The Elmhurst Police Department noted that it had a fulfilling day on Saturday, Aug. 17. On that day, the department investigated a series of overnight burglaries to motor vehicles, with night shift officers apprehending two suspects. K9 Ozy and Officer Brandt Cappitelli later tracked down and apprehended a third suspect, who was reportedly in possession of a stolen handgun. In another event on that day, Sgt. Anthony Cuzzone and his team of officers had a great time working
the public safety detail at the Elmhurst Park District’s Park Palooza in Berens Park. Also on Aug. 17, Officer Jeff Knebel (pictured) kicked off neighborhood block party season by giving squad car tours to local children. The Elmhurst Police Department described the busy day as “a nice example of the combination of high quality law enforcement services and community policing we strive to achieve in Elmhurst.”
Registration is open for the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
Event starts at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day
Registration is open for the 41st Annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot 5-kilometer run/walk, which will take place on Thanksgiving Day— Thursday, Nov. 28.
This year’s honorary starter is U.S. Army veteran Mark Madigan, who served with the 196th Infantry Brigade in Chu Lai, Vietnam, during
Shampoo & clean carpets & seats & detail interior & exterior with buffing to bring the original shine back & remove scuff marks & minor scratches. Call for an appointment. v v v We also have unlimited monthly passes.
the Vietnam War. Race-day registration and packet pickup will begin at 7 a.m. in Elm-
hurst University’s gymnasium. The 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) run/walk will start at 9 a.m. at Park Avenue and Cottage Hill Avenue. The finish line is on Prospect Avenue, south of Alexander Boulevard, near Wilder Park. To register, or for more information, visit dangibbonsturkeytrot.org.
GreenMan Theatre prepares for its next presentation
Cast members have been selected and rehearsals are ongoing for GreenMan Theatre Troupe’s opening mainstage show of its 21st season—“Miss Holmes”—to be performed on weekends from Sept. 20 through Oct. 6 at GreenMan Theatre’s performance space at Frist United Methodist Church, 232 S. York St., Elmhurst. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows will start at 2 p.m. Talk backs with the cast will be held after the first and second Sunday performances. Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for children/ seniors (65+). Tickets can be purchased at https://ticketpeak.co/GMTT, or at the door prior to each performance providing the show is not sold out. Written by Christopher M. Walsh, the play is based on characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. “Miss Holmes” tells the story of a newlywed wife who looks for help after receiving an anonymous note. She turns to investigators Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson who work together to uncover the secrets surrounding a corrupt police inspector whose wives have a habit of turning up dead. Set in London during the Victorian era, where gender roles are rigidly defined, this pair of unconventional women dare to challenge societal norms by providing an unusual but necessary service.
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The five members of Montini Catholic High School’s Class of 2028 received the Kazma Scholarship. The five students, who just began their freshman year at the Lombard school, were honored at an Aug. 17 Mass celebrated by Bishop Ronald A. Hicks at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet. Pictured left to right are: Kevin Barrett, Raphael Patacsil, Leigh-Anne Kazma, Abriana Schumerth (Elmhurst), Bishop Hicks, Leah Piper, Mrs. Margaret Kazma, Andrew Hemmersmeier (Elmhurst) and Montini President Kevin Beirne. Before attending Montini, Schumerth attended St. Isaac Jogues School in Hinsdale, while Hemmersmeier attended Visitation School in Elmhurst.
Bishop Ronald Hicks congratulates Montini’s Kazma Scholarship recipients
Two of the recipients are Elmhurst residents
Montini Catholic High School in Lombard congratulated five Kazma Scholarship award recipients from their Class of 2028. Each year, the Kazma Family Foundation, in conjunction with the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), presents awards to eighth graders actively attending a Catholic parish in the Diocese of Joliet and who are interested in attending a local Catholic High School.
Traditionally, scholars are honored at an annual Mass held at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet. This year’s Mass, celebrated by Bishop Ronald A. Hicks was held on Saturday, Aug. 17. Also in attendance were scholarship recipients from Benet Academy, Bishop McNamara, IC Catholic Prep, Joliet Catholic Academy, St. Francis and Providence Catholic.
Montini Catholic’s Kazma Scholarship recipients honored this year from its Class of 2028 are: Kevin Barrett, Raphael Patacsil, Abriana Schumerth (Elmhurst), Leah Piper and Andrew Hemmersmeier (Elmhurst).
“Each of us have unique talents and gifts we’ve been given from God,” Bishop Hicks has said during his homily. “The Kazma family are
the epitome of those living the gospel by sharing what they have unselfishly with others. They are an example to us all.”
The Kazma Family Foundation proudly supports Catholic education by providing scholarships to the seven Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Joliet.
The Class of 2028 represents the 21st class of high school students that the foundation supports and mentors through their generosity. Twenty Montini Catholic students currently benefit from the Kazma Scholarship. Twice a year, these grateful recipients have the pleasure of having lunch with Kazma President LeighAnne Kazma and Montini President Kevin Beirne at Montini’s De La Salle Hall.
Ms. Kazma is adamant about keeping up with scholarship recipients and has a great interest in their school activities at Montini as well as their plans for the future.
The Kazma Family Foundation was established in 1997 by Gerald and Margaret Kazma. At that time, their daughter, Leigh-Anne Kazma, was named president and sole employee.
The main mission of the founda-
“ The Kazma family are the epitome of those living the gospel by sharing what they have unselfishly with others. They are an example to us all.”
– Bishop Ronald A. Hicks
tion is to provide financial assistance to students and their families seeking a Catholic education. Ms. Kazma serves on several boards including the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), Chicago’s Big Shoulders Fund and numerous elementary and secondary schools. Ms. Kazma has dedicated her entire career to personally engaging with students who receive financial aid from the foundation. She serves as a mentor for her scholarship recipients, reviewing their progress and enjoying lunch and conversation with them at their high schools. They began provid-
ing college scholarships to students at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in the Archdiocese of Chicago and branched out to provide scholarships to students throughout the Chicagoland area, including the Diocese of Joliet.
In recent years, the Kazma Family has established scholarships at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Ave Maria University in Florida, St. Joan of Arc school in Florida, Universidad de Don Bosco in El Salvador, and has helped fund school construction in Honduras.
In order to be eligible for a Kazma Scholarship, a student must demonstrate a sense of respect for others, be a good Catholic role model in their community, and receive no less than a “C” letter grade in any of their courses. Student applicants are also asked to submit a 250 word essay on what it means to be a Catholic student.
Every spring, Montini Catholic offers several opportunities for students to apply for scholarship awards. All scholarship and financial aid opportunities offered by Montini can be explored by visiting the school’s ‘Admissions’ page at: montini.org/admissions.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
District 205 Board meeting summary
By Chris Fox ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on Aug. 20 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St. Two board members—Jim Collins and Beth Hosler—were absent from the meeting.
There were no public comments during the meeting.
Board honors students’ achievements
The meeting’s spotlight and recognition segment noted the two York High School students— Madeline Valeski and Madison Kleinberg—who joined other students from around the country to compete in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference, which took place in Seattle from June 29 to July 3. Valeski earned a silver medal in the Fashion Construction Level 3 STAR Event, while Kleinberg received a bronze medal in the Food Innovations Level 2 STAR Event. Valeski used her knowledge of fashion construction and design to create a perfectly fitted garment at the national competition. Kleinberg presented an original food product at the event. Her project involved creating a prototype, conducting focus group testing, and developing a comprehensive marketing strategy.
The spotlight and recognition segment also highlighted two District 205 students who excelled in the 2023-24 PTA Reflections cultural arts program. In that program, students from pre-kindergarten through 12 th grade were invited to showcase their creativity across six artistic categories, embodying the theme “I am Hopeful Because…”
Evelyn Black from Field Elementary School received a State Honorable Mention in Dance Choreography. Isla Reedy from Sandburg Middle School was honored at the National PTA level in the Literature category, earning a Merit Award-Bronze and receiving the State Award of Artistic Distinction.
Update on summer construction projects
The Aug. 20 meeting included a presentation about the district’s 2024 summer construction projects. Christopher Whelton, the district’s assistant superintendent for finance and operations, delivered the presentation. Some of the projects Whelton referred to were related to the referendum of November 2018, in which voters approved the borrowing of $168.5 million to fund extensive improvements to the district’s facilities. Whelton stated that the referendum projects at Churchville Middle School, Hawthorne Elementary School, Madison Early Childhood Center and York High School are all on schedule, with many of the projects being completed.
Whelton noted that the work to renovate Madison Early Childhood Center is a 14-month project that
is currently focused on demolition. The renovated facility should be completed in June 2025.
Another referendum-related project—he renovation of York High School’s auditorium—has been completed. The district held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the renovation last week (on Aug. 21).
Whelton said that the 2024 summer capital projects at York are on schedule, with the exception of the installation of a new scoreboard in the school’s stadium. Whelton said the district is still working with the city to obtain the necessary permits to install the new scoreboard. The district is hopeful that installation can take place in September.
Presentation on district’s tentative budget for 2024-25
Whelton also gave a presentation about the district’s tentative 202425 budget during the Aug. 20 board meeting. That tentative budge is on display on the district’s website (elmhurst205.org) and in the district’s main office. There will be a hearing on the tentative budget during the board’s Sept. 24 meeting.
While giving an overview of the 2024-25 tentative budget, Whelton stated that the district had budgeted using $10.7 from its reserves in its 2022-23 budget, but only wound up using $4.8 million from its reserves. In 2023-24, the district budgeted using $7.9 million from its reserves, but only used $5.4 million.
Whelton stated that the district receives about 91 percent of its revenue from local sources. He added that property taxes represent about 84 percent of the district’s operating revenues.
Whelton said that salaries and benefits usually account for about 80 percent of the district’s revenues. Due to some large transfers ($4 million for summer capital projects, $7 million for increased scope of construction and renovation projects, $1.46 million for tech leases and about $330,000 for debt certificates), salaries and benefits will account for about 70 percent of the district’s 2024-25 expenditures.
Whelton’s presentation added that the district has budgeted 1,202 full-time employees for the 202425 academic year. He said the district started the 2024-25 year will about $58 million in operating fund balance. The district plans to use about $13.8 million from its operating reserves in the 2024-25 year, which will result in an operating fund balance of about $44.2 million at the end of the year.
According to the district’s tentative 2024-25 budget, the district’s revenues will be about $164.8 million in 2024-25, while its expenditures will be about $178.6 million. The district will cover the deficit with the $13.8 million from its operating fund balance.
District 205 announces new FOIA officer
Board president Athena Arvanitis stated during the meeting that
the district’s previous Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officer—Kathy Schmitt—had recently retired. Arvanitis said that Tonya Daniels, the district’s chief of staff and communications, is the district’s new FOIA officer. Arvanitis mentioned that all FOIA requests should be sent to the following email address: foiarequest@elmhurst205.org, or sent by standard email to the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St., Elmhurst, IL 60126.
Students’ first day of the new school year was Aug. 14
Late in the meeting, District 205 Superintendent Keisha Campbell stated that the district enjoyed a strong start to the 2024-25 school year. The first day of the new school year for students was Wednesday, Aug. 14.
Board member voices frustration at delay in installing new scoreboard at York
Near the end of the meeting, board member Courtenae Trautmann read a statement to express her frustration with the process that’s created the delay in installing a new scoreboard at York’s stadium. In March, board members voted unanimously to approve the purchase and installation of a new scoreboard at the stadium, at a cost of about $260,000. The new scoreboard includes an LED video display. The district intends to sell advertising on the new scoreboard.
The district needs approvals from the City of Elmhurst to install the new scoreboard. The district was scheduled to meet with the city’s zoning and planning commission in May, but Trautmann said the city removed the district’s spot from that meeting’s agenda. The district presented at the commission’s June 18 and July 16 meetings. Trautmann said that following both of those meetings, the appointed members of the commission requested additional documentation.
“During each of these meetings, appointed commission members have refused to give approval for the district’s request to be heard at the elected committee level,” said Trautmann. “It seems like during each of these meetings, the finish line keeps getting pushed further and further away, requesting new or unavailable data and information. We have found ourselves tangled in endless discussions and a constant back-and-forth that has led us nowhere.”
While waiting for the city’s approval, the district recently re-installed the stadium’s old scoreboard to have one in place for the start of York’s 2024-25 fall athletic seasons. York’s boys soccer team is opening its 2024 season with home matches on Aug. 27 and Aug. 29. York’s football team will begin its 2024 season with a home game against Glenbrook South this Friday, Aug. 30.
Trautmann concluded her remarks by urging the city’s devel -
opment planning and zoning committee, which could consider the issue this week, to recommend a suspension of the rules to allow the approval from the full city council to be granted after one council meeting, as opposed to the two that are normally required. The next city council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 3.
Filing dates have been modified for candidates in the April 2025 election
Arvanitis announced during the
Obituary
NORMA JEAN McELLIN, 92
Norma Jean McEllin, age 92, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024.
Born in Effingham, Illinois in 1931 to her parents Ferdinand and Frances Koester, Norma Jean rode a tractor years before she drove a car. Norma Jean worked as a nurse for the Santa Fe railroad before moving to Chicago, where she met her husband, Edward, at a Polka dance. She was a longtime resident of Elmhurst, Illinois.
Cherished wife of 48 years to the late Edward McEllin. Beloved mother of Steven (Elva), Tom, Cathy (Bernie Carroll), Edward, and Gregg (Jose Arjona).
Loving grandmother of Justin, Daniel (Emily), Andrew, Christian, Mikayla, Jessica, Ethan, Madelynn, Matthew, and Max. Dearest sister-
meeting that there is an election for school board members in April 2025, and that the filing dates for candidates have been modified. The day of the board meeting—Aug. 20—marked the first date for candidates to circulate petitions. The filing period for candidates is Nov. 12-18, a change from past filing dates, which used to be in December for the election the following April.
The District 205 Board will hold its next regular meeting on Sept. 24.
in-law of Mary Ann McEllin, Jack McEllin, and Mildred Koester. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.
A visitation was held on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, Illinois.
An additional visitation was held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial held at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York Street, Elmhurst, Illinois. Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Norma Jean’s name to the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60607, or 1-877-637-2955.
She was literally loved by all who knew her.
For information, Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.
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
Aug. 19
Sami Ayash, 21, of Elmhurst, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated assault and disorderly conduct near West and North at 8:42 p.m. Police said officers arrested Ayash after responding to a report of a suspect waving a gun at a victim during a road rage incident. According to police, Ayash was located at his residence, placed under arrest and transported to the police department.
Criminal damage
Aug. 19
A victim in the 1200 block of S. York reported at 6:59 a.m. that an unknown suspect shattered the driver-side door window of her vehicle. Security footage captured a black hatchback vehicle arriving at the scene and an unidentified white male approaching the car before fleeing. There were no other vehicles damaged and nothing of value was reported stolen.
A 38-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with two counts of domestic battery and violation of an order of protection in the 200 block of E. Butterfield at 10:44 p.m. Police said a victim related she was battered by the suspect, who also took her purse and vehicle. The vehicle was later found unoccupied at a store parking lot, and the suspect was located inside the store.
Aug. 17
A complainant in the 100 block of E. First reported at 7:58 a.m. that a suspect threw a glass bottle at the front door, causing it to crack. The suspect was served a no trespass notice and released. The victim did not wish to press charges, and the suspect was transported to a hospital for evaluation.
A complainant in the 200 block of N. Larch reported at 9:34 p.m. that a suspect pushed him and threatened to harm him. There were no injuries and both parties separated for the night.
Aug. 16
A victim in the 600 block of N. Larch reported she met with a fleet manager regarding a truck lease. According to police, the fleet manager drove her to a trailer yard and made sexual advances toward her.
DUI, consumption of alcohol by a minor
Aug. 20
Esmeralda Espinal, 38, of Cicero, was charged with DUI and improper lighting subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Villa at 11:59 p.m.
Aug. 18
800-222-TIPS
Selvin Escalante-Lopez, 25, of Des Plaines, was charged with DUI, illegal transportation of open alcohol, no valid driver’s license and no insurance in the 500 block of W. Grand at 4:51 a.m.
Dominique Holloway, 34, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, disobeying a traffic control signal, illegal transportation of open alcohol by a driver and illegal possession of cannabis by a driver subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and Riverside at 1:16 a.m.
Aug. 17
Gabriel Angulo, 20, of Melrose Park, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, damage to city property, possession of alcohol by a minor and no insurance in the 200 block of N. Larch at 1:37 a.m.
Luis Rodriguez Salam, 30, of Addison, was charged with DUI, speeding and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Route 83 at 1:19 a.m.
Aug. 16
Josue Santiago Lopez, 22, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI, no valid driver’s license, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no insurance subsequent to a crash in the 600 block of N. Industrial at 11:18 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
Aug. 16
A victim in the 700 block of W. Grand reported a suspect threatened to harm him following a verbal argument.
Identity theft, fraud
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported two incidents of identity theft or fraud.
Obstructing justice
Aug. 21
Joseph Pina, 19, of Bensenville, was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, speeding, street racing, reckless driving and disobeying a traffic control signal, while Maya Walenciak, 18, of Bensenville, was charged with obstructing justice after police said she attempted to claim she was driving, near York and Crestview at 1:49 a.m. Police said that subsequent to an attempted traffic stop, the suspected vehicle failed to stop and fled at a high rate of
speed. The vehicle was later located, and the driver and passenger were taken into custody.
Possession of cannabis in a vehicle
According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported two incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Eric M. Baugh, 23, of Maywood, near Roosevelt and Route 38 at 10:54 a.m. Aug. 21; and Vester Bunch, 49, of Zion, near Berteau and North at 9:35 p.m.
Suspicious incident
Aug. 19
Police said officers responded to a call at 7:15 p.m. about an intoxicated man with a handgun. A firearm was recovered from the home. The victim was taken to Elmhurst Hospital for a psychological evaluation. The victim’s FOID card and firearm were secured and entered into evidence.
A complainant at a store in the 200 block of E. Butterfield told police that an unknown male suspect took two cartons of cigarettes and ran from the store. The suspect was seen entering a vehicle that was last observed heading eastbound on Butterfield.
Aug. 18
A victim told police that while shopping in the 900 block of S. York, two unknown female suspects described as black females distracted her and took her wallet.
Aug. 17
Michael Soverino, 19, of Addison, was charged with burglary, possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlawful use of
a weapon, unlawful possession of ammunition, obstruction and resisting arrest in the 300 block of W. Kimbell at 3:35 a.m. Miguel Zavala, 19, of Addison, and Daniel Villa, 18, of Villa Park, were charged with burglary, while Villa was also charged with DUIdrugs, disobeying a stop sign, failure to yield, and improper lane usage in the 500 block of W. Fay at 4:46 a.m. Police said that subsequent to a report of suspicious people, the suspects were found to have entered a motor vehicle with the intent to commit a theft.
Aug. 16-Aug. 17
Police said officers responded to a motor vehicle theft report in the 300 block of S. West. The victim reported his white and black 2017 Infiniti Q60 was stolen from where he had parked it on Aug. 16. The vehicle was entered into LEADS as stolen.
Aug. 16
A complainant at a business in the 900 block of S. Riverside reported that a 53-foot trailer was taken after it was left parked in front of the business.
A complainant in the 100 block of E. Schiller reported an unknown suspect(s) gained entry to their unlocked vehicle and took her purse, which contained an electronic device.
Warrant arrest
Aug. 17
Police said a reporting officer conducted a traffic stop near I-290 and Lake at 6:06 p.m. on a vehicle wanted by the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office. The reporting officer made contact with the suspect, Rafael Cuesta Altamar, 22, of Chicago, who was found to be driving without a valid driver’s license. He was issued a citation for no valid driver’s license and released to the custody of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office pursuant to its investigation.
Aug. 15
Police said that subsequent to a well-being check of a subject walking in the middle of the street near Third and Larch at 12:06 p.m., the subject, Joseph A. Enlow, 58, of Wheaton, was found to have a valid warrant from the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office.
Appellate court affirms murder conviction of Donald Pelka
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin has announced that the Third District Appellate Court of Illinois has affirmed the first-degree murder conviction of 65-year-old Donald Pelka in the 2018 shooting death of 29-year-old Kyle Gojdas of Glendale Heights.
Donald Pelka
In his appeal seeking a new trial, Pelka claimed that the cumulative effect of three errors committed by the Trial Court deprived him of his right to a fair trial. The three alleged errors presented by Pelka address the admissibility of security video footage, the preclusion of specific evidence and jury instructions.
On Sept. 28, 2018, at approximately 3:30 a.m., DuPage County Sheriff’s deputies and officers with the Bloomingdale Police Department responded to a call of shots fired at the Bella One Spa located at 25W319 Lake St. in unincorporated Bloomingdale.
Upon their arrival, authorities found Gojdas, an employee at Bella One Spa, unresponsive suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Approximately 10 minutes later, officers
with the Hanover Park Police Department observed Pelka speeding and conducted a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, officers were advised that the vehicle in which Pelka was traveling matched the vehicle that was involved in the shooting.
Pelka was taken into custody at this time. An investigation in the murder found that Pelka was a customer at Bella One Spa and that Pelka and Gojdas had gotten into a verbal altercation in the parking lot of the establishment at which time Pelka pulled out a handgun and shot Gojdas twice in the torso.
The following day, Pelka appeared in Bond Court where bond was set at $1 million, with 10 percent to apply. He had remained in custody at the DuPage County Jail prior to his trial.
On June 16, 2022, following a five-day-long trial, a jury found Pelka guilty of first degree murder and on Aug. 18, 2022, Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh sentenced Pelka to 50 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections to be served at 100 percent.
In their decision, the members of the Appellate Court rejected Pelka’s claims and found that the security video footage was properly
Cook County man charged with armed habitual criminal for alleged illegal possession of a firearm at Naperville Topgolf parking lot
Defendant charged with Class X armed habitual criminal due to criminal history
DuPage County State’s Attorney
Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial a Cook County convicted felon accused of illegally possessing a firearm in the parking lot of the Naperville Topgolf facility.
Courtney Bennett, 36, appeared at First Appearance Court on Aug. 19, and was charged with one count of armed habitual criminal (Class X
felony), misdemeanor counts of resisting a police officer, obstructing a police officer, possession of cannabis and one petty offense of transportation of possession of open alcohol by a driver. Bennett’s criminal history includes three unlawful use of a weapon convictions, which make him eligible for the armed habitual criminal charge.
On Aug. 18, at approximately 12:56 a.m., officers on surveillance at Topgolf allegedly observed a white Alfa Romeo enter the parking lot with a male driver, later identified as Bennett, and an unidentified female passenger, with a gun in plain view in the center console along with two open cans of an alcoholic bever-
age, spiked Minute Maid.
Officers began surveillance on the Alfa Romeo. It is alleged that Bennett returned alone to his vehicle, got in the car and started the car at which time Naperville police officers pinned the Alfa Romero in from the front. It is alleged that Bennett then got out of the vehicle and unsuccessfully attempted to throw his car keys to nearby family members to lock the car. Bennett was placed under arrest at this time. It is alleged that as officers handcuffed Bennett, he attempted to pull away from officers. It is further alleged that officers located a fully-loaded Taurus 40THC .40 Caliber handgun with a fifteen-round magazine. It is further alleged that
Bennett was in possession of more than ten grams but less than thirty grams of a substance containing cannabis at the time of his arrest.
“With multiple felony weapons convictions, Mr. Bennett is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm,” Berlin said. “The allegations that he was in possession of a loaded weapon at a family-friendly recreation facility are extremely troubling and, in consideration of his past criminal history, if he is found guilty of today’s charges, Mr. Bennett will find himself facing up to thirty years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Once again, I commend the Naperville Police Department for their vigilant and observant po-
lice work that has once more led to the removal of a dangerous weapon from our streets and quite possibly prevented a future tragedy.”
“The safety of Naperville’s residents and visitors is a top priority for this department, and nothing compromises their safety more than firearms in the possession of those who are not legally allowed to have them,” Arres said. “For this reason, we will continue to be proactive throughout the city and arrest individuals who are found to be illegally in possession of firearms.”
Bennett’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 16, for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander.
Four Chicago residents charged with burglary/retail theft at two Oak Brook stores in unrelated incidents
Two subjects allegedly tried to take nearly $2,400 in items from Macy’s; two other subjects allegedly tried to take over $800 in merchandise from Nordstrom
Chicago residents for allegedly stealing merchandise from two Oak Brook stores in two separate incidents.
Santiago Rojas-Galea
Talia
Talia Martinez-Pacheco, 23, Santiago Rojas-Galea, 18, Cheryl Gryer, 26 and Daiveon Watson, 21, each appeared at First Appearance Court on Aug. 22. All four subjects were charged with one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Retail Theft (Class 3 Felony).
It is alleged that on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Martinez-Pacheco and Rojas-Galea entered the Macy’s department store located at 1 Oakbrook Center, selected numerous items of clothing having an approximate retail value of $2,378.87, and exited the store without paying for the merchandise.
In a separate incident, it is alleged that on the same day, at approximately 6 p.m., Gryer and Watson went to the
Nordstrom department store located at 10 Oakbrook Center. It is further alleged that Watson entered the store, selected numerous clothing items with an approximate retail value of $834.74, and exited the store without paying for the merchandise.
Following an investigation into the alleged incidents, all four defendants were taken into custody.
“As evidenced by these recent arrests, law enforcement in DuPage County remains on the lookout for anyone who would attempt to steal from any of our retail establishments,” Berlin said. “Make no mistake, if you are caught stealing in DuPage County, you will be arrested, charged and prosecuted. For their alleged behavior, if found guilty, the four defendants in
these two cases will find themselves facing a possible prison sentence of up to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. I commend the Oak Brook Police Department for their continued efforts in protecting our local businesses and their patrons.
I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Adam Frahm and Michael Paup for their work in securing charges against
these four individuals.”
These two cases exemplify the Oak Brook Police Department’s commitment to keeping our community safe,” Strockis said. “It also shows how strong our partnership with loss prevention continues to be. I’d like to thank our officers for their hard work.
See THEFT, Page 11
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced last week that charges have been filed against four
Courtney Bennett
Cheryl Gryer Daiveon Watson
MartinezPacheco
Viewpoint
Slices of life
Guard your thoughts
“A quiet mind makes way for the soul to speak.” (Me)
The mind is an abundant entity - spewing, spawning, spilling, speaking, squeaking, splaying, spraying, saying, replaying, spouting, sprouting, shouting, rerouting, doubting and outing our thoughts, often in ways that seem beyond our control.
Just today, I was about to run to the store, but thought about something I wanted to do beforehand. Then I rinsed out my coffee cup and my mind had already moved onto a whole new topic and I’d forgotten what task, exactly, I needed to do before leaving.
Perplexing.
You might say my thoughts got away from me.
It happens quite often. All the time. Especially at night and in the wee hours of the morning. I battle against it but it is a constant battle.
It’s almost as if my mind has a mind of its own. It’s working against me—or maybe for me. Or with me.
Or maybe a little of all three. I’m guessing none of you reading this can relate to this phenomenon— written with a wry sense of sarcasm.
All of you, surely, are always and totally in control of every one of your thoughts. They are orderly and they make sense. You never think of pink cotton candy when you are supposed to be considering whether to put orange or yellow cheese sauce atop the green broccoli. Your thoughts are always on point. I wish I could say the same.
The mind is a curious thing. It is part of you, but it seems to operate on its own.
The rest of your physical body doesn’t operate under these terms. Your arms carry the grocery bags home from the store. When you have an itch on the tip of your nose, your fingers scratch that exact spot. Your legs walk, one foot in front of the other to get you from point A to point B.
But your mind? It wanders wherever it wants to go.
That’s why awareness is so important. Your mind will tell you things that, in all honesty, it shouldn’t. It will tell you people don’t like you. Or that you aren’t good enough, or nice enough or whatever enough. It will tell you to judge others for their ugly T-shirt or ugly hair or ugly car. It will lead in you places that are scary, threatening and dire. Your mind accentuates your faults. It dwells
By JILL PERTLER Columnist
upon your weaknesses. It forces you into dark corners. Your mind will tell you things that are not true. This doesn’t always happen. But it can, and it often does when you least expect it. When you aren’t aware.
Your thoughts are valuable. They are precious. They are priceless. They can sway off course and go off track without your ever noticing. And they can affect you in the most significant of ways. That is why it is important to guard them. To guard your thoughts. To protect them like they are a treasured possession, because they are.
You are your thoughts. It seems so simple, but negative thoughts breed negative actions and negative feelings. Positive thoughts have the opposite effect.
It may sound easy to choose positive thoughts. But remember, the mind has a mind of its own.
Choosing our thoughts is a minute by minute, moment by moment endeavor. It is neverending. 24/7. Even in your sleep.
But you know what? Thoughts can become habits. And habits become easier with time.
Recognizing a negative thought is the first step into turning away from it and finding a positive one. The more you turn negative into positive, the more natural it will become. Say the positive out loud (even a whisper will do) if that makes it easier at first. Soon it won’t take any thought at all.
Practice guarding your thoughts and soon that guard duty won’t seem so intensive. Soon it will come naturally.
Negativity is all around us, waiting to pounce and it may seem overwhelming at times. One of the most valuable possessions we have to fight against any negativity is our own thoughts. Guard yours like the treasure they are and you will find the peace within that has been waiting patiently.
Then your mind will only wonder one thing:
What took me so long?
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.
This Labor Day, vow to capitalize on opportunity to diversify the workforce
By Pat Devaney and Hannah Hill
This Labor Day is a celebration of our country’s growing embrace of a new face of leadership and opportunity. In our politics, a minority woman leads a presidential ticket for the first time. And on the frontlines of our labor movement, the “toolbelt generation” has tremendous room for growth led by women and minorities.
Our challenge ahead is to recognize this important moment and capitalize on it, rather than let it slip by.
We see more young people pursue apprenticeships and careers in the trades than pursuing the traditional four-year college degree.
In Springfield, Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Legislature are making substantial investments in these new trades pathways, including $13.4 million for pre-apprenticeship hubs that help workers find roles in the burgeoning clean energy sector. More women and minority workers will be recruited and welcomed into these roles.
Young people are recognizing working in the trades provides a successful middle-class career and retirement security where other paths fall short. But there are hurdles that must be overcome for a more diverse workforce.
Women make up less than 11 percent of the workforce in the construction industry and just 4.3 percent in the construction trades. Despite some new momentum,
recruitment and retention of women in the Illinois construction industry has plateaued at 5 percent for more than 20 years.
Why? The odds are still against working women finding success in the skilled trades.
Too few employers offer maternity leave benefits. Without maternity leave, women with children must go on short-term disability.
Child care is another major stumbling block. The costs are too high, or there are simply not enough options to match their schedules and needs. Non-union workers in child care often are paid poverty wages that lead to high turnover, forcing women workers to pay a heavy price if they want to support their families by heading to work.
With child care uncertainty and restrictions, women on the job face dilemmas. How do we report for work at 5 a.m. or 7 a.m. when everyone else shows up, if the daycare doesn’t open until 8 a.m.? Projects running behind schedule mean longer hours, or weekend schedules. Women in construction must turn down overtime hours because there is simply no one available to watch their children.
Our union leadership recognizes these serious challenges and is taking them head on. For example, programs like the Barrier Reduction Fund, outlined in the Climate Equitable Jobs Act are one piece of a larger puzzle that we can use to address child care inequities for working women.
A resolution adopted at our recent Illinois AFL-CIO convention this summer calls for a unified campaign to significantly increase women’s recruitment and retention in the building trades within five years. We will fight hard for increased funding and smart legislation at all levels of government to directly address these gender diversity challenges. We need better training programs, more visible outreach, and strong partnerships with allies who share our goals of closing the gender gap by ensuring good, union jobs for women in the building trades.
We took an important step forward in May with our first Tradeswomen Take Over Springfield advocacy day at the State Capitol, bringing teams on the frontlines to meet with legislators and make the case in person for the investments needed to open more doors to women and minorities.
At this critical time for our country and labor movement, we encourage you to visit the IL AFL-CIO website to find a Labor Day celebration parade or event near you: https:// www.ilafl-cio.org/events/2024/9/2/ laborday2024/. Ask the women in your lives how we can help them find the opportunities that have been elusive for too long. We succeed when we all can work together, to put people to work.
Pat Devaney is secretary-treasurer of the Illinois AFL-CIO, and Hannah Hill is a commercial painter and treasurer of Local Union 90, Painters District Council 58.
DuPage County to host Mental Health Summit Sept. 7
DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy and the DuPage County Health Department will host the inaugural DuPage County Mental Health Summit on Saturday, Sept. 7.
The summit will provide attendees the opportunity to learn about the services and support systems for mental health and substance use treatment, engage in discussions on reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions, and hear from local leaders and organizations about initiatives to support mental health and promote wellness.
“Our goal is to continue to fight the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use treatment. We hope to bring together professionals, advocates, and community members to address the pressing issues surrounding mental health, while fostering a supportive environment for those affected by mental health and substance use challenges,” said Conroy.
The summit will include tours of the Drug Court program, the Mental Illness Court Alternative Program, and other behavioral health resources offered by the County, followed by a Mental Health Expo Fair. Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy will provide the keynote address at around noon. A panel discussion, including leading mental health experts, policy makers, and individuals with lived experience, will conclude the day.
Visit www.dupagehealth.org to register. Seating is limited.
Elmhurst University named top transfer institution for fifth year
For the fifth year in a row, Elmhurst University has been selected as one of the most transfer-friendly colleges and universities in the country.
Elmhurst U. was recently named to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s 2024 Transfer Honor Roll in recognition of the outstanding programs the University has created to support students transferring to Elmhurst from area community colleges.
The designation was determined by 40 criteria related to the support and success of transfer students, including college costs and financial aid, quality of campus life for transfer students, admission practices and bachelor’s degree completion rates.
“Elmhurst University has always valued transfer students as vital members of our University community, so it’s sensational that an outside organization that works solely with transfer students and community colleges thinks so highly of what we’re doing,” said Michelle Adams, assistant vice president for admission.
Elmhurst University enrolls more than 500 new transfer students each year, mostly from the Chicago area’s 12 community colleges. Elmhurst is known for a number of distinctive transfer-friendly programs, including Transfer Talk ’n’ Tour Weeks to share information about the University and transfer enrollment; providing transfer credit evaluations early in the process; and offering one-on-one meetings with admission counselors to discuss anything from transferrable credits and scholarship
“
Being named to the PTK Honor Roll for a fifth year is exciting because it shows our transfer students that we are well-versed in and committed to providing a seamless transfer to Elmhurst.”
– Kristina Black
opportunities to what college life is like for transfer students at Elmhurst.
It’s also the fifth year that Elmhurst U. has hosted its Transfer Scholarship Competition. This year’s first-place winner, Jose Rodriguez of Melrose Park, received a $10,000 renewable scholarship for up to two years of study at Elmhurst. Rodriguez is transferring to Elmhurst from Triton College and plans to major in engineering physics and computer science. The second-place winner, Jumi Salama of Glen Ellyn, received a $5,000 renewable scholarship. She is transferring from College of DuPage and will be studying psychology.
“The goal of most students attending community college is earning a bachelor’s degree, but few do because of financial barriers and the complexity of the transfer process,” said Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “We are proud to recognize
the exceptional colleges and universities that go above and beyond to create accessible pathways to bachelor’s degree completion for community college transfer students.”
By expanding access to four-year institutions of higher learning through its award-winning transfer programs, Elmhurst fosters growthminded paths for development in our students, giving them timeless knowledge and skills to thrive as adaptive leaders.
“Being named to the PTK Honor Roll for a fifth year is exciting because it shows our transfer students that we are well-versed in and committed to providing a seamless transfer to Elmhurst,” said Kristina Black, director for academic partnerships and transfer admission. “We take the guesswork out of the transfer process, allowing our students to focus on getting acclimated to Elmhurst and, ultimately, their future.”
Elmhurst University is a leading four-year institution of higher education that seamlessly blends a liberal arts education and professional preparation to help students acquire knowledge and skills for enduring success.
Founded in 1871, Elmhurst now offers more than 70 undergraduate programs of study, more than 20 graduate and certificate programs in flexible formats, and the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy for young adults with differing abilities. Elmhurst University ranks among the top 10 best regional colleges and universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report
ReAl estAte/Business
York Street development passes ZPC Gambino plans greenhouse setting in downtown
By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
A measure passed by the Elmhurst Zoning & Planning Commission (ZPC) was headed to the Development, Planning & Zoning (DPZ) Committee of the Elmhurst City Council on Monday, Aug. 26.
The results of that meeting were unknown at press time, but the warm reception of the idea by the ZPC certainly indicates it should be a slam dunk. After the committee’s approval, the measure goes before the full City Council.
The ZPC unanimously approved the plans for a development that will expand the property at 126 N. York by combining it with 132 N. York.
The applicant, local restauranteur Tony Gambino, gave a presentation to the commission at its meeting Tuesday, Aug. 20, explaining not only the vision for the project but how it will contribute to the community.
“Our goal was to beautify the buildings we own and to create beautiful outdoor seating for Victory Meat and Seafood [restaurant] that was not on public property,” Gambino said. “When COVID-19 came around, it had a large impact on restaurants. Elmhurst was one of the better
“
Our goal was to beautify the buildings we own and to create beautiful outdoor seating for Victory Meat and Seafood [restaurant] that was not on public property.”
– Tony Gambino
communities to be in during COVID. [The City] supported our right to stay open and they created some great initiatives like the street parklet seating. This allowed us to operate through a very difficult time.”
Recognizing that parklets might be fine for restaurants but not necessarily for other businesses, Gambino came up with the design for this development.
By joining the 126 and 132 N. York properties, a park-like seating area will be built around an 800 square-foot greenhouse with 40
seats on the inside and 50 seats outdoors in a lounge area around a fireplace. Brickwork will match that of the York Building and some landscaping elements will match those at the HB Jones restaurant (now Golden Boy Barbecue) on the corner of York and Vallette, also owned by Gambino.
“It closes at 3 p.m. and will utilize the newly created outdoor space during the daytime with Victory Meat and Seafood using it at night,” Gambino said.
If approved, Gambino anticipates the completion of the project by the spring of 2025.
The building just south at 124 N. York will be remodeled for an upscale coffee and sandwich shop called Hero Coffee.
Gambino offers tribute to the late Willis Johnson
Inspired by how he conducted business
By Dee Longfellow
FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
During the presentation of his development plans to the Zoning & Planning Commission on Tuesday, Aug. 20, Tony Gambino praised Willis Johnson, noting what a fine businessman he was and how he inspired Gambino’s project.
Gambino talked about constructing the York Building nine years ago and how he has tried to emulate Johnson and his business practices. Several of the commissioners offered appreciation of his comments about Johnson.
Gambino said the following:
“Our actions were inspired by years of watching the way our neighbor Willis Johnson at the York Theatre conducted his
business. Mr. Johnson always did more than was required to make his buildings look good and add to the overall look and feel of our downtown.
“He did not accept tenants that he felt did not add value to the area and he always kept his buildings impeccably maintained. The streetscape he created on the Schiller walkway is an example of going above and beyond to create something special. Rather than seeing the side of a building, you see what appears to be multiple storefronts. This inspired us to create actual storefronts on our portion of the Schiller walkway.
“Willis showed us that you could do what is in the best interest of your business and also in the best interest of the community.”
Elmhurst Public Library programs
Friday, Aug. 30 - 2-4 p.m.
Friday Features: “His Girl Friday”
Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday.
No registration required.
Saturday, Aug. 31 - 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.
Tuesday, Sept. 3 - 7-8 p.m.
Meditation for Stress Reduction (Virtual only)
Arlene Samsel offers a simple, effective meditation technique and demonstrates practical methods of controlling and calming the mind. Live on Zoom. Registration required.
Wednesday, Sept. 4 - 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.
Tuesday, Sept. 5 - 7-8 p.m.
Ukulele Circle
Jam along or listen to music ranging from folk to rock. Ukuleles are available to borrow.
Live in-person. Registration required.
Friday, Sept. 6 - 4 p.m.
Friday Features:
“The Princess Bride”
Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday. No registration required.
Community calendar
Sunday, Sept. 1
From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Elmhurst WalkIn Assistance Network (EWAN) will hold its annual “Cue for the Cause” fundraiser.
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
Info: elmhursthistory.org.
Elmhurst Art Museum Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.
Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend!
Elmhurst Knights of Columbus to hold three fundraisers in September
The Elmhurst Knights of Columbus will mark its “Giving Month” with three fundraisers in September.
The Knights will hold three fundraising events during September to raise $40,000 for local programs that help individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Grand Knight Deacon Mike O’Ryan shared, “There are a lot of great local programs like Access Sports, Special Religious Education, Misericordia, and Ray Graham, which help people with special learning and life needs. We are excited to be a part of their success and dedicating the entire month of September to them”.
The Knights kick off the month with their famous Tootsie Roll Drive, which takes place Friday, Sept. 6, and Saturday, Sept. 7.
The Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities, also known as the Tootsie Roll Drive, is probably the Knights of Columbus’ bestknown national fundraiser.
“ Everyone loves looking at sports cars and classic cars. It is amazing how it transcends all ages. Often times, we will have three generations from the same family here, reminiscing and pointing things out and having a good time”.
–Ernie Iannotta
car show on Sunday, Sept 8. The car show will take place in the parking lot of the Renaissance Room, 537 S. York St., Elmhurst.
“There is a large number of classic car owners in Elmhurst and surrounding areas that will participate in our car show fundraiser on Sept. 8,” Ernie Iannotta of the Knights of Columbus shared.
Admission to the car show is free. It is open to all years, makes, and models. Registration will start at 8 a.m. The car show will run from 9
a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Everyone loves looking at sports cars and classic cars,” said Iannotta.
“It is amazing how it transcends all ages. Often times, we will have three generations from the same family here, reminiscing and pointing things out and having a good time”.
The Knights’ “Giving Month” grand finale will be its Oktoberfest fundraiser, which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Break out your lederhosen and dancing shoes to help raise money
for Intellectual Disabilities by Celebrating Oktoberfest with the Knights of Columbus. The event, hosted by the Knights at 537 S. York St., Elmhurst, starts at 5 p.m. with dinner, music, dancing, and of course, the “Ceremonial Keg”. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at the door.
For more information on any of these events, or to make donations toward Charities with Intellectual Disabilities, visit www.elmhurst1911kofc.org.
Alan Quarrie from the Knights of Columbus stated, “We will have 75 to 100 volunteers covering every major intersection in Elmhurst on Sept. 6-7, and 100 percent of the net proceeds will be donated locally. Every penny donated counts. On this weekend we will collect close to half a ton of coins.”
• Murder
The Knights’ “Giving Month” moves from street corners to a classic
(Continued from page 6)
admitted and there was “no indication of improper manipulation of the video.”
The Appellate Court also rejected Pelka’s claims that the Trial Court erred in not allowing evidence regarding bromantane allegedly found in the victim’s backpack after he was murdered stating, “the autopsy did not show the presence of any drugs in Gojdas’s system, there was not testimony from employees that he took bromantane.” Pelka’s final claim of abuse of discretion by the Trial Court was also rejected with the Appellate Court noting that the Trial Court gave the jury proper instructions. In their conclusion, the Appellate Court
• Theft
summarized “Finding no errors, we thus find no cumulative error.”
“I thank the Appellate Court for their thorough analysis of this case and their finding that no errors, let alone the cumulative effect of multiple errors, were committed by the Trial Court affecting Mr. Pelka’s trial,” Berlin said.
“This decision will ensure that Mr. Pelka spends the rest of his life behind bars for the cowardly, unprovoked shooting of an unarmed man while he was at work.”
Presiding Justice McDade delivered the judgment of the Court with Justice Holdridge and Justice Hettel concurring.
(Continued from page 7)
I’d also like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their assistance and appropriate charges on these cases.”
The next court date for both Martinez-Pacheco and Rojas-Galea is scheduled for Sept. 16, for arraignment in front of Judge Mia McPherson. The next court date for Gryer and Watson is scheduled for Sept. 9, for arraignment in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.
SUBMITTED
The Elmhurst History Museum’s upcoming exhibition, Chicagoland Movie Palaces: A Century of Follies & Film, will open on Sept. 6, and run through Jan. 5, 2025. The museum, which offers free admission, is located at 120 E. Park Ave. The exhibit will feature a special section on famous performances and films that have taken place at Elmhurst’s York Theatre, which opened 100 years ago, in 1924. One photo from the museum’s archives shows the York Theatre, circa 1925, with its original façade.
Elmhurst History Museum’s next exhibition opens on Sept. 6
In honor of the York Theatre celebrating 100 years of business, the new exhibit will offer a nostalgic experience for movie-lovers of all ages
The Elmhurst History Museum (EHM), 120 E Park Ave., which offers free admission, recently announced its next exhibition, Chicagoland Movie Palaces: A Century of Follies & Film, set to open Friday, Sept. 6.
Exploring the early days of vaudeville and the golden age of motion picture theatres, the exhibit will examine the first movie palaces built in the Chicagoland area, delving into the architects who created them, the movie-going culture during the early age of Hollywood and the Blockbuster era, and the evolving digital movie experience. The exhibit will also highlight the York Theatre’s centennial celebration with a special section on famous performances and films that have made a splash on the iconic marquee in Elmhurst since 1924.
“Over the past century, movie theaters have played a crucial role in our culture and have helped to shape the entertainment industry,” said Sarah Cox, Elmhurst History Museum Curator of Exhibits. “Movie theatres bring people together for a shared experience, transcending background and differences by immersing audiences in storytelling and movie magic. We’re thrilled to be able to share these stories and highlight how the Chicagoland area has played a part in in the industry we know today.”
Through historical photographs, performance and film artifacts, historical publications and advertisements, and archival films, the exhibition will aim to explore the innovation, evolution, and adaptation of the movie industry. Guests will also enjoy a variety of interactive elements in Chicagoland Movie Palaces: A Century of Follies & Film, from a foley table and ticket booth to touchscreens featuring oral histories, movie trailers, and more.
To accompany the new exhibit, the EHM will host a variety of entertaining and engaging public programs and events, perfect for all ages this season. Chicago’s first female Film Camera Assistant and recently retired University of Chicago Cinema and Media Studies Professor, Judy Hoffman, will present “Lights, Camera, Action: The History of Chicago Film,” a lec-
Gather with us for weekend worship!
Saturdays 5 p.m.
Sundays 8:30 and 11 a.m.
ture exploring Chicago’s film history, and during the holidays, movie-goers can enjoy a family-friendly screening of “Elf” on the big screen at the York Theatre. Guests are also invited to dive into film industry history with Trivia Night with Elmhurst Brewing or on the Classic Cinemas Bus Tour where attendees will enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience at three local historic theatres, Classic Cinemas’ York Theatre in Elmhurst, Tivoli Theatre in Oak Brook, and Lake Theatre in Oak Park. The full program line up is below, and additional details may be found at elmhursthistory.org. Attendees are encouraged to register for events online.
• Lights, Camera, Action: The History of Chicago Film Lecture; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 (FREE to Members, $5 Non-Members)
• Trivia Night with Elmhurst Brewing; 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 (FREE)
• Young Frankenstein Film Screening; 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 (FREE)
• Chicagoland Movie Palaces: A Century of Follies & Film Gallery Talk; noon Sunday, Nov. 3 (FREE to Members, $5 Non-Members)
• No One Ever Sees Indians: Native Americans in Media Lecture; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17 (FREE)
• A Classic Hollywood Christmas Lecture; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 (FREE to Members, $5 Non-Members)
• “Elf” Film Screening; 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 ($5/person)
Chicagoland Movie Palaces: A Century of Follies & Film will be on display from Sept. 6 to Jan. 5, 2025. The Elmhurst History Museum is open to all ages and offers free admission. The museum is open from 1–5 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Monday. For additional information, visit www.elmhursthistory.org.
Elmhurst History Museum’s “Chicagoland Movie Palaces: A Century of Follies & Film” exhibit is sponsored by: Feze Roofing, McGrath Elmhurst Toyota, Classic Cinemas, Rotary Club of Elmhurst, Community Bank of Elmhurst, and the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation.
Education Hour between services at 9:45 a.m.
142 E. Third St. Elmhurst, IL ImmanuelElmhurst.org 630-832-1649
Handicapped accessible and hearing loop enabled
779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 630-834 -6700 www.visitationparish.org
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church 547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435
Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.
“The Crucial Hours”
Second Lenten Service
March 9, 2022
Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26
Third Lenten Service
Sunday Worship at 10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am Saturday, September 28, Game Night at 4 pm Everyone is Welcome! All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org
March 16, 2022
Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4
Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022
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
Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM
Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022
Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66
Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM
Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM
Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14
Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15
Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17
Adoration:
Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17
Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17
Available in Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7
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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!
Sport S
York boys golf team opens season in Bloomington
Adelsbach, Jacobs lead way with 76s
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The York boys golf team opened its 2024 season with a downstate tournament and a quad meet. The Dukes headed to Bloomington and The Den at Fox Creek for the Tiger invitational. The Den is the Class 3A boys golf state finals meet course.
IC
York took eighth place out of 16 teams with a 310. Gage Jacobs and Collin Adelsbach each shot 76, while Brendan Carroll had a 78. Hans Bjorlin and Sal Purpora each shot 80 to round out the Dukes’ scorecard.
The Dukes then played in a quad meet with Lyons Township, Hinsdale Central and St. Charles East at Fox Bend Golf Club in Oswego. York finished third with a 308 team score. Jacobs led the way with a 75 to further
a consistent early showing. Andrew Gumbach added a 77, while Carroll, Bjorlin and Adelsbach each shot 78s. Blake Flessner shot an 81 and Anthony Giovannelli shot an 82.
Carroll, who played in the Class 3A state meet last year, and Bjorlin, a three-year varsity player, headline a list of returners for the Dukes. “Our team will be led by two talented seniors in Brendan and Hans,” York coach Jim Borel said. “Brendan
Catholic Prep girls volleyball team looks to continue momentum under new coach LaVigne Knights advanced to Class 2A state title match last season
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
It’s a new era for the IC Catholic Prep girls volleyball team. New coach Lauren LaVigne has taken over the program after longtime ICCP playing and coaching great Nancy Kerrigan stepped down this summer. LaVigne takes over a Knights team that went 36-4 overall last season and finished 6-1 and took third in their first season in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference White Division.
The Knights went on to win Class 2A regional, sectional and supersectional titles before losing in the Class 2A state championship match.
The Knights welcome back a pair of key seniors in Delilah Hyland and Emily Carling. The 6-0 Hyland hit .323 and had 68 total blocks out of the middle last season on her way to all-state and all-GCAC White Division honors. Hyland is committed to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. “Delilah is one of the most active middles I have seen,” LaVigne said. “She has great pin-to-pin movement, really great technique and timing, and is a highly effective hitter
and teammate. She does a great job taking ownership at the net.”
Carling, a 5-7 outside hitter, converted on 94 percent of her serves and also earned all-GCAC White Division accolades. “Emily is a really smart and versatile hitter,” LaVigne said. “She has a lot of different shots she can effectively place and is a strong back-row player as well. She is really consistent in all aspects of the game.” Junior setter Mary Kate Hilgart will also factor heavily into ICCP’s plans.
“This year, I think the team’s strengths will be its comradery and unity together,” LaVigne said. “They truly lift each other up and are each other’s biggest cheerleaders.” LaVigne likes the fact the Knights have a strong variety of hitters. “Between outside hitters, middle hitters and right-side hitters we have more than one great option, and I think that will really help us diversify our offense and keep other teams on their toes,” she said.
Defense will continue to be an ICCP cornerstone. “One of the main things we focus on is serve-re-
ceive,” LaVigne said. “We have two strong returning defensive specialists-liberos that help us set the tone in the back row and have great movement on defense. They do a good job of taking ownership on the court and supporting their setters and hitters.”
One of those defensive dandies is libero-defensive specialist Natalie Lawton. “Natalie does a great job of tracking balls on defense and serve-receive,” LaVigne explained. “She reacts quickly and can consistently get the ball up to set up our offense. She’s active throughout the entire rally, whether she’s talking to her hitters, reading the other team’s hitters, covering, defending or passing. She’s also a very strong server.”
The Knights have a challenging schedule once again, which includes a match against town neighbor Timothy Christian, which ICCP beat in the sectional final last year, and Chicago Mother McAuley (at home this year against McAuley). “Despite the tough competition we will face, I think we have a lot of deep talent on our team to be able to compete at a high level,” LaVigne said.
competed in the IHSA state finals last year and Hans is very talented.”
The junior group for York includes Adelsbach, Henry Cabage, Flessner, Giovannelli, Andrew Gumbach, Purpora and James Roelle. “All our juniors are very talented and capable of shooting in the low to mid-70s,” Borel pointed out.
Jacobs and Will Huber begin their sophomore seasons on the York varsity. “We also have two talented
sophomores in Will and Gage, both of which played significant roles on the varsity last year as freshmen, Borel noted. Borel sees more improvement on the horizon for his 2024 team. “We are excited for the potential of this team and are looking forward to getting better as the season moves along,” he said. “They are all great kids and it’s fun to be around them.”
York football week 1 preview
Glenbrook
South at York
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Clarence D. East Field, York High School
Last year’s score: York 35, Glenbrook South 17
Outlook: York has a new head football coach in Don Gelsomino, who is no stranger to the program, having served previously as defensive coordinator. What hasn’t changed is the team’s desire to continue the tremendous success the program has enjoyed of late — two Class 8A state semifinal appearances in a row. The Dukes were 11-2 last season. Glenbrook South out of north-suburban Glenview, qualified for the playoffs in 8A last year with a losing record and was vanquished in the first round. York won last year’s meeting in Glenview handily by 18 points to begin a streak of six straight weeks of piling up 30 or more points.
ICCP football week 1 preview Chicago Noble/Rowe-Clark at IC Catholic Prep
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Where: Lewis Stadium at Plunkett Athletic Complex, Elmhurst
Outlook: A new Week 1 opponent is on the schedule this year for the Knights, who are coming off a 2023 season where they reached the Class 4A state quarterfinals. This is the first of five home games for ICCP, which will play five teams from the Chicago city limits during the regular season. Chicago Noble/Rowe-Clark plays in the Chicago Public League White-Central Division with nine of the 10 teams in the conference going under the Noble designation. The Masai Lions, who have an IHSA enrollment of 386.5 students, went 4-5 last season and 4-3 in conference play and played only one team with more than five wins and two playoff teams.
University of Texas commit VanderWal headlines list of returners
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The Timothy Christian girls volleyball team had quite the debut during last year’s inaugural Chicagoland Christian Conference season. The Trojans not only ran the table at 10-0 as regular season champions, but also won the conference tournament title to secure the overall CCC crown ahead of winning a Class 2A regional title and advancing to a Class 2A sectional championship match.
Now, Timothy is looking for more of that same success. Twelfthyear coach Scott Piersma has plenty of returning players, headlined by
University of Texas commit Abby VanderWal, who is back for her senior season. The 6-3 outside hitter finished last year hitting .527 from the left side (218 kills) and also finished with 125 digs and 43 aces on a team that posted a 28-7 overall mark in 2023. VanderWal is a 2023 allstate selection and now a three-time all-conference selection between the CCC and the defunct Metro Suburban Conference. Also back for the Trojans are 5-7 junior outside hitter Bella Potempa (191 kills, 190 digs, 56 aces), 6-1 junior middle blocker Ella Rickert (100 kills and 52 blocks) and 5-10 junior setter Elizabeth Alex (261 assists,
84 digs, 28 aces). Key newcomers to the roster include 6-0 sophomore middle Audrey Williams and 5-11 senior right-side hitter Jenna Wasco, a transfer from York.
“It’s not a lie that all of our hitters are capable of swinging in multiple positions,” said Piersma, when describing the team’s strengths. “We will be able to move girls around and show teams a lot of different looks. Abby, of course, is our top player, but the other girls are great complements to her that will allow us to take some of the load off her shoulders.”
Piersma noted Potempa and Rickert are also drawing some college interest after a lot of college camp
travel this summer, he said. “We are hoping for another great season with Abby, Bella and Ella back as a very solid offensive trio,” Piersma said.
“Adding in Jenna Wasco gives us a viable attacking option from anywhere on the court, so we’re hoping to be a multi-headed monster that is tough to stop offensively.”
Piersma noted the Trojans have height and length at the net, “so that should help our defense a ton,” he said. “Balls needing to go over our block will give our back row plenty of time to see, move and pick up the ball. If we can get our block set consistently in the correct spot, we should be able to force opposing of-
fenses into predictable patterns. We will make serve-receive a focus in the first few weeks because we will be very hard to stop with three viable hitting options at all times if we are able to stay in system.”
Individually, VanderWal, Piersma feels, “quite possibly is the best player that has/will ever come through Timothy,” he said. She should go over the 1,000 career kill mark early in the season, Piersma noted. In the middle, Rickert played varsity as a 10th grader last season, “and made huge strides at the end of the year,” Piersma said. “We are looking for her
At DNC, state leaders tout Illinois as a ‘model of Democratic success’
By Hannah Meisel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Pritzker speaks to delegation, visits other state breakfasts on opening day
In announcing Chicago would host of the 2024 Democratic National Convention more than a year ago, national party leaders referred to Illinois as a key part of the “blue wall” of Midwestern states crucial to President Joe Biden’s 2020 election.
Instead of choosing a venue in a swing state, as they had done for the last two decades, Democrats selected a city and state long dominated by Democratic politics and policies. And while Illinois and Chicago in particular have become conservative media shorthand for out-of-control progressive government, Illinois Democrats sought to cast their brand of politics as an exemplar for the nation.
Gov. JB Pritzker, who was instrumental in landing the DNC in Chicago, kicked off the Illinois delegation’s Aug. 19 breakfast at a downtown hotel by thanking elected Democrats in the room “for the work that you’ve done to make this the greatest Democratic Party that Illinois has ever had and in the entire country.”
Before making a quick exit to speak to delegates at two other states’ Democratic Party breakfasts, Pritzker rattled off a litany of legislation passed during his 5½-year tenure as governor so far. The governor acknowledged the Democratic super-
Volleyball
majorities in the General Assembly that helped pass items ranging from a minimum wage hike to $15 an hour starting next year to a $10 million state investment to pay off a projected $1 billion in medical debt for low-income Illinoisans.
Republicans, he reminded the group, “voted against all of that.”
“It’s almost as if Republicans don’t want working families to succeed,” Pritzker said, pivoting to the attack dog role he’s been rehearsing for months and criticizing the GOP for being “obsessed with other things ... like explaining away Donald Trump’s 34 felony fraud convictions.”
But instead of focusing on Trump and other Republicans, Democrats tried to keep the spotlight on their positive vision for what their party can accomplish.
“This convention is our opportunity to share our successes, to set the agenda, and to show the entire country why Illinois is leading the way,”
DNC Host Committee Executive Director Christy George, who most recently worked in Pritzker’s office on budget and economic issues, told the breakfast crowd.
State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, who serves as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party, echoed those sentiments as she called Illinois “a model of Democratic success” and
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to be a dominating presence both offensively and defensively in the middle.”
Piersma also is high on Potempa’s progress.
“Bella may be undersized, but she has the highest vertical on the team and is a powerful outside hitter,” he said. “If she can add a few new shots, such as a roll shot, power tip, line/
cross, to her arsenal, we will have two near unstoppable outsides.”
U12 baseball action
Anthony Bucolo fires a pitch during a recent U12 baseball game.
Piersma said to keep an eye on Chicago Christian and Wheaton Academy in the Chicagoland Christian Conference. “We are hoping to defend our regular season and tournament championship in the Chicagoland Christian Conference,” he said.
“the beacon of progress in the Midwest.”
Illinois is increasingly a blue island in the mostly red center of the country, and Democratic politicians have leaned into that identity in recent years.
On the heels of Trump nominating his first U.S. Supreme Court justice weeks into his first term in early 2017, Democrats in the General Assembly began pushing for abortion protections in the event that a conservative majority on the court might someday overturn Roe v. Wade.
By the time that happened five years later, Illinois Democrats had approved a series of laws shoring up reproductive rights just as surrounding states began banning or severely restricting abortion access.
Late last week, Pritzker highlighted Illinois’ position as a sanctuary for abortion seekers and providers at an event hosted by Think Big America, the progressive advocacy organization he founded last fall. The group, staffed by the governor’s political team, has so far been involved with abortion rights ballot measures in Ohio, Nevada, Arizona and Montana.
Illinois Democrats highlighted the law during an event Aug. 19 in conjunction with the anti-gun violence organization named for former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, who has spent more than a decade advocating for gun control measures after surviving an assassination attempt early in her third term in Congress in 2011.
Recalling the chaos of the Highland Park parade, State Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, who went on to become the lead sponsor of Illinois’ assault weapons ban, said it was an “opportunity to turn our pain into purpose.”
While Illinois is among a mix of Midwestern states that have not adopted “right to work” laws that bar employers from requiring workers to be union members to keep their jobs.
But Illinois Democrats went a step further, putting a constitutional amendment on the ballot that bans the state from adopting right-to-work laws in the future. Illinois voters approved the “Workers Rights Amendment” in 2022.
And in a move that continues to generate attacks from conservatives, Illinois became the first state to com-
pletely eliminate its cash bail system last year. Abolishing cash bail was just one part of a wide-ranging 2021 criminal justice reform law pushed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in 2020 and a summer of protests that followed.
The law went unmentioned during the Illinois delegation’s official breakfast Aug. 19, but House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, highlighted the legacy of black political power in Illinois, stretching back to the founding of the NAACP in Springfield following the 1908 race riots in the city.
Welch traced the trajectories of major black activists and elected officials with ties to Illinois through time, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who he said inspired generations of young black Americans to get involved in politics with his oft-recited speech adapted from an earlier poem that featured the phrase “I am somebody.”
“I believed I was somebody, and I stand before you today as the first black speaker of the Illinois House,” he said.
Biden designates Springfield 1908 Race Riot Monument
Financial institutions sue credit card fee law; Mendoza withholds payments to embattled village
By Jerry Nowicki and Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
President Joe Biden signed a proclamation on Aug. 16 to designate the “Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument” on the 116th anniversary of the deadly riot in the state capital.
“We’re allowing history to be written—what happened—so our children, our grandchildren, everybody understands what happened and what could still happen,” Biden said at an Oval Office ceremony to designate the monument.
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch—the first black man to hold that position in Illinois—said he became emotional while attending the White House ceremony upon an invite from Biden’s staff.
Jacobs and Adelsbach each shot 78s for 18 holes to help the York boys golf team to an eighth-place finish at the recent Tiger invitational held at The Den at Fox Creek in Bloomington, the same site as the Class 3A state finals meet.
“That race riot led to the creation of the NAACP, which led to Thurgood Marshall, which led to Brown versus Board of Education, and so many big victories in this country when it comes to race relations,” Welch said in a phone interview. “You have to say that it was this that led to the creation of opportunities for people like me to become the first black speaker.”
In August 1908, a white mob lynched two black men, Scott Burton and William K. Donnegan, and burned down homes and businesses in the city’s black community. The riots were spurred by the mob seeking to lynch two men held in the Sangamon County Jail, Joe James and George Richardson. James had been accused and was later convicted in the county of murdering a white man, while Richardson was accused of sexually assaulting a white woman who later signed a statement saying she had falsified the allegation.
Biden’s proclamation said the deadly event was “emblematic of the racism, intimidation, violence, and lynchings that black Americans experienced in communities across the country in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.”
The monument will be located between N. 9th and 11th streets, and between E. Mason and E. Madison streets.
Welch said it’s important to emphasize history to avoid repeating it, and he mentioned the July 6 killing of Sonya Massey, a black woman, by a white police officer.
“We have a party in this country right now that would love to erase history. They want us to forget a lot of the things that make America, America,” he said. “And I think it’s important that we continue to recognize the significance of these events and make sure folks remember what occurred in this country.”
Lawsuit challenges credit card fee law
Financial institutions filed a long-promised legal challenge Aug. 15 to a new state law that would prohibit them from charging fees on the tip and tax portions of debit or credit card transactions.
An “interchange fee” is a standard charge applied over 150 billion times annually across the U.S. when a credit or debit card is swiped. While it usually applies to a full purchase price, the Illinois law would exempt the portion that goes to tips and state and local taxes.
No other state has enacted such a limitation on interchange fees.
The provision, dubbed the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, was included in the budgeting process to appease the state’s retailers, be-
cause the governor and Democratic lawmakers capped an existing tax discount claimed by retailers to fill a budget gap.
But the move drew swift backlash from financial industry advocacy groups. The Illinois Bankers Association, American Bankers Association, America’s Credit Unions and the Illinois Credit Union League filed a joint lawsuit after weeks of public advocacy against the change. The change is not slated to take effect until July 1, 2025. The plaintiffs argue it would “upend the intricate and carefully calibrated global systems for debit and credit card purchases.” Specifically, they say the state action “usurps the federal government’s sole regulatory authority” of certain banks and credit unions.
The lawsuit also argues the fees are necessary for the financial institutions to offset risks such as the purchaser defaulting or the purchase being fraudulent.
Institutions “do not have the capabilities, systems, or processes to comply” with the law by July 1, the lawsuit argues, and they’d have to invest “potentially hundreds of millions of dollars” depending on the institution to put systems in place.
The lawsuit asked the courts to prevent the law from taking effect on July 1 and declare it invalid.
Proponents of the IFPA say it should be easily implemented because institutions are already prohibited from charging fees on purchases made through government programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the tax and tip portion of charges is already separated in financial systems.
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
Guardian Corps director works to protect service dogs
Anthony E. La Piana, executive director for Guardian Corps of America, organized a meeting with the Lombard village manager, police chief and city attorneys regarding laws protecting service dogs and how current laws protecting service dogs must be enforced more strongly and without failure to apply to those violating the safety of the service dog and owner.
Prior to this meeting La Piana also made a presentation to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin about the same issue, made aware the same issue to Illinois Gov. Pritzker’s office and presented the same issue to Senator Linda Holmes of
DuPage County. The Village of Lombard agreed to the concern service dog owners have and also agreed to La Piana’e request to first address these issues with first responders employed by the Village of Lombard. Staff also agreed to La Piana’s second request to advertise on the Village of Lombard website important information pertaining to behavior and laws that apply to the general public protecting owners and their service dogs while visible in the public eye.
It was La Piana’s presentation and recommendations that the Village of Lombard agreed to; La Piana also included how the current laws protect-
(Continued from page 16)
State cuts funds to village of Dolton
Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced Aug. 15 her office will withhold roughly $135,000 from a village in Chicago’s south suburbs for failing to file required annual financial reports with the state.
The village of Dolton, led by controversial Mayor Tiffany Henyard, has failed to file its annual financial report, a financial audit and three Tax Increment Financing district reports for two years, according to the comptroller’s office.
The money being withheld are the village’s “offset” funds, which is money held by the state from people who owe traffic tickets or other money to municipalities like Dolton.
Mendoza’s office also threatened to impose a fine of over $78,000 on the village if its leaders don’t address the problem. She said her office works with municipalities if they fall behind on reports, but that “Dolton is different.”
“The mayor’s office has refused to communicate with us or address the problem,” Mendoza said in a statement. “If Mayor Henyard refuses to follow state law, my office will use the tools at our disposal to safeguard the interests of Dolton’s citizens.”
Henyard has drawn significant criticism in recent years for alleged corruption, misuse of public funds and personal battles with others in Dolton government. Her behavior sparked a change in state law earlier this year.
Federal investigators have served several subpoenas on the village, seeking, among other things, all expense reimbursements and credit card expenditures for Henyard, according to reporting from FOX 32.
The village’s board of trustees also hired former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot—who worked on federal corruption investigations as a prosecutor in the late 1990s— to investigate Henyard earlier this year.
ing the owner and service dog must be enforced by first responders to prevent abuse done by unlawful people wishing to harm a service dog.
To their credit, the village of Lombard created the service dog (animals) section on their website that
highlights what La Piana presented and the information is dedicated to service animals. It will remain there indefinitely, according to Village of Lombard officials.
Go to the Village of Lombard website and type in the search bar
“Service Animals” and read the information about service dogs.
La Piana said: “I have not even begun to fight for the civil rights and human rights of service dogs belonging to disabled veterans, homeless veterans and non-veterans!”
Volunteers grow together during annual Illinois Master Gardener Conference
From rural farms and small towns to bustling suburbs, over 2,300 dedicated volunteers across Illinois are committed to gardening education and community outreach. While they typically help others learn to grow, Master Gardener volunteers will grow together during the 2024 Illinois Master Gardener Conference in Champaign on Sept. 12-13.
Hosted by Illinois Extension volunteers and staff from Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties, the annual conference promises a rich blend of educational sessions, engaging tours, and valuable networking opportunities.
On Sept. 12, attendees can choose from a range of optional tours. Explore
the natural beauty of Allerton Park in Monticello with a full-day guided tour or opt for a half-day experience in the Champaign-Urbana area by visiting a flower farm, vegetable farm, or a garden-focused campus tour.
The conference on Sept. 13 kicks off with a keynote address from entomologist May Berenbaum, whose research focuses on the interactions between insects and plants and their implications in the organization of natural communities and agroecosystems.
Volunteers and staff interested in attending the conference can register at go.illinois.edu/2024MGConference. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Candice Anderson at 217-935-5764 or by email at mille116@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs.
Participants will have the chance to attend three informative breakout sessions, participate in a silent auction, and celebrate at an awards ceremony honoring the exceptional contributions of volunteers from across the state. This event not only highlights the incredible dedication of volunteers but also provides an opportunity for professional development and networking.
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Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and
that I can attain my goal, you who gave me divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me, and that in all instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory.
Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine.
The person must say this prayer 3 consecutive days, after 3 days the request will be granted.
This prayer must be published after the favor is granted. A.S.
