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Elmhurst AAUW Used Book Sale coming this weekend

The Elmhurst Area Branch of AAUW will hold its Annual Used Book Sale this coming weekend from July 13-16 at Christ United Methodist Church, 920 Swain Ave.

Thousands of used books will be available. Well organized into more than 20 different categories, the fourday sale features a large children’s section, as well as a collector’s area. Proceeds benefit local scholarships and national AAUW research and programs for women.

The sale dates and hours are as follows:

Thursday, July 13: 6 – 9 p.m. (Preview Sale, $10 Entrance Fee)

Friday, July 14: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 15: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sunday, July 16: 12 noon – 3 p.m. ($10 Bag Sale)

Admission is free on all days except for Opening Night (Thursday) when there is an entrance fee of $10 per person.

There is a special sale on Sunday when everything you can fit into a regular size brown grocery bag is just $10.

For details contact info@aauwelmhurst.org or call 630-834-1426.

The AAUW Elmhurst Area Branch is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Award recipients named in ‘Warhol’ exhibit

Inspired by Warhol is an art exhibit hosted by the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild that is currently on display and runs through Saturday, July 29 at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 So. Cottage Hill, in Elmhurst’s Wilder Park.

An open call for local artists was sent out in the spring asking for artists to create work inspired by Andy Warhol. Throughout DuPage, communities are celebrating Warhol in everything from disco parties, trivia nights, painting parties, parades and an “Art Heist.”

Elmhurst is proud to partner with the county-wide efforts to celebrate “Warhol: A Life in Pop” at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art/McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage.

On Friday, June 23, the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild had the Opening Reception for Inspired by Warhol which over 300 people attended. The night was turned into a Studio 54 with a red-carpet entry and polaroid photographers snapping photos of the

Correction

patrons who came dressed for a disco. Contemporary artist and Director of Stola Gallery in Chicago, Kelly Mathews, handed out the following prizes for the juried show:

Best in Show

A Gold Book, A Gold Life - Donna Castellanos

1st Place:

Self Portrait Channeling WarholFletcher Hayes

2nd Place: David - Debra Vaccaro

3rd Place: Click - John Duffy

Honorable Mentions: So What - Danielle Crilly

To Thine Own Self Be True - Diana Leviton Gondek

Some Nights She’s A PharmacistJeffery Equality Brooks

Real Inside - Matthew Scarton Soup Sandwich - Matthew Kelly For more information, call 630834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.

In a recent issue, the Independent incorrectly identified a business as “The Vape Room.” The correct name of the business is iVape Bar, located at 261 North York St., Ste. 101, in Elmhurst. The store can be reached (630) 501-1648. The Independent regrets the error.

John SeifriedGeorge Hammersmith, Jr. Abel Rubio Barb Savage

Nancy Brook Mark Martinello Mike HimmesNicole RafieiDavid GaulJanice SpataroKen BartelsRich ReichertJoe Weigel

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Pictured are 50-year members of the AAUW Elmhurst Area Branch including (from left): Marcia Goltermann, Janet Hodge, and Genie Urick, who are looking forward to the Elmhurst AAUW Used Book Sale coming this weekend July 13-16 at Christ United Methodist Church at 920 Swain Ave.

The

elmhursT

IndependenT

Your Hometown Newspaper

Locally owned and operated 240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900

Visit us at: TheElmhurstIndependent.com

The Elmhurst Independent USPS#022-607 is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126.

Periodical Postage Paid at Elmhurst, IL.

Display Advertising: 630.834-8355

Classified Advertising: 630.834-8244

News: 630.834-8244

General Information: 630.834-8244

E-mail:

Advertising Department: ads1@rvpublishing.com

News Department: Independent@rvpublishing.com

Classified Department: Classifieds@rvpublishing.com

Administration:

Dee Longfellow

News Coordinator

Debra Hamilton

Advertising Director

Pete Cruger

Publisher

Advertising:

Brenda Garcia

Subscriptions:

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

Reprints:

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

Postmaster: Please send address changes to:

THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm

Scenes from this year’s annual ‘4 on the 4th’ race

On Tuesday, July 4, the 18th annual Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th race stepped off right on schedule, starting and finishing on Prospect Ave. between Elmhurst University and Wilder Park.

The four-mile event was followed

by a one-kilometer Kids Race for ages 5-12.

The 4 on the 4th is a Fourth of July weekend tradition for many participants. The not-for-profit Elmhurst Running Club donates a portion of race proceeds to local charities.

Fire up the grill, time for the ‘CUE EWAN’s Cue for a Cause returns Sept. 3

It’s time once again for local grill masters to put their smoking skills to the test by registering to compete in the 2023 ‘Cue for a Cause benefitting the Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network (EWAN). The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 3 in the City parking lot at York and Vallette (behind the Knights of Columbus).

Teams can compete in ribs, chicken, and sauce, but to win the Grand Champion mega-trophy, the $250 cash prize, and major bragging rights, they must compete in all three categories.

Last year’s champion, Mike Juneman of Big Daddy Q, was the first competitor to win in back-toback years. Mike has since channeled his success into a small barbecue catering business, “Mike’s BBQ,” but

he began competing as a complete novice.

“My first year of competing, my cooking partner, Steve Infante, and I had zero expectations,” he said. “I gave it a shot because I love to barbecue and, after attending the event the previous year as a spectator, I knew it would be a great day regardless of the results.”

The 9th annual cookoff provides the perfect backdrop for Elmhurst residents to come together for summer’s last hurrah. Three live bands— School of Rock, Common Area Maintenance, and Forget Hannah— will play throughout the day.

This year will bring a full complement of food trucks. Barbeque Jim will be back with his award-winning barbeque, and will be joined by

grilled cheese, taco, and pizza trucks. The root beer float stand will be back in action as well. Kids will enjoy, an inflatable slide, face painting, balloon twisting, crafts and more.

Attendees will also have the chance to win raffle prizes and silent auction bids.

All skill levels are welcome in this competition. To register a team, go to elmhurstwalkin.org/cue. The deadline for entry is Sunday, Aug. 20. Space is limited, so register early. Proceeds from the event go to benefit EWAN. In its 25 years of operation, EWAN has provided nearly 1.75 million dollars in financial assistance to Elmhurst neighbors in need.

For more information about EWAN or the ‘Cue, visit elmhurstwalkin.org.

DuPage County’s COVID grant program wins national award

One business owner tells her story

Lindsay Jirasek just wanted someone to listen. It was the spring of 2020, peak COVID. For eight years, Lindsay’s Wheaton boutique Frocks & Frills Vintage had been a popular local shop. Now, no one had walked through the doors in months. The store was falling behind on rent and the bills were piling up.

“Despite all the ups and downs businesses usually have, I never had this feeling of helplessness I had when COVID hit,” Lindsay said.

Desperate, she joined millions of small-business owners across the country in applying for grants, money that could help her keep the lights on. Then, one after another, the grants fell through. What really stung was that many of the programs rejected Lindsay outright, without ever reaching out. They weren’t listening.

Then, Lindsay applied for the Reinvest DuPage Small Business Grant. Created by the DuPage County Board and administered by Choose DuPage, the grant was designed to distribute federal relief funds to local small businesses. In the months to come, Choose DuPage granted $36.7 million to more than 2,000 small businesses. Lindsay’s was one.

“I felt like I had a friend who had their hand out in the darkness, willing to help,” she said.

“Before I knew it, people were reaching out and actually responding to all my questions. When I got the letter that said I was approved, I just couldn’t believe it. That check meant I could keep my lights on.”

In honor of the Reinvest DuPage Small Business Grant program, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has recognized DuPage County with an Achievement Award. Launched in 1970, Achievement Awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

“DuPage County is proud to be a leader and to provide creative and innovative programs. We are grateful for the recognition from NACo and for the opportunity to share information about these initiatives with government leaders across the nation,” said County Board Chair Deborah Conroy.

For business owners like Lindsay, how the program was executed was nearly as important as the program itself.

When DuPage County asked Choose DuPage to implement Reinvest DuPage, we knew we had to act fast. But we also had to get it right.

We needed a well-designed program that was accessible for the businesses that needed it most. The experience had to be as intuitive and seamless as possible.

“There were so many factors to consider,” said Greg Bedalov, President and CEO of Choose DuPage. “How would someone apply? What information do we need from them? How do we verify eligibility?”

There to ensure the program was a success, was a small group of hard-working people. Choose DuPage Board members, Glenn Mazade of Old National Bank; Hugh Elliott of Dugan + Lopatka CPAs; Chris Pohlman of Mesirow; Bob Hutchinson of Wheaton Bank & Trust; and Bert Nuehring of Crowe LLP formed a committee. Together with Teresa O’Brien from Choose DuPage and an army of interns, the Reinvest DuPage Small Business Relief Grant Program came to life.

After launching a marketing campaign to educate local business owners about the grant and how to apply, the committee reviewed thousands of applications, vetted businesses and ultimately awarded grants.

Through their hard work, and the hard work of many others, Choose DuPage delivered an accessible experience that helped deliver federal funds to business owners who needed it most. For businesses like Lindsay’s and the communities they serve, the program’s impact is still felt today.

“Reinvest DuPage happened fast, because it had to happen fast. But it has also made a lasting impact on our community, both economically and culturally,” Greg said. “When I hear stories like Lindsay’s, I remember that this is ultimately about people helping people. This is a reminder that the bonds of our community, our relationships, our trust in one another, make us resilient in the face of change.

“We’re here to lift each other up.”

Steve

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Infante and Mike Juneman of Big Daddy Q were all smiles after receiving their 2022 Grand Champion trophy at last year’s ‘Cue for a Cause. This year’s event is coming Sunday, Sept. 3, but to compete in the grilling, you must sign up by Aug. 20. Visit: elmhurstwalkin.org.

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

June 30

Jellyn Juarez, 58, of Elmhurst, was charged with two counts of aggravated battery, aggravated assault to EMS personnel, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass to property and disorderly conduct in the 300 block of W. Fullerton at 9:14 p.m. Police said Juarez screamed at the victims, would not leave the victim’s property, and threw a ceramic ashtray causing damage to the victim’s door. Medics transported Juarez to the hospital where she allegedly pushed a police officer and kicked a nurse.

Criminal damage, criminal trespassing

July 3

Police said an unknown suspect described as a white male between 40 and 55 years old was found inside of a secured church in the 100 block of E. St. Charles at 1:48 p.m. An employee escorted the suspect off the property. Officers attempted to locate the suspect with no results.

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

July 3

Daetreon S. Ivery, 24, of Maywood, was charged with driving while license suspended, operating a vehicle with suspended registration, transportation of open alcohol and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Clinton and North at 8:46 p.m.

July 2

Nicholas J. Gerage, 39, of Melrose Park, was charged with DUI, possession of cannabis by a driver and speeding subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Emory at 12:44 a.m.

July 1

Antonio Hernandez, 59, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI near St. Charles and Lawndale at 4:31 a.m.

Alicia M. Howze, 35, of Maywood, was issued citations for DUI, speeding, following too closely, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and illegal transportation of alcoholic liquor subsequent to a traffic stop near I-290 and St. Charles at 1:39 a.m.

June 30

Wendy Sue Curtis, 56, of Twelve Mile, Ind., was issued citations for DUI, driving the wrong way on a one-way street, illegal transportation of alcohol and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near First and Commerce at 9:09 p.m.

Mirjana A. Dimitric, 33, of Mount Prospect, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, transportation or possession of alcohol by a driver, driving with expired plates and no seat

belt subsequent to a traffic stop near York and Cayuga at midnight.

June 29

Roger A. Mueller, 39, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver and passing vehicles while driving on the shoulder subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and North at 5:16 p.m.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance

July 4

David N. Falduto, 18, of Lombard, and Bryan Ortiz, 19, of Elmhurst, were issued citations for disorderly conduct and discharging of an air rifle in the 300 block of W. Commonwealth at 3:52 p.m. Police said Falduto and Ortiz were located at Eldridge Park and were found to be in possession of BB rifles. They related they wanted to shoot birds, according to police.

Police said two suspects—one described as a black male and the other described as a black female—attempted to purchase cigarettes without an ID at a gas station in the 600 block of W. North at 8:24 p.m. When denied the sale, one of the suspects became angry with the gas station clerk, used foul and offensive language, and threw a fountain drink behind the counter.

Police said that subsequent to a fireworks complaint in the 500 block of W. Comstock at 10:44 p.m., responding officers observed two men pushing each other in the driveway. The involved subjects did not wish to sign complaints and refused to cooperate with officers.

June 30

David Barrera, 31, of Villa Park, was charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing a police officer in the 100 block of W. Park at 10:47 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a call for a suspect attempting to inappropriately touch a train passenger, Barrera attempted to flee while he was being questioned by responding officers.

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

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

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported three incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Jason R. Davis, 43, of Franklin Park, and Jennifer Hamilton, 48, of Bensenville, near York and Crestview at 11:55 a.m.

July 1; Brian Gomez, 28, of Streamwood, in the 300 block of S. Sunnyside at 10:45 p.m.

July 1; and Matthew Smusz, 25, of Palos Hills, near York and Industrial at 9:01 p.m. July 5.

Possession of a controlled substance

July 5

Vance V. Godbold, 34, of Chicago, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, DUI, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Villa at 1:53 a.m.

July 1

Nader Nazih Kafe, 24, of Justice, was charged with possession of controlled substance, driving while license suspended, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver and disobeying a traffic control signal subsequent to a traffic stop near North and York at 4:50 a.m.

Possession of fireworks

July 3-July 4

Elmhurst police reported that 10 individuals (which included the same person twice) were issued citations for possession of fireworks between the above dates.

Resisting arrest

July 4

Karlo G. Perssico, 49, of Elmhurst, was charged with resisting a police officer and possession of fireworks in the 600 block of Michigan at 7:36 p.m. Police said that subsequent to observing a large amount of fireworks in the street, Perssico did not provide identification and said he would not relinquish his fireworks. Subsequent to being told he was under arrest, Perssico refused to place his hands behind his back, according to police.

Suspicious incident

July 4

Police said that subsequent to a domestic standby in the 900 block of S. Spring at 12:11 p.m., a victim accused the suspect of pushing her after being told to leave the property. The suspect related the victim was acting aggressively and walking towards her. The victim and her boyfriend left the property.

July 3

An officer responded for the report of an abandoned dog where a note was left in the 400 block of W. St. Charles at 10:10 p.m. The officer located a note and a grey/white, malnourished, pit bull that was on a leash at the apartment complex’s dog park. The anonymous note related the owners could no longer care for the dog. The dog was transported to the DuPage County Animal Control.

July 2

Franko S. Pacheco, 31, of Rolling Meadows, was charged with prowling near South and Poplar at 11:38 p.m. Police said officers responded to the above area for the report of a suspicious person. officers made contact with

Pacheco who allegedly was under the influence of drugs and had walked to the back of a house.

June 29

Police said officers responded to the 700 block of N. Larch at 1:26 p.m. for the report of a dog left inside of a vehicle. Upon arrival, a pit bull was located inside the cab of a semi-truck. The truck was running with the windows down. The dog, which was attached with a leash, jumped from the truck and was left hanging by the leash. The dog was freed and taken to the DuPage County Animal Control facility, as an owner was not on scene. The owner, Nasheem Q. Whye, 41, of Blackwood, N.J., was located and issued citations for an unattended vehicle left running with keys in the ignition and for “abandoning an animal where it may become a public charge or may suffer injury, hunger or exposure.”

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

June 29

A victim in the 200 block of S. Chandler told police he parked and locked a landscape trailer while working at the above location. Upon returning to the trailer at lunchtime, he found the padlock on the trailer’s side door was missing and a white/orange, 12-inch Stihl concrete saw had been stolen.

May 14-June 19

A victim in the 500 block of W. Grand told police that an unknown suspect(s) stole a bronze vase from her parents’ gravesite in Mount Emblem Cemetery.

Feb. 22-June 18

A complainant related that a suspect had been taking money from the company account while he was employed there between the above dates. 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: in the 800 block of N. York sometime between June 28 and June 29.

Retail theft

July 3

James Porter, 55, of Wheaton, was charged with retail theft at a pharmacy in the 100 block of W. North at 3:18 a.m. Police said an officer responded to the above location for the report of retail theft. The suspect allegedly concealed merchandise and left the store without paying for it.

A complainant at a gas station in the 200 block of E. Butterfield told police at 8:22 p.m. that a suspect pumped gasoline and sped away without paying. An investigation is pending.

June 15

A complainant at a store in the 100 block of E. Schiller told police at 8:30 p.m. that video surveillance showed a suspect exited the store with merchandise without paying.

Warrant arrest

July 2

Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near Clinton and North at 12:13 a.m., Krissy Q. Kendall, 30, of Bellwood, was found to have a valid warrant out of DuPage County.

CALL 800-222-TIPS

Obituaries

Dr. Alberto Saltiel, 89

In loving memory of Dr. Alberto Saltiel, 89, of Oak Brook, IL, who peacefully passed away on July 1, 2023, one day shy of his 90th birthday and wedding anniversary, while surrounded with love from his children. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and a prominent physician, the ultimate caretaker, who dedicated his life to the well-being of his family and patients and had a profound impact beyond his immediate circle. Having escaped Communist Cuba with his young bride, he embarked on a journey that spanned over six decades, building a loving family and leaving a legacy of patient care in the Chicago area. Generous, dedicated, and deeply caring, he touched the lives of countless individuals, and his kindness and generosity remain etched in the hearts of many.

Above all, Dr. Saltiel was a devoted family man, a compelling storyteller who deeply cared for his loved ones. His role as a loving husband, father, and grandfather brought him immense joy and fulfillment. He is survived by his children, Becky Hamilton (John), Albert Saltiel (Susan), Frances Riek (Tom), Linda Saltiel, Lisa Saltiel, Lynna Smith (Jonathan), and Joseph Saltiel (Michelle), his grandchildren Benjamin Arnold (Emily), Samantha Busch, Andrew Busch, Mary Margaret Saltiel, Gabriella Salek (Nick), Alberto Busch, Christopher Saltiel, Kathryn Riek, Andreas Korallus (Sarah), Elizabeth Saltiel, Jacquelyn Riek, Alexander Smith, Madeline Saltiel, Zachary Saltiel, Abigail Saltiel and Sophia Saltiel, and his great-grandson Malachi Korallus.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandson, loving sister Estrella, many loving extended family members, and dear friends.

Dr. Saltiel is preceded in death by his cherished wife Francisca, as well as his parents Salvador Saltiel and Rebeca Levy, and siblings Maria, Sara, Moises, Isaac, and Jose.

Let us honor the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. Alberto Saltiel, celebrating his achievements, his love for his family, and his unwavering commitment to caring for others. May he rest in peace and find eternal comfort.

All services will be held privately and are entrusted to Elmhurst Community Funeral Home - THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL.

Peter Paul Loeb, 90

Peter Paul Loeb, 90, of Addison,

Illinois, passed away on June 8, 2023 after breaking his hip on March 23, 2023, and subsequent complications.

Peter was born on December 9, 1932, to Peter Vincent Loeb and Anna Burian Loeb in Chicago, Illinois.

After Peter graduated from St. George in Evanston, he went on to work as an apprentice concrete finisher before he became a carpenter contractor and Custom Home Builder. Many of Peter’s homes were built in Addison, Elmhurst, Wood Dale, and Oak Brook. Peter was very active in ice hockey as one of the founders of Elmhurst Huskies Organization. In 1979 his AHAUS Junior B team, were the National Tournament Champions. He also was chosen as one of the coaches to give a clinic to the Miracle on Ice Olympic team in 1980. He was also an avid hunter and cowboy.

Peter met Janice in his teens on the north side of Chicago and married on September 11, 1954. Peter and Janice went on to have four children, Pamela Anne, Barbara Lynn, Peter James, and John Arthur. Peter is survived by his dear brother, Robert (Sharon) Loeb, dear sisters both deceased, Patricia (Don) Zack, and Geri (Bill) Guendling.

Peter was also very active as the lead usher at Calvary Church Naperville. Peter also traveled around the world as part of Calvary’s mission teams building churches, bible schools, and medical facilities. In 2019, Peter retired and spent his time wood carving.

Memorial Service will be on Saturday July 15, 2023 at 11 am at Calvary Church, 9 S 200 Illinois Rte. 59, Naperville, IL 60564.

Virginia Mary Rebek, 92 Virginia Mary Rebek, (Aunt Jeanie, Jean, Ginny) passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at the age of 92. Born in Elmhurst on January 15, 1931, Virginia was a long- time resident of Elmhurst. After suffering a paralyzing stroke 10 years ago, she resided at a long-term care facility in Wheaton. Virginia is predeceased by her parents, Frank and Mary, her brother Edward Rebek, her sister, Ida (Dee Dee) Rebek, her niece, Linda Clark (Austin) and her companion of 50 years, Herman Keller. She is survived by her niece, Mary Robinette (Randy) and her nephew, Edward Rebek (Joanne) and great nieces and nephews, Rachel, Linzy, Cari, Skyler, Josh, Lauren, Arielle, Alex as well as numerous cousins and friends.

Virginia loved her family and friends. She was a wonderful, independent woman who enjoyed travel, gardening, volunteering, socializing, and nurturing all those in her orbit. She was an amazing conversationalist and was always interested in the lives of those she loved.

Visitation: Thursday, July 13, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home, 435 N. York St. Elmhurst, IL. 630-834-1133

Funeral: Friday, July 14, 9:30 a.m., Immaculate Conception Church, 134 Arthur St. Elmhurst, IL630-5308515.

William E. Friberg, 94

William E. Friberg, age 94, passed away peacefully at his home in Elmhurst, Illinois on July 4, 2023.

Born to the late Einar and Thorborg Friberg (nee Swanson). William graduated from Amundsen High School in Chicago, Illinois, followed by receiving his bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, and his master’s degree from Northwestern University.

For over 30 years, William enjoyed his time as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator for the Leyden High School district. After retiring from Leyden, he began BEAR Awards, a successful trophy and awards business.

William was a longtime active member of Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Epiphany Men in Mission organization, as well as offering his time as an Alderman for the Elmhurst City Council.

He was also a loyal Bears and Cubs fan.

William was married to his late wife, Mary Ann Friberg (nee Anich) for 64 wonderful years. He is survived by his children, Michael Friberg and Michelene Peterson; grandchildren Michael Mellinghausen, Nathanael (Tehani) Haggard, Benjamin Haggard, Grace Barrus (Stephen,) Lillie Haggard, Joel Haggard, and Samuel Haggard; and great-grandchildren Amelia Barrus and Noah Barrus.

He had many interests, but he will be remembered most as being a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church, 314 W. Vallette St., Elmhurst, Illinois.

Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Elmhurst.

Donations may be made in William’s name to the Epiphany Lutheran Church Men in Mission organization, www.epiphanyelmhurst.org/ online-giving.html, or 314 W. Valette St., Elmhurst, Illinois 60126.

Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL.

For info, www.elmhurstfh.com or (630) 834-3515.

GreenMan Theatre

Troupe marks 20th year

Brings ‘Eight to the Bar/ista’ to 10-minute play festival

In celebration of its 20th year as Elmhurst, Illinois’ community theater, GreenMan Theatre Troupe will present “Eight to the Bar/ista,” an evening of eight 10-minute plays, to be performed July 14-16, at Brewpoint Craft (coffeeshop) at 617 N. York St. in Elmhurst, at 7 p.m.

The “8 to the Bar/ista” third annual festival showcases the works of eight Midwestern playwrights.

“Some of the plays are comedic, some dramatic and there’s definitely mystery in some of them, too,” said Becca Easley, Festival co-producer and director of the play “Gary the Bold.”

Six directors and 20 actors will be featured in “8 to the Bar/ista.”

“We have a variety of talent in GreenMan’s acting and directing pool,” Easley said. “Some actors are well seasoned; some are brand new to acting. Some directors have years

of experience and others are trying it out for the first time.”

Kimberly Brumirski, an actor who will direct the 10-minute play, “Walpurgis Night,” is one of those firsttime directors.

“This was the perfect way to dip my toe in the water,” Brumirski said. “It’s been nice to take a step back and look at the whole picture,” she added. “I’ve enjoyed the challenge of the auditioning process, as well as doing research into the play and coming up with sound cues, music cues and costumes.”

GreenMan selected the Brewpoint Coffee location – and the performance’s new coffee-themed name – after the post-Covid closure of its original venue.

“We thought, ‘Why not perform in a coffeeshop and call the event ‘8 to

Please note: Unlike the other guy in town, we only place our sign on your lawn during the time we are actually working at your home, and definitely only with your consent. It’s called being professional and considerate. Kindly give consideration to our very good work at a truly competitive and fair price. We offer free estimates and with no obligation. We even wear white pants.

— Sincerely, Paul

Viewpoint

When the human gets sick

You don’t appreciate your health—until it’s gone.

Gosh this is true, and I’ve learned it the hard way a few times in my life—the most recently last Tuesday.

I woke up in the middle of the night, sweating (never a good sign). My body ached and I didn’t know it yet, but the headache that was to come was going to be a doozy. I tried to continue sleeping, but you know how that goes with body aches, which were soon accompanied by a fever—as my body fluctuated between hot and cold sweats, like only sickness will do to you.

In the morning, I grabbed a pillow and headed for the couch. I could hardly move. I drifted in and out of sleep.

Until my body aches pulled me back to reality. My joints shouted in unison, “We hurt! Roll over already!”

While my throbbing head, which threatened to implode the core of my cortex, merely whispered, “Move a muscle and you will die.”

And then my stomach jumped in, in a churning manner. Even water sounded vomit-inducing.

In short, I was afraid to eat, drink or move.

But enough about me.

Midway into the evening (because I was dozing all day) I noticed my cat, sitting still, beside me—just staring. She’d been there all day. She didn’t meow. She didn’t do anything, other than try to shimmy up next to me. She stayed on alert while I slept, although because of my aches I didn’t pay her the attention she usually warrants.

Normally when I go to bed, she paroles the house for I don’t know how long. I guess however long a cat paroles a house. But on that night, she followed me right into the bedroom, and couldn’t snuggle close enough.

I woke up during the middle of the night and she was still there.

When I woke again in the wee hours of the morning, she was still beside me, looking at me with her green/yellow eyes. She wanted to smell my breath and my skin and when doing so attempted to lick both.

Not a common cat behavior.

By this time, I was starting to

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

feel a bit better—and hopefully my breath and skin reflected that. I guess it did, because somewhere around 6 a.m. she rolled up in her proverbial cat bundle and surrendered to a sound sleep. Her grunts and peeps gave proof to this and I understood that she understood that I was on the mend.

This got me to thinking. Do animals worry? Do they experience loss and grief?

When my husband was sick, she was his constant companion—even before we knew he was ill. I think she understood the situation well before any of us humans in the house did. She probably smelled it. Maybe on his breath, or on the sweat on his skin.

I wonder how much she remembers about that?

I think oftentimes we sell animals short. We think as humans we are so much further evolved. We have language and all, not to mention money, toilets and cable news.

But what do we really know— really?

Let’s defer to the Titanic. It’s probably just the tip of the iceberg—our knowledge about animals and our beloved pets.

They are far more in tune to their senses and instincts and perhaps—no, likely—that puts them ahead of us on numerous fronts.

I wish my kitty could talk. I wish she could tell me what she knows—what she really knows.

We haven’t figured out how to do that. How to talk to one another. But we do communicate. She sniffs me. I pet her. She licks me. I kiss her. She purrs. We snuggle. I tell her I love her and in-between purrs, I’m pretty sure she’s telling me the same.

In fact, I know it.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published

and author. Don’t

on Facebook.

State’s ‘rainy day’ fund hits record-high balance ahead of new fiscal year

By Hannah Meisel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

There were no champagne toasts or fireworks, but when the clock struck 12 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, it marked the start of a new year in Illinois—a new fiscal year, that is.

And just as a new year is a time to contemplate recent accomplishments and make resolutions for the future, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is ringing in fiscal year 2024 by celebrating a record-high $1.94 billion in Illinois’ “rainy day” fund and setting her sights on doubling that figure in the next decade.

“$2 billion sounds like a lot of money, certainly in contrast to $48,000,” Mendoza said in an interview, citing one of her most frequently repeated stories about the fund’s balance in August 2018—when the state was still recovering from a twoyear budget impasse between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democrats in the General Assembly.

The paltry sum would have only funded state government operations for 30 seconds, Mendoza estimates.

In contrast, nearly $2 billion “gives us about 10 days’ worth of operating reserves for our state,” she said.

But despite achieving that high-water mark—and celebrating Illinois’ eight recent credit ratings upgrades from the three major fi-

nance agencies that determine public and private creditworthiness—Mendoza joked that it’s her job to be the “party pooper” or “Debbie Downer” of state government.

“The majority of states in our country have about 40 days’ or more worth of reserves for their state operation,” she said. “So we’re doing great, but we have a far path yet to trek through.”

While Mendoza would love to someday get Illinois to the same roughly 40 days of reserves that 26 states have socked away, she’d settle for 20—which would be roughly 8 percent of Illinois’ operating budget for a given year. She said that’s what the major credit ratings agencies have advised if Illinois is to receive future credit upgrades.

Mendoza has been pushing legislation to mandate that lawmakers put more into the state’s rainy day and pension stabilization funds during strong fiscal years, but it has never received a vote in either chamber of the General Assembly despite clearing a House committee unanimously. The comptroller said she plans to reintroduce the bill through her allies in the General Assembly.

“There is no good reason to not move forward with this legislation,” Mendoza said, adding that credit ratings agencies haven’t forgotten about

Illinois’ reputation of not “being a good fiscal steward year after year after year.”

She boasted that Democratic leadership—including her, Gov. JB Pritzker and the Democratically controlled General Assembly—has helped right Illinois’ fiscal ship in the last several years.

“However, governors change. Legislatures change,” she said. “This is the time to do it. I don’t see any good reason to, to delay it any further.”

Mendoza said lawmakers should be able to increase the rainy day fund’s balance to 8 percent of Illinois’ budget in the next 10 to 15 years regardless of whether her bill requiring greater contributions becomes law.

From there, she said, Illinois should focus on paying down its unfunded pension liabilities, which stood at $139.7 billion at the end of Fiscal Year 2022. The most current figure will be made public in the coming months.

Unfunded pension liabilities would never come due at the same time; pension payments are doled out monthly when state workers retire, while the state pays into its five pension systems twice per year.

Self-described ‘party pooper’ comptroller eyes socking away even more in coming years

Community calendar

Pick of the Week: AAUW Used Book Sale Christ United Methodist Church, 920 Swain Ave.

Thursday, July 13

6 – 9 p.m.

(Preview Sale, $10 Entrance Fee)

Friday, July 14 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 15 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sunday, July 16 12– 3 p.m. ($10 Bag Sale)

Admission is free on all days except for Opening Night (Thursday) when there is an entrance fee of $10 per person. There is a special sale on Sunday when everything you can fit into a regular size brown grocery bag is just $10. Info: 630-834-1426 or aauwelmhurst.org.

Thursday, July 13

At 6:30 p.m., the Spring Rd. Business Assn. hosts Music at the Gazebo on Spring by the Prairie Path. This week Gayle and Nick Bisesi will perform. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket.

Sunday, July 16

• The Elmhurst Art Museum invites kids to “Be Your Own Superhero Day.” From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

dress up as your own superhero, and come for a day of super-fun. Enjoy Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross, music, giveaways, and a Super Raffle, for a chance to win a Super Marvel Swag Bag. Festivities last all day. Timed tickets will be issued for entry. Visit elmhurstartmuseum.org to select your time.

• At 12 noon, the Elmhurst History Museum hosts a gallery talk, “The Bicycle: Two Wheels to Adven-

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Elmhurst Independent

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ture,” led by exhibits curator Sarah Cox. Includes exclusive access to the museum galleries. Reservations required. elmhursthistory.org or call 630-833-1457.

Monday, July 17

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Elmhurst History Museum invites families to Museum Maker Monday for a free event. Drop in on select Mondays throughout the summer for free, family-friendly activities. Kids and caregivers can explore exhibits

on a day reserved just for families, plus play games, and make a travel-themed craft (while supplies last). Bring a picnic to enjoy outdoors on the museum grounds (weather permitting). Appropriate for elementary age children accompanied by an adult, no registration required. Craft changes each month. Info: elmhursthistory.org.

Thursday, July 20

At 6:30 p.m., the Spring Rd. Business Assn. hosts Music at the Gaze-

bo on Spring by the Prairie Path. This week Petty Cash will perform. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket.

Friday, July 21

From 9 -11 a.m., kids ages 3-6 are invited to Elmhurst Safety Town, 511 So. York St., to learn the rules of the road in a fun environment. Use the tricycles provided to take a journey with Elmhurst Park District staff offering bicycle safety trips, a craft

See CALENDAR, Page 19

EGC Garden Club Walk and Boutique held Sunday

On Sunday, July 9, the Elmhurst Garden Club (EGC) hosted its 27th annual “An Afternoon in the Garden” Garden Walk and Boutique

Faire. Guests enjoyed touring six private gardens and one special public garden. Proceeds from the event support the EGC scholarship program.

Gardeners gathered around the many lawn and garden ornaments on sale at the Elmhurst Garden Club’s Boutique Fair on Sunday in Wilder Park.

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

It was quite a delight to passersby when the Elmhurst Choral Union broke into song and performed for a little while. In this photo, the vocalists sang while the director (far right) beat a small drum that can be seen under his left arm. It was all part of the beautiful day on Sunday, July 9 at the Elmhurst Garden Walk and Boutique Fair in Wilder Park.

Members of the Elmhurst Garden Club were all smiles at the Garden Walk and Boutique Fair, especially knowing ticket sales for the event could possibly be record-breaking. The fact that Sunday’s weather was nearly perfect didn’t hurt either.

As part of the Boutique Fair, professional horticulturalists are on hand to answer questions ticket-holders may have about their own gardens. Here, one of the pros (center, in hat) looks at a plant and offers advice to an attendee.

SUNDAYS

Come Play

PRIVATE GAMING ROOM

HDAILY DINE IN ONLY SPECIALS H

50¢ Boneless Wings LIMIT 12 (with side purchase)

$5 Sausage & Peppers ‘Wich (with side purchase)

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

$10 Bacon Wrapped Pickle Spears

$10 Vegan Pasta Marinara

$4 Mimosa - $6 Tito’s Bloody Mary

$4.50 Miller Lite or $6 Import 22 oz. Drafts

$17 Bottles of Woodbridge House Wine

TUESDAYS

$2 Beef/Pulled Pork Taco

$3 Chicken - Fish - Pork Belly - Steak

$4 Vegan Tacos - Impossible Meat - Chicken - Pork

$4 Cilantro Lime Rice or Seasoned Black Beans

$10 BACON Nachos

$4 Modelo Draft

$6 Don Julio Margaritas

$7 Don Julio Frozen Margaritas

$20 Any Mexican Beer Buckets

WEDNESDAYS

FREE Bar Bingo/Kids eat free

10 and Under - Ask server for more details

$5 Gourmet Cheeseburger (with side purchase)

$10 BACON Wrapped Mushrooms

$8 Impossible Burger (with side purchase)

$5 U Call Its $8 and Under Wine/Liquor ONLY

THURSDAYS

$5 Pulled Pork ‘Wich (with side purchase)

$10 BACON Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

$8 Vegan Chicken Parmesan ‘Wich (with side purchase)

$4 Drafts $8 and Under

Half Price Bottles of Wine $25 or More

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

FRIDAYS

$5 Pepper & Egg ‘Wich (with side purchase)

$15 Fish & Chips (1/2 Pound Alaskan White Fish)

$10 Bacon Stuffed Avocado

$8 Vegan Burrito (with side purchase)

$5 Stella Draft

$5 Crown or Titos

$25 High Noon Buckets

SATURDAYS/UFC

$5 1/2 Lb BLT ‘Wich (with side purchase)

$10 BACON Croquettes

$8 Vegan Buffalo Chicken ‘Wich (with side purchase)

$5 Sam Seasonal Draft

$5 Proper Twelve Shot

$5 Absolut or Jameson

$22 Modelo Buckets

CLOSED - MONDAYS

99¢ Chicken Tenders ~ SLIDERS ~

$2 Grilled Chicken - Meatball - Pulled Pork

$3 Burger - Fish - Pork Belly

$4 Vegan Chicken or Impossible Slider

$5 Italian Beef ‘Wich

$8 Medium Cheese Pizza - $3 Full Toppings

$12 XL Cheese Pizza - $4 Full Toppings

$4 Well Gin, Rum, Tequila, Vodka & Whiskey

$4 House Wine (Woodbridge)

$5 Blue Moon Drafts

$15 Domestic Buckets - $20 Import Buckets

$8 Jefferson Old Fashioned

$5 Jefferson 1.25 oz. Pour

Former Gov. Rauner’s portrait added to state Capitol’s ‘Hall of Governors’

Republican joins all Illinois’ former governors except Blagojevich

By Jerry Nowicki CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Former Gov. Bruce Rauner’s portrait has joined the “Hall of Governors” in the Illinois Capitol.

The Winnetka Republican-turned-Florida resident recently unveiled the portrait painted by Chicago Artist Richard Halstead and privately funded by Rauner. The 42nd governor of Illinois who served from 2015 to 2019, Rauner said he returns to the state every September for dove hunting season.

He downplayed the artwork as “not that big a deal” and declined to stray far from a message of “thanks” to the people of Illinois.

“The real reason that we wanted to do this, the real reason why (wife) Diana and I wanted to come and be with you is to say thank you,” Rauner said. “To say thank you to each and every one of you here today, to say thank you to every citizen, every voter, every child, every newcomer, every immigrant to the state of Illinois.”

Rauner stayed on message even while taking questions from reporters. Those mostly focused on Democrats’ continued placement of blame on Rauner for a two-year

budget impasse between him and Democrats in the General Assembly.

The political conditions leading to the impasse were set in motion when lawmakers declined to extend a temporary four-year income tax hike while Democrat Pat Quinn, Rauner’s predecessor, was still governor. The decision to allow the higher tax rates to expire sent state revenues plummeting by billions of dollars in the first year of Rauner’s term.

Democrats, led by now-indicted former House Speaker Michael Madigan, fought staunchly against Rauner’s anti-union, pro-school choice reforms and other facets of his “pro-business” 44-point “turnaround agenda.”

As Illinois operated without a budget for more than two years amid those disagreements, much of its spending was mandated by court decrees, and the state’s backlog of unpaid bills reached nearly $17 billion. The budget shortfall amid the impasse squeezed higher education institutions and crippled the state’s social services.

The impasse finally ended when lawmakers—including a group of

Republicans—overrode Rauner’s veto on a spending plan that included an income tax increase nearly to the level of the expired temporary tax rates.

Within two years, current Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, had defeated Rauner in a landslide.

When asked about the frequency with which Democrats cite the Rauner years and the negative effects of the impasse in stump speeches, Rauner deflected. He also didn’t mention Madigan—his nemesis and frequent political punching bag—or his indictment on corruption charges.

“Today, I really don’t want to talk politics and, you know, the usual stuff,” he said. “The one thing I will say, I am very proud of what we did while we were running the state, and I’m very proud of what we tried to do … A lot of headwinds, but I’ll leave it at that today.”

The one current legislative matter that Rauner did address was Illinois’ Invest in Kids tax credit, a $75 million program he signed into law as part of an education reform effort in 2017 that gives tax credits to people who donate to private

school scholarship funds.

It wasn’t funded for the upcoming budget year, is scheduled to be repealed on Jan. 1, 2025, and Pritzker has said it could still be extended and funded in the fall veto session.

“It’s under threat today,” Rauner said. “I hope the legislature will act to protect that program.”

Otherwise, Rauner touted his signature on the public education formula overhaul that drives more money to the schools furthest from funding adequacy, a system that is still in place today. He signed it after vetoing a similar proposal and maligning it as a “Chicago bailout.”

Rauner took office after unseating Quinn, whose portrait now sits directly below Rauner’s on the Capitol’s second floor and reportedly included 44 “found items” summing up his legacy. Those range from a picture of him signing a bill authorizing a minimum wage ballot referendum to a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln.

Rauner’s portrait depicts him in front of an empty blue background with his ubiquitous Illinois-shaped lapel pin as the only non-clothing item depicted.

“I don’t think any portrait summarizes anybody’s legacy very well,” Rauner said when asked of the background choice.

Professionally, Rauner said he once again is in the business of investing in start-up companies and is a trustee for the Everglades Foundation conservation group. He also serves on the board for the Foundation for Excellence in Education, a Florida-based group founded by that state’s former governor, Jeb Bush, that promotes education reform and school choice.

He’s also a donor to Florida Republican Gov. and GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis.

Diana is in Chicago “full-time,” Rauner said, where she’s continued her longtime work as president of Start Early, a nonprofit that promotes early childhood development in underserved communities across Illinois.

Rauner’s portrait joins that of all former governors in the Capitol except for impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

In 2010, the General Assembly passed a law prohibiting public funds from being used for his portrait.

DuPage County #9 on list of America’s 20 Best Counties

In its new July 2023 issue, Site Selection magazine has published the inaugural edition of “America’s Best Counties,” a new ranking based on Conway Data’s proprietary Conway Projects Database of corporate facility investment data.

On the list of America’s Best Counties by Total Projects, were four Chicagoland Counties, including Cook County, tied for #2 with 231 projects, DuPage County at #9 with 91 projects, Kane County, tied for

#14 with 52 projects, and Will County, tied for #16 with 48 projects.

“These four counties (all GCEP members) are proof that a rising tide floats all boats—a philosophy I’ve always believed in,” said Greg Bedalov, president & CEO of Choose DuPage. “When we create good conditions for businesses across the region, it’s good for everyone at every level. I’m so proud of the work we’ve done and the collaborative environment we’ve built across the re-

gion. And we’re just getting started.”

Illinois was the only state with four or more contiguous counties making the list. Earlier this year, Site Selection named the Chicago region the top metro in the U.S. for business growth, a ranking it’s held for the last ten years.

Following are America’s best counties by total projects from Jan. 2022 to March 2023:

1. Dallas County, Texas 252 projects

T2. Harris County, Texas 231 projects

T2. Cook County, Illinois 231 projects

4. New York County, New York 162 projects

5. Los Angeles County, California 128 projects

6. Tarrant County, Texas 109 projects

7. Travis County, Texas 103 projects

8. Maricopa County, Arizona 102 projects

9. DuPage County, Illinois 91 projects

10. Middlesex County, Massachusetts 80 projects

T11. Fulton County, Georgia 71 projects

T11. Franklin County, Ohio

71 projects

13. Collin County, Texas 55 projects

T14. Kane County, Illinois 52 projects

T14. Cuyahoga County, Ohio 52 projects

T16. Will County, Illinois 48 projects

T16. Hamilton County, Ohio 48 projects

T18. Marion County, Indiana 47 projects

T18. Miami-Dade County, Florida 47 projects

T20. Johnson County, Kansas 46 projects

(Continued from page 7)

the Bar/ista’?” Easley said.

Brewpoint Coffee is located at 617 N. York St., Elmhurst. In addition to a wide variety of coffee drinks, alcoholic beverages and charcuterie boards will be offered.

Cash prizes will be provided for select plays, as determined by audience votes during the run of the show.

Tickets are $15 and are available at the door (cash/card), with no reservations or pre-sales.

More about GreenMan’s 20th anniversary

In its 20th season, GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a non-profit 501[c]3 organization whose mission is to

provide a source of cultural enrichment and pride for the community by presenting diverse, quality productions and providing opportunities for personal growth in the theatrical arts. GreenMan has been presenting plays in Elmhurst since being founded in 2003. Past productions include “The Odd Couple,” “Dracula,” and “Pride and Prejudice.” GreenMan also offers classes and workshops for members and the community and welcomes new members and participants in all aspects of theatre production.

GreenMan programs are partially supported by Explore Elmhurst, as well as other individual and corporate donations.

Elmhurst brothers go back-to-back with Evans Scholarship

York grad Mikey Rowland follows in brother Bobby’s footsteps

By Patti Pagni

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

Friends may tell you Mikey Rowland is a fun-loving guy who loves a good joke, but the class of 2023 York graduate was all business when it came down to setting his sights on college and how to pay for it. One sure way was to follow the example his hard-working brother Bobby set just one year ago when he earned the coveted Evans Scholarship awarded to high-achieving caddies annually.

Rowland, who garnered a 3.8 unweighted GPA at York, said he decided to strive for the Evans Scholarship, which is valued at more than $120,000 over four years, “ever since I started caddying.”

A caddie at Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook for the last five years, the 18-year-old has gone through an application and interview process showing he possesses four criteria that have earned him a life changing honor and opportunity: a strong caddie record, excellent academics, outstanding character and a demonstrated financial need.

“Mikey has a tremendous work ethic as illustrated by his nearly 500 total caddie loops at Butterfield Country Club,” said Jeff Harrison, senior vice president of advisory and special initiatives for the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation. “He cares about helping others and giving back to the Elmhurst community.”

Rowland was with his parents, Bob and Annie, when he opened the envelope and read the letter announcing him as a scholar. Instantly, the early mornings and carrying clubs through the heat and rain many days paid off.

“My parents and [I] opened the letter together and they reacted in tears of joy,” said Rowland. “It saved us a lot of stress and money for college.”

The newly-minted scholar says in addition to caddying, he started spending “more time volunteering for community service…” and says he learned “giving to others feels better than receiving.”

Inclement weather aside, which can make caddying more challenging, the soon-to-be University of

Kansas Jayhawk says while caddying, he enjoyed learning about the “business world [from golfers] and figuring out what I want to do in the future.”

He also said one of his favorite caddying memories was when he had the opportunity to caddie for the You Tube smash golf group “Good Good,” whose You Tube channel has reached more than 1 million subscribers, according to globalgolfpost. com. The group consists of some relatively recent college grads from the Kansas area. The fun-loving and entertaining group of young men have built a golf-loving viewership and fan community, and now has its own apparel line.

“It showed me how celebrities are just like us and share similar lifestyles…and with hard work all things are possible,” Rowland said.

Since 1930, when the WGA and amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans established the Evans Scholars Foundation, nearly 12,000 “young men and women have graduated as Evans Scholars,” according to the organization’s website. Currently there are “1,100 Evans Scholars enrolled at 24 leading universities nationwide.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to help impressive young men and women, like Mikey and his brother Bobby, realize their dream of a college education through a full tuition and housing Evans Scholarship,” said Harrison. “It’s truly life-changing.”

Mikey Rowland is here at one of his favorite places to be -- Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook where he has worked as a caddie for the last five years. The 18-year-old York grad was recently awarded a Charles “Chick” Evans Scholarship, awarded to caddies with a strong caddie record, excellent academics and outstanding character.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

“ Mikey has a tremendous work ethic as illustrated by his nearly 500 total caddie loops at Butterfield Country Club. He cares about helping others and giving back to the Elmhurst community.”

– Jeff Harrison

Elmhurst Public Library programs

Friday, July 14 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: Rear Window

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

Saturday, July 15 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.

Sunday, July 16 from 1-3 p.m. Plant Swap

Meet at the Library to trade pestfree plants, including houseplants, potted plants, cuttings, succulents, and more. A limited number of seedlings will be available for first-time gardeners. Live in-person. No registration. Gather at the east end of the parking lot (near the umbrellas).

• Fund

Rain location: Large Meeting Room.

Monday, July 17 from 7-8:30 p.m. Ciao Italia!

Improve your Italian language skills while exploring a different aspect of Italian culture each month. All skill levels welcome. Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Registration required.

Tuesday, July 18 from 1-3 p.m. Bridge and Pinochle

Enjoy an afternoon of card games every week. Prior experience is required. No registration required.

Tuesday, July 18 from 2-3 p.m. Coloring for Mindfulness

Choose from beautiful designs and become absorbed in the joy of coloring. Live in-person. No registration required.

(Continued from page 8)

Mendoza rejected the “crisis” label often ascribed to the pension issue, but she said it’s not a problem to be ignored.

Paying more into the pension systems now will negate the piling up of interest costs in the future, reducing the crowding out of services that money could otherwise be used to fund, she said. Mendoza pointed to the $700 million above the minimum required amount that the state has paid into its pension systems in recent fiscal years, which she said will save Illinois “about $2.4 bil -

lion on the back end.”

“And the more we do that, the quicker we’re going to get out of this hole,” she said.

That’s why Mendoza said her proposed legislation targets the pension stabilization fund as well as the rainy day fund.

“It’s not sexy,” she said.

“There’s no ribbon cutting with saving money, but I think it’s the best and most incredible use of taxpayer dollars to actually protect our budgets…the moral document that we’re going to live off of that

Wednesday, July 19 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. American Mah Jongg: Open Play

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

Wednesday, July 19 from 2-3 p.m.

Understanding Home Care

Learn more about home care options, including who is a good candidate for home care, differences between models, key issues to consider before selecting a provider, and who pays the bills. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Thursday, July 20 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Beginner’s Guide to Genetic Genealogy

DNA test kits are all the rage, but the results are often difficult to navigate. Discover the value that DNA tests can bring to your genealogical research, the different types of DNA tests available, and how to use the results in your family history research. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Friday, July 21 from 2-4 p.m. Friday Features: The Goonies

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

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

Consumer advocates, utilities spar over potential energy price increases

By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Millions of Illinoisans could see higher energy bills next year, but the size of those increases will be determined by a state agency that has recently had its oversight powers expanded.

The number of cases in front of the ICC is due, in part, to a pair of major policy changes affecting the way utilities request rate increases and the commission’s authority to amend those requests.

year.”

Mendoza earlier this year had advised Pritzker and lawmakers to not start any new state programs in the coming year’s budget. But she said she was happy with this year’s budget “for the most part,” despite new spending in areas like child care, pre-K programs and higher education.

“All of those spending initiatives, which are big ticket items, are all going to produce a good return on investment for taxpayers,” she said.

Four gas utilities and the state’s two largest electric utilities are currently requesting authority from the Illinois Commerce Commission to increase rates. Together, these companies serve 4.1 million gas customers and 5.3 million electric customers in Illinois.

All told, electric utilities have asked to raise rates by a combined $2.8 billion over four years, while gas utilities have requested $890 million in increases next year.

It’s an “unprecedented” number of proposed rate increases for one year, according to David Kolata, the former longtime head of the Citizens Utility Board, or CUB, a nonprofit organization created by the General Assembly in 1983 to represent consumers in cases like these.

For electric utilities, that means a more complicated, multi-year rate-setting process and a more thorough review of profit margins. For gas companies, that means more scrutiny of infrastructure costs.

The utilities are making their case for rate increases in an 11-month regulatory process that is set to conclude around the end of the year. But third parties like business groups and consumer advocates, in addition to ICC staff, also have a chance to weigh in before an administrative judge and eventually the five-member ICC board. The rate changes, if approved by the ICC, would take effect in January.

CUB and other consumer advocacy groups are pushing for the ICC to lower the electric utilities’ requests by at least $1.4 billion and the gas utilities’ requests by at least $231.8 million.

“Energy is essential. You can’t do anything without it,” Kolata told Capitol News Illinois prior to his recent departure from the CUB for a climate tech company. “We want to be sure we do everything we can to make our bills affordable.”

Gov. JB Pritzker has recently shaken up the board that will have the ultimate say on the rate hikes.

In March, Pritzker announced replacements for three of the five ICC commissioners.

The governor tapped former ICC Chair Doug Scott to rejoin the board as a replacement for ICC Chair Carrie Zalewski, who left her role recently. The other two members took their posts earlier this year, replacing members who had either retired or saw their terms expire. Advocates hope these changes will make the board more “consumer friendly.”

And while Pritzker hasn’t weighed in on the electric cases, he wrote a March op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times calling for increased accountability for gas companies.

“Illinois (gas) utilities want a combined $900 million in rate increases this year alone, and if no action is taken to stop it, Illinois ratepayers could be left footing the bill,” Pritzker wrote in the article published two days before he announced his new ICC appointments .

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!

Answers on page 19

CLUES ACROSS

1. A way to pick up

5. Presents

10. Type of guitar

14. Actor Idris

15. A citizen of Iran

16. Creative

17. Harness

18. Weight unit

19. You better call him

20. Utterly devoted

22. Male cat

23. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation

24. Risk-taker

27. A team’s best pitcher

30. Cool!

31. Women’s __ movement

32. Georgia rockers

35. Step-shaped recess

37. The princess could detect its presence

38. Type of truck

39. Butterhead lettuces

40. Angry people see it

41. Lines where two fabrics are sewn together

42. Soviet city

43. Carpet

all over

69. Body part CLUES DOWN

1. German courtesy title

2. Ancient Greek City

3. Ancient Hebrew calendar month

4. Long-legged frog family

5. Photo

6. Delivered a speech

7. Lute in classical Indian music

8. Decorated

9. Take a seat

10. Belonging to a bottom layer

11. Member of a Semitic people

12. Part of a ticket

13. Defunct Guinean money

21. Challenges

23. Popular BBQ food

25. Subway dweller

26. By way of

27. Shady garden alcove

28. Egyptian city

29. Partner to “flowed”

32. Widens

33. Old Eurasian wheat

34. Act incorrectly

36. European pipeline

37. Al Bundy’s wife

38. Ocean

40. Root eaten as a vegetable

41. Sound units

43. Style of music

44. A way to drench

46. Hot beverage

47. A cotton fabric with a satiny finish

49. Rumanian city

50. Urge to action

51. Vaccine developer

52. Canadian law enforcers

53. Wings

54. “Perry Mason” actor Raymond

57. Small fry

58. __ Clapton, musician

59. Take a chance

61. Bland food

62. Consumed

Serving Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Lombard & Villa Park

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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.

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.

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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 1-800-9279275.

Extreme wins Uncle Sam Slam tourney

The 10u Elmhurst Extreme orange team went a perfect 4-0 and won the Park Ridge Uncle Sam Slam baseball tournament this past weekend. The team tallied 62 hits across the 4 games and beat top teams including Edgebrook Thunder Gold (twice), Stoppers Baseball Club (Ewald) and Park Ridge Warriors Blue. Pictured with their championship hardware are (bottom row, from left): Chase Olsen, Tyler Langenstrass, Parker Gabuzda, Liam Northern, Logan Osbolt; (middle row): AJ Fleming, Brandon Crouch, Andrew Boeh, Grant Rodriguez, Dominic Magnelli; (top row) Coach Magnelli, Coach Fleming, Coach Rodriguez.

York names student-athletes of the year

Fleming, Sloan named to Class 4A all-state baseball team

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Four York student-athletes were honored for their athletic accomplishments during the school’s annual student-athlete awards night. Rose

U12 baseball action

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

Jensen was named the York outstanding senior female athlete of the year, while Matt Vezza was the recipient of the York outstanding senior male athlete of the year honor. Michaela Quinn took home the outstanding ju-

nior female athlete of the year, while Gavin Honken was the winner of the York outstanding junior male athlete of the year award.

York college commitments

Jensen, a senior utility player, Marlott, a junior driver, and Graefe, a senior goalie, all earned girls water polo all-state honors this season. Jensen, also recently named the York outstanding senior female athlete of the year, was named to the all-state first team, while Marlott earned second-team all-state honors and Graefe was named to the all-state third team.

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.

During the recent spring signing period, York had a bevy of student-athletes commit to continuing their academic and athletics careers at the next level. That long list includes Mason Balfanz (Pennsylvania College of Technology, baseball), Lily Beerhalter (Carnegie Mellon, cross country/track), Dominic Begora (Washington University St. Louis, football), Marshall Bell (Elmhurst University, football manager), JJ Bolden (Southern University, bowling), Brendan Flemming (Elmhurst University, baseball), Joe Hernandez (Northern Illinois University, soccer), Rose Jensen (San Jose State, water polo), Jack Korzeniowski (Carnegie Mellon, football), Thomas Kowalski (Rochester Institute of Technology, lacrosse), David Loch (University of San Diego, football), Ellis McAdoo (St. Thomas More School, football), Lance McCann (Air Force Academy, lacrosse), Ella Papoccia (Carthage College, softball), Katelyn Pratt (University of Miami-Ohio, track), Madison Peck (Quincy College, softball), Reece Richardson (University of Dayton, football), Teegan Roach (College of DuPage, basketball), Jack Rozmus (Ashland University, Ohio, baseball), Charlie Specht (University of San Diego, football), Matt Vezza (New Hampshire Uni-

versity, football), Thomas VanDaff (Spring Hill College, Alabama, baseball), Sean VanSleet (Wisconsin-Eau Claire, wrestling), Tommy Vlahos (Benedictine University, volleyball), Kelly Watson (Wisconsin-Whitewater, football), Brooke Woolfe (Wagner College, swimming).

Also, numerous York student-athletes signed or committed to continue their academic and athletic careers in the fall of 2022. That list includes Bria Bennis (Vanderbilt, cross country), Brooke Berger (Kentucky, cross country), Mariann Blass (Quincy University, basketball), Finley Ewald (Colorado School of Mines, soccer) and Jose Herrera (Purdue University of Indianapolis, soccer).

York baseball

The York baseball team, fresh off a fourth-place finish in the recent Class 4A state tournament in Joliet, received more good news with the recent appointment of two players to the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Class 4A all-state team. Sophomore middle infielder Josh Fleming and junior pitcher Ryan Sloan both earned Class 4A all-state recognition.

Timothy Christian boys tennis

The Timothy Christian boys tennis team enjoyed some postseason success. The doubles team of junior Hendrik DeVries and senior Tommy Kunz played in the Class 1A boys state tennis doubles tournament. DeVries and Kunz lost their opener

at state 6-1, 6-0 to a team from downstate Morton High School and then lost 6-2, 6-1 to a team from Geneseo.

De Vries and Kunz finished fourth in the sectional round to earn a state bid. After receiving a first-round bye, DeVries and Kunz were 6-4, 6-0 winners over a team from Lemont. They then defeated a team from Providence Catholic 6-1, 6-0 before losing to Hinsdale South in the semifinals 6-1, 6-4. The lost 6-0, 6-4 to a team from Nazareth Academy in the thirdplace contest.

York boys tennis

The York doubles team of Anthony Arnieri (junior) and Brennen Maxeiner (sophomore) competed in the Class 2A boys state doubles tournament where it won three matches. Arnieri and Maxeiner opened play with a 7-6 (6), 6-1 win over a team from Warren. They lost 7-6 (5), 6-3 to a team from Hersey in the second round. Arnieri and Maxeiner won 6-2, 6-3 over a team from Fremd in the second round of the consolation bracket and then downed a team from O’Fallon High School 6-1, 6-4 in the third round before losing 7-5, 6-2 to a team from Neuqua Valley in the fourth round of the consolation bracket.

Arnieri and Maxeiner finished third at the sectional level to earn their state bid. They defeated a team from Proviso East 6-0, 6-0 in their first match and then downed a team

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Blair-Sherlock to host Back-to-School ice cream social

Come out, spend time with members of the 46th District community, when State Representative Diane BlairSherlock hosts a Back-to-School ice cream social on Saturday,

Answers

Aug. 5 from 3-5 p.m. at Churchill Woods, 900 W. St. Charles Rd, Lombard. There will be entertainment for the kids and ice cream for the whole family.

PUZZLE 1 PUZZLE 2

• Athletes

(Continued from page 18)

from Oak Park-River Forest 6-1, 6-2 in the quarterfinals before losing 6-2, 6-2 to a team from Lyons Township in the semifinals. Arnieri and Maxeiner defeated another team from Lyons Township 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to win the third-place match.

Timothy Christian baseball

The Timothy Christian baseball team finished its season with an 18-16 overall mark. The Trojans wrapped up the 2023 season winning four of its final five games.

In an 8-0 win over Elmwood Park,

Chris Vander Veen threw a no-hitter, striking out 17 of the possible 21 outs. He walked two and threw 68 of 105 pitches for strikes. Ethan Munk (1 RBI, 1 run scored) and Myles Foy (1 RBI 1 run scored) each had two hits. Munk had a double.

In a 9-1 win over Westmont, the Trojans pounded out 16 hits on their way to victory. Evan Montella went 4-for-4 with a run scored, while Munk went 3-for-5 with a run scored and three RBI. Casey Folkerts, Jake Armstrong, and Kyle Steiner each had two hits, while VanderVeen had

• Calendar

RSVP at bit.ly/ TicketsIceCreamSocial. Any questions, please call the office at 630-415-3520 or email JaxWest.d46@gmail.com

CROSSWORD

(Continued from page 9)

station, snacks and water included. Hosted by the Elmhurst History Museum in partnership with the Elmhurst Park District. Children must be accompanied by an adult and helmets are required. Limit: 45 participants. Reservations required at elmhursthistory.org.

Saturday, July 22

From 1-4 p.m., families are invited to design a superhero inspired by the works found in Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross. Discover how Ross illustrates his superheroes, then illustrate and color a character that tells your own story. What superpowers will you choose? Members are free. Advance admission ticket required for non-members, timed tickets will be issued for entry. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org or 630-8340202.

Saturday, Aug. 12

From 1-4 p.m., the Elmhurst Art Museum is presenting Family Day: Marvel-ous Comic Creations. Kids are invited to discover the power of storytelling at the museum through storyboard character design and illustration.

Draw and write a story like Alex Ross to discover your own voice through comic book creations. EAM members are free. Advance admission ticket required for non-members, timed tickets will be issued for entry. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org or 630-834-0202.

LEGAL NOTICES

a double and two RBI. Foy was the winning pitcher. He struck out seven in six innings and allowed no earned runs.

In a 6-2 win over Montini, the Trojans scored four runs over the final three innings to win. Montella and Armstrong each had two hits and an RBI. One of Armstrong’s hits was a home run. Donald Tober was the winning pitcher. He struck out nine in 6 1/3 inning to pick up the win.

The Trojans had nine hits in a 13-0 win over Chicago Ogden International. Tober went 2-for-2 with

three runs scored and three RBI, while Armstrong was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and three RBI. Tober hit two home runs in the game, while Armstrong also struck a homer. Folkerts had a double. Steiner stole two bases. Foy was the winning pitcher, allowing two hits over four innings.

In a 7-3 loss to Chicago DePaul College Prep, Timothy had five hits. Tober went 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Armstrong had a home run and two RBI. Tober hit a double. Tober struck out nine over 6 1/3 innings.

names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: NAME OF PERSON(S) DAVID FERGUSON, HOME ADDRESS 3S555 LEASK LANE, WHEATON, IL 60189. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 22ND day of JUNE, A.D. 2023.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL)

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent June 29, July 6 & 13, 2023) 440109

FALL BASEBALL

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and

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SOFTBALL REGISTRATIONS

Elmhurst Youth Baseball & EYB Cougars Softball House League registration is NOW OPEN!

Register NOW to be a part of the fastest growing baseball & softball program in the Western Suburbs!

The Fall Baseball and Softball Leagues are a non-competitive league focused on training and player development. It is a 5 or 6 week program scheduled to start in September and conclude in October with all practices and games taking place on the weekends.

Games are scheduled for each Saturday with practice prior to each game. If there is a rain-out then the game/practice may be rescheduled for Sunday.

Elmhurst Youth Baseball is open to boys and girls ages 4 to 19.

The EYB Cougars softball program is open to girls ages 4 to 14.

Fall ball allows for players to begin practicing and playing in divisions that they may qualify for in the following Spring season or to continue their development in the divisions they currently compete.

REGISTRATION FOR THE FALL BALL SEASON IS OPEN!

Register at eybaseball.org