EI120122

ICCP Football wins state championship Knights cap season at 13-1; bring home program’s sixth state title

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

It’s a six-pack for the IC Catho lic Prep football team. The Knights capped off a dominating season in apropos fashion with a 48-17 vic tory over Williamsville in the Class 3A state-championship game held at Memorial Stadium on the cam pus of the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. IC Catholic Prep finished the season 13-1 and won the program’s sixth football state championship since 2002 and fourth under 11 th-year coach Bill Krefft. The Knights have now won state titles in 2002, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022.

Since 2016, only one other high school football program in the state of Illinois (covering all 8 enroll ment classifications) has equaled IC Catholic Prep’s four state ti tles — that being Lena-Winslow, a Class 1A school with an enrollment of 249 students 45 minutes north west of Rockford that won state ti tles in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022. Only two other teams in the state have won three titles during that timeframe (Rochester and East St. Louis) and only 13 have won multi ple state titles dating back to 2016.

In the win over Williamsville (12-2), the Knights had to come from behind to secure the state’s top prize. Williamsville kicked a 23-yard field goal with 2:22 left in the first quarter and then added a 16-yard passing touchdown with 10:15 to play in the second to take a 10-0 lead. And then the fun started.

IC Catholic Prep proceeded to

rattle off 48 unanswered points in essentially two quarters of action as fans at Memorial Stadium watched the game deteriorate into a blow out. It was ICCP’s ninth instance of scoring 40 or more points this season and third in the playoffs. In those nine games, IC Catholic Prep’s average margin of victory was 44 points.

KJ Parker caught a 65-yard touchdown pass from Dennis Man dala to cut the lead to 10-7 with 9:29 to play before halftime. Den zell Gibson’s 51-yard touchdown run with 1:34 to play in the second quarter gave the Knights a 13-10 lead they would never relinquish. Gibson’s 34-yard run with 10:25 to play in the third put IC Catholic Prep up 20-10 and Eric Karner fol lowed that up with a 25-yard touch down pass from Mandala with 6:25 left in the third to put the score at 34-10.

JP Schmidt then caught a 74yard pass from Mandala with 2:44 left in the third quarter to give the Knights a 41-10 lead. Mandala, an all-state selection, capped the scor ing with a 56-yard rushing touch down with 11:31 to play in the fourth quarter. He accounted for five of ICCP’s touchdowns on the day. The Knights put up 28 points alone in the third quarter.

After Williamsville scored on two of its first three possessions (the first ended on downs at the ICCP 34), the Bullets’ remaining possessions in the game included

ICCP PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

The Knights of Immaculate Conception Catholic Prep (ICCP) hoist the trophy over their heads af ter winning the Class 3A state-championship game at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, beating Willliamsville by a score of 48-17. ICCP finished the season 13-1, winning its sixth football state championship since 2002 and its fourth under Coach Bill Krefft.

Get your kids healthy teeth & gums

Our Comfort Care Dentistry makes going to the dentist an unexpected pleasure.

We’ve been changing people’s ideas about dentistry for a long time.

No Black Fillings! Tooth colored fillings that look pleasing.

Gentle dental care for adults and children.

Convenient location and appointment times.

No shot laser fillings available. New technology allows for smaller, faster fillings without discomfort.

Knowledgeable staff using the latest technology.

Watch movies or listen to music while you have your teeth fixed. Whitening, implants, and smile makeovers.

PAUL DELGUIDICE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

The Graham family of Elmhurst display their Thanksgiving Day pride before the 39th Annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot.

Community Bank of Elmhurst

Est. 1993

CBE Presents: ‘HOLI-DAZE’ 2022!

Last year over the first 25 days of December, CBE unveiled a new window display at our City Centre location at 133 N. York Street. This year, all the displays will be back, and all on display at once, as we begin to celebrate the Holiday Season in Elmhurst for 2022.

When you find yourself in City Centre, stop by CBE and take a look at our displays. Most are lit and many have movement...All of them are special.

Family pride

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. Periodical Postage Paid at Elmhurst, IL.

Display Advertising: 630.834-8355

Classified Advertising: 630.834-8244 News: 630.834-8244

General Information: 630.834-8244

E-mail:

Advertising Department: ads1@rvpublishing.com

News Department: Independent@rvpublishing.com

Classified Department: Classifieds@rvpublishing.com

Administration: Dee Longfellow News Coordinator

Obituaries

Nancy J. Pasternock, 85

Nancy J. Pasternock passed away November 12, 2022, at the age of 85. She was born June 30, 1937 in Oak Park, IL, to the late John and Jean (nee Duncan) MacGregor. She is survived by her children, Patti (Jeff) Reher, Paul (Elizabeth) Pasternock and Sandy (Dave) Koropp; grand children, Brian, Scott (Ashley) and Matthew Reher; Anne Marie (Joey Petrando), Michael (Molly), Kather ine and Elise Pasternock; and Han nah Grace, Emma Rose and Thomas Joseph Koropp; and great-grand daughter Autumn Reher. Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Paster nock and her brother Robert (the late Barbara) MacGregor.

Nancy was a loving daughter, sister, wife, homemaker and moth er with a special talent for creating things with her heart and hands: food from the kitchen, hand-sewn and knitted treasures, every manner of art but especially watercolor and em broidery, and a delightful landscape in her yard. She had true empathy for the living world all around her, and especially her beloved dogs who pat tered after her every day of her life.

Interment Saint Mary Catholic Cem etery, Elmhurst. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Jo liet, Office of Development, 16555 Weber Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403. Arrangements by Elmhurst Commu nity Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel, 567 South Spring Road, El mhurst. For info, 630-834-3515 or www.elmhurstfh.com.

William “Bill” J. Kucera, 87 William “Bill” J. Kucera passed away Novem ber 21, 2022, at the age of 87. He was born June 12, 1935 in Chicago to the late Wil liam and Lillian Kucera. Bill attended the University of Notre Dame where he received a B.S. in Metalurgy, and the Universi ty of Chicago, where he earned his MBA in computer programming. He worked at Union Carbide for the Atomic Energy Commission, Stuart Oil Co., and Griffin Wheel Co. Survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Blanche (nee Suva); loving

father to Laura (Peter) Spinella, Me lissa (Vin) Isaiah and William (Bon nie) Kucera; cherished grandfather of Emily and Kendall Kucera, Lou and Luca Spinella and Amada Isa iah; dear brother to Ronald (Camille) Kucera; and further survived by many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his daughter in infancy, Susan Mary and his brother Robert (the late Virginia) Kucera.

A visitation and prayer service were held on Friday, Nov. 25 at El mhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel, 567 South Spring Road, Elmhurst. In lieu of flowers, donations may be written to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284; American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601; or the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merri field, VA 22116. For info, 630-8343515 or www.elmhurstfh.com.

Mildred Renn, 95 Services Dec. 10

Mildred Catherine Mares Renn, of Elmhurst, passed away on November 18, 2022 at the age of 95 at Sympho ny of Tiller’s in Oswego with family

at her side. She was born on Oc tober 7, 1972, the daughter of John and Katherine Mares in Chica go. She gradu ated from Harri son High School in Chicago. Mildred was united in marriage on May 24, 1952, to Ray mond Renn, the love of her life, and they spent the next 57 years happily together until his passing on June 2, 2009. She worked as a timekeeper at GTE in Northlake for 26 years until she retired. She belonged to the Elmhurst Evening Women’s Club, Homemakers of DuPage County, Visitation Catholic Church Seniors Club. She enjoyed reading, visit ing with her many friends, going to plays, jazz concerts and was a care taker to many. Mildred was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt who will be missed by her family and friends.

Mildred is survived by her daugh ter Karen (Mark) Craig of Mont

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.

Reprints:

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

Postmaster: Please send address changes to:

THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm 223499

A gathering to celebrate Nancy’s life will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023 in Whea ton. Arrangements by Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel. Info: 630-834-3515 or www.elmhurstfh.com.

Frank A. Boehm, 89

Frank A. Boehm passed away Nov. 21, 2022, at the age of 89. Long time resident of Elmhurst; former member of Im maculate Concep tion Walk-In Min istry and choir and St. John the Apostle Catholic Church choir; former copy writer for Kenyon & Eckhardt; Foote, Cone & Belding; McCann Erickson; Leo Burnett and The Right Writers. Beloved hus band to the late Jeanne S. Boehm (nee Scordamaglia); loving father of Greg (Cindy) and David (Candice) Boehm; proud grandfather of Jacob, Zachary, Rosa and Isabella Boehm; dear brother of the late William (Helen) Boehm, the late Mary (Earl) Rosell, the late Helen (Tom) Watson and the late Robert (Phyllis) Boehm. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Nov. 28 at Immac ulate Conception Catholic Church.

First time at the Turkey Trot

Regan family, including Morgan (155),

the 39th Annual

(156)

(157)

Debra Hamilton Advertising Director

Pete Cruger Publisher

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

PAUL DELGUIDICE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

The

Conor

Maria

and Dan (158), participated in

Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot this year for the first time and snagged some pretty low registration numbers. (Not sure why Conor has two different shoes on!) More photos inside.

A common sight

This couple came dressed as common objects on the scene at the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot –orange pylon traffic cones.

Obituaries

(Continued from page 5)

gomery, IL, and son Mark (Roxann) Renn of Des Plaines; her grandchil dren, David (Rachel Johnson) Craig, Christina (Kevin) Franks and Ryan Renn; her great grandchildren, Drew, Tyler and Logan Craig, Alex and Ri ley Johnson and Harley and Savanna Franks; her sister-in-law, Nana Renn; her nephew, David (Ofelia) Walker; and many nieces and nephews. A special thanks to all her many loving neighbors who looked out for her over the years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Renn; her par ents, John and Katherine Mares; and

her sister, Janet Walker.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel, 567 S. Spring Rd., followed by a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Donations may be made in mem ory of Mildred Renn to Easterseals, 141 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1400A, Chicago, IL 60604 or www.easter seals.com, or to St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD, 1301 N. Main St. Chamberlain, SD 57325. For info, (630) 834-3515 or www. elmhurstfh.com.

A bird in the hand

Best seat in the house

This little girl has the right idea – ride through the Turkey Trot on your dad’s shoulders. Sure beats walkin’.

This dad seems to have caught a little turkey in his arms! It was one of many costumes seen along the route of the Dan Gibbons Tur key Trot.

PAUL DELGUIDICE PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

• 4-8 p.m. ~ Food trucks (My Funnel Truck, Tickle my Tamale, Spoon Burger, Hat Trick BBQ)

• 5-8 p.m. ~ Featuring free photo with Santa, courtesy of JW Reedy

• 5-8 p.m. ~ Trolly with stops at St. Nick’s Mart (library) & the historical museum (raffle & more)

• 5-8 p.m. ~ Character photo-ops (Mickey, the Grinch)

• 5-8 p.m. ~ Petting zoo & pony rides

• S’mores station, Free hot chocolate provided by the VFW, Choir Carolers!

• Head across the street to Standard Meadery for their pop-up cookie event and an adult beverage!

Police beat

he 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 vic tims. 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.

Battery Nov. 17

Gabriela B. Raia, 23, of West Palm Beach, Fla., was issue a citation for battery, while Mark R. Okoniewski, 62, of Streamwood, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct subsequent to a road rage incident near York and Lake at 3:33 p.m. Police said both sub jects engaged in an argument, and that Raia had thrown coffee onto Okoniewski and had allegedly battered him.

Domestic battery, disorderly conduct

Nov. 19

A 34-year-old Elmhurst woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 200 block of E. Fremont at 7:27 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a verbal argument, the sus pect struck the victim.

CALL 800-222-TIPS

and was subsequently taken into custody by Northlake police.

Identity theft, fraud, forgery

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police report ed four incidents of identity theft or fraud in which a victim’s identity was fraudulently used either to make charges on a credit card, open a business, bank or credit account, fraudulently depositing checks, receiving unemployment benefits—or a victim was convinced by a sub ject to deposit money into an account, send a check, or to buy gift cards.

Suspicious circumstances

Nov. 16

A complainant reported two unknown male subjects came into her business in the 200 block of N. York asking for monetary dona tions for their organization. The complainant told them she was not interested and they made

a comment about her diamond ring. After clos ing, the doors were locked and she observed one of the males pulling on the door before walking away.

Theft or burglary /retail theft/forgery/deceptive practice/obstruction/ robbery

Nov. 22

Attempted theft of vehicle parts was report ed in the 100 block of W. Industrial at 1:44 a.m. Police said officers responded to the above lo cation for a possible catalytic converter theft in progress. Upon arrival, the suspected vehicle was observed fleeing the lot; last seen east bound on I-290. The suspect left a red vehicle jack under the vehicle. The jack was collected and placed into evidence.

Nov. 21

Attempted theft of vehicle parts was reported in the 100 block of W. Industrial at 11:16 p.m. Police said officers responded to the above lo cation for suspects attempting to break into a vehicle in the parking lot. While enroute, the security monitoring company advised the sus pects were no longer on scene. Upon arrival, officers checked the area and nothing appeared to be missing from any of the vehicles.

Nov. 19-Nov. 21

A victim in the 100 block of N. Addison reports she left her purse unattended while at a business on Nov. 19. Upon going into her purse days later, it was discovered an unknown suspect removed cash, makeup products and a debit card from the victim’s purses.

Nov. 20

Salamon T. Alexander, 22, of Chicago, was charged with attempted disorderly conduct/ falsifying a crime in the 600 block of S. York at 8:46 p.m. Police said officers responded to the above location for a 911 hang up. While enroute, officers were advised the suspect was requesting police assistance for a stolen wallet, according to police. Police said upon contact with the suspect, officers confirmed no robbery occurred and suspect was placed under arrest for falsifying a police report.

Nov. 17-Nov. 18

Theft by deception was reported in the 200 block of E. Church. A victim reports she re ceived an email from a friend asking to buy an Amazon e-card. The victim made the purchase and sent the card information to them online. The victim was later notified the friend’s email had been hacked.

Nov. 16

Theft was reported at Elm Creek Drive at 2:56 p.m. A victim related an unknown sus pect(s) had taken her Amazon package some time after it was delivered at the complex.

Nov. 8-Nov. 10

Theft was reported in the 100 block of W. Park. A victim reported he mailed a check he wrote for roofing work. The victim later checked his account and discovered the check had been altered and cashed by an unknown suspect. This case is pending investigation.

May 25

A complainant at a construction company in the 300 block of N. York related at 5:33 p.m. that the suspect, a former employee, completed several jobs and had the custom ers send the checks to him but did not pay the company.

20

Jesus Flores, 38, of Cicero, was charged with DUI and improper lane usage near North and I-290 at 2:42 a.m., while police said Ofelia Rodriguez, 30, of Cicero, a passenger in the vehicle, was found to be wanted out of Cook County.

Nov. 19

Dionta Hebron, 28, of Chicago, was charged with DUI and illegally stopped where prohib ited subsequent to the report of a driver al legedly slumped behind the wheel near York and Lake at 3:13 a.m.

Erin Matthias, 21, of Shorewood, was charged with DUI, improper lighting and no insurance subsequent to an alleged traffic stop near Prospect and St. Charles at 3:07 a.m.

James O’Connor, 61, of Elmhurst, was charged with aggravated DUI, leaving the scene of an accident and improper lane usage subsequent to an alleged hit and run near St. Charles and York at 11:06 p.m.

Fleeing, eluding

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

Nov. 21

John D. Richard, 41, of Northlake, was charged with fleeing/eluding, driving while license revoked, possession of cannabis, dis obeying a traffic control device, improper lane usage and no insurance near North and Clinton at 3:05 p.m. Police said that subsequent to an attempted traffic stop, Richard fled the area

Police officials promoted

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

ELMHURST POLICE DEPT PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

At the City Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21, Mayor Scott Levin swore-in four police department supervisors to their new ranks. Pictured are (from left) Deputy Chief Brett Kaczorowski, Commander Steven Mandat, Commander Matthew Him pelmann, Deputy Chief James Gandy, Commander Matthew McCollum and Police Chief Mike McLean.

Gone to the dogs

(Above): These Turkey Trot participants brought along their four-legged friends to take part in the race before going home to Thanksgiving dinner.

(Top right): Dignitaries watch as the breathtaking Lima Lima flyover takes place just as Jim Cornelison sings “the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air…” verse of the National An them. Watching are (from left): Mayor Scott Levin, volunteer Nick Cuzzone, Honorary Starter Jack Island and Dan Gibbons.

Elmhurst Hospital receives ‘A’ grade for safety from Leapfrog

The Leapfrog Group has awarded Elmhurst Hospital with an “A” Hos pital Safety Grade for the 22nd con secutive time, recognizing it as one of the only 22 hospitals in the coun try and three in Illinois to be award ed an “A” in every Hospital Safety Grade cycle since 2012.

“We’re proud of our straight-A streak, but we’re also humbled be cause we realize we have to con centrate even more and work harder to maintain the high level of safety and quality of care we provide every day,” says Pamela Dunley, RN, MS, MBA, CENP, president, Elmhurst Hospital.

Edward Hospital in Naperville earned a B. Edward and Elmhurst Hospitals are part of NorthShore–Edward-Elmhurst Health. To see details, visit www.HospitalSafe tyGrade.org.

PAUL DELGUIDICE PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Viewpoint

Holiday food prices

high, but supplies remain strong

By Richard Guebert Jr. ILLINOIS FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT

Americans look forward to celebrating the simplest of gifts and gathering with family and friends around the table during the holiday season.

It is also often a time of giving thanks as Illinois farmers mark the end of another growing season.

The past few years have confronted all Americans to pivot, adapt, and learn as we navigate uncharted waters.

In March 2018, American farmers were dealing with market destruction because of China’s trade wars. The May 2019 spring planting season reminded Midwest farmers that Mother Nature was in charge when many acres went unplanted.

The pandemic that began in March 2020 forced all of us to pivot. Farmers continued to grow food to feed our neighbors in rural, urban, and global communities.

The curveballs continued in 2022 with high inflation, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and uncertainty for an already fragile economy. Farmers vividly remember the role inflation played in the 1980s farm crisis. That crisis is forever etched in farmers’ memories as historically high-interest rates reached 19 percent. Many farmers didn’t survive the crisis. Those who did spent many years paying off the debt created by the high-interest rates.

Despite the adversity many family farms have faced over the years, 96 percent of Illinois farms are still family-owned.

I understand firsthand the role inflation has had inside our home and farming operation. Inflation running at 7 percent to 9 percent in recent months is robbing consumers (and farmers) of their buying power. Food price inflation is even higher. Other factors include supply chain

disruptions and the war in Ukraine, with other countries pulling back on exports to protect domestic food supplies.

When I’ve been interviewed by news media over the past four years, the standard question is, “How will this impact consumers?” The truth is a farmer’s share of the food dollar is only 7.4 cents.

Illinois shoppers participating in the 37th annual American Farm Bureau Federation’s Thanksgiving Cost survey captured a statewide average price of $65.53 for a classic Thanksgiving meal for 10 people, a 13 percent increase over the previous year’s state average of $58.15. General price inflation is a big part of the increase in cost for the meal.

It is likely those high prices will continue through the remaining holidays and into the new year.

Food prices reflect many factors including transportation, distribution, and food company marketing costs. Rising costs for fuel, which have more than doubled, and fertilizer, which have tripled, are driving food prices up. As President Kennedy said many years ago, “Farmers are price takers and not price makers.”

The food we grow is shared with our family, friends and neighbors. Farmers understand the pain consumers are feeling at the checkout counter this holiday season.

As we give thanks again this year for our many blessings, please know farmers will strive to provide affordable food sustainably to make sure our traditions continue.

This op-ed was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit FarmWeekNow.com.

Slices of life

Gratitude

2022:

A new perspective

November is typically gratitude month. It’s a time for us to take stock of and count our blessings, being mindful of them and appreciating all that life has bestowed upon us.

We all know we should practice gratitude every day of the year, but heck, like the song says: one out of twelve ain’t bad.

I love gratitude better than a good turkey gravy poured over a big pile of mashed taters on a cool autumn day in November. And I’ve been known to tout this loudly: “Be grateful right now, or I’ll give you something to be grateful for!”

The last two Novembers— supposedly gratitude months—have been difficult for me. And, with a sign, I admit this year seems to be mirroring the last two. So, instead of being grateful for the normal things (which are great to be grateful for, but the way.) I’m taking a new path, a new route of gratitude. Much like I’ve taken a new route in life.

This year, I am thankful for memories. And feelings. And the life I’ve lived so far (been blessed with so far) because it has been wonderful. We are told not to look back, not to look forward, but to stay in the present, but today I’m indulging myself.

Today I’m taking a peek at the past—with gratitude. Today I give thanks for 33-plus years of wonderfulness and things that surge the gratitude within me.

I am grateful I need to sleep with a weighted blanket because I was so

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

used to being hugged all night long.

I am grateful for the atlas I still keep in the car. You never trusted the app maps on your phone, and preferred to rely on good old paper navigation. I no longer use the atlas, but I’ll keep it forever, because it reminds me of you.

I am grateful for the many years I had someone to dance with at weddings.

I am grateful you got to see our daughter get married and walk her down the aisle at her wedding.

I am grateful we raised our children together and they got to adulthood (or nearly so) before you left this earth.

I am grateful for all the youth football games, the hockey tournaments, the voice recitals and the theater productions we attended together to celebrate our kids and our family

I am grateful for all you did for our family. You were a hand’s on dad. You were a loving husband. You took out the trash and cleaned up the cat vomit. You did the dirty work without complaint and often with a smile. You made me my coffee every morning.

I am grateful for your blue eyes

and your smile.

I’m thankful for the one time you talked me into going for a ride on the jet ski and I held onto you for dear life, because I trusted you and even though the jet ski was far (very far) from my comfort zone, I was able to do it because you were by right my side (or more correctly directly in front of me) during the entire ride.

I am grateful for your proofreading skills. I lost my editor when I lost you, but you continue to help me edit—in your own, new way.

I am grateful for all the times we walked and held hands. I know you did that for me because you know I loved it. Thank you for doing the things I loved, just to make me happy.

I am grateful for 33 years with my best friend and soulmate. I wouldn’t trade them for anything— not a million or a billion dollars. Well, I’d have to think about the billion …

Two years. It’s been two years since you left and it is so easy to dwell on those two years versus reflecting on the past—the 33 years that came before that. I don’t want to live in the past, but I don’t want to forget it, either. You gave me the last three decades of your life. What a beautiful gift.

Thank you.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. She invites readers to follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

Real estate/Business

County approves FY2023 budget

Includes reduction

The DuPage County Board on Tuesday unanimously approved its Fiscal Year 2023 budget, which in cludes a balanced, $584.1 million spending plan and a reduction in property taxes for homeowners.

Due to conservative financial planning, DuPage County is pro jected to finish the 2022 Fiscal Year with a surplus of $40 million. Among the ways the County will utilize those funds include:

• $3 million for major renova

tions at the DuPage Care Center;

• $2 million for transportation infrastructure, including roadway improvements and enhanced pedes trian and bicycle pathways;

• $6 million to replace the Coun ty’s existing financial system which will soon reach end of life;

• $3.25 million to replace aging vehicles;

• $250,000 for the DuPage Neigh borhood Revitalization Program;

• $393,800 for solar panels to

in property tax for homeowners

provide clean energy for part of the County campus;

• $398,680 for a stormwater improvement project at Winfield Creek.

“During our financial planning process, my intention is always to create a budget that sets a strong foundation for the future,” Cronin said. “As I prepare to leave the of fice of County Board Chairman, I am confident this budget will pro vide a foundation for success for

the next generation of County lead ers.”

The total proposed budget for DuPage County is $584.1 million, with a General Fund budget of $234.6 million. The General Fund is the County’s chief operating fund covering most personnel and pro gram operations.

The proposed budget includes a $69.9 million property tax levy and a property tax abatement of $5 mil lion, which will be automatically

deducted from homeowners’ prop erty tax bills in 2023. Residents do not need to take any action to real ize the savings.

The 2023 Fiscal Year begins on Dec. 1. DuPage County is AAA bond rated.

The County’s latest reported un employment rate was 3.3 percent for the month of September.

To view the full FY2023 Coun ty budget document, visit dupage county.gov/finance.

Art in Wilder Park to return in early May

Over the weekend of May 6 and 7, the 26th Annual Art in Wilder Park will return to Elmhurst offering a wide selection of arts and wares to the over 7,500 visitors who are expected.

In 2022, the Elmhurst Art Museum helped relaunch Art in Wilder Park with a widely successful festival that drew art enthusiasts from throughout the area. As lead producer in 2023, the Museum has set its sights on an

even larger, more inclusive, and ac cessible event for the whole family.

Programming will feature more than 125 booths of one-of-a-kind art, various food vendors and numerous hands-on activities for kids.

In 2022 the event was voted one of the Best in the West, featured in numerous press outlets, and attracted nearly half of its visitors from out side Elmhurst.

Booth fees are $400/$500, Jury fee $25. Artist applications are available at elmhurstartmuseum.org. Artist ap plications are due Saturday, Feb. 19, 2023.

Art in Wilder Park 2023 jurors include: Roz Long of RGL Market ing for the Arts, Inc.; Debbie Vene zia, Director of Arts DuPage and long-time organizer of Naperville’s Riverwalk Fine Art Fair; and Krista

Renfrew, former Director of Special Events at the Milwaukee Art Muse um and organizer of the Lakefront Festival of the Arts.

Art In Wilder Park’s presenting sponsor is Kelly Stetler Compass, in partnership with the Elmhurst Park District with consulting by RGL Marketing for the Arts. Additional sponsorship provided by Discover DuPage and Unlimited Heating & Cooling. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more informa tion, visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Marvelocity opens to Art in Park visitors

Discoverable on the weekend of the 26th Annual Art in Wilder Park will be a newly commissioned public art installation of life-sized super hero sculptures by area artists and youth groups.

This installation will be a bold preview of our summer show, Mar velocity, featuring the iconic work of comics legend Alex Ross. Marveloc ity is scheduled to open Friday, June 9.

Elmhurst University to host Festival of Lessons and Carols on Dec. 2

The Elmhurst University Festival of Lessons and Carols draws together the campus and community to wel come a joyful and spiritual season.

This year’s celebration of the tra dition will take place on Friday, Dec. 2, in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel on the campus of Elmhurst University. The University will offer two Lessons and Carols services, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., to accommodate the popularity of the event. Doors will open half an hour before each start time. The event is free and all are welcome.

For those who cannot attend in

person, the 7:00 p.m. service will be livestreamed at elmhurst.edu/blue jaytv.

The Festival of Lessons and Carols is an Elmhurst University tradition that bridges the season of Advent and Christmastide. Held since 1961, the Festival consists of nine Scriptural readings that tell the story of the birth of the Messiah, interspersed with choral music. The Elmhurst Univer sity choirs will perform time-hon ored songs to accompany each read ing and set the holiday mood.

For more information, email mar keting@elmhurst.edu.

Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot

PAUL DELGUIDICE PHOTO Elmhurst

Move-In Before the Holidays!

Spacious All Brick 3+ Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Ranch with a full finished Basement. Large eat-in Kitchen with plenty of oak cabinets and new flooring. 2-1/2 Detached car Garage. Spacious bedrooms, Newer carpet, flooring, updated Bath. Large finished basement and extra storage.. Across the street from Butterfield Park. Close to Shopping and great Expressway access. Pet will be considered on case by case. Great District 205 Schools!!

$2,200/mo

Completely Rehabbed Ranch

Professionally remodeled 4 bed / 2 bath Lincoln school ranch. Painted brick exterior w/ new roof, soffit, & fascia/gutters. Open floor plan layout w/ white kitchen w/ huge island, quartz counters & backsplash, eating area, dinette area, & large living room - all w/ new luxury vinyl plank flooring. New SS appliances, recessed lighting, doors, & trim. Main level has 2 bedrooms w/ new carpet, ceiling fans, ample closet space & a remodeled full bathroom w/ designer tilework. The full basement offers 2 bedrooms w/ new carpet, double closets, large family room, remodeled bathroom w/ double sink vanity & walk-in shower & a large laundry room. 2.5 car detached garage.

$513,999

Williamsport Village Condo

Near many local amenities,this condo is ideal for many types of buyers.Nestled @ the furthest point from the community entry & overlooking green space & a beautiful pond,this 2nd floor unit has much to offer.The kitchen opens to a dining room that spills into a generous living room.Enjoy your wonderful patio w/two sliding access doors.In the hallway that leads to the BR area is a full guest Bath. From there, you’ll find the guest BR.Beyond that is the shaded/private primary BR with en-suite full Bath.Complete w/a personal garage space.

$205,000

A

can build to suit. Great location, neighborhood, and builder. An opportunity to customize everything

experienced builder that can make any idea come to life. $1,250,000

$477,000

Kenilworth Park Townhome

Just steps from the bars & restaurants of bustling downtown Villa Park, the Kenilworth Park townhome offers high end finishes & fixtures throughout. With three levels of finished living space, it boasts THREE bedrooms and 2.5 baths & a 2 car garage. Its open concept main floor is perfect for entertaining as you grill on your balcony. No expense was spared when customizing this sleek townhome. It’s a perfect spot for a downsizing couple or young professional.

$435,000

$299,900

Downers Grove Raised Ranch

This Downers Grove home has 4 large BR & 3 full Baths w/main floor primary BR w/walk-in closet & en suite Bath.Open concept main level has large kitchen w/island.It overlooks a cozy living room w/ a fireplace.The kitchen opens to a spacious dining room.Also on main floor is a 2nd BR & full Bath.Hardwood floors throughout,multiple skylights & sliding door leading to large deck.There’s a screened-in porch that’s the perfect place to relax & enjoy green space in the fenced-in yard.Lower level has 2 large BR & full bath,2nd fireplace & living space.The laundry room could easily fit a 2nd kitchen.3 car garage too!

Build Your Dream Home! Incredible opportunity to build the home of your dreams on this 1/3-acre property in south Elmhurst. One of Elmhurst’s best kept secrets with lower taxes while still offering coveted SD205 education. Well developed area with many surrounding new/newer homes. Close to Butterfield Park and Oak Brook shopping mall and restaurants. Quiet location with great highway access to anywhere in Chicagoland.

New Construction in Lincoln

rare opportunity to work with one of Elmhurst’s most sought-after custom home builders – Wise Investment Builders. Set in the heart of the Lincoln Elementary school district (brand new Lincoln School opened this year) and blocks from the IL Prairie Path and the Spring Road Business District. Work with or off the proposed plans or we

from the ground up alongside one of Elmhurst’s most reputable and

GlenEllyn

Proposed New Construction

Hinsbrook Construction Build

Proposed new construction by one of DuPage County’s finest builders - Hinsbrook Construction - known for attention to detail and quality that is

to last.

are of previous

other

plans available or work with builder to completely customize your ideas. This open floor plan home will feature high-end design features throughout-

eating area, top tier stainless appliances, walk-in pantry. Formal dining room with wainscoting. Family room with gas fireplace flanked by custom built-ins. Main level executive office space. Large primary suite with walkin closet, double vanity, soaking tub & custom shower. Large 2nd floor laundry room. Mud room with built-in cubbies. Basement rec room and much more. With this premier 195x195ft (.79 acre) parcel in secluded Glen Ellyn on dead end street, there are no limits with what you can do with this space. All within easy access to major transportation routes and just minutes to downtown Glen Ellyn. $1,525,000

York Brook Condo Spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo located in Lombard. Maintenance free living, low taxes and assessments. Close to Oak Brook Shopping, expressways. Great York Brook Building.

Thinking of selling your home and curious what the current estimated value is? Want to track your investment in a recently purchased property? Our premier system is a great starting point.

Please visit www.PrairiePathRealtors.com for a free estimate or contact us anytime for a more in-depth look

with

a

for your business with

Set near the IL Prairie

business district

many well established businesses. 1,600 SF of “vanilla box” shell space with 2 bathrooms, 2 private parking spots + street parking in front and large municipal lot in rear for clients/ customers. Water included in rent, tenant pays for all other utilities. Available immediately. $2,667/mo base rent + gas + electric.

built

Photos

build, many

floor

gourmet kitchen

custom cabinets, large seating island,

Retail / Office For Lease Prime office or retail storefront available in the Spring Road Business District. Great exposure

high visibility.

Path in

vibrant

with

Gobble gobble

This couple came to the 39th annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning dressed like turkeys.

PAUL DELGUIDICE

PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst Library to host virtual event with cookbook author Shauna Sever

The Elmhurst Public Library in vites the public to join cookbook author and media contributor Shauna Sever for a special holiday season event. Shauna will share her love of food, baking, and some tips to help enhance your holiday gatherings in a virtual format.

On Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 7-8 p.m., join the Library’s virtual author visit, Midwest Baking with cook book author and media contributor Shauna Sever.

Shauna’s work is perhaps best defined by her baking-centric cook books, her fourth of which, Midwest

Made: Big, Bold Baking from the Heartland, was named one of the Best Baking Cookbooks of 2019 by The New York Times.

Since her career began in broad cast journalism, she uses the same skill set for her regular television ap pearances on the TODAY Show and

Food Network. After 12 years of Cal ifornia living, Shauna and her family returned to Chicago, where she now bakes, writes, and is always on the hunt for great old-school Midwest ern bakeries.

Chicago Tribune food critic Loui sa Chu will join Shauna in conversa

tion. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events.

Registration required at elmlib. org/author. For more information, visit elmlib.org or call (630) 2798696.

Elmhurst Public Library programs Dec. 2-9

Friday, Dec. 2 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: Brian and Charles

Enjoy an afternoon at the mov ies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday. No registration required.

On Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 7-8 p.m., join the Elmhurst Library’s virtual visit with cookbook author Shauna Sever, known for her appearances on the TODAY Show and Food Network.

St. Timothy Evangelical

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

Bible Study 9 a.m.

Worship Service at 10:15 a.m.

Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 7 p.m. Advent Services on Wednesday, Nov. 30 - Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Everyone is Welcome! All services are live streamed. You can watch them on our Website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org

This is the book cover of Shauna Sever’s latest publication, available on amazon.

Saturdays 5 p.m. • Sundays 8:30 and 11 a.m.

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

Advent Midweek Services: Wednesdays Noon & 6:30 p.m. Visit the Nativity Walk: Happening now thru early January

Handicapped accessible and hearing loop enabled

Monday, Dec.

5 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Scrabble Club

Play a friendly game of Scrabble. All skill levels welcome. No registra tion required.

Monday, Dec. 5 from 2-3 p.m.

iPhone iOS

Discover the latest features of the iPhone and its operating system. Live in-person. Registration required.

Monday, Dec. 5 from 7-8 p.m.

Impressionist Paris

In the 1850s, modernization trans formed Paris, leading to the stately buildings and broad boulevards that characterize the city today. Impres sionist painters, committed to paint ing the world around them, rendered the dynamism of 19th-century Paris

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

LEGAL NOTICES

SUMM

Ron Mason Cole

7746 Gallego Plains Drive Las Vegas, NV 89113 626-862-6673 ronmcole@gmail.com

Self-Represented DISTRICT COURT CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA

Ron Mason Cole Plaintiff, -VSKarinne Loraine Cole Defendant. Case No. D-22-654023-D Dept No T

SUMMONS

Community calendar

Pick of the Week – The event you won’t want to miss: Friday, Dec. 2

At Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel on the campus of Elmhurst University, there will be two Festival of Lessons and Carols services, one at 4 p.m. and another at 7 p.m. Doors will open half an hour before each start time. The event is free and all are welcome. For those who cannot attend in person, the 7 p.m. service will be livestreamed at elmhurst.edu/bluejaytv.

Sunday, Dec. 4

At 4 p.m., the three ensembles of Spirito! will perform their Win ter Concert ‘Joy To The World!’ at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 Brush Hill Rd. Tickets: spiritosingers.org/events or call 630581-5440.

Sunday, Dec. 11

From 2 – 3 p.m., the Elmhurst His tory Museum plans a holiday pro gram “Victorian Holiday Traditions”

• Library

at the Churchville Schoolhouse, 3N784 Church Rd. in Bensenville. See how holiday traditions and prac tices began in the 1800s. Limit: 30 participants. Free to Foundation members, $5 for non-members. Res ervations required. elmhursthistory. org/320/Programs. Info: elmhurst history.org or call 630-833-1457.

Sunday, Dec. 18

At 10 a.m., the public is invited to First Congregational UCC, 235

(Continued from page 15)

in their many views of its streets, cafes, and entertainment venues. See how Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, and others created works that were as mod ern and captivating as the scenes they depicted. Hybrid event. Registration required.

Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Staying Mentally Fit

To the above-named Defendant.

A civil Complaint has been filed by the Plaintiff against you for the relief set forth in the Complaint. This action is brought to recover a judgment dissolving the contract of marriage existing between Plaintiff and Defendant

1. If you intend to defend this lawsuit, within 20 days after this Summons is served on you, exclusive of the day of service, you must do the following:

(a) File with Clerk of this Court, whose address is shown below, a formal written answer to the Complaint in accordance with the rules of the Court.

(b) Pay the required filing fee to the court, or file an Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis and request a waiver of the filing fee

(c) Serve a copy of your response upon the attorney or person whose name and address is shown below

2. Unless you respond, your default will be entered upon application of the Plain tiff and failure to so respond will result in a judgment of default against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint, which could result the taking of money or property or other relief requested in the Complaint.

3. If you intend to seek the advice of an attorney in this matter, you should promptly so that your response may be filed on time.

4. The State of Nevada, its political sub divisions, agencies, officers, employees, board members, commission members and legislators each have 45 days after service of this Summons within which to file an Answer or other responsive pleading to the Complaint

STEVEN D. GRIERSON, CLERK OF COURT

By: Signature of Deputy Clerk, 10/3/2022

Deputy Clerk Date

Family Court and Services Center

601 North Pecos Road

Las Vegas, NV 89155

Regional Justice Center 200 Lewis Avenue

Las Vegas, NV 89155

Issued on behalf of the Plaintiff

/s/ Ron Mason Cole

7746 Gallego Plains Drive Las Vegas, NV 89113 626-862-6673

ronmcole@gmail.com

Self-Represented

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2022) 429162

Join us for fun mental enrichment including games, puzzles, and other activities that boost memory, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities. Live in-person. Registration required.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

American Mah Jongg: Open Play

Gather every Wednesday for this game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance. Live in-person. No registration required.

Thursday, Dec. 8 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Culture Club: Christmas Markets in Prague and Germany

Traveler Eugene Flynn takes us on a trip to the amazing Christmas markets in Prague and four German cities. Hybrid event. Registration required.

Thursday, Dec. 8 from 7-8 p.m.

Intro to Art Appreciation

Delve into art history and appreciation, where we will study eras, materi als, vocabulary, and how to put these elements together to better understand art. Hybrid event. Registration required.

Friday, Dec. 9 from 2-4 p.m. Friday Features: Meet Me in St. Louis

Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib. org/Friday. No registration required.

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

S. Kenilworth Ave., for “The Gift,” a Christmas Cantata to experience the story of the season. Admission is free; an offering will be collected to support the Music Ministry.

To post a community event, send the information to Independent@rv publishing.com and put “Communi ty Calendar” in the Subject line.

Elmhurst History Museum’s exhibit

On display now through May 14, 2023, “In Pursuit of Happiness: Im migrants in Our Communities” is a new exhibit at the Elmhurst History Museum that will explore the unique journeys of area immigrants and their descendants who have carved out a sense of cultural identity and belonging in this region.

Elmhurst Art Museum

• The first solo museum show of Pilsen-based street artist Sentrock, whose real name is Joseph Perez, is currently on display at the Elmhurst Art Museum now through Sunday,

Jan. 15 Info: elmhurstartmuseum. org.

• Now through Jan. 16, 2023, the Elmhurst Art Museum is hold ing an exhibition in honor of its founder Eleanor King Hookham. In celebration of its 25th Anniver sary, the Museum is honoring its founder Eleanor King Hookham (1909-2003). She was an educator, internationally exhibiting artist, and the main driving force behind the museum for many decades. Artwork by Hookham from the museum’s collection will be on view in the McCormick House, along with his torical photos and documents that show her leadership in securing the historic home for the museum’s fu ture patrons to enjoy.

See works by the trailblazing Hookham in the McCormick House Children’s Wing including oil paint ings, watercolors, and signature ink and coffee drawings. Professionally she called herself El King and ex hibited around the world.

Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Cantigny Run/Walk benefits veterans shelter

Cantigny Park, part of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, award ed a check for $16,000 to the Mid west Shelter for Homeless Veterans (MSHV) in Wheaton. The donation represents net proceeds from the 18th annual Cantigny 5K Run/Walk held on Nov. 5.

The check amount included cash donations from participating runners and walkers totaling $2,196—money contributed beyond their entry fees.

MSHV board President Scott Ziemba accepted the donation during Cantig ny’s Veterans Day commemoration.

Matt LaFond, Cantigny Park execu tive director, presented the check.

Including this year’s donation, the Cantigny 5K has now generated

$156,000 for MSHV since 2008, the event’s first year of association with the shelter.

MSHV also receives funding from Cantigny Post 556 of the American Legion, based at the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park. The le gionnaires hosted a pancake breakfast at Cantigny during the 5K that col lected $539 in direct donations to the shelter. MSHV is the primary com munity service activity of Post 556.

The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans opened its doors in 2007. It provides vets and their families with housing and supportive services that lead to self-sufficiency. MSHV’s operations include three facilities in downtown Wheaton.

FITT members ‘Burn Before the Bird’

On Wednesday, Nov 23, members of the Elmhurst fitness studio, FITT 60126, competed in a rowing challenge cleverly titled “Burn Be fore the Bird.” Six teams consisting of four members each competed to row a full marathon, 26.2 miles, or 42,195 meters. The winner team conquered the feat in 2 hours and 41 minutes. All teams successful ly finished the challenge and look forward to next year’s event.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

https://homepaintingillino.wixsite.com/website PAINTERS. FULL-SERVICE. PAINTERS. FULL-SERVICE. INSIDE. OUTSIDE. HOME. BUSINESS. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. CALL GREG: (630)234-1471.

https://homepaintingillino.wixsite.com/website PAINTERS. FULL-SERVICE.

at 1-900669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

Sport S

York girls basketball team firing on all cylinders

Dukes win Thanksgiving tournament; Off to 5-0 start

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York girls basketball machine certainly has been well-oiled to start its 2022-2023 season. After a recent

non-conference win over Wheaton North, the Dukes headed into the Thanksgiving holiday a perfect 5-0. That mark included winning their own Thanksgiving tournament with a 4-0 record. It was the second time York has won its own event in the 11 years of its existence.

In the tournament, York defeat ed St. Charles East 78-53, Downers Grove South 59-41, Prospect 54-41 and Marist 66-44. “Every one of those games at one point we had a 25-point lead,” York coach Brandon Collings noted. “Offensively, we are

York boys soccer team earns bounty of postseason awards

Kohl gets all-state honors; Stopka named section coach of the year

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York boys soccer team was well-represented on the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Associa tion postseason awards list. Senior defender Ryder Kohl earned IHSS CA all-state honors, while senior forward Jose Herrera was named to the all-Section 2 team and se nior midfielder Joe Hernandez and sophomore goalkeeper Diego Ochoa were named to the all-Section 2 hon orable-mention team. York coach Jordan Stopka was named Section 2 coach of the year, while Mike Han ley was named Section 2 assistant coach of the year. Frank Rofrano earned a IHSSCA Section 2 sports manship award, while Soren Moore was named to the Section 2 all-aca demic team.

York finished fourth in Class 3A this season after winning the 2021 Class 3A state title. The Dukes fin ished the season 20-2-3 overall and won the West Suburban Conference Silver Division title with a 6-0 mark. The Dukes also won Class 3A re gional and sectional titles.

In WSC Silver action, York won its conference games by scores of 5-1 (Hinsdale Central), 1-0 (Ly ons Township), 7-0 (Proviso West), 3-0 (Glenbard West), 3-1 (Down ers Grove North) and 2-1 (Oak Park-River Forest). Herrera had a hat trick against Hinsdale Central, while Waski had a brace against Glenbard West. Herrera’s goal and Ochoa’s big save in the last five minutes of regu lation won it against Lyons. Stopka noted Kohl had one of the best freekick goals he’s ever seen live in the Hinsdale Central contest.

Herrera led the team in goals with 14, while Rofrano and Jayden Waski each had 11 goals. Hernandez finished with 10 goals and Kohl had

eight goals. Kohl led the team in as sists with 12, while Waski had nine and Gustavo Herrera had eight. Her rera led the team in points with 34, while Waski had 31 and Kohl 28. Rofrano had 27 points. Stopka mar veled at Kohl’s assist total given the defensive position he plays. “A cen ter back!!!”, he noted.

In goal, Ochoa gave up only 15 goals in 1,645 minutes of action. He made 102 saves and finished with a 0.729 goals-against average. “Diego has been great,” Stopka said. “He is an immensely talented sophomore. He has really stepped up this year.” York held opposing teams to either no goals or one goal in 19 of its 25 contests this season.

The Dukes recorded 11 shutouts. Stopka noted York took a turn for ward due to linking up the midfield and staying connected as a team. He noted goal-scoring occurred early in the season, but the team became even more dangerous since the week of the Streamwood tournament. Stopka added the team’s ability to transition from defense to offense and offense to defense improved immensely. As evidenced from the stat sheet, Stopka pointed out York had five or six play ers with the ability to “consistently put it in the back of the net,” he said.

Defensively, Stopka said York limited its mistakes, especially when building up and making passes. “We no longer leave ourselves in vulner able positions and it helps the flow of the game overall,” he said earli er in October. And yet another key, the coach said, was the play of the York bench this season. “Our depth players really stepped up,” Stopka said. “When your substitutes come on, the level of play doesn’t dimin ish, and this allows us to get starters rest during games.” York was 43-4-3 over the last two seasons.

playing well and shooting well and knocking down shots. Our starting five is averaging 19, 11, 10, 8 and 6 points. We’re playing well.”

Through five games, Mariann Blass, headed to NCAA Division II Quincy University next season to continue her basketball career, was leading the Dukes in scoring at 19.2 points per game. Stella Kohl is at 11.5 points a game, while Lizzie Baldridge is at 10 points per con test. Hannah Meyers is at 8.5 points per game and Angelina Downer is at 6.5 points per game. Blass and Kohl were named to the all-tournament team at York. “We put up 78 points in our first game right off the bat,” Collings said.

York’s defense has been nothing to sneeze at either, Collings not ed. “Defensively, we held Wheaton North to 24 points, and they only had 14 points through three quarters,” he said.

“The defensive intensity has been great. Our ball pressure is good. We are creating a lot of turnovers with our pressure.”

The Dukes also have been bol stered by the bench play of sopho more Anna Filosa and junior Allison Sheehan. “We have been getting good production from our bench,” Collings said. Collings said improve ment has progressed at a rapid pace given the fact the Dukes returned so many seasoned players.

“In general, if you look at last year, from December to before the playoffs we had a top-10 strength of schedule (according to one online sta tistical service) in the state,” he said.

“We were young, and we had a bad stretch where we lost six in a row. We knew this was going to be a two-year process. Everything we did last year was pointing toward this year. We are a lot further along now than we were at this point last year. It shows

offensively, it shows in the girls’ con fidence and it shows with the good defense we are playing. They are re ally starting to get it. We’re getting to the right spots defensively. Against Wheaton North, we looked good de fensively, for sure.”

In the Wheaton North victory, Blass had 17 points and Meyers add ed 12 points. York opened the West Suburban Conference Silver Division portion of its schedule earlier this week at home against Oak Park-Riv er Forest. York was third in the con ference last year behind champion Lyons Township and Downers Grove North. York has won or shared the WSC Silver crown two of the last three years.

“LT will be very tough,” Collings noted. “They lost a lot but what they replaced them with might be even better. LT and Downers North are the frontrunners and hopefully we are competing for a title against them.”

Four Timothy Christian girls tennis players earn all-state honors

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The awards continue to roll in for the successful Timothy Christian girls tennis team. A total of four Tro jans players were named to the 2022 Class A all-state teams. Timothy junior Crystina Lee was named to the Class A all-state first-team in singles, while teammate Jane Carter earned all-state third-team honors in singles. The Tim othy doubles duo of Clarissa Chen and Angie Tornabene were named to the Class A all-state third team in the dou bles category.

The Trojans finished sixth as a team at the Class A state tournament. De spite battling state-champion Fenwick at the sectional level, Timothy still qualified three entries into the state tournament. This is the second year

in a row Timothy has finished in the top 10 at the state tournament. This year’s 16 points at state were the sec ond-most in school history. “We were just three points away from gaining another trophy,” longtime Timothy Christian coach Keith Mills pointed out.

Lee finished sixth in the state in singles. “It was a grueling three days for Crystina,” Mills noted. “She played five matches in 48 hours and then came back Saturday to play two more.” Mills pointed out this was the highest-placing singles finish in school history, “and quite an accomplishment considering more than 300 players entered the singles draw starting with sectionals.”

Carter, a sophomore, scored four points with two singles wins before

losing two close matches on the sec ond day of competition. “Jane gained valuable experience for the next two years ahead,” Mills said. Chen, a ju nior, and Tornabene, a senior, went 3-2 at state, losing a third-set tiebreak to a top-16 seed from Danville in their fifth match. “This was the second year in a row both girls played at state, with Angie playing singles last year,” Mills said.

Timothy finished the season 14-3 in dual matches. The Trojans won the Ottawa invitational, the Willowbrook invitational and the Lockport invita tional, while taking second at the Elk Grove tournament.

Timothy also won a Metro Subur ban Conference title. Mills said the team returns eight of 12 varsity mem bers “for a promising 2023 campaign”.

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York boys basketball team split a pair of games at the sea son-opening Palatine Thanksgiving tournament. York opened the tourna ment with a 72-58 loss to Hersey. AJ Levine led the Dukes with 23 points, while Braden Richardson had 12. Kyle Waltz had 10 points.

The Dukes then downed Round Lake 78-17. Levine led the team with

21 points. York set a program record making 151 defensive plays with Brendan Molis setting a new pro gram record with 35 of his own. York dropped a 59-29 game to Glenbrook South. Richardson led the Dukes with nine points, while Levine had eight points.

York closed out the tournament with a 58-44 win over Algonquin Jacobs. Levine led the Dukes with 25 points. Waltz added 14 points.

York made 69 defensive plays with Levine leading the way with 14 and Waltz adding 11. Levine enjoyed an all-tournament selection at Palatine.

Elmhurst Classic

The Timothy Christian girls bas ketball team went 2-2 and took fourth at its own co-hosted IC Catho lic Prep-Timothy Christian Elmhurst

IC Catholic Prep wins sixth football state championship

Denzell Gibson rushes for some of his 136 yards on Friday early evening. Gibson would score two rushing touchdowns for Immacu late Conception, who won the Illinois High School Association Class 3A State Championship. All eight class state championship games were

Elmhurst

IC Knight defensive players KJ Parker (#14), Michael Calcagno (#53) and Foley Calcagno (#45) close in on a Williamsville Bullet running back during the first half of the IHSA Class 3A state championship Game. All three athletes are underclassmen and are slated to return next year.

PHOTOS BY MOTO JOHNSON AND DAN CHAMNESS Rock Valley Publishing

held at University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.

Nathen Omolo (#78) and Jesse Smith (#52) close in on an unidentified Williamsville ball carrier during the state championship game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. The pair was part of a defense that helped hold the Williamsville Bullets to just seven second half points. IC won a 48-17 decision to win the state title.

Brian Kolodziejczyk (#85) prepares to kick off in the first half. The senior kicker got plenty of chances to kickoff to the Williamsville Bullets as the IC Knights scored a total of seven touchdowns in the contest.

Isaiah Gonzalez (#71), Joey Gliatta (#33) and quarterback Dennis Mandala (#11) start a play during the state championship game. Mandala prepares to hand off to Gliatta, who had 32 rushing yards.

Joey Gliatta (#33) struggles to work his way through the mass of fellow football players, from Wil liamsville and Immaculate Conception, while carrying the ball.

For over 30 years, Wintrust Community Banks have gone above and beyond for the people and places we work and live. We’re proud to invest in, give back to, and empower our communities. That’s why we’re ranked #1 in customer satisfaction in retail banking in Illinois by J.D. Power.

Elmhurst Bank is a branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company, N.A. For J.D. Power 2022 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.

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

an interception, punt, punt, half time, punt and three turnovers on downs before scoring its final points with 6:30 left in the contest.

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

By comparison, IC Catholic Prep’s first five possessions fea tured two punts, a touchdown, a punt and an interception.

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

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

• Stopka

Following that the Knights scored touchdowns on its next six possessions before ending the game with the ball again in its hands at the Williamsville 33 in the midst of a 12-play, 62-yard fourth-quarter drive that accounted for 6:30 of IC CP’s total 20:32 time of possession — meaning the Knights had the ball for only 14:02 prior to that and caused all of the above 48-point chaos during that timeframe.

In those six straight touchdown scoring drives, the Knights need

ed only 22 plays that covered 346 yards and took only 11:50 in total time of possession.

Gibson ran 10 times for 138 yards and two touchdowns, while Mandala ran six times for 78 yards and a score and Malik Gray ran nine times for 57 yards. The Knights ran for 296 yards and averaged 8.5 yards per carry.

week,” she said. “We are going to be starting tournaments again. Be fore that I haven’t been doing any thing because senior soccer season and the club volleyball season were cancelled. We were supposed to go to a few club volleyball qualifiers in Grand Rapids and Louisville. This summer, we have some tour naments planned over the next few weekends. They are little tourna ments with all of the local clubs. Nothing large and really local. Other than that, I have been trying to work out a lot and stay in shape. I’ve been running a lot, so I got into that. I try and run every day.”

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

Mandala finished the game 10 of 17 for 200 yards and four touch downs. Parker caught four passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns, while Schmidt had two catches for 82 yards and a score. Karner had two catches for nine yards and a score and Joey Gliatta caught one pass for 12 yards.

(Continued from page 18)

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

Schmidt led the defense with 16 total tackles (11 solos) and had three tackles for loss. Jesse Smith

huge rah-rah person. I’m a little bit more of an individual players’ coach. I will pull kids to the side at practice and games and teach them.”

• Basketball (Continued from page 18)

Classic Thanksgiving tournament.

The Trojans opened with a 42-27 win over Evergreen Park and then defeat ed Lisle 66-30 in the second round. The Trojans lost 47-29 to Marian Catholic out of Chicago Heights in the semifinals and lost to Thornwood 47-37 in the third-place game.

The IC Catholic Prep girls bas ketball team went 3-1 and took fifth overall. The Knights opened play with a 51-20 win over Niles North and then dropped a 53-43 decision to Chicago Resurrection in the second round. ICCP came back to defeat Jo liet Catholic 46-40 and then downed Lemont 43-30 in the fifth-place

Stopka will teach Spanish at York. He taught Spanish and one math class at St. Pat’s. “My philosophy is I am more of a players’ coach,” he said. “I have been a big Liverpool soccer supporter ever since 2015 when Jur gen Klopp came over and he’s known as a players’ coach. He’s kind of my coaching idol. I want to related to the players and form bonds with them. am more light-hearted and smil ing. I like to have fun and joke with the kids. The goal is understanding where each player can be successful and the provide the best way possible to convey the knowledge they need at the position they play. I am not big at yelling at the group, and I’m not a

game.

IC Catholic Prep boys basketball

The IC Catholic Prep boys bas ketball team went 2-2 at the sea son-opening Manteno tournament. The Knights opened with a 4946 overtime loss to Peotone. The Knights trailed 21-20 at halftime and 31-27 after three quarters. ICCP out scored Peotone 14-10 in the fourth to force extra sessions.

ICCP defeated Manteno 49-35 in its second game and downed Beecher 78-70 in its third game. The Knights led 13-10 after the first quar

Stopka noted York has been doing conditioning drills and said the plan as of earlier last week was to start summer camp pending District 205 approval. “I have probably been able to meet 60 to 70 percent of the play ers so far,” he said. “If it does get ap proved that would be the start of our contact days with four days a week for three weeks straight. And even though the IHSA waived the black out dates before the school year, we won’t take advantage of that. I’m pretty sure families have plans to do things before school starts. I’m the new guy and I’m not going to say you can’t go with your family. Go do it and enjoy it. This is a crazy and goofy time. You have to be accessi

had 15 tackles (11 solos). Kaleb El lis had two pass breakups. The two teams combined for 878 yards of total offense with ICCP falling four yards short of an even 500. The Knights averaged 9.5 yards per play, while in stark contrast Williamsville, which ran 93 total offensive plays compared to IC CP’s 52, averaged only 4.1 yards per play. There were only three turnovers in the game (Williams ville threw 2 picks and ICCP threw 1).

That’s one of the reasons why they are looking at moving the season to the spring. Right now the plan is to have a season, but we won’t know until the next 7-10 days.” But if all systems are a go, Les lie can’t wait to take her skills as a libero to the next level with the Dolphins. “I feel like being a libe ro you have to be really quick and that is typically what I am good at. I have really good reaction time,” she said. “I like diving on the floor and saving balls. It’s a really good feeling when you make a save. The position fits my personality, too. You have to be the loudest one on the court. I have a loud personality. You have to be pretty loud if you want to be a libero. I think I match that description.”

Krefft, an IC graduate and for mer Knights player himself, is now 106-22 as ocach. Taking away the COVID-19 pandemic year, his teams are 86-8 since 2015 with seven seasons in a row (again tak ing out the pandemic year) of 11 or more wins.

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”

U12 baseball action

ter but trailed 37-36 at halftime. The Knights used a 21-9 third quarter to pull away.

The two teams combined for 45 points in the fourth quarter. The Knights closed out the tournament with a 55-42 loss to Chicago Agri cultural Science.

Timothy Christian boys basketball

The Timothy Christian boys bas ketball team opened play in the Fen ton Chuck Mitchell Thanksgiving tournament with a 79-27 loss to Roll ing Meadows. The Trojans then lost 64-30 to host Fenton.

As far as the future, Stopka wants York competing at a high level on a consistent basis. “The short-term goal is to restock and build up the team,” he said. “A large portion of last year’s team was seniors, espe cially the starting 11. We have to make sure the now juniors are up to the speed of the varsity level and are ready to contribute. We want to keep that pipeline going with the younger groups of players. We want to make sure we are not only competitive, but that we are competing for region als, sectionals and supersectionals. It starts for me with this junior class that is coming in. We want them ready to go and setting the standard for these other classes that come in so they can also contribute right off the bat.”

Barr was the recipient of the 2019-2020 York Val Cothern junior female athlete of the year award. Barr went over the 1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volley ball team and still has a season to add to that total.

Blass, a Quincy University recruit, and Kohl were both named to the all-tournament team at the recent York Thanksgiving tournament. Blass and Kohl helped the Dukes go a perfect 4-0 to win the tournament. The Dukes started the 2022-2023 season 5-0 overall.

proudly presents

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK MARIANN BLASS, STELLA KOHL YORK GIRLS BASKETBALL

Anthony

Is your child making a difference at school, in sports, as a volunteer?

A