VPR051123

Play at the plate

at Willowbrook

A big dig in Villa Park

Freshman Lindsey Rugg of the Willowbrook softball team is pictured while attempting to score a run during Friday’s game at Downers Grove South. Rugg tried to score from second base on a single by sophomore Katelyn Cox in the top of the second inning, when the game was tied at 2-2. Downers Grove South’s catcher tagged Rugg out at home plate for the third out of the inning. The Mustangs went on to defeat the Warriors 7-3 in the West Suburban Gold Conference contest. Wil-

Villa Park’s Jackson Pond Expansion Project resumed in early April, when major excavation began at the pond located east of Jackson Middle School. The project to alleviate flooding in the area began in late 2022 with the construction of a new 72-inch diameter storm sewer on the north side of the site. That new sewer replaced a 12-inch storm sewer. While major excavation began in early April, the process of

Willowbrook High School’s Class of 2021 celebrated its commencement with two separate ceremonies in the school’s main gymnasium on Sunday morning. The entire class includes over 470 students. About half of those students attended the

InsIde:

lowbrook rebounded from Friday’s loss to post an 11-2 win in Saturday’s game at Hinsdale Central. The Warriors bashed three home runs in the second inning of Saturday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Suburban Silver Conference. Senior Annemarie Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and sophomore Kayleigh Dennison provided the home runs. Dennison (No. 5) is pictured in the background of the above photo. For more about the Warriors, see page 14.

Arbor Day in Villa Park

hauling material off-site began the week of April 24. As many as 60 trucks are continuously hauling out excavated materials during each workday at the site. The excavation and hauling of materials should be completed in late June or early July of this year. The ground at the site will then be graded and restored with topsoil and native seed.

ceremony that began at 9 a.m. The others participated in the ceremony that started at 11 a.m. The photo shows members of the Willowbrook Senior Choir performing during the day’s first service. For more photos, see Page 4.

Memorial Day in Villa Park

Park Environmental Concerns Commission, Villa Park Village Trustee Cheryl Tucker, Villa Park Village President Albert Bulthuis, 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 recognition, a community must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.

Day event

because

the

pandemic. This

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.

ing 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

was canceled

of

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

Bluejay Tank winner’s idea hits all the right notes

An idea for “singing” clothing earned Elmhurst University sophomore Venezia Munoz a prize of $1,500 and first place in the Spring 2023 Bluejay Tank Pitch Competition.

Munoz mixed fashion with technology for her streetwear clothing line, Vivid Existence, which features freelance artists’ designs inspired by song lyrics. The tech part is a Spotify code that plays the corresponding song on a person’s phone when scanned.

Munoz was one of seven student entrepreneurs who pitched five business ideas during the event in midApril. A total of $3,000 in prize money was up for grabs.

University juniors Miftha Syed, of Lombard, and Aaliya Khaja, of Addison, placed second and won $1,000. Their pitch, Instapark, is an app for colleges and universities that uses geolocation to help drivers find open parking spots on campus and solves the “universal” problem of having to circle parking lots.

MBA student Muhammad Rafiul “Rafi” Islam Zareef, of Chicago, earned the $500 third-place award. He pitched Storyboard Inc., a writing application that streamlines the

creative process by keeping research, outlines and storylines in one place. The app organizes and connects writers’ ideas using timeline tools, plot strings and idea binders.

Contestants were judged using four criteria: 1) the judges’ first impressions of each presentation and how well the proposal’s solution met the need; 2) pitch content; 3) pitch delivery; and, 4) each contestant’s ability to confidently, competently answer judges’ questions.

Students from Lombard, Addison place second in University competition Business

“We were thrilled with the high energy and great business ideas from the mix of undergraduate and graduate students this semester, and the entrepreneur judges were really blown away by the quality of the pitches,” said Patrick Yanahan ’94, MBA ’10, Elmhurst University’s entrepreneur in residence. “The program keeps getting bigger every year, and it’s nice to share the best talent from our student base with the private business sector.”

The Bluejay Tank Pitch Competition is offered by the Elmhurst University E-celerator, a resource for students interested in launching a new business or innovating within an existing one. The competition also is supported by the PNC Foundation.

briefs

County partners adopt public school mutual aid response agreement

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, DuPage Regional Office of Education Superintendent Dr. Darlene Ruscitti, Head of the School Safety Task Force John Heiderscheidt and representatives from school districts as well as special education and other cooperatives across the County, announced last week the adoption of a new county-wide agreement that will expedite and facilitate the development and implementation of programs designed to provide mu-

tual aid in crises in DuPage County school districts and cooperatives which exceed the capacity of an individual school district or cooperative to respond effectively on its own. Park Place Health & Wellness Center receives Gold Seal of Approval Park Place Health & Wellness Center in Elmhurst was recently granted re-accreditation as a Nursing Care Center from The Joint Commission, earning the prestigious Gold Seal of Approval,® as well as a special certification in Post-Acute Care. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality

that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. For more information, visit ParkPlaceElmhurst. com.

Hospital ranks

‘A’ from Leapfrog

The Leapfrog Group has awarded Elmhurst Hospital with an A in its Spring 2023 Hospital Safety Grades.

It’s the 23rd consecutive time Elmhurst Hospital has earned an A, making it one of only 20 hospitals in the country and three in Illinois to be awarded an A in every Hospital Safety Grade cycle since 2012.

ALYSSA KUEHNE PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Winners of the Elmhurst University Spring 2023 Bluejay Tank Pitch Competition include (from left): Venezia Munoz, Aaliya Khaja, Miftha Syed and Muhammad Rafiul “Rafi” Islam Zareef.

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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Administration:

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Debra Hamilton

Advertising Director

Pete Cruger

Publisher

Advertising:

Brenda Garcia

Kate McCarty

Subscriptions:

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

Bond set for convicted child sex offender accused of loitering near York High School

Suspect from Villa Park

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced that a Villa Park man who is currently on probation for possession of child pornography is accused of loitering within 500 feet of York Community High School on at least three occasions.

Yuusef Husain, 36, appeared at a bond hearing in front of Judge Joshua Dieden who set bond at $250,000 with 10 percent to apply in accordance with a previously issued arrest warrant.

Obituary

THADEUS E. PORTER, 57

Thadeus E. Porter, age 57, of Villa Park, formerly of Brandywine, passed away May 4, 2023 at Edward Hospital.

Thad was the beloved husband of Kelley Porter nee Kling. They met at work and were married just a few days shy of 25 years.

Thad was the loving dad of Stephanie (Tim) Scudero of DeKalb, Thadeus J. “T.J.” Porter (fiancé Valerie Fierce) of Lombard, Nicholas Porter of Villa Park, and Steven Taylor of Largo, Fla.; Proud future grandfather of Sasha; Beloved son of the late Elmer T. Porter and Florence Porter nee Schutz; fond brother of Laura Hodina, Flo (the late Lester) Czerwinski, Mary (Richard) Juarez, and the late Bruce “Oss” (Victoria) Porter; dear uncle to his nephew, Tony, who he loved dearly; cherished by many other relatives.

Thad was an outdoorsman and especially enjoyed camping with his family and friends.

Thad loved to attend NASCAR races.

He really enjoyed the simple things in his life, like opening a Budweiser and sitting in his garage.

It was no secret that Thad loved Halloween.

For 20 years, he looked forward to building a huge and amazing display of Halloween decorations at his home.

His display was well known by members of the community, and he even won an award from the Village of Villa Park.

Thad loved animals, especially his dogs.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, from 3-8 p.m. Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 10 a.m., both at Brust Funeral Home, 305 S. Princeton, Villa Park, Illinois 60181.

In lieu of flowers, please give memorials to VFW, Post 2801, 39 E. St. Charles Rd., Villa Park, IL 60181 or Magnificent Mutts Rescue, 755 N. Wolf Road., Hillside, IL 60162.

or 630-629-0094.

The state had asked for a bond of $1 million with 10 percent to apply. Husain is charged with one count of unlawful for child sex offender to loiter within 500 feet of school property (Class 4 felony).

Recently, the Elmhurst Police Department received numerous reports of occasions of young girls being watched and followed by a man while leaving school for the day. Through the course of their investigation into these reports, the Elmhurst Police Department was able to identify Husain

as a suspect.

It is alleged that on at least three occasions between April 12 and April 28 between 3:45 p.m. and 3:55 p.m., Hussain was within 500 feet of the school for approximately 10 to 20 minutes on each occasion.

On May 1, DuPage County Judge Joshua Dieden issued a $250,000 with 10 percent to apply arrest warrant for Husain. Husain was taken into custody May 2 while allegedly driving around York Community High School neighborhoods while students were waiting at their bus stops.

“As a registered child sex predator, Mr. Husain is prohibited from loitering within five hundred feet of a school,” Berlin said. “This sex of-

fender registration requirement is not optional. It is alleged that on several occasions, Mr. Husain violated this order and will now face not only today’s new charges, but will also now face a petition from my office to revoke his probation.”

“There is no responsibility more important to the Elmhurst Police Department than protecting the children of our community” McClean said. “I wish to thank the detectives who conducted surveillance operations of this sex offender during the course of the investigation and those who took him into custody.”

Husain’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 22 for arraignment in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.

Molly Brennan receives 88’s Best honor for April

Willowbrook High School senior Molly Brennan was named her school’s recipient of the 88’s Best award for the month of April. Brennan, who is a Villa Park resident, was honored during the District 88 Board of Education’s April 24 meeting. She is pictured (right) at the meeting with Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause (left). The 88’s Best award recognizes students for their achievements in and out of the classroom. Brennan is an academic standout in Willowbrook’s Class of 2023. When she graduates later this month, she will have completed 14 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses. Brennan is an AP Scholar with Distinction and an Illinois State Scholar. She’s been named to the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of her time at Willowbrook. She’s a member of the National English Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, the World Language Honor Society, the Modern Music Masters (Tri-M) Honor Society and Willlowbrook’s social studies honor society—Civitas. Brennan served as captain of Willowbrook’s girls tennis and girls soccer teams. She was also the head of the construction crew for the school’s theater department, and she was a member of Willowbrook’s Scholastics Bowl and Econ Challenge teams. Brennan is a leader in Willowbrook’s New Beginnings program, which assists freshmen with the transition to high school. She will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign later this year. She intends to study economics, along with computer science. Brennan eventually plans to attend law school.

Willowbrook students qualify for national event

Two Willowbrook High School students—senior Henry Jarrett (left) and junior Joseph Weaver (right)—have qualified to compete in the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. The event will take place in Georgia from June 1923. Jarrett will compete in Automotive Service Technology. Weaver will compete in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair. Both students qualified for the national conference after winning first-place honors in their respective categories at the SkillsUSA Illinois State Leadership and Skills Conference. SkillsUSA is a nonprofit national education association that serves students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.

Yuusef Husain

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Warriors earn berths in this week’s state meet

Caron will compete in singles action; tandem of Vega and Schnittker will battle in doubles play

STAFF

REPORT

Willowbrook’s badminton team will send one singles player and one doubles team to this week’s IHSA state meet in DeKalb.

The Warriors competed in last week’s IHSA sectional at Naperville Central High School. Willowbrook finished third in the team standings of the sectional, which included six schools. Naperville Central won the sectional title with 13 points. Downers Grove North claimed second with

Loew enters the IABC Hall of Fame

Former Willowbrook High School badminton coach Al Loew will be inducted into the Illinois Association of Badminton Coaches (IABC) Hall of Fame this week. Loew coached Willowbrook’s badminton program from 1980 to 2004. He guided the program to the IHSA state championship in 1998. One year later, the Warriors won a share of the state title, finishing in a first-place tie with Hinsdale South. Willowbrook won the second-place trophy at the IHSA state meet in 1986, 1996 and 1997. In addition to coaching at Willowbrook, Loew spent nearly 30 years as a teacher at the school before retiring from teaching in the 1980s. Eastman Tiu, who is Willowbrook’s current badminton coach, nominated Loew for the IABC Hall of Fame. “He established a successful and winning program that carries on today,” said Tiu of Loew. “He is a Warrior in every sense of the word and truly deserves this honor.” Loew and the other IABC Class of 2023 Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized during today’s ceremony at DeKalb High School— the site of this year’s IHSA state badminton meet. On Friday, May 12, Loew will serve as a grand marshal for the parade during the opening ceremony of the state meet.

12 points, while the Warriors landed in third place with 10 points.

Each school’s sectional lineup included two singles players and two doubles teams. The top four finishers in singles and doubles from each of the state’s 16 sectionals advanced to the state meet, which begins Friday, May 12, at DeKalb High School.

Junior Lillian Caron of Willowbrook earned a berth in the state meet’s singles competition by finishing fourth in last week’s sectional.

The Warriors’ duo of senior Adreana Vega and sophomore Abigail Schnittker also secured a state-meet berth by placing fourth in the sectional’s doubles competition.

Willowbrook’s sectional lineup at Naperville Central also included senior Emma Foley, who competed in the singles draw, and the tandem of senior Alexandra King and junior Jasmine Langston, who battled in doubles action.

Three members of Willowbrook’s badminton team are competing in this week’s IHSA state meet in DeKalb. Junior Lillian Caron (above right) will participate in the singles competition at the state meet. The duo of (above left - left to right) sophomore Abigail Schnittker and senior Adreana Vega will play in the event’s doubles competition. The three Warriors earned their state-meet berths with their fourth-place finishes in last week’s sectional at Naperville Central High School. This week’s state meet, which will be held at DeKalb High School, will include 64 singles players and 64 doubles teams.

Warriors battle against strong competition at DuPage County Boys Meet

STAFF REPORT

Willowbrook’s boys track and field team competed against 14 other teams in Friday’s DuPage County Boys Meet at Glenbard North High School. The Warriors posted a 10th-place finish in the meet’s team standings with their total of 38 points.

Neuqua Valley won the meet’s team title with its score of 125 points. Metea Valley claimed second with 76 points.

Junior Luca Parato of the Warriors ran to a third-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles at Friday’s meet. Parato completed the race in 42.19 seconds. Junior Lucas Bohm of Willowbrook finished the same event in a fifth-place time of 42.6 seconds.

Willowbrook senior Kevin Diederich raced to a fifth-place finish in the meet’s 3,200-meter run, which

he completed in 10 minutes, 8.48 seconds. Sophomore Adriano Quintero provided the Warriors with a 10th-place finish in the 3,200-meter run, which he negotiated in 10:28.61.

Junior Liam Moran of Willowbrook delivered a seventh-place time of 52.81 seconds in the 400-meter run.

Junior Cody Wenkus of the Warriors posted a ninth-place finish in the 110-meter hurdles, which he completed in 17.35 seconds.

Willowbrook sophomore Jaden Royal delivered a second-place finish in the triple jump at Friday’s meet. Royal covered 43 feet, 11½ inches in his best jump of the day.

Sophomore Jordan Pate of the Warriors placed fifth in the long jump. He traveled 21 feet, ¼ of an inch in his best effort of the meet.

Junior Noah Boyd of Willowbrook added a 10th-place finish in the long jump. Boyd’s best jump of the meet covered 19 feet, 11¾ inches.

Sophomore Jake Koterba of Willowbrook placed seventh in the shot put during Friday’s meet at Glenbard North. Koterba’s best effort of the day in that event covered 45 feet, 8¾ inches.

Koterba added a 10th-place finish in the discus throw. His best throw of the meet in that event sailed 118 feet, 11¼ inches.

Willowbrook senior Bernardo Albarran placed 10th in the shot put and 11th in the discus throw. His best effort of the meet in the shot put covered 43 feet, 6¾ inches. His longest throw of the day in the discus throw traveled 117 feet, 5¾ inches.

Willowbrook’s 4 x 200-meter relay team of Pate, Wenkus, sopho-

more Jaylin Miller and junior Jadin Harris posted a fourth-place time of 1 minute, 33.21 seconds at Friday’s meet.

The Warriors’ 4 x 100-meter relay foursome of Parato, Moran, Miller and Harris delivered a seventh-place time of 43.82 seconds.

The Willowbrook foursome of Moran, senior Isaiah Smith, senior Elijah Smith and junior Evan Weder raced to an eighth-place time of 3 minutes, 36.41 seconds in the 4 x 400-meter relay.

Seniors Henry Sloan, Garrett Williams and Charlie Hayes joined sophomore Kasen Blain to run to produce a ninth-place time of 8 minutes, 44.01 seconds in the 4 x 800-meter relay.

The Warriors are hosting this week’s West Suburban Gold Conference Meet.

Gymnast Daniel Javier advances to the IHSA state meet

Sophomore Daniel Javier of the Willowbrook boys gymnastics team will compete in this week’s IHSA state meet at Hoffman Estates High School. Javier earned a berth in the state meet when he tied for third place in the vault during last week’s IHSA sectional at Hersey High School in Arlington Heights.

The top five finishers in each sectional event

automatically qualified for the state meet, which takes place this Friday and Saturday.

In addition to including the gymnasts who earned top-five finishes at last week’s sectional competitions, the state meet will include atlarge advancers.

Those at-large advancers were announced earlier this week.

Javier earned a score of 8.8 for his sectional effort on the vault.

Hersey won the team title at last week’s sectional in its home gym with its score of 151.55. Fremd (144.2) finished second, while Hinsdale Central (133.6) placed third. Willowbrook earned a fourth-place finish in the eight-team event with its score of 126.75.

CHRIS FOX FILE PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

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

May 2

Elijah M. Davis, 23, of Chicago, was charged with disorderly conduct at 12:30 a.m.

Marcin Filip, 32, of Wood Dale, was charged with aggravated DUI, driving while license suspended and speeding near Lake and Lincoln at 3:08 a.m.

April 30

Vitalino Cifuentes-Guillen, 47, of Schaumburg, was charged with DUI, driving while license suspended, failure to yield and no insurance in the 400 block of W. Lake at 11:03 p.m.

April 29

Kelly J. Goress, 37, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI, possession of cannabis in a vehicle, failure to reduce speed and no insurance near Lake and Friendship at 9:16 p.m.

April 28

Valerie Adams, 67, of Wood Dale, was charged with DUI and obstructing justice in the 200 block of W. Lake.

William Burgos, 58, of Elgin, was charged with three counts of battery/ making physical contact at 11:20 a.m.

Elizabeth M. Koziol, 39, of Palatine, was charged with DUI, obstructing justice/destroying evidence and improper lane usage at 4:12 a.m.

Gabriela A. Landazuri Silva, 27, of Addison, was charged with violation of bail bond in the 300 block of Lincoln Court at 8:02 p.m.

April 27

A 27-year-old Addison woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 300 block of N. Lincoln at 9:20 p.m.

April 26

Alexander K. Georgiou, 28, of Round Lake, was charged with possession of a controlled substance at 11:30 p.m.

A 73-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 1-100 block of W. Marilyn Terrace at 10:53 p.m.

Villa Park

April 29

Gabriel Gonzalez, 29, of Carpentersville, and Juan D. Rodriguez, 23, of Villa Park, were charged with battery causing bodily harm in the 1-100 block of W. Terrace at 11:50 p.m.

A complainant at a hotel in the 300 block of E. Roosevelt reported arguing with a subject. The complainant also reported the subject slashed their tires while the complainant’s vehicle was parked in the parking lot.

April 27

A complainant in the 300 block of S. Ardmore reported at 8:34 p.m. that subjects were harassing them via phone.

April 26

A complainant in the 400 block of W. Division reported at 2:29 p.m. that an unknown suspect removed license plates from a vehicle parked in a parking lot.

April 25

A complainant at the Metra train station in the 300 block of N. Ardmore reported at 7:39 a.m. that an unknown suspect used an unknown object to break the west facing exterior glass door at the train station.

A complainant in the 400 block of W. Division reported at 7:51 p.m. that two juveniles were throwing things at each other.

April 23

Mitchell J. Murphy, 32, of Elmhurst, was charged with two counts of battery, while Michael Giuliano, 32, of Elmhurst, was charged with battery at a store in the 1-100 block of S. Villa at 2:54 a.m.

A complainant at a fitness center in the 200 block of W. Roosevelt reported at 2:26 p.m. that an unknown suspect removed locks and money from several lockers.

April 20

A complainant in the 500 block of E. Wildwood reported at 3:57 p.m. that an unknown subject is harassing them via phone.

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.

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.

May 3, 10:46 a.m. in the 1000 block of Green Valley St., a complainant reported a domestic situation when a known suspect struck them in the head. This case is under investigation.

BEPC2300377

May 3, 2:01 p.m. in the 300 block of S. York Road, a complainant reported their catalytic converter missing from their vehicle. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300379

May 3, 5:13 p.m. in the 100 block of W. Grand Ave., a complainant reported on two separate occasions that two unknown suspects cashed fraudulent checks. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300380 and BEPC2300381

May 2, 11:51 a.m. in the 1-100 block of S. Mason, a complainant reported their catalytic converter missing. This incident is under investigation.

BEPC2300371

May 2, 2:04 p.m. in the 700 block of N. Route 83, a complainant reported unauthorized use of a credit card at various gas stations. This incident is under investigation. BEPC2300372

May 2, 2:06 p.m. in the 300 block of W. Irving Park Road, a complainant reported a crack in their windshield. This incident is under investigation.

BEPC2300373

May 2, 8:25 p.m. in the 1000 block of W. Irving Park Road, Ausencio Rosas, 41, of Hanover Park, was arrested for disorderly conduct, battery and resisting arrest. BEPC2300375

May 3, 2:10 a.m. in the 5800 block of Oakwood Drive, Lisle, Bensenville police tactical officers assisted the Elmhurst Police Department in taking two suspects in possession of a stolen vehicle into custody. BEPC2300376

LEGAL NOTICES

the representative and to the attorney, if any, within 10 days after it has been filed with the Circuit Court Clerk.

Vincent C. Argento

DuPage Attorney Number: 5355 Attorney for Estate PO Box 5243 Elgin IL 60121-5243 847-628-8301

Email: service@argentolaw.com

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park

Review April 27, May 4 & 11, 2023)

436454

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TOWNSHIP BUDGET

May 1, 1:16 p.m. in the 600 block of Diana Court, a complainant reported they lost a substantial amount of money in an online market scam by an unknown suspect. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300369

April 29, 11:39 a.m. in the 200 block of Mohawk Drive, a complainant reported harassment through phone calls by a known suspect. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300366

April 29, 2:09 p.m. in the 1100 block of Judson Street, a complainant reported a known suspect violated an order of protection they have against them. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300364

April 29, 8:19 p.m. in the 100 block of George Street, Lisa Dominick, a 44-year-old Bensenville woman was arrested for domestic battery. BEPC2300367

April 29, 11:25 a.m. in the 600 block of York Road, a complainant reported their license plates stolen by an unknown suspect. BEPC2300363

April 27, 9:37 a.m. in the 600 block of Supreme Drive, a complainant reported an unknown suspect took without permission 1 container of ink toner. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300357

April 27, 1:17 p.m. in the 1-100 block of S. Mason St., a complainant reported an unknown suspect deposited fraudulent checks into their bank account. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300358

Glenbard West student accused of phoning in bomb threat to school

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Glen Ellyn Chief of Police Phillip Norton have announced that a Glenbard West High School student has been accused of phoning in a bomb threat directed at the high school.

The juvenile, a 17-year-old male, appeared at a detention hearing where Judge Joshua Dieden ordered that he be detained until at least his next court date which is scheduled for May 12. He has been charged with two counts of disorderly conduct, a Class 4 felony.

NOTICE TO HEIRS AND LEGATEES

The estate Will be administered without Court Supervision, unless under section 28-4 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person may terminate independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Circuit Court Clerk.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of CANDICE ADAMS, Circuit Court Clerk, 505 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, Illinois, or with the representative or both on or before October 30, 2023 any claim not filed within that period is barred.

Copies of a claim filed with the Circuit Court Clerk must be mailed or delivered to

Notice is hereby given that a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the York Township, DuPage County, Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2023, and ending March 31, 2024, will be on file and conveniently available to public inspection at York Township, 1502 S. Meyers Rd, Lombard from and after April 10, 2023. Notice is further given that a public hearing on said Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be at 7:30 P.M. on June 13, 2023, at York Township 1502 S. Meyers Rd., Lombard and that final action on this ordinance will be taken at a meeting to be held on June 13, 2023, immediately following public hearing.

Dated this 8th day of May 2023

Anthony A. Cuzzone York Township Clerk

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent, Villa Park Review & Elmhurst Independent May 11, 2023) 437366

On May 3 at approximately 11:12 a.m., a voicemail was left for administrators at Glenbard West High School stating “West you have 10 minutes to get out or a bomb will go off on the first, second and third floor.” Authorities did not hear the voicemail until after 11:30 a.m. At 11:43 a.m., the school received another call stating the same threat, but the caller stated that the bomb would go off in 15 minutes.

The school was evacuated and classes were cancelled for the rest of the day. An investigation into the threats conducted by the Glen Ellyn Police Department led authorities to the juvenile as a suspect. The juvenile was taken into custody later that afternoon following a traffic stop in Glendale Heights.

“With the school year coming to a close, I want to remind everyone that my office takes any threat directed at a school extremely seriously,” Berlin said.

Warriors take second, Addison Trail fourth at conference meet

Gwaltney, Barrington and Turner win individual titles for Willowbrook

STAFF REPORT

Willowbrook’s girls track and field team finished second in the team standings of last week’s West Suburban Gold Conference Meet, which took place at Leyden’s west campus on May 4. Downers Grove South won the title at the seven-team event with its score of 156.5 points. Willowbrook placed second with its total of 128 points. Hinsdale South landed in third place with 116 points.

Willowbrook sophomore Olivia Gwaltney delivered a victory in the 400-meter run at the conference meet. Gwaltney finished the race in a winning time of 1 minute, 2.6 seconds. Senior Molly Morris finished third in the 400-meter run, which she completed in 1:02.31.

Gwaltney added a fourth-place finish in the 200-meter run (27.14 seconds). Morris completed the 200-meter run in a fifth-place time of 27.54 seconds.

Senior Amelia Barrington of the Warriors won claimed the championship in the high jump at the conference meet. Barrington cleared 5 feet, 3 inches in her best effort at the meet. Willowbrook senior Sara Stout earned third-place honors in the high jump. Stout cleared 4 feet, 11 inches during last week’s meet.

Barrington posted a second-place finish in the long jump; she traveled 16 feet, 8 inches in her best attempt of the meet. Morris finished fifth in the long jump; her best jump of the competition covered 15 feet, 11¾ inches.

Willowbrook’s Morgen Turner won the conference meet’s title in the discus throw. Turner, who is a sophomore, delivered a throw of 107 feet, 1 inch in her finest effort of the day. Sophomore Emily Hogan of the Warriors finished second to Turner in the discus throw. Hogan’s best throw of the conference meet traveled 94 feet, 9¾ inches.

Sophomore Iryae Watts provided Willowbrook with a second-place finish in the shot put. Her best throw of the conference meet traveled 33 feet, 3¼ inches. Hogan placed third in the shot put; her best effort of the meet in that event covered 30 feet, 2¼ inches.

Sophomore Malin Meeker of Willowbrook claimed fourth in the triple jump at the conference meet. Meeker sailed 32 feet,4 ½ inches in her finest effort of the day. Senior Judith Roelle of the Warriors landed in sixth place in the triple jump. She covered 28 feet, 10¾ inches in her best jump of the competition.

Willowbrook junior Mia McBride finished fifth in the pole vault at the conference meet. She cleared 7 feet during last week’s meet. Sophomore Kendall Medinger of the Warriors, who cleared 6 feet, placed seventh.

Sophomore Amelie Ojeda of Willowbrook posted a pair of third-place finishes at the conference meet. Ojeda completed the 800-meter run in a third-place time of 2 minutes, 26.78 seconds. She turned in a third-place time of 5 minutes, 30.6 seconds in the 1,600-meter run.

Sophomore Naomi Campbell of the Warriors ran to a fourth-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles. Campbell completed the race in 17.94 seconds. Willowbrook’s other athletes who posted top-five finishes in individual events at the conference meet included senior Brianna Alandy, who took fifth in the 100-meter run (13.3 seconds); sophomore Molly Brown, who placed fifth in the 800-meter run (2:37.69) and freshman Mariangela Popoca, who earned fifth-place honors in the 3,200-meter run (13:48.1).

Willowbrook’s 4 x 100-meter relay team of Brianna Alandy, sophomore Mickenzie Alandy, Gwaltney and Morris sprinted to a second-place time of 50.86 seconds.

Brianna and Mickenzie Alandy joined Campbell and Roelle to deliver a fourth-place time of 1:56.30 in the 4 x 200-meter relay.

Meeker, Roelle and McBride teamed with senior Olivia Brach to earn a fourth-place finish in the 4 x 400-meter relay (4:42.50).

Brown and Meeker joined senior Abby Kusmierz and freshman Allyson Stefani to finish fourth in the 4 x 800-meter relay (10:59.66).

Addison Trail

Addison Trail posted a fourth-place team total of 45 points at the conference meet. Junior Brooke Greaves of the Blazers won the championship in the 100-meter hurdles, which she finished in a first-place time of 15.89 seconds.

Addison Trail junior Natalie Lupa delivered a third-place time of 48.27 seconds in the 300-meter hurdles at the conference meet. Greaves ran to a fifth-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles, which she completed in 50.75 seconds.

Senior Lettia Hoda of the Blazers ran to a second-place finish in the 3,200-meter run, which she finished in 12 minutes, 15.50 seconds. Hoda added a fifth-place time of 5 minutes, 48.50 seconds in the 1,600-meter run.

Addison Trail seniors Clarita Gaytan and Julia Rusiecki finished third and fourth, respectively, in the discus throw at the conference meet. Gaytan’s best throw of the meet traveled 84 feet, 11¼ inches. Rusiecki’s longest throw of the day covered 83 feet, 8¼ inches.

Earlier this week, the Warriors and Blazers competed in the IHSA Class 3A sectional at Rolling Meadows High School. The competitors at the 16-team sectional tried to earn berths in the upcoming IHSA Class 3A state meet, which takes place next week at Eastern Illinois University.

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 at the Elmhurst History Museum’s Cultural Crossroad event, watch an amazing display of skill by the multi-age martial artists from the Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, a group that has performed at the United Center and other venues across Chicagoland.

EHM closes ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ exhibit with Cultural Crossroads Celebration

Free special event takes place Saturday

The Elmhurst History Museum’s latest exhibit, “In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities,” will soon be closing after a six-month run. The museum is presenting a special event on the exhibit’s final weekend to celebrate the many ways immigrants contribute to the colorful fabric of Chicago area communities.

The public is invited to the Cultural Crossroads Celebration on Saturday, May 13 from 1-5 p.m. inside the museum and outdoors under a tent where there will be an array of performances, presentations, and interactions with special guests.

Scheduled activities

Throughout the “In Pursuit of Happiness” exhibit’s months of exhibition, the museum has partnered with many collaborators to share stories of immigration. The Cultural Crossroads Celebration will showcase many of these exhibit partners, including Immigrant Solidarity DuPage and Xilin Association, and offer many family-friendly activities including:

• Mariachi Monarca DuPage will perform at 2 p.m.

• Watch an amazing display of skill at 3 p.m. by the multi-age martial artists from the Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy.

• Students from York High School’s International Club will share presentations about different cultures.

• Free craft activities for kids, available while supplies last, will include make-your-own guitars and maracas, as well as paper crafts such as origami cranes, butterflies, and flowers.

• Play games with international origins and spin the World Trivia Wheel to test your global knowledge.

• View the “In Pursuit of Happiness” exhibit inside the museum in the first-floor gallery.

About the exhibit

The Cultural Crossroads Celebration is presented as the final event related to the Elmhurst History Museum’s exhibit, “In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities,” which closes on May 14. The exhibit shares the personal stories and experiences of area immigrants and their descendants as told through first-person accounts, photographs, treasured objects, video and more. Admission is free.

Don’t miss this last chance to explore the “In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities” exhibit and celebrate the diversity of local communities through the Cultural Crossroads celebration. For the latest information, please visit www.elmhursthistory.org or call 630-833-1457.

The Elmhurst History Museum is located at 120 E. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst. Free parking is available on site and at nearby parking garages. More information can be found at www.elmhursthistory.org.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

DuPAGE DESTINATIONS

Your Dining & Entertainment Guide to the Western Suburbs

Can’t-miss events throughout

DuPage County

Editor’s note: Our next DuPage Destinations section will be published Thursday, May 25. If you have information on an event in DuPage County taking place after May 25 that you would like us to consider listing here, please email that information to: news1@rvpublishing.com

Ongoing North Suburban Carvers meetings

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

Registration for Forest Preserve summer camps open for DuPage residents

The Forest Preserve District’s popular lineup of summer camps will return for the summer of 2023

Registration is now open for DuPage County residents and for nonresidents starting March 1. Kids entering first through eighth grades can connect to nature with more than a dozen camps, many focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math. Most camps are five days, Monday through Friday and run from 9 a.m. to noon or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Half-day camps are $150 for DuPage residents and $175 for nonresidents, and full-day camps are $250 for DuPage residents and $290 for nonresidents. For more in-

See EVENTS, Page 9

(Continued from page 8)

formation, visit: dupageforest.org or call 630-933-7200.

Now through June 4

“Grease” at Drury Lane Theater, Oakbrook Terrace

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at Drury Lane Theater, 100 Drury Lane, relive those “Summer Nights” with Danny and Sandy as they rediscover their summer fling romance. Grease became the soundtrack of a generation and one of the world’s most popular musicals. For tickets, information and show times, visit: https://drurylanetheatre.com/greas.

Now through Sept. 30

Muddy Warhol Art Exhibit

Westmont

Recurring daily t the Westmont Centre, 1 S. Cass Ave., the Westmont Special Events Corporation (WSEC) NFP has created the Muddy Warhol Art Contest & Exhibit to cross promote a new Andy Warhol Exhibit at the College of DuPage, which will debut this spring, as well as highlight the Muddy Waters Blues Exhibit in Westmont. The contest and exhibit will encourage artists to create and submit Warhol-inspired art featuring the image of blues music legend Muddy Waters. Waters lived in Westmont from 1973 until he passed in 1983. Westmont Special Events has created a blues exhibit and annual Muddy Waters Blues Tribute music event to honor the American music icon. For more information, visit: https://westmont.illinois.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1748&fbclid=IwAR3MoCxv0KpmIu64FAtmYhMwTjagx47XRwCWzQ9NuKvRHcRTcJqjJHMpmsM.

Now through Nov. 25

French Market

Wheaton

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

Saturday, May 13

Sidewalk art contest

Westmont

From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. presented by the Westmont Park District at the William L. Gregg House Museum, 115 S. Linden Ave., color splash the sidewalk in front of the Gregg House Museum into a dazzling mosaic of design. Westmont Park District will provide the chalk; you bring your ideas and drawing skills. No previous art experience required. All abilities and ages welcome. Drawings will be judged at 1 p.m. and great prizes will be awarded immediately following. Every year a huge crowd comes to this free event. Pre-register by May 11 so that enough chalk can be provided. You can register the day of the program as long as space is available.

Rain date is Sunday, May 14. For more information, visit: www. westmontparks.org/event/sidewalk-art-contest-4.

Cosley Conservation Day

Wheaton

From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Avel, enjoy a day with local conservation organizations, participating in activities, and visiting with the animals. Admission: free. For more information, visit: https://cosleyzoo.org/

AANHPI celebration

Aurora

From 1-4 p.m. at Pacifica Square, 4334 E. New York St., a celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This annual event celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the AANHPI community and highlights the many contributions that individuals of AANHPI heritage have made to society. A perfect event for guests interested in learning more about these cultures and heritages. The program will feature cultural performances, guest speakers, and interactive activities for all ages. Free. For more information, visit: https:// pacificasquare.com/eventsandoffers

Cultural crossroads celebration, Elmhurst

From 1-5 p.m. at the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., enjoy a colorful celebration of cultural diversity featuring an array of exciting performances and interactions with special guests. View the In Pursuit of Happiness exhibit on its closing weekend and participate in family-friendly activities outdoors (weather permitting) and in the Education Center. Watch an amazing performance by the Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, a group of multiage martial artists who perform at Chicago Bulls games and across Chicagoland. Encounter students from York High School’s International Club, and meet representatives from the Xilin Association and Immigrant Solidarity DuPage. Free. For more information, visit: www.elmhursthistory.org

Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14

Mother’s Day wine and cupcake pairing, Roselle

From 11 a.m.-5 p.m. both days at Lynfred Winery, 15 S. Roselle Road, Celebrate mom with a wine and cupcake pairing. We’re pairing up with candy from SmallCakes CupCakery for a sweet union of wine and sweets. Enjoy a flight of three wines with three cupcakes, including lemon drop, pink chocolate, and hot fudge sundae. Enjoy our suggested wine flight, or create your own from our May tasting menu. Reservations are required. Price: $20 per person members, $25 nonmembers. For more information, visit: www.lynfredwinery.com/events/mothers-day-weekend-wine-cupcake-pairing

Sunday, May 14

Fishing with Mom

Lombard

From 10 a.m.-noon at Hidden Lakes Forest Preserve, 3201 Route 53, Spend the morning by the lake with the moms in your life, creating memories and learning skills to increase your fishing successes. All ages welcome. Cost: $5 per person.

For more information, visit: https:// anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ fpddc/activity/search

Mother’s Day mini-golf Lombard

From noon-9 p.m. at Enchanted Castle, 1103 S. Main St., Moms, “be our guest” on Mothers’ Day and receive your free round of miniature golf. Valid on Mother’s Day for moms accompanied by one of their children or grandchildren. Cost varies with other attractions at Enchant-

ed Castle. Free to enter. For more information, visit: https://enchanted. com/

Mother’s Day brunches

• Seven Bridges Golf Club, Woodridge—Call 630-964-7784

• Reserve 22, Village Links of Glen Ellyn—Call 630-469-5550

• Arrowhead Golf Club, Wheaton—Call 630-653-5802

• Pinstripes, Oak Brook—Call 630-575-8700

• Drury Lane Theater & Events,

Oakbrook Terrace—Call 630-5308300

Thursday, May 18Saturday, May 20

Native plant sale Oak Brook

At the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., shop in person for native flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees. Over 160 species—five new for 2023. Plant experts to answer your questions and make recommendation. Rain or shine.

MAY

FUN BEGINS BY THE GAZEBO AT 11:30AM PARADE STEPS OFF AT 1:00PM

CONCESSIONS $CASH ONLY$

FREE FUN ACTIVITIES: GOODIE BAGS, CRAFTS, FACE PAINTING & MORE!

Puzzle page

AMBLYOPIA

ASTIGMATISM

BLEPHARITIS

CATARACTS

COLOBOMA

COLOR BLINDNESS

DRYNESS

EDEMA

EYE

FLOATERS

GLAUCOMA

GRAVES

HYPEROPIA

LOW VISION

MYOPIA

PINK EYE

PRESBYOPIA

REDNESS

RETINOBLASTOMA

STARGARDT

SUDOKU

Fun by the Numbers

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

CLUES ACROSS

1. Midway between south and southeast

4. Fathers

9. Wine grape

14. Al Bundy’s wife

15. Organic compound

16. Venezuelan state

17. Interest term

18. Experts

20. Central cores of stems

22. Smooth and glossy

23. One-time S. Korean city

24. One from Damascus

28. Short message at the end of an email

29. It cools your home

30. Oh, God!

31. Intestinal pouches

33. Men

37. Popular English soccer team (abbr.)

38. Former CIA

39. Arrange in steps

41. A baglike structure in a plant or animal

42. The Great Lake State

43. Dog-__: to mark a page

44. Stop moving

46. Ancient Dead Sea region

49. Of I

50. Clerical vestment

51. Songs sung to a lover

55. Charges

58. Popular design program manufacturer

59. Where to park a boat

60. One who values reason

64. Slang for cigarette

65. Sailboats

66. Actress Zellweger

67. Screen material

68. Country music legend Haggard

69. Puts together in time

70. When you hope to arrive

CLUES DOWN

1. An involuntary and abnormal

muscular contraction

2. Philly’s rail service

3. Leaves a place

4. No longer be a part in

5. Guitar players use them

6. Cease to exist

7. General’s assistant (abbr.)

8. Shaking of the earth

9. Strong winds

10. For each one

11. A bog

12. The creation of beautiful or significant things

13. Affirmative

19. Pie _ __ mode

21. Nonclerical

24. Inspirational football player

Hamlin

25. Learning environment

26. Khoikhoi peoples

27. Bring out or develop

31. Shows up

32. Theatrical device

34. Loads

35. Popular Hollywood alien

36. Distinguishes

40. College dorm worker

41. Secondary or explanatory title

45. Resembling wings

47. One who delivers a speech

48. In the middle

52. Loop with a running knot

53. Airborne (abbr.)

54. Beloveds

56. Ordain

57. Breed of small cattle

59. Very small period of time (abbr.)

60. Revolutions per minute

61. They __

62. Longtime ESPN anchor Bob

63. A place to stay

UVEITIS Answers

This is Villa Park calling. Whatever was in the minds of the Villa Park board to take down all of the trees at Lufkin Park—all of the mature trees that have been there for years and years; take every one of them down surrounding the pond. There must be a real good excuse for some haphazard thing like that. You can never replace those trees and you destroyed animals and their habitats as well. Just take a look; it breaks your heart. Your comments were forwarded to Villa Park officials for a response, which is as follows:

“Lufkin Park tree update: The trees in Lufkin Park were removed in conjunction with planned park enhancements starting later this summer/fall. The village is partnering with DuPage County storm

water management on enlarging the detention pond and natural landscaping to help mitigate localized flooding. The village also received an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant to add additional park amenities, including a splash pad, band shelter, park shelter, playground, and walking paths. While construction is not planned to start until late July/early August, new legislation was passed that added DuPage County to the list of locations to add protections for the endangered Northern Long Ear Bat. The protections included that tree clearing for capital projects can’t occur between April 1st and September 30th. Therefore, trees impacted by the projects had

to be removed early. If you have any questions, please contact our public works at 630-834-8505.

This message is for the new Jackson School: all you parents, now that they did all this work at the school, you guys fly down the side streets with no regard to the people who live here, yet you’ve got signs on your house and your neighborhood, “Please slow down, children are here.” And Mr. Johnny Lawman, when are we going to see your presence out here? Getting tired of this freaking town. Disrespectful people.

I consider myself to be a conservative for the most part, but I disagree with the idea of banning books. I believe in freedom of speech, which yes, does have limits. You don’t yell “fire” in a crowded building, or “bomb” in an airport. But judging the subject matter of books is subjective, and those individuals doing the judging should not be able to force their beliefs on the rest of society. Nor should ordinary citizens who want to ban my right to read any book I so choose. Parents can regulate what their minor children are allowed to read, and libraries can control access to those materials. Like on Facebook, just scroll on, bypass that section of the library, etc., and leave my rights alone. Echoes of Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” and the theme of censorship and blind con-

formity. Scary.

If the Democrats want to keep the last of us holdouts around, the establishment needs to turn things around. The country is going down the drain fast. At the present rate, there isn’t going to be much to save by 2024. Energy, inflation, immigration, law and order, foreign affairs. Where are we going? No one is being held accountable. And the president doesn’t even talk to the press, much less China and Russia.

The old saying that numbers don’t lie may be true, but sometimes they can be misleading. These are facts from the 2016 presidential election. Hillary Clinton received about 2.8 million more votes than Donald Trump. Final tallies were approximately: Clinton 48 percent, Trump 46 percent, others 6 percent of the popular vote. Donald Trump won the Electoral College 306-232. As the newly elected president, he declared his victory a landslide. Here are the facts from the 2020 presidential election. Joe Biden won by over 7 million votes. Final tallies were approximately: Biden 51.3 percent, Trump 46.9 percent, others 2.8 percent. Joe Biden won the Electoral College 306-232. The same margin of victory that Trump declared was a landslide four years earlier. This leads us to 2024, and with most likely the same two candidates. Imagine yourself in the ice cream shop, looking at all the

flavors. Joe Biden may be vanilla, but he’s a much better choice than rocky road.

* * *

We Democrats need to put more positive action into forming the future of our country instead of concentrating on global warming and fighting with Republicans. Russia and China are going to make a bigger impact on what happens next. Nuclear fallout versus global warming and communism versus freedom to start with. Thank you.

* * *

For those of us who are upset that President Biden has decided to run for a second term, may I suggest you send him a short note letting him know? Such a note might read: “Please reconsider your decision to run for reelection. Haven’t you done enough damage already?” This note fits well on a postcard; address it to the White House, Washington, D.C., 20500. We cannot make a difference if we don’t let our voices be heard.

* * *

Hello, I’m calling in regard to the accident that happened in Chicago Heights when two young thugs reportedly stole a car, ran a red light, hit another car and killed a baby; a 6-month-old baby. And how can Kim Foxx just give them a misdemeanor? Why doesn’t Pritzker step up to the plate and say, “This is it; I’ve had it”? Anyway, that’s how I feel about it. Good luck here in the state of Illinois.

Bill blocking libraries from state funding if they ban books clears General Assembly Pritzker has voiced support for measure backed by secretary of

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A bill that would block libraries from receiving state grants if they ban books cleared the Illinois Senate May 3 and will soon be sent to Gov. JB Pritzker, who is expected to sign it.

House Bill 2789 is an initiative of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office oversees the Illinois State Library and administers several grant programs for public and school libraries.

It would require that as a condition of qualifying for those grants, libraries adopt either a written policy prohibiting the practice of banning books or the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which includes a statement that “(m) aterials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”

“This right-to-read legislation will help remove the pressure that librarians have had to endure from extremist groups like the Proud Boys who have targeted some of our libraries and their staff,” Giannoulias said during a news conference after the Senate vote. “This first-of-its-kind legislation is important because the concept of banning books contradicts the very essence of what our country stands for.”

In June 2022, the Community High School District 99 school board came under pressure to remove the book “Gender Queer” from its library shelves. According to a Chicago Sun-Times article, that pressure

came from a group of conservative parents as well as members of the far-right Proud Boys. The book, written and illustrated as a graphic novel, is a memoir about a nonbinary person grappling with issues of gender identity and sexuality as a teenager and young adult.

According to the American Library Association, “Gender Queer” was the most frequently challenged book in 2022, drawing 151 requests for its removal because of its focus on LGBTQ issues and allegedly explicit sexual content. All told in 2022, the ALA said it documented 1,269 demands for books and other resources to be removed from libraries, the largest number of attempted book bans since the organization

began collecting data more than 20 years ago.

Senate Republicans, however, argued that the bill would put too much power in the hands of the ALA and that putting the group’s Library Bill of Rights into law would force local libraries to enact extreme policies.

For example, Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, cited a provision that said libraries that also provide exhibit spaces and meeting rooms to the public “should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”

“I think what I heard is, regarding the Bill of Rights here, that if a library does not make its public space available for anyone who wants to use it, including, say, a drag show, because of what the local officials of that library feel is not appropriate for the library, that library can now potentially lose their state funding,” she said.

Likewise, Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, said that prohibiting libraries from banning books for any reason would mean they could not reject the donation of books from the public, including books that are purely hate speech or books offering directions on how to build a bomb.

“Anybody who thinks that makes sense, vote yes,” he said. “But if you have common sense, and if you want to stick up for our local communities to keep everyone safe, at the very least, this is an easy no vote.”

At his news conference, Giannou-

lias described those arguments as “ludicrous” and said the legislation does not deal with drag shows or dictate to librarians what materials they have to maintain.

“We’re not telling you what books to buy or not buy,” he said. “What we’re saying is, if a book is in circulation as determined by the libraries and the librarians, that book cannot be banned because a group of individuals don’t like or want that book in their library. That’s what the legislation is all about.”

state

Summer Griffith, director of Springfield’s public library, also spoke at the news conference and said that libraries have established policies governing what materials they put in their collections.

“We do not just get them because somebody dropped off a bunch of books. That’s not how we get books,” she said. “Our collection policy is, in fact, on our website so everyone can go look. It is confined by our budget. It’s confined by what is necessary and good for our community.”

Blair-Sherlock offering summer internships

State Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock is inviting high school and college students who are interested in learning about state government to apply for internship opportunities at her District office at 28 S. Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL 60181.

Duties will include:

• Canvassing

• Assisting staff with event planning

• Performing light clerical work, including data entry

• Developing graphic elements for social media and constituent materials

• Other duties as assigned.

The candidate should possess the following qualifications:

• Excellent time management and

communication skills

• Ability to thrive in a fast -paced office environment

• Working knowledge of Google Drive

• A passion for public service

• Valid driver’s license

This is an unpaid position; however, the internship will provide excellent training for a student considering a future in public service. Interns will be expected to work 10-15 hours per week; hours can be flexible to accommodate school schedules. Interested applicants should send their resume and a cover letter to tina.dist46@gmail.com or send to 28 S. Villa Ave., Villa Park, IL 60181. If you have any questions, call 630415-3520.

“ We do not just get them because somebody dropped off a bunch of books. That’s not how we get books. Our collection policy is, in fact, on our website so everyone can go look. It is confined by our budget. It’s confined by what is necessary and good for our community.”

– Summer Griffith, director of Springfield’s public library

Slices of life

The extended losses of grief

One of the toughest aspects of ongoing, persistent and long-term grief is the loss of human life.

Not the life of the person who died, but other losses you never would have foreseen—but then again did you foresee that first loss? I didn’t think so.

Grief begets loss. Over and over. It’s eye-opening, really. It brings about an intense sense of clarity. Life, relationships—everything— is fleeting. It is transient. It is sometimes no more than a mirage: something you thought was real, wasn’t ever even there in the first place.

People you thought were your people turn away, dissolve or simply disappear into the background. They may reach out once or twice but eventually they go silent.

And that’s okay.

The number of people who have exited my life in the last two years is, honestly, astounding. I blame it on me. I blame it on them. I blame it on grief. I blame it on human nature.

They say public speaking is everyone’s number one fear. I beg to differ.

I’ve come to believe it is grief. Loss. The unexpected upending of the solid and predictable universe as we once knew and trusted it. Being around someone in the throes of it can be difficult. Unbearable, even.

So unbearable that people tend to flee. Or at the very least avoid. Make excuses. Justify their flight. “It’s just too hard to be around. Too depressing.”

If the grief of another person makes you uncomfortable, imagine for a moment what that other person might be feeling, experiencing every day, every hour, every minute, every breath.

People around me are able to escape this reality because it isn’t theirs. Unfortunately, I don’t have that option.

I’ve watched person after person leave the party. Leave the scene of the crime. Without explanation or excuse. They are just gone.

Take it from me. I get it. I understand.

I used to be one of those people. Grief was overwhelming—even when it was the grief of someone other than me. I didn’t want to have anything to do with it.

So I absconded. I left the party.

Until I couldn’t leave because I didn’t have that choice. I was forced to watch the aftermath.

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

To live out the algorithm. To experience the fallout. To see the fear in others.

To them I might be a third wheel. I might be a threat. I might be a reminder of what could be coming.

Either way, it isn’t pleasant. I get that. I so get that.

My reason for writing this isn’t to make people feel bad or guilty. I don’t want my grief to do any more damage than it already has - and that has been substantial.

My purpose is to shine a tiny beam of light on the topic. Light a candle, if you will, to open the door to honesty in emotions that are uncomfortable and intimidating.

It’s okay to be afraid of grief. I am. I don’t think that will ever change. But if you are afraid, and if my grief causes that, please be honest. Let me know. It’s okay. I will understand that so much more than your silence. I will understand because I do understand. More than you could ever know.

My grief makes you uncomfortable? Imagine how it makes me feel.

Yeah. Not good.

Let’s talk. It’s never too late, until it is.

And none of us wants it to get to that.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

By Tim Drea and Aaron Gurnsey

Gregory David Fields reported to work at Springfield’s Capital Airport on Monday, April 10, just like any other day on the job for this longtime HVAC service worker. But it was far from just any day at work.

An explosion caused blunt force injuries and cost Fields his life at the age of 55. His wife, children, and grandchildren were left picking up the pieces: setting up funeral arrangements, writing his obituary, mourning his untimely passing.

The incident is under investigation. But we cannot and will not let Gregory David Fields’ legacy be just another workplace tragedy. He is one of us, a member of United Association Local 137. Fields’ family graciously joined us on Friday, April 28, at our headquarters in Springfield for Workers Memorial Day, where we annually take time to honor the men and women who have died on the job—and call for stronger work -

safety regulations in Illinois.

Passage of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) more than 50 years ago made a promise to every worker that he or she had the right to a safe job. So many people died and were seriously injured needlessly in the workplace before OSHA passed. The labor movement and our allies made it our singular mission to win protections that keep workers safe.

But as the sad story of Mr. Fields and too many like him shows, we have much more to do regarding workplace safety. While good jobs are disappearing, workers’ wages are stagnant and inequalities for minority workers are increasing. Many workplace hazards are unregulated today, and penalties are too low for violations. Some employers contract out unsafe work to try to avoid any responsibility. Workers who do the right thing and report dangerous conditions or injuries are not rewarded—they are punished, fired or disciplined in some unfair way.

As consumers, we too often do not think of the sacrifices workers make every day to provide the goods and services we take for granted. At statehouses in Illinois and across the country, and in our nation’s Capitol, pro-business ad -

vocates are constantly looking for ways to roll back the safety protections and rights in place today, and to block new, commonsense safeguards.

Our efforts will not be stalled or ignored. We use Workers Memorial Day to draw new energy for every Mr. Fields and thousands of other workers who need our help.

We unite as one voice in organized labor for safe jobs free from interference by employers looking to cut corners—regardless of workers’ race, gender, workplace role or background. When we improve the way work is done at airports, in restaurants, at shipping centers, we improve our standard of life and our communities.

We urge Congress and our state policymakers to do more to prevent workplace hazards that spread infectious diseases, expose us to toxic chemicals and heat illnesses, and put our lives at risk senselessly.

For Gregory David Fields and all other Illinoisans who have died in Illinois workplaces, we fight for better. Everyone deserves to go home safely at the end of the workday.

Tim Drea is president of the Illinois AFL-CIO. Aaron Gurnsey is business manager of Plumbers, Steamfitters & HVACR Techs Local 137 in Springfield.

Death in Springfield a reminder of continued need to improve workplace safety place

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All

April20,2023

To All of Our Great Clients, We arecelebratingour

To All

ril20,2023

April20,2023

Great Clients, arecelebratingour

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withthebest wehaveeverofferedtoourclients.Asmentionedinourlastletterourleaseisrunningoutnextmonth. InordertomakeiteasiertomoveoutwewanttoLiquidateasmuchinventoryaspossiblebeforethemove. arAnniversaryandtomakethemoveeasierandlesscostlyweareoffering oneverythinginourwarehouse.Thisincludesallbedroomanddiningroomsetsalongwith allotherinventoryincludingouraccessories,&Capodimontegiftware.

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Richard,Kathryn,Joe(Giuseppe),Benito&Mark Since1923,

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Chicago’sOldestandFinestManufacturerofFrenchProvincial andItalianBaroqueSolidCarved Wood FurnitureandRestorer, Refinisher, andReupholstererandpurveyorsofrestoredantiques.

Chicago’sOldestandFinestManufacturerofFrenchProvincialandItalianBaroqueSolidCarved Wood FurnitureandRestorer,Refinisher,andReupholstererandpurveyorsofrestoredantiques.

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