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Longtime Villa Park restaurant continues to serve its customers Hi-View provides delivery, carryout and curbside service of breakfast, lunch and dinner

STAFF REPORT

Villa Park’s Hi-View Restaurant, like every other restaurant in Illinois, has been closed to dine-in service for nearly two months. The restaurant, located at 425 W. St. Charles Road, has remained open to provide carryout, curbside and delivery service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re doing it for our regular customers; they keep our doors open,” said Chris Iliopoulos, who coowns the restaurant with his brother Tony, during a busy run of orders on the afternoon of Saturday, May 9.

“We’re doing it for our employees, who depend on their paycheck.”

The restaurant, which employs about 35 people, has been open since 1962. Chris and Tony’s late father— Nick, who passed away in 2014, bought the business with his brother Jimmy in the late 1970s. Nick, who was preceded in death by his brother, owned the business for 36 years.

On March 15, Gov. JB Pritzker ordered all restaurants in Illinois to close to dine-in service at the end of business on March 16. Almost two months later, it’s uncertain when the state’s restaurants might be allowed to reopen to regular dine-in service.

According to the latest announcements from the governor, restaurants in Illinois won’t return to normal operations until late June at the earliest.

“Your guess is as good as mine,” said Chris in response to a question about when dine-in service might resume. “We’re anxious to sit down with everybody and have dinner in the dining room.”

Hi-View, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, is currently taking orders—seven days a week—from 7:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Its phone number is 630-627-6611.

“We do it all here—breakfast,

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

Hi-View Restaurant in Villa Park, which has been open since 1962, is providing its customers with delivery, carryout and curbside service while all Illinois restaurants are closed to on-site dining. Gov. JB Pritzker ordered all of the state’s restaurants to close to dine-in service in mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hi-View, which has been operated by the same family since the late 1970s, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is taking orders daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Its phone number is 630-627-6611.

lunch and dinner,” said Chris, who noted a shift in the last couple of months. “I feel like afternoons and evenings are busier now; it used to be the opposite. Carryout has always

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Inside:

been good at night. We used to be busier in the morning, but now it’s kind of flip-flopped. You’ve got a lot of local business people who aren’t working. Businesses are closed, so

there’s less traffic during the day.”

Chris added that Hi-View has continued to offer its full menu since the restaurant has been closed to dine-in service.

“We appreciate everybody’s support, and look forward to serving them in-house as soon as possible,” he said. “We wish everybody good health.”

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House Republicans slam Pritzker’s reopening plan Minority leader wants Legislature to return to resolve issues

By Ben Orner CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Carling FitzSimmons

Spirito! Singers announces new artistic director for the ‘20-‘21 season Carling FitzSimmons has accepted the position of artistic director of the Spirito! Singers, beginning June 1, 2020. She will replace Spirito! founder and artistic director Molly Lindberg, who is retiring after 12 years.

Carling already has ideas on how to work through the current shelterin-place situation, however long it lasts, and to keep our singers learning and engaged.

“

I am overjoyed that Carling accepted the position with excitement and a ‘can’t wait’ attitude.”

– Molly Lindberg

“I’m comfortable handing over the care of ‘my girls’ to Carling,” stated Lindberg. “I want our singers to benefit from a conductor who has extremely high expectations but also is loving and fun. I also wanted someone who could be a true mentor to our singers and to continue to inspire our girls to be excellent musicians, world citizens and strong leaders.

“I had committed to our Board and to our singers that I would not retire unless I knew we had found the right person for this job. I am overjoyed that Carling accepted the position with excitement and a ‘can’t wait’ attitude.”

Carling will meet singers through online chats with Lindberg throughout the month of May. For more about Carling FitzSimmons, please visit spiritosingers.org.

Spirito! is holding online auditions in preparation for the upcoming season. Programming will take place this fall, in live settings if safe, or through online activities. For more information on auditions, contact Spirito! Singers at spirito@spiritosingers.org.

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Involve the Legislature Republicans also challenged Pritzker’s executive authority during the COVID-19 crisis, saying that executive action during the state of emergency should be temporary and that long-term plans like one to reopen the state should be decided by the Legislature.

“This plan presumes that the governor shall rule the state for the upcoming months, and possibly much longer, if the vaccination is not available,” Durkin said, stressing the Legislature is a “coequal” branch of government.

“I did not abdicate nor relinquish my elected responsibilities to the executive branch,” he said.

See PLAN, Page 8

And now for the good news So far, 181 COVID-19 patients discharged from Elmhurst Hospital

COVID-19 updates for DuPage County

While the Independent continues its coverage of the latest statistics in the COVID-19 Coronavirus As of 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, pandemic, we have decided to there were 4,520 total cases among report how many people have DuPage County residents, including been discharged from Elmhurst 247 deaths. Since Friday, there were Hospital – a number we WANT 142 new cases and 10 deaths reportto see get higher every week. ed: As of May 4, Elmhurst One male in his 70s Hospital was treating 58 One female in her 70s inpatients with confirmed One male in his 90s cases of COVID-19. Elmhurst Seven females in their 90s Hospital has had 37 deaths of with confirmed cases 116 S. Main St.inpatients Lombard, IL 60148 Number of cases by town of COVID-19.

627-7010 Fax: 627-7027 At press time, the DuPage DeSince March 24, 181 patients partment of Health reported the folhave been discharged from lowing number of COVID-19 cases Elmhurst Hospital following in our readership communities as treatment for confirmed cases follows: Addison 412, Bensenville of COVID-19. That’s up from 314, Elmhurst 162, Lombard 164, 146 last week. That’s the Oakbrook Terrace 15, Villa Park 134, number we like to see increase.

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ment of Employment Security.

“These people are facing a tremendous stress and (are) really unsure about how they’re going to make necessary payments for their rent, their food, their mortgage, their medicine,” said Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria.

Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville, said one constituent told her she called IDES 157 times before finally getting through.

“This is really a broken, broken system,” Bourne said.

Despite frustrations, Durkin stressed that “The executive order right now is the law of Illinois. And I would not encourage anybody to break the law” by reopening their business.

Spain added, however, “If we’re waiting to open some things until the end of June or the end of July, I think it will continue to be difficult to ask all of our constituents and local communities to continue to comply.”

Pritzker on May 6 acknowledged the difficulty that some have had applying for unemployment. He added that he will have a “complete presentation” on the state of unemployment later this week “so people can see what’s being done.”

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Republican members of the Illinois House of Representatives on May 6 criticized Gov. JB Pritzker’s multiphase plan to reopen Illinois by region, saying it does not act quickly enough to respond to the economic hardship caused by his stay-at-home order.

“We all know that the stay-at-home order was the right thing to do to stop the spread of the virus and protect our health care,” said Deputy House Minority Leader Rep. Dan Brady, of Bloomington.

“Unfortunately, the governor’s plan fails to recognize that local officials throughout the state want the same thing he does: a safe return from the pandemic,” Brady said. “Instead of offering any semblance of local authority to the people who are on the ground in the community, it continues to be a decree by one person.”

In the “Restore Illinois” plan that Pritzker unveiled May 5, state health officials will look at certain data metrics including hospital capacity and testing availability in four regions of the state in order to move each respective region through phases of reopening.

The regions are based on groupings of the state’s 11 medical districts: northeast, north-central, central and southern. The entire state is in Phase 2, which includes mandatory face coverings and allows non-essential stores open to just delivery and curbside pickup.

Phase 3 includes reopening non-essential stores, barbershops, offices and more with capacity limits. Pritzker said Tuesday the earliest a region will be allowed to advance to Phase 3 will be May 29.

“The science can’t precisely tell us which region should be grouped with another region or how small or how large those regions should be,” argued Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Tom

Demmer, of Dixon. “The science can’t definitively tell us when it’s safe to move from one step to another step.”

“And when we have that level of complexity, we need to have input from a wide variety of stakeholders to try to make the best decisions possible,” Demmer added. “We also have to consider the very real impact this is having on economies, on livelihoods and on people’s lives all across the state of Illinois.”

Phase 4 includes allowing up to 50 people in stores and restaurants, but Pritzker said May 5 the earliest that could happen is the end of June. Phase 5, the final stage, is a full reopening of the state, but it relies on a widely available treatment or a vaccine, which are likely months—or even a year—away.

Republicans argue that closed businesses cannot wait that long.

“Quite frankly this will force bankruptcy and the permanent closure of large and small restaurants throughout the state of Illinois,” said House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs. “This plan does not work.”

Durkin said business owners have been contacting him at a “rapid pace” since the reopening announcement, “all with the same feeling of despair and devastation.”

“Our state cannot survive this way.

Businesses, the employers, cannot survive this,” he said.

During his daily COVID-19 briefing May 6 in Chicago, Pritzker said he considers the opinions of Republican legislators in his decision making.

“I have talked to the leaders on the Republican side, many Republican legislators. I’m frequently reaching out, listening to them. I take a lot of notes, and I’ve done a lot of the things that they’ve asked along the way,” he said.

Republicans acknowledged that Pritzker’s latest extension of the stayat-home order included multiple revisions that Republicans had suggested, including opening state parks and garden centers and allowing elective surgeries to resume.

Employment insecurity Small business owners and employees face an uncertain near future, Republicans said, especially as many are still not able to access unemployment benefits through the Illinois Depart-

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4VP • Thursday, May 14, 2020 - Rock Valley Publishing

DuPage County reports more than 4,600 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 248 deaths

Villa Park reView Your Hometown Newspaper

May 10 update shows 134 confirmed cases among Villa Park residents

240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126

STAFF REPORT

The DuPage County Health Department has recorded over 4,600 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county.

The health department’s COVID-19 case map, which is also referred to as a dashboard, links data from the DuPage County Health Department into the GIS Data Systems from DuPage County to provide a greater level of understanding into how the COVID-19 pandemic is unfolding across the county.

Updated daily, the dashboard includes the age range, gender and the community of residence of each identified case in DuPage County.

To view the county’s COVID-19 dashboard, visit the DuPage County Health Department’s website at dupagehealth.org.

As of May 10, the health department indicated 4,615 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in DuPage County, including 248 deaths.

The data from May 10 showed 134 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Villa Park residents, along with 164 cases among Lombard residents, and 15 cases affecting residents of Oakbrook Terrace.

One week earlier, the dashboard’s May 3 update indicated 3,663 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county, including 192 deaths.

The data from May 3 showed 103 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Villa Park residents, along with 142 cases among Lombard residents and 13 cases affecting residents of Oakbrook Terrace.

According to the county’s dashboard, the first case of COVID-19 in DuPage County was confirmed on March 13. The county’s first death related to COVID-19 was reported on March 19.

The DuPage County Health De-

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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partment has stated that the number of positive COVID-19 cases is likely much higher than listed because of unreported or untested cases in the community.

There is a nearly even divide among men and women in total confirmed COVID-19 cases in DuPage County, with about 51 percent of the cases affecting females and nearly 49 percent affecting males. According to the dashboard, 128 (almost 52 percent) of the 248 COVID-19 deaths have been in males, while 120 (about 48 percent) have been in females.

About 63 percent (157) of the 248 COVID-19 deaths in DuPage County have been in residents age 80 and older. The dashboard showed that 53 of the deaths involved residents in the 70-79 age group, while 25 deaths have involved people between the ages of 60-69. There have been seven COVID-19 deaths among residents between the ages of 50-59, with five deaths in the 40-49 age group and one death in the 30-39 age group.

Approximately 95 percent of the COVID-19 deaths in DuPage County, therefore, have been in residents 60 and older. About 85 percent of the deaths have been in residents 70 and older, and about 63 percent of the deaths have been in residents 80 and older.

IDPH provides update of statewide COVID-19 figures The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) gave its statewide daily COVID-19 information on May 10. According to that update, there were 77,741 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, including 3,406 deaths. The May 10 update reported that nearly 430,000 total tests for COVID-19 had been performed in Illinois.

The IDPH report from one week

earlier (May 3) indicated nearly 62,000 confirmed cases in the state, including 2,618 deaths. The May 3 report stated about 319,000 total tests for COVID-19 had been performed in the state.

The IDPH report from May 10 stated that 1,337 of the state’s 3,406 deaths were in Chicago, while 980 deaths were elsewhere in Cook County. About 68 percent of all of the COVID-19 deaths in Illinois, therefore, were in Cook County.

According to the IDPH information from May 10, 48 of the 102 counties in Illinois had zero deaths related to COVID-19. Another 18 counties each reported one death related to the virus.

Of the 3,406 reported deaths in Illinois related to COVID-19 as of May 10, 1,481 were in residents 80 and older. Another 851 deaths were in residents in the 70-79 age group, while 603 deaths involved residents in the 60-69 age range. About 86 percent of the COVID-19 related deaths in Illinois, therefore, have affected residents 60 and older.

Like the DuPage County Health Department, the IDPH provides daily updates. The IDPH notes that all of its figures are provisional and subject to change.

The IDPH reported 57 deaths related to COVID-19 in its May 10 update. Of those 57 deaths, 52 were reported in Cook County. There were no COVID-19 related deaths in DuPage County in the May 10 update.

The May 10 report of 57 deaths represented a decrease over the totals from the previous five days. The IDPH’s daily updates indicated 176 deaths on May 5, 136 deaths on May 6, 137 deaths on May 7, 130 deaths on May 8 and 108 deaths on May 9.

The May 9 report from the IDPH included 13 deaths in DuPage Coun-

ty. Those deaths reportedly involved seven females in their 90s and one male in his 90s. The DuPage County deaths in the May 9 report also included one male in his 80s, one male in his 70s, two females in their 70s and one female in her 60s.

The IDPH’s May 8 report included six deaths in DuPage County. The May 7 report indicated eight deaths in DuPage County, including four females in their 90s.

As of May 8, the IDPH reported that more than 1,500 of the state’s deaths related to COVID-19 had taken place among residents and staff in long-term care facilities. That May 8 report indicated that 863 of those deaths had taken place in facilities in Cook County. Another 203 of the deaths were in facilities in DuPage County, with 111 deaths in Will County and 107 in Lake County.

The IDPH’s May 8 update about deaths among residents and staff in long-term care facilities included figures from specific facilities in Illinois. The information from facilities in DuPage County included reports of 40 COVID-19 cases, including 15 deaths, at Artis Senior Living in Elmhurst.

The May 8 information indicated 35 cases, including 10 deaths, at Lexington of Elmhurst; 61 cases, including 10 deaths, at Oakbrook Care; six cases and no deaths at Terra Vista of Oakbrook Terrace; 23 cases, including seven deaths, at Lexington of Lombard; two cases and no deaths at Beacon Hill in Lombard; and three cases and zero deaths at Lexington Square in Lombard.

IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike related during a recent news conference that all deaths of people who tested positive for COVID-19 deaths were counted as COVID-19 deaths, even if they died of alternate causes.

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.

Reprints: Content appearing in the Villa Park Review may not be reprinted without permission of the publisher or editor.

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CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

VFW cancels Memorial Day service, Fourth of July parade

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The Village of Villa Park announced last week that Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 would not hold its Memorial Day ceremony or Fourth of July parade this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, the VFW post has held its Memorial Day service at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park. The photo shows the 2018 service at the park, which is located at 320 E. Kenilworth Ave. This year’s ceremony was supposed to take place at the park on May 25. The VFW post’s Fourth of July parade traditionally starts at Ardmore Avenue and Central Boulevard, and heads west on Central to Harvard Avenue, south on Harvard to Madison Street, east on Madison to Summit Avenue, north on Summit to Park Boulevard and west on Park to Ardmore. One photo from last year (right) shows the parade proceeding westbound on Central.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, May 14, 2020 • 5

Health care advocates say legal lifting of stay-at-home order would be ‘devastating’ Restriction has prevented catastrophes in Illinois hospitals, they say in court filing

By Rebecca Anzel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The novel coronavirus pandemic’s historic impact on Illinois warrants Gov. JB Pritzker’s stay-at-home order, four state health care advocacy organizations argue in a court filing.

That restriction, in place with modifications since March 21, pre-

vented the accelerated spreading of COVID-19, health care facilities from using up stores of personal protective gear, hospitals from running out of beds and the short-staffing of personnel, attorneys for the organizations wrote.

At each step of the lawsuit filed by Xenia Republican Rep. Darren Bailey challenging Pritzker’s authority to issue successive 30-day disaster proclamations, the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, Illinois State Medical Society, Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing and the state’s chapter of the American Nurses Association have submitted their argument in support of the

governor.

The novel coronavirus is not restricted to any one region of the state nor does it adhere to the 30-day timeline the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act references, the groups wrote.

Dr. Michael Wahl, medical director of the Health and Hospital Association, testified that without the stay-at-home order, the financial cost and public burden of COVID-19 would have been “catastrophic.”

Wahl is also an emergency medicine physician at hospitals in suburban Chicago.

And the impact of lifting the stayat-home order, according to the fil-

ing, “cannot be overstated: There will be a resurgence of the virus that will have devastating, widespread, and long-lasting effects” once Illinois’ hospitals are overrun with cases.

Hospitals, assisted living facilities and other health care centers would be unable to restock gowns, gloves, masks and other personal protective gear “at a time when the ability to rapidly replenish such supplies is unavailable,” according to the court filing.

As Bailey’s case moves back to the Clay County Circuit Court, the advocacy organizations warn in the document that residents in that area would be “heavily impacted by any surge in

cases” there.

The only hospital in the county has no intensive care unit beds, needed if the condition of a patient with COVID-19 worsens. That hospital also has only 20 beds available for residents, according to the court filing.

The groups’ argument also applies to a related lawsuit filed by Machesney Park Republican Rep. John Cabello. His case also alleges Pritzker overstepped his authority in ordering Illinoisans to stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Its outcome is applicable to all Illinoisans, whereas Bailey’s lawsuit applies only to himself.

Another 74,000 file first-time unemployment claims in Illinois

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Another 3.2 million Americans filed for unemployment during the week ending May 2, including more than 74,476 Illinoisans.

That brought the total number of insured unemployed for the week to 697,443 in Illinois, according to the U.S. Department of Labor estimates, while the total number of jobless claims since mid-March grew to 33.3 million nationwide. The numbers represent roughly 11 percent of Illinois’ civilian labor force and 15 percent of the nation’s workforce.

The 74,000 filings were fewer than the 81,000 filings the week prior, and down considerably from the peak of more than 200,000 during the week ending April 4. The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced May 7 that it has processed more than 1 million claims since March 1.

“The devastation this pandemic has wreaked upon our economy, the economy of the United States and that of the world, is mind boggling,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in his daily COVID-19 briefing May 7. “The swiftness and immediacy of its economic impact has never been seen before.”

The numbers continue to grow while states around the country contemplate the best plan for reopening their economies as the novel coronavirus pandemic appears to be in the middle of a plateau.

Pritzker’s “Restore Illinois” plan, which he says is backed by science and epidemiologists, has faced criticism from Republican lawmakers for moving too slowly to get the state working again.

“Until we have a vaccine or an effective treatment or enough widespread immunity that new cases fail to materialize, the option of returning to normalcy doesn’t exist,” Pritzker said in unveiling the plan May 5.

“That means we have to learn how to live with COVID-19 until it can be vanquished.”

Pritzker’s plan separates the state into four regions by grouping the state’s various medical districts and sets timelines and benchmarks that must be met for a region to move into

the next of five phases.

All of Illinois is currently in the second, or “flattening,” phase. The earliest a region can enter stage three is May 29, and it would have to have a test positivity rate of below 20 percent for 14 days, as well as 28 days without an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations. Hospitals in the region would also need a 14-percent surge capacity.

To reach the final phase in which large events are allowed and all sectors of the economy are open, there will need to be a widely available

vaccine, treatment, or no new cases of the virus.

House Republicans on May 6 called for a legislative session to debate the merits of a more localized reopening strategy, claiming Pritzker’s plan will kill Illinois small businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry.

“Our state cannot survive this way, businesses, the employers cannot survive this,” House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, said in a videoconference.

Democratic leaders have not yet

indicated they have plans to call a legislative session to address reopening.

House Speaker Michael Madigan said in a statement May 6 that the health of lawmakers, staff and the public will be paramount when deciding when to return for session.

“While I am eager to see a return to normalcy, we are talking about people’s lives, and any plan for a return to Springfield must have the health and safety of all those involved as a top priority, including the communities the members represent,” Madigan said in the statement.

Pritzker has faced continued criticism from Republican lawmakers for long wait times and other reported problems with the state’s unemployment filing system. While the governor said its capacity has been upped to handle an unprecedented number of claims, Republicans in the videoconference Wednesday detailed a steady flow of calls to their offices regarding issues with unemployment.

Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville, said one constituent told her she called IDES 157 times before finally getting through.

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6 • Thursday, May 14, 2020 - 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 May 5 Augustin Rodriguez-Serrano, 42, of Addison, was charged with DUI in the 100 block of E. Winthrop at around 1:58 a.m. Police said Rodriguez-Serrano followed a victim, striking her vehicle several times with his vehicle, and then left the

scene. A second report of a hit-andrun accident was reported where a vehicle had struck construction equipment, according to police. Rodriguez-Serrano was identified to be the suspect in both hit and run accidents, police said.

ed in the 300 block of N. Ardmore.

Police said an unknown suspect entered a parked, unoccupied vehicle sometime between 10 p.m. May 1 and 11:20 a.m. May 2, rummaged through the contents of the glovebox, and stole a wallet. Later, the wallet was recovered and returned to the May 4 owner. The wallet was missing an An 18-year-old Addison man was Illinois driver’s license, a Social Secharged with domestic battery and curity card and $100 in cash. assault in the 600 block of S. Wisconsin at around 7:34 p.m. Police said May 1 the suspect punched a victim around Criminal damage to property was his head and body, and pushed anoth- reported in the 1-100 block of W. er victim.

Terrace. Police said an unknown suspect threw a rock through a window Villa Park on the east side of a building someMay 1-May 2 Burglary to a vehicle was report-

Man charged with threatening County Board Chair Dan Cronin

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced on Wednesday, May 6, that bond has been set for a Chicago man accused of leaving threatening voice messages directed at DuPage County Board Chairman Daniel Cronin.

Broc Montgomery, 49, of Chicago appeared in Bond Court where Judge Brian Telander set bond at $500,000 with 10% to apply. Montgomery has been charged with three counts of Threatening a Public Official, a Class 3 Felony. On May 4, 2020, Judge Kavita Athanikar issued a $300,000 with 10% arrest warrant for Montgomery.

The following day, Montgomery was taken into custody from his home without incident.

It is alleged that on May 2 and May 3, 2020, Montgomery left three threatening voice messages, one at Chairman Cronin’s private business and two on a DuPage County Board

“

Public officials have the right to perform their jobs without having to worry about retribution or fear for their personal safety.”

–Robert Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney

member’s personal phone, directed at Chairman Cronin. It is alleged that in the messages, Montgomery stated: “Tell Dan Cronin that little (expletive) I am coming. I am coming for him,” “I have enough people out on the streets who are going to take care

of him,” “Somebody better get on this (expletive) or I’m going to take him out myself,” and “I’m gonna come get him and I’ll take his whole (expletive) everything out from him that he loves.” Through the course of their investigation, authorities learned that no relationship exists, either personal or professional, between Montgomery and Cronin.

“Public officials have the right to perform their jobs without having to worry about retribution or fear for their personal safety,” Berlin said.

“My office stands ready to prosecute, to the fullest extent of the law, anyone who threatens a public official or their family.”

Montgomery’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 1, 2020 in front of Judge John Kinsella.

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

DuPage County Court extends limited court operations

Discount up to 30%

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time between 2:48 and 3:27 p.m., 5:27 p.m.

Criminal damage to a vehicle causing the window to break. was reported in the 300 block of N. Princeton at around 9 a.m. Police April 30 Theft was reported in the 900 said an unknown suspect keyed a block of N. Ardmore at around 5:43 vehicle from the driver’s side door p.m. Police said an unknown suspect to the rear driver’s side door. The stole a package off the doorstep of a vehicle was unattended, secured and home. The package contained sun- parked in a parking lot. The vehicle also had a flat tire that was possibly glasses. slashed.

April 28 Sany Aguilar, 19, of Melrose Park, April 26 Jason J. Pelot, 28, of Carol Stream, was charged with issuing or delivering a forged document and possess- was charged with retail theft not exing, displaying or causing to be dis- ceeding $300 at a local store March played any fraudulent ID card in the 13. The original complaint and arrest 400 block of N. Ardmore at around warrant were issued April 26.

DuPage County Chief Judge Daniel P. Guerin on Friday, May 1 issued an Administrative Order which extends limited court operations by rescheduling most criminal, juvenile, and all traffic matters through June 5, 2020. Beginning May 18, 2020, civil matters will remain as currently scheduled and proceedings will be conducted remotely using telephonic and video conferencing technology, including the Zoom platform.

“The Courthouse remains open and we continue to conduct all essential court business on a limited scale in order to protect the health and safety of all courthouse employees and the public,” Judge Guerin said. “While many cases must be rescheduled and courtrooms closed, expanded technology does allow us to resume hearing civil cases on their scheduled court dates beginning May 18, 2020. The Circuit Court Clerk will reschedule court dates and the future dates can be viewed at the

Clerk’s web site at dupageco.org.

The DuPage County Courthouse remains open and will conduct essential court business on a limited scale consistent with this Order. Whenever possible, court proceedings will be conducted using telephone and video conferencing. The following matters will proceed as originally scheduled: • Bail hearings; • Felony and misdemeanor matters with in-custody defendants or speedy trial demands; • Juvenile detention and shelter care hearings and matters with in-custody minors; • Petitions and hearings on emergency and plenary orders of protection, stalking no-contact orders, civil no-contact orders and firearm restraining orders; • Summary suspension hearings; • Mental health hearings; • Effective May 18, 2020, all civil matters in the chancery, Domestic Relations and Law divisions using

telephonic and video conference technology; • Emergency motions.

Pursuant to the Administrative Order, all traffic cases are rescheduled and the following courtrooms closed through June 5, 2020: • Downers Grove Traffic Court • Addison Traffic Court • Traffic courtrooms 1001 & 1003 inside the DuPage Courthouse No criminal division jury trials will take place before August 24, 2020.

No marriage or civil union ceremonies will take place before June 12, 2020.

The Safe Harbor Children’s Waiting Room and the DuPage County Law Library remain closed until June 8, 2020.

“This Order implements the next step in our careful and measured approach toward hopefully resuming normal operations in June,” Chief Judge Guerin said.

Have you ever noticed how Mr. Pritzker always defers to science and the medical experts during his press conferences? Just because they’re considered medical experts doesn’t mean they’re infallible. Even Dr. Fauci has been wrong on more than one occasion. Epidemiologists and those in the medical profession are not all in lockstep regarding COVID-19. In fact, the data, forecasts and models associated with this virus have been all over the place. *** Sen. Tammy Duckworth is a liar.

Duckworth claimed President Trump “could have saved lives by sending more ventilators [to New York], but he didn’t.” That’s not true. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo acknowledged that no one in his state has died from a lack of ventilators. There is no evidence of a shortage of ventilators in the entire country. Duckworth lied to smear Trump. *** About the erroneous predictions similar to Y2K. The media and government are making predictions, without the numbers and facts. They have been wrong for two months. You don’t quarantine healthy people. You quarantine the sick. Let people out, wear a mask if you’re worried. The economy will not sustain and Illinois was a shipwreck before this started.

Illinois may never recover; nobody can afford this. If we stay locked down until August and someone dies in September, the media will scream “You opened too soon.” Thousands of people die every day from disease,

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, May 14, 2020 • 7VP

accidents, old age, suicide, etc. Let’s put this into perspective. If someone on hospice and expected to die within a week, when they die it’s declared a coronavirus death. That is wrong; it is putting out false numbers. The CDC predicted Florida would need 465,500 hospital beds for sick people from this virus. Florida used a total of 2,500 beds. That prediction was off by 463,000 beds. That is what is wrong with the government and media spewing wrong information.

And Pritzker cannot overrule the Constitution. We all still have rights of assembly, religion, commerce, etc.

He is abusing his power because he doesn’t know what to do. *** To the caller who questioned the essential nature of liquor stores, I can’t believe this question has come up! The liquor stores are naturally needed. There is no toilet paper, right? So, you just gotta switch to a liquid diet! *** Democrats cannot be trusted to accurately count votes, dollars or deaths. *** May 4 through 8 was National Teacher Appreciation Week. In spite of the criticism teachers often receive by people who have not experienced a teacher’s life in the classroom, they do work hard and get paid less by the hour than a babysitter per child, with much higher expectations.

During this pandemic I would like to commend the teachers at Westmore School. My grandchildren

Conroy encourages healthy residents to donate blood

In the face of a nationwide shortage of blood donations, state Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, is urging healthy community members to consider donating blood.

“Giving blood takes only about 15 minutes of your time while one donation can save up to three lives,” said Conroy. “For my neighbors who are healthy and able to, I ask you to please consider making an appointment to give blood. Blood banks are adapting to the new normal and implementing additional safety protocols to keep their staff and donors safe while donating blood.”

The Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers reports blood donations in Illinois have dropped 60 percent in recent weeks. According to the American Red Cross, about 36,000 units of blood are used in medical procedures throughout the

United States each day.

Blood drives coordinated by the Village of Lombard and Versiti Blood Center of Illinois will be hosted at 24 Yorktown Center on Wednesdays during the month of May from 10 am to 4 pm. Appointments should be made in advance at villageoflombard. org/402/Blood-Drives. Information on additional donation sites may be found at donate.illinois.versiti.org or redcrossblood.org.

“Social distancing is one of the most effective methods we can use to flatten the curve, but it can also have some unintended consequences,” said Conroy. “Since blood cannot be stockpiled like other healthcare supplies such as hand sanitizer and paper products, it’s more important than ever that healthy people consider donating their blood to save lives during these unprecedented times.”

have had detailed lessons every day in all areas. The communication via Chromebook and emails have been impressive. Teachers are working harder now maybe than in the classroom. I am amazed at the transition they are expected to accommodate.

If you have been trying to get your children to do their work at home, you may understand a little more of what a teacher experiences each day times 25 students. Remember to be grateful for the teachers. *** I used to like Lori Lightfoot, but now she’s turned into female version of Donald Trump. She’s thin-skinned and throws temper tantrums just like Trump. That press conference she had outside last weekend (referring to May 2-3) was laughable. She was wagging her finger and admonishing everyone. Wow, you’re really tough, mayor. You tell everyone to stay at home while you sneak around and get a haircut even though all the barbers and hairstylists in your city have been out of work for two months. *** Do you know who was doing a great job of social distancing before the COVID-19 pandemic struck?

Residents of nursing homes. I don’t think nursing home residents were spending a lot of time at restaurants, bars and concerts during February and early March. But senior citizens in general and nursing home residents in particular have been tragically affected by this crisis. Maybe we need to focus more on isolating the elderly and loosening restrictions on younger people. *** A store in Oakbrook Terrace has three signs telling people to wear masks and a person letting people in the store. Why do we wait in line with people who have no mask and are allowed in? I called the store “manager” who said this does not happen: Oh, yes it does—twice in the last three days I was there and saw it both times. *** For the readers who called in asking if the stupid comments would stop if people had to attach their names to the comments. No, they would not. Being stupid is like being dead. It is hard for others, but you don’t know it. *** Why does Pritzker continue to shut down the state? We’re closing in

on two months of his shutdown, and what do we have to show for it? If the shutdown was working, why are people still dying? And the people who are dying from COVID-19 in Illinois, the majority of them are elderly residents with underlying conditions who live in Chicagoland. I understand quarantining people who are sick, or at risk. But why would you quarantine the entire state? *** Isn’t it interesting how the media seems to portray different governors.

The governor of New York, the state with by far the most COVID-19 deaths, is treated as a great leader.

The governors of several Republican states that want to end their shutdowns, or never instituted shutdowns in the first place, are treated as foolish people who want to risk lives. *** Hello, everyone. Friendly reminder. You cannot call yourself pro-life if you advocated killing Grandma to reopen the economy. Have a nice day. *** This is a warning that there’s a new scam coming out now that they’re a car warranty company. Do not believe them. I got a phone call from my doctor’s office in Elmhurst and it didn’t happen to be my doctor.

It happened to be a company calling me up asking about my warranty on my car, but it came up my doctor’s office. So just keep in mind there’s a new scam coming up. Do not fall for it. *** It’s interesting that the media is critical of Republican governors of states that haven’t been hit hard by COVID-19. The same media fawns over Democratic governors of states that have been pounded by the virus.

I’m specifically referring to Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York.

If he was a Republican, the media would claim he has blood on his hands. But he’s a Democrat, so he’s touted as a brilliant leader and a future president. *** Hi. Just calling in to make an observation. Illinois has released 4,000 prisoners in order to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in prisons.

Sixty-four of these prisoners were convicted of murder. Now they’re all back out in the public, and this governor defends it. Unbelievable! What is Pritzker doing?

School districts continue to provide free meals to students while school buildings are closed Five days’ worth of food to be provided each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon; the next distribution is May 19

District 88 is partnering with District 45, Salt Creek School District 48, Addison School District 4, Arbor Management, Chartwells and Cottage Hill Operating Company to provide meals to students while school buildings are closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The food service program provides meals free of charge to all residents up to the age of 18. Beginning on April 7, five days worth of food (five breakfasts and five lunches) were distributed. Five days worth of food will be provided each Tuesday while school buildings are closed to on-site learning.

The next distribution of five days

worth of food will be provided from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, May 19.

The area distribution sites include four Villa Park schools and two Lombard schools. The Villa Park schools are: • Willowbrook High School, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave. • Albright Middle School, 1110 S. Villa Ave. • Ardmore Elementary School, 225 S. Harvard Ave., • Jefferson Middle School, 255 W. Vermont St. The Lombard schools are: • Stevenson Elementary School, 18W331 15th St. • Westmore Elementary School, 340 S. School St.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Graduation speakers

Willowbrook High School seniors Eric Hoda (above) and Talhah Waheed (below) will speak to their fellow classmates during this Sunday’s virtual ceremony to honor the school’s Class of 2020.

Willowbrook seniors were supposed to hold their commencement ceremony in the school’s main gymnasium this Sunday, May 17, but that event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The virtual ceremony will include messages from Hoda, Waheed, members of the District 88 Board of Education and district administrators.

The virtual event will include the reading of all of the graduates of Willowbrook’s Class of 2020, which includes about 500 students. The district hopes to hold an in-person ceremony at Willowbrook to honor this year’s graduates at a later date. The school’s seniors are participating in this week’s drive-through celebration. They are driving through the school’s parking lot this Friday and Saturday to pick up items including their yearbooks, caps and gowns, diplomas and senior athletic banners.

8 • Thursday, May 14, 2020 - Rock Valley Publishing

Rock Valley Publishing

Viewpoint

May 14, 2020 • 8

Slices of life

Love in the time of COVID

We are all social distancing.

Hugs from a friend have been put on hold. Personal interaction is kept to a minimum. Masks have become fashion statements, gloves a necessity.

We go out only when we are out of milk, or eggs or toilet paper. We fear the touch of human contact.

Well, not really, but you get my drift.

The world around us has changed, perhaps forever. I think most of us will admit we never could have imagined this. We didn’t see it coming. I wouldn’t have wanted to see it coming.

In some ways everything has changed. In others it is the same.

Take birds, for example. The ones in my backyard evidently didn’t get the pandemic memo.

They’ve been fluffing and flying just like it’s a normal everyday Wednesday.

For them it is.

This spring they’ve been as twitterpated as ever. They’ve been flitting and flurrying and doing their mating rituals and dances for all my family to see. The mourning doves offer their rhythmic lamenting coos, while the robins cheep and chirp.

I’ve seen them carrying twigs in their beaks, clearly building nests to fill with a new brood this summer.

They wake me up early in the morning and I am grateful for their songs – and then I drift back to sleep again, because why not?

They sing like winter is over, spring is here, and summer might be a reality.

I think perhaps we could learn something from the birds.

Despite the warm outdoor temperatures, it may feel like winter – in our hearts. It may feel like the coldness of the world will never be over. Like the future is uncertain – because it is. Like life has changed – because is has.

But then there are the birds.

They are building nests and planning for the future. Counting on the future with the confidence that twitterpation tends to bode.

I’ve grown to appreciate birds over the years. I never used to give them much thought – you know, the term “bird brain” and all. I thought of them as insignificant, but they are anything but. They are as interesting and complex as a pandemic.

By

JILL PERTLER Contributor

According to the “Bird Watcher’s Digest” about 90 percent of birds are monogamous.

I’m not sure humans can claim that same statistic. But for birds, monogamy may last only one season. How convenient. Still some birds are truly monogamous in the human definition of the word. They include eagles, geese, swans, cranes, penguins and often robins.

Many species of male birds take a very active role in proliferation of their offspring. They sit on eggs, feed their incubating mate, feed their nestlings and fledglings and provide overall familial support.

Bird brained or not, you have to appreciate that.

I think perhaps we could learn something from the birds.

This “winter” of a pandemic we are stuck in will evolve into spring. It has to. And spring will become summer. I don’t know when or how long until that happens, but I believe in the birds (and the bees). I believe in the future. I believe in us.

And I am counting the days until “spring” – although I don’t know how many that will be.

I look forward to hugging a friend. To a time when the terms like social distancing and stay at home directives are a thing of the past. When the only masks we need to wear come out on Halloween. When we have a vaccine for this beast.

And here’s the best news of all.

We are more like the birds and the bees than we think. They are busy building nests. We may be doing the same. Despite the whole social distancing thing, I predict a baby boom in about nine months – lots of New Year’s Babies to prove there is hope for the future. Stay safe. Here’s to a new 2021.

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.

Senate Democrats urge IDPH to release nursing home PPE distribution numbers With workers at nearly 70 nursing homes across the state planning to go on strike because of unsafe working conditions, several Illinois Senate Democrats wrote a letter to the Illinois Department of Public Health and many local health departments last week, requesting to know the amount of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that has been distributed to those nursing homes and the process by which it was distributed.

“The hardworking people who put their own health on the line to care for our state’s most vulnerable population should not have to do so without proper protection,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Workers shouldn’t be

left wondering when and if they’ll get more supplies, and management shouldn’t have to find and pay for most PPE that is needed out of its own pockets.”

The request comes from members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus who have at least one nursing home in the district they represent where management received strike notices last week. Employees of 64 nursing homes across the state sent strike notices to management, saying facilities do not have enough PPE, safety protocols, and adequate hazard pay.

In an effort to stand up for those workers in their districts, the group sent a letter to IDPH and local health departments to ask how facil-

ities are chosen to receive PPE and how much PPE these nursing homes have received since the start of the outbreak.

“When our nursing home staffs aren’t afforded adequate PPE, that puts worker and resident lives in danger,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “PPE is scarce right now, but our frontline workers need these supplies in order to continue caring for those who need it the most.”

Late last month, Chicago radio station WBEZ reported that 625 Illinois nursing home patients and staff had died from COVID-19. Nursing home deaths make up more than one-third of the state’s COVID-19 deaths.

State Rep. Conroy works to ensure ballot access for all Chair of the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus (IHDWC), State Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) announced last week that a group dedicated to increasing access to voting in Illinois has been formed.

“As the state and nation face unprecedented threats to fair and open elections, we must step up to protect the rights of every American and ensure they have increased access to vote at their convenience,” Conroy said. “The problems our society faced before this pandemic are even more obvious now. As we move forward, it is important to protect the fundamental right to vote.”

Conroy will join the 11-member working group that includes representatives from all geographic and demographic parts of the state in an effort to promote solutions that protect the bedrock of representative democracy. Immediate and longterm goals include greater education on how to vote by mail, supporting local election authorities as they deal with record amounts of mailin ballot requests, and expanding voting dates and times to accommodate first responders, seniors, college students and other groups.

The group will solicit ideas from the public as well as established ballot-access advocates like AARP and

the League of Women Voters.

“The majority of those who will face the most obstacles to voting are women; they are nurses, teachers, single moms and they deserve to have their voice heard,” said state Rep. Katie Stuart, the chair of the working group. “When we look at who are essential employees, it is skewed toward women. We don’t know if children will be back to school or if child care will be available. There are a lot of unanswered questions as we strive to reopen our society, but fundamental to our mission is to lift up all women in Illinois and ensure they are not silenced.”

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, May 14, 2020 • 9

Conroy appointed to health care legislative groups amid pandemic

• Plan

(Continued from page 3) The Illinois Department of Public Health has provided the General Assembly with detailed guidance on how they could go about their duties in the Capitol.

“And we should take the department up on that offer,” Demmer said, “… and have the legislative process take into account the many, many factors that influence a long-run plan like what the governor proposed.”

Durkin called on House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Chicago Democrat who sets the chamber’s calendar, to bring lawmakers back into session.

“We must return to Springfield immediately and not for just a few days at the end of the month,” Durkin said.

He added that lawmakers do not have to convene at the Capitol, and instead can hold session in Springfield’s downtown convention center or a large auditorium in the city

a member of the Access to Healthcare Working Group. As a longtime advocate for mental health awareness and access to critical services and as the chair of the House Mental Health committee, some of her top priorities will be addressing the growing issue of youth mental wellness, access to substance abuse treatment and expanding telehealth services. These issues have been worsened due to the effects of isolation and the shuttering of service providers many relied on.

“Now more than ever, it is crucial that we make compassionate policy decisions that take into account our shared values and leave no one behind,” she said.

(This was received from the office of State Representative Deb Conroy.)

where they can be socially distanced.

In a statement May 6, Madigan did not offer any specifics on a potential return.

“While I am eager to see a return to normalcy, we are talking about people’s lives, and any plan for a return to Springfield must have the health and safety of all those involved as a top priority, including the communities the members represent,” he said in part.

Durkin also said he wants the Legislature to work on non-coronavirus issues like ethics reform and property taxes, which “we cannot just do in 48 hours at the end of May that many people have speculated about.”

The regular legislative session ends at the end of May, and the deadline for passing a budget is June 30. Any legislation passed after May 31, however, needs to pass with a three-fifths majority in order to take effect by the July 1 start of next fiscal year.

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State Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) has been appointed to chair the Mental Health and Addiction and to serve on the Access to Healthcare legislative working groups tasked with developing legislative solutions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Updates include dark stained hardwood floors on Main Level (2016), Painted (2016), Kitchen Floor Tile and Backsplash (2019), High End Kitchen Custom Cabinets recently Painted (2019), SS Appliances (2019), New easy-care floating gravity grip flooring in Basement (2017), Newer Washer/Dryer (2016), New Landscaping, Tons of storage behind wall in basement, Stamped Concrete Driveway all the way to a spacious 2.5 Car Garage! Owners are relocating and hate to leave! $399,900

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, May 14, 2020 • 11

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

Cherry Farm brick and stone beauty set on a 70’ wide lot with 3 car garage. Freshly painted interior, front porch, 1st floor office & full bath, separate formals, open kitchen layout with large seating island and high end SS appliances, stone family $1,195,000 487 S. Kenilworth, Elmhurst

Cherry Farm brick and stone beauty set on a 70’ wide lot with 3 car garage. Freshly painted interior, front porch, 1st floor office & full bath, separate formals, open kitchen layout with large seating island and high end SS appliances, stone family room fireplace, huge 2nd floor laundry, finished basement with full wet bar, gaming and exercise areas, garden windows, and tons of storage. Walk up 3rd floor can be finished.

Elevated back deck overlooking fenced yard, professionally landscaped with irrigation system and paver brick driveway. Walk to town and steps from the Prairie Path and York/Vallette Business district. $1,195,000

Classic Red Brick Bungalow

Classic Red Brick Bungalow

Steps to Lincoln School, York HS & Prairie Path and Spring Road Business’, Features include: intricate moldings, arched doorways, gorgeous HW floors, Newer Maple Kitchen w/ Granite CT’s, NEW SS appliances. Awesome Addition w/ $537,000

Steps to Lincoln School, York HS & Prairie Path and Spring Road Business’, Features include: intricate moldings, arched doorways, gorgeous HW floors, Newer Maple Kitchen w/ Granite CT’s, NEW SS appliances. Awesome Addition w/ multiuse/over-sized/custom ISLAND that will be the HUB of the Home all of which is surrounded by the view of your incredibly private backyard. 1st floor offers an in-law/ arrangement w/ Full Bath & Bedroom. Functional Office & Formal Dining and Living Rooms round out the 1st floor. 2nd Floor has 4 spacious Bedrooms w/ a Full Bathroom.

Basement has HUGE Rec Room w/lots of storage! $537,000

Like New < $1 Million

Show-stopper newer construction in the heart of Jefferson/ Visitation school country - walkable to both. 5 bed up plan with 3 full baths. The owners have kept things current with custom built-ins, modern light fixtures and paint selections. Huge $975,000

3D Virtual Tour Available!

Like New < $1 Million Show-stopper newer construction in the heart of Jefferson/Visitation school country - walkable to both. 5 bed up plan with 3 full baths. The owners have kept things current with custom built-ins, modern light fixtures and paint selections. Huge kitchen with peninsula island and separate eating area, all open to the family room. Newly finished basement with 6th bedroom + full bath, kids and adult area and storage room. Last but not least, great outdoor lounging and entertaining space in front and pack with stone patio space, fireplace with TV hookup, playset and “ninja warrior” course! Fully fenced backyard and oversized 2 car garage with epoxy flooring. Immaculate condition and move-in ready. $975,000

Spacious All Brick Home

MUST SEE enormous custom designed home! Unparalleled full brick and stone custom designed home in central Elmhurst has mammoth spaces & luxury features. Unique, elegant atmosphere w/ over 6000 sq. ft. finished living space on $1,075,000

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12 • Thursday, May 14, 2020 - Rock Valley Publishing

ICC warns residents of potential COVID-19 scams

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is warning residents to be on alert for potential scammers using the COVID-19 pandemic to exploit and defraud victims.

“Unfortunately, there are individuals who are using this public health emergency to take advantage of and deceptively obtain money or personal information from unsuspecting residents. It’s important everyone protects themselves and their loved ones by being on the lookout for these deceptive, illegal practices,” said ICC Chairman Carrie Zalewski.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICC recently issued an order to stop door-to-door marketing by alternative retail electric and gas

suppliers (ARES/AGS). The commission also issued a moratorium on electric, gas, water and wastewater service disconnections and the suspension of late fees by large public utilities.

The ICC has received reports from utilities of suspicious cases of individuals knocking on customers’ doors claiming to be a utility representative demanding payment for utility bills and threatening disconnection.

“A legitimate utility worker will never come to your home to demand money or prepaid credit cards, or ask for your personal information. Do not share your utility account or social security numbers with a stranger

at the door or on the phone. Do not hesitate to immediately shut the door, and call the utility or your local police to report the incident,” said ICC Commissioner Sadzi Martha Oliva.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is also warning consumers about other scams that involve hoax text messages or robo-calls that prey upon consumers’ fears by advertising fake cures, home testing kits, phony insurance plans or HVAC duct cleaning services claiming to kill the COVID-19 virus.

Other potential scams include text messages from entities posing as the federal government, offering $30,000 in COVID-19 relief money, or posing as the World Health Or-

ganization (WHO) claiming to raise funds for charity. Clicking on links or attachments to these kinds of text message can lead to the spread of malicious spyware or computer virus on your electronic devices, compromising your personal information.

Scammers are also aware that many individuals have or will be receiving federal COVID-19 economic stimulus checks and might attempt to contact you electronically asking to ‘verify’ your personal information to release the funds to your bank.

“It is important to remember that no one from the government or a public utility will ever contact you asking for personal information. If you happen to receive a suspicious

call, text or email: do not respond, or click on any links or attachments,” said ICC Commissioner Maria Bocanegra. “Your best protection against scammers is to stay informed and be able to recognize the potential traps they set.”

If you believe that you have been scammed, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately. If you’ve been illegally solicited in person by an ARES/AGS, you can file a complaint by calling the ICC’s Consumer Services Division at 1-800524-0795 or online at https://www. icc.illinois.gov/complaints/. Additional tips to protect yourself can be found on the FCC’s website at: https://www.fcc.gov/covid-scams.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Mental Health, together with the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA), is sharing resources for all Illinoisans who are older adults or have older adults in their lives in need of support.

While the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting everyone, older adults are particularly at risk for social isolation.

“Older adults, particularly those who are at a greater risk for social isolation, need our support now more than ever,” said Grace Hou, secretary of IDHS. “We want to be sure older

adults and their loved ones know they are not alone. The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health and the Illinois Department on Aging offer many resources to address mental health issues and are here to help now and always.”

To slow the spread of COVID-19, IDHS and IDOA recommend following guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health, including wearing a face mask when in public, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands frequently. The departments also recommend getting an av-

erage of 6-8 hours of sleep per night, establishing or keeping a record of a daily routine and exercise, and practicing regular self-care, such as showering and grooming.

“The stress on everybody is growing every day. Plan for what you can, and focus on things you can control,” said Paula Basta, director of IDoA. “I encourage everyone to be mindful of our older family members, friends, or neighbors, and check in to see how they are doing. Find a creative way to communicate with them during this time and monitor their health.”

For those seeking assistance, please visit www.dhs.state.il.us and click on HELP IS HERE, visit the IDoA website at www.illinois.gov/aging, call the IDOA Senior HelpLine at 1-800-2528966 (hearing impaired call 888-2061327), or by email aging.ilsenior@ illinois.gov.

IDHS also offers the following links and resources for older adults who are in need of support: • Distress: Disaster Distress Hotline or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

• Food assistance: Meals on

Wheels and Feeding America provide options based on ZIP Code.

• Transportation: Eldercare Locator for local services.

• Medicine: GoodRX or NeedyMeds.

• Medicare: Seek advice from the local State Health Insurance Assistance Program or from Medicare.gov.

• Benefits assistance: BenefitsCheckUp.org provide options by state to help with utility bill payments, prescription drug costs, and more.

Illinois Department of Human Services, Department of Aging share resources for older adults at risk during social isolation

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14VP • Thursday, May 14, 2020 - Rock Valley Publishing

Text line providing support during COVID-19 pandemic The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is reminding Illinois residents about the Illinois Helpline—a resource for residents who need emotional support or quick answers to questions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Illinoisans can text “TALK” to 552020 (or “HABLAR” for Spanish) for the Call4Calm service, or text their questions about services provided by IDHS in communities across the state.

The text line is free of charge and designed to support residents who have questions about services or who are experiencing stress.

In addition to the Call4Calm service, the text number can help Illinoisans find help and guidance on other critical issues during the pandemic. Residents can text keywords like “UNEMPLOYMENT,” “FOOD,” or “SHELTER,” to 552020 to receive additional information in response.

“We wanted to remind Illinoisans they can text 552020 for a listening ear and support for hardships they may currently be experiencing,” said Grace Hou, Secretary of IDHS. “People who need help are not alone during this unprecedented challenge. We are here for you and can answer many questions you may have about available services.”

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Garden plots are open for the season

Villa Park’s community garden opened for the season on Saturday, May 9. Plots are available to community members of all ages who want to grow vegetables. Plots of 10 feet by 10 feet are available for $10 each. The garden plots are located at Westmore Park, between Biermann Avenue and Westmore Avenue—north of Plymouth Street. For more information, contact the Villa Park Parks and Recreation Department at 630-834-8970.

Judge rejects lawsuit over ballot obstacles for constitutional amendment Committee’s attorney says state’s argument has ‘political motivations’

By Rebecca Anzel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A judge on May 7 sided against an Illinois organization that claimed restrictions implemented to combat the novel coronavirus made it impossible to gather the necessary signatures to place a constitutional amendment on November’s general election ballot.

The Committee for the Illinois Democracy Amendment is advocating for a constitutional change that would obligate the General Assembly to take roll call votes on bills proposing “stronger ethical standards for Illinois public officials.”

It would also allow residents to propose related bills by submitting a petition with at least 100,000 signatures.

The committee’s attorneys argued in a court document that social distancing and stay-at-home restrictions “forced” voters to weigh their health against their First Amendment rights.

To successfully secure a spot on the ballot, proponents must gather 363,813 hand-written signatures—or, 8 percent of votes cast for the governor in the last election—and deliver the papers to the secretary of state’s office six months before the Nov. 3 general election. That deadline passed May 3.

The committee, in a court document, argued that threshold was impossible to meet given the issuance of Gov. JB Pritzker’s disaster proclamation and stay-at-home order less than two months before the cutoff.

U.S. district court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer disagreed after a hearing lasting about an hour. She rejected its request to reduce the signature requirement by 50 percent, enable voters to sign petitions electronically and allow those documents to be submitted electronically as well. The committee also wanted the May 3 deadline extended to Aug. 3, giving proponents the days they allege they lost.

The requests were similar to ones Pallmeyer granted the Libertarian and Green Parties when they sued the state alleging third party candidates could not realistically meet the requirements to qualify for the November ballot.

The judge ultimately decided against granting those in this case.

“We’re seriously considering an appeal to the seventh circuit on an emergency basis because we want to be able to circulate these petitions,” John Mauck, one of the committee’s representatives,

“

The stay-at-home order from Gov. Pritzker is a state action which precluded our clients’ civil liberties.”

– John Mauck, of the committee’s representatives

said in an interview. “The stay-at-home order from Gov. Pritzker is a state action which precluded our clients’ civil liberties.”

Attorneys for the Illinois State Board of Elections and secretary of state’s office previously argued in a court document that at least two of the committee’s requests—extending the deadline and reducing the signatures needed—would “contravene” requirements included in the state constitution.

That “would pose near insurmountable difficulties” for the state, they argued.

And the committee’s requests “would make it difficult, if not impossible, for the State Board of Elections and Secretary of State to fulfill their legal obligations related to a proposed constitutional amendment,” according to their filing. “In addition...the (requests) could potentially throw Illinois’ electoral system into disarray during an already tumultuous time.”

That argument shows “the state imagines a parade of horribles and burdens” that do not exist, the committee’s attorneys responded.

Mauck said the proposed constitutional amendment is designed to “fight corruption, and we’re being fought by all these government agencies who don’t think we should be on the ballot.”

“I think the state has political motivations behind their legal arguments,” he added.

Negotiations fall flat Pallmeyer’s decision comes after she previously asked both sides to negotiate a solution. According to a court transcript, there

have been “a number” of conversations and conferences, but no solution was reached.

Mauck said the state offered a two-week deadline extension as long as a hard copy of the hand-signed petitions were submitted, according to a transcript.

But the committee wanted to turn in electronic petitions with electronic signatures. That would be “a simple and fair solution, and workable solution,” Mauck said in the transcript.

Erin Walsh, the Board of Elections’ attorney, took issue with the committee asking “various state agencies to completely rework their system for ballot access” at “the last minute.”

There is no proof the committee tried complying with the state’s established process before March, she added. According to documents filed with the board, the committee was founded on April 1.

But proponents began gathering signatures “in the past several weeks,” former Gov. Pat Quinn, another of the committee’s representatives, responded, according to a transcript.

Their efforts “essentially began” after members of the General Assembly who are on the state’s Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform “announced they were not going to make any recommendations” by their self-imposed due date at the end of March.

When asked by Pallmeyer how much progress canvassers made, Quinn said “it’s impossible to know exactly how many signatures you have until they’re collected,” according to a transcript.

The committee proposed that the state elections board and secretary of state’s office retool the online voter registration system to allow residents to electronically support a constitutional amendment initiative.

That system, passed into law in 2013 when Quinn was governor, could be “easily modified” to do so, he said.

Walsh said that suggestion is tantamount to the committee “trying to foist this untested program on the state of Illinois at the last minute,” according to a transcript.

And, according to that document, Pallmeyer said “whatever my views might be on the propriety of this electronic concept,” she does not have the legal authority to “order a different mechanism for the voting process in Illinois.”

Electronic check fee waived, say White and Frerichs In an effort to further encourage online transactions with the Secretary of State’s Office at www. cyberdriveillinois.com, Secretary of State Jesse White and Treasurer Michael Frerichs have worked to waive the payment processor fee associated with e-checks through Aug. 2, 2020. White and Frerichs successfully partnered with National Cash Register (NCR)—the treasurer’s approved payment processor company—to remove the e-check payment processing fee for three months.

This e-check payment processor fee will be waived for the following online services: • Renewing a vehicle registration.

• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card.

• Renewing a driver’s license through the Safe Driver Renewal program.

“Don’t wait, renew online by e-check,” said White. “By renewing your vehicle registration or your driver’s license or ID card by e-check through Aug. 2, you won’t

have to visit a Driver Services facility once they reopen and the payment processor fee will be waived.

This will save you money and time.

I commend Treasurer Frerichs for his efforts in working with NCR to make this happen.”

“We are pleased to work with Secretary White and NCR to waive the processing fee for e-checks,” Frerichs said. “We hope this encourages more people to consider online transactions through the secretary of state’s website while we follow the social distancing guid-

ance from state and federal health officials during this pandemic.”

Paying with an e-check is simple. Customers first visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to begin their transaction—either renewing a vehicle registration or a driver’s license or obtaining a duplicate driver’s license/ID card. Then they are automatically connected to NCR where they provide their routing number and bank account number on the secure payment page. After the transaction is completed and the e-check is verified, the secretary of

state’s office will begin the process of mailing the vehicle registration sticker or DL/ID card.

Even though White extended expiration dates for at least 90 days after Driver Services facilities reopen for vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses and ID cards, he strongly encourages customers to renew online if they are able to do so.

White also reminded the public that the federal government extended the REAL ID deadline by one year. The deadline is now Oct. 1, 2021.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, May 14, 2020 • 15

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FOR SALE Announcements CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed.

Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

Small, clean, one bedroom apartment. No smoking, $850 per month, heat included. Available now. 630-514-7911.

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REAL ESTATE Other Real Estate PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.

Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777.

The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Downtown Elmhurst office space for lease. 2nd floor, 300 or 800 square feet.

Available immediately.

Call Charlie 630-833-3500 ext. 207 Immediate Occupancy

ELMHURST

2353 sq. ft. For Lease - 1st Floor York Road Location Retail or Office Use (630) 833-3500 ext 207 Charlie

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In Elmhurst Call 630-834-8244 or Lombard Call 630-627-7010

Heating and A/C

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CALL: BOB 630-669-0198

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Gutter Cleaning One Story: $60.00 1-1/2 Stories: $70.00 Two Stories: $80.00

Over 30 years experience - Elmhurst

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Aluminum, Copper, Galvanized

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• Guest Services & Cashiers • Technical & Facilities

CALL Elmhurst (630) 834-8244 or Lombard (630-627-7010 TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD!

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PARTY HOSTS & KITCHEN STAFF

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FIND YOUR NEXT JOB IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

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ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX Hiring for YEAR-ROUND Positions

BUSINESS & SERVICE

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ENCHANTED CASTLE

in-Print and OnlnE at www.lOmbardian.infO

WOOD MECHANICAL INC. HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING

to place your classified ads DEADLINE IS 3PM ON FRIDAY

For Expert Service Call Today! woodmechanical.net

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Restaurant/Hospitality

lOmbard OfficE (630) 627-7010

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EMPLOYMENT

call classifiEds at

The Independent Newspapers

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Elmhurst OfficE (630) 834-8244 in-Print and OnlnE at www.thEindEPEndEntnEwsPaPErs.cOm

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Classifieds

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, May 14, 2020 • 17

Rock Valley Publishing

Sports

Skate park closed

Andre Reed to play basketball in college Fenton guard Andre Reed recently decided to continue his basketball career at Benedictine University, a Division III NCAA school located in Lisle. Reed will be joining teammate Diamon King, who committed to Benedictine a few weeks earlier.

“I want to thank Fenton High School for the education they provided me throughout my high school experience,” Reed said. “I’m grateful for the teachers and coaches who mentored me to become the person I am today. I look forward to growing in more ways at Benedictine University.”

Reed set a few school records, including most career three-point field goals made, most career steals, most steals in a season for the boys basketball program.

“Andre is one of the hardest working players in our program,” Coach Chaz Taft said. “With Andre’s ability to shoot the basketball, he has a great opportunity to make an immediate

May 14, 2020 • 17

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Fenton guard Andre Reed

impact at Benedictine University. I am really excited to watch him play at the next level.”

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

The skate park outside of Villa Park’s Iowa Community Center, 338 N. Iowa Ave., has been closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. All playgrounds in the village have been closed during the last several weeks because of the pandemic. Recently, the village placed wood chips inside the skate park. The village issued the following statement about the issue on Friday, May 8: “In response to the governor’s executive order, and to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Villa Park’s playgrounds have been closed and surrounded by snow fencing to prohibit residents from using these facilities. Since that time, staff has received numerous resident complaints about skateboarders using the skate park playground. These complaints have resulted in staff and police officers continually asking skateboarders to leave the area.

This is a very inefficient use of staff and police officer time. Damage to the property has occurred, leading staff to take the enforcement action of using wood chips to prevent the playground’s use. The village did not purchase these wood chips—these chips are from trees that have been removed throughout the village and ground up into free wood chips. Eventually, when the wood chips are removed from the skate park playground, they will be provided free to our residents.”

18 • Thursday, May 14, 2020 - Rock Valley Publishing

Tumilty earns 88’s Best honor for April Athletic and academic standout will play football, baseball at Augustana College

Willowbrook High School senior Sam Tumilty was recently recognized as his school’s recipient of the 88’s Best award for the month of April. Tumilty was honored at the April 27 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

District 88’s board and administration created the 88’s Best award to honor students for their achievements in and out of the classroom.

The award recognizes nine students at each of District 88’s two schools—Willowbrook and Addison Trail—each school year.

As a student, Tumilty has consistently pursued the most rigor-

ous courses available at Willowbrook. He will conclude his high school career having completed nine Advanced Placement (AP) college-level courses, along with several honors courses.

Tumilty has been a member of the Distinction Honor Roll throughout his time in high school.

He is an inductee of the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, the World Language Honor Society and Willowbrook’s social studies honor society—Civitas.

Outside of the classroom,

Here is your chance to say CONGRATS to your graduate and to let them know how proud you are!

Just supply the picture, graduate’s name and school and we will do the rest.

Tumilty has participated in three sports during his Willowbrook career.

He’s established himself as one of the most celebrated and competitive student-athletes in school history.

Tumilty spent three seasons on Willowbrook’s varsity football team. A quarterback on offense and a defensive back on defense, Tumilty was named the West Suburban Gold Conference’s 2019 Player of the Year.

He was also named to the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association’s Class 7A All-State

Actual ad size is 4.025” wide x 3” high

$54.90

Jane Doe Riverdale High School

Sample ad shown actual size

To place your ad in Lombardian, Villa Park Review, Addison Independent and Bensenville Independent contact

Marguerite Micken • 630-627-7010 mmicken@rvpublishing.com

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team. Tumilty led the Warriors to an overall record of 11-2 during the 2019 season.

Willowbrook won three playoff games and advanced to the semifinal round of the IHSA Class 7A playoffs.

Tumilty spent two seasons as a member of the Warriors’ boys basketball team. He earned all-conference honors during his senior season.

This spring, Tumilty was prepared to spend his third season on Willowbrook’s varsity baseball team. Unfortunately, the Warriors’ 2020 baseball season (along with the spring seasons of all of Illinois’ high school athletic teams) was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tumilty recently announced that he will continue his academic and athletic pursuits at Augustana College in Rock Island. He will play football and baseball at Augustana, where he will again team up with his brother Scott—a 2019 Willowbrook graduate and fellow threesport standout in football, basketball and baseball.

Both brothers will play football and baseball at the collegiate level.

They will follow in the footsteps of their father—Scott—who excelled in football, baseball and track at Augustana, and was inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame in 2009.

Their mother, Katie (King) Tumilty, is a Willowbrook graduate who attended Augustana. She ran on the Vikings’ women’s cross country and track teams.

“I am excited for the next chapter, and looking forward to athletic and academic opportunities at Augustana, and being able to play alongside my brother again,” said Sam. He plans to pursue a degree in biology or kinesiology. He is considering a career in medicine or education.

Willowbrook senior Sam Tumilty was honored as his school’s recipient of the 88’s Best award for April. Tumilty excelled in both academics and athletics during his four years at Willowbrook. He was named to the school’s Distinction Honor Roll each semester of his high school career. He also played three sports throughout his time as a Warrior. Tumilty, who is a Villa Park resident, spent three seasons with the varsity football team. He led the Warriors to an 11-2 record and a berth in the IHSA Class 7A semifinals during the 2019 season. Tumilty spent two seasons with Willowbrook’s varsity boys basketball team.

He was about to begin his third season with the varsity baseball team, but the Warriors’ 2020 spring season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tumilty will attend Augustana College, where he will play football and baseball. He will team up with his older brother Scott, a 2019 Willowbrook graduate, who will also play football and baseball for the Vikings.

Crossword Puzzle Anwers

Sudoku Puzzle Anwers

CHRIS FOX FILE PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, May 14, 2020 • 19

THIS IS PERSONAL Bryan Foy, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

No matter where we are, we never really leave our patient’s side.

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Dr. Bryan Foy may be getting ready for work, but mentally, he’s already with his patient, helping dispel their fear and worry, and preparing them for surgery later today. It’s that never-off-the-clock attitude that’s led Edward-Elmhurst Health to become a nationally recognized leader in heart care.

Take your free HeartAware Assessment at ThisIsPersonalEEH.org

20 â&#x20AC;¢ Thursday, May 14, 2020 - Rock Valley Publishing

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