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Independent

Elmhurst’sLocallyOwnedandOperatedHometownNewspaper

Whelton presents 2023-24 budget at District 205 Board meeting

More than 30 percent increase expected with health insurance renewal for 2024

By Chris Fox

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

When the Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the District 205 Center, Chris Whelton, the district’s assistant superintendent for finance and operations, gave a presentation about the district’s 2023-24 budget. He delivered similar remarks during a presentation about the tentative budget at the board’s regular meeting on July 25.

Whelton stated that the district budgeted to use $10.7 million in reserves from last year’s budget to invest in the district’s facilities and other expenses. Whelton said that because the district’s revenues were slightly higher than expected and expenses were slightly less than anticipated, the district was only required to use $4.8 million in reserves during the last fiscal year.

The district’s 2023-24 fiscal year ends on June 30, 2024.

Continuing his presentation, Whelton stated that about 90 percent of the district’s revenues come from local resources. His presentation noted that property taxes represent 83 percent of the district’s operating revenues. Whelton said that salaries and benefits typically account for about 80 percent of the district’s expenditures. But he said that higher transfers, including $4 million for summer capital projects, $7 million for additional scope in construction/ renovation projects and $1.4 million

for technology leases would lead to salaries and benefits accounting for about 67 percent of the district’s operating expenditures in its 202324 budget. Transfers will reportedly account for about 11.5 percent of the district’s 2023-24 operating expenditures.

Whelton said that the district is anticipating a large increase—more than 30 percent—in its health insurance renewal for the 2024 calendar year.

According to the district’s 202324 budget, the district will have 1,191.07 full-time equivalent positions, up from 1,174 in 2022-23. The district’s 2022-23 expenditures for salaries were about $86.5 million. In 2023-24, those expenditures are budgeted at about $90.4 million.

The district had 1,139.6 full-time equivalent positions in its 2020-21 fiscal year and 1,175.08 in its 202122 fiscal year. The district’s expenditures for salaries were about $80.6 million in 2020-21 and about $82.9 million in 2021-22.

The presentation stated that the district had an overall enrollment of 8,441 students during the 201314 school year. Its enrollment in the 2022-23 school year was 8,299. While overall enrollment declined from 2013-14 to 2022-23, the district’s English Learner students rose from 438 to 861 during that time.

The district had 630.44 total certified positions in 2013-14. There

See MEETING, Page 9

Ladies on the links

The City of Elmhurst boasted a powerful all-female team on Friday, Sept. 22, at the 75th Annual Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ECCI) Golf Outing at Sugar Creek Golf Course. The team includes (from left): Emily Wagner, human resource director, Christina Coyle, director of finance, Stojana Ivancevic, assistant human resource director, and Heather Bereckis, business development manager.

BRENDA GARCIA PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

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Music@Bethel opens 25th season with ‘Mozart and His Women’

Jenny Riddle performs in character as Constanze Mozart

Bethel United Church of Christ in Elmhurst is thrilled to announce the opening concert of its 25th Music@

Bethel season featuring a performance by dramatic book reviewer Jenny Riddle, in character as Con-

stanze Mozart.

Along with classical pianist Jeffrey Panko, she will bring to life the

fascinating story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the most important women in his life, based on the best-selling book Mozart’s Women: His Family, His Friends, His Music by preeminent conductor and biographer Jane Glover.

The program will be held on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. at Bethel Church.

In this special collaboration, Riddle wears a custom-designed period costume as she tells the moving story of Wolfgang and Constanze’s lives—their love and the music— while Panko performs beloved highlights of Mozart’s immortal music on the piano.

Riddle has worked for over 20 years as a keynote speaker, professional storyteller, and communications consultant. “In my work, I like reminding audiences that history is full of important, savvy women whose talents and contributions are often eclipsed by the men,” said Riddle.

The script for the program was penned by Riddle’s savvy mother, Madge Cloud.

World-class, award-winning pianist and artistic director Jeffrey Panko is a regular performer in the Music@Bethel concert series, both as soloist and collaborator.

“I gave Jenny the Jane Glover book several years ago with this collaborative performance in mind,” Panko said. “An iconic, dramatic presence throughout the Chicago area, Jenny’s many faceted characterizations have made her one of the most sought-after entertainers in her field.”

Bethel United Church of Christ is located at 315 East St. Charles Road in Elmhurst. Tickets are available for $25 - $35 on Eventbrite or at the door. Students are free.

The church is accessible and parking is free. Enter through Sandburg Middle School from St. Charles Road, or from Huntington off Poplar Street. Info: 630-279-4040.

George F. Hammersmith, Jr. Chairman of the Board Fran Marcucci Decker Gonnella Baking Co. Joshua Bretl FSR Wealth Strategies

Richard W. Reichert President & C.E.O. Ken Bartels Sr. Vice President

Maryann Gorski Martha Hammersmith-Delgado

Lawrence B. Carroll Elmhurst

Jenny Riddle will act in character as Constanze Mozart, wife of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, at the opening performance of the 25th season of Music@Bethel. It will be held at Bethel Church, 315 East St. Charles Road, next to Sandburg Middle School. Tickets are $25 to $35 and can be purchased at Eventbrite or at the door.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Jenny Riddle Jeffrey Panko

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

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County celebrates 10th anniversary of Nicarico Children’s Advocacy Center

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy and members of the DuPage County Board hosted a rededication ceremony this morning commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Jeanine Nicarico Children’s Advocacy Center.

The Center was named in honor of 10-year-old Jeanine Nicarico who was abducted from her home, sexually assaulted, and brutally murdered in 1983.

“Ten years ago, with the opening of the Jeanine Nicarico Children’s Advocacy Center, DuPage County cemented its commitment to improving the lives of young victims of sexual and physical abuse,” Berlin said.

“Since that time, the center has opened more than 3,600 cases. I thank DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy and the entire County Board for their commitment throughout the years to the center and the important work they do.

“While we celebrate this milestone today, we must never forget Jeanine, a beautiful little girl who was taken from us far too early. With this center, Jeanine’s name will live on as a symbol of this County’s dedication and commitment to its children.”

Conroy thanked the Nicarico family for their support of the important work done by the center’s staff.

“We understand our obligation,

above all else, to serve families in a safe, healing environment. That determination remains as the centerpiece of this building and it underlines the mission of the staff members who work here, q0 years later,” Conroy said.

Founded in March of 1987, the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center is committed to lessening the trauma of sexual and serious physical abuse for children as they turn to the justice system for protection. Its mission is to provide a

coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to child physical or sexual abuse investigations which recognizes the special needs of child victims while demanding accountability for the crime of child physical or sexual abuse.

Resident one of two Montini seniors named NMS Commended Students

Montini Catholic principal Chris Tiritilli has announced that seniors Sam Hemmersmeier of Elmhurst and Marin Ferris of Wheaton have been named Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” a spokesperson for NMSC said. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation.

“We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

Sam is a graduate of Visitation Catholic School in Elmhurst and is a member of Visitation Parish. Marin is a graduate of St. Pius X Parish School in Lombard and is a member of St. Alexander Parish in Villa Park.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

From left to right: DuPage County Board members Yeena Yoo, Paula Garcia and Grant Eckhoff; Judge Joseph Birkett, DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy; DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin; and DuPage County Board members Cindy Cahill, Lynn LaPlante and Kari Galassi.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Montini Catholic high school principal Chris Tiritilli with National Honor Society Commended students Sam Hemmersmeier and Marin Ferris. An Elmhurst resident, Sam is a graduate of Visitation Catholic School and a member of the Visitation Parish.

Legion to host 4th annual ‘Stories Behind the Songs’

Have you ever listened to a favorite song and wondered about its inspiration? Was it written about the songwriter’s personal experience or that of a friend? Were the lyrics first written on a cocktail napkin or were they deliberately crafted over the course of months – or even years? Was the subject of the song a cherished friend or a favorite pet?

themselves - and then get treated to a live performance, with all the heart and soul of the people who were inspired to write them.

Frank Myers

Get the answers to these and many other questions about a bunch of familiar country and crossover hits at the Fourth Annual “Stories Behind the Songs” at the Elmhurst American Legion THB 187 Post on Saturday, Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day.

You’ll get to hear the stories behind the songs - by the songwriters

Award-winning songwriters Frank J. Myers, Wynn Varble and Danny Wells will share their talents at this year’s event, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $125 ($100 before Sunday, Oct. 1), a table of 10 is $1,000. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the Post’s website, www.americanlegionthb187.org or calling 630-8337800. Heavy appetizers and an open bar are included in the ticket price.

More about Frank Myers

A native of Dayton, Ohio, Frank Myers moved to Nashville in 1981. He got his start there as band leader, road manager and lead guitarist for Eddy Raven in 1981 and worked with Eddy for 9 years. It was with Eddy that Frank started writing, play-

School Board Capsules

Here’s what’s going on at District 205

By Chris Fox FOR THE ELMHURST

INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on Sept. 19 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St. All seven board members attended the meeting. There were no public comments during the meeting.

Presentation on Field School

The meeting’s spotlights and recognitions segment included a presentation about the new Field Elementary School. Heidi Thomas, the school’s principal, noted the recent Aug. 16 ribbon cutting to celebrate the new school building.

The presentation included video clips from Field School students, who described what they liked about their new school. The students cited the spaciousness of the new school. Other student comments noted the new furniture, outdoor learning spaces and the ample sunlight inside of the building.

York’s Euro Challenge team honored

The board recognized five York High School students who participated as a team in the Euro Challenge, an educational program designed to cultivate the knowledge and understanding of the European Union (EU) and its currency, the Euro, among high school freshmen and sophomores.

York’s Euro Challenge team of Natalie Tuerk, Ryan Hayes, Zach Saltiel, Colin Molina and Aaron Jobi focused their research on one EU country— Germany. The team’s research focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

York’s Euro Challenge team first competed in Chicago, facing schools from seven different states in the competition’s Midwest Region. The York team advanced to the event’s semifinal round in New York, where they faced 80 other teams. The team advanced to the national final round, earning fifth-place honors.

IGA with City regarding warning siren approved

Near the end of the meeting, board

ing and co-producing sessions. They had two #1’s, five #2’s, and three Top Ten hits. Songs such as “I Got Mexico, “Bayou Boys,” “You Should’ve Been Gone By Now,” “Sometimes A Lady,” and many others.

It was in 1982 though, that Frank had his first solo-written #1 single with “You and I” for Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle. The song stayed #1 for four weeks on the country charts, #2 for six weeks in the Adult Contemporary category, and #6 for four weeks on the Pop charts.

It was during his time with Eddy Raven that Frank met Gary Baker. They had their first #1 together in 1993 with “Once Upon A Lifetime” by Alabama. Gary and Frank recorded one album for MCG/Curb Records as Baker & Myers and were three-time nominees for Duo of the Year at the ACMs and CMAs.

Baker and Myers’ greatest accomplishment as cowriters came when John Michael Montgomery recorded “I Swear”. Montgomery’s version was #1 for 4 weeks on the Country

charts. “I Swear” was subsequently recorded by male pop vocal group All 4 One and went to #1 on the pop charts, where it remained for 11 weeks.

Among many other awards, the song garnered a Grammy in 1994 for “Country Song of the Year” for the duo and a Grammy for All-4-One for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo” for their version of the Song.

Myers headlines the Songwriters Event for the third straight year, as his passion for helping veterans is strong.

members voted unanimously to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Elmhurst regarding the relocation of the city’s emergency warning siren from the ground level at York High School to the roof of the school.

Moving the siren to the school’s roof will reportedly allow better projection of warnings to the community in emergency situations. The city will cover the cost of relocating the siren.

The board’s next regular meeting will take place on Oct. 17.

SPOTS AND FLOATERS IN VISION

As we age, the vitreous fluid in our eyes shrinks, causing the phenomenon of floaters or spots in our vision. These floaters appear as small, fuzzy shapes that move with your eyes if you try to look away. They are solidified parts of the vitreous that slowly drift through the fluid part of your eye, and when they pass in front of the macula they appear in your vision. Seeing floaters in our fieldof-vision is a natural part of the aging process. In many cases, the solidified vitreous will settle at the bottom of the eye where it’s less noticeable. However, sometimes spots in our vision indicate a serious eye condition such as a retinal tear or detachment. There is no treatment for floaters or spots themselves, but there is a treatment for the serious eye disorders of which they might be symptoms: retinal tears or detachments. A retinal tear can be treated with a laser that “tacks” the tear back into place. The procedure can be done in the office and usually takes a few minutes to complete. To schedule an appointment, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. AtSkowronEyeCare,our mission is your vision

P.S. While floaters are considered a normal part of the aging process, anyone who suddenly sees an increased number or floaters or experiences flashes across their field of vision should have their eyes checked for a more serious condition.

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

Sept. 18

William Schlesser, 52, of Brookfield, was charged with assault in the 100 block of S. Prospect at 9:53 p.m. Police said officers responded to the above location for the report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, the victims related after a road rage incident, Schlesser approached their vehicle with a baseball bat, according to police.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance

Sept. 20

A complainant in the 400 block of W. Butterfield reported an employee made some alarming statements to another employee. A witness was uncooperative and did not want to speak to officers. The complainant related they will be terminating the suspect’s employment.

Sept. 19

A victim in the 1200 block of S. York reported, following a verbal argument, that the suspect struck her. Officers attempted to locate the suspect with no results. An investigation is pending.

Sept. 16

A 21-year-old Elmhurst woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 300 block of E. North End at 11:37 a.m.

Sept. 15

Police said that subsequent to a call for a domestic in the 200 block of S. Sunnyside at 9:19 a.m., a complainant related her husband attacked her. The husband said that his wife bit his hand. There was no indication of injuries, both parties refused to sign complaints and agreed to separate for the evening.

Sept. 14

Police said that subsequent to a report of a suspicious subject in the 400 block of N. West, the complainant stated the subject gestured at her inappropriately. The subject was no longer in the area.

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

Sept. 20

Pedro Banuelos Valencia, 49, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI, no valid driver’s license, improper lane usage and two counts of failure to signal subsequent to a traffic stop near West and North at 11:49 p.m.

Sept. 19

Ashley V. Lopez, 27, of Chicago, was charged with DUI and possession of cannabis

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in a vehicle in the 400 block of N. York at 3:18 a.m.

Sept. 17

Teaghan Schremph, 24, of Wheaton, was charged with DUI and speeding near Route 83 and Riverside at 1:52 a.m.

Sept. 16

Robert Flowers, 60, of Glendale Heights, was charged with DUI drugs, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, while Nicole Carr, 49, of Chicago, a passenger in the vehicle, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia subsequent to a vehicle crash near North and Route 83 at 9:40 a.m.

Marco Xinic Gomez, 22, of Addison, was charged with DUI, speeding and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Grand and Lamont at 1:36 a.m.

Raul Soto-Pelaez, 30, of Glendale Heights, was charged with DUI, no valid driver’s license and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Route 83 at 2:33 a.m.

Sept. 15

Susan J. McKernan, 42, of Lombard, was charged with DUI, endangering the life of a child and speeding subsequent to a traffic stop in the 200 block of N. Ridgeland at 4:49 p.m.

Fleeing, eluding

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

Harassments, threats

Sept. 18

An employee at a store in the 1000 block of S. York received a threatening phone call from an unknown suspect.

Sept. 17

An employee at a corporation in the 300 block of W. Carol received a threatening text message from a former employee. The suspect was issued a no-trespass notice and advised not to contact anyone at the corporation.

Sept. 11

A victim at Elm Creek Drive told police at 3:45 a.m. he has had an ongoing dispute with a neighbor where she made threats towards him. An investigation is pending.

Identity theft, fraud

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported five 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 two incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Alize J. Zamora, 20, of Chicago, near North and Willow at 7:16 p.m. Sept. 17; Ana Ruiz-Mora, 36, of Sunrise, Fla., near North and Walnut at 11:28 a.m. Sept. 18.

Suspicious incident

Sept. 16

A victim in the 100 block of N. Michigan told police that a suspect was stalking her while she was sitting outside of her apartment. The victim had an expired order of protection against the suspect and was advised to obtain a new order of protection.

Retail theft

Sept. 17

Police said a reporting officer located a vehicle that was wanted out of Willowbrook for retail theft in the 200 block of S. Route 83 at 8 p.m. Upon further investigation it was discovered the suspect’s vehicle was previously involved in a retail theft and battery in Elmhurst, according to police. The vehicle allegedly fled

eastbound on Roosevelt Road from Route 83 before crashing near the ramp to eastbound I-290. Paris Durr, 32, of Chicago, was charged with felony retail theft, burglary, and aggravated battery for an alleged incident that occurred in the 100 block of E. Schiller on Sept. 9.

Unlawful production of cannabis

Sept. 14

Police said a complainant in the 800 block of W. Hillside told police that a person was openly growing cannabis plants in his yard which were visible to the public. Carlos E. Loria, 53, of Elmhurst, was charged with unlawful production of cannabis (more than 20, less than 50 plants).

Warrant arrest

Sept. 19

Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near Grand and Oaklawn at 7:46 p.m., Gustavo Dominguez, Jr., 23, of Franklin Park, was found to have a valid warrant out of DuPage County and to be in possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was processed on the warrant and charged with possession of a controlled substance, no valid license and operating a vehicle with a suspended registration.

Parolee charged with burglary to Hinsdale boutique released under new Safe-T-Act

Berlin says release from custody ‘illustrates a deficiency in the new law’

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Hinsdale Chief of Police Brian King announced on Thursday, Sept. 21 that under the State’s new SafeT-Act law, a Chicago man charged with breaking into a Hinsdale high-end boutique shop had been released from custody pending trial.

Terry Johnson, 30, of the 7400 block of Stewart Ave. in Chicago, appeared at first appearance court Thursday morning where Judge Joshua Dieden placed multiple conditions of release on Johnson before releasing him under the new law.

Johnson is charged with one count of armed violence (Class X felony) and one count of burglary (Class 2 felony). Conditions of his pre-trial release include that Johnson be fitted with a GPS electronic monitoring device at a cost of $10/day and that he remain at least 1,000 feet away from the Kelsey Resale Boutique.

Johnson is currently on parole for armed robbery and aggravated battery out of Cook County.

On Wednesday, May 24 at approximately 1:19 a.m., the Hinsdale Police Department received notification of a possible burglary at Kelsey Resale Boutique, located at 49 S. Washington St. Upon their arrival, officers found the glass front door of the establishment was broken out. Following an investigation, it is alleged that Johnson and six accomplices arrived at the store in two vehicles and that at approximately 1:19 a.m., broke into the store using a sledgehammer to shatter the front door. It is alleged that after breaking into the store, Johnson and his accomplices stole approximately $68,000 worth of purses and oth-

er merchandise. It is further alleged that the men then exited the store and fled the scene in the two vehicles in which they arrived. When processing the scene, authorities collected blood evidence located on the floor near the front door. On Tuesday, Aug. 15, a DNA profile from the blood evidence was found to be consistent with the DNA profile of the defendant, Terry Johnson. On Wednesday, Sept. 20, Johnson was taken into custody without incident.

Berlin weighs in on Safe-T-Act

“The fact that Mr. Johnson, who is currently on parole and now accused of a forcible felony, will be out on the streets pending his trial illustrates a deficiency in the new law,” Berlin said. “I have been saying all along that after hearing the facts and circumstances of a case, a judge, not the legislature, is in the best position to decide if pre-trial release for a defendant is appropriate.

“This morning, while Judge Dieden expressed his concern over the implementation of the law, his hands were tied as he was required by law to release Mr. Johnson pre-trial because the forcible felony of burglary is excluded from the list of detainable offenses under a dangerousness standard unless there is use of force against another person.

“With Mr. Johnson’s case as a glaring example of what I fear will be many defendants unduly released pre-trial, I urge the General Assembly to amend the law and allow judges to use their discretion in every case similar to New Jersey’s pre-trial release law.”

Johnson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 16 for arraignment in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.

Terry Johnson

Bethel United Church of Christ, 315 E. Saint Charles Road, will host its annual holiday decor sale in the church’s Welcome Center on Friday, Oct. 5 and Saturday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Buyers will find fall, Halloween and Christmas decor that is gently-used and ready to enhance your home.

Proceeds from the sale go towards the work of the church, including support for local organizations that help those in need. Parking is available behind the church and can be accessed from St. Charles Road or from Huntington Lane off of Poplar Avenue. The Welcome Center is fully accessible.

Those wishing to donate items may do so on Wednesday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Welcome Center. Visit www.bethel-ucc.org.

Bethel UCC to host ReDeck the Halls and more University

welcomes over 1,400 new students

A total of 1,407 new students have started the 2023-24 academic year at Elmhurst University, including 607 first-year students—the third-largest class in University history—and a record number of graduate students and international students.

Among the 378 new graduate students are the University’s first eight doctoral students, who are enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Along with returning students, the University’s total student enrollment is 3,906.

“Our continued success bringing in a large, diverse class across firstyear, transfer, graduate and now doctoral students is an effort that takes time and attention,” said Christine Grenier, vice president for admission. “As a campus community, we work to build relationships with our students, not just recruit them—they become like family. We want to understand and meet both their needs and expectations for their college experience, from when they apply to when they graduate.”

More than half of Elmhurst’s firstyear students identify as first-generation college students. So do more than half of the campus’s nearly 350 new transfer students, most of whom came from a Chicago-area community college.

Also included among the new students (both undergraduate and graduate) are a record 154 international students, an increase of nearly 38 percent over last year, representing 20 countries. Domestically, the new students hail from 21 states, with the most out-of-state students this year coming from Wisconsin and Indiana.

“We are thrilled to welcome so many new and returning students to campus,” President Troy D. VanAken said. “And we’re committed to helping them grow and succeed throughout every part of their Elmhurst University journey.”

Charles J. Prazak III

Charles J.

Prazak III, known affectionately as Chuck, was born on August 12, 1939, in Berwyn, Illinois, to Lydia J. Prazak (nee Koucky) and Charles J. Prazak II of Cicero. Chuck passed away on September 16, 2023 in Elmhurst, Illinois, due to cardiac arrest. He was a beloved husband to Bessmarie L. Prazak and a devoted father to his daughter, Robin. His love extended to his son-in-law, Christian Kirk, and his grandsons, Max and Miles Kirk, who brought immense joy to his life. His brother, Richard Prazak, was not only his sibling but also a lifelong friend. His family will remember Chuck as a loving, supportive, and inspirational figure.

Chuck’s early life in Cicero and Berwyn set the stage for a lifetime of curiosity and discovery. He pursued an education in physics at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and his passion for understanding how the world works was a cornerstone of his character that permeated every aspect of his life.

Chuck embarked on a successful career in electronics and engineering including working at National Video Corporation, Stewart Warner Electronics Corporation, Nitec Corporation, and lastly, Zenith Electronics Corporation – where he became Vice President of CRT

Development and Engineering. His analytical mind and creative spirit led to numerous patents, marking some technical achievements in the field of electronics. Chuck’s colleagues admired and respected him for his dedication, innovative ideas, and commitment to success. Once retired, he focused on website design and continued his love for cooking, especially Czech cuisine, which his family appreciated. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chuck was a man of diverse interests. He had a profound love for music, particularly classical compositions. His appreciation for melody and rhythm extended to modern music groups, showcasing his eclectic taste. Chuck’s curiosity and love for understanding how things worked led him to become an accomplished handyman, and he delighted in investigating methods of making electronic and mechanical equipment work.

In the end, the measure of Chuck’s life is not just in the patents he earned or the technical achievements he made. It is also in the music he savored, the objects he created or repaired, and the love he gave to his family. His legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral HomeThe Ahlgrim Chapel, 567 S. Spring Rd. Elmhurst, IL 60126, with a family eulogy beginning at 3 p.m.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be written to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 or www. givenow.lls.org.

Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel. For information, (630) 834-3515 or www. ElmhurstFH.com.

David Lynn Rockett, 71 David Lynn Rockett, age 71, born in Fairfield, IL to the late James and the late Freida Rockett, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2023.

Beloved husband of 49 years to Stephanie Rockett (nee Curran.) Loving brother of Kenneth (Carmen) Rockett, Susie (Braden) Willis, Linda (Randy) Duckworth, and the late Dennis (the late Cheryl) Rockett. Cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.

A visitation and Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, September 25, 2023 at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York St. Elmhurst, IL 60126.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Stendeback Family Funeral Home, 119 W. Main St. Enfield, IL 62835.

Interment at Hammack Cemetery

in Springerton, IL.

Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel. For info. (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com

Linda Capobianco, 64 Linda Capobianco (nee Ohs) 64 of Lombard passed away on August 28, 2023. She is survived by her children, Chelsea (Alexis Royce) and Caitlin and her best friend John Capobianco. Along with her sisters Sandy (John Rybarczyk) and Susan (Robert Buczkiewicz).

Linda was an outgoing soul, always ready to talk to new people and make new friends. She will be remembered by many for her smile and generosity. She was a photographer, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend.

A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, October 7 at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, 367 Spring Rd, Elmhurst, IL 60126 from 1:30 till 4PM.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you to donate to The Night Ministry (thenightministry.com) a charity which helps homeless people in the Chicago area. Linda was always giving to those in need and we would love to continue that work in her memory.

We want to print your news! What’s happening with your loved ones serving in the military?

Whether they are shipping out, currently in action, or heading home, we want to share the news. Send details and photos to independent@rvpublishing.com

Slices of life

Milestones and the meaning of time

I’m approaching another milestone—as if I needed another one.

Soon it will be 1,000 days. I’ve been one thousand days a widow.

It sounds like a long time. And it is.

But I was married for a much longer time. Thirty-three years, which is by my calculations just over 12,000 days.

We had 12,000 days together. Now 1,000 apart. And the thing that strikes me is that time is so relative. And in many ways, it is meaningless.

The week before your birthday, when you are about to turn five, can seem like eons, while the actual day itself encompasses an instant.

We measure things—our life—in days or weeks or years. In time.

But what is time, really? Better put, perhaps time isn’t anything consequential. It is what we make of it.

Oh, sure, it gives us benchmarks, but what does it mean to be seven years old, or 29, or 42 or 83? Does it matter if you go to bed before midnight or wake up by 8:00 am? Eat lunch promptly at noon or dinner right after the Wheel? Is your first day at work more important than the last or any of the ones somewhere in the middle?

What makes an afternoon at the beach better than an afternoon cleaning the garage? How can a week of vacation seem spacious on day one, but shorter than a long weekend on day seven?

The moment my children were born, I’d trade each of them for months—years even—of mundane existence.

Those moments in time for me were more valuable than almost all the others.

So it goes with love.

My love left this earth one thousand days ago; that’s 24,000 hours and more than a million minutes. Since then, I’ve contemplated life and death and love more than in the 12,000 days I had as his wife, or in the 20,000 that I’ve had in this life.

In that, I’ve thought about lost time, wasted time and all the time I took for granted. I’m pretty sure

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

there were many wasted moments - or hours or even days. It doesn’t make me a bad person. It makes me human. It makes me like the rest of us.

A horrific loss, I think, often forces you to contemplate time, and purpose and the absolute truth of things. The same comes, in some regard, with age.

As you see time gradually ticking by it takes on more meaning.

In the last 1,000 days, I’ve wondered what life is really about. I’ve thought about my purpose and my distinct need now to find it and pursue it - for me, but just as much for him. For both of us. I’ve thought about love and life and how fleeting it all really is.

Fleeting, and in many ways meaningless. How time very well may be a construct invented by us to try to make sense of things. So we can appreciate birthdays and anniversaries and holidays. So it can provide a framework to this story we call life.

For now, it is a construct I live with. That I live within. Like it or not.

And today is a milestone in time’s construct. It is day 1,000 a widow.

I’ve made it this far. I’m still marking time, counting the days we’ve been apart. Because as they grow in number—as they widen the gap between then and now, so then lessens the gap between now and then - the time we will be together again.

And I fully believe that will happen.

Until it does, I’m going to make every day here count. You can count on that.

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.

Illinois: Don’t swap money bail for digital jails

Editor’s note: The views expressed are those of the authors.

By Alicia Virani and Kate Weisburd

Illinois has made history. With the implementation of The Pretrial Fairness Act last week, it is the first state to fully eliminate cash bond.

This means that no one will be held in jail simply because they cannot afford to pay for their freedom. But this historic win for pretrial freedom is in jeopardy.

State court judges and a newly created agency—the Office of State Pretrial Services (OSPS)—are primed to replace the freedom provided for in the Pretrial Fairness Act with GPSequipped electronic ankle monitoring (EM), a technology that has no proven track record and causes more harm than good.

At the end of August, OSPS rolled out plans to substantially expand the use of monitoring in Illinois, setting the state up to have the largest number of people on monitors in the United States. Illinois faces a choice: remain a beacon of hope for pretrial justice reform or provide another example of a failed attempt at change.

To pre-ordain the expanded use of ankle monitors is a mistake. As researchers who study the use of electronic monitoring throughout the United States, we are concerned. No research shows that EM leads to better outcomes as compared to people

being released without a monitor.

The evidence from the pretrial EM program in Cook County, one of the largest and most rigorously studied in the United States, is unequivocal: Placing a person on an electronic monitor does not impact their likelihood of committing more crimes or make it more likely they will show up to court.

Instead, research shows that EM, particularly when combined with house arrest, directly undermines a person’s stability when it is needed most. In addition to 24/7 location tracking, the rules associated with monitoring and house arrest make it difficult for people to seek or sustain work, keep their housing, visit relatives, attend church, meet with their lawyers, respond to medical emergencies or care for their children, to name just a few examples.

Although not confined to a jail cell, monitoring, like jail, limits privacy, restricts liberty and disrupts family and financial security. The Pretrial Fairness Act provides some guaranteed movement for people on monitors, but it is not enough to ensure people can easily care for themselves and others.

The technology is also faulty. The monitors, which are meant to track and record people’s movement in real-time, have a history of producing false alerts In Cook County, one report noted that 80 percent

of alerts from monitors were “false positives.” These alerts erroneously placed a person away from their home when they were not. These technological “glitches” often led to rearrest for alleged violation of the rules, leading to more incarceration, the very thing the new law is supposed to decrease.

In a recent interview, an OSPS representative said they are “not encouraging” judges to order electronic monitoring once the new law goes into effect. But by providing widespread access to flawed and ineffective technology, the agency is creating a self-fulling prophecy. California offers a cautionary lesson.

After the state’s bail practices were reformed, the number of people on monitors pretrial in Los Angeles increased dramatically and there was no net decrease in the pretrial jail population. San Francisco saw similar trends, raising concerns that monitoring is being used too much.

To be clear, under the new law, judges are required to release people who are deemed not safety risk and not likely to flee. This means that most people released under the new law do not need monitoring because they are neither a safety or flight risk.

Most people released pretrial are successful without any added conditions, and the most effective services a court can provide are simple,

University opens Center of the Blue Promise

Elmhurst University is celebrating the opening of the Center of the Blue Promise/El Centro de la Promesa Azul.

The Center of the Blue Promise is a culturally inclusive space and meeting/gathering spot aimed at nurturing student success among the University’s Hispanic, underserved and first-generation college students.

“This Center is a space, a place, where everyone on this campus is welcome, and where we are centering our intentionality about serving our fastest-growing population, our Hispanic students,” said Bruce King, vice president for equity and inclusion, during the grand opening celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 13. “We want to make sure the work we’re doing is moving from enrolling our Hispanic, Pell Grant-eligible and first-generation students, to making sure we are serving them in every way, every day, and in every corner of this campus.”

The new Center is funded largely through a $3.4 million federal Title V grant, which the University applied for and received in the fall of 2022, within months of being designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education. (Colleges and universities can gain HSI status if, over at least three consecutive years, more than 25 percent of their full-time undergraduate students identify as Hispanic or Latinx.)

That Elmhurst was awarded the highly competitive grant so soon after achieving HSI status is unusual, King said, and speaks to the strength of the application and its vision for what an HSI should look like at Elmhurst.

Services provided by the Center will include programming, leadership development, efforts to con -

• Meeting

were 717.2 total certified positions in 2022-23.

nect students to other campus resources, and greater engagement with students’ families, to bring them into the educational process.

Funds from the HSI grant also

will support faculty development, changes to the First Year Seminar program, and greater opportunities for Hispanic and Latinx students to study abroad, do undergraduate

research and take part in internships and service learning, said Karina Rivera, project director of the grant.

“We want to make sure we’re

helping students transition easily to Elmhurst,” she said, “and make sure they’re taking advantage of all the opportunities and experiences we have here.”

(Continued from front page) more successful.

The district ended its 2022-23 budget year with an operating fund balance of about $63.4 million. At the end of its 2023-24 budget year, the district is projecting to have an operating fund balance of about $55.49 million.

Whelton said the district will end the 2023-24 budget year with adequate reserves.

The district’s 2023-24 budget projects revenues of about $157 million, expenditures of about $152.3 million, and transfers of about $12.7 million. In the 2022-23 budget year, revenues were nearly $150 million, while expenditures were about $142 million.

Transfers were about $12.85 million. The district began the 2022-23 budget year with an operating fund balance of about $68.2 million.

Board member Kara Caforio stated that while the board watches its staffing figures, the needs of the district’s students have risen incredibly. Caforio said the board has a responsibility to meet the needs of the district’s students and help them to be

Before voting to approve the resolution adopting the district’s 2023-24 budget, board members voted 6-1 to pass of a policy regarding the district’s operating fund balance. Collins also cast the one vote against that policy, which calls for the district to maintain a certain amount at the balance’s lowest point of each year— May 31. Collins said the wording in the policy could be a lot better. The

• Bail

policy reportedly calls for the district to have a May 31 fund balance of at least 15 to 20 percent of its annual operating expenses. Collins said he didn’t understand why the district needed so much cash. He said the district’s revenue stream is predictable, and that a majority of its expenses are related to negotiated labor contracts.

More School Board meeting news can be found elsewhere in this issue.

(Continued from page 8)

non-punitive ones: court reminders, transportation to court, child care assistance, and referrals to voluntary community-based services.

Those on pretrial release need support, not surveillance. The state is poised to spend hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on monitors. These funds would be better spent on mental health services, jobs, affordable housing, and effective treatment for substance use. Rather than incarcerate people in their own homes, Illinois should work to improve people’s quality of life and support their social and economic

security.

The Pretrial Fairness Act is a model for other states seeking to eliminate the broken cash bail system. Yet by swapping cash bail for electronic monitoring, Illinois courts and the OSPS risk undermining years of progress and reform.

Kate Weisburd is an associate professor of law at George Washington University School of Law. Alicia Virani is the Rosaline and Arthur Gilbert Foundation director of the Criminal Justice Program at UCLA Law School.

Monday,

Monday, October 16, 10:30 AM

Saturday, October 21, 10:30 am

Monday, November 6, 7:00 PM

Saturday, November 18, 10:30 AM

Monday, November 27, 7:00 PM

ELMHURST UNIVERSITY PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Pictured are (from left): Bruce King, vice president of equity and inclusion, Karina Rivera, HSI project director and Elizabeth Quirarte, HSI wellness case manager, who helped lead the celebration at Elmhurst University of the opening of the Center of the Blue Promise. The center is a culturally inclusive space aimed at nurturing academic success among the University’s Hispanic, underserved and first-generation college students.

Can’t-miss events throughout DuPage County

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

Ongoing

North Suburban Carvers meetings

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

Now through Sept. 30

Muddy Warhol Art Exhibit

Westmont

Recurring daily t the Westmont Centre, 1 S.

Cass Ave., the Westmont Special Events Corporation (WSEC) NFP has created the Muddy Warhol Art Contest & Exhibit to cross promote a new Andy Warhol Exhibit at the College of DuPage, which will debut this spring, as well as highlight the Muddy Waters Blues Exhibit in Westmont. The contest and exhibit will encourage artists to create and submit Warhol-inspired art featuring the image of blues music legend Muddy Waters. Waters lived in Westmont from 1973 until he passed in 1983. Westmont Special Events has created a blues exhibit and annual Muddy Waters Blues Tribute music event to honor the American music icon. For more information, visit: https://westmont.illinois.gov/ CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1748&fbclid=IwAR3MoCxv0KpmIu64FAtmYhMwTjagx47XRwCWzQ9NuKvRHcRTcJqjJHMpmsM.

Now through Oct. 14

French Market

Lisle

Recurring weekly on Saturdays from 8 a.m.

to 1 p.m. at PrairieWalk Pond, Route 53 and Garfield Avenue, this award-winning site serves as a beautiful back drop to this colorful, open-air market. Vendors change weekly, so each market is a unique experience. Free parking is available in the Garfield Parking Lot, Main Street and the Commuter Parking Lots off of Burlington Avenue. There is no admission charge, so bring the whole family; service animals and pets in carriers are welcome. For more information, visit: www.villageoflisle. org/228/French-Market-at-PrairieWalk-Pond.

Now through Oct. 21

Downtown Downers Grove Market

Recurring weekly on Saturdays through the early fall, you’ll find tasty food to eat, fun items to purchase, and lots of live music to dance to at the Downtown Downers Grove Market, 711 59th St. Join in the fun and support the Y in the parking lot outside the Main Street Train Station from 7 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit: https://www. ymcachicago.org/indian-boundary/downtown-downers-grove-market.

Now through Oct. 22

Glen Ellyn French Market

Recurring weekly on Sundays at the Metra parking lot, 449 Main St., from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the Glen Ellyn French Market is open for the season. For more information, visit: https:// bensidounusa.com/glenellyn/.

Now through Oct. 25

Elmhurst Farmers Market

Recurring weekly on Wednesdays from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at the York and Vallette Business District, the Farmers Market is one of Elmhurst’s great local markets and a family friendly must do event, popular with locals and visitors alike. Enjoy boutique style shopping. For more information, visit: https://elmhurstfarmersmarket.com/.

Now through Oct. 29

Fall Festival and Haunted Hayride, Haunted Barn - West Chicago

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Sonny Acres Farm, get ready to dive into an autumn wonderland at Sonny Acres Farm for its highly anticipated fall festival. Prepare yourself for non-stop family fun as you explore a thrilling array of attractions and amusements. From the adrenaline-pumping Wacky Worm Roller Coaster to the delightful Sonny Express Train to picking the perfect pumpkin in our West Chicago Pumpkin Patch—there’s something to enchant everyone in the family. For more information, visit: https://sonnyacres.com/fall-festival/.

Now though Oct. 31

Fall Color Festival

Scarecrow Trail

Lisle

At the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53,

Fall Color Festival celebrates the most brilliant season at the Arboretum. Take in 1,700 acres of seasonal splendor, as hundreds of thousands of trees from 40 countries blaze with fiery orange, warm gold, and vivid crimson. Hike or bike in the crisp fall air. Drive scenic roads to see spectacular vistas. Make family memories in our award-winning Children’s Garden, or enjoy fall-themed events. Admission: Adults, $17; seniors, $15; children, $12. For more information, visit: https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/events/fall-color-festival

Also, recurring daily is the Scarecrow Trail. Stroll the path along Meadow Lake to see the friendly faces of the Scarecrow Trail. Each scarecrow is handmade by a local scout troop. Scarecrow viewing is included with Arboretum admission.

Pumpkin Fest

Wheaton

From 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Cosley Zoon, 1356 N. Gary Ave., come see the animals and take in the thousands of pumpkins scattered on the zoo’s lawn. Children’s rides are also available for an additional fee. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, cider, cornstalks, and various sizes of straw bales are also available to purchase. Regular admission rates apply—$10 for nonresident adults and $9 for nonresident seniors age 55+. Free for Wheaton residents and kids under age 17. For more information, visit: https://cosleyzoo.org/october-pumpkin-fest/.

Now through Nov. 25

French Market

Wheaton

Recurring weekly from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays in downtown Wheaton (Main Street and Liberty Drive), Saturdays are Market Days in Wheaton. Come and explore ... you will find a great assortment of goods. Flowers, locally grown produce, jewelry, crafts and more are sold. Free. For more information, visit: https:// bensidounusa.com/wheaton/.

Now through April, 2024

Meet Me at the Fair:

The Chicago World’s Fairs in DuPage County

Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, in the 19th and 20th centuries, expositions and world fairs worked to celebrate the past while also highlighting visions of the future. Chicago hosted two expositions: The World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 and A Century of Progress World’s Fair in 1933-34. Meet Me at the Fair: The Chicago World’s Fairs in DuPage County looks at the ways in which these two expositions impacted DuPage County residents by exploring the various advancements of art, architecture, social issues, agriculture, and technology that were happening during these points of time. Admission: Free. For more information, visit: https://dupagemuseum.org/ collections-exhibits/.

State’s Attorney Berlin initiatives protecting seniors and animals signed into law

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin has announced that three initiatives proposed in his office’s 2023 legislative package have been signed into law.

One of the new laws strengthens law enforcement’s ability to remove companion animals from those charged with animal cruelty while the other two protect personnel and residents at long-term health care facilities.

The initiatives, now known as Public Act 103-0490 (amended the Humane Care for Animal Act), Public Act 103-0428 (amended the Health Care Worker Background Check Act) and Public Act 103-0293 (amended the part of the Criminal Code of 2012 providing further protection for seniors and long-term care facility residents) passed the General Assembly in May and were signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.

Public Act 103-0490 went into effect immediately upon the governor’s signature (Aug. 4) while Public

Acts 103-0428 and 103-0293 will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Public Act 103-0490, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Karina Villa and in the state House of Representatives by Reps. Maura Hirschauer, Anne Stava-Murray and Terra Costa Howard, amends the Humane Care for Animals Act by mandating that upon a violation of certain sections of the Act, rather than a conviction, the court may order the person in violation to forfeit the companion animal.

The bill also allows a court to prohibit the person or persons in the offender’s household from owning, possessing, harboring or taking custody or control of any other animals for a specified period of time up to permanent relinquishment (lifetime ban).

If an individual is found to have violated these conditions, they will be subject to immediate forfeiture of any animal and imprisonment for not more than 90 days, a fine of not more than $2,500 or both.

Additionally, the amendment added offenses under which law enforcement may take possession of a companion animal as well as adds offenses under which a court may order the forfeiture of an animal.

“Recent cases of animal cruelty in DuPage County did not go far enough to protect the animals during the pendency of the case,” Berlin said.

“I am very pleased that with support from the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker’s signature, we are now able to remove these defenseless animals from their alleged abusers and provide them food, water, medical attention as needed and ultimately find them caring, loving homes.”

In furthering the office’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of seniors and those in long-term care facilities, Public Act 103-0428, sponsored in the House by Costa Howard, Tom Weber and Camille Lilly and in the Senate by Sens.

Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Julie Morrison and John Curran, provides that prior to employment, a health care employer or long-term care facility will now be provided with not only a potential employee’s Illinois criminal history, but also an applicant’s federal criminal history as well as their criminal history in other jurisdictions nationwide.

Public Act 103-0293, sponsored in the state House by Representatives Costa Howard, Jenn Ladisch Douglass, Sue Scherer, Michelle Mussman, Lawrence “Larry” Walsh, Jr., Lance Yednock, Gregg Johnson, Nabeela Syed, Laura Faver Dias, Kevin John Olickal, Harry Benton, Theresa Mah, Joyce Mason, Stephanie Kifowit, Hoan Huynh, Michael Kelly, Kevin Schmidt, Fred Crespo, Kelly Burke and Barbara Hernandez and in the Senate by Senators Meg Loughran Cappel, Jason Plummer, Sally Turner and Laura Murphy expands the definition of those protected under the act to include all

residents of long-term care facilities without regard to the resident’s age or physical or mental condition.

The amendment further provides that anyone who violates the financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability statute is guilty of a Class 1 felony if the victim is 70 years of age or older instead of the previous language of “over 70 years of age”, and the value of the property is $15,000 or more.

“Seniors and residents of longterm care facilities are among our most vulnerable,” Berlin continued. “They rely on others for their personal safety and day-to-day needs and my office is one hundred percent committed to safeguarding their well-being. This new legislation provides an extra layer of security for our seniors and for their families as well. I thank the members of the Illinois General Assembly for their support of this legislation as well as Governor Pritzker for his support of these important initiatives.”

Can’t-miss events throughout DuPage County

Saturday, Sept. 30

Alter Fest 2023

Downers Grove

From 5-10 p.m. at Alter Brewing Company, 2300 Wisconsin Ave., he beloved annual festival is a celebration of all of you and another amazing year of brewing. For more information and ticket prices (which do not include taxes and fees), visit: www.eventbrite. com/e/alter-fest-2023-tickets-685067133237?aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR3z9E3e5PC3QnPoeg6elw5plc9y4FB7YhzY-6BugSuS6wwYlIQU48TuKQk.

Autumn Gone Fishin’ Derby

Glen Ellyn

From 9-11:30 a.m. at Lake Ellyn Park. bring your favorite poles and pals for this annual catch-and-release fishing derby. You’ll have an hour to catch as many fish as you can, but don’t forget to try and catch the big one. Prizes will be awarded for the largest, smallest, and most fish caught in two age groups: 3-6 years and 7-12 years, as well as for the overall “Best Dressed Fisherman.” All children must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is per child and includes bait, snacks, and activities. Participants must bring their own fishing poles. Pre-registration is required; no walkup registration. Fees: $10 residents,

$15 nonresidents. For more information, visit: https://gepark.org/gepdevent/autumn-gone-fishin-derby/.

Octo-beer-fest

Lombard

Starting at 12:45 p.m. at Noon Whistle Brewing, 800 E. Roosevelt, this is a free-to-attend epic celebration that’s sure to be a blast. From new brews to live music and German-themed delights, this is a party you won’t want to miss. For more information, visit: www. noonwhistlebrewing.com/oktobeerfest-at-the-lombard-brewpub.

October Fest

Wheaton

From 3-9 p.m. at the DuPage County Historical Museum, this family-friendly event features pumpkin painting, food vendors and a beer garden, small rides, and live performances. Admission: Free. For more information, visit: https://dupagemuseum.org/events/october-fest.

Oktoberfest

Glen Ellyn

Starting at 2:30 p.m. at Two Hound Red, 486 Pennsylvania Ave., Oktoberfest beer, brats, pretzels and various performers and bands. For more information, visit: https://www. instagram.com/p/CxJ6arcrmQk.

Real eS tate/BuSineSS

Elmhurst University named a CyberPatriot Center of Excellence

The U.S. Air Force Association, a non-profit professional military association that supports the Air Force, recently designated Elmhurst University a CyberPatriot Center of Excellence.

The award means that Elmhurst has demonstrated excellence and exceptional commitment to advancing STEM and cybersecurity education, and to promoting the goals of the association’s CyberPatriot program.

As the nation’s largest youth cyber education program, the CyberPatriot program is the Air Force Association’s major STEM initiative dedicated to strengthening cyber skills among American youth.

Dean Jensen, assistant professor in Elmhurst University’s Department

of Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) and head of Elmhurst’s cybersecurity program, said Centers of Excellence are recognized for their efforts in training students to become skilled in various aspects of cybersecurity work. This includes gaining hands-on experience during CyberPatriot competitions, when teams of students are challenged to find and fix cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Jensen’s involvement in CyberPatriot began in 2014, when York Community High School students interested in participating in a CyberPatriot competition approached the University in search of a sponsoring educator. Jensen stepped in and remains the Elmhurst Cyber Club’s

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technical mentor and president. His time with the club and the CyberPatriot competition gave him valuable experience and insights as the University’s Department of Computer Science and Information Systems was developing its bachelor of science program in cybersecurity,

which launched in the fall of 2020. He and his colleague David Brown, assistant professor in CSIS, recently received an Elmhurst Innovation Grant for $31,000 to help develop a “Cyber Range” on campus. Both Elmhurst and York students will be able to use the range to build their

cybersecurity skills. The University is planning to host an Air Force Association CyberCamp next summer for high school students. Elmhurst University students will have an opportunity to participate as counselors and mentors.

Biden administration responds to calls from Pritzker, other leaders, for help in migrant crisis

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The Department of Homeland Security will speed up the processing of work authorizations for asylum seekers and extend Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelan migrants, actions that could help thousands of migrants who have arrived in Illinois in recent months.

Those moves were announced by the Biden administration last week in response to pleas from leaders in Illinois, New York and other states for help in dealing with the ongoing migrant crisis that is taxing the resources cities like Chicago, where many migrants have been sent, sometimes without any notification.

At an Aug. 30 news conference, Gov. JB Pritzker, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and state business leaders called on the administration to ease work restrictions for asylum seekers

and other long-term undocumented workers. At that time, Chicago officials said the city had received more than 13,000 asylum seekers, the vast majority of whom had no official authorization to work in the United States.

Among other things, those officials requested DHS to allow states to sponsor asylum seekers for work authorizations. And while that was not one of the actions DHS announced last week, Pritzker said he was happy with the actions the agency took to make it easier for those individuals to find employment.

“I’m very pleased that President Biden has listened to my concerns and those of other governors and political leaders and expanded Temporary Protected Status to migrants from Venezuela, thousands of whom have been sent to Illinois over the last year,” Pritzker said in a statement Wednesday.

“Despite traveling thousands of treacherous miles and then being used as political chess pieces by those who should have welcomed and helped them, they are eager to contribute to their new communities and get to work,” the governor added.

Pritzker was referring to actions by Republican Govs. Greg Abbott, of Texas, and Ron DeSantis, of Florida, who have been busing migrants from their states to so-called “sanctuary” cities such as Chicago and New York City.

Asylum seekers are people seeking temporary shelter and protection in the U.S. because they have suffered, or fear suffering, persecution in their home country due to factors such as race, religion, nationality, or political opinion.

To be eligible for asylum, people must be physically present in the U.S. and apply for that status, usually by filing an online application form known as an I-589, within one year of their arrival.

Federal law still requires asylum seekers to wait six months after filing their claim before they can apply for a work permit, officially known as an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD. But starting Oct. 1, DHS says it will dedicate additional staff to reducing the median processing time for those applications from 90 days to 30 days.

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In addition, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will increase the maximum validity period for EADs to five years for certain noncitizens, including those admitted as refugees or granted asylum, those who have been granted withholding of removal, and applicants for asylum.

DHS will also extend Temporary Protected Status for 18 months to Venezuelan migrants who were living in the U.S. on or before July 31. That’s a temporary immigration status for people from certain countries experiencing issues that make it difficult or unsafe to return home.

According to the humanitarian aid group World Vision International, as of August 2023, more than 7.7 million people had fled Venezuela since 2014, due largely to political unrest brought on by years of hyperinflation, political corruption and economic problems. Most of those have fled to Caribbean and other Latin American nations.

Pick of the Week

Saturday, Sept. 30

ESO to perform ‘Elgar’s Enigma’

At 7 p.m., the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra’s season premier, Elgar’s Enigma, will be performed at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church and will feature soprano Amanda Majeski. Visit ElmhurstSymphony.org/elgars-enigma or call 630-941-0202.

Thursday, Sept. 28

At 7 p.m. at the Mary E. Kies Recreation Center in Centennial Park, 151 E. St. Charles Road, the Elmhurst AAUW and Come Unity for Social Justice will present the first

in a series of programs about racial issues. Musician Daryl Davis will discuss speaking with the Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. Free but registration recommended, call 630-993-8193 as space is limited.

Saturday, Sept. 30

• From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Illinois Solar Tour presents a free showcase of renewable energy installations at four Elmhurst homes. Through in-person and virtual tours, attendees can learn how homeowners use solar energy to reduce costs, support energy independence and reduce carbon emissions. Sponsored in part by Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition. Info: illinoissolar.org/Illinois-Solar-Tour or elmhurstcoolcities.org

• At 6 p.m., the Elmhurst Art Museum presents Soirée 2023, celebrating an extraordinary year. Guests are invited to a special evening including cocktails, a multi-course dinner, entertainment, and an art auction. This

Worship Services Directory

year’s Soirée décor will be inspired by the work of Liz Flores, a painter and muralist originally from Berwyn, Ill., whose work is on view in Picasso: Fifty Years Later. Tickets are $375 per person. For tickets and info call 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.

• From 6-10 p.m., the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry (EYFP) will host a 40th anniversary celebration at the River Forest Country Club. Tickets are currently on sale for $75 each and can be purchased at eyfp.org/news-and-events.

Friday, Oct. 6 from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Graveside Stories Cemetery Walk will take place at St. Peter’s & St. Mary’s Cemeteries, 310 Alexander St. Learn about the history of Elmhurst through the unique perspectives of past residents during this family-friendly cemetery walk presented in collaboration with GreenMan Theatre Troupe. Tours depart from the cemetery gates every 15 minutes. Friday night tours will be lantern-lit. The cemeteries are located near Myrtle and Alexander St. on the Elmhurst University campus. $12/person. Reservations required at elmhursthistory.org.

Saturday, Oct. 14

Music Jeffrey Panko. Bethel Church is located at 315 E. St. Charles Road. Tickets are $25-$35 on Eventbrite or at the door. Students are free. Church is accessible and parking is free. Enter through the Sandburg School parking lot from St. Charles or from Huntington off Poplar St. Info: 630279-4040.

Saturday, Oct. 28

From 1– 4 p.m., visitors are invited to the Elmhurst Art Museum to explore the works found in Picasso: Fifty Years Later and discover Cubism, the process that Picasso and others used to reinvent traditional portraiture. Using oil pastels and 3D materials, families create their own fragmented portrait sculptures in Picasso’s well-known style. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Saturday, Nov. 11

Beginning at 7 p.m., he American Legion THB Post 187 will host the 4th annual “Stories Behind the Songs” event, featuring Frank J. Myers, Wynn Varble and Danny Wells. Tickets are $125 ($100 before Sunday, Oct. 1), a table of 10 is $1,000, purchased at americanlegionthb187. org or call 630-833-7800. Tickets include heavy appetizers and an open bar.

Elmhurst Farmers Market

Sunday Worship at 10:15am

Sunday School & Bible Study 9am

Wednesday Service at 7pm

Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service

Saturday, Oct. 28

Game Night at 4pm

Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm

Crafting Retreat: Thurs. Oct. 12-Sat. Oct. 14

Space is limited - Register Online

Biblical Worldview Conference

Saturday, Nov. 4 - Register Online

Everyone is Welcome!

Gather with us for weekend

Saturdays 5 p.m.

8:30 and 11 a.m.

At 1 p.m., the Elmhurst Art Museum presents Jay A. Clarke, Rothman Family Curator of Prints and Drawings at the Art Institute of Chicago, who will give a lecture featuring the many ways Picasso’s life and art intersected with others, specifically his printers, art dealers, and lovers. Clarke connects themes between Picasso: Fifty Years Later and the Art Institute’s Picasso: Drawing from Life, the two Chicagoland exhibitions taking part in the worldwide Picasso 1973-2023 Celebration. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Sunday, Oct. 22

• From 2-3 p.m., the Elmhurst History Museum presents “Remembering Chicagoland Department Stores” at Elmhurst City Hall, 209 N. York. Remember dressing up for lunch in Marshall Field & Co.’s Walnut Room or picking out Christmas gifts from the Sears and Montgomery Ward catalogs? Popular historian and author Leslie Goddard looks back at the great department stores that once dominated Chicago area retail, from the grand shopping palaces clustered on State Street to the cozy local stores on suburban main streets. Fee: Free to Members, $5 for Non-Members. Reservations required: elmhursthistory.org.

• At 5 p.m., Music@Bethel presents dramatic book reviewer Jenny Riddle performing in character as Constanze Mozart, sharing the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the women in his life. She will be accompanied by Bethel Minister of

Every Wednesday from now through October, the Elmhurst Farmers Market will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the municipal lot on Vallette St., one half block east of York St. Fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, cheese, bread, hummus, much more. Info: elmhurstfarmersmarket. com.

Elmhurst History Museum

The museum’s next exhibit, Lost Chicagoland Department Stores, opens Friday, Oct. 6. Admission to the Museum is always free, although some events carry a fee.

Elmhurst Art Museum

The exhibition Picasso: Fifty Years Later is now open, remaining through Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.

Now through Friday, Oct. 20, the Elmhurst Artists Guild is holding its fall members show in the EAG gallery inside the Elmhurst Art Museum. A portion of this exhibition is the debut of a nationally touring exhibition Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocut Prints from a Private Collection.

The Elmhurst Artists’ Guild Fall Members Show continues as well.

In addition, there is a new exhibit in the McCormick House entitled, “Seasons Creep Under a Shading Tree.” Five artists came together to create works that take nature into consideration from the vantage point of a McCormick House resident. Info: elmhurstartistsguild.org or elmhurstartmuseum.org or 630-8340202.

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

York celebrates 37 students awarded National Academic Honors

Three students named NMS semi-finalists

Thirty-seven York High School students have been recognized nationally for their academic honors. Three of those York students, Avinash Shah, Nora Sherman, and Syed Bilal Mir, have received the prestigious honor of being named National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists. Twenty-two were also honored as Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Program.

“We are beyond proud to recognize all of these students for their tremendous hard work and dedication throughout their academic journey,” said Superintendent Dr. Keisha Campbell.

“The strong academic performance comes not only as a result of their own individual hard work, but also as a result of an amazing team of dedicated teachers and staff that work in partnership every day to ensure that all D205 students are educated, engaged and empowered to achieve academic excellence both in

and out of the classroom.”

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2024 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join nearly 375,000 other distinguished students who have earned the Merit Scholar title.

Congratulations to all awardees:

National Merit Scholarship

Semi-Finalists:

• Avinash Shah

• Nora Sherman

• Syed Bilal Mir

National Merit Scholarship

Commended Students:

• Patrick D. Berigan

• Zachary R. Brown

• Joseph T. Byrne

• Nicholas A. Cifelli

• Charlotte A. Damewood

• Conal H. Doyle

• Declan J. Fahey

• Timothy O. Flisk

• Benjamin T. Galarza

• Lanz E. Galdo

• Turner W. Hardin

• William R. Kenny

• John S. Kevin

• Ka Thayn N. Leiman

• Taylor G. Melino

• Hannah E. Morey

• James T. Poulson

• Panos E. Soupos

• Orion C. Stufflebeam

• Henry J. Sweley

• Jessica A. Trapp

• Fernando Valdes Nicholson

College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award

• Andrea Luna

• Benjamin Galarza

• Brandon Felix

• Ella Glosner

• Emilio Cardenas

• Fernando Valdes Nicholson

• Joseph Rinchiuso

• Juliana Almodovar

• Martin Ryan

• Max Burnison

• Taylor Melind

College Board National African American Recognition Award

• Edward Ferguson

Seven restaurants in the 23rd District are set to receive $305,000 in Back to Business grants, thanks to State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“Our local business generate economic development for our communities,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “The Back to Business grant program is an instrumental way that we can support and uplift restaurants and ensure they are on a path toward

recovery.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries, like restaurants and hotels. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

CASE NUMBER 23 ZBA 07

Request for Variation

Notice is hereby given that the Elmhurst Zoning and Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., in the Elmhurst City Hall, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, Illinois. The purpose of this hearing is to consider a request by John M. Belcher, Architect, on behalf of Amanda and Juan Martinez, owners, for a front yard setback Variation at the property commonly known as 621 S. Euclid Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois for the purpose of constructing a new single-family residence.

Following is a legal description of the subject property:

LOT 2 OF PFISTER’S ASSESSMENT PLAT OF LOT “C” (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 50.0 FEET OF THE EAST 124.0 FEET THEREOF, MEASURED ON THE SOUTH LINE, THE WEST LINE OF THE EAST 124.0 FEET BEING AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID EAST 124.0 FEET IN OWNER’S ASSESSMENT PLAT OF PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, EXCEPT THE WEST 27.0 FEET AS MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE WEST LINE THEREOF), ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF SAID PFISTER’S ASSESSMENT PLAT RECORDED AUGUST 25, 1989 AS DOCUMENT R89-104648, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

PIN: 06-12-313-037

The common street address is 621 S. Euclid Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois. The subject property is located within the R2 – Single

Family Residence District. If you have any questions regarding this case, please contact the Community Development Department at 630-530-3121.

NOTE: Any person who has a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting, should contact Emily Wagner, ADA Compliance Officer, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., City of Elmhurst, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126, or call 630-530-8095 TDD, within a reasonable time before the meeting. Requests for a qualified interpreter require five (5) working days’ advance notice.

Eileen Franz, City Planner

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent September 28, 2023) 444486

set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 14TH day of SEPTEMBER, A.D. 2023.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in

Glowiak Hilton: Local restaurants set to receive $305,000 in business assistance

Babysitter for your kids or take care of your dog(s) for the weekend. Love children and dogs. Lots of experience - references available.

Call Barbara @ 773-844-5559

Painting

Painting

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.

I BUY OLD TOYS

American Flyer, Lionel trains, Barbie and other dolls; G.I. Joe, Tonka, Matchbox, Hot Wheels cars, slot cars & more! Plus any other antiques and collectibles. Call: 630-248-3222 SUN PRO WINDOW & GUTTER

Windows

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.

Sport S

IC Catholic Prep girls volleyball team wins two more matches

Timothy Christian cross country runners compete at Kaneland

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The IC Catholic Prep girls volleyball team racked up two more Girls Catholic Athletic Conference wins recently. The Knights were 25-7, 25-11 winners over Chicago Resurrection in GCAC play. Delilah Hyland had seven kills and two blocks, while Ava Falduto had five kills, three digs and one ace. Lucy Russ added 14 assists, one kill and one dig. Emily Carling finished with one kill, three digs and nine service aces. Jenny Fromelt added two kills, while Alysa Lawson had five digs. The win moved ICCP to 15-2 overall and 3-0 in GCAC play.

Earlier, the Knights were 25-4, 2514 GCAC winners against Fenwick. Falduto had 11 kills, two digs and six assists, Russ had 23 assists, eight kills and seven digs. Hyland finished with five kills, two digs, two blocks and one ace. Carling had five kills, five digs and three aces. Fromelt had three kills, while Alysa Lawton had seven digs. Natalie Lawton had four digs and one ace.

The Knights traveled to perennial power Chicago Mother McAuley earlier this week for another GCAC match.

Timothy Christian cross country

The Timothy Christian boys and girls cross country teams recently competed against more than 20 larger schools at the Kaneland invitational in Maple Park. “Most runners ran their fastest races of the season and many ran their lifetime bests,” Timothy Christian coach Erica Plaisier said.

On the girls side, sophomore Jennifer Carreon placed 29th in the varsity race, while sophomore Sienna Azzinaro was 35th in the JV race. Top finishers on the Timothy boys team included senior Tyce Plaisier and freshman Nate Bemister.

Timothy Christian girls volleyball

The Timothy Christian girls volleyball team recorded a 25-7, 25-13 Chicagoland Christian Conference

IC Catholic Prep girls cross country team off to strong start

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

win against Elgin St. Edward. The win moved the Trojans to 16-5 overall and 3-0 in CCC play. Abby VanderWal had seven kills, two aces and five digs. Addy Vogelzang had six kills and one block. Ella Rickert finished with three kills and one block. Hope Huizenga had two kills and one ace. Bella Potempa had two kills, two aces and four digs. Jenny Lumkes finished with one kill and one ace. Leah DeBoer had 12 assists, three aces and five digs. Elizabeth Alex had five assists and Miriam Pozdol-Niego had three aces and three digs.

The Trojans also lost 26-24, 27-25 to Romeoville in a non-conference match. VanderWal had seven kills, one ace and eight digs. Rickert finished with four kills and four blocks. Huizenga has three kills and two blocks. Potempa had two kills, two aces and 11 digs. Norah Rudman had one kill and one block. DeBoer finished with eight assists, one ace and nine digs. Alex had six assists and two digs, while Claire McQuade had nine digs, two aces and one assist.

The returns have been positive thus far for the IC Catholic Prep girls cross country team. The Knights were ranked No. 30 in the state in Class 1A in the most recent ILXCTF.com state poll. ICCP also tied for fifth out of 11 teams at the recent Riverside-Brookfield invitational. The Knights tied for first among Class 1A schools at R-B. Graziella Narcisi took 11th overall at the R-B invitational and was 31st at the First to the Finish invitational in Peoria. The Peoria race featured 403 varsity runners. Kelsey McDonough finished 53rd in Peoria.

“We have improved our overall physical fitness,” IC Catholic Prep coach Joe Hughes said. “The team has been much better at maintaining negative splits later on into workouts. As a result, they have been progressively improving their performance week over week, especially our fourth through seventh runners.”

Hughes has been especially impressed with the progress of those fourth through seventh runners. That group includes Grace Gildea, Chloe Brandt, Lily Fisher and Janny Techamontreekul. “Our four through seven runners have bought into hammering not only our workouts, but our medium-long runs as well,” Hughes said. For example, Hughes believes Brandt turned in three-mile personal bests three races in a row. “I am counting on that trend to continue all the way through into November,” Hughes said of that group’s continued improvement.

Through late September Hughes likes what he sees. “I’m very bullish on our ceiling,” he said. “The team as a whole has gotten faster week after week, and we haven’t even started to taper and back off on mileage. If things continue along this path, I think we have a shot at positioning ourselves for a great team finish at state.”

Athlete of the Month Athlete of the Month

Joey Gliatta

Joey Gliatta, #33, is a senior and plays football at IC Catholic Prep. He is a running back on the varsity football team and has been nearly unstoppable on the ground, scoring 3 touchdowns against Benet Academy! Joey’s efforts have been part of an incredibly productive offense averaging over 30 points a game! We look forward to his contribution through the rest of the season.

Recognized by

York boys cross country team showing improvements

Dukes third at Steelmen invite; Underclass squads impressing; Zbiegiel shaves 12 minutes off Joliet time

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The youth movement is in full swing with the York boys cross country team. And Dukes coach Charlie Kern has been pleased with the progress he’s witnessed thus far. “It has been fun watching our young team continue to improve,” he said. “Our top 12 on varsity is without any seniors, so this has been a great opportunity for our underclassmen to get varsity experience. While we may struggle as a team to place high in invitationals, the challenge of competing with older athletes

and the learning opportunities that accompany competition will prove to be valuable as our team ages.”

At the Joliet Steelman invitational, the York frosh-soph team won the meet. Ryker Harges won the individual race, while Ben Jensen took third, Harrison Mantemach took sixth and Anders Dochoff was 10th. All earned medals. York’s varsity took third at Joliet. Sam Kehoe earned a medal by taking 10th, while Max Zangan medaled in 15th place and Zach Saltiel also took home a medal after placing 16th

The Dukes also competed in the Richard Spring invitational held at Detweiler Park in Peoria, home of the state cross country meet. York’s varsity took 19th, while the sophomore team was sixth. Individual medalists on the sophomore front included Carter Olsen placing 19th and Jensen logging a 23rd place finish.

At the Gary Gross invitational, the York freshman team was fourth. Jensen took sixth and Dochoff was eighth — all qualified for a medal. The sophomore team also was fourth in Peoria with Olsen earning a medal

York girls cross country team wins Palatine invitational

Dukes second at Richard Spring in Peoria

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York girls cross country team turned in a pair of eye-opening performances recently. The Dukes won the Palatine Meet of Champions title at both the varsity and junior varsity levels. York also took second at the varsity level at the Richard Spring invitational at Detweiler Park in Peoria. York’s JV and frosh-soph teams won the Peoria team titles.

Emma Owens won the open title in Peoria, while Ariya Shah won the frosh-soph title there. A total of 18 York runners in Peoria had season-best times or personal records. “We’re moving the pack up,” York coach Lauren DeAngelis said of the varsity team’s recent improvement. “We have had a solid 22-23-second split.”

Katherine Klimek, Maggie Owens and Anna McGrail have been key performers for the Dukes of late. “Katherine, Maggie and Anna have taken a leadership role and have helped push our pack up and close out races as well,” DeAngelis said. DeAngelis added York is going up against a steady dose of tough competition each Saturday. “This has been the most exciting cross country season,” she said. “The top four teams are amazing. These teams are pushing each other to get better, to compete to their highest potential and making this an extremely

competitive season. Our team is progressing well, focusing on the pack, and focusing on trusting our own preparation.”

At Palatine, Maggie Owens was seventh in 17:54.68, while Klimek was eighth at 17:55.00. Senior Michaela Quinn was 14th at 18:12.78. McGrail took 18th at 18:14.16 and sophomore Sophia Galiano-Sanchez rounded out York’s scoring with a 22nd-place time of 18:17.08. York won the team title with 68 points. Barrington was second with 80 points and Downers Grove North was third with 84 points. Four West Suburban Conference Silver Division teams finished in the top 20 and three in the top seven.

In the JV race, Shah, a sophomore, won the race with a time of 18:49.00.

Emma Owens, a senior, was third at 19:07.67. Junior Sofia Stoddard was fifth at 19:28.40, while sophomore

Lila Stanley was sixth at 19:31.63. Sophomore Paige Byrne was eighth at 19:39.08. Sophomore Kate Geiger was ninth at 19:42.33 and freshman Julia Weseloh was 10th at 19:46.51. York won with 23 points. Barrington was a distant second with 74 points.

In the frosh-soph race at Palatine, freshman Charlotte Fitzer led the Dukes. She finished 38th with a time of 17:06.72. Freshman Kate Cifelli was 43rd with a time of 17:28.66. Freshman Morgan Frost was 46th with a time of

17:37.53. Freshman Laila Dayal was 60th with a time of 18:00.29. Freshman Molly Krupa was 64th with a time of 18:07.79. York was seventh as a team with 223 points. Maine South won the frosh-soph title with 51 points.

At Peoria, Klimek was third with a time of 17:20.30. Michaela Quinn was 10th at 17:30.80, while Maggie Owens was 14th at 17:34.00. Maggie Quinn, a sophomore, was 19th at 17:41.10 and Galiano-Sanchez was 22nd at 17:43.10. Downers North won the team title with 66 points. York finished with 68 points. Downers North scorers went 2-13-1516-20, while York was 3-10-14-19-22.

Shah won the frosh-soph title in 18:09.80. Freshman Kate Tanny was fourth at 18:57.60, while Weseloh was fifth at 18:58.50.

Stanley took seventh at 19:00.80 and Byrne was ninth at 19:04.40. Geiger was 13th at 19:07.50. York won the team title in a laugher, finishing with 26 points. DePaul College Prep was second with 102 points. Emma Owens won the open title in Peoria with a time of 18:17.00.

Stoddard was second at 18:50.10. Senior Megan Mattis was ninth at 19:50.70. Junior Adell Weseloh was 19th at 20:07.80 and senior Natalie Haske was 20th at 20:08.10. York won the open team title with 46 points. Oswego East was second with 90 points.

ICCP’s Atendido finishes tied for runner-up honors in CCL player of year honors

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

IC Catholic Prep boys golfing standout Zazz Atendido continues to rack up the accolades. Atendido shot 75 and finished eighth overall at the Chicago Catholic League tournament held at Cog Hill No. 3 in Lemont. Atendido’s eighth-place finish tied him for second in the CCL player of the year rankings.

“Zazz’s CCL accomplishments further confirmed what we already knew — that he is one of the finer players in the state at any level,” ICCP coach John Quinn said.

As a team, ICCP didn’t fare as well in the conference tournament coming off a competitive match with York at Maple Meadows. “We hoped to carry that positive momentum into our CCL tournament, but we certainly under-

achieved at Cog Hill,” Quinn said.

“The Chicago Catholic League is one of the two or three deepest conferences in the state, in my opinion. It was another instance that’s become all too familiar this season where we were mired by inconsistency. Zazz shot 75, but the other guys couldn’t put two good nines together.”

Earlier, ICCP dropped a close 158161 non-conference match to York at Maple Meadows in Wood Dale. “We had a great match with York at Maple Meadows in which we came up just short,” Quinn said. “We always enjoy playing our fellow Elmhurst schools, especially York. While it may classify as a rivalry in other sports, it’s a match we always look forward to. With that said, we very much want to win. We came up just short.” Atendido was the meet medalist with a 1-under 34, while

after finishing 11th. Other medalists included Harges (12th) and Ben Popilek (17th). “We recently went to Peoria to run on the state meet course,” Kern explained. “While the team place was not what we were aiming for, 12 of 17 runners ran a lifetime best. There have been many standouts for us so far.”

Kern noted sophomore Joseph Zbiegiel ran 12:03 faster this year than he did last year on the same course at Joliet. “Zach Saltiel has been getting better and better in each practice and it has translated to his race in Peoria where he was our first finisher,” Kern

said.

Kern also lauded the efforts of junior Sam Kehoe. “Sam is a newcomer and has been our first- or second-best finisher in our two invitationals and is still learning how to be a distance runner,” he said.

As a whole, Kern likes where things are headed. “I am very pleased with our progress so far and I know that our fitness levels will continue to improve,” he said. “If we can continue to gain mental toughness, we will start to close the gap on the teams ahead of us in our conference and sectional.”

York Football week 6 preview

York (5-0, 2-0) at Downers Grove North (5-0, 3-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Downers Grove North High School

Last week: York 38, Hinsdale Central 10; Downers North 38, Oak Park-River Forest 6

Last year: York 24, Downers Grove North 17

Scouting this game: The winner of this game assumes complete control of first place in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division. York piled up 467 yards of offense in last week’s win over Hinsdale Central (210 passing, 257 rushing). Sean Winton completed 7 of 11 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Jake Melion ran 10 times for 213 yards and three touchdowns. Chris Danko caught three passes for 102 yards and one score, while Luke Mailander caught three passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Once again, the York defense was equally up to snuff, limiting Hinsdale to 160 passing yards and only 58 rushing yards. Cole Ostendorf had seven tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and one quarterback hurry. Jack Trautmann had seven tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one quarterback hurry. Downers North opened the season with a 27-22 win at St. Francis and then defeated crosstown foe Downers Grove South 35-13 before running through Glenbard West (31-7), Proviso West (49-6) and Oak Park-River Forest (38-6) in conference play. Glenbard, Proviso and Oak Park have a combined 4-11 record heading into Week 6. To do a quick comparison, York defeated Oak Park-River Forest 56-28. York has scored 35 or more points in all of its games this season. Don’t bet against the Dukes on the road Friday. York remained third in the state in Class 8A in the most recent published Associated Press poll.

IC Catholic Prep Football week 6 preview

IC Catholic Prep (5-0, 1-0) at St. Francis (3-2, 0-1)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: St. Francis High School, Wheaton

Last week: ICCP 28, Marist 21; St. Francis 33, Joliet Catholic 28

Last year: ICCP 25, St. Francis 14

Zach Spencer logged a season-best 40. “York coach Jim Borel has become a good friend and we’re always rooting for his teams to play well,” Quinn said.

“Jim has a young and very talented team. We wish the Dukes the best in the state series going forward.

ICCP played earlier this week in a Class 2A regional at Village Links of Glen Ellyn where Quinn is looking for big things from Atendido and the Knights team as a whole. “Zazz will continue to prove that (as Quinn stated earlier, one of the finer players in the state at any level) at our regional at Village Links,” Quinn said. “I also anticipate his teammates are going to begin to play their best and most consistent golf at the right time. Our regional is one of the most challenging in the state and our golfers are up to the challenge.”

Scouting this game: This long-time matchup has spanned multiple conferences with both now residing in the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference Orange Division. IC Catholic Prep is in the midst of a multi-week meatgrinder schedule that has included wins against Benet Academy (34-9), defending Class 5A state-champion Nazareth Academy (36-34) and Class 8A power Chicago Marist (28-21). In the win at home against Marist, quarterback Dennis Mandala completed 18 of 30 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. The Knights ran for 131 yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry with Joey Gliatta rushing 11 times for 57 yards and a touchdown and Mandala running 10 times for 43 yards. KJ Parker caught six passes for 118 yards and a score, while Kaleb Ellis had six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. Gliatta caught three passes for 51 yards and a touchdown. Ellis also had 39 kick-return yards to his credit. JP Schmidt had 15 tackles and two tackles for loss, while Foley Calcagno had 13 tackles. Nathen Omolo Jr. had two tackles for loss, as did Lucas Talluto. ICCP had nine tackles for loss in the game. Calcagno also registered a quarterback sack. Gliatta had an interception. St. Francis lost 27-22 to Downers Grove North (which faces York this week in a huge battle) and 17-16 to 4-1 Fenwick (ICCP faces Fenwick in Week 9 at home). The Spartans hold wins against Sterling (42-28), St. Laurence (42-28) and JCA (33-28). St. Francis’ five opponents have a combined 18-7 record heading into Week 6.

IC Catholic Prep girls tennis team faring well in first year of GCAC competition

IC Catholic Prep graduate Leslie headed to Le Moyne

Will play volleyball for Division II school

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

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

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

Geiger, DeRose excelling in singles competition

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

Health Department granted more than $2 million in federal funds Focus on mental health, prevention efforts, pool safety

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

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

So far, so good for the IC Catholic Prep girls tennis team in its first year of Girls Catholic Athletic Conference play. The Knights were 3-1 in GCAC play with wins over Montini, Chicago De La Salle and Trinity. ICCP’s only conference loss was to Chicago Resurrection. Co-coach Sarah Tardiff noted the Knights have league matches left yet with Rosary, Aurora Central Catholic and St. Laurence, plus one with Chicago Marist (scheduled for earlier this week). “We’re doing pretty well,” Tardiff said. “That’s good first go-around in the GCAC. We are excited. We still have half our conference schedule left and then our tournament starts the following week.”

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

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

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

was a good win for them.” All three ICCP doubles teams were victorious in a 5-0 win over De La Salle.

“There has been a lot of improvement, even on the JV level,” Tardiff said. “The JV kids came in not having played a lot of tennis. With tennis, once you start playing, inevitably you end up getting better. The varsity kids have done a good job working hard and making sure the JV kids have a good experience and learn how to play the game. We had two buses go out to Montini and brought 19, 20, 21 kids, which is great. Most everybody plays, which is awesome.”

This month, the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) secured two significant federal grants totaling over $2 million to expand efforts to improve mental health, prevent substance use disorders, and prevent drownings.

The two grants have been awarded to DCHD through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Both awards are the result of a highly competitive process and support DCHD’s work to protect the health and promote the well-being of DuPage County’s nearly one million residents.

“We are honored to be a recipient of these two federal grants,” said Adam Forker, executive director, DuPage County Health Department. “Federal funds enhance our work with local partners to help us keep DuPage County the healthiest county in Illinois.”

SAMHSA awarded DCHD $375,000 a year in funding over a fiveyear period, totaling $1,875,000. This funding will help the DuPage County Prevention Leadership Team (PLT) working to prevent substance use and increase mental wellness among DuPage County Youth.

Through late last week, No. 1 singles player Allie Geiger (senior) had not lost a match in conference, while No. 2 singles player Jamie DeRose’s only conference loss was to Trinity. GCAC matches feature two singles and three doubles matches. In the 3-2 loss to Resurrection, Geiger and DeRose, a junior, both were victorious.

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

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

“We’re sitting pretty OK with our singles players,” Tardiff said. “Our doubles teams are up and down. We’ve had people out for various reasons. We don’t have consistent numbers for doubles teams, but they have won more than they have lost.

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

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

It’s funny with the two singles and three doubles format. You are trying to find the best lineup for the three doubles teams going into the conference tournament. We are working on ironing that out. The girls will be ready to go.”

Tardiff noted seniors Ryan and Meg Sebastian have played together recently and had a strong tiebreaker win over Montini. “They were playing No. 1 doubles and beat Montini pretty handily in the tiebreaker,” she said. Junior Lizzie Cook and senior Analisa Raffaelli also played doubles against Montini and won 6-0, 6-1. “It’s nice for Lizzie to have the opportunity to play with Analisa,” Tardiff noted. “That

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

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

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

Freshman Kathryn Anderson was lauded for her recent doubles efforts, as was Cook. “Kathryn has been playing with various girls at second and third doubles, depending on where we have needed her,” Tardiff said. “Lizzie has done a nice job filling in where we need her. She’s done a nice job stepping up. Brynn (Laluya), Analisa, Molly and Meg have done a nice job at first and second doubles.”

For the past 10 years, PLT was funded to focus on substance use prevention for youth, 18 years and younger in DuPage. This new funding will expand PLT’s work to now focus on both substance use and mental health for youth and adults throughout DuPage.

For additional information on PLT visit: dupageplt.org/ or follow them on Facebook.

Additionally, CPSC awarded DCHD $378,854 in Pool Safely grant funding over a two-year period. This funding will support DCHD’s Protect Swimmers 10M (PS10M) goal to prevent child drowning and suction drain entrapment through community awareness activities and professional trainings.

The ICCP JV will play against St. Laurence this week and then will be involved in a blind-draw dual-match conference tournament. The Knights drew Resurrection in the first round. The Knights are part of the GCAC White with Montini, De La Salle, ACC, Resurrection, Trinity and St. Laurence.

York boys golf team competes at West Suburban Conference Silver meet

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

Huber, Tomei each shoot 77 to earn all-WSC Silver honors

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

(Continued from page 18)

DCHD has been a recipient of the Pool Safely grant since 2018. The new grant award allows PS10M to expand training and education outreach statewide. Three public swimming facilities in the expanded PS10M service region will be selected to deliver free swimming lessons to children.

Swim lessons will be age and developmentally appropriate and focused on building essential swimming competencies. For additional information on PS10M visit: dupagehealth.org/231/Pool-Safely.

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

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

The York boys golf team finished sixth at the recent West Suburban Conference Silver Division meet at Prairie Bluff Public Golf Club in Crest Hill. York shot 314 at the conference meet. The Dukes also finished sixth in the overall WSC Silver standings. Will Huber and Jack Tomei each shot 77s to lead the way, while Brendan Carroll shot 78.

of 322. “We are trending in the right direction in a very tough conference,” Borel noted.

huge rah-rah person. I’m a little bit more of an individual players’ coach. I will pull kids to the side at practice and games and teach them.”

Kevin Koenigsberger finished with an 82, while Hans Bjorlin and Gage Jacobs each shot 83. Huber, a freshman, and Tomei, a senior, both earned all-WSC Silver honors. “We shot a very respectable 314 in the rain and cold,” York coach Jim Borel said. “Jack and Will were all-conference golfers in tough conditions.”

Borel pointed out York’s 314 was 12 strokes better than the team’s 2022 conference score and its 2021 score

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

York also wrapped up its dual-meet regular season slate with a pair of contests against Maine South and Wheaton North. York downed Maine South 159-163 in a non-conference match at Park Ridge Country Club. Carroll, a junior, led the way with an even-par round of 36. Jacobs, also a freshman, shot 40. Huber shot 41 and Bjorlin, a junior, fired a 42. “It was a good win against a very good opponent,” Borel said.

York also lost 148-156 to Wheaton North in non-conference action at Maple Meadows in Wood Dale.

“We shot our average,” Borel said.

Junior Caden Buenz shot 1-over 36 to lead York. Carroll finished with a 39, while Bjorlin shot 40 and Tomei carded a 41.

“We have been very consistent

Stopka noted York has been doing conditioning drills and said the plan as of earlier last week was to start summer camp pending District 205 approval. “I have probably been able to meet 60 to 70 percent of the players so far,” he said. “If it does get approved that would be the start of our contact days with four days a week for three weeks straight. And even though the IHSA waived the blackout dates before the school year, we won’t take advantage of that. I’m pretty sure families have plans to do things before school starts. I’m the new guy and I’m not going to say you can’t go with your family. Go do it and enjoy it. This is a crazy and

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”

all year with very good scores, but we only schedule the top opponents, so our record in dual meets is 5-5,” Borel said. “We are a very young and talented team and will get better as time goes along playing very good opponents.” York finished fifth out of 21 teams at the Dundee-Crown Charger Classic. Carroll took 12th place individually with a 3-over 74. Huber shot 76, while Sal Purpora shot 79 and Koenigsberger shot 80.

York played earlier this week in the Class 3A Rolling Meadows regional held at Arlington Lakes Golf Club in Arlington Heights. “We are looking forward to the last few weeks of the season,” Borel said. York was averaging 156 as a team for nine holes through late last week. Huber was leading the way at 39.0 for nine holes. Carroll was averaging 39.3, while Jacobs was at 39.9 and Koenigsberger was at 40.9.

As far as the future, Stopka wants York competing at a high level on a consistent basis. “The short-term goal is to restock and build up the team,” he said. “A large portion of last year’s team was seniors, especially the starting 11. We have to make sure the now juniors are up to the speed of the varsity level and are ready to contribute. We want to keep that pipeline going with the younger groups of players. We want to make sure we are not only competitive, but that we are competing for regionals, sectionals and supersectionals. It starts for me with this junior class that is coming in. We want them ready to go and setting the standard for these other classes that come in so they can also contribute right off

The York girls cross country team won the recent Palatine Meet of Champions, regarded as one of the top regular-season invitationals in the state. The Dukes also took second at the Richard Spring invitational run on the state meet course in Peoria. Maggie Owens led the way at Palatine, finishing seventh with a time of 17:54.68 for three miles, while Katherine Klimek finished third in Peoria with a time of 17:20.30.

“

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

– Bella Leslie

“ You are trying to find the best lineup for the three doubles teams going into the conference tournament. We are working on ironing that out. The girls will be ready to go.”

– Sarah Tardiff