EI051823

Singing in the rain

Each of these members of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ECCI) grabbed onto an umbrella adorning the lobby of the Elmhurst Bank at the ECCI After Hours event on Thursday, May 18. The bank is among the sponsors of the Umbrella Sky project that is taking place in cities around the world, including

Elmhurst. Other sponsors include Community Bank of Elmhurst, which sponsored the display along Schiller Court, and Lakeside Bank was the sponsor of the display in Wilder Park near the Art Museum and the Public Library.

Care For Your Smile and Let It Brighten Your

• Gentle dental care for adults and children.

• Convenient location and appointment times.

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

• Knowledgeable staff using the latest technology.

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

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

It was a little drizzly on Saturday afternoon May 13 but the Elmhurst History Museum still hosted a Cultural Crossroads Celebration on the lawn, as the most recent exhibition, In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities, came to

a close. The entertainment of the day included a performance by the Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, a group of multi-age martial artists, including these little ones. More photos in Family Living.

UCCA presents 6th annual ‘Taste of the Town: Dining for a Cause’ on Thursday

United Community Concerns Association (UCCA) will host the 6th annual, Taste of the Town: Dining for a Cause, an Elmhurst food and drink sampling, on Thursday, May 18 from 6-10 p.m. at Wilder Mansion.

The evening will showcase food, wine, and beer tastings from 15 Elmhurst businesses while guests enjoy

live music.

What it’s all about

Proceeds from Taste of the Town: Dining for a Cause will benefit UCCA, an all-volunteer, not-forprofit organization that fights hunger by providing food, referrals, and services to Elmhurst District 205’s most

financially disadvantaged children and their families. Last year UCCA provided more than $191,177 in food and grocery store gift certificates to almost 280 families and 84 senior citizens.

Tickets are $75 per person in advance or $80 at the door. Visit ucca-elmhurst.org to purchase tickets

Community Bank

online or send payment to UCCA, P.O. Box 324, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

Participating restaurants

Bottle Theory

Cuvee

Dak Dak Korean Wings

Firewater BBQ

Fitz’s Pub

Francesca’s Amici

Gambino’s Deli

Gia Mia

Kilwins Elmhurst

Lezza Spumoni & Desserts

Pilot Pete’s Coffee & Treats

Primos Locos

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Tannins Wine Bar & Boutique

Victory Meat & Seafood

2 0 2 3

Know Elmhurst. We ARE Elmhurst. 436768

Kung Fu at EHM as exhibit closes

elmhursT IndependenT

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Celebrating 90 years

Martha Ibbetson Chapter, NSDAR achieves a milestone

The Martha Ibbetson Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) in Elmhurst celebrated its 90th anniversary on Sunday, April 30, with a luncheon at Roberto’s Ristorante. After a warm welcome from Regent Libby Sturdy, 28 members, resplendent in hats and gloves, enjoyed a program on Revolution-era clothing. Additionally, members were honored for their decades-long commitment to DAR. Four Honorary Regents--Peggy Becker, Evanston, formerly of Elmhurst; Janet Miknaitis, Elmhurst; Mary Gemkow, Willowbrook; and Pat Debs, Downers Grove--were recognized, along with Cathy Klemme Zeiss, Glen Ellyn, celebrating her 50−year anniversary in DAR.

Encouraging remarks were sent from the chapter’s “over-90 club” (members who stay active with the chapter into their 90s and beyond; one member is 103, another is 101). At the opposite end, the chapter’s youngest member, at 18, also was in attendance.

The Elmhurst chapter is named after Martha Ibbetson Gray (17341799) of Philadelphia, a remarkable woman, wife, and mother of 13 children, who doctored the ill and wounded prisoners held by the British during the Revolution. Since its founding in 1933, the chapter continues to seek to honor her legacy by preserving local history, honoring veterans, encouraging youth citizenship, and much more.

With 62 current members, the Martha Ibbetson Chapter continues to grow; three prospective members were present at the luncheon, and in the past three years alone, 14 new members have joined. Members

SUBMITTED

Members of Elmhurst’s Martha Ibbetson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) gathered at Roberto’s Ristorante for a luncheon to celebrate the Chapter’s 90th anniversary.

come from Elmhurst and 10 surrounding towns. The chapter meets monthly, March to November, at the Elmhurst Public Library. For more information on the Martha Ibbetson Chapter or the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), visit: ildar.org/chapters/marthaibbetson or dar.org.

A proud grandfather

Pictured here is Elmhurst Kiwanis Club member Ralph Pechanio with his grandson, who is an EMT to Superior Ambulance. Both enjoyed their fill of pancakes on the morning of Saturday, May 13 at the American Legion Post THB 187.

Great finds for Mother’s Day!

The two DeLuca boys – Adam, 8, and Ryan, 5, -- picked out some nice flowering plants at the Elmhurst Kiwanis Club’s annual Pancake Day and Mother’s Day plant sale held Saturday, May 13 at the Elmhurst American Legion.

Volunteers are ‘key’

The Elmhurst Kiwanis Club held its annual Pancake Day and Mother’s Day plant sale on Saturday, May 13, thanks to the help of these volunteers from York High School’s Key Club. Pictured are (from left): Ella Liutikas, Katie Leiman, Charlie Leiman, Aidan Lynch, Mary Connor, Hafsa Ahmed and Kailin Mendiola.

PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Cullerton registers as a lobbyist after release from prison

Former state senator now works for PR government relations firm in Itasca

STAFF REPORT

Sentenced last June in federal court in Chicago to a year-and-aday in prison for fraudulently receiving salary and benefits from a labor union, former Democratic State Sen. Tom Cullerton was released from a federal prison April 14, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

tered as a lobbyist with Strategia Consulting, a public relations and government affairs firm based in Itasca.

Tom Cullerton

All told, Cullerton, of Villa Park, who began serving his sentence Aug. 31, 2022, spent around 7 1/2 months in prison.

Eleven days after his release, state records show that Cullerton regis-

Strategia Consulting’s website lists Cullerton as its chief public affairs officer and says in his biography that he possesses “over 20 years of incredibly successful government service at all levels. Tom’s keen knowledge and experience of the legislative process are critical to all of Strategia’s clients’ needs.”

According to state records, Strategia’s list of state government clients include the City of Oakbrook Terrace, the Village of Itasca, Americans for Fair Energy Prices, Shotspotter—a company that provides gunshot detection software currently being used

by the Chicago Police Department— and Justice Grown, a medicinal cannabis cultivation company.

In a recent interview with WBEZFM Chicago, Lissa Druss, founder and chief executive of Strategia Consulting, said, “People make mistakes. Tom is taking this opportunity to pay back his restitution, but more importantly, our firm is getting involved in a (prisoner) reentry program, and Tom will be volunteering some of his time to help returning citizens.”

“Tom is a good person. He was a talented and successful legislator. He’s been a longtime friend. He’s a friend to many.”

According to a U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of Illinois press release, Cullerton, 53, was hired in

2013 by Teamsters Joint Council 25 as a purported union organizer and remained on the payroll until February 2016. In addition to receiving a salary, monthly car and telephone allowances, and bonuses, Teamsters

Joint Council 25 funded Cullerton’s participation in Teamsters Local Union 734’s health and pension funds, which enabled Cullerton to receive health and welfare benefits.

Cullerton admitted in a plea agreement that he did little to no work as an organizer during the time he was on the union payroll. When his supervisors requested that he perform his job duties, Cullerton routinely ignored them.

Cullerton fraudulently obtained from Joint Council 25 and its mem-

bers approximately $169,488 in salary, bonuses, and other benefits, approximately $57,662 in health and pension contributions, and approximately $21,678 in reimbursed medical claims.

Cullerton admitted that he used the embezzled money to pay personal expenses, such as his mortgage, utilities, and groceries.

A former Villa Park village president and trustee, Cullerton resigned from the Illinois Senate in February, 2022, and pleaded guilty to a federal embezzlement charge in March, 2022.

Cullerton spent nine years in the state Senate. He was first elected to the Senate in 2012, and re-elected in 2016 and 2018.

School District 205 honors several during meeting

Churchville, University form Blue Jay Club

By Chris Fox FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting and reorganization on May 9 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St.

All seven board members attended the meeting.

The meeting’s spotlights and recognitions segment included a brief presentation about the Blue Jay Adventure Club—a cooperative program between Churchville Middle School and Elmhurst University. The club, which runs for 12 weeks during the fall, gives Elmhurst University students an opportunity to work with Churchville sixth-graders. The university students teach the middle school students a lesson that demonstrates an understanding of movement and the use of motor skills.

District 205 currently employs three former Blue Jay Adventure Club instructors as physical education teachers.

Students honored

The spotlights and recognitions segment of the meeting also noted the nine District 205 students who earned recognition at the state level of the PTA Reflections program. Additionally, the board honored the Bryan Middle School Math Team, which placed fourth at the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) Junior High School Math Contest.

The board also recognized the District 205 students who excelled at the recent Illinois Mathematics League competition that was hosted by Bryan Middle School.

The board also honored the York High School students who earned top positions in their competition categories at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference, which was held in Springfield in April. Some of the York students who took part in the state conference will participate in the national event in Denver this summer.

The board also noted the district’s contributions to the Honor Flight Chicago program. The program, which just began its 15th season, flies veterans to Washington, D.C. and honors them for their service. Students and faculty from Churchville, Middle School, Sandburg Middle School and Field Elementary School contribute to the program by sending letters to veterans.

Hearing held for funds transfer

The May 9 board meeting included

See MEETING, Page 7

Funds transfer approved; public still concerned about novel for freshmen

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

May 7

Victims in the 400 block of S. Spring reported at 12:43 a.m. they were involved in a physical altercation with an unknown suspect. The suspect left prior to officers’ arrival.

Criminal damage

May 8-May 9

A complainant in the 500 block of W. Crockett reported unknown juveniles used BB guns to damage a street light in front of the above address sometime between the above dates.

April 24-May 3

A victim in the 700 block of N. Indiana told police that he discovered several small holes consistent with BB pellets on the exterior of his home. The suspect related that he owns a pellet pistol but stated he never intentionally fired at the victim’s home. An investigation is pending.

Domestic battery, disorderly conduct, domestic incident, disturbance

May 6

Roberto Perez, 32, of Bolingbrook, was charged with disorderly conduct in the 400 block of N. Berteau at 5:48 a.m. Police said officers responded to assist medics with a patient reportedly experiencing a panic attack. While on scene, the patient’s friend was observed to be allegedly heavily intoxicated and reportedly refused to stop creating a disturbance while in the front of the residence.

Jorge Sotelo, 35, of Chicago, was charged with obstructing justice, DUI, driving while license revoked, disobeying a traffic control device and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Lake and County Line at 3:04 a.m.

May 5

Police said a reporting officer met with a victim in the 300 block of S. West at 11:19 p.m. who related she recently left her place of employment due to being harassed by the suspect. On the above date, the victim observed the suspect attempting to gain access to her parked vehicle. Investigation and charges are pending.

A victim in the 300 block of Huntington related an unknown suspect(s) knocked on his window on two separate occasions. The victim said this has been an ongoing issue.

May 4

A victim in the 600 block of N. West reported at 8:30 p.m. that a suspect struck her following a verbal argument. The victim sustained injuries to her face and neck. This case is pending investigation.

A complainant at a hotel in the 900 block of Riverside reported a guest was being rude and making inappropriate comments towards staff members. The subject was served with a no-trespass notice and released from the scene.

CALL 800-222-TIPS

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

May 7

Stacey Chellberg Arndt, 31, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI, transportation of open alcohol and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near West and Grantley at 2:48 a.m.

May 6

Thomas Bogdan, 47, of North Riverside, was charged with DUI and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near Fair and St. Charles at 8:34 p.m.

Harassment, threats

May 4

Police said a complainant in the 400 block of W. Madison reported receiving harassing text message from an unknown phone number.

Identity theft, fraud, forgery

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported three 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 one incident of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Saniece Anderson, 28, of Chicago, near Route 83 and St. Charles at 8:55 p.m. May 9.

Possession of a controlled substance

May 11

Crystal P. Whitehead, 40, of Madison, Wis., was charged with DUI, no valid driver’s license and no insurance near Route 83 and North at 1:03 a.m.

May 5

Police said officers responded to a report of a suspicious suspect running up and down the street and banging on windows in the 900 block of Oaklawn at 10:21 a.m. The suspect was found to be in possession of fentanyl, according to police Medics transported the suspect, Saul Rodriguez, 34, of Villa Park, to a hospital. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

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

May 5-May 6

A complainant at a restaurant in the 500 block of W. Lake reports an unknown suspect took the vinyl menu sign from the drive-thru area of the restaurant. An investigation is pending.

Theft of catalytic converters

According to information provided last

week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of catalytic converters being removed and stolen from a vehicle: at a business in the 700 block of N. Industrial sometime between May 3 and May 5.

Retail theft

May 4

Rodney Green, 48, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at a store in the 600 block of N. York at 4:42 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop, it was learned the passenger in the vehicle had committed a retail theft at the above location. The suspect was found to be in possession of four bottles of liquor, according to police.

Woman charged with leading police on high-speed chase in middle of the day

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police

Brian Strockis announced that bond has been set for a Chicago woman accused of leading police on a highspeed chase.

Jenail White, 34, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Susan Alvarado set bond at $50,000 with 10 percent to apply. White is charged with one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses.

On Saturday, May 6 at approximately 2:31 p.m., an Oak Brook police officer observed a Nissan Rogue, allegedly driven by White, traveling eastbound on 22nd Street near Route 83 with a paper license plate.

The officer ran the plate and it registered to a different vehicle at which time the officer activated his emergency lights and sirens. It is alleged that instead of pulling over, White turned northbound on Route 83 and in heavy traffic fled from the officer traveling more than 70 mph on the shoulder of the road. It is further alleged that White then turned eastbound on Roosevelt Road, where she reached speeds of approximately 94 mph, and then drove eastbound on I-290 where she again drove at approximately 94 mph on the

shoulder of the road in stopped traffic.

It is alleged that White exited I-290 at the Cicero Avenue exit where she sideswiped a vehicle and crashed into a fence. It is further alleged that after crashing the Nissan, White exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody at this time.

“It is alleged that in a complete and utter disregard for public safety and the rule of law, Ms. White drove her car on the shoulder of the road, in stopped traffic, at speeds in excess of 90 mph,” Berlin said. “In DuPage County we will not stand idly by while those who think the law does not apply to them terrorize our streets. We are incredibly lucky no one was hurt as a result of Ms. White’s alleged actions.”

“Police pursuits are dangerous but it’s also dangerous to allow offenders to have no consequences for their actions,” Strockis said. “We attempt to utilize technology and tactics to stop fleeing suspects and I’m thankful that no one was hurt. I’d like to thank our officers for remaining vigilant and pro-active in keeping our community safe.”

White’s next court appearance is scheduled June 5 for arraignment in front of Judge Michael Reidy.

Members of the public are reminded that this report contains only charges and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Student accused of bringing gun to Glenbard South High schooler charged with four felony counts

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick have announced that a male Glenbard South High School student has been accused of bringing a gun to school.

The student appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Joshua Dieden set bond at $500,000 with 10 percent to apply. He is charged with two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in public—school (Class 3 felony), two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (Class 4 felony).

On Wednesday, May 10, the dean of the high school received information that on Monday, May 8 at approximately 3:15 p.m., a student had allegedly threatened other students with a firearm while in the school parking lot.

Upon receiving this information, school authorities and law enforcement met the student in the parking lot of the school at his car.

It is alleged that inside the car authorities found an unloaded .44 caliber firearm. The student was taken into custody at this time by the School Resource Officer. An investi -

gation into the matter continues.

“School safety remains a top priority of my office,” Berlin said. “Schools are central to our communities and incidents such as alleged in this case, can have a chilling effect on not only the students and staff at the school, but all of us. We must all work together to ensure our schools remain a safe place where teachers can teach and students can learn without fear for their personal safety.”

“I am very grateful this situation was diffused in a peaceful and professional manner,” Mendrick said. “We are all thankful that our deputies were not called upon to make a split-second decision that could spell the difference between an uneventful situation and a tragedy.”

The student’s next court appearance was scheduled for Wednesday, May 17 for bond review in front of Judge Mia McPherson. His arraignment is scheduled for June 5.

Members of the public are reminded that this report contains only charges and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Jenail White

Community calendar

Saturday, May 20

• From 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the Crestview Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale at The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace, 511 S. York Street (at the Prairie Path). Perennials, herbs, ground covers, houseplants, butterflies, hummingbirds, honey, wind chimes, birdhouses. Checks, cash, major CCs accepted.

• The 30th annual Spring Road Pet Parade will take place, starting off from the Wild Meadows Trace Gazebo on Spring Road at the Prairie Path. Sign up at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.

Parade begins. Awards for pet contests, vendors, food (cash only) and crafts. To register, go to springroad. com/our-events/. Free and open to the public.

• From 1-2:15 p.m., the Elmhurst Art Museum is hosting a walking tour of the Superheroes public art installation in Wilder Park, featuring some of the artists. Tickets: $20 or $15 for EAM members. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Elmhurst Art Museum

If you missed Art in Wilder Park,

it’s not too late to view the Elmhurst Art Museum’s Superheroes outdoor art installation, which will remain in Wilder Park through Sunday, Aug. 20.

It was done in conjunction with the upcoming exhibit the future, Marvelocity; The Art of Alex Ross opens Saturday, June 3.

The Elmhurst Art Guild’s Inspired by Warhol begins Saturday, June 11; and, Picasso: Fifty Years Later goes public, beginning Saturday, Sept. 9. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org or 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 Ger-

• Meeting

(Continued from page 3)

a brief public hearing about the transfer of $7 million from the district’s education fund to its operations and maintenance fund. The money is being used to pay for additional projects beyond those covered by the $168.5 million referendum passed by district voters in 2018. There were no public comments during the hearing.

Controversial novel still a topic

There were 15 speakers during the meeting’s public-participation segment. Several of those speakers said they were in favor of the district including the novel “American Street” in the English curriculum for York High School freshmen. The district is considering if it should include the fiction book during the 2023-24 school year. Some district residents have objected to including the book in the freshman curriculum. A couple of those residents read explicit passages from the book during the board’s meeting in April.

Jefferson parents concerned about overcrowding

A few of the speakers during the public-participation segment were parents of Jefferson Elementary School students. The parents talked about overcrowded classrooms and the struggles that young students endured during the COVID-19 pandemic. The parents urged the board to act to reduce classroom sizes, which they said included up to 28 students per classroom.

Teachers thanked

Board members noted that it was Teacher Appreciation Week and thanked the district’s teachers for their impact on students.

Student Services talks about students with disabilities

The May 9 meeting included a brief presentation from Kevin Rubenstein, the district’s assistant superintendent for student services. Rubenstein stated that about 1,400 of the district’s students are classified as students with disabilities. About 70 percent of those students spend more

than 80 percent of the school day inside a regular education classroom. Rubenstein noted that some students need extra help, which is provided by several staff members, including counselors and school nurses.

Presentation of LMS program

The meeting also included a presentation about the district’s use of a Learning Management System (LMS), an online system that provides open communication between teachers, administrators, students and parents. Rudy Gomez, the district’s executive director of technology, stated that an LMS expands learning opportunities and provides a central hub of information.

The district began exploring LMS opportunities during the 2021-22 school year. The district implemented an LMS—Schoology—on a trial basis during the second semester of the current school year. The district is recommending the purchase of the Schoology LMS for the 2023-24 school year, at a cost of $54,000.

According to the presentation, teachers would receive professional learning opportunities about the LMS this summer. Teachers at York High School who were comfortable with the LMS could begin using the system in the first semester of the upcoming school year. The district plans to have the LMS fully implemented at York in the second semester of 2023-24, with middle schools beginning to use the system at the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Update to student handbook approved

The meeting included a discussion among board members about the 2023-24 school handbook. Board members voted unanimously to approve an update to that handbook, which will be distributed to students at the start of the upcoming school year. During the discussion, board member Jim Collins said he had recently talked with some York High School students, mainly juniors and seniors. He said those students told him they had never taken a final exam

during their time in high school. He said some of those students felt completely unprepared to take a final exam in college. Collins said he was concerned by that. He said seniors shouldn’t have to take finals at the end of the second semester, and he stated that there didn’t need to be written finals in all classes. Collins suggested that the district could offer final exams in some classes—such as math and science—at the end of the first semester of the 2023-24 school year.

Board member Kara Caforio stated that she agreed with Collins that something could be done for the first semester of the 2023-24 school year to offer York students the experience of preparing for and taking for a final exam. She said that such an experience would help students manage their time and environment.

There is NOT a no-homework policy

Caforio also talked about hearing people claim to believe that the district had a no-homework policy. She said emphatically that the district did not have a no-homework policy and that parents who are upset that their child isn’t getting homework should talk to their child’s teacher.

Contract with EEH for nursing services approved

Board members voted unanimously near the end of the meeting to approve a contract with Edward-Elmhurst Hospital for nursing services during the district’s 2023-24 school year. The contract total is for about $1.78 million, which represents an increase of about $80,000 from the 2022-23 school year. The new contract offers a 3-percent pay raise to nurses. With the re-opening of Field Elementary School, the district will require additional nursing staff, so the overall increase of the contract is about 4.6 percent from this year to next year.

The board will hold a special meeting on May 23. The board’s next regular meeting will take place on June 13.

many 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.

Bond set for man accused of beating his pregnant girlfriend

DuPage County State’s Attorney

Robert Berlin and Lisle Chief of Police Kevin Licko have announced that bond has been set for a Lisle man accused of beating his girlfriend who is five-months pregnant. Donald White, 26, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh set bond at $100,000 with 10 percent to apply.

White is charged with one count of aggravated domestic battery (Class 2 felony) and one count of aggravated battery—pregnant or physically handicapped (Class 3 felony).

It is alleged that on May 1 at approximately 12:51 p.m., White arrived at the apartment the couple share and shortly thereafter began beating his girlfriend.

It is alleged that White punched her in the head, threw her to the ground and dragged her to the living room.

It is further alleged that while the victim was on the ground, White struck her multiple times about her head and body. It is alleged that during the beating, the victim suffered a fractured left ulna, fractured left clavicle and a dislocated shoulder.

A short time later, after being alerted to the alleged beating by the victim’s mother, Lisle police officers arrived at the apartment and took White into custody.

White’s next court appearance is scheduled May 31 for arraignment in front of Judge O’Hallaren Walsh.

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Slices of life

Viewpoint Things I used to do

The last two years have been full of changes for me—both huge and incremental.

Many of my readers have accompanied me on my journey, and for that I’m forever grateful. It’s been fraught with grief, and sadness and even, at times, despair.

And then again, hope and growth.

But sometimes—sometimes— you just have to find humor in the darkness. Dark humor I guess it is. So if you’ll bear with me, here, I’ll indulge in just a bit of that.

My husband was 56 when he died.

He seemed young, but I wondered how young that really is, so I looked up the statistics online. For all males born alive, nearly 90 percent of them live past age 56. That puts my husband in the top 10 percent.

He was always an over-achiever.

I guess you could say he left me in the lurch. Or at least alone. With memories of what I used to have, and what I have now. For instance:

I used to have a husband.

Now I have an urn

He used to sit on the couch. He even had his own spot right in front of the TV. His long legs sprawled across the length of it, taking up lots of space.

Now he sits on a small table in my bedroom right near the window, where the sunshine and music of birds singing comes in during the early morning hours.

Despite this beauty, he is very contained. No more dangling legs.

He was forever charging his phone—or trying to, because he could never find his charging cord. The kids would steal it and it almost became a family joke (for everyone but him, and maybe even him now that I think about it).

I still keep his phone charged. It sits on my bedside table. I plug it in every morning. Once a week his phone reports back regarding the screen time used over the past seven days. In the last two years he’s managed to whittle his screen time down to nearly zero. (Again, he was always an overachiever.)

He was the family photographer, and made me smile for the camera everywhere we went.

No one makes me pose for photos

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

anymore—at restaurants, at the zoo, on the boat, at the fleet store next to the baby chicks. I used to cringe at posing; now I realize I miss him making me feel awkward, as weird as that sounds.

He used to try to pack the car before vacations. But, honestly, he wasn’t good at it. No, in all honesty, he sucked at it.

I don’t have anyone to pack the car now (thank goodness). I do it myself, and don’t have to do any repacking, but wish I did. Oh, how I wish for his mismanaged, lousy packing skills.

We used to get up in the morning together and make the bed together. He took one side; I took the other.

Now I get up whenever I choose. I make the bed myself. It is easy because I only have to make my side. The other side of the bed goes unused—neat and tidy. Making half the bed is so much simpler than making the whole thing, said no one ever.

I used to take life—and so many things—for granted. I used to take my husband for granted.

And then he got sick and he died, at age 56, putting him in the top 10 percent of his class. I guess that’s an A, if death gives out report cards.

But I’m pretty sure that wasn’t his plan for the end game, she said with a wry smile.

I used to have a husband.

Now I have an urn.

And it is a damn fine urn. Beautiful even. Just like our life together.

I’d challenge anyone to say anything else about it.

Enough said. No, go out and do it, whatever that is for you.

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.

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Inviting Illinoisans to identify statesmanship in Prairie State

Editor’s note: This op-ed was distributed by Capitol News Illinois on behalf of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own.

By John T. Shaw

“A statesman,” said the great Prussian diplomat Otto von Bismark, “is a politician who thinks of his grandchildren.”

Three years ago, former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and I decided to create the Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award to shine a spotlight on remarkable leadership that is taking place in our state and our communities.

We were looking for Illinois political leaders who are thinking about their grandchildren—and acting to create a better future for them.

The annual Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award is presented to an elected state or local government official in Illinois who has demonstrated a pattern of public service characterized by vision, courage, compassion, effectiveness, civility, and bipartisanship.

I believe that Governor Edgar and Senator Paul Simon, the founder of the Institute that I’m privileged to lead, represent the best of Illinois statesmanship. Governor Edgar, a loyal Republican, and Senator

Simon, a steadfast Democrat, were always willing to work with members of the other party and independents to get things done for Illinois.

Governor Edgar and I are eager to receive and review nominations about inspiring leaders in Illinois— mayors who are crafting creative plans for their cities and making hard decisions to realize their aspirations; city council members who are committed to long-term strategies for their communities; and state legislators and constitutional officers who are willing to break from party orthodoxy to advance solutions that improve the lives of fellow Illinoisans.

For our inaugural award, we selected 11 Republican members of the Illinois General Assembly who supported a critical budget package in July 2017, breaking from their party in the interest of fiscal solvency for Illinois. That budget ended a two-year fiscal stalemate that tarnished Illinois’ reputation, damaged schools, battered the state’s credit rating, and led to about $15 billion in unpaid bills. The 2017 budget paved the way for subsequent fiscal progress in the state as reflected in upgrades to Illinois’ credit by rating agencies.

Last year, we selected former House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie as the recipient of the Simon-Edgar Award. We cited her four decades of forceful, creative,

consequential, and civil leadership in the Illinois General Assembly. Representative Currie, a Democrat, served in the Illinois General Assembly from 1979 to 2019 and was the House Majority Leader from 1997 to 2019. She helped create Illinois’ Earned Income Tax Credit, championed clear air and water legislation, pushed for the first Freedom of Information Act, advocated for same sex marriage, drafted critical school funding and juvenile justice reforms, and fought to end the death penalty in Illinois.

The nomination process for this year’s Simon-Edgar Award opened on April 1 and we are accepting nominations until June 1. To nominate a candidate or candidates, please write a brief letter describing how the person has displayed the qualities of statesmanship outlined above. Please send an email to PaulSimonInstitute@siu.edu or send your letter to Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Southern Illinois University, Mail Code 4429, 1231 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Ill. 62901-4304.

The recipient of the 2023 SimonEdgar Award will be announced in early August.

John Shaw is the director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Shaw’s monthly column explores how Illinois can work toward better politics and smarter government.

Obituaries

Christine Pfaff, 57

Christine Lillian Kramp Pfaff, 57, of Elmhurst, passed away May 9, 2023 at the age of 57, at Northwestern Hospital, following a five-year “recovery journey” with pancreatic cancer.

She was born Sept. 5, 1965 in Oak Lawn and grew up in South Holland, the daughter of the late William and the late Nancy Kramp.

Christine received her B.A., Master’s and Doctorate in Education. She began her career in education with several teaching positions before becoming assistant principal at Indian Trail Junior High School in Addison. She was principal of Stone Elementary School in Addison, before becoming principal of Prairie Elementary School in Buffalo Grove for the last 13 years.

Christine was larger than life itself. She was always up for trying something new, and inspired others to do the same. She loved traveling, scuba diving, biking, dancing, golfing… the list goes on. But above all, Christine loved and cherished her family. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren grow and be involved in their many endeavors – you name it, she was there if she could be. She was loved and will be deeply missed.

Beloved wife of 26 years to Rick Pfaff; loving mother of Kirsten, Erin (Ben) Fagerlind, Stephen (Julianne Almeida) and Claire; cherished grandma of Casey, Carter and Olivia, Charley and Dom, and Reagan, Reese, and Rocky; loved sister of Kurt (Denise) Kramp and George (Kristin) Kramp; dear aunt of Alex, Tori (Eric), Elena and Elliot; and further survived by her extended “Elmhurst family” and friends.

A visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 314 West Vallette St., and from 9 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 20 at Epiphany Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be written to Project Purple at donate.projectpurple.org/Christine2023. Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel. For information, 630-834-3515.

Mary Carol Schweitzer, 82

Mary Carol Schweitzer, of Addison, passed away on April 23, 2023 at the age of 82. Beloved wife of Arnold. Loving mother of Jeff. Dear sister of Jon. Fond aunt of several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Schweitzer enjoyed gardening, nature, and decorative painting. Fan of all Chicago sports teams during playoff season. Mrs. Schweitzer loved brightly-colored clothes, especially her yellow jacket. Services and Interment were private. Arrangements provided by Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home, 435 N. York Street, Elmhurst. Info: pedersenryberg.com.

Louis Pellegrino

Pasquesi, Jr., 73

Louis Pellegrino Pasquesi, Jr., known as “Louie,” formerly of Elmhurst, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at his home in Wood Dale at

the age of 73, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Lou will be dearly missed by his wife of 40 years, Barbara (Mesch); sons Bryan (Rebecca), Tom (Whitney), and Rich (Courtney); the greatest joys of his later years, grandchildren Navah, Owen, Annemarie and (soon-to-arrive) Baby Pasquesi; siblings Joe (Cecilia) and Jim (Donna); many cousins, nieces, nephews and his dear pup “Archie.”

He was born August 19, 1949, in Chicago to Louis and Marie (Chiappe) Pasquesi. After attending Our Lady of the Angels grammar school and Gordon Tech High School, he attended St. Ambrose College, where he received his degree in Sports Injury Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation, and went on to receive a graduate degree from Ball State University. Using his degree, he worked for a time as assistant athletic trainer for the Chicago Bears. Lou worked at Gonnella Baking Company in Chicago for 35 years, eventually holding the position of Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations.

In 1982, Lou married his sweetheart Barbara Ann and they enjoyed a wonderful life together. Being a dad gave him such great joy and he was so very proud of all three of his sons. He raised his family in Elmhurst, where he was involved in many local events; not the least of which was participating for many years in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade as the favorite leprechaun.

In 2009, Lou retired from Gonnella Baking Company. The beginning

of a new chapter in his life, he and Barb moved to Door County, Wisconsin, where he enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, rides on his Harley and his Vespa, and just having one heck of a good time. He was a contributing member of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and, later, the U. S. Power Squadron, where he earned the Centurion Club Award three years running for vessel inspections. Lou also shared his talents as a gifted choir member and cantor of the Stella Maris Catholic Church.

Lou will forever be remembered as the life of the party, the guy who always made a story more exciting. and as one heck of a great joke teller. More than anything, he loved to make people laugh. What a guy!!!

Lou’s life will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, at Visitation Catholic Church. Interment will be private at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home –The Ahlgrim Chapel, 567 S. Spring Rd. Elmhurst.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

David Beardsley Gerfen, 81 David Beardsley Gerfen was born on December 7, 1941, and died on March 28, 2023, at the age of 81 after a long illness. He survived by his wife, Geraldine (Gerri), son, Stephen, sisters, Susan Ray (Mt. Juliet, Tenn.) and Barbara Culbreth, (Nashville, Tenn.) and sister-in-law, Ruth Smith (Vancouver, BC, Canada). David served in the Army 1960-1963 and was stationed in Germany. Upon his return,

he attended Elmhurst College (now University) where he met his future wife, Gerri. He graduated from Northern Illinois University. For four years he taught Industrial Arts and then to a new career in the medical field at Hines VA Hospital retiring in 2009. His lifelong passion for woodworking was seen by his many projects including a two-story room addition to the house, a two-story garage with a workshop, furniture and small projects such as wooden bowls, candlesticks, and plant stands. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Conrad Gerfen, mother, Grace Beardsley Gerfen, and an infant daughter. As a member of Christ United Methodist Church, he served in many capacities, the last one as trea

surer. Please omit flowers. Contributions would be appreciated to: Lymphoma and Leukemia Society Central (Illinois), P.O. Box 7723, Detroit, Mich. 48277-2395, Christ United Methodist Church, 920 So. Swain Ave., Elmhurst, Illinois 60126, or to the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 20 at 2 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church on 920 Swain Ave. Elmhurst.

EHM welcomes Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy

The Elmhurst History Museum still hosted a Cultural Crossroads Celebration as a Last Hurrah before its most recent exhibition, In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities, closed on Monday, May 15. Entertainment included a performance by the Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, a group of martial arts performers of all ages.

Eucharistic Revival Events Eastern DuPage Deanery

• Wednesday, 5/24: St. Charles Borromeo, Bensenville

8am-6pm Eucharistic Adoration

• Thursday, 5/25: Sacred Heart, Lombard

6am-6pm 12 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration

• Friday, 5/26: Ascension, Oakbrook Terrace

Noon Mass followed by Adoration and Benediction followed by the exhibit

5/26-5/29 Vatican International Exhibition

• Sunday, 5/28: Mary Queen of Heaven, Elmhurst

3-5pm “Who Do You Say I am” facilitated by Lynn Suwanski

Followed by Adoration

• Tuesday, 5/30: Holy Ghost, Wood Dale

7-8pm Holy Hour

• Wednesday, 5/31: Christ the King, Lombard

9am Reflection by Fr. Jeff on “going forth” taken from the USCCB document on the Eucharistic Revival

Followed by Adoration until noon.

• Thursday, 6/1 St. Peter the Apostle, Itasca

Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration

7:00 – 8:00 pm Prayer for our Priests and Vocations to the Priesthood

8:00 – 9:00 pm Silent Adoration with Closing Benediction

• Friday, 6/2: St. John the Apostle, Villa Park

6-9pm Adoration

• Friday, 6/2: Mary Queen of Heaven, Elmhurst

7pm Eucharistic Concert to benefit Mayslake Ministries

• Saturday, 6/3: St. Alexis, Bensenville

7-9pm Presentation by guest speaker on Adoration of the Eucharist

• Sunday, 6/4: St. Alexander’s, Villa Park

2-3pm Exposition

3-4pm Adoration

4-5pm Presentation by Fr. Rosenbaum followed by Benediction

• Monday, 6/5: Immaculate Conception, Elmhurst

8am-6pm Adoration

6-6:45pm Presentation by Bishop Dan Turley Murphy, OSA

6:45pm Benediction

• Tuesday, 6/6: Visitation, Elmhurst

Noon-6pm Open Welcome to the Visitation Adoration Chapel

• Tuesday, 6/6: St. Pius X, Lombard

7-9pm Adoration

• Wednesday, 6/7: Our Lady of Lebanon, Lombard

6-7pm Adoration

7pm MassFollowed by procession

Finish by going back to the church for a half hour of Adoration until 9pm

• Thursday, 6/8: St. Philip the Apostle, Addison

6-7:30pm Dr. Mary Amore talk on Encountering Jesus in the Eucharist: Becoming the very mystery we receive.

7:30-9pm Adoration

• Friday, 6/9: St. Joseph, Addison

24 Hours of Adoration (8am 6/9 – 8am 6/10)

Community calendar

Pick of the Week - UCCA’s Taste of the Town Thursday, May 18

From 6-10 p.m. United Community Concerns Association (UCCA) will hold “Taste of the Town: Dining for a Cause,” an Elmhurst food and drink sampling, at Wilder Mansion. The evening will showcase food, wine, and

beer tastings from 15 Elmhurst businesses and live music. Tickets are $75 in advance and $80 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased online at ucca-elmhurst. org or by mail at UCCA, P.O. Box 324, Elmhurst, 60126.

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A sunny day still calls for umbrellas

This is the installation known as Umbrella Sky, an artistic endeavor to place colorful umbrellas in cities throughout the world. This display can be found near the Elmhurst Art Museum and the Public Library and is sponsored by Lakeside Bank. Other sponsors of the project include Community Bank of Elmhurst and Elmhurst Bank.

PETE CRUGER PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

PET PARADE 2023

Saturday, May 20th AT WILD MEADOWS TRACE ON SPRING ROAD

Public Health Emergency declaration ends

What it means for DuPage County

The federal and state governments have ended Public Health Emergency (PHE) declarations that have been in place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The end of the PHE demonstrates that the county is in a much better place in our response than it was three years ago with many more tools available to protect the community including testing, vaccines, and treatments.

The end of the PHE does not mean the virus is no longer a threat. COVID-19 remains a leading cause of death in the United States.

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented public health and societal challenges lasting more than three years and causing nearly 300,000 COVID-19 cases and 2,027 deaths in DuPage County since 2020.

Being up to date with COVID-19 vaccines continues to be one of the most important ways to help protect you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show people ages 18 years and older and vaccinated with an updated booster had a six times lower risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to people who were not vaccinated.

Over the past three years, the DuPage County Health Department and partners throughout the county led the largest vaccination program in history and helped nearly 80 percent (734,674) of DuPage County residents complete their primary COVID-19 vaccination series.

“DuPage County continues to be a leader with one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the state,” said Karen Ayala, executive director, DuPage County Health Department. “I offer heartfelt thanks to all DCHD staff, healthcare partners, commu-

nity members, and residents for their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to the well-being of all DuPage County residents.”

What does the end of the PHE mean?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Most tools, like vaccines, treatments, and testing, will remain available. But, some tools, like certain data sources and reporting, will change.”

• Vaccines: The U.S. government is currently distributing free COVID-19 vaccines for all adults and children regardless of insurance coverage.

• Testing: Insurance providers will no longer be required to waive costs or provide free COVID-19 tests. The CDC’s no cost COVID-19 testing locator can help people find current community and pharmacy partners participating in the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program.

• Treatments: Medication to prevent severe COVID-19, such as Paxlovid, will remain available for free while supplies last. After that, the price will be determined by the medication manufacturer and your health insurance coverage. COVID-19 treatments may then require a copay.

The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) currently provides:

• Free COVID-19 vaccinations, boosters, and in-home vaccinations.

• Test kits and high-quality masks for select organizations to distribute to vulnerable and high-risk populations.

• Information and education about COVID threats and prevention on our website and social media channels.

For more information, visit www.dupagehealth.org/covid19.

Pritzker reflects on three years of pandemic as disaster declarations end

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

In the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. JB Pritzker recalls being handed a report from researchers at the University of Illinois.

The analysis was written by scientists and mathematicians who were trying to estimate how many deaths and hospitalizations would occur under different scenarios—one if the state took no action; another if it imposed only moderate mitigation measures; and yet another if it imposed significant measures such as a stay-at-home order.

“And without any mitigations, their projection was, just in the Chicago area alone, we would see 40,000 deaths in approximately four months,” Pritzker recalled in an interview .

He said he still keeps a copy of that report in his office.

On March 9, 2020, Pritzker issued his first statewide disaster declaration related to COVID-19, a declaration he would go on to renew every 30 days for more than three years. In the following days, he would issue executive orders closing schools to in-person attendance, then closing bars and restaurants and, eventually, a general stay-at-home order that would shutter all “nonessential” businesses for months to come.

“We were advised by the Department of Homeland Security that there were certain

kinds of businesses that should be deemed ‘essential,’ and the Department of Homeland Security had a list that they had put together for these sorts of emergencies,” Pritzker said. “And so that was what we used and what virtually every state used to determine what should stay open and how to keep people safe.”

Now, more than three years after he issued that first disaster declaration, the last of his pandemic-era executive orders are set to expire. Pritzker announced in January that Illinois’ disaster declaration would end on May 11, the same day chosen by the Biden Administration to end the federal COVID disaster declaration that also dates back to early 2020.

From a practical standpoint, most people won’t notice the end of the disaster declaration because the state pandemic-related orders that most directly affected their daily lives—school closures, mask mandates, limits on public gatherings—have long since expired. But for some, it will mean the end of certain federally funded benefits.

“There are no restrictions,” Pritzker said. “Why was there a disaster declaration? Because in order for us to receive the federal benefits that were being offered to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients, who are the poorest people in our state, people who needed Medicaid, who are

General Assembly approves criminal sentencing reforms for minors

Measure supported by coalition of victim advocates

By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Illinois lawmakers have approved a measure that reforms criminal sentencing for minors, particularly victims of child sex trafficking.

House Bill 3414 adds to the factors that judges must consider in the process of sentencing children found guilty of a crime. The bill would require a judge to consider a child’s involvement in the child welfare system, whether they have a history of domestic abuse or sexual exploitation and the results of any mental health evaluations the child has gone through. This is in addition to existing factors that judges already consider, such as age, maturity and potential for rehabilitation.

The bill also creates a method for judges to depart from sentencing guidelines, including mandatory minimums, or to transfer a minor offender to juvenile court for sentencing.

This would only be allowed if the child commits a crime against a person who had, in the previous three years, been convicted of one of several specific crimes including aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a child or engaging a child in prostitution, among other crimes.

The bill also adds to the factors judg-

es must consider when a prosecutor asks to transfer a case to adult court. These new factors include whether the child has any involvement in the child welfare system, whether the child was subjected to “outside pressure” and the child’s degree of participation in the crime.

The measure passed 33-20 in the Senate May 10 after passing the House on a 67-40 vote on March 22. It can become law with a signature from the governor.

Proponents of the bill say it is part of a nationwide movement to include protections in law for victims of child sex trafficking. These laws are sometimes called “Sara’s Law” after Sara Kruzan, a survivor of child sex trafficking who killed her trafficker in 1995. After being sentenced to life in prison, Kruzan’s sentence was later commuted, allowing her to be paroled in 2013. In 2022, Kruzan was granted a pardon by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“We’re giving the courts extra opportunities to check and see: Was this victim brought into this situation because of some sort of trauma?” the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Mike Simmons, D-Chicago, said in an interview.

The bill was supported by a coalition of state and national advocacy

(Continued from page 10)

the poorest people in our state, you needed to match up your disaster declaration and executive orders with the federal government’s executive orders and disaster declaration. So we did that.”

Pritzker said some people will receive less aid through SNAP and some Medicaid recipients could lose their eligibility, but he said those changes will not have a significant impact on the state budget.

The end of the disaster declaration will also mean that as of May 11, testing and many of the treatments for COVID-19 will no longer be free, although Pritzker said they will be covered by insurance.

Looking back over the last three years, though, Pritzker reflected on what it was like during the initial weeks and months of the pandemic when scientists and public health officials all over the world were still trying to understand this novel virus.

“We didn’t know much about COVID-19, or even how it was spread,” he said. “Remember early on, there was some belief that it could be spread on surfaces. And so, people were wearing gloves to open their packages and things like that.

“So there wasn’t a lot of information. What we knew was that the most effective way to keep people safe in the early moments of this would be for people to keep some social distance.”

Over the course of the next several months, Pritzker held daily news conferences—usually accompanied by his public health director at the time, Dr. Ngozi Ezike—to relay the most recent information, announce new mitigation orders and provide the latest statistics on infection rates, hospitalizations and deaths.

“Remember, communication to

groups including the Juvenile Justice Initiative, the Women’s Justice Institute, Rights4Girls, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. The Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Assault, or CAASE, took a leading role in pushing for the bill.

“There’s an understanding that youth require more support and more compassion than our system gives

them,” Madeleine Behr, CAASE’s policy director, said in an interview.

Behr also said the bill is part of an ongoing movement toward racial justice in the criminal legal system.

“This is going to be really important for Black and brown girls in particular,” Behr said.

A U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics report from 2011 found that over a two-year period, victims of sex traf-

ficking were disproportionately Black and disproportionately Hispanic.

In the past few years Illinois has passed several high-profile criminal justice reform laws, including the broad-ranging SAFE-T Act that is currently under review by the Illinois Supreme Court. The high court heard oral arguments in March around several constitutional questions related to the bill.

the public was vitally important when the federal government was providing very little,” Pritzker said. “And so that’s the reason why I was at that podium every day, for months straight. It was because people needed to know what the latest information was.”

By summer 2020, the state began to gradually roll back many of the mitigation orders on a region-by-region basis and by the end of the year, the first vaccines became publicly available.

Throughout 2021, new variants of the virus would emerge, leading to temporary spikes in COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths. But as the vaccines became more widely distributed, the death and hospitalization rates started falling steadily, and in 2022 Pritzker began phasing out many of mitigation orders that had been in place.

Pritzker maintains that as a result of those measures, Illinois avoided the direst predictions of the mathematicians and scientists at the University of Illinois.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, as of April 30, the entire state of Illinois has seen 36,850 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, and another 5,155 “probable” disease-related deaths.

“But if one were to look at how Illinois handled the pandemic—and this is kudos and gratitude to the people of Illinois—people did the right thing,” Pritzker said. “And the vast majority of people in Illinois understood what they needed to do. They heard what they needed to do from the experts, and they did it. And the result of that is, to the extent one can use the word ‘success’ here, the result is that we had real success here at keeping people safe and alive.”

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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

Never Known to Fail

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, herein 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 answer me in this necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3xs). Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3x). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal, you who gave me divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me, and that in all instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory.

Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine.

The person must say this prayer 3 consecutive days, after 3 days the request will be granted.

This prayer must be published after the favor is granted. A.S.

404311

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!!! SC

437898

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

Burial Needs

7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.

Addison

1097 N. JAMEY LANE, ADDISON, (North of Lake St.) YARD SALE, Saturday, 5/20 & Sunday, 5/21, 8am-4pm. A little bit of everything!

Lombard

338 S. FINLEY RD., Thursday, 5/18, Friday, 5/19 & Saturday, 5/20, 9am-5pm. All kinds of stuff, lawn & garden, something for everyone!

608 WEST RD., Saturday, 5/20, 9am-3pm. Trek bike, air hockey table, Power Rangers, toy Megazords, old toys, lawn equipment & more!

719 S. LALONDE AVE., Saturday, 5/20, 8am-4pm. Furniture, baskets, kitchenware, cast iron, wicker, craft books, christmas, sports bottles, glassware and cloth.

York girls lacrosse team riding seven-game winning streak

Dukes gearing up for state playoffs

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York girls lacrosse team has found its groove. Through late last week, the Dukes were on a seven-game winning streak that bumped their overall record to 104. York was 2-0 in West Suburban Conference action through late last week.

In recent times, York defeated Neuqua Valley 12-6 and Lake Forest 12-10 prior to downing St. Viator 15-4 and St. Charles North 15-5. Through late last week, York also had won nine of its last 10 contests. In the win against St. Viator, senior Megan Walker had four goals and six assists and had four groundballs. Sophomore Bricelyn Daniel had three goals and an assist, while sophomore Maggie Rennick had two goals. Freshman Elizabeth Specht had two goals, three assists and nine groundballs. Freshman Hayden Daniel went 8-for-11 on draw controls and senior goalie Kate Hodgman made six saves to pick up the win.

In the 10-goal win over St. Charles north, Specht had five goals, three assists and seven groundballs. Walker had three goals and two assists. Bricelyn Daniel had three goals and one assist, while Hayden Daniel had three goals and two assists. Freshman Kayla Mirante had two goals. Hayden Daniel was 11for-14 on draw controls. Hodgman made seven saves in goal.

Through the first 12 games, Specht was leading the team in scoring with 47 goals. Walker had 23 goals and 30 assists, while Bricelyn Daniel had 18 goals and 10 assists.

Freshman Hayden Daniel has been a key contributor this season for the York girls lacrosse team. Through the first 12 games, Daniel had 18 goals and 10 assists.

York also lost to No. 2 Benet Academy where it lost a four-goal lead with five minutes left in regulation and succumbed in overtime.

“We are playing our best lacrosse of the season,” York coach Ryan Walz said. “We are so much more fluid. Our transitions and ability to go to goal have been outstanding. Our defense and goalies have not given up many chances lately. Every game we get noticeably better in every facet.”

Walz was effusive in his praise of many on the roster. “Kate Hodgman has been solid in goal,” he

said. “Megan Walker has been at her best and really can take charge of the office when we need it most. Maggie Rennick contributes all over the field, wherever needed. Hayden Daniel, Morgan Navarre (freshman) and Elizabeth Specht have been great on the circle, and notable freshman Kayla Mirante and Bricelyn Daniel have been super slick on attack, scoring some fantastic goals when needed.” Walz noted York starts four or five freshmen “who

majorly contribute,” he said. “It took a while, but they are starting to gel.”

York also has been bolstered by the defensive play of seniors such as Quinn Olson and Ella Kennedy, while junior Katie Kircher and sophomore Rennick, “have shown some great versatility taking draws and playing defense,” Walz said. Walz was particularly impressed with the 11-goal win over St. Viator.

“It was a great senior night win,” he

said.

York wrapped up WSC action earlier this week with home games against Hinsdale Central and Downers Grove North. York is the No. 3 seed in the upcoming Hersey sectional. The Dukes open play Monday, May 22 against No. 6 seed Fremd at a location still to be determined. A win against Fremd sends York to Hersey in Arlington Heights on Tuesday, May 23 for the sectional semifinals.

York boys water polo team wins sectional title

Dukes headed back state finals at Stevenson

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

It’s back to the biggest stage of them all for the York boys water polo team. The Dukes went 3-0 to win its own York sectional title. York is in the state quarterfinals for the third year in a row. York will face Lincoln-Way West out of New Lenox in the state quarterfinals at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire Friday at 7 p.m.

York opened sectional play with a 17-0 win over Chicago St. Patrick and then downed Chicago Northside 21-4 in the semifinals before defeating Fenwick 10-8 for the sectional

title. The three wins moved York to 26-6 overall.

In other recent action, the Dukes defeated Lyons Township 12-8 to win the West Suburban Conference title with a 5-0 record. It was the second year in a row that both the York varsity and JV teams won the WSC title. In that conference-championship win, Martin Polomsky led the way with four goals, while Nick Kamenica had three goals.

“We have gotten a lot better on the defensive side of the ball,” York coach Brian Drumm said. “We play such tough schools, and one benefit of that is watching the film after-

wards. These top teams we are playing all have different strategies on the offensive end, so our boys have learned a lot this year on how to defend different offenses and certain skills that top individual players use against us.”

Drumm liked how his team’s offense was shaping up heading into the postseason. “Our offense is looking really solid,” he said. “We have a few looks that we show teams, and our players are getting comfortable in their roles within each system we run.” Polomsky, in particular, has turned on the jets late in the season. “Martin is our center defender

and has really stepped up this past month,” Drumm said. “He’s gotten much more comfortable defending skilled centers, which has allowed us to press more. He’s giving us a few big goals each game, and he’s also so important on the defensive side of the ball.”

Kamenica had seven goals in a recent win over state No. 1 Stevenson.

“They were undefeated at the time, and we remain the only team in the state that has beaten them,” Drumm pointed out. If they defeat Lincoln-Way West Friday, York will play Stevenson or Naperville North

Saturday at 12:45 p.m. in the state semifinals at Stevenson.

York defeated Stevenson 16-11 in a non-conference game at Stevenson on April 20 and lost to the Patriots 9-7 in a tournament game at Stevenson on April 29. Stevenson (32-1 overall) has outscored opponents 506-191 this season. “We have been talking a lot about those smaller things that are actually critically important in games,” Drumm said. “Things such as communication, aggressiveness, attacking with confidence. If we tighten up things like that, we are going to be in good shape.”

The York girls lacrosse team defeated St. Viator on senior night at York. The Dukes varsity senior contingent includes attacker Megan Walker, defenders Madeline Kraus, Quinn Olson, Ella Kennedy and Cassidy Wehrle and goalie Kate Hodgman.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Timothy Christian’s VanderVeen throws no-hitter

Trojans in midst of Class 2A state playoffs this week at Westmont

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian baseball team rounded out its regular season in fine fashion. Chris VanderVeen threw a seven-inning no-hitter, striking out 17, to help the Trojans down the Elmwood Park Tigers 8-0 in a Metro Suburban Conference crossover game. The win moved the Trojans to 15-15 overall. VanderVeen walked two, facing 23 batters or two over the minimum. He threw 68 of 105 pitches for strikes. Timothy had nine hits in the game. Ethan Munk went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Miles Foy had two hits and an

RBI, while Casey Folkerts had a hit and an RBI, as did Jake Armstrong. Kyle Steiner, Nolan Montella and VanderVeen each had a hit. The Trojans stole five bases with Foy earning two steals. In earlier action, Timothy swept a Metro Suburban Red series from Aurora Christian by counts of 5-3 and 9-2 and sandwiched a 13-3 win over Ridgewood between those two. Timothy also lost 15-1 to Chicago Latin School, split a Metro Suburban Red series with Westmont (lost 6-2 and won 4-0) and lost to Riverside-Brookfield 12-3. Timothy finished the season 8-4 in MSC Red

play.

In the 9-2 win over Aurora Christian, Steiner went 3-for-4 with a grand-slam home run. Donald Tober went 2-for-3 with two home runs in the 5-2 win over Aurora Christian to help winning pitcher Armstrong, who struck out five in seven innings. Through 26 games, Folkerts was leading the team in hitting with a .325 batting average. Foy was the team’s top pitcher at that point, sporting a 2.21 earned-run average in 38 innings of work. Timothy had won 10 of 12 games during one recent stretch. “The team has really been locked in and focused as of

late,” Timothy coach Frank Romano said. “Our bats are heating up just in time for the playoffs.”

In the 4-0 triumph over Westmont, Folkerts and Tober combined to throw a two-hit shutout and strike out a combined 11 batters. Folkerts went the first four innings and allowed two hits, while striking out four.

Tober pitched the final three innings and allowed no earned runs while fanning seven. He did not qualify for the save due to Timothy holding more than a three-run lead when he entered. Folkerts went 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Munk

went 2-for-3 with a run scored. Steiner and Luke Canada each went 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI.

Timothy is part of the Class 2A Westmont regional this week. The Trojans, the No. 5 sub-sectional seed, will face the hosts and No. 4 seed Westmont today at 4:30 p.m. If Timothy wins that game it will advance to the Westmont regional championship Saturday against either Chicago Academy (No. 8 seed), Northridge Prep (No. 6 seed) or top-seeded Montini. Timothy did not play Montini during the regular season.

Timothy Christian boys track team wins Metro Suburban Conference Red title Trojans competed in Class 1A Seneca sectional earlier this week

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian boys track team brought home some hardware from its recent trek to Riverside-Brookfield High School. The Trojans won the Metro Suburban Conference Red Division title with 128 points, besting IC Catholic Prep by 10 points for the league crown.

Interestingly, Timothy tied for first overall in MSC meet scoring with Blue Division entrants Aurora Central Catholic and host R-B. In the 100 dash, Timothy senior Michael Brouwer finished sixth with a time of 12.60. Brouwer also was seventh in the 200 with a time of 25.37. Sophomore Jonathan Kelsey was third in the 400 with a time of 56.88, while junior Josh Bemister was fourth at 57.00. Senior Noah Laslo was second in the 800 at 2:08.36, while junior Tyce Plaisier was fifth at 2:09.54. Laslo won the 1,600 con-

ference title in 4:53.67, while Plaisier was third at 4:59.70. Laslo took second in the 3,200 run at 10:41.73, while junior Giovanni Molina was fourth at 11:50.70. Senior Nathan Canada won the 110 hurdles in 16.87 and also won the 300 hurdles title in 45.74.

Timothy was second in the 400 relay with a time of 46.82 with freshman Chandler Brady, Kelsey, sophomore Zach Miedema and junior Sam Noordhoek. The Trojans also were second in the 800 relay at 1:37.78 with Brady, Kelsey, Miedema and Noordhoek. Timothy won the 1,600 relay conference title after Laslo, Plaisier, Bemister and Kelsey ran 3:45.07. The Trojans were second in the 3,200 relay with Plaisier, Bemister, sophomore Rich Meszaros and Molina running 9:24.24.

U12 baseball action

Sophomore Nathaniel Geijer was fourth in the shot put at 11.49 meters, while Miedema was sixth at 11.44.

Geijer was fourth in the discus at 29.06, while Miedema was 11th at 19.58. Freshman Will Hoving took fourth in the high jump at 1.47 meters. Noordhoek was fourth in the long jump at 5.49, while Brady was fifth at 5.41. Brady was fourth in the triple jump at 10.90, while Noordhoek was fifth at 10.88.

Earlier, the Trojans were third at the 10-team Nalley Invitational. The 3,200 relay team of Plaisier, Bemister, Meszaros and Molina won the race. The 1,600 relay of Kelsey, Be-

mister, Canada and Laslo also was victorious. Kelsey took third in the 400 at Nalley, while Geijer was third in the discus. Plaisier took second in the 800, while Laslo won the 1,600. Canada won both hurdle events.

Earlier in the season, coach John Vander Kamp was impressed by Laslo’s efforts, running 4:39.87 in the 1,600 (1A state-qualifying time is 4:39.80), 2:06.6 in the 800 and 10:22.3 in the 3,200. Plaisier, the coach noted, had already gone 4:52.1 in the 1,600 and 2:07.9 in the 800,

while Molina, a junior, was 4:59.7 in the 1,600 and 10:48.7 in the 3,200. Canada, Vander Kamp added, was at 16.08 at one point in the highs and 41.9 (42.37 is 1A state qualifying) in the intermediate hurdles. “Our young and inexperienced team is showing great improvement,” Vander Kamp said.

Timothy competed in the Class 1A Seneca sectional earlier this week where berths in the Class 1A state finals meet in Charleston were on the line.

York boys lacrosse team continues to power ahead against tough schedule

McCann, Kevin cited for strong play

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

To say that the York boys lacrosse team has been pushed to the limit this spring might be a bit of an understatement. Coach Tom Coyne’s squad was 10-6 overall through its first 16 games and sported a 4-1 West Suburban Conference record, which included a big 11-5 win recently over

league rival Lyons Township. “We have played the statistically hardest schedule in Illinois,” Coyne pointed out. “We just finished a two-week stretch where we played each of the top-five teams in the state.”

Of late, the Dukes have been powered by team captain and Air Force Academy commit Lance McCann, one of the team’s attackers. “He’s our

LEGAL NOTICES

offensive leader,” Coyne said.

Goalie Jack Kevin also has come up big for the Dukes throughout the season. “Jack has single-handedly kept us competitive in each of the tough games we have played against the other top teams in the state,” Coyne noted.

Coyne said the team has been working hard at fine-tuning certain aspects of its game.

“The team has a formidable offense and defense, plus great goaltending,” he said. “However, we have struggled in the specialty phases of game such as faceoffs and clearing the ball.”

Coyne added York has been dealing with a number of injuries to key players lately. “We have had four starters miss multiple games over (a recent two-week stretch),” he said. “We are hoping to get healthy prior to the playoffs.”

The York boys lacrosse team recently went 3-0 to win its own York sectional title and advance to this weekend’s IHSA state finals at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. York defeated Fenwick 10-8 for the sectional title. The Dukes play Lincoln-Way West Friday at 7 p.m. at Stevenson in the state quarterfinals.

filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on APRIL 24, 2023, wherein the business firm of CRONOS HANDYMAN HVAC LOCATED AT 624 W. SUNSET DRIVE, VILLA PARK, IL 60181 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: NAME OF PERSON(S) HERNAN GARCIA, HOME ADDRESS 624 W. SUNSET DRIVE, VILLA PARK, IL 60181. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 24TH day of APRIL, A.D. 2023.

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.

The Dukes close the books on the regular season this week with road non-conference games against Libertyville and top-10 state foe Benet Academy (Thursday, 5 p.m. in Lisle).

(Published

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean

Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk

(OFFICIAL SEAL)

York earned the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Chicago St. Ignatius sectional. The Dukes open the postseason Monday May 22 against either No. 10 seed Chicago Whitney Young or No. 7 seed Oak Park Fenwick at a site to still be determined according to the IHSA website.

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

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

EGC selects O’Dwyer as Person of the Year

Pat O’Dwyer was recently named Elmhurst Garden Club (EGC) “Person of the Year.” The award recognizes a member of the club who has been instrumental in advancing the club’s mission and goals. Throughout the years, O’Dwyer has been outstanding in a number of EGC committees.

Joining EGC in 2007 O’Dwyer immediately became an active member sharing her talent as a floral designer. According to one EGC member, “Pat can take an empty container and a bunch of flowers and turn them into a thing of beauty.” She served for a number of years on the Designs and Exhibits Committee responsible for providing floral arrangements for garden club events such as the Spring and Christmas Luncheon and for continuing the long-standing tradition of putting up and taking down Holiday decorations at the Elmhurst Public Library.

A ‘get-in-the-dirt’ gardener, Pat was one of the founding members of EGC Ray Graham Community Learning Center Garden Project.

The goal of this project is to improve and maintain the back yard space of the center as a peaceful, accessible, and horticulturally rich environment for the clients who attend the Learning Center. EGC members weed, add plantings, landscape plan and maintain the garden yard throughout the growing season. The EGC and Ray Graham have continued this partnership since 2014.

In 2016, O’Dwyer co-chaired the

EGC’s 90th Anniversary year-long extravaganza that included a special feature at each monthly meeting highlighting a different decade from the 1920’s up to 2016.

For the past 10 years, O’Dwyer has been the Chair of one of the most important committees the EGC - the Scholarship Committee.

EGC offers scholarships to college/ university students pursuing degrees in biology, horticulture, conservation, environmental studies, landscape design, forestry and associated science fields of study. Th club also offers “Exploratory/Experimental” summer scholarships to York High School students. In 2022 there were five scholarships awarded, including Sarah Uher, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Tulane University; Lucas Grindley, Biological Studies at Eastern Illinois University; and Simon Krukowski, Horticulture at North Carolina State. Hailey Nicholas, who is studying Environmental Studies and Urban Studies at¬ Elmhurst University, received the EGC Helen Trahan Honorary Scholarship and Katherine McDonald, who is studying Biology at College of DuPage/ North Central College received the EGC Mary C. Aldridge Memorial Scholarship.

These scholarships, offered to Illinois residents, are funded by proceeds from the annual EGC Garden Walk & Boutique Faire held on the second Sunday of July. In addition, there are two scholarships under the EGC Scholarship umbrella that

are funded by individual families. Since 1996 there has been $210,000 awarded to 115 scholars through the EGC Scholarship Program. Applications, due June 1, 2023, are avail-

able at elmhurstgardenclub.org.

O’Dwyer finds her work on the EGC Scholarship Committee to be one of the more rewarding aspects of her involvement in the club.

“Meeting with the scholars and learning about their fields of study, their dreams and goals for the future of our world, our environment – there’s nothing better than that!”

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Pictured is Elmhurst Garden Club’s Person of the Year Pat O’Dwyer (right) with EGC President Diane Roubitchek. A ‘get-in-the-dirt’ gardener, Pat was one of the founding members of the EGC Ray Graham Community Learning Center Garden Project.

EHM welcomes Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy

The Elmhurst History Museum hosted a Cultural Crossroads Celebration as a last hurrah before its most recent exhibition, In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities, closed on Monday, May 15. Entertainment included a performance by the Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, a group of martial arts performers of all ages.

A familiar face from ‘85 Bears

Gary Fencik, a former safety in the NFL who played 12 seasons with the Chicago Bears including the famed ’85 team that won Super Bowl XX, spoke at a multi-Chamber luncheon on Wednesday, May 17 held at the Westin in Itasca. He spoke about the many parallels between business and football. After playing college football at Yale, Fencik went on to be a four-time first-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl selection and is the Bears all-time leader in interceptions and total tackles. He is also somewhat reluctantly known as being part of the Super Bowl Shuffle music video the Bears performed that year.

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Elmhurst Independent