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Independent

VOL. 22 • NO. 3

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New Year, New You!

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Addison mayor presents proceeds from Mayor’s Community Charity Ball to village

At the Dec. 16 Village Board meeting, Mayor Rich Veenstra presented $51,000 in proceeds from the 33rd annual Mayor’s Community Charity Ball to Addison-based charities. More than 300 people attended the event, held Nov. 16 at Medinah Banquets, enjoying dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction that featured more than 300 items. Fifteen charities worked cooperatively at this fundraiser, including SCARCE, which joined the event for the first time this year.

Inside:

Speak out.................5 Business Directory..14 Sports................11-12 Classifieds..............15

SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent

Two new Addison police officer sworn in

At the Dec. 16 Village Board meeting, two new police officers were welcomed and sworn into the Addison Police Department. Officers William Enright is pictured at left, and Sebastian Modrzejewski is on the right. Also, Officer Mark Besch was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

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Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025

Nearly 300 new Illinois laws take effect in 2025 They include digital driver’s licenses, salary transparency and health insurance changes

By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Short-term insurance plans are typically for people who have a lapse in health insurance coverage such as when they lose or change jobs, but they are different from COBRA benefits, which most employers are required to offer under federal law. Supporters of the bill argued the plans are deceptive and stick consumers with huge out-ofpocket costs, but others said the plans provide consumers with an affordable option to fill a gap in coverage.

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Time to study up, Illinois. After the clock hit midnight on New Year’s Day, 293 new state laws took effect.

Those include some of the defining bills of the 2024 legislative session and others that will change how people get IDs, evaluate job postings and even cancel gym memberships.

In addition to the laws taking effect on Jan. 1, the state’s minimum wage will rise to $15 to complete a ramp up initiated during Gov. JB Pritzker’s first Caregiver discrimination month in office in 2019.

House Bill 2161 adds family responsibilities to the list of categories Digital driver’s licenses protected from discrimination and The secretary of state can begin cre- retaliation in the workplace. The new ating a process to issue digital driver’s law prevents employers from taking licenses and state IDs beginning in the adverse action against employees new year after Pritzker signed House because of their responsibilities as a Bill 4592. Residents will still be re- caregiver for a family member, which quired to receive a physical ID and could cause them to miss work. agencies or private entities will not be Bill sponsor Rep. Will Guzzardi, required to accept digital IDs in place D-Chicago, told a House committee in of physical IDs. April that pregnant women are a good Providing a phone to police to show example of who the bill is designed a digital ID also doesn’t give police to help. He said pregnant women consent to search a person’s cell phone. shouldn’t be passed up for a promotion or face other consequences at work in Salary transparency anticipation that they will be taking Employers with 15 or more em- time off to care for their baby. Guzployees must include information zardi stressed the bill does not protect about benefits and the salary range employees who fail to meet job perforon job postings, according to House mance requirements.

Bill 3129. The law will also apply to businesses hiring for remote work po- AI regulations sitions in Illinois.

New laws governing artificial intel“When employers aren’t transparent ligence take effect Jan. 1. It will be ilabout pay, gender and racial wage gaps legal to generate child pornography uswiden, costing women and people ing AI, according to House Bill 4623. of color valuable compensation,” Lt. Supporters of the bill, including the Gov. Juliana Stratton said in a news re- Illinois Attorney General’s Office, said lease. “Illinois’ new Pay Transparency it is becoming more difficult to distinlaw is a resounding win for the work- guish between real and AI-generated ing people who call our state home.” images. They said updating Illinois’ child pornography laws was a neces‘Junk’ health insurance sary to step allow law enforcement to Short-term, limited duration health identify and prosecute child pornograinsurance plans will be illegal in Illi- phy cases. nois beginning Jan. 1. The plans, often House bill 4875 also adds new procalled “junk insurance” by critics, do tections to prohibit using AI to recreate not meet the minimum standards of the a person’s voice, image or likeness for federal Affordable Care Act. commercial purposes without the perThe ban outlined in House Bill 2499 son’s consent. Recording artists can was part of Pritzker’s health insurance seek damages for violations of the law. overhaul that lawmakers passed in the spring. It was aimed at reducing Politics and religion at work barriers to care for patients and makEmployees can’t be required to sit ing health care more affordable by through work meetings discussing reexpanding coverage requirements for ligion or politics starting Jan. 1. Senate insurance companies.

Bill 3649, an initiative of the Illinois

AFL-CIO, creates new protections for employees who skip out on such meetings and prevents employers from retaliating against them.

The law does not prohibit discussing religion or politics at work, but employees are not required to participate in the discussions if such activities are not part of their job. The law excludes non-profit and advocacy groups where politics or religion may be part of job.

to-date lists of in-network providers and expands the power of the Illinois Department of Insurance to regulate premium rates.

Many hotels in Illinois will no longer be allowed to provide customers with single-use plastic soap and shampoo beginning July 1 under Senate Bill 2960.

The move is designed to cut down on waste from single-use products.

The Illinois Hotel & Lodging AssociaComing later in 2025 tion supported the change. Hotels with Pritzker’s signature health reform fewer than 50 rooms have until 2026 to package goes into effect on Jan. 1, but make the change. most provisions don’t have to be implemented until the beginning of 2026. Other new laws House Bill 5395 bans “step therapy,” NIL money: Student athletes at which requires patients to try and fail NCAA universities can earn name, treatments preferred by insurance image and likeness money directly companies before they can receive the from their universities. House Bill treatment recommended by their doc- 307 was an initiative of the Univertor. sity of Illinois.

It also bans insurance companies Hearing aids: Insurance providfrom requiring prior authorization for ers must cover medically prescribed emergency in-patient mental health hearing aids for all people under treatment, requires insurers to keep up- House Bill 2443. Coverage was pre-

viously only required for those under 18.

Gym memberships: House Bill 4911 requires gyms and fitness centers to accept multiple ways for people to cancel their membership.

Physical fitness locations also must now allow customers to cancel their membership by email or online. Customers will also be allowed to submit written notice for canceling their membership by mail.

Subscription renewals: Businesses that offer a free trial or promotional period for their product or service must notify customers at least three days before the subscription automatically renews at a paid rate under Senate Bill 2764. The law only applies to subscriptions longer than 15 days.

Crime victim DNA: DNA evidence collected from a person who is the victim of a crime to aid a criminal investigation cannot be entered into a DNA database, according to House Bill 1168.

Man involved in 2023 residential burglary in Oak Brook is shot and killed in Florida Subject, who was reportedly released on parole in Illinois in November, broke into home on Dec. 26; homeowner then shot the subject, who died the next morning

A South American man who was the getaway driver in a residential burglary in Oak Brook nearly two years ago was shot and killed last week after he allegedly committed a home invasion in Florida.

Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, 27, was reportedly shot by a homeowner in Bradenton, Florida, on the evening of Dec. 26. Flores-Toledo died the next morning. His accomplice was arrested a few blocks away from the home.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Flores-Toledo also went by the name of Anibal Miller-Valencia, with a date of birth of 2001. The subject was known by that name when he was charged with felony counts of home invasion and residential burglary for his role in the 2023 crime in Oak Brook.

On Jan. 13, 2023, at about 6:40 p.m., officers with the Oak Brook Police Department responded to a call of a home invasion on Luthin Road. Officers arrived at the scene and spoke to a juvenile female, who was home alone at the time of the incident.

According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Miller-Valencia and two accomplices drove to a nearby forest preserve parking lot and parked their car before the home invasion in 2023. The two accomplices then left the vehicle and went to the Oak Brook home on Luthin Road. The two subjects reportedly broke a rear glass door and entered the home. When they entered the residence, the juvenile female hid behind a door. A short time after entering the home, the two subjects reportedly fled into a nearby wooded area.

Officers investigating the incident

in Oak Brook found Miller-Valencia in the forest preserve parking lot, sitting in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle. He was arrested at that time.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office related that Miller-Valencia served four months in jail in Illinois for his role in the January 2023 crime in Oak Brook before being released on parole in November 2024.

He had an active warrant for parole violation at the time of his death, and was considered armed and dangerous, added the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

An online report stated that Miller-Valencia was sentenced to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for taking part in the home invasion and residential burglary in Oak Brook in January 2023, but that he was released on parole on Nov. 22, 2024.

Last week, on Dec. 26, two masked subjects were captured on a homeowner’s video surveillance system entering the rear of an occupied home in Bradenton, Florida, at around 9 p.m.

A statement from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office noted that the homeowner fired multiple rounds, hitting one of the intruders, while the other intruder fled the scene.

Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells stated during a Dec. 27 news conference that the homeowner in Bradenton was alerted by his cameras that there was motion on one side of his home. He then told his wife to find a safe place in the residence.

The homeowner then retrieved his firearm—a legally owned semiautomatic 9mm handgun—and went into an office/bedroom.

According to Wells, the home-

owner was then confronted by Miller-Valencia, who was already inside the home. The homeowner fired at least three shots at Miller-Valencia, Wells said.

The other subject, who was halfway through a window when the homeowner entered the room, retreated and was later found about four blocks away. Deputies used K9 units to track down that suspect.

The injured intruder—Miller-Valencia, also known as Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo—was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he died from his injuries at about 7 a.m. on Dec. 27.

Wells said his office was working with the US Border Patrol to try to validate the identities of both suspects in the Dec. 26 incident in Bradenton. He said the suspect who was apprehended near the home is of Chilean descent, and came to California a few months ago. His visa was supposed to expire in September, but he never returned to Chile, Wells related.

Wells said he had no information on why the suspects chose to enter the occupied home in Bradenton.

Wells said the suspects used a large screwdriver-type pry bar to break in to the home.

“The bottom line is, this is the state of Florida,” said Wells. “You want to break into someone’s home; you should expect to be shot.”

Wells went on to commend the homeowner for his actions.

“I praise this husband for doing what he needed to do to protect his home and protect his family,” said Wells. “And if you’re going to be that brazen to come into my home, once again, you should expect that you’re going to be shot.”

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025

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The IndependenT Your Hometown Newspaper 240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900 The Independent is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126.

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Addison Trail recognizes potential December graduates

On Dec. 12, Addison Trail celebrated and recognized more than 50 students as potential December graduates for the 2024-25 school year. Those students have met the requirements set by District 88 to earn a high school diploma. They have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful future and to be college and career ready. To view a list of the 2024-25 Addison Trail potential December graduates, go to https://www.dupage88.net/ATDecemberGrads2024-25. (This list is tentative and is subject to change until first semester is complete.) Addison Trail is proud of these students’ achievements and looks forward to hearing about their future accomplishments.

Winter break family swim The Water’s Edge Aquatic Center is offering winter break family swim. Children under 12 swim free with and adult through Jan. 5. Family swims will be held Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon-3 p.m.

For more information, contact The Water’s Edge Aquatic Center at 630766-8888.

of charge.

Bring any type of holiday string lights including LEDs, Italian minilights, and rope lights—working or not—to one of the following locations for recycling.

Bins are indoors and only available for drop-off during business hours through the end of February.

Drop off your holiday lights at Bensenville Village Hall, 12 S. Center St., from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 8 Holiday lights a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m.recycling program noon Saturdays., and at Bensenville Don’t throw away your tangled, Public Works, 717 E. Jefferson, from frayed or burned-out Christmas 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through lights this year. The village offers re- Friday. cycling of Christmas tree lights and extension cords.

Warming centers Bensenville has partnered with El- available upon request gin Recycling (elginrecycling.com) Exposure to extreme cold can to offer Holiday Light Recycling free cause a variety of health problems,

Administration: with hypothermia being the most serious. Warming Centers are heated facilities where any resident can go during periods of extreme cold temperatures to stay warm and safe.

However, the use of warming centers can result in congregating of groups of at-risk people, such as older adults or those with respiratory diseases, and potentially provide a route for the transmission of disease among both visitors and staff.

With this mind, the Bensenville Emergency Management Agency has implemented a two-level system to assist in the allocation of resources during an extreme cold event.

Level 1: The most common period of extreme cold weather with the lowest demand for general public warming facilities.

During these events, residents

in need of temporary warming options are required to contact the Emergency Management Agency at (630) 350-3461 for a warming center referral based on determination of need and facility capacity.

Level 2: The least common period of extreme cold weather with a high demand for general public warming facilities. Level 2 events occur during extreme cold temperatures along with mass power outages. During Level 2 events, we will announce the opening of traditional warming center facilities to the general public while maintaining federal and state COVID regulations.

Warming centers in Bensenville are located at the Bensenville Public Library, 200 S. Church Road, and Bensenville Village Hall, 12 S. Center St.

Wood Street Fitness offers free fitness week Jan. 6-12 Free access to fitness center, group fitness classes included

Wood Street Fitness, located inside the Bensenville Park District’s Deer Grove Leisure Center at 1000 W. Wood St. in Bensenville, is offering free access to the fitness center and all group fitness classes during its free fitness week, Jan. 6-12.

“Wood Street Fitness’ Free Fitness Week is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your new year’s health and fitness goals,” said Ty Beshiri, Bensenville Park District recreation supervisor. “This weeklong event allows you to explore our facility, try out a variety of classes and experience all we have to offer before committing to a membership. It’s a

great way to jumpstart your journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle.”

Adult fitness center membership fees are $18 per month and $184 a year ($15 and $153 for those living within park district boundaries).

Couple rates are available for $30 and $306 ($25 and $255 in-district).

Those ages 55 and above pay just $14/month or $143 annually ($11 and $112 for in-district residents).

Teens and veterans/active military rates are $15/$153 ($12, $122 in-district), and veterans age 55 and above are $11 monthly and $114 per year ($9 and $90 in-district).

Veterans registered with Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies receive first

E-mail: Advertising Department: ads1@rvpublishing.com News Department: Independent@rvpublishing.com Classified Department: Classifieds@rvpublishing.com

year memberships free, along with 15 free personal training sessions.

Free fitness week includes access to the following classes: 20/20/20, Cardio Blast, Cardio Strength Fusion, Chair Yoga, Golden Groove Fitness, In Motion!, Tai Chi, SH1FT+L1FT, Silver Sneakers Classic, Strength & Flexibility Yoga, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Zumba and Zumba Toning.

A full class schedule listing can be found at WoodStFitness.com/ Classes. Personal training is also offered.

The Core Class Pass provides adults ages 14+ unlimited access to all fitness classes with the excep-

tion of special events and premier classes. Fees are $40 monthly or $360 per year with a discount rate for those living in district of $35 and $300, respectively. Add a Core Class Pass to an annual fitness center membership for an additional $204.

Punch passes are also available for $80 ($60 in-district) and include 11 fitness class sessions with a oneyear expiration date.

Wood Street Fitness is operated by the Bensenville Park District.

Contact Beshiri (tbeshiri@bvilleparks.org, 630-766-7015) or visit WoodStFitness.com for more information.

Mike Sandrolini News Coordinator Debra Hamilton Advertising Director Pete Cruger Publisher

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

Subscriptions: The Independent is mailed to the 60101, 60106 and 60181 zip code areas for $45 yearly. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $50 yearly.

For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

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

Requests should be directed to Independent@rvpublishing.com or 630.834-8244.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: THE INDEPENDENT 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm

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Bensenville briefs

Display Advertising: 630.834-8355 Classified Advertising: 630.834-8244 News: 630.834-8244 General Information: 630.834-8244

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out& about Looking back on 2024 Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025

Jane Charmelo

It’s that time of year when “Out and About” looks back on stories that made the headlines over the last 12 months. Following are highlights from some of the featured people, places and events.

Blood drives The Village of Lombard renewed its commitment to save lives through village and partner-hosted blood drives.

There were 28 drives that yielded 633 units of blood, which was up from 25/592 last year.

Each unit can save up to three lives.

Recognition Lombard resident Don Clelland was featured in February after he

was inducted into the 2023 White Castle Craver Hall of Fame. Not only did he propose to his future wife Monika at a White Castle, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, they frequented the fast-food restaurant and on Valentine’s Day decorated their home for the occasion.

Girl Scouts from Troop 55355 spent some 200 hours on a project to collect feminine hygiene products to donate to clients at DuPagePads, which earned them a Silver Award.

They collected over 2,500 feminine hygiene products, 1,500 hand sanitizing wipes and over 1,500 feminine wipes, along with other products, totaling over 400 packs.

Jill Metzger, a first-grade teacher at Pleasant Lane Elementary School in Lombard, was awarded Teacher of the Year from both district and state VFW organizations.

She has created a number of programs that focus on patriotism to help her students learn more about military service to our country— and to help instill a spirit of patriotism.

The Outreach House in Lombard received a grant from the DuPage Foundation of just over $15,950, as part of its Community Impact program.

The Lombard nonprofit was one of 52 organizations in DuPage County to receive a portion of

tis, wrote a book about his career as a chef and caterer, called “A Chef’s Life by a Chef’s Wife.”

The book outlines his career as a caterer to celebrities around Chicagoland, and also includes some of his favorite recipes.

David Lasaine has written a number of books, including several that feature adventures of his emotional support dogs, Bailey and Bambaloo.

The Addison resident said he wrote about them because “dogs are characters and they have their own little stories.”

$940,000 in grant money.

Oct. 17 was named Rita Schneider Day in Lombard, in honor of the longtime member and former president who retired from the Lombard Historic Preservation Commission.

Her involvement in Lombard organizations goes back as far as the 1960s, when she worked with other volunteers to form a committee to celebrate Lombard’s 100th anniversary in 1969.

Students from the Prairie School of DuPage were recognized after successfully “lobbying” for the giant puffball (Calvatia gigantean) to be named the state mushroom.

Saying ‘goodbye’ and ‘hello’ Funeral director John Brust retired after 34 years as president and CEO of Brust Funeral Home Ltd. His father, John “Jack” Brust, opened the funeral home in 1952, where John’s grandfather also worked until the 1970s.

I can help simplify life insurance

Brust passed the torch to his son Ted. “I’m ready for the next generation to take over,” he said, but “I’m not going to be completely gone from town.”

The Rev. Dave Price returned to Faith United Methodist Church in Lombard, where he had previously served from 1998 to 2005.

Also serving as senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Glen Ellyn, Price brings with him a ministry of music, which he said “ties people together.”

Books Butterfield Elementary School’s All School Book Club made reading a family affair when it chose “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” for its annual read-aloud event.

As has been customary, staff members dressed up as characters from the book.

Kim Curtis, widow of Tom Cur-

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Helping the community Sky Centers Martial Arts owner George Matejovksy held a self-defense seminar to help women become empowered to deal with a potentially violent interaction; and to help them become more self confident.

“Prevention is the best cure,” he said.

Feral Fixers hosted a workshop on trap, neuter, return, or TNR, to help the community work together to reduce the feral cat population.

In addition to offering tips for trapping the cats for a TNR, the nonprofit also educated residents/ caretakers on caring for outdoor feral cats during cold weather.

The Village of Lombard began offering a drug take-back program that allows residents to safely dispose of unneeded medications.

Based on the concept of an annual drug take-back day, the police department wanted to offer residents more opportunities to dispose of medications.

The Outreach House expanded its services to give senior citizens their own food pantry day, then added military veterans to the Thursday shopping time.

Other resources have been made available to guests, such as visits from the University of Illinois Extension to provide nutrition information; and access to Narcan, as well as fentanyl testing strips, thanks to Serenity House.

The Lombard Fire Department, with support from the local union #3009, launched Project Fire Buddies, which brings happiness and smiles to a critically or terminally ill child, through visits to the fire department or to their home, and also providing birthday and holiday gifts.

It is now one of over 100 chapters in nine states.

As of October, the program had connected with three children.

When it comes to the community, “Out and About” will be on the lookout for more people, places and events to feature in 2025. In the meantime, Happy New Year to our readers!

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025

I am not much of a football fan, nor do I know much about the game, but it seems to me that so much blame has been cast on the Bears coaches and management, but I have to ask, what about the players? I have not heard much talk about their responsibility in the broad scheme of things.

I mean, if their playing is lousy, no amount of coaching can fix that, or am I fumbling at the goal line here? *** Hello Speak Out. Wondering if anybody remembers a time that there were two left turn lanes from northbound Highland onto westbound Roosevelt Road? That sure made sense. Not sure why. They went away several years ago. *** My family and I went to Lilacia Park recently and thought it was so stunning and beautiful. It improves every year. One suggestion to make for next year if you could put lights right on the railings near the steps that go down; either from the top that go down toward the pond in the park, and by the ones that lead down to the sidewalk that lead to the parking lot.

That would help a lot because it’s pretty dark in by those steps and having some bright lights or something would really help a lot. Thank you. *** Did anyone else see the DuPage County Health Department’s notice about the flu vaccine in this paper (Dec. 12 issue)? The notice urged people to get the flu vaccine and stated that getting vaccinated against the flu can also help protect others, including children younger than 5 years old and pregnant people. “Pregnant people?” Is someone offended by the words “pregnant women?” We can assume the county health department has been taken over by woke leftists.

If the health department wants to diminish its credibility, using left-wing

terms like “pregnant people” is a good place to start. *** I was shaking my head on a recent trip home from out of state, and it was raining hard, reducing visibility to a few car lengths. So many people did not have their lights on. It is the law. *** Hi, this is Lombard calling. I worked for the Secretary of State for well over 25 years. I am very upset about these latest changes that Alexi Giannoulias is making. To renew a driver’s license at the grocery store is dangerous. People will be driving when they need glasses. When they used to come into the Secretary of State facility, they were given a vision test. If they didn’t pass it, they were given a vision specialist report to take to an eye doctor and get their eyes examined. People will come in who had a stroke and were unable to drive the car, but wanted to renew their license. They were given a medical report to take to their doctor to see if they were able to drive; now all these people will be able to go to the grocery store, renew their license and get behind the wheel of a car. People who need glasses, people who are physically impaired who should not be driving will be on the road. This is not progress. This is dangerous and nobody thought this through. Obviously no one on the staff has ever worked at a facility to see the day-today operations and how things work. *** Hi, a big thank you to the Lombard Park District, and its employees for the fantastic job they did on creating a beautiful display of Christmas lights in Lilacia Park. I was there on Dec. 19 with my niece and her family and thoroughly enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Well done, Lombard.

Thank you.

How Speak Out works • Speak Out is a forum in which readers can express their opinion anonymously concerning local, state, national and international topics.

Each call is limited to 200 words whether the caller calls 630-629TALK or emails their opinion to speakout@rvpublishing.com.

• The views expressed by callers are their own.

• All calls are checked by four editors. If a consensus of editors believes a particular call is deemed to be in poor taste, erroneous, inaccurate, libelous, doesn’t make sense, or if claims stated in a call cannot be verified, the call will not be published.

• With regard to calls of a political nature, it is not possible to have an equal balance of calls with liberal and conservative viewpoints during any given week. The editors of Speak Out don’t have control of who calls in, what their political leanings happen to be, and the topic(s) they want to discuss.

• If you have further questions about Speak Out, email: news1@ rvpublishing.com.

*** Poor President Biden. Our Democratic establishment is keeping him in office to finish his term when they know he has cognitive problems. He is being blamed for letting in illegal immigrants and giving over 1,500 felons amnesty. It makes one wonder if someone isn’t getting paid off.

There’s no other logic. The party is making a lot of people switch parties. *** Happy holidays. I’m very upset because the only reason I get your newspaper is for the Sudoku and last week you didn’t have a Sudoku in there and the paper was like 16 pages long and it’s still 75 cents. So no Sudoku, what am I going to do? Okay, let’s not let this happen again. Bye. *** To Ron, who wrote “It was a pleasure talking with you. I was buying my daughter early Christmas gifts.

God brings nice people into one’s life

Opinion

when they don’t expect it. God bless you and Merry Christmas.” I do not know what I said or did to deserve such kindness. Thank you. Please know it is greatly appreciated. I will try to pay the kindness forward. *** I saw a video clip from Saturday Night Live when the audience cheered after Luigi Mangione’s name was mentioned. Many in the audience sounded like squealing star-struck teen-age girls. It was disgusting to hear them fawning over someone charged with committing calculated, cold-blooded murder. *** I wish Donald Trump would stop making ridiculous statements about retaking the Panama Canal, annexing Canada and buying Greenland. I know I’ll offend many in Speak Out who think Trump walks on water and can do no wrong, but I’m sorry. He looks and sounds foolish when he

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goes off on these tangents. *** I noticed Joe Biden got quite a bit of praise from Catholic Church leaders for commuting the sentences of 37 prisoners on federal death row to life imprisonment without parole.

Among them was the Archbishop of Washington D.C. and the U.S. Bishops conference president, who made the remark that Biden, quote, “Shows respect for human life.” Then there’s Pope Francis. He has said the death penalty is, quote, “One more link in the awful loss of public respect for human life itself.” Interesting. I wish the pope and these church leaders would get as worked up over Biden and pro-abortion Catholics in Congress who don’t show respect for unborn human life as they do about showing respect for the lives of heinous criminals who have viciously taken the lives of their innocent victims.

Slices of life

Old should be a badge of honor

Old things are often valued.

An old house is called midcentury modern. Old cheese is aged. Old furniture is antique. Old dishes are Depression glass. Old cars are classic.

And we all know wine only gets better with age.

But old people?

They are just old. (Or seniors, at best.)

So why do we attribute favorable terms to old things, but not people?

The word itself is pretty simple.

Just three letters. One syllable. A vowel and two consonants. It can’t get any easier than that, can it?

But, old is so much more than a three-letter word. The older you get, the more you realize: old is a concept. It defies definition because its definition changes with time.

At least this was my hypothesis, which I took to the streets—or more aptly, random acquaintances, friends and family.

I don’t think anyone wants to get old. Young is the preferred adjective. So much so that we go to great lengths to hold onto young and hold off old.

We allow ourselves to be Botoxed, tummy tucked, suctioned, peeled, filled, dyed and lifted - all in the name of holding onto the concept of young.

We count our age in numbers, and I was interested if there was a number that defines old. I asked people from age 4 to 84 what age they thought constituted old and as expected, answers varied greatly.

In general, it seems that old is roughly 20 years beyond the number that indicates your current age.

When you are four, old is 17. At age 6 it is 32. My daughter, who happens to be 32 believes old is 80.

My son, age 26 says, it is age 70.

My oldest respondent, age 84, believes old begins at 100. He is a friend I met playing wallyball and his goal is to continue playing until he’s 91. I should be so lucky. (And sure hope he is as well.)

By

JILL PERTLER Columnist

So, based on my very scientific surveys, old begins anywhere between 17 and 100.

I wasn’t surprised that people had varying ideas of the age of old.

I was surprised at their thoughtful responses to the overall question.

It was almost like they’d thought about the topic previously. Like they’d pondered growing old on their own, without any prompting.

(Sarcastic tone optional.)

In general, these contemplative and philosophical folks had similar thoughts: Old may be defined, on the outside, by the age of your skin and your bones, but that isn’t what makes a person old in the true sense of the word. A person can be old in years, but young at heart.

People can be old on the outside, but interesting and relevant and fun on the inside and those three things elevate them beyond old.

And the older the respondent, the more they’d thought about the question. And, the more hesitant

they were to put a numerical value on the term.

I guess that makes sense.

It also makes sense that the closer we get to the cultural definition of “old” the more our own definition changes. No one wants to be old, even those people who many of us believe have clearly reached this milestone.

And that’s kind of sad.

Old should be a badge of honor.

It should be a milestone we seek to attain. It should be a cause for celebration.

It should be mid-century modern in the human sense. It should be antique and classic. It should be something to celebrate because when you reach the stage of old you have made it!

You have lived longer than most people. You are still walking, breathing and fighting the good fight. You have kept on keeping on.

You have beat the odds.

And that is to be celebrated.

Some people might think you are old. They might even tell you so.

Let them.

They don’t know what they’re missing.

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

Page 6A

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025

Court grants state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for Chicago felon accused of illegally possessing a loaded handgun DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted Daniel the state’s motion to deny pre-trial Medina-Guerrero release for a Chicago convicted felon accused of possessing a loaded handgun.

Daniel Medina-Guerrero, 27, appeared at First Appearance Court and was charged with one count of armed habitual criminal (Class X felony), one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon (Class 2 felony) and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses.

On Dec. 23 at approximately 3:30 p.m., detectives with the Elmhurst Police Department were conducting

SUBMTTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Addison Trail names December recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Krishna Mistry, pictured at right with Addison Trail Principal Jack Andrews, has been named as Addison Trail’s December recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding academic accomplishments. Mistry, a senior, was recognized during the Dec. 9 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch his 88’s Best presentation, and for more about Mistry, go to https://www. dupage88.net/site/page/16577). District 88 values the hard work and achievements of students and wants to make sure students are honored and recognized for their accomplishments.

The District 88 Board of Education and administration created the 88’s Best award to highlight students’ success. That award recognizes nine Addison Trail and nine Willowbrook students each school year for reaching their personal best in various areas. Recipients are honored during a District 88 Board of Education meeting in one of the following areas: academics, highly improved performance, extracurricular activities, service work or performing arts/electives. They receive an 88’s Best glass sculpture and a certificate to a local restaurant.

District 88 launches new ‘88 in 88’ video segment to keep stakeholders connected and informed District 88 has introduced a new communication piece—a video segment called “88 in 88.”

These videos feature about 88 seconds of news and highlights from District 88 to share important information to help keep stakeholders connected with and informed about the district.

The newest “88 in 88” episode focuses on the district’s strategic plan and online data dashboard, which now reflects data from the 2023-24 school year.

The updated plan was approved this past June, and the online dashboard displays the content of the plan visually—with statistics, charts and graphs.

The plan consists of three overarching areas of focus, or “pillars.”

Each pillar has three goals, and each goal is measured by corresponding

metrics. The updated strategic plan truly reflects the depth and breadth of the district’s work and serves as a living document that forms the foundation on which it operates, and District 88 invites stakeholders to check out the online dashboard to review data about the district.

To watch the segment, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/ page/16585).

The current segment shares information about District 88’s commitment to providing multiple and flexible pathways for students to ensure they are college and career ready.

As students prepare to select courses for first semester of the 2025-26 school year, the district will discuss the various classes and opportunities that are available. To view previous videos, go to www.dupage88.net/ VideoSegment.

surveillance at a location in the 600 block of West Lake Street awaiting the arrival of the defendant, later identified as Medina-Guerrero, who was a suspect in an alleged fleeing and eluding incident on Dec. 15.

It is alleged that Medina-Guerrero drove to the Lake Street location and exited the vehicle at which time detectives took him into custody for driving while license revoked. Upon conducting a search of the vehicle, officers located a stolen, loaded, SAR-9 9mm handgun, which was immediately accessible to the driver, underneath the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

Following further investigation, officers learned that the handgun was reported stolen out of Dayton, Ohio, in January, 2023.

“The law is crystal clear, as a convicted felon, Mr. Medina-Guerrero has forfeited his right to legally possess a firearm,” Berlin said.

“I commend the Elmhurst Police Department whose continued efforts on a fleeing and eluding case led to the removal of an illegal weapon from our streets and serious charges against the man who was allegedly in possession of that weapon.”

“The Elmhurst Police Department will not tolerate criminal activity in our community,” McLean said. “We will be relentless in our investigation of those that flee the police and convicted felons who seek to possess firearms in violation of our laws. I commend the actions of the alert patrol officer that first spotted this vehicle and the Elmhurst tactical officers and detectives who located the suspect and safely took him into custody.”

Medina-Guerrero’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 21 for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander.

Two Cook County women and two juveniles charged with retail theft/burglary from Oak Brook Sephora One minor defendant allegedly threatened police officer and his family DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis have announced that two Cook County women and two male juveniles have been accused of stealing merchandise from the Oak Brook Sephora store located at 104 Oakbrook Center.

Marisol Ocampo, 35, appeared in First Appearance Court and was charged with one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Class 1 felony), two counts of burglary (Class 2 felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 felony).

Ocampo’s codefendant, Deysi Villalobos, 32, of Melrose Park, also appeared in First Appearance Court and was charged with one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, three counts of burglary and three counts of retail theft.

Two male juveniles who were with the women, one 17-year-old and one 15-year-old, both appeared at a detention hearing, and each was charged with one count of burglary (Class 2 felony), one count of aggravated battery (Class 3 felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 felony).

In addition, the 17-year-old juvenile is charged with one count of threatening a public official (Class 3 felony). Both juveniles were released and placed on GPS monitoring.

It is alleged that on Dec. 22 at approximately 5 p.m., the defendants entered the Sephora store and selected numerous items of merchandise valued at more than $300 and left the store without paying for the merchandise.

It is further alleged that both Ocampo and Villalobos directed one of

the juveniles to steal merchandise from the Sephora. It is further alleged that the juveniles struck a store employee during the commission of the retail theft and that one of the juveniles also threatened an Oak Brook police officer stating “I am going to get your a** killed, boy … I know your family. I know your brother.

You better watch out.”

It is further alleged that on Dec. 20 at approximately 5:59 p.m., Ocampo and Villalobos entered the same Sephora store and selected numerous items of merchandise valued at more than $300 and left the store without paying for the merchandise.

The next court appearance for Ocampo and Villalobos is scheduled for Jan. 21for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander. The next court appearance for the juveniles is scheduled for January 10, 2025.

Kick off the new year in the Bensenvil e Park District Youth Futsal League Grand Subaru sponsors league in inaugural season

The Bensenville Park District is now enrolling for its upcoming Youth Futsal League, sponsored by Grand Subaru.

This exciting eight-week program, running Jan. 27 through March 23, invites young athletes ages 4-13 to sharpen their skills, boost their endurance and deepen their understanding of the game in a fastpaced and energetic environment.

Futsal, a small-sided indoor version of soccer, is played on a hardwood floor, emphasizing ball control, agility and quick decision-making. This dynamic sport is an excellent training ground for soccer players looking to elevate their game.

With the guidance of a USSF-A licensed and FIFA-recognized coach, participants will build confidence, improve technical abilities and develop teamwork skills that translate seamlessly to outdoor soccer.

The league is organized by age groups (4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13) and includes weekly one-hour practices and games. Each participant will receive a Bensenville uniform kit featuring a jersey, shorts and

socks.

“Our futsal league is a fantastic way for kids to grow their soccer skills while having fun and staying active during the winter months,” said Ty Beshiri, recreation supervisor at the Bensenville Park District.

“Thanks to Grand Subaru’s generous sponsorship, we’re able to offer a high-quality program that enriches our community’s youth.”

“We are thrilled to sponsor the Bensenville Park District Youth Futsal League and be part of this exciting opportunity to help kids grow and develop through sports,” said Grand Subaru General Manager Ryan Drouin.

“The park district does so much for the community, and we’re proud to support their efforts in providing programs that make a positive impact.”

Parents and guardians are encouraged to register soon, as spots are limited. Volunteer coaches are welcome! The registration deadline is Jan. 10.

For more information, consult the park district’s Winter-Spring Program Guide, visit BvilleParks.org or call 630-766-7015.

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 7

Kenny named 88’s Best for December Willowbrook High School senior Hannah Kenny was recently honored as her school’s recipient of the 88’s Best award for the month of December. Kenny was recognized during the District 88 Board of Education’s Dec. 9 meeting. She is pictured (right) at that meeting with Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause (left).

Krause noted during the meeting that Kenny was days away from graduating from Willowbrook. After graduating from high school in December 2024, Kenny is heading to the University of Louisville in January 2025 to continue her academic and athletic careers. During the Dec. 9 board meeting, Krause read comments from some Willowbrook staff members as he described Kenny’s successes at the school. Those staff members praised Kenny as a hard worker who is dedicated, self-motivated, kind, collaborative and conscientious. Kenny excelled academically at Willowbrook. She is an Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Distinction and an Illinois State Scholar. She was named to Willowbrook’s Distinction Honor Roll during each semester of her time in high school.

Kenny is a member of the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, the National Math Honor Society and Willowbrook’s social studies honor society— Civitas. In addition to excelling academically, Kenny enjoyed a spectacular athletic career as a Warrior. She was a four-year starter on Willowbrook’s girls volleyball team. In her junior season, she helped the team win conference, regional, sectional and supersectional titles on its way to earning the program’s first ever berth in the IHSA state semifinals.

The Warriors’ 2023 girls volleyball team won the third-place trophy in that year’s IHSA Class 4A state tournament. Kenny (No. 6) is pictured (above) while celebrating with some of her teammates after Willowbrook defeated Barrington in the Class 4A state tournament’s third-place match in Normal on Nov. 11, 2023. Kenny demonstrated her allaround athletic talent as a freshman at Willowbrook, when she earned All-Conference recognition in basketball and softball. She concentrated on volleyball during her final three years of high school, setting numerous records and earning All-Conference, All-State and All-American recognition.

Kenny will be a member of the University of Louisville’s standout women’s volleyball program, which recently finished second in the 2024 NCAA Division I Tournament. Penn State University defeated the Cardinals in the national-championship match on Dec. 22. Kenny plans to study business or finance.

Worship Services Directory

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Third LentenEveryone Service March 16, 2022 Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are All services are live streamed.

St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Watch on our website or on Facebook.

Matthew 27:3-4 sainttimothy.org Fourth Lenten Service Rev. Jonathan Bergemann

March 23, 2022 “I Will Keep the Passover”

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Sunday School Bible Study 9 am “The CrucialMondays Hours”at 6:30 pm Ladies Bible Fellowship Second Lenten Service Service at 7pm March 9, 2022 Wednesday Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift AllService of You” Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26 Saturday, January 25, Game Night at 4 pm

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LentSunday andWorship Easter Services at 10:15 am

Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM 779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 630-834-6700 www.visitationparish.org

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church

466274

Page 8

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025

Coming events

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Concert Jan. 9 The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra invites you to a breathtaking winter concert, featuring two

timeless masterpieces that explore the seasons of the year in vivid musical detail. Under the baton of Music Director and Conductor, Stephen Alltop, the orchestra will

perform Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” and Astor Piazzolla’s “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.” The performance is dedicated to the memory of Keith

Looking to Change Your Lifestyle in 2025?

Boy Scout Troop 51 seeks photos for anniversary To help celebrate their 100-year anniversary, Boy Scout Troop 51 is asking all Troop 51 Scouts, Leaders and Committee Members (past and present) for their favorite scouting picture. Please email the photo, a brief description and the date to: troop51.lombard.100years@gmail. com.

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Lombard recycling Free light recycling now through Jan. 15: Recycle your old or unwanted holiday lights, extension cords and scrap wiring this holiday season. The Village of Lombard has partnered with Elgin Recycling to offer residents holiday light through Jan. 15, 2025.

A collection bin will be located in front of the Public Works building and will be accessible at any time.

Please remove any plastic ornamentals and bags from the lights and chords to prevent entangling in

the processing machinery—similar to curbside recycling.

Free holiday tree pickup: Residents may place holiday trees, free of tinsel and decorations, at their curbsides, Jan. 6-17, for free disposal.

GPS program Jan. 9 The GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will present “Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less: Tools for Tackling Motivation” with psychologist and learning expert Ellen Braaten at noon and 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, via Zoom. Braaten is executive director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, associate professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and a visiting professor at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Go to the GPS Parent Series website for information and the links to these webinars. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or 630-942-7668.

SCARCE open houses Tuesday, Jan. 14, 1-3 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Come learn about SCARCE and all that we do. Get a behindthe-scenes tour of our facility at 800 S. Rohlwing Road in Addison.

Visit ww.scarce.org.

Ch i ca go Hom e Show 555 Foxworth Blvd, Lombard, IL 60148

!

Olson, a beloved supporter of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra.

3 p.m. (Pre-Concert Talk at 1:45 p.m.) Location: Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. Visit https://elmhurstsymphony.org/thefour-seasons or call 630-941-0202 (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for ticket information. For further inquiries, please contact the Elmhurst Symphony Association at 630-941-0202 or via email at contact@elmhurstsymphony.org.

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JANE CHARMELO PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

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Lilacia Park became aglow in lights and colorful displays on Saturday, Dec. 7, as part of Lombard’s Jingle Bell Jubilee celebration, when holiday lights throughout the park were turned on just after 5:30 p.m.—with throngs of visitors onhand to witness the dazzling spectacle.

According to the Lombard Park District, employees began decorating in October, transforming the park into a winter wonderland made up of 900,000 lights. In one photo (above - left to right) are park visitors Ruthann Janis, Heather Kroll and Melissa Rocha. The free annual holiday lights display concluded on New Year’s Day.

Page 9

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Let there be lights

Rock Valley Publishing

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79584 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 13, 2024 wherein the business firm of LUXE LOFT, 44 W. OGDEN AVENUE, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60515 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: Lakeshia Jones, 717 S. Clark Unit 805, Chicago, IL 60605.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 13TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2024.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 26, 2024, Jan. 2 & 9 2025) 466031

Coming event

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My current name is: Geoff Edward Strauss.

I wish my name to be changed to: Jess Elwood Strauss.

The court date for the Request is scheduled on: March 3, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2007, 505 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187..

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DU PAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE Request of: Karl Alexander Hildner Case Number 2024MR000710 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from Karl Alexander Hildner to the new name of Lyra Fyxe Fanchon. The court date will be held: February, 13, 2025 at 9:00 at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL in Courtroom 2007.

Dated 12/17/2024 Candice Adams Clerk of the Circuit Court 8085-949009 (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 26, 2024, Jan. 2 & 9, 2025) 466171 NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79594 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on December 23, 2024, wherein the business firm of Artistic Flooring, 1110 JUDSON ST., BENSENVILLE, IL 60106 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: PHILIP NIEMCZYK, 1110 JUDSON ST., BENSENVILLE, IL 60106.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 23RD day of December, A.D. 2024.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Jan. 2, 9, & 16, 2025) 466284

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assessment, and pruning techniques.

The hybrid model provides two forms of training, which offer online webinars and in-person workshops.

First are six winter webinar sessions from 9 to 10:30 a.m., spanning two Wednesdays a month from January through March. Each webinar covers two main topics per date. The cost is $10 for general access to all sessions 465631

Page 10

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

Answers on page 12

Sports

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 11

Rams suffer narrow losses at York’s holiday tournament Glenbard East drops three competitive games in three days; Nee sidelined after being injured early in the team’s first game in Elmhurst

The Glenbard East boys basketball team played three games in three days at the 50th annual Jack Tosh Holiday Classic, which began on Dec. 26 at York High School in Elmhurst. The Rams turned in competitive performances in all three games, but they wound up losing all three contests.

Glenbard East’s overall season record dropped to 6-6 after its losses to St. Patrick, Batavia and Hinsdale South at the holiday tournament. The Rams completed play in York’s 32team event by playing one additional game earlier this week.

In its first game at the 2024 Jack Tosh Holiday Classic, the Rams lost 73-60 to St. Patrick on Dec. 26. The Rams jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the game. They held a 26-22 lead over the Shamrocks after a back-and-forth first quarter. Glenbard East led St. Patrick 39-34 at halftime. The Shamrocks rallied to take a 52-49 lead by the end of the third quarter. St. Patrick pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Rams 17-8 in the game’s final six and a-half minutes.

All of the games at the tournament in Elmhurst featured a 35-second

shot clock.

Junior Danny Snyder made six 3-point shots and scored a team-leading 19 points for the Rams in their loss to St. Patrick. Junior Sam Walton, who made six of seven shots from the field, added 12 points for Glenbard East. Junior Norman Loechel made a pair of 3-point baskets to contribute six points. Junior Jacob Marynowski also scored six points. Junior Michael Nee—the Rams’ leading scorer this season— made a 3-point shot in the first quarter and scored five points in limited action. While playing defense, Nee took a forearm to the face from a St. Patrick player early in the second quarter. He missed the rest of the game and did not play in Glenbard East’s next two games at the tournament.

One day after losing to St. Patrick, the Rams returned to Elmhurst and lost 53-42 to Batavia. Glenbard East and the Bulldogs were tied at 8-8 at the end of the first quarter. Batavia led the Rams 24-21 at halftime. The Bulldogs went on a 21-12 run during the third quarter to open up a 45-33 lead with eight minutes to play.

Glenbard East senior Devin Kraft made all six of his attempts from 2-point range and scored a team-high 15 points in his team’s loss to Batavia. Snyder added seven points. Junior Muhammad Musleh made two shots from 3-point territory to provide six points. Walton also scored six points, while junior Abdul Musleh supplied five points.

Hinsdale South edged the Rams 52-48 in overtime in Saturday’s contest in Elmhurst. Glenbard East led the Hornets 14-11 after one quarter and 24-23 at halftime. Hinsdale South held a 37-35 lead at the end of the third quarter. The two teams were deadlocked at 45-45 after four quarters. The Hornets then outscored the Rams 7-3 in the four-minute overtime period.

Marynowski, who made all seven of his 2-point attempts in Saturday’s game, scored a team-high 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the Rams’ overtime loss to the Hornets.

Kraft provided 15 points and seven rebounds. Snyder added 11 points.

Muhammad Musleh made a 3-point shot to contribute three points. Walton scored two points.

Rams win one of four games at the Sandburg Holiday Classic Glenbard East closes the event with a win over Richards and a loss to Downers Grove South The Glenbard East girls basketball team played four games at the 16-team Sandburg Holiday Classic, which took place at Sandburg High School in Orland Park from Dec. 26-28. The Rams won one of their four tournament games and placed 14th in the event.

Glenbard East’s overall season record stood at 9-8 at the end of the tournament.

The Rams opened the three-day event by playing two games on Dec. 26. In its first game of the day, Glen-

bard East lost 60-26 to Nazareth Academy. In their second game of the day, the Rams lost 44-39 to Warren.

Freshman Olivia Nee sank two 3-point shots and scored eight points for the Rams in their loss to Nazareth Academy. Senior Erin Brown and junior Nora Opila provided six points each. Sophomore Lilly Carver added four points. Sophomore Teagan Murphy contributed two points.

The Roadrunners of Nazareth Academy went on to win the tournament title. After beating the Rams, they defeated Yorkville and Lincoln-Way East to advance to the championship game against Sandburg. Nazareth completed its 4-0 performance in the tournament by beating Sandburg 74-51 in the title

contest on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Brown scored a team-leading 16 points in the Rams’ loss to Warren on Dec. 26. Carver supplied eight points.

Opila and Murphy provided five points each. Nee scored three points by connecting on a 3-point shot in the fourth quarter. Senior Veronica Witt and junior Haley Greenfield added one point each.

Warren led the Rams 10-7 at the end of the first quarter. Warren held an 1817 halftime lead. Its lead grew to 33-27 by the end of the third quarter.

Glenbard East defeated Richards 42-19 on Friday, Dec. 27. The Rams completed the tournament at Sandburg

See RAMS, Page 12

Broncos win two of three games at holiday tournament in Westmont Montini Catholic High School’s boys basketball team won two of its first three games at the 12-team IC Catholic Prep/Westmont Christmas Classic, which began on Dec. 23.

The Broncos opened the event with a 45-42 loss to Chicago’s Taft High School on Dec. 23 at Westmont High School. Montini completed pool play in the tournament with a 54-49 victory over Unity Christian Academy of South Holland on Dec. 26 in Westmont. The Broncos returned to Westmont High School on Saturday and routed the Westmont Sentinels 51-21.

The Broncos’ overall season record stood at 7-6 after Saturday’s win over Westmont.

Montini played its fourth and final

game of the tournament earlier this week at IC Catholic Prep in Elmhurst.

The Broncos trailed Taft 8-0 early in last week’s contest. Montini cut Taft’s lead to 10-6 by the end of the first quarter. Taft led the Broncos 2415 at halftime and 31-26 at the end of the third quarter.

Montini senior Jack Barrett made a 3-point shot to cut Taft’s lead to 31-29 early in the fourth quarter. A short time later, senior Max Bell of the Broncos sank a 3-point shot to reduce Taft’s lead to 33-32. Junior Michael Kavanagh delivered a 3-point play to give Montini a 35-33 lead with less than six minutes to play.

The Broncos held a 37-33 lead in the fourth quarter, but Taft scored nine

straight points to take a 42-37 lead.

Taft made six free throws in a span of 16 seconds during that 9-0 run. Senior Drew Church of Montini drained a 3-point shot with 33 seconds left in the game to trim Taft’s lead to 42-40.

Barrett made two shots from 3-point range and scored 10 points in the Broncos’ Dec. 23 loss. Kavanagh provided seven points. Church and junior Henry Herold supplied six points each. Bell and senior Dillon Bagley scored five points each.

In its Dec. 26 game against Unity Christian Academy, Montini owned a 13-10 lead after one quarter and a 2019 advantage at halftime. The Broncos

See BRONCOS, Page 12

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Broncos compete in their own holiday event

Montini Catholic High School’s girls basketball team competed in its own 16-team Christmas tournament, which took place from Dec. 23-28. The Broncos won two of four games and placed sixth in the extremely competitive event. In its first game of the tournament, Montini defeated Neuqua Valley 40-30 on Dec. 23.

Senior Nikki Kerstein made three 3-point shots and scored a team-high 18 points for the Broncos in their win over the Wildcats. Senior Peyton Farrell contributed 12 points for Montini, while senior Audrey Kinney added six points. Seniors Lauren Mellish and Lily Spanos provided two points each. The Broncos lost their next game of the event, dropping a 53-41 decision to Marist on Dec. 26. Kerstein (above - No. 1) scored 15 points for Montini in its loss to the RedHawks. Senior Natalie Gartlan (below - No. 42) made three 3-point shots and supplied 13 points for the Broncos. Farrell added seven points. Spanos contributed three points with a 3-point basket in the third quarter. Kinney scored two points, while Mellish tallied one point. The Broncos won their next game in the holiday tournament, beating York 4842 on Friday, Dec. 27. Kerstein made three 3-point shots and poured in a team-leading 23 points in her team’s win over the Dukes. She scored eight points in the fourth quarter by supplying one 2-point basket and sinking six straight free-throw attempts. Spanos, who made a pair of 3-point baskets, provided 10 points. Farrell and Kinney scored eight and four points, respectively. Gartlan added two points, while Mellish scored one point.

Montini trailed York 17-13 after one quarter and 25-23 at halftime. The Broncos led York 37-32 at the end of the third quarter.

Montini completed the tournament with Saturday’s 67-51 loss to Prospect in the fifth-place game. Kerstein, who was named to the event’s All-Tournament First Team, scored 14 points. Spanos made three 3-point shots and provided 11 points. Farrell supplied 10 points, while Gartlan contributed eight points. Montini’s overall season record stood at 10-5 at the end of the tournament. Benet Academy edged Fremd 67-64 in Saturday night’s championship game at Montini’s event. Lyons Township defeated Marist 72-50 in Saturday’s third-place contest.

Page 12

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025

Warriors win their last two games at Wheaton North’s holiday tournament After opening the event with two losses, Willowbrook defeats Elgin and Schaumburg The Willowbrook girls basketball team won two of four games at the 16-team Bill Neibch Holiday Classic, which took place last week at Wheaton North High School. The Warriors’ overall season record stood at 4-12 at the end of the holiday tournament.

Willowbrook began the event with a 62-40 loss to West Aurora on Dec. 23. The Warriors then lost 44-40 in overtime to De La Salle Institute on Dec. 26. Willowbrook closed the tournament with a 58-56 win over Elgin

on Dec. 27, followed by a 55-44 victory over Schaumburg on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Willowbrook led West Aurora 1710 after one quarter of last week’s tournament game. The Warriors led the Blackhawks 26-24 at halftime.

West Aurora delivered a 22-9 run in the third quarter to take a 46-35 lead with eight minutes to play.

Senior Kristin Woods scored 13 points for the Warriors in their loss to West Aurora. Senior Kendall Meding-

er made three shots from 3-point range and added 10 points. Senior Ayaani Gusman provided nine points, while senior Loralai McIntyre contributed six points.

The Warriors trailed De La Salle 22-18 at halftime and 30-24 after three quarters of the Dec. 26 contest.

The two teams were tied at 35-35 at the end of the fourth quarter. Willowbrook led De La Salle 35-32 late in the fourth quarter. The Meteors sank a 3-point shot to even the score at 35-35

Warriors battle in nearby holiday tournament Willowbrook’s boys basketball team won its first two games at the 12-team IC Catholic Prep/Westmont Christmas Classic, which began last week and continued through Dec. 30. The Warriors opened the event with a 52-50 victory over Providence St. Mel in Westmont on Dec. 23.

Three days later, the Warriors defeated College Preparatory School of America (CPSA) 70-50 at IC Catholic Prep in Elmhurst.

The Warriors completed pool play in the tournament with Friday’s victory over CPSA of Lombard.

Willowbrook advanced to the semifinal round of the tournament with its 2-0 record in pool play.

The Warriors faced IC Catholic Prep in Saturday’s semifinal contest in Elmhurst. The Knights beat Willowbrook 68-48. The Warriors’ overall season record dropped to 5-5 after Saturday’s loss to IC Catholic Prep.

Willowbrook played its fourth and final game of the holiday tournament when it battled in the event’s third-place game earlier this week. Junior Jaylen Griffin scored a team-leading 22 points for Willowbrook in last week’s win over Providence St. Mel. Senior Mark Murrell provided 11 points for the Warriors, while senior Jaden Royal contributed seven points. Senior Jesus Gomez added three points for Willowbrook. Sophomore Michael Garner supplied two points and nine rebounds. Providence St. Mel scored a basket with about 10 seconds to play to cut the Warriors’ lead to 51-50. Murrell made one of two free throws with 1.5 seconds on the clock. Providence St. Mel then missed a desperation shot from well behind the halfcourt line at the buzzer. Junior Otis Powell scored a team-high 21 points for the Warriors in Friday’s victory over CPSA. Griffin (No. 1 - top left) delivered 11 points and seven assists. Junior Antwain Walker scored nine points, while Garner contributed eight points and seven rebounds. Junior Matthew Ciesinski added five points and eight rebounds for the Warriors. Gomez and senior Feim Alka scored four points each. CPSA senior Hamzah Shouman (No. 5 top right) led all scorers in the game with 31 points. Powell scored 27 points in Saturday’s loss to IC Catholic Prep. Murrell (No. 3 left) and Griffin scored nine and five points, respectively.

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Coming events

Lombard blood drive Jan. 14 The Village of Lombard will hold a Versiti blood Drive Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 1:30-7 p.m. at First Church of Lombard - Fellowship Hall, 220 S. Main St., Lombard. Radon test kits will be handed out free while supplies last to all donors during the First Church blood drive. The drive will also be held in the Versiti mobile coach at the lower level Von Maur Mall Entrance Circle, 203 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments appreciated; walk-ins welcome. To schedule, go to www.versiti.org/IL, load the Versiti Donor app, call 800-7TOGIVE.

Chamber board installation luncheon Jan. 16 Join the Lombard Chamber Jan. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the 2025 January Board Installation Luncheon, as we celebrate and support our newly installed and returning board members for 2025, at the Westin Chicago Lombard, 70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard.

Visit lombardchamber.com for details.

GPS program Jan. 9 The GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will present “Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less: Tools for Tackling Motivation” with psy-

chologist and learning expert Ellen Braaten at noon and 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, via Zoom. Braaten is executive director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, associate professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and a visiting professor at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Go to the GPS Parent Series website for information and the links to these webinars. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or 630-942-7668.

with about 30 seconds left in regulation.

The Meteors outscored the Warriors 9-5 during the four-minute overtime period to earn their 44-40 win.

Gusman scored 19 points in Willowbrook’s loss to De La Salle.

Woods added nine points.

Willowbrook held a 30-29 halftime lead over Elgin in the Dec. 27 matchup at Wheaton North. The Maroons owned a 48-40 lead by the end of the third quarter.

McIntyre sank a 3-point shot to tie the game at 50-50 with 5:24 to play in the fourth quarter. Gusman added a basket that completed a 10-0 run and gave Willowbrook a 52-50 lead with about five minutes remaining. Elgin then scored four straight points to take a 54-52 lead.

Gusman made two free throws to even the score at 54-54 with 1:16 on the clock. The Maroons delivered a steal and basket with less than 25 seconds to play to take a 56-54 lead. Gusman then drained a 3-point shot with

14 seconds left in the game to give the Warriors a 57-56 lead. Medinger added a free throw with 3.7 seconds to play.

Gusman poured in 23 points in Willowbrook’s win over Elgin. She scored 13 of those points during the fourth quarter. Woods supplied 14 points in the victory. McIntyre, who made a pair of 3-point shots during the game, provided 11 points.

Medinger scored six points, while sophomore Jada Langston contributed four points.

Willowbrook owned a sizable 3514 halftime lead over Schaumburg.

The Saxons cut the Warriors’ lead to 44-30 by the end of the third quarter.

Gusman scored 17 points for Willowbrook in Saturday’s win over Schaumburg.

Medinger made five 3-point shots to supply 15 points. Langston added 11 points. Junior Joely Maciejewski scored five points. Woods and McIntyre tallied four and three points, respectively.

• Rams

(Continued from page 11) with a 38-34 loss to Downers Grove 36-16 after three quarters.

Murphy connected on three 3-point South on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Murphy made a pair of shots from shots and scored 13 points for the 3-point range and scored 10 points for Rams in their loss to Downers Grove Glenbard East in its win over Richards. South on Saturday. Nee drained three Nee contributed nine points in the vic- 3-point shots in the second half, intory, while Witt delivered eight points. cluding two in the fourth quarter, to Brown scored four points. Carver add- score nine points. Brown provided six ed three points. Greenfield, sophomore points. Carver and Witt added four and Sarah Crocker and sophomore Ally two points, respectively.

Downers Grove South led the Rams Amrhein scored two points each. Junior Kathleen Nevels and sophomore 11-4 after one quarter and 19-10 at Bridget Crocker tallied one point each halftime. The Mustangs led Glenbard for the Rams, who led Richards 12-7 East 29-22 at the end of the third quarafter one quarter, 22-12 at halftime and ter.

• Broncos

(Continued from page 11) extended their lead to 40-31 by the end quarter of Saturday’s game against Westmont. The Broncos’ lead grew of the third quarter.

Bagley made two 3-point shots and to 29-12 by halftime. Montini led the scored a team-high 14 points for the Sentinels 48-17 at the end of the third Broncos in their win over the Phoenix quarter.

Sansone duplicated his scoring of Unity Christian Academy. He sank both of his 3-point baskets in the third output from Montini’s previous game quarter. Bagley made five free throws in Saturday’s contest. For the second straight game, Sansone made three during the fourth quarter.

Junior Robert Sansone connected 3-point shots and scored 11 points. He on three 3-point shots and provided netted eight of his 11 points against 11 points in Montini’s Dec. 26 victo- Westmont during the third quarter, ry. Bell contributed nine points. Ju- when he drained two 3-point shots and niors Colt Ashton and Angelo DeSensi one 2-point attempt. Church made two tallied six points each. Barrett and 3-point baskets and scored 11 points in Church added five and three points, the Broncos’ win over Westmont. Ashton provided nine points. Senior Jake respectively.

Montini held a 13-8 lead after one Maquet contributed six points.

Answers PUZZLE 1

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