Area residents welcomed the holiday season on Dec. 7 at Farmside Christmas held at Fischer Farm. Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to greet patrons in the Granary Barn. Those attending explored the inside of the farm house, where they saw the dining room Christmas display and visited the gift shop for additional holiday purchases. Attendees also enjoyed festive music and other activities and attractions that included horse and carriage rides and the live farm animals before warming up around a bonfire with hot chocolate and treats.
attempting
Anthony Huggins, 33, of Inkster, Michigan, appeared in First Appearance Court and was charged with one count of bringing a firearm into penal institution (Class X felony), one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle or essential part (Class 2 felony), one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by felon (Class 3 felony), one count of possession of burglary tools (Class 4 felony) and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon— no FOID card (Class 4 felony).
Huggins’ co-defendant, Clinton Bigelow, 33, of Warren, Michigan, also appeared in First Appearance Court and was charged with one count of
possession of a stolen motor vehicle or essential part and one count of possession of burglary tools. Bigelow was not detained pre-trial.
On Dec. 9 at approximately 12:45 p.m., Carol Stream police responded to a call at the Carol Stream Animal Hospital, located at 140 Elk Trail, regarding an individual crawling under a car. Upon their arrival, officers spoke with the victim, an employee of the animal hospital.
Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that a Dodge Caravan with two occupants, later identified as Huggins and Bigelow, pulled into the parking spot next to the victim and that Bigelow exited the Caravan with a cordless saw, got on his back
and went underneath the victim’s car. It is further alleged that when the victim opened her driver’s side door Bigelow got out from under her car and got back into the Caravan, which then left the scene. Officers stopped the Caravan, allegedly driven by Huggins, approximately one-half mile away on North Avenue. When searching the Caravan, officers allegedly located seven catalytic converters in the back seat. It is further alleged that while at the Carol Stream Police Department, officers located a loaded Glock 43 that was reported stolen out of Detroit in Huggins’ slipper. The next court appearance for both men is scheduled for Dec. 23 for arraignment in front of Judge Mia McPherson.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Carol Stream Chief of Police Don Cummings announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has
The 23rd annual Lombard Fire Department’s Toy Drive concluded with Saturday’s Toy Parade. The Fire Department started the parade at Fire Station 45 (50 E. St. Charles Road) at 10:15 a.m. and proceeded south on Main Street to Glenbard East High School. Residents lined up along the route to donate gifts up to Glenbard East High School, where the parade ended. Donations were then brought to Yorktown Shopping Center for sorting. All told, the fire department was able to fill two ambulances, two fire engines and a pickup truck with toys. From Nov. 1 through Dec. 13, the fire department set up collection bins throughout the village where residents could drop off unwrapped toys for children ages infant through 14, along with baby supplies. Donations were also collected at Pleasant Lane, Parkview, Madison, Hammerschmidt, Manor Hill and Butterfield schools. In one photo (top right), students from Butterfield Elementary School are shown donating toys to the fire department. Donations will benefit Toy Express & Teen Parent Connection.
mike sandrolini and submitted photos Rock Valley Publishing
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group
slates opening of primary-care office in Lombard
The UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group is opening a primary care office in Lombard, increasing access to medical care for area residents and expanding the group’s footprint in Chicago’s western suburbs.
Located at 2050 Finley Road, Suite 50, the 4,000-square-foot office was scheduled to open to patients on Monday, Dec. 9. The office is in a one-level building, with ample parking just outside the front door.
“It’s very convenient,” said Patricia Wallace, interim director of practice operations. “We’re right off of Finley in between Roosevelt and Cermak. It’s very accessible and easy to get to.”
Services available at the site will include family medicine, annual wellness exams, immunizations and flu shots, school and sports physicals, sick visits, preventive health screenings, acute and chronic disease treatment, chronic disease management,
U.S. News & World Report names Lifespace’s Beacon Hill, Greenfields of Geneva, and Oak Trace among the best nursing homes nationally for 2025
Lifespace Communities, one of the nation’s top 10 largest nonprofit senior living organizations, announced that 13 of its communities with a health center, including Beacon Hill in Lombard, Greenfields of Geneva, and Oak Trace were recognized nationally for having one of America’s Best Nursing Homes for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report
Lifespace received this honor by earning a “High Performing” rating, the highest possible for short-term rehabilitation, with seven of these 13 communities also recognized for excellence in long-term care.
“This recognition reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care, amenities and services to support our residents,” said Doug Fleegle, executive director of Beacon Hill. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our Beacon Hill and Lifespace Communities team.”
“This recognition from U.S. News is a testament to our team members’ unwavering commitment to providing high-quality care and creating a supportive community environment for our residents,” said Jesse Jantzen, president and CEO of Lifespace. “It is a privilege to serve our residents, and being rated highly in both short-term rehab and long-term care highlights our communities’ capability to meet a broad range of health needs, from transitional recovery to stable, long-term support.”
Since 2009, U.S. News has offered families a reliable resource to find high-quality short-term rehabilitation and long-term care options. This recognition reflects Lifespace’s dedica-
tion to creating communities where residents can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle, empowered by compassionate and skilled care.
“Being named a high performer by U.S. News highlights our team’s focus on quality care,” said Andy Kazmierczak, vice president of Lifespace North Region Operations. “We’re proud to serve and create a supportive, welcoming environment for our residents.”
For its 2025 rankings, U.S. News evaluated nearly 15,000 nursing homes, examining critical performance metrics, such as resident outcomes, staffing levels, and health inspection results.
The methodology, based on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), includes a comprehensive analysis of both short- and long-term care measures, including nurse staffing, the use of antipsychotic drugs, and the effectiveness of preventive care.
“U.S. News’ Best Nursing Homes ratings put patient well-being at the forefront and provide families with the objective information they need to make confident decisions about their loved ones’ care,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “These annual ratings recognize U.S. nursing homes that deliver high-quality care, earning consistent positive outcomes, and support American families in finding local nursing homes that prioritize safety and well-being.”
For more information, visit USNews.com and explore #BestNursingHomes on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
postage paid at Lombard, IL 60148 • USPS #025631
Send address changes to the Lombardian, 240 N. West Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126
cancer prevention and screening, management of complex health conditions, medication management and minor office procedures. The facility will include an on-site lab when it opens, and X-ray services are expected to be available beginning next spring.
Five family medicine physicians, all with 10 to 20 years of medical experience, will staff the facility, supported by a nurse, four medical assistants and two medical receptionists. Other team members will include a director of practice operations, practice manager and charge claims processor.
The physicians—Charles Friedl, D.O., James Graziano, M.D., Sheri Lyn Evans, D.O., Manjari Ranganathan, M.D., and Jesse Lauren Kulig, D.O.—are joining the UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group after working together at another Chicago-area healthcare system. Friedl, Graziano, Evans and Ranganathan earlier belonged to the AdventHealth Medical Group when AdventHealth’s Great Lakes Region was part of AMITA Health, a joint
See GROUP, Page 8
State Flag Commission selects its top 10 designs
The Illinois Flag Commission selected its top 10 finalists for the state flag redesign contest, with public voting slated to begin in January.
Members of the commission could select up to 10 of their favorite designs—from the nearly 5,000 submissions—prior to their Dec. 9 meeting where they narrowed their choices to 10 overall.
“Having received nearly 5,000 entries, I appreciate the creativity and passion reflected in all the submissions,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose of-
fice convened the Flag Commission meetings.
Starting in January, the public will have the opportunity to vote online at www.ilsos.gov/stateflag for one of the new designs, or one of three former flag designs, including the current state flag, the 1918 Centennial Flag and the 1968 Sesquicentennial Flag.
After the public voting period, the commission will report its findings and recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by April 1, 2025, whose members will vote on whether
to adopt a new flag, return to a previous iteration of the flag or retain the current flag.
Senate Bill 1818, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (48th District-Springfield) and State Representative Kam Buckner (26th District-Chicago), was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2023, creating the commission to gauge public desire for a new flag. The flag designs eligible for public voting in January can be viewed at www.ilsos.gov/special/IFC/10finalists.pdf.
Holiday cheers, not tears: drive sober this holiday season
With the holiday season just around the corner, the Lombard Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to remind motorists about the dangers of impaired driving through a “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI.” enforcement campaign.
Now through Jan. 2, law enforcement agencies across Illinois will show zero tolerance for alcohol- and drug-impaired driving to keep our roads safe and help ensure a happy holiday season.
“If you plan to drink or use impairing substances, plan ahead for a sober ride home,” said Sgt. Tom Balsitis. “Driving impaired isn’t just dangerous—it’s unacceptable. We’ll be out in full force, and no excuses will be tolerated.”
The Lombard Police Department recommends the following simple steps to prevent impaired driving.
• Designate a sober driver or make a plan to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver, pull over safely and call 911.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely. They will thank you later.
• Always buckle up. It’s the best defense against impaired drivers. Make this holiday season memorable for all the right reasons. Celebrate responsibly and help ensure everyone gets home safely.
This campaign is made possible through federal highway safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration administered by IDOT.
ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING, LLC
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
Standing left to right: Doctors James Graziano, Manjari Ranganathan and Charles Friedl. Sitting left to right: Doctors Jesse Lauren Kulig and Sheri Lyn Evans.
Opinion
Slices of life
Don’t be afraid of the ‘C’ word
My journey through grief has been a public one, laid out for you here on these pages. Many of you have walked with me through the healing process, and for that I’m thankful.
It’s funny (in a not so funny way) the things that help us heal. For me, much of the healing process has been led by creativity—quite literally.
During the last four years, I’ve given myself lots of grace. Some of that grace involved the power to tap into my creative juices in whatever way felt right at the moment. In that, I became a Jill of all trades (or artistic endeavors).
I poured paint onto canvas, wax into candle forms and lye into liquid to make soap. I sculpted with cement, plaster, clay and stones. I twisted and tied rope, pool noodles and chicken wire. I built tables, trays, shelves and lamps. I embellished with glass, glitter and gold. Plus, I’ve gathered heaps of random craft supplies, but that’s another article.
Some of my projects look good, most didn’t. Many were failures, but within the mix I was healing and learning.
Somewhere along the way, a kind friend asked it I might be able to share some of my hobbies with others. And in that, the student became the teacher.
What a gift that has been.
Helping others tap into their own creative spirit is invigorating, rewarding and fun. But within these instructive endeavors, I’ve found that not everyone finds solace in creativity. In fact, there are those who believe they were born without the creative gene. They’ve even told me so. More than once.
“I’m not creative.”
I’d like to challenge that.
We are all creative; I’ll even take that one step further: we are all artistic.
Some people embrace and excel at these qualities more than others, but practicing creativity benefits every single one of us—much like exercise, a healthy diet, kindness and gratitude do.
Some people love exercising. They couldn’t live without it and in many instances they are very good at it. I am not one of these people, but that doesn’t mean the habit of exercising doesn’t bring me great benefits.
The same goes for creativity. It does for the brain what exercise does for the body.
Creativity helps you think outside the box. Just yesterday, I took two perfectly good cardboard
By Jill Pertler Columnist
boxes and made a kitty bed with them. This task required math computations, spatial skills, textile manipulation and a whole lot of duct tape.
Creativity reduces stress. When you are focused on art, you cannot focus on the negativity in your life, even if it does involve an upcoming car repair. Creating art makes you forget about the everyday - even if just for a moment in time and that moment is priceless.
Creativity can boost communication. “Do you think this looks more turquoise, teal, or green?” Will solicit responses on numerous levels.
Creativity promotes flexibility and can increase your adaptability to change. When you want to paint your background color in turquoise, but only teal is available, you learn to make it work - or make an extra trip to the craft store.
Creativity can give your life purpose and meaning. If the meaning of life isn’t defined by a magnetic succulent garden “planted” vertically on your refrigerator, I don’t know what the meaning of life might be.
Finally, creativity can help you, me—all of us—live a longer and healthier life. It’s true! If you purchase more craft materials, the gods of the universe understand you must use them all before you leave this earth.
Therefore, the acquisition of craft supples - and creativity by association - increases your lifespan.
It’s almost like creativity is the answer to many of the problems you’ve been facing. It’s a release and an outlet that provides respite from the everyday problems of the everyday world.
Plus, at the end of it all, you might find yourself with a brightly painted canvas or a brightly lit holiday wreath.
I, personally, give a thumbs up to that. (Just don’t look at my thumbs, they’re most likely all full of paint.)
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.
Alternatives to 24/7 holiday music and the Hallmark Channel
Editor’s note: Previously published columns by Mike Sandrolini are being re-published periodically on the Opinion page. This column was originally published in 2017.
I’m not the first to make this observation and won’t be the last: The holiday season seems to be thrust on us earlier and earlier every year.
Retailers decking their display floors with holiday apparel in October is commonplace. This year, I spotted my first home lit up like the Las Vegas strip six days before Veterans Day.
Then, the next day—a mere week after closing the casket on Halloween—93.9 MY FM flipped the switch from its usual adult contemporary music format and became Chicago’s Christmas Station—a seemingly continuous loop of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Merry Christmas Darling,” “Last Christmas,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Jingle Bell Rock” (what is a jingle horse, by the way?) and “Baby It’s Cold Outside” (aka, the “hey Christmas Creeper, no means no” song) until Dec. 26.
Don’t get me wrong. I have a copy of my family tree, which proves I’m not a descendent of The Grinch. My favorite holiday song and movie, respectively, are “Please Come Home for Christmas by the Eagles and A Christmas Carol (1951). I also have my Christmas tree set up and I’m fine with Yuletide movies and songs (save for the nauseating aforementioned tunes) a few days leading up to Christmas—not for weeks on end.
But I grudgingly (Grinch-ingly?) concede that Chicago’s Christmas Station undoubtedly gives 93.9 FM a huge boost in ratings as well as to
By M iKe SANDrOli N i Columnist
its bottom line. And judging from recent posts I’ve seen on Facebook, even gents like this station (though a man coming out on social media to express his fondness for The Holiday Lite may run him the risk of having his Man Card suspended for the rest of the year):
“I appreciate holiday music,” posted Scott.
“Me too Scott!” Rick gushed. “I would listen Sept. 1.”
Yet I can’t imagine Scott, Rick or any red-blooded American male would sit through any movie airing on the Hallmark Channel these days unless their spouse or significant other has somehow persuaded (or coerced?) them into doing so.
Touting its “Countdown to Christmas” lineup of “Holiday Movies All Day! All Night” every Saturday and Sunday night (with 21 all-new premiers), the Hallmark Channel has been showing holiday chick flicks (for lack of a better term) since well before Halloween night. Better mix yourself a strong egg nog before looking at the following titles:
The Mistletoe Promise, A Boyfriend for Christmas, A Bride for Christmas (how about a Bridezilla for Christmas? Your choice), A December Bride, Loving You Like Christmas, The Sweetest Christmas, Marry Me at Christmas (and the sequel? Divorce Me on New Year’s), My Christmas Dream, My Christmas Love, A Holiday Engagement, Matchmaker Santa,
’Tis the Season for Love, Hitched for the Holidays, Merry Matrimony and Snow Bride.
Snow Bride?
Alternative programming clearly is needed so we don’t go stir crazy with corny holiday romance movies and cheesy tunes like Cyndi Lauper’s “Christmas Conga” (“bonga, bonga, bonga”). Therefore, I suggest this list of cinema classics—each of which has a holiday setting or backdrop—that don’t require a box of Kleenex: Die Hard—Nothing ushers in peace on Earth better than detective John McClane almost singlehandedly thwarting the evil Hans Gruber and Gruber’s international terrorist ring while rescuing dozens of hostages—one of whom is his wife (how’s that for a holiday love story?!).
Rocky IV—Rocky fights superhuman heavyweight boxer Ivan Drago (spoiler alert: he vill lose!) in the old Soviet Union, then wins a hostile crowd (and the Politburo) over with a moving speech and wishes his son (who’s watching the fight from home) a Merry Christmas.
Iron Man 3—Happy holidays from Tony Stark!
Jaws: The Revenge—People are getting ready for the holidays on Amity Island … but all Mr. Sharkie wants for Christmas is to sink more than his two front teeth into unsuspecting victims.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation—Everything that can possibly go wrong does go wrong for the Griswold family during Christmastime.
Christmas with the Kranks Luther and Nora Krank decide to take a Caribbean cruise and skip
I would like to know what the objects are that look like cameras, that are mounted on posts on top of various stoplights around the village. Are they for monitoring traffic and are they in operation?
Editor’s note: The following is a response from Village of Lombard officials: “The devices mounted on posts at various stoplights throughout the Village are video detection units. These units have been installed to detect traffic, replacing the traditional ground loops previously used for this purpose. They are used to help manage traffic flow by optimizing signal timing, thereby improving traffic efficiency. The video detection units do not record video or store any data.”
Hi, this is in response to the Speak Out caller who took issue with Peter Breen and the Thomas More Society for filing a lawsuit against the state of Illinois to prevent the state from requiring insurance companies to cover abortion and other reproductive health care (Dec. 12 issue). The caller stated Mr. Breen needs to realize that church and state don’t mix, and that it’s not your right to take away choice. I beg to differ. Church and state do mix. The church of abortion is alive and well in Illinois. JB Pritzker and a majority in the state legislature have imposed their religion of abortion on everyone. You can get an abortion anytime during a pregnancy for any reason and have insurance companies pay for them. Even minors who want an abortion don’t need parental consent to get one here. It’s too bad Mr. Pritzker and lawmakers aren’t as proactive about getting the state’s fiscal house in order and lowering taxes as they are about abortion on demand. *
No matter how one feels about the health care industry—which I know
from experience is full of horror stories, frustrations and errors—I am appalled at some people’s attitude toward the alleged assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson; that he somehow deserved it, or that it was some kind of karma. Just as with the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, other than in a case of self-defense, how can anyone justify the taking of a life, or attempting to?
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I can’t say I was surprised to hear that my Congressman, Sean Casten, isn’t going to Donald Trump’s inauguration. He’s one of the most radical leftists in Congress. Those on the left wonder how people can vote for Donald Trump. Well, I wonder why they keep sending someone like Casten back to Congress.
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I am waiting for the climate change gurus to complain about the high electricity usage and light pollution from the Christmas displays going on around our villages. Bah, humbug. Regardless, the Hughes family has done it again, with a beautiful display at 2S231 Valley Road, just off 22nd Street. It is absolutely gorgeous and they are taking donations for The Outreach House in Lombard. There is also a giant Santa at Elizabeth and Sunset, with a sign that says if you enjoy the display, please donate to The Outreach House. That is the kind of community spirit that makes Lombard a great place to call home.
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To the Speak Out contributor in the Dec. 12 issue who couldn’t figure out the possibilities of the 2020 election being stolen, but the 2024 election was not, just because the 2024 election didn’t go the way Democrats hoped for. Okay genius, here it is ... without going into extensive detail, the 2024 election results were just “too big to rig,” the people spoke,
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convincingly. I had to stomach the last four years of the Biden administration, wondering if our country had completely gone mad many times during those years and if we could ever recover our nation’s dignity. Accept it and enjoy America’s return to prosperity and world respect at least for the next four years.
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To the person in the Dec. 12 Speak Out who wanted to know why there are still so many food drives, diaper drives, clothing drives, etc. if the economy is doing as well as the Democrats say it is, my hunch is that many people want to live in a nice county like DuPage, where there are amenities like good shopping, good schools, things to do, etc., making it a great place to call home. However, the downside is that it is an expensive county to live in; have you noticed how DuPage County has subtly transformed from red to purple to blue over the years? So, some of the people are just keeping their head above water to afford to live here. And that also relates back to the tax-and-spend Democrats in charge of our county. I am a senior and can barely afford to live in my house anymore, so I know there is a need out there.
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Hello neighbors. Please know there is a city ordinance that does not allow cars parked on the apron of your driveway. Those of us who walk a lot, and help keep our neighborhood safe, have a hard time walking through the snow to get around your vehicle. Please be more considerate and avoid a violation ticket. Thanks.
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• Hallmark
(Continued from page 4)
Christmas after their daughter takes off for a Peace Corps assignment. Their plans don’t sit well with the neighbors, who think they have become Mr. and Mrs. Scrooge.
Batman Returns—There’s nothing quite like a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Gotham City. Lethal Weapon—Riggs and Murtaugh stop a heroin-smuggling operation; then Riggs celebrates Christmas with Murtaugh’s family.
And if you need a break from those endless covers of “Winter Wonderland” on 93.9 FM (have you noticed that “a circus clown” has replaced Parson Brown over the years?) I highly recommend ordering a CD of either Bob Rivers’ Twisted Christmas or Bob Rivers’ White Trash Christmas from Amazon.com
The Twisted Christmas and White Trash Christmas albums feature parodies of holiday favorites. Sample tunes: “Wreck the Malls,” “The 12 Pains of Christmas,” and “Have Yourself an Ozzy Little Christmas.”
My favorite Bob Rivers parody? “It’s the Most Fattening Time of the Year”—a side effect of the holiday season to which most everyone can relate, unless you have sworn off Who pudding, Who roast beast and/ or the entire Who feast.
If Marie Osmond starts promoting “Mr. Grinch’s 30-day post-holiday diet” on an infomercial around the first of the year, remember, you saw it here first.
Yes Biden lies again. I’m not going to help my son when he gets in trouble; he’s on his own. He’s a grown man. They find cocaine in the White House. They can’t figure out who left it. Now Biden pardons his son. Can anybody get the facts straight? And the other thing with Trump and immigration, where do I sign up to be a bus driver? I will do it for free because it’ll save America and I guarantee a lot of other CDL drivers will sign up to be a bus driver—with illegals back where they belong, with the money back in the American people’s pocket again. And Pritzker and Mayor Johnson in Chicago, guess what? It’s like the border guard said: Don’t get on that side of the fence because I don’t think you’re going to like it. Most people in Illinois and Chicago want the illegals to go back home. And guess what? It’s going to happen. I hope they bring in the military.
Coming events
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.
Polish storytime at Villa Park Library
Join the Villa Park Public Library on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. to enjoy Polish songs, stories, games, and rhymes. Presented by Language Labs, this new program introduces young children to the Polish language in a casual setting. Registration is required. For more information, please visit our website at www. vppl.info, or call 630-834-1164.
(Dołcz do Biblioteki Publicznej Villa Park w czwartek 19 grudnia o 10 rano, aby posłucha polskich piosenek, opowiada, gier i rymowanek! Program ten, prezentowany przez Language Labs, w miłej atmosferze zapoznaje małe dzieci z jzykiem polskim.
Wymagana jest rejestracja. Aby uzyska wicej informacji, odwied nasz stron internetow www.vppl. info lub zadzwo pod numer 630-8341164.)
‘Little Women: The Musical’ at Plum Library
Recording available Friday, Dec.
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The mainstream media has been labeling many of Trump’s cabinet picks as controversial. When was the last time the mainstream media labeled a Democrat nominee for a cabinet position controversial?
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The reports I’ve seen and heard about people on social media obsessing over how handsome and good-looking Luigi Mangione is are sad and disturbing. Here’s one comment I saw in a news story that was posted online: “He’s even hotter with his mask and shirt off.” So this scum who has been charged with murdering the UnitedHealthcare CEO who was a husband and father of two children is a sex symbol? Even if you think he’s handsome or good-looking, don’t you want to keep that to yourself and not post it on social media? That’s just sick!
20-Sunday, Dec 22. Enjoy a pre-recorded, virtual showing of Louisa May Alcott’s classic story as a Broadway musical. Sign up at helenplum.org to receive the viewing link in your email. This event is in partnership with Illinois Libraries Present. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
Glenbard B-PAC program tonight
B-PAC: Glenbard Bilingual Parent Advisory Council and the GPS Parent Series in Spanish will present Strategies to “Help Healthy Families and Teens Thrive” with psychologist Ferney Ramirez. This program will be presented at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at Glenbard North High School, 990 N. Kuhn Road in Carol Stream. This event will be presented in Spanish only. Ramírez coordinates programs for families in Chicago and various Illinois school districts and is the author of 10 mental health publications. He is president of the Family First Organization and has extensive experience in clinical psychology, couples therapy and family counseling. A holiday celebration will follow the presentation. For further information, contact Luz Luna at luz_luna@glenbard.org or 630-942-7447.
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It is with heavy hearts that her children announce the passing of their mother, Donna Green, née Bach, on December 10, 2024.
Donna was the daughter of John A. Bach and Doris L. Bach, née Scherer. Donna was born on March 22, 1942, in Oak Park, Illinois, the oldest of four children. As her father was employed as a Civil Servant by
the US government the family moved frequently, finally settling in Tucson, Arizona, where she graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School in 1960.
In July 1961, she married Aurora, Illinois native Edward Green, son of August Green and Lillian Green, née Reichert, whom she met while he was stationed at nearby DavisMonthan Air Force Base. After leaving the Air Force in January 1962, Ed and Donna returned to Illinois, where in quick succession their four children were born.
Tragedy struck in 1968 when Ed passed away and Donna became a single mother. Strong and resilient, Donna raised her children on her own, putting them through parochial school and sending them to college. She worked for many years at Marshall Field and Company, rising from part-time sales associate to department manager.
She also worked for Dania Furniture and Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company before her retirement. She was quick to volunteer and spent time as a Brownie leader and a Cub Scout Den Mother. She also sold bingo cards at her children’s school and later sorted donations for the food pantry at her church.
She loved to travel, especially via cruise ship. Her first big travel adventure came in 1972 when she packed up her children and traveled to Europe for the summer, where her sister lived with her military husband and their children.
Her goal was to visit all seven continents. Sadly, she did not reach her goal; she made it to all except Africa.
She fell in love with Alaska and spent several summers working at Denali National Park and on the Alaska Railroad. She would have moved there if all six of her grandchildren—on whom she doted—hadn’t been in Illinois.
When they were young, if any of her grandchildren called her up and asked, “Grandma, can you come play?” she would drop everything and rush over whenever possible. And as she did for her own children, she cheered them on at their sporting events, dance recitals and theater productions.
on the way.
Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Karen Blackstone, née Bach, her brothers John ( DeeDee) and Mark (Donna) Bach, her sister-in-law, Joann Schnegelsiepen, née Green and brother-in-law, Donald ( Sharla) Green, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM, with a Eulogy and Funeral Prayers at 9:15 AM at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 114 S Elizabeth St., Lombard. Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Aurora, followed by a luncheon at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora.
DALE RUSSELL HAHNE
Dale Russell Hahne, son of the late James and Evelyn Hahne, was born at Elmhurst Hospital on July 20, 1945. He was a longtime resident of Lombard.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, from noon until 5 p.m. at the VFW (2nd floor), 400 Devon Avenue, Elk Grove Village. Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888629-0094.
EDWARD W. KING, 86
Edward W. King, December 10, 2024. Age 86. Beloved husband of Marsha. Loving father of Steven, Lisa (Michael Macdonald), the late Alan (Diana), and Russell. Cherished grandfather of Daniel, Nicholas (Mariam), Sarah, James (Dominika), and great grandfather of Ness and Mina. Dear brother of the late Fredric (the late Ruth), William (Janet), and David (Marcia). Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
For many years she cheerfully sewed their Halloween costumes based on their individual requests.
She was a wicked Scrabble player and even went so far as to memorize all the two letter words in the Scrabble Dictionary because she played to win.
She is survived by her children, Catherine Mori (Masayoshi), Edward Jr. (June), James and Sandra Tumbarello; as well as her grandchildren, Amy Reddan, Joseph Mori, Edward Green III, David Green, Anthony Tumbarello (Courtney) and Amanda Tumbarello; and two greatgrandchildren, Finlay Reddan and Harper Tumbarello with another
View obituary and sign tribute wall at AJDesmond.com.
RUTH M. SCHALK, 95
Ruth M. Schalk, nee Means, age 95, of Lombard since 1957, passed away on December 12, 2024.
Ruth was the loving wife of the late Elden Schalk, devoted mother of Nancy Schalk of Glendale Heights and Jim (Patricia) Schalk of Carol Stream; loving grandmother of TJ (Jessica) Schalk of Plainfield and Jeff (Amy) Schalk of Sterrett, AL; greatgrandmother of Theo Schalk and Rory Schalk of Plainfield and Charlie Schalk of Sterrett, AL.
Ruth was a member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church of Lombard since 1957. A member of the Lombard Service League, St. John Lombard Altar Guild and St. John’s Wheaton Joy Group.
Ruth graduated from the Luther Institute in Chicago in 1947. She retired in 1993 from the Lombard Park District.
Lying-in-State on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 PM at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 215 S Lincoln, Lombard. Interment at Wheaton Cemetery, Wheaton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church. Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888629-0094.
CHRISTINE WORCESTER, 82
Christine Worcester, age 82, of Oakbrook Terrace, passed away Dec.15, 2024. All services are private. Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or
629-0094.
DONNA GREEN
out& about Jane Charmelo
Freelance writer turns author
Addison resident writes a mix of real life, fiction
David Lasaine said he didn’t know what an emotional support animal (ESA) was, but when he “inherited” a lab mix named Bailey, he realized she was just what he needed.
The Addison resident and retired massage therapist said that in 2014, he went to a shelter to help someone pick out a dog for a special needs child, and when he saw Bailey, she struck him as “a quiet, peaceful dog,” adding, “I was standing there watching the whole time” how she interacted with the child for whom a dog was being picked out.
Several years later, he acquired Bailey, and realized how the dog made a profound difference in his life.
Lasaine said he had heard the term “emotional support animal,” but “I had no idea what an emotional support animal was. I did some research on it.”
In 2017 he acquired another ESA, Bambaloo, a tan and white Australian cattle dog.
The two dogs would end up becoming the focus of several books, including “Rescued: Finding Unconditional Love” and “Bailey and Bambaloo in the Great Chocolate Chip Cookie Caper.”
In the first book the author describes how Bailey was abandoned and Bambaloo was abused—just as they were in real life—and are then rescued by a character named Poppy.
In the second book, Lasaine narrated how Poppy bakes chocolate chip cookies and then leaves the house, only to return and find chaos and “garbage everywhere.”
Poppy asks, “Who ate the cookies?” and Lasaine said “since dogs are characters [and] they have their own little stories,” he wrote about “what they could be thinking.”
He said he sees some parallels between his and his dogs’ life experiences, so he wanted to portray that in his books—through the adventures of Bailey and Bambaloo.
Yet another book, “Euthanizing My Best Friend: A Personal Journey of Decision-Death-Grief-Healing,” gave him the opportunity to share his thoughts about having to euthanize Bambaloo.
“It was the hardest thing I had to do,” the author recalled, saying how she was a unique dog: “She had this intuition about her.”
Yet, “I had to get that out there … [and] the raw emotion of getting her ashes.”
Lasaine then got Fiona (a black and white Australian cattle dog) from a shelter, saying, “It was time,” both for him and for Bailey. (Fiona will be the subject of a future book.)
Besides writing about his be -
SUBMITTED
Addison resident David Lasaine is a freelance writer who decided to start writing books, and among them are several that blend fact and fiction into canine adventures, based on the lives of his emotional support animals, Bailey and Bambaloo.
loved ESAs, Lasaine has self-published a number of works, including 16 short articles he submitted to several websites, and a book called “Sleepyland Slide,” which is a children’s story.
He also wrote “Eclectic Short Stories of Living in Rural Jo Daviess County,” based on real-life events; “All Walks of Life: A Massage Therapist’s Most Memorable Clients”; “In God’s Time: My Journey to Jesus Christ”; and “Eclectic Thoughts,” which he described as “a collection of observations, stories of dreams, a little poetry and not-so-famous quotes I made up.”
The author said he has some more books in the works: “Rebel with Four Paws,” featuring Fiona; “Jugular Vein,” about “a Victorian age murderess”; “Saavedra’s Mexican Foods,” taken from his caregiver’s recipes; “Fireman,” which he said is “a romance ‘50 Shades of Gray’ kind of book”; a book about how he went from 250 pounds to 196 pounds without medication or
Montini Catholic Theatre solves the crime on the Orient
Express
exercise; a sequel to “Sleepyland Slide”; and a book about government corruption in a real town (under a pen name).
Lasaine said he has about 40 children’s books from about 33 years ago “which are just sitting, waiting to be written.”
He describes himself and some of his musings as “eclectic” and “eccentric,” and while the books have varying themes, the author emphasized that there is a common thread interwoven among them.
“Everywhere you go, there’s negativity … I’ve wanted people to use their imagination, to feel, to let their mind go, to relax,” he added.
At the same time, Lasaine summed up, “I hope I can help other people.”
After all, as he stated on his Amazon.com author page, “Words and thoughts not shared with others die with the author for all eternity.”
You can find Lasaine’s books and more information on amazon.com/ author/davidlasaine.
Montini Catholic High School drama students are celebrating the success of their fall play, “Murder on the Orient Express.” The Agatha Christie mystery, directed by Jackie Martin, delighted audiences with two separate casts performing a total of six performances last month. “It was a busy fall with over 40 students coming together to work on this production,” said Martin, who is in her third year directing Montini Theatre. “Our double-casted students benefited from being able to share ideas, support one another and celebrate diverse talents.” In addition to the talented casts (2) and crew, Martin was grateful for the talents of Montini’s Music Director and Fine Arts Chair, Donnie Glowinski, and costume designer (and teacher) Beth DiMarco. She also thanked Charlie Brewick and Jeff Nowicki, set designers. “It’s no secret that putting on a production takes extraordinary efforts and dedicated individuals. I am thankful to them for helping to provide many opportunities for our students to learn foundational theatre skills,” Martin said. Pictured above is senior Lauren Jaskier of Lombard, who played Countess Andrenyi (Paris and Istanbul casts). Next up for Montini Theatre is “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” coming in March 2025.
Montini Catholic celebrates Advanced Placement Scholars from Class of 2025
Montini Catholic High School has recognized 30 outstanding students honored as AP Scholars. The AP Scholar Awards recognize high school students who have demonstrated exemplary college-level achievement on AP Exams. The AP Scholar academic distinction provides the opportunity for students to cite among their credentials on applications and resumes.
Congratulations to the following AP Scholars from the Class of 2025 (14) who took Spring AP exams:
AP SCHOLARS (Score of 3 or higher on 3+ AP Exams):
Julia Gergen, senior, Lombard; Ruikun Li, senior; Margaret Nielsen, senior, Lombard; Adrian Polaszewski, senior, Lombard; and Wyatt Prater, senior.
AP SCHOLARS WITH HONOR (Score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams):
See ScholarS, Page 17
PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
Stay well this winter: Vaccinate against COVID-19, flu and RSV
To protect yourself and your family against COVID-19 and influenza (flu) this coming winter, the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) strongly recommends everyone six months and older, especially people with chronic health conditions or who are pregnant, get their updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines this winter.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also spreads in the winter months. Like COVID-19 and flu, RSV causes
a respiratory infection that can lead to severe illness and death. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends RSV vaccines for all adults ages 75 and older and adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV. There are two immunizations recommended to protect infants from severe RSV: a maternal RSV vaccine given during pregnancy, or an RSV
Bensenville Park District announces holiday hours
The Bensenville Park District announced special hours for the upcoming holiday season.
The park district’s administrative offices, Deer Grove Leisure Center (DGLC) and Wood Street Fitness Center, located at 1000 W. Wood Street, Bensenville, will close early at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20. The facilities will also be closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1.
The park district will operate as normal other days, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sundays.
White Pines Golf Club, located at 500 W. Jefferson St. in Bensenville, will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 1. The club is otherwise open year-round, weather-permitting, with the East Course currently in operation.
Fischer Farm, located at 16W680 Old Grand Ave. in Bensenville, is open daily from dawn to dusk, but buildings will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Farm buildings—including the Farm Shop—are typically open between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
More information Bensenville Park District hours, programs and activities may be found on the district’s website, BvilleParks.org.
Police Reports
The Addison and Bensenville police departments recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.
Addison
Nov. 29
A 24-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery and interference with the reporting of domestic violence in the 500 block of N. Valerie at 1:06 a.m.
Nov. 28
Luis E. Miranda Rodriguez, 46, of Addison, was charged with two counts of DUI, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and improper lane usage in the 400 block of W. Stevens at 1:01 a.m.
Nov. 27
Police said Roberto Garcia, 36, of Addison, was issued a warrant in the 400 block of W. Lake at 5:20 p.m.
A 54-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery near Stonemill and 6th Avenue at 3:07 p.m.
Bensenville
Dec. 12, 4:30 a.m. in the 400 block of Supreme, police met with subject who stated his wallet was stolen from
antibody given to infants after birth.
“Everyone should make a plan to get the vaccines that offer the best protection for themselves and their families. For those at high risk of severe illness, including pregnant individuals, staying up to date with immunizations for COVID-19, flu, and RSV is one of the most effective steps to protect not just themselves, but also their newborns from potentially life-threatening complications,” said Adam Forker, executive director, DuPage County Health Department.
Vaccinating against COVID-19, flu, and RSV during pregnancy is important because it helps protect newborns during their most vulnerable months, when they are too young to be vaccinated.
Babies have a higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization in the first few months of life, and by getting vaccinated during pregnancy, mothers can pass on protective antibodies to their babies. The CDC reported in a study that from October 2022 to September 2023, 18 percent of infants hospitalized with COVID-19
had mothers who were vaccinated during pregnancy. This dropped to less than 5 percent from October 2023 to April 2024, showing that maternal vaccination is a key way to reduce hospitalizations and protect newborns from severe illness.
DCHD offers the updated COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines to eligible children through the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program. Call DCHD for questions about the availability of specific childhood vaccines or clinic schedules at (630) 682-7400.
Updated COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines are available through retail pharmacies and most doctor’s offices—visit www.vaccines.gov to find a location near you.
As we head into the colder months, remember to take these steps to prevent respiratory illnesses this winter:
• stay up to date with immunizations: Stay up to date with the immunizations that are recommended for you.
• Practice good hygiene: Practice good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sani-
tizing your hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
• Take steps for cleaner air: This can mean bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors. Virus particles do not build up in the air outdoors as much as they do indoors.
• Take precautions if you’re sick: Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren’t better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.
• Seek medical care promptly: Seek health care right away for testing and/or treatment if you believe you may have a respiratory virus (if you feel sick or tested positive for one) and you have risk factors for severe illness.
If you have flu or COVID-19, treatment may be an option to make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick. Treatment needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.
State Flag Commission selects its top 10 designs for public voting
The Illinois Flag Commission selected its top 10 finalists for the state flag redesign contest with public voting slated to begin in January.
fice convened the Flag Commission meetings.
his backpack during his work shift. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2400987
Dec. 10, 4:05 a.m. in the 1100 block of W Irving, Edwin Aponte, 27 of Wood Dale, was arrested for retail theft and issued a no trespass notice. He was issued complaints, a court date and released. BEPC2400979
Dec. 9, 8:34 p.m. in the 100 block of George Street, a victim reported someone stole his vehicle, which was entered as stolen. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2400976
Dec. 9, 11:51 p.m. in the 100 block of George Street, a victim reported someone stole his vehicle, which was entered as stolen. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2400977
Dec. 7, 6:11 a.m. in the 100 block of Barron, a victim reported the rear passenger window on his Volkswagen was shattered overnight, unknown time and nothing reported stolen. No cameras. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2400970
Dec. 7, 4:43 p.m. in the 600 block of York, a victim reported her Hyundai Sonata had the rear passenger window broken at an unknown time overnight. It was discovered around 1 p.m. and the window was already replaced by time of the report. No cameras; the incident is under investigation. BEPC2400971
Dec. 7, 4:43 p.m. in the 1000 block of Bryn Mawr, a complainant advised her black Lululemon Belt Bag was stolen by a known suspect while attending a fashion show on Dec. 6. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2400972
Members of the commission could select up to 10 of their favorite designs—from the nearly 5,000 submissions—prior to their Dec. 9 meeting where they narrowed their choices to 10 overall.
“Having received nearly 5,000 entries, I appreciate the creativity and passion reflected in all the submissions,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose of-
Starting in January, the public will have the opportunity to vote online at www.ilsos.gov/stateflag for one of the new designs, or one of three former flag designs, including the current state flag, the 1918 Centennial Flag and the 1968 Sesquicentennial Flag.
After the public voting period, the commission will report its findings and recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by April 1, 2025, whose members will vote on whether
to adopt a new flag, return to a previous iteration of the flag or retain the current flag.
Senate Bill 1818, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (48th District-Springfield) and State Representative Kam Buckner (26th District-Chicago), was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2023, creating the commission to gauge public desire for a new flag. The flag designs eligible for public voting in January can be viewed at www.ilsos.gov/special/IFC/10finalists.pdf.
Food drive for the holidays
On Monday, Nov. 25, employees from DuPage County-based Total Quality Logistics delivered several carloads of nonperishable food items to the York Township food pantry. The donation came in perfect timing to be distributed to families in need for the Thanksgiving holiday. Supervisor Valle said, “I would like to thank everyone at Total Quality Logistics for thinking about our residents during the upcoming holiday season. November and December are two of the toughest months for our food pantry clients. Families struggle to afford all the expenses of the holidays while making ends meet everywhere else–higher heating bills, new winter clothes for growing kids and basic food and personal care items. We are extremely grateful for the continuous support from the employees at Total Quality Logistics year after year. Our community depends upon the kindness and generosity of local companies and agencies to support those in need.” Pictured (left to right) are TQL Group Sales Manager Alex Beres, Valle, Madeline Edwards, Katie Justin, Group Sales Managers Don McCarver and Food Pantry Director Angela Tanner.
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Lombard police spread holiday cheer with 26th annual Shop with a Cop event
On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Lombard Police Department and the Lombard Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (LCPAAA) hosted the 26th annual Shop with a Cop event, continuing the tradition of bringing holiday cheer to local families. During the event, Lombard police officers picked up the nine participating children from their homes and escorted them in a convoy of squad cars for a special Christmas shopping experience. The children shopped for gifts at Target and DICK’S Sporting Goods in Lombard for their parents and family. Officers assisted them in their shopping, while other shoppers selected special gifts for each of the participating children. Once the shopping was completed, the group returned to Lombard Village Hall to wrap their gifts, meet Santa Claus and enjoy lunch before returning home. “It’s really something special to see how our community comes together for Shop with a Cop,” said Police Chief Tom Wirsing. “This event isn’t just about the presents; it’s about building meaningful connections with local families and creating lasting memories for the kids.” At the end of the event, the children were driven home in squad cars filled with gifts, trays of cookies and gift baskets. This event is made possible by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Target and fundraising efforts of the Lombard Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, and Lombard FOP #270, as well as the many generous donations from local businesses and individuals. Lieutenant Sherie Eakins added, “Seeing the kids light up when we’re shopping with them is the best part of our year. Every smile and laugh we share reminds us why we do this, and it keeps us motivated to make each year even better than the last.” Anyone wishing to donate to next year’s Shop with A Cop event can do so by dropping a donation off at the Lombard Police Station or mailing it to the Lombard Police Department at 235 E. Wilson Ave, Lombard, IL, 60148, to the attention of Lieutenant Eakins.
Illinois youth 4-H leaders selected for food advocacy grants
4-H Club working with DuPagePads this year
By Hannah Spangler FarmWeek
Illinois 4-H selected 14 youthled projects to receive funding from the 2024 Food Advocacy Grant program.
The grants are designed to invest in the next generation of food access leaders, supporting projects that take on the challenge of food security in their communities.
The selected applicants will receive a grant of $500 to $1,000 based on the project’s budget.
This year’s recipients include the following 4-H groups: Clay County 4-H Federation and Dismal Creek Critters, Johnson County 4-H Eagles, Hilltoppers 4-H Club, Wayne County 4-H Ambassadors, Blue Ribbon 4-H Club, Funny Farmers 4-H Club, Edgar County 4-H Federation, Casey Achievers 4-H, Sangamon Valley and Cisco Clovers 4-H Clubs, Hancock County Youth Leaders Academy and Teen Teachers, Kankakee 4-H Lepra’ Club, Urban Adventurers 4-H Club, Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences and Trinity Trailblazers 4-H Club.
“Since the 4-H office started offering this grant in 2020, we’ve really been able to take advantage of it and get several kids involved,” said Lora Ford, a leader of the Trinity Trailblazers 4-H Club in DuPage County.
This year, the club is working with DuPagePads, an organization working to end homelessness in the county, through a new project led by 4-H member David Wiewiura.
After meeting with Erica Whelan, the DuPagePads grants manager, Wiewiura and other club members decided on a project to reach those
See 4-H, Page 17
submitted photos/top photo by Jim Waters Rock Valley Publishing
PUZZLE Page
SUDOKU
Fun by the Numbers
Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How
It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
CLUES ACROSS
1. Miller beer variety
4. Member of people inhabiting
Bering Sea islands
9. Stomach
14. Investment vehicle
15. Fictional soccer coach Ted
16. Irregular in botanical parlance
17. Cease standing
18. “American Horror Story” actress
20. Grow milk teeth
22. Plant parts
23. Snow house
24. Most contemptuous
28. Note to repay
29. Old English
30. Wings
31. Financial institutions
33. Parks and Lopez are two
37. Mr. T’s “The A-Team” character
38. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.)
39. Give off
41. Semitic alphabet letter
42. Farm state
43. Actress Sarandon
44. Back parts
46. Zoroastrian concept of holy fire
49. Touchdown
50. One point north of due east
51. Refurbishes
55. Silver and Dogg are two
58. Former Tigers catcher Alex
59. Type of envelope
60. Seriously considered
64. Unhappy
65. Past (archaic)
66. Asian wild dog
67. Old English letter
68. Young domestic sheep
69. Football players need to gain them
70. Witness
CLUES DOWN
1. Dormant Peruvian volcano
2. Norwegian composer
3. Indicates location
4. Pubs
5. Unable to walk easily
6. Electronic warfare-support measures
7. World leader
8. Midsection
9. Jewish calendar month
10. Urological condition
11. A small quantity of anything
12. Mountain Time
13. Affirmative
19. Word element meaning ear
21. Carried away
24. Short-billed rails
25. Newborn child
26. Sword
27. Groups of people
31. Prickly, scrambling shrubs
32. Become less intense
34. Polishes
35. Indicates position
36. Songs sung to one’s beloved
40. The 12th letter of the Greek alphabet
41. Insects
45. Israeli politician
47. Pre-digital
48. Roaming
52. Ambience
53. Brew
54. Late
56. Make ecstatically happy
57. Semitic alphabet letter
59. Blend
60. Dash
61. Self
62. Exclamation of satisfaction
63. Hill or rocky peak
As budget tightens, report finds Illinois better prepared for recession than in recent past
Economic resilience measures have
By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
State lawmakers will face a projected budget deficit and slowing revenue when they return to Springfield in January, but a new report shows fiscal decisions made in recent years have put Illinois in a better position to handle a recession than any time in recent decades.
No state is immune from the negative effects of an economic downturn, but Illinois is more prepared today than it was for the Great Recession of 2007-2009 or the COVID-19 recession of 2020, according to a new report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Project for Middle Class Renewal.
The report analyzed nine indicators of progress, such as fund balances and past due bills, that would help the state weather a future economic downturn.
“Illinois is better positioned to overcome challenges and withstand the forces that trigger recessions than at any other point in recent history,” ILEPI economist Frank Manzo told Capitol News Illinois.
The main reason Illinois is more prepared is because it eliminated its backlog of unpaid bills in the years since the state’s budget impasse ended in 2017. The backlog had reached nearly $17 billion at the height of the two-year impasse between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democrats in the General Assembly. But it now sits generally between a $2 billion to $3 billion range, putting it in line with a standard 30-day billing cycle.
Illinois has enjoyed nine credit upgrades collectively from the three major credit rating agencies since the impasse, as bills are now paid by the comptroller when they arrive each month.
“Those higher credit ratings allow the state to borrow money at lower interest rates, which save money for Illinois taxpayers. Lower General Fund deficits and better credit ratings put Illinois in a much better position to reduce the depth and severity of the next recession,” the report stated.
A healthier reserve fund also provides the state with more money to fund operations if revenue dips. The Budget Stabilization Fund, more commonly known as the “rainy day” fund, had a balance of $2.2 billion as of Dec. 2. That’s a major improvement from 2007 when the fund had just $276 million available, enough to fund the state for four days, according to the report. But researchers also said Illinois should follow a Fitch Ratings recommendation to set aside $3 billion to $5 billion in reserves.
Researchers also credited the state’s recent decisions to increase annual payments into state pension funds when surpluses allowed for it. In fiscal years 2022 and 2023, the state contributed $700 million more in total to its pension funds than was
required by law, helping to slow the growth of unfunded liabilities.
The pension systems were collectively funded at 46 percent at the end of fiscal year 2024, according to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. That’s an improvement from 44.6 percent funded last year and the highest ratio since 2021 when the state enjoyed strong investment returns. However, unfunded pension liabilities grew by $1.5 billion in FY24 to $143.7 billion. The liability has continued to grow after briefly declining in 2021.
The pension payment required by law each year, meanwhile, will consume about 19 percent of the state’s general revenue spending in FY25.
“While the condition of the state-funded retirement systems poses challenges for the financial well-being of Illinois and hinders the State’s ability to invest in public services and infrastructure, marked improvements in funding, including supplementary contributions during the Pritzker Administration, indicate that Illinois is better prepared for a recession than it has been at any time since 2008,” the report said.
Still, a separate report from COGFA showed Illinois lags the nation in new job growth when compared to pre-pandemic job levels in fall 2019. The state has recovered all the jobs lost during the pandemic, but has only added about 29,000 jobs since October 2019, an increase of 0.5 percent compared to the national rate of 4.9 percent, according to COGFA Chief Economist Benjamin Varner.
The Champaign-Urbana and
improved since Great Recession
Bloomington metropolitan areas are the only ones in Illinois to surpass the national job growth rate since the pandemic, logging growth numbers of 8.4 percent and 7.3 percent respectively, according to COGFA. The Champaign area, with the University of Illinois’ main campus, benefited as a hub of government employment while Bloomington has seen new manufacturing growth.
The Chicago area saw 0.3 percent growth and made gains in the private education and health services sector, but lost hospitality jobs. The Kankakee metropolitan area saw the largest decline since 2019 with total employment down 5.2 percent.
Researchers with ILEPI and UIUC also noted Illinois has a new tool to mitigate job losses when the next recession hits. Illinois implemented a work-share program that allows employers to temporarily reduce employees’ hours and receive partial unemployment benefits to help avoid layoffs. It was created in 2015, but the state didn’t implement it until 2021. NPR Illinois previously reported it could have saved up to 124,000 jobs and reduced unemployment costs by $1 billion during the 2020 recession.
Replenishing the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund after the pandemic, increasing investments in public education, passing an infrastructure bill, climate resilience projects and embracing a Medicaid expansion under the federal Affordable Care Act all help create jobs and financial security for residents, which creates more stability in the state’s economy, according to the report. Job
and pandemic
creation establishes a “foundation for recovery,” Manzo said.
But the report also suggested state lawmakers should review Illinois’ tax structure. Researchers wrote the state’s flat income tax structure and local reliance on property taxes is more resilient than other tax systems to a recession, but the lack of robust sales taxes on services creates more vulnerability.
The report suggests a flat tax reduces volatility in a recession, UIUC professor Robert Bruno said, but he added the report does not conclude that it is the best overall structure for a state’s economy and budget.
“The more volatile the tax structure, the more, if you will, at risk the state is to negative impacts of a recession,” Bruno told Capitol News Illinois.
What matters most is how states spend tax revenue, such as if it’s spending on critical services and infrastructure or shoring up the “rainy day” fund and pensions, Manzo said.
Early fiscal year 2026 estimates
from the governor’s office, meanwhile, project a potential budget shortfall of $3.2 billion if the state doesn’t decrease spending or raise revenue.
Tax revenue for the state continues to lag this year, according to COGFA’s November report. Corporate income taxes have dropped by 15.3 percent in fiscal year 2025 through November compared to the first five months of fiscal year 2024.
Personal income tax receipts have risen by 6.4 percent, but sales tax receipts have seen little growth and are down $8 million this year compared to FY24. Analysts said they’re hopeful holiday shopping will boost sales tax receipts.
The state’s revenue total so far in FY25 also remains $291 million behind this point in FY24, mostly thanks to $633 million of one-time federal money the state received last year but is not receiving this year— an expected drop. State revenue is up $342 million excluding the loss of those federal funds.
Worship Services Directory
St. Alexander Parish
300 S Cornell Avenue, Villa Park, IL 630-833-7730 www.stalexanderparish.org
Confessions:
Tuesdays at 5:00pm-6:00pm and Saturdays 4:00-4:45pm
Christmas Eve Masses: 4:00pm, 6:30pm and Midnight
Christmas Day Masses: 8:30am, 10:30am and 6:00pm in Espanol
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church 547 N. Main St. Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 627-2435
Sunday Worship at 10:15am Sunday School & Bible Study 9am
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7pm Christmas Day Service 10:15am Everyone is Welcome!
sainttimothy.org
FIRST CHURCH
Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 am
Christmas Eve Family Service 5:00 pm
Immaculate
Conception Church
134 Arthur St., Elmhurst, IL 630 530-8515 www.icelmhurst.org
Christmas Eve Masses
3:00pm Church, Sacred Heart Chapel, & Plunkett Hall
A Reconciling Congregation where all are truly welcome!
A Reconciling Congregation where all are truly welcome!
A Reconciling Congregation where all are truly welcome!
Advent & Christmas Services
Advent & Christmas Services
Advent & Christmas Services
Come Worship with Us!
Every Sunday at 10am in person or live stream
Come Worship with Us! Every Sunday at 10am in person or live stream
Come Worship with Us! Every Sunday at 10am in person or live stream
Christmas Cantata
Christmas Cantata
The Christmas story told through music & songs Sunday, Dec. 22 at 10am
Christmas Cantata
The Christmas story told through music & songs Sunday, Dec. 22 at 10am
The Christmas story told through music & songs Sunday, Dec. 22 at 10am
Christmas Eve – Dec. 24
Christmas Eve – Dec. 24 Family Service at 5pm Candlelight Service at 1 1pm
Service at 5pm Candlelight Service at 1 1pm
Christmas Eve – Dec. 24 Family Service at 5pm Candlelight Service at 1 1pm
MERRY CHRISTMAS
MERRY CHRISTMAS
MERRY CHRISTMAS First UMC Lombard
155 S Main
First UMC Lombard
First UMC Lombard
155 S. Main Street – Lombard IL 60148
155 S Main Street – Lombard IL 60148
South East Corner of Main & Maple www.FirstUMCLombard.org
South East Corner of Main & Maple www.FirstUMCLombard.org
Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6
Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM
Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM
Adoration:
Available in Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES:
Christmas Eve: 3 & 5 PM and Midnight Christmas Day: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 AM
Gary Maves
Dr. Nicole DiGiacomo Dr. Allison Roberts
Dr. Chris Obradovich
Flea/Tick/Heartworm
In-House Lab
Dental Care • Digital Dental X-Rays
• Full Body Digital X-Rays
• Laser Surgery • Ultrasound • Cold Laser Therapy
• Full Online Pharmacy with Prescription Diets Available
VFW honors first responders
Lombard VFW Lilac Post 5815 held its annual holiday dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at which time post members recognized the first responders from the Lombard Fire and Police departments. According to post Commander Tom Zilla, the post typically recognizes one first responder each year, but this year decided to recognize all the first responders from both departments. He also read a proclamation from the Village of Lombard honoring the 125th anniversary of the VFW, which also recognized Post 5815 “for their service since 1955,” including serving as color and honor guards, working with veterans organizations, participating in village programs and Poppy Day fundraising, to name a few. Pictured (above, left to right) are Zilla, fire Chief Rick Sander, post Adjutant Chuck Grafton and police Deputy Chief of Administration Joe Grage. During the event, the Auxiliary also collected toys for the Lombard Fire Department Toy Drive, which was held Saturday, Dec. 14. The post and Auxiliary usually meet from 7-9 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Comfort Suites Conference Area, 530 W. North Ave. (Route 64 and Route 53) in Lombard. Visit www.vfw5815.org or email vfw5815@gmail.com for more information.
• 4-H
(Continued from page 9) who need more help this time of year.
During a Dec. 15 service learning event, the club will pack meal gift bags to help people who are single and homeless during the holidays. The event will also mark the launch of “Food Advocacy Heroes”, a new service-learning 4-H SPIN club that will help more youth become involved in fighting food insecurity.
“We just want to encourage the kids to raise their voice and to think about their community where they live, and what they can do to make everything better,” DuPage County 4-H Coordinator Nancy Reppe said.
In Edwards County, the Blue Ribbon 4-H Club saw a different need in their community and wanted to help. The Edwards County Senior Citizens Lunch Program, organized by club member Chloe Isle, will help the senior center in Albion provide pork and hamburger meat to more than 100 people.
“It doesn’t matter how old our members are, they can make a difference,” said the club’s leader, Debbie Fearn.
Mark Becker, Illinois 4-H food systems specialist, said the program was launched to help teens play a key role fighting food insecurity. Teens are less likely to access the services meant to help them because of the shame they
Coming events
Faith United Methodist Church Christmas Eve service
All are cordially invited to join the Faith family for its candlelight Christmas Eve worship service, Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. in our beautiful stained glass window sanctuary. Faith UMC is located at 815 S. Finley Road, Lombard. There will be a Christmas Eve Message by Pastor David Price, the Faith Chime Choir, the Faith Choir, lighting of the Christ candle (Advent), communion taken individually at your seat, congregational singing of Christmas carols and a “Silent Night” candle lighting. Ample parking is available.
Lombard recycling
“ 4- h has programming in all 102 counties. s o the goal moving forward, we’re at 50 counties, … we want to see a program in every county.”
– Mark Becker, Illinois 4-H Food Systems Specialist
can associate with not having access to food. The program gives youth leadership opportunities to address the problem while showing them that they don’t have to figure it out alone.
“Since its inception, we’ve been able to fund $80,000 worth of projects led by youth,” Becker told FarmWeek. “That’s for about 85 projects in 50 counties.”
Last year, eight people applied for a grant and this year there were 26 applicants. Becker expects the program to continue growing.
“4-H has programming in all 102 counties,” Becker said. “So the goal moving forward, we’re at 50 counties, … we want to see a program in every county.”
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.
• Scholars
(Continued from page 7)
Joshua Brunke, senior, Lombard; Daniel Sherman, senior; and Christopher Zayed, senior, Lombard. AP SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTION (Scores of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores a 3 or higher on five or more of these exams): John Barrett, senior, Villa Park; Liliana Cruz, senior; Elmhurst; Isabella Jaojoco, senior; Conor Kaefer, senior; Lombard; Seoyeon Park, senior; Lombard; and Matthew Silveyra, senior.
Jane Charmelo Photos Rock Valley Publishing
Sports
Rams extend their winning streak to three games
Glenbard East moves to 3-0 in division play with wins over West Chicago and Fenton
The Glenbard East boys basketball team improved to 4-3 overall and 3-0 in the Upstate Eight Conference’s East Division with last week’s division wins over West Chicago and Fenton.
The Rams opened the week with a 61-39 victory at West Chicago on Dec. 10. In its first home game of the 2024-25 season, Glenbard East defeated Fenton 65-47 on Friday in Lombard.
After opening their season with a 1-3 record, the Rams have reeled off three straight division wins. Glenbard East opened its division season with a 72-53 triumph at Elmwood Park on Dec. 6.
West Chicago led the Rams 11-9 after one quarter of last week’s contest. Glenbard East outscored the Wildcats 17-3 in the second quarter to take a 26-14 halftime lead. The Rams extended their lead to 48-28 by the end of the third quarter.
Senior Devin Kraft and junior Jacob Marynowski scored 11 points each for Glenbard East in last week’s battle in West Chicago.
Fenton took an early 8-0 lead in Friday’s game in Lombard, but the Rams closed the quarter with a 15-8 burst to reduce the Bison’s lead to 16-15 by the end of the quarter. Glenbard East overtook Fenton during the second quarter and built a 37-27 lead by halftime. The Rams’ lead swelled to 59-37 by the end of the third quarter.
Glenbard East junior Michael Nee made six shots from 3-point range and scored a team-leading 26 points in his team’s win over Fenton. Nee connected on a pair of 3-point attempts in the first quarter. He made five free throws and drained one 3-point shot in the second quarter. Nee sank three shots from 3-point territory during the third quarter. He also scored an inside basket in the third quarter. Nee made one of two free throws in the fourth quarter to notch his 26th point of the game.
Junior Sam Walton scored nine points for the Rams in Friday’s win. Marynowski contributed eight points. Kraft supplied seven points, all of which came in the second half. Junior Muhammad Musleh made a pair of 3-point shots to provide six points. Junior Danny Snyder added five points, while junior Abdul Musleh scored four points.
The Rams’ schedule this week includes division games against Ridgewood and Glenbard South. Glenbard East will face the Raiders this Friday in Lombard.
Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing
Glenbard East’s boys basketball team improved to 3-0 in Upstate Eight Conference East Division play with Friday’s 65-47 victory over Fenton in Lombard. Playing in their first home game of the season, the Rams fell to an early 8-0 deficit against Fenton. Glenbard East cut the Bison’s lead to one point by the end of the first quarter. The Rams owned a 10-point lead at halftime. After opening its season with a 1-3 record, Glenbard East posted three straight division wins (over Elmwood Park, West Chicago and Fenton) to raise its overall record to 4-3. Junior Michael Nee made six 3-point shots and scored a team-leading 26 points for the Rams in Friday’s win. Nee (No. 4) is pictured (above left) while scoring an inside basket during the third quarter. Junior Sam Walton (No. 24 - above right) provided nine points for the Rams, while senior Devin Kraft (No. 10left) contributed seven points. Glenbard East’s schedule this week includes division games against Ridgewood and Glenbard South. The Rams will face the Raiders this Friday in Lombard in the second game of a doubleheader that will begin with a battle between the Glenbard East and Glenbard South girls varsity teams.
Ramders’ bowling team reels off four straight wins to improve to 15-0
Team of Glenbard East and Glenbard South boys begins its week with a come-from-behind win over Naperville Central
The boys bowling team from Glenbard East and Glenbard South high schools posted four victories last week to improve its overall season record to 15-0.
The team, known as the Ramders, began its week with a victory over Naperville Central on Dec. 9. Competing at their home venue— Bowlero in Glendale Heights—the Ramders edged the Redhawks 3,285 to 3,233. The Ramders trailed Naperville Central by 119 pins after the first game, but won the second game by 97 pins and outscored the Redhawks by 74 pins in the third game.
One day after beating Naperville Central, the Ramders earned a decisive 485-pin win at Elgin. In their third match in three days, the Ramders faced their fellow District 87 team—the squad made up of players from Glenbard West and Glenbard North high schools. After winning the opening game of that match at Bowlero in Glendale Heights by 109 pins, the Ramders lost the second game by one pin, and dropped the third game by 25 pins to secure an 83-pin win.
The Ramders completed their week by playing their fourth match in as many days—a Dec. 12 home contest against Fenton. The Ramders delivered a strong performance in that match, posting a total score of 3,390 to post a convincing victory over the Bison. Senior Zack Poling bowled a three-game series total of 754 to lead the Ramders to their win over Fenton. Sophomore Geo Clayton contributed a three-game series score of 701 in the victory.
The Ramders’ schedule this week includes Upstate Eight Conference matches against South Elgin and Streamwood.
Rams earn division wins over West Chicago and Fenton
Murphy leads the team in scoring in both victories
The Glenbard East girls basketball team won two Upstate Eight Conference East Division games last week to improve to 6-4 overall and 3-0 in division action.
The Rams defeated West Chicago 54-44 in a Dec. 10 division contest in Lombard. Three days later, Glenbard East beat Fenton 46-22 in a division game in Bensenville.
The Rams led West Chicago 13-2 after one quarter of last week’s meeting. Glenbard East’s lead grew to 30-13 by halftime. The visiting Wildcats rallied to cut the Rams’ lead to 45-34 by the end of the third quarter. West Chicago sliced Glenbard East’s lead to as few as six points in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
Sophomore Teagan Murphy scored a team-high 20 points for the Rams in last week’s victory over West Chicago. Murphy provided eight field goals, including a pair of 3-point baskets, to score 18 points in the first three quarters. She reached the 20-point mark when she sank two free throws with 21.1 seconds left in the game to give the Rams a 52-44 lead.
Senior Erin Brown and sophomore Lilly Carver contributed 13 points each for the Rams in their Dec. 10 win over the Wildcats. Senior Veronica Witt provided six points, including an inside basket that pushed Glenbard East’s lead to 50-42 with 54 seconds to play.
Senior Taylour Hodges added two points with a first-quarter basket.
The Rams surged to a 14-3 lead after one quarter of Friday’s game at Fenton. Glenbard East led the Bison 27-12 at halftime and 34-20 at the end of the third quarter.
Fenton made a pair of free throws to cut the Rams’ lead to 34-22 with 7:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. Glenbard East then delivered a 12-0 run to end the game.
Murphy made two shots from 3-point range and scored a team-leading 16 points in Friday’s win in Bensenville. Carver and junior Nora Opila provided eight points each for the Rams. Freshman Olivia Nee supplied seven points. Witt scored four points, and junior Kathleen Nevels tallied three points by sinking a 3-point shot in the fourth quarter.
The Rams’ season continues with this week’s division home games against Ridgewood and Glenbard South. Glenbard East will face the Raiders this Friday in a doubleheader featuring the two schools’ girls and boys teams. The Rams will complete their week by facing Addison Trail in Saturday’s non-division game in Lombard.
Broncos rally for a win
The Montini Catholic girls basketball team improved to 7-3 overall and 2-0 in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC) Red Division following last week’s 47-43 victory over Trinity High School in Lombard. The two teams were tied at 11-11 at the end of the first quarter. The visiting Blazers built a 28-18 advantage by halftime and took a 31-18 lead following a 3-point play in the opening seconds of the third quarter. Montini trimmed the Blazers’ lead to 36-35 by the end of the third quarter. The Broncos took the lead early in the fourth quarter and managed to pull out a narrow victory. Senior Nikki Kerstein (No. 1 - above left) scored a team-leading 17 points for the Broncos in their win over the Blazers on Dec. 12. She made one free throw with 45.5 seconds to play to give the Broncos a 45-43 lead. Trinity missed two free throws with 22.7 seconds to play. The Blazers grabbed the rebound after missing the second free throw, but there was a held ball call seconds later, and the possession arrow pointed to Montini. Kerstein went to the free-throw line and sank two shots with 10.3 seconds to play to help the Broncos close out their victory. Senior Natalie Gartlan (No. 42) provided nine points for Montini, while seniors Peyton Farrell and Audrey Kinney (No. 22 - above right) contributed seven and six points, respectively. Seniors Lauren Mellish and Lily Spanos added four points each. Two days before facing Trinity, Montini defeated Hersey 42-32 in a contest at the Exam Jamm College Showcase at Lake Zurich High School. Kerstein scored 21 points to lead the Broncos’ scoring attack in the Dec. 10 game. Gartlan contributed 12 points. Earlier this week, the Broncos faced Mother McAuley in a GCAC Red Division game in Lombard. On Monday, Dec. 23, Montini will begin play in its own 16-team Christmas tournament with a firstround game against Neuqua Valley. The Broncos’ holiday tournament will continue with games on Dec. 26, Dec. 27 and Dec. 28.
The Glenbard East girls basketball team posted Upstate Eight Conference East Division wins over West Chicago and Fenton last week. The Rams beat West Chicago 54-44 in Lombard on Dec. 10. Three days later, Glenbard East routed Fenton 46-22 in Bensenville. Sophomore Teagan Murphy (No. 14) led the Rams in scoring in both of last week’s victories. She scored 20 points in the team’s win over West Chicago and provided 16 points in Friday’s win over the Bison. Glenbard East improved to 6-4 overall and 3-0 in division play with its victory at Fenton. The Rams’ schedule this week includes division home games against Ridgewood and Glenbard South. Glenbard East will play the Raiders this Friday in Lombard.
Chris Fox File photo Rock Valley Publishing
Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing
A tough loss for the Warriors
Willowbrook’s boys basketball team fell to 2-4 following last week’s 56-55 loss to Naperville Central in Villa Park. The Warriors led the Redhawks 15-13 after one quarter of the Dec. 11 contest. Willowbrook held a 24-22 lead at halftime. Naperville Central rallied to take a 41-37 lead by the end of the third quarter. The Warriors trailed the Redhawks 47-40 with less than six minutes to play, but two free throws from junior Otis Powell and a basket by senior Jaden Royal cut Naperville Central’s lead to 47-44. Senior Filip Palutkiewicz then hit a 3-point shot with 3:51 left in the game. Palutkiewicz, who was fouled on the shot, made the ensuing free throw to complete a 4-point play and give Willowbrook a 48-47 lead. Seconds later, Naperville Central sank a 3-point shot to take a 50-48 lead. Powell’s basket evened the score at 50-50 with 2:15 to play. Royal made one of two free throws to trim the Redhawks’ lead to 52-51 with 1:04 remaining. After a steal by Powell, Palutkiewicz delivered a rebound and basket to give the Warriors a 53-52 lead with 54 seconds on the clock. The Redhawks regained the lead with 41 seconds to play. Willowbrook missed two free throws with 13.9 seconds left in the game. Naperville Central made two free throws with 5.8 seconds to play to take a 56-53 lead. The Redhawks partially blocked Willowbrook’s 3-point shot in the closing seconds. Powell scored a layup as time expired to reduce Naperville Central’s margin of victory to one point. Powell scored a team-leading 19 points in the loss. Royal (No. 11 - above left) and junior Jaylen Griffin (No. 1 - above right) provided 10 points each. Palutkiewicz supplied eight points. The Warriors will open their West Suburban Gold Conference season with this Friday’s home game against Leyden.
A winning week for the Broncos
The Montini Catholic boys basketball team improved its overall season record to 5-4 with two wins last week. The Broncos earned a 45-35 win at St. Rita on Dec. 10. On Friday, Dec. 13, the Broncos opened their Chicago Catholic League (CCL) White Division season with a 53-48 victory over Providence Catholic in Lombard. Montini led St. Rita 19-11 after one quarter of last week’s game in Chicago. The Broncos held a 29-20 lead at halftime. Montini’s lead stood at 36-28 at the end of the third quarter. The Mustangs cut the Broncos’ lead to 38-35 with a little more than five minutes left in the game. Montini senior Robert Sansone (No. 4) delivered a 3-point play with 2:23 remaining to give the Broncos a 41-35 lead. A basket from junior Colt Ashton with 54 seconds to play and two free throws from Sansone with 37.8 seconds on the clock closed out the scoring. Sansone scored a team-leading 17 points in the win at St. Rita. Senior Drew Church added eight points, while Ashton provided six points. Senior Jack Barrett and junior Henry Herold contributed five points each. Senior Max Bell scored three points, while senior Dillon Bagley scored one point. Friday’s game against Providence Catholic was tied at 13-13 after one quarter. The Broncos led the Celtics 26-21 at halftime. Montini’s lead grew to 32-22 in the middle of the third quarter, but Providence Catholic went on an 11-0 run to take a 33-32 lead. Sansone hit a pair of 3-point shots late in the third quarter to help the Broncos take a 38-34 lead with eight minutes to play. A 3-point play from Bagley pushed the Broncos’ lead to 47-42 with 1:42 left in the game. Barrett scored four points in the closing minute; he made an inside basket with 43 seconds left and sank two free throws with 3.2 seconds on the clock. Sansone made two free throws with 10.8 seconds to play. Bagley scored 13 points in Friday’s win. Sansone provided 12 points. Church scored eight points. Barrett and senior Jake Maquet supplied six points each. Montini will play a home game against Brother Rice this Friday.
On the beam
Willowbrook’s girls gymnastics team opened its 2024-25 season with a Dec. 10 home meet against the Hinsdale South/Lemont co-op team. The visitors defeated the Warriors 132.1 to 121.2 in Villa Park. Willowbrook sophomore Lilli Macias turned in a first-place performance in the vault. She won that event with her score of 8.7. Sophomore Mallory Yeazel of the Warriors tied for second in the vault (8.3). Freshman Rebekah Brown earned the Willowbrook team’s best finish on the uneven bars with her fifth-place score of 7.0. Junior Kaia Capulong delivered the Warriors’ top score on the balance beam (7.55) with her fifth-place effort. Capulong is pictured during her routine on the beam. Macias posted Willowbrook’s best finish in floor exercises, tying for fourth with her score of 8.35. Brown earned the Warriors’ top all-around score of the meet with her third-place total of 30.25. Capulong placed fourth in the all-around standings with her score of 30.10. Yeazel (29.9) earned fifth in the all-around scoring. The Warriors’ schedule this week includes a meet at Leyden and this Saturday’s invitational at Addison Trail.
Remembering a Willowbrook legend
Al Loew, a longtime teacher and coach at Willowbrook High School, passed away on Dec. 5. He was 92 years old. Loew was born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. In 1956, he married his college sweetheart, Joelene Chryst. After Loew served in the United States Marine Corps, he and his wife eventually moved to Villa Park, where they raised their two daughters. Loew was a member of Willowbrook’s faculty when the school opened in September 1959. He taught in the Industrial Arts department and coached football, girls golf and badminton. Loew retired from teaching in 1987, but he continued to coach Willowbrook’s badminton program for several more years. He guided the Warriors’ badminton team to the IHSA state title in 1998. In 1999, he coached the Willowbrook team to another state championship—the Warriors were that year’s co-state champions with Hinsdale South, with each team earning 15 points at the state meet. Loew is a member of Willowbrook’s Athletic Hall of Fame (Class of 2011) and the Illinois Association of Badminton Coaches (IABC) Hall of Fame (Class of 2023). Loew and his wife lived in Villa Park for more than 50 years before they moved to Sarona, Wisconsin, in 2009. They were married for over 65 years, until she passed away in January 2022.
Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing
Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing
At Lots 2 and 3, Sexton Property Redevelopment, Bensenville Illinois 60106 is an existing C-2 Commercial District. The Public Hearing will be held in the Village Board Room at Village Hall, 12 S Center St, Bensenville.
The Legal Description is as follows: LOTS 2 AND 3 IN SEXTON PROPERTY REDEVELOPMENT RECORDED MAY 19, 2017 AS DOCUMENT NO. 42017049227, A RESUBDIVISION OF SEXTON PROPERTY REDEVELOPMENT RECORDED AUGUST 2, 2002 AS DOCUMENT NO. R2002-198616 BEING A SUBDIVISION PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 25, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Commonly known as Lots 2 and 3, Sexton Property Redevelopment, Bensenville Illinois 60106.
LEGAL NOTICES
KMS Investments LLC of 811 E Grand Ave, Bensenville, Illinois 60106 is the owner of the subject property and KMS Investments LLC of 811 E Grand Ave, Bensenville, Illinois 60106 is the applicant for the subject property.
Any individual with a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any public meeting held under the authority of the Village of Bensenville should contact the Village Clerk, Village of Bensenville, 12 S Center St, Bensenville, IL 60106, (630) 766-8200, at least three (3) days in advance of the meeting.
Applicant’s application and supporting documentation may be examined by any interested parties in the office of the Community and Economic Development Department, Monday through Friday, in the Village Hall, 12 S Center St, Bensenville, IL 60106. All interested parties may attend the Public Hearing and be heard. A link for electronic viewing will be posted on the Village website at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Written comments mailed to the Village Hall, and online comments submitted on the Village website, will be accepted by the Community and Economic Development Department through January 7, 2025 until 5:00 PM.
Office of the Village Clerk Village of Bensenville
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 19, 2024) 465891
LEGAL NOTICE/PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Meeting of the Community Development Commission of the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 6:30 P.M, at which a Public Hearing will be held to review an appeal of No. 2024 – 22 to consider a request for:
Zoning Appeal Municipal Code 10 – 3 – 7
At 1081 Entry Dr is an existing I-1 Light Industrial District. The Public Hearing will be held in the Village Board Room at Village Hall, 12 S Center St, Bensenville.
The Legal Description is as follows:
THE SOUTH 400 FEET (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 200 FEET THEREOF) OF LOT 2 IN WHITE PINES CENTER FOR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTH ½ OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED NOVEMBER 7, 1977, AS DOCUMENT NO. R77-102033 IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Commonly known as 1081 Entry Dr, Bensenville, IL 60106
Value Industrial Partners of 477 W Wrightwood Ave, Elmhurst, Illinois, 60126 is the
owner of the subject property and Andy Samovsky of Toy Barn Inc, 1143 W Garfield Ave, Libertyville, Illinois, 60048 is the applicant for the subject property.
Any individual with a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any public meeting held under the authority of the Village of Bensenville should contact the Village Clerk, Village of Bensenville, 12 S Center St, Bensenville, IL 60106, (630) 766-8200, at least three (3) days in advance of the meeting.
Applicant’s application and supporting documentation may be examined by any interested parties in the office of the Community and Economic Development Department, Monday through Friday, in the Village Hall, 12 S Center St, Bensenville, IL 60106. All interested parties may attend the Public Hearing and be heard. A link for electronic viewing will be posted on the Village website at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Written comments mailed to the Village Hall, and online comments submitted on the Village website, will be accepted by the Community and Economic Development Department through January 7, 2025 until 5:00 PM.
Office of the Village Clerk Village of Bensenville
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 19, 2024) 465892
LEGAL NOTICE/PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Meeting of the Community Development Commission of the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 6:30 P.M, at which a Public Hearing will be held to review an appeal of No. 2025 – 01 to consider a request for:
Zoning Text Amendments Municipal Code 10-3-6
The proposed Text Amendments to the Village Code are to amend Title 10 (Zoning Ordinance), Chapter 7 (Uses).
The Public Hearing will be held in the Village Board Room at Village Hall, 12 S Center St, Bensenville.
The Zoning Text Amendments are being sought by the Village Board.
Any individual with a disability requiring a
reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any public meeting held under the authority of the Village of Bensenville should contact the Village Clerk, Village of Bensenville, 12 S Center St, Bensenville, IL 60106, (630) 766-8200, at least three (3) days in advance of the meeting.
Applicant’s application and supporting documentation may be examined by any interested parties in the office of the Community and Economic Development Department, Monday through Friday, in the Village Hall, 12 S Center St, Bensenville, IL 60106. All interested parties may attend the Public Hearing and be heard. A link for electronic viewing will be posted on the Village website at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Written comments mailed to the Village Hall, and online comments submitted on the Village website, will be accepted by the Community and Economic Development Department through January 7, 2025 until 5:00 PM.
Office of the Village Clerk Village of Bensenville
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 19, 2024) 465894
INVITATION TO BID:
2025-2027 TREE PURCHASE & DELIVERY
BID DUE: By Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
PROJECT NAME: 2025 - 2027 Tree Purchase and Delivery
PROJECT LOCATION: Village of Bensenville, Illinois
December 19, 2024
Notice is hereby given that the Village of Bensenville is seeking bids from qualified, licensed nurseries for establishing a contractual agreement for the 2025 - 2027 Tree Purchase and Delivery. The bids shall be sent to:
Village of Bensenville Office of the Village Clerk 12 South Center Street Bensenville, IL 60106
The Village of Bensenville will accept Sealed Bids until 9:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The Bid must be in a sealed opaque envelope plainly marked 2025-2027 Tree Purchase and Delivery Bid. The forms can be found at www. bensenville.il.us under “Business.” The packet can also be picked up at the Public Works Department, 717 E Jefferson Street, Bensenville, IL 60106. Detailed information may be obtained by contacting Amanda Segreti at 630-350-3435 or via email at asegreti@bensenville.il.us.
All bids require a Bid Bond, or Certified or Cashier’s Check made payable to the Village of Bensenville for not less than five percent (5%) of the base bid amount.
The Village Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids or portions thereof.
Nancy Quinn Village Clerk
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 19, 2024) 465860
2025-2028 FIRE HYDRANT FLOW TESTING SERVICES
BID DUE: By Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
PROJECT NAME: 2025-2028 Fire Hydrant Flow Testing Services
PROJECT LOCATION: Village of Bensenville, Illinois
December 19, 2024
Notice is hereby given that the Village of Bensenville is seeking Bids from qualified firms to establish a contractual agreement for the 2025-2028 Fire Hydrant Flow Testing Services. The Bids shall be sent to: Village of Bensenville Office of the Village Clerk 12 South Center Street Bensenville, IL 60106
The Village of Bensenville will accept Sealed Bids until 9:00 a.m. local time on
Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The Bid must be in a sealed opaque envelope plainly marked Fire Hydrant Flow Testing Services. The forms can be found at www.bensenville.il.us under “Business.” The packet can also be picked up at the Public Works Department, 717 E Jefferson Street, Bensenville, IL 60106. Detailed information may be obtained by contacting Amanda Segreti at 630-350-3435 or via email at asegreti@ bensenville.il.us.
All Bids require a Bid Bond, or Certified or Cashier’s Check made payable to the Village of Bensenville for not less than five percent (5%) of the base Bid amount.
The Village Board reserves the right to reject any and all Bids or portions thereof.
Nancy Quinn Village Clerk
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 19, 2024) 465858
NOTICE REQUEST FOR BIDS
2025-2028 Leak Detection Services
BID DUE: By Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
PROJECT NAME: 2025-2028 Leak Detection Services
PROJECT LOCATION: Village of Bensenville, Illinois
December 19, 2024
Notice is hereby given that the Village of Bensenville is seeking Bids from qualified firms to establish a contractual agreement for the 2025-2028 Leak Detection Survey. The Bids shall be sent to:
Village of Bensenville Office of the Village Clerk 12 South Center Street Bensenville, IL 60106
The Village of Bensenville will accept Sealed Bids until 9:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The Bid must be in a sealed opaque envelope plainly marked Leak Detection Services. The forms can be found at www.bensenville.il.us under “Business.” The packet can also be picked up at the Public Works Department, 717 E Jefferson Street, Bensenville, IL 60106. Detailed information may be obtained by contacting Amanda Segreti at 630-350-3435 or via email at asegreti@bensenville.il.us.
All Bids require a Bid Bond, or Certified or Cashier’s Check made payable to the Village of Bensenville for not less than five percent (5%) of the base Bid amount.
The Village Board reserves the right to reject any and all Bids or portions thereof.
Nancy Quinn Village Clerk
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 19, 2024) 465859
LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79575 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 2, 2024 wherein the business firm of RIGHT IT SYSTEMS LIMITED, 1956 COBBLEBROOK LANE, NAPERVILLE, IL 60565 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: Lalitha Nadella, 1956 Cobblebrook Lane, Naperville, IL 60565. Ramachandran Nadella, 1956 Cobblebrook Lane, Naperville, IL 60565.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 2ND day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2024.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian Dec. 12, 19 & 26, 2024) 465408
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79560 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 19, 2024, wherein the business firm of DUPAGE HOLIDAY LIGHTS, 874 N. RIDGE AVE., LOMBARD, IL 60148 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: Robert Iodice, 1346 Foxglove Dr., Batavia, IL 60510.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 19TH day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2024.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 2024) 464980
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79568 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 25, 2024, wherein the business firm of LEIVA J&J DIAMOND, 298 CANE GARDEN CIRCLE, AURORA, IL 60504,´ 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:
Claudia E. Leiva-Gento, 298 Cane Garden Circle, Aurora, IL 60504. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 25TH day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2024. Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 2024) 465056
VILLAGE OF LOMBARD NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR Coarse Aggregate Material
The Village of Lombard is now accepting sealed bid proposals for Coarse Aggregate Material.
Bid proposals must be received prior to 10:00 AM, January 3, 2025 at the Lombard Public Works, 1051 S. Hammerschmidt Ave, Lombard, Illinois, 60148, marked “Attention: Carl S. Goldsmith” and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Each proposal should be placed in a sealed envelope and the envelope labeled with the bidder’s name, address, bid item name and bid opening location, room number, time, and date. Only sealed bids will be accepted.
Bid specifications and specific instructions to bidders may be obtained from the Utilities Superintendent at Lombard Public Works or by requesting them electronically at www.villageoflombard. org/bids. All questions concerning the bid document or specifications must be submitted in writing to the Utilities Superintendent. A written response will then be provided to all known bidders and made available to the public. No interpretations, clarifications or addenda will be issued after the fourth day prior to the scheduled bid opening.
All contractors and subcontractors bidding for work involving fixed works constructed for public use, for public work, or otherwise undertaking public works, must pay prevailing wages as required by the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130).
The Village of Lombard reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive all technicalities or to accept the
proposal deemed most advantageous to the Village.
Elizabeth Brezinski Village Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 19, 2024) 465784
VILLAGE OF LOMBARD NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR FY2025 Snow and Debris Hauling
The Village of Lombard is now accepting sealed bid proposals for FY2025 Snow and Debris Hauling.
Bid proposals must be received prior to 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025 at the Department of Public Works, 1051 S. Hammerschmidt Ave., Lombard, Illinois, 60148, marked “Attention: Carl S. Goldsmith” and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Each proposal should be placed in a sealed envelope and the envelope labeled with the bidder’s name, address, bid item name and bid opening location, room number, time, and date. Only sealed bids will be accepted.
Bid specifications and specific instructions to bidders may be obtained from the Director of Public Works at the Department of Public Works. All questions concerning the bid document or specifications must be submitted in writing to the Director of Public Works. A written response will then be provided to all known bidders and made available to the public. No interpretations, clarifications or addenda will be issued after three (3) working days prior to the scheduled bid opening.
The Village of Lombard reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive all technicalities or to accept the proposal deemed most advantageous to the Village.
Elizabeth Brezinski Village Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian Dec. 19, 2024)
Business & Service
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