January 2023 People & Places Newspaper

JANUARY 2023

Volume 13 Issue 1

Serving Leyden Township and Surrounding Communities

Since 2011

4303 N. Atlantic Avenue

Schiller Park, IL 60176

Phone: 847-260-5670

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MEMBER OF: Chamber by O’Hare and Melrose Park Chambers of Commerce

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OUR MISSION

People & Places Newspaper is dedicated to promoting local business and news. We want people informed, educated and entertained and aware about what’s going on in their own towns as well as surrounding communities. We want to help businesses succeed as well as supply news you can use and more!

YOUR INVOLVEMENT IS ESSENTIAL!

We need our readers to be our eyes and ears when it comes to local news and events. If you know of an event or hear of a story that you feel would be interesting to our readers, please let us know. We invite our readers to submit editorials, comments in our Open Forum, photos, news tips, questions and ideas. Call us at 847-260-5670 or email us at info@peopleandplacesnewspaper.com You can snail mail us also at 4303 N. Atlantic Ave, Schiller Park, IL 60176

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

Although we offer a free monthly newspaper, copies of the paper go quickly at the newsstand. Don’t risk missing a single issue and subscribe for the cost of covering postage and/or delivery. Fill out the subscription form located in every paper. $25 for one year $45 for two! Contact our subscription department with questions or problems with delivery. subscriptions@peopleandplacesnewspaper.com

HOW TO ADVERTISE

Our paper could not exist without our valued advertisers. We’re here to promote your business. Help us continue to provide local news and events by advertising in People & Places. Reasonable rates and great coverage! Contact Jeff Fiedler at 773-791-7907 or Anna or Wes Hessel at 773-202-6141

Publisher’s Message

It’s hard to let go. That may have a different meaning for different people. It could mean letting go of a grudge, a bad memory, a lost love, a car you love to drive but is on its last tire; but for me, it’s hard to let go of “stuff.”

With the New Year upon us and January being “Get Organized Month”, I’m looking around my house and trying to see what I can get rid of. The thought of my children having to go through all the, excuse my language, crap I have accumulating in different drawers, cabinets, closets, etc., when I pass is unsettling. Not that we have a cluttered home, but we do have a lot of stuff.

Knickknacks, pictures, clothes, vases (I don’t know why I keep those as I don’t get many deliveries of flowers.) Reminds me of that song, “You don’t bring me flowers anymore.” Okay, I’m off track, but you get the idea. Why keep things if we will never use them again, you haven’t worn, can’t fit into any longer, or you have no idea why on earth you bought it in the first place?

I no longer buy containers to put stuff in, because if I have to buy stuff to store stuff, I figured out I have too much stuff!

I look around and see things I’ve purchased over the years that I’ve spent thousands of dollars on, that I now sell at a garage sale or sell on line for a fraction of the original price, even offering free shipping! Or the items end up in our “giveaway” pile for someone else to collect. Amvets loves me.

Sometimes I wish I had a hand that slapped me on the side of the head every time I thought about buying something that I really didn’t need. I’d probably be a millionaire twice over by now.

I’ve read books on de-cluttering and many of them say to start with one room, or one drawer, or one closet and just take everything out and only put back what you REALLY need. The problem is, I convince myself that someday I will REALLY need whatever I’m holding in my hand. Desperately, I’ve tried.

Determining between needs and wants is a difficult concept for many of us. An insider tip; rather than decide what to get rid of, instead choose what to keep. Take everything out of a space, and then pretend your shopping. What would you buy again? Acquiring instead of giving up is psychologically much more rewarding.

I have files of old articles, jokes, past accomplishments, awards, that I just can’t seem to let go of. “Oh, maybe my grandchildren will like to read this” or “I can show my kids what it was like when I was growing up.” All the books say, “Your kids don’t want your stuff!”

And how about the stuff you use once a year for holidays or family parties; and if you give those things away, you go to reach for it and say, “I KNEW I’d need that someday!” Then you’re off to the store to buy another one kicking yourself for getting rid of it, plus paying twice as much as you originally spent.

Another suggestion that the books make is to take a picture of items you have a hard time letting go of and then give it away. Box it up, don’t think twice – out it goes! However, doing that can take some courage and strength; sometimes the feeling you get by just touching an article makes it an impossible process.

Downsizing can stir feelings of loss, sadness, longing, and grief. However, letting go is a healthy part of the cycle of life; Like a tree dropping its leaves to make room for new growth (and that doesn’t mean buying more stuff!) Once you get past the sentiment, nostalgia, the “someday I’m going to need this”, cleaning house helps you make room for renewal.

And isn’t that what the New Year is all about? Renewal? So, whatever you need to let go of, I hope the New Year gives you the courage to do so. Letting go can be a difficult skill to master, but it can bring a measure of peace and new beginnings. ***

Speaking of letting go, we lost our beloved dog Tips in December. He was 11 years old but had Cushings disease. In the end he was suffering (kidney failure, liver was shot), and we had to make the difficult decision to let him go. It broke our hearts because he was truly part of our family; my walking partner, my husband’s buddy. We will miss him dearly but are comforted knowing he’ll be “Waiting at the Door.” (See Memorial in our Classified Section.)

And another thing I have to let go of is my publisher’s picture that was taken some eleven years ago. As much as I’d like to say I still look like my old picture, time has taken a toll on my looks. So here’s a new one. A bit older and hopefully a lot wiser.

Here’s wishing you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2023 be your year for renewal and new beginnings. And as always, thank you for your continued support of our paper. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

PUBLISHER

Barbara J. Piltaver EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS/ AD DEVELOPMENT

Anna and Wes Hessel

Jeff Fiedler

JANUARY CALENDAR

Ongoing: SENIOR POLKA ASSOCIATION Join the Senior Polka Association (SPA). Yearly membership $10. Meets at the Lone Tree Manor, 7730 N. Milwaukee, Niles, first Tuesday of the month. Live polka music from 5-6 pm. There is a short meeting at 6 pm followed by cake, coffee and bingo. Join us for an enjoyable evening. For further info call Richard at 847-209-1385

Ongoing: ST. FRANCIS BORGIA QUEEN OF HEARTS RAFFLE Every Tuesday night at the Draft Bar located at 8221 W. Irving Park Road in Chicago. Tickets are $5 each (cash only). Tickets can be purchased after all the masses at the church and at the Draft bar. For more information call the school office at 773-589-1000 Current pot is over forty thousand dollars!

Ongoing: ST. FRANCIS BORGIA BINGO 3rd Saturday of Every Month. Doors Open at 5:30 pm. Bingo starts at 6:30 pm. Stokes Center, 8025 W. Addison, Chicago, IL. 773-589-1000. Concessions, Prizes, Raffles and Fun! $25 for 10 regular bingos and 2 specials. Prizes $100 for the regular bingo games and $250 for specials.

Ongoing: ST. EUGENE SCHOOL QUEEN OF HEARTS RAFFLE Every Wednesday 8:30 pm with Bingo before at 7 pm at Mullen’s Bar & Grill, 8313 W. Lawrence Ave in Norridge. 50/50 progressive raffle. Tickets $5 each Cash only. Proceeds benefit St. Eugene School. Tickets are available at the school office, rectory or at Mullen’s Bar and Grill any time.

Ongoing: SCHILLER PARK AUTUMN LEAVES CLUB Meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month at the SP Community Center, 4501 25th Avenue. Play Bingo, other games, events and activities. New members welcome. For further information contact Autumn Leaves President, JoAnn Michonski at 847-678-2452

Ongoing: ROTARY CLUB OF CHICAGO’O’HARE

Join us to find out more about Rotary. Luncheon meetings are held every Thursday at noon followed by an interesting speaker at The Great Escape, 9540 W. Irving Park Road, Schiller Park. Check the website rotarychicagoohare.org for more information on our club projects and upcoming speakers. Call Sylvia Jewgieniew (847-533-8053) to make your reservation. Your first lunch is complimentary.

Ongoing: NORTHLAKE KIWANIS CLUB Meets 2nd Wednesday of every month on Zoom at 7 a.m. For info contact Nancy Tobin, golfgoddess45@comcast.net

Ongoing: ELMWOOD PARK GARDEN CLUB Meetings held the 2nd Thursday of every month. Elmwood Park Library’s Ferrentino Room. The library is located in Conti Circle, Elmwood Park. Meetings begin at 6:30 pm. Contact Donna Clesen 847-361-1233 for further information

Jan 13: KOREAN AMERICAN DAY, NATIONAL STICKER DAY

Jan 14: NATIONAL DRESS UP YOUR PET DAY, NATIONAL HOT PASTRAMI DAY

Jan 15: NATIONAL BROOCH DAY, NATIONAL BAGEL DAY

Jan 16: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY, NATIONAL QUINOA DAY

Jan 18: NATIONAL PEKIN DUCK DAY, NATIONAL THESAURUS DAY

Jan 19: WORLD QUARK DAY, NATIONAL POPCORN DAY

Jan 21: NATIONAL GRANOLA BAR DAY, NATIONAL HUGGING DAY

Jan 22: NATIONAL BLONDE BROWNIE (BLONDIE) DAY

Jan 23: NATIONAL PIE DAY, NATIONAL HANDWRITING DAY

Jan 22: FRANKLIN PARK LEGION POST 974 STAND DOWN 9757 Pacific Avenue, Franklin Park. This event provides toiletries, a hot meal, clothing, and blankets, as well as a chance to speak with Veteran Service Organizations and other groups about VA benefits, housing, transportation, and other services. You can also get a haircut. Open to all veterans. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation of gently used or new clothing (especially coats, hats, and gloves) and blankets, please call 847-560-0459. Monetary donations are also welcome.

Jan 24: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION, NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER DAY

Jan 25: NATIONAL IRISH COFFEE DAY

Jan 26: SCHILLER PARK SENIOR CRAFTING DAY Adults 62 and older. Schiller Park Recreation Center, 9638 Irving Park Road, SP. 10 am to Noon. $5 fee to cover cost of materials will be charged. Reserve your spot with Mary Maltese, Senior Services Coordinator. 847-678-8765 or seniorservices@schillerparkil.us

Jan 26: NATIONAL SPOUSES DAY, NATIONAL GREEN JUICE DAY

Jan 27: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF COMMEMORATION IN MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST, DATA PRIVACY DAY, NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CAKE DAY

Jan 28: NATIONAL FUN AT WORK DAY

Jan 29: NATIONAL PUZZLE DAY

Jan 30: NATIONAL CROISSANT DAY, INANE ANSWERING MESSAGE DAY

Jan 31: NATIONAL BUG BUSTING DAY, NATIONAL PLAN FOR VACATION DAY, NATIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE DAY

Feb 3-4: PARK DISTRICT OF FRANKLIN PARK DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE Centre at North Park, Friday: 6:30-9pm, Saturday: 6-8:30pm. $40/$50 per couple ($20/$25 each additional sibling) Pre-registration is required.

SCHILLER PARK SENIOR PROGRAMS

RULES OF THE ROAD REVIEW COURSE The Rules of the Road Review Course is designed to give drivers - especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities - the knowledge and confidence needed to renew or obtain a driver’s license. The review course combines an explanation of the driving exam with a practice written

exam. Location: Schiller Park Community Center Day: Thursdays Ages: 62 & older Dates: March 2 Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Fee: Free of Charge – Pre-Registration is Required Instructor: Secretary of State Office.

CRAFTING DAYS Adults 62 and older. Thursdays for a themed crafting project. January 26, February 23, March 30, and April 20, 2023. Held at the Schiller Park Recreation Center, 9638 Irving Park Road, From 10 am to Noon. A $5 fee to cover cost of materials will be charged. Please reserve your spot with Mary Maltese, Senior Services Coordinator, at 847-678-8765 or seniorservices@schillerparkil.us

ESSENTRICS® AGING BACKWARDS This class provides a dynamic, deep, full body stretch that will work through all your joints and release tight muscles. Effective for injury recovery and prevention, pain relief, stress release, and promoting healing. Location: Schiller Park Community Center Day: Mondays Ages: 55 & older Session 1 dates: January 9 - February 27 Session 2 dates: March 6 – May 1 (No class March 20) Times: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Fees: $40 Resident/$45 Non-resident Instructor: Patricia Trampas

TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS Location: Schiller Park Community Center Day: Wednesdays & Fridays Ages: 55 & older Dates: January 11 – February 17 Times: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Fee: Free of charge –Registration is Required Instructor: Provided by Age Options Designed to reduce the fear of falling and improve relaxation and balance in older adults. Improve balance, mobility, strength, flexibility, and relaxation. Decrease in pain and falls. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a bottle of water.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR PAIN Designed to help participants live a healthy life by managing their symptoms, this program teaches new strategies that will give participants the confidence, motivation, and skills needed to cope with their chronic pain. TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR PAIN Location: Schiller Park Community Center Day: Wednesdays Ages: 55 & older Dates: February 22 – March 29 Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Fee: Free of charge – Registration is Required Instructor: Provided by Age Options.

WII BOWLING Seniors 62 and older. Schiller Park Library, 4200 Old River Road, Thursday, January 12, February 9, and March 16 at 1 pm. For more information or to reserve a spot, please contact either of your hosts Joanna, Schiller Park Public Library, at 847-678-0433 or Mary Maltese, Senior Services Coordinator, 847-678-8765. Email seniorservices@schillerparkil.us

JANUARY IS

Month, Book Blitz Month, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Chinese New Year (Year of the Rabbit), Get Organized Month, International ChildCentered Divorce Month, International Creativity Month, National Bath Safety Month, National Be On-Purpose Month, National Blood Donor Month, National Braille Literacy Awareness Month, National CBD Month, National Clean Up Your Computer Month, National Conscience Month, National Glaucoma Awareness Month, National Hobby Month, National Hot Tea Month, National Mentoring Month, National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month, National Poverty in America Awareness Month, National Radon Action Month, National Skating Month, National Slow Cooking Month, National Soup Month, National Stalking Awareness Month, National Train Your Dog Month, National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, Oatmeal Month, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, Walk Your Pet Month, Western Pacific Hurricane Season, Worldwide Rising Star Month.

2022 First Responders Awards

The American Legion Post 974 and the Franklin Park-Manila Lions Club held a joint awards night for the First Responders of the Village of Franklin Park. It was held on Friday, December 16, 2022, at the Legion Post 974 Hall.

Awardees were Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher Boykin and Officer Alfredo Quinones.

Invited guests included Mayor Barrett Pedersen, and Firefighter Chief Mark Stewart and Police Director Michael Witz introduced the awardees.

Legion Commander Kendall Bishop and Lion President Ben Aquino assisted in presenting the awards. Colinette Marshall from the Ladies Auxiliary presented the officers with Certificates of Appreciation.

Congratulations to the recipients of these awards.

longer trip, GettingAroundIllinois.com is an essential resource to keep you updated 24/7/365 on road conditions throughout the state all winter long.

GettingAroundIllinois.com is available on your computer and optimized for smartphones. The site includes the ability to identify and zoom in on a location, travel route or destination on a state map. Road conditions are recorded by plow drivers out in the field and relayed to GettingAroundIllinois.com through a cloudbased system to provide a general overview on IDOT-maintained highways.

The road conditions map averages more than 2.5 million pageviews during snow-and-ice season, featuring a color scheme of pinks and blues to differentiate from the red, yellow and green of traffic congestion reporting, as well as to increase accessibility for those who have difficulty distinguishing colors.

Like others in the transportation industry, IDOT has seen the demand grow for workers with commercial driver’s licenses. The department has positions open for temporary and permanent highway maintainers for snow removal this winter. For more information, visit idot.illinois.gov.

Department of Human Services Launches Campaign to Help Those with Gambling Problems

The “Are You Really Winning?” campaign aims to help Illinoisans across the state with 1.800.GAMBLER helpline and website AreYouReallyWinning.com

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) launched “Are You Really Winning?” - a campaign to build awareness of problem gambling and to promote helpline services for people experiencing gambling problems.

According to research by Health Resources in Action (HRiA), four percent, or nearly 400,000, of Illinois residents have a gambling disorder, and another seven percent, or 700,000, are at risk of developing a gambling disorder.

The “Are You Really Winning?” campaign will reach across the state through TV, radio, social media, and sponsorships to educate the general public on the signs and symptoms of

gambling disorder and on the resources available to those in need of support.

The campaign highlights the signs of problem gambling by asking these questions:

– Have you ever felt restless, on edge, or irritable when trying to stop or cut down on gambling?

– Have you ever tried to ask people for money to help with financial problems caused by gambling?

– Have you tried to hide how much you have gambled from your family or friends?

The confidential helpline is available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 1-800-GAMBLER. Help is also available through the website AreYouReallyWinning.com and by texting GAMB to 833234. The IL Helpline has offered substance use-related support and referrals since its launch in 2018, and with the addition of these new services, the IL Helpline will better serve those experiencing gambling problems.

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January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Expanded Bereavement Leave Rights Take Effect

Jan. 1

New rights include time off to grieve family members for pregnancy and adoption-related loss

CHICAGO – January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is partnering with The Power Project to train group home and residential care facility staff across Illinois on how to identify, intervene and prevent human trafficking among their youth in treatment. Nearly 1,000 congregate care staff in 37 facilities across the state completed Commercial Sexual Exploitation 101 training in 2022.

Often, victims of human trafficking do not seek help because they are fearful, ashamed of their situation, distrust law enforcement or become dependent on the perpetrator. The Illinois Safe Children Act assures that children who are coerced into human trafficking/ prostitution are innocent and immune from criminal prosecution and will be placed in the child welfare system with DCFS instead of the criminal justice system.

Illinois DCFS also maintains strong partnerships with the FBI, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center to help locate missing or runaway youth who are at risk of falling victim to human trafficking and ensure appropriate services and housing are in place when a child victim is rescued.

The department partners with three agencies to provide support and services to youth who have been trafficked or are at risk of being trafficked. Chicago’s ReClaim13 provides mentors, a group home for girls aged 10-17 and a transitional living program (TLP) setting for victims of sex trafficking between the ages of 18-25; Hoyleton’s HALO (Healing and Loving Oneself) program provides services and support to youth in southern Illinois who have been victims of sex trafficking or are at risk of becoming victims; and Selah Freedom provides prevention services to youth in care across the state.

KNOW THE SIGNS:

A trafficked child might:

– Have an adult control them by speaking for them.

– Seem out of place given the time of day or night.

– Look disheveled or dressed in clothes that they could not afford to buy.

– Show signs of physical abuse such as bruising or red marks.

– Not possess any form of identification.

– Perform inappropriate work for their age and not be compensated.

Anyone who believes a child might be trafficked, or in danger of being trafficked, should immediately call 911 and the DCFS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873).

SPRINGFIELD – The Family Bereavement Leave Act will go into effect on January 1, 2023, expanding unpaid leave rights for employees across the State. As the New Year approaches, employers should be aware of the new requirements under the Act.

The Family Bereavement Leave Act (FBLA) is an amendment to the Child Bereavement Leave Act (CBLA) that expands leave time requirements to cover pregnancy loss, failed adoptions or surrogacy agreements, unsuccessful reproductive procedures, and other diagnoses or events negatively impacting pregnancy or fertility. The FBLA also requires employers to provide leave time after the loss of family members previously not covered by the CBLA, including spouses, domestic partners, siblings, grandparents, and stepparents.

Employees may take up to two weeks, or 10 working days, of unpaid leave time for any of the events covered by the FBLA to grieve, to attend a funeral, or to make arrangements necessitated by the death of the family member.

Employers may require reasonable documentation to certify that an employee requesting FBLA leave experienced an event covered by the Act, but employees are not required to identify the specific event that qualifies them for the leave. Reasonable documentation includes death certificates, published obituaries, and documentation from an adoption or surrogacy organization. A

Bereavement Leave form is available on the Department’s website that may be used as reasonable documentation.

“Workers who experience the death of a loved one or other kinds of loss such as a miscarriage or a failed adoption should be able to grieve without the fear of losing their job,” said Illinois Department of Labor Acting Director Jane Flanagan. “The Family Bereavement Leave Act ensures that those workers will be afforded time off from work to process that grief.”

All employers and employees subject to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are subject to the FBLA.

TRAVELING?

To save on plane tickets, go incognito. Travel sites will track your visits and increase the prices you see on each return visit to create a sense of urgency. But they can’t do this if they don’t know who is visiting, which is what incognito mode does. To search incognito: Check the menu of your browser, usually under “File,” for incognito mode. For instance, on Google Chrome, go to the menu, choose “File,” then “New Incognito Window.” Best: Shop in the afternoon when prices are typically better than first thing in the morning. Wednesdays are also a good price day.

SOURCE: INVESTEDWALLET.COM, PERSONAL FINANCE, INVESTING AND FINANCIAL ADVICE BLOG.

Illinois DCFS partners with federal, state and private agencies to train staff, prevent child human trafficking and support trafficked youth

Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home & Crematorium offers many different services. Our training and experience have prepared us to help, to reassure, and to understand when a family faces the loss of a loved one. We are here to replace confusion with calm, doubts with certainty and questions with answers. Here, one finds a quiet gentleness in an atmosphere of dignity, efficiency and trust.

TRADITIONAL SERVICES • CREMATION MEMORIAL SERVICES • PRE-PLANNING

Dedicated to Serving Families in our Leyden Area Since 1924 9568 Belmont Avenue • Franklin Park

(847) 678-1950 www.sax-tiedemann.com

Four Generations of the Tiedemann Family A Full Service Death Care Facility

Melvin Hamm

Jul 26, 1928 Nov 17, 2022

Richard Wahl Nov 1, 1960 Nov 19, 2022

Geraldine Virtue Aug 11, 1929 Nov 20, 2022

Filomena Porubsky Sep 17, 1938 Nov 20, 2022

Pragna Vaidya Jun 6, 1957 Nov 21, 2022

Jason McCoy Dec 7, 1974 Nov 25, 2022

Lammone Souvannasy Sep 18, 1940 Nov 26, 2022

Diane Cundari Feb 12, 1932 Nov 26, 2022

Patricia Novey Sep 6, 1949 Nov 28, 2022

Ruth Freidhof Jul 23, 1925 Nov 28, 2022

John Quilici Dec 13, 1946 Nov 29, 2022

Maria Melesio May 26, 1930 Nov 29, 2022

Mary Ann Daye Feb 27, 1931 Nov 30, 2022

Janusz Dylag Aug 16, 1949 Dec 2, 2022

Martin Cuevas Dec 5, 1962 Dec 3, 2022

Scott White Jun 17, 1964 Dec 6, 2022

Dorothy Coniglio Mar 8, 1926 Dec 7, 2022

Yolanda Scotti Feb 23, 1953 Dec 10, 2022

Petra Carrera Aug 24, 1940 Dec 11, 2022

Carl Schuyler Jul 26, 1949 Dec 13, 2022

Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program Passes $90 Million Threshold

Employers Encouraged to Leverage PublicPrivate Partnership

SPRINGFIELD – Workers in Illinois who participate in the Secure Choice retirement savings program have set aside more than $90 million of their own money for their retirement, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said.

The accomplishment signals a growing recognition that workers understand Social Security will not provide enough income after their working days are over and reflects data that shows workers are more likely to save for retirement if they can do so through workplace payroll deductions.

The Illinois General Assembly created Secure Choice in 2015 and declared employers must either offer a retirement savings program or participate in Secure Choice. In doing so, lawmakers assured employers they would not be responsible for investment decisions and barred them from contributing to a worker’s account. Lawmakers also assured workers that their accounts would travel with them if they changed employers.

The program launched in 2018. Today, 109,000 workers, many of whom never thought they could save for retirement, have worked with 7,400 employers to set aside $91 million.

Secure Choice is critical because 40 percent of Illinois’ private-sector workers do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan and 23 percent of retirees rely upon Social Security for 90 percent of their retirement income. The employer component is key because workers are 15 times more likely to save for retirement if they can do so through payroll deductions, according to an AARP study.

The default option for program participants is to enroll in a target-date Roth IRA with a five percent contribution rate. Participants can choose to change their contribution level or fund option at any time. Accounts are owned by individual participants and are portable from job-to-job. Investments are held in a separate trust outside the Illinois Treasury.

Homeowners: Are You Missing Exemptions on Your Property Tax Bill?

How to apply for Certificate(s) of Error

COOK COUNTY – Homeowners who received their 2021 Second installment Tax Bills (tax bill) are encouraged to look at the bottom left corner to ensure that the correct exemption(s) are applied.

If a homeowner believes they are entitled to an exemption that is not reflected on their tax bill, they can apply for what is called a Certificate of Error. The Certificate of Error process provides homeowners an opportunity to redeem missing exemptions for up to three years in addition to the current tax year. Homeowners can now apply for the 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018 tax years all on one easy to use form available online.

Please see the full list of property tax exemptions administered by the Assessor’s Office at cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions.

This year, many exemptions auto renewed to make the process more convenient for homeowners. In addition to the Homeowner and Senior exemptions, the Assessor’s Office processed auto-renewals for the “Senior Freeze”, Veterans with Disabilities, and Persons with Disabilities exemptions. In total, more than 1.1 million exemptions were auto-renewed, which provided millions of dollars in tax relief to homeowners in Cook County.

Payment for tax bills were due December 30, 2022. If the Certificate of Error application is granted, either a corrected tax bill or a refund for the difference will be issued.

Please download a guide on, How to Apply for Missing Property Tax Exemptions that is available in six languages.

How to contact the Assessor’s Office: Send Message: cookcountyassessor.com/contact By Phone: (312) 443-7550

Facebook: facebook.com/CookCountyAssessorsOffice In Person: cookcountyassessor.com/appt

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us; they live on in the kindness they showed, the love they shared, and the comfort they brought into the lives of others.

Background from the State Treasurer’s office: As the retirement savings crisis is a serious problem throughout the country, with the median working-age family having only $7,800 saved for retirement, Illinois is one of the first states to implement a state-facilitated retirement program designed to break down barriers to saving for retirement. To increase access to retirement savings, the state is requiring small businesses to offer their own retirement savings plan or facilitate the Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program. The program is an easy way for employees to start saving through Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) funded by payroll deductions. Employers also benefit from the program as they are not considered plan fiduciaries, they do not pay any fees or make contributions into the accounts, and they are not responsible for investment decisions. Since its launch in

2018, Illinois Secure Choice has helped over 113,000 participants save over $95 million for retirement.

Illinois Student Assistance Commission Names 2023-24 State Scholars

More than 16,770 Students from 690 Schools Recognized for their Academic Excellence

DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, is pleased to announce the 2023-24* Illinois State Scholars. These high-achieving students are selected annually based on their ACT or SAT exams and sixth semester class rank and are recognized for their exceptional academic achievement. The scholars rank in approximately the top ten percent of graduates from Illinois high schools. More than 16,770 students from 690 high schools were selected for this prestigious honor. The Illinois State Scholar designation is a non-monetary award. Each State Scholar will receive a congratulatory letter and a Certificate of Achievement from ISAC.

– East Leyden High School - 26 Students

– Fenton High School - 26 Students

– Maine Twp High School South - 132 Students

– Ridgewood High School - 16 Students

– West Leyden High School - 18 Students

Congratulations Scolars!

Cook County Property Tax Analysis

Latino

Cook County businesses and homeowners, who received their property tax bills, likely found higher bills with some gentrifying Latino neighborhoods in Chicago seeing eyepopping increases of nearly 46%, according to a Treasurer’s Office analysis of 1.8 million tax bills.

The analysis, which examined bills for the 2021 tax year, shows that property taxes across Cook County rose by $614 million — a 3.8% increase — for a total of $16.7 billion going to pay for schools, public safety, medical care, parks, libraries and other government services.

The increased tax burden is not shared equally. Homeowners will pay 53.6% of the rise, while businesses will pay 46.4%. Some Chicago communities — affluent areas along the north lakefront and pockets of working-class Latino neighborhoods — will see their taxes jump dramatically.

The increase in taxes in some gentrifying Latino neighborhoods likely will raise concerns that residents could be priced out of their homes. In the Lower West Side, a predominantly Latino community, the median homeowner’s tax bill increased by $2,275 to $7,239, a 46% jump over 2020’s property taxes. In Avondale, another predominantly Latino community, the median tax bill shot up 27%.

“There

said Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.

Meanwhile, many struggling, predominantly Black neighborhoods saw significant reductions in their median taxes, such as West Garfield Park where homeowner taxes dropped nearly 45%. Overall, the median tax bill for homeowners in Chicago went up nearly 8%. The Treasurer’s analysis shows four factors drove those increases:

– A new Illinois property tax law allows many governments to “recapture,” or recover, the total of any taxes refunded to property owners who appealed their taxes the previous year. This new recapture law added $131 million to tax bills across Cook County. Chicago Public Schools is getting $32.3 million, the largest recapture payment in Cook County.

– Property assessments, used to determine how much someone pays, rose across the city this year — fueling a $141 million increase into the city’s special economic development funds, known as Tax Increment Finance districts. None of that $141 million may be used to cover government services, so it is effectively an additional property tax.

– City Hall increased the amount of money it needed for operations by $94 million, and Chicago Public Schools increased its tax levy by $114 million.

–

The Assessor’s Office last year reduced the values of homes anywhere from 8% to 12%because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. But homes’ estimated market values have risen, and the Board of Review, the tax

assessment appeal agency, dramatically lowering commercial assessments set by the Assessor, which caused more of the overall tax burden to fall on homeowners.

Pappas, who annually studies the impact of government property taxes, said the newly enacted recapture law “now will be an annual tax increase.”

Elsewhere, taxes in the North and Northwest suburbs, increased by $94 million, with most homeowners and commercial property owners getting higher bills. Taxes grew to a smaller extent in the South and Southwest suburbs, where the increase was $35 million.

Flood Relief Project Wins Award for Elmwood Park

Residential Lot Turned into Flood Mitigation Rain Garden

ELMWOOD PARK – The Village of Elmwood Park has been lauded for their recently completed flood mitigation project which turned a former residential lot into a beautiful rain garden and storm water treatment mechanism. The residential area has a history of flooding, and the project is expected to help mitigate heavy rains that sometimes inundate the neighborhood. The Sustainable Landscaping Award was given by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD).

The soil that was furnished for the rain garden was comprised of biosolids taken from MWRD’s water treatment process and the native plants within the rain garden were specifically selected to tolerate any pollutants washing in from the street. Nitrogen is absorbed by the plants, and microbes living around the plant’s roots will breakdown compounds like oils and grease. The plants were also selected for their attraction for pollinators with milkweed and sedges for the butterflies, meadowsweet, purple coneflower, and allium for the bees.

Project. The Village Board drafted the mitigation plan after residents brought concerns about constant flooding after big storms to the Village Board. The award winning Flood Mitigation Project, which was completed in December 2015, separated some of the town’s storm water from domestic sewage, increasing storm water capacity and decreasing flooding.

In addition to constructing approximately 40,000 feet of new storm sewer and replacing water main, fire hydrants, and valves, the Village also teamed up with the Oak Park County Club to construct a new underground pump station and basin area on the golf course.

Construction of the Thatcher Avenue floodwall also removed 64 homes from a revised Flood Insurance Map (FIRM) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Without this designation, homeowners are not required by federal law to purchase flood insurance, and may instead apply for less expensive insurance coverage.

Elmwood Park officials sought to make the Flood Mitigation Project innovative not only in design, but also in financing. Rather than fund the project through the issuance of bonds, the Village has pursued funding by other means, such as grants, low-interest loans, and by partnering with outside government agencies.

Village officials estimate this has saved taxpayers more than $18 million over the past seven years.

“Infrastructure needs to keep up with changes in population and technology,” said Saviano. “I’m proud that our administration continues to meet these types of challenges head on, providing solutions that make Elmwood Park one of the best places to live in the metro area.”

I’ve lived as high and as low as it’s possible to go. There were times I’d put $10 worth of gas in my tank and other times $50.

I’ve had $5 to just feed myself and I’ve also had $200 to go out to eat. I’ve had a house full of food and I didn’t have any. I’ve been in stores cashing out with no worries and I’ve also had to add it up and put things back on the shelf.

I’ve paid my bills in full and I’ve had to pay them late too. I’ve given money and I too have had to ask for it.

We all have highs and lows in life. Some certainly more than others, but we are all just trying to make it.

No one is better than anyone else and my heart is sad for those people who think that they are.

No matter how big your house is, how new your car is, or how much money sits in your bank account - we all bleed red and will eventually fade from this earth.

Death has no discrimination and neither should your life.

Be kind to others. We are all here to serve. Stop the power tripping. Your oversized ego won’t get you anywhere. Be humble.

And keep faith going.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Among the storm water treatment techniques are bioswales and a rain garden. Curb cuts will direct stormwater from the street into the bioswales instead of the storm sewer. Vegetation in the swale cleans the water as it flows to the rain garden. In the rain garden, some water is absorbed into the soil rather than going into storm sewers and water that is not absorbed is held in an underground basin where it can slowly soak into the soil.

The village paid for the project at Bloomingdale Avenue and 73rd Avenue with a $165,000 grant from MWRD. The project was designed by Christopher B. Burke Engineering.

Saviano reiterated his caution that this is only a first step toward flood mitigation saying, “We will monitor the impact of this initial effort and continue to look for more ways to reduce flooding.”

In 2019, the Village purchased the property at 1746 N. 73rd Ave. with the aim of building stormwater treatment infrastructure. A rain garden, underground basin, and other flood mitigation infrastructure has since been constructed on the site by the Village of Elmwood Park.

Elmwood Park has a history of innovative approaches to flooding. In 2013, the Village broke ground on a large scale Flood Mitigation

wards see dramatic increases; new state law, reassessments and controversial TIF funds result in higher taxes for most property owners

are still inequities in our property tax system and we need to straighten it out,”

“Celtic Woman” Blew into The Windy City For “A Christmas Symphony”

BY ANNA HESSEL

The four beautiful, vibrant, and talented women that comprise “Celtic Woman” made a Chicago stop on their Christmas tour for 2022. Other cities on the schedule included Pittsburgh, Carmel, CA, and Waterloo, NY. The group gave a stellar performance at the historic, premier Auditorium Theatre.

The magical night featured an onstage bagpipe player and other traditional Gaelic instruments, as well as dancers from Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, Elmhurst, in the lobby. The ladies per-formed such favorites as “the Irish second national anthem ‘Danny Boy’”, “Auld Lang Syne”, and a bevy of beloved carols beautifully sung and orchestrated, the concert ending with a lovely rendition of “Feliz Navidad”.

Songstresses Hannah Traynor, Muirgen O’Mahony, Megan Walsh, and fiddler Tara McNeill‘s vocal and violin solos were impeccable, bringing the audience to their feet. The pretty lasses were elegantly attired in holiday finery, each wearing a different stunning gown of red or wine with just enough sparkle for the holiday season. The exquisite Chicago Philharmonic orchestra provided the accompanying instrumental music, adding to this magnificent night of entertainment.

This show was a perfect theatrical addition to the holiday season for those of us that were blessed to be in attendance, but if you were not present, you can still enjoy the magic - their music is available at celticwoman.com, as are future tour dates.

For more information on other upcoming Auditorium Theater events, please visit their website at auditoriumtheatre.org.

Diane Alexander White’s Riveting Work Displayed in Two Exhibitions

BY WES & ANNA HESSEL

The National Hellenic Museum in Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood is currently running two expositions of the incredible photography of Ms. White. Both feature pictures taken by Diane in the 70’s or 80’s time periods, both sets of images part of her expansive personal collection.

Since 1972, Ms. White has taken “snaps” which have captured portrayals in a panorama of environments and emotions, a God-given talent that only the most gifted photographers exhibit in still work. Her photos touch the heart with realism and revelation.

Through April 30th, 2023, “Gather Together: Chicago Street Photography” depicts cultural group pageantry such as the Greek Independence Day Parade, Bud Billiken Day Parade, Japanese Festival, Chinese New Year Parade, Puerto Rican Festival, Mexican Civic Society Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Jewish Festival, Polish Festival and the Indo-Pak Parade. Many people looking at the group and solo black and whites recognize a cheerful memory or two from times gone by. One of her trusty cameras which she used in taking these photos is on display, the vehicle used to make the magic.

These touchstones of testament bring joyful emotions in tumultuous times, balm for the soul. When you view her stunning acquisitions of image, you can practically hear the marching bands playing in the background as the excitement mounts, and see the floats, cars, and organizations pass by in review. Yet the feel is that of a bystander who just happens to grab an impression or moment, which is there and gone, but preserved for future vision.

In a recent interview with Diane Alexander White, she noted that her resume is replete with corporate experience and her ongoing career of natural history photography for the Field Museum since 1983. The dozens of prints displayed in the Gather Together exhibit, however, are from her own chosen presence at these events, catching glimpses of greatness in the general population and participants.

The process for Ms. White is very exciting but also extensive work - she herself has taken the prints Diane had developed in her own darkroom,

pulled them out of files, choosing the ones from in and around these cultural events that spoke to her most, and scanned them individually in very high resolution, which were then printed out in sharp larger scale size.

A product of the South Side, she went to UIC at a time when looking west from the inner-city university was a view of the campus, not condo buildings. A love of photography passed on from her Greek immigrant father, who was an ardent amateur, blossomed into a pursuit of picture perfect, be it for business or pleasure, motivated by very positive critique Ms. White had received in photography classes. She readily admits to recognizing she had, “the gift”, or as some might call it, the eye.

Eventually Diane experienced what she calls the “fear of the latent image” - that if something captured on film wasn’t processed and shared in print, motion picture, television, even the slide shows we remember from generations past, it would languish in the darkness on the original negatives.

Down the road, professional portrait and other picture-taking opened doors for Ms. White to bring her work to gallery display, where it is seen by others who have had or have similar experiences, thus connecting people on common ground.

Diane quotes the title of the Rod Stewart song, “Every Picture Tells a Story”; the proverbial 1000 words one hears about. Ms. White’s thousands of words are said from “a safer, simpler time.”

Her mom was the regular urban shopper of those days, taking Diane to Marshall Fields with her every Saturday, from where one would have a curbside seat to watch the parade of the month or week, as well as attending festivals in the neighborhoods. She described the thumping intensity of the music, your heart beating against it, and the kinds of scenes she saw: amazing floats, girls putting on togas, wreaths of flowers, etc.; images that stay with you in the mind but can only be shared by oral story, while pictures save them to be re-experienced with others.

Diane Alexander White describes her process as: “Smile when taking the picture, people need to trust you - especially as a woman. Use a camera that’s not a big, intimidating type.

See the photo, take it, go - take the picture before it changes.” That same philosophy fueled the photos she took of a backpacking trip in 1977, just graduated from college, thorough Italy, Greece, and Egypt.

Select images from her nation of lineage, alternated with objects of textile construction woven, mostly by women, in their Hellenic homeland and lovingly born to this country, make up a collection being exhibited on an open-ended basis called “Storytelling in Cloth and Light”.

For tickets to the National Hellenic Museum or more information, please see their website at nationalhellenicmuseum.org.

Movie Review: VIOLENT NIGHT

BY CORINNE WURM

Violent Night, directed by Tommy Wirkola (Dead Snow, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters) and starring Stranger Things David Harbor, John Leguizamo, and an almost unrecognizable Beverly D’Angelo (she really needs to lay off the plastic surgery), is the Rated R Christmas movie I didn’t know I needed in my life!

Christmas is a time for family, even when yours is a group of foul-mouthed narcissists. Little Trudy Lightstone still believes in Santa Clause and all she wants for Christmas is her separated parents to get back together. What she, and the rest of her family actually get, is kidnapped. Lucky for her, Santa is enjoying her haphazard but homemade Santa shaped cookies and a quick chair massage when the bad guys start spreading holiday bullets instead of cheer! It is up to Santa and Trudy to save Christmas in a bloody, creative-kill, feelgood kind of way.

My only disappointment is the lack of closure on the origin of the Christmas magic but maybe they’re saving something for a sequel?!

Parents, heed the R-rating…it is there for a very good reason (language and a LOT of violence) but, if you don’t mind bad guys getting butchered, run to see this cross between Home Alone and Die Hard!

Serious Constipation?

This time-honored remedy comes from a nurse who took care of patients after abdominal surgery. Power Pudding, made of unprocessed wheat bran, applesauce and prune juice. The usual instructions involve swallowing 1 tablespoon of this "glop" followed by 8-ounces of water. You could try disguising the formula in food to make it more tolerable, but be sure to drink a full glass of water afterward.

Fast Food’s Dementia Risk

The health risks of eating ultra-processed foods – including sausages and burgers as well as pizza and ice cream – are well documented: They have been shown to raise the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cancer, among other ailments. To that list can now be added dementia, reports CNN.com. Re-searchers followed more than 10,000 Brazilians, average age 51, for up to 10 years. They found that people who consumed more than 20 percent of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods had a 28 percent faster cognitive decline compared with those whose intake was less than 20 per-cent. Unfortunately, that 20 percent is not a high threshold: just 400 calories out of the average 2000 calorie diet. And most American are well over that, getting on average a whopping 58 percent of their calories from ultra-processed foods. “The sample size is substantial, and the follow-up ex-tensive,” says David Katz, a nutrition specialist who was not involved in the study. “While short of proof, this is robust enough that we should conclude ultra-processed foods are probably bad for our brains.

Source: The Week December 23, 2022

Light Pollution and Diabetes

A 10-Minute Break Makes Your Job More

Enjoyable

Workplace burnout can cause mental and physical health issues, including coronary heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, type 2 diabetes, insomnia and depression. Recent finding: Taking brief, 10-minute breaks during work projects to stretch, take a walk, watch videos or otherwise do something not work related –can reduce fatigue and prevent the buildup of negative feelings towards the job and employer. Source: Meta analysis of 22 studies covering 30 years by researchers at West University of Timisoara, Romania, published in PLOS One.

Living near streetlights can raise your risk of diabetes by more than a quarter, a new study suggests. Researchers examined 100,000 people across China, grouping them by average exposure to artificial light based on satellite images of their neighborhoods. Compared with those least exposed, the subjects with the most exposure were 28 percent more likely to have diabetes. Those subjects showed not only higher blood glucose levels and insulin resistance but also reduced function of beta cells, which helps regulate the release of insulin. Overall, in the regions with the most light pollution, there was one more case of diabetes for every 42 inhabitants. Researchers believe those in the high-light group were susceptible to the metabolic condition because the light interfered with their bodies’ production of melatonin. The findings add to previous research suggesting that people exposed to artificial light are more likely to be overweight or obese. “Despite over 80 percent of the world’s population being exposed to light pollution at night, this problem has gained limited attention from scientists until recent years,” lead author Yu Xu, from Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai, tells The Daily Telegraph (U.K.). “Exposure to artificial light at night is a ubiquitous environmental risk factor in modern societies.”

WHY COLD GIVES YOU A COLD

People tend to get sick when it’s cold outside – that’s why flu season falls in winter. But why? Scientists believe they have an answer, says the New York Post. The cold air damages the nose’s immune response. When you inhale a virus or bacteria through the nose, cells in the nostril create billions of basic copies of themselves called extracellular vesicles, or EVs. These effectively act as decoys – the intruder sticks to them, rather than the actual cells, and is then expelled in the form of snot. In a small experiment carried out in vitrousing human tissue in the lab rather than in the body – researchers found that reducing the temperature by as little as 9 degrees Fahrenheit kills off nearly 42 percent of EVs in the nostrils. It also reduces the number of receptors on each EV, making them much less effective. Their suggested solution is to bring back everyone’s favorite accessory from the COVID-19 pandemic: Wear a mask. Not only does it stop you from inhaling the viruses in the first place, says study leader Benjamin Bleier, from Harvard Medical School, it’s also “like wearing a sweater on your nose.”

ELM LAWN MEMORIAL PARK

FAIRVIEW MEMORIAL PARK 900 North Wolf Road Northlake (847) 455-2714 Family-owned and operated,

serving the community since 1905. ELM LAWN PET CEMETERY

Increase Coming for Illinois Minimum Wage on Jan.

1

Minimum wage rising to $13 an hour on New Year’s Day

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois minimum wage is set to increase another dollar on Sunday, January 1, 2023, making the new required minimum wage $13 an hour.

Minimum wage workers are encouraged to keep a close eye on their paychecks in the new year as any time worked in 2023 must reflect the new $13 an hour minimum wage.

There have been five increases in the state minimum wage since Governor JB Pritzker signed historic legislation in 2019 that establishes a schedule of wage increases, putting Illinois on the path to a $15 an hour minimum wage by 2025. Prior to the first of these minimum wage increases in 2020, the last time workers in Illinois received an increase in the minimum wage was more than a decade ago in 2010.

The minimum wage for workers who regularly earn tips will increase to $7.80 an hour on January 1; these workers must still earn the

All employers in Illinois are required to post the “Your Rights Under Illinois Employment Laws” poster in the workplace where notices to employees are regularly posted. The color poster, which also covers other Illinois labor laws, can be found here in English, Spanish, and Polish.

“Minimum wage laws improve the standard of living for all workers of our state,” said Jane R. Flanagan, Director at the Illinois Department of Labor. “Employers and employees should be aware of the increase to the minimum wage in Illinois.”

Employees can file a minimum wage complaint with IDOL here or by calling the Minimum Wage Toll Free Hotline: (800) 478-3998.

Measure to Combat Carjacking Takes Effect Jan. 1

CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Martwick’s measure to provide law enforcement with additional resources to combat carjackings went into effect Jan. 1.

“Carjackings have risen and arrests are shockingly low,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “This

force is made up of representatives from law enforcement, states attorneys and the insurance industry, and is tasked with developing and supporting the implementation of strategies to combat vehicle hijacking, and to improve the administration of vehicle hijacking laws.

Additionally, it provides that the Vehicle Theft Trust Fund may be used to provide financial support for law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts for programs designed to reduce vehicle hijacking.

House Bill 3699 took effect Jan. 1.

Other New Laws Going Into Effect in Illinois in 2023

At the start of the new year, 195 laws go into effect, changing everything from reforming the criminal justice system to who can be a substitute teacher. Here are some of these laws.

End of Gas Tax Freeze

The Gas Tax is scheduled to increase every six months, but as a part of a tax rebate law for residents, the state froze the increase from July 1 to Dec. 31 of 2022. The tax, which mostly funds Rebuild Illinois projects, will be back at the pumps starting Jan. 1. There is also another increase scheduled for July 1, 2023.

SAFE-T Act

The Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and EquityToday Act, which was introduced by the Illinois Black Caucus as part of Black legislators’ response to the murder of George Floyd, was passed by the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives on Jan. 13, 2021.

The act abolishes Illinois’ money bail system beginning Jan. 1, 2023. According to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, the cash bail system disproportionately impacts Black and brown communities and other underrepresented or impoverished groups, who can’t afford bond.

Many Illinois law enforcement agencies argued the act will embolden criminals, but Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed an amendment that many law enforcement groups, including the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police and Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, did not oppose.

Sixty-two Illinois State’s Attorneys have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the SAFE-T Act and have filed lawsuits to overturn it before it goes into effect. The judge for the case said he hopes to announce his verdict on Dec. 28.

Other parts of the SAFE-T Act going into effect include the ability to file complaints on police officers anonymously, and police officers will be only able to write citations for people committing Class B or C misdemeanors.

Also in 2023, counties and municipalities with populations between 100,000 and 500,000 will need to start wearing body cameras in 2023. Law enforcement in smaller counties and municipalities will be required to wear them before 2025.

Ban of discrimination on sources of income

Part of the Illinois Human Rights Act was amended to prevent discrimination on real estate transactions for sources of income. Sources of income is defined in the law as “lawful manner by which an individual supports himself or herself and his or her dependents.”

The ban was designed to prevent discrimination from governmental supplemental income like Social Security and public assistance programs.

Equity in Health Act

The Equity in Health Act will start providing scholarships and loan repayment programs to attract underrepresented groups in nursing and other health–related fields to work in Illinois.

HIV preventative drugs

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is a prescription drug that is 99% effective in preventing the spread of HIV. Starting January 1, people seeking care no longer need to go to their doctor, as pharmacists can write prescriptions for PrEP.

Schools teaching safe gun storage

As part of their safety education, schools in 2023 are now instructed to include lessons on safe gun storage as a part of their safety education classes.

More substitute teachers

To help alleviate the statewide teaching shortage, college students enrolled in an education-related field with at least 90 credits can start substitute teaching in the new year before they get their degree.

The full list of laws going into effect next month can be found at ilga.gov/reports.

UPDATED ILLINOIS SMOKE ALARM LAW

EFFECTIVE

JANUARY 1, 2023

In 2017, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance worked with the General Assembly to pass a law which will require Illinois residents to replace their old smoke alarms with the type that has a long-term, 10-year sealed battery beginning January 1, 2023. This would apply to residents that are still using alarms with removable batteries or alarms that are not hardwired.

What Is the Updated Illinois Smoke Alarm Law?

– Since 1988, all dwellings in Illinois have been required to have smoke alarms.

– In 2017, Public Act 100-0200 was passed to update the Illinois Smoke Detector Act to reflect advances In alarm technology.

– Come January 1, 2023, any new smoke alarm being installed within a single or multi-family home are required to be featured with a 10-year sealed battery.

– Smoke alarms in single or multi-family homes prior to January 1, 2023 may remain in place until they exceed 10 years from their manufactured date, fails to respond to operability tests, or otherwise malfunctions.

Exemptions

– Homes built after 1988 that already have hardwired smoke alarms.

– Homes with wireless Integrated alarms that use low-power radio frequency communications, Wi-Fi, or other Wireless Local Area Networking capability.

To view the Illinois law In its entirety, visit lFSA.org/smoke-alarm-law

LIBRARY NOOK

PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN EDITED DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE LIBRARY

FURTHER INFORMATION, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SPACE LIMITATIONS, ETC.

Elmwood Park

Public Library

1 W. Conti Parkway 708-4537645, elmwoodparklibrary.org

• FACE MASKS are recommended during inperson programs.

• HOLIDAY HOURS – Jan 1-2: Closed for New Year’s; Jan 16: Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

• HYBRID CHAIR YOGA – Mon, Jan 9 & 30, 1-2pm (Adults, in-person or virtual, sign up required)

• TAIL WAGGING READERS – Tues, Jan 10 & 24, 6-7:30pm (Grades K-6, in-person only, sign up required)

• ENGLISH CONVERSATION HOUR – Wed, Jan 11 & 25, 2-3pm (Adults, in-person only, drop-in)

• KIDSREAD – Thurs, Jan 12, 4-5pm (Grades K-2, in-person only, registration required)

KNIT & CROCHET-A-THON KICK-OFF PARTY – Sat. Jan 14, 10am-2pm (Adults, inperson/take-home, sign up required by Jan 8)

SNOWFLAKE WANDS – Tues, Jan 17, 4-5pm (Grades K-2, in-person only, registration required)

• TUESDAY NIGHT BOOK DISCUSSION – Jan 17, 7-8:30pm (Adults, in-person only, drop-in)

• PRESCHOOL CONVERSATION HOUR – Fri, Jan 20, 11am – 12pm (Ages 3-5 with a caregiver, in-person only, drop-in)

• HYBRID GENTLE MAT YOGA – Mon, Jan 23, 1-2pm (Adults, in-person or virtual, sign up required)

• MIDKIDS READ – Wed, Jan 25, 4-5pm (Grades 3-6, in-person, registration required)

• TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE LIBRARY – Tues, Jan 31, 7-8:45pm (Adults, in-person only, drop-in)

Franklin Park Public Library

10311 W. Grand Ave. 847455-6016, fppld.org

• HOLIDAY CLOSING – The Library will be closed on Monday, Jan 2 for the New Years holiday. We will reopen at 10am, Tuesday, Jan 3.

• LIBRARY QUILT & SEW CLUB - Jan 4, 10am12pm

• FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY MEETING - Jan 4, 6-7:30pm.

MAKER MANIA - Jan 5, 4-5pm. Grades K-3.

• GAME ON+ - Jan 6 & 20, 4-6:30pm. Grades 6-12.

• CHAIR YOGA - Jan 9 & 23, 3-4pm.

• GRAPHIC NOVEL BOOK CLUB - Jan 9, 4:305:30pm. Grades 3-6.

CHESS CLUB - Jan 9, 5-6:30pm. Grades 1 & up.

• TINKER TOTS - Jan 10 & 24, 11am-12pm. Ages 0-5 with caregiver.

• TECH TUESDAYS: INTRO TO OUR DIGITAL LIBRARY - Jan 10, 2-3:30pm.

• KIDS’ SPANISH - Jan 10, 5-6pm. Grades K-5.

• BON APPETIT - Jan 11, 5-6pm. Grades 3-6.

ILLINOIS LIBRARIES PRESENT: INCITING JOY: A CONVERSATION WITH ROSS GAYJan 11, 7-8pm.

• ANIME CLUB PRESENTS: MAKE YOUR OWN BENTO BOX - Jan 13, 4:30-6pm. Grades 6-12.

• KNIT & CROCHET GROUP - Jan 14 & 28, 1-3pm.

• SWEET TREAT STORYTIME - Jan 16, 5-6:30pm.

ASL TOTS - Jan 17 & 31, 11am-12pm. Ages 0-4 with caregiver.

DOODLE GAMES - Jan 17, 4-5pm. Grades 6-12.

• TAIL WAGGIN’ TUTORS - Jan 17, 5-6:30pm. Grades Preschool-5.

• TRADING CARD CLUB - Jan 18, 4:30-6pm. Grades 6-12.

• POPULAR PAGE TURNERS BOOK CLUBJan 18, 7-8pm. Registration is required.

ASL CLUB - Jan 19, 4:30-5:30pm. All ages.

• LUNAR NEW YEAR PARTY - Jan 23, 6-7:30pm. All ages.

• TECH TUESDAYS: INTRO TO WINDOWSJan 24, 2-3:30pm.

• CRAFTER’S CORNER - Jan 24, 5-6pm. Open to teens & adults.

• LITTLE PERFORMERS - Jan 25, 4:30-5:30pm. Grades K-5.

TEEN CUISINE - Jan 26, 4-5:30pm. Grades 6-12.

SCALES-N-TALES STORYTIME - Jan 27, 11-11:30am. There will also be some bilingual Spanish. Ages 0-5 with caregiver.

• FRIDAY FLICKS - Jan 27, 1-3:05pm – Where the Crawdads Sing (PG-13).

• ANIME CLUB - Jan 27, 4:30-5:45pm. Grades 6-12.

• PAINT-N-SIP - Jan 28, 1:30-3pm. Limit 20. Registration is required.

• MONDAY NITE MOVIE - Jan 30, 5-6:30pm. Turning Red (PG). All ages.

YA BOOK CLUB - Jan 31, 4-5pm. Grades 6-12.

• PJ STORYTIME - Jan 31, 6-6:30pm. PJs are encouraged but not required. Ages 0-5 with caregiver.

• ESTATE PLANNING TIPS & PITFALLS - Jan 31, 6:30-7:30pm.

Eisenhower Public Library District

4613 N Oketo Ave, Harwood Heights 708-867-7828, eisenhowerlibrary.org

• FACEBOOK MOVIE NIGHT: THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM - Jan 2, 7pm. Find the streaming link at wp.me/pbFvB5-12hz.

• U MAKE: YETI WREATH - Jan 3, 2pm – Ages 3-12. Registration Required. In-person Program. MOVIE AND CRAFT - Jan 4, 2pm – Grades 3-6. Registration Required. Snow Dogs (rated PG) as we make an outdoor winter wreath using plastic bags. Limited to residents of Norridge and Harwood Heights only. Registration required.

• GARDEN CLUB: INCORPORATING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN YOUR GARDEN WITH CHEF VAL - Jan 5, 6pm. Registration required.

• MAKE A SEARCH AND FIND JAR - Jan 7, 10am – Registration Required. For Ages 4-8 with a parent.

BOOKSTORIES FILM SERIES: YOU’VE GOT MAIL - Jan 7, 2:30pm. Registration required.

ADAPTIVE HOUR & CRAFT - Jan 8, 12pm. Registration required.

• FACEBOOK MOVIE NIGHT: GO FOR BROKE! - Jan 9, 7pm. Find the streaming link at wp.me/pbFvB5-12hD.

• GOING ELECTRIC: ON THE ROAD AND IN YOUR HOME - Jan 9, 7pm. Find the link to join us on Zoom at wp.me/pbFvB5-12oz. Registration required.

• FAMILY YOGA AND MINDFULNESS - Jan 9, 6pm – Ages 5 -12 (age 7 and under with an adult) Waiver required for all participants Registration Required.

• ADULT BOOK DISCUSSION: DRIVE YOUR PLOW OVER THE BONES OF THE DEADJan 10, 2pm. Find the link to join us on Zoom at wp.me/pbFvB5-12oC. Registration required.

• INDIVIDUAL MEDICARE 101 APPOINTMENTS - Jan 10, 9am. Reservations required.

• FAMILY BINGO NIGHT - Jan 10, 6pm. Registration required.

LITERARY ARTS: ESL CONVERSATION FOR TEENS AGE 13-18 - Jan 10, 3:30pm. For teens aged 13-18. Registration required.

INCITING JOY WITH AUTHOR/POET ROSS GAY - Jan 11, 7pm. Register for this conversation on Zoom at bit.ly/Rossgay.

• ENGLISH CONVERSATION HOUR - Jan 12, 7pm

• FACEBOOK MOVIE NIGHT: BIRD OF PARADISE - Jan 16, 7pm. Find the streaming link at wp.me/pbFvB5-12hH.

• PEN AND INK WRITERS GROUP - Jan 16, 7pm.

• VIRTUAL TOUR OF ST. PETERSBURG - Jan 17, 7pm. Find the link to join us on Zoom at wp.me/pbFvB5-12oM. Registration required.

• PRE-SCHOOL FAIR - Jan 17, 5pm.

PIXEL POWER - Jan 21, 10am – Grade 3-6. Registration Required. In-person Program.

• FACEBOOK MOVIE NIGHT: HIGH SCHOOL BIG SHOT - Jan 23, 7pm. Find the streaming link at wp.me/pbFvB5-12hL.

• DECODING THE MYSTERIES OF CATS, OR WHY DO THEY DO WHAT THEY DO? - Jan 23, 6:30pm. Find the link to join us on Zoom at eisenhowerlibrary.org.

• COZY MYSTERY BOOK CLUB: WINTER STUDY BY NEVADA BARR - Jan 24, 7pm. Find the link to join us on Zoom at eisenhowerlibrary.org/category/events/clubs/ upcoming-book-clubs.

• CAMP FIRE TALES CLUB: FLYAWAY - Jan 25, 6:30pm.

• U MAKE: ACRYLIC JELLYFISH PAINTINGJan 25, 6pm – Ages 4-12, ages 7 and under with an adult. Registration required.

• KIDS WRITE AWAY - Jan 26, 4pm –Registration required. Grades 4-6. In person program.

• BOOKSTORIES FILM SERIES: NOTTING HILL - Jan 28, 2:30pm.

• FACEBOOK MOVIE NIGHT: THAT’S MY BABY! - Jan 30, 7pm. Find the streaming link at wp.me/pbFvB5-12hQ.

• 1973 FILM SERIES: AMERICAN GRAFFITIJan 30, 2pm – Rated PG. 1h 50m.

SOUND HEALING AND MEDITATION - Jan 31, 7pm. Registration required.

• BASIC COMPUTER LITERACY SERIES - Jan 13 & 20, 2pm. Registration required.

• BRING YOUR OWN BOOK CLUB - Jan 13 & 27, 3:30pm. Find the link to join us on Zoom at eisenhowerlibrary.org/category/clubs.

• FAMILY YOGA AND MINDFULNESS - Jan 16, 23, & 30, 6pm – Ages 5 -12 (age 7 and under with an adult). Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required.

• CROCHET ALONG: BOWL COZY - Jan 4, 11, 18, & 25, 3pm. Find the link to join us on Zoom at eisenhowerlibrary.org/tag/crochet-along. Registration required.

• ANONYMOUS TEEN WRITERS - Jan 5, 12, 19, & 26, 4pm – Writers in grades 7-12.

• OPEN WORKSHOP - Jan 7, 14, 21, & 28, 9am.

ANCESTRY ONLINE SERIES - Jan 9 & 16, 6pm. Registration required.

Melrose Park Public Library

801 N. Broadway Closed Sundays 708-649-7400, mpplibrary.org

• CHAIR YOGA CLASS – Call (708) 649-7485, or email mpref@mpplibrary.org to register. Friday January 13: 10:30am-11:30am

• FREE TAX COUNSELING FOR THE ELDERLY PROGRAM – IRS trained and certified volunteers will help individuals age 60 or older from low to-moderate-income households prepare their tax returns. The Triton College RSVP Volunteer Program, in conjunction with the IRS is offering this free service. Appointments are necessary and will be taken beginning late January. Please call Triton College (708-456-0300 ext. 3895) for information or appointments. Monday Mornings: February 7 - April 10(excluding February 20, President’s Day).

DIGITAL SERVICES AT MPPLIBRARY.ORG

• NEW: COMICS PLUS Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from popular publishers.

• HOOPLA allows you to instantly borrow movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics, and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, phone, or TV!

• KANOPY gives access to thousands of movies with your library card.

• LIBBY is an app to access Media On Demand, the library’s largest and most popular collection of eBooks and audiobooks.

• FREEGAL users enjoy access to millions of songs to stream and download.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

• MAKE IT MONDAYS – Ages 3 and up.

ONLINE STORYTIME – Ages 1-5.

• BILINGUAL ONLINE STORYTIME – Ages 1-5

• TINKER TUESDAYS – Every Tuesday afternoon 2:30-4pm, Ages 6 -11. MPPL library card holders have first priority. Starts Tuesday, Jan 17.

Northlake

Public Library

231 N. Wolf Rd. 708-5622301, northlakelibrary.org

HOT CHOCOLATE BAR - Wednesday, Jan 4, 2-7pm. While supplies last.

• PROTECT YOURSELF ONLINE - Wednesday, Jan 18, 7pm. Register online or by calling us at 708-562-2301 x5.

• GROWN-UP STORYTIME: UNSOLVED MYSTERIES FROM THE 90’S - Thursday, Jan 19, 7pm – Join us on Facebook Live.

• ZUMBA - Tuesdays, Jan 24 and 31, 9:30am. All ages. Register online or call 708-562-2301 x5.

• COOKBOOK BOOK CLUB - Thursday, Jan 26, 7pm. Register online or by calling us at 708-562-2301 x5.

• SENIOR MEETUP - Tuesday, Jan 10, 2-3pm. Register online or by calling 708-562-2301 x5.

YOGURT PARFAIT BAR - Tuesday, Jan 24, 2-3pm. Register online or by calling 708-562-2301 x5.

CLASES DE CONVERSACIÓN - Los martes de Enero, 7pm – Practique su inglés cada martes.

• BUÑUELOS DE VIENTO - Lunes, 30 de Enero, 7pm – Regístrate en línea o llamando al 708-562-2301 x5.

FOR

•

• SAT PREP CLUB - Tuesdays in Jan, 6pm.

• LED CLOUD LAMPS - Thursday, Jan 19, 6pm.

BOARD GAMES & PIZZA - Thursday, Jan 26, 6pm. Bring your own game or pick one of ours.

OPEN GAMING - Saturday, Jan 28, 1:30pm. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

• TWEEN TECH CLUB - Mondays, Jan 9, 23, & 30, 5:30-6pm – Ages 9-13. Registration Required. Limit 10. Register by calling 708-562-2301 x6.

• GRAPHIC NOVEL BOOK CLUB - Tuesday, Jan 10, 6-6:30pm – Ages 7-9. Registration Required. Limit 10. 708-562-2301 x6.

• K-3 STEAM - Thursdays, Jan 12, 19, & 26, 6-6:30pm – Ages 5-8. Limit 15.

• SIP AND PAINT - Saturday, Jan 14, 2-3pm – Ages 6-8. Registration required. Limit 15. Register by calling 708-562-2301 x6.

• KIDS IN THE KITCHEN: PUPPY CHOWSaturday, Jan 28, 2-3pm – Ages 9-13. Registration Required. Limit 15. 708-562-2301 x6.

• SENSORY SUNDAY - Sundays, Jan 29, 2-3pm. All are welcome!

Schiller Park Library

4200 Old River Rd. 847-6780433, schillerparklibrary.org

• LOTERIA AT THE LIBRARY - Jan 10, 4pm

– Open to all ages. Limited to 20 participants. Registration required.

DAVE HERZOG’S MARIONETTES

PRESENTS: THE SNOW SHOW - Jan 21, 11am – All Ages.

• MOVIE AFTERNOON - Jan 28, 1pm – All ages. Bring your own snacks! Times and ratings vary.

• SCHILLER PARK YOUNG AUTHORS PROJECT - Visit our website at schillerparklibrary.org for submission info.

ABC’S GRAB AND GO CRAFT KITSOngoing – Ages 1-4. One per participant. While supplies last.

DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN!Jan 3-6 – Open to ages 2-12. While supplies last.

• FROSTY KIT MAKE & DISPLAY - Jan 9-31

– Ages 2-12. One per participant. Registration required. While supplies last.

• LEGO CLUB - Jan 17, 4pm – Open to ages 3-12. Limited to 20 participants. Registration required. LEGOS provided.

• TOT STAY & PLAY - Jan 23, 11am – Open to ages 1-4 (with a caregiver).

• POLISH STORYTIME - Jan 24, 4pm – Open to ages 2-12. Limited seating. Registration required.

• VALENTINES FOR SENIORS - Jan 26, 4pm –Ages 2-12. Registration required. While supplies last.

• CHILDREN’S WORLD STORYTIME - Jan 31 4pm- Winter Wonderland – Open to ages 2-12. Limited seating. Registration required.

TEEN TIE DYE - Jan 19, 4pm – Open to ages 11-17. Limited seating. Registration required.

DIGITAL E-MAIL CLUTTER - Jan 7, 10am –Open to ages 18+. Limited Seating. Registration required. Schiller Park residents only.

• YARN CRAFTING - Jan 30, 11am – Open to ages 18+. Light refreshments provided.

• WII BOWLING FOR SENIORS - Jan 12, 1pm –Ages 62+. Limited seating. Registration required.

• ILLINOIS LIBRARIES PRESENT: A CONVERSATION WITH ROSS GAY (ONLINE VIA ZOOM - Jan 10, 7pm – Join us for a virtual presentation. Register for this online event through Zoom at schillerparklibrary.org.

AROUND TOWN

NORRIDGE

Coffee with a Cop - The Norridge Police Department will host Coffee with a Cop on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. at the Norridge Starbucks, 4430 N. Harlem Avenue. Join Officers for this special opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns and spend a little time with the officers of our Village.

fee to cover installation. Residents must also register the alarm with the Elmwood Park Police Department. There are still alarms available to residents looking to participate. If interested, go online to the village’s website and click on the “Catalytic Converter Partnership Program Link.”

ROSEMONT

A new restaurant has opened in Rosemont. Taco John’s is located at 10909 W. Higgins Road.

PARK RIDGE

Save the Date - 2023 marks the Village of Norridge’s 75th anniversary of incorporation.

Mark your calendars now for the Village’s official 75th Anniversary celebration, August 24th-27th, 2023. The 75th Anniversary Committee will be sharing more information with residents as plans are finalized. At this time, we are proud to unveil the official logo for the 75th Anniversary year.

The now closed Go Bananas entertainment venue in Norridge has been replaced with a Family Dollar and Dollar Tree stores. Located on Harlem Avenue. A lot of new businesses popping up in that area!

ELMWOOD PARK

Elmwood Park officials are calling the Catalytic Converter Partnership Program a success in helping to deter thefts of catalytic converters in their town. Residents can sign up to get free catalytic converter alarms with a small $20

The owners of the Pickwick Theatre originally had announced that there would be a farewell screening on January 12, 2023 and the theatre would be closing. However, after the announcement, numerous “interested parties” began calling the owners to talk about future options. The owners are now hoping the theatre will have a “storybook ending.” The city of Park Ridge designated the theater a landmark under a city ordinance back in 2010, which will ensure the Pickwick’s façade will be preserved regardless of who owns the building or what its use is.

FRANKLIN PARK

Christmas Tree Recycling – Recycle your Christmas tree! Public Works will remove discarded Christmas trees to chip, mulch and use in the Village’s landscaping efforts. Tree pick-up will take place the weeks of January 9 and 23. Put your trees on the front parkway by the curb and do not place them in the alley. Remember to remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and other decorations and do not put them in a bag. Dates could be postponed due to the weather.

Franklin Park Quiet Zone Update

Although the Village of Franklin Park has completed the necessary improvements for the Quiet Zone process, the Village of River Grove is in the process of completing their required safety improvements. This includes installing lane delineators on River Road and Thatcher Road. Once that work is completed, the two villages will file jointly for a Quiet Zone designation. Visit the Village of Franklin Park’s website for future updates.

DES PLAINES

According to the Illinois Gaming Board figures for October, Rivers Casino in Des Plaines is out-

THE POTATO DIET

Good news for potato lovers: The humble spud may be an ideal ingredient for those trying to lose a few pounds. Tubers have sometimes been considered too starchy to be a diet food. But a small new study shows that they can help people lose weight without spiking glucose levels. Researchers recruited 36 people, ages 18 to 60, all either overweight, obese, or resistant to insulin. The participants were put on diets high in veggies and with some meat and fish, but with 40 percent of the typical American meat consumption swapped out for either beans or skin-on potatoes. Both groups lost weight over the eight weeks of the study, and both showed reduced insulin resistance. But the potato-eaters felt full more quickly and often didn’t finish their meals. “People tend to eat the same weight of food regardless of calorie content in order to feel full,” coauthor Candida Rebello, from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, tells the New York Post. “By eating foods with a heavier weight that are low in calories, you can easily reduce the number of calories you consume.”

gaming other casinos by more than three times the revenue of all the other casinos combined.

Adjusted gross receipts in October for Rivers was $46,484,912.49. The two casinos with the next highest revenue were Grand Victoria in Elgin with $12,794,488.74 and Harrah’s Joliet Casino with $11,577,353.54. Over eight hundred thousand people patronized all 10 casinos in the state during October for total adjusted gross receipts of $115,958,384.13.

Des Plaines received $2,582,365 for being the host community of Rivers but shares 40% of that sum with 10 South suburbs. November figures proved to be just as profitable with 770,693 people visiting the casinos in the state bringing in $113,990,258.47 in adjusted gross receipts ($45,464,679.83 came from Rivers.)

Since Rivers opened in 2011, the total amount of new gaming money going to Des Plaines has been around $10 million yearly. For the complete list of casinos and their reports, visit www.igb.illinois.gov.

BENSENVILLE

The Bensenville police office was shot eight times responding to a domestic call on the morning of November 6, 2021. A ninth bullet went into his vest. After being shot, Kotlewski tumbled down stairs and lay bleeding on the brink of death. His recovery was nothing short of a miracle and he continues his recovery. He still has a long way to go, and his days are filled with a lot more family time and therapy – both psychological and physical.

INFLATED BROADBAND CHARGES

Most of the U.S. is paying way too much for broadband internet, said Russell Brandom in The Verge. An analysis of 22,000 internet bills collected from people around the country found that, on average, “folks pay about $75 a month for internet access.” Customers of some of the largest companies, like Verizon ($82), Spectrum ($78), and Optimum ($90), are paying more. That may sound normal to most Americans, but it’s not. People in London pay $40 a month. Frustratingly, it’s not necessarily the service that Americans are paying handsomely for –it’s the fees. These unavoidable surcharges are “the telecom equivalent of selling you a $5 sandwich and then adding a 50-cent ‘mustard fee’.” Xfinity’s fees alone come to $31 a month, while AT&T adds $25.

On December 13, 2022, Officer Steven Kotlewski of the Bensenville Police Department was awarded the Medal of Valor from the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police.

HOUSE AND HOME

Frozen Water Pipes

Frozen water pipes flood homes of a quarter million families nationwide each winter. This damage is largely preventable by homeowners. Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside your home. When temperatures do begin to plummet, a trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferable from a faucet on an outside wall, and keep your thermostat set at the same temperature both day and night. If you are a Snowbird, it is recommended that you turn the water off inside your home when you leave town. In addition, set the thermostat in your house to no lower than 55 degrees. Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it is warm enough to prevent freezing.

If your pipes do freeze, never try to thaw them with a torch or other open flame. Doing so is a fire hazard. You can use a hair dryer, or turn up the heat in your basement to gradually warm the pipes. If your pipes have already burst turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house, and contact a plumber immediately.

ICC Offers Consumers Winter Energy Savings Tips

Springfield, IL – The war on Ukraine and supply chain constraints are key drivers of rising energy costs globally and here in Illinois. To keep your home warm this winter and save money by reducing energy costs, the Illinois Commerce Commission is offering a few tips to help homeowners prepare for freezing temperatures.

– Install smart thermostats that automatically adjust heating and cooling temperature settings.

– Check with your utility company about enrolling in time-based electricity rates programs to reduce energy usage during peak hours or to learn about energy efficiency services they may offer.

–

Set your thermostat at 68 degrees while you are awake and home, lower at night and when you are away.

– Water heating accounts for 14-18% of homeowner’s utility bill. Turn down your water heater to 120 degrees to save money.

– Cover the inside of drafty windows with heavy plastic and seal tightly to the frame to avoid air infiltration. Check exterior door and window frames for leaks, use caulk or weather stripping to seal. Use insulated curtains, shades, or other energy-efficient window treatments.

– Schedule a maintenance service call for your heating system. Be sure to change filters on furnace and heat pumps at least once a month. For wood and pellet-burning heaters, clean the flue vent regularly, and clean the interior of appliances with a wire brush.

– If you have an older water heater tank, consider adding an insulated jacket or blanket. Insulating a water tank can save between 7 – 16% in water heating costs.

– On sunny days, allow natural light to filter in south-facing windows to help warm your home. Reverse the direction of ceiling fan blades to circulate warm air.

– If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed unless a fire is burning. If using the fireplace, close off the room, and if possible, open a nearby window slightly, and lower your thermostat setting between 50-55 degrees.

– Lower holiday decorating costs by using LED holiday light strings.

If you are interested in learning more about ways to save, visit the U.S. Department of Energy website at: energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver.

If you are struggling to afford your utility bill, the application window for enrolling in the Low-

Income Home Energy Assistance Program is now open until May 31, 2023, or until funding is exhausted.

Visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities (DCEO) website to learn more about LIHEAP and the Community Services Block Grant program to help eligible Illinoisans cover costs related to utility bills. Click here for more information about how to apply for LIHEAP. Additionally, the ICC has a dedicated Utility Assistance webpage that includes information about winter disconnection prohibition rules in Illinois, bill payment assistance programs, and energy efficiency savings as well as contact information for the state’s largest-regulated utilities and the utility assistance programs they offer customers.

Police in Alabama arrested, handcuffed, and jailed an 82-year-old grandmother over an unpaid trash-collection bill of $77.80. Martha Menefield says officers told her not to cry as they put her in handcuffs.

“I’m just happy my grandkids weren’t here to see that,” she said. Police chief Mike Reynolds said that while officers can use “discretionary judgment on certain matters,” enforcement of arrest warrants “is not one of them.”

1043 S. York Rd. #607

BENSENVILLE

$123,500 11/30/22

52 Jacquelyn Dr. $345,050 11/30/22

507 W. Green St. $255,000 12/12/22

1110 Twin Oaks St. $310,000 12/15/22

ELMWOOD PARK 7929 W. Grand Ave. 305 $110,000 11/21/22

2735 N. 75th Ct. $330,000 11/21/22

7918 W. Metropole St. $350,000 11/21/22

2930 N. Harlem Ave. 1C $170,000 11/22/22

2543 N. 75th Ct. 1 $245,000 11/22/22

2230 N. 73rd Ct. $317,000 11/22/22

7840 W. North Ave. 2E $120,000 11/23/22

7200 W. Palmer St. 1SE $240,000 11/23/22

7938 W. Birchdale Ave. $292,000 11/23/22

2839 N. 77th Ave. $440,000 11/23/22

2020 N. 72nd Ct. $560,000 11/30/22

2730 N. 73rd Ave. $680,000 12/1/22 2414 N. 78th Ave. $615,000 12/2/22

7234 W. North Ave. 1402 $129,900 12/6/22

7234 W. North Ave. 704 $67,000 12/9/22

2606 N. 75th Ct. 3 $293,500 12/9/22

2636 N. 76th Ave. $565,000 12/9/22

2235 N. 77th Ct. $350,000 12/13/22

7904 W. North Ave. 203E $189,000 12/14/22 2536 N. West Brook Rd. $280,000 12/14/22 2227 N. 73rd Ave. $367,000 12/14/22 7830 W. North Ave. 712 $109,000 12/15/22 1630 N. 75th Ave. $410,000 12/15/22 1804 N. 73rd Ct. $265,000 12/16/22

FRANKLIN PARK 2841 Hawthorne St. $192,000 11/22/22 2619 Park St. $280,000 11/23/22 2713 Leona St. $247,900 11/30/22 3326 Ruby St. $315,000 12/6/22 3404 Hawthorne St. $288,000 12/8/22 3519 Scott St. $295,000 12/8/22 2733 Hawthorne St. $280,000 12/13/22

HARWOOD HEIGHTS 4520 N. Oak Park Ave. $373,000 11/21/22 4724 N. Octavia Ave. $295,000 11/22/22 7400 W. Lawrence Ave. 234 $197,500 12/6/22

LEYDEN TOWNSHIP 2950 N. Haber Ave. $285,000 11/23/22

MELROSE PARK 1540 N. 16th Ave. F $142,500 11/21/22 1837 N. 21st Ave. $239,900 11/21/22 1319 N. 19th Ave. $266,500 12/2/22 3130 LaPorte Ave. $250,000 12/6/22 1734 N. 14th Ave. $230,000 12/8/22 1207 N. 33rd Ave. $238,000 12/9/22 9635 Dickens Ave. F $280,000 12/12/22 10412 Nevada Ave. $170,000 12/15/22 1530 N. 23rd Ave. $390,000 12/16/22

NORRIDGE 5024 N. Oneida Ave. $255,000 11/22/22 7910 Elm Dr. $363,000 11/22/22 4409 N. Overhill Ave. $310,000 11/29/22 5028 N. Knight Ave. $427,000 11/30/22 4900 N. Canfield Ave. $301,000 12/1/22 8560 W. Foster Ave. 302 $230,000 12/5/22

8200 W. Eastwood Ave. $311,250 12/7/22

4215 N. Ozanam Ave. $445,000 12/12/22

8028 W. Leland Ave. $420,000 12/16/22

NORTHLAKE 556 Sandra Ave. $225,000 11/23/22 26 Whitehall Ave. $257,500 12/2/22

PARK RIDGE 1117 Bonita Dr. F $451,000 11/21/22

1815 Oakton St. 2B $149,900 11/22/22

1703 S. Cumberland Ave. $302,500 11/22/22

408 Elmore St. $2,484,000 11/22/22

2500 Windsor Mall 3L $156,000 11/30/22

2400 Windsor Mall 1P $200,000 11/30/22

724 N. Northwest Hwy. D $572,000 11/30/22 522 N. Home Ave. $600,000 11/30/22

834 Forestview Ave. $750,000 11/30/22 115 S. Clifton Ave. $700,000 12/1/22 238 Columbia Ave. $925,000 12/1/22

1304 Frances Pkwy $490,000 12/2/22 741 Florence Dr. $920,000 12/2/22

947 N. Prospect Ave. $580,000 12/5/22

808 N. Washington Ave. $1,899,000 12/5/22

1008 Cedar St. $539,000 12/6/22

2610 Oakton St. 7W $125,000 12/7/22 1011 Peterson Ave. D F $232,500 12/7/22 230 E. Lahon St. $490,000 12/7/22

1301 Granville Ave. $475,000 12/8/22 900 N. Merrill St. $720,000 12/8/22

2031 Walnut St. $421,000 12/9/22

1008 Kent Ave. $457,000 12/9/22 1801 Linden Ave. $670,000 12/9/22 1404 Devon Ave. $400,000 12/14/22 215 N. Knight Ave. $404,000 12/14/22 857 N. Northwest Hwy. $490,000 12/14/22 1110 Canfield Ave. $349,000 12/15/22 30 N. Dee Rd. $365,000 12/15/22 1415 S. Washington Ave. $543,500 12/15/22 1513 Greendale Ave. $630,000 12/15/22 1107 S. Aldine Ave. $405,000 12/16/22 1132 Hoffman Ave. $475,000 12/16/22 600 W. Touhy Ave. 307 $600,000 12/16/22

RIVER GROVE 8553 Grand Ave. 2E $127,500 11/21/22 2211 Leyden Ave. $215,000 11/22/22 2623 Marwood St. $283,000 11/29/22 2522 Elm St. $300,000 12/5/22 2848 Auxplaines St. $500,000 12/9/22 8155 W. Grand Ave. $852,500 12/16/22

SCHILLER PARK 9514 Lawrence Ave. 2304 $107,000 11/21/22 4507 Rose St. $320,000 11/21/22 10146 Hartford Ct. 1A $136,500 12/2/22 9851 Soreng Ave. $200,000 12/2/22 9864 Leland Ave. 312 $250,000 12/2/22 9226 Sally Lane $625,000 12/14/22 9453 Kelvin Ln. 2773 $127,000 12/15/22

CREAMY TORTELLINI SOUP

YIELD: 4 - 6 SERVINGS

PREP: 15 MINUTES

COOK: 15 MINUTES

TOTAL: 30 MINUTES

My favorite cozy weeknight soup made in just 30 min! It's so stinking easy too. Loaded with tender tortellini, sausage and kale!

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium sweet onion, diced

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 cups chicken stock

1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini

Half bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

1/3 cup heavy cream

3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks; drain excess fat.

Stir in garlic, onion and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes; sea-son with salt and pepper, to taste.

Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in chicken stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

Stir in tortellini; cover and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in kale until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and basil until heated through, about 1 minute; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve immediately.

OPINIONS

News About St. Baldrick’s Event From Event

Coordinator Dan Colantuono

Welcome to the 17th annual St. Baldrick's event hosted by the Franklin Park Fire Department. As past shavees, volunteers, barbers, and attendees I would like to thank you for reading this message. Our committee cordially invites you to attend our 17th annual event on Friday, March 3 at North Park in Franklin Park. I am very hopeful that you will be willing to be a part of our event once again this year.

Please visit stbaldricks.org/events/ mypage/17/2023 to get registered NOW.

As you all know, change can happen very quickly and sometimes life throws you a curveball or two.

Unfortunately, about 2 weeks ago, we heard from Avalon Banquets that they were shuttering their doors as the building has been sold and will be torn down. So, for the second time, after we all delt with Covid for the last couple of years, we once again did not have a venue. However, we have been lucky enough to secure the park district building (North Park) across the street from our firehouse. For those that have been with us since the beginning in 2007, we are going home to our roots, where it all began all those years ago.

And now the other bit of news... after 19 years of being involved with this organization, 17 years with our event, and 14 years of being the lead organizer, this will be my last event (#15) as the lead organizer. I have hoped for a number of years to mentor someone from our fire department to take the lead and become the lead organizer, but that has not been successful. So, unless something changes, this will be the last St. Baldrick's event hosted by the Franklin Park Fire Department. I am hoping all of you will join us as we celebrate, remember, and honor your children and all we have accomplished as a group. I believe we have all made a change for the better in this world while involved with this amazing organization.

We are not certain as to what our event will look like as the venue is much smaller than in past years. The committee is working hard to figure out what the event will look like and

whether we will be incorporating a combination of in-person as well as a virtual live streaming of the event. More details to come as we figure them all out.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! Until there is a cure...

Dan Colantuono and your St. Baldrick's committee

The Rock of Faith

BY FATHER ROBERT SCHULTZ

Whenever a new calendar year begins (hello, 2023), there are always some people who are quite happy to see the old year depart and welcome in the new year. The expectation here is that things will be better in the new year. Of course, we know that this is not always the case. For example, many people were excited to usher in the year 2020 (perhaps because that number just sounded cool), but would anyone argue that 2020 was better than 2019, given the Covid pandemic that we all experienced?

So, sometimes a new year has better things in store for us, and sometimes not. And if you are a person of faith, my question is: What role does your faith play in your life when things are going well, and when they’re not going well? Now, you might think that I want to focus on the importance of faith when things do not go well in life. But actually, what I want to address is the other side of the spectrum: The role of faith when your life is going well.

You see, many of us know that it can be hard to have faith in God when things are not going well in life – when our health is not good, we lose a loved one, we lose a job, we watch loved ones struggling in their lives, or our plans in life are basically not working out the way we want them to. It can be difficult to have faith in those times, as we ask, “Where is God when I need Him?”

But as hard as it might be to have faith during times of suffering, I would say that it can also be quite difficult (and maybe even more difficult) to have faith when everything is going well. Why? Because when things are going well, do we think about God as much? Perhaps we might think that we don’t really need God when life is going

smoothly. I’m not saying that we consciously ignore Him, but if we’re honest, isn’t it easy to simply not think about God as much when don’t have any pressing concerns that we need to bring to Him? Whether we realize it or not, our faith might take more of a back seat when life is going well.

So, perhaps it’s actually harder to have faith during the high points of life, not the low points. There’s an old aphorism that says, “There are no atheists in foxholes,” which suggests that times of fear (especially the fear of death) can cause us to believe in a higher power. And what I’m saying is: Do times of peace and tranquility prompt us just as much to believe in a higher power? Maybe, or maybe not.

But whether it’s harder to have faith during good times or bad times, here’s my main point: It is very important for us to have faith in God when things are going well, because if we can have faith during the good times (when we don’t need to ask anything of God), then we are more likely to have faith during the bad times (when we do need to ask things of God).

As we begin the new year of 2023, none of us knows what this year will have in store for us. I pray that it will be a good year for you and your loves ones. If that does not turn out to be the case, I hope that you will turn to God in your times of need. And if that does turn out to be the case – if things go well for you this year –that’s all the more reason to turn to God. The more that we strengthen our faith foundation, the more of a Rock it will be for us when we need it the most.

Giver of Gifts

BY JAMES DE ROSE

In AD 325, three hundred bishops from all over the world came to Nicaea in Asia Minor to debate the nature of the Holy Trinity. One of these Bishops was a man from Egypt named Arius. This theologian argued that Jesus, although being the greatest prophet, was still ‘created’ and NOT equal to God the Father (John 5:16). Arius vigorously continued this tirade until another Bishop seized the moment!

Fifty-five-year-old Nicholas of Myra (modernday Turkey), defending his Christian faith, approached Arius, slapped him in his face, and

was promptly thrown in jail! Thus, the beginning of the legacy of Santa Claus....Santa Claus???

Born in AD 270, he was the only child of devoted Christian parents. Inheriting his parent’s wealth after their deaths, Nicholas heeded the words of Jesus to, “Sell what you owe and give the money to the poor.” (Matthew 19:21)

The more he gave to others, the more he felt drawn to offer his life to serve Jesus. His generosity knew no bounds. “He was determined to be sneaky, so no one would know where the money came,” Barry McWilliams, Chapel Hill Presbyterian.

Most famous of these heart-warming stories involved three girls and a poor father. Orthodox countries during this time required women to pay a large amount of money-a dowry, if they desired to marry. The other options were slavery or prostitution. Nicholas took action upon hearing of this situation. He tossed a ‘stocking’ full of gold coins through the bedroom windows of these daughters. They all ended up being married to good husbands.

Nicholas experienced torture and imprisonment for his faith in the Lord. Despite the insults, he taught other inmates and jailers about the Gospel of Jesus similar to the Persecution of the apostle Paul (Acts 16:31). He passed away on December 6, AD 343.

This is a widely celebrated feast day throughout Europe. In The Netherlands, candies, chocolates, small gifts and riddles are thrown in doorways. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes hoping Saint Nick will exchange them for gifts.

Yes, Santa Claus was a real human being. Yes, many facts have been interwoven with imagination. The story of Nicholas reminds us that God gives NOT on what we deserve, but on His overflowing love for us.

All of us would do well to replace our picture of the jolly fat man in a sleigh who is remembered just once a year. Secret generosity is consistent with how Nicholas gave gifts. Jesus said, “Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you,” (Matthew 6:4).

OPINIONS / LEYDEN HIGHLIGHTS

Local Lifestyles

BY ANNA HESSEL PEOPLEANDPLACES.ANNA@GMAIL.COM @PRINCESSANNAH8

Happy New Year, everyone... This month let’s begin 2023 on a serious and reflective note. A recent Christmas concert by Celtic Woman included a beautiful version of “Auld Lang Syne”; it got me to thinking about that New Year’s Eve favorite - many artists have sung it, including a lovely rendition by Barry Manilow.

The song actually derives from an old Scottish poem - I never really thought about the lyrics much except to have always considered them to be just a bit depressing. “Should auld (old) acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind”. There are many old acquaintances that I truly care to remember and remain acquainted with. Those who are no longer here, the reminiscence can be rife with despondency, yet oddly comforting. Some whom have gone on and many whom still remain in our lives of course don’t always bring happy memories.

Several years ago, we attended a fabulous Kirk Franklin concert on New Year’s Day. Mr. Franklin talked about not taking certain people into the new year with us. Truth be told, there are certain folks I don’t care to take into the next minute with me. Getting rid of toxicity in our lives can often be the best resolution we can make - heartbreaking as it can be, sometimes a clean break is for the best.

Our good Lord teaches us to forgive, but forgiveness does not mean to carry another person’s bad behavior with us through the coming months. Let bygones be bygones but do so with wisdom - maybe that is what this song is trying to communicate.

When our hearts are heavily burdened, it’s time for a spiritual and emotional renewal. “Let go and let God” comes to mind. We will “take a cup of kindness yet” and have a stiff drink from it, as we offer God’s grace and walk away from those that don’t enrich our lives, because selfcare has style.

Wish you Peace

BY DONNA ASHWORTH

Why do we start a new year, with promises to improve?

Who began this tradition of neverending pressure?

I say, the end of a year, should be filled with congratulation, for all we survived.

And I say a new year should start with promises to be kinder to ourselves, to understand better just how much we bear, as humans on this exhausting treadmill of life.

And if we are to promise more, let’s pledge to rest, before our bodies force us.

Let’s pledge to stop, and drink in life as it happens.

Let’s pledge to strip away a layer of perfection to reveal the flawed and wondrous humanity we truly are inside.

Why start another year, gifted to us on this earth, with demands on our already overstrained humanity.

When we could be learning to accept, that we were always supposed to be imperfect.

And that is where the beauty lives, actually.

And if we can only find that beauty, we would also find peace.

I wish you peace in 2023.

Everything else is all just a part of it. Let it be so.

Donna Ashworth is a poet and author and can be found on Facebook and her website.

linktr.ee/donnaashworth and amzn.eu/d/9Y6E6kz

Leyden News: Director honored by Lewis University

Director of Student Services Faith Cole, was recently honored by Lewis University’s College of Education with the Educationis Lumen Award. The award is presented annually by the College to one graduate based upon the individual’s accomplishments as a professional educator. The criteria for the selection includes evidence of excellence in teaching, dedication to the teaching profession and inspiring others to make a difference for students, their families and their communities.

Leyden High Schools Host “Triton Week” to Promote Post-Secondary Pathways

Triton College Programs on Display for Leyden Students

RIVER GROVE – Triton College programs and clubs were on display at Leyden high schools as they celebrated Triton Week (Dec. 5 at East Leyden and Dec. 7 at West Leyden). The day-long fair at each school was organized to promote post-secondary pathways for current Leyden students.

Representatives from nearly 20 different Triton programs hosted booths with information, giveaways and interactive activities for students. Triton’s mascot, Troy the Trojan, made an appearance and became instantly popular among students.

“College is about academics and cocurricular programs,” explained Dr. Jodi Koslow Martin, vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. “Triton Week gives students a chance to see how Triton can prepare them for their career and beyond.”

East Leyden student Leslie Terrazas of River Grove said she wants to pursue a career

as a sign language interpreter and feels Triton College will help her reach her goals.

“Triton Week helped me realize that there are a lot of great resources available for me to succeed,” she said.

Students Adriana Ramiro and Ariana Garcia of Melrose Park attended Triton Week at West Leyden to see the many opportunities available at Triton College.

“My goal is to go to Triton College next year,” noted Ramiro. “I want to study engineering.”

Dawn Erickson, department chair of Student Services at Leyden high schools, noted that Leyden created Triton Week to highlight all that Triton has to offer.

“We really want every student at Leyden to have a plan in place when they graduate,” said Erickson. “We will be highlighting postsecondary pathways through a series of Future Focus weeks.”

Dr. Koslow Martin hopes to replicate Triton Week at other area high schools in the future.

have somewhere between 206 and 213 bones. Why the range? Some people have more bones in their fingers, toes, vertebrae and ribs than others do.

Fun fact: When you were born, you had around 270 bones, but some of them fused together over time.

“Dr. Cole joined our team on July 1 and has already been making great strides towards improvements for our students and their families,” said Superintendent Dr. Nick Polyak. “We are proud of her and this recognition, and grateful to have her on our team.”

Prior to joining Leyden, Cole served as the director of student services at Oak Park District 200 and numerous other roles at Oak Park District 97, including director of multi-tiered system of supports, principal, assistant principal, lead teacher mentor and classroom teacher.

Cole earned her Bachelor’s from Lewis University, Master’s from Northeastern University and completed her educational doctorate from Walden University this past spring.

Ms. Hessel is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists

East Leyden students pose with Troy, Triton’s mascot.

College Dedicates George T. Jorndt Athletic Complex to Honor Former Triton President

Dedication Ceremony Brought Together Dr. Jorndt’s Friends, Family and Colleagues

RIVER GROVE – Triton College held a dedication ceremony for the unveiling of the George T. Jorndt Athletic Complex on Monday, Nov. 21. The dedication honored former Triton College President Dr. George T. Jorndt.

The event consisted of remarks and refreshments in the R Building (R-221), with the unveiling held outside.

Garrick Abezetian, associate vice president of Athletics and Athletic Activities, and John Lambrecht, associate vice president of Operations and Maintenance, performed the unveiling of the athletic complex, located outside the R Building on Fifth Avenue, while surrounded by his friends, family and colleagues. The celebration ended with cake and refreshments.

Dr. Jorndt began working at Triton in August of 1969 as a full-time faculty member as well as the college’s swimming and diving coach. In 1973, he became the director of Admissions and Records, and within one year, he raised enrollment from 12,500 students to over 16,000 students. After five years in the position, Triton’s admission was over 23,000 students. He began serving as president in 1992 and retired in 2001.

Dr. Jorndt grew up on the north side of Chicago. He received his doctorate degree in public administration from University of Utah in 1972.

He is survived by his wife Mary; three children – Douglas Jorndt, Bryan Jorndt and Gretchen Reyes; and seven grandchildren. Dr. Jorndt passed away on June 27, 2021, surrounded by his family. His daughter Gretchen Reyes is currently a professor of business at Triton College.

Adult Education Program Now Hiring ESL Instructors

Those Interested Should Visit Triton’s Website

RIVER GROVE – Triton College’s Adult Education Program is currently hiring English as a Second Language (ESL) adjunct instructors. The Adult Education Department is hoping to recruit individuals passionate about teaching and helping non-native speakers.

Available positions include part-time (adjunct) instructors to teach morning and evening classes to beginning, intermediate and advanced non-English adult students. Instructors will receive $47.24 an hour.

For more information about these teaching positions, please contact Nathan Rearden, director of Adult Education Faculty & Instruction, at nathanrearden@triton.edu.

Triton College Mourns Loss of Former College Trustee Jane Garoppolo

RIVER GROVE – The Triton College community is deeply saddened over the passing of former college trustee, Jane Garoppolo. Garoppolo, who served as a college trustee from 1980-1993, passed away on Dec. 9, 2022, at the age of 87.

Garoppolo was appointed to the Triton College Board of Trustees in June 1980 to fill a board member vacancy. She was then elected as a Trustee in her own rights in 1981 and held many positions throughout her years of service at the college.

Her work and dedication continued when she served on the Board Policy Committee from 1981-1983 and then on the Board Academic/ Student Affairs Committee from 1983-1985.

Garoppolo entered her most important Triton College role when she was elected as the board chairperson in 1985.

Re-elected as trustee in 1987, she became the board’s representative to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) and Association of Governing Boards (AGB) that same year.

Garoppolo’s commitment continued when she became a member of the Board “Innovation Committee” from 1987-1988 and the Board’s “Buildings & Grounds Committee” from 19871989.

Garoppolo served as Triton’s Board representative to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in 1989.

Upcoming Triton Courses Offered

–

Sport and Exercise Psychology (PED 196 370 and PED 196 371) from Jan. 2-13. The class is fully online and is worth three credit hours.

– Sociology of Sport (PED 197 370) from Jan. 2-13. This class is fully online and is worth three credit hours.

– Entry-level Lifeguarding Course for individuals ages 15 and up. The course will teach participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies. Students will learn to provide support or aid for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illness, until an EMS responder arrives. Those who successfully complete the course will receive an American Red Cross Certificate for Lifeguarding, valid for two years.

– First Aid and CPR (HTH 281 005) Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 17-March 9, 2023, from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. The class will be held in the R Building (R-217) and is worth one college credit hour.

– Nutrition Science (HTH 120 701) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 17-May 11, 2023, 11-12:15 p.m. The class will be held in the R Building (R-213) and is worth three college credit hours.

–

Theory and Practice of Weight Training (PED 168 001) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 17-May 11, 2023, 12:30-2:20 p.m. The class will be held in the R Building (R-211) and worth three college credit hours.

– Introduction to Sports Management (PED 195 001) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 17-May 11, 9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m. The class will be held in the R Building (R-211) and worth three college credit hours.

– Aquacize (PED 113 001) on Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 18-May 15, 5-5:50 p.m. The class will be held in the pool, R Building (Room R-POOL). Students can earn one college credit hour.

– Boot Camp Fitness (PED 115 001) on Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 30-May 10, 1-1:55 p.m. The class will be held in the R Building (Room R-101C). Students can earn one college credit hour.

– Science of Personal Health (HTH 104 001) on Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 18-May 15, 2023, and March 20-May 15, 2023, from 10-11:15 a.m., in the R

Building (R-309). The class can also be taken online (same dates and times). The class is worth three college credit hours.

– Techniques in Sport and Exercise (PED 230 001) from March 20-May 15, 2023. Time and location to be announced. This course is worth two college credit hours.

– Total Fitness Class this Spring - Ready to get fit while staying safe and having fun? Triton College will be offering Total Fitness for credit (PED 106) or noncredit (PED C37) continuing education. The class will be held in Triton’s Fitness Center in the R Building. Tuition is affordable and the class is worth one college credit hour. Total Fitness teaches students the safe and effective way to use strength and cardio exercise equipment. The goal of the class is to improve body composition, physiological strength and flexibility. The course can be repeated for a maximum of four accrued credits.

For more information on any of the above classes, please email juliannemurphy@triton.edu or call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3130. To register, visit triton.edu/spring.

Free Tax Assistance to Seniors

Service By Appointment ONLY

RIVER GROVE – Triton College’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) will be offering free tax assistance to individuals aged 60 or older from low- to moderate-income households. This service is by appointment ONLY. Appointments can be made starting on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.

This free service is made possible by the grant-funded IRS program, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). Volunteers are trained and certified to help seniors.

This year’s tax sites include:

– Triton College (River Grove)

– Elmwood Park Public Library

– Eisenhower Public Library (Harwood Heights)

– Melrose Park Public Library

– Proviso Township Office (Hillside)

– Seniors Assistance Center (Norridge)

– Leyden Township Westdale Park (Melrose Park)

– Schiller Park Community Center

– La Grange Park Public Library

For more information or to make an appointment, call the RSVP tax line at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3895.

SENIOR SNIPS

Hospital Stay? –

Ask “Why That

Medication?”

Hospitals have worked hard to reduce medication errors by checking ID bracelets and having special dispensing machines. But you still have to ask about every medication that is prescribed, especially if it is something that wasn’t being given previously. What is it? What is it for? Why was it added to the regimen? What are the risks? If it’s to offset the side effects of another medication, are there other options so that the patient doesn’t have to take more medications? The elderly are especially vulnerable to being overmedicated.

Senior Discounts Can Add Up to Significant Savings!

Many grocery stores, retailers, and service providers offer senior dis-counts to help seniors on fixed incomes. These discounts aren’t always well advertised but may be available if you ask about them.

Here are just some of the companies that offer senior discounts to save you money:

Grocery and Retail

Grocers and retailers that offer senior discounts include Hy-Vee, Kohl’s, Ross, Michaels, Joann, and Hallmark.

Dining

Restaurants that give 10% off with an AARP card include Carraba’s, Corner Bakery, Joe’s Crab Shack, Outback, Rainforest Cafe, McCormick & Schmick, Bonefish Grill and more. Restaurants with discounted senior menu for age 55+ include IHOP, Denny’s, and Perkins.

Some of the fast-food chains that offer senior discounts are Arby’s, Burger King, Chick Fil-A, Culvers, Dairy Queen, Dunkin Donuts, Sonic, and White Castle.

Marriott Hotels, IHG Hotels, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Avis, Hertz, Amtrak, and Greyhound, plus many others.

For details about available senior discounts, check out these re-sources:

– The Complete List of Senior Discounts for 2022 (seniorliving.org)

– 29 Retailers That Offer Senior Discounts (moneytalksnews.com)

– 2022 Biggest List of Senior Discounts (Restaurants, Retail, Travel & More) (theseniorlist.com)

Don’t Skip BP Checks

Just 48 percent of older adults who take medication to lower their blood pressure – or have a condition that can be worsened by high blood pressure – check their BP levels at home, according to a survey. Research suggests that regular home monitoring can help keep blood pressure at a lower, healthier level.

https://ilaging.illinois.gov/benefitsaccess.html. For assistance with the online application, older adults can call IDoA’s Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.

Those with specific questions about the price reduction, or about their vehicle’s registration status, are encouraged to contact the Illinois Secretary of State’s office at 800-252-8980.

IDoA serves and advocates for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life. For information about the Department’s programs and services for older adults and persons with disabilities, visit

https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/programs or contact the Senior HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Entertainment

To save on entertainment, AMC, Cinemark, Marcus Theatres, and Ticketmaster all offer senior discounts.

Travel

Senior discounts can also save you money on travel at Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean,

License Plate Fees for LowIncome Older Drivers, Persons With Disabilities to Drop in 2023

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Eligible older adults and persons with disabilities will see their annual license plate renewal fee reduced by more than half in the new year, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) announced Wednesday. Under Public Act 102-0807, which takes effect Jan. 1, drivers who qualify for IDoA’s Benefit Access Program will pay only $10 for their license plate stickers, a decrease from $24 currently.

The Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program determines eligibility for a license plate discount from the Secretary of State’s office and free transit on fixed route systems in Illinois. To qualify, residents must be at least 65 years of age or 16 years of age and disabled, as well as meet income requirements. For a household containing one person, the annual income cap is $33,562.

To apply for the Benefit Access Program online, please visit

GERMSANOTHER REASON TO DISLIKE SELFCHECKOUT!

There’s an unexpected item in the bagging area – and it’s not a pleasant one, reports the Daily Mail (U.K.). Researchers have found that supermarket self-service checkouts are crawling with harmful bacteria, including some found in feces. For the new study, they swabbed 19 items that people typically touch on an everyday basis, such as handrails, door handles, and keyboards. Check-out screens had “one of the highest bacterial loads,” the researchers found, with five types of bugs known to cause disease. These included Enterococcus, a bacterium commonly found in feces. E. coli-which can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and bloody stools – was found on almost every item. Candida albicans, which can cause yeast infections, was on an escalator handrail; Klebsiella, which can lead to a painful UTI, on keyboards.

“We live in a bacterial world,” says lead author Adam Roberts, from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the U.K. “Bacteria and microbes are everywhere, and we come into contact with them all day, every day.” These microbes typically cause only mild illness in most people, but for vulnerable people like children, the elderly, or the immunocompromised, they can be much more dangerous. The best prevention is the usual advice: Wash your hands often, and certainly before each meal.

SOURCE: JAMA NETWORK OPEN, SEPT. 14, 2022.

AROUND TOWN

IRENE MOSKAL DELGUIDICE TOOK A PICTURE WITH ALDERMAN BYRON SIGCHO

LOPEZ who was elected to the Chicago City Council in April 2019. Byron came to the United States as an immigrant when he was 17 years old. Before serving as Alderman, Byron worked as a teacher and researcher for 10 years, founding the bilingual adult education program at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). He holds a Bachelors in Mathematics and Business Administration from Cumberland University, a Masters in Economics and is currently a PhD candidate in the field of Urban Education Policy at UIC. He lives in Pilsen with his wife Loreen and their three children. The photo was taken in front of St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church in Pilsen. Both are fighting to make sure this historically Polish church is not demolished.

FRANKLIN PARK TREE LIGHTING

Photos by Mike Mikrut

HOLIDAY ICE SKATING SHOW AT FRANKLIN PARK ICE RINK Photos by Mike Mikrut

PARK DISTRICT OF FRANKLIN PARK BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Photos by Mike Mikrut

IRENE MOSKAL DELGUIDICE OF SCHILLER PARK TAKING A PHOTO WITH ONE OF THE POLISH HIGHLANDERS at a Christmas party hosted by the Polish Consulate in Chicago. “We sang Polish Christmas Carols and enjoyed a typical Polish meal.”

FRANKLIN PARK

NOV. 17 - BURGLARY – A 2020 Dodge Challenger was reported ransacked. It was unlocked at the time and parked in the 9800 block of Richard Avenue. Nothing was taken.

NOV. 17 - CRIMINAL DAMAGE – A car parked in the Koch Food lot on Rose Street had its tires slashed.

NOV. 17 - THEFT – A 2011 Toyota Prius parked in the 11200 block of Melrose Avenue had its catalytic converter stolen.

NOV. 24 - BURGLARY – A vehicle parked in the 3000 block of Rose Street had a wallet stolen from it.

NOV. 26-NOV. 29 - CRIMINAL DAMAGE – Graffiti was found on an apartment building in the 3000 block of Houston Street, on a home and an apartment building in the 3000 block of Bright Street, and on a wall of a building in the 10400 block of Schiller Boulevard.

NOV. 27 - ARMED VIOLENCE – After a traffic stop in the 3000 block of Bright Street, police charged Miguel Aguila of Northlake with armed violence, six weapons related felonies, manufacture/delivery of cannabis, and three vehicle infractions.

NOV. 28 - THEFT – A bicycle was reported stolen from outside the Jewel-Osco on Grand Avenue.

NOV. 28 - THEFT – A truck parked in the 3300 block of Rose Street had its catalytic converter stolen.

DEC. 2 - THEFT – A 2019 Nissan van parked in the 9700 block of Franklin Avenue had a catalytic converter stolen. The loss was estimated at $1,000.

DEC. 4 - THEFT – A package was reported stolen from a home in the 3500 block of Britta Avenue. It contained gold coins totaling $1,977.43.

DEC. 10 - CRIMINAL DAMAGE – A 2007 Honda Accord parked in the 3000 block of Houston Street reportedly had all four tires flattened and the front windshield cracked.

ELMWOOD PARK

OCT. 31 - THEFT – A 2017 Hyundai Tucson parked in the 2600 block of 73rd Avenue was reported stolen and later recovered in the 2500 block of North New England Avenue in Chicago.

NOV. 17 AND 21 - THEFT – Catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles parked in the 2600 block of 74th Court and 7800 block of Elmgrove Drive.

NOV. 19 - CRIMINAL DAMAGE – The owner of a 2021 Mercedes Benz parked in the 7200 block of North Avenue reported that the hood and the passenger side doors and fender were scratched.

NOV. 21 - THEFT – A package containing a laptop was stolen from a home in the 2800 block of 73rd Court

NOV. 23 - ROBBERY – A purse snatching occurred in the 2400 block of Harlem Avenue. A handbag containing $120 and a passport were stolen from the victim. The passport was returned.

NOV. 24 - THEFT – A package was reported stolen from the front porch of a home in the 7600 block of Sunset Drive.

NOV. 29 - THEFT – Catalytic converters were stolen from vehicle parked in the 1700 and 2700 block of 77th Avenue.

NOV. 30 - BURGLARY – A car parked in the 2500 block of North Harlem Avenue had a purse stolen from inside the vehicle.

NOV. 30 - BURGLARY – A garage was broken into in the 3100 block of 77th Court. A saw and electronic equipment were taken.

NOV. 30 - THEFT – A 2018 Hyundai parked in the 7400 block of George Street was reported stolen.

DEC. 10 - THEFT – A 2019 Kia Forte parked in the 2500 block of 79th Avenue was reported stolen. It was later recovered by Chicago police.

SCHILLER PARK

NOV. 11 - THEFT – A catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle parked in the 3800 block of Mannheim Road.

DEC. 2 - LEAVING THE SCENE/DRIVING ON SUSPENDED LICENSE – Joseph A. Ramirez of Maywood was arrested and charged after witnesses observed him leaving the scene of an accident that occurred at the intersection of River Road and Cullom Street. Ramirez allegedly was driving a blue Chevrolet Avalanche that sustained heavy front end damage. Officers took the suspect in custody after finding him leaving the vehicle in the 3900 block of Bobby Lane. Ramirez was driving on a suspended license. Ramirez’s vehicle was impounded and he was charged with three citations. He has a court date of January 23.

DEC. 12 - THEFT – A catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle parked in the 4200 block of River Road.

ROSEMONT

NOV. 8 - RETAIL THEFT – Arnold D. Misher of Chicago turned himself in to Rosemont police after a photo lineup identified him in several thefts from stores at the Fashion Outlet Way mall. He had a court date on Dec. 27.

NOV. 28 - RETAIL THEFT – Police charged Sergio Rivera of Hoffman Estates with retail theft after he allegedly voided multiple transactions for clothing items while working for Under Armour at the Fashion Outlet Way mall over a three day period. The merchandise was valued at $2,467.81. Felony charges were approved.

DES PLAINES

VARIOUS - THEFT – Catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles parked in the 700 block of Northwest Highway, 400 block of N. Third Avenue, 200 block of Wille Road, 900 block of E. Touhy Avenue, and 2100 block of E. Touhy Avenue.

NOV. 6 - THEFT – A package was taken from a home in the 1300 block of E. Washington Street.

NOV. 9 - BURGLARY – Tools were taken from a home in the 400 block of Bellaire Avenue

NOV. 15 - BURGLARY – A home was robbed of jewelry and cash in the 1900 block of Maple Street.

NOV. 22 - ARMED ROBBERY – People in the parking lot of the Rivers Casino were robbed by an unknown man who displayed a handgun. He took personal items and jewelry from the victims. It occurred around midnight and the man ran away.

DEC. 19 - THEFT BY DECEPTION – Christian Savitz of Waukegan was arrested by police after he allegedly was caught cheating while gambling at the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. Security cameras showed Savitz playing at a baccarat table. He placed a losing bet and when the dealer was not looking, he moved his gaming chip to a winning section on the table. The dealer paid out $1,005 in chips to Savitz who immediately left the table to cash out the chips. Savitz returned the following Friday and was spotted by security and escorted to a secure area of the casino for questioning. He agreed to talk to officers from the Des Plaines police department about the incident and admitted to changing his bet. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office was contacted and officers charged him with felony theft by deception.

DEC. 23 - THEFT – A thief working inside the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines cashed out credits after each of the gamblers left slot machines temporarily unattended. The thief stole $150 from one machine but the other amounts were unknown. Security cameras showed the thief was a man wearing a black winter coat.

THREE PEOPLE CHARGED WITH STEALING AT THE ELMHURST KOHL’S STORE

On December 26, Three individuals were accused of stealing nearly $350 worth of merchandise.

DuPage County prosecutors and Elmhurst police said on December 20, Trinetta Wells, 52 and Sylvester Wells, 50 both of Chicago and Darryl Foster, 56 of Wheaton entered the Kohl’s store and allegedly went directly to the coat section and took one jacket each before fleeing the store in a car.

The judge set bond at $40,000 for Sylvester Wells, at $20,000 for Trinetta Wells, and $10,000 for Foster.

Police caught the trio. Their next court appearance is set for January 18.

CLUTTER CUTTER ADS

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FOR SALE - 3 GRAVE SITES. WILL DISCOUNT – Located in Elm Lawn Memorial Park in Northlake. Market Price $1,650/each. Asking $1,400/each or make an offer. Contact Charles at 480-603-6704.

FOR SALE - 12’ CANOE 3’ at belly. Wood, very heavy and great buoyancy $150 Call Rusty 847-977-5031

FOR SALE - BOY’S GENESIS MOUNTAIN BIKE GROUND FORCE 29” – $80/OBO 847-671-1633

FOR SALE - OLD ANVIL 10.5 in. long, 2.5 in. wide, 6 in. high $25. 773-504-1399.

FOR SALE - ANTIQUE INTERNATIONAL TIME RECORDING COMPANY TIME CLOCK. One similar is hanging in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. Still works. Oldest date on clock is 1921. Original stickers are still on the clock. Must see to appreciate and a rare find. $650 OBO. Local pick-up only. For further info or to view call 847-678-2939 and leave message.

FOR SALE – KATO N SCALE PASSENGER TRAIN SETS – Metra & Santa Fe. All original packaging and instruction manuals. Sets include engine with working lights, standard cars and tracks, power pack, and extra add on cars and tracks. $130 each set. Great gifts for the train enthusiast for Christmas! Call for further details. 847-678-1734.

SERVICES OFFERED

FINANCIAL  Partnership Financial Credit Union,-2701 N. 25th Avenue, Franklin Park 847-455-8440, mypfcu.org

CATERING  Grand Stand Pizza-Pizza, Catering, Senior Discounts 847-451-1155

COMPUTER REPAIR  KCS Computer Technology 847-288-9820 The Computer Wizards.

WANTED

WANT TO BUY   Old wood or plastic fishing lures in original boxes but loose is fine also. Anything related to fishing such as reels,rods etc. Contact Capt. Ron at 773-775-7574.

WANTED TO BUY   Old slot and vending machines. Good price paid (cash). Call Lou 773-774-3307

FULL TIME RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Prior Multifamily Housing experience required. Knowledge of various maintenance functions including plumbing, pools, HVAC, appliance repair and installation, electrical, painting, caulking, snow removal, life safety and cleanliness. Perform routine site inspections. Ability to provide exceptional customer care to our residents. Ability to communicate (in verbal and written form) using clear, professional language. Availability to respond to emergency calls 24/7, including weekends and holiday. Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned. Competitive Compensation. Healthcare Benefits -

12 Paid Holidays - Paid Vacation and Sick Time - Cell Phone Reimbursement. To apply send email with resume to sandra. rosario@fsresidential.com or call 847-818-5500.

IN MEMORY

LEWIS F. ARNONE – Nov. 2, 1934 – Dec. 3, 2022. Lewis F. Arnone, age 88. Lewis was a Veteran in the United States Army during the Korean War. Beloved husband of Lilia (nee Iaccino). Loving father of Frank Arnone and Sandra Ludwig. Devoted grandfather of Alex and Zachary. Dear brother of the late Lorraine (the late Robert) Lowry, the late Evelyn (the late Redo) Solare, the late Madeline (the late Frank) Pavone and the late Arlene (Charles) Slifka and fond uncle, cousin and friend to many. Services were held.

ANNELIE ROBISCH – September 28, 1950 — December 19, 2022. Beloved daughter of the late Herman and Anna Robisch. Dear sister of Herman Jr. (Therese) Robisch. Fond aunt of Jamie (Mike) Kessling, Lea (Jeff) Klein and Dana (Robert) Logisz. Treasured great aunt of Owen Kessling, Mckayla Klein, Jacob Klein, Teddy Logisz and Jimmy Logisz. Annelie loved gardening and resided in Schiller Park. Services were held.

CARL LLOYD SCHUYLER – J uly 26, 1949 — December 13, 2022. Loving husband of Linda (Sue) Schuyler. Devoted father to Nicholas (Rebecca Allaway) and Michael (Sarah Patterson). Cherished Pampa to Michael, Ryan, Tyler, and Samantha. Fond friend of Bill W. Carl was a Schiller Park Firefighter for 30 years. He was also a Corpsman in the Navy and served in Vietnam. He worked hard, and loved harder. He was loved by so many and cherished as someone that would always be there for anyone who needed him. He will be greatly missed and the memories of him cherished. Services were held.

THEODORE F. PILTAVER – Thursday, October 9th, 1930Tuesday, December 27th, 2022. Age 92, US Army Veteran, beloved husband for 68 years to Lillian Piltaver, nee Nowak. Loving father of Susan Piltaver and Michael (Cherise) Piltaver. Cherished grandfather of Brian Piszczek, Sarah Piltaver and Matthew Piltaver. Dear brother of Eugene (Elizabeth) Piltaver and Carol (Jim) Hafer. Services were held.

JANUARY

Charlie Wurm

JANUARY

John E Piltaver

JANUARY 25

Eugene Piltaver

At your age you can now boast new skills…you can laugh, cough, sneeze, and pee all at the same time! Happy 94th birthday! Love John and Barb

JANUARY 28

Ellen Melnitzke

Barb Huizenga