EI033023

Girls hockey team to play in national championship

Less than 5 percent of girls playing hockey at the U14 level get the chance to play at the USA national championship, but it just so happens eight girls from the Elmhurst community will take on that challenge this Thursday, March 30. The Elmhurst Chiefs hockey club, pictured here, will take the ice for one of amateur hockey’s highest honors at the national level. The girls all played together at the Elmhurst Chiefs hockey club, but later moved on to join other organizations. Still, these young ladies share two things in common: the love for the game of hockey and the thrill of earning a spot to play in a national championship game in their respective division. Team Illinois (Tier 1) will head to Dallas while the Chicago Hawks (Tier II) are going to Anaheim, Calif.

School Board approves salary increase for Campbell

D205 superintendent credited for strategic plan implementation

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

At the Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board meeting held on Tuesday, March 21, Board members voted unanimously to approve an amendment to the district’s contract with D205 Superintendent Keisha Campbell.

The board approved the hiring of Campbell nearly two years ago and she began serving as District 205’s superintendent on July 1, 2021. Her initial contract covered three years, through June 30, 2024. Board members voted at the March 21 meeting to extend her contract for another two years, through June 30, 2026. See INCREASE, Page 4

Former local resident to perform with Triton Troupers

Former Elmhurst resident Kevin Adair (left) and his 16-year-old son Lucas will be performing juggling, gymnastics, stunts and more with the Triton Troupers for their 50th Anniversary Shows on Thursday, March 30, Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1. The show begins at 7 p.m. each evening plus there is a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday. (The Saturday afternoon performance will be interpreted for the hearingimpaired.) The event takes place in the Collins Center Gym on the campus of Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, near the intersection of North and Fifth Ave. The father and son entertainers will join dozens of other local entertainers from the western suburbs and throughout Chicagoland. They will be present tricks and stunts on the trampoline, the teeterboard, juggling, rolling globes, climbing pole, double stunts, Crazy-Bike, stacking chairs and stiltwalking. Shows are $6 per person, payable with cash only at the door. Seating opens one hour before the performance. Info: tritontrouperscircus.com

‘...valuing our customers and community first.’

elmhursT IndependenT

Your Hometown Newspaper

Locally owned and operated

240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900

Visit us at: TheElmhurstIndependent.com

The Elmhurst Independent USPS#022-607 is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126. Periodical Postage Paid at Elmhurst, IL.

Display Advertising: 630.834-8355

Classified Advertising: 630.834-8244

News: 630.834-8244

General Information: 630.834-8244

E-mail:

Advertising Department: ads1@rvpublishing.com

News Department: Independent@rvpublishing.com

Classified Department: Classifieds@rvpublishing.com

Administration:

Dee Longfellow

News Coordinator

Debra Hamilton

Advertising Director

Pete Cruger

Publisher

Advertising:

Brenda Garcia

Subscriptions:

The Elmhurst Independent is mailed at no charge by request to residents in the 60126 zip code area. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $29.95 yearly. Single copies are also available at more than 80 newsstand locations in Elmhurst. For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

Reprints:

Content appearing in the Elmhurst Independent may not be reprinted without permission of the publisher or editor. Requests should be directed to Independent@rvpublishing.com or 630.834-8244.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to:

THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm

Pick of the Week:

Tuesday, April 4

Consolidated Election.

Thursday, March 30

• This is the last day the DuPage County Election Division will receive Vote-By-Mail requests.

• The American Legion THB Post #187 is hosting affordable health screenings at the post located at 310 W. Butterfield Rd. Recommended for those who wish to learn about their risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions. Pre-registration is required. Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit lifelinescreening.com.

Friday, March 31

From 10 a.m. – 12 noon, the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., presents Immigration Storytime in the museum’s first floor gallery. Listen to family-friendly stories about immigration (on the hour and half hour, last story at 12 noon). Kids can also complete a coloring sheet and explore exhibits. Appropriate for elementary age children. Drop in, no reservations required. Info: elmhursthistory.org or 630-833-1457.

Obituaries

JEANETTE MAY HAMILTON, 88

Jeanette May Hamilton, nee Treskett, age 88, of St. Petersburg, Fla., beloved wife of the late Fred Hamilton, loving mother of Debra Hamilton and Michelle (Dave) Stevens; proud grandmother of Michael Towarnicki and Marc (Theresa) Hamilton.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 3, from 4-8 p.m., with a prayer

GERTRUDE “TRUDY” ZAKOWSKI, 83

Gertrude “Trudy” Zakowski (nee Quigley), of Bloomingdale, formerly of Elmhurst, passed away in hospice care at Bella Terra of Lombard on the evening of March 26, 2023. She was 83.

Trudy grew up in Chicago before her family’s move to Elmhurst in 1955, although she traveled back to Chicago to graduate from high school. Later, she managed a doctor’s office in the former Bates & Bates building in downtown Elmhurst, while also helping her working widowed mother raise her two youngest siblings. She last worked as a Southwest Airlines reservationist at the Midway Airport call center.

She married and divorced Tom Anderson and Richard “Dick” Zakowski, without any children.

Trudy enjoyed competing in her women’s golf leagues, reading novels and solving New York Times crossword puzzles. She was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears football team and

Saturday, April 1

Beginning at 3 p.m., Elmhurst University presents the 2nd annual TEDX program, featuring a diverse group of speaker discussing topics ranging from autism to public art to slang and more. General admission is $15 (with a two-ticket maximum due to limited seating). Tickets are available at elmhurst.edu/tedx. It will be held at the Mill Theatre on the campus of Elmhurst University. For more information, email marketing@elmhurst.edu.

Monday, April 3

This is the last day of early voting.

Saturday, April 8

The Spring Road Business Association will host its annual Egg Hunt. Candy-filled eggs will be scattered at the Wild Meadows Trace by the Gazebo on Spring Road. The egg hunt starts PROMPTLY at 1 p.m. Starting at 12:30 p.m., the Easter Bunny will be in the Gazebo for pictures. Free.

from the Pastor at 7:30 p.m., at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison St., Willowbrook, IL 60527. 630325-2300.

Interment will be held Tuesday, April 4, at 11:30 a.m. at Ridgeway Cemetery, 9900 N. Milwaukee Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60016.

Chicago Blackhawks hockey team. She enjoyed vacationing with family whether in the Wisconsin Dells at an uncle’s motor lodge or on exotic Caribbean isles.

Trudy was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Florence (nee Carzoli,) and four of her six siblings, Barbara (Kestler), Edward, Thomas and Patricia (Esposito).

She is survived by her two youngest siblings, Janet James of Algonquin and John Quigley of Villa Park; as well as cousins, godchildren, nieces, nephews and their children and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Trudy’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association at www. alz.org.

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel, 567 S. Spring Rd. Elmhurst, IL 60126. Interment at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel. For info, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.

Thursday, April 20

• From 6-8 p.m., there will be a College Fair held at Addison Trail High School. Representatives from nearly 80 colleges and universities are expected to be there. Free admission.

• At 7 p.m, former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger will deliver the Rudolf G. Schade lecture on History, Ethics and Law at Hammerschmidt Chapel on the campus of Elmhurst University. With him in conversation will be POLITICO reporter Shia Kapos. Admission: $15; free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tickets available at elmhurst.edu/cultural.

To post a community event or club meeting, email the information to Independent@rvpublishing.com and

put “Community Calendar” in the Subject line.

Elmhurst History Museum’s exhibit

On display now through Sunday, May 14, In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities is the current exhibit at the Elmhurst History Museum which explores the journeys of area immigrants and their descendants who have carved out a sense of cultural identity and belonging in this region. Info: elmhursthistory.org or 630833-1457.

Elmhurst Art Museum

The Museum is currently performing renovations at this time and may be open for limited hours. For details and info, visit elmhurstartmuseum. org or call 630-834-0202.

Former Elmhurst Airborne player wins state

Pictured here is Elmhurst resident Amalia Dray back in her Elmhurst Airborne days on the left and on the right, with the trophy she won at the IHSA 3A girls basketball State tournament this past weekend with her Nazareth Academy basketball team. The team beat the previously undefeated Lincoln Railsplitters by a score of 63-52. Now a junior at Nazareth, Amalia was a part of a very successful Elmhurst Airborne travel basketball squad from 2016 – 2020. Her numerous basketball awards for the 2022-23 season include All-Conference, All-Area, All-State Second Team AP, All-State Third Team IBCA, and All-State Tourney Team Honorable Mention. Amalia has committed to continue her sports career playing soccer for Boston College in the 2024-25 season.

• Increase

(Continued from front page)

District 205 Board President Kara Caforio said that Campbell will receive a 3.9 percent salary increase, and a $10,000 market adjustment, which will bring her salary for the 2023-24 school year to $250,000. Caforio said that salary is in line with the leaders of District 205’s comparable unit districts. Caforio added that there is an opportunity for Campbell to receive a performance bonus based on growth metrics, as determined by the board.

Caforio read a lengthy statement before the board voted to extend Campbell’s contract. In it, she referred to Campbell’s role in implementing a strategic plan for the district.

“Dr. Campbell is quickly moving us forward while lifting us up to reach the high levels of excellence our com-

munity desires as established through the strategic plan,” said Caforio near the conclusion of the statement. “We look forward to the future growth and positive impact Dr. Campbell will continue to have on each child’s personal and academic experience here in District 205 for years to come.”

Following the vote to extend her contract, Campbell thanked her colleagues on the District 205 administrative team. Campbell, who graduated from York High School, also thanked the district staff, as well as the board.

“It is truly a dream come true for me to serve in the district that has given so much to me, personally, as a graduate,” Campbell said. “Thank you.”

Don’t forget to vote. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Former U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger to deliver University’s annual Schade Lecture

A former six-term GOP Congressman from Illinois, Adam Kinzinger witnessed firsthand the deeply entrenched political divide that he believes is threatening American democracy as never before.

After leaving office earlier this year and joining CNN as a senior commentator, Kinzinger is essentially without a political home, yet still a believer in the political system — and a way forward.

On Thursday, April 20 at 7 p.m., he will explore these ideas in conversation with POLITICO reporter Shia Kapos during the 2023 Rudolf G. Schade Lecture on History, Ethics and Law at Elmhurst University. His message is entitled “Where Do We Go From Here? A Conversation with Adam Kinzinger.” It will be held in Hammerschmidt Chapel on the campus of Elmhurst University.

For Kinzinger, service to country has been a guiding force throughout his life and career, first as a McLean County (Ill.) Board member and U.S.

Air Force pilot who served three tours in Iraq, and later as a lawmaker in the halls of Congress. From 201122, Kinzinger served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Illinois’ 11th and 16th Congressional districts.

At POLITICO, Kapos is a government and politics reporter, and also writes the popular Illinois Playbook. Her work focuses on the intersection of politics, power and personalities.

Kapos previously wrote the Taking Names column, a personality-driven

feature in the Chicago Sun-Times and before that at Crain’s Chicago Business. She’s also the former political editor of the Salt Lake Tribune in Utah.

Admission is $15 for the general public and free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tickets are available by visiting elmhurst.edu/cultural. For more

information, email marketing@elmhurst.edu.

The Rudolf G. Schade Lecture on History, Ethics and Law is part of Elmhurst University’s Spring 2023 Cultural Season speaker series.

As the University celebrates its most ambitious fundraising campaign in institutional history, this academic

year’s Cultural Season theme—The Legacy We Leave: Doing Well, Doing Good, Investing in the Future—highlights philanthropic impact and building a culture of generosity and hope.

Arrangements for the appearance of Adam Kinzinger were made through UTA Speakers, New York, N.Y.

Police beat

The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

Battery

March 20

Erik Jones, 40, of Evergreen Park, was charged with battery and disorderly conduct in the 600 block of N. York at 8:21 p.m. Police said officers responded to the above location for the report of a fight. Upon arrival, the victim related while walking to his car, Jones approached him and punched him, according to police.

Criminal damage to property

March 22

A complainant near North and Berteau told police at 4:33 p.m. that a suspect complained the driver missed her stop. The suspect then swung her bag, breaking his side mirror. The suspect walked away from the scene, last seen heading eastbound on North Avenue.

March 16

Leslie J. Martinez Loza, 19, of Chicago, was charged with two counts of criminal damage to property, aggravated assault, possession of alcohol by minor in public and possession of cannabis in the 100 block of S Prospect at 10:42 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a verbal argument, a victim related the suspect threatened him with a kitchen knife and slashed his vehicle’s tire.

Domestic battery, disorderly conduct, domestic incident, disturbance

March 17

A 49-year-old Elmhurst woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery and resisting a police officer in the 900 block of S. Caldwell at 7:05 a.m. Police said that upon arrival, it was learned the suspect bit, struck and scratched the victim. As the suspect was placed into custody, she began resisting officers.

DUI, DUI-drugs, transportation of open alcohol, possession of open alcohol, consumption of alcohol by a minor

March 22

Kenneth Mayweather, 33, of Maywood, was charged with possession of open alcohol, tinted windows and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Spring and Butterfield at 2:50 a.m.

March 21

Antonio Pucheta-Cagal, 28, of Naperville, was charged with DUI, no valid license, possession of open alcohol by a driver and no insurance in the 200 block of N. Route 83 at 4:03 a.m.

March 20

Arturo Perez, 50, of Round Lake Beach, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, disobeying a traffic control device, improper stop or turn signal and possession of open alcohol subsequent to a traffic stop near Industrial and York at 9:23 p.m.

March 19

David B. Browne, 43, of Lisle, was charged

with DUI, possession of open alcohol and no insurance near Spring and Eggleston at 6:56 p.m.

Vinnecia Totty, 33, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, possession of open alcohol by a driver and no insurance near Roosevelt and York at 5:38 a.m.

March 18

Sergio Gutierrez, 22, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, possession of cannabis, illegal transportation of alcohol, improper lane usage and failure to signal subsequent to a traffic stop near St. Charles and Route 83 at 2:52 a.m.

Nubia Olvera Trejo, 21, of Palatine, was charged with DUI, driving while license suspended, disobeying a flashing red light, no insurance and transportation of open alcohol subsequent to a traffic stop near York and North at 4:22 a.m.

Bryan Roque, 39, of Itasca, was charged with felony obstructing justice, DUI, no insurance, transportation of open alcohol, speeding, and depositing material on a highway prohibited. Michael J. Pack, 39, of Wood Dale, a passenger in the vehicle, was issued a citation for open alcohol in a vehicle.

March 16

Jzevoune M. De Thompson, 18, of Bellwood, was issued citations for improper display of a license plate and possession of alcohol by a minor, while Angela Rodriguez, 18, of Melrose Park, was issued a citation for unlawful possession of cannabis subsequent to a traffic stop near North and York at 2:52 p.m.

Andre V. Sawyer, 41, of Maywood, was charged with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident subsequent to an accident near Roosevelt and York at 10:29 p.m.

Identity theft, fraud, forgery

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported seven incidents of identity theft or fraud.

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Ezinna N. Nnoli, 28, of Chicago, near North and Villa at 9:03 p.m. March 16.

Possession of a controlled substance

March 17

Police said that subsequent to a drug investigation in the 300 block of S. West at 6:09 p.m., a reporting officer located the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect, Michael A. Acevedo Nolfi, 34, of Chicago, admitted to being in possession of a controlled substance, according to police. The suspect was charged with delivery of a controlled substance Jezabel Talavera Matos, 27, of Chicago, was issued a citation for

unlawful possession of cannabis.

Theft or burglary /retail theft/ forgery/deceptive practice/ obstruction/robbery

March 19

A reporting officer was on patrol near Hawthorne and Eggleson at 4:01 a.m. when he observed an unknown suspect(s) trying to open a door of a parked vehicle at the above location. The suspect jumped in a white Kia Optima which was reported stolen and fled the scene.

A resident in the 400 block of S. Arlington called to report unknown suspect entered his unlocked vehicle on his driveway. Once inside, the suspect(s) removed a garage door opener from the vehicle and entered his garage through the overhead door. Nothing appears to be missing from the garage. One suspect went to the 400 block of Arlington and entered an unlocked Chevrolet Tahoe and subsequently took the vehicle. The Tahoe was later found abandoned in the street in the 200 block of Grace.

March 18

A reporting officer near I-290 found the victim in the above location with minor injuries from a crash. The victim was taken into protective custody and transported to Elmhurst Hospital. It was later determined he had stolen a beige Chevy Equinox which he had crashed. Addison police took custody of the suspect and filed charges.

March 16

Police said that subsequent to investigating a suspicious vehicle, the suspects were apprehended after they allegedly pick-pocketed the victim’s wallet and purchased gift cards. The suspects were taken into custody and transported to the station. Police said Sherman Gibbs, 62, of Chicago, gave officers a false name. It was learned Gibbs had a warrant out of Cook County, according to police. Gibbs was charged with burglary, theft and obstructing identification, and was served with the Cook County warrant. Tyrell L Frazier, 59, of Chicago, and Nedra Bost, 49, of Chicago, were charged with burglary and theft.

Theft of catalytic converters

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incidents of catalytic converters being removed and stolen from a vehicle: in the 200 block of S. Route 83 at 12:29 p.m. March 15.

Retail theft

March 22

Amanda M. Sweiton, 36, of Elmhurst, was charged with retail theft at a store in the 100 block of E. Schiller at 3:07 p.m. Police said a reporting officer located the suspect who admitted to removing several bottles of alcohol from the shelf with the intent to steal and already drank one without paying.

March 20

A complainant at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 told police at 1:56 p.m. that a suspect exchanged a vacuum cleaner, but left the store with one additional vacuum cleaner in her cart. The suspect did not pay for the additional vacuum cleaner. The suspect was taken into custody, transported to the police station, and released pending charges.

A complainant at a store in the 200 block of S. Route 83 told police at 6:51 p.m. that an unknown suspect described as a white male in his 30s left the store with alcohol without paying. An investigation is pending.

March 17

A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. York reported at 2:17 p.m. that unknown suspect(s) concealed several bottles of liquor into a handbag and walked out without paying.

March 16

Edward West, 54, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at a pharmacy in the 100 block of W. North at 11 a.m. Police said West left the store with several bottles of alcohol without paying. According to police, an investigation determined West committed two retail thefts in the 100 block of E. Schiller and in the 100 block of N. Palmer that same day. In the incident at a store in the 100 block of E. Schiller, police said West left the store with several bottles of alcohol without paying. In the incident in the 100 block of N. Palmer, police said West left the store with several bottles of alcohol without paying.

March 15

A complainant at a store in the 200 block of S. Route 83 told police at 7:32 p.m. two unknown suspects described as white males entered the store and left with various grocery items without paying. An investigation is pending.

District 205, others nationwide take action against e-cig, vape device company

Juul Labs markets directly toward youth, litigation says; Board approves partial settlement

At the Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board meeting held on Tuesday, March 21, Board members voted unanimously to approve a proposed partial settlement agreement with Juul Labs, Inc., a company that produces e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

According to District 205 Superintendent Keisha Campbell, in 2021, District 205 authorized litigation against Juul Labs, Inc. and other parties responsible for the production, marketing, sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and vaping devices. More than 1,400 public school districts across the country took part in the litigation, which alleged that districts were forced to spend money to fight against the use of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices due to Juul Labs’ enhanced marketing directed towards young adults.

Campbell said a partial settlement has been reached with Juul Labs, Inc., which would pay District 205 no less than roughly $135,000. The district would receive half of that amount, about $67,500, this year. The remaining portion would be collected in three installments, one in ‘24, one in ‘25 and one in ‘26.

“Our attorneys … have advised us to enter into this agreement and noted that by doing so, the District is agreeing that it is ‘necessary, advantageous, desirable, and in the public interest, and [in] the best interests of the District’ that it settle this litigation against Juul Labs, Inc.,” Campbell said. “There remains some unsettled claims against Altria, a partial owner of Juul, but it is not known whether additional settlements or judgements will be agreed upon with this group on behalf of the school district.”

The district plans to use the money toward drug and alcohol prevention programs, Campbell said.

Community cable programs for April

Programs air on COMCAST

Channel 6 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.

Programs may also be found at ElmhurstTV.com

Explore Elmhurst

104th Annual ECCI Awards Gala

Master of Ceremonies: Ken Bartels

Saturdays at 7 p.m. (starts Sat. April 7)

Explore Elmhurst Elmhurst University

“Nuclear Accidents, Disasters and the Future”

Keynote Speaker: Gayle E. Woloschak, Ph.D.

Gayle E. Woloschak, Ph.D., is a professor of radiation oncology and radiology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine whose research is focused on radiobiology and bionanotechnology. She also leads Northwestern’s Radiation Tissue Archives—believed to be the world’s largest collection of irradiated animal tissue samples, the archives aid investigators exploring the effects of radiation.

Sundays at 5 p.m. (starts Sunday, April 1)

Explore Elmhurst

26th Annual Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Grand Marshal: Jack Island

Announcers: Ken Bartels & John Quigley

EAO St. Patrick’s Day Queen: Dee Longfellow

Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

Explore Elmhurst

53rd Annual Elmhurst University President’s Community Breakfast

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Troy VanAken, Elmhurst University President

Fridays at 7 p.m.

Explore Elmhurst

Elmhurst University

“Tough Like Rudy”

Keynote Speaker: Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger

At this year’s Niebuhr Center

Teach-In, Ruettiger gives the keynote address, “TOUGH Like Rudy: Teach. Overcome. Unite. Grow. Heal.” He shares his compelling story and discusses the importance of mental self-care and the power of reframing thoughts toward positivity, inspiration and encouragement.

Mondays at 5 p.m.

Explore Elmhurst Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

“All-District Choir Concert 2023”

Mondays at 7 p.m.

Explore Elmhurst Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra “ConcertoFest!”

Music Director & Conductor: Stephen Alltop

Sundays at 7 p.m.

Elmhurst PSA Loop

Various announcements from the City of Elmhurst. Wednesdays at 5 p.m. City Council meetings air Wednesdays at 12 noon and Thursdays at 7 p.m. School District #205 Board meetings air on Thursdays at 2 p.m. For more information, visit ElmhurstTV.com

Elmhurst Public Library programs March 31-April 7

Friday, March 31 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: Devotion

Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday. No registration required.

Friday, March 31 from 3-4 p.m.

Organizing Digital Files

Celebrate World Backup Day by learning about properly backing up and organizing your files. Live in-person. Registration required.

Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m.12 p.m.

Canasta

Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration required.

Monday, April 3 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Scrabble

Play a friendly game of Scrabble. All skill levels welcome. Live in-person. No registration required.

Monday, April 3 from 3-4:30 p.m.

Excel Intermediate

Learn Excel functions and formulas that are often used in the program. Live in-person. Registration required.

Monday, April 3 from 7-8 p.m.

Transforming Fearful and Anxious Thoughts

If we don’t imagine anxious thoughts, they can quickly spiral and lead us to increased fear and worry. Regardless of what is going on in the world around us, we can still learn tools to help us gain greater control over what we think. Presented with Thought Stepping. Live in-person.

Registration required.

Tuesday, April 4 from 1-3 p.m. Bridge & Pinochle Club

Enjoy an afternoon of card games every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration required.

Tuesday, April 4 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Staying Mentally Fit

Join us for fun mental enrichment including games, puzzles, and other activities that boost memory, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities. Live in-person. Registration required.

Tuesday, April 4 from 7-8 p.m.

Writing Gatsby: The Real Story of the Greatest American Novel

The Great Gatsby is considered the Greatest American Novel, yet the

story of how it was written is one of heartbreak, infidelity, struggle, alcoholism, financial hardship, and one man’s perseverance in circumstances that would have crushed others. Hybrid event. Registration required.

Wednesday, April 5 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

American Mah Jongg: Open Play Gather every Wednesday for American Mah Jongg, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance. Live in-person. No registration required.

Wednesday, April 5 from 10-11 a.m.

iPhone iOS

Learn the latest features of iOS and get helpful information about your iPhone. Live in-person. Registration required.

Thursday, April 6 from 2-3:30 p.m.

Social Services Mini Resources Fair

Our staff will help you discover different social services and government programs you may qualify for, as well as their eligibility requirements. Live in-person. Registration required.

Friday, April 7 from 2-4 p.m. Friday Features: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday. No registration required.

For more information about any of these programs, call (630) 2798696 or visit elmlib.org/events.

ALL EYES AND EARS

The bridge on your eyeglass frames transfers most of the frames’ weight to your nose, but it’s the side pieces (“temples”) that hold your frames in place on top of the ears. For most eyeglass wearers, regular skull temples, which bend over the ear, perform well. For active wearers, comfort cables, which hook behind the ears, perform even better. They are a good choice for youngsters since they are difficult to dislodge. “Library” temples extend straight back over the ears and are held in place with pressure, making them ideal for reading glasses because they slip on and off easily. As for hinges, flexible hinges stand up well to children’s tugging by allowing the temples to swing out wide. The optical boutique at SKOWRON EYE CARE is available to accommodate all of your eyewear needs. We offer the latest in frame styles and lens technology at competitive prices and can provide the thinnest, lightest, most smudge and scratch resistant lenses to fit almost any style frame you desire. We’re invested in the technology to make exam findings easier and more accurate from toddlers to seniors. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision.

P.S. Because the hinges absorb almost all the mechanical forces exerted on eyeglass frames, they should be selected as much with sturdiness in mind as style.

Ladisch Douglass passes bill to protect long-term care facility residents

A bill introduced by state Rep. Jenn Ladisch Douglass, D-Elmhurst, to protect residents of long-term care facilities and prevent the exploitation of seniors and people with disabilities passed out of the Illinois House of Representatives.

“As a practicing attorney and now as a state representative, one of my top priorities is to protect vulnerable members of our community and improve their quality of life,” she said. “This bill provides common sense solutions to potentially lifethreatening problems, improving the safety of long-term care facilities and preventing financial exploitation.”

To prevent the financial exploitation of Illinois’ most vulnerable, House Bill 2100 provides that exploitation of a senior or person with a disability, as outlined in statute, is guilty of a Class 1 felony if the elderly person is 70 years of age or older and the value of the property is $15,000 or more. The bill also changes language in the statute concerning abuse or criminal neglect of long-term care facility residents so that more people, rather than only seniors and people with disabilities, are covered under the law. These efforts not only improve the safety of long-term care facility residents, but also deters bad actors from exploiting seniors and people with disabilities.

The bill has the backing of several law enforcement groups, including the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, and the DuPage County State’s Attorney.

“The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on existing issues in long-term care facilities, and this bill seeks to right some of those wrongs,” Ladisch Douglass said. “I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill and help protect seniors, people with disabilities, and residents of long-term care facilities in Illinois.”

The bill passed out of the House with no opposition and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Slices of life

Viewpoint Shoot on net

My husband and I raised our kids in the land of hockey. This column is not about hockey.

I realize hockey isn’t a thing or perhaps not as popular in some (warmer) climates, but for many years, for us, hockey was a large part of life. If nothing else, it got us through the cold winters.

Between our three boys, we spent two decades with the sport.

Despite my years of watching the Zamboni resurface the ice, shivering in the arena stands, sampling hot cocoa from all over the state, lacing up little kid’s skates and cheering like only a mom can (sometimes with cowbells), it took me a long time to learn even a little about the sport. I relived my rookie season year after year.

Blue lines, red lines, forechecking and backchecking? It was all French Canadian to me.

My husband was not a rookie. He knew the sport inside and out. But he had a way of whittling

that down to the basic facts. One of his favorite pieces of hockey advice was pretty simple: Good. Things. Happen. When. You. Shoot. On. Net. He spat the words out just like that. As though each word was its own sentence.

He said it almost every game. It was like a mantra: Good things happen when you shoot on net. His message? Take the shot. The puck won’t go into the net if you don’t shoot it in that general direction. And nothing, absolutely nothing, will happen if you don’t shoot at all.

Sometimes, in life, we have the

opportunity to shoot for the net, but we hesitate. We are afraid. We pause.

We might even be distracted, unaware that the net is right in front of us. We may not even realize we are holding a stick or a bat or a ball. We may not even be aware of the net.

But it is there. It is in front of us. Perhaps for eons. Perhaps for just a fleeting moment.

This moment has a name: opportunity.

Life is filled with it—with them: opportunities. If we seize the moment. If we see the net. If we shoot.

We. Just. Might. Score. Maybe not, but maybe so. But here’s one fact that is 100 percent true:

If we don’t take the shot, it ain’t going to happen.

My husband was a wise man. He continues teaching me even today. I’m thankful for that.

I heard his words over and over

throughout the years. Maybe my ears were too frozen to hear them. Or, maybe I simply wasn’t aware of them, much like we may not be aware of our own proverbial net. Or realize that we are on a breakaway, racing toward it at full speed, on recently sharpened skates with a stick in our gloved hands guiding the puck across the ice right in front of us.

I am aware now. I remember his words and I am cognizant of their wisdom. I will heed his advice to the best of my ability. Life is short. I’m going for the hat trick. I encourage you to do the same. Whether you go top shelf or for the five hole, take the shot. Shoot on net. Good things will happen.

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.

District 205 School Board candidates

Running for the School Board are nine candidates who are vying for one of four available seats. They are (in alphabetical order): Kelly Asseff, Tom Chavez, Jammie Esker Schaer, Kelly Henry, Beth Hosler, Lan Li, Linda Nudera, Courtenae Trautmann and Ben Zulauf. Voters will vote for four. Elected Board members will serve a four-year term.

Kelly Asseff

Ten years as an Elmhurst resident, Asseff and her husband Paul have three children -Yasmeen, 13, Eliza, 10, and Vale, 7. She is a full-time parent and D205 volunteer but was formerly a professional school counselor. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University and a Master’s degree in education with a School Counseling Specialization (M. Ed., S.C.E.), Florida Atlantic University. Her community involvement includes: Sandburg schools, PTA President-Elect at Sandburg Middle School, member of the D205 PTA Council, room parent for eight consecutive years and is a Girl Scouts troop leader. She is also a volunteer for DuPage PADS, The Night Ministry, We Pop Up and has worked with mobile food pantries during the pandemic to distribute food to D205 families in need.

Why are you running?

I bring to the D205 School Board the unique perspective of a K-12

professional school counselor with a Master’s degree in Education, a long-time D205 volunteer and a parent of 3 children in the district. There is no other candidate with all of these qualifications. I have the educational and professional mental health experience missing from the current board along with serving on the PTA Executive Board for 6 consecutive years. Next year I will have children in high school, middle school and elementary school giving me a longterm vested interest in the success of D205.

Biggest challenges facing the School District:

The mental health of our students is a concern, as students face everyday stressors and post-pandemic data from the CDC shows students are experiencing record levels of anxiety and depression. I will be the foremost and only mental health professional on the board and will advocate for strong mental health supports and resources. Improving proficiency and achievement is a priority. I will collaborate with administrators to continue the work of the strategic plan already underway, which has established benchmarks and learning targets to improve outcomes. Connecting and engaging with the community and ensuring comprehensive, accurate communication occurs is a priority.

What else should our readers know:

I am a dedicated professional, volunteer and D205 parent. I have prov-

en over my 25 year career working with children and adolescents that I am committed to bettering their lives and our community. My long history of working with diverse communities such as teen mothers, HIV/AIDS patients, homeless veterans, adults with disabilities and children and adolescents in school settings shows I am uniquely equipped and qualified to be a well-rounded school board member. I will bring my expertise in child and adolescent development and student mental health to the board and be an asset to our district.

Tom Chavez

Along with Suzanne Walsh Chavez, his wife of 30 years, Chavez has lived in Elmhurst for 17 years and raised three children: Olivia, 22, Marissa, 20 Andrew, 17. Having earned a BA from DePaul University, Chavez works as a commodities broker and risk analyst. He listed no community involvement.

Why are you running?

Public education systems across the United States are failing a generation of children. This is a cultural crisis that is impacting historically top tier school districts, including Elmhurst D205. For the past 18 months, I’ve demonstrated through action, not words, my commitment to understanding the mission critical issues impacting our students. I’ve

spent countless hours identifying problems, learning about potential solutions, and advocating for parents and their children. I’m motivated by the challenge of restoring excellence to District 205 by prioritizing academic achievement, and giving teachers the tools, policies, and resources, they need to better help our students.

Biggest challenges:

The three biggest challenges are reassuring parents that academic excellence is being prioritized; ensuring curriculum is aligned with the district’s student academic success goals; assuring teachers have the tools, policies, and resources they need to better help our students. In recent years, merit and rigor have been supplanted by a new educational mindset that has jettisoned curriculum that has worked for decades in favor of producing equal outcomes. Last April, parents were surveyed by D205, and 70% of respondents said they wanted more academics. A year later, test scores are still far below D205 historical community standards.

What else should our readers know:

I am an engaged parent and have enjoyed every minute of raising my kids in Elmhurst. Our experience in D205 has been overwhelmingly positive. I want all families to experience the Elmhurst community the way that my family has. If elected, I will always advocate for students, parents, and stakeholders. I will

hold myself accountable to produce strong academic results and student success for every child in our community.

Jammie Esker Schaer

For 23 years, Schaer and her husband have called Elmhurst home, along with their five sons: Nolan, 21, Caden, 19, Gavin, 17, Warren, 14, and Colin, 9. Schaer holds a bachelor of science in accounting.

Why are you running?

I am running for School Board for two reasons: fiscal responsibility and academic achievement. Our test scores are down and our property taxes are up. In my current employed position as a senior accountant at a multi-location medical practice, I manage a multi-million-dollar cash flow and accounts payable. I have learned to recognize financial redundancies and cost savings with better use of current assets.

Biggest challenges:

The single most pressing issue facing the school board is the continuing low scores of the children. According to Illinois Report Card in 2019 only 6% of Conrad Fisher students could do math at grade level. In 2022, 20% are at grade level. 80% cannot do math at grade level. While this is an improvement, Conrad FishSee DISTRICT 205, Page 10

•

District 205 candidate profiles

er continues to have a large gap between low income and non-low income students that remains an unaddressed root issue.

Our school board has been saving money for a decade to use during inflationary times like today and they still voted to raise our taxes by 5 %. This equates to roughly $8 million. Inflation was the reason behind their yes vote. Busing and other costs have increased; totaling $1.5 million. This can be taken from our surplus in lieu of raising taxes. The new school board needs to focus on NOT raising taxes.

Transparency – Parents and community members deserve to know what is happening within our schools. I support parental choice and for this to happen we need transparency from our administration and the school board.

What else should our readers know:

I am raising five sons. The wide range of their ages has developed my ability to communicate and lead in ever-changing and frequently challenging environments.

National Safe Routes to School – I was part of the founding group here in Elmhurst. Our group instituted bike to school programs at the elementary schools. We also applied for and received funding for more bike

paths throughout Elmhurst. This program was an addition to the walk to school program through the PTA; of which I was in charge of at Lincoln for 7 years.

I initiated the lawsuit to have face masks removed at school. Our school didn’t exercise its local control when deciding on masks. Who you vote for is given that local control.

I will not vote for a 5% tax increase.

Kelly Henry

Along with her husband Christopher and twin second-grade daughters, Henry has lived in Elmhurst for five years. Her education includes a B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a B.A. in Spanish at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She did her residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Loyola University Medical Center and took part in the Coleman Palliative Medicine Training Program. No community involvement was listed. Why are you running?

I’ve witnessed how our children’s physical and mental health directly impacts their well-being and in turn, their academic success. My experi-

(Continued from page 9)

ence as a pediatrician and an associate professor makes me uniquely qualified to serve on the board. I’m committed to keeping our students at the center of all my decisions. I want to use my critical thinking skills, ability to manage complex situations, and effective communication to solve the challenges facing our district. As a mother of young children, I remain fully invested in the future of our schools and the work of the board of education.

Biggest challenges:

The D205 district needs to focus on improving student academic achievement and growth. I will ensure each school has adequate resources to analyze student data and develop individualized plans for each student that address their needs and provide interventions when necessary. Our schools also need to further invest in mental health resources, faculty, and targeted school-based interventions to support our students in the classroom. Lastly, I believe we must work to improve communication with families and community members to listen and learn from different perspectives and collaboratively work for better solutions. What else should our readers know:

Every day I advocate for quality care, effective communication, and patient autonomy. On the board, I will continue to advocate for our children daily. All our district children deserve the best public education possible. The role of the board is to guide the education of our children, monitor their progress and provide them with the tools they need for academic and life-long success. I believe we must always serve the whole child, the whole student. Our students’ physical and mental well-being will always be at the forefront of my mind when making decisions and setting policy for D205.

over

Beth Hosler Hosler grew up right here in Elmhurst, attending District 205 schools. She and her husband have three children ages 15, 18 and 19. She currently serves on the D205 School Board and volunteers at a center focused on wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. Hosler holds an associate degree in science of COD. Her community involvement includes volunteering in D205 schools for 14 years. She has served on the PTA, on the board of the PTA Council, on special initiative committees across the district, as well as the committee to help pass the school referendum. In addition, Hosler has managed several youth sports teams.

Why are you running?

I’m invested in giving back to our community and I volunteer to enhance the D205 experience for students. During my first term, we brought in new leadership, worked diligently to complete the projects outlined in the referendum on time and under budget and put a comprehensive strategic plan in place to drive student success and improve-

ments across the organization. We have elevated communication & community engagement to ensure decision making reflects the values of those who elect us. My commitment to strong leadership, establishing a strategic plan that monitors and elevates the core areas of the district, and collaboration to achieve growth, sets the district up for success.

Biggest challenges:

Our most important job as a school board is to address the needs of all students to ensure growth and academic success for everyone. It’s the highest priority we have. To ensure we achieve that goal, we established a strategic plan as a district that creates a pathway for achievement for each and every incredible student in D205.

Staff turnover can be challenging. Consistency is essential. Prioritizing culture and climate are important components of the strategic plan.

Finally, reaching all stakeholders with accurate information is difficult. We’ve taken great strides to find ways to engage with all residents. I’d like to see even more engagement to be sure all voices are heard. What else should our readers know:

As a D205 School Board member, my focus is always, first and foremost, on kids. It’s vital that we give them every opportunity to thrive, both while they are part of D205, and after they graduate, as we teach them to be lifelong learners.

I believe the more opportunities we give students to explore different career paths, the easier it is for them to hone in on their passion. That’s why I support ways for students to fit more exploratory electives into their schedule, earlier in their academic journey. This gives them exposure to different professions and helps them make connections in the community.

Lan Li

After obtaining a Master of Science in computer science and a Master of Accounting Science in accounting, Li has had a career as a CPA. He is married with one child and has lived in Elmhurst for 14 years. His community involvement includes volunteering as a chess club coach.

Why are you running?

My family arrived in the U.S. as first-generation immigrants with limited resources and no social networks or inheritance. Education was the only way for me to achieve the American dream and a comfortable middle-class life. Running for office in District 205 was motivated by my son’s enrollment, which would allow me to directly impact his education and future. As a financial compliance professional, I have the expertise to safeguard customer funds and use this experience to protect Elmhurst residents’ hard-earned money. If elected, I would objectively evaluate the school’s financial condition, seek additional funds if necessary, and avoid raising tax levies to the maximum when there’s a surplus and reserve.

Biggest challenges:

The school board faces numerous challenges on a daily basis, but the most significant ones are the loss of trust from Elmhurst’s inhabitants, declining student achievement, and the need for fiscal responsibility. Rebuilding trust requires transparency about school performance, avoiding sugarcoating data, and providing clear information to residents. Declining student achievement calls for a focus on fundamental subjects like reading, writing, math, and science instead of teaching contentious subjects that should be the responsibility of parents. Lastly, fiscal responsibility entails ensuring that the District remains financially viable without placing undue burden on Elmhurst’s residents while using surplus and reserve funds wisely.

What else should our readers know:

I find solace in reading classic literature, unaltered by sensitivity readers. These authors possess the power to take me on an imaginative journey with their characters and worlds. For instance, when reading Jane Eyre, I become a feminist, while LOTR allows me to inhabit the roles of a wizard, hobbit, elf, or even a king. Moby Dick transforms me into a whale hunter, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea makes me Captain Nemo. Introducing young minds to the vast world of literature is a wonderful experience. When I’m not reading, I’m running, having completed the Chicago marathon twice. Overall, I’m just an ordinary person, good at some things and bad at others. I hope that my son will have a better life than mine, being healthy, happy, well-educated, and fulfilled.

Linda T. Nudera

Married for 33 years, Nudera and her husband Jim raised four children who went to D205 schools and then went on to Big Ten universities. They have lived in their Elmhurst home for almost 24 years, also with a dog and a goldfish. She works on a career and technical education with an FACS endorsement and is ASEP certified to coach high school athletics. She holds a Master of science in Education from Northern Illinois University and a B.S. in Dietetics from Michigan State. Her community involvement includes 20+ years with the PTA, a board member and coach for the Elmhurst Eagles, a teacher and coach in D205. Nudera was also an RE teacher for 12 years at Visitation Parish, a Cub Scout leader, a YSET advisor and freshmen parent liaison for York, managed softball and baseball teams, taught at the Park District, supported ChildrenUP and the school referenda, and more.

Why are you running?

I am running to address proficiency scores. Many of our students have learning gaps in basic education and are being passed from one grade to another without firm foundational math, sentence structure, writing See DISTRICT 205, Page 11

skills and spelling. I know how to analyze educational data. I will be honest and direct about what is lacking and work with the teachers/ admin/ board to implement tangible solutions appropriate for grade levels. I will advocate for curriculum that will transition from year to year to solidify knowledge, build confidence, and initiate imagination. Also to uphold fiscal responsibility for the stakeholders in our community.

Biggest challenges:

1. Foundational curriculum, student confidence, and accountability need to be addressed.

2. Maintaining a financial balance between providing an excellent, well-rounded educational experience for students and cutting wasteful spending on “fluff” and outside contractors.

3. Providing a safe space for both students and teachers through wellstaffed, secured buildings and respectful interactions that support a functional classroom dynamic. What else should our readers know:

I am a second career educator who loves going to work. I am approachable and open-minded.

I prefer conversation to texting and enjoy a respectful debate. Favorite activities: being a mom, contact sports (played rugby at MSU), gardening, cooking, designing & tailoring. I rely on faith and family to keep me grounded. I am thankful to those who keep us safe, our police and military. It is my intention to serve our community to the best of my ability.

Courtenae Trautmann

After growing up in the New York area, Trautmann moved to Chicago in 2003 and then Elmhurst in 2010. She and her husband Tom have been married 22 years and have two children, Jack, a junior at York and Hannah, an 8th grader at Bryan Middle School. After retiring from the FBI in 2017 with more than 26 years of federal law enforcement experience, she recently completed her fifth year as the NFL Security Representative for the Chicago Bears and Soldier Field. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Lawrence University and a Master’s in criminal psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. Her community involvement includes the Lincoln PTA, as corresponding secretary and president, was co-chair of Book Fair, and co-chair of Talent Show. At Bryan, Trautmann served four years as co-chair of Dance Class, is president-elect of the PTA Council, and at York, she is PTSA chair of Young Hearts for Life and is co-chair for the D205 Referendum committee. She volunteers at Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network (EWAN), established a golf tournament to support No Frills Fun Run, and co-established Diamonds are Forever softball tournament to support community families. Why are you running?

I am running for re-election be-

cause I want to continue ensuring that our district pursues academic excellence, prioritizes fiscal responsibility, and above all else, that every school is as safe as possible. In my first term, I worked hard to develop, communicate & implement solutions that focus on these priorities. I want to continue serving our great community by using my experience to make thoughtful, informed decisions that positively impact ALL students. As a parent of two D205 students, I am deeply invested in our schools and their successes. I am committed to focusing on clear communication & pledge to continue cultivating positive relationships with all stakeholders.

Biggest challenges:

Two of our biggest challenges are closing our learning gaps and implementing curriculum changes as a result of reviews going on right now. The ELA, Math, Dual Language and EL curriculum reviews will provide the road map we need to close learning gaps and show growth. The targeted data we are utilizing will make sure all of our students, however they learn, are getting the tools needed to succeed in our classrooms. We have the right leadership in place to accomplish these goals and I am confident it will happen. The third biggest challenge is ensuring we stay on budget and are good financial stewards of our taxpayer dollars. What else should our readers know:

I am an experienced and passionate leader who will continue to step up to represent our community.

With my 26 years of federal law enforcement experience, no other candidate is more qualified to be a subject matter expert on school safety than I am. I think it’s important that I have students currently in D205 because I can bring the parent perspective and understand first-hand the student experience from start to finish in D205. You can count on me to make decisions in the best interest of our children and our community as a whole.

Ben Zulauf

A resident for four years, Zulauf works as a Literacy Diretor and holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from of U of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, a Master of education in Literacy and a Doctorate of education in Literacy, both from Judson University, and a Master of Educational leadership from National Louis University. Zulauf did not list any community involvement. Why are you running?

I have experience in the education, specifically with curriculum, instruction, and assessment. This is year 14 in education, but since starting in Cicero just 18 months ago, we’ve taken several steps forward in improving our literacy instruction, including: providing sequential and cumulative professional development in literacy; training teachers to use a new instructional structure for foundational skills; implementing a universal

screener and a diagnostic assessment; eliminating programs and practices that don’t align with research; launching an in-house literacy podcast; and creating our annual literacy institute. I’d like to use this experience in whatever capacity I can to assist D205.

Biggest challenges:

While there is more to being a part of the school board than a focus on academics, I would like to see improved professional development for teachers, curriculum and instruction, and assessment practices. I believe that a plan for these things will assist with many issues that our community cares about, specifically our academic scores and students’ social emotional health. Beyond those, we need to make sure we are being fiscally responsible, and we need to determine how to effectively and efficiently monitor the numerous goals in the strategic plan.

What else should our readers know:

I’ve dedicated my life to helping students succeed. Much of what I’ve shared publicly has focused on academics, but I also recognize the important of being bilingual, which is why I’m working closely with the multilingual department in my own district to help ensure that students become bilingual and biliterate. I also recognize the importance of extracurriculars. I competed in sports during most of my academic career, which opened up doors after high school, and I immediately started coaching after graduating from college because I know the value that extracurriculars add to students’ lives.

Elmhurst Independent candidate profiles continue

This week, the Elmhurst Independent brings its readers coverage of the candidates in the race for Elmhurst Park Board and the School District 205 Board candidates, who will appear on the ballot in the Consolidated Election to be held April 4.

The candidates were asked the following questions:

1. How many years have you been a resident.

2. Education, occupation, community involvement.

3. Why are you running for this office? What do you bring to the table.

4. What are the three biggest challenges the Park Board is currently facing?

5. What else should our readers know about you?

Elmhurst Park Board of Commissioners

Running for the Park Board are the following three candidates who are seeking one of two seats available. They are (in alphabetical order): Bob Dunn, Tim Sheehan and Susan Smentek. Sheehan is an incumbent, currently serving as vice president of the Board. Mary Kies, also an incumbent, decided not to see another term. Voters will vote for two. Elected commissioners will serve a six-year term.

Bob Dunn

Dunn and his wife and children have lived in Elmhurst for 17 years. He is a supply chain executive as well as an adjunct professor at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT).

He holds a BA in aerospace engineering from Penn State and a Master’s in industrial engineering from Virginia Tech. Dunn has served as alderman for Ward #2 for the past 12 years, where he currently is chair of the Finance Committee. He represents Elmhurst on the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission and vice chair of the Fly Quiet Committee. Dunn is also president of the Board of the Council for International Programs.

Why are you running?

I believe we can enhance the services to our residents by increasing intra-governmental cooperation to move faster on critical initiatives and my city government experience provides me a unique background to accomplish this. As Chair of the Finance Committee for Elmhurst City Council I have a solid record of promoting a strong financial position and keeping taxes flat. I have also been able to orchestrate the advancement of important capital projects such as the Rte. 83 Pedestrian Bridge and safety improvements to the YMCA parking.

Biggest challenges facing the Park District:

The Park District needs to constantly expand and refresh programming to keep up with the changing needs and wants of our citizens and the technology to create a fair and easy registration experience must

be adopted. Courts Plus is aging and membership has dropped by almost 50% in the last 5 years and this decline started well before COVID. The Park District, with input from the community, needs to re-imagine the purpose and functionality of this facility; this assessment should be done in concert with developing an indoor sports facility. Finally, maintaining and improving our green space is vital, along with upgrading the playability of our athletic fields. What else should our readers know:

I am an avid user of our Elmhurst parks and bike or hike through the many forest preserves we have in the surrounding area almost every weekend (when not campaigning). My family has visited dozens of our National Parks over the last few decades and I have been to every state in the continental U.S. and most of the Major League Ballparks. One of the most exciting things I did in my life was to land on an aircraft carrier when I worked for the US Navy as an aeronautical engineer.

Tim Sheehan

For almost 23 years, Sheehan and his wife Becky have made Elmhurst their home and raised their four children who range in age from 18 to 29. An incumbent currently serving as vice president of the Park Board, Sheehan is the assis-

tant women’s basketball coach at Elmhurst University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Illinois State University and an MBA from Loyola University. Other community involvement includes working as the AYSO past commissioner, youth soccer, basketball, baseball coach.

Why are you running?

During my first term the Park District completed several high profile initiatives, such as Centennial Park and Adult Center, expanding Glos Park, purchasing the land for Pick Park and upgrading Sugar Creek Golf Course. The Vision 2020 Strategic Plan, the basis of which is community input, also called for an indoor sports facility and expanding the Wagner Center. I am running for re-election to help make those goals a reality.

Biggest challenges:

The biggest challenges facing the park district are providing the programs desired by the community and doing so with adequate space so that all that wish to participate can do so. The Wagner Center, originally an elementary school, has served the community well for a long time. It needs to be re-imagined to include space for sport courts, pickle ball, and expanded programming, while providing a modern, more secure entry. Finally, the Board approved the transition of our registration software vendor to Active.net and this should be completed in the 4th quarter of 2023.

What else should our readers know:

I believe Elmhurst Parks strength-

en our community and build strong families, bring beauty to the city, provide fun, safe environments for all to play and compete, and create lasting memories. I promise to listen and advocate for you, be fiscally responsible, to seek solutions with all governmental partners, and assist the park district in providing experiences for the lifetime enjoyment of people who live and play in Elmhurst.

Susan Smentek

Along with her husband Keith, Smentek has lived in Elmhurst for 26 years, where they raised three children and one dog. She is Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) and is currently recreation supervisor and sponsorship coordinator for the Morton Grove Park District. She holds a BS in communications from Northwestern University and a Masters in music, from Northeastern Illinois University. Her community involvement includes being director of music for the Elmhurst Presbyterian Church. She is a member of the Elmhurst Art Museum Program Committee, serves on the Sandburg PTA and the York PTSA, and is involved with Elmhurst Scout Troop 82. Why are you running?

I am running for park board because I love Elmhurst’s parks and

See

Page 16

Please join us for worship!

Sundays: 9am Adult Education and Sunday School 10am Traditional Divine Service

60126 630/834-1411 www.RedeemerLCMS.com

Facebook: RedeemerofElmhurst • Youtube: RedeemerLCMS.com

Messiah Lutheran Church

130 W. Butterfield Road Elmhurst, IL 630-279-4775

Maundy Thursday Communion Service April 6, Noon

Good Friday Tenebrae Service April 7, 7:30 p.m.

Worship Services Directory

Gather with us for

Visitation Roman Catholic Church

779 S. York Street ~ Elmhurst, Illinois visitationparish.org — 630834-6700

The Easter Triduum and Easter Sunday

Thursday, April 6th ~ Holy Thursday ~

Morning Prayer at 8:15am

Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:00 pm.

Solemn adoration of the Eucharist in church until Midnight

Friday, April 7th ~ Good Friday ~

Morning Prayer at 8:15am

Afternoon Service of the Passion with Communion at 3pm.

Stations and Veneration of the Cross at 7pm.

Saturday, April 8th ~ Holy Saturday ~

Morning Prayer at 8:15am

Blessing of Easter Food at Noon.

Easter Vigil – The Mass of the Resurrection at 7pm

Sunday, April 9th ~ Easter Sunday ~ Masses celebrated at 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 am.

St.

Timothy Evangelical

Lutheran Church 547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435

Lent and Easter Services

at 7 p.m.

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Study 9am

“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

Lent and Easter Services

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

at 7 pm

Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4

“His Final Steps”

Sixth Lenten Service March 29, 2023

Rev. Tom Nicholson “Led to His Enemies” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 20:9-19

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

Maundy Thursday Communion 7:00 pm, April 6

Good Friday Tenebrae 7:00 pm, April 7

Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022

Easter Sunrise 6:30 am, April 9

Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66

Easter Breakfast 8:00 am, April 9

Easter Festival 10:15 am, April 9

Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14

Everyone is Welcome!

Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15

All services are live streamed.

Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17

“You can watch them on our website or on Facebook.” SaintTimothy.org

Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17

Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17

434551

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Never Known to Fail

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, blessed mother of the Son of God.

Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother.

Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to answer me in this necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3xs). Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3x). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so 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.

accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Juveniles lead Villa Park officers on high-speed chase

DuPage County State’s Attorney

Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Mike Rivas announced that two Aurora juveniles, one of which was allegedly armed, have been accused of leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen car.

Both juveniles appeared recently at a detention where Judge

Later charged with possession of stolen vehicle

Demetrios Panoushis ordered that they be detained until at least their next court appearance. One of the juveniles, a 17-year-old male, is charged with one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle Class

2 (C-2) felony, one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (C-4 felony) and two counts

of misdemeanor reckless driving. The other juvenile, a 15-year-old male, is charged with three counts of unlawful use of a weapon (C-4 felony) and one count of misdemeanor criminal trespass to a vehicle.

On Tuesday, March 21 at approximately 9:55 a.m., a Villa Park police officer located a car that was

reported stolen out of Naperville the previous day traveling eastbound on Roosevelt Road. The officer activated his emergency lights and attempted to pull over the vehicle, a Honda CRV.

It is alleged that instead of pulling over, the Honda fled from the officer at times reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph. It is alleged that the pursuit continued along I-88 and I-290 where the driver exited the expressway on 25 th Avenue. It is further alleged that the pursuit ended when the CRV came to a dead end on Derby Lane in Westchester, at which time the juveniles fled on foot.

The juveniles were located in a barber shop approximately one-quarter mile away and taken into custody. Through the course of the arrest, officers located a loaded Polymer 80 9mm handgun without a serial number, underneath a pile of wood along the route the juveniles allegedly ran when they fled.

It is alleged that one of the juveniles was previously in posses -

sion of the handgun and attempted to hide it from authorities when he fled.

“We have seen time and again that subjects allegedly in possession of a stolen vehicle will be in possession of a weapon to be used to commit more violent crime in our communities.” Chief Rivas said. “Based on this repetitive behavior, and relationship between stolen vehicles and additional violent crimes committed, the Villa Park Police Department will use every resource at our disposal to go after subjects in stolen vehicles.

“A stolen vehicle, fleeing from police at a high rate of speed, places everyone in danger in their path. We urge everyone to stop and pull to the right for emergency lights and siren for everyone’s safety. We commend our police officer for his vigilance and bravery in pursuing the stolen vehicle in this case.”

The juveniles’ next court appearance was scheduled for Thursday, March 30, in front of Judge Panoushis.

Addison Public Library issues statement on unauthorized use of logo Board candidates accused of using logo on campaign literature

The Addison Public Library has issued a statement regarding the unauthorized use of its logo in campaign materials of candidates running for the Addison Public Library Board of Trustees.

“The Library is aware of the Library’s logo in these campaign materials and assures that it did not authorize the use of the logo for campaign purposes. The Library

also has not endorsed any particular candidate. The Library has not used its resources to support or oppose candidates for elective office, as doing so would be a violation of state law.

“The Addison Public Library is committed to maintaining neutrality in the electoral process and ensuring that all candidates for office have an equal opportunity to campaign.”

• Candidate profiles

recreation programs. My family has participated in everything from preschool on up. My children are currently in youth sports leagues that utilize park fields, and dance programs at Wagner Center.

I bring dedication, collaboration and innovation to the table. I am an experienced professional CPRE (Certified Parks and Recreation Executive) dedicated to preserving our parks and green spaces who works in developing and managing recreational programs, special events, sponsorships and budgets for public agencies.

Biggest challenges:

The district has ongoing issues with their ability to provide the capacity for high-demand programs required to satisfy the recreational demands of our growing community.

Many residents want an end to waitlists and a return to pre-pandemic levels of programming. Administrative staffing has expanded while revenue-generating programs, including music lessons, remain shuttered.

The district faces both the need to renew our existing facilities and to

(Continued from page 12)

manage ongoing predictable repairs and maintenance.

Elmhurst residents expect excellent facilities, programs and services. Our challenge is to meet the needs of the community within the financial footprint provided by the taxpayers. What else should our readers know:

From Cheer to Baseball, Dance to Lacrosse, I’ve spent a lot of time in our parks and facilities! My family visits our parks, pools, playgrounds, Wagner Center and the Skate Park often.

I am an innovative candidate, a former EPD employee, with a proven record of providing programs, services and community events to our residents. My ongoing career in the field of Parks and Recreation keeps me informed of the best practices and trends in the industry.

As an involved community member, I will work to deliver a high standard for our district, advocate for meaningful recreation opportunities and responsive customer service while focusing on collaboration with resident input to plan for the future.

Sport S

IC Catholic Prep graduate Leslie headed to Le Moyne

Will play volleyball for Division II school

Recent IC Catholic Prep gradu ate Bella Leslie wanted to head east for college.

Her landing spot ended up being at NCAA Division II Le Moyne College where the former Knights volleyball and soccer standout will continue her volleyball career at the Syracuse, New York school as a libero.

“All of the schools I was looking at were on the East Coast,” Leslie told the Independent last week. “I visited Le Moyne and really liked it. It reminded me of high school because it was a small school, and in a smaller school you will know a lot more faces than if I would have gone to a bigger school. The cam pus there is really pretty. It sits on a big hill and the scenery around it is great. Everything is pretty close together. They have very nice facil ities. The volleyball program has good workout facilities and a nice locker room. I liked how modern it was.”

Leslie plans on studying nursing at Le Moyne. “They have a good nursing program,” she said. “As far as what kind of a nurse I want to be, I’m not quite sure yet.”

Leslie played volleyball and girls soccer at IC Catholic Prep all four years. She was a center-midfielder on the Knights soccer team.

I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big part of my life.”

Leslie said she has plenty of

York boys tennis back in action

Leslie’s volleyball journey started in the fifth grade, the first year she could play the sport at IC Grade School. She’s been playing club volleyball since seventh grade, most recently with the Chicago Elite group that practices out of Scores in Willow Springs and Montini High School in Lombard.

The York boys tennis team returns a number of players from its 2022 squad, including Class AA doubles state qualifiers Nathan Yu (a junior) and Anthony Arnieri

York boys tennis team returns experience

York baseball defeats Glenbard East; Dukes girls soccer team off to 4-0 start

cancelled. We were supposed to go to a few club volleyball qualifiers in Grand Rapids and Louisville. This summer, we have some tournaments planned over the next few weekends. They are little tournaments with all of the local clubs. Nothing large and really local. Other than that, I have been trying to work out a lot and stay in shape. I’ve been running a lot, so I got into that. I try and run every day.”

CORRESPONDENT

“I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college,” she said. “It gives me something to do.

It never hurts to have state tournament experience on a high school sports team. The York boys tennis team is in that exact category with 2022 doubles state qualifiers Nathan Yu and Anthony Arnieri back on the squad.

Leslie said she is scheduled to report to Le Moyne in the Aug. 1215 timeframe, but noted preseason volleyball activities already have

Stopka

(Continued from page 18)

They lost to West Chicago on think an own goal in the last five minutes. That was against the state champs in the sectional finals. That’s a hell of a season if you ask me.”

Yu was a sophomore last season, while Arnieri qualified for state as a freshman. The duo comprised York’s No. 1 doubles team a year ago. Yu and Arnieri, who earned all-sectional honors as well last year, were part of a Dukes team that went 9-13 overall in dual meets and finished fifth in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division. York did graduate singles state qualifier Sam Wit, who was a third-team all-state selection last year.

Henry Sweley, and freshmen Jason Demott and Kieran Goldstein. “This group has a great culture,” York coach Courtney Bison said. “They trust each other, they communicate well, and they push each other to be better. All of our players will step up the best they can this season.”

huge rah-rah person. I’m a little bit more of an individual players’ coach. I will pull kids to the side at practice and games and teach them.”

But if all systems are a go, Leslie can’t wait to take her skills as a libero to the next level with the Dolphins. “I feel like being a libero you have to be really quick and that is typically what I am good at. I have really good reaction time,” she said. “I like diving on the floor and saving balls. It’s a really good feeling when you make a save. The position fits my personality, too. You have to be the loudest one on the court. I have a loud personality. You have to be pretty loud if you want to be a libero. I think I match that description.”

Turner had two hits, including a double and a triple, scored three runs, drove in two and walked once. Brian Filosa had a double, two RBI and walked twice, while Josh Fleming had a double, scored three runs and walked twice.

Also back from last year ’s team are juniors Evan Chew, Bilal Mir and Adam Fennell, along with sophomores Brennen Maxiener and Saveen Shah. Key newcomers to the team are seniors Jack Tobin and Rich Wilkins, juniors Alex Flores and

Stopka will teach Spanish at York. He taught Spanish and one math class at St. Pat’s. “My philosophy is I am more of a players’ coach,” he said. “I have been a big Liverpool soccer supporter ever since 2015 when Jurgen Klopp came over and he’s known as a players’ coach. He’s kind of my coaching idol. I want to related to the players and form bonds with them. am more light-hearted and smiling. I like to have fun and joke with the kids. The goal is understanding where each player can be successful and the provide the best way possible to convey the knowledge they need at the position they play. I am not big

Bison knows York will again be challenged in the WSC Silver. “We are in one of the toughest conferences and we hope to stay competitive,” she said.

The Dukes are scheduled to host a quad Friday at 9 a.m. before heading west to Ottawa Township High School for a 9 a.m. event Saturday.

York heads to Wheaton-Warrenville South Tuesday, April 4 at 4:30 p.m.

York baseball

The York baseball team defeated Glenbard East 11-3 in a recent non-conference game and then tied Waubonsie Valley 7-7 at home in another non-conference contest. In the Glenbard East game, Chris Danko had two hits, including a double, to go with two RBI and a walk. Ryan

Stopka noted York has been doing conditioning drills and said the plan as of earlier last week was to start summer camp pending District 205 approval. “I have probably been able to meet 60 to 70 percent of the players so far,” he said. “If it does get approved that would be the start of our contact days with four days a week for three weeks straight. And even though the IHSA waived the blackout dates before the school year, we won’t take advantage of that. I’m pretty sure families have plans to do things before school starts. I’m the new guy and I’m not going to say you can’t go with your family. Go do it and enjoy it. This is a crazy and

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”

Ryan Sloan and Tommy Van Daff each pitched two innings and combined to strike out 12 Glenbard East batters. Van Daff will continue his career at NCAA Division II Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.

York girls soccer

The York girls soccer team recently recorded a 1-0 West Suburban Conference crossover win against Downers Grove South. Andriana Soupos had the game’s lone goal for York off an assist from Rylee Adams.

The win moved York to 4-0 on the season. In earlier action, the Dukes defeated Hersey 2-0 in a non-conference game. York returns to action at home Tuesday, April 4 for its WSC Silver division opener against Oak Park-River Forest.

As far as the future, Stopka wants York competing at a high level on a consistent basis. “The short-term goal is to restock and build up the team,” he said. “A large portion of last year’s team was seniors, especially the starting 11. We have to make sure the now juniors are up to the speed of the varsity level and are ready to contribute. We want to keep that pipeline going with the younger groups of players. We want to make sure we are not only competitive, but that we are competing for regionals, sectionals and supersectionals. It starts for me with this junior class that is coming in. We want them ready to go and setting the standard for these other classes that come in so they can also contribute right off

proudly presents

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Sloan and Van Daff combined to strike out 12 on the mound in helping the York baseball team down Glenbard East 11-3 in a non-conference game. Van Daff will continue his baseball and academic careers at NCAA Division II Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.

Barr was the recipient of the 2019-2020 York Val Cothern junior female athlete of the year award. Barr went over the 1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volleyball team and still has a season to add to that total.

“ I’m really excited

York girls water polo team scores major victory over perennial state power Naperville North

Dukes off to 9-0 start, ranked second in the state; Jensen has 46 goals

The York girls water polo team recently demonstrated they mean business. The Dukes were 13-10 non-conference winners over backto-back state-champion Naperville North, which hosted its state-championship ring ceremony prior to playing York. It was the first time York has even beaten Naperville North in varsity girls water polo competition. “We were up by five goals the majority of the game,” York coach Mark Giuliani said. “We beat them from start to finish. That’s the first time ever that York girls water polo has beaten Naperville North, which is pretty cool.”

York was off to a 9-0 start through late last week. “This is my 11th year as head coach and we have always been solid, but always had trouble breaking into that top level,” Giuliani explained. “We were always flirting with it and were right there, getting to the sectional championship in nine of the seasons and only won it once in 2021. We’re finally there. Beating Naperville North was big and shows

we are a pretty serious contender for a state trophy. With them being backto-back state champs, that’s pretty significant for us getting a huge win like that. For us now, it’s trying to stay healthy and making sure we are ready for the end of the season when it really matters.”

York was ranked second in the state through late last week according to the website www.ilwaterpolo. com, which covers the sport. “In my 11 years, I don’t know if we have reached that high on the leaderboard,” Giuliani said. “It’s fun seeing our name up there. We are right behind Stevenson. It’s fun for us and it’s fun for the school.”

York also is 4-0 in West Suburban Conference action. “The team is kind of in sync right now,” Giuliani said. “They understand what their responsibilities are.”

The Dukes continue to be led by senior standout Rose Jensen. “I have to say I have the most impressive water polo player I have ever seen in my 20-plus years of being around the sport,” Giuliani said, referencing

Jensen. Giuliani bristled at Jensen’s second-team all-state selection from a year ago. “In my opinion, she was robbed last year,” he said. “She was on the all-state second team. It was a disservice to that award and the entire process. She should have been (state) player of the year last year, and to put her on the second team is a slap in the face to the whole program and the system.”

Giuliani noted Jensen had eight goals in the recent win over Naperville North, while the individual who was named player of the year was limited to three goals in that game.

“Rose beat her on both sides of the pool on offense and defense,” he said. “Rose has a chip on her shoulder. She’s offended. She plays at such a high level. She just missed the cut for the 18-and-under Junior Olympic team, which is 30 girls total taken for that team. Rose is top-50, for sure, in the country. She is an absolute beast. She’s so fun to watch and coach. Rose is so talented and makes it look so easy.”

Jensen, who is headed to Division

I San Jose State University next year to play the sport, has 46 goals through eight games (York’s JV team played a varsity game to account for the ninth win). In addition to Jensen, York has benefited from the play of goalie Eva Graefe. “Eva has been a really solid senior for us,” Giuliani said. “She has a great head on her shoulders. She has 60 saves through eight games, but we are beating teams, with the exception of Naperville North, by at least 12 goals. And in some of those games, we have taken her out. She had 13 saves against Naperville North and they were huge, big saves. She kept us in the game. Rose and Eva have been difference-makers for us.”

Junior center Alyssa Cuevas has 14 goals so far. “Alyssa is really talented and has a bright future as well,” Giuliani said. Junior Jane Marlott has tallied 10 goals. “Jane is an assists player,” Giuliani said. “She gets the ball and is super strong. She’s a great leader for us. She’s the first one in the pool and is one of the most athletic people I have seen. She’s been known to walk to the edge of the pool and do a front flip into the pool like it’s nothing or do a handstand forever. Jane is a huge part of the team. Jane and Alyssa have more than enough talent to play Division I water polo in two years.” Giuliani said Lyons Township,

Athlete of the Month Athlete of the Month

currently ranked third in the state, is a team to watch for in the WSC. Lyons beat York in the WSC championship game last year. “LT is always a pretty intense battle,” he said. “They are right behind us in the rankings. It will be a big game.”

York has plenty of other challenges on its schedule. “Fenwick has always been a perennial powerhouse and they knocked us out of the sectional championship, so that’s always a big game,” Giuliani explained. “We play Stevenson on April 27 and that will be a good opportunity to see them in their pool, which is where the state tournament is. That will be a great opportunity. We play New Trier and Lane Tech, and they are in the top five. We’ll be in the Naperville Central tournament. I went to Naperville Central so that is always fun for me to get out there.”

York won the Naperville Central tournament last year, and it was the first time York had ever beaten Central. York went 23-7 last year, losing to Lyons in the WSC title game and also making it to the sectional championship game where it lost to Fenwick.

“I said on day-one, everybody’s goal should be the same as mine — win a state championship trophy,” Giuliani said. “That’s what we are working for. It’s a realistic goal.”

Kyle Steiner

Senior guard Kyle Steiner was named to the Metro Suburban Blue Division All-Conference team for the second year in a row. Kyle led the Trojans basketball team in points (10.1), rebounds (5.0), assists (3.9) and steals (2.0). Kyle also served as team captain and is committed to Concordia Wisconsin University to play basketball. Kyle was the heart and soul of his basketball team and did a tremendous job leading his team both on and off the basketball court.

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Artis Senior Living offers WOW hotline

Artis Senior Living, a leading developer-owner-operator of Memory Care and Assisted Living residences with 27 communities operating in 11 states, has launched their Words of Wisdom (WOW) Hotline. Callers can listen to inspiring, thoughtful, and funny messages by Artis residents organized into five categories: General, Marriage, Becoming a New Parent, Retirement & Becoming an Empty Nester, and Dad Jokes.

The WOW Hotline is: 484-2180251

“We are committed to developing creative ideas and programs to help residents explore purposeful and engaging lives at our communities,” said Mary Underwood, vice president of Memory Care Services. “We have amazing residents who are constantly having meaningful discussions and sharing a wealth of knowledge with each other. So, we thought, ‘How can we share this knowledge and engage with others outside of our communities?’ A hotline was an easy and fun way to make this idea a reality for our residents.”

The current voices of encouragement on the hotline are just the beginning. Artis has plans to add more resident messages from its 27 communities.

“The residents have really gotten behind this and have already developed different categories of insights to add to the hotline,” added Underwood. “They genuinely want to make a difference, create smiles, and make a positive impact on as many people as possible.”

LEGAL NOTICES

Timothy Christian baseball team kicks off season with three games

IC Catholic Prep girls basketball team to play game on ‘Hoosiers’ court

The Timothy Christian baseball team started the 2023 season with three non-conference games. The Trojans dropped a close 3-2 game to Nazareth Academy in a game that saw Myles Foy pitch 4 2/3 innings and allow only one earned run. He struck out four batters. In a 7-0 loss to Chicago DePaul College Prep, Christian Vanderveen pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowed no earned runs and struck out seven. Timothy also dropped a 7-1 decision to Class 4A Lake Park. Casey Folkerts went 2-for-3 with a double, while Donald Tober also went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

IC Catholic Prep girls basketball to play game on ‘Hoosiers’ court

IC Catholic Prep girls basketball coach Todd Fisher recently revealed the Knights will play a game next season on the basketball court made famous by the iconic movie “Hoosiers.” IC Catholic Prep will square off against Wheaton St. Francis on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Hoosier Gym

in Knightstown, Indiana.

Hoosier Gym is a basketball gymnasium, museum and community center and was the home court of the 1986 movie’s Hickory Huskers. Actor Gene Hackman starred in the film. Over the year, the facility has retained the same appearance as when the movie was filmed and attracts 80,000 tourists to the town per year. The facility is open for tours (no admission fee, but donations greatly appreciated), hosts games and guests can shoot baskets when they visit, the gym’s website noted. Knightstown is about 230 miles from Elmhurst.

Timothy Christian boys volleyball

The Timothy Christian boys volleyball team recorded a recent 25-13, 25-10 win over Walther Christian Academy. Senior middle blocker Jack Bone had six kills and two solo blocks, while senior outside hitter Shane Roozeboom had nine kills, two aces and three digs. Sophomore setter Owen Wise had two aces, 18 assists and four digs.

In a recent 25-14, 25-15 win over Montini,

Wise had three kills, 19 assists, two solo blocks and four digs. Sophomore outside hitter Trevor Munk had nine kills, four aces and four digs, while Bone had two kills and one ace.

In earlier action, Timothy downed Nazareth Academy 25-13, 25-7. Roozeboom had 11 kills, two aces and two digs, while Munk had six kills, one block, three aces and two digs. Junior libero Ty Van Laten had two aces and 13 digs. Timothy Christian is 3-0 on the young the season.

York’s Blass, Timothy’s Roland and Drye earn all-state honors

Three Elmhurst high school girls basketball players earned Illinois Basketball Coaches Association all-state honors. York senior Mariann Blass was named to the IBCA Class 4A all-state third team, while Timothy Christian senior Grace Roland was named to the IBCA Class 2A all-state third team. Timothy senior Maddie Drye earned IBCA Class 2A all-state honorable mention accolades. Blass, Roland and Drye are eligible to play in the annual IBCA allstar game that takes place June 10 in Pontiac.

“The residents have really gotten behind this. They genuinely want to make a difference.

— Mary Underwood

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