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Memorial Day in Villa Park

KATE DRURY

Villa Park Village Trustee (and Village President-Elect) Nick Cuzzone and Leslie Allison-Seei—chair of the Villa Park Community Pride Commission. Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday of each April. The National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Villa Park with Tree City USA designation for 36 straight years. To receive that recogni tion, a community must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive com munity forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.

Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 held its Memorial Day service on Monday morning at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park. Post Commander Jim Blankshain is pictured bowing his head as Willowbrook High School students Lily Hendrickson and Anna Seelbach sound taps at the end of the ceremony. The post’s 2020 Memorial Day event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s observance included a reading of the names of the Post 2801 members who have recently died. That list included World War II veteran Charles “Sid” Bergh, who served as the master of ceremonies of the post’s annual Memorial Day service for several years. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Bergh died in October 2020. He was 94 years old. Bergh was the post’s last surviving World War II veteran.

Willowbrook’s boys volleyball team battled Lyons Township in Friday’s non-conference contest in Villa Park. The Lions beat the Warriors 25-16, 25-19. One photo from the second game of the match shows Willowbrook senior Patrick Dasbach (No. 15) at the net. The Warriors’ overall season record fell to 1-10 following Friday’s loss. Willowbrook suffered a pair of narrow three-game losses earlier in the week. The Warriors dropped a three-game decision at Leyden in a West Suburban Gold Conference match on April 11. One day later, Willowbrook narrowly lost a non-conference match at Bolingbrook. The Raiders edged the Warriors 25-18, 20-25, 26-24. For more about the Warriors, see page 5.

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

Happy 103rd birthday

On Tuesday, April 12, York Township Supervisor John W. Valle surprised Lombard resident Darlene Merchant at the Senior Nutrition Center with a cake and resolution honoring her 103rd birthday. The resolution passed unanimously at the April regular monthly board meeting. “I am blown away by Darlene’s generosity, kindness and young spirit,” Valle said. “With over 10 decades of bringing knowledge, love and compassion to the world, she is truly an inspiration to us all. I hope she has an amazing birthday and I wish her many more years of continued good health, good fortune, overwhelming happiness and perfect peace of mind.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

At the EL Multilingual Student Summit

On Thursday, April 6, about 120 English Learner (EL) students from Addison Trail, Willowbrook, Fenton and York High Schools – who represent 12 native languages – attended the inaugural Multilingual Student Summit, spearheaded by Addison Trail, and hosted by the Bensenville Park District.

During the event, participants were able to network and engage in meaningful sessions and presentations about topics like identity, career pathways, college planning and relationships. The keynote speaker was Marilyn Rodriguez, bilingual psychotherapist at Latinx Talk Therapy. Music at the end of the day was provided by Almafuerte.

Villa Park reView

Your Hometown Newspaper

240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900

The Villa Park Review is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126.

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The Villa Park Review is mailed to the 60181 zip code areas for $45.00 yearly. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $50.00 yearly. For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

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THE VILLA PARK REVIEW

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Office Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm

Graue Mill now open to visitors

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Graue Mill and Museum at 3800 York Road in Oak Brook within the Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve is now open for the 2023 season.

The popular destination for school field trips and family adventures will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, Nov. 19. It will be closed Mondays through Wednesdays.

Programs on milling, spinning and weaving will highlight the effect mills had on the area’s culture.

Each Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., historical interpreters will offer demonstrations on topics related to 1850s and ‘60s life, including spinning, weaving, wool dying, mill mechanics and corn grinding.

“We’re thrilled to be able to open the doors for the season and continue to offer the level of high-quality historical interpretation that generations have come to expect at the mill and museum,” said Anamari Dorgan, director of Community Engagement for the Forest Preserve District.

Willowbrook art students to take part in upcoming exhibition

On Sunday, April 23, six Willowbrook students will participate in the 2023 Illinois High School Art Exhibition (IHSAE) at Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago. The IHSAE Main Event is hosted by Art ConnectED and brings together top student artists from 100 Illinois high schools to compete and celebrate the power of art in their lives. These students are selected across eight categories or from submitted scholarship portfolios. The Willowbrook students who will compete in the exhibition are (left to right, top row) senior Kelly Franco, sophomore Nina Young and senior Brianna Smalling; (left to right, bottom row) senior Oona Webster, sophomore Natalie McKenna and sophomore Meridian Sutton. So far, they have earned a combined $80,000 in tuition scholarships.

Villa Park man charged with attempting to sell cannabis cartridges to juveniles

Defendant was allegedly in possession of a loaded weapon at the time of his arrest

STAFF REPORT

DuPage County State’s Attorney

Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced on Friday, April 14, that charges have been filed against a Villa Park man for allegedly trying to sell illegal cannabis products to a group of juveniles at a Villa Park McDonald’s.

Ryan Setaram, 24, of the 200 block of S. Highland, appeared at a bond hearing on Friday, where Judge Brian Telander set bond at $500,000 with 10 percent to apply. Setaram is charged with one count of armed violence (Class X felony) and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Class 1 felony).

On April 11, at approximately

4:05 p.m., officers with the Villa Park Police Department responded to the McDonald’s restaurant located at 350 E. St. Charles Road for a report of a man allegedly trying to sell cannabis cartridges to a group of young boys. Upon their arrival, officers found Setaram at the McDonald’s allegedly in possession of cannabis cartridges, 16.2 grams of cannabis, Xanax pills, more than fifteen grams of cocaine and a loaded firearm. Setaram was taken into custody at this time.

“Keeping our neighborhoods safe and drug-free is a community effort and I commend the young men involved for their assistance in this case,” Berlin said.

“Thanks to them, authorities were able to remove illegal narcotics and an illegal gun from our streets. I thank the Villa Park Police Department for their work in taking the defendant into custody.”

“Illegal cannabis and illicit drugs

can destroy any community as well as our youth,” Rivas said. “We applaud all who get involved and help our police department rid Villa Park of the scourge of substance abuse. We would like to thank the Villa Park officers for their quick response, and handling, of this potentially serious situation.

“It should also be highlighted that the alleged suspect was in possession of a fully loaded firearm at the time of the incident. The officers on scene were able to calmly remove the weapon and contraband without any further escalation. We would like to also thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin for his unwavering support in helping to keep our streets safe from illegal drugs and violence.”

Setaram’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 12, for arraignment in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

After their visit, visitors can enjoy a 0.6 mile walk along Salt Creek to the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, which is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The surrounding preserve is open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset.

Admission to the Graue Mill and Museum and the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center is free. Call 630-850-8112 for more information.

Graue Mill and Museum is the only operating waterwheel gristmill in the Chicago area and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also the only gristmill recognized as an Illinois Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for representing an important technology and era in the history of America.

Villa Park Library to hold Volunteer Fair on April 29

The Villa Park Public Library will hold a Volunteer Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. The fair will give residents an opportunity to meet with representatives from various organizations and learn more about volunteer options in the area. While all ages are welcome to attend, an adult should accompany children under 12.

The library is located at 305 S. Ardmore Ave.

The first 100 people (ages 15 and older) who visit each vendor table will receive a voucher for a free Kiddie Spoonburger from Spoon Burger—the on-site food truck at the volunteer fair.

For more information about the participating organizations at the volunteer fair, visit the library’s website at www.vppl.info.

Ryan Setaram

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Warriors reel off four wins to move to 9-2

Ruchala hits a walk-off homer to close out Willowbrook’s victory over Plainfield South

STAFF REPORT

The Willowbrook softball team won four straight games last week to improve its overall season record to 9-2.

The Warriors begin their West Suburban Gold Conference season with this week’s scheduled games against Downers Grove South, Morton and Leyden. The Warriors will finish the week with this Saturday’s non-conference doubleheader against Naperville Central in Villa Park.

Willowbrook opened last week’s schedule with a dramatic 5-3 home win over Plainfield South on April 10. Sophomore Sonia Ruchala of the Warriors ended the game by smashing a two-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Ruchala stepped to the plate with two outs and the game tied at 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning. She hit the game-winning homer over the left-field fence. Senior Katelyn Cox, who was on second base, scored on Ruchala’s two-run blast.

Plainfield South scored three runs in the top of the second inning to take a 3-0 lead. The Warriors scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to even the score at 3-3.

Sophomore Isabel Bates went 2-for-3 and drove in one run for the Warriors during last week’s win over Plainfield South.

Willowbrook junior Karman Rowe pitched a complete game and earned a victory in the April 10 contest. Rowe allowed five hits and didn’t give up any earned runs. She issued two walks and recorded seven strikeouts.

One day after beating Plainfield South, the Warriors routed Proviso West 17-0 in a four-inning game in Hillside. Willowbrook scored three runs in the first inning and added five

Willowbrook’s softball team won four straight games last week to improve its overall season record to 9-2. The Warriors began the week with an exciting 5-3 home win over Plainfield South on April 10. Sophomore Sonia Ruchala stepped to the plate with the score tied at 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning and launched a two-run home run over the left-field fence to end the game. One day later, the Warriors posted a 17-0 win at Proviso West. Willowbrook beat Lyons Township 11-1 in Villa Park on April 12. Ruchala (No. 51) is pictured (above left) during last week’s win over the Lions. Another photo from that game shows Willowbrook sophomore Isabel Bates (above middle) playing in the field at third base. One more photo shows senior Zaida Serrano (No. 14 - above right)) smiling as she rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Lions. The Warriors completed the week with Saturday’s 14-0 win at Argo. Willowbrook will open its West Suburban Gold Conference season with this week’s games against Downers Grove South, Morton and Leyden. The Warriors will close the week with this Saturday’s non-conference doubleheader against Naperville Central in Villa Park.

runs in the second inning. The Warriors piled on four runs in the third inning and five runs in the fourth inning.

Senior Kayleigh Dennison went 2-for-2 with a home run and three runs batted in to help the Warriors to their win over Proviso West. Ruchala went 2-for-2 with one run batted in. Bates drove in three runs. Junior Isabella Dugo went 2-for-3 and drove in

two runs.

Bates pitched all four innings in Willowbrook’s April 11 win at Proviso West. She gave up two hits and one walk. She struck out six batters.

The Warriors earned their third win of last week when they posted an 11-1 home victory over Lyons Township on April 12. Willowbrook closed out its triumph with three runs in the bot-

Warriors vs. Lions

Willowbrook’s boys volleyball team faced Lyons Township in Friday’s non-conference match in Villa Park. The visiting Lions defeated the Warriors 25-16, 25-19. Willowbrook’s overall season record fell to 1-10 with Friday’s loss. One photo from the match shows senior Jake Vandergrift (No. 6 - above left). Another photo shows (above right - left to right) freshman Jonnie Gosmire and junior Jason Hasler. The Warriors suffered narrow three-game losses at Leyden and Bolingbrook earlier in the week. Leyden defeated Willowbrook 26-24, 23-25, 25-17 on April 11. The Warriors’ West Suburban Gold Conference record dropped to 0-2 following last week’s loss at Leyden. Bolingbrook edged Willowbrook 25-18, 20-25, 26-24 in a non-conference match on April 12. The Warriors’ schedule this week includes today’s non-conference home match against York. Willowbrook will play at an invitational at Downers Grove South this Friday and Saturday.

tom of the sixth inning. Dennison went 2-for-3 with a home run in the Warriors’ win over the Lions. She drove in two runs and scored two runs.

Senior Zaida Serrano went 2-for4 with a home run and three RBIs in Willowbrook’s six-inning win over Lyons Township on April 12. Ruchala went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Junior

Lindsey Rugg also went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Rowe fired a complete-game victory against the Lions. She gave up five hits and one earned run in six innings. She piled up 10 strikeouts.

Willowbrook completed its week with a 14-0 five-inning win at Argo on Saturday. The Warriors scored eight runs in the top of the first inning.

Dennison went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple. She drove in two runs and scored twice. Rowe went 2-for-4 with three runs batted in. Bates also went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Rowe pitched all four innings in Saturday’s win. She recorded seven strikeouts and didn’t issue any walks. She allowed four hits in the shutout victory.

Warriors place third at Ken Scorza Invite

Javier claims seventh in the competitive invite’s all-around standings

STAFF REPORT

The Willowbrook boys gymnastics team finished third in the team standings of Saturday’s six-team Ken Scorza Invite at York High School in Elmhurst.

Stevenson won the invite’s team title with its score of 151.1. York placed second with its total of 139.25. Willowbrook delivered a third-place score of 132.05. Glenbard East (122.7), Mundelein (97.5) and Rolling Meadows (80.4) finished fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.

Sophomore Daniel Javier of the Warriors earned seventh in the allaround standings of Saturday’s competition with his total of 45.85. Javier finished fifth on the vault (8.95) and sixth in floor exercises (9.0). He posted seventh-place finishes on the horizontal bar (7.5) and still rings (8.0). Javier placed eighth on the parallel bars (7.4) and tied for 13th on the pommel horse (5.0).

Freshman Jae Newman of Willowbrook landed in 10th place in the invite’s all-around standings. Newman’s all-around total of 44.1 included his score of 9.2 in floor exercises, which secured a tie for second in that event. Newman tied for eighth in both the still rings (7.9) and the horizontal bar (7.0). He placed ninth on the parallel bars (6.9), 10th on the vault (8.3) and 15th on the pommel horse (4.8)

Sophomore Sam Gordon of the Warriors finished 13th in the allaround standings of Saturday’s invite. Gordon’s all-around total of 37.0 included a ninth-place score of 5.8 on the pommel horse and a 10thplace score of 7.8 on the still rings.

Willowbrook’s other contributors to the third-place finish in the team standings of Saturday’s invite included junior Peter Cahania, who

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Police Reports

Area police departments recently reported the following arrests and citations. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.

Addison

April 11

Police said Alciviades Andrade, 55, of Franklin Park, was issued a warrant near Fullerton and Cherry Hill at 11:36 p.m.

Police said Isac A. Martinez, 19, of Addison, was issued a warrant near Lincoln and Addison at 10:16 p.m.

April 10

Daniel R. Chalus, 31, of Chicago, was charged with DUI and obstructing a police officer in the 1700 block of W. Lake at 1:21 a.m.

Abraham G. Garcia, 18, of Addison, was charged with three counts of child pornography at 1:10 p.m.

Juan R. Gutierrez Rivas, 61, of Addison, was charged with violation of an order of protection near La Londe and Wrightwood at 11:14 p.m.

Police said Kevin B. Miranda, 22, of Berwyn was issued a warrant at 11:15 p.m.

April 9

Maria D. Arceo, 49, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI alcohol/ drugs in the 200 block of George at 9:51 p.m.

A 32-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 2100 block of W. Army Trail at 5:51 p.m.

Maurichio H. Cardona Cifuentes, 43 of Addison, was charged with DUI near Valerie and Elizabeth at 2:12 a.m.

Carlos E. Guzman Gonzalez, 25, of Addison, was charged with DUI near Addison and Green Meadow at 12:15 a.m.

Lizandro Salazar, 32, of Addison, was charged with DUI near Fullerton and Power at 2:29 a.m.

April 8

Oscar E. Lucas, 22, of Addison, was charged with DUI near Michael and Lullo at 12:19 a.m.

Joshua C. McCoy, 19, of Addison, was charged with criminal trespassing to land, criminal damage to state property and reckless driving in the 1100 block of Westwood at 3:05 a.m.

A 41-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 300 block of W. Lincoln at 9:08 p.m.

April 7

Clarisa E. Funes Rivas, 18, of Addison, was charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor and failure to reduce speed near Palmer and Princeton at 9:28 p.m.

April 5

Police said Santo W. Fabian Pascual, 24, of Bensenville, was issued a warrant near Army Trail and Natalie at 8:07 p.m.

Villa Park

April 7

A complainant in the 100 block of E. Division reported at 9:56 p.m. that a subject came to their home and shined a red laser through the window, causing a disturbance.

A 34-year-old Naperville woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery at a restaurant in the 200 block of W. Roosevelt. The alleged incident occurred Nov. 12, 2022, and the suspect was arrested on April 7.

April 6

Tajana Haynes-Mahone, 18, of Lisle, was charged with two counts of battery at Willowbrook High School at 12:11 p.m.

Alfredo Reyes, 40, of Evergreen Park, was charged with DUI, transportation of open alcohol by a driver and improper lane usage near Roosevelt and S. York at 3:26 a.m.

Joseph R. Tretina, 18, of Villa Park, was charged with two counts of criminal sexual abuse in the 400 block of S. Yale. The alleged incident occurred March 27, and the suspect was arrested April 6.

A complainant at store in the 300 block of W. St. Charles reported at 8:42 p.m. that an unknown suspect attempted to enter the store through the side back door.

April 5

Anthony J. Simmons, 37, of Romeoville, was charged with criminal damage to property under $500 in the 1-100 block of N. Westmore at 7:36 a.m.

April 4

Sarah A. Brant, 45, of Villa Park, was charged with violation of bail bond in the 300 block of N. Ardmore at 10:27 p.m.

A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 reported at 11:14 p.m. that an unknown suspect removed multiple items from display shelves and left the store without paying.

April 3

Angel R. Molina-Borjas, 35, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI, transportation or possession of open alcohol by a driver and driving while license revoked for DUI in the 1700 block of Riordan at 2:16 a.m. Police said Noah D. Vulpitta, 42, of Villa Park, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant out of DuPage County near S. Ardmore and E. Jackson at 9:41 a.m.

A complainant in the 700 block of W. Roy reported at 4:43 p.m. that an unknown suspect used an unknown object to smash a rear windshield of a vehicle parked in a parking lot.

April 2

Freddie E. Harding, 29, of Chicago, was charged with aggravating fleeing and eluding a police officer, resisting a police officer, speeding 35 mph or over, over the speed limit, reckless driving, making an improper U-turn on a roadway, improper lane usage and no insurance near Roosevelt and S. York at 1:50 a.m.

A 36-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 700 block of S. Riverside at 7:03 p.m.

March 30

A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 reported at 10:52 a.m. that an unknown suspect removed their purse from the cart. Later the suspect attempted to use their credit card.

Fraud, identity theft

According to information provided last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported three incidents of residents being a victim of fraud or identity theft.

Catalytic converter theft

According to information provided last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported one incident of a catalytic converter being removed from vehicles: in the 1100 block of N. Villa at 6:52 a.m. April 5.

Bensenville

The Bensenville Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

April 12, 7:53 a.m. in the 500 block of W. Irving Park Road, a complainant reported a burglary to their business by unknown suspects. A cash register and cash were taken. This case is under investigation.

BEPC2300315

April 12, 9:22 a.m. in the 100

block of S. York Road, Amanda Wolford, 36, of Bourbonnais, was arrested for criminal damage to property.

BEPC2300316

April 11, 10:18 a.m. in the 600 block of Supreme Drive, a vehicle/ trailer was pulled over due to the trailer being listed as stolen. After contact was made with the owner, they came and took possession of the trailer. This incident is under investigation.

BEPC2300314

April 10, 8:24 a.m. in the 1100 block of N. Ellis St., a complainant reported an unknown suspect broke into his semi-tractor and damaged it. This case is under investigation.

BEPC2300311

April 10, 9:51 a.m. in the 1-100 block of Gateway Road, a complainant reported a burglary to their business. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300312

April 10, 7:52 p.m. in the 1000 block of Green Valley Street, Christopher Galvez, 25, of Addison, was arrested for in-jurisdiction warrants. BEPC2300313

April 9, 5:44 p.m. in the 1100 block of N. Ellis St., a complainant reported a glass window was shattered and a cinderblock wall was broken through. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300309

April 9, 6:53 p.m. near Foster Avenue and N. York Road, Zunilda Castillo, 40, and Gregory A. Mejias, 19, both of Bensenville, were arrested for aggravated battery to police officers and obstructing and resisting police officers. BEPC2300310

April 7, 10:56 p.m. in the 1-100 block of S. Addison St., a complainant reported fraud by an unknown suspect on purchasing gift cards. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300303

April 7, 2:35 p.m. in the 500 block of Meyer Road, a complainant reported two vehicles missing/stolen from Meyers Road. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300304

April 6, 3:27 p.m. in the 1000 block of N. Route 83, a complainant reported theft of a credit card which was used at a gas station by an unknown suspect. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300301

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

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

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

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

On April 11 at approximately 3:49 p.m., officers with the Villa Park

Police Department responded to the Walmart Store located on Route 83 for a call of a disturbance in progress. Upon their arrival, officers found Washington, who was allegedly involved in the disturbance, entering his vehicle.

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

“I thank the Villa Park Police Department for their quick response to the initial disturbance and their efforts in bringing the defendant into custody as well as the Maywood Po-

lice Department for their assistance,” Berlin said.

“As a society, we must never accept violence as a means to handle any situation,” Rivas said. “The decision to elude our officers placed the public at great risk. To compound these alleged wrongdoings, the subject was allegedly in possession of a dangerous controlled substance. All these criminal acts will not be tolerated by the Villa Park Police Department as well as by the police departments in DuPage County. We applaud the efforts of the Villa Park officers to work in concert with the Maywood Police Department to bring these subjects into custody and thank the Maywood Police Department for their assistance.”

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

Viewpoint

Slices of life Beauty in the backyard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until that changes, in one way or another.

For me it culminated with the birds in my backyard.

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

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

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

I heard.

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

And so it began.

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

I am a bird groupie—one of the flock.

Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

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

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

By JILL PERTLER Slices of Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tufted titmouse—chirp away!

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.

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

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

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

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

At Volunteer Restoration Workdays, volunteers help improve a forest preserve prairie or woodland by collecting seeds or removing nonnative plants. The workdays are appropriate for ages 8 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers should register online or at 630-206-9630 at least five days in advance (10 days by phone for groups of five or more).

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

• From 8:30-11 a.m., Churchill Woods

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

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

• From 9 a.m. to noon, Maple Grove

• From 9 a.m. to noon, Willowbrook

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

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

IEA: Public education wins big in school board elections

The Illinois Education Association (IEA) is celebrating a near 90 percent success rate in the April 4 school board elections.

The following statement is attributable to IEA President Kathi Griffin:

“We are thrilled to see public education win and win big during the April 4 consolidated elections. This was an unprecedented school board election cycle. For the first time ever, there was a national dark mon-

ey group created to put extremist, fringe candidates on our local school boards.

“But these outside influences were no match for our members and the good people of Illinois. Illinois voters have spoken. They believe we need strong public schools for all students. It gives me great joy to say the Illinois Education Association (IEA) had a nearly 90 percent success rate in the races for which we

recommended candidates.

“This confirms what we see reflected in the data from the IEA’s State of Education Report year after year, Illinoisans trust our educators most when it comes to making decisions within our public schools. Our IEA locals participated in school board elections at an astounding rate this cycle.

“We were involved in upwards of 100 different races across the state,

Eva Sanchez, REALTOR®

holding meet and greets, canvassing and campaigning on behalf of pro-public education candidates who will put our students first. We also supported and helped elect former public education teacher and union organizer, Brandon Johnson, to be Chicago’s next mayor.

“I want to issue a deep, heartfelt thank you to all our teachers, educa-

tion support staff and public education advocates for your hard work. Because of you, voters knew what was at stake and overwhelmingly chose to support our students, our educators and our public schools. We know strong schools mean strong communities. Together we can do what’s best for all students. Public schools unite us.”

Bill calls for review of teacher licensing standards

Task force would review use of edTPA exam

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

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

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

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

“And it was over and over again,” he said in an interview. “I was only hearing from a few folks that thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, which, okay, but then I hear from the other side. It’s like, I’m not hearing the same thing from people in my district.”

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

The assessment is given at the end of a prospective teacher’s student teaching experience. It’s a performance-based assessment that, among other things, requires applicants to submit a portfolio that includes actual lesson plans and tests that they’ve administered, examples of their students’ work, and other material that demonstrates their knowledge and competence.

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

Bennett said that having outside

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

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

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

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

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. JB Pritzker issued an executive order suspending use of the edTPA but that executive order will expire when the disaster declaration is lifted on May 11.

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

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

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‘Devil’s in the details’ when

considering lifting ban on new nuclear reactors

Statewide building code, requirement that retailers accept cash also advancing through legislature

By Jerry Nowicki and Nika Schoonover CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Lawmakers went on a two-week spring break with more than 700 bills already passed in at least one chamber of the General Assembly.

They returned to Springfield on Tuesday for a final one-month stretch in which the measures can be amended, defeated or sent to the governor.

Among the bills to successfully move to the other chamber are a measure to lift the state’s 1987 moratorium on nuclear power plant construction , a bill that would create statewide building codes and another requiring retail establishments to accept cash payments within certain hours.

Gov. JB Pritzker noted that he’s generally supportive of the concept of lifting the nuclear construction ban, although he didn’t commit to signing the proposal contained in Senate Bill 76 , which passed on a 39-13 bipartisan roll call.

Pritzker said he is supportive of allowing for the construction of small modular nuclear reactors , which are small-scale generators that could be used to power individual factories or for other uses.

He said he didn’t think doing so

would be contradictory to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act that he signed in 2021. Some environmentalists have opposed lifting the nuclear ban due to the dangers associated with nuclear waste.

“These are smaller, less prone to an accident, more likely for us to be able to maintain them for a long period of time, that’s something that’s worthy of consideration,” Pritzker said. “Now the devil’s in the details and we want to make sure that we’re not just opening this up to nuclear everywhere or any type of nuclear.”

SB 76, as written, would allow any type of nuclear construction, including the large-scale projects.

“I don’t know where that bill will go this session, but I’m not opposed to it as if I’m, you know, just dead set against any nuclear,” he said. “I just want, if we’re going to consider it, it’s got to be safe.”

Statewide building codes

Beginning in 2025, Illinois could have statewide building codes for new or substantially renovated commercial and residential construction under a bill that passed the Senate before break.

Sponsored by Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, Senate Bill 2368 allows

the state’s Capital Development Board to prohibit occupation of such a facility until it is inspected. The building would have to be compliant with several state or federal building codes for electricity, energy efficiency, accessibility, and plumbing, as well as the Fire Investigation Act.

“Basically, what this does is establishes a statewide building code as a minimum standard,” Koehler said during floor debate. “Now most communities are going to have well above the minimum standard. But the reason that this is important is because Illinois is one of only six states in the union that does not have a statewide building code.”

Koehler said when Illinois has a natural disaster and applies for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the state has to check a box noting it doesn’t currently have such a code.

“And so it costs us money,” he said.

The bill would require municipalities with existing building codes to adopt at least the newly created statewide minimum standard and submit their plans to the state.

A homeowner renovating a res -

idential property in a jurisdiction without a building code would have to adopt the code of any jurisdiction within 100 miles of the construction in the contract with their builder.

Otherwise, it would have to comply with the new statewide standards, which apply to new construction and any renovations that increase the property’s value by 50 percent or more.

Republicans questioned whether a statewide code would be enforceable in smaller towns.

“It’s up to a municipality as to how they want to enforce it,” Koehler said. “The Capital Development Board is responsible for having organizations say that they’re, you know, what codes they have and all that. In terms of who enforces that? I don’t know.”

Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, used a small town in his district as an example to speak against the bill.

“In Metcalf, Illinois, they don’t have anybody to mow the lawn, okay, let alone inspect a house,” Rose said. “But more importantly, you’re telling an awful lot of people who couldn’t afford to repair and maintain their home in the first place that we just doubled or tri -

pled the bill. And there may or may not be some guy from the (Capital Development Board) knocking on their door.”

The measure passed 34-18 with one present vote and it awaits action in the House.

Cash requirements

Lawmakers advanced a bill that would mandate retail establishments to accept cash for purchases under $750. Senate Bill 1979 passed 40-16 in the Senate with mainly Democratic support.

Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, is the bill’s lead sponsor. He said SB 1979 is aimed at protecting “underbanked and unbanked” people who only carry cash.

“This bill is making sure that those folks … have an ability to still purchase needed things,” Aquino said. “Getting fuel, getting their medicine at the pharmacy, getting food on the table that they’re able to purchase from groceries and restaurants.”

The bill also says retail establishments can’t charge a higher price to customers paying with cash. SB 1979 also exempts restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores from the

See REACTORS, Page 14

Hey, I noticed Biden signed a bill ending the COVID national emergency. But I’m sure we’ll still see people driving and wearing masks when there’s no one else in the car. *

Someone called and said Ronald Reagan joined the Republican Party because of Nancy Davis and her family, and that calling our current administration communist is ‘ignorant.” I just read a book about Reagan, and he was a Democrat, but as head of the Screen Actors Guild, discovered that a lot of the actors were communists, and that is a big reason he turned to the Republican Party. And he was quoted as saying that he didn’t leave the Democratic Party; the party left him. I, too, made that choice for the same reason. I was tired of the Democrats feeling like they can give others the shirt off my back, without regard to how that will affect my own wardrobe. *

Hello, everyone. The voting is over here in town, and we are cluttered with campaign signs everywhere; here’s an idea of how to get rid of them. They make wonderful garage sale signs. Just put a paper over the front; advertise your garage sale. They’re not going to bend in the wind. Beautiful. So think about it.

Swimming star Riley Gaines barricaded herself in a classroom allegedly at San Francisco State University because of her viewpoints that transgender people should not be allowed to compete in sports with women. What have we come to? She barricaded herself because she was attacked, with apparently the blessing of the faculty at this liberal university. If roles were reversed, there’d be people screaming for retribution. But no, she was hit and punched; there should be arrests made. It’s called battery. I was a police officer so I know. It’s about as ridiculous as other conservatives who go to campuses, get shouted down and coerced out of there. The liberals push their doctrine. And part two, the gun attacks and assaults on innocent children are sickening, and bring me to tears as a military and former police officer and as a decent human being. However, taking guns out of the hands of my daughter and my wife is not

going to do anything, A hardened criminal is not going to listen to the laws. How dare you, Sean Casten, talk about taking guns out of the hands of my loved ones who want to protect themselves. Look elsewhere for your solutions, liberals.

* * *

There is a lot of misinformation and hysterical claims regarding climate change. It is hysterics without a workable plan. Why the hysterics? Who’s making what profits from the hysterics? * * *

Boycotting products has been a tactic of the left for years. I’m glad to see that boycotts work both ways. I’ve read that Anheuser-Busch has lost a few billion dollars in revenue since partnering with transgender woman Dylan Mulvaney to promote Bud Light. Good! I certainly won’t buy Bud Light, even if it’s on sale. * * *

I looked through a report from the nonpartisan American Legislative Exchange Council called “Rich States, Poor States.” In the report, Illinois ranked 46th overall in the country, down one spot from last year. Illinois is ranked 42 nd in property tax burden, 44 th in corporate income tax rate; and 49th for debt service as a share of tax revenue. Don’t lose hope, my fellow Illinoisans. I’m sure we will move up the rankings once those revenues start pouring in from gambling, cannabis sales and those who travel here from out of state to get abortions.

I don’t agree with how the Manhattan district attorney is going after Donald Trump, but I’m also disappointed that Trump is surging in the polls among Republican voters because of the indictment. Trump would get 40 percent of the vote in the general election, and that’s probably about it. Nothing will unite and fire up the left more than to have Trump be the nominee in 2024. It’s bad enough to have Biden as the president. What if Biden doesn’t run for a second term? Then Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker or some other leftist more radical than Biden could be the nominee. God help us if any of them becomes president. I hope the Republicans nominate someone else.

Warriors win two of three against Morton

Ness fires a shutout in series opener

STAFF REPORT

The Willowbrook baseball team won two of three games in last week’s West Suburban Gold Conference series against Morton. The Warriors finished their week by posting an 8-2 victory in Saturday’s non-conference game at Proviso West.

Willowbrook completed the week with an overall record of 7-6 and a conference mark of 3-3.

The Warriors opened their series against Morton with a 6-0 road victory on April 10. One day later, the Mustangs edged Willowbrook 2-1 in Villa Park. The Warriors earned an 8-2 win at Morton in the April 12 series finale.

Willowbrook junior Gabe Ness fired a complete-game victory in last week’s series opener against the Mustangs. Ness allowed only one hit and didn’t issue any walks in seven innings on the mound. He struck out seven batters in his shutout win.

Junior Vince Aiello went 2-for-2 and drove in two runs for the Warriors in their series opener against Morton. Junior Aiden Baerenklau went 2-for-3 with one RBI.

Willowbrook senior Aidan Pieniazek fired six strong innings in his team’s 2-1 loss to Morton on April 11 in Villa Park. Pieniazek allowed one earned run, five hits and one walk. He struck out seven batters.

Junior Dylan Jenkins relieved Pieniazek and pitched a scoreless seventh inning. He didn’t allow any hits and struck out one batter.

The Warriors trailed Morton 2-0 going into the bottom of the seventh inning. Junior Ryan Knebel reached base after being hit by a pitch. Pieniazek hit a one-out triple to drive in Knebel and cut the Mustangs’ lead to 2-1.

Morton picked up a key strikeout for the second out. Senior Eddie Munson then lined out to end the game.

Senior Colin Slivka delivered a complete-game performance in the Warriors’ April 12 win over Morton in the series finale. Slivka allowed six hits, no earned runs and no walks over seven innings. He recorded eight strikeouts.

Knebel went 2-for-3 with two runs batted in during the Warriors’ victory in their third game of the series against Morton.

Munson went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Senior Isaac Sobieszczyk went 2-for-4 and scored two runs. Sophomore Vinny Ippolito went 1-for-4 with two RBIs.

Willowbrook senior Alex Chaltin went 2-for-3 with a home run and two runs batted in during Saturday’s win at Proviso West. Chaltin hit a two-run home run in the top of the fourth inning.

Munson and sophomore Sam Marrese contributed two hits each to help the Warriors to Saturday’s win.

Munson pitched the first two in-

nings of Saturday’s contest. He didn’t allow any runs or hits and struck out three batters. Senior Anthony Mazurek pitched the next four innings. He gave up three hits and one earned run while striking out four batters. Baerenklau took the mound for the seventh inning. He worked a score-

less inning; he issued one walk and didn’t allow any hits. He recorded one strikeout.

The Warriors’ schedule this week includes a three-game conference series against Leyden, along with this Saturday’s non-conference home game against Hinsdale Central.

team

pictured while firing a pitch during the Warriors’ conference home game against Morton on April 11. The visiting Mustangs defeated Willowbrook 2-1 in Villa Park. Pieniazek pitched six innings in the game and allowed one earned run, five hits and one walk. He recorded seven strikeouts. Pieniazek hit a triple during the bottom of the seventh inning to drive in Willowbrook’s only run of the game. The Warriors won the other two games of last week’s conference series against Morton. Willowbrook earned a 6-0 victory in the series opener at Morton on April 10. The Warriors beat the Mustangs 8-2 in the series finale at Morton on April 12.

• Warriors

(Continued from page 5)

finished eighth on the vault (8.6). Senior D’Angelo Mahone placed 10th on the pommel horse (5.6). Senior Matthew Casey finished 12th on both the pommel horse (5.1) and the parallel bars (6.2).

Two days before competing at Saturday’s invite in Elmhurst, the Warriors defeated Downers Grove South 132.8 to 107.3 in a dual meet between West Suburban Gold Conference rivals.

Javier won the all-around title in the April 13 meet in Downers Grove with his total of 47.1. He turned in first-place performances in floor exercises (9.3), the vault (9.0) and on the still rings (8.0). Javier finished second on the pommel horse (6.5),

parallel bars (6.7) and the horizontal bar (7.6).

Newman finished second in the all-around standings of last week’s meet in Downers Grove with his total of 45.1. Newman won the title on the horizontal bar (8.2). He finished second on the vault (8.1) and tied for second in floor exercises (8.9).

Gordon won the title on the parallel bars (6.8) in last week’s meet against Downers Grove South. He finished second on the still rings (7.3) and placed fourth in the meet’s all-around standings with his total of 40.3.

The Warriors’ schedule this week includes a home meet against Addison Trail.

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing Senior Aidan Pieniazek (No. 20) of the Willowbrook baseball

is

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requirement between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. in an effort to protect against robbery.

“It goes directly into trying to keep people safe,” Aquino said of the time exemption.

“Businesses are accepting cash, we’re just trying to get ahead of the trend that looks like more locations are going for a non-cash payment.”

Debate on the measure centered around the question of accessibility versus safety, with Republican opponents arguing that mandating businesses to accept cash was putting them at risk.

“What I’m concerned about is the small businessman who operates in an area that he’s worried about theft, or he’s worried about robbery, and he chooses how he runs his business to operate in a

certain area,” said Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy.

Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, added that not all robberies occur at night.

“These businesses, some have been ransacked, and the times in which they were ransacked in the last several years was not between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.,” McClure said. “They were in broad daylight, and we are seeing that more and more.”

The bill also notes that retailers are not required to accept any denomination of currency larger than a $20 bill.

A violation could result in a $50 fine for the retail establishment, $100 for a second offense in a 12-month period or $500 for a third offense during that period. No establishment could be fined more than $5,000 in one year.

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Lombardian

Villa Park Review

40th Annual

Many Faces

of Lombard & Villa Park

NOTICE OF INTENT TO BORROW FUNDS AND RIGHT TO FILE PETITION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to Ordinance Number 9-2023, adopted on April 11, 2023, the Village of Bensenville of DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois (the “ENTITY”), intends to enter into a Loan Agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $7,535,000 and bearing annual interest at an amount not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by law at the time of execution of the Loan Agreement, for the purpose of paying the cost of certain improvement to the public water supply system of the Village of Bensenville. A complete copy of the Ordinance accompanies this notice.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that if a petition signed by 875 or more electors of the Village of Bensenville (being equal to 10% of the registered voters in the Village of Bensenville), requesting that the question of improving the public water supply system and entering into the Loan Agreement is submitted to the Village of Bensenville Clerk within 30 days after the publication of this Notice, the question of improving the public water supply system

LEGAL NOTICES

of the Village of Bensenville as provided in the Ordinance and Loan Agreement shall be submitted to the electors of the Village of Bensenville at the next election to be held under general election law on November 5, 2024. A petition form is available from the office of the Village of Bensenville Clerk.

Village of Bensenville Clerk Village of Bensenville of DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review April 20, 2023) 436146

Exhibit A

NOTICE OF INTENT TO BORROW FUNDS AND RIGHT TO FILE PETITION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to Ordinance Number 10-2023, adopted on April 11, 2023, the Village of Bensenville of DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois (the “ENTITY”), intends to enter into a Loan Agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,855,000 and bearing annual interest at an amount not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by law at the time of execution of the Loan Agreement, for the purpose of paying the cost of certain improvement to the public water supply system of the Village of Bensenville. A complete copy of the Ordinance accompanies this notice.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that if a petition signed by 875 or more electors of the Village of Bensenville (being equal to 10% of the registered voters in the Village of Bensenville), requesting that the question of improving the public water

supply system and entering into the Loan Agreement is submitted to the Village of Bensenville Clerk within 30 days after the publication of this Notice, the question of improving the public water supply system of the Village of Bensenville as provided in the Ordinance and Loan Agreement shall be submitted to the electors of the Village of Bensenville at the next election to be held under general election law on November 5, 2024. A petition form is available from the office of the Village of Bensenville Clerk.

Village of Bensenville Clerk

Village of Bensenville of DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review April 20, 2023) 436147

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79053 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on APRIL 11, 2023 wherein the business firm of THE SCOZZY SOLUTION, 1S206 RADFORD LANE, VILLA PARK, IL 60181 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:

Scott Socha, 1S206 Radford Lane, Villa Park, IL 60181.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 11TH day of APRIL, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review April 20, 27 & May 4, 2023) 436080

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Mount Carmel Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity, Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (say three times). Amen. Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you. I am confident my prayers will be answered. Thank You Mother of God!!!

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is