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Foundation establishes endowment fund dedicated to Stewart

Effort assures former executive director’s memory stays alive

The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation has introduced a dedicated endowment fund, established this year to honor the Elmhurst History Museum’s first professional executive director, Dr. Virginia R. Stewart.

Created by her husband, Alan, the fund is specifically earmarked to provide support for museum programs, specifically honoraria for speakers, historical reenactors, and musicians to benefit future generations of residents and visitors.

If you would like to support the foundation and museum through the Dr. Virginia R. Stewart Memorial Fund, please visit elmhursthistorymuseum.org/donate to help build a lasting legacy in Dr. Stewart’s memory. (Please be sure to indicate your donation should go towards the Dr. Virginia R. Stewart Memorial Fund at check out.)

More about Dr. Virginia Stewart

Dr. Stewart served as the Elmhurst History Museum executive director from 1981-1988, landing a number of competitive grants, growing and professionalizing the staff, and putting the museum on a firm foundation that continues to benefit the community to this very day. Under her leadership, the museum professionalized, grew, and prospered.

Stewart would go on to receive a PhD in History at Northwestern University and train a new generation of students in the museum profession. In later years, she continued to contribute her expertise to the Elmhurst History Museum, serving on the Board of the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, writing our popular guide to local history, Visionary, and contributing research and content to our award-winning exhibition, By

All Accounts: The Story of Elmhurst. She is greatly missed and left a wonderful legacy here at the museum.

About the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation

The Elmhurst Heritage Founda-

tion, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was established by the merger of the Elmhurst Historical Museum Foundation (founded in 1992) and the City’s Historical Commission in 2007. The foundation’s mission is to stimulate broad-based support for local history, the Elmhurst History Museum, and the Churchville Schoolhouse through advocacy, education and fundraising. This citizen-based support group works actively in the community to support the Elmhurst History Museum and

the Churchville Schoolhouse -- two very important cultural institutions that allow residents and visitors to experience the unique history of Elmhurst. Through strategic planning,

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It’s all in fun!

MIKE KOZUCHOWSKI PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Dan Gibbons (center) of the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot Foundation does a little bit of clowning for the camera at the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) 105th Annual Awards Gala held at Elm West Banquets on Friday, March 22, where Gibbons was inducted into the Elmhurst Civic Hall of Fame for 2023. With him are other members of the Hall of Fame and the year of their induction, including (from left): Jack Island (2017), Ralph Pechanio (2015), Genie Urick (2018) and Bill Shanklin (2019).

Holocaust survivor to speak at Elmhurst University

Eric Blaustein shares ‘Growing Up in Germany’ at annual Service of Remembrance

In having the courage to share their testimony, Holocaust survivors provide a human dimension to understanding the past and present, enabling us to learn, reflect and never forget.

On Sunday, April 14 beginning at 7 p.m., Holocaust survivor Eric Blaustein will present “Growing Up in Germany: A Survivor Remembers” as part of this year’s Holocaust Service of Remembrance and Lecture at Elmhurst University. It will take place in the Frick Center, Founders Lounge on the campus.

Eric Blaustein

Born in Germany, Blaustein started school in 1933, the same year Adolf Hitler became chancellor. At age 18, Blaustein was sent to the Buchenwald concentration camp, where he was imprisoned until the Allied liberation in 1945.

Afterwards, he went on to work as an engineer, get married and raise a family in the U.S. He is the father-in-law of Rabbi Steven Bob, who is Elmhurst University’s Jewish chaplain and a co-founder of the University’s Holocaust Education Program. Bob also served for many years as senior rabbi of Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard.

During Blaustein’s talk at Elmhurst, he will share his personal history, reflecting on his youth in Nazi Germany, surviving Buchenwald, and what it has meant for his life ever since.

Admission is free but reservations are encouraged, at elmhurst.edu/cultural.

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(Continued from front page)

donor development, outreach, and essential fundraising, the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation will offer guidance and support to keep history alive for future generations.

Since its inception, the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation has planned and implemented several fundraising events and donor campaigns to make significant contributions to achieve these goals. Some examples of this support include:

• Donations to complete renovation of the historic Churchville Schoolhouse;

• A membership program to encourage community support;

•Donation of history books to Elmhurst elementary schools;

• Provision of transportation for student field trips to the Museum and the Churchville Schoolhouse;

• Annual grants to enhance Elmhurst History Museum exhibits and programs and to support ongoing living history programming at the Churchville Schoolhouse.

For more information, visit elmhursthistory.org.

‘Elmhurst’s own’ to

The elmhursT IndependenT

Your Hometown Newspaper

Locally owned and operated

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Main Phone 630.834-8244

Fax 630.834-0900

Visit us at:

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Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126.

Periodical Postage Paid at Elmhurst, IL.

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630.834-8355

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Advertising:

Brenda Garcia

Subscriptions:

The Elmhurst Independent is mailed at no charge by request to residents in the 60126 zip code area. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $29.95 yearly. Single copies are also available at more than 80 newsstand locations in Elmhurst. For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

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

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THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Pat Cheffer, one of Elmhurst’s shining stars, passes away at 88

By Dee Longfellow

For The elmhursT IndependenT

Patricia Cheffer, a long-time resident of Elmhurst known mostly for her television personality on Continental Cablevision and her program, “Lifestyles with Pat Cheffer,” passed away recently at the age of 88.

The Independent shared her obituary in its last issue, but in the meantime, a conversation with her son Chris Cheffer brought out more interesting things about the lively and energetic person who graced not only the television studio but also the theatrical stage, primarily as director.

“She was a mover and a shaker,” Chris told the Independent in an exclusive interview. “The more we uncover her life as we sort through her things, the more we learn.”

Asked what she was like as a mother, Chris said she was actually “quite entertaining.”

“Instead of telling us to do things, she would draw little cartoons or make up skits or little stories to get us to do our chores,” he said. “For example, she would say ‘the maid (which, well, we didn’t have a maid) had been carried off by a giant bird’ and therefore, we would have to clean our own rooms since she wasn’t available.”

Cheffer said his mother was very inclusive of all people and that all the kids in the neighborhood gathered at their house.

“She was the ‘Mom’ of the neighborhood, that’s for sure,” he said.

Obituary

Er Ic H . Larson, 88

Eric H. Larson, 88, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2024 at his home in Oak Brook, Illinois, surrounded by his family.

She loved all the holidays and loved to cook big dinners, or if the family was invited elsewhere, Pat would bring something along to share. Of course, all the packages and gifts were decorated beautifully, often with her own homemade ribbons, tags and ornaments.

Chris went on to say that his mother worked very hard to put others in the limelight, not just herself. For instance, on her television show and even when she served as a theatre director, she was there to make the others look good, highlighting their skills.

Pat had an interesting hobby people might not know about – she enjoyed flying kites with a few of her girlfriends. They call themselves the “Mae Westerners.”

Chris also recalled that, for America’s Bicentennial in 1976, his mother had painted a big mural at Hawthorne School and had all the children leave a handprint on it.

“It still amazes us, the capacity she had to do so much,” Chris said. “She took her two granddaughters to Europe, she must have been in her late 60s, but she was still willing and wanting to show the way, to open the eyes of younger people to different things, different cultures. The fact that she had the energy to do all that, it’s amazing.”

There is a bench in Wilder Park with a plaque on it dedicated to Pat Cheffer. Elsewhere in the park, there is a tree for their father Robert Gene

Cheffer as well.

“So they are both memorialized in Elmhurst’s Wilder Park,” Chris said. “It doesn’t get any better than that!”

Besides Chris, Pat was also the

See

Election results for Democratic, Republican primary candidates, referenda

Editor’s note: The following is a list of Democratic and Republican candidates who were in primary races March 19 in the communities of Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Lombard, Villa Park, Oakbrook Terrace and Wood Dale. The vote totals are unofficial and includes contested races only, as well as referenda. Total number of votes received and the percentage of the vote received follows each candidate’s name.

Democrat

President of the United states

(Vote for 1)

Joseph R. Biden Jr. 60,640 (91.75 percent)

Marianne Williamson 1,802 (2.73 percent)

Frank “Frankie” Lozada 965 (1.46 percent)

Aaron M. Ortiz (Biden) 1,983 (19.18 percent)

Beth Zavala (Biden) 2,066 (19.99 percent)

sixth congressional District congressman (Vote for 1)

Sean Casten 24,210 (83.86 percent)

Charles M. Hughes 763 (2.64 percent)

Mahnoor Ahmad 3,897 (13.50 percent)

Delegates (Vote for no more than 6)

Deb Conroy (Biden) 22,424 (18.41 percent)

Bill Cunningham (Biden) 19,786 (16.25 percent)

Kelly Burke (Biden) 21,148 (17.36 percent)

Office Hours:

Monday-Friday 11am-3pm 223499

Eric lived his life with one goal: to be the best husband, father, and grandfather, and to support his family with love and devotion. By that definition, his life was a resounding success! A core tenet of his life was a strong work ethic, as evidenced by his 55-year career as an industrial specialty coating salesman; incredibly, he drove well over 1,000,000 miles throughout his career. All this, while still finding time to be a passionate gardener, doting husband, involved father, cook, friend, baseball coach, and Cub Scout leader. During that span he selflessly supported and provided for his family, which included paying for all four children to attend college; it was his goal to “provide a better opportunity for his children than he was given.” During that time, he positively impacted the lives of countless people who worked with him, for him and, most importantly, were his customers. So much so, that one of his customers named his first son after Eric, a complement which he always cherished.

On April 4, 1964, at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Elmhurst, he married Patricia Ring. They lived a life filled

with laughter with family and among dozens of friends. They raised their family in Elmhurst and moved to Oak Brook to enjoy their empty-nest years, but they didn’t slow down. Eric and Pat enjoyed snowbirding in Florida, spending time with their grandchildren, and staying active golfing, playing cards, and socializing with their lifelong friends.

Eric H. Larson is survived by his wife Patricia, who survives at home and would be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on April 4.

Loving father of Eric C. Larson (Michelle Sherman), Lisa (Mathias) Jeanneret, Michael (Barbara) Larson, Kevin Larson; proud grandfather of Elizabeth, Lucas, Patrick, Paul, Kate, Sofia, Charlie, Anna and Andrew; dear brother of the late Peggy, the late Carole, the late Raymond, Susan Koevenig, and Richard.

Services have been held. Recording of funeral Mass available through funeral home website. Arrangements handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst. 630-832-0018 or www gibbonsfuneralhome.com.

Third congressional District

Delegates (Vote for not more than 6)

Gilbert “Gil” Villegas (Biden) 8,415 (16.38 percent)

Eva-Dina Delgado (Biden) 8,785 (17.10 percent)

Erik Martinez (Biden) 8,067 (15.71 percent)

Lilian Jimenez (Biden) 8,629 (16.80 percent)

Oswaldo Alvarez (Biden) 7,780 (15.15 percent)

Jackie Williamson (Biden) 8,642 (16.83 percent)

Augusto R. Gonzalez (Williamson) 1.046 (2.04 percent)

Fourth congressional District congressman (Vote for 1)

Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, 2,036 (73.63 percent)

Raymond A. Lopez 729 (26.37 percent)

Delegates (Vote for not more than 5)

Theresa Mah (Biden) 2.204 (21.32 percent)

Javier Loera Cervantes (Biden)

1,994 (19.29 percent)

Norma Hernandez (Biden) 2,090 (20.22 percent)

Tim Moriarty (Biden) 19,146 (15.72 percent)

Sonia Desai Bhagwakar (Biden) 20,051 (16.46 percent)

Christopher Espinoza (Biden) 19,235 (15.79 percent)

Eighth congressional District

Delegates (Vote for not more than 5)

Elizabeth Penesis (Biden) 6,634 (22.59 percent)

Fred Crespo (Biden) 5,662 (19.28 percent)

Yasmeen Bankole (Biden) 5,947 (20.25 percent)

Kevin Morrison (Biden) 5,715 (19.46 percent)

Ken Mejia-Beal (Biden) 5,405 (18.41 percent)

DuPage county offices coroner (Vote for 1)

Jeffrey M. Jacobson 21,406 (35.10 percent)

Judith Lukas 39,588 (64.90 percent) recorder (Vote for 1)

Peter “Pete” DiCianni 11,991 (19.14 percent)

See reSultS,

loving mother of Paris Cheffer; cherished grandmother of Kimberly (John) Bretl, Ashley (Ian) Kalis,

Date announced for Elmhurst Heritage Foundation’s 9th Annual Craft Beer Fest

The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation (EHF) has announced the 9th Annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, 2 to 6 p.m., on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum.

This hugely popular annual event raises funds for the Elmhurst History Museum, including its family-friendly educational programs and museum exhibits. Funds are also used for school field trips to the museum and the Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse.

Last year’s festival had more than 100 different craft beer choices, in excess of 1,200 attendees from 107 surrounding communities and out-of-state attendees from California to New York. The event has grown every year and promises to be a can’t miss, end of summer spectacular!

Pints in Elmhurst is the Event Sponsor for the fifth time and is planning a pre-ticket sale the evening of Saturday, June 15. What better way to celebrate dad on Father’s Day, than buying tickets for dad (or mom?), the day before?

Brewers are being contacted and

the dedicated sponsors are signing on to support the work of the Foundation, on the museum’s behalf. Refreshing seltzers and ciders will again join our signature craft beer offerings.

Over 68 sponsors supported the event last year including top-level Platinum Sponsors; Lakeside Bank, Compass Real Estate, Kelly Stetler, Elmhurst Bank, Katris Law Group and first year Platinum Sponsors, The Hinton Agency/Farmers Insurance and McGrath Toyota. Music this year will be headlined by Lake Effect and Livestream.

The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation is committing resources and time making this an event the community can come together, show our unity, and raise a glass to celebrate our future, while supporting the mission of the museum and our past.

Stay up to date at elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com or follow us on social media at @ElmhurstCraftBeerFest on Facebook, @elmhurstcraftbeerfest on Instagram or @BeerElmhurst on Twitter for the latest information.

Elmhurst Symphony presents a special conversation

Art Institute lecturer to join Symphony’s Alltop for open public discussion

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra is presenting a program called “Debussy, La Mer, Japonisme: A Conversation” on Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. The program will feature Jeff Nigro, adjunct lecturer in the Department of Learning and Public Engagement at the Art Institute of Chicago, in a conversation with Elmhurst Symphony music director and conductor Dr. Stephen Alltop.

In this entertaining and intriguing conversation, you’ll learn about Debussy’s fascination with Japonisme, his connection to Hokusai’s painting of The Great Wave, and more. TO RSVP for this event, visit elmhurstsymphony.org.

Home

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.

Assault, battery

March 17

A reporting officer responded to Edward-Elmhurst Hospital at 10:18 a.m. to speak to a victim, who related she had been shot while lying in the backseat of her car. A friend of the victim told police the incident happened in a suburb just west of Chicago but refused to give any additional information. An investigation is pending.

Police said while officers were investigating an aggravated battery at Edward-Elmhurst Hospital, individuals associated with the victim of the aggravated battery began fighting.

One of the suspects allegedly struck the victim repeatedly before fleeing the scene. The other suspect reportedly grabbed the victim. The victim refused to provide information for the first suspect. Upon the hospital’s request, both suspects were served with a no-trespass notice.

March 16

Darnell J. Higgins, 24, of Villa Park, was charged with four counts of battery in the 600 block of W. St. Charles at 12:40 a.m. Police said that subsequent to a report of a disturbance at the above location, the reporting officer learned the suspect had battered four victims.

March 14

Zekija Babic, 39, of Wheaton, was issued a citation for battery at Edward-Elmhurst Hospital at 3:57 p.m. Police said a victim related that while attempting to treat the suspect, Babic grabbed her wrist and shoved her. According to police, Babic denied ever making physical contact with the victim.

Criminal damage, criminal trespass

March 16

A complainant in the 100 block of E. North told police that an unknown suspect(s) struck his brother’s car with a paintball. An investigation is pending.

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

March 20

Spencer A. Diaz, 21, of Elmhurst, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct near Route 83 and St. Charles at 5:12 p.m. According to police, a victim related after confronting the suspect for hitting his car with a taco, the suspect kicked his vehicle’s front driver’s side door. Police said a reporting officer made contact with the suspect, who told police he attempted to throw a taco at a friend who was in another vehicle but missed.

March 16

Police said a reporting officer in the 200 block of S. Monterey responded to a domestic disturbance at 10:44 a.m. The victim stated his son punched him. The suspect stated his father grabbed him and threw him to the ground. Due to no signs of injury and conflicting stories, no arrests were made.

Police said a complainant in the 300 block of E. Cayuga told police her mother had grabbed her and scratched her after getting into an

CALL 800-222-TIPS

argument. The mother related her daughters were in an argument and the entire incident got out of hand. Peace was restored, and the reporting officer left with no issues.

March 15-March 16

Police said that subsequent to a report of a disturbance in the 200 block of W. Butterfield, a complainant related she saw two juveniles ring her doorbell and then proceeded to kick her side basement window. On the following day, the complainant noticed there were eggs on the side wall of her house. An investigation is pending.

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

March 19

Dulce Raymoundo, 30, of Chicago, was charged with DUI-drugs, endangering the life or health of a child, attempt battery, improper lane usage, improper lighting, violating the minimum speed regulation, resisting a police officer and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Lake and West at 11:51 p.m.

March 16

Andrew Milne, 38, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI and criminal damage to property in the 600 block of W. St. Charles at 1:18 p.m.

March 15

Beth A. Engel, 57, of Elmhurst, was issued a citation for hosting an underage party where alcohol was consumed by minors in the 400 block of S. Rex at 12:41 a.m.

March 14

Nicholas Milovanovic, 29, of Carol Stream, was charged with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, disobeying a traffic control device and no insurance subsequent to a traffic crash near Lake and County Line at 3:13 a.m.

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 three incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Alaa Bataineh, 22, of Lombard, near Fairview and St. Charles at 11:43 p.m. March 14; Carlos E. Guzman-Gonzalez, 25, of Villa Park, near Route 83 and St. Charles at 7:43 a.m. March 15; and Ashley Sopoci, 30, of Lombard, near North and Route 83 at 4:45 p.m. March 20.

Suspicious incident

March 15-March 16

A reporting officer responded to the 100 block of N. Caroline for a suspicious circumstances report where the victim found a bullet hole to their house. An investigation is pending.

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

March 18

A victim at a fitness center in the 600 block of N. York told police that an unknown suspect(s) stole two credit cards from his gym locker and attempted to make fraudulent purchases. An investigation is pending.

March 16

Police said that subsequent to a report of a retail theft in progress at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 5:16 p.m., a complainant related two suspects concealed several items in their pockets. A reporting officer placed both suspects under arrest and transported them to the station. Jamie O. Baracaldo Benavides, 26, of Cicero, was charged with retail theft and criminal damage to property. The second suspect, a juvenile, was referred to Juvenile Probation.

March 15

Police said officers were alerted about suspects from a prior theft who had returned to a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 7:44 p.m. The suspects were observed allegedly taking and concealing merchandise. The suspects reportedly exited the store without paying for $1,300 in merchandise and were subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the police station. Ronald Brito-Padilla, 24, and Erick Quevedo-Nino, 34, both of Chicago, were charged with felony retail theft and felony burglary. Brito-Padilla was also found to have a warrant out of the Hodgkins Police Department, police said.

Robert E. Martin, 56, of Chicago, was charged with felony retail theft, driving while

license suspended, driving with one taillight and no insurance near I-290 and Route 83 at 7:58 p.m. Police said officers located a vehicle involved in a prior retail theft. According to police, a reporting officer located the suspect’s vehicle and a traffic stop was conducted. Martin committed to a retail theft on that occurred Dec. 27, 2023, and was also found to be driving while license suspended, according to police.

Edwards Myron, 31, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft, burglary, obstructing identification, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Police said Myron was also found to be wanted for two arrest warrants. Michael B. Howard, 43, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft and burglary. Police said the suspects took $1,200 worth of liquor from a store and exited without paying.

A victim in the 400 block of W. Lake told police that an unknown suspect(s) stole his vehicle from the above location. A check of the ALPR system showed the vehicle traveling east bound on Lake and Walnut at 2:59 a.m. The vehicle was entered into LEADS as stolen.

Jan. 19-March 14

A complainant at a rent-a-car business in the 800 block of N. York told police that the suspect rented a vehicle from them and has yet to return it. A certified letter was sent to the suspect with no response. An investigation is pending.

March 13

Police said that responded to a convenience store in the 100 block of E. First on Nov. 4 for the report of a retail theft that had just occurred. According to police, a complainant related the suspect, identified as Destiny Williams, 24 of Alsip, exited the store with various tobacco items and fled in a black SUV westbound on First Street. Subsequent to an investigation, police said an arrest warrant was obtained for Williams. On the above date, police said Williams turned herself in on the warrant, and was charged with retail theft.

A complainant in the 400 block of N. Elm told police that an unknown suspect(s) depleted all of his Crypto currency accounts.

Five men charged in three unrelated retail theft incidents in Elmhurst

All three events took place on night of March 15

The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the arrest of five suspects for felony retail theft offenses during three unrelated incidents on the evening of Friday, March 15.

On that night, at about 7:30 p.m., an Elmhurst police officer spotted a suspect vehicle that returned to Kohl’s, 303 S. Route 83, after being involved in a prior theft from the store 10 days earlier. Additional officers responded and detained two men who had just committed a theft of approximately $1,300 worth of fragrance boxes by concealing them under their clothes and exiting the store.

Ronald Brito-Padilla, 24, of Chicago, was charged with felony counts of burglary and retail theft.

Erick Quevedo-Nino, 34, of Chicago, was also charged with felony counts of burglary and retail theft.

The Chicago address provided for both Brito-Padilla and Quevedo-Nino is at the location of the former Standard Club. That site is now a migrant shelter.

On Friday, March 15, at approximately 8 p.m., an Elmhurst police officer made a traf -

fic stop of a vehicle at Route 83 and I-290.

The driver was identified as the suspect who committed a theft from Shoe Carnival, 195 S. Route 83, on Dec. 27, 2023. The driver, Robert Martin, 56, of Chicago, was arrested at the scene.

Martin was charged with one felony count of retail theft. He was also charged with driving with a suspended license, operating an uninsured vehicle and improper lighting.

On Friday, March 15, at approximately 9 p.m., Elmhurst officers responded to Jewel-Osco, 944 S. York St., for a call of a theft in progress. Officers located and detained two men who had just committed a theft of about $1,200 worth of liquor from the store.

Michael B. Howard, 43, of Chicago, was charged with felony counts of burglary and retail theft. Myron Edwards, 31, of Chicago, was also charged with felony counts of burglary and retail theft. Additionally, Edwards was charged with misdemeanor counts of obstructing identification and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All five men were transported to the DuPage County Jail.

Fenton High School, District 100 embroiled in controversy

Bensenville village president among those calling for District 100 superintendent to resign amid sexual abuse allegations surrounding fired teacher/staff member

Fenton Community High School District 100 continues to be embroiled in controversy as angry students, parents, teachers and community members confronted district officials last week during two school board meetings with regard to how they handled allegations involving a former Fenton High School staff member who has been accused of sexual abuse.

The former staff member has been accused of sexually abusing students since 2013, with the allegations reportedly continuing through at least 2019.

The Bensenville Police Department said it was made aware of the allegations last October, and its investigation is ongoing. The accused, who spent time as a teacher, administrator and coach at the school, was put on paid administrative leave last fall. He reportedly had worked at the school since 2007.

On Saturday, March 23, District 100 released a timeline, chronicling events involving the former teacher/staff member in question, and the immediate actions the district said it undertook to address and investigate every anonymous tip provided to school administration.

In that timeline, the accused reportedly sent inappropriate text messages to a student in their class back in December 2011 (see: Fenton District 100 timeline of events).

The accused has not been criminally charged, but he was fired in a unanimous decision by the school board during a special board meeting held Monday, March 18. That day, District 100 Superintendent James Ongtengco released a statement on the situation in a letter to families. Part of the statement reads:

“We are committed to maintaining the safety of our students. In doing so, we always partner with local law enforcement when allegations of a crime are shared with us.

“Upon receiving information on this situation, we followed mandatory reporting requirements and notified law enforcement immediately. We utilized our school resource officer and other administrative resources to follow internal processes to ensure our school remained safe while fully cooperating with law enforcement in the confidential gathering of information.

“Our responsibility in this matter was to determine whether the individual violated school district policies. Tonight, the school board, acting on our investigation and recommendation, took the step to move toward termination. I am proud of our school leadership in responding to these allegations and in getting us to tonight’s board decision.”

However, at a school board meeting held Wednesday, March 20, several speakers criticized the superintendent and board for their handling of the allegations. They demanded that Ongtengco, and even the entire school board, should resign.

Bensenville Village President Frank DeSimone attended both the March 18 and March 20 school

board meetings when the issue was discussed. In a March 21 letter to board of education members, DeSimone, who is the parent of a Fenton student, said that “in order for our community to begin to heal,” he is calling for Ongtengco to step down.

“What I have witnessed at Fenton these past few weeks is nothing short of horrific, and like so many in our community, I’m outraged at the allegations against a former staff member,” DeSimone said in the letter. “And while his dismissal is a small step forward, it is not enough.

“I attended each of the last two school board meetings where this issue was discussed and the testimony that took place has left a deep impact on me and my family. I can tell you that I stand with our students, families, and all sexual assault victims when I say that the allegations

are disgusting and unacceptable. A school should be—amongst all else—safe for children.”

Ongtengco did not comment on the village president calling on him to resign.

See controverSy, Page 19

Fenton District 100 timeline of events

Editor’s note: The following events are a timeline of what has occurred involving the former teacher/staff member in question. It was released on Saturday, March 23, by Fenton Community High School District 100. This timeline is not associated with the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Bensenville Police Department.

Dec. 16, 2011—A teacher reported to the administration that the staff member in question was sending inappropriate text messages to a student in their class. The administration investigation included interviews with the student and the student’s family. The staff member in question was issued a disciplinary letter.

May 22, 2012—Teacher overheard a conversation among students and reported to administration potential inappropriate communication between students and the staff member in question via social media. The administration interviewed students and their parents. The staff member in question was issued a second disciplinary letter and mandated to attend personal conduct training.

Dec. 1, 2016—An anonymous tip was sent to the administration via the school website regarding the staff member in question alleging the individual was engaged in a sexual relationship with a student. The administration referred this incident to the School Resource

Officer, Department of Child Family Services (DCFS), and the DuPage Children’s Center. The incident was thoroughly investigated, and the allegations were determined to be unfounded by all agencies involved. All parties involved denied the information provided in the anonymous tip.

March 8, 2023—An anonymous tip was sent to administration via the school website regarding the staff member in question alleging the individual engaged in a sexual relationship with the previously reported former students from 2011 and 2016. Administration referred this incident to the School Resource Officer (SRO) and DCFS. The SRO spoke with the former students and they both stated that no inappropriate conduct occurred. All parties involved denied the information provided in the anonymous tip.

May 19, 2023—An anonymous tip was sent to administration via the school website regarding the staff member in question alleging the individual engaged in a sexual relationship with the same two former students first reported on March 8, 2023. Administration referred this incident to the School Resource Officer and DCFS.

Aug. 19, 2023—An anonymous tip was sent to the administration via the school website regarding the staff member in question alleging the individual engaged in a sexual relationship

with the same two former students that were previously reported. The administration referred this incident to the School Resource Officer and DCFS. The administration received a letter from the DuPage Children’s Center stating that this incident had already been investigated and was determined to be unfounded in 2016. The SRO spoke with the former students and the students stated that no inappropriate conduct occurred.

Sept. 23, 2023—A teacher was called by one of the former students that was previously reported anonymously and stated that she was a victim of sexual abuse by the staff member in question when she was attending Fenton Community High School. As a mandated reporter, the teacher provided this information to school administration. The teacher and administrator went to the Bensenville Police Department to provide a detailed report of what was stated by the former student. The district immediately placed the staff member in question on administrative leave, which included revoking the individual’s ability to access school grounds, email, and other technology.

Oct. 3, 2023—The former student filed a report with the Bensenville Police Department. Throughout the Bensenville Police Department’s criminal investigative

See timeline, Page 9

Viewpoint

Under my father’s fedora

Oh, we think we’re just SOOO smart, don’t we?

That was the thought that kept going through my head all during the first half of my recent trip to Arizona.

It seems something always gets left behind—and it always seems to be something REALLY important!

All the more reason to beat myself up!

Things left behind have included (but are not limited to): the creditdebit card; the cords and chargers for the phone; the phone itself; medications (or brought the wrong ones); oh, there’s more but those are the really important ones… I think…

The best thing to do is keep lists of course, which I have … ’till I lose the list!

Don’t we all think we’re so smart?

We know the drill at the airport— keep an eye on your bag, don’t leave anything unguarded, be alert at all times.

Hey, I know what I’m doing! I’m a graduate of the Elmhurst Citizens Police Academy! I’m practically law enforcement!

Then why was it that upon arrival at my Arizona destination, my computer was missing?

First, it’s time to launch into selfjudgement and criticism—HOW could I have lost such an important thing? I must have left it on the plane! Under the seat perhaps? Getting all wigged out about it will

help, won’t it?

By DEE LONGFELLOW Editor

That evening, the airline was contacted with a meticulous description of my item, where I was sitting and where said item may have gone.

It was about a full day later when my memory was jogged (which is good, it’s the only thing about me that ever goes jogging).

When I came through Security at O’Hare, I remember my carry-on bag and the computer (in a case) were sitting right there at the end of the conveyor belt tunnel. The computer can fit inside the carryon, but they make you take the electronics out for the tunnel ride. I had a coat as well … and shoes …

It dawned on me that while collecting my things after they’d been through the scanner, some random woman standing nearby said something to me—something inconsequential, but something that made me look at her and make some kind of response. I was putting my

Slices of life

Funny things you think, do and say when you are a widow

You know what they say: sometimes you just have to laugh. And why not?

Laughter can be healing. It can be an escape. It lowers stress. It gives a boost to your immune system. It is relaxing. It is stimulating. It increases endorphins and It can provide a respite from an otherwise bleak situation. It can be fun.

And what, if not widowhood, correlates so very closely with laughter? I can’t think of a thing, she said with a wry, all-knowing, sarcastic smile.

Gotcha.

Being a widow has provided a unique, albeit, quirky and (dare I say) weird outlook into the everyday and even the mundane. Nothing is expected or unexpected. It is new and heartbreaking and hilarious - all at the same time.

I hesitate to share, because the humor of widowhood can be dark, or at least dark-ish. But don’t knock it until you’ve lived it. Sometimes you just have to giggle at the pain.

I do it all the time.

coat on at the time and had likely turned away from my items, just long enough for someone to snatch my computer!

Well, the joke is on the thief! My computer is almost 10 years old. Trust me; no one would buy it on EBay. You can’t play games on it or anything fun. But it’s got LOADS of information about the newspaper! Things I NEED to be able to work from out of town!

This thief really didn’t get much but he took something of great value to me! Unless that thief really wanted to read the Community Calendar to find out what’s going on in Elmhurst.

But God bless my Mac and the Cloud! Virtually everything that was on the old computer was able to be retrieved from the Cloud on the new one I had to shell out for. (Even my comedy from The Second City days.) I’ll always be a Macintosh person, or as we like to say: Jobs not Gates! Jobs not Gates! (as in, Steve not Bill).

The real lesson here is that even if you think you’re soooo smart and would never let your guard down long enough for anyone to steal something—well, that’s what I thought, too!

Take this afternoon. I was in a good mood and looked at myself in the bathroom mirror and said, rather jokingly, “I hope my boyfriend calls tonight.” Until I remembered …

I don’t have a boyfriend.

(A note about sanity here: It is sanctioned and definitely okay to talk to yourself in the mirror when you are a widow. Who else do you have to talk to?)

Back to my mirror, mirror on the wall:

My original statement (to myself) was somehow exceedingly humorous to me in that moment. I gave myself a smile in the mirror and said it out loud, “You don’t have a boyfriend.”

Next, through my giggles I whispered, “Yet.” And that one extra word seemed vindicating in a number of ways. Plus hilarious—and hopeful.

I’ll take hopeful any day, even Tuesday. But there’s more!

Bedmaking 2.1: I still sleep in “my” side of the bed. Yet when I wash the sheets, I have to do the whole set - both sides. This seems like half a waste - washing half-clean, half-dirty sheets. I wish there was a way to wash half the bed, but I’ve yet to determine a solution to that one.

Maybe I could sleep on each side of the bed half the time, a night here and a night there, in order to use the sheets

evenly.

By JILL PERTLER Slices of Life

I thought about this, and then considered the downside. I mean, think about it, a woman sleeping here and there—willy-nill—depending on the night. It just isn’t for me. I was in a loyal marriage for more than three decades. I didn’t make it this far to engage in behavior that could get me accused of sleeping around—even if it is within my own bed.

Oh goodness, who am I kidding? I’m not nearly that exciting. I don’t even have a TV in my bedroom.

One final example: Remote controls (okay, that’s multiple examples, but you catch my gist.)

I now enjoy possession of the TV remote. And the fan remote. And a remote for which I know not its purpose, but it is a remote and it is mine.

Dang, I’m not lying people, it feels good to actually hold the remote (or maybe three of them) in my two hands.

I’m not going to imply nor allege that I have mastered the control of the remotes. I’ve only been a widow for three years; give me time. But I do have possession, and I’ve heard (from someone I may have been married to) that possession is nine-tenths of the law.

For now, that will have to suffice. And in finding congruity with the theme of this column, holding the remotes, while not fully understanding their function, gives me a knowing, wry smile.

I’m smiling more these days, whether it’s in response to the incongruity of widowhood or life in general—or maybe just the fact that I’m alive, the sun is shining and I’m finding new ways to giggle at myself each a day, even if the gal in the mirror is the only one who sees it.

(So far.)

Isn’t that grand?

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.

This is the ‘Be Bold. Be Elmhurst’ mural at Elmhurst University, created by artist Rafael Blanco. The Elmhurst Art Museum will host an exhibition of Blanco’s works in the fall, supported in part by donations received on Museum Giving Day, Monday, April 15. Thanks to a special matching program, every donation will be doubled up to $20,000. For info, visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Elmhurst Art Museum announces ‘double donation’ on Giving Day

Special opportunity will match contributions up to $20,000

Elmhurst Art Museum Giving Day is Monday, April 15 and the museum is seeking the support of members of the community to help provide for exhibitions, educational programs and community art projects that are so vital to an inclusive, diverse and thriving community.

The Elmhurst Art Museum (EAM) is providing a special 1:1 matching opportunity on contributions provided on or before Giving Day on April 15. Whatever you choose to give, that amount will be doubled, up to $20,000.

“With the exceptional support of our community over the years, we have created a space where art is for everyone,” said EAM executive director John McKinnon. “Your Giving Day support will go to help us host this fall’s solo show by muralist Rafael Blanco. The exhibition will celebrate 10 years of his public art projects

• Smart

across the country, such as the ‘Be Bold. Be Elmhurst’ mural at Elmhurst University.”

McKinnon said Blanco will be creating new large-scale works for the exhibition, including a community art project with more than 100 local students and youth groups examining their own identity. Blanco will also lead efforts to produce a new mural with students at Elmhurst University.

Art in Wilder Park to feature Monsters

To be revealed at this year’s Art in Wilder Park, the new public art installation “Monsters in Wilder Park” will feature six life-sized pieces by artist and animator Dave Pryor based on select monster drawings created by 300 local children.

Coming this summer, “Designing Donkey Hodie: From Make-Believe

(Continued from page 8)

Another time, I received an alert that my information had been compromised at one of the shopping sites that I frequent and that I should sign on and change my password. Because I did, in fact, visit that site often, it seemed legit. I signed on and changed my password to, let’s say, Bleep, and the “alert” popped back up again and said, “Would you like to change ALL your passwords

to Bleep? We can do that for you right now!” What a handy and convenient way to rip you off!

Below that was a long list of sites; some visited, some not, some with passwords, etc. I realized that I most certainly did NOT want my passwords to (a) all be the same; and (b) to be known by this obvious rip-off “alert” company who wants access to every account and site

• Timeline

(Continued from page 7)

process, the Fenton District 100 administration was requested to hold off on initiating a concurrent school personnel investigation so as to not jeopardize the potential criminal investigation. Fenton’s administration fully cooperated with the Bensenville Police Department’s request and further assisted by providing all requested documents and encouraging staff to contact the Bensenville Police Department if they had information pertaining to the staff member in question. The Fenton administration was provided brief updates bi-monthly by the Bensenville Police Department. The matter is an ongoing criminal investigation.

to Someplace Else,” will draw audiences into the creative visual world of an Emmy®-nominated, live-action puppet series. The exhibit will introduce the origins of Donkey Hodie, a character that debuted on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in the 1960s and has been reimagined for the puppet series today. Attendees can experience the visual development of the series through storyboards, drawings, models, puppets, set pieces, and other props from the show.

“Your matched contribution will provide essential funding for our exhibits, educational programming, and staff delivery costs,” McKinnon said. “Thank you so much for your consideration. Your support ensures the museum is a place where ‘Art for Everyone!’”

For more information, visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.

ever.

While proud of dodging that bullet, I felt bad about the fact that there are others who very well might fall for this scam. I almost did, and I’m smart!

I guess the lesson is, be smart but don’t be too smart—to the point that you think nothing can happen to you because it can—even if you’re just SOOO smart!

ARCHIVE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Highest honor

Eric Weech of Alan Energy Services accepts the award for the ECCI’s A. J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year. The award was presented by Gosia Baran, Owner of Helping Hands Cleaning Service and last year’s Business of the Year recipient in 2022.

For outstanding dedication

Colin Dalough, manager of Community and Government Relations at Endeavor Health, received the 2023 Chairman’s Award at the ECCI’s 105th Annual Awards Gala. It was presented by Board Chairman Rita Borzym. Dalough will take over as Chairman of the ECCI Board for the remainder of 2024.

Giannoulias kicks off 2024 summer job program

Secretary of State offers employment for college, trade, grad students

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias on Thursday, March 21 announced his office is now accepting applications for the second year of his administration’s summer job program.

More than 120 positions are available for college, trade school and graduate school students or graduating high school students who are enrolled in college or trade school in the fall. Job offerings include working at DMVs or at one of the various departments in the secretary of state’s office.

“The goal of our summer jobs program is to provide a pathway for young people to explore career opportunities, build their skillsets, earn money and make connections through a real-world

job experience,” Giannoulias said. “This type of hands-on work also helps with future academic and professional success and can translate into long-term benefits for our communities.”

Along with building job skills for students and learning about state government, the program bolsters the office’s customer service efforts during the busy summer months.

Available positions include work in secretary of state offices in Chicago, surrounding suburbs, Springfield and downstate facility locations. Pay is $16 per hour for college and trade school students and $25 per hour for specific contractual intern positions for graduate school students.

Interested applicants can apply at www.ilsos.gov/ summerjobs and must submit a resume and cover letter explaining their interest in working at the Secretary of State’s office. Applicants may list up to three choices for their preferred work location.

Summer employees can begin their employment as early as Monday, May 13.

ECPA announces volunteer call-out meeting on April 8

Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) is excited to announce a Volunteer Call-Out Meeting on Monday, April 8. The meeting will be held in the large meeting room at Elmhurst Public Library from 7-8 p.m. This event serves as an open invitation to all individuals passionate about making a positive difference in our community.

The Volunteer Call-Out Meeting aims to attract support for various

initiatives, including the participation in upcoming summer festivals, the Spotlight Giving Gala on Sept. 14, as well as general administrative support. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or someone looking to get involved for the first time, this meeting provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and explore meaningful ways to contribute.

“We believe that each of our volunteers help to make ECPA better through the gift of their time and various talents,” said Shawna Roubitchek, managing director at ECPA.

For more information about the upcoming meeting, contact Roubitchek at ECPAElmhurst@gmail. com. To learn more about ECPA and upcoming events, visit www. ECPA-Elmhurst.org.

READERS

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

Elmhurst Independent

240 N. West Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126

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You won’t get an Elmhurst Independent tote bag, an Apple gift card, or a discount on an extended car warranty. But you will get the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped to support your favorite newspaper.

For delivery within Elmhurst

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Name______________________________

MIKE KOZUCHOWSKI PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Visitation Catholic Church 779 S. York Street

Elmhurst, IL 630 834 6700

www.visitationparish.org

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Holy Thursday, March 28:

Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 PM Night Prayer, 11:45 PM

Good Friday, March 29

Celebration of the Passion, 3 PM Stations of the Cross, 7 PM

Holy Saturday, March 30

Easter Food Blessing, Noon Easter Vigil, 7:15 PM

Easter Sunday, March 31

Masses at: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM

Confessions:

Saturday: 3 3:45PM

Sunday: 5�5:45 PM

Adoration: Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7

453112

116 East Church Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126 oursaviourelmhurst.org

Gathered In Christ, Sent Out To Serve

us Holy Week. All are welcome!

Maundy Thursday

p.m. Eucharistic Service

Good Friday

p.m. Stations of the Cross

p.m. The Good Friday Liturgy

Easter Sunday 6:00 a.m. Easter Vigil 10:00 a.m. Easter Service

Sunday Worship at 9:45 AM

Come worship with us!

300 East Belden Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126 www.ODMFellowship.Org 452638

453119

Messiah Lutheran Church

130 W. Butterfield Road Elmhurst, IL 630-279-4775

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

March 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Easter Celebration March 31 at 10:00 a.m.

FAITH CHURCH OF ELMHURST

FAITH

452640

FAITH

C HU R C H

FAITH C HU R C H

C HU R C H

LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH

LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH

LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH

Sunday Worship: 10 am

Sunday Worship: 10 am

Sunday Worship: 10 am

HO LY WEEK AC TIVITIES : Maundy Thursday (March 28) 6:30 pm

I T I E S : Maundy Thursday (March 28) 6:30 pm

HO LY WEEK AC TIVITIES : Maundy Thursday (March 28) 6:30 pm

Good Friday (March 29) 7 pm

Good Friday (March 29) 7 pm

Good Friday (March 29) 7 pm

Easter Sunrise Service (March 31) 7:45 am

Easter Sunrise Service (March 31) 7:45 am

Easter Sunrise Service (March 31) 7:45 am

Easter Celebration (March 31) 10 am

Easter Celebration (March 31) 10 am

Easter Celebration (March 31) 10 am

111 W North Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 www.faithchurchelmhurst.org 630-941-0212 faithelm@gmail.com

111 W North Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 www.faithchurchelmhurst.org 630-941-0212 faithelm@gmail.com

111 W North Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 www.faithchurchelmhurst.org 630-941-0212 faithelm@gmail.com

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Douglas Brinkley to present ‘The Business

Innovators: Henry Ford to Jeff Bezos’

Will deliver annual Schade Lecture at Elmhurst University

Douglas Brinkley is a historian and best-selling author, acclaimed for his ability to take the historical lessons of our past and apply them to our present and future.

As he points out in his epic book Wheels for the World: Henry Ford, His Company, and a Century of Progress , the history of corporations—and the relevance of that history today—are often neglected.

On Tuesday, April 16, Brinkley will present “The Business Innovators: Henry Ford to Jeff Bezos,” this year’s Rudolf G. Schade Lecture on History, Ethics and Law at Elmhurst University.

In this illuminating lecture, Brinkley will highlight the leaders who have constantly pushed for more—as well as the groups of ordinary and extraordinary people surrounding them—and who built America’s greatest companies. He compares his research about Henry Ford, who shaped the 20th century, to the challenges and opportunities faced by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and other corporate leaders who are shaping the 21st century. Brinkley is the presidential his-

torian for the New York Historical Society and is a frequent contributor to CBS News, CNN and MSNBC. He is the Katherine Tsanoff Brown Chair in Humanities and Professor of History at Rice University. In 2022, he published Silent Spring Revolution, which chronicles the rise of environmental activism; his other books include New York Times bestseller American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race ; and The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast , which received the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award.

The Rudolf G. Schade Lecture on History, Ethics and Law will

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF LOMBARD

A Reconciling Congregation where all are truly welcome!

begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel on the campus of Elmhurst University. A book signing will follow the lecture, and copies of Brinkley’s books will be available for purchase.

The public lectures and other cultural programming at Elmhurst University support community

• Cheffer

engagement and lifelong learning and prepare our students to thrive as adaptive leaders.

Admission is $15 for the general public and is free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tickets are available at elmhurst.edu/cultural. For more information, email marketing@elmhurst.edu.

(Continued from page 4)

Blake and Montague Cheffer and great-grandmother of Andrew Bretl; dear sister of Michael (Marianne) Paris and aunt of Shawn and Bryan (Amy) Paris. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents Olivia Paris (nee Braun) and Vernon Paris.

Services have been held. Memorial contributions may be made to Elmhurst Children’s Theatre, please designate in honor of Patricia Cheffer, c/o Treasurer, PO Box 64, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

Worship Services Directory

Easter week and Easter Sunday Services

St.

Timothy

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

Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.

“The Crucial Hours”

Come Worship with Us! Every Sunday at 10am in person or live stream

Palm Sunday, April 2 at 10am

Holy Thursday, April 6 at 7pm

Holy Week and Easter Worship

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

Maundy Thursday Communion 7:00pm, March 28

Good Friday Tenebrae 7:00pm, March 29

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

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

Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022

Good Friday, April 7 at 7pm

Easter Sunday, April 9

Sunrise Service at 6:30a m Easter Service at 10am

First UMC Lombard 155 S Main Street – Lombard IL 60148

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

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am

Fifth Lenten Service March 30, 2022

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

Wednesday Service at 7pm

Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022

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

Everyone is Welcome!

Northeast Corner of Main & Maple www.FirstUMCLombard.org

Sunday School & Bible Study 9am

Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30pm

Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14

Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15

All services are live streamed. SaintTimothy.org ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

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

Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17

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

Easter Festival 10:15am, March 31 452639

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF LOMBARD

A Reconciling Congregation where all are truly welcome!

We are a reconciling church and all are truly welcome to join us every Sunday at 10am in person at 155 S. Main Street, Lombard, or via livestream.

Holy Week Services:

Holy Thursday, March 28 at 7pm

Easter week and Easter Sunday Services

Good Friday, March 29 at 7 pm

Easter Sunday March 31st offers two services:

Sunrise service at 6:30am (outdoors weather permitting)

Come Worship with Us!

Every Sunday at 10am in person or live stream

10am service with choir, bells, brass & hymns Communion is offered to all who enter our doors, even if

Palm Sunday, April 2 at 10am

Holy Thursday, April 6 at 7pm

Good Friday, April 7 at 7pm

Easter Sunday April 9

Douglas Brinkley

Daily Specials

Chicken

Served

Homemade

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

substitute

with shredded

diced tomatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, salsa & sour cream, Guacamole 50¢ ♣

Wednesday ♣

Meat Loaf Sandwich ...............................................$8.95

Served with Potato Chips

Pot Roast

Served with new potatoes, carrots, & garlic bread

Pot Roast Grilled Cheese ......................................$11.95

Your choice of sides

♣ Thursday ♣

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

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

Pot Roast Sandwich

Served with Potato Chips

♣ Friday ♣

Our World Famous Beer Battered Fish Fry

ALL YOU CAN EAT .............................................$13.95

Served with fries, homemade coleslaw, & tartar sauce

FISH SANDWICH ...............................................$10.95

Served on garlic French bread with fries, homemade coleslaw, & tartar sauce

Pepper & Egg Sandwich .........................................$9.95

Fish Tacos .............................................................$10.95

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

♣ Saturday & Sunday ♣

Weekend Specials (Dine-In Only)

-Mini Fitz Chips - Homemade otato chips covered with bacon, Mozzarella, Cheddar, & crumbled Bleu cheese; served with Ranch dressing .....................$4.00

-Mini Basket of Fries $4.00 (add cheese for $1.00)

-Mini Basket of Waffle Fries $4.75

-Mini Basket of Onion Rings $5.00

Sandwiches:

1/4 Cheeseburger, Mini-Italian Beef, Mini Slopper Joes - $3.00; Mini Fish - $4.00 Jumbo Hot Dog, Bratwurst $4.00 add chips or fries for $1.00; peppers or grilled onions 35¢

♣ Everyday ♣

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

Served with homemade cocktail sauce & fries

* Prices are subject to change without notice.*

Be sure to visit our other locations:

PUZZLE Page

Sudoku

Fun by the Numbers

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

CLUES ACROSS

1. Database management system

5. Medical procedures

11. __ Clapton, musician

12. Defender

16. Exert oneself

17. Indicates position

18. Quay

19. Atrocities

24. A way to address an adult man

25. Ends

26. Unable

27. Taxi

28. Gratuities

29. A famous train station

30. Japanese persimmon

31. Sours

33. Beneficiary

34. Baseball official

38. Confused situation

39. Unworldly

40. Yemen capital

43. Type of soil

44. Beloved beverage __-Cola

45. Lying down

49. __ Angeles

50. Fail to amuse

51. Collapsible shelter

53. Commercial

54. Taste property

56. Lordship’s jurisdictions

58. It cools your home

59. Dismounted

60. Charge in a court of law

63. One less than one

65. Famed garden

CLUES DOWN

1.

3. Unfortunate incident

4.

6. Observed

7. “Westworld” actor Harris

10. Takes to civil court 13. Early multimedia

22. Changes color

23. A place to stay

27. Town in Galilee

29. Mathematical figure

30. Klingon character

31. They __

32. Atomic #58

33. Showed up extinct

34. Loosen grip

35. Unpleasant smell

36. Innermost membranes

enveloping the brain

37. Esteemed college “league”

38. Partner to Pa

40. Small American rail

41. A salt or ester of acetic acid

42. Sodium

44. Military figure (abbr.)

45. Lighted

46. Paid to get out of jail

47. All of something

48. Ohio city

50. More abject

51. A radio band

52. Scientific development (abbr.)

54. Monetary unit

55. Scored perfectly

57. A punch to end a fight

61. The Golden State (abbr.)

62. The Beehive State (abbr.)

Painting

for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (say three times). Amen. Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be

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

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PERSONALS

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit. You who make me see everything and who show me the way to reach my ideal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrongs that are done to me and you who are in all the instances of my life with me. In this short dialogue I want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you, no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory Amen.

Thank you for your love toward me and my loved ones. Person must pray this 3 consecutive days without asking for your wish. After the 3rd day your wish will be granted, no matter how difficult it may be, then promise to publish this dialogue as soon as your favor has been granted. B.L.

(Continued from page 4)

Elizabeth (Liz) Chaplin 31,713 (50.61 percent)

Kathleen V. Carrier 18,955 (30.25 percent) (Vote for 1)

Peter “Pete” DiCianni 11,991 (19.14 percent)

Elizabeth (Liz) Chaplin 31,713 (50.61 percent)

Kathleen V. Carrier 18,955 (30.25 percent)

County Board, District 4 (Vote for 1)

Christine “Christy” E. Maes 4,131 (35.45 percent)

Lynn LaPlante 7,521 (64.55 percent)

Third Appellate Court

3rd Appellate (Lytton) (Vote for 1)

John Anderson 38,528 (62.84 percent)

Joe Hettel 22,781 (37.16 percent)

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit

18th Judicial (Kinsella) (Vote for 1)

Christine Cody 4,233 (37.96 percent)

Leah Danielle Setzen 5,830 (52.29 percent)

Luke P. Dussman 1,087 (9.75 percent)

18th Judicial (Davenport) (Vote for 1)

Jennifer Barron 5,858 (68.94 percent)

Keith E. “Chuck” Roberts, Jr. 741 (8.72 percent)

Sadia Covert 1,898 (22.34 percent)

18th Judicial (Brennan) (Vote for 1)

Sarah Kallas 3.048 (47.28 percent)

Chantelle Porter 3,399 (52.72 percent)

Republican

President of the United States (Vote for 1)

Ryan L. Binkley 281 (0.56 percent)

Ron DeSantis 1,764 (3.51 percent)

Nikki Haley 10,845 (21.59 percent)

Donald J. Trump 36,246 (72.17 percent)

Chris Christie 1,086 (2.16 percent)

Third Congressional District

Delegates (Vote for not more than 3)

Victoria I. Beis (Trump) 6,721 (23.10 percent)

Andrea E. Fletcher (Trump) 6,769 (23.26 percent)

Gordon J. Kinzler (Trump) 6,858 (23.57 percent)

Michael E. Musson (DeSantis)

550 (1.89 percent)

Richard A. Janor (DeSantis) 466 (1.60 percent)

Jacqueline M. Pruitt (DeSantis)

501 (1.72 percent)

Elizabeth Roskam (Haley) 2,520 (8.66 percent)

Karyn Romano (Haley) 2,237 (7.69 percent)

David Anderson (Haley) 2,155 (7.41 percent)

Bernard Reinwald (Christie) 322 (1.11 percent)

Fourth Congressional District

Delegates (Vote for not more than 3)

Julian Aguilar (DeSantis) 141 (2.14 percent)

Daniel J. Kordik (DeSantis) 174 2.64 percent)

Noel Talluto (DeSantis) 163 (2.47 percent)

Katie Justak (Haley) 647 (9.81 percent)

Theodore “Ted” Hadley (Haley) 634 (9.62 percent)

David Herndon (Haley) 613 (9.30 percent)

William McCloy (Trump) 1,375 (20.86 percent)

William Merchantz (Trump) 1,299 (19.70 percent)

Sherrie V. Saratore (Trump) 87 (1.32 percent)

Kevin O’Keeffe (Christie)

Janice Ely (Christie) 73 (1.11 percent)

Gregory Pesavento (Christie) 55 (0.83 percent)

Sixth Congressional District

Delegates (Vote for no more than 3)

Kathleen A. Abbate (Trump) 11,857 (23.73 percent)

Scott R. Kaspar (Trump) 11,954 (23.92 percent)

Joyce Hebein (Trump) 10,985 (21.98 percent)

Elizabeth “Liz” Doody Gorman (Haley) 3,691 (7.39 percent)

Chuck Augustyniak (Haley) 3,627 (7.26 percent)

Mary Tolan (Haley) 3,670 (7.34 percent)

Kathleen Murphy (DeSantis) 969 (1.94 percent)

Shaun Murphy (DeSantis) 792 (1.59 percent)

Keith Pekau (DeSantis) 903 (1.81 percent)

Ross Scanio (Christie) 494 (0.99 percent)

Eva Tucker (Christie) 530 (1.06 percent)

Michael Jacobs (Christie) 494 (0.99 percent)

Eighth Congressional District

(Vote for no more than 3)

Brett Corrigan (Trump) 6,059 (26.61 percent)

Joseph Folisi (Trump) 5,699 (25.03 percent)

Peter Kopsaftis (Trump) 5.582 (24.52 percent)

Donald P. DeWitte (Haley) 1,299 (5.71 percent)

Edgar Alvarado (Haley) 1,193 (5.24 percent)

Theresa “Terry” Seyring (Haley) 1,259 (5.53 percent)

Paula McCombie (DeSantis)344 (1.51 percent)

Tom Morrison (DeSantis) 332 (1.46 percent)

Jim Zay (DeSantis) 414 (1.82 percent)

Gregory Traphagen (Christie) 175 (0.77 percent)

James Borello (Christie) 202 (0.89 percent)

Carmine Caroll (Christie) 209

(0.92 percent)

State representative

49th District

(Vote for 1)

Aris Garcia 774 (25.46 percent)

Hannah Billingsley 2,266 (74.54 percent)

Referenda

Addison Township

Proposition to authorize Addison Township to contract for and regulate refuse collection and disposal in the unincorporated areas of Addison Township

(Vote yes or no)

Shall Addison Township, DuPage

County, Illinois be authorized to exercise the powers of the “Township Refuse Collection and Disposal Act” (60 ILCS 1/210-5 et seq.) to enter into a contract for the collection, disposal, composting and recycling of garbage and refuse for residents of the unincorporated areas of Addison Township?

Yes 223 (34.63 percent)

No 421 (65.37 percent0

Bensenville Fire Protection District No. 2

(Vote yes or no)

Shall the trustees of the Bensenville Fire Protection District No. 2 be elected, rather than appointed?

Yes 1,090 (83.98 percent)

No 208 (16.02 percent)

A former Fenton student, who graduated from the school in 2022, was one of the speakers at the March 20 board meeting. She alleged that she was assaulted by the fired staff member.

“You failed to support me and other young girls who were assaulted and groomed by a monster that you protected, empowered and promoted as a community hero,” she said while addressing Ongtengco. “You looked my parents dead in the eye and told them that I was in good hands here.”

“He [the teacher who was fired] had a pattern of victims, and none of you seem to care,” added the 2022 Fenton graduate, while speaking to the members of the school board.

“To the board, do better,” she added. “Formally acknowledge and apologize for your failures to students, staff and families. Create space that fosters growth despite the several crimes hosted in this building. Listen to us when we are screaming to be heard.”

In a statement that accompanied the timeline of events released Saturday by the district, Ongtengco said, “While we did not foresee nor contribute to the circumstances that have unfolded, we find ourselves confronted with the responsibility of managing its aftermath and supporting those affected.

“As your superintendent, I want you to know that we hear you. We understand your anger and concern. It is important to acknowledge the frustration and uncertainty that many of you may be experiencing at this time. Your concerns are noted, and we will continue to address them in a constructive and transparent manner.”

District cancels classes following threat against Fenton,

school official

Ongtengco released a statement on Friday, March 22, announcing that the district canceled all of that day’s classes and extracurricular activities at Fenton after receiving a threat to bring harm against the school and a school official.

“It is truly unfortunate that recent discussions and disagreements within our community have escalated to alarming levels,” Ongtengco said in the statement.

Later that day, the district issued an update. It said, “The threat made against our school was unfounded,

York Township

Proposition to authorize York Township to contract for and regulate refuse collection and disposal in the unincorporated areas of York Township (Vote yes or no)

Shall York Township, DuPage County, Illinois be authorized to exercise the powers of the “Township Refuse Collection and Disposal Act” (60 ILCS 1/210-5 et seq. to enter into contracts for the collection, disposal, composting and recycling of garbage and refuse in the unincorporated areas of York Township?

Yes 737 (51.97 percent)

No 681 (48.03 percent)

and the school has now been cleared by law enforcement.”

Students were able to enter the school to gather their belongings be-

tween noon and 3 p.m. on Friday, and from a.m. to noon on Saturday. The school is on spring break this week.

NAIL

STUFF.

What’s another teeny, tiny stain? You’ve got more important things to think about—like making sure your kids are buckled correctly in the right seat for their age and size.

Navarre shines at T&F championships

Morgan Navarre, a York sophomore, rounds the final corner at Illinois Wesleyan University on Saturday evening en route to winning the 400-meter dash at the Illinois Top Times Track and Field Championships. Navarre competed in the 3A Division fea-

large schools from across the state. The sophomore came from behind in the

meters to win the race in 57.77 seconds. She was the only female to run faster

York baseball team off to 3-0

start Dukes softball team loses close game to Montini

By Mike Miazga COrreSPONdeNT

The York baseball team got its 2024 season started on the right foot with three non-conference victories over Palatine, Glenbard East and Waubonsie Valley where pitching ruled the roost. York is coming off a 2023 season where it went 25-15-1 and finished fourth in Class 4A, losing to New Trier in the state third-place game in Joliet.

In a 7-0 victory over Palatine, five York pitchers combined to throw a one-hitter. Ryan Sloan threw the first two innings and struck out four. Jack Lonergan, Ben Dizillo, Jack Bodach and TJ Silkaitis each threw an inning. Bodach struck out three. Dizillo was the winning pitcher.

York had seven hits in the game. Noah Hughes went 2-for-2 with a run scored and two RBI. Chris Danko had a triple and three RBI, while Nico Ruggieri had a triple as well. Austin Grzywa and Hughes each had a double. Drew Gami stole two bases. York took advantage of seven walks.

In a 3-0 win over Glenbard East, four York pitchers combined to throw a three-hitter. Danko was the winning pitcher. He struck out five, walked none and allowed a single hit over four innings. Lonergan, Lawton and Bodach each threw an inning. Bodach struck out three and Lonergan struck out two, bringing York’s strikeout total to 10 against zero walks. Com-

bined, the four faced 26 batters and threw 63 of 81 pitches for strikes.

York also was a 4-2 winner at Waubonsie Valley. The Dukes scored two runs in the second and two more in the sixth. The Dukes had seven hits. Marco Giorno went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Noah Jones had a hit and two RBI.

Four York pitchers combined to limit Waubonsie to five hits and one earned run. Hughes was the winner. He threw the first three innings and struck out two while allowing no earned runs. Silkaitis, Lonergan and Dizillo pitched the final four innings and combined to allow one hit, while striking out six. Dizillo earned the save, the second time he factored into the decision in York’s three games.

York Softball

The York softball team dropped a recent 6-5 non-conference game to Montini. The loss put the Dukes at 1-1 on the young season.

York led 3-0 in the first inning and 4-3 after four innings. The Dukes pounded out 11 hits with Danica Delury going 3-for-4 with a run scored. Avery Kanouse went 3-for-4, while Lily Burda went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Alex ElEtr-Garofalo and Kanouse each had doubles.

Kanouse pitched the first 4 2/3 innings and struck out eight, while Taylor McMillen pitched the final 2 1/3 innings and struck out five.

MOTO JOHNSON PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

dANIeL L. CHAMNeSS PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

IC’s Smith excels at T&F championships

Immaculate Conception Catholic Prep senior Elijah Eason (#413) hands the baton to Knight junior Evan Smith in the 800-meter relay. Eason ran the third leg, while Smith anchored. The two combined talents with KJ Parker and Jordan Hall to win the 800-meter relay in Class 1A at the Illinois Top Times Track and Field Championship. The foursome recorded a time of 1 minute, 33.99 seconds. The only other team to break 1:35 in the event was downstate Ridgeview, who finished second.

IC Catholic Prep graduate

Gelsomino named new York High School football coach

Leslie headed to Le Moyne

Has been part of Dukes’ gridiron staff since 2019

By Mike Miazga Correspondent

Will play volleyball for Division II school

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

I feel like I would be so bored with out it because it has been such a big part of my life.”

memories from IC Catholic Prep’s coach Nancy Kerrigan’s program.

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.

York High School recently announced Don Gelsomino has been named its new head football coach. Gelsomino takes over for Mike Fitzgerald, who stepped down to take the head coaching position at Marist High School in Chicago. Gelsomino, the program’s fifth head coach since 2011, has been part of the York football staff since 2019. He was named defensive coordinator in 2020 and was part of York teams that went 35-7 over the last four years. His defenses allowed an average of only 14 points and 219 total yards per game during that time span.

“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.”

“I probably enjoyed school volley ball 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 en vironment to be in. Coach (Kerri gan) 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.”

“Don has been an integral part of the coaching staff since 2019,” York athletic director Rob Wagner said in a District 205-issued press release. “I know how much it means to him, both as an Elmhurst resident and current coach, to take the lead. We are so fortunate to have had someone of this level ready to step in and lead the Dukes into a new era of athletic excellence.”

ty about IC Catholic Prep. “I will miss how close knit of a communi ty it was,” she said. “I knew every body 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.”

York’s 2022 team set a record for least amount of points allowed in the regular season. Under his watch, three York inside linebackers have been named West Suburban Conference Silver Division defensive player of the year or co-defensive player of the year. York’s 2021 team allowed only 120 points in 10 games, while the 2023 team allowed 137 points in 13 games.

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

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

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.”

Don Gelsomino is the new York High School football coach. Gelsomino, the team’s former defensive coordinator, takes over for Mike Fitzgerald who stepped down to take the head coaching position at Chicago Marist High School. Gelsomino was the former head coach at Ridgewood High School in Norridge.

“The last five years coaching at York have been incredible,” Gelsomino said in the release. “Seeing the effort from the players, coaches, parents, and administration to turn this program around has been unbelievable. I could not be more grateful to coach Fitzgerald for hiring me and trusting me as his defensive coordinator. The community support at every game has created one of the

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

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

• Stopka

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.”

most exciting atmospheres in high school football. I am very excited to take over a program that has accomplished so much recently, is in my hometown, and has the culture and community support that York has. It is not something I will take for granted.”

Prior to York, Gelsomino was the head coach at Ridgewood High School in Norridge from 2016-2018. While there, he led the Rebels to two conference titles and two playoff

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)

York girls track team finishes second at West Suburban Silver indoor meet

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.”

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.”

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.”

appearances, including the school’s first playoff win in 29 years. As offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Gelsomino played a pivotal role in coaching Ridgewood’s first all-state quarterback in 35 years. He currently is a science teacher at Ridgewood. His coaching journey started at Fenwick in Oak Park immediately after graduating college in 2008 where he contributed to Fenwick’s Prep Bowl title. He later went to St.

Patrick in Chicago where he spent five years as a teacher and coach, eventually becoming the science department chair and defensive coordinator on the football team.

Gelosmino, a two-time cancer

survivor, played college football at Augustana in Rock Island, where he was honored with the Jerry Freck Most Inspirational award in 2006.

See coach, Page 27

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”

Three Dukes athletes headed to Division I colleges

By Mike Miazga Correspondent

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.

The news was great on two fronts for the York girls track team. The Dukes recently finished second at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division indoor track and field meet. Additionally, three York track and field athletes will continue their careers at NCAA Division I schools with Katherine Klimek headed to Northwestern for distance and cross country. Maggie Owens will head west to Gonzaga University for distance and cross country, while Lainey Paul is off to Louisiana-Lafayette for sprints and pole vault.

Dukes took second, powered by Paul winning three events and scoring 30 points for the team. Paul won the pole vault, the 200 and again broke her own school record in the 55 dash. Morgan Navarre won two events and took second to Paul in the 200. Leila Arzon broke her first school record at the meet, running 8.91 in the 55 high hurdles. She broke Molly Hayes’ record that had stood for 29 years. Navarre won the 300 and 400 races.

At the WSC Silver meet, the

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

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

Also earning all-conference honors were Jillian Booth, who took third in the 55. She was the only ninth-grader in this particular varsity race. Sophia Galiano-Sanchez earned all-WSC Silver accolades in

the 800, as did Klimek in the 3,200 and Anna McGrail in the same race.

Booth, Mia Hanger, Libby Donaldson and Maggie Matson took second in the 800 relay and earned all-conference honors. Arzon took third in the high jump to get an allWSC Silver award. Chloe Peot also was all-conference in the triple jump. York’ frosh-soph team won the WSC Silver championship. Lila Stanley won a conference title in the 800, while Gigi Hill was a conference champion in the 1,600.

Molly Krupa was third in the 400 and was an all-conference selection.

See track, Page 27

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

proudly presents

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLaYeR Of tHe WeeK

Morgan Navarre

York Girls Track and Field Navarre, a sophomore, broke two York school records during the recently completed indoor track and field season. Her times in the 300 (41.59) and 400 (58.24) runs established new benchmarks. Navarre is one of three York girls track and field athletes that broke program records this winter.

York HIgH sCHool/elmHurst dIstrICt 205 pHoto Elmhurst Independent

York boys water polo team looking to make even more headlines this spring

Dukes return key talent from state semifinalist squad a year ago

By Mike Miazga Correspondent

The York boys water polo team had a season for the ages in 2023.

The Dukes went 26-8, won the West Suburban Conference title (beating Lyons Township in the conference championship game) and advanced to the state semifinal where they lost to Stevenson 12-8.

A year later, and the Dukes are looking to make even more waves.

Coach Brian Drumm’s squad returns plenty, headlined by senior center Gavin Honken, who scored 118 goals last year on his way to being named sixth-team All-America, first-team all-state and first-team all-sectional. He is a three-year starter. Junior attacker Tim Jensen returns after scoring 79 goals as a 10th grader. He was an All-America honorable-mention selection,

a second-team all-state pick and a first-team all-sectional selection. Jensen is also a three-year starter. Senior goalie Aiden Reedy returns after a fourth-team all-state performance last spring. Reedy made 270 saves and also earned second-team all-sectional honors. Senior Martin Polomsky is back as well at center defender and is a three-year varsity starter.

Drumm also is excited about the additions of freshmen Ethan Allen and Teddy Kamenia. “We have the two best freshmen in Illinois on our team in Ethan and Teddy,” Drumm said. “They were varsity-ready in the eighth grade from playing years of water polo at Elmhurst Aquatics and they have had an immediate impact so far.”

Drumm likes York’s prospects this season when it comes to gener-

ating offense. “Every player on this team is an offensive threat, which we are looking to do a lot with this year,” he said. “They also are all willing to play aggressively and physically, which helps us on the defensive end. When you have your top scorer from the last two seasons in Gavin Honken back for a third year, you’re in a great position. Tim Jensen is also a threat to score everywhere in the pool, and we have shooters all around them. At this point, we have to come up with a couple of really strong systems that will highlight our top players, but also give the right opportunities to our other players, all of whom can score.”

Having Reedy and Polomsky back on defense is a game-changer, Drumm added. “Defensively, we won’t have to change much because

our top defenders Aiden and Martin are back,” he said. “The boys know our defensive systems well. It’s only a matter of adjusting to the offenses of those other top teams who we will be competing with in May for a state title.”

Drumm calls Reedy won the best goalies in the state. “And he is a team captain for a second year,” he noted. “Aiden is not only a great player, but just a top-notch culture guy, which is one of the reasons we’ll be a force this season. Aiden has a 6-5 frame, he’s a great passer and has a tendency to lock in for big games.”

Drumm noted the Dukes have been working hard in the pool, with all signs pointing to executing another successful season. “This group is so eager to have success,” he said. “They push each other in practice to the point where our practices can get unbelievably competitive. They are all coachable, they listen, and they work. I have enjoyed this season and this group so much, and we’re only a few weeks

in.”

And Drumm knows the top teams in the state will be ready for the Dukes, who have won 20 or more matches seven times since 2016 and have qualified for state in each of the last three seasons, winning the program’s first-ever state trophy a year ago. “We know we are a top team in the state, and we can beat anyone,” he said. “The goal is to be ready to make a real run in May.”

• Grant

(Continued from page 10)

outside our building will see a 300% increase in freight traffic. In order to give first responders the ability to respond to emergencies and keep commerce flowing, we are forced to build a underpass at York Rd. Congresswoman Ramirez was the first person to step up and financially pledge her support with $1 million to our community for this project.”

For more information, visit ramirez.house.gov.

Please

Holy

Palm Sunday, March 24 10:00 AM

7:00 PM Good Friday

Evening Service, March 29

Easter Service & Children’s Easter Party, March 31 10:00 AM

You are invited to be a part of our Holy Week observance and Celebration

Holy Week/Easter

132 Arthur St., Elmhurst, IL Church

130 Arthur St., Elmhurst Sacred Heart Chapel

Holy Thursday - March 28

Morning Prayer: 8:00 a.m., Church

Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7:00 p.m., Sacred Heart Chapel

(Adoration of the Eucharist will follow in the Church)

Night Prayer: 11:45 p.m., Church

Good Friday - March 29

Morning Prayer: 8:00 a.m., Church

Stations of the Cross: Noon, Church

Passion of the Lord: 3:00 p.m., Church A Day of Fast and Abstinence

Holy Saturday - March 30

Morning Prayer: 8:00 a.m., Church

Blessing of Easter Food: Noon, Church

Easter Vigil: 8:00 p.m., Church

Easter Sunday - March 31

Mass:

Mass:

11:30 a.m., Sacred Heart Chapel

452924

453189

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Can’t-miss events in and around DuPage County

Editor’s note: If you have information on an event in DuPage County taking place that you would like us to consider listing here, please email that information to: news1@rvpublishing.com

Ongoing

Train Saturdays

DuPage County Historical Museum Wheaton

The DuPage Society of Model Engineers operates the model railroad at the museum, 102 E. Wesley St., on the third and fifth Saturday of the month. The layout covers more than 2,000 feet of track and highlights some of DuPage County’s landmarks in a landscape full of surprises. Your family will love watching the trains run. See if you can spot Superman and the Batmobile. For more information, visit: https://dupagemuseum.org/ calendar/category/train-saturdays

North Suburban Carvers meetings

The North Suburban Carvers meet on the first and third Mondays of each month at the Wood Dale Public Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Anyone interested in carving, power carving, wood burning or special finishing techniques is welcome. North Suburban Carvers is a non-profit organization that promotes carving in the Chicago area. For more information, visit: northsurburbancarvers.com .org/calendar.aspx

Now through April

Meet Me at the Fair: The Chicago World’s Fairs in DuPage County

Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, in the 19th and 20th centuries, expositions and world fairs worked to celebrate the past while also highlighting visions of the future. Chicago hosted two expositions: The

World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 and A Century of Progress World’s Fair in 193334. Meet Me at the Fair: The Chicago World’s Fairs in DuPage County looks at the ways in which these two expositions impacted DuPage County residents by exploring the various advancements of art, architecture, social issues, agriculture, and technology that were happening during these points of time. Admission: Free. For more information, visit: https://dupagemuseum.org/collections-exhibits/

Friday, March 29

Doggie Egg Hunt and Bunny Photos West Chicago

Starting at 11 a.m. presented by the West Chicago Park District, 201 W. National St., bring your paw-some four-legged friend to Wiggly Field Dog Park for a special dog-friendly egg hunt, bonnet contest, and photos with the bunny. Dogs must remain leashed at all times and proof of rabies vaccination is required to sign up for this event. Price: $10 for residents, $12 for nonresidents. Price is per dog. For more information, visit: www.we-goparks.org/special-events

Saturday, March 30

Hopper Cottontail and friends Hoppy Party

Glen Ellyn

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ackerman SFC, 800 St. Charles Road, Hopper Cottontail (Glen Ellyn’s own Easter bunny) and some of your favorite character friends are coming to Ackerman SFC for two hours of egg-citing activities and games, including eggshaped cookie decorating, egg toss contest, and crafts (egg hunt not included). There will also be a bounce house, and an opportunity to take photos. Only children must register but must be accompanied by an adult. Per-child fee is $25 for residents, $40 for non-residents. For more information, visit: https://gepark.org/gepdevent/hopper-cottontail-and-friends-hoppy-party

The Forge celebrates Easter Lemont

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Forge: Lemont Quarries, 1001 Main St., The Forge is planning an EGGstra fun day at the park with scavenger hunts, egg hunts, egg rolls, and more. Plus, meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy these special activities for kids ages 14 and under. For more information, visit: https:// forgeparks.com/the-forge-celebrates-easter

Thursday, April 4

An evening with Geoffey Baer Oak Brook

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.at the Mayslake Pea-

body Estate, 1717 31st St., Join the Friends of the Forest Preserve District and popular WTTW host, producer and writer Geoffrey Baer, to explore your DuPage forest preserves. From historic architecture, namesake families, and local characters, discover fascinating stories about the preserves. For ticket prices and information, visit: https://www.dupageforest. org/friends

Friday, April 5

Pizza and Prosecco

Lisle

From 6 to 8:30 p.m. presented by the North American Pizza & Culinary Academy, 1970 University Lane, take part in a celebration of pizza and prosecco and watch our Pizzaioli at work. Our pizzaioli will be stretching dough and firing pizzas all evening in our oven room, for this special pizza dinner. Bring all of your questions and learn pizza making from the best in the business. Price: $70 per person. For more information, visit: https://pizzaculinaryacademy.com

Saturday, April 6

Superhero 3K Fun Run Lisle

Starting at 8:30 a.m. presented by the Wheaton Park District at the Sensory Garden Playground, 2751 Navistar Drive, Lisle, show off your superpower at the Superhero 3K Fun Run. All participants are invited to wear their favorite superhero attire as they participate in this 3K Fun Run so break out your Wonder Woman costume, Captain America T-shirt, or Iron Man mask. Along the way, you will see some of your favorite superheroes who will cheer you on. After the run, stick around for music, character meet and greets, and more fun. Price: In-person race $35, virtual race $35. For more information, visit: https://wheatonparkdistrict.com/ events/funrun

The Fashion Brunch: Spring edition Naperville

From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., presented by the Downtown Naperville Alliance in downtown Naperville, join us for an exclusive fashion event highlighting both local and national fashion trends, from downtown Naperville shops, along with swag bags and exciting giveaways. A win-win-win, you’ll enjoy incredible Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House cuisine, inspiring spring fashions, giveaways, prizes and great conversation with friends. Tickets are $50 per person and are required. For more information, visit: https://downtownnaperville.com/events/the-fashionbrunch-spring-edition

(Continued from page 21)

Paige Byrne also earned an all-conference award in the 800. Molly Richerson, Byrne, Katharine Cifelli and Laila Dayal took second in the 3,200 relay and earned all-WSC Silver honors. Lauren Gunn also was all-conference in the triple jump.

In earlier indoor action, at the York Invite No., 1, Paul broke two school records. She ran 7.21 in the 55 dash, which broke her own record from 2023. Her 2023 benchmark shattered a York record that had stood for 40 years. Paul also went 11-4 in the pole vault, which broke a 10-year-old record set by Abby Waltz.

• Coach

Navarre broke her 2023 school record in the 300, running 41.59. Navarre won the 300, while Paul won the pole vault. Hill, Katheryn Tanny, Stanley and Scarlett Moriarty won the 3,200 relay. Galiano-Sanchez was second in the 800, while Matson was third in the 300 and Arzon was second in the high jump. York’s JV won the Invite No. 1 title. Clara Lawrence, Ariella Villatoro Nevarez, Lilly Metzler and Molly Krupa won the 1,600 title, while Myelle

Marshall won the triple jump. Emma Cardenas was second in the 600, Meredith Baker second in the 800, Lawrence second in the 55 high hurdles and Marshall second in the long jump. Charlotte Ramsey was third in the 400, while Devin Makinney was third in the 800 and Morgan Brunner was third in the high jump.

Paul competed in the Windy City Pole Vault Summit, which was a special invitation-only event. Paul took fourth out of 18 of the top vaulters in the state. She set her second indoor school record in the event, clearing 11-9.

Invite No. 2. Arzon was second in the high jump and third in the 55. Booth was third in the 200, while Peot was second in the triple jump and third in the long jump.

The York JV won the Invite No. 2 title. Tanny won the 800, while Emma Owens won the 1,600. Lilly Bianchi was second in the 800, while Weseloh turned in a notable 2:29 performance in the 800 exhibition.

Peiffle was third in the 55, while Hill, Stanley, Bianchi and Paige Byrne were third in the 3,200 relay. Peot was second in the long jump and third in the triple jump.

(Continued from page 21)

He played high school football at now-defunct Holy Cross in Chicago where he was the offensive MVP in 2002 and team captain in 2003.

Fitzgerald’s York teams went 4317 in his six years at the helm, qualifying for the state playoffs in each of the last three seasons. The 2022 and 2023 York teams reached the Class 8A state semifinals, a feat that hadn’t occurred since 2006. Fitzgerald, who started his high school coaching career at Marist in 2008 as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, leaves York as its all-time winningest coach in terms of W-L percentage at .717 (coaches with 1 or more years at York), surpassing Bill Lech’s .689 mark during a 51-23 seven-year run from 2005-2011.

Answers

York shared the West Suburban Conference Silver Division title this past season with Glenbard West, won it outright in 2022 and finished second in 2021 — going 16-2 in conference play during the past three seasons.

At the Batavia Bulldog invitational, Klimek was second in the 800. Owens took third in the 1,600, while Galiano-Sanchez, Owens, Julia Weseloh and Megan Mattis took third in the 3,200 relay.

At the Homewood-Flossmoor ABC invite, Norah Peffle took first in the 60 dash at the B level and was second in the 200 at the C level. Booth was third in the 60 at the C level. Navarre won the 400 at the A level and won the 200 at the B level. Peot was third in the triple jump at the B level.

Navarre won the 300 at the York

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At the Downers Grove South Mustang Relays, the York 3,200 relay team took third place. As of that week, it was the third-fastest time in the state and 26th-fastest time in the country, Dukes coach Amy Lichon noted.

At the York Invite No. 3, Navarre, a sophomore, broke a 40-year-old indoor school record by clocking in at 58.24 in the 400. Navarre won the 200 and 400 titles. Galiano-Sanchez won the 600. Anna McGrail won the 1,600, while Klimek won the 3,200. Peiffle, Booth, Donaldson and Hanger won the 800 relay title. Matson was second in the 300, while Adell Weseloh was second in the 400. Owens was second in the 3,200, while Arzon was second in the 55 high hurdles and second in the high jump.

(Continued from page 26)

Saturday, April 6-Sunday, April 7

All-Around the House Quilt Show Bensenville

From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. presented by the Bensenville Park District at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Grand Ave., experience the artistry of quilting. Explore a stunning array of intricate quilts created by local talents, or have a quilt appraised by an AQS-certified appraiser by appointment for a small fee. From traditional designs to contemporary masterpieces, this event celebrates the timeless craft of quilting. Vendors and volunteers needed. Adults $5; ages 5-15, $2; ages 4-and-under free. For more information, visit: https://www.bvilleparks.org

Monday, April 8

Solar eclipse viewing party

Oak Brook

From 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, join us for a party with solar viewing glasses, activities, crafts, and, in case of clouds, a live stream of the eclipse. The maximum eclipse

York’s JV again won the team title. Abigail Pionton won the 55. Marshall won the 200 and 55 high hurdle titles. Julia Weseloh won the 40. Sofia Stoddard won the 1,600. Molly Krupa, Lawrence, Julia Weseloh and Elise Donaldson won the 1,600 relay title.

Sophia Fidanza was second in the 300. Moriarty was second in the 1,600, while Addie Skinner was second in the 3,200.

Josie Burns was third in the 55, while Krupa was third in the 400 and Tatiana Kranov was third in the 600. Lawrence was third in the 55 high hurdles. Melania Veselovsky and Luciana Lisanti also logged third-place finishes.

During the indoor season, a total of seven school records were broken in five different events by three athletes. Navarre broke the 300 (41.59) and 400 (58.24) records, while Paul twice broke the 55 record (7.21 and 7.17) and twice broke the pole vault school mark (11-4 and then 11-9). Arzon broke the 55 high hurdles record (8.91).

will take place at 2:07 p.m. All ages. Free. For more information, visit: www.dupageforest.org

Solar eclipse at Lions Park

Warrenville

From noon to 3 p.m. at Lions Park, 27W650 Parkview Ave., gather at Lions Park to view the solar eclipse. There will be hot dogs, snacks, and drinks for people to enjoy. There will also be free sunglasses for all to view the eclipse safely. For more information, visit: www.warrenvilleparks. org/event/solar-eclipse-at-the-park

Thursday, April 11

Ladies Night Out—spring edition

Glen Ellyn

From 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Glen Ellyn, grab your friends to sip, shop, and stroll your way through 19 stores. The night is filled with friends, fun, bites, sips, and deals that are amazing. Tickets are $15 per person. For more information, visit: https://downtownglenellyn.com/lno-springedition

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