Elmhurst Independent
Juneteenth
friends
These
First UMC honors Juneteenth with celebration
By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
On Sunday, June 23, the lawn of the First United Methodist Church at 232 S. York was buzzing and humming with music and activity as people shared the annual Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration.
Officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the U.S., typically celebrated annually
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on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States.
The Northern Illinois Conference (NIC), which includes First UMC of Elmhurst among its members,
has established an anti-racism task force. The Elmhurst church formed its own initiative called the Anti-racism Awareness and Learning Path team (AALP).
Lisa Rogers served as coordina-
There were several vendors and advocacy groups set up on the lawn of the First United Methodist Church for the celebration of Juneteenth on Sunday, June 23. This vendor’s table included a book titled “White Fragility: Why it’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism.”
tor of the event.
“Our church’s anti-racism team came out of the work of the NIC anti-racism task force,” she said.
“[The AALP has] done many events to raise awareness about the issue
of systemic racism and its extremely negative consequences.”
The day included live music, kids’ activities, voter registration, vendors and advocacy organizations.
DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent
This gentleman helps himself to a bottle of water, while chatting in the sunshine at the First UMC’s celebration of the Juneteenth holiday.
This lady had the right idea and the right shirt to wear for the Elmhurst First UMC’s Juneteenth celebration. The shirt reads: “Black History: Strength Behind Us, Greatness Ahead of Us.” It was a warm day on June 23, but there were tents set up to provide shade.
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Economic development booming, staffer says
Bereckis paints bright picture as more companies open; vacancy rates lower than DuPage County average
By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
At the Elmhurst City Council meeting held Monday, June 17, Heather Bereckis, the City’s business development coordinator, gave an update on development and new companies, industries and businesses at the present time.
She began by saying her favorite part of the job was bragging about Elmhurst to interested developers.
“We have $65 million-plus in active commercial projects in Elmhurst right now,” she said.
Bereckis shared some statistics about business vacancy and residential occupancy rates. In terms of business, retail space is 1.9% vacant, lower than the DuPage average of 5.7%; City Centre retail is 1.8%; office spaces are 6.5% vacant, lower
than DuPage’s 16.4%; industrial/flex is 1.1% vacant.
The City’s residential occupancy rates are as follows: Vyne on Haven (200 units) is 30% occupied; The Fynn (200), 98.1%; Elmhurst 255 (192), 95.8%; The Marke (165), 94.8%.
Offering a “tour” around town, Bereckis offered slides of several new businesses that have recently opened and pointed out those that fell within a TIF District. She talked about the industrial and business parks on Lake St. and on Riverside Dr.; then shared new businesses in the areas of: Lake St.; north York; downtown City Centre; North Ave. and Rte. 83; St. Charles Rd. and Rte. 83; Spring Rd.; Butterfield Corridor; York and Vallette.
Space doesn’t allow the listing
DuPage County improves CRS Rating
Unincorporated residents can save 25 percent on flood insurance premiums
DuPage County has increased its rating in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System (CRS) program, which will result in increased savings on flood insurance for residents living in unincorporated areas of DuPage County.
DuPage County has been upgraded from a CRS rating of 6 to a rating of 5, meaning unincorporated residents in floodplains are eligible to receive up to a 25 percent discount on their flood insurance premiums.
The new CRS rating is expected to save nearly 400 property owners more than $64,000 annually.
“Achieving a CRS rating of 5 is a tremendous victory for our unincorporated residents,” said County Board Chair Deborah Conroy.
“DuPage County has been enrolled in the CRS program for six years. During that time, we estimate the program has saved our residents more than $600,000.”
The CRS program credits government agencies for efforts that go above and beyond standard flood
protection for property owners. Following evaluation, a community receives a rating on a scale from 1 to 10.
The lower the number, the larger the corresponding reduction in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program premium is offered to the community’s residents.
DuPage County first received a CRS rating in 2018. The DuPage County Building and Zoning Division spearheaded the effort and received assistance from the Stormwater Management Department.
More than 1,500 communities nationwide participate in the CRS program. DuPage County has the highest CRS rating among counties in the state of Illinois.
Information about the CRS program can be found on the county’s website .
Unincorporated residents who pay flood insurance should contact their insurance provider to learn more about any available about available premium reductions due to DuPage County’s CRS rating.
DuPage County allocates $626,000 to support local food pantries
The DuPage County Board recently voted to provide $626,144.05 through its Local Food Pantry Infrastructure Investment Program to assist local food pantries.
The allocations will allow 13 food pantries to fund capital equipment purchases or information technology investments.
of every business mentioned, but Bereckis specifically talked about Nathan Garrett, who is the owner of Sole House.
“Nathan is a young man who found he had a passion for sneakers,” she said. “He began buying, selling and trading shoes and decided to turn it into a business.”
The store previously had a location on North York and Garrett has now relocated into the City Centre district.
“Sole House offers sneakers, streetwear and vintage clothing,” Bereckis said, “but for anyone wondering, ‘vintage’ starts at 1990!”
The City has an “available properties” map and Bereckis said if you have a property available, please contact her at City Hall and she can add it to the map.
“We field five to seven calls a week of expanding businesses or new businesses, people who want to be in Elmhurst. If I could have that information, it would be easier to tell people what’s available.”
She closed by thanking the City Council for their role in economic development and for all they do to help make the community business-friendly.
Mayor Scott Levin commended Bereckis’s presentation.
“It’s remarkable, people seem to talk on social media about how ‘The Vyne is so underleased,’ but it’s really ahead of game in terms of where they’re supposed to be,” he said. “And all these buildings – this is our fourth close-to-200-unit [building] and they’re in demand. So, people want to be here.”
2nd Annual Elmhurst Lifelong Learning Summer Institute to feature legendary radio personality Terri Hemmert
American Industrialist Henry Ford once said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” In 2023, some local lifelong learning advocates planned the Inaugural Elmhurst Lifelong Learning Summer Institute. The pilot program exceeded all expectations and this year, with funding from Community Bank of Elmhurst, the program is available to the general public.
The Summer Institute is a three-evening program (July 15, 16 and 17), featuring a different presenter each night. Each presentation will be held at a different Elmhurst institution.
On Monday, July 15, Classic Cinemas President, CEO, and Chief Popcorn Eater, Chris Johnson, will present, “A Behind the Scenes Look at the Business of Modern Cinema” at York Theatre (150 N. York Street). After his presentation, attendees can stay for a special free showing of the 1980 hit comedy “Airplane.” Popcorn and refreshments will be provided, courtesy of Community Bank of Elmhurst.
Elmhurst University professor Jim Kulich, Ph.D., will present “Bring Your Data to Life” on Tuesday, July 16, in the Founders Lounge at the Frick Center on the university’s campus (190 S. Prospect Avenue). Dr. Kulich is the director of the university’s Masters in Data Science program. After his presentation, attendees will be treated to a special tour of the Barbara A. Kieft Accelerator ArtSpace on campus.
Capping off this year’s program on Wednesday, July 17, renowned American radio personality, musicologist and Beatles expert Terri Hemmert will present “A Legendary Career in Radio and the Fab Four.” Ms. Hemmert, a graduate of Elmhurst University, began her on-air career as a student disc jockey at the School’s radio station, WRSE-FM.
Her presentation will be held at Community Bank of Elmhurst (330 W. Butterfield Road at Spring Road) and be followed by a heavy appetizer and cocktail reception.
• Abundant Children and Family Services: $50,368 for a cargo van.
• Addison Township: 78,617.98 for freezers, a pickup truck, and technology upgrades.
• Bloomingdale Township:
“Food insecurity continues to be a pressing need in this county. We believe these investments will build a framework that will support food pantries into the future and continue to find new and innovative ways to get fresh food to those who need it most,” said Human Services Committee Chair Greg Schwarze. The county provided the following allocations for food pantries:
See PANTRIES, Page 5
Each evening’s program will begin with refreshments at 6:30 pm, with the interactive presentation beginning at 7:00 pm. The cost of the Summer Institute is $20 for one attendee and $30 for two members of the same family. This cost includes an Elmhurst Lifelong Learning Summer Institute polo shirt and three nights of interesting presentations and refreshments.
Space is limited and registration information is available by emailing or calling Ms. Nancy Brook at Community Bank of Elmhurst (nbrook@communityelmhurst.com or 630-782-1234). The deadline for registration is Monday, July 8.
Chris Johnson
Dr. Jim Kulich
Terri Hemmert
Obituaries
CATHERINE A.
(CATHY) WEPPNER
Dec. 2, 1944, to June 25, 2024. Born to Josephine Summers Hickman and Richard Hickman in Evanston, IL.
Cathy’s father was killed in a military training accident 2 months prior to Cathy’s birth. Two years later Cathy’s mother met and married Lawrence Wagner, a World War II veteran, and at the time a policeman in Evanston, IL. The family then moved to Elmhurst, IL in 1958 when Officer Wagner joined the Elmhurst Police Department, and eventually became chief investigator for the DuPage County States Attorney’s Office. Cathy was the oldest of 11 children in the Wagner family: Bill Wagner and spouse Nancy (RIP), Barb Wagner Wilson (RIP) and spouse Tom, Ed Wagner (RIP), John Wagner and spouse Donna, Joan Wagner Seilheimer and spouse Mike, Geri Wagner Hayes and spouse Bill, Mary Wagner Bohn (RIP) and spouse Mike, Patty Wagner Beland and spouse Tom (RIP), Michael Wagner and spouse Julie, and Joseph Wagner and spouse Amy.
Cathy met her future husband Jim in 1962, and it was love at first sight, at least for Jim (it took Cathy a little longer). Cathy and Jim married in 1964 and were blessed with four children: Three sons arrived almost exactly 2 years apart. Cathy was surprised four years later when her obstetrician delivered her daughter Katie and held her up to Cathy and said, “Look Mom, I’m Different”. All four Weppner children were very close, and suffered a devastating loss when Katie passed away at just 44 years old.
Cathy was a certified Aerobic Dancing instructor and taught classes throughout Elmhurst for 20 years, with many of her devoted students following her every step of the way. She eventually became a full-time area coordinator and trained and supervised over 40 instructors.
Cathy and husband Jim started out in Addison, and then bought a home on Washington Street in Elmhurst where they lived for 37 years while raising their children. Some years ago, they moved to a townhouse near the center of town. They have also owned a home in Wisconsin for 30 years; a destination that became very popular with her sons and their families. Cathy, who was known as “Nonie” to extended family was deeply loved by all and was appreciated by all the young ones for her “Mummy Dogs, open faced hamburgers, and Christmas cookies. Cathy and husband Jim enjoyed travel and were able to take several river cruises and fly to many foreign countries.
In addition to her husband Jim, Cathy is survived by her son Bob and his wife Karen, plus their four
children – Jessica (Jim) Brandon (Olivia) Jennifer (Daniel) and Jillian (Lucas). Also, son Brian (Kim) and their children Jacquelyn and Finnegan, as well as son Kevin (Rosie) children Jack and Casey. Granddaughter Jess and her husband also provided Cathy with three great grandchildren – Tessa, Charlotte and Joey. Cathy is also survived by her brother-in-law Mike Weppner and spouse Heike, Sister-in-law Patricia Weppner Salat and spouse Chuck, and sisterin-law Mary Margaret Weppner McCormick.
Cathy was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) about a year ago and fought it like the tough woman that she was for several months. Unfortunately, the disease worsened and finally wore this strong and brave woman down. She succumbed at home with her husband by her side as she lay peacefully in bed.
Funeral Arrangements are pending c/o Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 Spring Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126. 630-834-3515, www. elmhurstfh.com.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to: ALS United Greater Chicago, 5315 N. Clark St., #650, Chicago, IL 60625.
RICHARD B. CONNELLY, 84
Richard B. Connelly, 84, of Elmhurst, IL, passed away peacefully at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital on June 27, 2024, with his loving nieces, Linda Cairns and Dorise Destefanis, by his side. He was the dear son of the late Daniel and Anna Connelly; brother of Edward (the late Nadia) Connelly, Jimmy (the late Mary) Connelly, the late Jeanette (Jack) Crean, the late June Connelly, the late Dorothy (Edward) Ruda; fond uncle of Linda (Michael) Cairns, Dorise Destefanis, Dan (Linda) Crean, Kathy (Tim) Franklin, and Dan Connelly; and cherished uncle of several great nieces and nephews.
Elmhurst Garden Club names Laurie Loresch its 2024 Person of the Year
The Elmhurst Garden Club (EGC) recently named Laurie Loresch its 2024 Person of the Year. The club presented the award at its June meeting, which was held at Wilder Mansion.
The award recognizes a member of the club who has been instrumental in advancing the club’s mission and goals.
Loresch joined the EGC in 2013 and immediately became involved in several club committees, including the hostess committee, which is responsible for procuring, providing and storing all the essentials for refreshments at the club’s monthly meetings.
“Laurie was friendly, efficient, and such a pleasure to work with,” said EGC Historian Donna Fredrickson. “The club was serving lunches at that time, and Laurie was instrumental in reorganizing the committee so that hostesses had clear guidelines, were well aware of their responsibilities, and had an understanding of food safety practices.”
Loresch served for five years on the EGC Scholarship Committee, which is responsible for awarding scholarships to college/university students pursuing degrees in in biology, horticulture, conservation, environmental studies, and associated science fields of study. The club’s scholarship committee is also responsible for its “Exploratory/Experimental” scholarships offered to York High School students interested in those fields of study during the summer.
Since 1999, the EGC has awarded over $240,000 in scholarships to deserving students. All of these scholarships are made possible by funds raised each summer at the EGC “Afternoon in the Garden” Garden Walk & Boutique Faire. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, July 14.
can include: teaching student members about annual, perennial and pollinator plant care; planting portage garden raised beds; planning, planting, growing, and harvesting vegetables; organic techniques; building better soil composition and composting; perennial design principles; seed saving; indoor bulb forcing; houseplant propagation and growing; floral design; and fundraising.
Loresch regularly meets with students in York’s garden club. She serves as a mentor to the students and helps them maintain the club’s gardens, especially its vegetable garden.
ternoon in the Garden” Garden Walk & Boutique Faire booklet. She writes a description in that booklet of one of the gardens featured in each year’s event.
For more information about the upcoming July 14 garden walk, visit elmhurstgardenclub.org.
Richard served in the Army Artillery Unit in Hawaii and was honorably discharged in 1966. He was an avid worldwide traveler who enjoyed taking cruises to explore various parts of the Caribbean, as well as taking several trips to one of his favorite cities, Paris, France. His last adventure took him to Egypt to discover the secrets of the Pharaoh’s tombs, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He will be deeply missed by all his family.
Visitation and Mass was Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York St., Elmhurst, IL. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Rd., Hillside, IL. Arrangements entrusted to Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL. For more information, please call (630) 834-3515 or www. elmhurstfh.com.
According to the EGC, Loresch’s most important and influential contribution to both the club and the Elmhurst community has been, and continues to be, her involvement with the York High School Garden Club. The members of the EGC serve as consultants and mentors to the York High School Garden Club.
The EGC partners with York’s garden club teacher advisors and help set weekly meeting agendas that
• Pantries
“Laurie’s efforts are critical to the continuing success of our York High School experimental summer scholarship program,” said Fredrickson.
“She is the liaison between the scholarship committee, the school, and the students, and best of all she does so much to get the word out to York students about our summer scholarship program.”
Loresch is also one of the copy editors in each year’s EGC “An Af-
(Continued from page 4)
$98,690 for a walk-in cooler and backup generator.
• DuPagePads: $81,300 for ovens, a refrigerator, cabinets, sinks, shelving, and a table
• Hands of Hope Food Pantry: $60,000 for a cargo van and forklift.
• HCS Family Services: $74,665.03 for a refrigerated van
• Highpoint Church Care Centers: $32,370 for commercial refrigerators and freezers.
• REACH Ministries: $34,664.03 for a cargo van.
• Roselle Community Food Pantry: $12,509.94 for a refrigerator, freezer, and computers.
• St. Andrew United Methodist
Church: $3,000 for tables, shelving, and bins.
• St. Pius X Conference/St.Vincent de Paul: $784 for a laptop.
• Village Baptist Church of Aurora: $3,298 for a commercial refrigerator and freezer.
• York Township: $95,877.07 for a cargo van, forklift, shelving, and card check system.
In the last two years, DuPage County has provided more than $7 million to local food pantries and nonprofits to assist in the fight against food insecurity.
To learn more about the program, visit the county’s Food Infrastructure Program website.
PREVENTING COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME
There are a number of symptoms collectively called computer vision syndrome (CVS) when they occur after prolonged computer use or closevision screen time. These include blurry vision, headaches, eye irritations like dry or itchy eyes, and neck and back pain. The effects of these symptoms are sometimes generally referred to as “eyestrain.” There are several adjustments you can make to your workspace—like lighting, computer setup, desk and chair modifications—to help prevent CVS and overall computer fatigue. Over 70 percent of people who experience CVS symptoms wear corrective lenses, and they often have more severe eye, neck, and back pain. An eye specialist can modify your current prescription to help reduce the effects of CVS. Treatment for CVS can help manage your symptoms. Over the long term, recurrent symptoms can take a toll on your work productivity or prevent you from doing things you enjoy. That’s why it’s important to learn what puts you at risk and how you can prevent or manage this common problem. When you need to schedule an eye exam, please contact SKOWRON EYE CARE. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision.
P.S. Computer vision syndrome does not permanently damage eyesight, but it can affect work performance and home life. Corrective lenses may be recommended to improve symptoms.
The Elmhurst Garden Club (EGC) recently named Laurie Loresch its Person of the Year for 2024. EGC President Lynn Dowiarz (left) presented the award to Loresch (right) during the club’s June meeting at Wilder Mansion.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
Police beat
The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims.
Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.
Assault, battery
June 21
Subsequent to a battery report at Elmhurst Hospital, a victim told police the suspect lunged at her and put her into chokehold.
Criminal damage, trespass to property
June 22
A victim at a pharmacy near North and Oaklawn told police at 11:35 p.m. that as he was walking into the pharmacy, a female suspect yelled at him. A short time later, the victim discovered a scratch mark on his vehicle. Upon checking video security footage, police said the suspect was seen scratching the victim’s vehicle. Hallie Kemp, 20, of Oak Lawn, was charged with criminal damage to property.
Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance, dispute
June 22
Officers responded to a reported domestic incident near York and Adelaide at 12:07 p.m. in which a male and female were arguing and the male suspect reportedly pushed the female. The victim was not injured and the suspect said he only pushed the victim to create space between them. No complaints were signed.
A 52-year-old Arlington Heights man was charged with domestic battery at Elm Creek Drive at 12:03 p.m. Police said the suspect pushed the door a female victim was leaning against, causing her to fall to the floor. Unknown suspects set off firecrackers in the elevator of the Addison parking garage in the 100 block of N. Addison, triggering the fire alarm.
DUI, DUI-drugs, transportation
of open alcohol, possession of open alcohol, consumption of alcohol by a minor
June 23
Malcolm Paschal, 36, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI, possession of open alcohol and improper lane usage following a traffic stop near Route 83 and St. Charles at 2:23 a.m.
June 22
Saul Ixtepan-Pucheta, 34, of Mount Prospect, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage and illegal transportation of alcohol after a traffic stop near North and Villa at 2:23 a.m.
Gabriel Ponce Rodriguez, 24, of Harvey, was charged with DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, possession of open alcohol by a driver and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident after a hit and run report near North and Route 83 at 11:47 p.m.
June 21
Hugo Flores, 19, of Bensenville, was issued citations for illegal possession of alcohol by a minor and speeding after a traffic stop near Route 83 and North at 11:43 p.m.
June 20
Michael M. Smith, 65, of Addison, a passenger in a vehicle, was issued a citation for illegal transportation of alcohol after a traffic stop near North and Indiana at 4:26 p.m.
Fredi Vera Garcia, 21, of Addison, was charge with DUI and speeding near Grand and Lake at 10:16 p.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
June 26
A complainant in the 300 block of N. Berteau told police he received threatening messages from a suspect.
June 25
A complainant at a business in the 800 block of N. Church told police that a suspect repeatedly called the complainant’s employer, and was harassing the business call center representatives, in an attempt to talk to the complainant. The reporting officer contacted the suspect and advised her to cease contact with the complainant.
June 22
A victim in the 900 block of Riverside told police that an unknown male left a voicemail making threatening statements.
June 21
A victim at Elmhurst Hospital told police while she was helping a subject retrieve his wife’s belongings, the subject made threats towards her.
April 4-June 20
A victim in the 600 block of W. Third reported that she had been receiving threatening messages from her wife’s ex-girlfriend between the above dates and wanted the incident documented.
Identity theft, fraud
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of identity theft or fraud.
Possession of cannabis in a vehicle
According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported four incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Juan D. Cortez, 24, of Bloomingdale, near Route 83 and North at 9:47 p.m. June 21; Skyla Gibson, 22, of Broadview, in the 100 block of S. Route 83 at 7:32 p.m. June 24; Gabriela Castrejon, 45, of Bensenville, in the 300 block of N. York at 5:59 p.m. June 25; and Mekhi Westby, 20, of Oak Park, near York and Grand at 8:40 a.m. June 26.
Suspicious incident
June 12
Subsequent to a report of a delayed reckless driving complaint near Spring and the Prairie Path at 10:54 a.m., a complainant relayed the suspect vehicle drove onto the Prairie Path and
nearly hit the complainant. After an investigation, an officer was unable to identify the offending vehicle.
Theft, retail theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery
June 26
Police said officers responded to the report of an unconscious subject in a restroom in the 900 block of S. York at 7:16 a.m. The suspect was found to be highly intoxicated with several items of unpaid merchandise. The suspect also had an active trespass notice for the address. The suspect was transported to the hospital for further treatment.
June 25
Patrick Harty, 58, of Elmhurst, was issued a citation for theft near York and Fremont at 7:57 p.m. Police said officers responded to the location for the report of a suspect taking locks off of an electrical box. Harty was located and admitted to taking the locks, according to police.
June 23
Police said a reporting officer observed a vehicle bearing a suspicious temporary license plate. The reporting officer conducted a traffic stop, and David Coronel-Zavala, 41, of Addison, admitted to purchasing the license plate on Facebook Marketplace, according to police. Coronel-Zavala was charged with displaying an unauthorized temporary registration plate, operating an unregistered motor vehicle and no insurance.
June 21
Police said that subsequent to a report
for a delayed residential burglary in the 200 block of E. Crestview, a victim related that an unknown suspect(s) entered her residence through the unlocked back door. The victim, who noticed several items were out of place, stated that money and jewelry appeared to be missing.
June 20
While driving a truck route from a business in the 600 block of N. Larch on May 19, a victim left his personal items in the storage room at the business. When he returned, his property was missing.
Unlawful possession of a weapon
June 24
Edward Robinson, 63, of Elmhurst, was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, no valid driver’s license, unlawful possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle and no seat belt subsequent to a traffic stop near Grand and York at 6:24 p.m. Police conducted a search of Robinson’s vehicle and reportedly found him to be in possession of two sets of metal knuckles and a throwing star.
Warrant arrest
June 24-June 25
Police said Eric Frison, 48, of Chicago, was processed on a warrant near North and Clinton, and also charged with driving without insurance and driving with expired plates.
June 21
Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near Crestview and Michigan at 6:09 p.m., Rene Barrera, 37, of Chicago, was found to have an active warrant out of Will County. He was processed on the warrant, and also issued a citation for failure to wear a seat belt.
Pre-trial release denied for Addison convicted felon allegedly found in possession of loaded
machine gun Defendant is currently on parole for second-degree murder
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin has announced that Judge Leah Bendik granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for an Addison man currently on parole who was allegedly found to be in possession of a loaded machine gun.
Edgar Martinez
Edgar Martinez, 29, appeared at First Appearance Court on June 28, and was charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon—machine gun (Class X felony), two counts of armed violence (Class X felony), one count of resisting a police officer causing injury (Class 4 felony), one count of possession with intent to deliver cannabis (Class 3 felony) and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Class 4 felony).
On June 27 at approximately 11:10 a.m., the United States Marshals Service was conducting surveillance on an apartment located in the 800 block of S. Addison Road, regarding Martinez, a parolee who had failed to contact his parole officer. Martinez is currently on parole for second-degree murder. It is alleged that while surveilling the apartment, agents observed a man, later identified as Martinez, exit the apartment
with a black backpack and get into an Uber.
When agents stopped the Uber a short time later, Martinez allegedly attempted to flee on foot, leaving the backpack behind in the Uber. Martinez was immediately apprehended by the agents. It is alleged that Martinez was combative and fought with the agents, injuring the elbow and head of one agent. It is further alleged that inside Martinez’s backpack agents located a loaded Glock 17 9mm handgun with an extended magazine with 24 rounds and a switch that allowed the weapon to be fired in fully automatic mode as well as approximately 270 grams of cannabis, 55 grams of cannabis flower and 25 grams of cocaine.
“The allegation that Mr. Martinez, who is currently on parole for second-degree murder and is not legally allowed to possess a firearm, was in possession of a loaded weapon that had been modified to fire as a fully automatic weapon is extremely concerning,” Berlin said. “Public safety is a collaborative effort between local, state and federal authorities. I commend the U.S. Marshals Service for their efforts in this matter which resulted in removing an extremely dangerous weapon from our streets.”
Martinez’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 22, for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander.
Community calendar
Pick of the week:
4 on the 4th race - Thursday, July 4
The 19th annual Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th race will kick off the Fourth of July weekend, drawing as many as 1,200 runners and walkers. Come to Prospect Ave. between Elmhurst University and Wilder Park for the 4-mile race beginning at 7:15 a.m. followed by the Kids (ages 5-12) 1K at 8:20 a.m. Late packet pickup and registration will be available race morning at Elmhurst University, starting at 5:45 a.m. To register or for more information, visit 4on4th.run.
Thursday, July 11
From 6:30-8:30 p.m., all are invited to Music at the Gazebo on Spring Road by the Prairie Path, where the Spring Road Business Assn. welcomes Yuriy’s Klezmer Band and the Chorus of DuPage. Enjoy Eastern European folk music plus a capella singers. Bring a picnic, lawn chair or blanket and sing along and dance. NOTE: This event is held on Park District property – NO alcoholic beverages. Info: SpringRoad. com/our-events.
Thursday, July 11
Friday, July 12
Saturday, July 13
Sunday, July 14
Elmhurst American Association of University Women (AAUW) is preparing for its annual Used Book Sale at Sandburg Middle School, 345 E. St. Charles Rd. Proceeds from the sale of books are used to benefit local scholarships, and programs for women and girls. For more info@aauwelmhurst.org or call 630-832-4677. Hours to be announced.
Friday, July 12
Saturday, July 13
Sunday, July 14
Greenman Theatre Troup presents its annual 10-minute Play Festival “8 to the Bar 2024.” Performances begin at 7 p.m. each evening. Performances will take place at Chicago Dance Factory, 219 W. St. Charles Rd., Villa Park. Info: greenmantheatre.org.
Sunday, July 14
• From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Elmhurst Garden Club presents “An Afternoon in The Garden,” the annual Walk & Faire featuring the Grand Gardens Boutique in Wilder Park. For tickets and info, visit elmhurstgardenclub.org.
• From 2 – 3 p.m. at the American Legion T.H.B. Post 187, 310 W. Butterfield Rd., presents Music of the 1940s, featuring The Irving Sisters, classically trained singers, as well as their three-piece band. This event relates to the “Victory at Home: 1941-1945,” currently at the Elmhurst History Museum. Operation Support Our Troops – America will be onsite collecting items to send to U.S. troops overseas. Tickets: $12 per person. Call 630-8331457 or visit elmhursthistory.org for tickets and info.
Thursday, July 18
From 6:30-8:30 p.m., all are invited to Music at the Gazebo on Spring Road by the Prairie Path, where the Spring Road Business Assn. welcomes Karla & The Phat
Info: elmhursthistory.org.
Thursday, July 25
Cats. Enjoy their soulful renditions of pop and rock music, along with original songs. Bring a picnic, lawn chair or blanket and sing along and dance. NOTE: This event is held on Park District property – NO alcoholic beverages allowed Info: SpringRoad.com/our-events.
Saturday, July 20
From 1-4 p.m., the Elmhurst Art Museum hosts Family Day featuring a Donkey Hodie cast appearance with a puppet demo and workshop. At 1 p.m., watch a live-action puppet demonstration then enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at how it all comes together. With the museum’s mixed media supplies, guests will work together as a family to design their own puppet. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org.
Monday, July 22
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Education Center of the Elmhurst History Museum, kids and their caregivers are invited to drop in and play games, make a craft, and explore the exhibits. Appropriate for elementary school age children accompanied by an adult. No registration required.
GreenMan Theatre, the Elmhurst History Museum and the Elmhurst Public Library present a presentation called “Stories from the Home Front 1941-45.” Delve into the untold history and stories of those who supported the war effort from Elmhurst and beyond. It ties In with the EHM’s current exhibition, Victory at Home: 1941-45 on display through Aug. 18. Attend live or via Zoom. Registration required. Info: elmhurstpubliclibrary.libcal.com/ Home Front.
Thursday, Aug. 1
From 6:30-8:30 p.m., all are invited to Music at the Gazebo on Spring Road by the Prairie Path, where the Spring Road Business Assn. presents two acts. The students from Elmhurst School of Rock start the evening with their band, followed by The Sting Rays, who will close out the evening with music from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s Rock ‘N Roll and some of today’s hits. Bring a picnic, lawn chair or blanket and sing along and dance. NOTE: This event is held on Park District property – NO
alcoholic beverages. Info: SpringRoad.com/our-events.
Sunday, Aug. 11
From 2-3 p.m., the Elmhurst History Museum presents “Little Orphan Annie: Politics in the Funny Pages” in the museum’s Education Center. Amidst the backdrop of World War II, comic strip creator and Lombardian Harold Gray utilized his “Little Orphan Annie” comic strips to depict Annie’s unwavering support for the home front. Annie was one of America’s darlings, gracing the comics and airwaves, and reminding us all to ‘drink our Ovaltine.’ Commemorate a century of “Little Orphan Annie” and exploring how this timeless creation played a role in shaping the cultural landscape during wartime. Presented by the Lombard Historical Museum. Free to members, $5 for non-members. Info: elmhursthistory.org.
Sunday, Sept. 1
From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network (EWAN) will hold its annual “Cue for the Cause” fundraiser. Hold the date for this event which wraps up
the end of summer. Grillers can register now to participate.
Saturday, Sept. 14
From 2-6 p.m., the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation (EHF) will host the 9th Annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum. Proceeds support the Museum as well as the Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse. Info: elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com
Elmhurst History Museum
Now through Aug. 18, the History Museum presents Victory at Home: 1941-1945. Admission to the Museum is always free, although some events carry a fee. Info: elmhursthistory.org.
Elmhurst Art Museum
Monsters in Wilder Park A Kid-Powered Art Show is currently on display through Wednesday, July 31.
Now through Sunday, Aug. 11, Designing Donkey Hodie – From Make-Believe to Someplace Else is showing. Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.
Viewpoint
Slices of life
Dating after 50 - Part 3 (of perhaps more)
This column idea started innocently enough. Dating after 50. How much could there be to write about such a narrow topic?
Turns out that might be a facetious question.
The original column spurned a part two, and now, here, a part three.
I’m not promising this is the last because I guess dating after 50 is complex, interesting and just a little bit hilarious.
Who would’ve guessed?
Certainly not me because—I’ve said it before, but I’ll write it again. My last dating experience ended in 1987. So, I’m beyond unqualified to write on the topic. Still, here I go: dating life in the 20s versus the 50s.
In your 20s: You hope to find love, get married and maybe one day change diapers.
In your 50s: You hope to find love, get married and never have to change any diapers (but I guess that depends).
20s: You desire someone with a good heart (figuratively).
50s: You desire someone with a good heart (literally).
20s: You value someone who brings you flowers.
50s: You value someone who brings you an extra jacket.
20s: You hope to date someone who, like you, collects vintage vinyl records because it’s the hot new thing.
50s: You hope to date someone who, like you, owns dozens of vinyl records because it used to be a thing.
20s: You met your current person after swiping right.
50s: You met your current person after side-swiping their car in the CVS parking lot.
20s: After a good date you check your notifications.
50s: After a good date you check your voice mail.
20s: You’d like to find someone who, like you, prefers their coffee Americano (iced) with a double shot of espresso, a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon (Ceylon).
50s: You’d like to find someone who, like you, prefers their coffee
By JILL PERTLER Columnist
black, like a real American drinks it.
20’s: You are attracted to someone with a good set of values.
After 50: You are attracted to someone with a good set of teeth.
20s: You enjoy sharing a good night out at the club.
After 50: You enjoy sharing a good club sandwich.
20s: You met your first girlfriend at hot yoga.
50s: You met your first spouse when she was wearing a hot toga.
20s: New Year’s Eve involves a kiss at midnight; then let the party begin!
50s: New Year’s Eve involves a kiss at midnight; then let the sleeping begin!
20s: You look for someone who is low maintenance.
50s: You look for someone who is good with home maintenance.
20s: Your definition of risky business involves Bitcoin.
50s: Your definition of risky business involves Tom Cruise in his underwear dancing on a couch.
Dating is an adventure at any age, but after a certain one— say 50 or more—life becomes interesting in a whole new way. An infinite future gives way to a finite one (which has always been finite; we just never realized it). The challenges of parenting give way to the joys of grand parenting. The certainty of youth gives way to the wisdom of age.
The through it all, a few things remain constant. Laughter is one that comes to mind.
At least I hope it is a constant. If it isn’t, it should be, for all of usat any and every age.
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.
Summer cookout cost hits record high Increase
By Tammie Sloup
due to inflation, supply chain disruptions
The cost of a summer cookout continues to climb with inflation and supply chain disruptions driving grocery store prices.
American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual marketbasket survey reported an Independence Day cookout will cost $71.22 for 10 guests this year—a 5% jump from last year at $7.12 per person. The cost rose nearly 30% from five years ago and is a record high since AFBF began the survey in 2013.
The cookout favorites include a dozen items, such as cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other products.
“As families and friends gather to celebrate the 4th of July, this survey is a reminder that inflation continues to strain all our wallets. Farmers are no exception to this — we often shop at the same grocery stores as our neighbors and friends — but in addition to higher food costs, we are also feeling the pressure of increased production expenses,” Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan said. “The price of fuel, fertilizer and other necessary inputs that are used to grow America’s food supply have all gone up in recent years.”
Ground beef and lemons saw the highest price increases, while
prices dropped for chicken breasts and potato salad.
The retail price for 2 pounds of ground beef increased 11% to $12.77. Lemonade will cost $4.19, up 12% from 2023.
AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson said constricting cattle supplies, drought and citrus greening disease are driving those increases.
“The range on the prices of lemons was astronomical. We saw a 3-pound bag of lemons as high as $19 in some instances, and so that really pulled up the price of making two and a half quarts of lemonade,” Nelson told RFD Radio.
The survey found two exceptions to the price increases. Chicken is down 4% from last year, at $7.83 for 2 pounds. Potato salad is also 4% less expensive than last year, at $3.32. Chicken supplies have stabilized, and potato crops have recovered from the previous year’s poor weather.
Illinois’ cookout cost is 37 cents higher than the national average at $71.59. Compared with the U.S., the average price of chips in Illinois was 26% higher at $6.17, but ground beef and lemons were lower by 9% and 12%, respectively.
“Inflation really is the biggest underlying factor to most of these price increases, and that really has caused a lot of stress to the
consumer, and it’s leading them to have to make difficult decisions when they’re at the grocery store,” Nelson said. “It’s something we haven’t thought of in a while, because we haven’t had real high inflation for quite some time. But when we’re at the grocery store and consumers are evaluating this, they’re having to decide what foods to select to fit their budget, and when things become more costly, these decisions become more critical for a lot of people.”
The U.S. still has one of the most affordable food supplies in the world, with America’s families spending a smaller percentage of their income on food than any other country.
“It is also important to remember that higher grocery store prices don’t necessarily mean that farmers are benefiting. We are price takers, not price makers,” Duncan said. “Yet, despite these challenges, America still has one of the most affordable food supplies in the world thanks to the many programs included in the farm bill. That’s why it is crucial for Congress to work together to pass a new, modernized farm bill.” This story was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit FarmWeekNow.com.
Pride Fest in Elmhurst
Elmhurst Presbyterian Church held its annual Pride Fest on Saturday, June 22. Through the collaboration of the Elmhurst Pride Collective and Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, the event celebrated the inclusion of everyone in the community; hence their motto—Elmhurst is for everyone! One photo (above) shows (left to right) the event’s co-organizers from Elmhurst Presbyterian Church—Micaiah Brown, Clare Collins, Dawn Derbigny and Betsy Lee. Another photo (below) shows (left to right) the event’s co-organizers from the Elmhurst Pride Collective—Jay Sen, Stephanie Wargin, Pete Markuson (in back), Delilah Kamins, Judith Barrientos and Kelli Mitchell. One more photo (right) shows (left to right) Mia Faliszek (left) and Selia Fry from Elmhurst Bank, a vendor at the event.
BRENDA GARCIA PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent
Vyne on Haven is open and available for leasing Development near Elmhurst Metra station features 200 luxury apartments
Ryan Companies US, Inc., a national commercial real estate solutions provider with offices in Chicago and Westmont, announced last week that Vyne on Haven is now open and available for leasing. The apartment community, located at 100 N. Haven Road in downtown Elmhurst, is comprised of 200 luxury apartment homes steps away from the Elmhurst Metra station.
Vyne on Haven offers a mix of studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom units starting at around $1,800 per month for studios, with some large penthouse three-bedroom homes exceeding $5,000 per month.
The residences feature in-unit laundry, walk-in custom-built closets, wood-style plank flooring, and modern kitchens complete with islands, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplashes, and quartz countertops. Select units offer walk-out balconies and private rooftop decks.
Amenities include an oversized outdoor entertaining deck with a resort-style pool, shade
cabanas, dining areas, grilling stations and outdoor firepits; a secondary tranquil outdoor deck known as the Zen Garden offering resident relaxation; a sky lounge with a fireplace, resident games, and a private dining area for parties with a terrace providing views of downtown Chicago; a state-of-the-art fitness center featuring Peloton bikes and a separate functional training studio as well as a clubroom that provides indoor-outdoor connectivity with the pool deck. The Atrium Coworking Café is located at the mezzanine level above the lobby with a conference room and two private phone rooms adjacent to a kitchenette which includes a coffee machine and printer for resident uses. The property is also pet friendly with a pet spa near a large dedicated outdoor dog run.
MetLife Investment Management and Ryan are the owners of Vyne on Haven. Ryan is the developer and design-builder of the project.
Greystar is the operating partner.
To learn more about Vyne on Haven, visit vyneonhaven.com.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
The Vyne on Haven apartment community, located at 100 N. Haven Road in downtown Elmhurst, is now open and available for leasing. The site, which is near the Elmhurst Metra station, features 200 apartments, including studio units starting at about $1,800 per month. Some of the site’s penthouse three-bedroom homes exceed $5,000 per month.
AAUW gets ready for its book sale
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Elmhurst Area Branch members are pictured while preparing for their annual Used Book Sale that begins on Thursday, July 11, and continues until Sunday, July 14, at Sandburg Middle School,
345 E. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. Proceeds from the sale of books are used to benefit local scholarships, national AAUW research, and programs for women and girls. For more information, contact info@aauwelmhurst.org or call
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14TH NOON -
Elmhurst Public Library programs
Friday, July 5
2-4 p.m.
Friday Features:
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday. No registration required.
Saturday, July 6
10 a.m.-noon
Canasta: Open play
Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is required.
Live in-person. No registration required.
Sunday, July 7
2-3 p.m.
Live concert: The Throwbacks Come listen to The Throwbacks play their unique combination of classic songs from the 1950s and 1960s infused with the energy of modern songwriting. Outdoors on
Worship Services Directory
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church
547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435
Sunday Worship at 10:15 am
Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.
Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am
“The Crucial Hours”
Wednesday Service at 7 pm
Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022
the south lawn. Rain location: Large Meeting Room. No registration required.
Monday, July 8 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Learn to Play Bridge
Learn to play the trick-based card game, Bridge, followed by a few practice hands.
Live in-person. Registration with an EPL card required.
Tuesday, July 9
Noon-2 p.m. In Stitches Needleworkers
Wednesday, July 10 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
American mahjong: open play
Gather every Wednesday for American mahjong, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance.
Live in-person. No registration required.
Wednesday, July 10 10:30 a.m.-noon
Learn About the Library’s Technology
Learn about the Creative Studio, LinkedIn Learning, and other technology available using your Elmhurst Public Library card!
Live in-person. Registration with an Elmhurst Public Library Card required.
Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26
Adult Bible Study after Wednesday Service
Saturday, July 27 Game Night at 4 pm
Everyone is Welcome!
Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022
Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4
All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org
Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022
Knitters, crocheters and needleworkers of all skill levels: Bring a project on which to work, share knowledge with others, and have fun!
Tuesday, July 9 1-3 p.m.
Bridge and Pinochle
Enjoy an afternoon of card games every week. Prior experience is required.
Live in-person. No registration required.
Tuesday, July 9 7-8 p.m.
Our Lady of Angels School Fire
History detective Ray Johnson shares how Our Lady of Angels School fire happened, the heroes and villains, and explains how the tragedy affected schools across the country.
Thursday, July 11 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Culture Club: Illinois State Parks
Celeste Brown set a goal to visit all 150 Illinois State Parks and is well on her way, with over 100 already checked off. Hear about her journeys, the best parks she has seen, her adventures with GPS and wildlife, and learn about the beautiful and diverse landscapes our state has to offer. Live in-person. Registration required.
Friday, July 12
2-4 p.m.
Friday Features:
My Fair Lady (1964)
Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18
Fifth Lenten Service March 30, 2022
Rev. Tom Nicholson “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12
Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022
Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66 Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14
Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.
Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday.
Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15
5 p.m.
Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17
8:30 and 11 a.m.
Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17
Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17
Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil)
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:
Elmhurst resident turns 100
Elmhurst resident Jane Harwart recently celebrated her 100th birthday. York Township Supervisor John W. Valle presented Harwart with a resolution honoring her for reaching the special milestone. Harwart (left) and Valle (right) are pictured at Harwart’s birthday party on June 24. In the resolution, the York Township Board of Trustees expressed gratitude to Harwart for her public-spirited service to the community and her ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in York Township. “The board and I express our best wishes for Jane Harwart’s continued good health, good fortune and happiness,” added Valle. “She is admired, respected and held in the highest regard by friends, loved ones and all those who have been touched by her presence.”
SUBMITTED
PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
PUZZLE Page
SUDOKU
Fun by the Numbers
Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How
It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
CLUES ACROSS
1. Six (Spanish)
5. Invests in little enterprises
9. Large dung beetle
11. Gored
13. Partially paralyzed
15. Still a little wet
16. Legal field media company
17. Not working
19. 500 sheets of paper
21. Church structure
22. Sheep disease
23. Small drink of whiskey
25. Weaving tradition
26. Pestilence
27. Body part
29. Nabs
31. Places to stay
33. Witnesses
34. Looked for
36. Arranges
38. Political action committee
39. Middle eastern nation (alt. sp.)
41. Hair-like structure
43. Parts producer
44. Greek city
46. Subway dwellers
48. Norm from “Cheers”
52. Clean a floor
53. Vied for
54. Canned fish
56. Inspire with love
57. Sent down moisture
58. Wrest
59. Partner to carrots
CLUES DOWN
1. Mounted
2. Assign
3. Wrath
4. Self-immolation by fire ritual
5. Parts of an organism
6. Person from England
7. Tropical plants of the pea family
8. Body part
9. Practice boxing
10. Containers
11. Contrary beliefs
12. Bleached
14. Pre-Islamic Egyptian
15. A group of similar things
ordered one after another
18. Innermost spinal cord
membranes
20. Cassava
24. A restaurant’s list of offerings
26. Annoy constantly
28. Orchestrate
30. Z Z Z
ABOVE GROUND
ALGAE
BACKFLOW
BACKYARD
BROMIDE CALCIUM
CHLORINE
CLEANER
COVER DEPTH
DRAIN
FLOCCULANT FLOW
HEATER
IN-GROUND LINER
POOL PUMP SCALE
SHOCK
SKIMMER STABILIZER VALVES
32. Astute
34. Highly decorated tea urn
35. Teach to behave
37. Endurance
38. Urinating
40. Barbie friend dolls
42. Repents
43. Man-eating giant
45. Jewish calendar month
47. Accelerated
49. Husband of Sita in Hindu
50. Lump of semiliquid substance
51. Lying in wait
55. Cease to exist
Answers on page 17
LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79460 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JUNE 21, 2024, wherein the business firm of GRACEFUL BEATS BEAUTY LOCATED AT 205 E. BUTTERFIELD ROAD STE 261, 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) MYA WILLIAMS, HOME ADDRESS 260 E. BUTTERFIELD ROAD APT 405, ELMHURST, IL 60126.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 21ST day of JUNE, A.D. 2024.
JEAN KACZMAREK
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL)
(Published in The Elmhurst Independent June 27, July 4 & 11, 2024) 457746
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79458 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JUNE 17, 2024, wherein the business firm of LAW OFFICES GERSTNER & GERSTNER LOCATED AT PO BOX 1087, 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) AND HOME ADDRESS: MARY ANNE SPELLMAN, 175 S. KENMORE AVE., ELMHURST, IL 60126; MARY ANNE SPELLMAN GERSTNER, 175 S. KENMORE AVE, ELMHURST, IL 60126; MARY ANNE GERSTNER, 175 S. KENMORE AVE., ELMHURST, IL 60126.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 17TH day of JUNE, A.D. 2024. JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL)
(Published in The Elmhurst Independent June 27, July 4 & 11, 2024) 457460
Elmhurst Independent
Follow the ‘Olmec Trails’ to the DuPage Forest Preserves Iconic heads
on display at four preserves throughout the county ville, Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago, and Fullersburg Woods and Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook.
This summer, visitors to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County can experience the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Olmec civilization through “Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy.”
This new outdoor exhibit features hand-painted large-scale renditions of iconic Mesoamerican stone sculptures and not only highlights the culture of the ancient Olmec civilization but also provides the physical and mental benefits of getting outside.
Twelve of the 33 colossal stone heads are on display at four forest preserves: St. James Farm in Warren-
“The Forest Preserve District is thrilled to be part of the ‘Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy’ public art exhibit,” said Anamari Dorgan, the district’s director of Community Engagement.
“Showcasing these magnificent works of art in our open spaces aligns perfectly with our mission to connect people to nature and cultural heritage.
Being a part of this collaborative exhibit enriches the forest preserve experience for our residents and visitors by highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating diverse artistic and historical traditions in a natural setting,” she said.
Crafted by the Olmecs between
1400 BCE and 400 BCE, the original Olmec heads originated in southern Veracruz, Mexico, and are celebrated globally for their artistic and historical significance.
“Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy” is organized by the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage in coordination with Meztli Mexico and in partnership with the College of DuPage Public Art Project and the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau. The “Olmec Trails” exhibit not only honors the indigenous roots of Mexican heritage but also highlights the importance of public art, featuring the creativity of over 30 contemporary artists from North America.
For more information and a map of locations throughout the county, visit the “Olmec Trails” exhibition’s webpage at www.theccma.org/olmectrails.
Pritzker calls U.S. Supreme Court emergency abortion ruling ‘small respite’ as state protections await his signature
Democrats passed measure in May that sought to codify federal law if it was stricken down
By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Abortion remains legal as an emergency medical procedure in Idaho, for now, after a June 27 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, while a bill that would cement those protections in Illinois law awaits Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature.
The 6-3 decision saw the three liberal justices concur with the order. Three of the court’s conservatives—Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett—concurred separately.
The dismissal sent the case back to the lower courts and reinstated a temporary injunction on Idaho’s law banning all abortions except as “necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman” or in the case of rape or incest.
The case originated after the Justice Department sued Idaho shortly after its abortion ban went into place in the summer of 2022. The Justice Department claimed the state was in violation of the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, or EMTALA, which it said allowed medical professionals to perform abortions to prevent “grave harm,” not just death, in order to resolve medical emergencies.
The June 27 order dismisses the case as “improvidently granted,” meaning the court decided it shouldn’t have agreed to hear the case at this stage. It does not permanently resolve the case, as it will continue in the lower courts and could potentially end up in front of the high court’s justices again.
“Today’s ruling thus puts the case back where it belongs, and with the preliminary injunction in place,” Justice Elena Kagan wrote in a concurrence with the court’s dismissal.
The decision drew ire from the high court’s dissenters, with Justice Samuel Alito writing that, having already agreed to hear the question, there was “no good reason to change course now.”
“Apparently, the Court has simply lost the will to decide the easy but emotional and highly politicized question that the case presents,” Alito wrote. “That is regrettable.”
The decision drew cautious support from abortion-rights activists. Gov. JB Pritzker, in a statement issued through his abortion-rights organization Think Big America, accused Republicans of “fighting to let hospitals refuse care for dying women.”
“Today’s ruling offers a small respite from some of the harshest outcomes, but it is not the broad protection that women and healthcare professionals are owed,” Pritzker said in the statement.
Pritzker, a longtime proponent of abortion rights, is expected to sign a bill sometime soon that would enshrine protections similar to the federal EMTALA law in Illinois statute.
The proposal, House Bill 581, would codify abortions as a “stabilizing treatment” that doctors must offer when necessary, in emergency
situations such as ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia, and fertility loss related to pregnancy complications. The measure passed on partisan
lines.
Its chief sponsor, Rep. Dagmara Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, said that the “primary reason” the bill was
introduced was to preserve the status quo in case a Supreme Court decision casts doubt on EMTALA’s coverage of abortion procedures.
“While the Supreme Court preserved EMTALA for now, it has not ruled out future legal battles,” Avelar told Capitol News Illinois.
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Sport S
York girls soccer team enjoys another banner season
Michaela Quinn named all-state, Hansmann, Kohl,
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The awards rolled in abundance for the York girls soccer team this past season. Leading the way was Michaela Quinn who earned allstate honors. Quinn is headed to Indiana University to run cross country and track. Ava Hansmann, Stella Kohl and Ava Lewandowski were named to the all-sectional team. Kate Greco earned an all-sectional sportsmanship award, while Mia Barton was named academic all-sectional. York placed Quinn, Hansmann, Kohl, Sophia Musial, Hannah Meyers and Barton on the all-West Suburban Conference Silver Division team.
York finished the recently completed 2024 season with an 18-21 overall mark and won the West Suburban Silver title with a 6-0 record. It was the Dukes’ first conference title since 2011 and fourth in program history. York won the WSC Silver title after a 2-1 win over Lyons Township in penalty kicks. Both teams headed into the game 5-0. Musial scored York’s only goal in regulation off a penalty kick created by Maggie Quinn. The Dukes won the penalty-kick session 4-3 with goals from Musial, Meyers, Maggie Quinn and Michaela Quinn.
In the state playoffs, York de -
feated Downers Grove South to win a Class 3A regional title. Musial (25 th minute), Maggie Quinn (55 th), Musial again (65 th) and Kohl (66 th) scored for York. Michaela Quinn had two assists, while Maggie Quinn and Ava Hansmann each had one assist.
York then defeated Downers Grove North 2-1 in penalty kicks in the sectional semifinals. Musial scored on a penalty kick in regulation. York then got penalty-kick goals from Musial, Michaela Quinn, Kohl and Cate Carter to win the game. York goalie Lewandowski made two saves during the penalty-kick phase.
The Dukes then lost 2-0 to Lyons Township in a Class 3A sectional championship game. Musial led York with 19 goals and 19 assists. Michaela Quinn had 18 goals and 20 assists, while Meyers had 13 goals and eight assists. Maggie Quinn finished with six goals and five assists, while Kohl had seven goals and one assist.
“The team bond this season was one of the best I have ever seen,” York coach Stevan Dobric said.
“Each girl knew how to lift each other up and get the best from each other every day.” Dobric noted York was successful on offense because it created dangerous situations for opponents in the final third. “The
“ The team bond this season was one of the best I have ever seen.”
– Stevan Dobric, York coach
girls did a fabulous job of mixing it up by shooting from range, taking it end-line, and sending in early crosses,” he explained. “By attacking the other team’s goal in various ways, it keeps them guessing and allows for opportunities to score.”
Teamwork also benefited York on defense this season, Dobric noted. “Defensively, the team did a great job of getting numbers behind the ball quickly,” he said.
“The girls also did a great job of pressing as a team and creating pressure to allow for quick counter attacks.”
As noted from York’s late-season scoring recaps, Musial was key, in particular, in penalty-kick situations. “Sophia did a good job
being clinical from the penalty shot,” Dobric said. “She did not miss a penalty kick all season.”
Musial had two PK goals against Lyons Township in the conference title game, and two more against Downers Grove North that moved the Dukes into the final 16 teams in the state in Class 3A.
Dobric added Michaela Quinn brought both skill and leadership excellence to the field. “Michaela brought a level of focus and drive to the field that is infectious to the other players on the team,” he said.
“Her speed and ability to put defenders on the backfoot was essential for our team to create chances. She is a phenomenal leader on and off the pitch.”
Dobric also lauded the play of Hansmann on the defensive end.
“Ava provided a level of defensive cover from the wide areas that was priceless,” he said. “She was able to win one-on-one duels in the defensive third and was able to also send in crosses and take people on in the offensive third.”
The coach called Kohl the link between the team’s offense and de -
fense. “Stella’s ability to win 50-50 challenges was essential to our success,” Dobric said. “Her vision and distribution of the ball was solid all season.”
York ended the season with 15 shutouts, which ties for the most of any York girls soccer team in the program’s history.
That helped equate to York’s barely visible 0.43 goals-against average per game. In addition to winning a fourth conference title, this year’s team brought home the program’s 15 th regional championship and made the program’s third appearance in the final 16 teams in the state (sectional championship game advancement).
“This group exceeded all my expectations,” Dobric said. “They scored more than 80 goals and allowed only nine, won a conference title for the first time in 13 years and a back-to-back regional title. The seniors and camaraderie within the team brought out the best in everyone because they demanded the best from each other. All this hard work paid off in a very successful season.”
Folkerts, Keizer earn all-conference honors for Timothy Christian baseball team Trojans won 13 games, finished 7-7 in first year in Chicagoland Christian Conference
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
A pair of Timothy Christian baseball players were honored for their excellence on the diamond this past season. Casey Folkerts and Alex Keizer were named to the all-Chicagoland Christian Conference team. This was Timothy’s first season in the new conference. The Trojans went 7-7 in CCC play and finished tied for fourth. Timothy went 13-14 overall.
Folkerts led the team in batting average (.394), on-base percentage (.467), on-base-plus-slugging percentage (1.020 OPS), slugging percentage (.553), base hits (37), doubles (10) and RBI (25).
“Casey really emerged as a leader who worked hard and played the game the right way,” Timothy Christian coach Frank Romano said. “It showed with his play on the field. He was a true two-way player who willed the team to win.”
Keizer led the Trojans in triples with two. “Alex Keizer brought the big bat all year,” Romano said. “He was a real power threat and was al-
ways driving balls into the gaps for extra bases.” Jake Armstrong led Timothy in runs scored with 27.
With the pitching staff, Christian Vanderveen led the Trojans in innings pitched (45), strikeouts (61) and earned-run average (2.43).
“Christian was an elite competitor on the mound,” Romano said. “He always brought his A-game and was able to handle some of the better teams in the state. He was one of our most improved players and played a huge role in our success this year.”
On senior night, Timothy Christian downed Woodstock Marian Central Catholic 9-4. Vanderveen pitched five innings and fanned six, while Armstrong pitched two innings and struck out four. Alex Keizer went 2-for-3 with a triple and Tanner Roemmich went 3-for-4.
Timothy then lost to Montini in the state playoffs. The Trojans scored three runs in the first innings with the help of a two-out homer by Keizer. Vanderveen allowed only one earned run in seven innings of work and struck out 10. “Christian pitched amazing,” Romano said. “Unfortu-
nately, two costly errors cost us in the bottom of the seventh inning and allowed Montini to tie the game (and then win in extra innings).”
Defense was a key strength for Timothy at different stages of the season. “We played our best when we played clean defense,” Romano said. “We showed we are good enough to beat anyone when we are playing clean baseball.”
Romano also cited strong season play from Armstrong. “Jake showed up in big moments all year with runners in scoring position,” he said. “You always knew Jake would have a good at-bat. He has a ton of potential and I know he will continue to improve at the next level.”
But ultimately, Romano was most impressed with the squad’s spiritual commitment. “What impressed me the most about our team was our devotion to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ,” he said.
“The team remained thankful to God all year long and realized they were called to represent him day in and day out. We are so thankful for the opportunities God has given us.”
Bucolo fires a
Quantum technology companies set for big tax incentives under new law
Economic development package also expands film, EV industry tax breaks
By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Gov. JB Pritzker last week gave final approval to a plan to bolster the state’s tech industry, including an incentives package—backed by $500 million in the state budget—aimed at making Illinois the nation’s leader in quantum computing.
The package also expands tax credits for the film industry, extends a tax credit program for research and development by five years, and broadens the eligibility for companies seeking tax credits under programs initially launched to help the electric vehicle and microchip industries.
Proponents of the legislation, which include a who’s who of business leaders and representatives of organized labor, say it will help attract businesses to the state, encourage growth and generate jobs. The programs will generate an estimated $21 billion in new state revenue over the next 30 years, according to the governor’s office.
The largest new program set up in the legislation would designate a “quantum campus” somewhere in the state. Businesses in that area would receive tax breaks on construction, materials purchase and use taxes, similar to an existing enterprise zone program.
This is tied to $500 million in capital funding, which was approved earlier this month as part of the state’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. That includes $100 million in funding for construction at the site, $200 million for a cryogenic facility and $200 million in matching funds for federal grant programs. That’s on top of $200 million the state spent on quantum computing four years ago.
The legislation signed last week also opens up some existing programs to quantum computing companies, notably the Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity, or MICRO, program, created in 2022 to boost the semiconductor industry.
While site selection for the quantum campus is underway, it will likely be in or near Chicago, which is already home to the Chicago Quantum Exchange, a partnership between major universities in the region and Chicagoland’s two national labs, as well as the Bloch Quantum Tech Hub, a federally supported research hub. The city is also home to several quantum startups such as EeroQ, qBraid and memQ.
The technology has attracted significant attention—with governments around the world putting billions into researching it—for its potential to upend computing, communications and several fields of research.
Quantum technologies rely on the often counterintuitive behavior of subatomic particles, which exist in multiple positions at once until they are observed and can be “entangled” so that when an action is taken on one particle, the same effect is felt by another particle. These properties, if properly engineered, result in machines that can be orders of magnitude more powerful than building-sized supercomputers.
“Even modestly sized quantum computers can store more information than atoms in the observable universe,” David Awschalom, professor of quantum science and engineering at the University of Chicago, told Capitol News Illinois.
Other benefits of the technology when compared to traditional computing come from the speed at which it operates. In 2019, a research team at Google published a paper claiming that their computer conducted a task in 200 seconds that would have taken a modern supercomputer roughly 10,000 years to complete.
That machine utilized 53 qubits—short for quantum bit, the basic unit of information in computing. With each additional qubit, according to Awschalom, machines double in performance, leading to exponentially more powerful computers.
Last year, researchers at IBM unveiled what they say is a quantum computer chip with 1,121 qubits.
Still, the field is young enough that its future remains uncertain.
Quantum machines can be “noisy,” since simply observing their components causes them to change their behavior. This requires that the core pieces of the machine be sealed off from the outside world, making a subfield of research into quantum error correction an unsolved technical issue.
At this early stage, it’s also hard to nail down exactly how quantum technology will be used. Awschalom said the development of quantum technology could be as impactful as early research into the transistor in the 1940s and 50s—a component that makes modern computers possible.
“No one at the time thought about integrated circuits, no one could see putting billions of them on a chip. That wasn’t even on people’s radar” he said. “Now what about GPS? Now what about my cell phone? So today with the birth of this new technology, one of the most exciting things is it’s likely the very highest impact things are still in front of us. We may not even see them yet.”
Pritzker said the state needs to capture the industry at this early stage—when few people can explain what a quantum computer
is and practical use cases are still theoretical—to avoid repeating mistakes made 30 years ago with the internet. He pointed out that the first web browser and early internet startups like PayPal and YouTube were created in Illinois.
“We were poised in the early 90s and late 80s to be the leading state for development of the internet and most people had no idea what the internet was in 1990…” Pritzker said. “Nobody in the state had a strategy for ‘how do we keep those companies or the development of that industry in Illinois?’ There was no strategy and it got up and left.”
In an application for a funding designation from the federal government, the Bloch Quantum Tech Hub—Chicago’s federally supported research hub—claimed that by 2035, it would generate “$8.7B in annual economic output and create 5,300-8,000 high-paying jobs.”
Incentives for green tech, film, R&D
The Pritzker administration and Illinois lawmakers’ attention to quantum computing mirrors state involvement in other industries, such as electric vehicles, semiconductors and the film industry.
Under one of the newest of these, the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles Program, the state has given $1 billion in credits to 10 manufacturing companies in Illinois that have some connection to the electric vehicle industry or renewable energy. These deals are expected to create 4,600 new jobs and require companies to retain 7,200 existing jobs, according to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
The law signed last week expands the program to now include companies in their research and development phases, steel manufacturers with net zero carbon emissions and companies that build electric aircraft.
Intersect Illinois, an economic development agency created by then-Gov. Bruce Rauner, has brokered many of the largest business deals in the state since its creation 8 years ago. Its chairman told Capitol News Illinois that tax credit programs are a “key part” of the state’s toolkit, but not the only reason companies set up shop in the state.
“State incentives such as the REV (Reimagining Energy and Vehicles) Act have helped to attract significant investment and thousands of good paying jobs from EV companies including Rivian, Gotion and TCCI,” Intersect Illinois chair John Atkinson said in a statement. “At the same time, those companies noted the state’s infrastructure and workforce as reasons for growing here, along with state support—it’s the complete package.”
Pritzker defended this industry-specific model of economic development as a way to give Illinois the edge in industries where the state has a “right to win” and expand the number of industries Illinois can rely on during economic downturns.
“When we go through difficult economic times as a nation or across the world, Illinois tends not to get, you know, drawn down as much as some other places that have one or two industries that they rely upon,” Pritzker said last week.
In addition to programs boosting Illinois’ industrial strategy, the new law also expands one of Illinois’
most popular and longest-running tax credit programs.
The Economic Development for a Growing Economy program, or EDGE, created 25 years ago to incentivize business relocation and expansion, will now offer 15-year benefits packages for companies set to create over 100 jobs, five years longer than what is currently offered.
In 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, the program handed out $38.2 million in credits to 38 companies around the state, according to reports filed with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
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