Wolf Carbon Solutions and Archer Daniels Midland Co. to build a pipe-

line that would transport carbon dioxide created as a byproduct of ethanol production and store it underground in central Illinois.

That project has also been met with pushback from Richart’s group and others, leading some to call for state-level reform.

This past spring, lawmakers introduced competing bills—one backed by industry groups and another by en-

vironmental advocates—that would create a framework for regulating the safety of this kind of project. Those bills were never called for a vote.

While Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, told Capitol News that this subject was unlikely to come up in the upcoming two-week veto session, stakeholders continue to meet and negotiate with the hope of creating a bill that could become law in the future.

DuPage County releases draft trails plan

The DuPage County Division of a collaborative resource for various Transportation (DuDOT) is seeking stakeholders involved in trail manpublic feedback on its draft DuPage agement and development.

“After carefully considering the County trails plan.

Staff members crafted the com- overwhelming response to our comprehensive trails program after re- munity survey, we believe it is esceiving input from more than 3,000 sential to keep the public informed survey responses during the planning and seek their input before we move forward with a final document. We process.

The DuPage trails plan’s main recognize our trails are some of our purpose is to establish standardized county’s most treasured resources maintenance practices for the DuP- and we value the community’s feedage County regional trail network back as we finalize plans for the fu(Continued from page 5) managed by DuDOT. It also guides ture of our trail system,” said Mary Chicago’s Department my condiments need, their own investments to improve safety, acces- FitzGerald Ozog, chair of the DuPStores individual utensils), and a berry fork sibility, and navigation, clarifies per- age County Transportation CommitI popped in to the Elmhurst for a whoppin’ $20 – yes, a fork – mitting processes, and emphasizes tee.

(Continued from page 7) History Museum to catch their latest just for berries.

To review the Trails Plan and share environmental stewardship. exhibit about Chicago’s Department When you didn’t have TV and stood at 2,882 students on Sept. 30, The plan includes unique elements feedback, visit www.dupagetrailStores. It’s a fascinating collection videogames, apparently people were 2019. to enhance the user experience and is splan.com by Nov. 17. of photos, videos, memorabilia and free to fuss over their dinnerware for Hawthorne Elementary School merchandise from shopping days meals down to the last detail – down currently has the largest enrollment gone by. It was interesting to see to the last mustard spoon! of the district’s elementary schools (Continued from front page) the old S&H green stamps. There’s with 572 students. Bryan Middle “Searching for felony suspects cannot see. Together, they allow a place where ladies can try on hats Indeed, Character School currently includes 692 stu- hiding in the dark is not only difficult police officers to more accurately and there are two small desks where Counts in Elmhurst dents. Sandburg Middle School’s work; it can be dangerous.” he said. search large areas in less time, resultvisitors can browse the old-time When Dr. John “Doc Jev” Jevitz enrollment stands at 622 students, “In the past, police officers would ing in criminal suspects being apprecatalogs and fill out a bill of sale for called and asked publisher Pete while Churchville Middle School has fan out with flashlights to search for hended in a safe coordinated manner the items you choose.

Cruger and I out for the evening, 489 students. criminals—the officers not knowing in our community.”

My sister always says we’ve lost we were a little surprised, although Eight years ago, on Sept. 30, 2015, until the last moment when they spot McLean then explained the usage so much of the ceremony of life and Doc is always so gracious and so the district reported an overall en- a suspect. of drones, what training is required who wouldn’t agree. My “order” grateful for the slightest little thing rollment of 8,326 students, which is “K-9’s have been a great tool to and who is authorized to operate from the Carson, Pirie Scott & we do. Little did we know, he was nearly identical to the district’s cur- assist officers more effectively track them.

Co. Wholesale Dry Goods catalog presenting us with the Character rent enrollment of 8,329 students. running suspects. However, even “The Elmhurst Police Department included a butter spear for $2.40 Counts in Elmhurst President’s The district had 8,596 students on with a K-9, officers do not know has five police officers that are also (that’s a little fork that stabs a pat Award, a beautiful glass sculpture.

Sept. 30, 2019. if the suspect is hiding around the drone pilots,” he said. “Each has of butter and lifts it to your plate – (There are photos from the event, Campbell noted that the district next corner or on top of a shed. EPD completed a 40-hour unmanned aerithat’s all it does, it doesn’t do any including a nice shot of the award, was bringing back its State of the now uses our public safety drone as al vehicle course certified by the Illispreading – the butter spear is the elsewhere in this issue). Thank you District presentation. This year’s a first-response tool in combination nois Law Enforcement Training and cat of the flatware world – “that’s very much, Doc Jev! You are not State of the District event took place with K-9 units to more efficiently Standards Board and passed the FAA all I’m doing, it’s time for a nap, only humble in your own right, you in the York High School Commons locate fleeing suspects and missing licensing exam for drone operators. if you need something else, call always remember to be gracious and on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

Our drone pilots receive ongoing persons. the dog”), an oyster fork for $28, a to say that simple phrase: Thank The board will hold its next regu“The drone is able to see suspects flight training hours throughout the mustard spoon for $2.70 (that’s what you. lar meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14. hiding in darkness and the K-9 can year in addition to emergency inci-

• Fedora

• Library

• Assessment

• Arrest

track to buildings where the drone dent callouts.”

(Continued from page 10)

sultant, shares what parents can do to prepare for potty training. Learn about signs that your child may be ready to be potty-trained, recommended methods and how to implement them, and some common mistakes to avoid. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.-noon American Mah Jongg Gather for this game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration.

Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

NaNoWriMo Write-In Come for a weekly write-in to write in the company of others and participate in challenges to help

boost your word count for National Novel Writing Month. Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Registration required.

Thursday, Nov. 9 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Culture Club: Svalbard and Norway’s Artic Archipelago View the beauty of peaked mountains, icy glaciers, and colorful tundra sporting tiny plants blooming over permafrost in this pristine land of midnight sun located midway between Norway and the North Pole.

Take a peek at Svalbard’s wildlife, and hear stories of the whalers, hunters, trappers, miners, and adventurers from around the world who tested their mettle against the long polar nights, scarcity, and hardship long before Svalbard became a tourist destination. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Thursday, Nov. 9 from 7-8 p.m.

A Day at the Fair with Daniel Burnham Experience the majesty of the 1893 Columbian Exposition with Chicago architect and the fair’s Director of Works Daniel Burnham in this historical portrayal. Learn about the origins of the fair as well as its exhibits, people, and the politics involved with the creation of the White City. Live in-person and on Zoom.

Registration required.

Friday, Nov. 10 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: Corner Office Enjoy an afternoon at the movies.

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

For more information about any of the above program, call (630) 2798696 or visit elmlib.org/events.

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79230 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on OCTOBER 4, 2023, wherein the business firm of BARK PRODUCTIONS LOCATED AT 824 S. CHATHAM AVE., ELMHURST, IL 60126 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) ANDREW RAUTENBERG, HOME ADDRESS 824 S. CHATHAM AVE., ELMHURST, IL 60126.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 4TH day of OCTOBER, A.D. 2023.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Oct. 19, 26 & Nov. 2, 2023) 445486

NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79237 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on OCTOBER 12, 2023, wherein the business firm of PASSIONS NAIL SPA LOCATED AT 590 SOUTH YORK STREET, ELMHURST, IL 60126, 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) OANH THI KIEU TRUONG, HOME ADDRESS 2240 SCOVILLE AVENUE APT 2, BERWYN, IL 60402.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 12TH day of OCTOBER, A.D. 2023.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Oct. 26, Nov. 2 & 9, 2023) 445639

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

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