dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-24--West Chicago church launches COVID-19 testing to reach hard-hit Latino communities

St. Andrew Lutheran Church in West Chicago is a multicultural , bilingual congregation that reflects the community 's diversity , its pastor says .
So when leaders of the city 's COVID-19 response were looking to open a testing center that would reach Latino residents , they knew the parish would meet the need .
`` The big part of the reason why we wanted to do it here is that people already feel safe coming to St. Andrew , '' the Rev .
Josh Ebener said .
His church is now hosting a mobile testing unit run by VNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the barriers to testing in one of DuPage County 's hardest-hit communities .
Ebener and state Rep. Karina Villa , a West Chicago Democrat , have pushed for increased access to testing and safety protections for essential workers to address disparities laid bare by the pandemic .
Latinos , who make up more than half of West Chicago 's population , are disproportionately suffering from COVID-19 .
So far , at least 766 people in West Chicago have tested positive for the virus -- the second-highest total in the county .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ here at our parish and other cases I 've heard about in town can almost all be traced back to the workplace and particular factories here locally that have seen outbreaks , '' Ebener said .
Just before the testing center opened to its first patients , Villa encouraged anyone who wants to get tested to make an appointment with VNA to come to the church at Geneva and Prince Crossing roads .
Testing hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays .
`` In the Latino community , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go and how to access care sometimes because of documentation status , '' said Villa , delivering her message in Spanish and English .
`` Other times because of a lack of health insurance status , and other times just for the fear of the stigma . ''
But the church , Villa said , is a `` trusting place . ''
`` It has opened their doors to provide food , provide resources , provide a shoulder to cry on , even if it 's at a distance during COVID , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Josh has been such a wonderful person here in the community . ''
VNA is able to conduct about 175 tests a month at the new West Chicago site , according to a spokeswoman .
People looking to get tested should call VNA at either ( 630 ) 892-4355 or ( 847 ) 717-6455 .
They will be checked by a VNA doctor or nurse practitioner before receiving the test .
VNA will provide the pretest assessment and COVID-19 specimen at no cost for people without insurance .
Testing is one part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` For me , one of the most important things is just making sure workplaces are safe because it 's a pretty precarious situation when you 're basically asked to choose between your health and safety and being able to make ends meet , '' Ebener said .
`` That 's the kind of the situation we have been dealing with . ''
St. Andrew also is addressing food insecurity issues during the pandemic by providing groceries to families .
That distribution reaches about 250 people , starting at 10 a.m. on Saturdays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other needed items can be dropped off at the church office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday .

West Chicago church launches COVID-19 testing to reach hard-hit Latino communities
St. Andrew Lutheran Church in West Chicago is a multicultural, bilingual congregation that reflects the community's diversity, its pastor says.
So when leaders of the city's COVID-19 response were looking to open a testing center that would reach Latino residents, they knew the parish would meet the need.
"The big part of the reason why we wanted to do it here is that people already feel safe coming to St. Andrew," the Rev. Josh Ebener said.
His church is now hosting a mobile testing unit run by VNA Health Care twice a week, removing some of the barriers to testing in one of DuPage County's hardest-hit communities.
Ebener and state Rep. Karina Villa, a West Chicago Democrat, have pushed for increased access to testing and safety protections for essential workers to address disparities laid bare by the pandemic.
Latinos, who make up more than half of West Chicago's population, are disproportionately suffering from COVID-19. So far, at least 766 people in West Chicago have tested positive for the virus -- the second-highest total in the county.
"The cases that we've had here at our parish and other cases I've heard about in town can almost all be traced back to the workplace and particular factories here locally that have seen outbreaks," Ebener said.
Just before the testing center opened to its first patients, Villa encouraged anyone who wants to get tested to make an appointment with VNA to come to the church at Geneva and Prince Crossing roads. Testing hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
"In the Latino community, many times you have some fears about where to go and how to access care sometimes because of documentation status," said Villa, delivering her message in Spanish and English. "Other times because of a lack of health insurance status, and other times just for the fear of the stigma."
But the church, Villa said, is a "trusting place."
"It has opened their doors to provide food, provide resources, provide a shoulder to cry on, even if it's at a distance during COVID," Villa said Tuesday. "Pastor Josh has been such a wonderful person here in the community."
VNA is able to conduct about 175 tests a month at the new West Chicago site, according to a spokeswoman.
People looking to get tested should call VNA at either (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. They will be checked by a VNA doctor or nurse practitioner before receiving the test.
VNA will provide the pretest assessment and COVID-19 specimen at no cost for people without insurance.
Testing is one part of the church's response to COVID-19.
"For me, one of the most important things is just making sure workplaces are safe because it's a pretty precarious situation when you're basically asked to choose between your health and safety and being able to make ends meet," Ebener said. "That's the kind of the situation we have been dealing with."
St. Andrew also is addressing food insecurity issues during the pandemic by providing groceries to families. That distribution reaches about 250 people, starting at 10 a.m. on Saturdays.
Donations of produce, diapers and other needed items can be dropped off at the church office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
• Daily Herald photographer Mark Welsh contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-24--June 24 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

Interactive mapSuburbs ' portion Since the outbreak began , there have been 71,261 cases in the suburbs , 51 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health as of Wednesday .
There have been 3,466 deaths in the suburbs , representing 51 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Wednesday , suburban Cook County had 37,142 cases and 1,938 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 50,996 cases and 2,540 fatalities .
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Des Plaines , 813 cases and 52 deaths in Wheeling , 684 cases and 16 deaths in Palatine , 672 cases and 19 deaths in Streamwood , 649 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect , 582 cases and 16 deaths in Schaumburg , 533 cases and 48 deaths in Glenview , 521 cases and 31 deaths in Arlington Heights , 501 cases and 9 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion ) , 478 cases and 12 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 368 cases and 36 deaths in Elk Grove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Rolling Meadows , 339 cases and 39 deaths in Northbrook , 264 cases and 7 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 122 cases and 17 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
DuPage County • The county reported 8,782 cases and 456 deaths as of Wednesday .
• Top counts : 815 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 766 cases and 14 deaths in West Chicago , 655 cases and 11 deaths in Glendale Heights , 527 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville , 519 cases and 33 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , 509 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream , 393 cases and 22 deaths in Lombard , 325 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage portion ) , 278 cases and 32 deaths in Elmhurst , 256 cases and 20 deaths in Wheaton , 250 cases and 2 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage portion ) , 238 cases and 3 deaths in Villa Park , 157 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn .
• Top counts : 812 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 763 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 10 deaths in Glendale Heights , 523 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville , 517 cases and 33 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage County portion ) , 506 cases and 28 deaths in Carol Stream , 389 cases and 21 deaths in Lombard , 327 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage portion ) , 275 cases and 32 deaths in Elmhurst , 255 cases and 20 deaths in Wheaton , 251 cases and 2 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage portion ) , 235 cases and 3 deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in Glen Ellyn .
Lake County • The county listed 9,468 cases and 375 deaths on its website .
• Top counts as of Wednesday : 2,640 to 2,644 in Waukegan , 585 to 589 in Round Lake Beach , 370 to 374 in Mundelein , 300 to 304 in Gurnee , 180 to 184 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , 165 to 169 in Vernon Hills , 165 to 169 in Wauconda , 145 to 149 in Lake Zurich , 120 to 124 in Libertyville , 85 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The county confirmed 7,553 cases with 255 deaths on its website Wednesday .
• Top counts : 3,348 cases in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 1,846 in Elgin ( Kane portion ) , 739 in Carpentersville , 292 in St. Charles , 284 in South Elgin , 195 in North Aurora , 167 in Geneva , 117 in Batavia , and 50 in Algonquin ( Kane portion ) .
McHenry County • 1,937 cases and 95 deaths , according to the health department Wednesday .
Will County • 6,459 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department 's website Wednesday .
• Cases per town include 379 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) and 67 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

June 24 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Courtesy of the CDCThis illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depicts the coronavirus as viewed through a microscope.
Interactive mapSuburbs' portion Since the outbreak began, there have been 71,261 cases in the suburbs, 51% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health as of Wednesday. There have been 3,466 deaths in the suburbs, representing 51% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County• As of Wednesday, suburban Cook County had 37,142 cases and 1,938 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 50,996 cases and 2,540 fatalities.
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner's office: 1,704 cases and 96 deaths in Des Plaines, 813 cases and 52 deaths in Wheeling, 684 cases and 16 deaths in Palatine, 672 cases and 19 deaths in Streamwood, 649 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect, 582 cases and 16 deaths in Schaumburg, 533 cases and 48 deaths in Glenview, 521 cases and 31 deaths in Arlington Heights, 501 cases and 9 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 478 cases and 12 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 368 cases and 36 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 346 cases and 12 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 339 cases and 39 deaths in Northbrook, 264 cases and 7 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 122 cases and 17 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County• The county reported 8,782 cases and 456 deaths as of Wednesday.
• Top counts: 815 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 766 cases and 14 deaths in West Chicago, 655 cases and 11 deaths in Glendale Heights, 527 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville, 519 cases and 33 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 509 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream, 393 cases and 22 deaths in Lombard, 325 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage portion), 278 cases and 32 deaths in Elmhurst, 256 cases and 20 deaths in Wheaton, 250 cases and 2 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage portion), 238 cases and 3 deaths in Villa Park, 157 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn.
• Top counts: 812 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 763 cases and 14 deaths in West Chicago, 653 cases and 10 deaths in Glendale Heights, 523 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville, 517 cases and 33 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 506 cases and 28 deaths in Carol Stream, 389 cases and 21 deaths in Lombard, 327 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage portion), 275 cases and 32 deaths in Elmhurst, 255 cases and 20 deaths in Wheaton, 251 cases and 2 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage portion), 235 cases and 3 deaths in Villa Park, 157 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn.
Lake County• The county listed 9,468 cases and 375 deaths on its website.
• Top counts as of Wednesday: 2,640 to 2,644 in Waukegan, 585 to 589 in Round Lake Beach, 370 to 374 in Mundelein, 300 to 304 in Gurnee, 180 to 184 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), 165 to 169 in Vernon Hills, 165 to 169 in Wauconda, 145 to 149 in Lake Zurich, 120 to 124 in Libertyville, 85 to 89 in Grayslake.
Kane County• The county confirmed 7,553 cases with 255 deaths on its website Wednesday.
• Top counts: 3,348 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 1,846 in Elgin (Kane portion), 739 in Carpentersville, 292 in St. Charles, 284 in South Elgin, 195 in North Aurora, 167 in Geneva, 117 in Batavia, and 50 in Algonquin (Kane portion).
McHenry County• 1,937 cases and 95 deaths, according to the health department Wednesday.
Will County• 6,459 cases and 313 deaths, according to the health department's website Wednesday.
• Cases per town include 379 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 67 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-24--Police seek public's help after fiery crash that killed drivers from Inverness, Buffalo Grove

Wheeling police are seeking the public 's help in their investigation of a fiery three-vehicle crash that killed two drivers and seriously injured a third Tuesday night .
Police and firefighters were called to what was reported as a car fire at 7:39 p.m. near Lake-Cook Road and Northgate Parkway .
First responders initially found two vehicles on the scene , with one car fully engulfed in flames , then discovered the third in a nearby tree line .
Authorities said a preliminary investigation shows the chain of events began when a vehicle rear-ended another on westbound Lake-Cook .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where it was struck by the third vehicle , police said .
Brenda L. Felix Soria , 49 , of Inverness was pronounced dead at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at NorthShore Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview after the crash , according to a report from the Cook County medical examiner 's office .
Wednesday evening , the medical examiner 's office identified the second victim as Arthur Matillano , 62 , of Buffalo Grove .
He died at the scene at 7:52 p.m. Tuesday , the report said .
Authorities said a third driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will survive .
There were no passengers in any of the vehicles .
Police said they are asking for the public 's assistance in locating witnesses to the crash or anyone who may potentially have dash camera video of what occurred .
The Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team of the Northwest Suburban Major Case Assistance Team is assisting with the investigation , Wheeling police said .
Lake-Cook Road from Milwaukee Avenue west to Lexington Drive was closed throughout the night and into the morning for the investigation .
The stretch reopened about 9:30 @ @ @

Police seek public's help after fiery crash that killed drivers from Inverness, Buffalo Grove
Wheeling police say two drivers were killed and a third seriously injured in a fiery three-vehicle crash Tuesday night near Lake-Cook Road and Northgate Parkway. Courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago
Wheeling police say they are seeking the public's help in their investigation of a three-vehicle crash that killed two drivers Tuesday night near Lake-Cook Road and Northgate Parkway. Northshore Updates photo
Wheeling police are seeking the public's help in their investigation of a fiery three-vehicle crash that killed two drivers and seriously injured a third Tuesday night.
Police and firefighters were called to what was reported as a car fire at 7:39 p.m. near Lake-Cook Road and Northgate Parkway. First responders initially found two vehicles on the scene, with one car fully engulfed in flames, then discovered the third in a nearby tree line.
Authorities said a preliminary investigation shows the chain of events began when a vehicle rear-ended another on westbound Lake-Cook. The second vehicle went into the eastbound lanes, where it was struck by the third vehicle, police said.
Brenda L. Felix Soria, 49, of Inverness was pronounced dead at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at NorthShore Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview after the crash, according to a report from the Cook County medical examiner's office.
Wednesday evening, the medical examiner's office identified the second victim as Arthur Matillano, 62, of Buffalo Grove. He died at the scene at 7:52 p.m. Tuesday, the report said.
Authorities said a third driver has been hospitalized with serious injuries but will survive. There were no passengers in any of the vehicles.
Police said they are asking for the public's assistance in locating witnesses to the crash or anyone who may potentially have dash camera video of what occurred. The Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team of the Northwest Suburban Major Case Assistance Team is assisting with the investigation, Wheeling police said.
Lake-Cook Road from Milwaukee Avenue west to Lexington Drive was closed throughout the night and into the morning for the investigation. The stretch reopened about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-24--How Geneva can celebrate Swedish Days virtually

In any given year , hundreds of thousands of people flock to downtown Geneva for the annual Swedish Days festival , a long-standing celebration of heritage and community .
The tradition was halted this summer as the coronavirus forced the cancellation of the six-day event for the first time in 70 years .
But Geneva Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Laura Rush says organizers are determined to `` still spread some Swedish love '' the only way they can : virtually .
From Thursday through Sunday , concerts , videos and other activities will be available online , divided by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example , will focus on the `` Swedish Connection , '' offering virtual trivia , dance lessons , cultural performances and history lessons .
Friday will be a kids ' day , filled with live readings , a magic show and downloadable recipes , games and coloring pages .
Saturday 's theme is `` Let Us Entertain You , '' with a book discussion , virtual Viking ship tours , and prerecorded and live concerts .
The festivities end Sunday , designated as an `` Enjoy Geneva Day . ''
Shops and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The coronavirus has created the `` perfect storm '' for the local economy , Rush said .
Businesses first had to shut down and then operate with limited capacities as they moved through each phase of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's Restore Illinois plan .
The cancellation of tourism-boosting events like Swedish Days also is a contributing factor , city spokesman Kevin Stahr said .
Geneva anticipates a `` significant '' loss of revenue in areas of food , beverage , retail and hotel revenues .
`` Of course not having 200,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be hard on the businesses , especially after the rough couple of months they have just had , '' Rush said .
`` However , our businesses are resourceful and creative , so I hope the virtual ( event ) helps a bit in making up some revenue . ''
The virtual festivities stemmed from an idea presented by chamber member Jennifer Kaye , who runs a photography studio , Rush said .
Though not a traditional Swedish Days experience , she said , the concept offers more opportunities for participants to learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the meaning behind the event 's name -- a nod to the Swedish immigrants living in Geneva when it began .
`` Each thing we thought of with social distancing and safety in mind , '' she said .
`` We did not know what phase Geneva would be in , so we erred on the side of conservative when putting it all together . ''
The chamber is selling T-shirts that read `` Swedish Days 2020 ... Nope ! ''
The proceeds will be distributed to the 10 to 15 nonprofits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six-day festival , which is , for many , their biggest fundraiser of the year , Rush said .
Boxes of Swedish goodies contributed by local businesses were sold out within three days , she said .

How Geneva can celebrate Swedish Days virtually
There won't be a parade or other in-person festivities this year, but the Geneva Chamber of Commerce has organized remote activities and educational resources for a virtual Swedish Days. Daily Herald file photo
In any given year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to downtown Geneva for the annual Swedish Days festival, a long-standing celebration of heritage and community.
The tradition was halted this summer as the coronavirus forced the cancellation of the six-day event for the first time in 70 years. But Geneva Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Laura Rush says organizers are determined to "still spread some Swedish love" the only way they can: virtually.
From Thursday through Sunday, concerts, videos and other activities will be available online, divided by the theme of the day. Thursday, for example, will focus on the "Swedish Connection," offering virtual trivia, dance lessons, cultural performances and history lessons.
Friday will be a kids' day, filled with live readings, a magic show and downloadable recipes, games and coloring pages. Saturday's theme is "Let Us Entertain You," with a book discussion, virtual Viking ship tours, and prerecorded and live concerts.
The festivities end Sunday, designated as an "Enjoy Geneva Day." Shops and restaurants are offering specials through the weekend.
The coronavirus has created the "perfect storm" for the local economy, Rush said. Businesses first had to shut down and then operate with limited capacities as they moved through each phase of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan.
The cancellation of tourism-boosting events like Swedish Days also is a contributing factor, city spokesman Kevin Stahr said. Geneva anticipates a "significant" loss of revenue in areas of food, beverage, retail and hotel revenues.
"Of course not having 200,000 (people) come to town will be hard on the businesses, especially after the rough couple of months they have just had," Rush said. "However, our businesses are resourceful and creative, so I hope the virtual (event) helps a bit in making up some revenue."
The virtual festivities stemmed from an idea presented by chamber member Jennifer Kaye, who runs a photography studio, Rush said.
Though not a traditional Swedish Days experience, she said, the concept offers more opportunities for participants to learn about the Swedish culture, as well as the meaning behind the event's name -- a nod to the Swedish immigrants living in Geneva when it began.
"Each thing we thought of with social distancing and safety in mind," she said. "We did not know what phase Geneva would be in, so we erred on the side of conservative when putting it all together."
The chamber is selling T-shirts that read "Swedish Days 2020 ... Nope!" The proceeds will be distributed to the 10 to 15 nonprofits that typically run food booths during the six-day festival, which is, for many, their biggest fundraiser of the year, Rush said.
Boxes of Swedish goodies contributed by local businesses were sold out within three days, she said.
For more information, visit www.genevachamber.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-24--Lemon says District 68 'The best job of my career, bar none'

Two big cardboard boxes filled with gifts for teachers were delivered Wednesday to Oak Grove School in Green Oaks by a just-graduated eighth-grader .
The gesture says something about the student and community connection with the single-school K-8 district and its leaders , including Lonny Lemon , who toted the boxes inside .
After eight years as superintendent of Oak Grove District 68 , Lemon managed to get a little more work done before calling it a career and turning over the keys to his successor , Allison Sherman .
Lemon , who was hired at Oak Grove to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never took a sick day in a 37-year academic career .
He long ago had given notice he would be leaving , and Wednesday was his last day .
`` This has been the best job of my career , bar none , '' he said .
`` I 'd rather walk out on my own terms and leave early than stay too long and be shown the door . ''
Sherman was hired late last year to lead the National Blue Ribbon award-winning district and since Feb. 26 has worked in tandem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had three weeks of relatively normal working conditions until all schools were ordered closed March 17 because of the coronavirus pandemic .
They confronted remote learning and other aspects of an altered academic landscape .
Sherman continues work on in-person learning , teacher training and other aspects with a priority of opening school safely .
And she 'll have a greater opportunity to focus as Lemon has provided stability and gotten some potential heavy issues under control .
He engineered a strong foundation for Sherman by bringing facilities up to date and establishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affable Lemon oversaw a five-year , $ 14 million building program to modernize the original 1950s-era building and multiple additions to create a progressive , technically advanced facility .
In March , teachers signed a second consecutive five-year contract .
That has cleared the way to concentrate on academics .
`` You do n't need another Lonny Lemon .
You need a strong curriculum leader , and they 've got exactly that now , '' he said of Sherman .
`` I want her to succeed . ''
Before coming to Oak Grove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Education program to ensure every child was learning and on the path to college and a career .
Sherman said she got to know the Oak Grove culture and its stakeholders , develop relationships with teachers and students and see the staff and parents persevere through crisis .
She said its strong teaching and parental culture did n't happen by chance .
`` Family -- it was a word that was said to me in the first few weeks , '' she said .
`` But after the experience of the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I felt it . ''
Lemon said he is n't sure what to expect in retirement but wants to exercise more , read for leisure and become proficient in Spanish .
`` That 's really important to me , '' he said .
The last goal is a nod to his long-standing annual mission with the help of custodians , bus drivers and others of collecting and delivering pencils -- an estimated 35,000 during his time at Oak Grove -- to a poor school in Puerto Vallarta , Mexico .
Lemon also raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the school and is working on getting them new equipment .

Lemon says District 68 'The best job of my career, bar none'
Oak Grove School Superintendent Lonny Lemon hoists the plaque in recognition of Oak Grove School being named a National Blue Ribbon School for High Academic Achievement by the U.S. Department of Education. Daily Herald file, 2016
Lonny Lemon, back, with elementary school students in Puerta Vallerta, Mexico. Lemon, who retired Wednesday after eight years as superintendent at Oak Grove School in Green Oaks, has collected and delivered thousands of pencils to the school. Courtesy of Lonny Lemon, 2017
Two big cardboard boxes filled with gifts for teachers were delivered Wednesday to Oak Grove School in Green Oaks by a just-graduated eighth-grader.
The gesture says something about the student and community connection with the single-school K-8 district and its leaders, including Lonny Lemon, who toted the boxes inside.
After eight years as superintendent of Oak Grove District 68, Lemon managed to get a little more work done before calling it a career and turning over the keys to his successor, Allison Sherman.
Lemon, who was hired at Oak Grove to start the 2012-13 school year, said he never took a sick day in a 37-year academic career. He long ago had given notice he would be leaving, and Wednesday was his last day.
"This has been the best job of my career, bar none," he said. "I'd rather walk out on my own terms and leave early than stay too long and be shown the door."
Sherman was hired late last year to lead the National Blue Ribbon award-winning district and since Feb. 26 has worked in tandem with Lemon as associate superintendent.
They had three weeks of relatively normal working conditions until all schools were ordered closed March 17 because of the coronavirus pandemic. They confronted remote learning and other aspects of an altered academic landscape.
Sherman continues work on in-person learning, teacher training and other aspects with a priority of opening school safely.
And she'll have a greater opportunity to focus as Lemon has provided stability and gotten some potential heavy issues under control.
He engineered a strong foundation for Sherman by bringing facilities up to date and establishing a solid relationship with teachers.
The affable Lemon oversaw a five-year, $14 million building program to modernize the original 1950s-era building and multiple additions to create a progressive, technically advanced facility.
In March, teachers signed a second consecutive five-year contract. That has cleared the way to concentrate on academics.
"You don't need another Lonny Lemon. You need a strong curriculum leader, and they've got exactly that now," he said of Sherman. "I want her to succeed."
Before coming to Oak Grove, Sherman oversaw an Illinois State Board of Education program to ensure every child was learning and on the path to college and a career.
Sherman said she got to know the Oak Grove culture and its stakeholders, develop relationships with teachers and students and see the staff and parents persevere through crisis. She said its strong teaching and parental culture didn't happen by chance.
"Family -- it was a word that was said to me in the first few weeks," she said. "But after the experience of the last few months, I saw it and I felt it."
Lemon said he isn't sure what to expect in retirement but wants to exercise more, read for leisure and become proficient in Spanish.
"That's really important to me," he said.
The last goal is a nod to his long-standing annual mission with the help of custodians, bus drivers and others of collecting and delivering pencils -- an estimated 35,000 during his time at Oak Grove -- to a poor school in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Lemon also raised $15,000 for 150 new school desks for the school and is working on getting them new equipment.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-24--Restaurateur's character 'was so unique'

Anyone who dined at Pompei Ristorante in Arlington Heights likely remembers its charismatic original owner as much as the delicious Italian food .
Nicola `` Nick '' Longobardi , a longtime Buffalo Grove resident who opened the restaurant with his wife , Matilde , in 1980 , shared his outgoing personality with his customers .
From singing songs to doing magic tricks , Longobardi went out of his way to make people happy .
`` He did n't stop at anything to get a laugh out of someone , '' said his daughter Sara Grant .
`` The food was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we sold , all the people told us it was n't the same because my dad was missing .
His whole persona .
He always wanted to give a compliment and make someone smile and laugh . ''
Longobardi died June 18 at the age of 82 .
Born in 1937 in Napoli , Italy , Longobardi moved to the United States in 1967 .
He opened his first restaurant , Setto Bello , in Park Ridge in 1977 .
Wanting to move closer to their Buffalo Grove home , Nicola and Matilde @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations in the same Terremere shopping center three times in 30 years before selling in 2010 .
Their two daughters , Sara and Lisa , grew up in the restaurant , waiting tables and watching their dad entertain customers .
After starting as a pizzeria , Pompei became more of a restaurant over the years .
`` That 's what you bring from Italy is your recipe and culture , '' Grant said .
`` My dad 's character was so unique .
He was silly , he was goofy , he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like he would make the dish just for you .
The first year Mom said they took the phone off the hook because of the orders . ''
Pompei enjoyed a loyal following , seeing the same families dine year after year on Christmas Eve or Mother 's Day , Grant said .
Longobard also loved going to horse races at Arlington Park and coaching youth soccer .
Many of those soccer players worked in the restaurant , washing dishes .
Longobardi 's soccer teams won so many trophies that when Pompei moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
`` My mom said , 'We 're not putting all the trophies in ... you walk in and it 's all the soccer trophies , and I 'm over it , ' '' Grant said .
`` She made him only keep one trophy . ''
Visitation is from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Glueckert Funeral Home , 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road , Arlington Heights .
The funeral Mass is at 10 a.m. Friday at St. James Catholic Church , 831 N. Arlington Heights Road , Arlington Heights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have capacity limits , with mask requirements and social distancing .
`` A simple man without a lot of eduction had so many life lessons in him , '' Grant said .
`` I did n't realize the impact of my dad until these days have passed and how big he was in Buffalo Grove and what he brought to people over the years . ''

Restaurateur's character 'was so unique'
Nicola "Nick" Longobardi and his wife opened Pompei Ristorante in Arlington Heights in 1980. They moved locations in the same Terremere shopping center three times in 30 years before selling in 2010. Courtesy of Sara Grant
Nicola "Nick" Longobardi and his wife opened Pompei Ristorante in Arlington Heights in 1980 and ran the restaurant for 30 years. Courtesy of Sara Grant
Anyone who dined at Pompei Ristorante in Arlington Heights likely remembers its charismatic original owner as much as the delicious Italian food.
Nicola "Nick" Longobardi, a longtime Buffalo Grove resident who opened the restaurant with his wife, Matilde, in 1980, shared his outgoing personality with his customers. From singing songs to doing magic tricks, Longobardi went out of his way to make people happy.
"He didn't stop at anything to get a laugh out of someone," said his daughter Sara Grant. "The food was good, believe me. But when we sold, all the people told us it wasn't the same because my dad was missing. His whole persona. He always wanted to give a compliment and make someone smile and laugh."
Longobardi died June 18 at the age of 82. Born in 1937 in Napoli, Italy, Longobardi moved to the United States in 1967.
He opened his first restaurant, Setto Bello, in Park Ridge in 1977.
Wanting to move closer to their Buffalo Grove home, Nicola and Matilde started Pompei in 1980. They moved locations in the same Terremere shopping center three times in 30 years before selling in 2010.
Their two daughters, Sara and Lisa, grew up in the restaurant, waiting tables and watching their dad entertain customers. After starting as a pizzeria, Pompei became more of a restaurant over the years.
"That's what you bring from Italy is your recipe and culture," Grant said. "My dad's character was so unique. He was silly, he was goofy, he would sing songs, he made everyone feel like he would make the dish just for you. The first year Mom said they took the phone off the hook because of the orders."
Pompei enjoyed a loyal following, seeing the same families dine year after year on Christmas Eve or Mother's Day, Grant said.
Longobard also loved going to horse races at Arlington Park and coaching youth soccer. Many of those soccer players worked in the restaurant, washing dishes.
Longobardi's soccer teams won so many trophies that when Pompei moved locations, his wife put her foot down.
"My mom said, 'We're not putting all the trophies in ... you walk in and it's all the soccer trophies, and I'm over it,'" Grant said. "She made him only keep one trophy."
Visitation is from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. The funeral Mass is at 10 a.m. Friday at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Both the visitation and the Mass will have capacity limits, with mask requirements and social distancing.
"A simple man without a lot of eduction had so many life lessons in him," Grant said. "I didn't realize the impact of my dad until these days have passed and how big he was in Buffalo Grove and what he brought to people over the years."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-24--Boomers' season canceled in Schaumburg, but baseball is on in Rosemont

There will be no joy in Schaumburg from the Boomers baseball team in 2020 , but fans can make the short drive to Rosemont to hear calls of `` play ball '' and the crack of the bat this summer .
The Frontier League , which includes the Schaumburg Boomers and Joliet Slammers , announced Wednesday morning the suspension of its entire 2020 season due to restrictions on large gatherings and travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Just hours later , the Chicago Dogs announced they will resume play at Rosemont 's Impact Field beginning Tuesday , July 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milwaukee Milkmen .
The Dogs play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball , which earlier this month outlined plans for a 60-game season .
The Dogs initially planned to play `` home '' games at the Milkmen 's ballpark in suburban Milwaukee but said Wednesday they would instead return to Rosemont for a 30-game slate with limited spectators permitted under Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan .
`` We 're thrilled to be playing baseball , and especially in front of our fans at Impact Field , '' Dogs owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This positive news will help all of us kick off the summer celebration . ''
In the meantime , Frontier League officials said they could not conduct a season under the various guidelines in their teams ' home markets , which include seven states and Canada .
`` We all want to play Frontier League baseball in 2020 , '' league President Rich Sauget Sr. said in a statement .
`` However , with the continuing limitations on social gatherings in our markets , plus travel restrictions impacting our Canadian teams , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that without availability to play in many of our 14 ballparks that a 2020 championship season was no longer realistic . ''
The vote of the league 's board of directors was unanimous .
While smaller events -- such as Independence Day fireworks displays on the evenings of July 3 and 4 -- will make limited use of Schaumburg Boomers Stadium and its parking lot , team Vice President and General Manager Michael Larson expressed the organization 's disappointment that a professional baseball season wo n't be played there this year .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to make something work , '' Larson said .
`` We spent the last two months waiting for something drastic to change for the positive , and it never came . ''
Larson added that almost all the ideas pondered to play in 2020 would have compromised the fan experience .
That led to priorities ' gradually changing to reaching the best decision for 2021 and beyond .
`` We 're committed to the long term here in Schaumburg , '' Larson said .
The season 's suspension will likely have some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only is the landlord of the stadium but also collects sales and food and beverage taxes from merchandise and concessions sold there .
A year 's rent for the stadium is currently $ 110,000 , and there have been no discussions as of yet on whether that would be affected by the pandemic .
Schaumburg 's Director of Communications Allison Albrecht said the tax revenue collected during a typical year at the stadium is about $ 74,000 .
But because of the smaller events already scheduled there -- and still being scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop to zero , she added .
Wednesday 's news was already anticipated by the village , when it added an assumption of a suspended Boomers season to its May budget update .
The Joliet Slammers announced Wednesday that they would participate in a first City Of Champions Cup at DuPage Medical Group Field beginning on July 16 .
Four teams made up of players drafted from Frontier League teams as well as other free agents will play a 27-game schedule at the Joliet ballpark through Sept. 6 .
Frontier League Commissioner Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the league was anticipating its `` best season ever . ''
`` That being said our leaguewide focus now shifts to carrying this momentum into 2021 , '' he added .

Boomers' season canceled in Schaumburg, but baseball is on in Rosemont
The Schaumburg Boomers baseball team won't play ball this summer, as the Frontier League announced the suspension of its entire 2020 season Wednesday due to lingering social-distancing protocols caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy of the Schaumburg Boomers
There will be no joy in Schaumburg from the Boomers baseball team in 2020, but fans can make the short drive to Rosemont to hear calls of "play ball" and the crack of the bat this summer.
The Frontier League, which includes the Schaumburg Boomers and Joliet Slammers, announced Wednesday morning the suspension of its entire 2020 season due to restrictions on large gatherings and travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just hours later, the Chicago Dogs announced they will resume play at Rosemont's Impact Field beginning Tuesday, July 7, with a three-game homestand against the Milwaukee Milkmen.
The Dogs play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, which earlier this month outlined plans for a 60-game season. The Dogs initially planned to play "home" games at the Milkmen's ballpark in suburban Milwaukee but said Wednesday they would instead return to Rosemont for a 30-game slate with limited spectators permitted under Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan.
"We're thrilled to be playing baseball, and especially in front of our fans at Impact Field," Dogs owner Shawn Hunter said in the announcement. "This positive news will help all of us kick off the summer celebration."
In the meantime, Frontier League officials said they could not conduct a season under the various guidelines in their teams' home markets, which include seven states and Canada.
"We all want to play Frontier League baseball in 2020," league President Rich Sauget Sr. said in a statement. "However, with the continuing limitations on social gatherings in our markets, plus travel restrictions impacting our Canadian teams, we had to make the tough decision that without availability to play in many of our 14 ballparks that a 2020 championship season was no longer realistic."
The vote of the league's board of directors was unanimous.
While smaller events -- such as Independence Day fireworks displays on the evenings of July 3 and 4 -- will make limited use of Schaumburg Boomers Stadium and its parking lot, team Vice President and General Manager Michael Larson expressed the organization's disappointment that a professional baseball season won't be played there this year.
"We've spent three months thinking about how to make something work," Larson said. "We spent the last two months waiting for something drastic to change for the positive, and it never came."
Larson added that almost all the ideas pondered to play in 2020 would have compromised the fan experience. That led to priorities' gradually changing to reaching the best decision for 2021 and beyond.
"We're committed to the long term here in Schaumburg," Larson said.
The season's suspension will likely have some financial impact on the village, which not only is the landlord of the stadium but also collects sales and food and beverage taxes from merchandise and concessions sold there.
A year's rent for the stadium is currently $110,000, and there have been no discussions as of yet on whether that would be affected by the pandemic.
Schaumburg's Director of Communications Allison Albrecht said the tax revenue collected during a typical year at the stadium is about $74,000. But because of the smaller events already scheduled there -- and still being scheduled -- that amount is not expected to drop to zero, she added.
Wednesday's news was already anticipated by the village, when it added an assumption of a suspended Boomers season to its May budget update.
The Joliet Slammers announced Wednesday that they would participate in a first City Of Champions Cup at DuPage Medical Group Field beginning on July 16. Four teams made up of players drafted from Frontier League teams as well as other free agents will play a 27-game schedule at the Joliet ballpark through Sept. 6.
Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee said the decision to cancel comes as the league was anticipating its "best season ever."
"That being said our leaguewide focus now shifts to carrying this momentum into 2021," he added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-24--Anti-abortion group sues to hold large gatherings

SPRINGFIELD -- An Illinois anti-abortion nonprofit filed a federal lawsuit challenging Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's social gathering restrictions , arguing it should be excluded from caps on attendees to charity , planning and educational events .
Illinois Right to Life 's lawsuit was filed in the Northern District just over one week after the state Republican Party filed a near-identical argument in the same court .
The two groups are represented by the Chicago-based firm Liberty Justice Center .
The cases center around the U.S. Constitution 's equal protection clause -- because Pritzker 's executive order contains a carve-out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against systemic racism protestors , it should not apply to the nonprofit , either , they claim .
According to the court document -- written by Daniel Suhr , the attorney also representing the Republican Party -- religious institutions are permitted to hold socially-distanced services of more than 10 people .
Faith-based associations are `` encouraged to consult and follow the recommended practices '' published by the Illinois Department of Public Health , but `` are not required to obey them . ''
Illinois Right to Life already canceled several previously-planned events , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendance at ones they were able to hold , Suhr wrote .
The group argued that due to the nature of its advocacy work , remote alternatives are not helpful .
`` IRL believes that internet-based alternatives are not sufficient to spread its speech effectively .
Abortion is a deeply personal topic ; the issues IRL works on are some of the most personal and emotional decisions that women and others face in their lifetimes , and conversations around them often turn emotional , '' Suhr wrote in the organization 's court document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace the interpersonal interaction called for around this topic . ''
The group is asking a federal judge to rule Pritzker 's social gathering restrictions unconstitutional and bar the government from enforcing the executive order as it applies to Illinois Right to Life .
It is also requesting to be reimbursed for attorneys ' fees .

Anti-abortion group sues to hold large gatherings
SPRINGFIELD -- An Illinois anti-abortion nonprofit filed a federal lawsuit challenging Gov. J.B. Pritzker's social gathering restrictions, arguing it should be excluded from caps on attendees to charity, planning and educational events.
Illinois Right to Life's lawsuit was filed in the Northern District just over one week after the state Republican Party filed a near-identical argument in the same court. The two groups are represented by the Chicago-based firm Liberty Justice Center.
The cases center around the U.S. Constitution's equal protection clause -- because Pritzker's executive order contains a carve-out for churches and has not been enforced against systemic racism protestors, it should not apply to the nonprofit, either, they claim.
According to the court document -- written by Daniel Suhr, the attorney also representing the Republican Party -- religious institutions are permitted to hold socially-distanced services of more than 10 people. Faith-based associations are "encouraged to consult and follow the recommended practices" published by the Illinois Department of Public Health, but "are not required to obey them."
Illinois Right to Life already canceled several previously-planned events, rescheduled others and received "minimal" attendance at ones they were able to hold, Suhr wrote. The group argued that due to the nature of its advocacy work, remote alternatives are not helpful.
"IRL believes that internet-based alternatives are not sufficient to spread its speech effectively. Abortion is a deeply personal topic; the issues IRL works on are some of the most personal and emotional decisions that women and others face in their lifetimes, and conversations around them often turn emotional," Suhr wrote in the organization's court document. "A video conference cannot replace the interpersonal interaction called for around this topic."
The group is asking a federal judge to rule Pritzker's social gathering restrictions unconstitutional and bar the government from enforcing the executive order as it applies to Illinois Right to Life. It is also requesting to be reimbursed for attorneys' fees.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-24--Democrats confirm plans for nearly all-virtual convention

Democrats will hold an almost entirely virtual presidential nominating convention Aug. 17-20 in Milwaukee using live broadcasts and online streaming , party officials said Wednesday .
Joe Biden plans to accept the presidential nomination in person , but it remains to be seen whether there will be a significant in-person audience there to see it .
The Democratic National Committee said in a statement that official business , including the votes to nominate Biden and his yet-to-be-named running mate , will take place virtually , with delegates being asked not to travel to Milwaukee .
It 's the latest sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upended American life and the 2020 presidential election , leading Biden and the party to abandon the usual trappings of an event that draws tens of thousands of people to the host city to mark the start of the general election campaign .
Not even during the Civil War or World War II did the two major parties abandon in-person conventions with crowded arenas .
Biden 's campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon said the drastically altered convention wo n't be an impediment .
`` Vice President Biden intends to proudly accept his party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next step forward towards making Donald Trump a one-term president , '' she said , adding that Biden 's campaign will continue to highlight Wisconsin as a key battleground state .
Democrats had offered strong signals before Wednesday that they 'd curtail convention activities , including when Perez pushed back the original convention dates in mid-July .
The decision was `` expected , '' Illinois delegate and state Sen. Cristina Castro said .
`` While they were holding out hope that we could meet , it 's just not safe , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing all the COVID-19 positive cases in states like Texas and Arizona . ''
State Rep. Fred Crespo added , `` It 's the responsible thing to do .
`` There 's no need to risk the health and lives of the delegates , staff and employees that would have been involved in the convention ; when we can achieve our goal remotely , '' the Hoffman Estates Democrat said .
`` Typically you see a spike in the polls after the convention , but the spike is not worth it if if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases . ''
The Republican National Committee has confirmed its official business will be conducted in Charlotte .
But Trump has said he plans to accept his nomination in Jacksonville , Florida , because Cooper would n't guarantee Republicans the ability to host a large-scale event in Charlotte 's NBA arena .

Democrats confirm plans for nearly all-virtual convention
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden arrives at Carlette's Hideaway, a soul food restaurant, to speak with small-business owners, on June 17 in Yeadon, Pa. Associated Press
Democrats will hold an almost entirely virtual presidential nominating convention Aug. 17-20 in Milwaukee using live broadcasts and online streaming, party officials said Wednesday.
Joe Biden plans to accept the presidential nomination in person, but it remains to be seen whether there will be a significant in-person audience there to see it. The Democratic National Committee said in a statement that official business, including the votes to nominate Biden and his yet-to-be-named running mate, will take place virtually, with delegates being asked not to travel to Milwaukee.
It's the latest sign of how much the COVID-19 pandemic has upended American life and the 2020 presidential election, leading Biden and the party to abandon the usual trappings of an event that draws tens of thousands of people to the host city to mark the start of the general election campaign. Not even during the Civil War or World War II did the two major parties abandon in-person conventions with crowded arenas.
Biden's campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon said the drastically altered convention won't be an impediment. "Vice President Biden intends to proudly accept his party's nomination in Milwaukee and take the next step forward towards making Donald Trump a one-term president," she said, adding that Biden's campaign will continue to highlight Wisconsin as a key battleground state.
Democrats had offered strong signals before Wednesday that they'd curtail convention activities, including when Perez pushed back the original convention dates in mid-July.
The decision was "expected," Illinois delegate and state Sen. Cristina Castro said.
"While they were holding out hope that we could meet, it's just not safe," the Elgin Democrat said. "You are seeing all the COVID-19 positive cases in states like Texas and Arizona."
State Rep. Fred Crespo added, "It's the responsible thing to do.
"There's no need to risk the health and lives of the delegates, staff and employees that would have been involved in the convention; when we can achieve our goal remotely," the Hoffman Estates Democrat said. "Typically you see a spike in the polls after the convention, but the spike is not worth it if if it leads to a spike of COVID-19 cases."
The Republican National Committee has confirmed its official business will be conducted in Charlotte. But Trump has said he plans to accept his nomination in Jacksonville, Florida, because Cooper wouldn't guarantee Republicans the ability to host a large-scale event in Charlotte's NBA arena.
• Daily Herald staff writer Marni Pyke contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-24--Baseball's comeback fact sheet: What the pandemic-shortened season will look like

For weeks , which actually felt like years , major-league baseball was stuck in place .
Owners submitted a financial proposal to launch an abbreviated season .
Players rejected it .
Players countered with a financial plan .
Owners rejected it .
Back and forth , and on and on .
It was a painful process for all involved , with baseball fans at the front of the line .
On Tuesday night , commissioner Rob Manfred used his authority to implement a season at prorated pay for players , so there will be baseball this summer .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acceptable -- for the game , for the fans and for all the regional TV sports networks that have been airing games from season 's past .
Baseball is going to look different when `` Opening Day '' arrives later in July , and that 's OK .
It will be familiar enough to provide some needed normalcy in challenging times .
What 's it going to look like ?
The official guidebook is still being finalized , but here are some key things to keep an eye on : • When is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to start ?
It looks like July 1 is the day , with all major-league clubs getting ramped back up at their home stadiums .
• Is there enough room at Wrigley Field for the Cubs to get ready ?
Enough room at Guaranteed Rate Field for the White Sox ?
No .
The Associated Press reports teams are going to carry 60 players on the major-league roster for the shortened season , so the Cubs and Sox are going to need another training facility .
Both teams should stay pretty close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their camp between Wrigley and Northwestern and the White Sox could spill over to another college campus , nearby Illinois-Chicago .
• How are 60 players going to fit in the dugout when the season starts ?
Teams are going to open the season with 30 players on the major-league roster .
The other 30 will be on a taxi squad .
• How many games , and when do they start ?
There will be 60 games in the regular season and , according to USA Today , four teams will play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationally-televised games .
The other 26 teams will open on July 24 .
• What 's the schedule going to look like ?
The Cubs will play 10 games each against the NL Central ( Cardinals , Brewers , Reds , Pirates ) and four games each vs. the AL Central ( White Sox , Twins , Indians , Royals , Tigers ) .
The Sox play 10 games each against AL Central teams and four each vs. the NL Central .
• Will fans be allowed at Wrigley and Sox Park ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Todd Ricketts is hoping that changes as the summer progresses .
`` Almost all of our revenue comes from hosting games at the ballpark , tickets , concessions , everything that goes with that , '' Ricketts said last week .
`` So it makes for a complicated financial situation for us .
We 're going to work as hard as we can with the city and move as quickly as we can within the realms of good practices to try to get people back in the park . ''
On Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open for some fans to return to ballparks .
`` My expectation in the short-term is that they will reopen without fans in the stands , '' Lightfoot said .
`` My hope is that we can get to a place where we can see some fans in the seats in stadiums and other venues .
Because of where we are in the arc of the virus , industries that require very large gatherings , such as spectator sports and conventions , will remain closed at this time . ''
• What about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the postseason will stay at 10 teams .
It looks like a go for both leagues .
The White Sox are set with newcomer Edwin Encarnacion and the Cubs have a long list of options , headed by Kyle Schwarber .
• What about the coronavirus ?
Might be burying the lead here -- health is a huge concern and it could put the brakes on baseball again at a moment 's notice .
Rockies all-star outfielder Charlie Blackmon reportedly became the latest player to test positive for COVID-19 and the numbers could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hopefully , that is not a story for another day .

Baseball's comeback fact sheet: What the pandemic-shortened season will look like
A preview of what's to come for the MLB: Stadium seats are empty as a part of precaution against the new coronavirus during a baseball game between Hanwha Eagles and SK Wyverns in Incheon, South Korea, Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Associated Press
For weeks, which actually felt like years, major-league baseball was stuck in place.
Owners submitted a financial proposal to launch an abbreviated season. Players rejected it.
Players countered with a financial plan. Owners rejected it.
Back and forth, and on and on. It was a painful process for all involved, with baseball fans at the front of the line.
On Tuesday night, commissioner Rob Manfred used his authority to implement a season at prorated pay for players, so there will be baseball this summer.
That's a good thing -- great is also acceptable -- for the game, for the fans and for all the regional TV sports networks that have been airing games from season's past.
Baseball is going to look different when "Opening Day" arrives later in July, and that's OK.
It will be familiar enough to provide some needed normalcy in challenging times.
What's it going to look like?
The official guidebook is still being finalized, but here are some key things to keep an eye on:
• When is Spring Training, Pt. 2, going to start?
It looks like July 1 is the day, with all major-league clubs getting ramped back up at their home stadiums.
• Is there enough room at Wrigley Field for the Cubs to get ready? Enough room at Guaranteed Rate Field for the White Sox?
No. The Associated Press reports teams are going to carry 60 players on the major-league roster for the shortened season, so the Cubs and Sox are going to need another training facility.
Both teams should stay pretty close to home. The Cubs could split their camp between Wrigley and Northwestern and the White Sox could spill over to another college campus, nearby Illinois-Chicago.
• How are 60 players going to fit in the dugout when the season starts?
Teams are going to open the season with 30 players on the major-league roster. The other 30 will be on a taxi squad.
• How many games, and when do they start?
There will be 60 games in the regular season and, according to USA Today, four teams will play on July 23 in a pair of nationally-televised games. The other 26 teams will open on July 24.
• What's the schedule going to look like?
The Cubs will play 10 games each against the NL Central (Cardinals, Brewers, Reds, Pirates) and four games each vs. the AL Central (White Sox, Twins, Indians, Royals, Tigers).
The Sox play 10 games each against AL Central teams and four each vs. the NL Central.
• Will fans be allowed at Wrigley and Sox Park?
To start, no. Cubs chairman Todd Ricketts is hoping that changes as the summer progresses.
"Almost all of our revenue comes from hosting games at the ballpark, tickets, concessions, everything that goes with that," Ricketts said last week. "So it makes for a complicated financial situation for us. We're going to work as hard as we can with the city and move as quickly as we can within the realms of good practices to try to get people back in the park."
On Tuesday, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot kept the door open for some fans to return to ballparks.
"My expectation in the short-term is that they will reopen without fans in the stands," Lightfoot said. "My hope is that we can get to a place where we can see some fans in the seats in stadiums and other venues. Because of where we are in the arc of the virus, industries that require very large gatherings, such as spectator sports and conventions, will remain closed at this time."
• What about the playoffs?
Barring a change, the postseason will stay at 10 teams.
• What about designated hitter?
It looks like a go for both leagues.
The White Sox are set with newcomer Edwin Encarnacion and the Cubs have a long list of options, headed by Kyle Schwarber.
• What about the coronavirus?
Might be burying the lead here -- health is a huge concern and it could put the brakes on baseball again at a moment's notice.
Rockies all-star outfielder Charlie Blackmon reportedly became the latest player to test positive for COVID-19 and the numbers could continue rising as teams report for camp.
Hopefully, that is not a story for another day.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-24--'Cacerolazo' protest held in front of Elgin City Hall

In a sight -- and sound -- new to Elgin , protesters banged on pots and pans as part of an effort , quite literally , to be heard .
`` We are here mainly because we need police reform , '' said Sandra `` Sandy '' Davila , a member of the group `` Elgin in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter '' who wore a bright yellow face covering while banging on a pan with a wooden spoon .
The group organized a `` cacerolazo , '' the Spanish term for such a protest , in front of city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting Wednesday .
About 40 people showed up .
Inside , council members voted to require more police officers to live in town , hire an outside firm to investigate serious allegations of police misconduct and add two residents to the board of police and fire commissioners .
The activists ' group has crafted a list of six demands to the city related to policing .
They include : diverting funds from the police department to mental health , housing and other social services ; forcing the resignation of Lt. Chris Jensen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 ; forming a citizens body that would oversee police internal investigations , discipline , hiring and contracts ; removing police from U-46 schools ; adding clear body camera procedures and strict enforcement ; and allowing listening to police radio communications that currently are encrypted .
`` The argument is not whether there is racism in our city or not , '' resident Heidi Cruz said .
`` We are telling you it exists in our police force . ''
Resident Marcus Bradley said residents are demanding change .
`` If I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my community members to trust in all of you , then what do we need you for ? ''
he said .
`` At the end of the day we count on you to leave a great legacy here , within our city . ''
The council voted so that the board of police and fire commissioners , which handles the hiring process for police and fire , will have five civilians -- including two women and two minorities -- .
plus the police chief and fire chief .
Councilman Terry Gavin voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hiring an outside firm to investigate serious allegations -- use of force , breach of civil rights , discrimination , incidents involving serious injury or death and more -- against sworn police officers and other police employees .
That 's typically two to three cases per year , Corporation Counsel Bill Cogley said .
The council also approved requiring police commanders and lieutenants hired or promoted July 1 or after to live in Elgin , with a grace period of up to 24 months including an OK from the city manager .
Councilmembers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted `` no . ''
Residency is already required for the police chief and deputy chief .
A residency requirement for new rank-and-file officers is subject to pending union negotiations .
Sergeants are attempting to unionize , so residency requirement for them was not discussed .
`` They 're are currently trying to unionize , so we were advised by corporate council that including them while they are trying to unionize would violate their rights , '' Councilman Corey Dixon said .

'Cacerolazo' protest held in front of Elgin city hall
In a sight -- and sound -- new to Elgin, protesters banged on pots and pans as part of an effort, quite literally, to be heard.
"We are here mainly because we need police reform," said Sandra "Sandy" Davila, a member of the group "Elgin in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter" who wore a bright yellow face covering while banging on a pan with a wooden spoon.
The group organized a "cacerolazo," the Spanish term for such a protest, in front of city hall before and during the city council meeting Wednesday. About 40 people showed up.
Inside, council members voted to require more police officers to live in town, hire an outside firm to investigate serious allegations of police misconduct and add two residents to the board of police and fire commissioners.
The activists' group has crafted a list of six demands to the city related to policing.
They include: diverting funds from the police department to mental health, housing and other social services; forcing the resignation of Lt. Chris Jensen, who fatally shot resident Decynthia Clements in 2018; forming a citizens body that would oversee police internal investigations, discipline, hiring and contracts; removing police from U-46 schools; adding clear body camera procedures and strict enforcement; and allowing listening to police radio communications that currently are encrypted.
"The argument is not whether there is racism in our city or not," resident Heidi Cruz said. "We are telling you it exists in our police force."
Resident Marcus Bradley said residents are demanding change. "If I can't sit there and tell 100 of my community members to trust in all of you, then what do we need you for?" he said. "At the end of the day we count on you to leave a great legacy here, within our city."
The council voted so that the board of police and fire commissioners, which handles the hiring process for police and fire, will have five civilians -- including two women and two minorities --. plus the police chief and fire chief. Councilman Terry Gavin voted "no."
The council approved hiring an outside firm to investigate serious allegations -- use of force, breach of civil rights, discrimination, incidents involving serious injury or death and more -- against sworn police officers and other police employees. That's typically two to three cases per year, Corporation Counsel Bill Cogley said.
The council also approved requiring police commanders and lieutenants hired or promoted July 1 or after to live in Elgin, with a grace period of up to 24 months including an OK from the city manager. Councilmembers Gavin, Toby Shaw and Rose Martinez voted "no."
Residency is already required for the police chief and deputy chief. A residency requirement for new rank-and-file officers is subject to pending union negotiations.
Sergeants are attempting to unionize, so residency requirement for them was not discussed.
"They're are currently trying to unionize, so we were advised by corporate council that including them while they are trying to unionize would violate their rights," Councilman Corey Dixon said.
• Staff photographer John Starks contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-25--COVID-19 pandemic leads Elgin couple to close store, look for new magazine owner

Mary and Jeffrey Pierce have been prominent players in Elgin 's business and cultural scene , between her eclectic downtown boutique and his vibrant monthly magazine about arts , entertainment and community events .
The COVID-19 pandemic , however , will change that .
The boutique , Soulful Sparrow , will close July 31 , and the couple plans to move to Wisconsin later this year , leading to an uncertain future for the magazine , Bravo .
`` We raised our family here .
We have grown to love it here .
That 's why we do what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We do n't make a lot of money in those two things ... we do it because we love our community and we love to serve our community . ''
Soulful Sparrow at 10 Douglas Ave. opened in 2012 selling women 's clothing , scarves , jewelry , candles , purses , stationery and more .
Mary Pierce , 56 , has been its sole proprietor since 2018 after having business partners over the years .
When the stay-at-home order was issued in March , the store had just restocked with spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopened in May , but between rent obligations , not being equipped -- or passionate -- about selling online and an uncertain future , she decided to close for good , she said .
Everything is on sale through July 31 .
`` There was a lot of money that was about to be tied to Christmas merchandise that , if it sat there like in the spring , it would be financial ruin for me , '' she said .
`` I figured , quit while I was ahead . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving Elgin is bittersweet , but it all makes sense .
`` I do think ( closing the boutique ) is bad thing for Elgin , but it 's not necessarily a bad thing for me . ''
As for her plans , she probably will try to open another store , or work at another store in some capacity , she said .
Jeffrey , 57 , is the founder , editor and publisher of Bravo , which he started in July 2015 and earlier this year was distributing 4,000 copies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He plans to stay on through the end of the year but hopes to find a new owner -- he envisions someone local with strong ties to the community -- to take over for a `` refresh '' in 2021 .
The magazine overall breaks even financially between publishing costs and advertising revenue , he said .
The editorial content is submitted by contributors -- such as retired teachers , bloggers and student journalists -- for free or in exchange for a quarter-page ad .
The cover art is by a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or with some connection to town .
Jeffrey , who works from home in software and databases , calls the magazine `` a demanding hobby '' that takes up to 180 hours per month , what with putting it together , printing it and delivering it to more than 100 locations in Elgin , South Elgin and the Dundee area .
A commissioned sales person helps out , but mostly it 's Jeffrey driving around in his station wagon .
The closing of Soulful Sparrow , coupled with his job at RR Donnelley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so he does n't have to go to an office , led to the decision to move to Wisconsin , where he and his wife have family and friends .
`` We always had plans for life after Elgin , but we thought it would n't happen for another 10 years , '' he said .
So far there 's been no concrete interest in Bravo , although people have expressed dismay at the thought of it ending , he said .
So why would someone take over ?
`` The reward is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I do n't .
It 's the people I meet and the satisfaction of people reading it and liking it , and finding value . ''
Anyone interested can email Jeffrey at bravo @ marqueemedia.net .

COVID-19 pandemic leads Elgin couple to close store, look for new magazine owner
Mary and Jeffrey Pierce have been prominent players in Elgin's business and cultural scene, between her eclectic downtown boutique and his vibrant monthly magazine about arts, entertainment and community events.
The COVID-19 pandemic, however, will change that. The boutique, Soulful Sparrow, will close July 31, and the couple plans to move to Wisconsin later this year, leading to an uncertain future for the magazine, Bravo.
"We raised our family here. We have grown to love it here. That's why we do what we do," Mary Pierce said. "We don't make a lot of money in those two things ... we do it because we love our community and we love to serve our community."
Soulful Sparrow
Soulful Sparrow at 10 Douglas Ave. opened in 2012 selling women's clothing, scarves, jewelry, candles, purses, stationery and more. Mary Pierce, 56, has been its sole proprietor since 2018 after having business partners over the years.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Soulful Sparrow women's clothing and accessories store in Elgin, owned by Mary Pierce, will close July 31.
When the stay-at-home order was issued in March, the store had just restocked with spring merchandise, Mary said. The store reopened in May, but between rent obligations, not being equipped -- or passionate -- about selling online and an uncertain future, she decided to close for good, she said. Everything is on sale through July 31.
"There was a lot of money that was about to be tied to Christmas merchandise that, if it sat there like in the spring, it would be financial ruin for me," she said. "I figured, quit while I was ahead."
The decision was difficult and the thought of leaving Elgin is bittersweet, but it all makes sense. "I do think (closing the boutique) is bad thing for Elgin, but it's not necessarily a bad thing for me."
As for her plans, she probably will try to open another store, or work at another store in some capacity, she said.
Bravo magazine
Jeffrey, 57, is the founder, editor and publisher of Bravo, which he started in July 2015 and earlier this year was distributing 4,000 copies, now down to 2,000 during the pandemic. He plans to stay on through the end of the year but hopes to find a new owner -- he envisions someone local with strong ties to the community -- to take over for a "refresh" in 2021.
Jeffrey Pierce, founder, editor and publisher of Bravo, hopes a new, local owner will take over the monthly magazine in 2021. - Courtesy of Jeffrey Pierce
The magazine overall breaks even financially between publishing costs and advertising revenue, he said. The editorial content is submitted by contributors -- such as retired teachers, bloggers and student journalists -- for free or in exchange for a quarter-page ad. The cover art is by a different artist each month, many from Elgin or with some connection to town.
Jeffrey, who works from home in software and databases, calls the magazine "a demanding hobby" that takes up to 180 hours per month, what with putting it together, printing it and delivering it to more than 100 locations in Elgin, South Elgin and the Dundee area. A commissioned sales person helps out, but mostly it's Jeffrey driving around in his station wagon.
The closing of Soulful Sparrow, coupled with his job at RR Donnelley changing in the wake of the pandemic so he doesn't have to go to an office, led to the decision to move to Wisconsin, where he and his wife have family and friends.
"We always had plans for life after Elgin, but we thought it wouldn't happen for another 10 years," he said.
So far there's been no concrete interest in Bravo, although people have expressed dismay at the thought of it ending, he said.
So why would someone take over? "The reward is certainly not in making a profit, because I don't. It's the people I meet and the satisfaction of people reading it and liking it, and finding value."
Anyone interested can email Jeffrey at bravo@marqueemedia.net.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-25--Constable: Ready ... set ... hey, hold on a sec on the pandemic reopening

During this COVID-19 pandemic , the only thing we have to fear is ... well , that depends on who you are , where you are , what you are doing and what everybody else around you is doing .
Uncertainty is the key word for 2020 , and I 'm not a fan of ambiguity .
In 2003 , I wrote a column boldly predicting Barack Obama could be president someday , and I was right .
In 2016 , I arrogantly assured my worried mom that America would never elect a reality TV celebrity as president , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ readers the Chicago Cubs had what it took to win the World Series , and I was right -- in 2016 -- and wrong , well , every other year .
It 's not pleasant to be wrong , but there is some comfort in voicing a well-researched opinion -- right or wrong .
I ca n't do that with COVID-19 .
I do n't know the answers .
I do know that people were wrong when they compared the lockdown to slavery and equated Gov .
J.B. Pritzker with Hitler .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear this , but being ripped from your family , sold , whipped , gassed and treated as property is not the same as being forced to order takeout food .
Friday , we move beyond all that nonsense as we transition into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan .
I 'll probably still write Phase 3 on my checks .
My wife and I keep our masks with us during neighborhood walks .
We do n't wear them unless someone approaches and neither of us can gracefully step into the street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which no one else seems to know .
If a single walker approaches a couple coming from the other direction , the single walker must veer out of the way to avoid breathing on the couple .
However , if one old person is approaching two young people , the youngsters must yield the right of way .
We 've walked to restaurants with outdoor seating , but end up getting takeout because I 'm not comfortable with the table spacing .
The lakefront is open .
Is that safe ?
Restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that safe ?
Is a half-full movie theater safe , and will patrons keep their distance and wear masks ?
Even in the pre-pandemic years , I did n't trust movie patrons to abide by the regulations against carrying on conversations and texting while flipping off anyone who shushes .
Bars are open .
Is that safe ?
What if there are only 50 people in a bar , but they all are crowded around the guy tying cherry stems into knots with only his tongue ?
Will we have baseball at Wrigley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Will there be fans ?
Will it be safe ?
I do n't know .
I do n't know .
I do n't know .
But if there is a World Series , I confidently predict the Cubs have what it takes to win it .
The book club my wife and I belong to includes an infectious disease doctor , a registered nurse and two medical writers .
We have n't met in person in months .
Our three sons , coming from New Orleans , Ohio and Los Angeles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring home the virus and kill me , a 62-year-old guy with asthma .
Then my wife , one of the medical writers mentioned earlier , shows me a story that suggests asthma is n't as big of a health risk as originally thought .
She , however , with her type A blood , might have an increased risk .
I 've read stories of old people , young healthy people and even kids dying from COVID-19 .
And I 've read stories of old people , sick people and in-your-face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and < URL destination= '' https : //www.dailyherald.com/article/20200622/business/306229902/ ?
cid=search '' > the FDA now says the wrong hand sanitizer could kill you .
< /URL > I 'm not sure about any of this .
When will COVID-19 all be a painful memory ?
I do n't know .
Maybe when we enter Phase 5 ?

Constable: Ready ... set ... hey, hold on a sec on the pandemic reopening
A year ago, regular folks had no idea what this might be. But the coronavirus, depicted as viewed through a microscope in this illustration created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has killed more than 122,000 Americans, and disrupted all our lives. Courtesy of the CDC
Two women take advantage of newly reopened indoor dining Monday in Salisbury, Massachusetts. Illinois will make the move on Friday. Associated Press
During this COVID-19 pandemic, the only thing we have to fear is ... well, that depends on who you are, where you are, what you are doing and what everybody else around you is doing.
Uncertainty is the key word for 2020, and I'm not a fan of ambiguity. In 2003, I wrote a column boldly predicting Barack Obama could be president someday, and I was right. In 2016, I arrogantly assured my worried mom that America would never elect a reality TV celebrity as president, and I was wrong. I confidently told readers the Chicago Cubs had what it took to win the World Series, and I was right -- in 2016 -- and wrong, well, every other year.
It's not pleasant to be wrong, but there is some comfort in voicing a well-researched opinion -- right or wrong.
I can't do that with COVID-19. I don't know the answers. I do know that people were wrong when they compared the lockdown to slavery and equated Gov. J.B. Pritzker with Hitler. I can't believe some people need to hear this, but being ripped from your family, sold, whipped, gassed and treated as property is not the same as being forced to order takeout food.
Friday, we move beyond all that nonsense as we transition into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan. I'll probably still write Phase 3 on my checks.
My wife and I keep our masks with us during neighborhood walks. We don't wear them unless someone approaches and neither of us can gracefully step into the street. We have a set of rules, which no one else seems to know. If a single walker approaches a couple coming from the other direction, the single walker must veer out of the way to avoid breathing on the couple. However, if one old person is approaching two young people, the youngsters must yield the right of way.
We've walked to restaurants with outdoor seating, but end up getting takeout because I'm not comfortable with the table spacing.
The lakefront is open. Is that safe? Restaurants will have indoor social-distancing dining. Is that safe? Is a half-full movie theater safe, and will patrons keep their distance and wear masks?
Even in the pre-pandemic years, I didn't trust movie patrons to abide by the regulations against carrying on conversations and texting while flipping off anyone who shushes.
Bars are open. Is that safe? What if there are only 50 people in a bar, but they all are crowded around the guy tying cherry stems into knots with only his tongue?
Will we have baseball at Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field in 2020? Will there be fans? Will it be safe? I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. But if there is a World Series, I confidently predict the Cubs have what it takes to win it.
The book club my wife and I belong to includes an infectious disease doctor, a registered nurse and two medical writers. We haven't met in person in months. Our three sons, coming from New Orleans, Ohio and Los Angeles, all have expressed concerns about not wanting to bring home the virus and kill me, a 62-year-old guy with asthma. Then my wife, one of the medical writers mentioned earlier, shows me a story that suggests asthma isn't as big of a health risk as originally thought. She, however, with her type A blood, might have an increased risk.
I've read stories of old people, young healthy people and even kids dying from COVID-19. And I've read stories of old people, sick people and in-your-face stupid people surviving COVID-19. Oh, and the FDA now says the wrong hand sanitizer could kill you. I'm not sure about any of this. When will COVID-19 all be a painful memory?
I don't know. Maybe when we enter Phase 5?


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-25--Cook Memorial library board rebukes ex-president's comments, pledges diversity training

One day after its president resigned over comments and social media posts she 'd made , the Cook Memorial Public Library District board on Wednesday formally rebuked those remarks and reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusivity .
Trustees with the Libertyville-based agency also voted to pursue diversity and anti-bias training for themselves and employees .
Additionally , the board voted to review its policies and bylaws and to pursue a survey of how staffers feel about their interactions with trustees .
The decisions were prompted by the controversy around now-former board President Bonnie Quirke 's behavior .
Quirke came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week for homophobic comments she made in a speech to a conservative group in 2010 , five years into her tenure .
The speech did n't cause a stir until a video of it circulated through social media this month .
`` The library abounds with the homosexual agenda , especially in the children 's department , '' Quirke is seen saying .
She singled out a picture book in the Cook Memorial collection called `` Heather Has Two Mommies '' for derision and also said `` predators '' have taken over .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were assailed by patrons and some fellow trustees .
Many called on Quirke to step down , and she did so Tuesday .
In her resignation letter , Quirke cited her free speech rights and said her personal positions never influenced library operations .
The board held a special remote meeting Wednesday to address the controversy and to determine what steps to take next .
The resolution criticizing Quirke 's comments and affirming the library 's mission came first .
In part , the resolution admonishes Quirke for expressing personal views `` that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated mission of inclusion of all . ''
It also says Quirke 's comments did n't match the library 's goal of maintaining `` diverse and inclusive programming , services and collections . ''
The two-page document goes on to say that library trustee and staffers `` are committed to maintaining a Library where our community comes together and marginalized voices are recognized . ''
Five of the board 's six remaining trustees voted in favor of the resolution .
Trustee Ann Oakley voted `` present . ''
When later asked by an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Oakley declined to comment .
When asked about the vote by the Daily Herald , Oakley said : `` It 's time to move on . ''
Discussions about training , the bylaws and a possible staff survey followed .
Trustees noted Cook Memorial team members have had diversity training in the past .
But Trustee Karen Singer said sessions are needed that `` will truly help . ''
As for the pending policy review , Trustee Phyllis Dobbs called for the creation of an ethics code .
More than 75 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the controversy and the road forward .

Cook Memorial library board rebukes ex-president's comments, pledges diversity training
One day after its president resigned over comments and social media posts she'd made, the Cook Memorial Public Library District board on Wednesday formally rebuked those remarks and reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Trustees with the Libertyville-based agency also voted to pursue diversity and anti-bias training for themselves and employees.
Additionally, the board voted to review its policies and bylaws and to pursue a survey of how staffers feel about their interactions with trustees.
The decisions were prompted by the controversy around now-former board President Bonnie Quirke's behavior.
Quirke came under fire during a board meeting last week for homophobic comments she made in a speech to a conservative group in 2010, five years into her tenure. The speech didn't cause a stir until a video of it circulated through social media this month.
"The library abounds with the homosexual agenda, especially in the children's department," Quirke is seen saying. She singled out a picture book in the Cook Memorial collection called "Heather Has Two Mommies" for derision and also said "predators" have taken over.
Racially inflammatory Facebook posts Quirke made also were assailed by patrons and some fellow trustees. Many called on Quirke to step down, and she did so Tuesday.
In her resignation letter, Quirke cited her free speech rights and said her personal positions never influenced library operations.
The board held a special remote meeting Wednesday to address the controversy and to determine what steps to take next.
The resolution criticizing Quirke's comments and affirming the library's mission came first.
In part, the resolution admonishes Quirke for expressing personal views "that are not consistent with the Library's stated mission of inclusion of all." It also says Quirke's comments didn't match the library's goal of maintaining "diverse and inclusive programming, services and collections."
The two-page document goes on to say that library trustee and staffers "are committed to maintaining a Library where our community comes together and marginalized voices are recognized."
Five of the board's six remaining trustees voted in favor of the resolution. Trustee Ann Oakley voted "present."
When later asked by an audience member why she voted that way, Oakley declined to comment. When asked about the vote by the Daily Herald, Oakley said: "It's time to move on."
Discussions about training, the bylaws and a possible staff survey followed.
Trustees noted Cook Memorial team members have had diversity training in the past. But Trustee Karen Singer said sessions are needed that "will truly help."
As for the pending policy review, Trustee Phyllis Dobbs called for the creation of an ethics code.
More than 75 people observed the meeting. Many shared opinions on the controversy and the road forward.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-25--Remove the Graue Mill dam? Public soon can weigh in on controversial proposal

A group working to improve DuPage County 's rivers is preparing to take public comment on a controversial plan to remove the Graue Mill dam at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook .
The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup says replacing the low-level dam with a rock riffle would help improve the water quality in Salt Creek and allow fish to travel upstream .
But the dam -- next to the historic Graue Mill -- is one of the most visited sites in the county and often serves as a backdrop for family and wedding photos .
Some already are organizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karen Bushy , a former village president of Oak Brook , has started a petition at change.org to save the dam and by Wednesday afternoon 8,971 people had signed it .
`` The Graue Mill dam has been part of Salt Creek at York Road for as far back as we can find records , '' the petition reads .
`` It allowed Frederick Graue to build his mill there ... Hard to picture a historic mill with no water running past it ! ''
Officials with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said the earliest it could be replaced is in 2022 .
In the meantime , the public comment period for a master plan for Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods is scheduled to begin July 7 and last a month .
The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup will host virtual open houses on July 7 and 9 to explain the master plan .
In a statement released this week , officials said the plan will improve water quality and recreation on Salt Creek while preserving the historic mill .
They said the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality requirements while avoiding roughly $ 200 million in potential costs to taxpayers in DuPage and Cook counties .
Improving Salt Creek would save local wastewater treatment plants -- and the residents they serve -- money because the state monitors compliance with the Clean Water Act by doing surveys of water quality and aquatic life .
If rivers are n't meeting water quality goals , the state can impose additional requirements on the local wastewater treatment plants .
But many costly mandates could be avoided if the treatment plants pay for projects that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ master plan for Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods includes the creation of native wetland and habitat , canoe launches and fishing stations at the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center , and additional amenities at the preserve .
Of course , the idea local residents are concerned about is the removal of the dam .
Constructed in 1934 , the dam was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps after the forest preserve district took over the property .
It was the latest in a series of dams that had been constructed on the site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replaced a structure that was destroyed in 1916 , but officials say it 's not a re-creation of a previous dam .
In fact , they say the dam is n't correctly sized to reliably power the mill wheel .
Meanwhile , monitoring of Salt Creek has found very low dissolved oxygen levels upstream of the dam and a large decrease in fish biodiversity there .
Replacing the dam with a rock riffle would increase dissolved oxygen levels and allow fish to travel for 17 miles upstream of the dam .
No alterations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has used an electric motor for its milling operations for several years .
The DuPage River Salt Workgroup already has roughly $ 5 million needed to do the project .
It wo n't require any additional public investment , officials said .
Jeff Gahris of the Sierra Club said the club 's River Prairie Group supports restoring Salt Creek `` to enhance benefits for area wildlife , including many native fish that are currently unable to swim upstream past the dam .
`` We believe this project will enhance the natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corridor along the stream , '' Gahris said in a statement .
To get more information about the master plan and to register for the virtual open houses , visit restoresaltcreek.org .

Remove the Graue Mill dam? Public soon can weigh in on controversial proposal
A group working to improve DuPage County's rivers is preparing to take public comment on a controversial plan to remove the Graue Mill dam at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook.
The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup says replacing the low-level dam with a rock riffle would help improve the water quality in Salt Creek and allow fish to travel upstream.
But the dam -- next to the historic Graue Mill -- is one of the most visited sites in the county and often serves as a backdrop for family and wedding photos. Some already are organizing an effort to oppose its removal.
Karen Bushy, a former village president of Oak Brook, has started a petition at change.org to save the dam and by Wednesday afternoon 8,971 people had signed it.
"The Graue Mill dam has been part of Salt Creek at York Road for as far back as we can find records," the petition reads. "It allowed Frederick Graue to build his mill there ... Hard to picture a historic mill with no water running past it!"
Officials with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, which owns the dam, have said the earliest it could be replaced is in 2022.
In the meantime, the public comment period for a master plan for Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods is scheduled to begin July 7 and last a month. The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup will host virtual open houses on July 7 and 9 to explain the master plan.
In a statement released this week, officials said the plan will improve water quality and recreation on Salt Creek while preserving the historic mill. They said the plan is designed to help meet legal water quality requirements while avoiding roughly $200 million in potential costs to taxpayers in DuPage and Cook counties.
Improving Salt Creek would save local wastewater treatment plants -- and the residents they serve -- money because the state monitors compliance with the Clean Water Act by doing surveys of water quality and aquatic life.
If rivers aren't meeting water quality goals, the state can impose additional requirements on the local wastewater treatment plants. But many costly mandates could be avoided if the treatment plants pay for projects that improve local waterways.
Officials said the master plan for Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods includes the creation of native wetland and habitat, canoe launches and fishing stations at the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, and additional amenities at the preserve.
Of course, the idea local residents are concerned about is the removal of the dam.
Constructed in 1934, the dam was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps after the forest preserve district took over the property. It was the latest in a series of dams that had been constructed on the site in the 1800s.
The existing dam replaced a structure that was destroyed in 1916, but officials say it's not a re-creation of a previous dam. In fact, they say the dam isn't correctly sized to reliably power the mill wheel.
Meanwhile, monitoring of Salt Creek has found very low dissolved oxygen levels upstream of the dam and a large decrease in fish biodiversity there.
Replacing the dam with a rock riffle would increase dissolved oxygen levels and allow fish to travel for 17 miles upstream of the dam.
No alterations will be made to the historic millhouse, which has used an electric motor for its milling operations for several years.
The DuPage River Salt Workgroup already has roughly $5 million needed to do the project. It won't require any additional public investment, officials said.
Jeff Gahris of the Sierra Club said the club's River Prairie Group supports restoring Salt Creek "to enhance benefits for area wildlife, including many native fish that are currently unable to swim upstream past the dam.
"We believe this project will enhance the natural beauty and recreational opportunities for a milelong corridor along the stream," Gahris said in a statement.
To get more information about the master plan and to register for the virtual open houses, visit restoresaltcreek.org.