This group of athletes came out for the annual Character Counts in Elmhurst event, hosted by John “Doc Jev” Jevitz. Every year, the group comes out to help clean up the area along Route 83 and help clean up a Ray Graham residence as well. Every year, they gather at Langhorst Field at Elmhurst University for a photo like
DuPage County State’s Attorney
Robert Berlin and Bensenville Chief of Police Daniel Schulze have announced that bond was set for a Texas man accused of robbing a Bensenville bank ATM technician and then leading police on a high-speed chase before crashing his car in Lombard.
Earnest Hudson, 23, of Houston, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Daniel Guerin set bond at $1.5 million.
Hudson is charged with one count of financial institution robbery (Class 1 felony), one count of robbery (Class 2 felony), one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding (Class 4 felony) and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses.
Judge Guerin also granted the state’s motion for a source of funds hearing at which the defendant must prove that
any funds used to post bond are not the result of illegal activity.
On Wednesday, Aug. 30 at approximately 4:34 p.m., a technician was servicing an ATM at the Chase Bank located in the 100 block of W. Grand Ave. in Bensenville. It is alleged that while the technician was working, two men, one of whom was later identified as Hudson, pulled into another bank lane near the technician, exited their vehicle, a Nissan Murano, and ran toward the technician.
It is alleged that the men, who were both wearing masks, ordered the technician to leave. It is further alleged that after the technician left, Hudson and his accomplice took the ATM containers containing cash and checks, got back in their vehicle and fled the scene westbound on Grand Avenue.
A bank employee called 9-1-1 at this time. At approximately 4:50 p.m., officers with the Elmhurst Police Department observed the suspects’ vehicle traveling southbound on Route 83.
Officers initiated a pursuit. It is alleged that the vehicle, driven by Hudson, did not stop for officers and continued to flee, driving in and out of traffic until turning west onto St. Charles Road. It is further alleged that Hudson continued to flee police reaching speeds of more than 100 mph on St. Charles Road before crashing his car in the 600 block of St. Charles Road. Both suspects fled the car on foot
See ROBBERY, Page 7
This young lady was shimmying the hula hoop for a veeery long time! Too bad no one had timed her! It was one of several activities going on at ‘Cue for the Cause, EWAN’s annual barbecue competition fundraiser held Sunday, Sept. 3 in the municipal lot at York and Vallette. More photos from the day can be found elsewhere in this issue.
The August 31 issue of the Independent had an error in the LeDonne True Value Hardware advertisement. The advertisement indicated that mums were in stock. Mums were not in stock until after Labor Day. Please call the store at 708-449-6364 for more information on the availability of mums. The Independent regrets the error.
Above: A face painter puts the finishing touches on this young man’s neck as he turned his face into a scary skull. It was one of many activities for children available at this year’s ‘Cue for a Cause, EWAN’s annual barbecue competition.
Right: This little girl had her face painted at the EWAN ‘Cue for a Cause on Sunday, Sept. 3. Then she played in the “Piglet Pen” which offered children’s games and activities.
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Pictured is a group of judges who took part in EWAN’s ‘Cue for a Cause this year.
Former Mayor Steve Morley (left) pokes fun at current Mayor Scott Levin in the judges’ room at ‘Cue for a Cause on Sunday, Sept. 3. The two dignitaries turn out every year for the “tough job” of judging all the barbecue entries.
If you’re going to be out on a hot day, like Sunday, Sept. 3 was, it’s best to wear some fashionable sunglasses while enjoying a lollipop. Just having a good time at ‘Cue for a Cause.
These three girls had a great time playing with the building toys like Legos. It was one of the activities in the “Piglet Pen” set up just for the kids who attended ‘Cue for a Cause, where competitors did their best to impress a band of judges with their culinary prowess.
These three guests at ‘Cue for a Cause paused while strolling around, checking out the barbecue specialists who were grilling up chicken, pork and all the things that go with a barbecue.
Gerald “Jerry” Porter, 84 Gerald “Jerry” Porter passed away peacefully on August 21, 2023, at the age of 84.
He grew up in Storm Lake, Iowa, and was a long time resident of Elmhurst. Jerry was the beloved husband of the late Trilby Porter, née Mammen; loving father of Todd (Kelly), and Tom (Raquel); proud grandfather of Matthew, Michael (Nicole), Jamie, Stephanie, and Siena, and proud great grandfather of Gracie; dear brother of Gailyn Porter, Merlyn (Betty) Porter, and Mary Ann (Ken) Koopman; and loving son of the late Enola, née Jensen and the late George Porter; caring uncle and friend of many.
Jerry and Trilby grew up together in Storm Lake, Iowa. They met in grade school, and attended high school and Drake University together, and were then married for 63 years. They moved to Elmhurst shortly after college, where they raised their family and Jerry began his career as a CPA.
Over the years, Jerry worked as a CPA at Gutman Tanning and Ernst & Ernst, as the Director of the Illinois Senate Appropriations Staff, as the Vice President of Finance at Children’s Memorial Hospital, as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Grant Hospital, and as an original member of the Metra Board of Directors. Jerry was also active in Illinois politics; he was an avid golfer, and proud member of the hole-in-one club; and he enjoyed spending winters in Florida with Trilby, and summers and weekends with family and friends at their lake home in Ludington, Michigan.
Visitation Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, 1:00 p.m. until time of funeral service 4:00 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Interment Private.
Live stream of funeral service available through funeral home website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, Il 60601.
For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com.
Steven F. Napolilli, 71
Steven F. Napolilli, age 71, of Elmhurst, lost his battle with frontaltemporal dementia on Friday, August 25, 2023, surrounded by the love of his family. Beloved husband of Mary
A., nee Owca; loving father of Carrie (Jeffrey) Krol and Jeff (Ashley) Napolilli; proud grandfather of Harvey, Edith and Louis Krol and Peyton and Kaylee Napolilli; dear brother of Robert (Karen) and James (Carrie) Napolilli and the late Mary Ellen (Ronald) Greene; wonderful brother-in-law of Joseph (Sally) Owca; fond uncle and great-uncle of many.
Steve was a kind-hearted, caring husband, father, and grandfather, who cherished time spent with family and gave the best hugs. An avid runner, he participated in the Turkey Trot, Shamrock Shuffle, and other local races for many years. He loved traveling near and far with friends and family. Lake Lawn Lodge in Delavan, Wisconsin, and Paris, France, were special places with many happy memories. We are comforted knowing that Steve’s brain is “broken” no more.
A Celebration of Life is set for Friday, September 8, 2023, 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Friends and family will meet Saturday, September 9, 2023 for a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 426 West North Avenue, Elmhurst. Interment Private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bernie’s Book Bank, 917 N. Shore Drive, Lake Bluff, IL 60044.
For funeral information, please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com.
Timothy J. McMahan, Sr.
Timothy J. McMahan Sr., passed away suddenly on August 25, 2023, in Elmhurst, IL. Born on July 29, 1959, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, known for his self-less loving nature, quick wit, and ability to fix anything for everyone.
Tim was a devoted husband to Denise, sharing a love that was evident in the family they built together. He was a loving father to his six children: Amanda (Zech), Sarah (David), Timmy (Kayley), Katie (Mike), Becky (Paul), and Molly (Ryan). Each of his children inherited his humor, love for life and unconditional love.
Tim was also a doting grandfather to Amelia, Finley, Charlotte, and William Timothy James, always ready with a funny story or a helpful piece of advice. His grandchildren lit up
This September, Northern Illinois Food Bank, the leading hunger relief organization serving 13 counties in rural and suburban Northern Illinois and member of the Feeding America Network, will recognize Hunger Action Month with several initiatives to educate the public about the issue of hunger and ways to get involved.
The Food Bank’s month-long campaign will include a National Day of Service with special volunteer shifts at all four centers, Go Orange Day, “Triple it Up: Advo-
his life, and he was excitedly awaiting the arrival of his fifth grandchild, due in February. In addition to his immediate family, Tim is survived by his siblings: Noreen, Tom, and Debbie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Farrell.
Tim was well-known for his oneof-a-kind humor, often leaving everyone in stitches (including himself) with his funny anecdotes and jokes.
A union Electrician for over 30 years, he could often be found fixing something around the house or help-
ing neighbors, friends and family with their home projects.
Timothy J. McMahan Sr. was a man who lived his life fully, loved his family deeply, and left an incredible mark on everyone he met. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and his spirit will live on in the stories told, the jokes shared, and the love he left behind. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide his family and all who knew him.
Visitation for Tim to be held Friday, September 1, 2023, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home- THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL 576 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, 60126. Mass of Christian Burial to be held Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York Street, Elmhurst, 60126 with interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.
For more information, please call (630) 834-3515.
cate-Motivate-Donate” matching gift challenge, poverty simulation event, and dedicated Hunger Action Month webpage with ways the community can take action throughout the month.
Northern Illinois Food Bank’s mission is to provide nutritious food and resources for neighbors, with dignity, equity and convenience through partnerships and innovation with a vision of everyone in Northern Illinois having the food they need to thrive.
To say “thank you” to our favorite community, we’re hosting a day of family fun at the bank! Play games and bounce in our bouncy house while a DJ spins tunes. Don’t forget your appetite — we’ll also have walking tacos and Kilwins candy to enjoy!
This group came out to a past Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot dressed as a family of jack-o-lanterns! Every year, half the fun of participating in the Turkey Trot is seeing how everyone is dressed in costume to take the walk (or run) on Thanksgiving morning before the big meal of the day! Sign up now at dangibbonsturkeytrot.org.
Featuring craft beer, cider, mead, and seltzers from over 50 brewers, the 8th Annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest will make its return Saturday, Sept. 16 from 1 – 6 p.m. on the stunning grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 East Park Ave. The fest is hosted by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm for the Elmhurst History Museum and proceeds benefit the educational programs and exhibits for the museum and the Churchville School House.
Beer novices and aficionados alike will be able to enjoy a variety of brews from renowned brewers, many of which are from Elmhurst, including Elmhurst Brewing and Bottle Theory, and others, such as Afterthought, Goldfinger and Revolution. Giving fest attendees a chance to relax while sampling their favorite beverage, PettyCash and Lake Effect will perform on the music stage throughout the afternoon. Tacos will be available for purchase onsite from Rigo’s Tacos.
“We are thrilled to bring the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest back for the 8th year,” said Cathy Jordan of the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation. “Thanks to the dedication of our team and generous sponsors, this year will be our largest Fest to date, with over 50 breweries in attendance.
“Over the years the fest has grown into an amazing community event, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to enjoy an afternoon supporting the beautiful Elmhurst History Museum.”
Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest tickets may be purchased at www.elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com. Admission tickets are now $55 each or $70 for VIP entry. Tickets include a 3 oz. commemorative tasting glass, 18 drink tickets, live music, and light snacks. Designated driver tickets are $20. The first 200 attendees to arrive will also receive a $5 City Centre gift card that may be used after the fest in Elmhurst City Center restaurants.
Pints, owned by Kristi Blessing, 112 S. York Road, has supported the work of the Foundation for years and serves as the event sponsor. 2023 Platinum Sponsors include Lakeside Bank, Kelly Stetler Compass Real Estate, Elmhurst Bank, The Katris Law Group, The Hinton AgencyFarmers Insurance, and McGrath Elmhurst Toyota.
For additional information on the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest, please visit elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com or follow us on social media at @ElmhurstCraftBeerFest on Facebook, @ elmhurstcraftbeerfest on Instagram, @BeerElmhurst on Twitter or on the Untappd app.
The winner’s share of Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801’s current Queen of Hearts contest is about $32,600— before taxes.
The contest’s next ticket drawing will be held at 8 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 8. The drawing will take place at the post, which is located at 39 E. St. Charles Road.
The post is open to the public. The Friday-night ticket drawing/reveal takes place in the post’s downstairs bar—the VFW Post 2801 Bunker.
A five-pack of tickets in the Queen of Hearts drawing costs $5. Contestants do not need to be present at the Friday-night drawing.
Tickets are on sale at the post throughout the week, up until a few minutes before the ticket drawing.
The contest features a board of 54 spaces that represent a full deck of cards, including two jokers. Each card on the board is numbered and concealed.
The ticket drum is cleared after each week’s drawing.
Each Friday, the contest tickets that were sold during the week are spun in the rotating drum, and one ticket is selected.
That ticket includes a number representing one of the spaces in which the card has not yet been revealed.
If the card on that space contains the Queen of Hearts, the owner of the selected ticket claims the winner’s share.
In the drawing of Friday, Sept. 1, the winner’s share was approximately $31,000, before taxes. The owner of the ticket that was pulled from the drum on Friday evening
(Continued from front page)
and Hudson was taken into custody after a brief pursuit. Police said approximately $38,000 in cash was recovered from the defendant and the vehicle.
“It is alleged that in the middle of the afternoon, Mr. Hudson and his accomplice, both wearing masks, approached an innocent man who was working on an ATM, ordered him to leave and then robbed the bank ATM of approximately $38,000,” Berlin said. “I thank the Bensenville Police Department for their efforts on this case as well as the Lombard and Elmhurst police departments for their work on apprehending the defendant.”
“Mr. Hudson thought that by renting a car and allegedly putting stolen plates on it, he and his accomplice could outsmart law enforcement,” Schulze said. “They underestimated the cooperative efforts of DuPage County police departments and the State’s Attorney’s Office working closely together. He was quickly apprehended and charged.
“I would like to thank the police departments that helped with this case, including but not limited to Elmhurst, Villa Park and Lombard as well as the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office.”
Hudson’s next court appearance is scheduled Thursday, Sept. 28 for arraignment in front of Judge Guerin.
filled out No. 25 on that ticket. The card behind that space turned out to be the 8 of Hearts. The owner of
that ticket did win $25. The owner of the ticket that’s chosen from the drum each Friday wins at least $25.
The Queen of Hearts is still hiding behind one of the four covered spaces (26, 39, 48 and 53) remain -
ing on the contest board. She can’t hide much longer. She will show her face sometime this month.
Montini Catholic High School’s dance team—the Broncettes—recently held the 19th annual Dance Upon a Star Summer Camp at the school. The young campers concluded the three-session camp by performing the routines they learned for an audience of family and friends. Each camper received a T-shirt and a set of poms. The campers were invited to perform with the Broncettes during halftime of the Aug. 25 Montini varsity football home game.
Under a well lit canopyConveniently located on Lake Street / just west of Addison Road
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.
Bruce Hostetler, 62, of Elmhurst, was charged with aggravated battery at 7:13 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a call for an ambulance assist, Hostetler was transported by medics to Elmhurst Hospital. While being transported, Hostetler became agitated and battered a paramedic, according to police.
Aug. 30
Jonathan A. Funes, 19, and Genry B. Lopez Jiminez, 19, both of Bensenville, were issued citations for trespassing in the 100 block of N. Addison at 9:19 p.m.
Aug. 30
A 32-year-old Elmhurst woman was charged with domestic battery, resisting and obstructing a police officer and battery to a police officer in the 800 block of S. Hawthorne at 10:05 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a domestic related incident, the suspect had struck both victims multiple times. While at the police station, the suspect reportedly kicked multiple officers.
Aug. 28
Two 24-year-old men from Elmhurst were charged with domestic battery in the 600 block of S. Berkley at 9:14 a.m. Police said that subsequent to a verbal argument, the two suspects began striking the victim.
A victim in the 100 block of S. Prospect reported the suspect inappropriately touched her feet. The victim did not wish to sign complaints and the suspect was issued a no trespass warning.
Aug. 27
Sandro Gonzalez, 37, of North Aurora, was charged with DUI, speeding and improper window tints subsequent to a suspicious vehicle call near Route 83 and Riverside at 4:03 p.m.
Aug. 25
Eliseo Patishtan-Gomez, 19, of Streamwood, was issue citations for DUI, transportation of open alcohol by a driver, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, disobeying a traffic control signal, and possession/consumption of alcohol by a minor subsequent to a traffic crash near Lake and Walnut at 9:01 p.m.
According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incidents of fleeing and eluding during which the driver of a vehicle fled the scene after being stopped for a traffic stop by police.
Aug. 21
A victim in the 300 block of W. Lake reported receiving unwanted messages from an unknown number.
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported four incidents of identity theft or fraud.
Aug. 25
Jason Escalante, 28, of Braidwood, was charged with no valid driver’s license, no insurance, failure to give aid or information at an attended vehicle accident and leaving the scene of a property damage accident in the 100 block of E. First at 7:20 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a call of a suspicious person, Escalante and a second suspect were located at the above location. The suspects reportedly matched the description of earlier suspects that allegedly fled. The second suspect was found to have a valid warrant out of Will County. The second suspect is pending arrest on the warrant.
Aug. 24
Paul Wampler, 35, of Elmhurst, was issued a citation for leaving the scene of an accident near Michigan and Fullerton at 8:10 a.m.
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: Laqisha Fells, 27, of Chicago, near Lake and York at 12:30 a.m. Aug. 25; Markavion M. Moore, 22, of Chicago, near Parkside and McKinley at 7:23 p.m. Aug. 27.
Aug. 24
A complainant in the 300 block of W. Lake told police he believes a suspect was stalking him at the above location. An investigation is pending.
Aug. 27
While on patrol, an officer observed a parked vehicle with its passenger door ajar in the 300 block of N. Oak at 8:29 a.m. The victim’s video footage showed a suspect, described as a male in a ski mask, enter the victim’s vehicle and remove a diaper bag. An investigation is pending.
Complainants in the 300 block of N. Myrtle told police that an unknown suspect(s) entered their unlocked vehicles while they were parked in their driveways overnight. Nothing appears to have been taken from one complainant’s vehicle, but a wallet was found missing from the other vehicle, and later recovered in Chicago. An investigation is pending.
Aug. 26
Izabela M. Dytlow, 52; Nikola Dytlow, 30; and Anna G. Kaminska, 31, all of Franklin Park, were each charged with three counts of retail theft at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 5:05 p.m. Police said a traffic stop was conducted on the suspects’ vehicle after they left the parking lot of one of the stores.
According to police, the suspects were found to have merchandise from three different stores.
Froylan Medina, 19, and Bryan Turrbiates, 19, both of Hillside; and Jennifer Solano Beltran, 20, of Wood Dale, were issued citations for trespassing in the Addison Avenue parking garage at 1:36 a.m. Two juveniles were additionally cited for violation of curfew.
The Joe Coleman Medical Release Act was expected to have freed hundreds of terminally ill and medically incapacitated prisoners in Illinois by now. But only a few dozen have been released, an investigation from Injustice Watch and WBEZ reveals
By Carlos Ballesteros (Injustice Watch), Shannon Heffernan (WBEZ) and Amy Qin (WBEZ)Editor’s note: This article was produced by WBEZ, Chicago’s NPR news station, and Injustice Watch, a nonprofit news organization in Chicago focused on issues of equity and justice in the court system.
Phillip Merritt’s dementia is so advanced he’s lost the ability to speak. But with the help of his cellmates at Western Illinois Correctional Center, the 71-year-old still manages to get on the phone with his brother every few weeks.
“He has to have someone call me, and then I don’t know what to say to him because he can’t understand anything, so I’ll just talk,” said Merritt’s brother, Michael Merritt, in an interview. “All he can say are two words. … I mean, he’s just gone.”
Merritt’s deteriorating condition makes him a prime candidate to get out of prison under the Joe Coleman Medical Release Act, a pivotal criminal justice reform bill touted by Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Democrats as an effective way to alleviate the state’s decrepit prison health care system, reduce the “staggering” costs of caring for ailing people in prison, and reunite families with frail loved ones.
Under the act—named after a decorated Army veteran who died of prostate cancer while incarcerated—Illinois prisoners can request early release if they’re terminally ill and expected to die within 18 months or if they’re medically incapacitated and need help with more than one activity of daily living, such as eating or using the bathroom.
But a year-and-a-half since the Coleman Act went into effect, an investigation by Injustice Watch and WBEZ found far fewer prisoners have been released under the law than expected, as the medical release process has become mired in the charged politics of criminal justice reform in the post-George Floyd era.
Behind the lower-than-expected numbers is the Prisoner Review Board, a state body appointed by Pritzker and confirmed by the Illinois Senate with final say on medical release
requests.
As of mid-August, the board had denied nearly two-thirds of medical release requests from dying and disabled prisoners who met the medical criteria to get out of prison under the Coleman Act—including Merritt.
“I couldn’t believe it,” his brother said. “How could they deny him? He can’t even talk!”
More than half of the 94 denied applicants were older than age 60, and half had spent at least 15 years behind bars, according to an analysis of state prison data. At least two died in prison, including an 81-year-old who had been incarcerated for more than three decades and was scheduled to be released in 2025. Another man died five days before the board denied his request.
Meanwhile, the Prisoner Review Board has only granted 52 medical releases—a rate of fewer than three releases per month on average since board members began voting on those requests, records show.
Advocates say the board is undermining the Coleman Act and forcing ill-equipped prison staff to care for dying and disabled prisoners, even those with families practically begging to take them off their hands.
“Our prison system is now completely overburdened by people who pose absolutely no risk to public safety but are tremendously expensive to care for,” said Jennifer Soble, lead author of the Coleman Act and executive director of the Illinois Prison Project, a nonprofit legal group that represents dozens of medical release applicants.
“From a cost-saving perspective, from a government-efficiency perspective, and truly from a moral perspective, we need to be doing something differently here,” she said.
Donald Shelton, chair of the Prisoner Review Board, declined an interview request, but he defended the board’s record on medical release requests in an email sent through a spokesperson.
“Each case that comes before the board comes with its own set of circumstances to be
It may be hard to believe but it’s been 40 years since 1984 when the first Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot stepped off with 74 runners. Yes, the mascot turkey Oglethorpe may need bifocals!
Many families have made the Turkey Trot part of its tradition and continue to come out year after year and now the event draws as many as 8,000 participants.
It’s time for early-bird sign-ups at dangibbonsturkeytrot.org.
To date, The Dan Gibbons Foundation has donated nearly $3.9 million dollars, taking care to keep all funds raised within the County of DuPage.
The funds have provided nearly 4 million meals over the years and the event brings families and a community together on a day for giving
The Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) has announced the addition of Jenn Guistolise as marketing and project coordinator.
thanks.
The organization recently expanded to include other events throughout the year. In June 2017, it announced the new Café Liberty culinary skills training program.
“Our efforts are only successful
because of the gracious donations of our supporters,” Dan Gibbons said. “Your assistance helps us help others and we always appreciate it.”
Beneficiaries of The Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot include: Catholic Charities-Dupage Community Ser-
vices, Disciples Food Pantry, Dupage PADS, Dupage Senior Citizens Council, Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network, Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry, HCS Family Services, Immaculate Conception Food Pantry, Loaves And Fishes Community
Services, Neighborhood Food Pantries, Peoples Resource Center, The Outreach House, United Community Concerns Association, Wayne Township Food Pantry, West Suburban Community Pantry and York Township Food Pantry.
The exhibition Picasso: Fifty Years Later opens on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Elmhurst Art Museum (EAM), remaining through Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death on April 8, 1973 and museums across the nation and around the globe are taking part in the Picasso 1973-2023 Celebration, as a tribute to the famed Modern artist.
A portion of this exhibition is the debut of a nationally touring exhibition Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocut Prints from a Private Collection. It is accompanied by an 88-page hardcover catalog available at the EAM store.
There will be other exhibits on display at the museum this month and several Picasso-inspired events are planned.
Co-curated by John McKinnon and Richard P. Townsend, Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocut Prints from a Private Collection is organized by Townsend Art Advisory LLC.
The Presenting Sponsor is Wintrust Bank with additional sponsorship by Anonymous, Sally J. and Raymond J. Allen, Marcia Goltermann, Gigi and James Owens, Tony and Mary Ann Pasquinelli Foundation, Gary Metzner and Scott Johnson, Discover DuPage, the Illinois Office of Tourism, and Lakeside Bank. This
program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
More at the Museum
Saturday, Sept. 9 also marks the opening of the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild Fall Members Show. It will be on display in the Guild gallery inside the EAM through Friday, Oct. 20.
Also Saturday, Sept. 9, a new exhibit begins in 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.
On Sunday, Sept. 17 from 1-2:30
p.m., exhibiting artist Liz Flores will offer a conversation, sharing her processes and concepts and how she views the works of Picasso.
On Saturday, Sept. 23 from 1-4 p.m., the EAM offers Family Day: Picasso & Pastels, families are invited to be inspired by the works in Picasso: Fifty Years Later and create a still life painting.
On Saturday, Sept. 30, the museum’s annual fundraiser Soiree 2023 will be held on a special evening including cocktails, a multi-course dinner, entertainment, and an art auction.
For more information or to register for any of these programs, visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.
Jenn brings a wealth of knowledge in product development, business management, and marketing, having worked at global media company WPP, Bloomingdale’s, and Merchandise Mart Properties to name a few. Most recently, Jenn worked in the not-for-profit arena at the Elmhurst Art Museum (EAM) supporting the Board of Directors and as community outreach manager, executing popular community events such as Art in Wilder Park and Chalk the Lot.
“We are excited to welcome Jenn to our growing Team,” said ECPA Board member Monica Shah. “Her global business development experience, understanding of non-profits, and enthusiasm for the community of Elmhurst and the Arts is an asset to ECPA.”
Jenn began with ECPA in late August and will play an integral part in the ECPA day-to-day operations as well as creating and producing the special events to which sponsors, donors, and community members have become accustomed to expecting and enjoying.
Jenn and her husband Dan have called Elmhurst home for more than 15 years and are proud to raise their three children in such a vibrant artistic community.
The Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to building a state-of-the-art venue for live music, theatre, dance, comedy, and events to the western suburbs. For Sponsorship, Volunteer, and Donation opportunities, contact ECPA, email ECPAElmhurst@gmail.com.
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
See CENTER, Page 10
Each of us will experience deep grief at one time or another. No one wants it, but we also don’t want the alternative—for those we love to grieve after us.
Talk about a conundrum.
I know this isn’t a pleasant subject. But it is a real one, and one that none of us can avoid. At least not forever.
I got to the front of the queue in 2020—November to be exact—and have learned a few things since then about deep grief.
When most of us think about a queue we associate the thought with long lines and roller coasters.
Grief is most certainly a roller coaster. The most terrifying of them.
The roughest ride in the park; I’ll attest to that.
Here I am, more than 2½ years out and it is still terrifying, but maybe not as much. The ride has become a bit smoother, a bit more habitable. The sudden, gravitydefying descents aren’t quite as deep anymore. Grief isn’t what it used to be.
I guess that’s a win. Thank goodness.
It used to be so intensely raw. Like walking barefoot on broken glass raw. Like swallowing acid raw. Like being bit by a thousand fire ants raw. Like staring at the sun and burning your eyes raw.
Grief doesn’t end. I don’t think it does. But it changes. It becomes less raw. Less minute by minute and more hour by hour. Maybe even day by day, but I haven’t gotten there quite yet.
When my husband first left this world, I felt the pain in every action, every breath, every minute, every day. That has changed.
I no longer have a panic attack when seeing the men’s sock aisle at the local superstore. I remember pulling my cart into an obscure space and trying to catch my breath and avoid a panic attack - because I couldn’t breathe at the thought of never having to shop in the men’s sock aisle ever again.
Now I can walk through the men’s clothing section - socks, underwear, T-shirts, the whole lot—while
By JILL PERTLER Columnist
continuing to breathe normally.
I guess that’s a win.
I no longer die inside when I brown the hamburger. My husband always browned the hamburger. He was much better at it than I. In those first days of grief, browning the hamburger was painful. It burned deeper than I ever could have imagined.
Now I brown the hamburger and make the coffee (another of his responsibilities) without tears or turmoil.
I guess that’s a win.
I took my family on vacation—to Mickey’s favorite place. It was also my husband’s favorite place. He was literally like a kid at a candy store, except his candy store was amusement parks. We’d have to get up too early to get to the entrance before the park opened so we could run to the best ride and get on first without much of a wait.
I couldn’t imagine the place without him. But I did it. I took the kids and we ran to the best rides and posed in front of the castle, just like he would have wanted us to do.
I guess that’s a win.
I sold a house. I bought a house. I sold a car. I bought a car. I learned to install flooring and paint cabinets and do a backsplash in the kitchen.
All wins.
Today’s win involves removing and replacing a toilet. I’m learning and stretching and doing new things. I’m not afraid of them anymore.
And I know fully and absolutely he is proud.
I guess that’s a win. No, I know it is.
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.
(Continued from page 8)
studied and evaluated by members,” he wrote. “Due diligence is given by the board to every person who sets a petition before them.”
More medical releases could save taxpayers millions
It’s unclear exactly how many of Illinois’ nearly 30,000 prisoners could qualify for medical release. Under the Coleman Act, the Illinois Department of Corrections is required to keep track of that number, but department officials said they don’t have it yet. A department spokesperson said the data would be published by year’s end.
What is clear, from years of scathing reports from an independent monitor appointed by a federal judge, is Illinois prisons are unfit to provide health care for the thousands of aging, disabled and incapacitated prisoners.
Half of the state’s prison medical staff jobs are currently vacant. Prisoners with mobility issues suffer bed sores and frequent falls because no one is around to care for them. Some are even left sitting in their own waste, according to the monitor’s reports.
“Prescriptions go unrenewed, cancers go undiagnosed. In the worst cases, as everyone here knows, people die painful deaths because of the lack of care,” attorney Camille Bennett with the ACLU of Illinois said at a recent hearing on health care in state prisons Even this substandard care is expensive. Illinois paid $250 million last fiscal year to Wexford Health Sources, a for-profit company contracted to provide health care to state prisoners, according to state records.
Wexford’s 10-year contract expired in 2021, but the company continues providing care as Illinois seeks new
bidders. Releasing more people under the Coleman Act could bring down the long-term cost of prison health care, said Alan Mills, executive director of the Uptown People’s Law Center, a legal clinic in Chicago whose lawsuits against the state led to the appointment of the independent monitor.
“The more prisoners there are who are medically needy, the higher the cost of caring for them, and the higher the bids will be,” Mills said.
Conversely, if the Prisoner Review Board approved more medical releases, the cost savings for taxpayers in the long term could be in the millions, Mills said.
Daniel Conn, chief executive of Wexford Health Sources, did not respond to an interview request. LaToya Hughes, acting director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, declined to comment.
There are other, more immediate savings for Illinois taxpayers if more ailing prisoners were released, Mills said.
A recent government report showed Illinois spends more than $76,000 on average to incarcerate a single person for a year. Experts say terminally ill and incapacitated prisoners are much more expensive to care for. Prisoners whose medical needs can’t be met in prison infirmaries are escorted to and from hospitals by guards. With prisons short-staffed, officers already routinely require overtime pay.
By refusing to release more ailing prisoners, the Prisoner Review Board is also making it harder for prison medical staff to care for everyone else, Mills said.
“What limited resources we have are being devoted to people who are
most seriously mentally or physically ill, and that doesn’t leave any health care for anybody else at all,” he said. At the same time, the overburdened health care system is also blocking more prisoners from getting out under the Coleman Act.
Prisoners must be found qualified for medical release by a prison doctor or nurse before the board votes on their case.
(Continued from page 9)
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 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 U. students will have an opportunity to participate as counselors and mentors.
Dedicated to engaging people with history through thoughtful collection, enlightening exhibits, and diverse educational experiences, the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E Park Ave, will introduce its latest exhibit “Lost Chicagoland Department Stores” on Friday, October 6. Honoring the heyday of Chicago area department stores, such as Marshall Field & Co., Carson Pirie Scott, and more, the new exhibition will take guests back in time to learn about the eclectic history of these iconic retailers just in time for the holiday season.
To produce “Lost Chicagoland Department Stores,” the Elmhurst
History Museum collaborated with historian and author of Remembering Marshall Field’s and Lost Chicago Department Stores, Leslie Goddard.
Through an array of artifacts, images, video, memorabilia, and interactive elements, the exhibit will explore the evolution of the retail industry and brick-and-mortar stores beginning in the late 1800s and share fascinating stories and items from popular city and suburban department stores of the past.
Key features of the exhibit will include:
• Animatronic characters from Marshall Field & Co.’s 2004 Snow
White & the Fairest of the Them All holiday windows
• Fashion displays from Marshall Field & Co., Sears, Montgomery Ward, and Carson Pirie Scott
• Special holiday items from Chicagoland department stores including Uncle Mistletoe, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, annual branded gifts, and more
• Interactive displays, from a vintage hat try-on station to a video interview with Marshall Field V
• A look inside Elmhurst’s own department stores, including Olswang’s, Ruby’s, and The Elm
dominated Chicago area retail, from the grand shopping palaces clustered on State Street to the cozy local stores on suburban main streets. The lecture is $5, or free for members.
Sunday, Nov. 12: In this free gallery talk, curator of exhibits Sarah Cox will lead participants through the “Lost Chicagoland Department Stores” exhibit while sharing highlights about the history of Chicago and suburban department stores.
nah Sundwall, owner and founder of Gift Wrap Boss, participants will learn fundamental professional techniques including seamless wrapping, bow making, and tips on how to wrap oddly-shaped presents. Admission is $10.
• Holiday Gift Wrapping Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 18: Led by Han-
“Lost Chicagoland Department Stores” will be on display from Oct. 6 – Jan. 28, 2024. The Elmhurst History Museum is open to all ages and offers free admission. The museum is open 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday & Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, and closed Monday. For additional information on exhibits or programs, please visit elmhursthistory.org.
César ChavézThe Chicagolandia Oral History Project documents the lives, work and culture of Latinx suburban communities around Chicago while exploring the impact of those communities on the changing nature of Chicago and its suburbs.
Antonio Ramirez, director of the Chicagolandia Oral History Project and an associate professor of Latino history at Elgin Community College, will talk about the project when he presents The César Chavéz Intercultural Lecture on Wednesday, Sept. 13
at 4 p.m. in the Founders Lounge of the Frick Center on the campus of Elmhurst University.
In addition to teaching at Elgin Community College, Ramirez is co-director of its new Center for Civic Engagement. He also has worked as a historical consultant for the National Park Service, a journalist, a bilingual high school teacher and an educator of agricultural migrant workers.
He also has served as director of outreach and leadership development at a transnational migrant rights legal center in central Mexico, and as an organizer of low-wage workers in Chicago.
Admission is free and all are welcome.
“We are thrilled to share the history of Chicagoland department stores and to bring a bit of holiday magic to our visitors this year,” said Sarah Cox, EHM curator of exhibits. “Everyone has their own story of visiting a department store, so we hope for the “Lost Chicagoland Department Stores” exhibit to prompt fond memories, such as dressing up for lunch in Marshall Field & Co.’s Walnut Room or picking out Christmas gifts from the Sears and Montgomery Ward catalogs – but also to remind visitors of the importance of shopping small and shopping local when possible.”
Museum guests may also take advantage of special programs inspired by the exhibit through January 2024, from lectures to holiday events for the entire family. Events include:
• Remembering Chicagoland Department Stores Lecture
Sunday, Oct. 22: Leslie Goddard invites guests to look back at the great department stores that once
Are you suffering from back pain or sciatica? Then it’s likely your biggest problem is pain. But there’s another major problem: bad information.
To end sciatica misery you must have the right information. Pay close attention because local doctor Kelly Synowiec-Moroney DC is going to destroy sciatica myths and give you the facts.
MYTH: Sciatica will just “go away” with some rest.
FACT: If you are dealing with back pain, buttock pain or leg pain, then you must seek help from a doctor who is knowledgeable in sciatica immediately. Left untreated, sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage - and lifelong pain.
MYTH: Pain is the only problem associated with sciatica.
FACT: In severe cases, sciatica can lead to the inability to control your bowels or bladder - leading to embarrassing situations.
MYTH: You must take pain medications to deal with sciatica.
FACT: Drugs like muscle relaxants, pain killers, narcotics, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications have serious potential side-effects and do not cure the root cause of sciatica.
MYTH: “I must have done something wrong to get sciatica.”
FACT: Physical work or simply sitting at a desk for long periods can lead to sciatica. Accidents and trauma can also be the culprits. Pregnancy can cause sciatica.
Sciatica can affect anyone - including super-fit celebrities like Tiger Woods, Sylvester Stallone, and British Olympic medallist Ian Wynne.
MYTH: Stop exercising and get several weeks of bed rest to overcome sciatica.
FACT: Staying active can help to relieve sciatic pain and prevent the pain getting worse. Staying inactive in bed could be the worst advice - based on a recent study in the Netherlands.
MYTH: Sciatica requires surgery.
FACT: NO! There’s been a huge breakthrough in the treatment of sciatica and lower back pain. It’s a new procedure called Non-Surgical ReConstructive Spinal Care. The excellent results from this treatment have been published in major medical journals. Success rates are up to 88%.
MYTH: “There’s nothing anyone can really do. I’m just stuck with this for the rest of my life.”
FACT: With the correct treatment from a healthcare professional who specialises in sciatica, you can find relief from the core cause - and the symptoms.
MYTH: Getting Sciatica properly diagnosed is expensive.
FACT: Not true. We are currently offering an initial consultation right here in Elmhurst for Just $43.
We have helped over 1,483 patients find relief from agonising back pain and sciatica. We are one of the first places to use Non-Surgical Re-
Constructive Spinal Care. This procedure does not require a hospital stay. The focus is on finding - and correcting - the original cause of the back pain and sciatica.
According to Dr. Kelly, “We use a combination of ultra-advanced technology, not found elsewhere in the region, for precisely diagnosing the cause of your low back pain and sciatica. This means superior long-term results for most people.”
Because the treatment is non-surgical, safe, and easy, most patients report an almost immediately relief from their back pain.
Patient Jeff P. from Berwyn wrote, “My back pain was unbearable but the worst thing was the searing burning pain I felt in my buttock and leg... my wife insisted I see doctor Dr. Kelly. I’m 95% better in just a couple of weeks.”
Take the Next Step - END the Suffering... Initial Consultation Just $43 Call 630-941-8733 to schedule your appointment. Mention this article (CODE: IND43SCS12)
Only 100 reader consultations are available at this exclusively discounted rate.
Call her office now and get a full and thorough examination to pinpoint the cause of your problem for just $43.
You can even call on the weekend as there is always a staff member ready to assist you. During the week they are very busy, so if they don’t pick up straight away do leave a message.
By Peter Hancock
As workers in Illinois celebrated Labor Day on Monday, a new report shows there has been a surge in efforts to organize labor unions in workplaces throughout the state, while overall public approval of labor unions nationally is the highest in nearly six decades.
In 2022, there were 72 successful petitions to organize labor unions in Illinois, which represent 9,600 new
unionized workers, the highest single-year numbers at any point in the last decade.
That’s according to The State of the Unions 2023, an annual report by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, a think tank with strong ties to organized labor, and the Center for Middle Class Revival at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
After decades of declining union membership and declining unionization rates, U of I’s Robert Bruno,
a coauthor of the report, said those numbers may signal a resurgence in the labor movement.
“That’s kind of a leading indicator of an upsurge, of growth in the movement,” Bruno said in an interview. “And if you look at where you’re seeing organizing happening—in a lot of growth sectors with larger numbers of employees—then you see the kinds of conditions for increasing the actual density of the labor movement.”
While the rate of unionized workers in Illinois had increased in 2020—followed by a boost of nearly 16,000 new unionized workers the following year—the state saw declines in both metrics in the past year, according to the report. That continued the downward trend in unionization in the last decade. In 2022, there were 734,430 unionized workers in Illinois, which represented 13.1 percent of the state’s total workforce.
The report attributes that to a shift in the state’s economy away from manufacturing and other unionized sectors toward more service- and knowledge-based industries with low unionization rates. It also cites a large number of vacancies in federal, state and local government positions, which make up the bulk of union membership.
The authors also attribute some of that to the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court case, Janus v. the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which struck down an Illinois law that required public employees who chose not to join the union representing their shop to nevertheless pay a portion of their union dues known as “fair share” or “agency fees.” Those fees covered a portion of the union’s costs for collective bargaining.
“State and local government vacancies increased 78 percent following Janus as wages in the public sector failed to keep pace with those in the private sector,” said ILEPI’s
Frank Manzo IV, the other coauthor of the report. “And in Illinois, unfilled positions at public school districts rose 164 percent. And Illinois also had thousands of vacant state local government jobs and in 2022 … So it’s the labor shortage that’s in part caused by the Janus decision because workers are dissatisfied with pay in the public sector.”
Statewide, public sector union membership has fallen by about 24,000, or 3.3 percent, since the Janus decision and now averages around 334,000.
Still, the report notes, Illinois’ unionization rate of 13.1 percent of its workforce is significantly higher than the national average of 10.1 percent. Nationwide, however, total union membership grew in 2022 to nearly 14.3 million workers, the first time that has happened since 2017.
The report cites an August 2022 Gallup poll that found 71 percent of Americans say they approve of labor unions, up from 68 percent the year before and the highest union approval rating Gallup had recorded since 1965.
The demographics of union membership have also been changing, with younger workers aged 25-34 making up a larger share of the total. Since 2019, that age group saw a 2.3 percentage point increase in unionization. By contrast, there were declines in unionization among workers aged 35-44 and older workers over 65.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR THE BENSENVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO.1
A Public Hearing to approve a proposed property Tax levy increase for the Bensenville Fire Protection District No. 1 for 2023 will be held on September 13, 2023 at 6:45 p.m. at the Bensenville Park District 1000 W. Wood Street, Bensenville, Illinois. Any person desiring to appear at the Public Hearing and present testimony to the District may contact Jeff Agonath, Treasurer, P.O. Box 225, Bensenville, IL 60106. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended for 2022 were $278,650. The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $412,350. This represents 47.9% increase over the previous year. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2022 were $0 (Zero). The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2023 are $0 (Zero). This represents no change over the previous year. The total taxes for 2022 were $278,650. The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $412,350.
Published by Order of the Board of Trustees of Said District.
The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra presents
Saturday, September 30 7:00 PM
featuring internationally-acclaimed soprano
Amanda Majeski
and Elmhurst Symphony Music Director
Stephen Alltop
Abels Outburst
Strauss Four Last Songs
Elgar Enigma Variations
Learn more and purchase tickets at ElmhurstSymphony.org
2023/2024 Season Concerts
Sept 30 | Elgar’s Enigma
Nov 12 | The Ukrainian Symphony
Jan 21 | Celebration of the Dance
Mar 10 | Majestic Bruckner
May 4 | La Mer
at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
149 W Brush Hill Rd, Elmhurst
The mission of the Elmhurst Symphony Association is to entertain and enrich our community through live orchestral music. Learn more:
(630) 941-0202
ElmhurstSymphony.org
Guests who attended EWAN’s Cue for a Cause on Sunday, Sept. 3 check out some of the items that were available as raffle prizes or auction items.
The first thing Cue for a Cause volunteers have to do is judge how the dish actually looks. THEN comes the tasting.
From 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) presents a one-night only performance with “An Intimate Evening with Matt Bogart” at Buik Recital Hall inside Irion Hall on the campus of Elmhurst University. General seating tickets are $55 for adults and $25 for students with an ID. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. the 75-minute show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets and info: ecpa-elmhurst.org.
Friday, Sept. 15
From 7-9 p.m., the Elmhurst Artists Guild will hold an artists’ reception for its fall members show in the EAG gallery inside the Elmhurst Art Museum. Come out and meet the artists. Free and open to the public.
Saturday, Sept. 16
• From 10 a.m. to 12 noon, there will be an open house at the new Field Elementary School. Free and open to the public.
• From 1-6 p.m. the 8th annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest will take place on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum, hosted by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation. Enjoy a variety of brews from renowned brewers, enjoy live music, tacos for sale by Rigo’s Tacos, and more. Tickets are $45 regular or $55 for VIP entry at 12 noon. (After Sept. 8, tickets increase to $55/$70)
Tickets include 3 oz. tasting glass, 18 drink tickets, light snacks. Designated driver tickets are $20. Info: elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com.
Sunday, Sept. 17
• SHE Single Mother Support
Group begins its new season at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road. We offer complimentary lunches for all who attend and free child care for infants to 12 years old during the program. Come for fellowship and support from other single moms. All are invited. Please RSVP to she@elmhurstcrc.org.
• At 1 p.m., the Elmhurst Art Museum (EAM) presents a conversation with exhibiting artist Liz Flores in conjunction with the Picasso: Fifty Years Later exhibit. She will share processes and concepts guiding her work, as well as how she sees Picasso’s experiments challenged, furthered, and broken since his passing 50 years ago. Free with timed ticket reservation. Info: 630-834-0202 or elmhurstartmuseum.org.
Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 21 from 3 to 8 p.m.
The City of Elmhurst is hosting open house events to present the draft of the newly revised Elmhurst Zoning Ordinance. Residents are invited to attend and provide feedback. If you cannot attend, comments and questions can be submitted at elmhurstzoning.com, where you can also sign up to receive updates. Free and open to the public, no registration required.
Thursday, Sept. 21
From 7-9 p.m., the Elmhurst Artists Guild (EAG) presents Chicago-based illustrator Samantha DeCarlo, who will discuss surrealism and pushing the boundary between what is possible and what is not. Free and open to the public. Held in the EAG gallery inside the EAM.
Saturday, Sept. 23
From 1–4 p.m., drawing inspiration from the rich works found in Picasso: Fifty Years Later, families are invited to Family Day: Picasso & Pastels at the Elmhurst Art Museum to create their own still life paintings with oil pastels. Info: 630-834-0202 or elmhurstartmuseum.org.
Saturday, Sept 30
• 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 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 Cele-
bration at the River Forest Country Club. Tickets are currently on sale for $75 each and can be purchased at eyfp.org/news-and-events.
• At 7 p.m., the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra’s season premier, Elgar’s Enigma, will be performed at at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church and will feature soprano Amanda Majeski. Visit ElmhurstSymphony.org/elgars-enigma or call 630-941-0202.
Elmhurst Farmers Market
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
A new exhibit, The Bicycle: Two Wheels to Adventure, is currently on display through Sept. 17. Learn about the many ways this 19th-century invention significantly impacted Chicagoland manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure, and how the bicycle redefined an era of new-found leisure and independence. Info: elmhursthistory.org or call 630-833-1457.
Elmhurst Art Museum
The exhibition Picasso: Fifty Years Later opens on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Elmhurst Art Museum (EAM), remaining through Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
From Saturday, Sept. 9 through Friday, Oct. 20, the Elmhurst Artists Guild will hold 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. Saturday, Sept. 9 also marks the opening of the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild Fall Members Show.
Also on Saturday, Sept. 9, a new exhibit begins in 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 630-834-0202.
Save the date for the annual Prairie Trail CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, Oct. 1.
Walk to help support others in need worldwide. Help provide resources for emergencies like earthquakes, fires, war, floods, climate change. Provide assistance for our new age. There are new struggles, new realities and innumerable tragic natural events. CROP Hunger Walk can provide global resilience.
Donations teach new farming techniques and ways to work with poor water supply. They share new ideas/skills and techniques for in-
creased self-sufficiency, for excessive heat, for raising animals for poor people, for displaced families, for people who have lost hope for the future. This is a mission event for our local area sponsored by Church World Service. Twenty-five percent of funds raised will benefit four local hunger relief organizations
Community members of all ages are welcome to participate. Encourage friends and family to come. Register online to walk, form or join a team, to donate: crophungerwalk.org/lombardil.
Questions: 331-213-1556.
post a community event or club meeting, email the information to Independent@ rvpublishing.com and put “Community Calendar” in the Subject line.
NOTICE of Petition by Dynegy for an Adjusted Standard (AS 2024-004) before the Illinois Pollution Control Board
Dynegy Midwest Generation, LLC, Illinois Power Generating Company, and Kincaid Generation, LLC (collectively, “Dynegy”) filed a petition for an adjusted standard with the Illinois Pollution Control Board on August 14, 2023 (docket number AS 2024-004). Dynegy operates the following coal-fired power plants: Baldwin Energy Complex located at 10901 Baldwin Road, Baldwin, Randolph County, Illinois 62217; Kincaid Power Station, located on Route 104, approximately four miles west of Kinkaid, Christian County, Illinois 62540; and Newton Power Station, located at 6725 North 500th Street, Newton, Jasper County, Illinois 62448. Dynegy seeks an adjusted standard from opacity standards applicable to emissions from Dynegy’s coal-fired boilers during periods of startup, malfunction, and breakdown (“SMB”) (as codified in 35 Ill. Admin. Code §§ 212.122(a) and 212.123(a), except as allowed by §§ 212.122(b), 212.123(b), or 212.124, and with the requirement to comply with those standards during periods of SMB as governed by § 201.149). For its proposed adjusted standard, Dynegy proposes the following language apply:
1. Pursuant to Section 28.1 of the Environmental Protection Act, the Board grants Dynegy an adjusted standard from the applicable opacity requirements (set forth at 35 Ill. Admin. Code Part 212, Subpart B, and Part 201, Subparts C and I (as amended July 25, 2023)) for coal-fired boilers 1 and 2 at the Baldwin Energy Complex, coal-fired boilers 1 and 2 at the Kincaid Power Station, and coal-fired boiler 1 at the Newton Power Station (collectively, the “Affected Units”).
2. The Adjusted Standard.
During times of startup of an Affected Unit, or of malfunction or breakdown of an Affected Unit or the air pollution control equipment serving the Affected Unit, when average opacity exceeds 20 percent (for Newton Affected Units) or 30 percent (for Baldwin or Kincaid Affected Units) for a six-minute period compliance with the applicable 20 or 30 percent opacity standard (as applicable pursuant to 35 Ill. Admin. Code § 201.149 and either § 212.122(a) (except as allowed by § 212.122(b) or 212.124) or § 212.123(a) (except as allowed by § 212.123(b) or 212.124)), may alternatively be demonstrated for that six-minute period as follows.
a) Alternative Averaging Period.
Compliance for that six-minute period may be determined based on a three-hour average of opacity, utilizing opacity readings for those six minutes and the immediately preceding 174 minutes.
b) Recordkeeping and Reporting.
(i) Any person relying on the Alternative Averaging Period in Section 2.a) of this Adjusted Standard shall maintain records of such average opacity calculations and shall report such calculations to Illinois EPA as part of the next quarterly excess emissions report for the source.
(ii) For periods of startup, such report shall include:
(a) The date, time, and duration of the startup.
(b) A description of the startup.
(c) The reason(s) for the startup.
(d) An indication of whether or not written startup procedures were followed. If any written startup procedures were not followed, the report shall include any departures from established procedures and any reason the procedures could not be followed.
(e) A description of any actions taken to minimize the magnitude or duration of opacity that requires utilization of the Alternative Averaging Period in Section 2.a) of this Adjusted Standard.
(f) An explanation whether similar incidents could be prevented in the future and, if so, a description of the actions taken or to be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
(g) Confirmation of fulfillment of the requirements of Section 2.c) of this Adjusted Standard.
(iii) For periods of malfunction and breakdown, such report shall include:
(a) The date, time, duration (i.e., the length of time during which operation continued with opacity in excess of 20 or 30 percent, as applicable, on a six-minute average basis) until corrective actions were taken or the boiler was taken out of service.
(b) A description of the incident.
(c) Any corrective actions used to reduce the magnitude or duration of opacity that requires utilization of the Alternative Averaging Period in Section 2.a) of this Adjusted Standard.
(d) Confirmation of fulfillment of the requirements of Sections 2.b)(iv) and 2.c) of this Adjusted Standard.
(iv) Any person who causes or allows the continued operation of a coal-fired boiler during a malfunction or breakdown of the coal-fired boiler or related air pollution control equipment when such continued operation would require reliance on the Alternative Averaging Period in Section 2.a) of this Adjusted Standard to demonstrate compliance with 35 Ill. Admin. Code Part 201 and 212 shall immediately report such incident to the Agency by telephone, facsimile, electronic mail, or such other method as constitutes the fastest available alternative, except if otherwise provided in the operating permit. Thereafter, any such person shall comply with all reasonable directives of the Agency with respect to the incident.
(c) Work Practices
Any person relying on the Alternative Averaging Period in Section 2.a) of this Adjusted Standard must comply with the following Work Practices.
(i) Operate the coal-fired boiler and related air pollution control equipment in a manner consistent with good engineering practice for minimizing opacity during such startup, malfunction or breakdown.
(ii) Use good engineering practices and best efforts to minimize the frequency and duration of operation in startup, malfunction and breakdown.
3. The Adjusted Standard is effective as of the date of this order.
Any person may cause a public hearing to be held in the above-described adjusted standard proceeding by filing a hearing request with the Illinois Pollution Control Board within 21 days after the date of the publication of this notice. The hearing request should indicate the docket number for the adjusted standard proceeding, as found in this notice. The hearing request must be mailed to the Clerk, Illinois Pollution Control Board, 100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 11-500, Chicago, Illinois 60601, or filed electronically through COOL, located on the Board’s website (www.ipcb.state.il.us).
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CERTIFICATE NO. 79190 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on AUGUST 24, 2023, wherein the business firm of SENSUELLE, LOCATED AT 154 W. PARK AVENUE #1401, ELMHURST, IL 60126 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: NAME OF PERSON(S) THERESA S. HERREJON, HOME ADDRESS 330 ROXANNE STREET, BENSENVILLE, IL 60106.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 24TH day of AUGUST, A.D. 2023.
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(Published in The Elmhurst Independent Sept. 7, 14 & 21, 2023) 443426
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Friday, Sept. 8 from 2-4 p.m. Friday Features: Klunkerz
Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday. No registration required.
Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Canasta
Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration.
Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Strictly Self-Defense
This two-part training will cover techniques to defend yourself, bystander intervention, how to maintain control and awareness, and the importance of consent and healthy relationships. Live in-person. Registration required.
Sunday, Sept. 10 from 1-4:30 p.m. Grandparents’ Day with T-Trak Model Trains
Enjoy Grandparents’ Day with model trains built using T-Trak and learn how to get started with model trains with members of the Elmhurst T-Trak Club. Live in-person. No registration.
Monday, Sept. 11 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Scrabble Club
Play a friendly game of Scrabble. All skill levels welcome. Live in-person. No registration required.
Monday, Sept. 11 from 7-8 p.m. The Science of Jurassic Park
For the film’s 30th anniversary, join us for an exploration of the science behind Jurassic Park. Stick around after the presentation for the chance to purchase real fossils. Live in-person. Registration required.
Tuesday, Sept. 12 noon--2 p.m.
In Stitches Needleworkers Knitters, crocheters, and needleworkers of all skill levels: bring a project on which to work, share knowledge with others, and have fun! No registration required.
Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 1-3 p.m. Bridge and Pinochle
Enjoy an afternoon of card games every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration required.
Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 7-8 p.m. Emancipation to Inauguration: Chicago’s Black Experience African American History in Chicago is deep and rich. Clarence Goodman takes us on a trip through Chicago history to learn more about everything from DuSable to Obama. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.
Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. American Mah Jongg: Open Play Gather every Wednesday for American Mah Jongg, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance. Live in-person. No registration required.
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Thursday, Sept. 14 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Culture Club: Along the 606: Chicago’s Hippest Neighborhoods
Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Humboldt Park … do these names sound familiar, but you’re not quite sure they are or why there’s so much buzz? Explore these neighborhoods and the 606 trail that links them, and discover cutting-edge buildings alongside beautifully restored mansions, greystones, and brick cottages. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration with an EPL card required.
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7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.
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The York football team moved to 2-0 in the young season after a 42-13 non-conference victory at home against defending Class 5A state-champion Nazareth Academy out of LaGrange Park. Quarterback
Sean Winton completed 9 of 15 passes for 120 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 24 yards. Jake Melion ran 29 times for 166 yards and scored two touchdowns. Chris Danko caught four passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns and ended the night with 139 all-purpose yards.
Luke Mailander had three catches for 32 yards and two touchdowns.
George Kekos caught one pass for 12 yards.
York’s defense held Nazareth Academy to 15 total rushing yards.
Cole Ostendorf had seven tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Evan Gaughn had six tackles, while Jimmy Conners had four tackles, two tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
After having its schedule the week before wiped clean due to the extreme heat, the IC Catholic Prep boys golf team returned to action and enjoyed a 146-152 non-conference win over Timothy Christian at Sugar Creek in Villa Park. Zazz Atendido,
Joe McDonough and Danny Fromelt tied for meet medalist honors with Timothy Christian’s Josh McMillian. All four shot 36. “It’s a great accomplishment and source of confidence moving forward to get our first win of the season against a much-improved Timothy Christian team,” IC Catholic Prep coach John Quinn said. “We showed some consistency for the first time this season, so that was great to see. It’s always nice to see a team perform near or at their potential. We’re hoping it’s a sign of things to come. Timothy Christian coach Jami Brighty is doing some really good things with their program, and it shows with improved scores and overall student-athlete involvement in the program.”
The IC Catholic Prep girls golf team had its first-ever dual meet in school history against Timothy Christian at Sugar Creek. “While we’ve had some talented and accomplished lady golfers in past years, we’ve not had enough team members to compete as an actual ladies golf team,” Knights coach John Quinn said. “Thanks to the diligence of junior Sydney Blondell and sophomore Ellie Tardiff, we now have an ICCP ladies golf team.”
The Knights were victorious in that first-ever match, led by a med-
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: York 42, Nazareth Academy 13; Downers North 35, Downers South 13
Outlook: York is 2-0 and has been impressive in earning that record this fall. A pair of quality non-conference wins against Glenbrook South and defending Class 5A champion Nazareth Academy lead into the Dukes’ lone West Suburban Conference crossover game this year against Gold Division entrant Downers Grove South (the long-standing yearly rivalry game with Willowbrook is no more due to the new scheduling rules; the teams will play once every seven years). Downers South lost to Wheaton North 23-7 in Week 1 and dropped last week’s crosstown game to Downers North by 22 points. York looks good in this one ahead of its West Suburban Silver opener Sept. 15 against OPRF.
IC Catholic Prep (2-0) at Benet Academy (2-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: ICCP 34, Chicago Orr 0; Benet 38, Moline 7 Outlook: The serious stuff starts this week for the Knights who make their first foray into the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference with this game at Benet Academy in Lisle. The Knights pounded on their first two non-conference opponents by a combined 81-0, while Benet beat Oak Forest 40-7 in Week 1 and took down Moline 38-7 last week. Those two teams have a combined 1-3 record. It might be worth a drive down Maple Ave. just past the monastery in Lisle Friday night to see an intriguing high school football matchup between two elite-quality football programs.
alist-round 42 shot by Blondell. “Overall, it was a great day for the present and future ICCP golf program and I’m very proud of our student-athletes,” Quinn said.
The IC Catholic Prep boys golf team returns to action today against St. Francis at Catigny in a conference match, while the Knights girls team played earlier this week against Montini.
IC Catholic Prep girls volleyball
The IC Catholic Prep girls volleyball team recorded a 25-17, 2514 win over Nazareth Academy. Lucy Russ had 17 assists, five kills, seven digs and three service aces, while Emily Carling had eight kills,
six digs, one ace and one block. Ava Falduto had five kills, 11 digs, two aces and one block.
Delilah Hyland finished with six kills and three blocks, while Alysa Lawton had 11 digs and one service ace. Natalie Lawton had seven digs. The win moved the Knights to 2-1 overall.
Timothy Christian girls volleyball
The Timothy Christian girls volleyball team dropped a 25-21, 27-25 match to Riverside-Brookfield. The loss put The Trojans at 3-2. H ope Huizenga had six kills and three digs. Bella Potempa had three kills, one ace and seven digs. Addy Vogelzang had three kills, two blocks and three
digs. Jenny Lumkes had two blocks. Elizabeth Alex had three assists and nine digs. Leah DeBoer had seven assists and four digs. Clare McQuade had nine digs and one assist.
The Trojans also played in the ICCP-Westmont tournament. Timothy defeated Elgin St. Edward 25-21, 25-19, Proviso West 25-4, 25-15 and Harvest Christian Academy 25-11, 25-22 in pool play.
Timothy then defeated Chicago Latin School 25-12, 25-14 and lost to IC Catholic Prep 25-18, 25-7 in the title match. IC Catholic Prep defeated Westmont 25-5, 25-10, Latin School 25-7, 25-6 and Elmwood Park 25-5, 25-7 in pool play before dispatching St. Edward 25-5, 25-11 in the semifinals.
It’s been a busy first few weeks of the season for the Timothy Christian boys soccer team. The Trojans started out 2-2 in their first four matches. Timothy lost 2-0 to Class 3A Stevenson out of Lincolnshire and then dropped a 3-0 contest to another Class 3A program in Hinsdale Central, which competes in the same conference as York.
Timothy then opened play in the new Chicagoland Christian Conference with an 8-0 win over Chicago Christian and then downed Nazareth Academy 2-0 in another non-conference game. Hendrick DeVries had a hat trick (three goals) in the Chicago Christian win, while Elliot Mathew had two goals and an assist in the Chicago Christian game. Through four games, DeVries, a senior, had four goals. Mathew, a junior, had two goals and an assist. Junior Owen Wise had two goals, while junior Cooper Rainone and sophomore Ben Schroeder each had two assists.
“We are beginning to dominate large portions of possession in the game,” Timothy coach Joel Zielke explained. “The guys are feeling more confident with the ball at their feet and there have been moments of good off-the-ball movement that has really unlocked some space in behind to exploit.”
The Trojans rebounded nicely on the scoresheet after the Stevenson and Hinsdale Central setbacks,
Zielke noted. “After being shut out the first two games of the season, we have scored 10 goals in the last two,” he pointed out. “We are getting more numbers forward in the attack and starting to play a better final ball that has created some dangerous scoring opportunities.”
Timothy graduated three starting defenders from last year’s Class 1A third-place trophy team. “We purposely scheduled two top Class 3A opponents in Stevenson (third in Class 3A in 2022) and Hinsdale Central to gauge where we are to start the season,” Zielke said. “We played some great minutes in these games but weren’t consistent enough and some mental lapses cost us. We have tweaked a few things, and as this group has gotten a few games of experience playing together, we are starting to see them solidify the back line and limit opponent chances.” Junior Peter Buikema is back in his third season as Timothy’s starting goalie and has two shutouts to his credit on the young season.
Zielke, in his sixth season as head coach and ninth in the program, added one of the things he’s liked so far is how close the group is. “They have a lot of fun together,” he said. “Skillwise they are the strongest group I have had in the last several years. If we stay committed to getting better each day, I am excited to see where this season will take us.”
Timothy went 18-10 last year and 5-2 in Metro Suburban Conference
Blue Division action before finishing third in the state in Class 1A. Buikema recorded 14 wins in goal last season, allowed only 17 goals and notched six shutouts. Wise, who moved from midfield to defense this season, had five goals and four assists last year, while DeVries, a senior forward, had 11 goals and one assist. Senior midfielder Caleb Bode had five goals and four assists as well last year, while Rainone, a junior defensive midfielder, had two goals and five assists. Key newcomers to the team include juniors Timothy Nulty (midfield), Hyan Sachs (defense), Josiah Bhatia (midfield), Timotej Kacian (defense) and sophomore Schroeder (midfield).
Zielke’s 2023 squad features 13 total returners from last year, including seven starters. Buikema anchors a new-look backline that features juniors Wise, Trevor Munk and Sachs, along with sophomore Wes Hueber.
Zielke added a technical group in the midfield will be led by Rainone and Nulty “should line nicely with an attack that returns 70 percent of goals from last season,” he said.
That goal-scoring group includes DeVries, senior forward Caleb Hoekstra, Bode, Wise and sophomore midfielder Marc Gamble Jr.
Timothy also has non-conference games scheduled against larger schools such as Streamwood, Lake Park, and Oak Park-River Forest. Timothy has been bumped up to Class 2A for the postseason.
Recent IC Catholic Prep graduate Bella Leslie wanted to head east for college.
The York girls volleyball team has built some nice momentum out of the gates this fall. The Dukes were 6-1 through their first seven matches. York opened the season with a 25-21, 25-16 non-conference home win against nearby neighbor IC Catholic Prep, “in a pretty packed and rowdy gym,” York coach Danny Piwowarczyk said. “The kids really wanted that one and after a slow start in set one, were able to find their groove as a team and close out both sets strong.”
Her landing spot ended up being at NCAA Division II Le Moyne College where the former Knights volleyball and soccer standout will continue her volleyball career at the Syracuse, New York school as a libero.
York, which opened West Suburban Conference Silver Division play earlier this week against Glenbard West, then took third out of 12 teams at the Wheaton North invitational despite missing three starters. York lost to eventual champion Glenbard
West there. Jessie Trapp earned all-tournament honors after finishing with 41 kills in the five matches at Wheaton North.
I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big part of my life.”
Leslie said she has plenty of memories from IC Catholic Prep’s coach Nancy Kerrigan’s program.
“Our team has had a tremendous start to the season despite missing some players at the Wheaton North invite,” Piwowarczyk said. “The leadership from our three captains, libero Piper Barber, setter Emelyn Stettin and outside hitter Jessie Trapp, has been extremely valuable to the team.”
Piwowarczyk said York is rolling in the luxury section of the store with all-conference returners Stettin and Trapp.
tion from middles Lilly Roach, a junior, and Leila Rodriguez, a senior. “We have also been getting great offensive production out of Lilly and Leila,” Piwowarczyk said. “Our middles have been working hard on their slide attack and it has been paying off on the court. Having a terrific setter like Emelyn has really allowed us to add more wrinkles to the offense and has really opened up the ability to run more attack options, even when passes are off the net.”
at the varsity level, but this was her first time setting for varsity, and she did an awesome job filling in.”
son,” he added. “It is early, but this is shaping up to be the best serving team I have had.”
Through those first seven matches, York was serving at about a 93 percent clip, while also serving aggressively with 54 service aces against only 22 service errors,” Piwowarczyk noted.
“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.”
York’s defensive prowess is led by a pair of three-year varsity senior players in Barber and Addy Hesch, as well as senior Emily Fehlberg and junior Ava Nawrocki. “The defense has kept so many rallies for us alive, even beyond just digging hard-hit balls,” Piwowarczyk said. “They put a ton of effort into covering our hitters and allowing us to reset rallies.”
“Having the luxury of returning Emelyn at setter and Jessie at outside hitter has really helped fire up the offense right out of the gates,” he said. The coach added the Dukes have benefited from strong produc-
Piwowarczyk added that when Stettin was out of the Saturday portion of the Wheaton North invite due to taking a volleyball-related college visit, Amalia Toliopoulos took over and did quite well. “Amalia stepped up and took setting duties on Saturday and did an amazing job,” he said. “We typically have her hitting
Piwowarczyk noted he’s been impressed with the team’s ability to play “a very clean, error-free style of volleyball,” he said. “A big point of emphasis has been picking your spots to be aggressive.” To that point, pin hitters Trapp, Toliopoulos and Katie Day “have done a great job of doing that, which has allowed us to have success to start the sea-
Senior leadership, as Piwowarczyk alluded to earlier, has been yet another key driver. “Above all the volleyball things, the biggest thing for me is how great our group of eight seniors are,” he said. “They are one of the kindest and most hard-working groups I have had. They bring such a positivity to the gym and have high aspirations as a team. A total joy of a group, and we are looking forward to ending their York tenure with a very successful season.”
The York boys soccer team picked up right where it left off. The
“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.”
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.”
Dukes, fourth in the state a year ago, opened the 2023 season with a pair of wins over Wheaton North and St. Ignatius. York, now 45-4-3 over the last three years, downed Wheaton North 4-1 in non-conference play and picked up a 1-0 non-confer-
ence win over St. Ignatius. A game against Chicago St. Patrick was scuttled due to the recent excessive heat.
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.
In the recent win over Wheaton North, Damian Glodz had a goal and two assists. In those first two
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.”
Knights opened Chicago Catholic League play this week against Marmion
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENTLeslie’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.
The IC Catholic Prep boys soccer team is chomping at the bit to take the field. The Knights started the conference portion of their 2023 schedule earlier this week in Chicago Catholic League action against Marmion Academy after having several non-conference games canceled due to the weather and schedule mix-ups. The Knights scored a 3-0 win over Nazareth Academy at home at Lewis Stadium at Plunket Athletic Complex last weekend in non-conference action.
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.”
the Knights. “We have some strong veterans in Filip and Gio who will control and lead the midfield for us,” Madonia said. Aaron Orozco and Alan Salgado have opened eyes as well offensively. “We also have some new players such as Aaron and Alan who have been extremely impressive up top for us during training,” Madonia said. “We are excited to watch this group compete because they are a very creative and technical group of players.”
Leslie said she is scheduled to report to Le Moyne in the Aug. 1215 timeframe, but noted preseason volleyball activities already have
games, York’s scoring has been distributed evenly with five different players scoring a goal each. Glodz is tops in assists so far with the two he had against Wheaton North. “The intensity and focus in training has picked up after what we would call a lackluster effort,” York coach Jordan Stopka said in reference to the team’s biggest advancements of late.
was a mistake by a player who normally doesn’t make that mistake.”
Stopka added York is in good hands between the pipes with Diego Ochoa and Aaron Rivera. “Our goalkeeping is solid,” he said. “Diego is a candidate for sectional keeper/allstate and Aaron, our backup, is of starter quality.”
“Our team chemistry has improved drastically on and off the field,” IC Catholic Prep co-head coach Bianca Madonia said. “Things are really starting to click in training.” Madonia said the coaching staff is hard at work in narrowing down the right combination of players up top and in the midfield.
(Continued from page 18)
The backline is led by the likes of captain Ben Leischner, Gareth Martinez and Tristan Salgado. “I believe we have a very solid backline with great leadership,” Madonia said.
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.”
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.”
Captain Filip Ciepela and Gio Velasquez will head up the midfield for
Stopka will teach Spanish at York. He taught Spanish and one math class at St. Pat’s. “My philosophy is I am more of a players’ coach,” he said. “I have been a big Liverpool soccer supporter ever since 2015 when Jurgen Klopp came over and he’s known as a players’ coach. He’s kind of my coaching idol. I want to related to the players and form bonds with them. 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
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.”
“The biggest thing for us in the back this year is to be organized, consistent and to have grit. I trust that Ben, Gareth and Tristan have all these qualities.”
Adalberto Suarez is IC Catholic Prep’s starting goalie and the third captain this year. “I trust that with his leadership, high soccer IQ, and
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
level of play that Adalberto will be a force in the net,” Madonia said. An intangible Madonia has noticed so far is accountability. “The best part about this specific group of boys is that we are huge on accountability,” she said. “They hold each other accountable, and we have incredible leaders who have the right mindsets to lead this group through a successful season. I am extremely excited to watch this group grow on and off the field this season.” Madonia said the team has been focusing on its mindset as a group. “We are joining a new conference with new challenges and we are ready to compete like everyone else,” she said. “With cancellations and schedule mix-ups in the first two weeks of the season, we are itching towards finally playing. Our boys have responded extremely well, and it has been an opportunity for us to keep working and clean things up. I am excited to see what this group can do.”
Stopka noted York will have a bit of a different look on offense this season. “Our offense is a little different,” he said. “Our center forward is tall and strong vs. short and fast. We are working on a little different playstyle, so it takes some time to gel.” In those first two games, Stopka gave high marks to the York defenders. “Defense has been strong,” he said. “The only goal we conceded
Stopka has his eye on a stretch of games coming up this month against Oak Park-River Forest, Elgin and St. Charles North. “We have a lot to improve upon, but we have the pieces to do so,” he said. “Our stretch where we play OPRF, Elgin and St. Charles north will be the litmus test for where we are and how much we need to improve. They are an amazing group of kids. They are easy to coach, they listen well, and they show respect.”
ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”
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
Trapp registered 41 kills in five matches to help the York girls volleyball team finish third at the 12-team Wheaton North invitational. For her efforts, Trapp was named to the all-tournament team at Wheaton North.
“ 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
SUNDAYS
Sebastianshouse.com 801 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard (630) 376-6947 8900 Fairview Ave., Brookfield
50¢ Boneless Wings LIMIT 12 (with side purchase)
$5 Sausage & Peppers ‘Wich (with side purchase)
$9 Pasta Marinara (add $2 for Vodka, Meat, Carbonara or Alfredo)
$10 Bacon Wrapped Pickle Spears
$10 Vegan Pasta Marinara
$4 Mimosa - $6 Tito’s Bloody Mary
$4.50 Miller Lite or $6 Import 22 oz. Drafts
$17 Bottles of Woodbridge House Wine
H H H
TUESDAYS
$2 Beef/Pulled Pork Taco
$3 Chicken - Fish - Pork Belly - Steak
$4 Vegan Tacos - Impossible Meat - Chicken - Pork
$4 Cilantro Lime Rice or Seasoned Black Beans
$10 BACON Nachos
$4 Modelo Draft
$6 Don Julio Margaritas
$7 Don Julio Frozen Margaritas
$20 Any Mexican Beer Buckets
WEDNESDAYS
FREE Bar Bingo/Kids eat free
10 and Under - Ask server for more details
$5 Gourmet Cheeseburger (with side purchase)
$10 BACON Wrapped Mushrooms
$8 Impossible Burger (with side purchase)
$5 U Call Its $8 and Under Wine/Liquor ONLY
H H H
THURSDAYS
$5 Pulled Pork ‘Wich (with side purchase)
$10 BACON Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
$8 Vegan Chicken Parmesan ‘Wich (with side purchase)
$4 Drafts $8 and Under
Half Price Bottles of Wine $25 or More
1/2 Off any $20 or More Bourbon, Scotch or Whiskey
$5 Pepper & Egg ‘Wich (with side purchase)
$15 Fish & Chips (1/2 Pound Alaskan White Fish)
$10 Bacon Stuffed Avocado
$8 Vegan Burrito (with side purchase)
$5 Stella Draft
$5 Crown or Titos
$25 High Noon Buckets
H H H
SATURDAYS/UFC
$5 1/2 Lb BLT ‘Wich (with side purchase)
$10 BACON Croquettes
$8 Vegan Buffalo Chicken ‘Wich (with side purchase)
$5 Sam Seasonal Draft
$5 Proper Twelve Shot
$5 Absolut or Jameson
$22 Modelo Buckets
CLOSED - MONDAYS
36 Drafts
HHH
350 Bourbons, Scotches & Whiskeys
$2 Grilled Chicken - Meatball - Pulled Pork
$3 Burger - Fish - Pork Belly
$4 Vegan Chicken or Impossible Slider
99¢ Chicken Tenders ~ SLIDERS ~
$12 XL Cheese Pizza - $4 Full Toppings
$4 Well Gin, Rum, Tequila, Vodka & Whiskey
$4 House Wine (Woodbridge)
$5 Blue Moon Drafts
$15 Domestic Buckets - $20 Import Buckets
$5 Italian Beef ‘Wich
$8 Medium Cheese Pizza - $3 Full Toppings
HAPPY HOUR ~ Tuesday-Friday 3pm-6pm Watch
$8 Jefferson Old Fashioned
$5 Jefferson 1.25 oz. Pour
CASA of DuPage County is celebrating 30 years of child advocacy by hosting its annual gala with a Pearl Anniversary theme, on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Sheraton Hotel in Lisle.
Guests will enjoy inspirational stories, unique auction items, entertaining activities, live music, dancing, and a great time with friends— all while raising much-needed funds for children who have been removed from unsafe homes because of abuse and neglect.
CASA Board Members and Gala Committee Co-Chairs, Veronica Corirossi and Katie May Yoder, welcome guests to an evening to remember, where friends of CASA will come together with a goal of
raising $250,000 for abused, neglected, or vulnerable children in the DuPage County Juvenile Court System.
Suzanne Skala, CASA executive director, said, “In partnership with the DuPage County court system, for 30 years DuPage CASA has made a profound difference in the lives of more than 3,000 children who have been abused or neglected.
“We attribute our success to the overwhelming generosity of the DuPage community, allowing CASA to provide every child removed from their unsafe home, a volunteer advocate to be a consistent, stable adult in their lives Thank you for being part of our journey and helping to celebrate this milestone.”
In response to the nation’s mental health crisis, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, which is affiliated with Elmhurst-Edward Health, offers in-person and virtual Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, an evidenced-based public education program that teaches people how to help someone with a mental health problem or crisis.
This groundbreaking skills-based course teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a person experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. Similar to physical first aid and CPR, MHFA teaches skills to provide assistance until professional assistance is available.
Mental health first aiders learn a five-step Action Plan that guides participants through the process of reaching out and offering support.
One in five Americans has experienced a mental health challenge, but many are reluctant to seek help or don’t know where to turn for care. Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges can be difficult to see.
For more information or to participate in MHFA training offered by Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, visit www.eehealth.org/services/behavioral-health/specialties/mental-healthfirst-aid, call 630-646-5158 or e-mail mhfa@eehealth.org.
For more information on sponsorships, advertising opportunities, auction item donations or to attend the event, visit the CASA Gala Event Site at: onecau.se/casagala2023.
CASA of DuPage County advocates for the best interests of vulnerable and abused children in the court system by recruiting, training,
and supporting volunteer advocates to represent the child’s best interests in the court and in the community.
CASA of DuPage County annually supports over 400 children with 180 volunteer advocates. It believes every child deserves a safe, permanent, nurturing home. Learn more about how to get in-
volved, support or volunteer by visiting the website at: dupagecasa.org.
Corirossi and Yoder shared, “On behalf of the Gala Committee, we welcome all to an evening of glamour and enchantment as we share historic moments, honor longtime friends, celebrate our successes over the past 30 years.”
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