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EAO returns to St. Pat’s Parade

The

Bryan Middle School student wins Regional Spelling Bee

Gibbons to represent the DuPage region in Scripps National Contest

Ossuary, noun, os·su·ary; ˈä-sh -

This is the word that Sean Gibbons, eighth grader from Bryan Middle School in Elmhurst School District 205, confidently spelled to become the official winner of the DuPage County Regional Spelling Bee. Sean will now move on to represent

DuPage County, competing against more than 200 spellers from across the country and around the world.

“In the sixth round, with words becoming so difficult that even the parents in the audience were clearly perplexed, it was down to the final five,” said Ryan and Regina Gibbons, proud parents of Sean.

“Sean was the fifth to spell his word and did so confidently, following up with another clinching word to win!”

The DuPage Regional Office of Education has coordinated the regional spelling bee since the 20072008 school year.

The event featured approximately

two dozen local students, ranging from first to eighth grades.

Each of these students had won previous spelling bees, earning the right to represent their school and district.

As the DuPage County Regional Spelling Bee champion, Sean will now represent the DuPage County region in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The event will take place the week of Memorial Day at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Visit spellingbee.com beginning May 1, for the full competition schedule, including broadcast information.

Baking Co.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

This is Bryan Middle School eighth grader Sean Gibbons of Elmhurst School District 205, who confidently spelled the winning word to sweep the competition at the DuPage County Regional Spelling Bee last week. Sean will now represent DuPage County at the Scripps National Competition in May.

It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Did you know that dental-related ailments are responsible for the loss of more than 50 million school hours each year? That’s right. Thousands of children miss school every year because of some dental-related ailment. Fortunately, many of these ailments can be prevented through good oral care.

This National Children’s Dental Health Month, make your child’s smile a priority. Take them to the dentist regularly and teach them to care for their teeth properly.

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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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IC Catholic Prep wrestlers bring home state championship medals

Elmhurst student athletes at IC Catholic Prep took first place in the state at the recent IHSA Wrestling State Championship. Deven Casey won the 2A, 120 pound championship and Michael Calcagno won the 2A, 215 pound championship. The championship took place at the State Farm Center Feb. 15-17 in Champaign. In addition, the team was tied for the most individual champions (2) and was the leader in state placers with an additional 6 athletes achieving All-State honors (one runner up, four 3rd place, and one 5th place). The team is pictured with Deven Casey, center left and Michael Calcagno, center right.

Woman fights rare Stiff Person Syndrome

‘Moira’s Mission’ seeks funds for much-needed research

Moira Scully Papp’s family and friends would describe her as “one of a kind.” Her sunny disposition, love of laughter and fun and ability to connect people combine to make her a singular individual. “One of a kind” has taken on new meaning as a description since Papp was diagnosed with a rare disease in 2021.

Papp has been living with and coping with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) which is a neurological disease with autoimmune features.

In the United States, a rare disease is defined as affecting less than 200,000 people in the country. SPS is one such rare disease. Celine Dion’s diagnosis recently drew inter-

national attention and the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation (SPSRF) is focused on raising funds for critical research.

Papp, a wife and mother of three, has always been an avid exercise devotee. She’s a lifelong water and snow skier. She has run numerous half marathons, become a master swimmer, played many rounds of golf and enjoyed challenging herself at Pure Barre. At first, Papp began realizing something was off when she began having unexpected falls while running. As symptoms progressed, she consulted a doctor and was initially misdiagnosed. When the symptoms did not resolve after

many months, Papp and her husband decided to seek further medical opinion at the Mayo Clinic where she was diagnosed with SPS.

Rare diseases like SPS don’t receive the funding they need since they affect a very small population. In fall 2023, Papp, a former media sales executive, created Moira’s Mission to raise funds for the SPSRF (www.stiffperson.org) to create a patient registry. This is a critical step in the research process as it will help doctors identify new pathways for potential treatment, develop clinical research tools and recruit potential participants for clinical trials.

Moira’s Mission kicked off with

a shopping night at Kie & Kate, where the SPSRF received a donation from the evening’s sales. On Sunday, March 3 from 12-5 p.m., there will be an afternoon of fellowship and fundraising at Stage 119 at The Modern Plate, 119 N. York. The afternoon will feature both Live and Silent Auctions and will include items such as Chicago sports tickets, rounds of golf and even a private jet getaway. There will be food, fun and a cash bar. Advance tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by texting Moira to 76278.

Visit www.stiffperson.org or follow @moirasmission on Instagram for more information.

EAO set for 12th appearance at St. Pat’s Parade

Will showcase numerous instruments, big bass drum, brand new Queen

For the 12th time in history, the world famous Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra men will entertain those attending the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year’s parade is scheduled to step off at 12 noon on Saturday, March 9 from Wilson Avenue on Spring Rd. The EAO plays familiar tunes, including “When the Saints Go Marching In,” on kazoos, bucket drums, vuvuzelas, cowbells, handzoo, stumpf fiddle, and other unconventional instruments. And, like every year since its inception, the EAO will be showcasing its World’s Largest Bass Drum, Mary,

during the parade.

Last year at the parade, the EAO crowned veteran reporter Dee Longfellow their 2023 Queen. They also recognized Jim Patchett with the Darrell Whistler EAO Spirit Award in honor of their late colleague. EAO honored Paul Kelty with the 2023 Colleen Cecile Sutherland Distinguished Service Award. The EAO will announce its award winners this year at its pre-parade celebration at the Elmhurst American Legion T.H.B Post 187. All are welcome to attend.

Throughout its 12 years of exis -

tence, the EAO has raised nearly $26,000 for various charities, including Access Sports, Cystic Fibrosis, Elmhurst American Legion T.H.B. Post 187, the Elmhurst Hospital Cancer Center, and college scholarships for York High School music students.

The EAO will honor the Elmhurst Children’s Assistance Foundation (ECAF) this year as it has recently celebrated 30 years of serving the Elmhurst community. ECAF actively transforms the lives of families in our community who are navigating the intricate chal -

lenges posed by medical or disabling conditions in their children. ECAF’s support directly translates into crucial financial aid that lightens the heavy weight of medical bills for those families in our community.

Unlike many other entertaining parade acts, some of which also raise funds for charity, the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra does not charge an appearance fee for the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

For information about the parade, please visit elmhurststpatsparade.com or call 630-834-0300.

SUBMITTED PHOTO 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.

Battery

Feb. 17

A victim in the 100 block of Commerce told police that while enjoying a night out, an unknown suspect stepped on her foot. The victim confronted the suspect who proceeded to breathe heavily in the victim’s face and twisted the victim’s left wrist. An investigation is pending.

Criminal damage, criminal trespass

Feb. 20

Police said officers responded to a hotel in the 900 block of S. Riverside for the report of two people arguing. Upon arrival, the victim related his vehicle and PlayStation were damaged by the suspect. The victim refused to provide additional information or sign complaints.

Feb. 18

A complainant in the 400 block of N. Highland reported hearing a loud noise and finding her exterior windowpane shattered by a brick. The victim had no suspect information. Officers checked the area but were met with no results. This case is pending investigation.

Feb. 17-Feb. 18

A reporting officer responded to the 400 block of Argyle for a vehicle with a broken window. It was learned that part of the steering column had also been removed.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance, dispute

Feb. 18

A 54-year-old Elmhurst woman was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery and resisting a police officer in the 100 block of Oakland Grove at 11:37 p.m. Police said a victim related his wife struck him with a sword causing a laceration on his hand. The reporting officer made contact with the suspect, who became combative.

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

Feb. 19

Paige Dolan, 34, of Elmhurst, was issued citations for prowling, injury to property, possession of open alcohol, and burning garbage or rubbish in the 500 block of S. York at 10:39 p.m.

Konteria Banks, 57, of Westmont, was charged with DUI, parking in the roadway and illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver

near highland and north at 5:23 a.m.

Feb. 18

Petroux E. Pykes, 36, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, failure to signal and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Emory at 2:07 a.m.

Lisa Miserendino, 40, of Bolingbook, was charged with DUI and no insurance near Fair and St. Charles at 12:49 a.m.

Feb. 16

Darian Sanchez, 30, of Elmwood Park, was charged with DUI, Obstruction, Possession of Open Alcohol and Speeding subsequent to a traffic stop near Grand and Crown at 1:13 a.m.

Feb. 15

Eder Magana, 41, of Posen, was charged with DUI and driving while license revoked near Lake and Walnut at 4:53 p.m.

Fleeing, eluding

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

Identity theft, fraud, forgery

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

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported five incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Veon O. Carter, 22, of Chicago, near York and Grand at 3:12 p.m. Feb. 16; Nawal Sattar, 27, of Villa Park, near Poplar and St. Charles at 7:57 p.m. Feb. 17; Ashley Cruz, 29, of Chicago, near North and Highview at 4:24 p.m. Feb. 18; Cristian Beltran, 29, of Chicago near York and Third at 3:25 p.m. Feb. 19; and Jorge Hernandez, 26, of Chicago, near Lexington and York at 7:12 p.m. Feb. 19.

Theft, retail theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery

Cristian E. Garcia-Benitez, 25, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft and burglary at a

store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 12:40 p.m. Police said the suspect took multiple fragrance bottles totaling $419 in value and left the store without paying.

Feb. 20

A victim at a food store in the 200 block of S. Route 83 told police while shopping at the score, she noticed four subjects near her in the produce section. One of the suspects came up to the victim and spoke with her while she was shopping. The victim later realized her wallet was missing from her purse when she was going to pay for her groceries. The suspect then used the victim’s credit cards to make several fraudulent transactions. An investigation is pending.

A victim told police that while at the Edward-Elmhurst Hospital, an unknown suspect(s) stole her 2004 Toyota Camry. The vehicle was entered into LEADS as stolen. An investigation is pending.

Feb. 19

A complainant at a food store in the 200 block of S. Route 83 told police that two unknown suspects distracted the cashier while she was ringing up two gift cards and several clothing items. The suspects paid for the clothing items but left without paying for the gift cards. An investigation is pending.

Feb. 17

J.T. Cash, 51, of Chicago, was charged with burglary, retail theft, unlawful possession of a

controlled substance and unlawful use of handicapped parking space at a pharmacy in the 100 block of N. Robert Palmer at 7:21 p.m.

Feb. 16

Luis A. Padilla, 62, of Maywood, was charged with burglary, retail theft and obstructing identification at a pharmacy in the 100 block of W. North at 1:50 a.m. Police said Padilla provided false information and was found to be in possession of stolen merchandise.

Feb. 15

Police said officers responded to a store in the 600 block of W. North at 3:19 p.m. for the report of a delayed retail theft. Upon officers’ arrival, a complainant related an unknown suspect stole merchandise. An investigation is pending.

Warrant arrest

Feb. 17

Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and St. Charles at 12:22 p.m., Gary A. Franklin, 57, of Villa Park, was found to have a valid warrant out of DuPage County and placed into custody. Franklin also was transported to the police station and charged with Illegal Possession of Cannabis in a Motor Vehicle and no seat belt. Jenny R. Brooks, 51, of Villa Park, a passenger in the vehicle, was issued citations for no valid driver’s license, no seat belt and expired registration.

Lombard man acquitted of first-degree murder charges

Incident occurred outside the Spring Inn bar in Elmhurst in April, 2021

In April of 2021, a Lombard man, Ronald Dunbar, was charged with first-degree murder after stabbing a man from Yorkville in the chest during an incident outside the Spring Inn bar on Spring Road in Elmhurst.

Following a recent five-day trial, DuPage County Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh acquitted Dunbar of five counts of first-degree murder and one count of unlawful use of a weapon.

In a Daily Herald report, O’Hallaren Walsh said events in and outside the bar on the evening of April 10, 2021, were factors as to why Dunbar was afraid he was going to be killed or injured by 28-year-old Karl Bomba, who died from a stab wound to the heart two days after the incident.

Dunbar stabbed Bomba with a folding buck knife that had a 3 1/2-inch blade.

According to testimony reported in the Herald, a group that included Karl Bomba, Bomba’s girlfriend, and Bomba’s brother, Kurt, left Cuvee Cellars Bar and Wine Shop, and went over to Spring Inn bar, located across the street.

Kurt Bomba testified that Karl and his girlfriend were intoxicated after leaving Cuvee. Once inside Spring Inn, the couple eventually went into a restroom together.

A bartender noticed, told the group to leave, and along with Dunbar, shoved Karl and Kurt out the door along with a bar stool.

According to testimony reported in the Herald, one of the Bomba brothers threw the stool at the glass door, which the bartender had locked. Then, Karl punched a window on the door, which caused the window to shatter.

The bartender went outside. A video

played in court showed Karl Bomba crossing Spring Road toward his brother’s car, but Karl came back when the bartender came outside.

The video also showed the Bomba brothers tried to punch the bartender.

Dunbar was among several patrons who also went outside.

Dunbar testified that he had crossed the street to where the car was because he and another patron wanted to get the car’s license plate number.

He testified that while the patron was taking pictures behind the car, Karl Bomba approached him and the person taking the photos.

It was at that point, Dunbar testified, that he took out his knife and held it in front of himself with his left hand.

Dunbar testified that Bomba threw the patron who was taking the photos into the road.

“I thought he was going to try to kill us or beat us. I wish I wasn’t there at that point,” Dunbar said.

Then, Dunbar testified that Bomba raised his arm with a clenched fist, but Dunbar blocked a punch with his right hand. It was at that point Dunbar stabbed Bomba.

It was reported that an autopsy showed Karl Bomba had a blood alcohol content of .23, which is three times the legal standard for intoxication.

“I respect Judge O’Hallaren Walsh’s decision in this case,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

He said the first-degree murder charges were filed in good faith.

“This was a challenging case from the beginning,” Berlin said.

Man charged with leading police on 120 mph high-speed chase

Starting in Bensenville, suspect allegedly continued to speed through downtown Elmhurst

Rashaad Simpson

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Bensenville Chief of Police Dan Schulze announced that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to detain pre-trial an Oak Park man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase.

Rashaad Simpson, 21, appeared at First Appearance Court and was charged with two counts of Aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and multiple misde-

meanor and petty traffic offenses.

On Feb. 21 at approximately 10:53 p.m., a Bensenville police officer on Rte. 83 allegedly observed a vehicle, later determined to be driven by Simpson, passing him at a high rate of speed.

The officer began following the vehicle, a Honda Civic, on northbound Rte. 83 when the Honda allegedly disobeyed a red light at Rte. 83 and Foster Ave., made a U-turn and sped away from the officer on southbound Rte. 83.

The officer activated his emergency lights and sirens and pursued the Honda southbound, allegedly reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph.

It is alleged that as the officer pursued, Simpson weaved in and out of traffic and at one point, drove on the shoulder of the road all while reaching speeds of approximately 120 mph.

It is further alleged Simpson entered I-290 eastbound to the York Road exit southbound into Elmhurst still traveling more than 100 mph. It is alleged that Simpson continued to drive at approximately 100 mph, entered downtown Elmhurst, disobeyed multiple stop signs and traveled the wrong way on one-way streets, at which time officers terminated the pursuit out of safety concerns.

A short time later, Simpson was located on North Avenue and Rte. 83.

At this point in time, a Department of Homeland Security helicopter began following Simpson. It is alleged that Simpson then drove on I-290 to I-355 to I-390 east where he exited at Thorndale Avenue to northbound Rte. 83. Simpson then parked his vehicle in front of a business in the 1000 block of No. Busse Rd. in Elk Grove Village at which time Bensenville police officers took him into custody.

“The allegations that Mr. Simpson sped through downtown Elmhurst at an extremely high rate of speed are outrageous,” Berlin said. “Thankfully, no innocent pedestrians were injured or worse as he allegedly raced through town. In 2023, DuPage County wit-

nessed an increase of approximately 65 percent in aggravated fleeing and eluding cases. Our response to this dangerous epidemic has led to a 20 percent decrease in these cases so far this year and we will continue these efforts to ensure we don’t have a repeat of this type of dangerous behavior in 2024.

“Be warned, we will use every resource available to us, including the use of a helicopter as in this case, to ensure you are arrested, charged and prosecuted.”

Simpson’s next court appearance is scheduled March 18 for arraignment in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Three face charges following vehicle theft investigation Suspects were on pre-trial release from other incidents

After a three-week investigation, the Elmhurst Police Department has announced charges against three men in connection to alleged vehicle theft crimes affecting Elmhurst and several other suburban communities.

Kamil Spieczynski, Sebastian Nawrot, and Mateusz Wojtowicz face charges in DuPage County after being taken into custody by Elmhurst police detectives and assisting agencies.

On the morning of Feb. 1, a business reported the overnight theft of a flatbed trailer from a fenced parking lot on the 500 block of N. Michigan St. in Elmhurst.

Video surveillance at the scene and nearby license plate reader cameras assisted detectives in determining a

Ford pickup truck, stolen just prior in Northlake, was used to remove the trailer from Elmhurst at approximately 12:30 a.m.

Detectives also learned that a black Toyota Prius registered to Kamil Spieczynski was parked near the scene during the reported Elmhurst theft. Spieczynski and Mateusz Wo-

jtowicz had been arrested by Illinois State Police and Algonquin Police in December 2023 for possession of stolen motor vehicles and were on pretrial release in those criminal cases.

Investigators also determined Sebastian Nawrot had been a prior employee of the Northlake business, reporting the related overnight pickup truck theft and had access to the truck keys.

Detectives from the Elmhurst and Bensenville police departments conducted a surveillance of the Toyota

Prius during the early morning hours of Feb. 13, and observed Spieczynski, Nawrot and Wojtowicz allegedly stealing two Volvo semi-truck tractors from a lot on the 600 block of Rte. 83 in Bensenville.

One of the trucks became disabled in mud and was abandoned by the suspects. The suspects then reportedly left the scene in a stolen 2022 Volvo semi-truck tractor driven by Nawrot and the Toyota Prius occupied by Spieczynski and Wojtowicz. Illinois State Police attempted to stop the truck; however, it fled and was found abandoned near Covered Bridge and Barrington Rds. in South Barrington.

Elmhurst detectives attempted to stop the Toyota but again, it fled. Of-

ficers found it abandoned on Liberty Drive in South Barrington.

A search was conducted and Spieczynski was located in a field nearby and arrested. Nawrot and Wojtowicz were not located at the time but were captured on home and business security video on the morning of the incident.

On Feb. 14, Elmhurst detectives investigated a truck parking lot in Woodstock, Ill., where Spieczynski had been renting space.

Detectives located two stolen vehicles, a 2020 Ford Transit van that was reported stolen in Bensenville on Jan. 27, and a 2017 Maserati Levante SUV that was reported stolen in Chicago on Aug. 13, 2023. Both vehicles were impounded by police.

Kamil Spieczynski

Sebastian Nawrot Mateusz Wojtowicz

Viewpoint

Slices of life

Spider screams and other exercises in silliness

It all started with a quote on social media: “Imagine if spiders screamed when you found them.”

First off, wouldn’t that make finding a spider doubly scary? At least horror movie jump scary.

I, for one, am glad spiders are incapable of screaming—at least at a vibrational level that is heard by mere human ears.

But, beyond that, this got me thinking.

What if snakes were afraid of us because our arms and legs made us look all gangly, dangly and threatening? What if they cringed at the thought of our skin—its soft and suppleness making it ugly, not at all beautifully scaly and sleek?

What if mosquitoes hated drinking our blood but they only did it because their culture told them we needed it to restore our souls, so in biting us they believed they were saving our very beings?

What if skunks loved their own scent so much they hoarded it and only shared it with humans because they wanted us enhance our trip into the forest with a whiff or two of the intoxicating aroma only they could provide?

What if dogs were secretly plotting against us with and were in cahoots with cats, both working in an attempt to first take over the household and next take over the world? What if this has already occurred but we aren’t aware of it because the dogs and cats are still incognito, acting like pets, in an ingenious application of supreme power.?

What if chickens could fly, but they don’t because they don’t want to have to go south for the winter because it’s easier to just stay in the coop? Not saying chickens are lazy or anything (just smart).

What if bees were key to onethird of the world’s food production due to their amazing pollination talents, making them essential to not only people, but the planet?

Oh wait, they are.

By JILL PERTLER Slices of Life

What if dolphins were talking about us behind our backs?

Oh wait, they probably are.

What if there was a creature that literally lived in, had sex in, gave birth in and ate poop? Been there, dung that.

What if most birds were born with acrophobia, and their fear kept them from flying? Would ground birds still be birds or just ostriches and penguins?

What if elephants had body-image issues? Would they eat less grass? Would a skinny elephant look more like a giraffe?

What if a zebra had an identity crisis, not knowing if it were black with white strips or white with black stripes so it scrubbed every inch of its body with sand and a squeegee but despite all its efforts it remained both black and white and the unknowing continued, like a thorn in its side, driving the poor zebra to the brink of insanity, simply wishing for the simple life of a horse?

What if sheep weren’t really following the crowd, but leading it, but in such an ingenious way as to hide their far superior intelligence over the human species?

What if all the species— animals—on the planet weren’t what they seemed, but were inherently worthy and capable of so much more?

What if the same could be said for humans? Wouldn’t that be grand?

Isn’t it?

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.

State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) issued the following statement after the governor outlined his Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal:

“The governor’s budget proposal highlights Illinois’ continued commitment to K-12 education by including a $350 million increase to fund our school districts. By providing this additional funding, families can take comfort in knowing that their schools will have the proper resources for children to succeed.

Funding our schools with state tax dollars helps alleviate the property tax burden on residents.

“Increased funding for needbased tuition assistance for students provides them with the financial stability to pursue their dreams.

If we want to keep our students here, increased funding for higher education is a key step. Making college more affordable gives students in our community the opportunity to live, learn and work in Illinois for years to come.

“The proposed increased investment for the Meals on Wheels program improves accessibility to nutritious meals for our seniors. This community-based assistance offers our older adults the support they deserve when they need it. We need to ensure we are continuing our promise

to provide seniors with the respect and dignity they deserve.

“While I was pleased to see more funding for our students and seniors, I was disappointed that there was not an increase in investment toward the Local Government Distribution Fund, which puts money back into the hands of our local municipalities. People are counting on us to make common sense decisions in Springfield. As budget negotiations continue in the months ahead, I am going to fight to see us get to a place where the budget is fiscally sound, helps our local economy and represents our needs.”

State Rep. Terra Costa Howard

State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, issued the following statement after Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave his annual budget address last week:

“As I listened to the governor’s budget address, I felt proud of the great progress that we have made together in putting our state on a solid fiscal foundation, as proven by our nine credit upgrades over the past five years.

“As we get to work on this new budget, I’m going to keep standing up for our public schools, advocating for increased mental health services and protecting our reproductive freedom.

“I know that the people of our

communities will demand a balanced budget that reflects our shared values, and I am committed to making sure their voices are heard in Springfield.”

State Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock

State Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock, D-Villa Park, issued the following statement after Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave his annual budget address last week:

“With this year’s budget, we have an opportunity to draft a plan that further invests in our classrooms, comprehensively reinforces public safety, expands health care access and creates opportunities for residents of all ages. We should continue to build on the progress made toward early childhood education with Smart Start, and must prioritize services that support people with disabilities and reproductive freedoms.

“Our approach needs to be people focused, and to continue our ongoing effort to strengthen the state’s fiscal standing. Responsible budgets in recent years have secured needed credit rating upgrades—saving critical tax dollars—and have better positioned us to meet challenges facing working families.

“It’s critical we continue to move forward in a smart way, and I look forward to reviewing the governor’s priorities in detail.”

Your best health is our endeavor.

CBE welcomes LaMorte as new VP of business development, commercial lending

Community Bank of Elmhurst (CBE) has announced the hiring of Scott LaMorte as Vice President of Business Development and Commercial Lending effective March 1, 2024.

LaMorte, an Elmhurst resident, brings more than 25 years of experience in relationship management work. His background includes experience in community banking, as well as several years of development work at Elmhurst institutions such as Elmhurst University and IC Catholic Prep high school. He is also an Elmhurst University graduate.

“Scott brings both knowledge of community banking and community involvement in Elmhurst and the surrounding suburbs,” said Richard Reichert, president and CEO. “He will be a great asset to our team.”

In addition to his work experience, LaMorte has been involved with numerous community organizations in Elmhurst. He currently serves as a Director at the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry and also as a Director for the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

“I have been blessed to have been given opportunities to give back to Elmhurst,” LaMorte said. “I look forward to serving the community in my role with Community Bank of Elmhurst.”

DGTT gives to York Township food pantry

On Wednesday Feb. 7, Dan Gibbons visited York Township and donated a check for $10,000 to be used by the York Township Food Pantry to help stock pantry shelves. The funds were raised during last year’s Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot, which is held annually on Thanksgiving Day in Elmhurst.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Pictured are (from left): York Township supervisor John W. Valle, Dan Gibbons and Turkey Trot operations manager and Township Clerk Tony Cuzzone.

Scott LaMorte

Blue and Gold Gala nets $200,000 for Visitation school

Visitation’s Pastor, Father John Lindsey, and principal Darlene Potenza welcomed parents, teachers, staff, and clergy to the Drury Inn last weekend for Visitation School’s Blue and Gold Gala. Held every winter, the gala is the school’s biggest fundraiser, where guests enjoyed dinner, dancing, a live and silent auction,

raffles and much more.

The event raised around $200,000 and will go toward the operating budget for the school.

Blue and Gold committee chairs Joe Cincinelli and Elise Hallez had this to say about the event:

“Wow, what a fantastic Gala night! We are incredibly grateful to all who

attended the Gala, participated in our live or online auction, shared the link with family and friends, bought class basket tickets and helped with success of the Gala in any way. It was amazing to watch the Visitation community come together in support of our kids and our school— and have lots of fun in the process!”

Coming out of the pandemic, the state of the workplace has changed and continues to evolve. Organizations are facing myriad challenges, including talent shortages, leadership burnout and generational differences.

Drawing from her role as a leadership and organization development specialist at the management consulting firm ADVISA, Krista Warn will talk about the realities of these challenges when she presents “Future-Proofing Against the Challenges of Today’s Workplace” at Elmhurst University on Thursday, March 14 beginning at 7 p.m. It will be held in the Frick Center, Blume Board Room

on the campus.

A 2020 graduate of Elmhurst University’s master’s program in industrial/organizational psychology, Warn also will highlight the work of industrial/organizational psychologists and offer calls to action for leaders at all levels. Her keynote will be followed by a Q&A facilitated by Jessica Sim, Ph.D., interim program director of the Master of Arts in I/O Psychology program at Elmhurst U. This program is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged to: Elmhurst.edu/cultural.

“Future-Proofing Against the Challenges of Today’s Workplace” is part of the year-long Graduate Studies Lecture Series, celebrating 25 years of graduate programs at Elmhurst University. Graduate studies at Elmhurst launched in 1998 with five programs.

Krista Warn

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Pictured here at Visitation’s Blue and Gold Gala are (from left): Pastor, Father John Lindsey, Visitation School principal Darlene Potenza, and Parochial Vicar, Father Gregory Alberts. The event raised $200,000 this year.

Elmhurst Library Programs

Friday, March 1 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: Asteroid City

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

Saturday, March 2

from 10 a.m.-noon

Canasta

Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration required.

Monday, March 4

from 10 a.m.-noon

Scrabble

Play a friendly game of Scrabble. All skill levels welcome. Live in-person. No registration required.

Monday, March 4 from 7-8 p.m.

Seed Starting: Giving Your Garden a Head Start

Jump start the spring growing season. A master gardener explains the equipment and methods used for starting seeds indoors. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration re-

quired.

Tuesday, March 5

from 1-3 p.m.

Bridge and Pinochle Club

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

Tuesday, March 5

from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Staying Mentally Fit

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, March 6

from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

American Mah Jongg: Open Play

Gather every Wednesday for American Mah Jongg, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance. Live in-person.

No registration required.

Worship Services Directory

Lent

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Lent Services at 7pm

at 7 p.m.

“The Crucial Hours”

“The Passion of Jesus in the Gospel of John”

Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022

Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26

Fourth Lenten Service March 6, 2024

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

WHOM DO WE FOLLOW? John 19:1-16a

Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4

Fifth Lenten Service March 13, 2024

THREE SCENES ON THE CROSS John 19:16b-27

Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022

Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18

Sixth Lenten Service March 20, 2024

THE CONQUEROR WINS THE VICTORY John 19:28-42

Fifth Lenten Service March 30, 2022

Rev. Tom Nicholson “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12

✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am

Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66

Sunday School & Bible Study 9am

Wednesday Service at 7pm

Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14

Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30pm

Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15

Saturday, March 23 Game Night at 4pm

Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17

Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17

Everyone is Welcome!

Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17 450436

All services are live streamed. SaintTimothy.org

School Board capsules

Here’s what’s going on at

District 205

By Chris Fox

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St. All seven board members attended the meeting.

The meeting’s spotlight/recognition segment noted the achievement

of the several York High School students who were named All-State musicians by the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA). Patrick Baker, the district’s director of arts, physical education and health, noted that ILMEA sponsors festivals in nine districts across Illinois, and that ILMEA also sponsors an All-State festival. He said that York High School is located within District 1, one of the most competitive districts in the state.

District 205 honors

Emerson’s ‘Mentoring Maestros’

The Feb. 20 meeting’s spotlight/ recognition segment also included a brief presentation about Emerson Elementary School’s new Mentoring Maestros program. Emerson Principal Sheleen DeLockery stated that the program pairs up students with an adult within the school community during the school day. The students are paired with adults

who are not their regular classroom teachers. The program aims to provide additional support to students. More than 20 staff members volunteered to take part in the Mentoring Maestros program.

Public forum

The meeting’s public-participation segment included two speakers. Tom Chavez, who frequently speaks during the segment, said that recent data shows that achievement gaps are widening in the district. He also stated that teachers’ unions are trying to strip parents’ rights. Chavez said he is circulating a petition that asks if written consent from parents and guardians of minors should be required for children to take part in gender modification procedures, gender ID counseling and gender therapy. He said that if the petition receives enough signatures, it will be on the ballot this November.

The other public-participation segment speaker stated she was a parent of three district students who had been involved in York’s music program. She said the program was extremely important to her family and added that she hoped the board would continue to maintain its commitment to music education.

service. Christopher Whelton, the district’s assistant superintendent for finance and operations, noted that First Student Inc. provides service for general education students, while Cottage Hill Operating Company provides service for special education busing.

The district is currently extending its contract with First Student on a year-to-year basis. The district plans to pay First Student a little more than $4 million during the current school year. First Student proposed a 9.9 percent increase for the 2024-25 school year, which would result in an increase of about $400,000 from the current school year.

According to Whelton, the increase was 17 percent two years ago, and 12 percent last year. Whelton said the increases are driven by a labor shortage, among other factors.

In the current school year, the district plans to pay Cottage Hill Operating Company nearly $1.9 million. As with First Student, Cottage Hill is proposing a 9.9 percent increase in special education transportation charges for the 2024-25 school year.

The board will vote on the bus contracts at its next meeting.

Wertz offers update of student assessments

The meeting included a presentation with a winter update about the district’s student assessments. Throughout each school year, the district administers assessments to monitor student growth and achievement. Jacob Wertz, the district’s director of research and program analysis, provided a presentation with an array of charts and statistics. The statistics provided compared district students with their national peers. The figures in the presentation did not mention how the district’s students fared against comparable districts in the area.

The presentation noted that in October 2023, all of York High School’s juniors took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT).

This was the first time all York juniors took the standardized test, which measures students’ knowledge in reading and math.

The meeting also included a presentation about the selection and adoption of instructional materials for the 2024-25 school year. Almost all of those materials can be reviewed on the district’s website---elmhurst205.org. Click on the Resources tab for more information.

The results will be on display online and at the district office until April 10. Parents and guardians can submit a review about the materials that are being considered for adoption.

Bus contracts reviewed

The meeting also included a presentation about the district’s contracts with its providers of busing

Resolution abating portion of tax levy approved

Board members voted unanimously to approve a resolution abating a portion of the tax levied for the year 2023 to pay debt service on the General Obligation Refunding School Bonds, Series 2015. Board members discussed the abatement in previous meetings. The abatement will reportedly result in $39 savings for the owner of a district home valued at $529,650.

District calendar approved

Board members also voted unanimously during the meeting to approve changes to the district calendar for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school year. The board approved the calendar for those school years in November 2023. The board has since received updated information from the DuPage Regional Office of Education. The spring break week in the next two school years has now been aligned with the DuPage Regional Office of Education’s recommendation. The spring break weeks will take place one week later than originally proposed.

According to the updated calendar, the district’s spring break week in the 2024-25 school year will take place March 31 to April 4, 2025. For the 2025-26 school year, the district’s spring break week will take place March 30 to April 3, 2026.

State law requires that schools be closed on Election Day---Nov. 5, 2024.

Despite that closure, the district will still meet the minimum of 176 student attendance days during the 2024-25 school year.

The board will hold its next regular meeting on March 12.

Painting

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• Interior & Exterior Painting

• Power Washing Anything

The Home Repair & Improvement Company No job is too small!

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REAL ESTATE

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

PART TIME DRIVER WANTED

York Township is hiring a part-time driver position at $14.00 per hour.

Hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, driving vehicles transporting seniors participating in medical appointments, recreational or social service programs, such as community center programs, shopping trips, library within York Township boundaries.

Applicants that are interested can apply in person at: York Township, 1502 S. Meyers Road, Lombard, Illinois 60148.

451568

Brian E. Wagner annual fundraiser raises $9,000 for scholarships Deadline to apply is Feb. 29

All proceeds will benefit the scholarship award, which rewards exemplary high school seniors who are college-bound this fall.

The cause was established in memory of Brian Edwin Wagner who tragically passed away in an auto accident more than 30 years ago. Since that time his legacy lives on through this scholarship program. Those who receive the award have shown potential in their accomplishments thus far and are headed towards a successful college experience.

The current BEWSF board includes Barbara Wagner–Lackey, Mike Wagner, Ed Lackey, Becky Lawton-Wagner, Nicola and Brian Doherty, Jason and Michelle Gentile, Debbie and Tom Hagensee, John Halloran, Theresa Stubitz, Misty and Brandon Zamar. They have bestowed scholarships to 41 high school graduates thus far from Fenwick, IC Catholic Prep, Montini, Timothy Christian and York Community high schools.

About the tournament

The first-place finishers of the tournament were the Sandy and Steve Smith. The long-standing

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

The Brian E. Wagner Scholarship Fund (BEWSF) held its 13th annual Bags for Wags bean bag tournament at Visitation Parish. The event raised approximately $9,100.

tradition of reuniting Elmhurst and the surrounding suburbs every winter to celebrate Brian Wagner’s life received overwhelming support and encouragement. In addition to the Bags tournament, thousands of dollars in silent auction items were donated by businesses from the Chicagoland area. The Chicago Blackhawks skybox experience was

Community calendar

Pick of the Week

GMTT presents annual murder mystery dinner theatre

Friday, March 1

Saturday, March 2 • Sunday, March 3

Greenman Theatre presents is murder mystery dinner, “Murder on the DeLorean Express,” at Angelo’s Ristorante at 247 N. York Rd. The show begins at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $57 and include the show and an Italian dinner. Cash bar, chance to mingle with the actors one hour before curtain. Tickets and info: 630-464-2646 or greenmantheatre.org.

Saturday, March 2

• Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Elmhurst Children’s Assistance Foundation (ECAF) will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a fundraiser at River Forest Country Club. For tickets and information, visit ecaf4kids. org/2023-fundraiser.

• At 7 p.m., Music@Bethel presents the Edgewater Ensemble Woodwind Quintet. Wine reception to follow. Tickets are $25 available on Eventbrite or at the door. Students free. Plenty of parking. Info: 630-2794040.

Saturday, March 9

• It’s time for the wearin’ o’ the green – The Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day. Parade will step off at 12 noon on Spring Road. Come out for one of the community’s greatest events. Watch for the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra with its big bass drum Mary and a brand-new Parade Queen.

• At 7 p.m., the Elmhurst Symphony Association in partnership with The Apollo Chorus of Chicago presents

Majestic Bruckner at Glenview Community Church, located at 1000 Elm St., Glenview. For tickets, visit ApolloChorus.org.

Sunday, March 10

• At 12:15 p.m., SHE, the Single Mothers Support Group, will meet at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road. Complimentary lunch for all who attend and free childcare for ages infants through 12 years during the program. This month’s program features motivational speaker Eve Senti along with a craft project. RSVP to elmhurstcrc.org/she

• From 2-3 p.m., the Elmhurst History Museum presents the Fly Girls of WWII. During WW2, more than 1100 women, led by Jackie Cochran, the “Speed Queen,” served their country by flying every military aircraft in the American Armed Forces. Air ferry missions, target practice for artillery crews, and the aircraft maintenance shakedown flights are just a few of the types of missions flown by these American Heroines. Join Rebecca Tulloch, a certified FAA pilot herself,

the grand prize in the live auction. Thanks to the generosity of Republic Bank, $2800 was raised for the winning bid.

“I remember Brian as a hard worker, the kind of person that everyone loved and wanted to be around,” said Larry Reedy, Brian’s childhood friend and teammate. “His positivity was infectious and the times we

as she tells the story of the Fly Girls of WW2 as only a pilot can. Free to Members, $5 non-members. Info: elmhursthistory.org.

• At 4 p.m., the Elmhurst Symphony Association in partnership with The Apollo Chorus of Chicago presents Majestic Bruckner at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church is located at 149 W. Brush Hill Rd. Audiences are invited to attend a pre-concert lecture by assistant conductor Eli Chen beginning at 2:45 p.m. For tickets, visit elmhurstsymphony.org.

Wednesday, March 13

From 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Active Senior Expo will be held at Lorena’s Banquets, 543 W. Lake in Addison. Programs and information, seminars, health screenings, prizes, a farmer’s market and more. Tickets are $2 but free tickets are available at activeseniorexpo.net. Parking is free.

Saturday, March 16

From 10-11:30 a.m., the Elmhurst History Museum presents a Victory Garden Lecture and Workshop. Join the Conservation Foundation’s Agroecology Educator, Connie Kollmeyer, to learn about the historical significance and contemporary relevance of Victory Gardens. Attendees will explore the pivotal role they played during times of war as well as the enduring impact they have on sustainable living today. Participants can also get their hands in the soil with an heirloom seed starting workshop and learn some practical insights and skills to cultivate their own modern victory gardens and be inspired to continue growing into the future. Tickets are $8 per person. Info: elmhursthistory.org.

spent together serve as memories that helped me become the person I want to be.

“The BEWSF is an honor to his life, legacy and a reminder to everyone that striving for our goals and dreams brings out the best character in all of us!”

The committee gives special recognition to its sponsors: Linda

Tuesday, March 19

From 7-8:30 p.m., the Elmhurst History Museum will host a book discussion of Our Mothers’ War: American Women at Home and at the Front During World War II. Written by Emily Yellin, the book examines, through interviews, letters, and diaries, how World War II changed American women’s lives on the home front and in the military.

Includes after-hours access to exhibits. Books are available at the Library for EPL patrons. Reservations are required. Please email ehmprograms@

Roberts at Visitation Parish, John Noldan at Guaranteed Rate, Nancy Brook from Community Bank of Elmhurst, Mickey Weiss from Giuliano’s Restaurant in Hinsdale and Phil Limonciello owner of Mama Maria’s Restaurant in Elmhurst.

The deadline to submit is Feb. 29.

To apply or for more information, visit BrianEWagnerFund.org.

elmhurst.org to reserve your spot.

Elmhurst Art Museum

Now through Sunday, April 28, the Elmhurst Art Museum latest exhibition is A Love Supreme, part of Art Design Chicago, a citywide collaboration initiated by the Terra Foundation for American Art that highlights the city’s artistic heritage and creative communities. In partnership with the Chipstone Foundation, guests can also view A Love Supreme: McCormick House Reimagined. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Active Senior Expo coming to Addison March 13

Active Senior Expo, an event “dedicated to inform, educate and entertain senior citizens,” will be held on Wednesday, March 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lorena’s Banquets, 543 W. Lake Street in Addison.

Active Senior Expo features hundreds of products and services designed specifically for seniors. Offerings include health care, retirement communities, assisted living, financial, insurance, legal, estate planning, home care, consumer products, government programs and more.

Special attractions include free seminars on Medicare, energy efficiency and consumer fraud; free health screenings and door prize drawings. A Farmer’s Market featuring fresh produce will be presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Live entertainment with Fran Marie will take place at 11:30 a.m.

No registration is required and regular admission to the event is $2. However, free admission coupons are widely available and attendees can obtain a free admission coupon by visiting activeseniorexpo.net. Parking is free.

The presenting sponsor of Active Senior Expo is Chicagoland’s Senior News, “The Premier News Source for Active Adults Age 50 and Better.” Major sponsors are BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program, Alternatives for Seniors and Rock Valley Publishing. For more information, contact Silver Star Expositions at (630) 6206347. E-Mail: activeseniorexpo@hotmail.com

Sport S

York boys basketball team defeats Glenbard West for regional title

Dukes playing in Class 4A Addison Trail sectional this week

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York boys basketball team turned up the defensive pressure to vice-like proportions on its way to a Class 4A regional title. The Dukes held host St. Charles East and Glenbard West to a combined 65 points on their way to winning the Class 4A St. Charles East regional title.

York moved to 25-7 overall with the two wins and is playing in the Class 4A Addison Trail sectional this week. York is the No. 2 seed in the sectional and played No. 3 seed Batavia earlier this week. If York won that game, it will play for the Addison Trail sectional title Friday at 7 p.m. against either sectional top seed Lake Park or No. 4 seed Glenbard North.

It was York’s first regional title since 2019 and sixth since 2013. The Dukes are enjoying their winningest season since the 2020 team went 285.

The Dukes, winners of four of their last five, opened playoff action with a 55-30 rout of host St. Charles East in regional semifinal action. AJ Levine led York with 17 points. Kyle Waltz added 13 points and Braden Richardson had eight points. “We played very well, especially defensively,” York coach Mike Dunn said.

Dunn added Ryan Pechous was a key on defense against St. Charles East. “He’s a guy who doesn’t get enough credit,” the coach said of Pechous, who did not play in the regional final against Glenbard West on the heels of an injury suffered in

the St. Charles East game. “He had like 31 defensive/hustle plays. He did a fantastic job.”

Dunn was impressed with the way York handled its business against a team playing in front of its home fans. “On their home court, that is a scary game,” he said. “We’re a top seed playing a lower seed with nothing to lose on their home court. We took care of business.”

York then downed West Suburban Conference Silver Division foe Glenbard West 53-35 to win the regional title. Levine led the way with 21 points, while Brendan Molis had 11 points. Waltz added seven points, four rebounds “and three big blocked shots,” Dunn emphasized. “We were active on defense,” Dunn said. “They didn’t shoot the ball great, but

us contesting shots had something to do with it. We played our system the way we do. We play extremely hard.”

Dunn pointed out York held both St. Charles East and Glenbard West to under 30 percent shooting from the floor, “which is huge,” he noted. “Obviously, we’ve had a great season. This is a special season for these eight seniors. For them and the other guys to win a regional title means a lot to the coaching staff and program. They have been fantastic.”

Senior Nick Dizonno started in place of the injured Pechous, “and hit two huge 3s, played great defense and does what a senior does,” Dunn said of Dizonno’s performance against West. “This was a total team effort, for sure. Brendan Molis played very well. He had a couple big baskets and

hit a big 3. Richardson was doing what he does with rebounding and anchoring our defense. AJ Levine has been fantastic. He’s playing at an all-state level right now.”

York played Batavia earlier this week. Batavia is coached by Jim Nazos, who coached Dunn in high school at Wheaton North. York did not play Batavia during the regular season but did lose by 3 points (3835) to top sectional seed Lake Park and won by 15 points against No. 4 seed Glenbard North during the regular season.

“We are excited for the opportunity,” Dunn said. “They have earned it. Every day we get a chance to be together is special. Other teams are done playing. We get to keep playing. We’re enjoying the moment.”

Timothy Christian boys basketball team wins Class 2A regional title

Trojans upend host ICCP to secure first crown since 2020

By Mike Miazga

CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian boys basketball team timed its season-long improvement to shine brightest at the perfect moment. The Trojans traveled to the center of town and defeated host IC Catholic Prep 48-38 to win the Class 2A IC Catholic Prep regional title. ICCP was the No. 1 seed in sub-sectional A of the Timothy Christian sectional while the Trojans were the No. 4 seed.

It was Timothy’s first regional title since 2020 and fourth since 2010. IC Catholic Prep had defeated Timothy Christian 36-26 on Dec. 9 in a game also played at ICCP. The win pushed Timothy to 13-19 overall and ran its winning streak to four games heading into this week’s Class 2A Timothy Christian sectional. The Trojans played Chicago Latin School (No. 4 seed in sub-sectional B) earlier this week in the sectional semifinals. If Timothy won that game it will play for the sectional title Friday at home at 7 p.m. against either Montini (No. 3 seed in sub-sectional A) or Chicago Christ the King (No. 1 seed in subsectional B).

“We played at IC earlier in the year and lost by 10, but we only scored 26 points in

that game,” Timothy coach Scott Plaisier pointed out. “We knew offensively and defensively we would have to play good again. We were able to hold them to 38 points and then the guys stepped up and made some big shots. We were tough around the hoop and had some good, slashing layups later in the game and put 48 on the board, which was 22 more than last time. We found a way to win a regional title. The guys played the game with more confidence and more will and desire compared to the first time. We knew it was lose and go home at this point and we found a way to will a win.”

Plaisier was equally impressed with his team’s fortitude playing for a regional title on a town rival’s home floor. “It was a nice environment,” he said. “IC had a good student section and we had a nice student section. The gym was full and raucous. There was a lot of excitement for this game.”

Timothy built an 11-point lead heading into the fourth only to see ICCP roar right back. “They charged back and got it to 3635 with about five minutes to go,” Plaisier noted. “They made a nice charge at us. The boys showed some resiliency and were able to score key baskets and key free throws and

make some key stops to secure the win for us.”

Plaisier was particularly impressed with the play of Thon Bill in the game. “Thon probably played his best game since he has been at Timothy,” he said. “He was really good on the glass and made some timely baskets in the first half that were needed. It was nice to see.”

Alex Keizer and Marc Gamble Jr. also were strong offensively. “Marc and Alex scored at about their averages, and both made baskets late which was big,” Plaisier said. “When they got it to one point, Marc went on a 5-0 run by himself that gave us a cushion. He made a big 3 and had an up-and-under move at the basket.”

Stephen Hribel and Ryan McKenzie also were cited for excellence. “Stephen and Ryan played really well,” Plaisier said. “Ryan, Alex, and Marc never came off the court. All three played 32 minutes each and were able to do what they did. They gutted it out and had the mentality and focus to continue to get stops and be strong offensively for us.”

Timothy lost to each of the other three sectional schools earlier in the year — Chicago Latin School (61-46), Montini (4035) and Chicago Christ the King (53-39).

“Now, anything can happen,” Plaisier said. “This is the first time all season we’ve had a winning streak of two or more games. If we can keep this going, it would be a nice way to end the season.” Timothy opened regional play with a 63-36 win over Chicago Kelvyn Park.

“I’m super proud of the boys,” Plaisier said. “One thing we talked about all year, especially when we were going through some low points and not finding ways to win, is staying positive and enthusiastic. Give the kids credit. They have stayed enthusiastic and have come into the gym ready to work on either winning games or improving. They kept working and believing in each other and believing in the process. They have done that and gone about things the right way even when the wins weren’t there. They knew something like this could be possible because they believed. All the scars have hardened them. They have had the will to keep getting better and keep making strides. They have watched it pay off.”

During Timothy Christian’s winning streak, the Trojans have held teams to point outputs of 32, 33, 36 and 38 points, well below their 49.8 season average (a 15-point reduction).

York’s Stangarone logs two top five state gymnastics finishes

IC Catholic Prep graduate

Three York boys swimmers and divers compete at state meet

By Mike Miazga

CORRESPONDENT

Leslie headed to Le Moyne

York senior Angela Stangarone concluded her high school girls gymnastics career in fine fashion.

Will play volleyball for Division II school

By Mike Miazga

CORRESPONDENT

Stangarone recently finished second in the state on the vault at the IHSA state finals meet held at Palatine High School. Stangarone finished with a score of 9.70, which

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

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

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

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

was 0.05 behind state-champion Sabrina Nemcek of Hersey High School in Arlington Heights.

9.35.

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

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

Stangarone had judge scores of 9.6, 9.55, 9.75 and 9.65. She was tied for eighth place after a preliminary round score of 9.525. She also finished tied for fifth in the state on floor exercise with a 9.375 score. She had judge scores of 9.4 and

“I loved playing there,” she said. “I probably enjoyed school volleyball more than club because I love my team and the coaching staff was very supportive on and off the court. It made it a really good environment to be in. Coach (Kerrigan) was great. I have known her for a while. When I was little, I did all the little kids camps, and her daughter was in my brother’s grade at IC.”

Stangarone becomes only the sixth gymnast in York girls program history to medal at the state meet and only the second to do it in the same season, joining the highly decorated Deanna Schwartz who won two state titles and 15 state medals from 1981-1984. She joins Schwartz as the only York girls

Leslie said she will miss plenty about IC Catholic Prep. “I will miss how close knit of a community it was,” she said. “I knew everybody at the school. It will be weird going on campus and not knowing all the faces. I’ll miss those close connections with the coaches and teachers. It will be weird for the first year or so.”

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“ I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college. It gives me something to do. I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big part of my life.”

– Bella Leslie

gymnasts to medal on floor exercise.

Stangarone finished 11 th in the preliminary round on bars with a 9.175 and tied for 32 nd in the prelims of balance beam with an 8.175. Stangarone was tied for eighth on floor exercise after prelims with a score of 9.3.

Stangarone finished 16 th in the state in the separate all-around competition with a final tally of 36.175. Stangarone had all-around scores of 9.525 on vault, 9.175 on bars, 8.175 on balance beam and 9.3 on floor.

Freshman teammate Melania Veselovsky took 22 nd in the allaround scoring. She had a 9.4 on vault, 8.775 on bars, 8.975 on balance beam and 8.225 on floor exercise.

York boys swimming

Downers Grove South. Rozdolskyy qualified for state by winning the backstroke with a time of 52.63. Glod was fourth in the butterfly at 51.88 and qualified for state. York divers Rice and freshman Connor MacLeod also were in contention for state berths. Rice took third with a score of 424.70, while MacLeod was sixth at 377.90. Rice ended up getting an at-large bid. Also at the sectional, York was third in the 200-medley relay with a time of 1:38.34. That relay featured Rozdolskyy, Steve Piotrowski, Glod and Martin Polomsky. Nick Maiers was second in the 200 with a time of 1:45.65, while freshman Thomas Buhrfiend tied for sixth at 1:50.80.

Three York boys swimmers and divers competed at the recent IHSA state finals meet held at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont. York sophomore diver Trevor Rice finished 27 th during preliminaries with a score of 190.90 and did not advance to the next round.

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

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

Glod was fourth in the IM with a time of 2:01.05, while Polomsky was ninth at 2:06.02. Rozdolskyy was sixth in the 50 at 22.33, while Choi was 12 th at 23.15. In addition to Glod in the butterfly, freshman Theodore Kamenicka was sixth at 54.59.

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SKILLS SCHOOL

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

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Stopka

SKILLS SCHOOL

Leslie said pandemic life hasn’t been overly exciting, though her club volleyball team has started practicing again. “We have been practicing two or three times a week,” she said. “We are going to be starting tournaments again. Before that I haven’t been doing anything because senior soccer season and the club volleyball season were cancelled. We were supposed to go to a few club volleyball qualifiers in Grand Rapids and Louisville. This summer, we have some tournaments planned over the next few weekends. They are little tournaments with all of the local clubs. Nothing large and really local. Other than that, I have been trying to work out a lot and stay in shape. I’ve been running a lot, so I got into that. I try and run every day.”

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been cancelled due to the pandemic. “I will probably leave Aug. 10-11 because it’s a far drive,” she said. “We had Zoom call with the team recently and they said they should have an answer about our season in the next 7-10 days. They talked about three scenarios and what could happen like if we start the season and someone gets sick and we have to stop and go. That’s one of the reasons why they are looking at moving the season to the spring. Right now the plan is to have a season, but we won’t know until the next 7-10 days.”

Sophomore Sasha Rozdolskyy was 30 th in the preliminary round of the backstroke with a time of 53.49. He came into the state meet with a seed time of 52.63.

Junior Henry Nelson was 11 th in the 100 with a time of 50.75, while junior Danny Grant was 13 th with a time of 51.24. Maiers was fifth in the 500 at 4:59.82, while freshman Jake Lisowski was eighth with a time of 5:08.28.

• Practice 1x a week

• Sundays 3 vs 3

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

(Continued from page 18)

finals. That’s a hell of a season if you ask me.”

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

“I have been a big Liverpool soccer supporter ever since 2015 when Jurgen Klopp came over and he’s known as a players’ coach. He’s kind of my coaching idol. I want to related to the players and form bonds with them. am more light-hearted and smiling. I like to have fun and joke with the kids. The goal is understanding where each player can be successful and the provide the best way possible to convey the knowledge they need at the position they play. I am not big

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But if all systems are a go, Leslie can’t wait to take her skills as a libero to the next level with the Dolphins. “I feel like being a libero you have to be really quick and that is typically what I am good at. I have really good reaction time,” she said. “I like diving on the floor and saving balls. It’s a really good feeling when you make a save. The position fits my personality, too. You have to be the loudest one on the court. I have a loud personality. You have to be pretty loud if you want to be a libero. I think I match that description.”

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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.”

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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 players so far,” he said. “If it does get approved 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 blackout 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

Freshman Matthew Glod took 37 th in the preliminaries of the butterfly. Glod finished at 51.87 and had a seed time of 51.88 heading into the meet.

Earlier, York finished second at its own York sectional. The Dukes finished with 204 points behind sectional champion Riverside-Brookfield (249 points) and two points better than third place

York was sixth in the 200-relay with a time of 1:31.17 with Polomsky, Nelson, Choi and Maiers. In addition to Rozdolskyy winning the backstroke, Buhrfiend took seventh in the event at 57.04. Kamenicka was fifth in the breaststroke with a time of 1:02.60, while senior Aiden Reedy was 10 th at 1:05.81. York took fourth in the 400 relay in 3:19.50 with Polomsky, Rozdolskyy, Glod and Maiers.

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”

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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, especially 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 regionals, 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

Stangarone, a senior, logged a pair of top-five finishes at the recent IHSA girls state gymnastics meet hosted by Palatine High School. Stangarone finished second in the state on the vault and took fifth in the state in floor exercise. Stangarone is the sixth gymnast in the history of the program to medal at the state meet and only the second to ever win two state medals in the same season.

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

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

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SUNDAYS

50¢ Boneless Wings LIMIT 12 (with side purchase)

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$9 Pasta Marinara (add $2 for Vodka, Meat, Carbonara or Alfredo)

$10 Bacon Wrapped Pickle Spears

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$17 Bottles of Woodbridge House Wine

H H H

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10 and Under - Ask server for more details

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1/2 Off any $20 or More Bourbon, Scotch or Whiskey

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4th Annual Chili Cook Off Sunday, March 3 in Lombard

$10 Entry Fee

1st Place $250

2nd Place $150

3rd Place $100

People’s Choice (Bring your friends!) May the Best Chili Win!

36 Drafts H 350 Bourbons, Scotches & Whiskeys

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Tuesday-Friday 3pm-6pm

99¢ Chicken Tenders ~ SLIDERS ~

$2 Grilled Chicken - Meatball - Pulled Pork

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$5 Italian Beef ‘Wich

$8 Medium Cheese Pizza - $3 Full Toppings

$12 XL Cheese Pizza - $4 Full Toppings

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