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Bike Safety Day comes to town

Right: These four ladies stepped out in style on Saturday, May 4 to attend the Haymarket Center’s annual fundraising gala. Here is (from left): Simi Labine with Elmhurst residents Tonya Pastorelle, Susan Rose and Kara Caforio. Pastorelle was honored with the Haymarket’s Volunteer of the Year award, which was presented by Rose.

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In high esteem

Elmhurst resident Tonya Pastorelle (at podium) was honored Saturday evening by the Haymarket Center with the Volunteer of the Year award. It was presented by Susan Rose (back), who gave a speech about Tonya’s outstanding work and many accomplishments.

A night of celebration

John and Kathy Rezny, owners of the recently-closed York Furrier in Elmhurst, came out to enjoy the evening on Saturday. They said their recent auction sale was very successful, as they try to wrap up all the details.

Familiar faces

Above: Attending the Haymarket Center gala on Saturday was former Illinois House Speaker and former Elmhurst resident Lee Daniels, who gets a greeting from Laura Anderson. Anderson now handles marketing for Haymarket, but formerly worked on Daniels’ team.

Below: CBS Chicago news anchor Irika Sargent, who served as master of ceremonies at the Haymarket gala, conducts a live interview with actor and TV producer Andrew McCarthy, who starred in such 1980s film Pretty in Pink and Weekend at Bernie’s I and II. McCarthy talked about his family and how they have struggled with addiction and recovery.

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Council Capsules

CPR-trained track coach likely saved life of York athlete

By Dee Longfellow For The elmhursT IndependenT

During the announcements portion of the City Council meeting on Monday, May 6, Mayor Scott Levin shared a letter from Rob Wagner, the asst. principal of athletics at York High School.

In the letter, Wagner thanked the City for providing CPR training to the coaches—and that the training very likely saved the life of a York student athlete recently.

Wagner related in the letter that on Friday, April 12 at a girls track meet at Downers Grove North, one of York’s triple-jumpers performed her jump, landed in the sandpit as expected, but when she got up, she immediately collapsed to the ground. Adults at the event rushed to her aid and found her unresponsive and not breathing.

York’s assistant track coach began CPR immediately, while someone called 9-1-1; the athletic trainer was there with AED, the EMTs showed up within a 4- to 6-minute period and the student-athlete was off to Good Samaritan Hospital, where she was put on a ventilator. Still struggling, she had to be transferred to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge but, as of two weeks ago, she was recovering and is conscious and breathing on her own.

She is expected to be released and back at school in the next week or so, according to Wagner.

“Thank you for teaching CPR to our staff,” Wagner said in his letter. “Our coach did exactly what he was supposed to do in an emergency situation and everyone from the EMTs to the doctors stated that the early CPR is what saved her life. I appreciate your training our coaches.”

Cost for York, Butterfield improvements covered 95% by grants

A report from the PWB committee was approved to enter a joint funding agreement with the Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT) for Phase II Engineering for improvements to the intersection of York Street and Butterfield Road.

The City received 80 percent of the

projects funds through the Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) improvement program through the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP).

The City petitioned IDOT to cover a portion of the expenses outside CMAQ’s grant since Butterfield is under state jurisdiction. As a result of the negotiations, IDOT is covering 15 percent of the remaining cost, leaving the City to cover $8,253 of the total design contract of $220,070.

Funds approved for Park Ave. bridge

• The council approved another recommendation of the PW&B committee to award a bid to Long Construction Co. in the amount of $1,147,391 for the relocation of the

Park Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project. This is the bridge that crosses the underpass by the Elmhurst History Museum. Committee chair Alderman Emily Bastedo (6th Ward) reminded the Council that this bridge is especially important for the many events that take place over the summer and fall at the museum such as the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation’s Craft Beer Fest, which draws more than 1,000 outside people to the City.

Other capsules

• A recommendation of the Development, Planning & Zoning (DPZ) Committee was approved for an amended conditional use permit for an allowance for parking within the front yard setback a planned unit development (PUD) at 188 W. Butter-

field near Timothy Christian Schools.

• Also approved by consent was a blanket purchase order recommended by the Public Works & Buildings (PWB) Committee in the amount of $67,000 for Alexander Chemical Corp. to provide sodium hypochlorite and sulfur dioxide, two chemicals used in the operation of the City’s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF).

The chemicals provide disinfection and de-chlorination to neutralize the chlorine added to the water prior to it reaching Salt Creek. Funds are available in the Chemical category of the Municipal Utility Fund budget.

To view the actions taken at the full City Council meeting, visit elmhurst.org or ElmhurstTV on youTube.

A former student

At the Haymarket Gala on Saturday, May 4, Dr. Susan Rose greets former Chicago alderman James Cappleman, who was once her student at the University of Wisconsin. Also pictured is Richard Thale and Elmhurst Planning and Zoning Commissioner Kevin Byrnes (far right). Dr. Rose is a former Elmhurst Alderman for the 3rd Ward who now serves as chair of the Elmhurst Planning and Zoning Commission. Now retired from the university, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Haymarket Center. More photos from the event inside.

Crestview Garden Club’s annual plant sale takes place May 18

The Crestview Garden Club of Elmhurst will continue a 44-year tradition as it holds this year’s plant sale on Saturday, May 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale will be held at The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace, 511 S. York Street, Elmhurst.

This year the club is offering more than 1,200 plants and 130-plus varieties, which is one of its bigger sales. The plant selection includes sun and shade perennials, herbs, groundcovers, natives, houseplants and more.

“We’ve really increased our inventory over the last couple years with more native plants and those that attract pollinators,” said club president Felisa Rahn, who is co-chair of the sale. “With the decline of monarchs, bees and birds, we need to all do what

we can to support their populations. Consider your garden a place for restoration of habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies and birds by planting native plants.”

Many plants are locally dug by members from each other’s gardens in the month leading up to the sale. The members then spend several weeks potting and caring for the plants. The club also carefully selects diverse and unique plants from nurseries with a focus on natives and those that attract pollinators.

“We’re eager to help our customers make good choices and connect them to the best plants for their needs,” said Rosalie Ward, the club’s vice president of member relations and co-chair of the sale. “Whether you’re a seasoned

gardener or a novice, our gardeners can offer advice and suggest plant combinations and a master gardener will also be on site to offer guidance.”

Customers will get great deals on plants, with the prices ranging on average from $5 to $10. The sale will also feature vendors selling wind chimes and a beekeeper offering honey. The event will be held rain or shine. Cash, credit cards and checks are accepted for purchases. Shop early for the best finds. In the past couple years, the sale has sold out before 1 p.m.

A portion of the sales are donated to support organizations and projects each year that align with the club’s mission to encourage the love of horticulture and gardening by educating its members and the community. The

club has donated to such groups as the Great Western Prairie, We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, Heaven and Earth Grower’s Garden, The Conservation Foundation and OLI Gardens.

The club welcomes new members and meets monthly (except for January) on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Community Bank of Elmhurst at Butterfield/Spring Roads in Elmhurst.

For more details check out the club’s website at https://www.crestviewgardenclub.com and follow on Facebook: Crestview Garden Club–Elmhurst.

The club was established in 1975 and is affiliated with the Elmhurst Park District.

dee lonGFelloW phoTo Elmhurst Independent

Community invited to special musical service at First Congregational UCC on May 26

Join us at First Congregational UCC, 235 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst, on Sunday, May 26, at 10 a.m., as we pay musical tribute to our fallen American heroes.

Our worship service will recognize those who have died while serving in the United States military. Our

Cantigny Spring Fest

May 18

Festival offers garden-inspired activities, shopping, and live music

Cantigny plans a spring celebration with a full day of activities for all ages on Saturday, May 18. Tickets for Spring Fest are on sale now at Cantigny.org.

Event hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $12, and free for ages 15 and under. Parking is $5 per car. Spring Fest attractions include:

• McCormick House Marketplace. The newly renovated historic home will host local artisans offering jewelry, pottery, artworks and more. Treat yourself to a craft coffee and pastry bar on the South Porch, overlooking the McCormick Allée.

• Greenhouse tours. A special “backstage VIP pass” ($50) entitles the holder to a guided tour of the Cantigny greenhouse, drink ticket, and 25 Cantigny tulip bulbs to take home. The pass covers festival admission, too.

• Live Music in South Grove Beer Garden. Enjoy the Gleeson Irish Trio in Cantigny’s new-for-2024 beer garden in the South Grove. Have a cold brew (try the Cantigny Kolsch from 93 Octane Brewery!) or visit the Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. A delicious French-themed menu will be available along with traditional lunch favorites. Cantigny’s new Café inside the Visitors Center offers even more choices, including gourmet coffees, salads, and ice cream.

• Terrarium Bar. Craft your own botanical masterpiece at a station hosted by Leelee’s Garden. This is a specialty experience requiring advance registration. The price of $40 includes festival admission. Terrarium Bar hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Bulb Sale. This popular annual event is now part of Spring Fest! Take home 25 Cantigny tulip bulbs for $10, while supplies last.

• Family Fun Walk and Gnome Scavenger Hunt. Take a stroll through the gardens and see what you may find! Lawn games, a fun inflatable, plant crafts and live animals from The Grove will also keep the kids happy. Cantigny is open every day except Tuesday and offers free admission on Wednesdays for those registering in advance. Hours, parking fees, and a full calendar of upcoming events are posted at Cantigny.org.

chancel choir will present special music focused on this meaningful event. It will be a service of reflection, remembrance, and celebration of the freedoms we enjoy today because of the sacrifices made by our military.

A special collection will be taken to donate to K9s for Veterans. This organization helps veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder transition back to civilian life once their military service has ended, with the help of trained service dogs.

K9s for Veterans provides free food and basic medical care for the life of the service dog. The lifesaving efforts of K9s for Veterans are doubled by the exclusive use of rescue dogs from kill shelters trained as service dogs for our veterans. Don’t

miss this opportunity to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers and show your support for our active-duty service members. See the veterans with their service dogs at this special service. You’re invited to stay afterward for coffee and refreshments.

Police beat

The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims.

Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.

Assault, battery

April 27

Rebecca Yaboah, 31, of Mount Prospect, was charged with aggravated battery to a person over age 60 in the 100 block of W. Diversey at 7:40 p.m. A victim reported she was battered by a nursing assistant at the facility.

April 26

Ricardo J. Gomez, 24, of Deerfield, was charged with aggravated assault in the 100 block of N. Addison at 8:02 p.m. Police said Gomez reported he had been battered, but quickly became uncooperative and threatened to attack a paramedic while advancing towards him.

A complainant at a business in the 100 block of W. Diversey reported a patient injured herself after kicking a staff member during treatment.

April 25

A 57-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 400 block of S. York at 8:58 a.m.

Criminal damage to property

April 26-April 29

Police said an unknown suspect at a business in the 400 block of W. Madison broke the rear passenger window of a van while it was parked in the parking lot sometime between the above dates. Nothing was missing from inside the van.

Feb. 26-April 26

A complainant at a truck center in the 200 block of W. Diversey reported several fence ties were cut from 18 individual poles located on the southwest corner of the property sometime between the above dates.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance, dispute

May 1

Victor Santiago, 41, of Villa Park, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct at a store in the 100 block of S. Route 83 at 10:51 a.m. According to police, a complainant reported the suspect approached a customer and spoke in an aggressive manner. The complainant related customers felt scared as the suspect allegedly began throwing and breaking things outside.

A 44-year-old Elmhurst woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 700 block of N. Michigan at 3:45 p.m. Police said a victim reported the suspect battered her following a verbal argument.

April 29

Police said officers responded to the 1000 block of N. County Line at 11:06 a.m. for a demonstration blocking the business roadway. The demonstration dispersed peacefully and everyone left the property.

April 28

A 58-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with domestic battery in the 800 block of N. Addison at 9:51 p.m. Police said that during a verbal argument, the suspect chest- bumped the victim, causing her to fall.

April 26

Police said that subsequent to a domestic incident in the 800 block of S. Spring at 11:14 p.m., a victim related the suspect battered him following a verbal argument.

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

April 30

Matthew Donald, 27, of Maywood, was charged with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident near York and Roosevelt at 8:56 p.m.

Joel Riofrio, 32, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, suspended registration, possession of open alcohol, improper lighting and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop in the 100 block of N. Robert Palmer at 9:46 p.m.

Salvador Santoyo, 52, of Elmhurst, was issued a citation for possession of liquor in public in the 200 block of E. Grantley at 9:11 p.m. Police said Santoyo was observed drinking alcohol on city property.

April 29

Francisco Munos Tapia, 38, of Bloomingdale, was charged with DUI near Church and Grand at 10:37 p.m.

April 27

Raykwon Oliver, 28, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, driving while license suspended and speeding subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Myrtle at 1:56 a.m.

April 26

Jorge Erick Lopez-Castel, 27, of Addison, was charged with DUI, possession of open alcohol and speeding subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Myrtle at 12:45 a.m.

Michael Olsen, 44, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI, speeding, improper lane usage and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near York and Crescent at 2:02 a.m.

Cristian A. Ordonez, 20, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident near York and Cayuga at 8:17 p.m.

Fleeing, eluding

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of fleeing and elud-

ing during which the driver of a vehicle fled the scene after being stopped for a traffic stop by police.

Identity theft, fraud

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported three incidents of identity theft or fraud.

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported four incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Amarria C. McGhee Harris, 20, of Aurora, near Villa and Thomas at 11;06 a.m. April 27; Matthew Rizzo, 34, of Chicago, near Clinton and North at 9:35 a.m. April 28; Roel White, 41, of Glendale Heights, near Grand and Oaklawn at 8:07 p.m. April 28; and Amber Upchurch, 21, of Chicago, in the 500 block of S. York at 7:43 p.m. April 30.

Suspicious incident

April 28

Police said that subsequent to a call for a commercial burglary alarm at a rental facility in the 400 block of W. Lake at 5:21 a.m., officers arrived on scene and confirmed a broken glass door. The business owner arrived on scene and provided security footage. The suspects did not make entry into the building and fled the scene. Video was accessed, and the suspect vehicle was found to be stolen out of Chicago.

Theft, retail theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery

May 1

Police said that subsequent to a 911 call of shots fired, officers located an unoccupied vehicle that had crashed into a berm. The driver of the vehicle, Antwaion Edwards, 27, of Northlake, reportedly fled the scene. Upon further investigation, police said it was learned the call was false and there were no shots fired. Edwards was charged with obstructing a police officer, driving while license suspended, reckless driving and no insurance.

April 28

Brandon Miller, 30, of Aurora, was charged

with attempted burglary to motor vehicle, retail theft, obstructing and resisting a police officer in the 200 block of N. York at 12:09 a.m. Police said that subsequent to a report of a suspicious person carrying a backpack and looking into cars, officers made contact with the Miller, who allegedly fled on foot and was taken into custody after the pursuit. According to police, Miller was found to have attempted to enter parked vehicles. Additionally, Miller reportedly also committed a retail theft. Police said a complainant at the Elmhurst Public Library reported a hand-held walkie talkie was taken from the second-floor information desk. The complainant reviewed video footage, which shows a juvenile taking the walkie talkie and placing it into his left pants pocket. The complainant did not wish to sign complaints, but wanted the juvenile trespassed from the property.

Feb. 1-April 27

A complainant reported the victim received a phone call from an unknown suspect, claiming that her identity had been stolen. The victim has since been sending the unknown subject money to fix the issue. The victim was very uncooperative and would not provide any information.

Violation of pretrial release

April 28

Phillip Breckler, 36, of Elmhurst, was charged with violation of pretrial in the 1-100 block of Willow Tree Court at 3:52 a.m.

Warrant arrest

May 2

Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near York and Diversey at 1:48 a.m., Destiny Burnett, 24, of Elmhurst, was also found to have an active warrant out of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office. Burnett also was charged with driving while license suspended, suspended registration and no insurance.

April 29

Police said Dimond Jones, 27, of Calumet City, was found to be wanted on a warrant after being cited for driving while license suspended and improper passing on the left near Church Road and Church Court at 3:18 p.m.

Police said that subsequent to the report of a suspicious person in the 700 block of N. Michigan at 10:37 a.m., the Jose Peralta, 50, of Chicago, was located and found to have a valid warrant out of Cook County. He was unable to post bond and was transported to the DuPage County Jail.

Man detained following charges of child pornography possession Addison library employee faces seven counts; library

By Dee Longfellow FOR ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

Last week, an Addison man was arrested for allegedly being in possession of child pornography.

Steve Krage, 32, was taken into custody on Wednesday, April 24 and is facing seven felony counts, according to a report published in the Daily Herald. Krage is an employee of the Addison Public Library, which released a statement about the situation last week.

“At the Addison Public Library, we are deeply committed to serving our community with integrity and care,” the statement read.

“We have been made aware that an Addison Public Library employee, Steven Krage has been charged with possession of child pornography. Krage was employed in the Library’s Materials Management department. His duties

announces his departure

involved the acquisition of library materials. His work area was located on the third floor of the library and his duties involved no direct contact with library patrons.

“As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are fully cooperating with the Addison Police Department in their investigation and cannot comment further at this time.

“We are deeply saddened by these developments and want to assure our community that we are taking this matter very seriously. Our priority remains providing a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons and staff members. We ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate this difficult situation together.”

On Tuesday, April 30, the library shared an

Page 7

Illinois State Police celebrating Law Enforcement Appreciation Month

Throughout the month of May, Gov. JB Pritzker, the Illinois State Police (ISP), and law enforcement agencies across the state will celebrate Law Enforcement Appreciation Month in Illinois.

Pritzker proclaimed May as Law Enforcement Appreciation Month in Illinois to serve as a time when we come together to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, honor those who have served and continue to serve, and offer support to fellow officers and their loved ones.

It’s also an opportunity for citizens to show their appreciation to the men and women who keep our communities safe while dealing with the inherent dangers of police work.

“Our Illinois State Police force is one of the best in the country,” said Pritzker. “As we celebrate Law Enforcement Appreciation Month in Illinois, we must thank them and oth-

Elmhurst Police Department

announces results of April distracted driving enforcement campaign

During the month of April, which was Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Elmhurst Police Department focused additional traffic enforcement patrols for violations related to distracted driving as part of the Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant.

The patrols were funded through a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to enhance traffic safety in Elmhurst by focusing on violations most likely to cause traffic crashes.

In April, Elmhurst Police Department traffic officers made 141 traffic stops, resulting in:

• 123 electronic communication device citations

• 26 citations for vehicle code violations

• Six citations for seat belt or child safety seat violations

Distracted Driving Awareness Month is over, but the Elmhurst Police Department asks all drivers to keep their eyes on the road—not their phones.

• Pornography

(Continued from page 6)

update to its original statement, indicating that Krage was no longer employed at the Addison Public Library.

It is alleged that Krage is believed to have uploaded files to social media platforms known as Discord and X. Police reportedly discovered more than 100 child pornographic files on his phone. DuPage County Judge Joshua Dieden issued a detention order to hold Krage “because of the vulgar content of some message on his phone concerning young children and because he worked for the Addison Public Library.”

er members of law enforcement for selflessly protecting our communities. Their brave commitment to service is felt statewide and I commend them for their sacrifice.”

Law enforcement has been regularly ranked as one of the 10 most dangerous occupations in the United States, specifically for police and correctional officers, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics cited by the University of Illinois Chicago Law Enforcement Epidemiology Project. In 2021, 159 law enforcement of-

ficers died on the job, of which approximately 40 percet were caused by assaults/homicides, and 40 percent were caused in transportation incidents.

“Every day, law enforcement officers, and their families, face the potential of making the ultimate sacrifice,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.

“During the month of May, Illinois honors this service and remembers those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The work is dangerous and demanding, day after day—work that

must honored, not just this month, but every month.”

Troopers from across the state traveled to the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield May 2 to participate in the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Ceremony which focused on memorializing law enforcement officers around the state.

In celebration of National Police Week May 12-18, ISP is sending its elite Honor Guard to Washington D.C. for the national law enforcement celebration held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is promoting mental well-being and treatment resources within our community.

The need for immediate crisis support is more critical than ever. The 988 hotline serves as a lifeline for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

By dialing 988, residents can connect with trained professionals who will provide immediate assistance and connect them with local resources for ongoing support.

DCHD is one of seven 988 network providers in Illinois and is dedicated to spreading awareness about this vital resource to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the care they need.

“Mental Health Awareness Month provides us with an opportunity to reinforce the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and seeking support when needed,” said Adam Forker, executive director, DuPage County Health Department. “We are committed to ensuring that DuPage County residents have access to the resources they need to thrive mentally and emotionally.”

Additionally, DCHD offers an array of crisis services, a 24/7 county crisis hotline (630) 627-1700, mobile crisis response for children,

adolescents, and adults, as well as a crisis residential unit for short-term mental health stabilization for residents over 18 years old.

DCHD has been committed to caring for residents suffering from mental health crises since the 1960s when the department launched its first mental health clinic and 24/7 crisis hotline. Individuals during a moment of crisis should have “someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go.”

The Crisis Recovery Center is the next critical step by providing somewhere to go for adults experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis and youth experiencing a mental health crisis.

Recognizing the importance of accessible resources, DCHD is renewing our public awareness digital advertising campaign to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and multilingual social media toolkit with free downloadable, ready-touse graphics and sample posts about everyday resources to help friends, family, neighbors, and the community learn about mental health and find support.

Whether seeking guidance for oneself or a loved one, DCHD encourages residents to explore the wide range of services available to promote mental wellness and resilience.

Park from May 15-21.

The celebration includes a K9 Memorial Service, a candlelight vigil, a police vehicle display, the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, a Pipe Band competition, National Honor Guard competition, and more.

Residents drop off 126 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs during collection event

On Saturday, April 27, the Elmhurst Police Department held a free DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) Prescription Drug Take Back collection. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on that day, residents stopped by the police department’s parking lot to drop off expired or unwanted prescription drugs for safe destruction.

According to the Elmhurst Police Department, 126 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs were collected during the April 27 event.

“Leaving old medications lying around the house can lead to accidental overdoses by children or abuse,” noted a statement issued by the Elmhurst Police Department. “Turning them over for safe destruction by the DEA also prevents these harmful drugs from ending up in the city water system.”

While the prescription drug take back event is over, the police department reminds residents that they can always stop by the drug disposal drop box in the lobby of the police department (24/7/365) to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs.

Viewpoint

Slices of life

When you don’t cry as often anymore

Yesterday, I woke up and did my usual morning routine. Part of this includes a contemplative time when I attempt to align my thoughts and find my calm for the upcoming day.

It’s a nice moment and it was this morning as well, except I found myself crying.

I used to cry daily, many times each day: in the bathroom, at the supermarket, at the doctor’s office, in the parking lot, in the garage, in the car—pretty much everywhere.

But that doesn’t happen anymore.

I remember and I mourn, but the tears no longer flow unexpectedly and unabashedly.

I’ve chocked that up to the waves and succession of grief. Or perhaps I’m just growing and moving toward living life to its fullest. (Whatever that may be.)

Until this morning. When I found myself inexplicably crying, or maybe it wasn’t so inexplicable at all. I’m still hurting; I probably always will be on some level.

It’s just that it’s not my daily routine anymore.

And in some ways, that hurts more than the tears ever could.

While I’m still saying goodbye to the big things, I’m no longer parting ways with the mundane. That’s been done. Sigh.

I think at first you cry so often because you are saying goodbye to so many things.

Every. Thing. (If we are being honest.)

Meals together. Sleeping together. Texting. Talking. Laughing. Bickering. Sharing silly moments. Sharing the most important moments. Planning for the future. Counting on the future. And then, it is gone.

Every moment is a goodbye. And saying goodbye to the mundane hurts more than I could ever express.

Because after the loss, after you understand, you realize life will never be mundane again because you couldn’t allow it to be. You’ve lost the ability to live mundane.

You know it all matters—every second of it.

Every smile. Every frown. Every joke. Every story. Every hello.

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

Every goodbye. Every day. Every night. Every “goodnight.”

You’ll never take any of that for granted, and the tears did that for you. In that way, they were a gift—a salty, mascara-smearing gift.

A cleansing, because they gave you clarity. Clarity of thought. Clarity of belief. Clarity of what you see in the mirror and what you see in the world that sits beyond the mirror.

It’s like life—before—was a blur.

You thought the sky was blue, the stop sign was red, the sun was yellow and the light at the intersection was green, but now you know for sure.

None of it is for sure. None of it is set in stone.

It can all change in an instant. Or in a lifetime. Or maybe a little of both.

And at first you cry about that, and then later, you still cry, but not as much and you realize that as much as it hurt (and still hurts and always will hurt), it also happened to push you forward in stupid ways you never would have wanted, but here they are and you might as well embrace them because they are what you have.

Sometimes all you have. Well, besides the tears. But you can’t even count on them anymore.

And on most days, that’s a positive thing. It’s a good thing. Even a really good thing.

Most days. But today, I cried. And that’s okay, too.

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.

Pretrial Success Act: A $15 million investment in our communities’ renaissance

By Bradley Bullock

Last September, Illinois embarked on a trailblazing journey toward justice by enacting the Pretrial Fairness Act, making it the first state in the nation to eliminate money bail.

The law’s smooth and successful implementation has ensured that more people are now able to return to their communities while awaiting trial. That means more people are maintaining employment, housing and connections with loved ones, which makes us all safer.

Illinois is now poised to take another bold step forward, with the Pretrial Success Act, introduced by state Sen. Elgie Sims and state Rep. Maurice West. This legislation builds upon the Pretrial Fairness Act by constructing a support system for people awaiting trial in the community, with a proposed $15 million investment designed to expand access to health and human services.

These resources will help increase court appearance rates by addressing practical barriers such as transportation and child care, and will also improve community safety by expanding access to case management, mental health care, and substance use treatment.

These services are not just crucial for individuals’ ability to engage in their defense, but are instrumental in addressing the root causes of harm and violence.

By focusing on underlying challenges that might have brought someone into contact with law enforcement, the Pretrial Success Act is poised to help minimize future legal system encounters, creating a more preventative rather than punitive

approach to justice.

Sims’ and West’s legislation will transform lives and communities. By prioritizing investment in our state’s most marginalized neighborhoods — those most affected by the injustices of the money bond system — the lawmakers aim to help rebuild communities.

At the heart of the Success Act is a commitment to empowering community-based organizations. While it’s important to acknowledge that the $15 million allocated by the act won’t fully address the need for services, it represents a significant step toward better resource accessibility within our communities.

This funding will empower case managers to tailor their support to meet individuals’ specific needs in their unique circumstances. A perfect example of such support is the Specialized Case Management program offered by Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC), which is designed to guide individuals through challenging times by addressing their immediate needs and fostering a supportive partnership.

The Pretrial Success Act will facilitate organizations like TASC in extending this kind of personalized assistance to more Illinois residents, helping them navigate their lives positively while awaiting trial at home.

Historically, the money bond system extracted millions of dollars from Illinois’ most marginalized neighborhoods, amplifying cycles of poverty and instability. The Pretrial Success Act represents a significant shift. By funding services that address the root causes of harm and violence, the bill promises not only to reduce pretrial detention rates, but also to foster a holistic healing and strengthening of communities most

impacted by systemic inequities.

Providing individuals with the resources they need to address underlying challenges contributes to a safer, more stable environment for everyone. When people receive support for mental health issues or substance use, they are less likely to re-engage with the criminal justice system, thereby reducing the cycle of crime and incarceration.

For instance, programs like those offered by Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC) have shown promising outcomes in reducing recidivism; participants in such programs were 44 percent less likely to return to prison within three years compared to similar individuals who did not receive these services.

The path toward safer communities and a fairer justice system is paved with support, not detention. Now is the moment for Illinois to lead once again by example. The Pretrial Success Act is our chance to financially invest in a healthy, safe, and more just society, to demonstrate that we are committed to the wellbeing of all our citizens, regardless of their circumstances. This is a perfect opportunity to advance pretrial justice to ensure that our justice system is a source of support and not a barrier to progress.

Bradley Bullock is the director of adult criminal justice and treatment services at TASC. He oversees TASC’s statewide adult criminal justice services, from pre-arrest diversion through court and probation. In recovery from addiction since 1988, Bullock sits on many communitybased committees and is a strong advocate for individuals and families affected by justice involvement, substance use disorders, and mental health conditions.

Pre-trial release denied for Crest Hill man accused of murder in Woodridge

DuPage Coun-

ty State’s Attorney

Robert Berlin and Woodridge Acting Chief of Police

Tom Stefanson announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Crest Hill man accused of murdering Ed Lewis in Woodridge last month.

Gevon Anderson, 22, appeared in court on May 1, and was charged with one count of first-degree murder.

On April 23, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Woodridge police officers responded to a call in the area of the 2000 block of Country Club Drive regarding a male who had been shot. Upon their arrival, officers found the victim, later identified as Ed Lewis, lying on the ground, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Lewis was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Authorities recovered three 9mm shell casings at the scene. Through the course of their investigation, which included speaking with multiple witnesses and reviewing surveillance video, authorities identified Anderson as a suspect.

It is alleged that Anderson and Lewis were together on Country Club Drive when Anderson shot Lewis multiple times. It is further alleged that after shooting Lewis, Anderson fled the scene in a black Nissan sedan.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. the next morning, officers with the MERIT Task Force, the Woodridge Police Department and the Romeoville Police Department executed a search warrant at Anderson’s home, where they recovered multiple firearms including two 9mm 3D printed “ghost guns,” one of which was loaded. Anderson was taken into custody at that time.

A DNA analysis conducted by the Illinois State Police Crime Laboratory on the spent shell casings recovered at the scene stated that “this analysis provides Very Strong Support for the proposition that Gevon Anderson is a contributor to the DNA profile.”

“First and foremost, I offer my sincere condolences to Ed’s family and friends and wish them strength as they navigate their lives with just the memory of Ed to see them through,” Berlin stated.

“I thank the Woodridge Police Department for their work in identifying the defendant in this case. When a horrible crime occurs, as in this case,

Elmhurst resident named Cook County Health’s Doctor of the Year

Cook County Health recently recognized Elmhurst’s Dr. Chantal Tinfang as the health system’s Doctor of the Year. Dr. Tinfang is a family medicine attending physician at Provident’s Sengstacke Health Center, located in Chicago’s south side. The center is one of Cook County Health’s busiest. Dr. Tinfang (right) is pictured with Dr. Claudia Fegan, Cook County Health’s chief medical officer (left). “Dr. Tinfang exemplifies the Cook County Health mission,” said Fegan. “She had dedicated her career to helping her patients get and stay healthy, developing long-lasting, impactful relationships along the way.” Dr. Tinfang grew up in Cameroon. After graduating high school in 1990, she was awarded a scholarship to study medicine in Germany. “I always wanted to help people and make them feel better,” Dr. Tinfang said. “I grew up in an environment where the health care system was underdeveloped. That experience inspired me to try and make a difference.” After finishing medical school, Dr. Tinfang chose to become a family medicine physician after seeing she could impact the health and lives of people at all ages, especially in underserved communities. She joined Cook County Health in 2009. “The best part of being a doctor is making people feel better, but I also love getting to teach people about disease prevention,” she said. Dr. Tinfang lives in Elmhurst with her family.

we are all very fortunate to have the DuPage Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team, or MERIT, at our disposal. The experience and expertise of MERIT members is second to none. Their efforts in this case are as an outstanding example of their dedication to public safety in DuPage County. I thank DuPage MERIT Major Crimes, DuPage MERIT SWAT, DuPage MERIT Forensic Investigations, the Romeoville Police Department, the Illinois State Police Crime Laboratory, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire-

arms and Explosives and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and collaborative efforts that allowed us to file charges against Mr. Anderson. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Louisa Nuckolls and Anthony Raimondi, for their work in securing charges against this defendant.”

“The men and women of the Woodridge Police Department offer our condolences to the family and friends of Ed Lewis on their loss,” Stefanson said. This is yet another example of a young life lost to sense-

less gun violence. I acknowledge the dedicated hard work of Woodridge Detectives and Tactical Officers as well as the Investigative Aide. I also acknowledge and thank members of MERIT Major Crimes, Forensic Investigations and Digital Forensics as well as State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their work in bringing the man allegedly responsible for this murder to justice.” Anderson’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 21, for arraignment in front of Judge Mia McPherson.

Gevon Anderson

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Don’t miss the Green Garden fair this Saturday at First Congregational UCC

Attention gardeners—from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 11, the First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) in Elmhurst is holding its annual Green Garden Fair. The church is located at 235 S. Kenilworth Ave.

If you preordered from the church’s 10th annual organic seedlings sale, you will be able to pick up your purchases at the fair. If you didn’t preorder, or wished you’d ordered more, the church will have plenty of additional plants for sale at the fair.

Plants make a great gift for Mom so stop and pick some out for her. Locally and organically grown herb and vegetable seedlings will be available. They are provided by Baas Greenhouses in Mokena. Annual flower seedlings will also be available for purchase. While not grown organically, the flowers are grown by We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, which provides job training and employment for the developmentally disabled.

New this year, rather than throwing out your dull, old garden tools, bring them to the fair. Drop them off with Custom Edge Sharpening, enjoy the fair and they will be sharpened while you wait.

You’ll also be able to buy native plants from Prairie Wind Natives, raw, local honey from City Bee Savers, bird seed ornaments from Caroline’s Birdie Tweets and stepping stones from Jan. Sustain DuPage will be passing out free bean seeds and numerous other exhibitors will be on hand to help you learn how to live more sustainably, particularly as it relates to your garden. The University of Illinois Master Gardeners, the Elmhurst Garden Club and the Garden Works project will be there to answer your growing questions. You’ll be able to learn how to support our pollinators by visiting with the DuPage Monarch Project. Hear what local environmental groups, such as the Citizens Climate Lobby, the Sierra Club, the Elmhurst Bicycle Club, the Climate Reality Project and the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition are doing. The city of Elmhurst will also be represented to promote rain barrels, the WaterSmart Program, curbside composting, recycling do’s and don’ts and our cost sharing programs.

All proceeds from the fair will benefit church ministries.

For more information, visit the church’s website: https://elmhurstucc.org/

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

The First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elmhurst is holding its annual Green Garden Fair this Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to noon. The church is located at 235 S. Kenilworth Ave., at the southeast corner of Kenilworth and Church Street.

Above the crowd

Enjoy the silence while it lasts: Cicadas are coming

If you haven’t heard the buzz, you will soon. Billions of periodical cicadas are coming, and University of Illinois Extension is sharing information to help track their moves before emergence.

“Historically speaking, 2024 is a big year for periodical cicadas in Illinois,” says Ken Johnson, Extension horticulture educator serving Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan, and Scott counties.

Periodical cicada broods XIII and XIX will be emerging throughout much of the state at the same time. Although exact times and locations will be varied, there will be cicadas.

“The simultaneous emergence of these broods is the first time since 1803, and it will not happen again until 2245,” says Johnson. “It’s an exciting time for those who enjoy insects and natural phenomena.”

Although cicadas do not pose a threat to humans or pets, they will be

Learn

heard. It may get loud depending on the geographic location and the number of cicadas around. According to the National Institutes of Health, calls of male cicadas can reach over 90 decibels, which is as loud as a lawnmower, motorcycle, or tractor.

Where are the cicadas now?

Many people ask and wonder where the cicadas are before these billions arrive. The broods are underground, feeding and preparing to emerge when the conditions are right. What are they waiting on? Soil temperatures. Consistent soil temperature is one vital component to kicking off the massive emergence.

As of mid-April, Johnson reports that periodical cicadas have begun digging holes in the soil in Jacksonville, located in central Illinois. While miles away in North and South Carolina, there are current reports of cicadas beginning to emerge.

how to grow a school or community garden

When green spaces fill schoolyards and neighborhoods with flowers and fresh produce, children and communities thrive. But the journey from the idea of starting a community or schoolbased garden to planting one that is built to last is long.

What funding sources are available? Where do you plant it? Who takes care of it?

Take the first step in your gardening journey by joining the School and Community Garden Gardens selfpaced online training with University of Illinois Extension. For more than 100 years, Illinois Extension’s county-based gardening experts have been a go-to resource for home growers across the state who visit, call, and email their local county Extension office.

“Over the years, we’ve had so many questions from communities and educators wanting to start gardens that we knew we needed to build a tool that integrates expert knowledge from not only Extension’s team of gardening professionals but also our nutrition and food safety colleagues,” said Nancy Kreith, an Extension horticulture educator in Cook County who helped develop the course.

School gardens are living laboratories that support the Next Generation Science Standards. Research shows that students who garden do better in school and are more likely to eat vegetables. Growing their own food helps students build skills and gives them access to hands-on learning experiences, all while they are physically active and connected with nature.

“Gardening firsthand is a life-changing experience that helps build community around healthy food, especially during the summer months,” said Dale Kehr, an Extension SNAP-Ed educator for Lake and McHenry counties who provided food and nutrition resources for the program. “We have seen schools continue on year after year feeding the community or a local food pantry after applying what they learned in this program.”

The course materials are based on

“Periodical cicadas will begin digging holes to the surface a few weeks before they emerge from the ground,” says Johnson. “They’ll wait underground until soil temperatures, 7 to 8 inches deep, reach 64 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point, they’ll emerge and molt into adults.”

Are you looking to track the cicada soil conditions near you? University of Illinois State Water Survey at

the Prairie Research Institute’s Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring Program, WARM, has a soil temperature tool that is searchable by location and available by creating a free account. The tool tracks temperatures typically used for farming, gardening, and now Cicada Watch 2024. For more on cicadas and what to expect when they emerge through-

Worship

research and were developed over several years with input from Extension and university experts in gardening, nutrition and wellness, SNAP-Ed, 4-H Youth Development, and natural resources.

The program is a resource for teachers and school administrators, but those interested in starting a community garden will also find valuable tools and insights. First, the course focuses on the logistics of getting support from community stakeholders, school administrators, maintenance staff, and parents as well as budgeting and funding opportunities such as grants. Then, it explores how to plan the garden plot, prepare the soil, plant, and provide maintenance, allowing teachers to dig in and learn alongside their students. Finally, it covers how to safely harvest and cook with fresh produce.

“Educators who take this course will join a community of teachers across Illinois working to build their own school gardens,” said Chris Enroth, horticulture educator serving the west central Illinois counties of Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren. “Our online forums allow you to ask questions and share ideas with your fellow teachers and our horticulture experts.”

The course is $15 and can be accessed at any time from a desktop computer or mobile device. Participants continue to have access to course materials after completion, and they can communicate with other growers around the state in a question-and-answer forum. Sign up for the course at go.illinois.edu/SchoolGardenCourse. For more information, connect with your local county Extension office at go.illinois.edu/ExtensionOffice.

For questions or if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in this program, contact Horticulture Educator Ryan Pankau at rcpankau@ illinois.edu or 217-333-7672. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.

Sources: Extension Educators Ryan Pankau, horticulture, and Dale Kehr, SNAP-Ed.

out Illinois in May and June, visit extension.illinois.edu/insects/cicadas. Download Extension’s Cicada Broods infosheet, which is available at go.illinois.edu/Cicadas24.

Source/writer: Ken Johnson, horticulture educator, Illinois Extension Writer/editor: Jenna Braasch, media communications coordinator, Illinois Extension

Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM

Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM

547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435 Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am

“The Crucial Hours”

Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022

Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26

Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm Saturday, May 25 Game Night at 4 pm

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4

Everyone is Welcome! All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org

Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022

Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18

Fifth Lenten Service March 30, 2022

Rev. Tom Nicholson “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12

Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022

Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66

Confessions: Saturday: 3�3:45PM Sunday: 5�5:45 PM Adoration:

The Monsters of Wilder

Surrounded by teen volunteers, Olivia got to meet one of the “Monsters” in Wilder Park on Sunday, May 5 at Art in Wilder Park. She remained brave.

ECPA comes to Art in the Park

The Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) had a booth at Art in Wilder Park over the weekend. Here are three volunteers from York High School (from left): Saveen Shah, Lauren Gunn and Lucy Killik, along with ECPA official Jenn Guistolise.

Taste of the Town: Dining for a Cause coming May 16

United Community Concerns Association will host the 7th annual, Taste of the Town: Dining for a Cause, an Elmhurst food and drink experience, on May 16, 2024, from 6:00-10:00 p.m. at Wilder Mansion.

“This year’s event is even more important than ever. We have seen unprecedented need from District 205 families this year with the number being served growing over 26 percent from this time last year,” said Shari Haug, UCCA president.

The evening will showcase food, wine, and beer tastings from 17 Elmhurst businesses and live music.

Proceeds from Taste of the Town: Dining for a Cause will benefit UCCA, an all-volunteer, not-forprofit organization that fights hunger by providing food, referrals, and services to Elmhurst District 205’s most financially disadvantaged children and their families. Last year UCCA provided more than $184,322 in food and grocery store gift cards to 290 families and 84 senior citizens.

Tickets are $75 per person in advance / $80 at the door. Visit ucca-elmhurst.org to purchase tickets online or send payment to UCCA, P.O. Box 324, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

Tree Climbing Championship

May 18, 19 at St. James Farm

Professional tree climbers will be competing for the title of “Best Climber” in the Illinois Arborist Association Annual Tree Climbing Competition in partnership with the DuPage County Forest Preserves on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. James Farm in Warrenville.

This unique event will showcase the skills of 30 competitors as they maneuver in the trees. Climbers will perform five different preliminary events that start at 8:30 a.m. Each event tests a competitor’s ability to quickly, professionally, and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree-care tasks.

Since 1984, this tree climbing competition has been run throughout Illinois and was designed by the International Society of Arboriculture to simulate working conditions of those arborists who work in the field.

Utilizing the highest level of professional skills and safety, the events provide a competitive learning en-

vironment for those working in the industry.

The three climbers who score the highest during the preliminary competition will compete in the Masters’ Challenge. The Masters’ Challenge will be held on Sunday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to noon at the same location.

The male and female winners of this challenge will be named the Chapter Champions and will earn the honor of representing the Illinois Chapter at the International Tree Climbing Championships (ITCC) in Atlanta, GA in 2024.

This admission free event is open to the public and includes a Kids’ Climb, Arbor Fair, food and more, creating a fun-filled day for the entire family. For more information on the Illinois Chapter Tree Climbing Competition visit the chapter website at http://www.illinoisarborist.org.

cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Exercise can also help people with diabetes keep it under control. That reduces the risk of complications, including diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of vision loss among working age adults. Annual eye exams are also an important part of your overall health. Whether you’re an existing patient of ours, or are looking for an eye doctor, SKOWRON EYE CARE welcomes your call. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision.

P.S. Exercising a minimum of three times a week can reduce your risk of glaucoma by 25 percent and your risk of wet age-related macular degeneration by 70 percent.

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Sport S

York girls badminton team wins sectional title

Dukes qualify maximum six players for this weekend’s state finals

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York girls badminton team maxed out its state finals allotment. The Dukes qualified the maximum six players for state in winning the York sectional team title. York won the sectional championship in convincing fashion with 16 points. Lyons Township and Waubonsie Valley tied for a distant second with 7.5 points each.

York competes Friday and Saturday at the state badminton finals at DeKalb High School. At the York sectional, Dukes senior Delaney Butterly took second in the singles division and advanced to state, as did teammate Mia Koenigsberger, a junior, who took fourth.

Butterly, the third seed in the singles sectional field, won her first match against Morton 21-8, 21-2, won her second match against Waubonsie Valley by a 21-11, 21-7 count, downed Lyons Township 21-11, 21-9 in the semifinals and lost to Waubonsie Valley’s Tisha Dubey 21-9, 21-10 in the title match.

Koenigsberger defeated Oak Park-River Forest 21-12, 21-3 in her opener, lost to Dubey 21-17, 21-9 in the second round, defeated East Aurora 21-3, 21-9 in her next match and then scored a 21-18, 21-11 win over Wheaton-Warrenville South and a 21-14, 21-19 win over No. 4 sectional seed Lyons Township before losing to Wheaton-Warrenville South’s other player 21-10, 15-21, 24-22 in the third-place match.

York also qualified both its doubles teams for state with seniors Lindsey White and Ella Glosner finishing first and seniors Cate Fennell and Caroline Fischer taking second. White

and Glosner, the No. 1 sectional seed, defeated Wheaton-Warrenville South 21-8, 21-3 and downed No. 4 sectional seed Lyons Township 219, 21-4 before defeating teammates Fennell and Fischer 21-12, 21-9 for the title.

Fennell and Fischer defeated Morton 21-8, 21-7, downed No. 2 sectional seed Waubonsie Valley 2119, 18-21, 24-22 and defeated No. 3 sectional seed Oak Park-River Forest 21-8, 18-21, 21-16 before facing White and Glosner for the doubles title.

Earlier, York took second at the West Suburban Conference meet. In the singles division, White won a conference title at No. 3 singles, while Clare Hewitt won at No. 6 singles and Maddie Mauck won at No. 8 singles. Koenigsberger took second at No. 2 singles, while Glosner was second at No. 4 singles. Fennell was second at fifth singles, while Adriana Kolenda was second at No. 8 singles. Butterly took third at No. 1 singles, while Fischer was third at No. 9 singles. Courtney Yang was third at No. 10 singles. Butterly and Hewitt took first at No. 3 doubles, while Koenigsberger and Yang took first at No. 4 doubles and Kolenda and Mauck won the No. 5 doubles conference title. White and Glosner took second at No. 1 doubles, while Fischer and Fennell took second at No. 2 doubles.

York finished the regular season 13-4 overall in dual meets and 4-1 in WSC Silver Division play with wins over Downers Grove North (15-0), Lyons Township (14-1), Glenbard West (15-0) and Oak Park-River Forest (14-1), and an 8-7 loss to Hinsdale Central. York also recorded

non-conference wins against Naperville Central (14-1), Downers Grove South (15-0), Vernon Hills (12-3), Willowbrook (8-0), Glenbard South (8-0), Wheaton-Warrenville South (8-0), Buffalo Grove (8-0), Libertyville (8-0) and New Trier (7-1), while losing to Stevenson (8-0), Fremd (8-0) and Neuqua Valley (4-2).

York also won the six-team Maine South invitational, won the six-team York invitational, won the 16-team New Trier Featherfest invitational and took third at the Glenbard East invitational. “We look forward to competing at state at DeKalb,” York coach Gena Fite said. “Even at this high level of competition, we continue to find things to work on and become stronger and even more competitive.”

York girls soccer team continues season-long stampede

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Soccer teams that score goals and don’t allow too many, tend to fare quite well. Count the York girls soccer team in that category and then some.

After a recent 9-0 West Suburban Conference Silver Division win over Proviso West, York had scored 63 goals in 16 games, while allowing only four. All of York’s wins this season have come via shutout.

The win against Proviso West pushed York to 14-1-1 overall and 5-0 in West Suburban Silver action. York played on the road earlier this week at Lyons Township where the WSC Silver title was on the line. Both teams entered play with 5-0 conference records. Lyons went into that game having scored 60 goals in 19

games and allowing 10.

In a recent 2-0 WSC Silver win against Hinsdale Central, Maggie Quinn had a goal and an assist, while Hannah Meyers had a goal. Michaela Quinn had an assist on her sister’s goal. Reilly Costello played all 80 minutes in goal and earned the clean sheet.

In a 3-0 win over Oswego at the Naperville invitational, Michaela Quinn had two goals, while Cate Carter had a goal and an assist. Sophia Musial and Meyers each had an assist. Through 15 games, Michaela Quinn was leading the team with 12 goals and 12 assists. Musial had 11 goals and 16 assists, while Meyers had 11 goals and six assists. Stella Kohl had five goals and one assist, while Tatum Mailander had three goals and four assists.

“The team has continued to be clinical in front of the goal by finishing chances and winning games,” York coach Stevan Dobric said. “Everyone from the goalkeeper up to the forwards has done a great job at creating chances for the team to capitalize on. Creating chances and finishing them is why we play the game.”

Dobric noted Maggie Quinn and Adriana Soupos have returned from injuries at the halfway point of the season, “and have made a major impact on our team,” he said. “Maggie was a huge part of our win against Hinsdale, getting a goal and an assist.”

Dobric also lauded the recent efforts of Michaela Quinn and Kohl. “Michaela has been very effective in the final-third creating and finishing chances all season,” he said. “Stella

does an excellent job winning 50-50s and building in transition for our team.” Michaela Quinn and Kohl were recently named to the Ed Watson Naperville invitational all-tournament team. With the win against Proviso West, York is now averaging 3.9 goals scored per game while allowing only 0.25 goals per contest. York earned the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Class 3A Hinsdale Central sectional. The Dukes open postseason play Wednesday, May 15 against either No. 17 seed Proviso East or No. 16 seed Chicago Kenwood. If York wins that game, it will play either No. 8 Downers Grove South or No. 9 Morton for the Class 3A Morton regional title in Berwyn on Friday, May 17 at 6 p.m. Lyons Township (2), Hinsdale Central (3) and Fenwick (4) are the top-four seeds in the sectional.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

The York girls badminton team recently won its own York sectional team title. In doing so, York qualified the maximum six players for this weekend’s state finals meet at DeKalb High School. York qualified singles players Delaney Butterly and Mia Koenigsberger and the doubles teams of Lindsey White and Ella Glosner, and Cate Fennell and Caroline Fischer.

IC Catholic Prep softball team grabs share of GCAC White title

Knights also hit

20-win barrier in win against Trinity

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

In its first year in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference, the IC Catholic Prep softball team has made quite the splash. The Knights defeated River Forest Trinity 9-5 to earn a share of the GCAC White Division title with Aurora Central Catholic. Both teams finished with 10-2 records. The win also moved ICCP to 20-3 overall on the season.

In the win against Trinity, the Knights led 5-0 after two innings and pounded out 17 hits. Analisa Raffaelli went 3-for-4 with three runs scored a double, a home run and an RBI.

Maddy Dinino went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Ariani Zito was 3-for-3 with two runs scored, two doubles and two RBI. Raffaelli had two stolen bases, as did Zito. ICCP stole seven bases in the game. Dinino was the winning pitcher. She allowed one earned run over seven innings and struck out six, while walking only one.

In earlier action, the Knights lost a 3-2 non-conference game to neighbor York. The Dukes led 2-1 after the first inning and the game was tied 2-2 after two innings. York scored the eventual winning run in the fifth inning. Raffaelli went 2-for-2 with a run scored, a double and an RBI. Lexi Russ, a freshman, went 1-for3 with an RBI. Zito allowed two earned runs in six innings and struck out seven.

In an 11-3 non-conference win over Walther Christian, the Knights led 11-0 heading into the third inning. ICCP had 10 hits. Zoe McMillen went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a homer and three RBI. Sophomore Aniella Talluto went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Sophomore Emily Kramer went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Sophomore Lexi Hoffman went

1-for-3 with an RBI, while freshman Sophie Schaeffer was 1-for-1 with a run scored and an RBI. Junior Isabella Jelic went 1-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI and junior Margaret Berigan was 1-for-2 with an RBI. Raffaelli had two stolen bases. Kayla Carrillo, Talluto and AJ Dwyer combined to strike out seven in the circle.

ICCP also defeated Glenbard South 11-1 in a non-conference game thanks to a 10-run fifth inning. The Knights had 10 hits. Raffaelli went 2-for-3 with three runs scored, a double, a homer and an RBI. Russ went 3-for-3 with two runs scored, a double and two RBI. Dwyer went 2-for-3 with a run scored, a home run and four RBI. Dinino was the winning pitcher. She struck out three and allowed five hits in five innings of work.

The Knights started last week with a key 18-8 GCAC White win over Aurora Central Catholic. ICCP had lost to ACC earlier in the season. ACC led 4-0 after the first inning, but a six-run fourth put ICCP up 8-4. The Knights piled on five runs in the sixth and five more in the seventh. ICCP pounded out 18 hits.

Raffaelli went 3-for-4 with four runs scored, a double and four RBI. Russ went 5-for-5 with two runs scored, a double and three RBI. Dwyer went 3-for-5 with a run scored, a double and two RBI. Freshman Kelly Cahill went 3-for-5 with two runs scored, a double and three RBI. Zito went 2-for-6 with two runs scored, a triple and an RBI.

U12 baseball action

Anthony Bucolo fires a pitch during a recent U12 baseball game.

ICCP’s sixth through ninth batters in the lineup went 13-for-21 with seven runs scored, nine RBI and four extra-base hits. ICCP also took advantage of eight walks, two hit batters and five ACC errors. Zito was the winning pitcher in relief. She allowed one earned run over the final

six innings. Through late last week, Raffaelli was hitting .632 with 48 hits in 76 at-bats to go with 50 runs scored, 10 doubles, four triples, 10 homers and 30 RBI. She also has set a new school record with 50 stolen bases. Russ was hitting .536 with 45 hits in 84 at-bats, including 11 doubles, one home run and 29 RBI. She’s scored 26 runs.

Dwyer was hitting .442 with 34 hits in 77 at-bats, which includes 11 doubles, two triples five home runs and a team-high 36 RBI. Cahill was hitting .423 with 30 hits in 71 at-bats, including four doubles and 18 RBI. Dinino was hitting .414 with 29 hits in 70 at-bats with seven doubles, one triple, one home run and 25 RBI. Zito was hitting .390 with 32 hits in 82 at-bats. She’s scored 32 runs and has six doubles, two triples, one homer and 19 RBI. McMillen was batting .354 with 28 hits in 79 atbats with five doubles, three triples, two homers and 16 RBI to go with 24 runs scored. Carrillo was hitting .343 with 24 hits in 70 at-bats with a

double, two triples and 12 RBI. ICCP was hitting .419 as a team after the Trinity win.

Raffaelli has struck out only twice in 97 plate appearances and has a .711 on-base percentage (10 walks, 11 hit by pitch). Zito also has 22 stolen bases, while Russ has 12. Dinino was 12-1 in the circle through late last week with 45 strikeouts in 91 1/3 innings of work. Zito was 7-1 with 25 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings.

ICCP coach Frank Reaber said one big improvement with his team of late has been quickly erasing any miscues that occur during the game. “We have had some rough innings where errors got the best of us,” he said. “However, the girls go back out on the field the next inning and don’t take whatever mistakes may have occurred back out with them. They go out with the mentality of win the inning, and we can see it happening when they come back at the end of games.”

ICCP is a No. 1 seed in its own Class 2A ICCP regional at Plunkett Athletic Complex. The Knights open

Class 2A postseason play Tuesday, May 14 against either No. 9 Chicago Noble/Rowe-Clark or No. 8 Chicago Our Lady of Tepeyac. The winner faces either No. 4 Chicago Academy or No. 6 Chicago Cristo Rey Jesuit for the regional title Saturday, May 18 at 10 a.m. at Plunkett.

ICCP is also hosting a Class 2A sectional the week of May 20. The other No. 1 seed in the sectional is Timothy Christian, which is also hosting a regional next week and already has advanced, due to forfeit, to the regional final Friday, May 17 against either No. 4 Chicago Horizon/McKinley or No. 5 Chicago Phillips. Chicago Acero/Soto (No. 2 seed) is the highest seed in the Lisle regional that feeds into ICCP, while Chicago Rickover Naval Academy (No. 2 seed) is the highest seed in the Rickover regional that will be played at Chicago Clemente next week. The ICCP sectional winner feeds into the Benedictine University supersectional where the winner of the Marengo sectional will await on Memorial Day.

baseball team

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian baseball team is turning the corner at the right time of the season. The Trojans, with the Class 2A state playoffs fast approaching, reeled off four recent wins in a row to push their overall record to 9-9 through 18 games. Timothy also was 3-4 in Chicagoland Christian Conference play through its first seven league contests.

Timothy recorded an 11-7 CCC win against Bishop McNamara and then followed it up two days later with a close 4-3 non-conference win against Yorkville Christian. The Trojans were 9-5 non-conference winners over Chicago Latin School and then notched an 11-5 CCC victory over Aurora Chris-

tian.

During those four games, Jake Armstrong hit .583 with seven hits in 12 at-bats. Casey Folkerts hit .438 with seven hits in 16 at-bats. Coach Frank Romano noted freshman Johnny Tragos made his varsity debut in the Yorkville contest and pitched six innings while allowing only one earned run, while striking out four.

Romano also was thrilled with how the Trojans responded to adversity in the conference win against Kankakee-based Bishop McNamara. Timothy trailed 7-1 in the third inning at home but came back to outscore Bishop Mac 10-3 the rest of the way behind the strong pitching of Folkerts out of the bullpen. He went five innings in relief and struck out 12 while allowing

no runs. “We rallied behind the masterful pitching performance by Casey,” Romano said.

Through 18 games, Folkerts was leading the team in hitting at. 383, hits with 23 and RBI with 16. Armstrong was leading the team in runs scored (18) and was hitting .339 with 20 hits and 14 RBI. “Casey and Jake have been leading the offensive charge,” Romano said. “Their four years of varsity experience is showing.” Luke Canada was leading the team in stolen bases with eight and walks with a robust 13. Alex Keizer was leading the team in extra-base hits with six (5 doubles, 1 triple).

On the hill, Christian Vanderveen was leading the team in innings pitched (28 2/3) and strikeouts (37), while logging a 2.19 ERA. “Christian has been dominating on the mound for us this year,” Romano said. “Lots of hard work and offseason training has led him to big success and improvement this season.”

Defense also has been an improved strength for the Trojans, Romano noted. “We have gotten better at defense as of late, which powered this fourgame winning streak,” he said.

Timothy Christian has been bumped up to Class 3A for the postseason this year. The Trojans will be part of the Class 3A Sycamore sectional and will be part of sub-sectional B with the likes of Marmion, Fenton, Glenbard South, Benet Academy, Montini, Kaneland, Wheaton Academy and Wheaton St. Francis. Pairings for classes 3A and 4A will be released later this week.

“We are extremely grateful to our God, Jesus Christ, for letting us play the great game of baseball,” Romano said.

Community calendar

Pick of the week:

UCCA

Taste of the Town

Next Thursday, May 16 from 6-10 p.m., United Community Concerns Association (UCCA) will hold Taste of the Town: Dining for a Cause, an Elmhurst food and drink experience, at Wilder Mansion. The evening will showcase food, wine, and beer tastings from 17 Elmhurst businesses and live music. Proceeds from the event will benefit UCCA, an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization that fights hunger by providing food, referrals, and services to Elmhurst District 205’s most financially disadvantaged children and their families. Tickets are $75 in advance and $80 at the door and can be purchased online at ucca-elmhurst.org or by mail at UCCA, Box 324, Elmhurst, 60126. Visit ucca-elmhurst.org for more details.

Friday, May 10

Beginning at 7 p.m., Elmhurst University is holding its first-ever student film festival in Schaible Science Center on the university campus. Films will be screened, followed by awards. Films are less than 20 minutes long, covering genres from comedy to horror, in forms from traditional shorts to music videos and animation. Free and open to the public. For tickets and info: eufilmclub. sixsite.com/eufilmfest.

• At 7 p.m., there will be a fundraiser held at the Elmhurst American Legion THB #187, featuring the local band, Lake Effect. Tickets are $10 each. Fish Fry will also be held in the lounge (pay separately).

Saturday, May 11

From 9 a.m. to noon, First Congregational UCC will hold its annual Green Garden Fair on the church

grounds at 235 S. Kenilworth. Pre-ordered seedlings will be available for pick up. Additional organic vegetable, herb and flower seedlings will be available for purchase. Learn how to live more sustainably from a variety of “green” exhibitors. New this year: Bring your garden tools, knives and scissors and Custom Edge Sharpening will sharpen them while you wait. Also, Prairie Wind Natives will be selling native plants. Info: elmhurstucc@sbcglobal.net.

Saturday, May 18

• From 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Crestview Garden Club is hosting its 44th annual plant sale with more than 1,200 plant offerings including sun and shade perennials, herbs, ground covers, natives, shrubs, vines and houseplants with a focus on plants that attract pollinators. A portion of the sales will be used to support local

Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital continues Leapfrog straight-A streak

Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital has maintained its straight-A streak in The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades with an A in the Spring 2024 edition. Elmhurst Hospital is one of only 15 hospitals in the country and three in Illinois to receive an A in every grading period since the program began in spring 2012.

Four other hospitals in the Endeavor Health system earned A grades from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care: Evanston Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital, Highland Park Hospital and Northwest Community Hospital.

“As an organization, we are working hard to prioritize clinical consistency system-wide which is best achieved by observing and sharing leading practices across our system,” says Lakshmi Halasyamani, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, Endeavor Health.

“The Leapfrog grades are a testament to the dedication and commitment of our nurses, physicians and care teams to bring our vision of safe, seamless and personal care to life.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in

community projects. Onsite vendors will include a beekeeper with honey and wind chimes. Personal checks, cash and major credit cards will be accepted. The sale will take place at The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace, 511 S. York Street (York St. and the Prairie Path).

• Beginning with fun and festivities at 11:30 a.m., the 31st annual Spring Road Pet Parade, hosted by the Elmhurst Kiwanis Club, will take place starting at the Gazebo on the Prairie Path. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. Pets of all types and sizes are welcome. Prizes awarded for Best Dressed, Most Obedient, etc. Cash-only concessions; raffle tickets with proceeds to area animal shelters. Goodie bags for the first 100 registered pets. Register at springroad.com/our-events.

Sunday, May 19

• Beginning at 12:15 p.m., SHE, the Single Mother’s Support Group will meet at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Rd. Complimentary for lunch,

free childcare (ages 0-12) and support from other single mothers. This is our last meeting for the season. Please RSVP to elmhurstcrc.org/she.

• From 2-3 p.m., the Elmhurst History Museum will host The Windy City at War: Chicago’s Homefront 1941-45 in the Education Center. Free for members, $5 for non-members. After the Great Depression and the attack on Pearl Harbor, it was impossible to escape the impact of WWII. Residents of the Chicago area sustained the effort to win the war, enduring food and gas rationing, buying war bonds and planting Victory gardens. They produced much needed war equipment, fed military personnel, and even took part in secret war-related projects. Join Dennis Doyle, professor of history at Joliet Junior College for an examination of the efforts of the people of Chicago and the suburbs and the impact of the war on them. Info: elmhursthistory.org.

Sunday, May 26

At 10 a.m., First Congregational

UCC, 235 S. Kenilworth Ave., invites the public to come and hear a musical tribute to our fallen American heroes. The deceased will be recognized, the chancel choir will offer special music. The offering that morning will be donated to K9s for Veterans. All are welcome. Info: elmhurstucc@sbcglobal.net.

Thursday, June 6

At 7 p.m., the ECPA presents ‘An Intimate Evening with Third Coast Percussion’ at Stage 119 in downtown Elmhurst. Evening will feature students from York and Timothy Christian high schools. For tickets and information, visit ecpa-elmhurst.org or call 224-2837889.

Elmhurst History Museum

Now through Aug. 18, the History Museum presents Victory at Home: 1941-1945. Admission to the Museum is always free, although some events carry a fee. Info: elmhursthistory.org.

the fall and spring.

“Maintaining this level of safety year after year is an indication to our community that there is no safer place for their healthcare than Elmhurst Hospital,” says Kimberley Darey, MD, President, Elmhurst Hospital. “We are thrilled to extend our straight-A streak and proud to be among the few hospitals remaining on the straight-A list.”

Elmhurst Hospital’s extension of its Leapfrog straight-A streak is one of several honors, awards and recognitions related to quality and safety Endeavor Health has achieved recently:

• In April, Fortune/PINC AI (Premier, Inc. AI) named Elmhurst Hospital to its 2024 list of 100 Top Hospitals in the U.S. Elmhurst Hospital is the only Chicago-area hospital and one of only two in Illinois to make the list. In 2023, Endeavor Health Edward Hospital was named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals for a sixth time.

• In 2023, Endeavor Health Edward, Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook and Highland Park Hospitals earned five stars in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings.

To see details of the Leapfrog grades for Endeavor Health’s hospitals, visit www.HospitalSafetyGrade.

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Burial Needs

7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.

Furniture

BURGUNDY LOVE SEAT FOR SALE, good condition, asking $100. 630-674-5201

Misc. For Sale

8 QUILTS FOR SALE, for more information, please call 630-8325730

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 1-900669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Houses/Town/ Condos

Business & Service

CUSTOM CONCRETE

Residential

Residential driveways, patios, walkways. Stamped and colored

Reliable Handyman

NEW LOCATION ~ 101 ANNIVERSARY

Friday, May 10th-Thursday, May 23rd

Factory and Warehouse Hours: Monday to Friday 7 am to 1 pm and by appointment

Dear Esteemed Clients

We are still in business after 101 years, We welcome you all to our grand re-opening as we moved into my nephew and Godson’s “State of the Art” furniture manufacturing factory at 2150 Madison Street, Bellwood. It’s good to be back in Bellwood! If you want thousands of items made they can certainly do it for you with extreme precision. If you need refinishing, repairs, or reupholstering we are still here to serve you! We also continue our amazing and highly recommended restoration of church pews in any of your places of worship. We have sold all of our carved wood upholstered living room sets and bedroom sets. However we still have our original complete dining room sets as well as living room coffee and end table sets at liquidation pricing along with our Capdimonte centerpieces and giftware. Our main goal is to liquidate the balance of our inventory and focus on refinishing, repairs, reupholstery and complete furniture restoration.

We truly hope to see you soon and say hello! All our best from the new expanded Montalbano family!

Best,

THE MONTALBANO FAMILY

P.S. We are located 3 blocks east of 25th Avenue and 2 blocks south of Washington Blvd. The entrance to the parking lot is by the large rock sign “Welcome to Bellwood”

MONTALBANO, INC.

2150 Madison Street

Bellwood, IL 60104 USA

Phone: (708) 409-5100

website: www.montalbanofurniture.com

e-mail: info@montalbanofurniture.com

• Furniture

• Refinishing

• Reupholstering

• Repairs

• Restored