dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-02--Wheaton mutual aid group helping those most hurt by economic fallout

For Cristobal Cavazos , it 's a constant concern knowing the coronavirus pandemic is disproportionately hurting the jobless , seniors and immigrants without a safety net .
So he and advocates at the Casa DuPage Workers Center started a collection of food and vital supplies at their Wheaton office to help those bearing the brunt of the coronavirus economic crisis .
Organizers set the plan in motion last weekend and quickly ran out of space .
They 're now using a garage at Calvary Episcopal Church near downtown Lombard to store donations in a kind of makeshift food pantry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reassurance to residents of a West Chicago apartment complex , providing a lifeline to elderly people and one mom who lost her factory job .
She has three kids and a baby and needed diapers , Cavazos said .
`` It 's a really tough situation , so this is the least we can do , '' he said .
Cavazos , Gabriela Hernandez Chico and Rafael Vieyra have started the DuPage Mutual Aid & Solidarity Network as an outgrowth of the Immigrant Solidarity DuPage advocacy group .
Mutual aid organizations are catching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grass-roots army of volunteers who use Google Docs to track and respond to requests for cleaning supplies , errand runs , face masks , blood donations and other needs .
One website mapping out the organizations , Mutualaidhub.org , lists Raising Kane County , a Facebook group with 236 members and this mission : `` Help our neighbors by connecting our community . ''
At the front side of the Lombard church garage , the DuPage mutual aid network is accepting drop-off donations of food , water , baby wipes , hand sanitizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the volunteers will deliver the high-demand items to people without reliable transportation or seniors hunkering down at home because they 're at high risk for severe complications from the virus .
The volunteers will drop off the deliveries at their front door , Cavazos said .
`` We 're really reaching a lot of the most vulnerable people right now , '' he said .
Advocates also are collecting online PayPal donations to purchase groceries and fielding calls to the Immigrant Solidarity DuPage office at ( 630 ) 510-8500 ext .
107 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for undocumented workers who do n't qualify for unemployment benefits if they lose their jobs .
`` It 's been the food , support , activism , '' Cavazos said .

Wheaton mutual aid group helping those most hurt by economic fallout
David Falbacher delivers food for his apartment complex as part of the DuPage Mutual Aid & Solidarity Network. Courtesy of Cristobal Cavazos
Immigrant Solidarity DuPage advocates have started a collection drive of groceries and essential supplies. Courtesy of Cristobal Cavazos
Gabriela Hernandez Chico, one of the organizers behind a DuPage mutual aid group, delivers food to residents at the Timber Lake Apartments complex in West Chicago during the coronavirus crisis. Courtesy of Cristobal Cavazos
For Cristobal Cavazos, it's a constant concern knowing the coronavirus pandemic is disproportionately hurting the jobless, seniors and immigrants without a safety net.
So he and advocates at the Casa DuPage Workers Center started a collection of food and vital supplies at their Wheaton office to help those bearing the brunt of the coronavirus economic crisis.
Organizers set the plan in motion last weekend and quickly ran out of space. They're now using a garage at Calvary Episcopal Church near downtown Lombard to store donations in a kind of makeshift food pantry.
Volunteers have brought boxes of groceries and reassurance to residents of a West Chicago apartment complex, providing a lifeline to elderly people and one mom who lost her factory job. She has three kids and a baby and needed diapers, Cavazos said.
"It's a really tough situation, so this is the least we can do," he said.
Cavazos, Gabriela Hernandez Chico and Rafael Vieyra have started the DuPage Mutual Aid & Solidarity Network as an outgrowth of the Immigrant Solidarity DuPage advocacy group.
Mutual aid organizations are catching on across the country, marshaling a grass-roots army of volunteers who use Google Docs to track and respond to requests for cleaning supplies, errand runs, face masks, blood donations and other needs.
One website mapping out the organizations, Mutualaidhub.org, lists Raising Kane County, a Facebook group with 236 members and this mission: "Help our neighbors by connecting our community."
At the front side of the Lombard church garage, the DuPage mutual aid network is accepting drop-off donations of food, water, baby wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet paper.
From there, the volunteers will deliver the high-demand items to people without reliable transportation or seniors hunkering down at home because they're at high risk for severe complications from the virus. The volunteers will drop off the deliveries at their front door, Cavazos said.
"We're really reaching a lot of the most vulnerable people right now," he said.
Advocates also are collecting online PayPal donations to purchase groceries and fielding calls to the Immigrant Solidarity DuPage office at (630) 510-8500 ext. 107. They're trying to ease the burden for undocumented workers who don't qualify for unemployment benefits if they lose their jobs.
"It's been the food, support, activism," Cavazos said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-02--Lake in the Hills principal kicks off e-learning with fun, touching song parody

Marlowe Middle School Principal Tony Venetico is like a lot of educators out there -- he misses his students during this time of social distancing .
So he decided to reach out to them with a video to encourage e-learning and let them know he 's thinking of them .
Venetico admits that his song parody , set to `` Do You Want to Build a Snowman '' from `` Frozen , '' may not feature the best singing you 've ever heard , but his message is an important one .
`` The extra time at home missing my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some creative ventures , '' said Venetico , who 's in his second year as principal at Marlowe .
`` I 'm also not a good singer , which to me is so important .
We always encourage our students to put their authentic selves out there and not worry about how others are going to respond or react . ''
So Venetico included the hashtag # YouDontHaveToSingWellToHaveFun when he shared it on the school 's Facebook and Twitter accounts .
`` The response has been really positive so far , so maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video number two ... haha ! ''
We 're all for that , Mr. Venetico !

Lake in the Hills principal kicks off e-learning with fun, touching song parody
Tony Venetic, principal of Marlowe Middle School in Lake in the Hills, misses his students. So he put together a funny and touching video message to share with them, to the tune of "Do You Want to Build a Snowman." Facebook Video Screenshot
Marlowe Middle School Principal Tony Venetico is like a lot of educators out there -- he misses his students during this time of social distancing. So he decided to reach out to them with a video to encourage e-learning and let them know he's thinking of them.
Venetico admits that his song parody, set to "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" from "Frozen," may not feature the best singing you've ever heard, but his message is an important one.
"The extra time at home missing my students is giving me time to explore some creative ventures," said Venetico, who's in his second year as principal at Marlowe. "I'm also not a good singer, which to me is so important. We always encourage our students to put their authentic selves out there and not worry about how others are going to respond or react."
So Venetico included the hashtag #YouDontHaveToSingWellToHaveFun when he shared it on the school's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
"The response has been really positive so far, so maybe it's time to start working on video number two ... haha!"
We're all for that, Mr. Venetico!


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-02--How a Lake County nonprofit is helping homeless, foster kids during the coronavirus pandemic

A personalized letter or a homemade card .
A gift card to a local grocery store .
An `` activity box '' full of crafts and lesson plans .
To many kids , these gifts would be a kind gesture , a welcome distraction from the confusion and fear they 're experiencing amid the coronavirus pandemic .
For a child who is homeless or in the foster care system , such acts of kindness can mean the difference between being hungry and being fed , between feeling lonely and feeling loved , said Annie McAveeney , founder of Fill a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been working around the clock to ensure hundreds of unaccompanied homeless youth and foster children in Lake and Cook counties are receiving educational support , positive experiences and other necessities during the statewide stay-at-home order , she said .
Staff members and volunteers are organizing activities , coordinating virtual pen pals and collecting donations , among other efforts .
`` We 're all feeling isolated right now .
What is it like for a child who lives in a group home ?
Can you imagine ? ''
McAveeney said .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children . ''
Fill a Heart 4 Kids was formed after the McAveeney family took in their first homeless child about 13 years ago .
The boy eventually returned to his mother once she was back on her feet , McAveeney said , and though they still keep in touch , her children were sad to see him go .
So she encouraged them to turn their disappointment into an act of kindness .
It started with her daughter , Lilly , and her friends creating Valentine 's Day care packages and notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister then suggested extending the mission by brightening kids ' days on their birthdays or providing them with school supplies .
The nonprofit now serves 1,350 children in partnership with 18 local group facilities by holding book clubs , taking them on special outings , donating necessities , and showing them in other ways that they 're valued , McAveeney said .
Such services are made difficult by the coronavirus pandemic , she said , but children living without their families need support now more than ever .
Earlier this week , Fill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past various children 's homes displaying signs saying , `` We 're all in this together . ''
Gift cards are being offered to homeless youth .
Letters and crafts are being emailed or shown to kids over video .
Disinfected bins filled with educational lessons , Legos , art projects and more have been dropped off , and children are encouraged to send in photos showing the goals they have accomplished .
Community members have been stepping up , too .
Some started their own fundraisers or signed up to be pen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff members of children 's homes .
`` There are really several ways to get involved at home to help kids that are suffering , '' McAveeney said .
`` A lot of the kids feel isolated and alone .
We want them to feel loved and give them as much joy as we possibly can . ''

How a Lake County nonprofit is helping homeless, foster kids during the coronavirus pandemic
Community members have signed up to be "virtual pen pals" for homeless and foster children during the coronavirus pandemic. They create homemade cards and letters, which are then shown to the kids over video. Courtesy of Fill a Heart 4 Kids
The Fill a Heart 4 Kids nonprofit organized car parades to lift the spirits of kids staying in children's homes in Lake and Cook counties during the coronavirus pandemic. Courtesy of Fill a Heart 4 Kids
A personalized letter or a homemade card. A gift card to a local grocery store. An "activity box" full of crafts and lesson plans.
To many kids, these gifts would be a kind gesture, a welcome distraction from the confusion and fear they're experiencing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
For a child who is homeless or in the foster care system, such acts of kindness can mean the difference between being hungry and being fed, between feeling lonely and feeling loved, said Annie McAveeney, founder of Fill a Heart 4 Kids.
The nonprofit has been working around the clock to ensure hundreds of unaccompanied homeless youths and foster children in Lake and Cook counties are receiving educational support, positive experiences and other necessities during the statewide stay-at-home order, she said. Staff members and volunteers are organizing activities, coordinating virtual pen pals and collecting donations, among other efforts.
"We're all feeling isolated right now. What is it like for a child who lives in a group home? Can you imagine?" McAveeney said. "This is the best way we can comfort the children."
Fill a Heart 4 Kids was formed after McAveeney and her family took in their first homeless child about 13 years ago. The boy eventually returned to his mother once she was back on her feet, McAveeney said, and though they still keep in touch, her children were sad to see him go. So she encouraged them to turn their disappointment into an act of kindness.
It started with her daughter, Lilly, and her friends creating Valentine's Day care packages and notes for 48 foster children. Lilly's sister then suggested extending the mission by brightening kids' days on their birthdays or providing them with school supplies.
The nonprofit now serves 1,350 children in partnership with 18 local group facilities by holding book clubs, taking them on special outings, donating necessities, and showing them in other ways that they're valued, McAveeney said.
Earlier this week, Fill a Heart 4 Kids organized car parades past various children's homes. Gift cards are being offered to homeless youth. Letters and crafts are being emailed or shown to kids over video.
Disinfected bins filled with educational lessons, Legos, art projects and more have been dropped off, and children are encouraged to send in photos showing the goals they have accomplished.
Community members have been stepping up, too. Some started their own fundraisers or signed up to be pen pals. Others are sewing masks for staff members of children's homes.
"There are really several ways to get involved at home to help kids that are suffering," McAveeney said. "A lot of the kids feel isolated and alone. We want them to feel loved and give them as much joy as we possibly can."
For more information, visit www.fillaheart4kids.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-02--Police: Elgin woman shot gun out window in domestic dispute

A 32-year-old Elgin woman has been charged with firing a .45-caliber gun out of a window during a domestic dispute .
No one was injured .
Lindsey A. Vargas , of the 300 block of Wing Park Boulevard , is being held at the Kane County jail $ 75,000 bail on a felony charge of aggravated discharge of a firearm and misdemeanor domestic battery , according to Elgin police and Kane County court records .
The officers were called at 2:23 p.m. Wednesday to the 300 block of Wing Park .
Vargas ' fiancé told a neighbor Vargas shot a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he was scared to return home , the police report said .
The argument occurred over medication that was mistakenly sent to the couple 's home .
The fiancé wanted to return it to the intended owner , but Vargas wanted to sell the medication back to the man instead , according to the report .
The two argued and at one point , Vargas kicked over a can of paint , splattering it on her fiance .
They both went upstairs , arguing , when Vargas fired a shot from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two feet from her fiance , according to the report .
Vargas told police she was upstairs when she heard a `` loud bang '' but later said she was downstairs at the time , according to the police report .
Her fiancé gave police permission to search the house , and officers found a silver and black handgun wrapped in a pink towel that was `` haphazardly '' thrown into a backpack in a bathroom , the report said .
Vargas is due in court April 9 .
She faces a sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years in prison if convicted of aggravated discharge of a firearm .

Police: Elgin woman shot gun out window in domestic dispute
A 32-year-old Elgin woman has been charged with firing a .45-caliber gun out of a window during a domestic dispute. No one was injured.
Lindsey A. Vargas, of the 300 block of Wing Park Boulevard, is being held at the Kane County jail $75,000 bail on a felony charge of aggravated discharge of a firearm and misdemeanor domestic battery, according to Elgin police and Kane County court records.
The officers were called at 2:23 p.m. Wednesday to the 300 block of Wing Park. Vargas' fiancé told a neighbor Vargas shot a gun out a window during an argument and he was scared to return home, the police report said.
The argument occurred over medication that was mistakenly sent to the couple's home. The fiancé wanted to return it to the intended owner, but Vargas wanted to sell the medication back to the man instead, according to the report.
The two argued and at one point, Vargas kicked over a can of paint, splattering it on her fiance. They both went upstairs, arguing, when Vargas fired a shot from the handgun out the window while standing about two feet from her fiance, according to the report.
Vargas told police she was upstairs when she heard a "loud bang" but later said she was downstairs at the time, according to the police report.
Her fiancé gave police permission to search the house, and officers found a silver and black handgun wrapped in a pink towel that was "haphazardly" thrown into a backpack in a bathroom, the report said.
Vargas is due in court April 9. She faces a sentence ranging from probation to up to 15 years in prison if convicted of aggravated discharge of a firearm.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-02--Recreational marijuana buyers spent $35.9 million in March

Buyers spent $ 35.9 million in March to purchase recreational marijuana in Illinois .
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced sales figures today .
The state reported 812,203 sales , for an average of $ 44 per purchase .
Sales remained strong despite the coronavirus outbreak that forced many Illinois residents into their homes for the last half of the month .
However , dispensaries were allowed to stay open as essential businesses .
March sales were slightly higher than February , a shorter month , when $ 34.8 million in recreational weed was sold .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sales totaled $ 39.2 million .
More dispensaries have begun selling recreational marijuana as well since Jan. 1 .
In March , $ 27.1 million was sold to Illinois residents and $ 8.8 million was sold to those from out of state .
The figures do not include special marijuana taxes or sales taxes from the purchases .
In the first three months since recreational adult-use marijuana was made legal , dispensaries have made a collective $ 110 million .
`` Three straight months of consistent adult use cannabis sales show there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be -- strong support and demand from consumers , '' said Toi Hutchinson , senior adviser for cannabis control to the governor .
`` To ensure medical users are able to access the product they need during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , curbside pickup will remain an option for medical patients through April 30 . ''
Tax revenue from the recreational sales fund a variety of initiatives .
The state 's general fund gets 35 % , a community development revitalization program for areas affected by the criminalization of marijuana gets 25 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse and mental health programs and 10 % goes toward the state 's bill backlog .
Local government law enforcement agencies receive 8 % , and 2 % goes to public education and analysis of marijuana legalization .

Recreational marijuana buyers spent $35.9 million in March
Recreational adult-use marijuana sales in March tallied almost $40 million in Illinois. Associated Press File Photo
Customers walk out from a Rise Mundelein marijuana dispensary on Thursday. Marijuana dispensaries are allowed to stay open as essential businesses during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press
A Rise Mundelein marijuana dispensary limits customers to manage social distancing Thursday during the coronavirus outbreak. Marijuana dispensaries are allowed to stay open as essential businesses during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press
Buyers spent $35.9 million in March to purchase recreational marijuana in Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced sales figures today.
The state reported 812,203 sales, for an average of $44 per purchase.
Sales remained strong despite the coronavirus outbreak that forced many Illinois residents into their homes for the last half of the month. However, dispensaries were allowed to stay open as essential businesses.
March sales were slightly higher than February, a shorter month, when $34.8 million in recreational weed was sold. In January, the first month of legalization, sales totaled $39.2 million. More dispensaries have begun selling recreational marijuana as well since Jan. 1.
In March, $27.1 million was sold to Illinois residents and $8.8 million was sold to those from out of state.
The figures do not include special marijuana taxes or sales taxes from the purchases.
In the first three months since recreational adult-use marijuana was made legal, dispensaries have made a collective $110 million.
"Three straight months of consistent adult use cannabis sales show there is -- and will continue to be -- strong support and demand from consumers," said Toi Hutchinson, senior adviser for cannabis control to the governor. "To ensure medical users are able to access the product they need during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, curbside pickup will remain an option for medical patients through April 30."
Tax revenue from the recreational sales fund a variety of initiatives. The state's general fund gets 35%, a community development revitalization program for areas affected by the criminalization of marijuana gets 25%, while 20% goes to substance abuse and mental health programs and 10% goes toward the state's bill backlog. Local government law enforcement agencies receive 8%, and 2% goes to public education and analysis of marijuana legalization.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-02--Aurora chief won't be Chicago's next top cop

Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman will not be the next Chicago police superintendent .
Ziman , 46 , was one of three finalists Chicago 's police board recommended to Lightfoot .
Lightfoot called Ziman `` a woman of great talent and skill '' and said `` Ziman stood tall during a time of tragedy , '' referring to the February 2019 mass shooting at the Pratt factory in Aurora .
On Wednesday night , Ziman released a statement saying she had not sought the Chicago job ; the police board approached her .
At first , she said she felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firmly believe that people see things in you that you do n't see in yourself .
I feel immense gratitude and pride for being considered a worthy candidate , '' she wrote .
Ziman said she told Mayor Richard Irvin about the approach , and he told her to go for it , with his support .
`` I believe we have done great work together at APD and now I feel as if I can make a difference in Chicago by helping to unleash the skills and talent of the officers there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are so many professionals at CPD that have been unfairly painted with a broad brush of transgressions that are not theirs .
I believe I have the passion and energy to meet the challenges that exist in Chicago I so I decided to pursue the opportunity . ''
Neither Ziman nor Irvin could immediately be reached for comment .

Aurora chief won't be Chicago's next top cop
Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman will not be the next Chicago police superintendent.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot chose former Dallas police Chief David Brown instead.
Ziman, 46, was one of three finalists Chicago's police board recommended to Lightfoot.
Lightfoot called Ziman "a woman of great talent and skill" and said "Ziman stood tall during a time of tragedy," referring to the February 2019 mass shooting at the Pratt factory in Aurora.
On Wednesday night, Ziman released a statement saying she had not sought the Chicago job; the police board approached her.
At first, she said she felt disbelief. But then, "I firmly believe that people see things in you that you don't see in yourself. I feel immense gratitude and pride for being considered a worthy candidate," she wrote.
Ziman said she told Mayor Richard Irvin about the approach, and he told her to go for it, with his support.
"I believe we have done great work together at APD and now I feel as if I can make a difference in Chicago by helping to unleash the skills and talent of the officers there," she wrote. "There are so many professionals at CPD that have been unfairly painted with a broad brush of transgressions that are not theirs. I believe I have the passion and energy to meet the challenges that exist in Chicago I so I decided to pursue the opportunity."
Neither Ziman nor Irvin could immediately be reached for comment.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-02--What others are writing about COVID-19

What others are writing about COVID-19

Fighting COVID-19 Is Like 'Whack-A-Mole , ' Says Writer Who Warned Of A Pandemic Ed Yong , science writer for The Atlantic , warned two years ago about the inevitability of a global pandemic .
Now he 's looking into whether people other than front-line health care workers should be wearing face masks .
Listen to Terry Gross ' interview with Yong on Fresh Air .
Faced with its own `` mask crisis , '' the South Korean government stepped in , purchasing masks from manufacturers and shipping them at a discounted price to neighborhood pharmacies .
New York Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how it worked , and why Americans should embrace masks .
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci , the nation 's leading expert on infectious diseases , talks to The Daily podcast from The New York Times about COVID-19 and the nation 's response .
Listen to the podcast here .
COVID-19 Changed How the World Does Science , Together Scientists from all over the world are working together to fight COVID-19 .
Nearly all other research has ground to a halt .
The New York Times describes the global collaboration .
You can thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you noticed a drop in robocalls during recent days ?
Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus says you can thank COVID-19 , which has shut down overseas call centers .
Read the story here .

What others are writing about COVID-19
People wearing face masks to protect against the spread of the new coronavirus walk Monday on a street in Taipei, Taiwan. Associated Press
Fighting COVID-19 Is Like 'Whack-A-Mole,' Says Writer Who Warned Of A Pandemic
Ed Yong, science writer for The Atlantic, warned two years ago about the inevitability of a global pandemic. Now he's looking into whether people other than front-line health care workers should be wearing face masks. Listen to Terry Gross' interview with Yong on Fresh Air.
How South Korea Solved Its Face Mask Shortage
Faced with its own "mask crisis," the South Korean government stepped in, purchasing masks from manufacturers and shipping them at a discounted price to neighborhood pharmacies. New York Times Contributing Opinion Writer E. Tammy Kim explains how it worked, and why Americans should embrace masks.
A Conversation With Dr. Anthony Fauci
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation's leading expert on infectious diseases, talks to The Daily podcast from The New York Times about COVID-19 and the nation's response. Listen to the podcast here.
COVID-19 Changed How the World Does Science, Together
Scientists from all over the world are working together to fight COVID-19. Nearly all other research has ground to a halt. The New York Times describes the global collaboration.
You can thank the coronavirus for plunge in robocalls
Have you noticed a drop in robocalls during recent days? Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus says you can thank COVID-19, which has shut down overseas call centers. Read the story here.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-02--Two men charged in shooting death of Gurnee man

Authorities in Wisconsin have charged two men in the shooting death of Gurnee resident Malik D. Boyd in late February @ @ @ @ @ 37 , of Mount Pleasant , Wisconsin , and Shaquell B. Harris , 27 , @ @ @ @ @ charged with first-degree murder , according to a news release from Kenosha police .
Police @ @ @ @ @ been shot at least once , about 2:10 a.m. Feb. 29 when officers responded to @ @ @ @ @ 3000 block of Roosevelt Road in southwest Kenosha .
Boyd was taken to Froedtert Hospital @ @ @ @ @ where he died .
According to a report in the Kenosha News , Frazier and @ @ @ @ @ in Kenosha County jail for weeks on probation violations before they were charged in the @ @ @ @ @ in custody since the night of the shooting after police saw him running from the @ @ @ @ @ under a vehicle after a chase , police said .
Frazier was arrested March 6 @ @ @ @ @ on $ 1 million cash bonds .

Two men charged in shooting death of Gurnee man
Authorities in Wisconsin have charged two men in the shooting death of Gurnee resident Malik D. Boyd in late February.
Michael T. Frazier, 37, of Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, and Shaquell B. Harris, 27, of Kenosha, were both charged with first-degree murder, according to a news release from Kenosha police.
Police found Boyd, who had been shot at least once, about 2:10 a.m. Feb. 29 when officers responded to reports of gunfire near the 3000 block of Roosevelt Road in southwest Kenosha. Boyd was taken to Froedtert Hospital, Pleasant Prairie campus, where he died.
According to a report in the Kenosha News, Frazier and Harris both had been held in Kenosha County jail for weeks on probation violations before they were charged in the slaying. Harris has been in custody since the night of the shooting after police saw him running from the scene and found him hiding under a vehicle after a chase, police said. Frazier was arrested March 6.
Both remain in jail on $1 million cash bonds.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-02--Barrington District 220 comes through for Lake Zurich District 95 students

Not all Lake Zurich Unit District 95 students had power cords for the iPads they received for an e-learning program launched while schools are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic , but a neighboring school system came to the rescue so the classwork could start this week .
Barrington Area Unit District 220 provided the help after receiving word about District 95 's situation last week .
District 95 Superintendent Kelley Gallt gave a public shout-out to District 220 's leaders for the assistance earlier this week .
`` Thank for serving with your heart ! ''
Gallt wrote to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LZ95 elementary students have timely access to technology because you shared charging cords with us ! ''
District 220 Superintendent Brian Harris said about 200 extra iPad cords were pulled from storage and loaned to District 95 for its e-learning program .
District 220 's spare cords were from old devices no longer in use , he said .
`` As you can imagine , superintendents right now all over the area , we are just working really hard with each other to try and help each other , '' Harris said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ little different place , right ?
We all have our own situations that we 're having to navigate , but I 'm just happy that they ( District 95 ) asked us . ''

Barrington District 220 comes through for Lake Zurich District 95 students
Not all Lake Zurich Unit District 95 students had power cords for the iPads they received for an e-learning program launched while schools are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a neighboring school system came to the rescue so the classwork could start this week.
Barrington Area Unit District 220 provided the help after receiving word about District 95's situation last week. District 95 Superintendent Kelley Gallt gave a public shout-out to District 220's leaders for the assistance earlier this week.
"Thank for serving with your heart!" Gallt wrote to the District 220 officials on Twitter. "LZ95 elementary students have timely access to technology because you shared charging cords with us!"
District 220 Superintendent Brian Harris said about 200 extra iPad cords were pulled from storage and loaned to District 95 for its e-learning program. District 220's spare cords were from old devices no longer in use, he said.
"As you can imagine, superintendents right now all over the area, we are just working really hard with each other to try and help each other," Harris said. "Every school district is in a little different place, right? We all have our own situations that we're having to navigate, but I'm just happy that they (District 95) asked us."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-03--53 additional deaths, 1,209 more Illinois COVID-19 cases

As the first 500 beds of a makeshift alternate care facility for COVID-19 patients came online Friday at McCormick Place in Chicago , state health officials announced one of the largest spikes in coronavirus deaths and infections the state has seen since the outbreak began .
An additional 53 residents have died from the infection , bringing the total number of coronavirus fatalities in Illinois to 210 .
`` That is 210 fathers and mothers , brothers and sisters , grandparents and children who are no longer with us , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said .
He also urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks or cloths to cover their mouths and noses when they are in public , saying the practice could save someone 's life .
Another 1,209 cases were diagnosed , bringing the state 's total infected count to 8,904 , most of whom live in Chicago and suburban Cook County , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
Among those who died in the past day were 33 Cook County residents , 11 from Lake County , three from Will County , two from DuPage County and one from Kane County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women from Kankakee County and a woman from Christian County were among those who died .
Infected patients are now in 64 of the state 's 102 counties , IDPH officials said .
The age range of those infected runs from less than a year old to more than 100 years old .
Pritzker , along with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot , toured the McCormick Place site that will ultimately hold 3,000 beds for patients who have coronavirus symptoms but do not require intensive care .
Dr. Nick Turkal , former CEO of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the facility 's executive director .
He praised the work of builders overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Illinois National Guard .
He noted the facility will not serve as a hospital but as an overflow site for Chicago-area hospitals .
He said people who might be sick should not come to McCormick Place directly to seek treatment .
`` This is a place that will relieve the strain on our local hospitals , '' he said .
`` We are only accepting patients from our hospital partners .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know that . ''
There have been concerns that the eventual surge of patients expected in the coming weeks might overwhelm the state 's health care system , which currently has less than 41 % of regular beds available for new patients and less than 30 % of the state 's intensive care unit beds open .
Pritzker said that in addition to plans to reopen three shuttered hospitals in the suburbs to take hospital overflow of patients with mild or moderate symptoms by the end of the month , the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to handle cases in that area .
The three suburban hospitals are the former Sherman Hospital building in Elgin , the shuttered MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island and the former West Lake Hospital in Melrose Park .
Pritzker and Lightfoot both did not mince words when asked during the news conference to address statements made by President Donald Trump 's son-in-law Jared Kushner .
Kushner , an adviser to the president , said a national stockpile of personal protective equipment and other health care supplies is `` supposed to be our stockpile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states ' stockpiles that they then use . ''
Lightfoot said local governments should n't have to `` beg '' the federal government for supplies .
She also called the federal government 's response to the outbreak a `` failure . ''
`` I do n't know if Jared Kushner knows this , but it 's called the United States of America , '' Pritzker said .
`` And the federal stockpile is meant to help states .
Jared Kushner either does n't understand this issue or he does n't understand what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in a national emergency . ''

53 additional deaths, 1,209 more Illinois COVID-19 cases; 500 beds ready to go at McCormick Place
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot stands by as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during a press conference in Hall C Unit 1 of the COVID-19 alternate site at McCormick Place in Chicago on Friday. Hall C will house 500 beds. Chris Sweda/Pool/Chicago Tribune
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot stands by as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during a press conference in Hall C Unit 1 of the COVID-19 alternate site at McCormick Place in Chicago on Friday. Hall C will house 500 beds. Chris Sweda/Pool/Chicago Tribune
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot stands by as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during a press conference in Hall C Unit 1 of the COVID-19 alternate site at McCormick Place in Chicago on Friday. Hall C will house 500 beds. Chris Sweda/Pool/Chicago Tribune
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot stands by as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during a press conference in Hall C Unit 1 of the COVID-19 alternate site at McCormick Place in Chicago on Friday. Hall C will house 500 beds. Chris Sweda/Pool/Chicago Tribune
Construction workers put the finishing touches on Hall C Unit 1 of the COVID-19 alternate site at McCormick Place in Chicago on Friday. Hall C will house 500 beds. Chris Sweda/Pool/Chicago Tribune
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot stands by as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during a press conference in Hall C Unit 1 of the COVID-19 alternate site at McCormick Place in Chicago on Friday. Hall C will house 500 beds. Chris Sweda/Pool/Chicago Tribune
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot stand by during a press conference in Hall C Unit 1 of the COVID-19 alternate site at McCormick Place in Chicago on Friday. Hall C will house 500 beds. Chris Sweda/Pool/Chicago Tribune
As the first 500 beds of a makeshift alternate care facility for COVID-19 patients came online Friday at McCormick Place in Chicago, state health officials announced one of the largest spikes in coronavirus deaths and infections the state has seen since the outbreak began.
An additional 53 residents have died from the infection, bringing the total number of coronavirus fatalities in Illinois to 210.
"That is 210 fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, grandparents and children who are no longer with us," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.
He also urged everyone in the state to start wearing masks or cloths to cover their mouths and noses when they are in public, saying the practice could save someone's life.
Another 1,209 cases were diagnosed, bringing the state's total infected count to 8,904, most of whom live in Chicago and suburban Cook County, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Among those who died in the past day were 33 Cook County residents, 11 from Lake County, three from Will County, two from DuPage County and one from Kane County. Elsewhere in the state, two women from Kankakee County and a woman from Christian County were among those who died.
Infected patients are now in 64 of the state's 102 counties, IDPH officials said.
The age range of those infected runs from less than a year old to more than 100 years old.
Pritzker, along with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, toured the McCormick Place site that will ultimately hold 3,000 beds for patients who have coronavirus symptoms but do not require intensive care.
Dr. Nick Turkal, former CEO of Advocate Aurora Health, was tapped to be the facility's executive director. He praised the work of builders overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Illinois National Guard.
He noted the facility will not serve as a hospital but as an overflow site for Chicago-area hospitals. He said people who might be sick should not come to McCormick Place directly to seek treatment.
"This is a place that will relieve the strain on our local hospitals," he said. "We are only accepting patients from our hospital partners. It's really important for the public to know that."
There have been concerns that the eventual surge of patients expected in the coming weeks might overwhelm the state's health care system, which currently has less than 41% of regular beds available for new patients and less than 30% of the state's intensive care unit beds open.
Pritzker said that in addition to plans to reopen three shuttered hospitals in the suburbs to take hospital overflow of patients with mild or moderate symptoms by the end of the month, the state is reopening a fourth hospital in Springfield to handle cases in that area. The three suburban hospitals are the former Sherman Hospital building in Elgin, the shuttered MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island and the former West Lake Hospital in Melrose Park.
Pritzker and Lightfoot both did not mince words when asked during the news conference to address statements made by President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Kushner, an adviser to the president, said a national stockpile of personal protective equipment and other health care supplies is "supposed to be our stockpile. It's not supposed to be states' stockpiles that they then use."
Lightfoot said local governments shouldn't have to "beg" the federal government for supplies. She also called the federal government's response to the outbreak a "failure."
"I don't know if Jared Kushner knows this, but it's called the United States of America," Pritzker said. "And the federal stockpile is meant to help states. Jared Kushner either doesn't understand this issue or he doesn't understand what the federal government's role is supposed to be in a national emergency."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-03--February marijuana sales net state $8 million in taxes

The second month of legal recreational marijuana sales in Illinois generated $ 5.2 million in marijuana tax revenue .
February , which had 29 days this year , also added $ 3 million in additional sales taxes from the nearly $ 35 million spent on marijuana products , according to a monthly report released today by the Illinois Department of Revenue .
Marijuana is taxed based on its potency , ranging from 10 % to 25 % .
Growers also pay a tax .
In January , the first month adult-use recreational marijuana sales were allowed , the state generated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxes and sales taxes combined .
State officials announced $ 35.9 million in marijuana sales in March on Thursday .
Dispensaries were allowed to stay open as essential businesses during the pandemic .
Money generated from the marijuana tax will go into multiple coffers .
The state 's general fund gets 35 % , a community development revitalization program for areas affected by the criminalization of marijuana gets 25 % , while 20 % goes to substance abuse and mental health programs and 10 % goes toward the state 's bill backlog .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , and 2 % goes to public education and analysis of marijuana legalization .
The additional sales tax revenue goes into the state 's general revenue fund .
The state 's new budget estimates $ 28 million in marijuana tax revenue during the remainder of the current fiscal year , which ends June 30 .
Next year , the governor 's budget team expects $ 127 million in marijuana tax revenue as more dispensaries open and additional licenses are issued .

February marijuana sales net state $8 million in taxes
The Rise Mundelein marijuana dispensary limits customers to manage social distance during coronavirus outbreak. Marijuana dispensaries were allowed to stay open as essential businesses during coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press
The second month of legal recreational marijuana sales in Illinois generated $5.2 million in marijuana tax revenue.
February, which had 29 days this year, also added $3 million in additional sales taxes from the nearly $35 million spent on marijuana products, according to a monthly report released today by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Marijuana is taxed based on its potency, ranging from 10% to 25%. Growers also pay a tax.
In January, the first month adult-use recreational marijuana sales were allowed, the state generated more than $10 million in marijuana taxes and sales taxes combined.
State officials announced $35.9 million in marijuana sales in March on Thursday. Dispensaries were allowed to stay open as essential businesses during the pandemic.
Money generated from the marijuana tax will go into multiple coffers.
The state's general fund gets 35%, a community development revitalization program for areas affected by the criminalization of marijuana gets 25%, while 20% goes to substance abuse and mental health programs and 10% goes toward the state's bill backlog.
Local government law enforcement agencies receive 8%, and 2% goes to public education and analysis of marijuana legalization.
The additional sales tax revenue goes into the state's general revenue fund.
The state's new budget estimates $28 million in marijuana tax revenue during the remainder of the current fiscal year, which ends June 30.
State officials called the revenue estimate "conservative."
Next year, the governor's budget team expects $127 million in marijuana tax revenue as more dispensaries open and additional licenses are issued.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-03--Seniors get food delivery thanks to Salvation Army, donors in Elgin

Dee Connors normally has to take four buses to get to the grocery store , a trip that has become a worrisome risk for her during the COVID-19 pandemic .
On Friday , all the Elgin resident had to do was open her front door to find a box of food and a box of home goods , delivered courtesy of The Salvation Army and other community partners in Elgin .
`` It is fantastic , '' the 78-year-old said .
`` They put the instructions of what to do -- like what to do about the bleach with cups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take the cookies out of the box with gloves and dumping them in another can . ''
`` It 's nice knowing all the things they do for us . ''
Connors was among 70 seniors in Elgin and South Elgin who received doorstep deliveries on Friday .
The food boxes , obtained by the Salvation Army , contained items such as gluten-free pasta , rice and beans , chocolate chip cookies , canned tuna , peanut butter , canned green beans plus a mix of fresh produce and refrigerated items .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday morning and sponsored by a $ 500 grant from the Elgin Noon Rotary Club , contained four rolls of toilet paper , one roll of paper towels , dish soap , anti-bacterial hand soap , laundry detergent and a bottle of bleach .
The Elgin Breakfast Rotary Club and the Kiwanis Club of Elgin also participated in the effort .
The seniors who received the boxes are clients of Senior Services Associates , a nonprofit in downtown Elgin that typically hosts a mobile food pantry once a month offered by Food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a blessing , '' said Peggy Gomez , of Senior Services Associates .
`` We had seniors crying , thanking us , just saying how grateful they are . ''
Rick Reigner , resource development director for The Salvation Army in Elgin , said seniors are especially hesitant to leave their homes due to the pandemic , so this was a way to provide services where they are most needed .
Elgin resident Jeanette Jackson , 67 , said she cooked asparagus for the first time after finding a bundle in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's such a warm , kind gesture that 's involved during this pandemic that we are in , '' she said .
`` I am newly diagnosed as a diabetic and this is getting me into the routine of eating more fresh and more nutritious food . ''
Elgin resident Kathy Kemph , 75 , said she was especially happy to get toilet paper and paper towels .
`` I thought it was wonderful , '' she said .
The Salvation Army at 316 Douglas Ave. in Elgin also continues to hold food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturdays .
Volunteers place food boxes in people 's cars and ask those who come by foot to keep a six-foot distance while in line .

Seniors get food delivery thanks to Salvation Army, donors in Elgin
Dee Connors normally has to take four buses to get to the grocery store, a trip that has become a worrisome risk for her during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Friday, all the Elgin resident had to do was open her front door to find a box of food and a box of home goods, delivered courtesy of The Salvation Army and other community partners in Elgin.
"It is fantastic," the 78-year-old said. "They put the instructions of what to do -- like what to do about the bleach with cups of water, wash the cans, take the cookies out of the box with gloves and dumping them in another can."
"It's nice knowing all the things they do for us."
Connors was among 70 seniors in Elgin and South Elgin who received doorstep deliveries on Friday. The food boxes, obtained by the Salvation Army, contained items such as gluten-free pasta, rice and beans, chocolate chip cookies, canned tuna, peanut butter, canned green beans plus a mix of fresh produce and refrigerated items.
The home goods boxes, packed by volunteers on Friday morning and sponsored by a $500 grant from the Elgin Noon Rotary Club, contained four rolls of toilet paper, one roll of paper towels, dish soap, anti-bacterial hand soap, laundry detergent and a bottle of bleach. The Elgin Breakfast Rotary Club and the Kiwanis Club of Elgin also participated in the effort.
The seniors who received the boxes are clients of Senior Services Associates, a nonprofit in downtown Elgin that typically hosts a mobile food pantry once a month offered by Food for Greater Elgin.
"It's such a blessing," said Peggy Gomez, of Senior Services Associates. "We had seniors crying, thanking us, just saying how grateful they are."
Rick Reigner, resource development director for The Salvation Army in Elgin, said seniors are especially hesitant to leave their homes due to the pandemic, so this was a way to provide services where they are most needed.
Elgin resident Jeanette Jackson, 67, said she cooked asparagus for the first time after finding a bundle in her box at her doorstep.
"It's such a warm, kind gesture that's involved during this pandemic that we are in," she said. "I am newly diagnosed as a diabetic and this is getting me into the routine of eating more fresh and more nutritious food."
Elgin resident Kathy Kemph, 75, said she was especially happy to get toilet paper and paper towels. "I thought it was wonderful," she said.
The Salvation Army at 316 Douglas Ave. in Elgin also continues to hold food distribution from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Volunteers place food boxes in people's cars and ask those who come by foot to keep a six-foot distance while in line.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-03--Schaumburg program helps residents assist neighbors in need

A slightly adapted legacy of Motorola Solutions ' longtime presence in Schaumburg is providing a conduit for residents , businesses and civic organizations in the village to directly assist their neighbors in need during the COVID-19 outbreak and the slow recovery period expected to follow .
The Community Assistance Fund is run by the village 's social workers who operate out of the police department , and was originally intended to help residents -- including the homeless -- who were either victims of crimes or members of Schaumburg 's more vulnerable population .
But the devastating and quickly spreading economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definition of that latter category , Schaumburg 's Supervisor of Human Services Kristin Jordan said .
`` We really foresee and anticipate that this pandemic will have longtime financial impacts , '' she said .
`` The unemployment numbers are staggering .
They 're really hard to take in . ''
Jordan is in a position to see both the needs of the community she serves and the willingness of others to assist .
In only a week since appeals for new contributions began , 25 individual donations have raised a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 10 to $ 1,000 .
`` I have to say the community response has been very heartwarming , '' Jordan said .
Among those have been $ 750 from Country Financial in Schaumburg and $ 500 from the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Lions Club .
Zach Youngblood , a financial representative for Country Financial , said he originally reached out to the police department with the aim of donating a lunch or dinner for officers to express gratitude for their service during the outbreak .
But after learning about the Community Assistance Fund through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it would be a more appreciated destination for the money .
`` For me , it was because I knew it would affect the citizens of our community directly , '' Youngblood said .
`` I always want things like this to have as wide an impact as possible . ''
Mike Rapp , president of the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Lions Club , said he and his fellow members first learned of the program in early March when representatives of the village visited their meeting .
And so , club members remembered exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's appeal for donations went out .
Rapp said that the thing that really caught members ' attention was the fact that 100 % of each contribution goes directly to the needs of local residents .
`` That 's really huge for our Lions Club , '' he said .
The program began in the early 21st century as an emergency assistance fund provided to the village by Motorola .
Though that direct corporate assistance ended in 2016 when Motorola moved its headquarters to Chicago , Jordan remains grateful for the precedent it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to us , '' she said .
`` As a result of that , we still have that fund . ''
Because it is run by the village , the fund does not qualify as a nonprofit and the potential of providing a tax write-off does n't exist , Jordan said .
Without the benefit of a major corporate partner like Schaumburg had , Palatine residents late last month formed a volunteer group called `` Helping Neighbors Around Palatine '' to assist fellow members of the community with nonemergency daily challenges .
Volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HNAP at ( 224 ) 801-4265 or email PalatineNeighbor @ gmail.com .
Or they can visit the HNAP Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/HelpingNeighborsAroundPalatine/ to apply for help , volunteer or reach HNAP 's GoFundMe page .
For more information on or to donate to Schaumburg 's Community Assistance Fund , call ( 847 ) 348-7396 or visit its page on the village 's website .

Schaumburg program helps residents assist neighbors in need
Members of the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Lions Club, seen here preparing a Mexican-themed dinner for clients at PADS of Elgin, donated $500 to the village of Schaumburg's Community Assistance Fund to help address increased local needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Courtesy of Mike Rapp
A slightly adapted legacy of Motorola Solutions' longtime presence in Schaumburg is providing a conduit for residents, businesses and civic organizations in the village to directly assist their neighbors in need during the COVID-19 outbreak and the slow recovery period expected to follow.
The Community Assistance Fund is run by the village's social workers who operate out of the police department, and was originally intended to help residents -- including the homeless -- who were either victims of crimes or members of Schaumburg's more vulnerable population.
But the devastating and quickly spreading economic impacts of the outbreak are broadening the definition of that latter category, Schaumburg's Supervisor of Human Services Kristin Jordan said.
"We really foresee and anticipate that this pandemic will have longtime financial impacts," she said. "The unemployment numbers are staggering. They're really hard to take in."
Jordan is in a position to see both the needs of the community she serves and the willingness of others to assist.
In only a week since appeals for new contributions began, 25 individual donations have raised a total of $4,250. They have ranged from $10 to $1,000.
"I have to say the community response has been very heartwarming," Jordan said.
Among those have been $750 from Country Financial in Schaumburg and $500 from the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Lions Club.
Zach Youngblood, a financial representative for Country Financial, said he originally reached out to the police department with the aim of donating a lunch or dinner for officers to express gratitude for their service during the outbreak. But after learning about the Community Assistance Fund through a conversation with Jordan, he concluded that it would be a more appreciated destination for the money.
"For me, it was because I knew it would affect the citizens of our community directly," Youngblood said. "I always want things like this to have as wide an impact as possible."
Mike Rapp, president of the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Lions Club, said he and his fellow members first learned of the program in early March when representatives of the village visited their meeting.
And so, club members remembered exactly what it was about when last week's appeal for donations went out.
Rapp said that the thing that really caught members' attention was the fact that 100% of each contribution goes directly to the needs of local residents.
"That's really huge for our Lions Club," he said.
The program began in the early 21st century as an emergency assistance fund provided to the village by Motorola. Though that direct corporate assistance ended in 2016 when Motorola moved its headquarters to Chicago, Jordan remains grateful for the precedent it set.
"Motorola was extraordinarily generous to us," she said. "As a result of that, we still have that fund."
Because it is run by the village, the fund does not qualify as a nonprofit and the potential of providing a tax write-off doesn't exist, Jordan said.
Without the benefit of a major corporate partner like Schaumburg had, Palatine residents late last month formed a volunteer group called "Helping Neighbors Around Palatine" to assist fellow members of the community with nonemergency daily challenges.
Volunteers or Palatine residents in need can call HNAP at (224) 801-4265 or email PalatineNeighbor@gmail.com. Or they can visit the HNAP Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/HelpingNeighborsAroundPalatine/ to apply for help, volunteer or reach HNAP's GoFundMe page.
For more information on or to donate to Schaumburg's Community Assistance Fund, call (847) 348-7396 or visit its page on the village's website.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-03--Glen Ellyn police 'drive by, toot the horn' to give kids memorable birthdays

We all have birthdays we 'll never forget .
Maybe it was a milestone year .
Maybe no celebration can hold a candle to your roller rink party or sleepover with pals from school .
Avery Todhunter will always remember the time the police showed up at her bash .
Celebrating with her 4-year-old sister , Brinley , and brother , Evan , 6 , Avery and her siblings were n't exactly a rowdy bunch .
Officer Joe Nemchock was actually part of the party on a special assignment Friday : Bringing much-needed excitement to a 9-year-old isolated from her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break up the monotony of people 's days while they 're stuck at home , '' Deputy Chief Kurt Vavra said .
`` If we can pull up for a minute and make a memory for somebody , then it 's worth it . ''
With drive-by visits , police and firefighters across the suburbs are helping kids and seniors have memorable birthdays while keeping a safe distance .
In Glen Ellyn , police put an offer on Facebook to `` drive by , toot the horn , turn on the lights , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kids who ca n't go anywhere for their birthdays .
`` This idea was born out of necessity for us , '' Vavra said .
`` We pride ourselves on being engaged and staying engaged with the community , and the current situation we 're all facing makes it challenging .
So we were just trying to think of different ways that we can still keep our distance from everybody and try and bring a smile to some kids ' faces . ''
Vavra did that himself Friday giving an in-person birthday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was pretty happy , so we accomplished exactly what we were looking for , '' he said .
So far , police have been to 10 houses since starting to spread birthday cheer .
`` In about a 24-hour period , we had 50 people ask to have one of our officers drive by their house , '' Vavra said .
As officer Nemchock drove by Avery 's house , her parents , brother and sister , clutching a teddy bear , stayed in their driveway .
Nemchock rolled down his window @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few lines of `` Happy Birthday . ''
`` This is really , really nice , '' Avery 's mom , Amanda Todhunter said .
`` And we appreciate everything they 're trying to do to bring some normalcy to these kids and us , too . ''

Glen Ellyn police 'drive by, toot the horn' to give kids memorable birthdays
We all have birthdays we'll never forget.
Maybe it was a milestone year. Maybe no celebration can hold a candle to your roller rink party or sleepover with pals from school.
Avery Todhunter will always remember the time the police showed up at her bash.
Celebrating with her 4-year-old sister, Brinley, and brother, Evan, 6, Avery and her siblings weren't exactly a rowdy bunch.
Officer Joe Nemchock was actually part of the party on a special assignment Friday: Bringing much-needed excitement to a 9-year-old isolated from her friends.
"We're trying to break up the monotony of people's days while they're stuck at home," Deputy Chief Kurt Vavra said. "If we can pull up for a minute and make a memory for somebody, then it's worth it."
With drive-by visits, police and firefighters across the suburbs are helping kids and seniors have memorable birthdays while keeping a safe distance.
In Glen Ellyn, police put an offer on Facebook to "drive by, toot the horn, turn on the lights, and give a big birthday wave" to kids who can't go anywhere for their birthdays.
"This idea was born out of necessity for us," Vavra said. "We pride ourselves on being engaged and staying engaged with the community, and the current situation we're all facing makes it challenging. So we were just trying to think of different ways that we can still keep our distance from everybody and try and bring a smile to some kids' faces."
Vavra did that himself Friday giving an in-person birthday shoutout to a young boy.
"He was pretty happy, so we accomplished exactly what we were looking for," he said.
So far, police have been to 10 houses since starting to spread birthday cheer.
"In about a 24-hour period, we had 50 people ask to have one of our officers drive by their house," Vavra said.
As officer Nemchock drove by Avery's house, her parents, brother and sister, clutching a teddy bear, stayed in their driveway. Nemchock rolled down his window with a genial smile and sang a few lines of "Happy Birthday."
"This is really, really nice," Avery's mom, Amanda Todhunter said. "And we appreciate everything they're trying to do to bring some normalcy to these kids and us, too."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-03--Most crime is down during COVID-19 pandemic, but there's reason for concern

If there 's an upside to being locked down -- besides slowing the spread of the coronavirus -- it 's this : Several law enforcement agencies told us this week that they 're receiving fewer reports of crime since the state 's stay-at-home order began almost two weeks ago .
In Elgin , for example , calls for police service fell 7 % between 5 p.m. March 21 , when the order went into effect , and March 30 .
Jail bookings are down as well .
The city jail processed 46 bookings between March 21 and 30 , compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , a 25 % decline , police spokeswoman Kristie Hilton told us .
Schaumburg and Naperville police are seeing similar declines .
Since the stay-at-home order , calls for service have dropped 29 % in Schaumburg , Sgt .
Karen McCartney said .
In Naperville , police this month have responded to 58 crime reports and documented 36 cases , declines of 29 % and 28 % , respectively , from the 82 crime reports and documented 50 cases in March 2019 .
And with so many working from home , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer traffic tickets , Cmdr .
Mike Son said .
The slowdown has extended to suburban prosecutors ' offices .
`` We have seen a decline in the overall number of cases brought to us for prosecution since the stay-at-home order went into effect , '' Lake County State 's Attorney Michael Nerheim told us .
`` Calls for service to the police are down overall , which results in less arrests , and therefore less prosecutions . ''
The one exception , as many feared , has been domestic violence .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 47 % compared with the same March 21-30 time frame in 2019 .
`` Our Social Services Unit continues to contact every crime victim in an effort to connect them with useful resources and assistance , '' Hilton said .
`` We understand this is a stressful time for families and we are exploring additional initiatives to help address the increase in domestic issues we are beginning to see . ''
The same is true in Schaumburg and Lake County .
`` Cases involving domestic violence are the exception , '' Nerheim said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in and make up the majority of cases brought to us for prosecution . ''
It 's because of this that many suburban domestic violence shelters remain open and the organizations that run them continue to offer services , despite the risks posed by COVID-19 .
`` We want people to know we will do everything in our power to get people out of domestic violence situations , regardless of what 's going on out there , '' Rebecca Darr , CEO of Palatine-based WINGS , told us two days before the stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be down , police say there 's no shortage of need for their services .
Departments are finding alternative ways to stay in touch with their communities , such as virtual neighborhood meetings in Elgin and Vernon Hills police reading nightly bedtime stories to kids online .
While most court cases have been postponed , state 's attorney 's offices continue to handle bond hearings , emergency proceedings and juvenile detention hearings .
`` Our Civil Division has been available to assist our clients in the various county departments with their various legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Nerheim added .
`` In addition , our cyber lab remains operational and has been assisting local law enforcement .
The Lake County Children 's Advocacy Center also remains operational and has been assisting law enforcement with cases involving the physical or sexual abuse of children . ''
As Lombard Police Chief Roy Newton told us , `` We 're not sitting around the break room eating pizza . ''
`` People look to us more in times of uncertainty .
They want to know we are still at the ready , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important for you to be out there , to be seen . ''
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month , and you can show your support by wearing blue .
Wear blue April is Child Abuse Prevention Month , and given that rise in domestic violence , it 's more important than ever to spread awareness and support efforts to protect kids .
A simple way to do that today is to put on your favorite navy , periwinkle or teal shirt for National Go Blue Day .
Another popular way to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pinwheels in a prominent area to pique the public 's curiosity .
The pinwheel is a symbol of Child Abuse Prevention Month .
You can order pinwheels through Prevent Child Abuse Illinois at www.preventchildabuseillinois.org/merchandise .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

Most crime is down during COVID-19 pandemic, but there's reason for concern
The Schaumburg Police Department and their colleagues across the suburbs have seen calls for service drop, in some places substantially, since the state's stay-at-home order went into effect last month. The one troubling exception is for cases involving domestic violence, police say. Courtesy of the Village of Schaumburg
If there's an upside to being locked down -- besides slowing the spread of the coronavirus -- it's this: Several law enforcement agencies told us this week that they're receiving fewer reports of crime since the state's stay-at-home order began almost two weeks ago.
In Elgin, for example, calls for police service fell 7% between 5 p.m. March 21, when the order went into effect, and March 30.
Jail bookings are down as well. The city jail processed 46 bookings between March 21 and 30, compared to 61 over the same dates in 2019, a 25% decline, police spokeswoman Kristie Hilton told us.
Schaumburg and Naperville police are seeing similar declines.
Since the stay-at-home order, calls for service have dropped 29% in Schaumburg, Sgt. Karen McCartney said.
In Naperville, police this month have responded to 58 crime reports and documented 36 cases, declines of 29% and 28%, respectively, from the 82 crime reports and documented 50 cases in March 2019.
And with so many working from home, or not at all, police are issuing fewer traffic tickets, Cmdr. Mike Son said.
The slowdown has extended to suburban prosecutors' offices.
"We have seen a decline in the overall number of cases brought to us for prosecution since the stay-at-home order went into effect," Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim told us. "Calls for service to the police are down overall, which results in less arrests, and therefore less prosecutions."
Not all good news
The one exception, as many feared, has been domestic violence.
In Elgin, domestic battery calls are up 47% compared with the same March 21-30 time frame in 2019.
"Our Social Services Unit continues to contact every crime victim in an effort to connect them with useful resources and assistance," Hilton said. "We understand this is a stressful time for families and we are exploring additional initiatives to help address the increase in domestic issues we are beginning to see."
The same is true in Schaumburg and Lake County.
"Cases involving domestic violence are the exception," Nerheim said. "Those cases continue to come in and make up the majority of cases brought to us for prosecution."
It's because of this that many suburban domestic violence shelters remain open and the organizations that run them continue to offer services, despite the risks posed by COVID-19.
"We want people to know we will do everything in our power to get people out of domestic violence situations, regardless of what's going on out there," Rebecca Darr, CEO of Palatine-based WINGS, told us two days before the stay-at-home order began.
No time to rest
While crime reports might be down, police say there's no shortage of need for their services. Departments are finding alternative ways to stay in touch with their communities, such as virtual neighborhood meetings in Elgin and Vernon Hills police reading nightly bedtime stories to kids online.
While most court cases have been postponed, state's attorney's offices continue to handle bond hearings, emergency proceedings and juvenile detention hearings.
"Our Civil Division has been available to assist our clients in the various county departments with their various legal questions related to the current situation," Nerheim added.
"In addition, our cyber lab remains operational and has been assisting local law enforcement. The Lake County Children's Advocacy Center also remains operational and has been assisting law enforcement with cases involving the physical or sexual abuse of children."
As Lombard Police Chief Roy Newton told us, "We're not sitting around the break room eating pizza."
"People look to us more in times of uncertainty. They want to know we are still at the ready," he said.
"It is important for you to be out there, to be seen."
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and you can show your support by wearing blue. - Courtesy of the Lake County State's Attorney's Office
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and given that rise in domestic violence, it's more important than ever to spread awareness and support efforts to protect kids.
A simple way to do that today is to put on your favorite navy, periwinkle or teal shirt for National Go Blue Day.
Another popular way to show your support is by planting or displaying pinwheels in a prominent area to pique the public's curiosity.
The pinwheel is a symbol of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
You can order pinwheels through Prevent Child Abuse Illinois at www.preventchildabuseillinois.org/merchandise.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-03--More than 14K Illinois jobs lost in March due to virus

The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Illinois economy was reflected in the state 's monthly layoff report for March , which showed more than 14,000 people losing jobs across the state last month .
The report , released Friday , shows 195 filings of layoffs or closings affecting a total of 14,702 people .
Of those , 8,970 are classified as permanent and 5,592 are temporary .
A total of 140 jobs were classified `` temporary and permanent , '' which means a combination of both within that company 's total number .
By law , companies with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state 's Department of Employment Services ahead of time if they plan to lay off more than 25 full-time employees , or if they are closing a location that employs more than 50 people .
It is the largest monthly increase since the state began recording the job losses , according to John Ray of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity .
Almost all of the companies cited the COVID-19 outbreak as a reason for the action .
A good majority of the notices are in the hospitality industry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go .
Punch Bowl Social indicated it is closing its Schaumburg location , affecting up to 85 employees , according to the report .
California Pizza Kitchen , for example , is permanently laying off at least 85 employees from Chicago area locations including Oak Brook , Schaumburg , Deer Park , Geneva , Skokie and Northbrook , according to the report .
HTRS Services , which owns several Hooters restaurants in the Chicago area , is permanently letting at least 85 people go from its 12 locations , including Schaumburg , Gurnee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report also shows other businesses being affected by the virus outbreak .
CF Management , which runs several XSport Fitness centers in the Chicago area , will permanently lay off at least 100 people from most of its locations , including Arlington Heights , Naperville , Schaumburg , Lombard , South Barrington , Addison and St. Charles .
Fabrik Molded Plastics indicated it is closing it 's McHenry plant , affecting 600 employees , while Mercury Products in Schaumburg , an auto industry stamping company , will lay off 107 employees .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus .
YMCAs in Plainfield and Joliet and other areas in the state have filed that they are temporarily laying off up to 15 people .
High-profile businesses include Chicago 's Trump International Hotel & Tower , which is temporarily laying off 294 workers , the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago , with 350 temporary layoffs , and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Westmont , which is letting 85 people go .

More than 14K Illinois jobs lost in March due to virus
More than 14,000 people in Illinois were affected by layoff or closings, mostly due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the state's monthly WARN layoff report released Friday. AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File
Note: This story has been updated to remove mention of layoffs by Fabrik Molded Plastics at its McHenry plant, as they have been removed from the state report. And it has been updated to say California Pizza Kitchen is furloughing employees, not permanently laying them off.
The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Illinois economy was reflected in the state's monthly layoff report for March, which showed more than 14,000 people losing jobs across the state last month.
The report, released Friday, shows 195 filings of layoffs or closings affecting a total of 14,702 people. Of those, 8,970 are classified as permanent and 5,592 are temporary. A total of 140 jobs were classified "temporary and permanent," which means a combination of both within that company's total number.
By law, companies with more than 75 full-time workers must notify the state's Department of Employment Services ahead of time if they plan to lay off more than 25 full-time employees, or if they are closing a location that employs more than 50 people.
It is the largest monthly increase since the state began recording the job losses, according to John Ray of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.
Almost all of the companies cited the COVID-19 outbreak as a reason for the action. A good majority of the notices are in the hospitality industry, with many restaurants and hotels letting people go. Punch Bowl Social indicated it is closing its Schaumburg location, affecting up to 85 employees, according to the report.
California Pizza Kitchen, for example, is furloughing at least 85 employees from Chicago area locations, including Oak Brook, Schaumburg, Deer Park, Geneva, Skokie and Northbrook, according to the report.
HTRS Services, which owns several Hooters restaurants in the Chicago area, is permanently letting at least 85 people go from its 12 locations, including Schaumburg, Gurnee, Downers Grove and Aurora.
But the report also shows other businesses being affected by the virus outbreak. CF Management, which runs several XSport Fitness centers in the Chicago area, will permanently lay off at least 100 people from most of its locations, including Arlington Heights, Naperville, Schaumburg, Lombard, South Barrington, Addison and St. Charles.
Mercury Products in Schaumburg, an auto industry stamping company, will lay off 107 employees, the report shows.
Nonprofits are not immune to the impact of the virus. YMCAs in Plainfield and Joliet and other areas in the state have filed that they are temporarily laying off up to 15 people.
High-profile businesses include Chicago's Trump International Hotel & Tower, which is temporarily laying off 294 workers, the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago, with 350 temporary layoffs, and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Westmont, which is letting 85 people go.
Nationally, The Labor Department announced Friday that 701,000 jobs were shed in March, driving the jobless rate up to 4.4 percent.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-03--Does wearing makeshift masks help, work? We asked Central DuPage doctor.

By now we have all seen it : Friends and neighbors wearing masks while shopping for groceries .
Or pulling their turtleneck collars up around their noses .
Or sporting a bandanna tied around their face , like some Old West movie bank robber .
Is there any point to doing that ?
Can a store-bought or homemade mask save us from catching COVID-19 ?
We asked Dr. Douglas Ambler , medical director of quality for Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group and an internal medicine physician at Central DuPage Hospital .
Ambler said a mask made with a tight weave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the face works best to provide some protection , but he stressed social distancing remains the primary weapon in the fight to stay healthy .
He said the N95 masks ' filtering capability is best , followed by disposable surgical masks , then cloth .
Q : Should I wear a surgical mask when I go out in public ?
A : Doing so will give other people some protection from you , if you are an unwitting carrier of the virus , he said .
Masks do two things : They decrease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus spreads large droplets containing the virus .
And they keep your fingertips away from your mouth and nose .
`` That 's where cloth masks could be of some benefit , '' he said .
Q : Will a surgical mask keep me from getting the disease ?
A : Only if you and the people you encounter practice good social distancing , Ambler said .
Because the masks do not keep you from breathing in aerosolized virus , where the particles are small .
Aerosolized virus comes out when people breathe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sneezing .
Aerosolized virus can linger in the air , sometimes as long as 30 minutes , he said .
Large droplets , however , fall due to their weight , landing on surfaces .
A : Ambler does n't know , but he said the tighter the weave , the better .
Fit is important .
It should be snug against your face .
And how you take it off is important .
Do n't touch the mask part of the mask .
Wash your hands afterward .
If it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once a day .
`` Really , the cloth mask is minimizing that asymptomatic carrier state , '' he said .
Q : Are you wearing a mask when you go to the grocery store ?
A : He admits to not being the best at wearing a mask when he leaves the hospital , such as from the building to his car .
But now , to a store , `` Yes , I would , '' he said .

Does wearing makeshift masks help, work? We asked a Central DuPage doctor.
By now we have all seen it: Friends and neighbors wearing masks while shopping for groceries. Or pulling their turtleneck collars up around their noses. Or sporting a bandanna tied around their face, like some Old West movie bank robber.
Is there any point to doing that? Can a store-bought or homemade mask save us from catching COVID-19?
We asked Dr. Douglas Ambler, medical director of quality for Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group and an internal medicine physician at Central DuPage Hospital.
Ambler said a mask made with a tight weave of material and a tight fit on the face works best to provide some protection, but he stressed social distancing remains the primary weapon in the fight to stay healthy.
He said the N95 masks' filtering capability is best, followed by disposable surgical masks, then cloth.
Q: Should I wear a surgical mask when I go out in public?
A: Doing so will give other people some protection from you, if you are an unwitting carrier of the virus, he said. Masks do two things: They decrease the chance that an asymptomatic carrier of coronavirus spreads large droplets containing the virus. And they keep your fingertips away from your mouth and nose. "That's where cloth masks could be of some benefit," he said.
Q: Will a surgical mask keep me from getting the disease?
A: Only if you and the people you encounter practice good social distancing, Ambler said. Because the masks do not keep you from breathing in aerosolized virus, where the particles are small. Aerosolized virus comes out when people breathe out, as opposed to coughing or sneezing. Aerosolized virus can linger in the air, sometimes as long as 30 minutes, he said. Large droplets, however, fall due to their weight, landing on surfaces.
Q: Homemade masks: Best fabric?
A: Ambler doesn't know, but he said the tighter the weave, the better. Fit is important. It should be snug against your face. And how you take it off is important. Don't touch the mask part of the mask. Wash your hands afterward. If it is a cloth mask, launder it at least once a day. "Really, the cloth mask is minimizing that asymptomatic carrier state," he said.
Q: Are you wearing a mask when you go to the grocery store?
A: He admits to not being the best at wearing a mask when he leaves the hospital, such as from the building to his car. But now, to a store, "Yes, I would," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-03--Boys and Girls Clubs still serving at-risk youths during stay-at-home order

Financial instability .
Food insecurity .
An overall sense of uncertainty .
The biggest stressors families face during a global health crisis are often amplified for at-risk youths , many of whom are struggling with a disrupted routine , a lack of resources and the closure of their local Boys and Girls Clubs , organization leaders said .
Gone are structured after-school programs , the assurance of a meal , and the face-to-face contact with peers and trusted mentors .
Their home lives are likely becoming more chaotic , too , with family members losing income or working on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hoping to provide support and stability to kids and teens who need it most , suburban Boys and Girls Clubs have sprung to action to offer virtual clubs , meal deliveries , `` grab-and-go '' activity kits and other services that comply with social distancing .
`` One of the biggest unique challenges is this sense of separation the kids are experiencing from the norm , '' said Drew Glassford , CEO for the Dundee Township chapter .
`` The virtual program allows that emotional connection to continue when kids are feeling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time . ''
Using the Zoom videoconferencing platform , club members and leaders have congregated daily to show off crafts they 've completed , recipes they 've tried , or academic challenges they 've overcome , Glassford said .
They 've also had an opportunity to share their feelings and concerns in a safe , albeit virtual , space .
Similar initiatives and `` social-emotional check-ins '' have been implemented at club chapters statewide , including Lake County and Elgin , which also covers South Elgin , Streamwood and Schaumburg .
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many were equipped to make the operational shift as soon as the stay-at-home order was issued , said Bryan Soady , executive director for the organization 's Illinois Alliance .
`` It is an unprecedented time , but it 's not an unprecedented program , '' he said .
`` We 've got some heavy days ahead , ( but ) our focus is always on the kids first .
We want to be able to provide what they need when they need it . ''
Some clubs are working to increase the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their members .
Others are creating boxes filled with activities and essentials .
For kids who rely on the Boys and Girls Club for daily meals , the Lake County chapter is partnering with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to deliver food to their homes , CEO Cesilie Price said .
A similar program was implemented in Dundee Township using private donations and food prepared by local restaurants .
The Elgin chapter started a `` Slash the Trash '' challenge to encourage members to get out of the house , pick up litter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience , CEO Cathy Russell said .
In addition to serving their members , Dundee Township club leaders are providing extra levels of community support , such as sewing masks and opening two club sites as emergency child care centers for kids of essential workers .
`` We really care about the experiences our communities and families are going through , '' Glassford said .
`` We want to make a difference .
We 're using as many resources as we have to offer what we can through this crisis . ''

Boys and Girls Clubs still serving at-risk youths during stay-at-home order
Paloma Gutierrez, a Boys and Girls Clubs of Dundee Township staff member, sews masks for essential workers, including the staff of the emergency child care centers recently opened at club sites in Lake in the Hills and West Dundee. Courtesy of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dundee Township
Kevin Salgado delivers meals to a child involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County as part of a food delivery program offered during the coronavirus pandemic. Courtesy of the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County
Financial instability. Food insecurity. An overall sense of uncertainty.
The biggest stressors families face during a global health crisis are often amplified for at-risk youths, many of whom are struggling with a disrupted routine, a lack of resources and the closure of their local Boys and Girls Clubs, organization leaders said.
Gone are structured after-school programs, the assurance of a meal, and the face-to-face contact with peers and trusted mentors. Their home lives are likely becoming more chaotic, too, with family members losing income or working on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hoping to provide support and stability to kids and teens who need it most, suburban Boys and Girls Clubs have sprung to action to offer virtual clubs, meal deliveries, "grab-and-go" activity kits and other services that comply with social distancing.
"One of the biggest unique challenges is this sense of separation the kids are experiencing from the norm," said Drew Glassford, CEO for the Dundee Township chapter. "The virtual program allows that emotional connection to continue when kids are feeling the most stressed they've felt in a long time."
Using the Zoom videoconferencing platform, club members and leaders have congregated daily to show off crafts they've completed, recipes they've tried, or academic challenges they've overcome, Glassford said. They've also had an opportunity to share their feelings and concerns in a safe, albeit virtual, space.
Similar initiatives and "social-emotional check-ins" have been implemented at club chapters statewide, including Lake County and Elgin, which also covers South Elgin, Streamwood and Schaumburg.
Though each club has its own challenges, many were equipped to make the operational shift as soon as the stay-at-home order was issued, said Bryan Soady, executive director for the organization's Illinois Alliance.
"It is an unprecedented time, but it's not an unprecedented program," he said. "We've got some heavy days ahead, (but) our focus is always on the kids first. We want to be able to provide what they need when they need it."
Some clubs are working to increase the availability of computers and internet access for their members. Others are creating boxes filled with activities and essentials.
For kids who rely on the Boys and Girls Club for daily meals, the Lake County chapter is partnering with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to deliver food to their homes, CEO Cesilie Price said. A similar program was implemented in Dundee Township using private donations and food prepared by local restaurants.
The Elgin chapter started a "Slash the Trash" challenge to encourage members to get out of the house, pick up litter and engage in a positive, productive experience, CEO Cathy Russell said.
In addition to serving their members, Dundee Township club leaders are providing extra levels of community support, such as sewing masks and opening two club sites as emergency child care centers for kids of essential workers.
"We really care about the experiences our communities and families are going through," Glassford said. "We want to make a difference. We're using as many resources as we have to offer what we can through this crisis."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-03--Naperville couple pull off a social-distanced wedding in a week

After dating for less than a year , Patricia Fragen and Carlos Sandoval decided on a recent Saturday to get married as soon as possible .
And they were n't going to let the coronavirus outbreak stop them from saying `` I do . ''
In just a week , the Naperville couple overcame building closures , crowd restrictions and other obstacles to exchange vows on March 28 in a Wheaton park as a small number of guests watched from an appropriate distance .
`` It 's the best way for an introvert to get married , '' Fragen said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a bunch of people make it a big deal .
You can just make it small and intimate . ''
Fragen , 53 , says she and Sandoval , 53 , knew they eventually would get married .
`` He decided on our third date that we were going to get married , '' she said .
`` I was a little harder to convince . ''
But as the couple enjoyed breakfast on March 21 , Fragen turned to Sandoval and asked if he still wanted to marry her .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waste any time .
Fortunately , Fragen says , she had friends willing to help pull it off .
One of them , Judge Bonnie Wheaton , agreed to preside .
Wheaton says the DuPage County clerk 's office `` went above and beyond '' to provide the license .
`` Getting the marriage license was the tough part , '' Fragen said .
`` The rest of it was just fun . ''
Another friend , Cheryl Birkett of Batavia , got a K. Hollis Jewelers in Batavia to provide rings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` so I did n't get married in blue jeans and a T-shirt , '' Fragen said .
The ceremony was held at the secluded Hurley Gardens in front of fewer than 10 people , including Fragen 's parents and Sandoval 's two sons .
`` Everybody was able to do appropriate social distancing , '' Fragen said , `` and still be close enough to hear and be part of it . ''
After a toast , everyone went home .
Fragen says a larger celebration will be held when the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels right . ''
The wedding came just days before the 13th anniversary of the death of Fragen 's teenage daughter , Melissa .
Usually , the week leading to that April 1 anniversary is the hardest of the year for Fragen .
But while she 'll never stop grieving , Fragen says she 'll now have happy memories about the wedding .
`` I get to have something really fun to think about because we did something amazing , '' Fragen said .
`` We managed to get married in a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oh my God . ''

Naperville couple pull off a social-distanced wedding in a week
Carlos Sandoval and Patricia Fragen organized their wedding in just one week, despite the coronavirus outbreak. The Naperville couple were married March 28 in a Wheaton park during a ceremony presided by Judge Bonnie Wheaton. Courtesy of Kate Wanzenberg
After dating for less than a year, Patricia Fragen and Carlos Sandoval decided on a recent Saturday to get married as soon as possible.
And they weren't going to let the coronavirus outbreak stop them from saying "I do."
In just a week, the Naperville couple overcame building closures, crowd restrictions and other obstacles to exchange vows on March 28 in a Wheaton park as a small number of guests watched from an appropriate distance.
"It's the best way for an introvert to get married," Fragen said. "There's no pressure to have a bunch of people make it a big deal. You can just make it small and intimate."
Fragen, 53, says she and Sandoval, 53, knew they eventually would get married. "He decided on our third date that we were going to get married," she said. "I was a little harder to convince."
But as the couple enjoyed breakfast on March 21, Fragen turned to Sandoval and asked if he still wanted to marry her. When he said yes, they didn't waste any time.
Fortunately, Fragen says, she had friends willing to help pull it off.
One of them, Judge Bonnie Wheaton, agreed to preside. Wheaton says the DuPage County clerk's office "went above and beyond" to provide the license.
"Getting the marriage license was the tough part," Fragen said. "The rest of it was just fun."
Another friend, Cheryl Birkett of Batavia, got a K. Hollis Jewelers in Batavia to provide rings. Birkett also gave the bride a dress "so I didn't get married in blue jeans and a T-shirt," Fragen said.
The ceremony was held at the secluded Hurley Gardens in front of fewer than 10 people, including Fragen's parents and Sandoval's two sons.
"Everybody was able to do appropriate social distancing," Fragen said, "and still be close enough to hear and be part of it."
After a toast, everyone went home. Fragen says a larger celebration will be held when the COVID-19 crisis is over "and the time feels right."
The wedding came just days before the 13th anniversary of the death of Fragen's teenage daughter, Melissa.
Usually, the week leading to that April 1 anniversary is the hardest of the year for Fragen. But while she'll never stop grieving, Fragen says she'll now have happy memories about the wedding.
"I get to have something really fun to think about because we did something amazing," Fragen said. "We managed to get married in a week in the middle of a pandemic. Oh my God."