The Timothy Christian girls volleyball team advanced to the IHSA Class 2A state semifinals after winning last week’s super-sectional match on its home court. The Trojans edged the Latin School of Chicago 25-23, 25-23 to win the super-sectional title on Nov. 11. With that victory, the Trojans extended their winning streak to 38 matches and advanced to the Class 2A state semifinals in Normal. Timothy Christian’s winning
streak ended with Friday’s loss to Bloomington’s Central Catholic High School in a semifinal battle in Normal. The Trojans finished their season with Saturday’s victory over El Paso Gridley High School in the Class 2A third-place match. Timothy Christian finished its season with a record of 39-3. The Trojans’ girls volleyball program also won the Class 2A third-place trophy in 2015. See story on page 19.
Interior design firm and new boutique opening
in Elmhurst
Debora Lyn Interior Design announces grand opening this Thursday, Nov. 21
There are many interior design firms in the Chicago area, but veteran interior designer Debora Lyn has added a new twist to the typical interior design firm.
This Thursday, Nov. 21, brings the opening of a new concept in interior design to Elmhurst that combines traditional interior design services with a specialized retail store, both in the same convenient location.
Measuring a 1200-plus square feet, the new boutique offers interior design services and curated home accessories and objects; fine wallcoverings in a wide variety of styles, patterns, textures and colors; and accent furnishings and accessories.
Finding the perfect location for the new boutique was at the top of Debora’s list.
“Our previous location was poorly
situated. When we decided to relocate, it was imperative to find a more accessible and inviting storefront space in the heart of downtown Elmhurst that was highly visible and close to the train station. And we found it,” said Debora.
A prime downtown location makes it convenient for customers to drop in, enjoy the boutique atmosphere and discover items they won’t find anywhere else. With the holidays just around the corner, customers are certain to find a unique gift at the boutique.
Debora Lyn Interior Design and Boutique is located at 100 N. Addison Ave., Suite 3, in Elmhurst. Entrance is by appointment only. For further information, call (630) 2779367 or visit the website at: www. deboralynid.com
Floofins & Company participates in NAPPS ‘Presents 4 Pets’ campaign
Elmhurst-based Floofins & Company is joining forces with the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) for the “Presents 4 Pets” campaign, a collection drive to benefit pets in shelters and provide items desperately needed to help keep shelters operational, and animals comfortable and safe.
This local campaign will run from now through Nov. 23. As part of this annual program, Floofins & Company and other NAPPS members across the country are reaching out to their clients and encouraging them to collect and donate product for this worthy cause. Items such as toys,
treats, litter, and food are all being solicited.
“This is a great opportunity for all animal lovers, pet parent or not, to help provide for those animals often forgotten,” said Kristin Skelton, owner/founder of Floofins & Company. “In addition to offering support to our local shelters and shelter animals, we hope to generate awareness of community shelters and the important role they serve.”
As Floofins & Company kicks off its campaign to support the Hinsdale Humane Society in 2024, clients and “floofins fans” are encouraged to donate via wishlist links or join us at our
closing event at the Pet Supplies Plus in Westmont, on Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to “Stuff The Subaru” with items the shelter needs. Check out Floofins & Company’s website at https://www.floofinsandco.com/ about-floofins-co/presents-4-petscampaign/ for additional details. About NAPPS
NAPPS is the only national nonprofit trade association dedicated to serving the needs of professional pet sitters.
For more information on NAPPS, please contact Administrative Director Cathe Delaney at cdelaney@ ahint.com.
Elmhurst Hospital’s straight-A streak continues
Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital, which earned an A in The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2024 Hospital Safety Grades, is one of only 12 hospitals in the country and three in Illinois to achieve straight As since the group’s grades began in 2012.
Pictured left to right are: Marci Lafido, Chief Nursing Officer, Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital, Kimberley Darey, M.D., President, Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital and Sherri Leahy, Endeavor Health Vice President, quality and patient safety. “Year after year, our commitment to safety and our dedication to the well-being of every patient stands strong,” said Darey. “We’re honored to continue our straight-A streak and proud to be among the few hospitals recognized at this level. I want to recognize our teams for this outstanding accomplishment and continuing to make our hospital and health system a trusted destination for care.” The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.
Debora Lyn Interior Design and Boutique storefront
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
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The Elmhurst Independent USPS#022-607 is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126. Periodical Postage Paid at Elmhurst, IL.
The Elmhurst Independent print version is mailed to residents in the 60126 zip code with a paid donation. See inside this issue for an order form. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $45.00 yearly. Single copies are also available at more than 80 newsstand locations in Elmhurst. For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.
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THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm
EMN Foundation’s Reindeer Route Housewalk takes place Dec. 6
The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) Foundation will host its 48th Annual Reindeer Route Housewalk on Friday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event will feature six homes in Elmhurst decorated for the holidays by local businesses:
• 194 Arlington Ave., Elmhurst, decorated by Carousel Flowers by Shamrock Garden Florist
• 273 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst, decorated by Vetiver & Vine
• 317 S. Chandler Ave., Elmhurst, decorated by Elmhurst Hospital Wild Rose Floral and Gift Shop
• 426 S. Washington St., Elmhurst, decorated by Life in Bloom
• 440 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst, decorated by Blossoms & Branches
• 207 South St., Elmhurst, decorated by Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts –Elmhurst
A portion of proceeds from the 2024 Reindeer Route Housewalk will fund the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Teen Volunteer Health Profession Scholarship program, in addition to other programs and services, such as nursing and staff development.
Tickets are $50 in advance and can be purchased online at www. eehealth.org/reindeerwalk or in person at the following merchants:
• Bread & Butter Home, 131 W. 1st St., Elmhurst
• Carousel Flowers, 527 S. York St., Elmhurst
• Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts, 526 Spring Rd., Elmhurst
• Shamrock Garden Florist, 901 E. St Charles Rd., Lombard
• Total Window Treatments, 554 Spring Rd., Elmhurst
• Wild Rose Floral & Gift Shop, Elmhurst Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Rd., Elmhurst
Tickets will cost $60 the day of the event and will only be available for purchase at Rate, 115 Adelaide St. in Elmhurst. Tickets will not be available at the featured homes.
In addition, unique gifts will be available for purchase at a Vendor Showcase at select featured homes along the Reindeer Route Housewalk on Friday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information about the Reindeer Route Housewalk, visit www.eehealth.org/reindeerwalk. To learn more about the EMH Foundation, visit www.emhfoundation.org or call 331-221-0388.
All Saints Day
Immaculate Conception Grade School first-graders dressed like saints to celebrate All Saints Day Mass at the Sacred Heart Chapel with Immaculate Conception Parish’s Pastor—Father Tom Paul—on Nov. 1.
Obituary
Nijole Boguta Dedinas, born June 29, 1936 in Kraks, Lithuania, died in Elmhurst on October 19, 2024. Her husband Jonas predeceased her; she leaves a daughter Vilia Dedinas (Chris Gair), two sisters Vitalija Keblys and Birute Flick, grandchildren Aleksandras Dedinas Geoly, Tomas Dedinas Geoly and Andrew Dedinas Geoly, sisterin-law Teresa Boguta, nieces and nephews and bereaved friends.
Nijole’s family fled worn-torn Lithuania to Germany during World War II. The family survived the bombings of Dresden and nearby villages then found safety in a displaced persons camp in Hanau. The family emigrated to the United States in 1950, settling in Baltimore, where Nijole entered high school.
Nijole was enchanted by the sound of a piano in the Hanau D.P. camp and started her first lessons there. In Baltimore, a family for whom she babysat heard her playing and brought her to the Peabody Preparatory where she was immediately accepted on a scholarship. Within two years she received a scholarship to attend the Peabody Conservatory, where she studied with concert pianists Mieczyslaw Munz and Virginia Reinecke. She obtained degrees in music from Peabody Conservatory and Duquesne University. Nijole taught piano at Carnegie Mellon Institute while her husband completed his PhD, and the couple then moved to Rochester, New York when Jonas took a research position with Eastman Kodak Company. The family lived there until 1995. Nijole had a private piano studio, taught music at Nazareth College and performed. Nijole and Jonas were active in the Rochester Lithuanian community, organizing and participating in cultural events and
exchanges with other Lithuanian communities.
After trying a few golf lessons and applying the same discipline and hard work as she had with her piano studies, she became a skilled golfer, hitting holes-in-one, playing from the mens’ tees and garnering club championships and league trophies. Nijole was a lively competitor who enjoyed golf and her friends into her late years and during retirement in Parrish, Florida.
In 1989, Jonas’ career moved them to West Chester, Pennsylvania. Nijole shifted gears, and at the age of 53, obtained a master’s degree in piano performance from West Chester University, performing a challenging repertoire.
When Lithuania regained its independence, Nijole and Jonas visited frequently. Nijole developed a thriving friendship with pianists and pedagogists at the Lithuanian Music and Theater Academy in Vilnius. She began writing piano pedagogy books for developing piano students based on Lithuanian folk songs and themes she had learned as a child. She published nine books in Lithuania and the United States.
In 2014, Nijole moved to Elmhurst to be closer to her daughter Vilia and her family. She lived for ten years at Park Place in Elmhurst and enjoyed the close company of her family and her community.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 134 Arthur Street, Elmhurst. Interment followed at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Child’s Gate to Learning (www.childgate.org) that helps at risk children in Lithuania or Nijole’s alma mater Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute Preparatory or Conservatory Scholarship Fund (https://peabody. jhu.edu/giving), where Nijole was a recipient of full scholarships.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent
NIJOLE BOGUTA DEDINAS
names new Executive Director
Allison Peters Quinn has been hired as the Elmhurst Art Museum’s new
Director and Chief Curator. She begins her new role on Dec. 2. Peters Quinn spent the last 20 years at the Hyde Park Art Center, where she served as director of exhibitions and
programs. See story on page 6.
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Schedule an appointment in Joliet, Westchester, or Chicago.
Elmhurst Art Museum announces appointment of Allison Peters Quinn to Executive Director and Chief Curator
The Elmhurst Art Museum announced last week the appointment of Allison Peters Quinn to Executive Director and Chief Curator.
An established curator, educator, and art writer based in Chicago, Pe-
ters Quinn will spearhead the Elmhurst Art Museum’s mission to spark cultural enrichment and serve as “a creative space where art is for everyone.”
presenting thought-provoking, diverse exhibitions and programming, Peters Quinn will expand the museum’s role as a cultural leader in the Chicagoland area for contemporary art, arts education, and mid-century modern architecture.
Peters Quinn comes to the Elmhurst Art Museum from the Hyde Park Art Center, where she served as director of exhibitions and residency programs. In Elmhurst, she succeeds former Executive Director John McKinnon and Interim Executive Director Ann Quinn Kelly and begins her role effective Dec. 2.
“Elmhurst Art Museum brings together contemporary art, education, community, and authentic modern
architecture to establish a welcoming, intentional space for culture and creativity,” said Peters Quinn. “Sharing the museum’s belief that ‘art is for everyone’, I see exciting opportunities for the institution to expand its impact through this commitment to radical accessibility.”
As Executive Director and Chief Curator, Peters Quinn will oversee the programming and operations of the 15,000-square-foot museum campus, including its art galleries, studio classrooms, gathering spaces, and the on-campus McCormick House, a single-family home designed in 1952 by the iconic 20th century architect Mies van der Rohe. Peters Quinn builds on the recent momentum of the muse-
um, which welcomed nearly 15,000 visitors to exhibitions and approximately 20,000 to outdoor community projects in 2023, including visitors to its annual Art in Wilder Park juried art fair.
The Elmhurst Art Museum, which is located at 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., is open Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular admission prices are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors 65+, $10 for students (ages 18+) with school ID, $5 for children 5-17, and free for children under 5. For more information, call 630834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.
EMH Foundation’s annual Love Lights program begins Dec. 1
The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) Foundation will mark the beginning of the holiday season on Sunday, Dec. 1, with its annual Love Lights program, featuring the lighting of the Central Garden at Elmhurst Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Rd. With a $25 donation, community members can dedicate a Love Light to recognize a caregiver, colleague,
volunteer, physician or special person. With a $35 contribution, donors will also receive a commemorative Love Lights ornament. Each light symbolically commemorates a special person who has touched a life, or a loved one who has passed away. Individual ornaments are available for $10.
The EMH Foundation will feature
the names of all Love Light honorees from donations received through Dec. 16 that will appear in the Dec. 26 issue of the Elmhurst Independent.
For more information, to purchase Love Lights or to donate to the Love Lights program, visit www. eehealth.org/love-lights or call 331221-0388.
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois receives $10,000 grant from Carl R. Hendrickson Family Foundation
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI) recently received a generous $10,000 grant from the Carl R. Hendrickson Family Foundation, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee. Funds from this grant will be used to support Hispanic engagement through-
out northern Illinois, in all the areas GSNI serves.
The grant will assist with translation of materials in Spanish, allow for bilingual instructors in training sessions, and ensure current, potential, and future Girl Scouts and volunteers will be able to participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in culturally appropriate ways.
To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.girlscoutsni.org or call 844-GSNI-4-ME (844-4764463).
Police beat
The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.
Battery
Nov. 11
Cong Thi, 41, of Chicago, was charged with battery at a business in the 100 block of S. Route 83.
Criminal damage, criminal trespassing
Nov. 10-Nov. 11
An unknown suspect(s) spray painted on a section of sidewalk located on Third Street just west of Walnut Street on the north side of the street sometime between the above dates.
Nov. 8
Police said that subsequent to a dispute between the landlord and tenant in the 700 block of N. Junior at 10:43 p.m., the landlord claimed the tenant broke the sliding door and pushed her. The tenant claimed he tripped and fell into the door, knocking it off the rail, and denied any physical contact. Due to conflicting statements, no foot marks on the door, and no signs of injury, no arrests were made.
A 48-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with domestic battery in the 400 block of N. Emery at 4:09 p.m. Police said the suspect threw a cardboard supplement box at the victim’s face.
Nov. 9
A 33-year-old Elmhurst woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 300 block of E. Ridge 12:12 a.m.
Nov. 6
A complainant in the 200 block of W. Grand related that a former employee sent a disturbing text message which she believed was threatening. The suspect told police there was no threat made and he had no plans on returning to the business.
DUI, consumption of alcohol by a minor, illegal possession of alcohol
Nov. 11
Jose M. Pineda Fuentes, 52, of Palatine, was charged with improper lighting, DUI and illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and I-290 at 11:56 p.m.
Nov. 10
Angel Aguilar, 25, of Joliet, was charged with DUI, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver, possession of open alcohol by a driver, improper use of registration, no front registration on vehicle and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and St. Charles at 2:08 a.m.
Nov. 9
Juan Carlos Guerra Burgos, 37, of Wood Dale, was charged with DUI, driving with no valid driver’s license, no insurance and transportation of open alcohol by a driver in the 300 block of W. Grand at 2:07 a.m.
Virginia Schaffer, 67, of Chicago, was charged with DUI-drugs, disobeying a stop sign, improper lighting and possession of open alcohol subsequent to a traffic stop near York and Hale at 3:34 p.m.
Nov. 8
Luis Alicea, 65, of Chicago, a passenger in a vehicle, was charged with illegal transportation of open alcohol by a passenger in the 400 block of N. York at 12:07 a.m.
Fleeing, eluding
According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of fleeing and eluding during which the driver of a vehicle fled the scene after being stopped for a traffic stop by police.
Harassment, threats
Nov. 1
A victim in the 600 block of S. Fairview advised he and his wife were being harassed via Facebook Messenger by an ex-boyfriend of a woman he had previously dated.
Identity theft, fraud
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported six incidents of identity theft or fraud.
Prostitution
Nov. 8
Police said officers determined Yunisley Valle Roque, 28, of Miami, Florida, was advertising and prostituting at a hotel in Elmhurst in the 500 block of W. Grand at 10:14 p.m. Valle Roque was charged with prostitution.
Katie Vanderveld, 34, of Glen Ellyn, was charged with retail theft at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 6:56 p.m. Police said the suspect concealed merchandise in her purse, and admitted to concealing the items.
A complainant in the 200 block of Elm stated that he is a delivery driver and had just dropped off a package at the victim’s residence when he noticed a suspect exit his vehicle and steal the victim’s package.
Nov. 12
Police said Officers responded to a report of a suspect breaking the front window and front door of the victim’s residence, located in the 200 block of S. Pick. The suspect was subsequently apprehended, taken into custody, and transported to Elmhurst Hospital.
Complainants in the 700 block of N. Geneva told police that an unknown suspect(s) stole a package from their front porch. The suspect’s vehicle was last seen eastbound on Belden.
Nov. 9-Nov. 11
A complainant in the 100 block of Melrose reported that an unknown suspect(s) stole two front yard signs from his lawn sometime between the above dates.
Nov. 10
A victim in the 300 block of S. Sunnyside reported that her caregiver and the caregiver’s sister, took cash from an envelope she had placed it in. The suspects denied taking the money.
Nov. 7-Nov. 8
A victim in the 200 block of S. Lawndale called 911 stating that someone burglarized his home after forcing entry through his back patio screen door. The victim did not notice anything
missing.
Nov. 7
Mirsulton Yusupov, 27, of Mt. Prospect, was charged with burglary and retail theft, while Fazliddin Kayumov, 23, of Mount Prospect, was charged with retail theft at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 7:42 p.m.
Oct. 28-Nov. 1
A victim in the 500 block of S. Fairfield told police that an unknown suspect stole her son’s unsecured Decathalon Rockrider mountain bike from the bicycle rack at a school sometime between the above dates.
Warrant arrest
Nov. 8
Police said that subsequent to a report of retail theft at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83, a complainant stated that a suspect had stolen boxes of merchandise. A reporting officer made contact with the suspect, Eric T. Nilsen, 45, of Chicago, whom police said was found to have an active warrant out of Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Nilsen was processed on the warrant and charged with burglary, retail theft, operating a vehicle with suspended registration and no insurance.
Police issue warning about thefts from residents’ porches
The Elmhurst Police Department issued an announcement to residents last week about thefts from residents’ porches.
“Over the past week, several thefts of packages have been reported from residents’ porches,” stated the police department’s recent announcement. “Thieves are out looking for packages left outside and they are even following delivery trucks so they can quickly jump out and take packages right after drivers leave them.”
Last week’s statement from the police department noted that criminals know that people are shopping online at this time of year and having expensive items delivered to their homes. Police issued some tips for residents who are expecting those deliveries:
• Track your package: Take advantage of package tracking to monitor your delivery so you or a trusted neighbor can quickly retrieve it before thieves do.
• Require a signature: Request a signature for delivery of your package so it’s not just left on a doorstep unattended.
• Pick up in person: Have your valuable packages delivered to a store, your workplace, or pick it up in person.
• Use a video doorbell: A video doorbell can help deter theft and can assist with a criminal investigation, should a theft occur.
• Schedule packages to arrive when you’re home: Many shipping companies allow you to request a delivery time frame. Also leave delivery instructions to place packages in a less conspicuous place or drop box.
The Elmhurst Police Department encourages residents to report suspicious persons and/ or vehicles by calling 9-1-1. Occupied parked cars in neighborhoods or vehicles seen following delivery trucks are suspicious.
Court grants state’s motion to detain West Chicago teen charged with two counts of first-degree
DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and West Chicago Chief of Police Colin Fleury have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a West Chicago teen accused of shooting to death two individuals on Nov. 9.
Xavier Arevalo, 17, is charged as an adult. Arevalo appeared in First Appearance Court and was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempt armed robbery with a firearm (Class 1 felony).
On Nov. 9 at approximately 6:14 p.m., West Chicago police officers responded to a call of a disturbance in the 700 block of W. Forest Ave. Upon their arrival, officers observed a green Honda Civic with the driver’s side door ajar. Upon inspection of the Honda, officers found two deceased individuals, later identified as Alejandro Rios and Antonio Delgado, in the car. Both men suffered apparent gunshots to their faces and chests.
Officers also found two loaded firearms and several boxes of THC cartridges within the vehicle. Following an investigation into the murders, it is alleged that Arevalo and Ivan Ramirez, 18, of West Chicago, who is cur-
murder
rently hospitalized for a gunshot wound, arranged to meet Rios and Delgado to purchase more than $1,000 worth of THC cartridges. It is alleged that the victims arrived at the W. Forest Ave. location in the Honda and that Arevalo and Ramirez approached the car. It is further alleged that Arevalo entered the front passenger seat of the Honda and Ramirez entered the rear driver’s side seat of the car. It is alleged that Ramirez told the victims, who were both armed, that this was a robbery. It is further alleged that Arevalo then shot Rios in the head and chest and shot Delgado in the chest multiple times. It is alleged that after the murders, Arevalo and Ramirez fled the scene on foot.
A short time later, officers received information regarding a gunshot victim at a local hospital. Officers arrived at the hospital where they took Arevalo into custody without incident. The gunshot victim, later identified as Ramirez, remains at the hospital.
Arevalo’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 9 for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander. Ramirez is charged with the same offenses as Arevalo and will appear in court sometime in the future.
Mother, son sentenced for 2018 murder/armed robbery of Naperville resident
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin has announced that a woman and her son, both previously found guilty of the murder and armed robbery of Naperville resident Michael Armendariz, were sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).
Ernest Collins, 28, formerly of Rockford, and his mother Candice Jones, 44, formerly of Chicago, appeared in court in front of Judge Michael Reidy who sentenced Collins to 70 years on the murder charge and 28 years on the armed robbery charge in the IDOC, and Jones to 40 years on the murder charge and 28 years on the armed robbery charge in the IDOC.
On Sept. 29, 2023, following a four-day trial, a jury found Collins guilty of first degree murder and armed robbery with a firearm. On Oct. 27, 2023, following a four-day trial, a different jury found Jones guilty of first degree murder and armed robbery. On Feb. 9, 2019, both Collins and Jones appeared in Bond Court where the court granted the state’s motion to deny bond for both defendants.
Collins and Jones have remained in custody at the DuPage County Jail since that time. On Aug. 19, 2022, a third individual involved in the murder, Cassandra Green, 27, formerly of Rockford, entered an agreed plea of guilty to one count of armed rob-
bery with a firearm in exchange for her cooperation. On Nov. 13, 2023, Green was sentenced to 21 years in the IDOC to be served at 85 percent.
On Jan. 18, 2018, Naperville police officers responded to a call on Whispering Hills Drive regarding a missing Naperville resident, Michael Armendariz, who was last seen at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2018. Following an investigation, authorities learned that Collins, Jones and Green had devised a scheme to rob Armendariz with a gun. The investigation found that Armendariz received a Snapchat message from Green at approximately 9:11 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2018.
Shortly after receiving the mes-
sage, Armendariz left his apartment and got into a black 1999 Ford Explorer driven by Green, that was in the parking lot of his apartment complex. Green then drove out of the parking lot with Armendariz in the vehicle.
Approximately five minutes later, Collins emerged from hiding in the back of the Explorer and shot Armendariz twice in the back of the head. The duo then traveled to Jones’ residence in Chicago and, with Jones’ help, placed Armendariz’s body in a garbage can and then put the garbage can in Jones’ garage.
At some point in time, the garbage can was moved to the garage of the vacant house next to Jones’ home.
The following day, Collins and Green took Armendariz’s apartment keys and burglarized his apartment. Armendariz’s body was discovered several months later and an investigation was undertaken by the Chicago and Naperville police departments. The investigation ultimately led to the apprehension of all three defendants.
Jones was taken into custody on Feb. 6, 2019, in Chicago while Collins and Green were taken into custody on Feb. 4, 2019, in Rockford.
The sentences for both Collins and Jones will be served concurrently. Both defendants will be required to serve 100 percent of their sentence before being eligible for parole.
Former Addison man sentenced to 83 years for sexually assaulting 10-year-old girl
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin has announced that Teodoro Garcia-Lopez, 32, formerly of Addison, has been sentenced to 83 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for a 2022 home invasion and sexual assault of a 10-yearold girl.
On Aug. 30, a jury found Garcia-Lopez guilty of three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault— victim under 13 (Class X felony), two counts of home invasion (Class X felony), two counts of aggravated battery (one Class 2 felony and one Class 3 felony) and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse (Class 2 felony).
On Feb. 3, 2022, Garcia-Lopez appeared in Bond Court where Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $1 million with 10 percent to apply. He has remained in custody at the DuPage County Jail since that time. Judge
Joseph Bugos presided over Garcia-Lopez’s trial and handed down the sentence.
On Jan. 23, 2022, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Garcia-Lopez entered the victim’s residence and found her and her brother alone in the home. The victim was playing in her bedroom with her brother when Garcia-Lopez entered the room and ordered her brother to leave the room.
After he left the room, Garcia-Lopez ordered the victim to remove her clothes. The victim refused and fought back at which time Garcia punched her in the face and strangled her.
Garcia then removed the victim’s clothes and sexually assaulted her.
Following the assault, the victim’s parents returned home at which time Garcia hid in a bathroom. Another family member discovered Garcia and alerted the girl’s father.
When the father confronted Garcia, Garcia swung at the father with a knife and fled the scene. One week later, on Jan. 30, the victim and her parents saw Garcia-Lopez walking on the street and contacted the Addison Police Department. The father was able to detain Garcia until the police arrived at which time Garcia was taken into custody.
“Each and every one of us have the right to feel safe in our home,” Berlin said. “Mr. Garcia-Lopez’s violent sexual attack on an innocent ten-year-old girl in her own home destroyed the safety and comfort a home provides, not just for the young victim, but for her family and had a chilling effect on the entire community.
“No one, particularly a young girl, should be subjected to such a horrific assault. I commend the DuPage County Children’s Center and the
Addison Police Department for their work on this extremely upsetting case.”
Sentencing guidelines will require that Garcia-Lopez will serve approximately 63½ years in the Illinois Department of Corrections before being eligible for parole.
Postal service recommended holiday mailing, shipping dates
The U.S. Postal Service announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages today.
The following are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25 for items sent to addresses in the contiguous United States (lower 48 states):
• USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 18
• First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18
• Priority Mail service: Dec. 19
• Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 21
For items sent to addresses in
Alaska and Hawaii:
• USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 16
• First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18
Priority Mail service: Dec. 19
• Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 20
For customers sending packages internationally, or to military addresses, USPS suggests checking the complete list of recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates at usps.com/holidayshippingdates.
Winter coat drive in Elmhurst
The Spring Road Business Association, in partnership with Warm Coats for Cool Kids, is sponsoring a coat drive as part of the association’s “We Care” program. Donate a NEW winter coat for a child in need, sizes 2T to XXL. Coats can be dropped off at a participating Spring Road businesses, like Lezza Spumoni and Desserts (544 Spring) and Alan Energy Services (510 Spring, #1). Look for the coat drive box with a poster with the RED coat.
The coat drive will conclude at the association’s Winter Fest event. Coats can also be dropped off at the Winter Fest event on Saturday, Dec 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. Warm Coats for Cool Kids will distribute the coats to students in District 205 and other nearby suburban districts.
Application deadline for Oakbrook Terrace police testing is this Sunday, Nov. 24
The application deadline for Oakbrook Terrace police officer testing is this Sunday, Nov. 24 Applications are available online at:
Jobsource.copsandfiretesting.com
The test deadline is Saturday, Dec. 14.
For more information, call 847310-2677.
viewpoiNt
Slices of life
Finding joy - a fable
The girl (or boy, as the case may be) couldn’t remember exactly when, but life became weary. It was a gradual development - so gradual she didn’t even notice the tears slipping from her eyes at first. But because of it, life became nebulous, and more difficult to navigate.
The sun, once bright, faded in the distance, even at noon. She walked through the fog, seeking peace, but up ahead were only the dark clouds of worry and trouble. At other times they weren’t visible at all, but still there; always there.
So she turned left and kept moving forward, searching for joy, but instead came upon an ocean, and the waves of sorrow swept upon her.
It began to rain and she sought shelter and strength, but found herself cold and alone.
She grew tired and settled in for the night, hoping for dreams filled with peace, but discord crept in.
“I think I’m lost,” she said into the darkness.
“Never lost,” came a whispered voice - somehow familiar—from somewhere very near. “Only found. If you will listen.”
She’d never been one for riddles, and this one didn’t amuse her. It only left her confused. She needed to find real answers, not whispers in the dark.
She looked under stones and beneath the trees in the forest. She looked outward at the waves of the ocean. She looked upward to the skies. She even looked in books, but the answers weren’t forthcoming because she was looking for them in all the wrong places.
And so it went: day in, day out. Sometimes the sun peeked through the clouds, but shadows usually prevailed. The girl learned to adapt. She sought hope, joy and even love from her earthly surroundings. This wasn’t wrong, per se, but it wasn’t complete or foundational.
Life was pretty good. Or pretty not-so-good. It wavered, as life does. At times, joy came forth in the form of a smile or even a laugh. The fog came and went.
People came and went. Sometimes she took the most important of them for granted. There were regrets in that. But this is often life in the physical world. Every once in awhile, she thought she heard that same voice whispering—or maybe it was shouting—through the fog. Either way, it didn’t quite shore up with the reality that had defined her life
By JILL PERTLER Columnist
for so long. So she did her best to ignore it.
Then trouble descended in the form of lost love and life and she found that trouble, as troublesome as it is, opened her eyes in ways she never knew possible—before. It was then that the whispered voice grew louder—more fervent and disquieting—not so easy to ignore. Impossible, actually.
The girl found herself alone with the voice and she finally paused to speak to it.
“What do you want from me?” she asked.
“For you to see the obvious,” the voice answered. “It’s right here.”
Another riddle, the girl thought. She was just about ready to shut the voice out for good. But then an idea came upon her. So she decided to ask.
“I’m looking for peace and joy and love,” she said. “Can you help me find them?”
“Take your pick,” the voice (Did it sound like her own?) whispered back. “They are all yours. All you have to do is ask.”
The girl was surprised by the response, but decided to play along.
What harm could it do?
She tentatively mumbled, “Joy, are you there?”
From somewhere deep inside, a gentle, but welcoming, warmth overtook her entire being. Joy descended, along with peace and and overwhelming sense of love. The girl was taken aback, surprised and in awe of her own capabilities.
“Is this real?” She asked.
“What took you so long?” The voice whispered back.
In that moment, the girl finally understood the true nature of all that she’d wanted and asked for had been inside her all along.
When she finally embraced the power she held, she knew, she was finally home. Love and peace and joy enveloped her in a long-awaited embrace.
After that, the answers to her questions not only abounded. They flowed.
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.
Apprenticeships offer debt-free options as education and the workforce change
By Tim Drea and Danielle Sunley
National Apprenticeship Week celebrates its 10th anniversary from Nov. 17-23—a week dedicated to sharing the life-changing impact that registered apprenticeships have for jobseekers and employers alike. U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeships offer a debt-free pathway to a middle-class career, while advancing racial and gender equity.
Apprenticeships ensure that good jobs are not dependent on a college degree and strengthen our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of changing industries. At a time when many Americans are questioning the value of a four-year college degree, economic outcomes for young adults without a degree are improving and apprenticeships are a key reason why.
Apprenticeships are an arrangement in which a worker receives hands-on job training and technical instruction to excel in their desired career, while still earning a paycheck. Apprentices earn to learn, and programs vary in length, with many lasting up to six years depending on the occupation. At the end of a registered program, apprentices graduate and receive a nationally recognized certificate of completion as proof of their skills.
As the cost of higher education increases, we are seeing a demand for young people seeking pathways to good, union jobs across industries without the burden of student debt.
Hannah Hill, a 26-year-old painter and treasurer of Painters Local Union 90, went to college to pursue a career in nursing but quickly questioned if she was suited for the field. Hill, like many young people
faced with the burden of college debt, instead turned toward jobs that were not marketed to them in high school.
National Apprenticeship Week offers us an opportunity to see more pathways to economic security. Apprenticeships can serve as the great equalizer in our economy. The biggest employee benefit may be earning from day one, and for employers, they can help close the skills gap, reduce hiring costs and increase employee retention.
Illinois is poised for growth in apprenticeship programs across industries, with more than 400 registered apprenticeship programs spanning construction and building trades, hospitality and culinary arts, and mechanic and machinery fields.
As the job market for those with four-year college degrees continues to tighten, more and more young people are looking for debt-free pathways into a career.
The Illinois General Assembly first introduced the Apprenticeship Act in 1819, and in the past decade has reaffirmed its commitment to providing pathways for all workers. This past year, we saw an $18 million investment for Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship programs across the state, and the launch of the Climate Works PreApprenticeship program to train underserved residents for careers in the clean energy sector. In the construction industry, we see an annual investment of $136 million for worker skills development, and significant returns on every dollar invested.
Programs like these show us that there are many paths toward the American Dream, and increasingly, young workers are making the leap from the college campus to
the apprenticeship campus. In the construction workforce, workers receive 27 percent more training than curriculum hours when compared to a bachelor’s degree, a model that can be built upon as employers consider expanding apprenticeships into other industries.
We have made significant strides over the past 10 years, and Illinois’ investment in pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs has led to its top ranking in workforce development. In fact, we rank number one in the Midwest.
The commitment to examine the future we are creating for young people entering the workforce is leading many of us to rethink college as the only path to good wages. Instead, we are reframing “success” as a diverse economy that works for all, whether you have a college degree or graduated from a registered apprenticeship program.
A family sustaining wage, secure retirement, health care and job safety are things that all workers deserve.
A college degree can pay off for the careers that truly need it, but it’s not the only educational option that can lead to a rewarding career. Whether you are just entering the job market or are beginning a career transition, the apprenticeship model can offer something for everyone. When we invest in our entire education system, including apprenticeships, we are committing to the future of our communities and workforce.
Tim Drea is president of Illinois AFL-CIO. Danielle Sunley is a journeyperson level plumbing BIM/modeler and part-time apprenticeship instructor with United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters and HVACR, Local 137.
Community calendar
Thursday, Nov. 28
Holiday flower show at the Wilder Park Conservatory. Starting Nov. 28 and running through Jan. 12, step into the holidays during Wilder Park Conservatory’s Holiday Flower Show. The conservatory is located at 225 S. Prospect Ave. Free. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. through December and 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. beginning in January. For more information, call 630993-8900.
Friday, Nov. 29
ECPA Winter Carolers. Plan your neighborhood party with hot cocoa and a visit from Santa, delight your dinner guests, or cuddle your kiddos at the front door for an experience they’ll always remember. The winter carolers are back and ready to share the sounds of the season with you. Under the direction of Becky Marianetti, York High School drama director and choir director, and ECPA board member, the ECPA Winter Carolers will be spreading holiday cheer this December for one night
only, Sunday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. The winter carolers are insanely talented, wildly popular, and will sell out. Be sure to mark your calendar to secure your visit. Sales go live at 8 a.m. Nov. 29. The ECPA Winter Carolers song selections for 2024 include: Angels We Have Heard on High, The Christmas Song, Rudolph, Silent Night, The Dreidel Song and Masters in This Hall. You’ll be able to indicate your selection of two carol selections when you sign up to secure your visit. Please note that an exact arrival time cannot be guaranteed. Once all visits are sold, we will share with you an estimated time of arrival. For more information, call 224-283-7889 or email: ecpa.jenn@ gmail.com
Nov. 30 through Jan. 3
Penguin scavenger hunt. Presented by the Elmhurst City Centre and recurring daily, there are 100 plush penguins hidden in City Centre Merchant Windows this holiday season. Come explore the heart of downtown
Elmhurst, find the penguins and see what City Centre is all about—great shopping, delicious dining and top notch, hometown service. Player cards available at all participating merchants and online at elmhurstcitycentre.com. For more information, call 630-993-1600 or email: info@ elmhurstcitycentre.com
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Memory care support group. On the first Wednesday of each month from 10:30-11:30 a.m., a support group for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia will be held at Epiphany Church,, 314 W. Vallette. Connect with us for care and understanding. There is no cost. For more information, call 630-8321788 or email: AdultChristianCareElmhurst.org
Thursday, Dec. 5
Tree lighting at Wilder Park. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the park, 175 S. Prospect, join the Elmhurst Park District as it kicks off the hol-
Worship Services Directory
for as low as $20 per week
Call Brenda at 630-834-4450 or Betty at 630-627-7010
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 Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30pm Wednesday Service at 7pm Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service
Thanksgiving Service Wed., Nov. 27th at 7pm
is Welcome!
SPECIAL THANKSGIVING MASS
Thursday, Nov. 28 at 9:00 AM
Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil)
Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM
Daily Masses:
Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM
Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM
Adoration:
iday season. We’ll count down to the lighting of the community trees surrounding the park and enjoy holiday festivities. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and say hello to reindeer. There also will be holiday carnival games and holiday performances. Sponsored by Kelly Stetler Real Estate. Free.
Drop off
cooking
Elmhurst History Museum Info: elmhursthistory.org.
Elmhurst Art Museum Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.
oil at post-Thanksgiving collection in Villa Park on Nov. 30
Are you planning on deep-frying your turkey in oil this Thanksgiving? What will you do with the cooking oil after Thanksgiving? Did you know that fat, oil and grease can clog the pipes in your home and in our wastewater system?
Dispose of your cooking oil responsibly by dropping it off at the special cooking oil collection at the Salt Creek Sanitary District parking lot, 201 S. Route 83, Villa Park, on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to noon.
The cooking oil that is collected will be converted into bio-diesel.
All cooking oil must be dropped off in a sealed container. Containers will not be returned. Only vegetable-based oil will be collected and no bacon grease or other animal fats will be accepted.
This event is sponsored by the Salt Creek Sanitary District in partnership with the Villa Park Environmental Concerns Commission, and SCARCE (School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education).
For more information, contact Bob Wagner at 630-484-8856.
District 205 Homeless Student Drive runs through
The Elmhurst Wellness Team and We Pop Up have begun the Seventh Annual District 205 Homeless Student Drive. The drive began on Nov. 11, and will run through Dec. 13.
While the teams wish they never needed to host this event, they are appreciative that Elmhurst is a community that shows up every year for these students.
Currently in Elmhurst, there are 72 students in K-12 who qualify as homeless. Unfortunately, more students will likely be added throughout the winter.
Homeless is defined as a family who has lost housing and is not residing in a stable environment, meaning it is not fixed, adequate or regular.
In general, “fixed” means not living in a car. “Adequate” means having safe and proper utilities. “Regular” means not staying as guests or “doubled up” in rooms. If missing one of the three criteria, the student qualifies as homeless. A very common situation is a family that has been evicted from its home and is now staying as a guest and is “doubling up.” This means a
Dec. 13
larger number of people are under one roof.
The Elmhurst Wellness Team and We Pop Up are once again inviting the community to support these students during this holiday season. The participation and support was spectacular last year, bringing in over $20,000 that was distributed directly to the students and their families.
When asked directly what was most needed, the families requested gift cards to stores for food and toiletries. Once again, monetary donations in the form of $25 gift cards are being collected. The three stores that have been selected are Target, Walmart and Mariano’s.
All gift cards may be dropped off at the storefront of either Brewpoint Coffee location in Elmhurst (617 N. York St. and 124 W. Park Ave.), as well as at Couch Clarity (129 W. Vallette), Tree of Life Wellness Center (551 S. Spring Road), Blossom Wellness Centre (120 N. York St., Suite 110) or the District 205 Administrative Office (162 S. York St.)
One Stop Shop for all major courier services, such as USPS, FedEx, UPS & IPS by Meest
Mail Boxes/Virtual Mail Boxes
Passport Photographs
Packing & Office supplies
Freight
Greeting Cards
Gift Bags/Wraps/Packaging
Large
ECPA Winter Carolers on sale Nov. 29
They are back and they are the best! Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) is thrilled to present the ECPA Winter Carolers once again this holiday season. Under the direction of Becky Marianetti, York High School Drama Director and Choir Director, and ECPA Board Member, the ECPA Winter Carolers will be spreading holiday cheer for one night only—Sunday, Dec. 8 from 5-8 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to start the holidays with a visit from these talented musicians. Plan a party and entertain your guests. The annual ECPA Winter Carolers are popular and will sell out. Be sure to mark your calendar to secure your visit. Sales go live on Black Friday, Nov. 29 at 8 a.m. More information can be found, and visits can be secured at www.ECPA-Elmhurst.org under the EVENTS tab.
Support DuPage Forest Preserves on GivingTuesday
Holiday OPEN HOUSE
Come join in the festivities of the holiday season at Lexington Square. Our decorations are on full display and we’re excited to spread some holiday cheer! Join us for an afternoon featuring live music, delectable food and festive beverages while you socialize with friends and neighbors.
It’s our favorite time of the year, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
and double your gift
Matching gifts on Dec. 3 benefit nature, wildlife, and conservation efforts
DuPage County residents are encouraged to keep their GivingTuesday donations local by supporting DuPage forest preserves on Dec. 3.
Board members from the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will match every donation dollar-for-dollar, doubling contributions to support wildlife and natural areas across the county.
From Dec. 3 through Dec. 31, donations made to the Friends will be matched up to $13,800 thanks to the commitment and generosity of the foundation’s volunteer board of directors. These funds will help care for injured wildlife, restore local habitats, and expand conservation efforts countywide.
To contribute, donors may give online at dupageforest.org/friends or mail a check payable to Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County at 3S580 Naperville Road, Wheaton, IL 60189.
“This giving opportunity through the Friends is a wonderful example of thinking globally and acting locally,” said Diane Addante, who is completing her second three-year term on the Friends board. “Here in DuPage County, the District protects and enhances habitats, improves air and water quality, and safeguards vital natural resources for future generations.”
In addition to supporting ongoing habitat restoration, this year the Friends is helping fund construction of the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center in Glen Ellyn. The new center, slated to reopen in summer 2025, will provide
“ Here in DuPage County, the District protects and enhances habitats, improves air and water quality, and safeguards vital natural resources for future generations.”
– Diane Addante, board member Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
veterinary care and treatment to injured wildlife. During construction, the existing center has continued treating wildlife patients, with more than 10,500 admissions this year alone.
Donations to the Friends have also supported habitat restoration at preserves like Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn and West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve in West Chicago.
Businesses and civic groups are invited to learn about the Friends’ Community Partners program, which connects charitable giving with nature-focused initiatives at dupageforest. org/get-involved/community-partners.
For more information about the Friends, contact the Forest Preserve District’s Partnership & Philanthropy team at 630-871-6400 or fundraising@dupageforest.org.
Get them something they’ll actually use
Gifts that bring comfort during the cold can be smart and thoughtful
Staying warm during the cold winter months is a top priority for many, which is why holiday gifts that help in this endeavor are always a surefire hit!
Here are some head-to-toe gift ideas that will add comfort to the season and show your loved ones you care.
1. Functional gloves for the fashionista. From navigating with GPS to queuing up a playlist, the woman in your life relies on her devices all the time outdoors. That’s why her gloves should offer touchscreen-capable fingertips so that even in frigid temperatures, she can stay cozy and connected.
Enter the Women’s Mya Faux Fur Cuff Gloves from Isotoner, where style meets practicality. With SmarTouch technology for superior touchscreen capability and SmartDri water-repellent features that make rain and snow roll right off, elevating winter weather ensembles has never been easier!
2. On-the-go coziness for the fashion forward. Staying warm and stylish with this must-have beanie and scarf set is easy.
Featuring a waffle knit beanie with Levi’s iconic red tab and a soft buffalo plaid scarf, this duo is perfect for on-the-go coziness and will keep your loved one comfortable during all their favorite winter activities.
Designed for the fashion-forward, it’s an ideal gift for anyone looking to blend warmth with timeless style.
3. For the best dressed friend. Ultimate comfort and style go hand in hand with Women’s Shortie Stretch Microsuede Gloves.
Made from super soft and stretchy microsuede fabric, these slim-fitting contoured
gloves feature a velour interior and plenty of stretch, providing warmth and flexibility with none of the bulk.
With touchscreen-enabled fingertips and a water-repellent exterior designed with beautiful stitching detail, your loved one will stay warm, dry and stylish all winter.
4. For the multitasking guy. For the type who tackles winter head on – whether it’s shoveling snow or scraping icy windshields – you’ll want the Men’s Neoprene Gloves from Isotoner.
With a durable exterior, sleek tech detailing, and an adjustable zip closure, they’re designed to handle the cold.
Plus, a non-slip palm offers extra grip and SmartDri water-repellent technology, to keep hands warm and dry in all kinds of weather, so that he can find comfort in any moment.
5. For the busy guy who wants to be comfortable. The Isotoner Men’s Carter Microsuede Water Repellent Boat Moccasin is made with durable microsuede.
Not just a slipper, this versatile indoor/ outdoor footwear doubles as a shoe.
The moisture-wicking lining and cooling gel-infused memory foam with super supportive enhanced heel cushion offer ultimate comfort, rain or shine.
6. For the cozy homebody. Make winter movie marathons and sleep sessions toastier and more restful with a weighted blanket.
After all, it’s also important to stay warm inside. Research has found that weighted blankets may improve sleep quality, making this a great choice for those in need of some extra shut-eye.
Register to attend!
STATEPOINT PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
Staying warm during the cold winter months is a top priority for many, which is why holiday gifts that help in this endeavor are always a surefire hit.
City of Elmhurst welcomes delegation from Mongolia
On, Nov. 12, the City of Elmhurst hosted a distinguished delegation of senior officers from Mongolia as part of the Open World program, organized by the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL), an agency of the U.S. Congress, and coordinated by the Council of International Programs Chicago. The visit underscored Elmhurst’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and exchanging insights on governance. The City of Elmhurst has hosted several delegations in the past. Assistant City Manager Kent Johnson, Alderwoman Emily Bastedo, and other city representatives welcomed the delegation for an interactive session focused on Elmhurst’s operational priorities, community programs, and governance approach. The session provided a platform for the exchange of best practices in governance, aligning with the goals of the Open World program to foster global learning and international cooperation. Following their visit to Elmhurst City Hall, the delegation continued with a tour of Elmhurst History Museum, followed by a visit to Elmhurst University, where DuPage County Board Member Cindy Cronin-Cahill greeted them. Elmhurst was selected as one of only a few Illinois agencies to participate in this Open World exchange.
New chair of Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce’s executive committee
Angela Villegas, vice president and retail branch liaison at Lakeside Bank, grew up in Elmhurst. She’s a proud graduate of IC Catholic Prep. Villegas married and raised her family in Elmhurst, and remains a lifelong Elmhurst resident. Villegas was recently elected as the chair of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce’s executive committee. Her colleagues at Lakeside Bank, who described her as a “true people person and a constant source of wonderful, business-building ideas,” congratulated her on the honor. “We know she’ll do great things for our community,” added her co-workers at Lakeside Bank.
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GROSS PAYMENT FOR CERTIFIED PERSONNEL
Salary Range: Less Than $25,000 Mohamed Alkhalaki; Lindsay Alvarado; William R Anstrand Jr; Erin Barnes; Jennifer Bartgen; Lori Behr; Cole R Blank; James E Borel; Dawn M Brooks; Athena S. Burbulis; Kelly Byrne; William Cain; Laura Caravello; Kerri L Cardamone; Dylan W Carter; Nicole M Casolari; Kathleen Cetrone; Carol A Clark; Megan Cosgrove; Daniel Cossa; Tracey Criner; Natalie A Crivolio; Theresa B Czarnowski; Ann M Dalrymple; Rebecca M D’Angelo; Elizabeth Daudelin; Craig Davelis; Staci M DiCristofano; Brooke L Dodgers; Julie R Dolan; Ronan Doyle; Valerie A Durkin; Kimberly A. Fazzini; Linda L. Fehrenbacher; John K Forsythe; Laura K Gagliano; Donald Gelsomino; Kristin E Gleason; Lisa Guarino; Carol Hallberg; Andrew A Hatcher; Scott W Hawkins; Kathleen Ann Hilborn; Kevin Homan; Elizabeth Hubka; Rebecca Hursh; Monica Iacono; Kevin G. Jakubauskas; Jacqueline Jellison-Landis; Linda Johnson; Michele Johnston; Christine M Jurik; Karyn M Kain; Stephanie Kaminski; Cadden S. Kapsalis; Mary M Kaspar; Kaylee A Kushta; Susan LaBianco; Monika Langdon; Marie C. Lizak; Nanette R Loerop; Melissa Looze; Elena Lopez; James M Magner; Kathleen McDermand; Joshua A. McGehee; Jean W. McGinnis; Rosemary A McHatton; Francis A Michalesko; Katherine Miller; Ruth Renee Miller; Tamra A Miller; Nancy L Mordini; Shelley A Moskal; Chase Nacker; Patrick F Neville; Michael J Nolen; Amy P Ocampo; Yesenia Ochoa; Susan A O’Leary; Anne Olson; Kristen O’Rourke; Marcia Phillips; Terrie Provenzano; Anita A Rawlish; Alec Ross; Kenneth Ross; Amanda S Rybinski; Katie Samayoa; Ava Sands; Elisabeth Sauvageau; Meghan L Scarsella; Susan A Schmitz; Annette V Schulte; Angela C Sebastian; Joanne M Sgarbossa; Jeri A Shaw; Lois G Smeja; Kenneth Smitley; Mary A Sobut; Ursula Solimene; Henke Stefanik; Amy Strauss; MaryClare Sullivan; Kristie Kay Szejner; Christine M Tapling; Phillip A Urbanski; Mia G Valente; Donald P Vana; Deborah Vasta; Jocelyn Vazquez; Katherine S. Westendorf; Linda Wilinski; Lillian A. Wood; Dana A Wycoff; Jeffrey W York; Abigail Zebraitis; Micaela D Zgutowicz; Karen L. Zielke Salary Range: $25,000$39,999 Vincent M Aiello; Jessica Brekher; Ane De Eguia; Kathryn Eberspacher; Mary Egert; Melinda Elbel; Elliott M Fafinski; Elizabeth W. Ferhati; Catherine Hamby; Elizabeth Hasso; Kelly Ann Hertel; Regina Hughes; Grace Johnson; Alyssa Kordopitoulas; Elizabeth Kramme; Zachary J LoCicero; Angel Lopez; Amy R Malyszko; Michael J Puente; Kimberly Rosales; Maureen Wangler Salary Range: $40,000$59,999 Wali Justin Ali; Sara Ann Allaire; Hiba Anees; Cecelia Arredondo; Nicholas Bartuch; Jillian M Bliss; Jacob A Boyko; Grace A Ciolino; Caroline Cook; Joseph A Demme; Joshua M Dunn; Meagan R. Farazi; Colleen Frost; Courtney J Gadrim; Morgan Gehrke; Kathleen C. Goodman; Roberta Guttilla; Amanda M Heiman; Denise A Huth; Anastasija Iglendza; Nancy E Jenkins; Rachel E Jordan; Sarah Jovanovic; Rebecca Keeley; Jamie Killian; Samuel
Lawrence; Mary Malone; Taylor N McBride; Mary Kate Merna; Jennifer T Muisenga; Kevin P Mundle; Melina Murphy; Ashlyn Pacer; Elisabeth Sear; Lisa Senese; Kristen A Smaga; Deanna Sperlik; Veronica C Starr; Megan Talan; Anna L Wagner; Madeline Watson; Julia D Whitcomb; Kelly Wolter Salary Range: 60,000 - $89,999 Nora E Alomari; Christina Alvarado; Nathan D Andrews; April L. Antonson; Meghan G. Ausnehmer; Norelly J. Avina; Daisy Ayala; Samantha Bailey; Lorin B Baker; Brock Bandolik; Pia R Bartolai; Toni M Bartuch; Shannon Battaglia; Rebecca J. Berkowitz; Elizabeth Bernaciak; Amanda Berngard; Amanda Bila; Angela E Bilancia; Elizabeth T. Birchler; Claire M Birns; Maria Bloom; Kara S. Bodine; Danielle M. Borsellino; Matthew B. Bourke; Meghan Breitinger; Colleen R. Brogni; Ryan Buckel; Carey Bull; Katherine R. Buller; Jennifer L Buono; Rebecca Calderone; Kelly M. Callaghan; Jenna C. Callen; Linda M. Calvo; Aracely Cardenas; Matthew J Carlson; Marissa A Charleston; Jessica Chmura; Jeannie Choi; Kirsten Ciannella; Nicole J. Colleran; Janet Costello; Matthew R Cotton; Nicole Dagres; Melissa Domino De Peralta; Cassandra Nicole Deck; Alyssa K. Deflorio; Eunice DeLeon; Nina K Delgado; Claudia V Desai; Katherine M. Diamond; Teri DiCarlo; William Docauer; Joseph Dodson; William E Duffy; Samantha Dunne; Sonia Duran; Shannon R Earley; Alexander C Egan; Megan M Ellison; William Ernst; Anna Feldmann; Elizabeth M. Firak; Morgan Folliard; Payton Froats; Peyton Furman; Shawna M. Garcia; Sharon Gecsey; Alyssa M. Germanos; Kathryn E. Gilbertson; Monica Giovannoni; Eric S. Gorton; Joshua J. Green; Stefanie Guercio; Ana Guerrero; Yvonne Guerrero; Kristina A. Heckinger; Jeffrey Helberg; Thomas Helton; Kathryn A Helwink; Megan E. Hendrickson; Colleen Hennessy; Cara R. Hermanek; Elizabeth M Hernandez; Jacquelyn Herrera; Natalie M. Hidalgo; Bryan T. Hobbs; Mary T Hobbs; Kyra R. Hollars; Nicole M. Holub; Carly E Hull; Jacquelyn R Jimenez; Brittany K Joslyn; Lauren M. Joyce; Melinda P. Kaiser; Sara E Kalinsky; Stacey M. Keleher; Mikaela Kiel; Tonja Killingham; Jeanette T. Kling; Elizabeth Knoch; Pawel P. Konopka; Ashley M. Kouba; Katherine Kowal; Ari Kowalski; Kyle Kowalski; Renee N Kuharchuk; Kathleen Kurzawski; Jodi L Kushik-Sinclair; Melissa Lancaster; Alondra I. Larrabee; Emily A. Larsen; Margaret Latz; Amanda M. Leiber; Anne Lejcar; Kelly Leonard; Megan K. LeResche; Sara Lilly; Andrew J. Lim; Sarah T. Link; Dalila Lopez; Agnieszka Jadwiga Lutow; Joseph R. Lytle; Diana Madrigal; Sarosh I Majethia; Michele Marcinkowski; Lynn T Marlott; Kelsey A. Marras; Isui Y Martinez; Nicole Mathes; Gabrielle M. Mattes; Silvia May; Victoria Mayer; Elizabeth A McDonald; Colleen McDonnell; Emily M. McDonough; Denise L. McGowan; Phoenix Melvin; Brooke H. Menconi; Jaclyn Messina; Tara P. Meyer; Emily Meyers; Rebecca L Mladic-Morales; Deena Moawad; Alexandra R. Mulroy; Maria DeJesus Munoz; Kimberly A Neitling; Mary Neville; Mary K Norman; Nicole Noverini; Amanda O’Brien; Lorna O’Callaghan; Erin M
O’Connor; John O’Connor; Kristin Ogle; Kevin Ohls; Carly E Okray; Maureen O’Neill; Olivia Ortiz; Stacia Owens; Nicole Palma; Ingrid G Palmer; Elizabeth Passarella; Alyssa Paterakis; Tara Perez; Amanda L Petit; Kori Pitaro; Surina Potter; Kathleen J. Potvin; Julie C. Prather; Thomas Price; Emily A Quinn; Matthew E Radowski; Viera Rajcan; Mario Ramirez Jr; Ronny R. Rayan; Claire Riemersma; Claire A Rixie; Nicole M. Rizzo; Samantha Rochkus; Kelley R. Rodriguez; Colin W Rook; Shannan Rothman; Elizabeth Sak; Kelly M Salvo; Emily V Samborski; Annette Sanchez; Sara M Sanders; Danielle D Schneider; Kathryn Scott; Elizabeth T. Serrata; Kathryn Shields; Kacey Siems; Haley Simpson; Melanie Smetana; Jessica A. Smith; Kevin D. Smith; Kevin Snyder; Paphada Samutthai Sorensen; Amanda S Spinelle; Michael Spitalli; Katherine Stachura; Brittney M. Stanford; Sabrina M Steck; Dana Steinecker; Laurel A. Strejc; Jecenia Suco; Reed B. Sundberg; Kimberly M. Sweeney; Abby Swieton; Amy Burton Talbot; Abby L Thomas; Alice Townsend; Rosaleen M. Van Der Aa; Jessica M. Vega; Tina Vega; James P Vervack; Janette Villegas; Melinda L Walker; Wendy W Walker; Carrie Ann M. Ward; Erin Ward; Erin A. Wedell; Jeanette Weller; Walker Whalen; Kathryn R.L. Wheeler; Emily E. Wiggins; Molly A Wilson; Christopher J. Wolff; Therese M Wozniak; Michael W Wulff; Julie L Young; Lisa Zarembski; Kirsten N Zinzer Salary Range: $90,000 and Over Timothy W Albert; Wendy L Albert; Fabiola Alexander; Carine E Alfano; Arlin Alicea; Beth Allaire; Vanessa Allen; Ryan D Anderson; Alexandra E. Annen; Amy L. Anthony; Anna Bahramis; Amy B Baker Zaleski; Patrick M Baker; Colleen M Ballard; William D. Barnum; Ashley A Barra; Rosalinda Barragan; Kristen J. Bartholomew; Sanna Lisa Bashor; Kurt Baumeister; Valerie S Baxter; David J. Beedy; Kelly Begani; Cathleen S Bendicsen; Brian S Berg; Nicholas Andrew Bertani; Heather Beverley-Ciullo; Elizabeth R Bevly; Alisha Bhimji; Mark Bibel; Courtney F. Bison; Lauren B. Blanford; Sharon Blasen; Matthew J. Bold; Vasilike Bolos; Heather N Bolur; Michele C Bowles; Nicole T Boyle; Sally J Boyle-Del Rio; Erika M. Bradley; Caroline M Branick; Serena D. Briggs; Kathryn A. Brock; Robin A Brooks; Adam W Brown; Amy A Brown; Whitney A Brown; Mary Jo Bugielski; Dylan R. Burgett; Michelle Burns; Robin M. Buzinski; Cecilia D. Bylina; Denise M. Byrne; Laura K Calderisi; Abigail R Calderon; Daniel J Calenberg; Keisha Campbell; Donald Canfield; Sarah M Cannon; Donald J. Canton; Kelly A Carbonaro; Tamra A. Carl; Michele M Carlson; Danielle C Carney; Sybil A. Carpenter; Kelly C Castaldi; Michael Casten; Brendan W Chambers; Kristen Childrey; Jeffrey J. Chmielinski; Therese Cohen; Caitlin Collins; David Collins; Gillian Collons; Jennie Comber; Doreen L Comings; John Constable; Colleen M Cook; Kathryn Cortez; Marta Cote; Jessica D. Cowger; Suzanne S. Creer; Laurie J. Crist; Dan Cultra; Samantha F. Cunanan; Kory Curcio; Christine C. Cusack; Sandra L Czech; Frank H Dahlman; Diane S Danielczyk; Melissa Davis; Stephanie J De
Grado; Lauren E. DeAngelis; Adam Decaire; Kathryn M Delaney; Sheleen L DeLockery; Kelly DeLoriea; William Denne; Roopa Luv Desai; Lisa DeSanti; Deirdre W Devlin; Margaret A DeYoung; Katie A. Diebold; Caitlin E. Diedrich; Michael R. DiNovo; Stephanie M DiPaolo; Jacquelyn M. Discipio; Lindsey Ann DiTomasso; Antoinette M Dobric; Stevan D Dobric; Kara L. Dollaske; Tammy J. Dospoy; Kenneth J Dowdy; Jeff P Drach; Brian D. Drumm; Erica Drumm; Kristen C. Dubrick; Janet Dudzinski; Julie N Dufner; Cecilia M. Dunn; Ellen K Dunn; Michael Dunn; Timothy R Dykes; James Richard Edgley; Courtney A. Edwards; Carrie Emrikson; Kathleen S Engbers; Kristie M Evers; Megan C Ewald; Corinne M. Fagan; Zachary A. Farber; Laura A Felde; Julie A Feldkamp-Pradhan; Lisa Ferraris; Lynn Ferris; Lillian Figueroa-Burgos; Stephen A Fijor; Teri L. Finley; Lindsey A Fiore; Juliann M Fisher; Robert R. Fisher; Kristina Fitzgerald; Michael Fitzgerald; Lisa A. Flaherty; Denise Floreani; Joanne P. Ford; Shannon L. Ford; Kevin J. Forsythe; Joseph P Fowler; Nora E Fox; Taylor E. Frank; Elizabeth M. Franks; Lisa M. Fraticola; Kelly A Frederick; Marianne C Fried; Lauren M. Friedericks; Andrew L Fuller; Lynda G Fuller; Kelly Marie Fullerton; Jami R Gabelman; Jeffrey M Gail; Jennifer R Gallagher; Elizabeth Gallivan; Lorena Garcia; William Gardner; Maria M Gargano; Kristen GatesMcChristian; John L Gaunt; Adam F Gearing; Margaret E Geary Thomson; Christopher M Gemkow; Joseph Geocaris; Emily E Georgalas; Laurie A Giblin; Daniel M. Giuliani; Colleen O. Gjataj; Mary Beth Gley; Lindsey C. Goldsmith; Mark Golebiowski; Hilda Gomez; Suzanne Gould; Gayle J. Greenberg-Smith; Jennifer L Greene; David Grelecki; Scott M Grens; Mary M Greska; Todd Grikmanis; Michael F. Grosso; Susan S Grote; John E. Gruchot; Lauren V Gui; Christy L Gumbach; Kelly M Guziewski; Steven K Haderlein; Andrew P. Hagen; Daniel J Hall; Krzysztof R. Halupka; Elena Hanley-Krzysik; Ashley L. Hart; Benjamin A. Hartman; Donna M Hayes; Sarah N Hayes; Sara M Heiberger; William F Heimann III; Tamara Henderson; Judy C Heraty; Joanne Herman; Tricia Herward; Cynthia Jo Higgins; Thomaie E Hilaris; Jill M Hipp; Kathryn C. Hirsch; Melissa K Hobbs; Cheryl A Hoey; Brendan T. Holba; Erin Howe; Jessica L Hurt; Lauren C. Hyde; Jonathan D. Immel; Kimberly S James; Jacqueline Janeteas; Claudia Janzen; Dorothy Jendreas; Michelle L. Jensen; Monika Jetter; Danuta A. Jeziorczak; Patricia Jirout; Matthew J Johnson; Michael D. Johnson; Lori Jorbin; Lisa A. Julian; Joanna Kacprzynska; Sarah Kahovec; Dave Kalal; Kelly J Kalinowicz; Veena A. Kaniyaly; Donald G. Kasper; Elizabeth Kawa; Rebecca J Keller; Ryan J Kellner; Brianne M. Kennedy-Brooks; Katherine Lisa Kerins; Charles A Kern; Tyler E. King; Christine M Kissel; Jennifer L Klink; Heather Knight; James R Kolb; Susan A. Kondrat; Sarah E. Krizmanic; William P Kroger; Julie P Krueger; Kelly Krzyzanowski; Skip Kumm; Kendall R. Kutska; Nolan M. Lamb; Kim Lampa; Christina M LaPenna; Lindsay R Larsen; Barbara R. Larson; Gina F Lascody; Elena Lashmet; Susan Latoria;
Mark J Laurich; Lisa L. LaVette; Dina Law; Sabrina L Leadaman; William J Lech; Melisa Ledesma; Anne M. Lepore; Kerry Leuschel; Megan L. Liewergen; John J Liljewall; Juliann Lindsay; Benjamin F. Loduha; Joshua J Louis; Tracey L. Lukritz; Kathryn Lyons; Maricela Macias; Emily A. Maciuszek; Megan A. Madeira; Catherine Magierski; Kirsten Mahoney; Keegan S. Maletich; Flavia Marcucci Malloy; Robert J Mangun; Rebecca M Marianetti; Lisa L Mariani; Sarah E. Marik; D Marie MartensFord; MaryKate Martinelli; Desiree Joy Martinez; Eduvijes Martinez; Efrain A Martinez; Elvira Martinez; Joanna M Martin-Wiora; Bridget A McDonald; Katherine McDonough; Laura L McElligott; Julie A McGovern; Drew P McGuire; Rebecca W McKinney; Jaime L McNees; Paula Meltz; Nicholas J Metcalf; Kaitlyn Metzler; Jessica A. Meza; Lisa Michalski; Katherine C Milling; Anne Marie Mitchell; Danielle C. Mitchell; Brandon D. Mixon; Matthew P. Monken; Brenda Morales; Catherine Moran; Matthew J Moran; Tracy Morser; Amy K Moss; Amy M. Mueller; Kathleen H Murphy; Michael A Murphy; Julia C. Nader; Elizabeth E Napper; Kathryn N Nawrocki; Teresa A Neigel; Jeremy J Nemec; Julia A. Nichols; Kimberly A Nissen; Jennifer L. Nolan; Heather L. Noncek; Julie L Nowak; Tara M. Nunes; Michele Oberlin; Mary M. O’Brien; Edward J O’Connor; Sarah Olague; Laura A Oliver; Diane Oliveros-Prymicz; Justin S. Olson; Laura A Olson; Tracey E O’Rourke; Elizabeth Ott; Margaret M. Pack; Kathryn E Padberg; Isadora Parrini; Jeremy Paschke; Becky A Patch; Alison E Patzin; Maggie J Pavlacka; Michael J Pavlik; Robyn Pearson; Anne P Perrone; Anthony W. Petersen; Brigid McGinnis Peterson; Meredith M Pezza; Laura E. Pfau; Jesse Pierce; Daniel M Piwowarczyk; Bridgett M. Platz; James P Pluskota; Gina L. Pogue Reeder; Paul Pokryfke; Jacquelyn M. Potilechio; Jennifer L Powell; Dominique M. Prafke; Lynn L. Provost; Michelle Quinn; Laura Raney; Michelle T. Rasine; Maria M Regan; Elizabeth Reyes; Peter M Richey; Leanne M Rider; Rachel A Riley; Timothy E. Riordan; Justin G Riskus; Anna C Robins; Jennifer J Ross; Molly J Rossman; Adam Roubitchek; Lindsey A Rowe; Patricia Rowe; Markus Roy; Vasilika G. Rraklli; Kevin Rubenstein; Deborah J Ruckstaetter; Larisa Ruesch; Cassanova Rufus; Christine M Rysko; Kevin Rzeszutko; Shelley A. Rzewuski; Susan K. Salem; Sarah M Samp; Kurt A Sanderson; Maritza L. Santana; Sharon Emmi Santos; Kyrstin L. Scaliatine; Laura S Scarlett; Laura M Scheel; Debra J Schendel; Geri A Schlueter; Carla Schmidt; Katherine P Schroeder; Maureen B. Schroeder; Steven K Schroeder; Allison M Schultz; Joseph W Schumacher; Sara M Scott; Christina S Seiders; Jennifer Sellers; Mary Kate Sennett; Jennifer A Shackleton; Benjamin F. Sharko; Thomas J Sheehan; Lindsay M Sickinger; Chelsey E. Siegers; Samantha Skaradzinski; Elizabeth C Smith; Kalissa Candice Smith; Jazmine Alissa Smith-Falicetti; Teresa Soria-Phillips; Geralyn A Sorrentino; Cristina Spencer; Julie Spring; Karen Steahly; Stephanie L Stecker; Susan R Stephenson; Angela K. Stern; Kelly M Stoia; Joseph C. Stolz III; Kristi A. Stone; Jordan Stopka; Nicholas E Stoyas; Ashley A. Strange; Meghan M Stronczek; Kristen L. Sundell; Jaclyn M Sutor; Bradley D Sutter; Jennifer Sutter; Lori Sweeney; Katherine M. Swiniuch; Chelsea M. Szafranski; Stephanie A. Szymonik; Karla J Talbot; Mark R. Talbot; James Tang; Jessica L Tatevosian; Erin M. Terrill; Heidi M. Thomas; Jeremy R Thomas; Nicole M Thomas; Jeremy D. Thomashow; Amy Thompson; Kelsey E. Thompson; Irma Torres-Acosta; Samantha Tracy; Christine L. Trendel; Kathryn A. Trent; Carmela E. Troyer; Claudia Valdez; Jason S. Vanderplow; Gabriela Vazquez; Lauren E. Vazquez; Ricardo A
Vazquez; Rebecca Villalobos; Rob Wagner; Jessica M Walker; Thomas E Walker; Emily E Walton; Ryan Walz; Rachel Washburn; Timothy M. Wealton; Caroline M Weaver; Rebecca A Weed; Konstantina Weeks; Sandy E Wenig; Leah M. Werab; Marc W Wesseler; Steven R Westendorf; Donald S Williams;
M Wilmer; Mary B. Wilson; Kathleen T. Winterrose; Michelle Wolski; Nancy L. Wolski; Amber K. Woods; Kendell L. Wright; Lindsay N. Wyffels; Nicole Young; Lauren C Yun; Jolee Ann Zaccone; Cynthia M Zentner; Lawrence Zock
GROSS PAYMENT FOR NON-CERTIFIED PERSONNEL
Salary Range: Less Than $25,000 Cicily Abraham; Joel Adams; Sobia Ahmed; Suzanne Akers; Amal Alaoui; Joanne Alevizos; Emanuel Alvarado; David Alvarez; Melinda R. Amberg; Karen L Anderson; Kimberley M Anderson; Linda L. Anderson; Gregory W Arcisz; Melissa H Arista; Patricia M Armoogam; Mary L Armstrong; Juan Arroyo; Mason G Artman; Sameh Atallah; Karen Avery; Samantha J Avgerinos; Adam J Bagdasarian; Litzy BahenaHernandez; Shajira M Baker; Larry J. Barcheski; Jane V. Barnds; Finn Barney; Kieran Barney; Carly Beck; Jessica Bedoy; Lily C Beerhalter; Erika Benitez; Mallory Bennett; Briana G Bennis; Daniel G Berner; Victoria R Bernero; Nancy L. Berrier; Rebecca A Bicknell; Angie Bien; Clara A Billing; Ragini Bilolikar; Mimi Black; Alexis Bojesen; Kathy M. Booth; Esther Botello; Emily D. Bowman; Sean Bowman; Angela Brenka; Jacob Brown; Kevin Bruch; Ana Bulla Rojas; Rebeca C. Burger; Max S Burnison; Jane E Bushue; Jack M Bute; Catherine L Butler; Kevin Butzen; Anne Byrne; Balbina Cabrera; Kayla R Callahan; Victor Campuzano; Kelly Carpenter; Veda Carrera; Tieran Casey; Eileen M Censotti; Josue I Chapa; William Chiampas; Eileen A Chlopecki; Anna Christenson; Anastasia Chuprova; Jack Ciannella; John A Clark; Ronald Claussen; Samran Coffee; Sophia J Coleman; Brandon S. Collings; Marquitte D Collins; Elena Raquel Correa; Jennifer Correa; Kelly J Corry; Kathleen H Costello; Amy Cowan; Thomas Coyne; Aaron Cruz; Karen CullenMeyer; Luke Cunningham; Alexa Czarnecki; Morgan M Czarnecki; Andrew Czech; Victoria Czochara; John Dacey; Marco D’Angelo; Linda M. Davies; Leslie Davisson; Regine Day; Endi De Haro; Jennie Deany; James G DeCicco; Cindy Deckard; Judy Deckert; Entela Dedja; Leslie Delcid-Pozo; Joshua T Delury; Lucy J DeMare; Margaret DePhillips; Lauren J DeRango; Barbara Di Stasi; Anthony DiCanio; Natalie DiCosola; Sofia DiDomenico; Ann M Dietrich; Javier Dionicio; Kendall Dirks; Janis Ditchfield; Nicholas R Dizonno; Carolyn Doberstein; Ann-Marie Doherty-Doyle; Saul Dominguez; Michael Domino; Conal Doyle; Emmet Doyle; Joanna Dubiel; Pablo Duran; James P Dwyer; Jennifer Engstrom; Zaira Esqueda Aguilera; Miray F. Estephan; Audrey H Faley; Aliya Fatima; Emily Fehlberg; David Feltz; Patti Feltz; Doreen F Fernandes; Amy Field; Anna C Filosa; Christopher T. Fisher; Gena Fite; Allison M Fitzgibbons; Michael J Flock; Alma D Flores; Angelica Flores; Carol Forsythe; Erin Foster; Carol A Fry; Daniel Gallagher; Margaret M. Gallagher; Julissa Garcia Lopez; Amanda Garcia; Maria Garcia; Patricia A Garcia; Laura Gardner; Mariah J. Gasso; Janis Gelfond; Laurel Geraldi; Mary Ann Gimbel; Jill Giorno; Elsa Giosa; Barbara Giusti; Juanita Glassi; Timothy Glavan; Kathleen R Glavinskas; Cynthia L Godawa; Julie A Goduto; Mark Goulding; Pamela Gradei; Aban Grant; Linda Grimmer; Susan R Griswold; William Groya; Ziynet Gurkaynak; Claudia Gutierrez; Emily Gutierrez; Eileen A Gutrich-Walsh; Dorothy Hamby; Beatrice Harbaugh; Luke Harbottle; Kelsey Harrison; David J Harvan; Margaret Hatz; Lauren S. Hauert; Jeffrey M Hayes; Alyssa L. Hayward; Daniel Heck; James E Hedman; Ronald Hedman; Patricia J. Hennessey; Lisa H. Hennin; Peyton Herman; Gladys M Hernandez; Patricia A. Hickey; Emma Higgins; Justin R Hill; Amanda Hills; Nicole M Hobbs; Tamara A. Hoffing; James J Hogan; Jean M Hogan; Colleen M. Hohman; Wendy Hojnacki; Christine L. Holmes; Tyra D Hopson; Geoffrey S. Horner; Kevin Howard; Laura Hruska; Paul R Huber; Rosalba Huerta; Emily Imes; Kira Izzo-Famartino; William C Jackson; Katherine Jacobsmeyer; Jackson Jirout; Amanda J Johns; Joshua D Johnson; Lauren J Johnson; Rochanna D.
LEGAL NOTICES
Johnson; Lucas Jones; Gregory M Jozwiak; Joanna Kahl; Domenica T Kajevic; Maria Kaldis; Michelle M. Kamienski; Nicholas Karavolos; Cynthia Kashul; Delani Rae Kazmierczak; Elizabeth G Kehoe; Ella B Kennedy; Jamee Kenny; Mariann Kerley; Mary Kerley; Lynne Kern; Kelly Kerrigan; Kara Kesselring; Jennifer L. Kilgos-Conwell; Charles A Kimbler; Kameron M Kimbrough; Gillian Kinney; Michael A. Kladis; Thomas H Klatt; Mary Ann Klaus; Viktoriia Klymenko; Stella R Kohl; Gregory Kopp; Amanda J Kosanda; Nicholas E Kosich; Holly M. Kost; David Kraft; Gilda M Kramer; Elizabeth Kraus; Linda S Krieter; Robert R. Krissinger; Clairice M Krzysik; Margaret Laffey; Jagreet Lail; Evelyn R Lance; Robbie Larsen; Robert P Laskowski; Zachary M. Laszkiewicz; Patricia A LeDonne; Patricia Lejman; Frank Lenardi; Joseph Lennon Jr; Mary Jo Levin; Andrew J Levine; Anthony Lewaniak; Robert Lewis; Amy K. Lichon; Paul D. Liebeno; Matthew Lind; Britzy L Lino; Bethany Loftus; Laurel Lohan; Clara Lonigro; Jose Lopez; Mary E Lucca; Victoria I. Ludkowski; Mayrene Luis; Mya Lumpkin; Candace C Lund; Anna M Lundine; Max Lupo; Bruce MacKenzie; Ronald J Madison; Scott Madison; Kristy Maiers; Lane A Maillet; Panayiotis S Malamis; Milo M Mann; Roberta N Mann; Isael Marin; Matthew S Marquardt; Kevin C. Martin; Mariana Martinez; Ramona Martinez; Tina Mastro; Melissa Matsas; Sarah Mayer; Kimberly McCarthy; Krista McClellan; Maureen McCoy; Joseph McGreal; Joyce A. McNaughton; Isis Melendez; Lili Melvin; Christopher S. Menconi; Annmarie T Mendez; Christian J Mendias; Robert Mendoza; Harold F Metzger Jr; Linda Meydrech; Hannah R Meyers; Denise H Miller; Matthew A. Mimlitz; Krystyn Misheck; Margaret D Mitchell; Stanley Mitchell; Amit S Mitra; Thomas Mizell; Maria Mojek; Brendan Molis; Lorena Montero; Bianca J Montoya; Liam Moroney; Marilyn M Mucci-Yasdick; Glenn A Mundle; Dale B. Murphy; Steve Murphy; Ann M. Murrell; Rashda Musharraf; Chad D Nardi; Flutura Ndrio; Joyce Neal; Amy Nelson; Colleen M Nelson; Shawlene Neysmith; Goran Nikolic; Kristen Noble; Debbie L Nolley; Bridget Noonan; Jonah Nuez; Patrick H O’Brien; Colleen Oconnell; Lola Odorisio; Eric L. Olsen; Cheryl A. Olson; Maureen A O’Reilly; Guadalupe Orozco; Yoselyn D Ortiz Monroy; Alyssa M. Ortiz; Jaralyn Ortiz; Kerri O’Shea; Lisa A. O’Sullivan; Kurt Ottinger; Linda Panzeca; Effie Papamihail; Paula J. Parat; Anthony Parry; Dipika C Patel; Robert Patterson Jr; Elizabeth Patti; David Paulzine; Jeremy A. Pearl; Diana L Pearson; Ryan G Pechous; Oliver-Pasqual Pena; Theresa M Perry; Dennis M Peters; Raymond Pettenuzzo; Tamara Pfeifer; Nicole Piermattei Glorioso; Laura E Pierotti; Barbara Pisciotto; Christian River Pitlock; Marcela D Plascencia; Allison Y Poku; Christopher J Pomatto; Tellisha Porter; Catherine A. Post; Mile Postic; Max H Potter; Keith Potts; Monica P. Powers; Rita Priola; Erica Quagliana; Sally J Quilici; Ruthie M Rafter; RenaMarie Ranieri; Marc Raymond; Karla Raymundo; Jodi K. Redick; Audrey L Reed; Owen F Reifenrath; Alysa Renteria; Gannon Rice; Logan Rice; Braden Richardson; Christopher Rieger; Susan Riesen; Elizabeth Rios; Gricelda Rios; Norma Rodriguez; Tania S Rodriguez; Rebecca Rogers; Yerazmin Romero; Jack D Romito; Patricia Rosario; Christina Roskoph; Elizabeth T Rospert; Orlando Routen III; Robert J Ruffulo; Alina Ruiz Flecha; Adrilenne Ruiz Lozano; Wendy Russo; Racquel B Sadique; Anna Sadowicz; Christine Salazar-Leslie; Melissa Salek; Nadreen Salem; Stephen Salkauskas; Kubra Salman; Ashley M. Samata; Stephen M Samuels; Jesus A Sanchez; Maria G Sanchez; Nicholas Sasanelli; Olivia Sasanelli; Sarah Sata; Michael Sawchuk; David L. Schacht; Diane Schlitter; Travis J Schwolow; Crystal Ann Scott; Bridget Sebastian; Brian Sellers; Sharon Semmelhack; Anthony Seneviratne; Rosemary Serio; Mitzy Serrano; Sophia Shahabuddin; Thomas Sheehan; Timothy Sheehan; Patrick G Sheridan; Luke F Shorter; Katerina Siavelis; Olivia J Silkaitis; Wendy Simms; Melanie M Slauter; Catherine M Smith; Tina Smith; Grace
Sopko; Joanna Spathis; Matthew Staerkel; Ethan Stakem; Kimberley Stamatopoulos; Camille Steahly; Pamela J. Stephan; Jack R Stephens; Nancy E Sternik; Emelyn S Stettin; Alex J Stezowski; Erin Stratton; Michael Striska; Daniele L Stubner; Elizabeth Sullivan; Emily Swain-Thrush; Holli Swinford; Cindy R Szymanski; Laura L. Tague; Tiffany Tarsitano; George E. Tasson; Andrea Tepfenhart; Gerard Thomas; Laura Thoresen; June Thude; Jessica Thurman; Andrea Thurmond; Madeline Tiberi; Noelle G. Tiberi; Mary Tichy; Reese E Timmerwilke; Elis Tira; Juan M Toledano; Mark Tomczak; James Tracy; Cheryl Tran; Jessica A Trapp; Crystal Tribble; Robyn D Tsacoumangos; Eleni Tsaknis; Kimberly Turner; Sarah Turrubiartes; Abbey M Turza; Kyle Tynan; Martha M. Tyson; Diana C Umana Monje; Maria W. Vajdik; Robert A Valentine; Amelie M Van Heukelum; Grady C Vassar; Alexandra J Venchuk; Diane Vezmar; Daniel Visconti; Joseph Vitone; Melissa L. Vitucci; Jennifer H Vondrehle; Tatiana DA Voss; Natalie M Voth; Kelly Wacht; Daniel Wagner; April Waleski; Megan Walker; Tracy Walker; Kyle Waltz; Talan N Wawczak; Pamela Way; Benjamin M Wede; Sara A Wenzel; Eleanor West; Laura West; Terry Weston; Lucrezia Weyland; Timothy T Wiemann; Janice L Wiese; Linda Wilkie; Kirk Williams; Corinne K Wiseheart; Thomas Wolff; Nicole Wolf-Molinari; Ashley A. Woods; James Zars; Maria D Zavala; Angela M. Ziccardi; Emily Ziccardi; Andrew Zimmerman; Patricia M Zoha; Angelina Zotta Salary Range: $25,000 - $39,999 Candida Ali; Dolores Austin; Bridget Baker; Luigi M. Bonanno; Victoria A Bradbury; Susan Bradley; Kristy Brown; Jacob Brugioni; Ann M Burton; Patricia Calabrese; Linda Christensen; Desiree Clark; Karen M Clark; Cathleen A Clarke; Kari Conkle; Sue Cossey; James C Cotsiopoulos; Barbara C Cozzi; Mark Cullen; Vasilika N Damo; Catherine A Danielczyk; Christina D Darquea; Gerardo De La Cruz; Joseph A. DiCanio; Martha Downey; Marguerite Dvoracek; Tehmina Fahad; Anthony Famartino; Catherine M. Fierce; Christine Fischer-Moreth; Scott Fox; Gerard Freaney; Joshua J Fredrick; Howard A. Fry; Nancy A Funk; Maria F. Gallegos; Bertha A Garcia; Amanda D Geneva; Geoffrey Grieve; Gerald J. Gross; Denice M Hageli; Joseph A Hailpern; Jerri Hall-Gortowski; Laura J Hanrahan; Whitney B Harmon; Tawnee A. Herbert; Cynthia A Hoffman; Mark J Hughes; Emily D Ishida; Wendy Johnson; Lorilee J. Jordahl; Laura J. Kleinhans; Marjie Knabe; Kate Knicker; Donna J. Kole; Carolyn J Kroll; Elena Kurdoglo; Albert Laro; Niqe Laro; Jacqueline Lawrence; Suzanne P Legg; Silvia Lopez Jimenez; Erendira C. Loza Navarro; Ann M Malinowski; Jon Monique Manuel; Pierceson Mapes; Michele Marvucic; Alison A Matkovic; Karrie M Mazurek; Megan McCaffrey; Ericka L. McDaniel; Michelle L. McDermott; Lori S. McGee; Catherine M McGovern; Carolina Mendoza; Robert A Miller; Susan B. Mooshool; Maria C Morales; Jolanta Mueller; Stella Mueller; Yariseth Navarro; David Nieves; Kevin G. Pacheco; Christopher L Peterson; Agnieszka A. Pokorska; David A Polkow; Nellie A Quinones; Arturo Ramirez; Yolanda Ramos; Ryan T Reiling; Nicole Renslow; Erica J. Rios; Melony A Robbins; Ali Rodriguez; Evelyn Rodriguez; Jeanne Ruffner; Christina Sampras; Dianne M Schiltz; Thomas C. Schimel; Constance M Schumacher; Yolanda Serna Jimenez; Carolyn B. Shemroske; Sheila M. Silva; Consuelo M. Stone; Lethia Strong; Peter L Sutterlin; Donna L. Swiatlo; Kathryn Tomlinson; Renee K Tuzak; Tom Tuzak; Nicholas Umano; Blanca M. Vargas; Daniel Vasta; Elizabeth A Viehl; Sydney Waleski; Channon H Washington; Jordan Watts; William A Wehrle; David S. Weiser; Geraldine M Widener; Stephanie Wood; Anna M. Zarod; Ann M. Zizek Salary Range: $40,000 - $59,999 Lizahaira Alvarado; Fnu Bal Gang Sourab Sreejanan; Thomas A Belcher; Joseph M. Biasco; Cindy K. Cardenas; Yair U. Carrillo; Eileen M Carroll; Santiago Castillo; Stephanie L. Chantos; Robyn Cornelissen; Vangjel T Damo; Melissa DeCarlo; Michael DiVenere; Micki Dobrowski; Killian Elwart; Arisve
Esquivel; William N Fairholm; Annette R Floeckher; Nydia Flores; Amy Fuller; Diana Garcia; Monica C. Garnica; Donna F. Graziano; Michelle A Guerino; Eileen M Guimon; Victoria Gutierrez; Filemon Hernandez; Suzanne E. Hughes; Janet Isselhard-Lucero; Joseph Kiewicz; Pamela Knighton; William J Laurence; Joseph S Long; John Longo; Donna Lynch; Eric Madison; Mary Kay Malone; Citlali Martinez; Ricky McDonald; Martha L McGreal; Kathleen Moore; Benjamin Mora; Judith C. Myszkowski; Laura S. Pishkur; Karla Regalado; Jennifer J Reichert; Jessica Romero; Mayela J. Ruiz; Mary Kay Sanchez; Peter W Savage; Colleen Scully; Timothy J. Smith; Maria Sojka; Karen Spaeth; Garner L Turner; Kelly Weber Salary Range: $60,000 and Over Ramon Alcantar Jr; Miguel Alcantar; Antonio D. Alvarez; David Arredondo; Ramon C Arredondo; Darrin P Bliss; Gino C Bonanno; Evona T Brown; Alexander S. Cook; S Jeanne Cuneo; Dana E. Czarnecki; Carl Czernik; Tonya Daniels; Jeremy D D’Anza; Thomas J Delury; Ian A. Dennis; David Espinoza; Fidel Gamboa Jr; Carlos A. Garcia; Garret Garcia; John Gaskey; Steven Gloeckle; Rudolph Gomez; Kevin Gorski; David R. Grindel; Robert Hageman; Carlos Antonio Jimenez; Clarence Jonas; Diego Lino; Gary Lyczak; Alan A Madison; Molly Theresa Marquardt; Jason C Michalek; Sami Mohammad; John J Morser; Rocco P Motto; Ted Mrozek; John E Opatts; Tiffany Preuss; Muzammil Qurashi; Megan P. Roark; Helen Romios; Jesus Sandoval Jr; Jeffrey Schmidt; Paul J Schmidt; Todd D Schmidt; Kathryn Schmitt; Sharda Malini Setaram; Urani Shamata; Thomas Shields; William W Skorupa; Paul Smith; Peter Smith; Daniel A Soto; Cheryl Spencer; Robert C Tulo; Thomas G Weis Jr; Wilfried Werner Jr; Margarete Werner; Jacob M Wertz; Christopher P. Whelton Payments over $2,500, excluding wages and salaries. Person, Firm, Aggregate or Corporation Amount
LEGAL NOTICES
Notice is
given that pursuant to
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79554 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 14, 2024, wherein the business firm of GILMARTIN LAW GROUP LOCATED AT 437
S. HAWTHORNE AVE., ELMHURST, IL 60126 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: NAME OF PERSON(S) DAVID J. GILMARTIN, HOME ADDRESS 437
S. HAWTHORNE AVE., ELMHURST, IL 60126.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 14TH day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2024.
JEAN KACZMAREK
Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk
(OFFICIAL SEAL)
(Published in The Elmhurst Independent Nov. 21, 28, Dec. 5, 2024) 464615
Section 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.9 of the Illinois Municipal Code, a public hearing will be held at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, December 2, 2024, before the corporate authorities of the City of Elmhurst. This hearing is to give the public an opportunity to provide written and oral comments and to ask questions concerning the proposed annual budget.
The proposed annual budget is available for inspection at City Hall, 209 North York and the Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect, Elmhurst, Illinois. The proposed budget can also be accessed on the City’s website at www.elmhurst.org/financialreports.
/s/ Amanda Melone____ Amanda Melone, Deputy City Clerk
Note: Any person who has a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting, should contact Emily Palm, ADA Compliance Officer, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., City of Elmhurst, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126, or call 630-530-3770, within a reasonable time before the meeting. Please provide as much notice as possible for sign language interpreting requests.
(Published in The Elmhurst Independent Nov. 21, 2024) 464468
Sport S
Timothy Christian girls volleyball team takes third in state
Second state trophy for Trojans since 2015
By Mike Miazga
CORRESPONDENT
The Timothy Christian girls volleyball team concluded its season by holding state hardware. The Trojans defeated El Paso-Gridley 25-20, 2515 on Saturday to take third at the Class 2A state finals held at CEFCU Arena on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal. Timothy finished the season 39-3 and won 39 of its final 40 contests after losing its first two matches. The 39 wins are a new program record. It’s the Trojans’ second state trophy since 2015. The 2015 team also placed third in the state.
In the win over El Paso-Gridley, Abby Vander Wal had 12 kills and hit .476 with only two hitting errors on 21 swings. She also had three digs. Bella Potempa had eight kills and hit .667 with no hitting errors on 12 swings. Ella Rickert had seven kills and hit .600 on 10 swings. Timothy hit .397 in the match, had seven service aces and made only one receiving error. Miriam Pozdol-Niego had 13 digs and three service aces. Kate Vogelzang had two aces. Potempa added seven digs. Timothy had a strong sideout percentage of 75 (El Paso-Gridley was at 53.1 percent) and had a point scoring percentage of 46.9 percent, much higher than El Paso-Gridley’s 25 percent. Timothy limited El Paso-Gridley to a .183 hitting percentage in the match.
On Friday, the Trojans lost 25-21, 25-16 to Bloomington Central Catholic in a state semifinal match in Normal.
The loss ended the Trojans’ 38-match winning streak. Timothy hit .160 as a team with 19 kills and 11 hitting errors on 50 swings. Timothy also made three service errors and seven receiving errors. Vander Wal led Timothy with nine kills and hit .300 on 20 swings. She also had six digs. Potempa had four kills, while Pozdol-Niego had seven digs and two aces. Alex had 16 assists. Bloomington Central had 24 kills, seven service aces and five blocks in the match. Timothy had a point scoring percentage of 42.1 and a sideout percentage of 42.9, while Bloomington was at 57.1 percent for point scoring and 57.9 percent on siding out. The loss snapped a 38-match winning streak for Timothy.
The Trojans qualified for the state semifinals after defeating Chicago Latin School 25-23, 25-23 to win the Class 2A Timothy Christian super-sectional
at home in Elmhurst on Monday, Nov. 11. Vander
title
Wal led the way with 15 kills, five digs and one block. Rickert had eight kills and two blocks. Audrey Williams had four kills, while Potempa had three kills, five digs and
one block. Jenna Wasco had six digs, while Pozdol-Niego had 11 digs and three assists. Alex had 24 assists and six digs, while Vogelzang had two aces and two digs.
Timothy Christian senior Abby Vander Wal (No. 12) is pictured sending the ball over the net during her team’s super-sectional match. Vander Wal will continue her volleyball career at the University of Texas.
Sophomore Audrey Williams (No. 14) rises high to bash the ball over the net.
Seniors Jenna Wasco (left) and Abby Vander Wal (right) are pictured with the super-sectional plaque.
Junior Bella Potempa (No. 10) prepares to receive a serve.
CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent
York football team reaches state semifinals for third year in a row
Dukes head to Naperville Central for Saturday night showdown with a state championship trip on the line
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
In the meat grinder known as Class 8A high school football in Illinois, York has cemented itself a seat at the big boys table. The Dukes are in the Class 8A state semifinals for a third year in a row after vanquishing Gurnee Warren 34-15 in quarterfinal action at Clarence D. East Field in Elmhurst.
York (10-2) is the No. 14 seed in the Class 8A 32-team bracket and will head to Naperville Central (111) Saturday at 6 p.m. to compete for a spot in the 8A championship game Thanksgiving weekend at Hancock
Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal. Naperville Central is the No. 7 seed in 8A. York is one of three Class 8A teams to advance to the semifinal round for a third year in a row, joining Loyola Academy and Lincoln-Way East. Those two teams play Saturday at 6 p.m. in the other 8A semifinal in Frankfort. York lost to Loyola in each of the last two years in the semifinals.
The Dukes left little doubt in their quarterfinal win over Warren, jumping out to a 34-0 lead at one point. York limited Warren standout running back Aaron Stewart to 20
York football week 13 preview
York (10-2) at Naperville Central (11-1)
What: One semifinal of the Class 8A state football playoffs. When: Saturday, 6 p.m. Naperville Central High School.
Seeds: York is the No. 14 seed in the 32-team Class 8A bracket; Naperville Central is the No. 7 seed Outlook: York is in the state semifinals for a third year in a row, joining the power broker club with the likes of Loyola Academy and Lincoln-Way East in that elite group. The Dukes won their first three playoff games by scores of 37-7 (Edwardsville), 35-17 (Oswego) and 34-15 (Warren). “Naperville Central is really good,” York coach Don Gelsomino said. “We are familiar with them. We have done joint practices with them in the summer with 7 on 7s and the last two years have been full practices. It’s a great team that does everything the right way. They won’t make many mistakes. It should be a good battle. Saturday at 6 p.m., hopefully this year we get through. We’ll see what happens. We’re looking forward to a good game against them.” York quarterback Bruno Massel has rushed for 11 touchdowns in the playoffs. Naperville Central won the new Southwest Valley Conference Red Division title and defeated previously 11-0 unbeaten Lyons Township 24-7 in the quarterfinals. York lost by that same 24-7 score to Lyons in the regular season. Central is 6-1 this season against playoff teams and its only loss of the season was 28-7 to 8A No. 1 seed Lincoln-Way East (28-7).
U12 baseball action
Up next: The winner plays either No. 1 seed Lincoln-Way East (12-0) or No. 12 seed Loyola Academy (10-2) for the Class 8A state championship Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. at Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal.
carries for 117 yards (5.9 yards per carry) and two fourth-quarter touchdowns when the game had already deteriorated into a blowout. Stewart, a junior, came into the game with 2,348 rushing yards this season on 323 carries (7.3 yards per carry) and 32 touchdowns.
“We had a nice game plan,” York coach Don Gelsomino said. “We have a defense designed to stop the run. We played well up front. The key was the defensive line and how well those guys played. They ate up blocks and that kept our linebackers free. And when our defensive linemen weren’t double-teamed, they made the plays they were supposed to make. At this point in the playoffs and with the cold weather, the team that is better up front tends to win football games and that is what happened.”
That York defensive line includes Notre Dame recruit Joe Reiff, nose guard Angelo Martire, Tyler Hayes and sophomore Owen Roberts. “Those guys did a great job,” Gelsomino said. “In our defense, stats aren’t going to pop off the chart, but when we put on the tape, they do a lot of the dirty work.” Evan Gaughan
racked up 15 tackles to pace the York defense. “He had a massive game,” Gelsomino said. “Our defensive line ate up the blocks and Evan played great.”
Offensively, York quarterback Bruno Massel once again excelled with the chips on the line. “Bruno has found his stride in the playoffs,” Gelsomino said. Massel ran nine times for 175 yards and four touchdowns against Warren. “Bruno is on a tear in the playoffs,” Gelsomino said. “He’s averaging 170 yards on the ground and has 11 rushing touchdowns in the playoffs. He’s playing great.”
Gelosmino again praised the work of the York offensive line. “Our offensive line played awesome,” he said. “They opened it up on the ground and that makes things easy for our running backs to find holes. If you can control the ball, you can control the game.”
York has won double-digit games for a third year in a row and is now 33-5 over the last three seasons. “This has been such a fun run with this group,” Gelsomino said. “We had two losses in the regular season. I started here at York when we were
Jobi, Ochoa earn all-sectional honors for York boys soccer
Dukes place four on West Suburban Silver all-conference team
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
There was no shortage of postseason awards this fall for the York boys soccer team. The Dukes had three players earn all-sectional accolades, while four players were named to the all-West Suburban Conference Silver Division squad. Aaron Jobi and Diego Ochoa were named to the all-sectional team, while Jackson Bui earned all-sectional honorable-mention honors. Jobi, Ochoa, Bui and Freedie Steen were all-WSC Silver selections.
next-man-up mentality. Many times, our bench gave us a boost that we needed mid-game, and everyone was ready to play.”
York spread its offensive wealth around this season, Stopka noted. “We scored goals by committee and we’re hoping for an individual to step up next year,” he said. “Many eyes will be on Dom Glodz, who missed the entire season with a knee injury.”
Massel, York’s quarterback, ran for four touchdowns in the Dukes’ 34-15 win over Gurnee Warren in the Class 8A state quarterfinals. Massel has run for 11 touchdowns in York’s three playoff wins. Massel’s efforts helped York advance to Saturday’s Class 8A state semifinals at Naperville Central (6 p.m. start).
York finished the season 7-7-3 overall and 4-2 in WSC Silver action. York finished in a three-way tie for second place in the competitive conference. York lost 5-0 to West Chicago in the playoffs.
York coach Jordan Stopka was impressed with how his team finished out the regular season. The Dukes recorded a 3-1 win over Hinsdale Central, a team that finished third in the state a year ago. York closed the regular season 4-0-1, which included a 3-0 mark in conference games. Tito Barriga then scored a goal in overtime to give York a hard-fought 1-0 win over Lyons Township — two big WSC Silver wins to close out the regular slate.
Quinn Stratton led the Dukes in goals this season with four, while Barriga led the team with four assists. Ochoa earned four shutouts in goal. “We became more dangerous on offense once we started limiting our touches toward the end of the year,” Stopka explained. “We played really good team soccer and had a
in our playoff drought. If you would have told us back then that you lost two regular-season games, they would have thrown us a parade. Now, you lose two and people ask what happened? The two losses this year came against good teams (Downers North and Lyons Township). The key has been learning from those losses. If you handle the losses the right way and recognize what you did wrong and learn from it instead of getting down, it helps you. Here’s what we did wrong and here’s how we get better. That’s been huge for us, and it’s been a key to our playoff run, for sure.”
Stopka was pleased with how York’s defense performed throughout the fall. “Our defense was solid all year,” he said. “Jackson Bui and Freddie Steen stepped up in the middle and really solidified things. We are going to have a brand-new defense next year so many opportunities are available.”
Stopka also tipped his cap to Ochoa, the team’s standout goalkeeper. “Diego was our keeper for three years, won more than 45 games and took us to state his sophomore year,” he said. “He was a captain and a leader this year and he will be greatly missed. Ale Valdes Nicholson looks very capable stepping into the starting role next year and we are excited to see how he does.”
York graduates 15 seniors from this 2024 squad. “We had a very up and down year that looked to be taking off at the right time and then we ran into a buzzsaw (West Chicago in the Class 3A regional semifinals),” Stopka noted. “I was gutted for our seniors. We graduate 15 seniors but had many big performances down at the JV level, as well as a few players ready to step up who saw varsity action this year.”
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
Anthony Bucolo fires a pitch during a recent U12 baseball game.
Junior Ella Rickert (No. 11) concentrates on the ball.
CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent
volleyball action
Senior Miriam PozdolNiego (No. 5) hits a serve.
A pair of Elmhurst Eagles teams win Super Bowl titles
Two Elmhurst squads claim championship titles at the BGYFL’s Super Bowl Weekend
The Elmhurst Eagles’ 10U Gold D2 and JV Gold D2 teams won Bill George Youth Football League (BGYFL) championships in their respective levels earlier this month. Both teams won their titles during the BGYFL Super Bowl Weekend of Nov. 9-10 at Benedictine University in Lisle.
The Eagles’ 10U Gold D2 team beat the Glen Ellyn Golden Eagles 22-14 in a championship contest in Lisle on Nov. 9. One day later, on Nov. 10, the Eagles’ JV Gold D2 team defeated Bartlett 8-7 in another title game.
The winning teams’ coaches submitted the following comments on their championship seasons.
Elmhurst 10U Gold D2
It’s hard, as coaches, to foresee what “might be” come November when you stand before a group of young football players in late July. Some of them you know well from past seasons, others are back for a sophomore effort, and some are brand new to the game. And it’s the same for the kids, kneeling before their coaches, awaiting guidance, inspiration, and a shared vision for those cold months when every game begins to matter—when one loss
could end the journey.
This season, that journey was anything but easy. Early on, the team faced a tough loss against a formidable, undefeated Tri-City squad, followed by a second a few weeks later against Palatine, another undefeated powerhouse. Later in the season, a key player suffered an end-of-season injury that hit everyone hard. But these boys didn’t back down. They found their grit, kept pushing through each practice, and learned what it meant to play as a unit. They stepped up, filled roles when needed, and showed that real strength comes from resilience and from holding one another up.
As we, the coaches, laid out logistics, expectations, and season goals, we knew we were aiming high. But this band of 10U Gold players had drive and carried it from the early practices in the late-summer heat through the cold October and November days, to three consecutive playoff victories, and, ultimately, to a stage in Lisle, where each player lifted a trophy above their heads, declaring them well-earned, richly deserved “Champions.”
Elmhurst
JV Gold D2
The JV Gold Elmhurst Eagles’
Super Bowl victory wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard; it was a triumph of teamwork and dedication. Throughout the season, the team embraced the spirit of unity, constantly encouraging one another and pushing each other to improve. They put in countless hours at practice, working together to master their play book, perfecting their techniques, and strengthen their communication on the field. Each player understood their role and trusted their teammates, creating a seamless, coordinated effort that truly showed during the season and during the championship game.
Our coaches (Weston, Chris, Fang and Tank) approach went beyond teaching football skills they fostered a sense of family within the team, emphasizing respect, support, and accountability. They were not only coaches, but also mentors, motivating the players to give their all both on and off the field. Their guidance, paired with their constant encouragement, built a foundation of resilience and confidence that empowered the team .
This Super Bowl win is a celebration of not just their talent but the incredible teamwork and dedication that carried them to this victory.
A great season for the Trojans
Timothy Christian’s girls volleyball team completed its 2024 season by winning the third-place trophy at the IHSA Class 2A state meet in Normal. The Trojans advanced to the state semifinals in Normal when they defeated the Latin School of Chicago 25-23, 25-23 in a super-sectional match at Timothy Christian on Monday, Nov. 11. With that victory, the Trojans earned their 38th straight victory. Timothy Christian opened its season with two straight losses before reeling off 38 straight wins. The Trojans’ winning streak ended with a 25-20, 25-16 loss to Bloomington’s Central Catholic High School in Friday’s semifinal contest in Normal. Timothy Christian finished its season with Saturday’s 25-20, 25-15 victory over El Paso Gridley High School in the Class 2A third-place match. The Trojans concluded their season with an overall record of 39-3. After receiving the super-sectional plaque on their home court, the Trojans celebrated with their fans.
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Automobiles
FOR SALE: 1996 CONVERSION VAN, $4,000 or best offer. 630-853-3059
Burial Needs
7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.
Misc. For Sale
FOR SALE: 32 FOOT ALUMINUM LADDER, $100 or best offer. 630-853-3059
