dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-23--Balmoral, other Campton Hills restaurants pay it forward during pandemic

Colin Smith , owner of the Balmoral Restaurant in Campton Hills , can remember being hungry as a child in Scotland -- and getting help from strangers .
So when schools and other businesses closed as stay-at-home orders went into effect in mid-March to combat the coronavirus outbreak , Smith knew what to do : Pay it forward .
`` I was an orphan and remember people dropping off food all the time , '' recalled the Campton Hills resident .
`` I remember being a young child and very hungry .
It brought me back . ''
Smith said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responders , health care workers and families in need for about six weeks .
For every two meals purchased by customers , Smith 's restaurant donates one four-course meal , and Campton Hills police deliver it .
`` People are really stepping up , buying five , 10 meals at a time .
I 'm really impressed by this community , '' he said .
`` The profit will come later when I reopen . ''
Smith said more than 300 Scottish meals from the Balmoral , 40W099 Route 64 , have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do this for six more weeks .
Beginning today , for every three meals purchased , his restaurant will donate one to someone in need .
Police Chief Steven Millar said his department reached out to help after hearing about a family of five forced to split two bologna sandwiches as their collective daily meal .
Millar said the department had delivered gift cards and groceries to families before connecting with Smith .
`` We come across people who are in need .
Even though Campton Hills is pretty affluent , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Millar said .
`` A lot of them are really proud people , and they do n't want to ask for help . ''
Other restaurants in town are also helping out .
For the past three weeks , Chime & Stave Kitchen & Bar , 40W188 Campton Crossings , has worked with Millar to donate meals and food to two or three families , said Christine Jurczyk , who owns the restaurant with husband , Richard .
Head chef Enzo Cullotta works with Millar to create a menu .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` We 're going to keep this going as long as possible . ''
Kim Weiss , manager at Old Towne Pub and Eatery , 40W290 La Fox Road , said a resident whose wife teaches in St. Charles Unit School District 303 reached out to the pub staff about buying $ 1,000 worth of $ 50 pub gift cards that residents can use in the future for a meal or now to `` buy '' items from the pub 's curbside menu , which includes basics such as milk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get more donations and worked to deliver the cards to District 303 officials who are distributing them to families in need .
For every $ 200 people spent at Old Towne , the pub is donating a $ 50 gift card for District 303 to pass along .

Balmoral, other Campton Hills restaurants pay it forward during pandemic
Colin Smith, owner of the Balmoral Restaurant in Campton Hills, can remember being hungry as a child in Scotland -- and getting help from strangers.
So when schools and other businesses closed as stay-at-home orders went into effect in mid-March to combat the coronavirus outbreak, Smith knew what to do: Pay it forward.
"I was an orphan and remember people dropping off food all the time," recalled the Campton Hills resident. "I remember being a young child and very hungry. It brought me back."
Smith said he has been donating meals to first responders, health care workers and families in need for about six weeks. For every two meals purchased by customers, Smith's restaurant donates one four-course meal, and Campton Hills police deliver it.
"People are really stepping up, buying five, 10 meals at a time. I'm really impressed by this community," he said. "The profit will come later when I reopen."
Smith said more than 300 Scottish meals from the Balmoral, 40W099 Route 64, have been donated, and he has enough money to do this for six more weeks. Beginning today, for every three meals purchased, his restaurant will donate one to someone in need.
Police Chief Steven Millar said his department reached out to help after hearing about a family of five forced to split two bologna sandwiches as their collective daily meal. Millar said the department had delivered gift cards and groceries to families before connecting with Smith.
"We come across people who are in need. Even though Campton Hills is pretty affluent, there's a lot of families hurting," Millar said. "A lot of them are really proud people, and they don't want to ask for help."
Other restaurants in town are also helping out.
For the past three weeks, Chime & Stave Kitchen & Bar, 40W188 Campton Crossings, has worked with Millar to donate meals and food to two or three families, said Christine Jurczyk, who owns the restaurant with husband, Richard. Head chef Enzo Cullotta works with Millar to create a menu.
"We're here for the community," she said. "We're going to keep this going as long as possible."
Kim Weiss, manager at Old Towne Pub and Eatery, 40W290 La Fox Road, said a resident whose wife teaches in St. Charles Unit School District 303 reached out to the pub staff about buying $1,000 worth of $50 pub gift cards that residents can use in the future for a meal or now to "buy" items from the pub's curbside menu, which includes basics such as milk and eggs.
Weiss used social media to get more donations and worked to deliver the cards to District 303 officials who are distributing them to families in need. For every $200 people spent at Old Towne, the pub is donating a $50 gift card for District 303 to pass along.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-23--Suburban Muslims begin observing Ramadan at home

Lights out .
Vacant parking lots and desolate prayer halls .
No echoing sounds within of the adhan -- the Islamic call to prayer .
That 's not how mosques typically look on Fridays or during the holy month of Ramadan .
Yet that 's the eerie reality as homebound Muslims throughout the suburbs begin their monthlong observance of fasting today .
During Ramadan , which is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar , Muslims abstain from food , drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset to attain piety , learn self-discipline , self-restraint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giving charity also is emphasized .
Suburban mosques , usually overrun by worshippers during this holy period , have been dormant since the COVID-19 lockdown began March 21 .
Now that Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has extended the stay-at-home order through May 30 , Muslims will spend the entire month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr -- the celebratory festival marking its culmination on May 24  -- at home .
Without the benefit of nightly prayer vigils in congregation and communal iftars ( fast-breaking meals ) , believers must develop their spirituality on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , imam of the Islamic Foundation of Villa Park .
`` That 's really the crux of what our challenge is now as a community ... taking personal responsibility for our connection with God , '' said Al Qaisi , who has been delivering virtual sermons for six weeks .
Islamic Foundation will be uploading nightly prerecorded videos of Sheikh Nasser Hussein reciting selected verses from the Quran -- Islam 's holy book -- with Al Qaisi explaining the meaning on Facebook and YouTube .
There also will be more live online sessions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Qaisi urges focusing on hope and God 's mercy to get through the isolation .
`` It is an essential tenet of faith , believing in the mercy of God and everything that happens to us is good even though we may not see it right now , '' he said .
Sharmin Shahjahan of Hanover Park is looking forward to having more time for introspection and eating iftars at home with her husband and two daughters , which she missed out on often with nightly commitments as a village trustee .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the other part of connecting with the religion ... we are forced to stop in a way and think about what is really important for our families , our communities , '' Shahjahan said .
A personal Ramadan tradition Shahjahan hopes to continue is a cookies and crafts exchange with other families , only this year her children will be dropping them off at the door of their friends ' homes .
She also is planning virtual iftar parties with friends and family and getting spiritual guidance through webinars .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are more accessible now , '' Shahjahan said .
Imam Hassan Aly with The Mecca Center in Willowbrook will be delivering weekly Facebook sermons about how the Prophet Muhammad and other messengers common to Christianity and Islam dealt with adversity .
Aly also will provide reflections on the Quran via Zoom videoconferencing .
`` This is special for Ramadan and special also for our life situation now , '' Aly said .
`` We are trying to bring ( relatable ) topics to support people in this time . ''
The center will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nightly prayer time for an hour so people can tune in while they pray at home .
`` We are trying to encourage each other so all of us can pray at the same time even apart , '' Aly said .
`` We still can bring the spirit of Ramadan into our homes and our hearts .
It will be unique . ''

Suburban Muslims begin observing Ramadan at home
A man rides a scooter through an empty square in front of closed the Central Mosque "Heart of Chechnya" in Grozny, Russia, Thursday on the eve of Ramadan. Today, Muslims worldwide begin observing Islam's holiest month and its many cherished rituals at home amid the coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press
Hisham Al Qaisi, imam of the Islamic Foundation of Villa Park, says suburban Muslims must develop their spirituality on their own without the benefit of nightly prayer vigils in congregation and communal iftars (fast-breaking meals) this Ramadan. Daily Herald File Photo
Hanover Park Village Trustee Sharmin Shahjahan and her daughters, Amira, 9, left, and Rania, 6, decorate their home Thursday on the eve of the start of Ramadan. The family will be observing traditions of Islam's holiest month, including breaking daily fasts and performing nightly prayers together at home, while mosques remain closed during COVID-19 lockdown. Courtesy of Sharmin Shahjahan
Hassan Aly, imam of The Mecca Center in Willowbrook, will be delivering more virtual sermons and converting regular Ramadan programming for online viewers during the pandemic. Courtesy of Hassan Aly
Lights out. Vacant parking lots and desolate prayer halls. No echoing sounds within of the adhan -- the Islamic call to prayer.
That's not how mosques typically look on Fridays or during the holy month of Ramadan. Yet that's the eerie reality as homebound Muslims throughout the suburbs begin their monthlong observance of fasting today.
During Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset to attain piety, learn self-discipline, self-restraint and compassion toward the less fortunate. Giving charity also is emphasized.
Suburban mosques, usually overrun by worshippers during this holy period, have been dormant since the COVID-19 lockdown began March 21.
Now that Gov. J.B. Pritzker has extended the stay-at-home order through May 30, Muslims will spend the entire month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr -- the celebratory festival marking its culmination on May 24 -- at home.
Without the benefit of nightly prayer vigils in congregation and communal iftars (fast-breaking meals), believers must develop their spirituality on their own, said Hisham Al Qaisi, imam of the Islamic Foundation of Villa Park.
"That's really the crux of what our challenge is now as a community ... taking personal responsibility for our connection with God," said Al Qaisi, who has been delivering virtual sermons for six weeks.
Islamic Foundation will be uploading nightly prerecorded videos of Sheikh Nasser Hussein reciting selected verses from the Quran -- Islam's holy book -- with Al Qaisi explaining the meaning on Facebook and YouTube. There also will be more live online sessions with open time for questions.
Al Qaisi urges focusing on hope and God's mercy to get through the isolation.
"It is an essential tenet of faith, believing in the mercy of God and everything that happens to us is good even though we may not see it right now," he said.
Sharmin Shahjahan of Hanover Park is looking forward to having more time for introspection and eating iftars at home with her husband and two daughters, which she missed out on often with nightly commitments as a village trustee.
"You lose the social aspect of it, but the other part of connecting with the religion ... we are forced to stop in a way and think about what is really important for our families, our communities," Shahjahan said.
A personal Ramadan tradition Shahjahan hopes to continue is a cookies and crafts exchange with other families, only this year her children will be dropping them off at the door of their friends' homes. She also is planning virtual iftar parties with friends and family and getting spiritual guidance through webinars.
"A lot of the imams, they are more accessible now," Shahjahan said.
Imam Hassan Aly with The Mecca Center in Willowbrook will be delivering weekly Facebook sermons about how the Prophet Muhammad and other messengers common to Christianity and Islam dealt with adversity. Aly also will provide reflections on the Quran via Zoom videoconferencing.
"This is special for Ramadan and special also for our life situation now," Aly said. "We are trying to bring (relatable) topics to support people in this time."
The center will begin broadcasting live 15 minutes before the nightly prayer time for an hour so people can tune in while they pray at home.
"We are trying to encourage each other so all of us can pray at the same time even apart," Aly said. "We still can bring the spirit of Ramadan into our homes and our hearts. It will be unique."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--Golf courses to open in Illinois May 1

Golf courses to open in Illinois May 1

Dust off those clubs and wash those balls , everybody .
Because golf will be open for business in Illinois , beginning May 1 .
Details are still being worked out , but according to a release sent out by Governor J.B. Pritzker on Thursday afternoon , courses will be able to operate `` under strict safety guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity ( DCEO ) . ''
`` The Allied Golf Associations of Illinois are thrilled that the governor 's office has seen fit to reintroduce golf in a safe manner , '' Carrie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois PGA , told the Daily Herald in a phone interview .
`` As a group of associations that administer and support the game , we trust the governor 's office and the stable of experts they have on hand to determine how golf could be reallowed with minimum touch points and minimum concern about the spread of ( corona ) virus . ''
Williams said the Allied Golf Associations of Illinois provided the governor 's office with information of how neighboring states were allowing their residents to golf .
Restrictions on golf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following at first : • All payments will be made online In addition to golf courses , state parks will begin a phased reopening under guidance from the Department of Natural Resources .
Fishing and boating will be permitted , as long as there are not more than two people in a group .

Golf courses to open in Illinois May 1
Golf courses across the state are expected to open with restrictions May 1, according to the governor. Daily Herald File Photo
Dust off those clubs and wash those balls, everybody.
Because golf will be open for business in Illinois, beginning May 1.
Details are still being worked out, but according to a release sent out by Governor J.B. Pritzker on Thursday afternoon, courses will be able to operate "under strict safety guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)."
"The Allied Golf Associations of Illinois are thrilled that the governor's office has seen fit to reintroduce golf in a safe manner," Carrie Williams, the Executive Director of the Illinois PGA, told the Daily Herald in a phone interview. "As a group of associations that administer and support the game, we trust the governor's office and the stable of experts they have on hand to determine how golf could be reallowed with minimum touch points and minimum concern about the spread of (corona)virus."
Williams said the Allied Golf Associations of Illinois provided the governor's office with information of how neighboring states were allowing their residents to golf.
Restrictions on golf are likely to include a mix of the following at first:
• Walking only
• Standard tee time intervals of approximately 10 minutes.
• All payments will be made online
• No access to clubhouses
In addition to golf courses, state parks will begin a phased reopening under guidance from the Department of Natural Resources. Fishing and boating will be permitted, as long as there are not more than two people in a group.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-23--Suburban Chicago closing in on Florida for number of COVID-19 deaths

We broke down COVID-119 statistics available April 23 and came up with some interesting comparisons : • If the Chicago suburbs were a state , it would have the 11th-highest COVID-19 death toll in the nation .
Total suburban deaths of 902 would come in under Florida 's total of 987 .
( Suburban Chicago 's population is 6,116,000 ; Florida 's is 21,990,000 . )
• If Cook County were a state , it would have the 10th-highest COVID-19 death toll in the nation .
Cook County 's 1,142 deaths would total 155 more than Florida 's 987 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; while Florida 's is 21,990,000 . )
• If the Chicago metro area were a state , it would have the ninth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the nation .
Chicago metro 's 1,543 deaths would come in just over California 's total of 1,512 .
( Chicago metro 's population is 8,865,000 ; California 's population is 39,500,000 . )
• If the Cook County suburbs were a state , it would have the 17th-highest COVID-19 death toll in the nation .
Suburban Cook County 's 501 deaths would come in 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cook 's population is 2,431,493 ; Colorado 's population is 5,029,196 . )
• If Chicago were a state , it would have the 15th-highest COVID-19 death toll in the nation .
Chicago 's 641 deaths would come in just under Ohio 's 656 .
( Chicago population is 2,749,000 ; Ohio 's population is 11,750,000 . )
• 19 states have fewer deaths than Will County ( 119 ) .

Suburban Chicago closing in on Florida for number of COVID-19 deaths
An interactive map on the Daily Herald's website allows searches of COVID-19 case numbers by ZIP code. You can try it at the bottom of this article.
We broke down COVID-119 statistics available April 23 and came up with some interesting comparisons:
• If the Chicago suburbs were a state, it would have the 11th-highest COVID-19 death toll in the nation. Total suburban deaths of 902 would come in under Florida's total of 987. (Suburban Chicago's population is 6,116,000; Florida's is 21,990,000.)
• If Cook County were a state, it would have the 10th-highest COVID-19 death toll in the nation. Cook County's 1,142 deaths would total 155 more than Florida's 987. (Cook County's population is 5,180,493; while Florida's is 21,990,000.)
• If the Chicago metro area were a state, it would have the ninth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the nation. Chicago metro's 1,543 deaths would come in just over California's total of 1,512. (Chicago metro's population is 8,865,000; California's population is 39,500,000.)
• If the Cook County suburbs were a state, it would have the 17th-highest COVID-19 death toll in the nation. Suburban Cook County's 501 deaths would come in 40 below Colorado's 552. (Suburban Cook's population is 2,431,493; Colorado's population is 5,029,196.)
• If Chicago were a state, it would have the 15th-highest COVID-19 death toll in the nation. Chicago's 641 deaths would come in just under Ohio's 656. (Chicago population is 2,749,000; Ohio's population is 11,750,000.)
• 19 states have fewer deaths than DuPage County (118).
• 19 states have fewer deaths than Will County (119).
• 18 states have fewer deaths than Lake County (98).
Interactive map


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-23--A song to make you smile: 'Keep Pushin'" by REO Speedwagon

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ Keep Pushin ' '' by Champaign rock band REO Speedwagon , released in 1976 on @ @ @ @ @ ''

A song to make you smile: 'Keep Pushin'" by REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon, featuring lead guitarist Dave Amato and guitarist and singer Kevin Cronin, performs at the Rosemont Theatre in 2018. Associated Press, 2018
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's selection is "Keep Pushin'" by Champaign rock band REO Speedwagon, released in 1976 on the album "R.E.O."
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--Feder: ABC 7's 'Windy City Live' reconnects from hosts' homes

For the first time since it stopped production on March 13 , `` Windy City Live '' is returning with @ @ @ @ @ the May rating sweep gets underway , Robert Feder writes .
Starting Tuesday , Val @ @ @ @ @ host the first half-hour of the show from their respective living rooms , followed by @ @ @ @ @ Their first new guest will be Deon Cole of ABC 's `` Black-ish . ''
@ @ @ @ @ a live studio audience will return to the talk and entertainment show , which airs @ @ @ @ @ Friday on ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media @ @ @ @ @

Feder: ABC 7's 'Windy City Live' reconnects from hosts' homes
For the first time since it stopped production on March 13, "Windy City Live" is returning with new content -- just as the May rating sweep gets underway, Robert Feder writes.
Starting Tuesday, Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini will host the first half-hour of the show from their respective living rooms, followed by material from past seasons.
Their first new guest will be Deon Cole of ABC's "Black-ish."
No word yet on when a live studio audience will return to the talk and entertainment show, which airs at 1 p.m. Monday through Friday on ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--COVID-19 cases spike by 2,724 as state test count hits 'milestone,' DIY masks suggested

Illinois has surpassed its initial COVID-19 testing goals , officials said at a Friday briefing where they also announced 2,724 additional cases , a new daily high , and 108 more virus-related deaths .
That puts the total cases of the respiratory disease at 39,658 and fatalities at 1,795 statewide .
The 2,724 tally is linked to a surge in testing , officials said .
The state 's goal was to achieve 10,000 tests a day , and in the last 24 hours about 16,000 people were tested , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said .
He called it an `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests , about 17 % were positive , which is `` well below our cumulative average of 21 % , '' Pritzker said .
`` It 's too early to say if this is a result of expanded testing criteria versus an indicator of flattening the curve .
But it 's a positive sign , nonetheless . ''
The new data comes a day after Pritzker extended the state 's stay-at-home order through May 30 to keep the virus in check .
The order will require residents to wear face masks in public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's raised some questions about implementation and specifics .
Currently , it 's virtually impossible to find masks in retail stores , and ordering online can take weeks .
Asked about the issue and how residents without credit cards might obtain one , Pritzker suggested individuals try a homemade version .
`` I saw a video of how somebody can take a T-shirt and use it to make a mask with , tying it behind their head and so on , '' Pritzker said .
`` I think there 's lots of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommend somebody go online and type in 'homemade masks ' or 'homemade face covering . '
They 're much less expensive than trying to buy one online . ''
The Centers for Disease Control recommends the general public leave surgical or N-95 masks for health professionals and , instead , wear cloth face covers .
Surgeon General Jerome Adams offers a short video on making your own cloth mask from household items on the CDC 's coronavirus website .
Regarding wearing masks outdoors as the weather improves , DuPage and Lake county forest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the state .
A spokeswoman for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County says the district wants visitors to follow federal guidelines , including social distancing and masks .
`` We 're not going to cite people for not wearing a mask , '' but `` it 's bad form '' not to , said Laurie Metanchuk , community affairs directors .
The Forest Preserve District of Will County , which plans to reopen its preserve parking lots and boat launches May 1 , is encouraging visitors to wear masks and maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police will continue to patrol our preserves to ensure visitors adhere to the state 's guidelines for their safety and the safety of others , '' Chief Operating Officer Ralph Schultz stated .
Meanwhile , some Republican lawmakers are chafing at the governor 's recent stay-at-home action .
Downstate Republican state Rep. Dan Bailey filed a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of Pritzker 's extension .
The governor called the suit a `` political maneuver '' and said he relied on scientists and physicians in making his decision .
Hawthorn Woods Republican Sen. Dan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to seek General Assembly approval before extending disaster proclamations .
That would `` restore a balance between the executive and legislative branches , '' McConchie said in a statement .
Pritzker on Friday addressed the efficacy of antibody tests .
Unlike diagnostic tests that detect active infections , these typically identify antibodies showing if people were previously infected with COVID-19 and may indicate if they have immunity .
He said some companies are promoting the technology in an `` irresponsible '' way .
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a only few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel virus , so researchers do n't know to what extent having COVID-19 antibodies equals immunity , '' Pritzker said .
• Daily Herald staff writer Robert Sanchez and Daily Herald wire services contributed to this report .

COVID-19 cases spike by 2,724 as state test count hits 'milestone,' DIY masks suggested
Gov. J.B. Pritzker provides a daily Illinois coronavirus update at the Thompson Center in Chicago. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Illinois has surpassed its initial COVID-19 testing goals, officials said at a Friday briefing where they also announced 2,724 additional cases, a new daily high, and 108 more virus-related deaths.
That puts the total cases of the respiratory disease at 39,658 and fatalities at 1,795 statewide.
The 2,724 tally is linked to a surge in testing, officials said.
The state's goal was to achieve 10,000 tests a day, and in the last 24 hours about 16,000 people were tested, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. He called it an "important milestone."
Of the latest tests, about 17% were positive, which is "well below our cumulative average of 21%," Pritzker said.
"It's too early to say if this is a result of expanded testing criteria versus an indicator of flattening the curve. But it's a positive sign, nonetheless."
The new data comes a day after Pritzker extended the state's stay-at-home order through May 30 to keep the virus in check. The order will require residents to wear face masks in public places effective May 1, a move that's raised some questions about implementation and specifics.
Currently, it's virtually impossible to find masks in retail stores, and ordering online can take weeks.
Asked about the issue and how residents without credit cards might obtain one, Pritzker suggested individuals try a homemade version.
"I saw a video of how somebody can take a T-shirt and use it to make a mask with, tying it behind their head and so on," Pritzker said. "I think there's lots of ways to do it. I would recommend somebody go online and type in 'homemade masks' or 'homemade face covering.' They're much less expensive than trying to buy one online."
The Centers for Disease Control recommends the general public leave surgical or N-95 masks for health professionals and, instead, wear cloth face covers. Surgeon General Jerome Adams offers a short video on making your own cloth mask from household items on the CDC's coronavirus website.
Regarding wearing masks outdoors as the weather improves, DuPage and Lake county forest preserve officials said they wanted more guidance from the state.
A spokeswoman for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County says the district wants visitors to follow federal guidelines, including social distancing and masks.
"We're not going to cite people for not wearing a mask," but "it's bad form" not to, said Laurie Metanchuk, community affairs directors.
The Forest Preserve District of Will County, which plans to reopen its preserve parking lots and boat launches May 1, is encouraging visitors to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
"Our forest preserve police will continue to patrol our preserves to ensure visitors adhere to the state's guidelines for their safety and the safety of others," Chief Operating Officer Ralph Schultz stated.
Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers are chafing at the governor's recent stay-at-home action.
Downstate Republican state Rep. Dan Bailey filed a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of Pritzker's extension. The governor called the suit a "political maneuver" and said he relied on scientists and physicians in making his decision.
Hawthorn Woods Republican Sen. Dan McConchie on Friday filed legislation requiring governors to seek General Assembly approval before extending disaster proclamations. That would "restore a balance between the executive and legislative branches," McConchie said in a statement.
Pritzker on Friday addressed the efficacy of antibody tests. Unlike diagnostic tests that detect active infections, these typically identify antibodies showing if people were previously infected with COVID-19 and may indicate if they have immunity.
He said some companies are promoting the technology in an "irresponsible" way. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a only few antibody tests.
"It's a novel virus, so researchers don't know to what extent having COVID-19 antibodies equals immunity," Pritzker said.
• Daily Herald staff writer Robert Sanchez and Daily Herald wire services contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--$18M in construction is done for COVID-19 facility in Elgin, but opening's on hold

The construction work to create an alternate care facility for COVID-19 patients in Elgin is done , but the opening has been delayed because there is no need for additional hospital beds at the moment , officials said .
The $ 18 million project at the vacant former Sherman Hospital campus at 901 Center St. was expected to be done by today , and it finished on schedule , Elgin Mayor David Kaptain said .
The plan had been for the Illinois Army National Guard to furnish the hospital this weekend , but that was put on hold , Kaptain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Illinois Emergency Management Agency officials .
`` This is a good thing , '' Kaptain said .
`` There will be people who say , 'Boy , that 's stupid ' '' Kaptain added , referring to critics of preventive measures regarding the coronavirus pandemic .
`` But it was completed and it 's ready to go if needed .
I think it was a wise decision to do that in preparation . ''
The Elgin facility , intended for non-acute COVID-19 patients , was turned over Thursday to the Illinois Emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Engineers Col. Aaron Reisinger .
He directed all other questions to state officials , who did n't immediately respond to a request for comment .
The construction was done by general contractor Turner Construction and was overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency .
Work took place 24 hours a day , seven days a week starting late last month .
The Army Corps said the facility would have 275 beds ; state officials said there was a potential for 283 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care unit beds available , out of 3,155 beds , and 1,928 ventilators available , out of 3,266 , according to Wednesday data from the Illinois Department of Public Health .
In the Northwest suburban region , there were 139 ICU beds available out of 366 , and 190 ventilators available out of 325 .
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District also was assigned to work on rehabilitation of MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island and Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park .
Both projects also were done on schedule by today @ @ @ @

$18M in construction is done for COVID-19 facility in Elgin, but opening's on hold
The construction work to create an alternate care facility for COVID-19 patients in Elgin is done, but the opening has been delayed because there is no need for additional hospital beds at the moment, officials said.
The $18 million project at the vacant former Sherman Hospital campus at 901 Center St. was expected to be done by Friday, and it finished on schedule, Elgin Mayor David Kaptain said.
The plan had been for the Illinois Army National Guard to furnish the hospital this weekend, but that was put on hold, Kaptain said, citing a conversation Thursday night with Illinois Emergency Management Agency officials.
"This is a good thing," Kaptain said.
"There will be people who say, 'Boy, that's stupid,'" Kaptain added, referring to critics of preventive measures regarding the coronavirus pandemic. "But it was completed and it's ready to go if needed. I think it was a wise decision to do that in preparation."
The Elgin facility, intended for non-acute COVID-19 patients, was turned over Thursday to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, said Army Corps of Engineers Col. Aaron Reisinger.
Reisinger directed all other questions to state officials, who didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
The construction was done by general contractor Turner Construction and was overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Work at the building, which held physician's offices until 2018, took place 24 hours a day, seven days a week starting late last month. It included sealing doors and windows, repairing heating, air conditioning and electrical IT systems, and more. The Army Corps said the facility would have 275 beds; state officials said there was a potential for 283 beds.
Elgin Fire Chief Robb Cagann said the inside of the building looks like an emergency room with individual cubicles enclosed by three sides of drywall and front curtains for privacy.
"It's very simplistic for the type of patients that they are going to be housing," he said.
Cagann, who also took part in the phone call Thursday, said IEMA officials stated they will furnish the facility when data indicates there is a regional need.
Cagann said he asked what the benchmark will be, but no specifics were given.
Statewide, there were 904 intensive care unit beds available, out of 3,155 beds, and 1,928 ventilators available, out of 3,266, according to Wednesday data from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
In the Northwest suburban region, there were 139 ICU beds available out of 366, and 190 ventilators available out of 325.
Cagann said the state followed emergency and crisis management standards by acting proactively and getting the Elgin facility ready. "It should be looked at as a positive that our regional situation is not as dire as maybe was anticipated," he said. "The state is still talking about the peak (of infections) being in mid-May. There may very well be a need for this facility, whether it be in this wave or any future anticipated wave that they are talking about."
The Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District also was assigned to work on rehabilitation of MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island and Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park.
Both projects also were done on schedule by Friday, Reisinger said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--Busse Woods part of weekend parking lot closure ordered by county

Visitors not following social distancing guidelines and other problems have led to the closure of parking lots at six Cook County forest preserves on weekends , including mammoth Busse Woods bordering Elk Grove Village .
Elsewhere , parking policies vary , with almost no restriction in Kane and Lake counties , some limitations in DuPage and a total parking ban in Will that will end May 1 .
Cook County forest preserve officials said that while visitors still can enter the properties , the parking shutdown will begin Saturday .
The parking lot closures then will be every Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 .
General Superintendent Arnold Randall said lack of social distancing , cookouts with crowds and other problems have been found at Busse Woods and the other five preserves in Niles , Chicago and the Willow Springs area where the lots will be shuttered on the weekends in an effort to limit visitors and prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
`` We have seen that ( inappropriate ) behavior on just moderately warm days , '' Randall said during a news conference Friday .
Randall said forest preserve police will issue citations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety rules , including social distancing , large gatherings and using obviously closed restrooms .
Potential fines from a citation reach $ 500 .
Popularly known as Busse Woods , the 3,558-acre Ned Brown preserve adjacent to Elk Grove Village includes ancient upland forests and is home to one of the largest fishing and boating waters in Cook County .
It also has about 13 miles of paved trail and an elk pasture .
The parking lots had already been blocked off Friday morning .
Randall said the forest preserves have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who may not know the rules or see them posted on signs since the state 's stay-at-home order became effective last month .
He said Busse Woods is one of Cook County 's most-visited preserves .
In reaction to the lot closures , Elk Grove Mayor Craig Johnson ordered weekend `` no parking '' restrictions on some eight miles of nearby village residential streets , fearing overflow parking from forest preserve visitors .
He raised safety concerns if drivers were to park in the village then cross busy Arlington Heights Road to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to say , 'Come to the woods , just do n't park in the parking lots . '
In other words , 'Just park on Elk Grove Village side streets , ' and that 's not a good combination in our community , '' Johnson said .
Elsewhere in the suburbs , lots at forest preserves in Kane and Lake counties have remained open .
`` We do n't intend to close any parking lots at the forest preserves , '' said Laurie Metanchuk , director of community affairs for the Forest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district is asking visitors to go to other preserves if a parking lot at a preserve is full .
Ty Kovach , executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves , on Friday said the district 's dog parks have been closed since March .
But he said the rest of the district 's parking lots remain .
Kovach said the district is closely monitoring preserve use and would consider closing a parking lot , if needed .
Will County closed parking lots at all its preserves when the stay-home order took effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement released Friday on its website , the Forest Preserve District of Will County said it will reopen preserve access area parking lots and boat launches on May 1 as a result of the governor modifying the stay-at-home order .
Meanwhile , the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County says it has no plans to close additional parking lots beyond what it announced earlier in the week .
On Monday , the district closed some lots at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook , Herrick Lake near Wheaton , McDowell Grove near Naperville , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glen near Darien and Wood Dale Grove near Wood Dale .
The district already was prohibiting non-county residents from parking at Waterfall Glen , Fullersburg Woods , Blackwell near Warrenville , Herrick Lake and Hidden Lake near Downers Grove .
`` We 'll continue to stay vigilant and watch , '' spokesman Tony Martinez said Friday .
`` If we do need to make any adjustments , we will . ''

Busse Woods part of weekend parking lot closure ordered by county
Visitors not following social distancing guidelines and other problems have led to the closure of parking lots at six Cook County forest preserves on weekends, including mammoth Busse Woods bordering Elk Grove Village.
Elsewhere, parking policies vary, with almost no restriction in Kane and Lake counties, some limitations in DuPage and a total parking ban in Will that will end May 1.
Cook County forest preserve officials said that while visitors still can enter the properties, the parking shutdown will begin Saturday. The parking lot closures then will be every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through at least May 30.
General Superintendent Arnold Randall said lack of social distancing, cookouts with crowds and other problems have been found at Busse Woods and the other five preserves in Niles, Chicago and the Willow Springs area where the lots will be shuttered on the weekends in an effort to limit visitors and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"We have seen that (inappropriate) behavior on just moderately warm days," Randall said during a news conference Friday.
Randall said forest preserve police will issue citations to anyone showing a willful disregard for public health and safety rules, including social distancing, large gatherings and using obviously closed restrooms. Potential fines from a citation reach $500.
Popularly known as Busse Woods, the 3,558-acre Ned Brown preserve adjacent to Elk Grove Village includes ancient upland forests and is home to one of the largest fishing and boating waters in Cook County. It also has about 13 miles of paved trail and an elk pasture. The parking lots had already been blocked off Friday morning.
Randall said the forest preserves have received an influx of new visitors, who may not know the rules or see them posted on signs since the state's stay-at-home order became effective last month. He said Busse Woods is one of Cook County's most-visited preserves.
In reaction to the lot closures, Elk Grove Mayor Craig Johnson ordered weekend "no parking" restrictions on some eight miles of nearby village residential streets, fearing overflow parking from forest preserve visitors. He raised safety concerns if drivers were to park in the village then cross busy Arlington Heights Road to get to Busse Woods.
"They're going to say, 'Come to the woods, just don't park in the parking lots.' In other words, 'Just park on Elk Grove Village side streets,' and that's not a good combination in our community," Johnson said.
Other counties
Elsewhere in the suburbs, lots at forest preserves in Kane and Lake counties have remained open.
"We don't intend to close any parking lots at the forest preserves," said Laurie Metanchuk, director of community affairs for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. The district is asking visitors to go to other preserves if a parking lot at a preserve is full.
Ty Kovach, executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves, on Friday said the district's dog parks have been closed since March. But he said the rest of the district's parking lots remain. Kovach said the district is closely monitoring preserve use and would consider closing a parking lot, if needed.
Will County closed parking lots at all its preserves when the stay-home order took effect on March 21. But in a statement released Friday on its website, the Forest Preserve District of Will County said it will reopen preserve access area parking lots and boat launches on May 1 as a result of the governor modifying the stay-at-home order.
Meanwhile, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County says it has no plans to close additional parking lots beyond what it announced earlier in the week.
On Monday, the district closed some lots at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook, Herrick Lake near Wheaton, McDowell Grove near Naperville, Spring Creek Reservoir near Bloomingdale, Waterfall Glen near Darien and Wood Dale Grove near Wood Dale.
The district already was prohibiting non-county residents from parking at Waterfall Glen, Fullersburg Woods, Blackwell near Warrenville, Herrick Lake and Hidden Lake near Downers Grove.
"We'll continue to stay vigilant and watch," spokesman Tony Martinez said Friday. "If we do need to make any adjustments, we will."
• Daily Herald staff writer Christopher Placek contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--Lake Forest native serenades Chicago neighbors in support of health care workers

When David Greene learned that his brother , an ER doctor in the Northwest suburbs , was struggling with stress at work during the COVID-19 pandemic , he felt the need to do something .
He felt the need to support all health care workers .
`` My siblings and I got a text from our sister-in-law saying that my brother was extremely stressed out and angry .
That was enough for me to be concerned , '' said Greene , who grew up in Lake Forest .
`` The way I see him affected by this really makes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the one thing that 's always been a positive in his life -- singing .
About a week ago , he decided to sing from his balcony , and he 's done it every day since while quarantined .
`` I 'm shouting out my brother because there 's not much I can do to support him .
Sending out positive energy and love is the best I can do , '' Greene said .
Every day , Greene heads to his balcony at his Chicago Gold Coast condo to sing titles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him feel good and , of course , are songs that he 's performed in public before .
Songs like `` Ave Maria , '' `` The Music of the Night '' and `` Oh What a Beautiful Morning '' feel the most comfortable with his tenor voice , he says .
Then he shares them on his YouTube channel .
So far , the response has been supportive .
`` People yell bravo .
They clap .
I tag my building on Facebook , and they 've had good feedback .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you could hear music coming out of people 's windows .
No one is complaining , '' Greene laughed .
Greene , a Realtor with Compass , is a big theater fan , and with no live performances right now , he misses it .
Singing on his balcony and sharing it virtually helps fill that void and show his appreciation for essential workers .
`` I love music .
I have a passion for singing .
I needed something that makes me feel good .
There 's an energy and spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are showing kindness to each other and to front-line workers , '' said Greene , who 's involved in the local music community with the Lyric Opera and the Chicago Symphony .
`` I 'm getting something positive out there , and I 'm so grateful for the work my brother and all our front-liners are doing . ''
For now , Greene will continue to share his talent and uplifting music with his neighbors and followers on YouTube during this pandemic .
He hopes people are done with work when he heads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every night .
`` I try to do it when people are outside walking their dogs and have hung up their Zoom calls , '' said Greene , whose husband , John , records his performances on an iPhone 11 .
Like all of us , Greene is missing the consistency of his normal schedule , like the weekly voice lessons in Hoffman Estates he 's attended for the past 10 years .
Singing daily , he says , is good self-discipline .
`` It 's the one thing I do each day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cappella , and anything could go wrong , but as soon as I start singing , I feel amazing , '' Greene explained .
`` It takes me out of everything that 's going on and takes me to a higher place .
This is a thank you to all the front-line workers . ''

Lake Forest native serenades Chicago neighbors in support of health care workers
David Greene is singing from his Chicago balcony daily during the COVID-19 pandemic in honor of his brother, an ER doctor in the Northwest suburbs. Courtesy of David Greene
David Greene sings "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" from his Chicago balcony during the COVID-19 pandemic in honor of his brother, an ER doctor in the Northwest suburbs. YouTube
When David Greene learned that his brother, an ER doctor in the Northwest suburbs, was struggling with stress at work during the COVID-19 pandemic, he felt the need to do something. He felt the need to support all health care workers.
"My siblings and I got a text from our sister-in-law saying that my brother was extremely stressed out and angry. That was enough for me to be concerned," said Greene, who grew up in Lake Forest. "The way I see him affected by this really makes it hit home."
So Greene turned to the one thing that's always been a positive in his life -- singing. About a week ago, he decided to sing from his balcony, and he's done it every day since while quarantined.
"I'm shouting out my brother because there's not much I can do to support him. Sending out positive energy and love is the best I can do," Greene said.
Every day, Greene heads to his balcony at his Chicago Gold Coast condo to sing titles that send a positive message, make him feel good and, of course, are songs that he's performed in public before. Songs like "Ave Maria," "The Music of the Night" and "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" feel the most comfortable with his tenor voice, he says. Then he shares them on his YouTube channel. So far, the response has been supportive.
"People yell bravo. They clap. I tag my building on Facebook, and they've had good feedback. It brings me back to days in college when you could hear music coming out of people's windows. No one is complaining," Greene laughed.
Greene, a Realtor with Compass, is a big theater fan, and with no live performances right now, he misses it. Singing on his balcony and sharing it virtually helps fill that void and show his appreciation for essential workers.
"I love music. I have a passion for singing. I needed something that makes me feel good. There's an energy and spirit in my neighborhood for gratitude. They are showing kindness to each other and to front-line workers," said Greene, who's involved in the local music community with the Lyric Opera and the Chicago Symphony. "I'm getting something positive out there, and I'm so grateful for the work my brother and all our front-liners are doing."
For now, Greene will continue to share his talent and uplifting music with his neighbors and followers on YouTube during this pandemic. He hopes people are done with work when he heads out to his balcony around 6 p.m. every night.
"I try to do it when people are outside walking their dogs and have hung up their Zoom calls," said Greene, whose husband, John, records his performances on an iPhone 11.
Like all of us, Greene is missing the consistency of his normal schedule, like the weekly voice lessons in Hoffman Estates he's attended for the past 10 years. Singing daily, he says, is good self-discipline.
"It's the one thing I do each day that scares me. I'm singing a cappella, and anything could go wrong, but as soon as I start singing, I feel amazing," Greene explained. "It takes me out of everything that's going on and takes me to a higher place. This is a thank you to all the front-line workers."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--Amid concerns with backstretch, Arlington Park won't open 'anytime soon'

Arlington International Racecourse wo n't start its 2020 racing season `` anytime soon , '' officials said Friday , but they 're still holding out hope for some type of shortened meet , even if it 's only a month long .
The Arlington Heights racetrack was set to open in a week until the COVID-19 pandemic took hold .
Arlington 's management announced late last month that the track would n't open until June at the earliest , but on Friday it suggested it could be even longer than that .
Arlington President Tony Petrillo told members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting Friday morning that much depends on whether Gov .
J.B. Pritzker extends the stay-at-home order beyond May 30 .
But Arlington Heights village officials , including the health department , have also raised concerns about the backstretch workers who would be coming from out of state , including Louisiana , Florida , Kentucky and Arkansas -- some of which have seen high COVID-19 numbers .
Petrillo said discussions to vet those issues continue , with the hope in the next few weeks of having `` a better understanding of what conditions might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
What 's also needed on the financial side , Petrillo said , is for off-track betting parlors operated by Arlington to reopen so revenue can start flowing that would pay for track opening expenses and the purse account for winning horses .
Leaders of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen 's Association who represent horse owners and trainers sought assurances Friday about whether any races would be held this summer .
`` One way or another , we have to inform our horsemen , '' said association President Mike Campbell .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We must get to an answer .
If it 's gon na race , let 's race , and if they 're not , let 's not . ''
Petrillo said there has n't been talk of pulling the plug on the season .
The racing board approved Arlington 's request to suspend its season , with the matter to be reevaluated May 22 .
Arlington and the horsemen also continue to tussle over a new labor agreement , with the union requesting a one-year deal and the racetrack seeking two years @

Amid concerns with backstretch, Arlington Park won't open 'anytime soon'
Arlington International Racecourse won't start its 2020 racing season "anytime soon," officials said Friday, but they're still holding out hope for some type of shortened meet, even if it's only a month long.
The Arlington Heights racetrack was set to open in a week until the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. Arlington's management announced late last month that the track wouldn't open until June at the earliest, but on Friday it suggested it could be even longer than that.
Arlington President Tony Petrillo told members of the Illinois Racing Board during a conference call meeting Friday morning that much depends on whether Gov. J.B. Pritzker extends the stay-at-home order beyond May 30.
But Arlington Heights village officials, including the health department, have also raised concerns about the backstretch workers who would be coming from out of state, including Louisiana, Florida, Kentucky and Arkansas -- some of which have seen high COVID-19 numbers. Petrillo said discussions to vet those issues continue, with the hope in the next few weeks of having "a better understanding of what conditions might be acceptable to open up our backstretch."
What's also needed on the financial side, Petrillo said, is for off-track betting parlors operated by Arlington to reopen so the revenue to pay for track opening expenses and winning horses' purses can start flowing.
Leaders of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, which represents horse owners and trainers, sought assurances Friday about whether any races would be held this summer.
"One way or another, we have to inform our horsemen," said association President Mike Campbell. "We cannot string them along any further. We must get to an answer. If it's gonna race, let's race, and if they're not, let's not."
Petrillo said there hasn't been talk of pulling the plug on the season. The racing board approved Arlington's request to suspend its season, with the matter to be reevaluated May 22.
Arlington and the horsemen also continue to tussle over a new labor agreement, with the union requesting a one-year deal and the racetrack seeking two years.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--April 24 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

• Not all the suburbs with cases are listed below .
• As of Friday , suburban Cook County had 11,504 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 542 deaths , according to the IDPH 's coronavirus website ( visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19 ) .
In Chicago : 16,112 cases and 678 fatalities .
• The Cook County Department of Public Health listed 546 cases of COVID-19 in Des Plaines , 237 cases in Glenview , 181 in Mount Prospect , 159 in Wheeling , 138 in Streamwood , 136 in Palatine , 128 in Schaumburg , 126 in Park Ridge , 114 in Arlington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 73 in Elk Grove Village , 62 in Rolling Meadows , 53 in Prospect Heights , and 45 in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
• The Lake County Health Department lists 2,754 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 107 deaths on its coronavirus website as of Friday .
• Cases in some Lake County towns : 780 to 784 in Waukegan and 25 to 29 in unincorporated areas near Waukegan ; 85 to 89 in Gurnee and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Gurnee ; 60 to 64 in Round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas near Round Lake ; 85 to 89 in Mundelein and 10 to 14 in unincorporated areas near Mundelein ; 30 to 34 in Libertyville and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Libertyville ; 50 to 54 in Vernon Hills and less than five in unincorporated areas near Vernon Hills ; 20 to 24 in Grayslake and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Grayslake ; 40 to 44 in Wauconda and five to nine in unincorporated areas near Wauconda ; 35 to 39 in Buffalo Grove and less than five in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County portion ) ; and 35 to 39 in Lake Zurich and less than five in unincorporated area near Lake Zurich ; and 15 to 19 in Lake Villa and 15 to 19 in unincorporated near Lake Villa .
• The DuPage County Health Department reports 2,226 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 125 deaths on its coronavirus website Friday .
• Cases per suburb include 174 in Addison , 157 in Naperville ( DuPage portion ) , 156 in Bensenville , 143 in Carol Stream , 127 in Glendale Heights , 110 each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Chicago , 86 in Willowbrook , 77 in Wheaton , 73 in Downers Grove , 72 in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , and 44 in Glen Ellyn .
• The Kane County Health Department confirms 986 cases of COVID-19 with 39 deaths on its website Friday at kanehealth.com .
• Cases per town include 413 in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 185 in Elgin ( Kane portion ) , 56 in St. Charles , 37 in Geneva , 35 in South Elgin , 31 each in Batavia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gilberts , and 10 in Sugar Grove .
• There are 467 cases of COVID-19 and 28 deaths in McHenry County , according to the health department 's website Friday .
• There have been 2,009 cases of COVID-19 and 127 deaths , according to the Will County Health Department 's website Friday .
• Cases per town include 138 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) , and 16 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

April 24 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Cook County's Department of Public Health has a website, shown here at the end of March, that breaks down cases of COVID-19 suburb by suburb.
Interactive map
• Not all the suburbs with cases are listed below.
Cook County
• As of Friday, suburban Cook County had 11,504 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 542 deaths, according to the IDPH's coronavirus website (visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19). In Chicago: 16,112 cases and 678 fatalities.
• The Cook County Department of Public Health listed 546 cases of COVID-19 in Des Plaines, 237 cases in Glenview, 181 in Mount Prospect, 159 in Wheeling, 138 in Streamwood, 136 in Palatine, 128 in Schaumburg, 126 in Park Ridge, 114 in Arlington Heights, 106 in Hoffman Estates, 73 in Elk Grove Village, 62 in Rolling Meadows, 53 in Prospect Heights, and 45 in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
Lake County
• The Lake County Health Department lists 2,754 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 107 deaths on its coronavirus website as of Friday.
• Cases in some Lake County towns: 780 to 784 in Waukegan and 25 to 29 in unincorporated areas near Waukegan; 85 to 89 in Gurnee and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Gurnee; 60 to 64 in Round Lake and 35 to 39 in unincorporated areas near Round Lake; 85 to 89 in Mundelein and 10 to 14 in unincorporated areas near Mundelein; 30 to 34 in Libertyville and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Libertyville; 50 to 54 in Vernon Hills and less than five in unincorporated areas near Vernon Hills; 20 to 24 in Grayslake and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Grayslake; 40 to 44 in Wauconda and five to nine in unincorporated areas near Wauconda; 35 to 39 in Buffalo Grove and less than five in unincorporated areas near Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion); and 35 to 39 in Lake Zurich and less than five in unincorporated area near Lake Zurich; and 15 to 19 in Lake Villa and 15 to 19 in unincorporated near Lake Villa.
DuPage County
• The DuPage County Health Department reports 2,226 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 125 deaths on its coronavirus website Friday.
• Cases per suburb include 174 in Addison, 157 in Naperville (DuPage portion), 156 in Bensenville, 143 in Carol Stream, 127 in Glendale Heights, 110 each in Elmhurst and Lombard, 105 in West Chicago, 86 in Willowbrook, 77 in Wheaton, 73 in Downers Grove, 72 in Aurora (DuPage County portion), and 44 in Glen Ellyn.
Kane County
• The Kane County Health Department confirms 986 cases of COVID-19 with 39 deaths on its website Friday at kanehealth.com.
• Cases per town include 413 in Aurora (Kane County portion), 185 in Elgin (Kane portion), 56 in St. Charles, 37 in Geneva, 35 in South Elgin, 31 each in Batavia, 25 in North Aurora, 15 in Gilberts, and 10 in Sugar Grove.
McHenry County
• There are 467 cases of COVID-19 and 28 deaths in McHenry County, according to the health department's website Friday.
Will County
• There have been 2,009 cases of COVID-19 and 127 deaths, according to the Will County Health Department's website Friday.
• Cases per town include 138 in Naperville (Will County portion), and 16 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--You can hit the links May 1, but must adhere to these guidelines

While golf courses will open their doors to the public in Illinois on May 1 , there are still a @ @ @ @ @ been laid out by Governor J.B. Pritzker .
The full list can be found under @ @ @ @ @ at www.illinois.gov/dceo , but here are the top ones : • Players shall be grouped @ @ @ @ @ Tee times will be spaced in 15-minute intervals .
• All bookings must be done @ @ @ @ @ .
• No golf carts allowed except by those with physical limitations that prevent them @ @ @ @ @ privately owned pull carts may be used .
• The bottom of the cup must @ @ @ @ @ be done by turning the cup upside down so that the new bottom is roughly @ @ @ @ @ of the hole , or by placing Styrofoam in the bottom of the cup .
@ @ @ @ @ removed .
• No caddies will be allowed .
• There will be no rakes @ @ @ @ @ release suggests sorting the sand with a club .

You can hit the links May 1, but must adhere to these guidelines
While golf courses will open their doors to the public in Illinois on May 1, there are still a host of restrictions that have been laid out by Governor J.B. Pritzker. Daily Herald File photo
While golf courses will open their doors to the public in Illinois on May 1, there are still a host of restrictions that have been laid out by Governor J.B. Pritzker.
The full list can be found under "Golf Operational Guidelines" at www.illinois.gov/dceo, but here are the top ones:
• Players shall be grouped in twosomes only.
• Tee times will be spaced in 15-minute intervals.
• All bookings must be done online or over the phone.
• Practice ranges, chipping greens and putting greens will remain closed.
• No golf carts allowed except by those with physical limitations that prevent them from walking.
• Only privately owned pull carts may be used.
• The bottom of the cup must be elevated. This can be done by turning the cup upside down so that the new bottom is roughly an inch below the lip of the hole, or by placing Styrofoam in the bottom of the cup.
• Flags may not be removed.
• No beverage or snack carts.
• No caddies will be allowed.
• There will be no rakes in the bunker. The release suggests sorting the sand with a club.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--DuPage sheriff bids fond goodbye to longtime search dog Bella

One of DuPage County 's longest-serving police dogs now has nothing more strenuous to do than roll over for a belly rub .
Bella , a bloodhound who served the sheriff 's office for more than 11 years , officially retired Friday .
She searched for hundreds of missing people and criminal suspects during her career , according to a news release from the sheriff 's office .
`` I 'd like to thank Deputy Bella for more than 11 years of service to DuPage County residents and surrounding communities .
We always knew when we called Bella we 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Mendrick said .
She came to the department from Midwest K-9 Emergency Response Team , based in Lee , Illinois .
Bella 's handler , Deputy Linda Richardson , said she may still bring Bella out on training exercises for her replacement , 4-month-old bloodhound Hope .
`` She 'll miss the work but she 's grown to love just laying out in the sun in the backyard all day , '' Richardson said Friday .
`` Hope also keeps her busy at home , stealing her ball and keeping her on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit also includes bloodhounds Praise and Tilly ; Belgian Malinoises Chili , Nitro , Odin and Merit ; a black Labrador retriever named Raven ; and chocolate Lab Xena .

DuPage sheriff bids fond goodbye to longtime search dog Bella
Search dog Bella and her handler, Deputy Laura Richardson, on Bella's last day of duty Friday. courtesy of the DuPage County Sheriff's Office
DuPage County sheriff's bloodhound Bella keeps her keen nose at the ready as her handler, Deputy Laura Richardson, talks with visitors during a National Night Out event. Bella retired Friday. Daily Herald file photo, August 2017
One of DuPage County's longest-serving police dogs now has nothing more strenuous to do than roll over for a belly rub.
Bella, a bloodhound who served the sheriff's office for more than 11 years, officially retired Friday.
She searched for hundreds of missing people and criminal suspects during her career, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.
"I'd like to thank Deputy Bella for more than 11 years of service to DuPage County residents and surrounding communities. We always knew when we called Bella we'd get a quick resolution," Sheriff James Mendrick said.
She came to the department from Midwest K-9 Emergency Response Team, based in Lee, Illinois.
Bella's handler, Deputy Linda Richardson, said she may still bring Bella out on training exercises for her replacement, 4-month-old bloodhound Hope.
"She'll miss the work but she's grown to love just laying out in the sun in the backyard all day," Richardson said Friday. "Hope also keeps her busy at home, stealing her ball and keeping her on her toes."
The police dog unit also includes bloodhounds Praise and Tilly; Belgian Malinoises Chili, Nitro, Odin and Merit; a black Labrador retriever named Raven; and chocolate Lab Xena.
Comfort Dog Julia, a golden Labrador retriever, also recently joined the team.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--Northwestern Memorial hospital taking part in global COVID-19 drug trial, and so far, so good

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is taking part in a worldwide study of a rheumatoid arthritis drug as a possible treatment for critically ill COVID-19 patients .
Since March , the Chicago hospital has enrolled 1,200 patients in a global clinical trial of a drug called sarilumab , known by the brand name Kevzara .
According to Dr. Richard Wunderink , Northwestern 's medical intensive care unit director , some with severe cases of COVID-19 develop a dangerous immune system response called a cytokine storm .
In such cases , the immune system overreacts and attacks the body instead of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body that are part of our normal defense against infections , but they can have extreme elevations and lead to injury of a variety of organs , particular the lung , '' Wunderink said Friday .
Cytokine storms can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS , acute kidney injury , shock , abnormalities in the blood clotting system and a variety of other manifestations , the doctor said .
Sarilumab blocks the body from making an inflammatory cytokine called interleukin-6 , or IL-6 , by binding to the IL-6 receptor .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis .
Excessive amounts of IL-6 may play a role in causing acute respiratory distress , preliminary evidence shows .
The goal is to determine if the drug helps to calm the overactive inflammatory responses in the lungs when damaged by COVID-19 .
The randomized , double-blind study began as a Phase II trial .
Researchers compare the response of those who receive sarilumab and a control group of patients given a placebo .
Northwestern is using special diagnostic tests developed in-house to look for infection in patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a release .
Researchers in China gave a similar drug to a small number of people to positive effect , according to Wunderink .
It 's early , but the Northwestern trial already has produced promising results .
`` There is a safety monitoring group that has looked at the data and basically said we 're safe to continue to enroll , '' Wunderink said .
`` So , in some ways that initial component of seeing that this is safe to give in very sick patients has pretty much been validated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the medication should be used routinely and to discover possible side effects .
`` All this data is accumulating , '' Wunderink said .
`` Ultimately , when we break the blind , we 'll know if there are any additional safety signals there .
But it really is appearing that it 's safe to use in very ill patients .
The real question is , is it leading to better outcomes ? ''
Northwestern patients are also eligible to join an international clinical trial for remdesivir , an anti-viral drug developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is studying other experimental antibiotics for select patients .

An ICU crew conducts group rounds at Northwestern Medicine, which is enrolling patients in a global clinical trial for COVID-19. Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine
An ICU nurse looks over equipment used for a COVID-19 patient. Northwestern Medicine is enrolling patients in a global clinical trial for hospitalized patients who are severely or critically ill with COVID-19. Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine
Northwestern Medicine is enrolling patients in a global clinical trial for hospitalized patients who are severely or critically ill with COVID-19. Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine
Nurses show a ventilator used for COVID-19 patients. Northwestern Medicine is enrolling patients in a global clinical trial for hospitalized patients who are severely or critically ill with COVID-19. Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine
Sarilumab, a drug for adults with rheumatoid arthritis, is being tested as a possible COVID-19 treatment. Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine
Northwestern Medicine is enrolling patients in a global clinical trial for hospitalized patients who are severely or critically ill with COVID-19. Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to say 1,200 patients nationwide will be recruited for the trial.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is taking part in a worldwide study of a rheumatoid arthritis drug as a possible treatment for critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Since March, the Chicago hospital has enrolled patients in a global clinical trial of a drug called sarilumab, known by the brand name Kevzara. More than 1,200 patients nationwide will be recruited fo the study.
According to Dr. Richard Wunderink, Northwestern's medical intensive care unit director, some with severe cases of COVID-19 develop a dangerous immune system response called a cytokine storm.
In such cases, the immune system overreacts and attacks the body instead of the virus.
"Cytokines are molecules in the body that are part of our normal defense against infections, but they can have extreme elevations and lead to injury of a variety of organs, particular the lung," Wunderink said Friday.
Cytokine storms can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, shock, abnormalities in the blood clotting system and a variety of other manifestations, the doctor said.
Sarilumab blocks the body from making an inflammatory cytokine called interleukin-6, or IL-6, by binding to the IL-6 receptor. The drug is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis.
Excessive amounts of IL-6 may play a role in causing acute respiratory distress, preliminary evidence shows. The goal is to determine if the drug helps to calm the overactive inflammatory responses in the lungs when damaged by COVID-19.
The randomized, double-blind study began as a Phase II trial.
Researchers compare the response of those who receive sarilumab and a control group of patients given a placebo. Northwestern is using special diagnostic tests developed in-house to look for infection in patients receiving sarilumab, the hospital said in a release.
Researchers in China gave a similar drug to a small number of people to positive effect, according to Wunderink.
It's early, but the Northwestern trial already has produced promising results.
"There is a safety monitoring group that has looked at the data and basically said we're safe to continue to enroll," Wunderink said. "So, in some ways that initial component of seeing that this is safe to give in very sick patients has pretty much been validated."
More testing is needed to determine if the medication should be used routinely and to discover possible side effects.
"All this data is accumulating," Wunderink said. "Ultimately, when we break the blind, we'll know if there are any additional safety signals there. But it really is appearing that it's safe to use in very ill patients. The real question is, Is it leading to better outcomes?"
Northwestern patients are also eligible to join an international clinical trial for remdesivir, an antiviral drug developed to treat Ebola.
The hospital also is studying other experimental antibiotics for select patients.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--Soon, we'll be able to peruse the petunias in person at garden centers

Do you yearn to shop in person for your garden plants ?
Technically , you have to wait until Friday , May 1 , per the new guidelines Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday .
He said all garden centers , stores and nurseries can open to customer traffic then .
But you might find a garden center open now .
It is a crucial time for the industry .
According to the Illinois Green Industry Association , gardening businesses make 70 % to 80 % of their annual revenue during April and May .
On April 9 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all garden centers could sell products -- but only for delivery or pickup .
That included any center `` that is part of a hardware store or big box stores such as Lowe 's or Home Depot . ''
But those stores let shoppers in to their garden centers , leading to questions .
`` We 're confused .
Is there no enforcement ?
There 's too much confusion , '' Joe Heidgen , co-owner of Shady Hill Gardens in Elburn , said Tuesday .
`` If you look long enough ( at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for anything . ''
Margaret W. Smith , spokeswoman for Home Depot , said `` many essential items '' are located in the outdoor garden area , including building materials .
`` We 've been partnering with the state for some time to share our efforts to keep our associates and customers safe , including customer limits in stores , pausing spring promotions to avoid driving foot traffic , expanding contactless fulfillment options , and implementing many social distancing and safety measures , '' she said .
There are about 900 licensed nurseries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including home-improvement stores , garden centers and grocery stores ) in Illinois .
`` People need to be able to walk through and look at plant materials , '' Illinois Green Industry Association Executive Director Kellie Schmidt said .
`` Gardening is something that provides documented health benefits . ''
Heidgen agrees .
Curbside pickup `` is not a replacement for being open , '' he said .
Helping customers get what they want is hard enough in person , he said , because people do n't remember the names of what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant charades , '' with employees guessing what people mean when they describe a plant .
`` There 's never been a spring like this , '' Heidgen said .

Soon, we'll be able to peruse the petunias in person at garden centers
Do you yearn to shop in person for your garden plants?
Technically, you have to wait until Friday, May 1, per the new guidelines Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday. He said all garden centers, stores and nurseries can open to customer traffic then.
But you might find a garden center open now.
It is a crucial time for the industry. According to the Illinois Green Industry Association, gardening businesses make 70% to 80% of their annual revenue during April and May.
On April 9, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said all garden centers could sell products -- but only for delivery or pickup. That included any center "that is part of a hardware store or big box stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot."
But those stores let shoppers in to their garden centers, leading to questions.
"We're confused. Is there no enforcement? There's too much confusion," Joe Heidgen, co-owner of Shady Hill Gardens in Elburn, said Tuesday. "If you look long enough (at the order) you can find justification for anything."
Margaret W. Smith, spokeswoman for Home Depot, said "many essential items" are located in the outdoor garden area, including building materials.
"We've been partnering with the state for some time to share our efforts to keep our associates and customers safe, including customer limits in stores, pausing spring promotions to avoid driving foot traffic, expanding contactless fulfillment options, and implementing many social distancing and safety measures," she said.
There are about 900 licensed nurseries and more than 3,000 nursery dealers (including home-improvement stores, garden centers and grocery stores) in Illinois.
"People need to be able to walk through and look at plant materials," Illinois Green Industry Association Executive Director Kellie Schmidt said. "Gardening is something that provides documented health benefits."
Heidgen agrees. Curbside pickup "is not a replacement for being open," he said. Helping customers get what they want is hard enough in person, he said, because people don't remember the names of what they planted previously. He calls it "plant charades," with employees guessing what people mean when they describe a plant.
"There's never been a spring like this," Heidgen said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--Des Plaines ZIP codes show higher COVID-19 numbers, but city says they're not all in town

State data on confirmed COVID-19 cases show particularly high numbers in two ZIP codes serving Des Plaines when compared to those of surrounding suburbs .
These numbers caused 45 concerned residents to call in questions to the normally much quieter public comment period of Monday 's city council meeting , Des Plaines Police Chief Bill Kushner said .
As of Friday , there were 416 confirmed COVID-19 cases in ZIP code 60016 that includes an unincorporated area to the east of Des Plaines .
That 's more than twice as many as other ZIP codes in the area .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60018 that includes unincorporated areas to the south near Rosemont .
At the meeting , city officials discussed the questions they 'd posed to the Cook County Department of Public Health about the case numbers being attributed to `` Des Plaines '' that they said just did n't sound right to them .
But only that morning , the county health department said ZIP codes and not municipal borders were the method used to divide up cases , Des Plaines officials said .
Then as now , they believe the densely populated unincorporated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Des Plaines have contributed to the ZIP codes ' high numbers , Kushner said .
While that did n't render the numbers unimportant to Des Plaines leaders in their discussion Monday , they said it did indicate a limit to their ability to influence them .
For instance , in unincorporated areas they are not able to enforce their requirement that people wear face coverings for all public interactions , which took effect Friday .
The Daily Herald asked the Cook County Department of Public Health if it had looked into the Des @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affect the county 's outreach , testing and deployment of resources .
Department spokeswoman Kimberley Conrad-Junius would say only that while Des Plaines has more cases than many other municipalities , it is not the highest in terms of total cases or rates .
Des Plaines ' rate of infection is 936 per 100,000 people .
`` Des Plaines cases are not rising faster than other areas , '' she said .
`` We are seeing more cases everywhere . ''
The Illinois Department of Public Health did not respond to a request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers could create the appearance that the city is not doing as much as its neighbors to curb the spread of COVID-19 .
`` I think it 's misleading to the general public , '' Kushner said of the numbers .

Des Plaines ZIP codes show higher COVID-19 numbers, but city says they're not all in town
Des Plaines city officials have been seeking reasons for the high number of COVID-19 cases attributed to the city. They learned this week that densely populated unincorporated areas that share two city ZIP codes are also included in the count. Daily Herald file photo, 2011
Des Plaines city officials have been seeking reasons for the high number of COVID-19 cases attributed to the city. They learned this week that densely populated unincorporated areas that share two city ZIP codes are also included in the count. Daily Herald file photo, 2012
Des Plaines City Manager Michael Bartholomew, top center, provides information to fellow city officials as they discuss the high number of COVID-19 cases reported in the Des Plaines area during last Monday's city council meeting livestreamed on Zoom. Courtesy of city of Des Plaines
Des Plaines City Manager Michael Bartholomew, top center, provides information to fellow city officials as they discuss the high number of COVID-19 cases reported in the Des Plaines area during last Monday's city council meeting livestreamed on Zoom. Courtesy of city of Des Plaines
State data on confirmed COVID-19 cases show particularly high numbers in two ZIP codes serving Des Plaines when compared to those of surrounding suburbs.
These numbers caused 45 concerned residents to call in questions to the normally much quieter public comment period of Monday's city council meeting, Des Plaines Police Chief Bill Kushner said.
As of Friday, there were 416 confirmed COVID-19 cases in ZIP code 60016 that includes an unincorporated area to the east of Des Plaines. That's more than twice as many as other ZIP codes in the area. And there were 154 cases in ZIP code 60018 that includes unincorporated areas to the south near Rosemont.
At the meeting, city officials discussed the questions they'd posed to the Cook County Department of Public Health about the case numbers being attributed to "Des Plaines" that they said just didn't sound right to them.
But only that morning, the county health department said ZIP codes and not municipal borders were the method used to divide up cases, Des Plaines officials said.
Then as now, they believe the densely populated unincorporated areas to the east and south of Des Plaines have contributed to the ZIP codes' high numbers, Kushner said.
While that didn't render the numbers unimportant to Des Plaines leaders in their discussion Monday, they said it did indicate a limit to their ability to influence them. For instance, in unincorporated areas they are not able to enforce their requirement that people wear face coverings for all public interactions, which took effect Friday.
The Daily Herald asked the Cook County Department of Public Health if it had looked into the Des Plaines area numbers and how the numbers affect the county's outreach, testing and deployment of resources.
Department spokeswoman Kimberley Conrad-Junius would say only that while Des Plaines has more cases than many other municipalities, it is not the highest in terms of total cases or rates. Des Plaines' rate of infection is 936 per 100,000 people.
"Des Plaines cases are not rising faster than other areas," she said. "We are seeing more cases everywhere."
The Illinois Department of Public Health did not respond to a request for comment Friday.
Kushner said the numbers could create the appearance that the city is not doing as much as its neighbors to curb the spread of COVID-19. "I think it's misleading to the general public," Kushner said of the numbers.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-24--Geneva restaurateurs open The Burger Shop diner in the middle of the pandemic

It would make sense for a restaurant owner to say the past several weeks have been difficult because of the coronavirus shutdown .
But it would be quite surprising to hear one say , in the next breath , that he opened another one right in the middle of this difficult stay-at-home period .
Tony Gargano , owner of Osteria Bigolaro , and Marshall McCarty , owner of The Walrus Room , both in downtown Geneva , fall into that latter category .
The two became friends after opening their restaurants around the same time two years ago , sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situated .
Gargano and McCarty had another friendship brewing with the owner of Yelo , an Asian cuisine restaurant at 17 N. Fourth St. , essentially in the back portion of the same building as Osteria Bigolaro at 317 W. State .
`` We became good friends with her , and her restaurant had really good food , but she had other operations to take care of in Chicago and she made this Geneva site available , '' Gargano said .
Gargano and McCarty knew their own restaurants no longer needed them on-site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked about creating an old-school diner together .
`` It was to offer a diner burger , kind of like what McDonald 's did years ago , and then see what happens , '' Gargano said .
They signed a lease last December and planned to open The Burger Shop diner this spring .
Coronavirus hit , but they figured this place was designed mostly for carryout to begin , so why not open ?
The Burger Shop now follows in the footsteps of Yelo , Firehouse Pizza and Aurelio 's Pizza ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at that location .
`` I have always loved pub burgers , and as I got older I was just craving that single patty burger , nothing fancy , and I saw the opportunity to do that here , '' Gargano said .
Gargano 's description of the burger is perfect .
After trying one , I found this to be a delicious addition to the burger scene in Geneva -- all at a place that will remind folks of small diners .
And do n't be fooled into thinking this is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , patrons order and pay ahead and pick up the food while waiting in their cars .
It seems to be steadily busy so far , but as more people try it , I sense The Burger Shop is going to find its niche .
The only thing missing is someone on roller skates delivering the order to cars in the parking lot .
In the future , a counter with seats will be available inside , while the outdoor patio initially built for Firehouse Pizza will make for a good summer setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in general , but it has the challenges that we enjoy , '' McCarty said of The Burger Shop .
`` We have to find out the best way to do this with the highest quality , because there are a lot of moving parts in the restaurant business , whether you are offering fine dining or a quick burger shop like this . ''
In addition to offering burgers and fries , the business partners are anxious to establish a `` shake bar '' setup inside where patrons can choose toppings for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also include gluten-free buns and a vegan burger for those who avoid meat products .
For now , the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday , but when things get back to normal , Gargano expects to have the diner open seven days a week .
`` No one else is focusing on the old-school vibe , '' he said .
`` It 's kind of missing because so many places offering burgers are bars or bigger restaurants .
`` We wanted to focus on something affordable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be a place for high school kids as well , because that is what is needed right now . ''
At first blush , it does seem odd for a Binny 's Beverage Depot to be setting up shop in the Geneva Commons along Randall Road .
Once things get back to normal , I suspect consumers are going to find it to be quite convenient to shop at the various stores and then also pick up their wine or beer in one swoop .
It is near Fresh Market , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a strange island with only clothing and apparel stores nearby .
As with any crisis America has faced throughout history , there are always uplifting occurrences , no matter how small they might seem .
Batavia United Way found a couple and shared the info on its Facebook page last week , noting that a group of people linked on Facebook got together to buy six new iPads for a couple of senior living centers where residents were feeling isolated because they could no longer use the resource centers at their facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used iPads .
Now , residents check out those iPads like library books so they can stay connected with family and friends .
In another matter of helping elderly residents stay connected at their apartments , George Scheetz of the Batavia Public Library offered three `` hot spot '' Wi-Fi connections that the library was not using .
Those seniors are now in business until the library reopens .
The St. Charles Police Department has joined many other businesses and agencies in saying it would be happy to send some officers and vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the street in front of the home of the birthday celebrant .
It 's been a great touch for kids , who are generally thrilled with the attention .
Those interested to request a police car in their birthday parade can contact commander Rich Clark at ( 630 ) 377-4435 .
Readers have often mentioned they like it when I write about new restaurant openings or note something I have tried at our vast array of eateries .
As noted in the top story of the column today , I am still getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order .
My loyal readers know of my love for a good Italian beef sandwich , so I will mention that a tried an Italian beef and sausage combo sandwich with melted mozzarella cheese at Joseph 's Pizza Cucina in Wasco .
It was well-worth the trip , which was my second visit to this restaurant on Route 64 since new owner Joe Pavone took over just weeks before the stay-at-home mandates .
I 'm hoping our area restaurants fare well , or as best they can , during the pandemic shutdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people who prefer a delivery or pickup to going out , regardless of the health circumstances .
Maybe the restaurants can ride that wave for a period of time .

Geneva restaurateurs open The Burger Shop diner in the middle of the pandemic
It would make sense for a restaurant owner to say the past several weeks have been difficult because of the coronavirus shutdown.
But it would be quite surprising to hear one say, in the next breath, that he opened another one right in the middle of this difficult stay-at-home period.
Tony Gargano, owner of Osteria Bigolaro, and Marshall McCarty, owner of The Walrus Room, both in downtown Geneva, fall into that latter category.
The two became friends after opening their restaurants around the same time two years ago, sharing ideas and experiences in getting their establishments situated.
Gargano and McCarty had another friendship brewing with the owner of Yelo, an Asian cuisine restaurant at 17 N. Fourth St., essentially in the back portion of the same building as Osteria Bigolaro at 317 W. State.
"We became good friends with her, and her restaurant had really good food, but she had other operations to take care of in Chicago and she made this Geneva site available," Gargano said.
Gargano and McCarty knew their own restaurants no longer needed them on-site at all hours, and they had talked about creating an old-school diner together.
"It was to offer a diner burger, kind of like what McDonald's did years ago, and then see what happens," Gargano said.
They signed a lease last December and planned to open The Burger Shop diner this spring. Coronavirus hit, but they figured this place was designed mostly for carryout to begin, so why not open?
The Burger Shop now follows in the footsteps of Yelo, Firehouse Pizza and Aurelio's Pizza (before it moved to State Street) at that location.
"I have always loved pub burgers, and as I got older I was just craving that single patty burger, nothing fancy, and I saw the opportunity to do that here," Gargano said.
Gargano's description of the burger is perfect. After trying one, I found this to be a delicious addition to the burger scene in Geneva -- all at a place that will remind folks of small diners. And don't be fooled into thinking this is a like a run-of-the-mill fast-food burger.
Currently, patrons order and pay ahead and pick up the food while waiting in their cars. It seems to be steadily busy so far, but as more people try it, I sense The Burger Shop is going to find its niche.
The only thing missing is someone on roller skates delivering the order to cars in the parking lot.
In the future, a counter with seats will be available inside, while the outdoor patio initially built for Firehouse Pizza will make for a good summer setting.
"It is a different concept in general, but it has the challenges that we enjoy," McCarty said of The Burger Shop. "We have to find out the best way to do this with the highest quality, because there are a lot of moving parts in the restaurant business, whether you are offering fine dining or a quick burger shop like this."
In addition to offering burgers and fries, the business partners are anxious to establish a "shake bar" setup inside where patrons can choose toppings for milk shakes.
The Burger Shop will also include gluten-free buns and a vegan burger for those who avoid meat products.
For now, the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, but when things get back to normal, Gargano expects to have the diner open seven days a week.
"No one else is focusing on the old-school vibe," he said. "It's kind of missing because so many places offering burgers are bars or bigger restaurants.
"We wanted to focus on something affordable for all ages, and hoping it can be a place for high school kids as well, because that is what is needed right now."
Another alcohol option:
At first blush, it does seem odd for a Binny's Beverage Depot to be setting up shop in the Geneva Commons along Randall Road.
Once things get back to normal, I suspect consumers are going to find it to be quite convenient to shop at the various stores and then also pick up their wine or beer in one swoop.
It is near Fresh Market, so it's not like Binny's is on a strange island with only clothing and apparel stores nearby.
Not all gloomy:
As with any crisis America has faced throughout history, there are always uplifting occurrences, no matter how small they might seem.
Batavia United Way found a couple and shared the info on its Facebook page last week, noting that a group of people linked on Facebook got together to buy six new iPads for a couple of senior living centers where residents were feeling isolated because they could no longer use the resource centers at their facilities. Another donated a couple of gently used iPads.
Now, residents check out those iPads like library books so they can stay connected with family and friends.
In another matter of helping elderly residents stay connected at their apartments, George Scheetz of the Batavia Public Library offered three "hot spot" Wi-Fi connections that the library was not using. Those seniors are now in business until the library reopens.
Birthday duties:
The St. Charles Police Department has joined many other businesses and agencies in saying it would be happy to send some officers and vehicles to stage a birthday party parade along the street in front of the home of the birthday celebrant.
It's been a great touch for kids, who are generally thrilled with the attention.
Those interested to request a police car in their birthday parade can contact commander Rich Clark at (630) 377-4435.
Checking the carryouts:
Readers have often mentioned they like it when I write about new restaurant openings or note something I have tried at our vast array of eateries.
As noted in the top story of the column today, I am still getting out on occasion to do a carryout order.
My loyal readers know of my love for a good Italian beef sandwich, so I will mention that a tried an Italian beef and sausage combo sandwich with melted mozzarella cheese at Joseph's Pizza Cucina in Wasco.
It was well-worth the trip, which was my second visit to this restaurant on Route 64 since new owner Joe Pavone took over just weeks before the stay-at-home mandates.
I'm hoping our area restaurants fare well, or as best they can, during the pandemic shutdown. There has to be a fair number of people who prefer a delivery or pickup to going out, regardless of the health circumstances. Maybe the restaurants can ride that wave for a period of time.
dheun@sbcglobal.net