EI042023

Area police investigate traffic accident following chase

Vehicle fleeing police side-swipes school bus, car, before crashing; five children found inside

By Dee Longfellow

FOr THE ElMHUrST InDEPEnDEnT

On Friday, April 14 at approximately 2:55 p.m., a beige GMC Acadia SUV entered Elmhurst by traveling northbound on Illinois Route 83 and turning eastbound onto St. Charles Road. The vehicle was being pursued by Oak Brook and Villa Park Police Department vehicles for an incident that reportedly originated in Oak Brook.

As the GMC traveled eastbound through the intersection of St. Charles and Berkley Ave., the vehicle side-swiped a school bus in front of York High School. The school bus was only occupied by the bus driver and there were no students onboard, hence no injuries were reported at this scene.

The GMC then traveled eastbound through the intersection of St. Charles and Spring Road, side-swiping a passenger vehicle. Again,

no injuries resulted at this scene.

The GMC continued traveling eastbound on St. Charles Road and struck the rear of a passenger vehicle near Argyle Avenue. At that time, both vehicles came to a rest on the parkway and police officers immediately took an adult male and an adult female

See Accident, Page 4

ECT to present Spamalot, School Edition

Pictured is the cast of Spamalot, School Edition, to be performed at Sandburg Middle School by the Elmhurst Children’s Theatre beginning Thursday, April 27 and continuing through the weekend. Inspired by the classic comedy film Monty Python

and the Holy Grail, Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. Full story inside this issue.

Xavier MillerZhane Ball

Russell Miller

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Elmhurst History Museum plans ‘Last Hurrah’ farewell to immigration exhibit

By Dee Longfellow

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities, the current exhibit at the Elmhurst History Museum will be closing on Sunday, May 14. It explores the journeys of area immigrants and their descendants, who have carved out a sense of cultural identity and belonging in this local region.

On Saturday, May 13 from 1 – 5 p.m., the Elmhurst History Museum is hosting a free Cultural Crossroads Celebration on the lawn of the museum, located at 120 E. Park Ave. Residents are invited to join in a colorful celebration of cultural diversity featuring an array of various performances and interactions with special guests.

“It’s meant to be a ‘Last Hurrah’ for the Immigation exhibit we’ve had on display the last several months,” museum executive director Dave Oberg told the Independent in an exclusive interview. “There will be a big tent on the lawn, we are working with the International Club at York High School, we’re going to have a youth Mariachi band, it’s going to be a whole lot of fun, I hope folks come out for it.”

Guests will be welcome to view the In Pursuit of Happiness exhibit on its closing weekend and participate in family-friendly activities outdoors (weather permitting) and in the Museum’s Education Center. Watch a performance by the Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, a group of multiage martial artists who perform at Chicago Bulls games and across Chicagoland. Meet representatives from the Xilin Association and Immigrant Solidarity DuPage.

Phillip’s Flowers celebrates a milestone

On Thursday, April 13, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry was hosted by the Phillips family at its floral store on Spring Road to celebrate its 100th anniversary in business. Everyone was given a small bouquet of flowers to take home. Pictured are (from left): Courtney Wyszynski, manager of Spring Road location, Derek Phillip, vice-president of Retail Operations, Jim’s wife Gwen Phillip, Jim Phillip, chairman, Baxter’s wife Martha Phillip and Baxter Phillip, executive vice-president. The Independent plans to cover the company’s milestone in a future issue. The event was co-hosted by Dr. John DeVries of DeVries Animal Hospital, next door at 528 Spring Road.

BRENDA GARCIA PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

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Scenes from City Council Chambers

Monday, April 17

A packed house

City Council Chambers were packed with fire personnel from communities throughout the area, who came out to celebrate the promotion of three Elmhurst fire officials.

The family spirit

Mayor Scott Levin holds little Maclyn Reynolds, while her mother Samantha pins the badge on Steve Reynolds upon his promotion to Battalion Chief of the Elmhurst Fire Department. Their other children are Olivia, 10, and Owen, 8 (not pictured). Maclyn will be one year old on Friday.

Giarratano promoted

Firefighter Andy Giarratano takes the oath administered by Mayor Scott Levin, leading to Giarratano’s promotion to Lieutenant of the Elmhurst Fire Department. Also at the City Council meeting on Monday is his wife Erin and their daughter Harley, who is 8.

Silly smiles

The Whelan children -- Keith, 11, Teddy, 4, and Jamison, 1 – all had happy smiles at Monday’s City Council meeting where their father Dan Whelan was promoted to Lieutenant of the Elmhurst Fire Department. His wife Erin is holding the little one.

• Accident

(Continued from front page)

into custody from the GMC. As this incident occurred in close proximity to York High School, the school was briefly placed on lockdown for the security of the building and the safety of the students until the scene was secured.

The Elmhurst Fire Department responded for several vehicle occupants with minor injuries, resulting from the final traffic crash scene at St. Charles and Argyle. Elmhurst Paramedics and several mutual aid agency ambulances transported ten patients to three area hospitals for treatment. The GMC was occupied by two adult males, one adult female, and five children. The vehicle struck by the GMC at St. Charles and Argyle was occupied by two adults.

St. Charles Road was closed between Spring Road and York Road until approximately 4:15 p.m. while Elmhurst police officers and evidence technicians conducted traffic crash investigations. Elmhurst police units did not initiate this vehicle pursuit, however they did respond to the three incident scenes.

Aldermen bid adieu

At the Monday, April 17 City Council meeting, these four aldermen, who are stepping down, each received a rocking chair with the City’s

nity.

Dannee Polomsky

a

The suspects involved in this pursuit are in the custody of the Oak Brook Police Department. Inquiries related to the originating incident, pursuit, and forthcoming criminal charges should be directed to Oak Brook Police.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

seal on it as

farewell gift for their service to the commu-

Pictured are (from left): Mark Mulliner, who served the 7th Ward, Bob Dunn in the 2nd Ward,

in the 3rd Ward and Michael Honquest in the 6th.

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst gears up for 26th annual ‘Art in Wilder Park’ Highlights include 125 vendors, unveiling of Superheroes installation

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Park District and Elmhurst Art Museum have announced a full list of exhibitors for the upcoming 26th annual Art in Wilder Park on Saturday and Sunday, May 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The annual exhibition will feature a variety of artisans selling one-of-a-kind jewelry, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, and fiber arts, plus mouthwatering treats, family activities, and more ways to engage with the local community.

A highlight of this year’s festival is the unveiling of a newly commissioned public art installation Superheroes in Wilder Park featuring life-sized superhero sculptures by area artists and youth groups. Art in Wilder Park is free to attend and open to the public.

With 8,000 visitors in 2022, organizers are planning an even larger, more inclusive, and accessible event for the whole family this year.

“We are excited to expand Art in Wilder Park with more exhibiting artists from across the Midwest than ever before, and to attract new audiences with a ‘super’ public art installation that will inspire the next generation of local heroes,” said John McKinnon, executive director of the Elmhurst Art Museum.

Superheroes come to town

On view from May 6 to July 31, Superheroes in Wilder Park is a bold preview of the museum’s summer blockbuster show Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross, on display from June 3 to Aug. 20, that features work by one of the greatest artists in the field of comic books. Art in Wilder Park will host special appearances by costumed heroes from the League of Enchantment, in addition to a variety of kids activities planned with more than 20 community organizations.

“We are excited for the 26th annual Art in Wilder Park, a renowned community event held each spring with large offerings for the entire family,” said Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin.

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from near and far to enjoy a day at the park, support local restaurants, artisans, and businesses, and celebrate all that the event has to offer.”

The full exhibitor list is available online at elmhurstartmuseum.org/events/

What’s next at the Elmhurst Art Museum

The Independent caught up with a very busy John McKinnon last week to find out when the museum will reopen to the public and what else is in store for the future, after hearing names like not only Alex Ross, but Picasso and Warhol.

ISBE: Illinois leads nation in AP exam performance, participation

A recent article published by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) discussed Illinois’ performance and participation with regard to Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level exams.

According to the article, “Illinois students’ AP performance and participation not only continues to rebound from the pandemic but has outpaced all other states in the nation.”

Below are more highlights:

• Between 2012 and 2022, Illinois had the largest increase of any state in its percentage of high school graduates scoring a 3 or higher on an AP Exam, according to data released by College Board. Among the class of 2022, more than one in four Illinois public high school graduates scored a 3 or higher on an AP exam, which qualifies for free college credit at all public colleges and universities in Illinois.

• The number of public high school graduates in Illinois who took an AP exam during

Mary Lea Hoffie, 89

Mary Lea Hoffie, nee Andersen, a longtime resident of Elmhurst, passed away April 11, 2023 at the age of 89. Mary Lea was the Beloved Wife of the late Gordon L. Hoffie (2006); Loving Mother of Tracy (Stephen) Schumpp, Ronald (Karla) Hoffie and William (Doris) Hoffie; Proud Grandmother of Marshall Hoffie and Olivia (Gary Mills) Hoffie; Honored Great

high school has increased by 42 percent during the last decade, compared to a 14-percent increase nationwide.

• The number of Illinois high school students taking dual-credit courses has increased by 30 percent since 2018 – from about 61,500 in 2018 to about 90,000 in 2022. These opportunities allow students to earn college credit while in high school.

“The best investment we can make for our state’s future is in our young people—and that means making higher education more affordable,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “While we work to pass a state budget that includes historic investments in the MAP grant program, we’ve also prioritized expanding access to Advanced Placement programs in our state’s high schools—especially for low-income students.”

To read the entire article, go to isbe.net/ news-illinois leads nation in AP exam performance.

“On Tuesday [April 18], the perimeter fence is coming down,” McKinnon said. “There’s nothing exciting about HVAC (heating-ventilation-air-conditioning), but it had to be done. They were old and needed to be replaced. But the good news is, we now for the first time have climate-controlled galleries, which will allow us to take better care of the objects we already have and will help us draw more premiere exhibitions, now that we can assure protection of the art.”

The Marvelocity exhibit officially opens to the public on Saturday, June 3 and will remain through Sunday, Aug. 20. Several Family Day programs are planned during that time, when families can enjoy the hyper-realistic art of Ross.

“Ross is a Chicago resident and he does all of his drawings by hand, nothing is done by computer,” McKinnon said. “Many artists can’t make that same claim, but it proves Ross is a purist, even a perfectionist perhaps.”

Picasso to be showcased soon

McKinnon said April 8 was the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s death, having passed in 1973, and several museums around the world are celebrating in various ways.

“In artistry terms and in history terms, Picasso changed the field of contemporary art,” McKinnon said. “He was the father of Cubism and our education department is working on talks, tours and Family Day activities.”

As part of the worldwide exhibitions marking the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death, the Elmhurst Art Museum will host an exhibition dedicated to the famed modern artist. With multiple galleries of his work, the show will pay tribute to his lasting influence and legacy.

The three-part exhibition will include an introduction with works by Picasso and his contemporaries, a gallery focused on the artistic process of Picasso’s late printmaking work, and a response by contemporary figurative artists today. The exhibition features loans from two private collections and works by artists Laura Berger, Liz Flores, Richard Hull, Leasho Johnson, and Jose Lerma. The show was curated by McKinnon himself along with Richard P. Townsend.

The presenting sponsor is Wintrust Bank, with additional sponsorship by Anonymous, Sally J. and Raymond J. Allen, Discover DuPage, and the Illinois Office of Tourism.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council agency.

The Picasso exhibition will open Saturday, Sept. 9 and remain through Sunday, Jan. 7.

Artist Guild to present works inspired by Warhol

While the works of Andy Warhol himself will not be appearing at the Elmhurst Art Museum, the Elmhurst Artist Guild is holding a show of works inspired by Warhol to appear in conjunction with a Pop Art exhibition that is coming to the Cleve Carney Museum at the College of DuPage (COD).

“The Guild hosted an open call for submissions and have just wrapped up their decisions on what works will appear,” McKinnon said. “The show will be on display for six weeks from June 11 through July 28.

McKinnon also wanted to remind art enthusiasts to check the web site for upcoming classes which are now open for registration. For classes and other information, visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Grandmother of Austin Mills; Dear Sister of the late Robert (the late Lorraine) Andersen and the late Janeen (the late Karl) Lee. Funeral services were held on Monday, April 17 at the Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home, 435 N. York St., Elmhurst. Interment Mount Emblem Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials Susan G. Komen for the Cure (komen.org) are appreciated. Info: (630) 834-1133.

ARCHIVE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

of Rock is scheduled to return this year, along with 150 other exhibitors, and will likely bring more instruments and activities for kids to enjoy.

Police beat

The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims.

Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

Criminal damage, criminal trespass to property

April 7

Devon J. Gibson, 34, of Chicago, was charged with criminal damage to property and possession of cannabis near Elm Creek Drive at 8:28 p.m. Police said a victim told police Gibson was creating a scene and forced entry into her apartment, subsequently damaging the patio door.

A complainant in the 400 block of Oaklawn reported she observed several juveniles damage the bathroom door at the above location. An investigation is pending.

Domestic battery, disorderly conduct, domestic incident, disturbance

April 9

A 29-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 600 block of N. Michigan at 10:02 p.m. Police said the victims related that the suspect was intoxicated and had placed his sibling in a headlock.

April 7

Nicola Fasano, 37, of Rolling Meadows, was charged with disorderly conduct and public indecency at a store in the 600 block of N. York at 2:09 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a 911 call for a subject allegedly performing an indecent act in public in his vehicle, Fasano was located and taken into custody.

April 6

Police said officers responded to the 600 block of S. York at 12:36 a.m. for the report of a verbal domestic. The reporting officer met with the complainant who reported there was a verbal argument between her and the father of her baby. There was no indication of injuries and both parties agreed to separate for the evening.

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

April 12

Christopher J. Arturi, 59, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI in the 100 block of E. Schiller at 9:02 p.m.

April 11

Scott F. Erickson, 29, of Wilmington, Ill., was charged with DUI, endangering the life of a child, two counts of failure to reduce

Possession of a controlled substance

April 12

Police said Elmhurst officers assisted Wood Dale police by conducting a traffic stop and taking the suspects into custody for further investigation in reference to a retail theft that occurred in their town. An openair sniff was conducted by an Elmhurst K9 which yielded narcotics. All suspects are pending charges for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and were released to Wood Dale Police Department.

Suspicious incident

April 8

person(s) stole a package from her porch. A victim in the 400 block of N. York reported at 5:34 p.m. that an unknown person(s) fraudulently purchased liquor using her credit card information. An investigation is pending.

April 6

Alexander Soliveras, 42, of Chicago, was charged with residential burglary, possession of a controlled substance, criminal damage to property and theft in the 300 block of N. Clinton at 6:30 p.m.

Retail theft

April 11

speed to avoid an accident, transportation of alcohol and improper lane usage subsequent to a three-vehicle crash near York and Fremont at 7:46 p.m. Police said Anjelica M. Marsala, 30, of Berwyn was charged with aggravated battery to a police officer after allegedly battering an officer and had a warrant for her arrest.

April 9

Talana T. Stewart, 34, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, speeding and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Route 83 at 5:27 a.m.

April 8

Deborah Fonseca, 28, of Addison, was charged with DUI, driving while license revoked, improper lane usage, possession of open alcohol and no seat belt subsequent to a traffic stop near Lake and Grand at 12:29 a.m.

March 31

Travon M. Rush, 20, of Elgin, was issued citations for possession of open alcohol, possession of cannabis, possession of tobacco, driving with license plate covers, driving with no rear registration light and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop in the 100 block of S. Route 83 at 9:41 p.m.

Fleeing, eluding

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

Identity theft, fraud, forgery

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported five incidents of identity theft or fraud in which a victim’s identity was fraudulently used.

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Leila Mannias, 18, of Huntley, in the 100 block of S. Route 83 at 9:41 p.m. March 31.

Police said officers responded to the 100 block of E. Crescent at 6:48 p.m. for the report of a man with a gun. Upon arrival, a victim related that subsequent to a verbal argument, the suspect pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the ground. The suspect related the victim displayed a hockey stick and he displayed the gun in self-defense. An investigation is pending.

April 6

A victim at an auto dealership in the 300 block of W. Grand told police that he was notified by his credit card company that a fraudulent charge was made at an auto dealership. The investigating officer responded to the above location and located the suspects, who were placed under arrest and transported to the police station. The suspects were fingerprinted and released without charges. An additional investigation is pending.

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

April 11

A reporting officer observed a gray Dodge Challenger driving at a high rate of speed away from restaurants in the 1000 block of S. York at 3:24 a.m. The vehicle fled from the reporting officer when a traffic stop was conducted. Officers then located the two restaurants with shattered front glass doors. Both businesses were found to be burglarized. Pending further investigation.

April 10

A complainant told police that a package went missing after it was delivered to a store in the 200 block of E. Butterfield. An investigation is pending.

April 8-April 9

A victim in the 100 block of W. Butterfield told police that an unknown suspect(s) removed the rims and tires of her vehicle while it was parked at the above location sometime between the above dates. An investigation is pending.

April 7

Lydia Gonzalez, 51, of Westchester, was charged with felony retail theft at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 5:34 p.m.

Jorge Villazana Jr., 20, of Maywood, was charged with attempted possession of a fraudulent driver’s license, unlawful use of an electronic communication device subsequent to a traffic stop in the 600 block of N. York at 10:54 a.m.

A victim in the 100 block of N. Berteau told police at 2:26 p.m. that an unknown

Dominesha Parker, 29, of Chicago, was charged with burglary at 12:21 p.m. Police said Parker was taken into custody for stealing merchandise she was hired to deliver.

Warrant arrest

March 15

Police said an arrest warrant and charges of residential burglary were issued for Andy Bimbo, 33, of Elmwood Park. On Feb. 14, an arrest warrant and charges of residential burglary were obtained for Michael John, 45, of Rosemont. Police said complainants reported unknown suspects entered her mother’s residence and took jewelry from her bedroom. The complainant related that one of the suspects distracted her mother while two others entered the residence, according to police.

Violation of an order of protection

April 6

Police said it was learned that the suspect and victim had a verbal argument and the suspect punched a glass picture frame, shattering it, at hotel in the 500 block of W. Grand at 10:17 a.m. According to police, Juan Galan, 43, of Addison, was found to be in violation of an order of protection and was placed into custody. Galan was charged with violation of an order of protection.

Battalion Chief Richard Dufort named Interim Fire Chief

Elmhurst City Manager James Grabowski recently announced the appointment of Richard Dufort to the position of Interim Fire Chief. Former Chief William Anaszewicz has resigned from his position after accepting a new employment opportunity.

An Elmhurst resident, Dufort is a 30-year veteran of the department with more than a decade of fire department leadership experience.

“Battalion Chief Dufort has the knowledge and experience to support the department through this transition,” Grabowski said. “The Elmhurst Fire Department is a team of professionals with unwavering service. Our team continues to offer the highest standard of public safety to the community.”

CALL 800-222-TIPS

Elmhurst Children’s Theatre presents Spamalot, School Edition

Spamalot, School Edition, presented by the Elmhurst Children’s Theatre, premieres Thursday, April 27. Spamalot School Edition tells the legendary tale of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. Inspired by the classic comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the school edition version of the Spamalot musical shares its own funny (and definitely not historically accurate) interpretation of the legend through hilarious (and age appropriate) sketches, music that will make you want to sing along, and all kind of dances from the can-can to tap.

“Life is really up to you. You must choose what to pursue. Set your mind on what to find. And there’s nothing you can’t do.” ~The Lady of the Lake

The show is directed by Tim Soszko, a professional comedian, actor, theatre arts educator, and ECT alum and is led in humorous song by music director Lisa Griffith. Guiding the kids through comedic dance routines is choreographer Nina Davalos. The cast includes Elmhurst area students in grades 5-8.

Show times are Thursday, April 27 at 7 p.m., Friday, April 28 at 7 p.m, and Saturday, April 29 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are available for pre-sale at ticketpeak.com/ectshows and at the door pre-show. Meet the hilarious cast after the show for photo opportunities and autographs.

Visit ectshows.com for more information. Stay tuned to hear about upcoming summer camps as well as ECT’s first-ever summer double feature, Legally Blonde Jr and Lion King Kids, coming to Elmhurst audiences on July 20, 21, and 22.

University presents ‘Festival of Lights’ to

In the tradition of Elmhurst University’s popular Festival of Lessons and Carols, the inaugural Festival of Lights welcomes the campus and community for an interfaith candlelight gathering that will feature music, song and text from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith traditions.

It will be held on Monday, May 1 beginning at 7 p.m. in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel on the campus of Elmhurst University.

Music and readings will be provided by Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elmhurst, and Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, with additional program support from local Muslim and Christian communities and congregations. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Library to host Celebrations Showcase

Explore the many ways you can use resources at Elmhurst Public Library to help you with your next celebration. Come to the library’s Celebrations Showcase on Saturday, April 22 from 1-4 p.m.

At this expo, visitors can discover party-planning ideas, ways to save money, and browse dozens of items made with Makery equipment. Learn how the library can help in hosting a wedding, birthday, anniversary, graduation, potluck, or even a beach party. Free and open to the public. No registration required. Held in the library’s Large Meeting Room.

Bond set for Maywood man charged with possession of Methamphetamine/fleeing from police

DuPage County State’s Attorney

Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas have announced that bond has been set for a Maywood man accused of possessing methamphetamine and fleeing from police.

Dionte Washington

Dionte Washington, 25, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Brian Telander set bond at $100,000 with 10 percent to apply.

Washington is charged with one count of possession of Methamphetamine (Class 3 felony) and misdemeanor charges of attempt fleeing or eluding police and driving while license suspended.

On April 11 at approximately 3:49 p.m., officers with the Villa Park Police Department responded to the Walmart Store located on Route 83 for a call of a disturbance in progress. Upon their arrival, officers found Washington, who was allegedly involved in the disturbance, entering his vehicle.

Green Garden Fair coming soon

On Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, the First Congregational Church, 235 S. Kenilworth, will be holding its annual Green Garden Fair. It will be a time to pick up pre-ordered seedlings as well as looking over a large selection of additional certified organic vegetable and herb seedlings and flower seedlings. Specially selected because they support pollinators, these seedlings will be available for purchase at the Fair. Visitors can also get gardening questions answered by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and other local garden clubs. Learn how to live more sustainably from a variety of “green” exhibitors, such as the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition. Purchase local raw honey, birdseed ornaments and receive free heirloom bean seeds. For more information, visit elmhurstucc.org/.

It is alleged that as officers initiated a traffic stop, Washington fled the scene in his vehicle southbound on Route 83. Officers initiated pursuit and with the assistance of the Maywood Police Department, Washington was taken into custody in Maywood a short time later. It is further alleged that Washington was in possession of more than a dozen pills containing methamphetamine when he was taken into custody.

“I thank the Villa Park Police Department for their quick response to the initial disturbance and their efforts in bringing the defendant into custody as well as the Maywood Police Department for their assistance,” Berlin said.

“As a society, we must never accept violence as a means to handle any situation,” Rivas said. “The decision to elude our officers placed the public at great risk. To compound these alleged wrongdoings, the subject was allegedly in possession of a dangerous controlled substance. All these criminal acts will not be tolerated by the Villa Park Police Department as well as

by the police departments in DuPage County. We applaud the efforts of the Villa Park officers to work in concert with the Maywood Police Department to bring these subjects into custody

and thank the Maywood Police Department for their assistance.”

Washington’s next court appearance is scheduled May 8 for arraignment in front of Judge Michael Reidy.

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celebrate three faith traditions

Viewpoint

Slices of life

Beauty in the backyard

It doesn’t happen suddenly. At least it didn’t for me.

You live your whole life as a normal person, taking it all in. Appreciating, yet taking it for granted.

But not really seeing it, or hearing them, for what they are.

It is a gradual process. First you see one. Then you might hear another. Or maybe there’s a whole group. Whatever it is, it makes you take notice, even though they’ve been right there, in your backyard all along. Right under your nose, or perhaps beak, so to speak.

There are things in life that are so common you simply don’t see them, or pay attention to them.

Like the TV playing in the background, faces in a crowd, the taste of water, the smell of fresh air or the softness of a favorite sweatshirt.

Our senses tune things out because they are commonplace— everyday—and we don’t always pay attention to the everyday things in life.

Until that changes, in one way or another.

For me it culminated with the birds in my backyard.

For most of my life, I lived a parallel existence with these winged creatures. I knew they were there, but that is where it ended. They existed - nothing more.

But then, I started noticing. One morning, one chirp at a time.

And one day I realized: the birds were singing. Their chorus of songs was a literal symphony waiting for me to hear.

I heard.

Then I started looking. Who was singing such songs? What color were his or her feathers?

And so it began.

Bird watching, or for me, more appropriately, bird listening.

I am a bird groupie—one of the flock.

Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

You might think I sound as crazy as a loon, but consider the birds in my backyard. They’re anything but crazy when they singsong their sing songs at 6 in the morning, That might sound like an alarm clock, and it might be, if it weren’t so joyous.

For me it started with one itty bit of a bird, who perched on a tree right outside my window one morning. He belted out his song like a troubadour: regal and

By JILL PERTLER Slices of Life

unapologetic. He was so confident; I found a need to know what—or exactly who he was.

Turns out there is an app for that. I downloaded it and entered the professional world of bird listening.

My troubadour was a Carolina wren—well known for his small stature and large voice. I can personally attest to that.

Since then, I’ve heard more than 20 different species of birds in my backyard. And I’m learning to identify them. It takes a perceptive ear to differentiate between a tufted titmouse and a yellow rumped warbler, but now I’m just bragging—proud as a peacock you might say.

In noticing their songs, my eyes and ears have opened to other backyard wonders. The way the sunlight reflects off the grass carpet under the oaks. The way the wind moves the leaves on the trees, causing them to dance. The tree branches, which serve as home and haven to not only the birds but other woodland critters. Even the harsh and loud caws of the American crow contribute to the mix (and then some). My backyard is beautiful. It has been all along.

This may all seem new to me, but it isn’t new. The birds have been there, all along, creating their synchronized chorus—just waiting for me to notice. Or maybe not caring if I noticed at all.

Maybe they create simply to create and me noticing their beauty is but a happy by-product manufactured by and for me.

Either way, it’s a gift. One I’ve overlooked for far too long.

Call me a bird lady. Call me what you will, but feel free (as a bird) to join the flock. I’d welcome you under my wing.

But even if I end up flying solo, it will be an adventure. My eyes and ears are now open.

Tufted titmouse—chirp away!

Combine your Earth Week and National Volunteer Week by helping at an upcoming Forest Preserve District of DuPage County volunteer workday.

The Forest Preserve District invites individuals and families as well as school, Scout, church and other organized groups to work together for the benefit of natural areas, visitors, and wildlife. Participants should dress to work outdoors, wear layers, and bring hats and gloves.

“The theme of this year’s Earth Week is ‘Invest in Our Planet,’ and we have quite a few opportunities for residents to do just that at our nature workdays next week,” said Karie Friling, executive director for the Forest Preserve District.

“It’s also National Volunteer Week, so celebrating both in the forest preserves seems fitting.”

At Volunteer Restoration Workdays, volunteers help improve a forest preserve prairie or woodland by collecting seeds or removing nonnative plants. The workdays are appropriate for ages 8 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Volunteers should register online or at 630-206-9630 at least five days in advance (10 days by phone for groups of five or more).

Volunteer Restoration Workdays will be offered on Saturday, April 22 at the following times, and locations:

• From 8:30-11 a.m., Churchill Woods

• From 9 a.m. to noon, Churchill Woods/Glacial Ridge

• From 9 a.m. to noon, Fullersburg Woods

• From 9 a.m. to noon, Maple Grove

• From 9 a.m. to noon, Willowbrook

Also, people can lend a hand weeding, watering or collecting and cleaning seeds from native grasses and flowers at the Volunteer Workday at the Nursery on Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at the district’s native plant nursery at Blackwell. This workday is for ages 12 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

People can register online or at 630-206-9630.

Bill calls for review of teacher licensing standards

Task force would review use of edTPA exam

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Some Illinois lawmakers are calling for a review of one of the tests prospective teachers must pass in order to be licensed in Illinois.

The test is known as the Teacher Performance Assessment, or “edTPA,” and it is intended to determine whether a prospective teacher has the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective in the classroom. It has been a requirement for teacher licensing in Illinois since 2015.

State Sen. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City, said he started hearing concerns about the test from people in his district, and he later learned that those concerns were shared by other lawmakers.

“And it was over and over again,” he said in an interview. “I was only

hearing from a few folks that thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, which, okay, but then I hear from the other side. It’s like, I’m not hearing the same thing from people in my district.”

Every state has its own criteria for licensing teachers and every school of education uses its own curriculum for training teachers. Developed at Stanford University, the edTPA was intended to be a standardized way of measuring an aspiring teacher’s knowledge and abilities, regardless of what state they came from or which college or university they attended.

The assessment is given at the end of a prospective teacher’s student teaching experience. It’s a performance-based assessment that, among other things, requires applicants to submit a portfolio that includes actual

lesson plans and tests that they’ve administered, examples of their students’ work, and other material that demonstrates their knowledge and competence.

The portfolios are then scored by teachers and teacher educators with expertise in the subjects and grade level in which the applicant is seeking a license.

Bennett said that having outside evaluators who have never met or worked with the applicant scoring their portfolios is one of the issues that concerns him about edTPA.

“They’re weighing in, and their weight is pretty heavy,” he said. “If they pass, great. If they don’t, it’s based on this evaluation from these folks that don’t understand the whole situation. So that just got my attention.”

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, a cosponsor of the bill, said she has concerns that edTPA is so rigorous and intensive that it could deter some people from ever trying to become a teacher.

“You will have someone that wants to be a math teacher, and then they get to the point where they have to do all this work for their student teaching and all this additional rigorous testing and projects,” she said. “And what you end up having is, they’re like, ‘Why would I go through all of this and maybe not even make it, only to make $40,000 coming out (of college) when I could stop what I’m doing right now as a junior, take a couple extra classes and become an accountant and come out making $60,000 or $65,000?’ ”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. JB Pritzker issued an executive

order suspending use of the edTPA but that executive order will expire when the disaster declaration is lifted on May 11.

Bennett is the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 1488, which passed unanimously out of the Senate March 30 and now awaits action in the House. It would continue the suspension of the edTPA through Aug. 31, 2025. It would also establish a task force to evaluate teacher performance assessment systems and make recommendations to the State Board of Education and the General Assembly by Aug. 1, 2024.

“I think this is a good time to sit back, let’s review it, see what we got, and I’m very grateful for bipartisan support from a number of Republican and Democrat senators really feeling the same way,” Bennett said.

Bill aims to limit excessive school district cash reserves

away

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The overall financial health of Illinois school districts has been improving in recent years, according to a recent state report, but a bill moving through the General Assembly seeks to rein in the amount of money some districts are saving.

Senate Bill 1994, which recent-

ly passed unanimously out of the Senate and now awaits action in the House, would put a cap on how much money school districts could hold in reserves. Districts that exceed it would be required to file a report with the state.

“They’re kind of like a nonprofit where, you know, money comes in and resources come in, and then it

needs to be spent,” the bill’s sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, said during an interview. “Like, yes, you need to have savings. Yes, those are good practices. But you can’t just be sitting on all this cash and then not doing anything with it.”

The Illinois State Board of Education publishes a report each year

measuring the financial health of all 852 school districts in the state. The report looks at several factors such as their expenditure-to-revenue ratio, short-term and long-term debt, and how many days’ worth of cash on hand they keep.

ISBE uses those factors to generate an overall “financial profile” score for each district. Over the last

seven years, the latest report noted, the statewide average score has risen steadily.

To receive ISBE’s highest rating, districts must keep the equivalent of 180 days of operating expenditures on hand. The agency also notes that bond underwriters and financial ad-

See RESERVES, Page 10

Some districts could operate for years on money they’ve stashed

reAl estAte/Business

EBC brews specialty beer to benefit ‘No Frills Fun Run’

The

Frills Fun Run” has been selected to be the beneficiary of the

Eva Sanchez, REALTOR®

effort.

Chet Brett, a brewing industry veteran and leader of Brewing with Kindness, joined EBC head brewer Cam Horn, and other brewing professionals on Saturday, April 15 to

brew the beer.

The beer is expected to be released to the public on Sunday, April 30, and $2 from every pint sold will go directly to the “No Frills” organization.

American Hearing Foundation to award $300,000 in grants

Elmhurst-based NFP to fund studies about agerelated loss, impaired music perception, more

The American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF) announced on Tuesday, March 21, that it would award $337,152 in grants this year to eight research projects exploring a wide range of vitally important and innovative subjects including sudden sensorineural hearing loss, age-related hearing impairment, and how hearing loss impacts music perception and engagement.

Headquartered in Elmhurst, AHRF has a 67-year history of funding novel research to better understand and overcome hearing and balance disorders of the inner ear. AHRF funds five to ten research projects every year, with grant awards up to $75,000. AHRF also helps educate the public about hearing-related life-altering conditions, which are inextricably linked to people’s quality of life and their ability to meet the challenges of day-to-day living.

“We’re funding highly technical

Reserves

studies – for instance, in biochemistry and genomics – that have a real-world purpose,” said AHRF Board member and research chair Donna Whitlon, Ph.D. “What we learn from these studies will help improve quality of life for millions of people who have hearing loss – 48 million in the U.S. alone. At the same time, it matters that we’re supporting investigators early in their careers – so we are helping to build the framework for future transformative research.”

Applications to AHRF are evaluated for novelty, significance, relevance to the mission of AHRF, feasibility, investigator, approach, statistical analysis/outcome measures, and budget justification.

The deadline to submit applications for the 2024 awards is 5 p.m. Central Time, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023.

For more information visit American-Hearing.org.

(Continued from page 9)

visers typically recommend 144 to 180 days of operating expenditures.

According to the most recent report, which includes data from the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2021, 70 percent of districts had cash reserves of between 100 and 359 days of expenses. But 197 districts, or 23 percent, had reserves of 360 to 720 days, and 10 districts had reserves greater than 720 days.

The report does not identify which districts have those large reserves.

SB 1994 would require districts to calculate their three-year average operating expenses each year and report their cash on hand. If their cash reserves ever exceed 2.5 times their annual average, they would have to submit a plan to ISBE for how they intend to spend those reserves.

Districts would not be required to spend excess reserves, but only to submit the plan detailing how they intend to do so over the next three years.

Cappel said that limit was negotiated with superintendents and other officials involved in school district budgeting who had pushed back against the original version of the bill, which would have required districts to immediately spend down

any reserves beyond 250 days of operating expenses.

She noted that there are many reasons why a district might build up large reserves. Some, she said, might save up so they can pay cash for capital expenses like a new security system or to build a new elementary school. Others might be bracing themselves for the possibility that their heating or air conditioning system might go out.

“I don’t want to stop any district, if they’ve got plans to build something that’s appropriate, you know, a kindergarten building or whatever,” she said. “Of course, we want you to be able to use that. So that’s kind of where this came from.”

The Elmhurst Brewing Company (EBC) located at 171 No. Addison has partnered with a brewing

industry charity called, “Brewing with Kindness” for its second fundraising effort in the Chicago area.

local Elmhurst charity known as the “No

“ I don’t want to stop any district, if they’ve got plans to build something that’s appropriate, you know, a kindergarten building or whatever.”

– Sen. Meg

Loughran Cappel

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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. Dylan and Marley are two

5. Makes healthy

10 The Who’s “O’Riley”

14. Side sheltered from wind

15. Flat-bottomed sailboats

16. Egyptian supreme god

17. Advice

18. Mass of small, loose stones

19. Online learning services provider

20. “Lords” in Northwest Semitic languages

22. Of she

23. A place to relax

24. Critical and mocking

27. Consumed

30. You get one in summer

31. Bath

32. Luxury automaker

35. Spiders spin one

37. Guy (slang)

38. Greek personification of Earth

39. Large instruments

40. Domestic cattle genus

Appetizer

Oil group

Where to put groceries

2. Evergreen genus

3. College in Rome

4. Prevents from seeing

5. Cycles/second

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8. Honorably retired

9. Midway between south and southeast

10. A confusion of voices and other sounds

11. Bony fish genus

12. Type of pear

13. Egyptian cross

21. Satisfies

23. Founder of Babism

25. Bar bill

26. Chicago ballplayer

27. Performer

28. Hairpiece

29. Partner to flowed

32. Aircraft formation

33. You have 3 per day

34. Goes into

36. College athletic organization

37. Wet, muddy ground

38. Talk

40. Witty conversation

41. Gurus

43. “French Price of __ Air”

44. Sports equipment

46. Try to get

47. Flower cluster

49. Sea dwellers

50. Palmlike subtropical plant

51. Polio vaccine developer

52. Baseball’s Ruth

53. Gelatinous substance

54. Hungarian violinist Leopold

57. Offered

58. Ancient Greek City

59. A way to derive

61. Touch lightly

62. Witnessed

Community calendar

Pick of the Week: Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger visits Elmhurst University

On Thursday, April 20 at 7 p.m., former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger will deliver the Rudolf G. Schade lecture on History, Ethics and Law at Hammerschmidt Chapel on the campus of Elmhurst University. With him in conversation will be POLITICO reporter Shia Kapos. Admission: $15; free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tickets available at elmhurst.edu/cultural.

Saturday, April 22

From 1-4 p.m., the Elmhurst Public Library is hosting a Celebrations Showcase to introduce the many ways patrons can use the Makery facility. Free and open to the public. No registration required. Held in the library’s Large Meeting Room.

Sunday, April 23

At 3 p.m., the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra will present a program of French chamber music at the Union Church of Hinsdale, located at 137 So. Garfield St. in Hinsdale. Among the performers, ESO conductor Dr. Stephen Alltop, who will play the organ and piano. Visit elmhurstsymphony.org for tickets and more information.

Thursday, April 27 Friday, April 28 Saturday, April 29

On Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., the Elmhurst Children’s Theatre will perform Spamalot , School Edition, a comedy based on the classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Tickets available for pre-sale at ticketpeak.com/ ectshows and at the door. Info: ectshows.com.

Sunday, April 30

• At 2 p.m., the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., will present “D.P.A. Healy: Prodigious Painter of Cottage Hill.” Enjoy a special lecture by muse -

um staff in the “By All Accounts” exhibit gallery that sheds light on one of the museum’s newest acquisitions: a portrait of Jane Byrd Bryan by renowned 19th-century painter G.P.A. Healy. Curator of exhibits Sarah Cox will explain the history of portrait painting and the early years of Healy’s career, while curator of collections Dan Lund will detail the significance of the painting to the history of Elmhurst. Admission: $5, free to members. Reservations required at elmhursthistory.org.

• At 3 p.m., Music@Bethel presents 15-year-old pianist Zarin Mehta as one of its “Rising Star Concerts” to introduce an up-andcoming musical talent. Bethel United Church of Christ is located at 315 E. St. Charles Rd. and has ample parking. Tickets are $20 per person available at Eventbrite or at the door. Students attend free. For more information, call 630-2794040.

Monday, May 1

Beginning at 7 p.m. Elmhurst University presents the inaugural Lessons and Carols, an interfaith candlelight gathering in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel on the campus of Elmhurst University. It will feature music, song and text from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith traditions. Free and

open to the public.

Friday, May 5

Opening night of the Greenman Theatre Troupe’s production of the comedy, “Love and Tear Gas.” Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from May 5 – May 21. Visit greenmantheatre.org or call 630464-2646 for tickets and information.

Saturday, May 6

At 7 p.m., the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and the Elmhurst Choral Union present Beethoven 9 at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Rd. The concert will feature Beethoven’s awe-inspiring masterpiece, Symphony No. 9, and a violin concerto performed by Elinor Detmer, this year’s Stanger Young Artist Competition winner. Tickets are $35, reduced tickets available for seniors and students. Visit ElmhurstSymphony.org/event/beethoven-9 for tickets and information.

Saturday, May 13

From 9 a.m. to 12 noon, the First Congregational Church, 235 S. Kenilworth, will be holding its annual Green Garden Fair. Master Gardeners on hand for questions, purchase other seedlings, local raw honey, birdseed ornaments, free heirloom

bean seeds. Info: elmhurstucc.org/

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

Elmhurst History Museum’s exhibit

On display now through Sunday, May 14, In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities is the current exhibit at the Elmhurst History Museum which explores the journeys of area immigrants and their descendants who have carved out a sense of cultural identity and belonging in this region. Info: elmhursthistory.org or 630833-1457.

Elmhurst Art Museum

The Museum is still closed for renovations but the staff is preparing for Art in Wilder Park, which will feature an outdoor art installation, featuring the art and characters of Marvel Comics. In the future, Marvelocity; The Art of Alex Ross opens Saturday, June 3; Inspired by Warhol begins Saturday, June 11; and, Picasso: Fifty Years Later goes public, beginning Saturday, Sept. 9. For details and info, visit elmhurstartmuseum.org or call 630-834-0202.

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Now through Sunday, June 18, Inspiration Fabergé – Gemstone Carving is on exhibit featuring carvings of animals, figures and flowers found in Germany and Russia. The exhibit reflects the style of Fabergé design that dates back to the late 19th century gem cutting traditions that continue to this day. Regular museum admission and hours apply. Info: lizzadromuseum.org.

Saturday, April 22

• Beginning at 10:30 a.m., geologist Sara Kurth teaches the techniques of rock and mineral identification in a 75-minute program for ages 8 years and older. Admission $10 per person. Reservations required, register at lizzadromuseum. org. This class completes the earth science badges for Cub and Boy Scouts.

the post office.

For your free digital eSubscription, sign up at rockvalleyenews.com. There will be no solicitation, no phone calls, just complete weekly local news compliments of advertisers.

A free copy of the Elmhurst Independent print version can also be picked up at more than 80 newsstand locations in Elmhurst every Thursday. Print copies are also available by free mail home delivery in Elmhurst. For free home delivery within Elmhurst, visit rockvalleydigital.com.

• At 1:30 p.m., children are invited to make their own gemstone jewelry at ‘Rockin’ Jewelry for Kids.’ Learn to make a necklace, a keychain and a pin. All materials included in individual kits. After class, tour the museum and take part in a scavenger hunt. Completes the jewelry badge for Girl Scouts. Fee: $15 per person includes the jewelry kit. Reservations required, register at lizzadromuseum.org.

Saturday, April 29

Beginning at 1 p.m., the West Suburban Lapidary Club will meet at the Museum. For those interested in the lapidary arts, learn more at a WSLC meetings. Each month, there is a club meeting at 1 p.m. then a 60-minute program beginning at 2 p.m. Teens to adults welcome. Regular museum admission. Register at lizzadromuseum.org.

Friday, April 28 from 2-4 p.m.

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.”

Friday Features: A Man Called Otto

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

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

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.

Monday, May 1 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Scrabble

That’s one of the reasons why they are looking at moving the season to the spring. Right now the plan is to have a season, but we won’t know until the next 7-10 days.”

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

Wednesday, May 3 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

American Mah Jongg: Open Play

Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Canasta

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

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.

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.

Tuesday, May 2 from 1-3 p.m.

Bridge and Pinochle Club

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.

U12 baseball action

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

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

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

I’ve been running a lot, so I got into that. I try and run every day.”

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

• Stopka

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

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.”

ESO, ECU prepare for Beethoven 9 Stanger winner to perform on violin

Player

(Continued from page 18)

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

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra (ESO) presents Beethoven 9 on Saturday, May 6 at 7 p.m. at ESO’s home venue, Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, located at 149 W. Brush Hill Rd. The concert will feature Beethoven’s awe-inspiring masterpiece, Symphony No. 9, along with the beautiful and technically-challenging Violin Concerto by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Violinist Elinor Detmer, a Stanger Young Artist Competition winner, and the Elmhurst Choral Union join ESO and music director/ conductor Stephen Alltop for a magnificent evening.

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.”

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.

What’s interesting about this concert:

• Joy! Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony adapts the text of the “Ode to Joy,” a poem by Friedrich Schiller (with some additional text thrown in there by Beethoven himself). If there was ever a piece to feed your soul, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony is it!

• The very first symphony to ever employ a chorus (sung at this performance by the Elmhurst Choral Union), the work is considered Beethoven’s greatest and one of the most significant pieces of music in history.

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

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”

• The program opens by featuring Detmer in a performance of the Violin Concerto by Sibelius, widely considered one of the best and most difficult violin concertos ever written.

What’s playing…

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 goofy time. You have to be accessi-

Sibelius: Violin Concerto — I. Allegro moderato

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125

Who’s performing

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, the Elmhurst Choral Union, members of Apollo Chorus of Chicago, Alltop, Detmer, soprano Michelle Areyzaga, mezzo-soprano Tetyana Vakhnovska, tenor Peder Reiff, and bass-baritone Bill McMurray.

Hatmaker to present final lecture

ESO’s popular pre-concert lecture with Ted Hatmaker will be held before the concert at 5:45 p.m. It will be Hatmaker’s last lecture before his retirement.

Tickets and information

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 the bat.”

General admission tickets are $35 and reduced fare tickets for students and seniors are available online at ElmhurstSymphony.org/event/beethoven-9.

The York boys volleyball team won tournament championships at Homewood-Flossmoor and Niles West on its way to starting the 2023 season with a perfect 12-0 mark. In those 12 matches, York sported a 24-1 record in sets.

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

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GREG: (630)234-1471.

PERSONALS

Mount Carmel Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity, Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray 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 granted to you. I am confident my prayers will be answered. Thank You Mother of God!!!

CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed. Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

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

JC 349866

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

(Continued from page 15)

Wednesday, May 3 from 7-8 p.m.

The History of Simon & Garfunkel

Music historian Gary Wenstrup traces the arc of Simon & Garfunkel’s career from their surprise teenybopper hit “Hey Schoolgirl,” to the folk-rock classic “Sound of Silence,” to the ever popular “Mrs. Robinson,” and the majesty of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Hybrid event. Register to receive the information to join.

Answers

Thursday, May 4 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Medicare 101

Learn what Medicare covers, what it doesn’t, and your potential out-of-pocket expenses, including Supplement and Advantage Plans, Part D Prescription Coverage, and cost-saving strategies. Hybrid event. Registration required. For more information about any of the above events, call (630) 2798696 or visit elmlib.org/events.

ISBE: Illinois leads nation in AP exam performance

A recent article published by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) discussed Illinois’ performance and participation with regard to Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level exams.

According to the article, “Illinois students’ AP performance and participation not only continues to rebound from the pandemic but has outpaced all other states in the nation.”

Below are more highlights:

• Between 2012 and 2022, Illinois had the largest increase of any state in its percentage of high school graduates scoring a 3 or higher on an AP

Exam, according to data released by College Board. Among the class of 2022, more than one in four Illinois public high school graduates scored a 3 or higher on an AP exam, which qualifies for free college credit at all public colleges and universities in Illinois.

• The number of public high school graduates in Illinois who took an AP exam during high school has increased by 42 percent during the last decade, compared to a 14-percent increase nationwide.

• The number of Illinois high school

students taking dual-credit courses has increased by 30 percent since 2018 –from about 61,500 in 2018 to about 90,000 in 2022.

These opportunities allow students to earn college credit while in high school.

“The best investment we can make for our state’s future is in our young people—and that means making higher education more affordable,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

To read the entire article, go to isbe. net/news-illinois leads nation in AP exam performance.

PUZZLE 1

LEGAL NOTICES

PUZZLE 2

On May 15, 2023 at 9:00 am via Zoom, a meeting conducted by Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 will take place via Zoom. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for identifying and providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private schools and home schools within the district for the 2023-2024 school year. If you are a parent of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, you are encouraged to attend. Private schools will also have the opportunity to discuss services for eligible students under the Title I and Title III grants (ESSA), as well as allowable professional development opportunities for staff under the Title II grant. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact Dr. Kevin Rubenstein, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at 630-834-4530 or via email at krubenstein@elmhurst205.org

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent April 20, 2023) 436084

STATE OF ILLINOIS CIRCUIT COURT

DU PAGE COUNTY

2023MR000162

CROSSWORD

CASE NUMBER

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT)

Request of:

Alphonse Mark Pontarelli

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Alphonse Mark Pontarelli to the new name of: Mark Alphonse Pontarelli.

The court date will be held on June 12, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., at 505 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187, DuPage County, in Courtroom #2007

/s/Alphonse Mark Pontarelli

Alphonse Mark Pontarelli

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent April 20 & 27 and May 4, 2023) 436207

Sport S

York boys volleyball team starts season 12-0 Dukes win tournaments at Homewood-Flossmoor and Niles West

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

While the York boys volleyball team started its season 12-0, a torrid run that included tournament championships at Homewood-Flossmoor and Niles West, coach Ken Dowdy has been more impressed with the process than the results. “So far this season, we’ve experienced a great deal of success and that is attributed to the boys’ work ethic in practice,” he said. “It’s, by far, the hardest working group of kids I have coached, and their focus and commitment to getting better has been pretty impressive.”

York returned seven starters from last year’s team, as well as a wealth of talent among the reserves in their first year of varsity play. “We returned a ton of experience,” Dowdy noted. “Seniors Will Arnett, Michael Rimington and Tommy Vlahos are the team captains, along with juniors Zach Brown and Jack Zitek.

“I am fortunate to have great captains,” Dowdy said. “While we usually do not have that many captains, it’s one of those years where they were all deserving, and their leadership has been outstanding.” Zitek and Brown are excelling as York’s setters. “Jack and Zach have been outstanding in running our offense which is the most diverse I’ve ever had,” Dowdy said. “We have weapons across the net in every rotation.”

Rimington, a second-team IVCA all-state pick last year, leads the Dukes’ offensively, “and has been outstanding so far,” Dowdy said. Jack Bute is also drawing plenty of attention from the other outside position. “Jack has had a brilliant start to the season,” Dowdy noted. “The kid can jump out of the gym and is one of our better passers, which helps to keep us in system offensively.”

Middle blockers Vlahos and Rice have quickly proven to be key cogs for the Dukes. “Tommy and Logan, our starting middles, have had a great start to the season both on attack and with their blocking,” Dowdy said. “For us to continue to be successful

and with our rigorous West Suburban Silver schedule, we will need to run them often. They really dictate the success of our offense.”

Luke Shorter moved to the right side this season, “and has been a beast offensively,” Dowdy said.

“He’s one of the smartest players I have ever coached in regards to reading and using the block to get kills. His block is like a wall and his energy is simply infectious. He’s a special player.”

Owen Reifenrath was praised for his passing skills. “Owen has done a great job in serve-receive to keep us in system, and when we are out of system his sets have been on point as a former setter,” Dowdy said.

Dowdy calls freshman starter Ben Brown the wild card of the group. “I am not sure I have ever seen a freshman libero perform at the level that he has,” he said. “His pursuit of the ball defensively is the best I have ever seen, and his passing has been phenomenal. The kid has ice in his veins.”

Off the bench, Colin Harrington “has been great on the right side and can jump out of the gym,” said Dowdy, while Will Arnett “brings great depth to the right side and also gives us setting experience. He’s been a great senior leader of the team.” Charlie Meadows has moved to the middle position “and has been improving greatly,” the coach noted.

Moises Gomez, Abe Caballero and Will Stanley were lauded for their play as defensive specialists.

Dowdy said that as a veteran coach, he tries not to go into any season with set expectations. “Each group is different, but these boys have far exceeded my expectations thus far. I knew we had the potential to be very good and they’ve validated that. We started the season with championships at Homewood-Flossmoor and Niles West and we look to continue that success moving forward.

“More importantly, this is the most fun group of student-athletes I’ve ever been associated with. They are just awesome young men, with

great personalities, who are clearly locked in so far this season. I feel very privileged to be able to coach this group of kids.” In those 12 matches, York was 24-1 in sets and was hitting a robust .365 as a team.

Rimington was leading the way with 67 kills, while Bute had 58 kills, Shorter 50, Rice 38 and Zach Brown 33. Zach Brown was leading the way with 16 service aces and also had 116 setting assists.

Zitek had 108 setting assists. Vlahos was the team leader in total blocks with 26, while Shorter had 21 and Rice had 17 blocks. Ben Brown was leading the way in digs with 103, while Zach Brown had 48 and Bute had 40.

York softball team defeats Plainfield East and Waubonsie Valley

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York softball team picked up a pair of recent wins against Plainfield East and Waubonsie Valley. The Dukes brought a 4-8 overall mark into the start of West Suburban Conference Silver Division play this week.

In the win against Plainfield East, York jumped out to a 4-0 lead and pounded out eight hits. Mad -

ison Peck and Avery Kanouse (1 double) each had two hits, while Kanouse and Ella Papoccia each had two RBI. York walked seven times. Kanouse was the winning pitcher. She went the distance, allowing seven hits and four earned runs, while striking out seven and walking only one.

In a 9-3 win over Waubonsie Valley, York led 8-1 after the third inning and never looked back. The

Dukes had 13 hits. Madison Tran went 3-for-3 with a triple, two runs scored and an RBI. Lily Burda (1 double) went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. E Daly (1 triple) and Caitlin Ledbetter (1 double) each had two hits in three at-bats. Anna Marsh went 1-for-4 with two RBI. Nubia Toledo stole a base. Taylor McMillen was the winning pitcher. She allowed six hits, no earned runs and fanned

seven, while walking one.

In other recent games, York lost 13-9 to Conant in a game that featured 22 runs, 21 hits and nine errors between the two teams. Kanouse went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Marsh went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Molly Heiss went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. Toledo went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. Peck went 1-for-4 with two RBI.

Peck, Kanouse and Marsh each had a double. Heiss tripled and Toledo cracked a home run. Burda stole a base.

The Dukes dropped a non-conference doubleheader to Lincoln-Way East 8-4 and 6-3. Kanouse went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Peck had two RBI, while Mariann Blass had two hits. Kanouse and Blass each

See

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

The York boys volleyball team started the season off 12-0, which included a 24-1 record in sets. The Dukes won tournament championships at Homewood-Flossmoor and Niles West.

IC Catholic Prep baseball splits series with Timothy Christian

Timothy Christian boys volleyball team improves to 5-1

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The IC Catholic Prep baseball team split a pair of Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division games with crosstown foe Timothy Christian. In a 7-0 win, Jacob Gunther threw a four-hit shutout to earn the win. He struck out two and walked only one, needing just 86 pitches to go the distance. He faced three batters over the minimum.

Dennis Mandala went 3-for-5 with three runs scored, a homer and an RBI. Trey Manchester walked four times and scored a run. Ricky

Collazo walked three times. PJ Wisniewski went 1-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI. Joey Gliatta went 1-for-3 with an RBI. IC Catholic Prep stole seven bases with Mandala leading the way with two.

Timothy scored a 4-3 win in the series finale. Kenny Jones went 2-for-3, while Manchester and Joseph Michels each had one RBI. Manchester doubled in the game, while Wisniewski and Mandala each hit triples. Luke Murray and Max Russ combined to strike out eight, while allowing only five hits.

In a 9-6 loss to St. Francis, the two

teams combined for 15 runs, 20 hits and six errors. Collazo went 2-for-3, while Jones had two RBI. Wisniewski and Collazo each had a double.

The Knights also lost 7-5 to Bishop McNamara in a conference game played at Kankakee Community College. Nate Schmidt went 3-for3 with two RBI. Michels had two hits. Schmidt also stole three bases. Wisniewski allowed no earned runs over four innings and struck out five.

Timothy Christian boys volleyball

The Timothy Christian boys

volleyball team moved its overall record to 5-1 with a pair of recent wins over Illiana Christian and Chicago Christian. In a 25-17, 25-19 non-conference win over longtime foe Illiana, junior libero Ty Van Laten had 18 digs, two aces, 11 serve receptions and two assists. Senior outside hitter Shane Roozeboom had seven kills, one ace, two solo blocks and three digs, while sophomore outside hitter Trevor Munk had seven kills, one ace, two blocks and nine digs.

The Trojans also recorded a 2513, 25-18 win over Chicago Chris-

tian to move to 1-1 in conference play. Sophomore setter Owen Wise had two kills, 19 assists, one block, one ace and five digs.

Roozeboom had 10 kills, one ace and five digs, while Munk had four kills, one ace, two blocks and six digs.

In earlier action, Timothy dropped a 25-16, 25-23 contest to Riverside-Brookfield in conference play. Munk had eight kills and three digs. Wise had one kill, 11 assists and six digs. Van Laten had six digs, nine service receptions and one assist.

Timothy Christian girls track team wins tri-meet

Lumkes logs four first place finishes

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian girls track team opened its 2023 outdoor season with a pair of wins in a trimeet against host Westmont and IC Catholic Prep. The Trojans won the meet with 85 points. IC Catholic Prep had 42.5 points and Westmont finished with 37 points.

The meet was punctuated by Timothy junior Jenny Lumkes winning two individual events and running on two winning relay teams.

Timothy sophomore Laila Barefield won the 100 with a time of

14.4. Freshman Bella Potempa was second at 15.2. Freshman Laney Romano won the 200 with a time of 30.6, while Maya Hunter was fourth at 31.9. Sophomore Ashley Sikkenga was second in the 400 at 1:08.6. Freshman Ella Potoshnick won the 1,600 with a time of 6:36.7. Freshman Jen Carreon took second in the 1,600 at 7:04.7. Potoshnick also won the 3,200 in 13:39.5. Senior Juliana Norman was fourth at 15:10.4. Lumkes won the 300 hurdles at 52.3. Timothy took second in the 400 relay with a time of 56.1 with sophomore Alexa Auriemma, Romano, freshman Georgie Romano and Barefield. Timothy won the 800 relay in 2:01.3 with freshmen

Etta Slinkman, Elizabeth Alex and

Georgie Romano along with Barefield running 2:01.3. Timothy won the 1,600 relay in 4:39.5 with Sikkenga, Alex, Georgie Romano and Lumkes clocking in at 4:39.5. The Trojans made it three relay wins in four events by taking first in the 3,200 relay in 11:38.7 with Alex, freshman Adrianna Hackert, Lumkes and Sikkenga running 11:38.7, well ahead of the second-place time of 12:21.4.

Sophomore Hannah Hoffman took second in the shot put at 7.20 meters. Sophomore Madeline Byrd won the discus at 18.42 meters. Alex won the high jump, going 1.47 meters. Georgie Romano won the long jump at 4.20 meters. Lumkes won the triple jump at 9.45

York boys water polo team continues to excel Dukes fare well in tough tournament

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York boys water polo team put itself to the test recently at its own York invitational and came away with high marks in its pocket.

The Dukes went 3-1 in the tournament, which featured six of the top 10 teams in the state, plus the top team in Missouri.

York downed defending Missouri state-champion Saint Louis University High 15-11, lost to defending Illinois state-champion New Trier, defeated 2022 Illinois runner-up Chicago Whitney Young by an 18-6 count and defeated West Suburban Conference foe Lyons Township 11-7. The Dukes were 9-1 overall through their first 10 games (3-0 in WSC play).

“We were happy to finish our tournament at 3-1,” York coach Brian Drumm said. “That tournament featured six of the top 10 teams in Illinois and the top team in Missouri. The boys played really well. One thing we’re realizing is that this team has the mental strength to absorb scoring runs by opponents, stay strong and finish games. Against Saint Louis University, we were up by three, they tied it in the fourth and then we won the game by four. Against New Trier, the score was 11-7, but we stormed back in

the final few minutes to fall just short. We even got a great look in the final possession that just barely missed.”

York has been led offensively by the likes of sophomore Tim Jensen, junior Gavin Honken and senior Nick Kamenica. “All our players are scoring threats, though, which makes it difficult on our opponents when they double team Nick and Gavin,” Drumm pointed out.

“The best part of our offense right now is that our opponents are all choosing to double Nick and Gavin, which means we need to rely on other players to finish. Tim has really stepped up as a scorer and has been our leading scorer. Other players such as Charlie McKenna, Collin Rice, Martin Polomsky, Henry Nelson and Tommy Schroeder have all stepped up and hit huge shots for us in important moments.”

Drumm said the York defense has been solid thus far. “We run a few different types of defensive sets that we are really liking,” he said.

“As players continue to find their roles within our defensive systems, we think we’ll be able to tighten things up even more.”

York also has been bolstered by the play of goalie Aiden Reedy.

“Aiden Reedy has been great in goal so far this year,” Drumm said.

“He’s a junior and has been a really solid leader, which is essential for a goalie.”

Like the New Trier game, Drumm has noticed his team stepping things up in the fourth quarter.

“So far, we’ve been a great fourth quarter team,” he said. “Winning is hard, especially against top competition, so it’s nice to see that confidence in our players even when things aren’t trending our way in a game. That mental strength will be important in May.”

Drumm noted other key contributors of late have included Polomsky, along with freshman Gabe Piper and senior John Heflin. “Martin has played great as center defender,” Drumm said. “Gabe is a player who has gotten some spot minutes and is earning his teammates’ trust more and more in practice, and John has been a great leader for us this season.”

Drumm said the Dukes have the attention of all teams staring across the pool at them. “Teams are planning for us and they want to beat us,” he said. “Our players need to adjust in real time to the looks that our opponents give us. That type of in-game awareness and patience is something we’re currently working on and we’re already seeing improvements.”

meters. “I would say the highlight would be Jenny Lumkes,” Timothy coach Kevin Hackert said. “She won the low hurdles at 52.3, which is outstanding for her first time out. She was a state qualifier last year in the triple jump and low hurdles and 4-by-400. She’s looking great so far.”

Hackert was pleased with the efforts of his young group. “As I stated at the beginning of the year, we are a very young team,” he said.

“After graduating 12 seniors last year, which at that point was half the team, we were blessed with a great incoming freshman class. We have 20 freshman girls, or twothirds of the entire new team. We obviously have a lot to learn about track and field, but as they have proven in their first meet, they are a very talented group. I started the season off expressing how this was a rebuilding year, but we are building much quicker than I ever ex -

• Softball

pected.”

Hackert said the Trojans have a nice balance of distance runners and sprinters, “which helped us take three first places in the four relays,” he pointed out, referring to the tri-meet win.

“I know the depth of this team will only help encourage the individuals to push themselves even harder.”

Hackert lauded the efforts of Sikkenga thus far. “Ashley is a very strong sprinter and mid-distance runner,” he said. Freshmen Alex and Georgie Romano have impressed as well. “Elizabeth jumped 4-10 in the high jump her first time out and ran on two winning relays,” Hackert said. “Georgie is another freshman who won the long jump and ran on three winning relays.”

Timothy headed to Michigan recently to compete in a meet at Unity Christian that featured 12 private schools.

(Continued from page 18)

doubled. In Game 2, Burda had two hits, while Blass and Daly each had an RBI. McMillen struck out five in the circle.

York dropped a 10-0 non-conference game to Glenbard North. Peck had one hit. In a 5-4 loss to Riverside-Brookfield, Peck and Blass each had two hits, while Kanouse and McMillen each homered and drove in two runs. Blass stole a base. Kanouse struck out 13 and walked one in 6 1/3 innings of work while allowing only two earned runs.

York won the finale against R-B 11-3. Maggie Demopoulos went 3-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Daly was 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI. Papoccia was 2-for-5 with a run scored and two RBI. Burda was 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Ledbetter had two RBI, while Marsh had two hits. Kanouse, Demopoulos, Daly and Burda each had doubles and Daly also hit a home run. Demopoulos, Daley, Toledo Angelina Ferriola and Bella Lanciloti each had a stolen base. McMillen and Lanciloti combined to strike out five.

“The combination of our pitching and solid defense has kept our

team within reach of some tough competition,” York coach Lisa Fraticola said. “Avery and Taylor (both sophomores) have been leading the way in the circle, while Madison Peck, Avery and Lilly are leading the team offensively.”

Burda got off to a .409 start at the plate through the team’s first eight games, while Kanouse had 32 strikeouts in the circle in 32 innings pitched. “We have played tough defense and have worked together to compete at a high level,” Fraticola said. “Their positive attitudes are encouraging, and they fight for every opportunity to compete.”

Fraticola added York is working hard at staying consistent on defense and putting the ball in play.

“Moving runners and capitalizing on our opportunities to score runners on base has been a large focus for our team since the start of the season,” she said.

“Our offense is improving each game and we are working on using a positive mindset and confidence in the batter’s box to get the job done.”

York was slated to open West Suburban Conference Silver Division earlier this week against Downers Grove North.