dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-25--No cafes, no tourists: Virus empties streets of old Athens

ATHENS , Greece -- It 's been a while since visitors to Greece sought out souvenirs in Athens ' oldest neighborhood .
The winding streets of Plaka , laid out long before the city imported a grid system , are lined with closed stores behind aluminum shutters .
The coronavirus pandemic has kept tourists away from the historic city center that forms a semi-circle around the Acropolis , and the area remained unusually devoid of pedestrians and motorists before Christmas .
In their absence , ancient monuments are a little easier to make out from a distance , fewer horns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parked in front of cafes are a little less aloof .
Greece so far has imposed two nationwide lockdowns since the start of the pandemic .
The first , in the spring , kept the country 's infection rates low .
Authorities ordered the second in response to a rapid post-summer rise in reported cases and as of Christmas Eve has seen 4,4,57 confirmed virus-related deaths .
The restrictions have closed bars , restaurants , coffee shops and many other businesses considered non-essential but which make up a large slice of Greece 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traveling to the country plummeted 76.1 % during the first 10 months of 2020 compared to a year earlier .
Spending sank 77 % , according to central bank data released this week .
Greece is expected to see a 10.5 % contraction of its gross domestic product this year compared to the forecasted EU average of 7.4 % , while its debt-to-GDP ratio is set to surge to a staggering 208.9 % .

No cafes, no tourists: Virus empties streets of old Athens
Two men wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus walk past a giant mural by Greek street artist iNO depicting the eyes of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, in Athens, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. Greece is expected to see a 10.5% contraction of its gross domestic product this year, above the forecasted EU average of 7.4%, while its debt-to-GDP ratio is set to surge to a staggering 208.9% according to the EU and Greek authorities. Associated Press
A woman prays outside an Orthodox Church in the Monastiraki district of Athens, on Sunday Dec. 20, 2020. Despite six weeks of lockdown measures, coronavirus deaths and infections remain high, piling pressure on the country's health system. Associated Press
A cat sits on a table in an empty street in the Plaka, district of Athens, in the background is the ancient Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis hill, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. Outbreaks of COVID-19 prompted Greece to impose two countrywide lockdowns, in the spring, keeping infection rates low, and in the fall as authorities scrambled to cope with a rampant rise in cases. Associated Press
A man with an umbrella walks in the rain on Pnyx hill in front the ancient Acropolis hill, with the ruins of the fifth century BC Parthenon temple, in Athens, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020 Greek officials say the number of new infections is waning in most parts of the country, which has been in lockdown for weeks. Associated Press
A woman walks on an empty street in the Plaka district of Athens with a part of the ancient Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis in the background, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. Outbreaks of COVID-19 prompted Greece to impose two countrywide lockdowns, in the spring, keeping infection rates low, and in the fall as authorities scrambled to cope with a rampant rise in cases. Associated Press
Empty streets near Omonoia square, in central Athens, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, during a lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic. The number of visitors traveling to the country plummeted by 76.1% on the year in the first 10 months of 2020. Spending also sank by 77%, according to central bank data released on December. Associated Press
A man walks in Syntagma metro station, with the Greek Parliament building in the background, in central Athens, during lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic, on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 . Greek authorities say the use of face masks will be compulsory on pain of a 150-euro ($163) fine - in public transport and shops from May 4, when the country starts to ease its lockdown restrictions. Associated Press
A man sleeps on a street outside shuttered shops in the Monastiraki district of Athens during lockdown measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, on Monday, April 27, 2020. Associated Press
An elderly man wearing a mask to protect against the spread of the coronavirus walks with his dogs near Areopagus hill during a lockdown by the Greek government to prevent the spread of COVID-19, in Athens, on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Most of Athens' historic center, Plaka and nearby districts in a semi-circle around the Acropolis, is unusually quiet during the two nationwide lockdowns imposed by the greek goverment. Associated Press
A man walks in the Plaka district of Athens past closed coffee shop and restaurants during a lockdown order by the Greek government to to avoid the spread of the coronavirus in Athens, on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Associated Press
A family looks at an empty street in the Plaka district of Athens during a lockdown order by the Greek government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Athens, on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Outbreaks of COVID-19 prompted Greece to impose two countrywide lockdowns, in the spring, keeping infection rates low, and in the fall as authorities scrambled to cope with a rampant rise in cases. Associated Press
An elderly man walks along a nearly empty street of Psiri, in central Athens, on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. Outbreaks of COVID-19 prompted Greece to impose two countrywide lockdowns, in the spring, keeping infection rates low, and in the fall as authorities scrambled to cope with a rampant rise in cases. Associated Press
ATHENS, Greece -- It's been a while since visitors to Greece sought out souvenirs in Athens' oldest neighborhood.
The winding streets of Plaka, laid out long before the city imported a grid system, are lined with closed stores behind aluminum shutters. The coronavirus pandemic has kept tourists away from the historic city center that forms a semi-circle around the Acropolis, and the area remained unusually devoid of pedestrians and motorists before Christmas.
In their absence, ancient monuments are a little easier to make out from a distance, fewer horns are sounding in traffic and homeless cats parked in front of cafes are a little less aloof.
Greece so far has imposed two nationwide lockdowns since the start of the pandemic. The first, in the spring, kept the country's infection rates low. Authorities ordered the second in response to a rapid post-summer rise in reported cases and as of Christmas Eve has seen 4,4,57 confirmed virus-related deaths.
The restrictions have closed bars, restaurants, coffee shops and many other businesses considered non-essential but which make up a large slice of Greece's tourism-dependent economy.
The number of visitors traveling to the country plummeted 76.1% during the first 10 months of 2020 compared to a year earlier. Spending sank 77%, according to central bank data released this week.
Greece is expected to see a 10.5% contraction of its gross domestic product this year compared to the forecasted EU average of 7.4%, while its debt-to-GDP ratio is set to surge to a staggering 208.9%.
___
Follow AP's coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus- vaccine and https://apnews.com/ UnderstandingtheOutbreak


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-25--Illinois reports 156 more COVID-19 deaths, 5,742 new cases

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported Friday there were 5,742 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease in Illinois , including 156 additional deaths .
• Cook County deaths : Two men in their 40s ; one woman and six men in their 50s ; two women and eight men in their 60s ; five women and nine men in their 70s ; eight women and 10 men in their 80s ; 11 women and five men in their 90s .
• DuPage County deaths : two women in their 60s ; one woman and two men in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90s and one woman who was over 100 .
• Kane County deaths : 1 man in his 60s ; one woman in her 80s and one man in his 90s .
• Kendall County deaths : 1 woman in her 60s ; two men in their 80s and one woman in her 90s .
• Lake County deaths : 1 man in his 60s ; two women and one man in their 70s ; three women and two men in their 80s ; two women and one man in their 90s .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one man in their 80s ; 1 woman in her 90s .
• Will County deaths : 1 woman in her 50s ; two women and one man in their 60s ; one woman and one man in their 70s ; one woman in her 90s .
Illinois Director of Public Health Ngozi Ezike had asked residents to celebrate the holidays at home , with people they currently live with , and to otherwise take the utmost precautions to avoid another surge in cases .
On Friday , IDPH was reporting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths , in 102 counties in Illinois .
The age of cases ranges from younger than 1 to older than 100 years .
As of Thursday night , 4,352 people in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19 .
Of those , 928 patients were in the ICU and 538 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators .
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total tests from Dec. 18 to Dec. 24 is 7.1 % .
For health questions about COVID-19 , call the hotline at @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Illinois reports 156 more COVID-19 deaths, 5,742 new cases
Boxes containing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are prepared to be shipped at the McKesson distribution center in Olive Branch, Miss., Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported Friday there were 5,742 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease in Illinois, including 156 additional deaths.
• Cook County deaths: Two men in their 40s; one woman and six men in their 50s; two women and eight men in their 60s; five women and nine men in their 70s; eight women and 10 men in their 80s; 11 women and five men in their 90s.
• DuPage County deaths: two women in their 60s; one woman and two men in their 80s; two women in their 90s and one woman who was over 100.
• Kane County deaths: 1 man in his 60s; one woman in her 80s and one man in his 90s.
• Kendall County deaths: 1 woman in her 60s; two men in their 80s and one woman in her 90s.
• Lake County deaths: 1 man in his 60s; two women and one man in their 70s; three women and two men in their 80s; two women and one man in their 90s.
• McHenry County deaths: One woman and one man in their 80s; 1 woman in her 90s.
• Will County deaths: 1 woman in her 50s; two women and one man in their 60s; one woman and one man in their 70s; one woman in her 90s.
Illinois Director of Public Health Ngozi Ezike had asked residents to celebrate the holidays at home, with people they currently live with, and to otherwise take the utmost precautions to avoid another surge in cases.
On Friday, IDPH was reporting a total of 930,849 cases, including 15,799 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than 1 to older than 100 years. As of Thursday night, 4,352 people in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 928 patients were in the ICU and 538 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total tests from Dec. 18 to Dec. 24 is 7.1%.
For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-25--Police: Warning blared from RV before Nashville explosion

NASHVILLE , Tenn. -- The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted flights out of Nashville International Airport due to telecommunications issues associated with the explosion in downtown Nashville .
Service was expected to resume by 3 p.m. local time .
Authorities say the explosion inside a recreational vehicle parked downtown early Christmas morning was deliberate .
Three people were hurt in the blast , which shattered windows and damaged buildings .
Police were responding to a report of shots fired when they encountered a recreational vehicle blaring a recording that said a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes , Metro Nashville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evacuated nearby buildings and called in the bomb squad .
`` Shortly after that , the RV exploded , '' Drake said at a midday news conference .
Surveillance video published on a Twitter account Friday that appeared to be across the street from the blast captured the recorded warning issuing from the RV , `` ... if you can hear this message , evacuate now , '' seconds before the explosion .
The blast sent black smoke and flames billowing from the heart of downtown Nashville 's tourist scene , an area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Buildings shook streets over from the explosion near a building owned by AT & T , which is one block away from the company 's office tower .
`` We do not know if that was a coincidence , or if that was the intention , '' police spokesman Don Aaron said .
AT & T said the affected building is the central office of a telephone exchange , with network equipment in it .
Some service was interrupted , but the company has not said how widespread the outages are .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems were down because of outage , including Murfreesboro and Knox County , about 180 miles from Nashville Three people were taken to area hospitals for treatment , although none were in critical condition , Aaron said .
Authorities do n't know whether anyone was in the vehicle when it exploded .
Nashville Mayor John Cooper said the city was lucky that the number of injuries was limited .
Aaron said earlier that some people were taken to the department 's central precinct for questioning but declined to give more details .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the investigation , agency spokesman Joel Siskovic said .
Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives were also on the scene .
The FBI is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes , such as explosives violations and acts of terrorism .
A Philadelphia man staying in a nearby hotel said that when he heard the blast , he was knew it was n't harmless .
`` We tried to rationalize it that it was an earthquake or something , but it was obvious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joseph Fafara said .
He said he traveled to Tennessee with his family on Christmas because the state has looser COVID-19 restrictions than Philadelphia .
When he went to look at the damage , police barricades had already been put in place .
At noon , police dogs continued to search cars and buildings in the nearby area .
Buck McCoy , who lives near the area , posted videos on Facebook that show water pouring down the ceiling of his home .
Alarms blare in the background along with cries of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the street outside .
McCoy said he heard gunfire 15 minutes before the explosion rocked his building .
The said cars in the street were on fire and trees were blown apart .
`` All my windows , every single one of them got blown into the next room .
If I had been standing there it would have been horrible , '' he said .
`` It felt like a bomb .
It was that big , '' he told The Associated Press .
AT & T 's outages site showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , about 65 miles north of Nashville , while Putnam County , about 60 miles east , said 911 was down for people calling from AT & T , Verizon and US Cellular cellphones .
`` Service for some customers in Nashville and the surrounding areas may be affected by damage to our facilities from the explosion this morning .
We are in contact with law enforcement and working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service , '' AT & T spokesman Jim Greer said in an emailed statement .
President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to White House spokesperson Judd Deere .
The U.S. Justice Department said Acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen was also briefed and directed all department resources be made available to help with the investigation .
Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee said on Twitter that the state would provide the resources necessary `` to determine what happened and who was responsible . ''
The American Red Cross of Tennessee announced that it was working with officials to open a shelter for victims .
Associated Press writers Eric Tucker in Washington contributed .
Beaty reported from @ @ @

Downtown Nashville explosion knocks communications offline
Smoke billows from the site of an explosion in the area on Friday in Nashville. Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard early Christmas morning. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP)
A building is damaged near the area where an explosion was reported on Friday in Nashville. Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard early Christmas morning. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP)
Downtown windows are broken following an explosion in the area on Friday in Nashville. Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard early Christmas morning. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP)
Smoke rises from downtown after a reported explosion on Friday in Nashvill. Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard early Christmas morning. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP)
Plumes of smoke rise next to the Regions Building near the explosion reported in the area on Friday in Nashville. Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard early Christmas morning. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A recreational vehicle parked in the deserted streets of downtown Nashville exploded early Christmas morning, causing widespread communications outages that took down police emergency systems and grounded holiday travel at the city's airport.
Police were responding to a report of shots fired Friday when they encountered the RV blaring a recorded warning that a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said. Police evacuated nearby buildings and called in the bomb squad. The RV exploded shortly afterward, Drake said.
"This morning's attack on our community was intended to create chaos and fear in this season of peace and hope. But Nashvillians have proven time and time again that the spirit of our city cannot be broken," Mayor John Cooper said at a news conference after issuing a curfew for the area.
Police believe the blast was intentional but don't yet know a motive or target, and Drake noted that officials had not received any threats before the explosion.
The chief said investigators at the scene "have found tissue that we believe could be remains, but we'll have that examined and let you know at that time." Police could not say whether it potentially came from someone inside the RV.
Three people taken to area hospitals for treatment were in stable condition Friday evening, Cooper said.
Surveillance video published on a Twitter account Friday that appeared to be across the street from the blast captured the warning issuing from the RV, "... if you can hear this message, evacuate now," seconds before the explosion.
The blast sent black smoke and flames billowing from the heart of downtown Nashville's tourist scene, an area packed with honky-tonks, restaurants and shops. Buildings shook and windows shattered streets away from the explosion near a building owned by AT&T that lies one block from the company's office tower, a landmark in downtown.
"We do not know if that was a coincidence, or if that was the intention," police spokesman Don Aaron said. He said earlier that some people were taken to the department's central precinct for questioning but declined to give details.
AT&T said the affected building is the central office of a telephone exchange, with network equipment in it. The blast interrupted service, but the company declined to say how widespread outages were.
The AT&T outages site showed service issues in middle Tennessee and Kentucky. Several police agencies reported that their 911 systems were down because of the outage, including Knox County, home to Knoxville about 180 miles (290 kilometers) east of Nashville.
AT&T said that it was bringing in portable cell sites and was working with law enforcement to get access to make repairs to its equipment. The company noted that "power is essential to restoring" service.
The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted flights out of Nashville International Airport because of telecommunications issues associated with the explosion. Later Friday, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority said most flights were resuming but advised passengers to check with their airline for updates due to possible delays.
The FBI will be taking the lead in the investigation, agency spokesman Joel Siskovic said. Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also on the scene. The FBI is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes, such as explosives violations and acts of terrorism.
A Philadelphia man staying in a nearby hotel said that when he heard the blast, he was knew it wasn't harmless.
"We tried to rationalize it that it was an earthquake or something, but it was obvious it wasn't an earthquake," Joseph Fafara said.
When he went to look at the damage, police barricades had already been put in place.
Buck McCoy, who lives near the area, posted videos on Facebook that show water pouring down the ceiling of his home. Alarms blare in the background along with cries of people in distress. A fire is visible in the street outside.
McCoy said he heard gunfire 15 minutes before the explosion rocked his building, set cars in the street on fire and blew trees apart.
"All my windows, every single one of them got blown into the next room. If I had been standing there it would have been horrible," he said.
"It felt like a bomb. It was that big," he told The Associated Press.
President Donald Trump has been briefed, according to White House spokesperson Judd Deere. The U.S. Justice Department said Acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen was also briefed and directed all department resources be made available to help with the investigation.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said on Twitter that the state would provide the resources necessary "to determine what happened and who was responsible."
The American Red Cross of Tennessee announced that it was working with officials to open a shelter for victims.
Associated Press writer Thalia Beaty in New York contributed. Balsamo and Tucker reported from Washington.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-25--Car stolen from Elmhurst found, but dog still missing

Police on Friday continued searching for a dog that had been left inside a car stolen in Elmhurst and later recovered in Chicago .
Zoey , a tan female terrier-Shih tzu mix , was last seen inside the car Tuesday on the West Side of Chicago .
`` We 're just trying to reunite Zoey with her family , '' Elmhurst police Detective Sgt .
Steve Mandat said .
`` Everybody 's still trying to look for her . ''
The 2004 Pontiac Vibe was stolen Tuesday morning at the Elmhurst Crossing shopping center , which is on Route 83 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car 's owner had left Zoey and the keys in the vehicle , Elmhurst police said in a Facebook post .
The car later was recovered on the West Side , police said .
The man found driving the car told Chicago police he traded five bags of crack cocaine for it in Chicago , Elmhurst police said .
Charges are pending in Cook County , Mandat said .
Mandat declined to release more information about the man driving the stolen car because the case is under investigation .
Anyone with information can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 530-3050 .

Car stolen from Elmhurst found, but dog still missing
Police on Friday continued searching for a dog that had been left inside a car stolen in Elmhurst and later recovered in Chicago.
Zoey, a tan female terrier-Shih tzu mix, was last seen inside the car Tuesday on the West Side of Chicago.
"We're just trying to reunite Zoey with her family," Elmhurst police Detective Sgt. Steve Mandat said. "Everybody's still trying to look for her."
The 2004 Pontiac Vibe was stolen Tuesday morning at the Elmhurst Crossing shopping center, which is on Route 83 north of St. Charles Road. The car's owner had left Zoey and the keys in the vehicle, Elmhurst police said in a Facebook post.
The car later was recovered on the West Side, police said.
The man found driving the car told Chicago police he traded five bags of crack cocaine for it in Chicago, Elmhurst police said.
Charges are pending in Cook County, Mandat said.
Mandat declined to release more information about the man driving the stolen car because the case is under investigation.
Anyone with information can call Elmhurst police at (630) 530-3050.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-25--Aurora residents who died in apparent murder-suicide were a married couple

Two Aurora residents who died in an apparent murder-suicide were a married couple , police said Friday , but their @ @ @ @ @ made public .
Police have not yet notified the families of the man and woman @ @ @ @ @ home on Sapphire Lane .
Both were estranged from their respective families , a police @ @ @ @ @ died of gunshot wounds , police said .
Police are n't yet certain which person @ @ @ @ @ a motive was n't immediately clear .
Anyone with information about the case should call @ @ @ @ @ -256-5500 .

Aurora residents who died in apparent murder-suicide were a married couple
Two Aurora residents who died in an apparent murder-suicide were a married couple, police said Friday, but their names haven't yet been made public.
Police have not yet notified the families of the man and woman found dead Tuesday in a home on Sapphire Lane. Both were estranged from their respective families, a police spokesman said Friday.
Both died of gunshot wounds, police said. Police aren't yet certain which person shot the other, and a motive wasn't immediately clear.
Anyone with information about the case should call police at (630)-256-5500.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-25--Waukegan firefighters battle three blazes over 36 hours

Waukegan firefighters were busy on Christmas Eve and the early morning hours of Christmas Day , responding to three separate fires , including one that has temporarily closed a popular barbecue restaurant .
Fire and ice were their enemies as crews spent 36 hours keeping the flames at bay .
The first Christmas Eve fire took place at Hillary 's BBQ Restaurant , at 2021 N. Lewis Ave. , just before 1:30 a.m. Crews spotted heavy fire in the barbecue pit , extending into the chimney and the restaurant .
Firefighters said the restaurant employees were working overnight preparing food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
There were no injuries .
Damage is estimated at $ 50,000 , and the restaurant is expected to remain closed during the holidays .
Also on Christmas Eve , fire broke out at a home on the 2100 block of Ninth Parkway on the city 's near southwest side .
The fire was reported just after 7:45 p.m .
Firefighters said they discovered heavy fire in an attached single-car garage , extending into a breezeway and into the residence .
The two homeowners and their dog were displaced , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cross .
A firefighter who slipped on the ice was injured .
The cause of the fire remains under investigation , and damages were estimated at $ 60,000 .
In the early morning hours of Christmas Day , firefighters were called to a blaze at 18 S. Genesee St. in the city 's downtown .
The three-story building is being razed as part of a city effort to eliminate problematic vacant structures , firefighters said .
All utilities were off in the building , and two of the floors had already been removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the partial demolition created some hidden areas .
A heavy excavator was called in to help provide firefighters with access .
Water damage from fighting the fire also forced evacuation of the two-story , mixed-use building to the south of the building .
Four families , with a total of 12 people , were displaced as a result .
They received emergency assistance from the Red Cross .
The cause of the fire , which required the labor of approximately 50 firefighters and more than six hours to extinguish it , is still @ @ @

Waukegan firefighters battle three blazes over 36 hours
Four families from a nearby building were displaced as the result of the downtown Waukegan fire. Courtesy of the Waukegan Fire Department
Waukegan firefighters were busy on Christmas Eve and the early morning hours of Christmas Day, responding to three separate fires, including one that has temporarily closed a popular barbecue restaurant.
Fire and ice were their enemies as crews spent 36 hours keeping the flames at bay.
The first Christmas Eve fire took place at Hillary's BBQ Restaurant, at 2021 N. Lewis Ave., just before 1:30 a.m. Crews spotted heavy fire in the barbecue pit, extending into the chimney and the restaurant. Firefighters said the restaurant employees were working overnight preparing food for Christmas Eve when the blaze broke out. There were no injuries. Damage is estimated at $50,000, and the restaurant is expected to remain closed during the holidays.
Also on Christmas Eve, fire broke out at a home on the 2100 block of Ninth Parkway on the city's near southwest side. The fire was reported just after 7:45 p.m.
Firefighters said they discovered heavy fire in an attached single-car garage, extending into a breezeway and into the residence. The two homeowners and their dog were displaced, and the family received emergency assistance from the Red Cross.
A firefighter who slipped on the ice was injured. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and damages were estimated at $60,000.
In the early morning hours of Christmas Day, firefighters were called to a blaze at 18 S. Genesee St. in the city's downtown.
The three-story building is being razed as part of a city effort to eliminate problematic vacant structures, firefighters said.
All utilities were off in the building, and two of the floors had already been removed by the demolition company.
Firefighters said the partial demolition created some hidden areas. A heavy excavator was called in to help provide firefighters with access.
Water damage from fighting the fire also forced evacuation of the two-story, mixed-use building to the south of the building. Four families, with a total of 12 people, were displaced as a result. They received emergency assistance from the Red Cross.
No injuries were suffered.
The cause of the fire, which required the labor of approximately 50 firefighters and more than six hours to extinguish it, is still under investigation.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-25--Autopsy on Elgin fire victim set for Monday

An autopsy on a man who died Thursday after a townhouse fire in Elgin will be performed Monday , authorities @ @ @ @ @ identity has n't yet been released to the media .
The Kane County coroner 's @ @ @ @ @ .
The fire occurred about 6:30 a.m. Thursday on the 0-100 block of Creekside Circle @ @ @ @ @ in the building and taken to Sherman Hospital in Elgin , where he was pronounced @ @ @ @ @ was hurt .
Elgin 's police and fire departments and the State Fire Marshal 's @ @ @ @

Autopsy on Elgin fire victim set for Monday
An autopsy on a man who died Thursday after a townhouse fire in Elgin will be performed Monday, authorities said.
The man's identity hasn't yet been released to the media. The Kane County coroner's office will handle the autopsy.
The fire occurred about 6:30 a.m. Thursday on the 0-100 block of Creekside Circle. One man was found in the building and taken to Sherman Hospital in Elgin, where he was pronounced dead.
No one else was hurt.
Elgin's police and fire departments and the State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-25--Banfield Pet Hospital coming to Hoffman Estates

Hoffman Estates village board members have unanimously approved construction of a 4,000-square-foot Banfield Pet Hospital as a new outlot of the Hoffman Plaza shopping center at 1061 N. Roselle Road .
Banfield was created in 1955 and operates more than 950 neighborhood pet clinics across the nation , project representatives said .
As a condition of the approval , the village stipulated that no grooming , long-term kenneling , boarding , day care or overnight stays would be permitted .
Any surgery requiring an overnight stay would be sent to another facility .
There also will be no outdoor amenities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards , for the clinic or its clients .
The business will provide a pet-waste station near the entrance for customers and employees to use .
Company representatives said staff will walk the exterior every couple hours to clean up any pet waste from sidewalks and other public spaces that did n't make into the waste station .
Project representatives Wednesday could not immediately specify a time frame for construction , but the village 's approval requires the building permit be obtained within a year .
While customers and employees will be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spaces in the shopping center lot , there are 11 existing spaces that will be adjacent to the building with more in proximity .
A landscaping plan was approved along with the clinic .

Banfield Pet Hospital coming to Hoffman Estates
A Banfield Pet Hospital is expected to be built as an outlot of the Hoffman Plaza shopping center on Roselle Road. Daily Herald file photo, 2017
Hoffman Estates officials have approved a 4,000-square-foot Banfield Pet Hospital to be built as an outlot of the Hoffman Plaza shopping center on Roselle Road. Courtesy of Hoffman Estates
Hoffman Estates village board members have unanimously approved construction of a 4,000-square-foot Banfield Pet Hospital as a new outlot of the Hoffman Plaza shopping center at 1061 N. Roselle Road.
Banfield was created in 1955 and operates more than 950 neighborhood pet clinics across the nation, project representatives said.
As a condition of the approval, the village stipulated that no grooming, long-term kenneling, boarding, day care or overnight stays would be permitted. Any surgery requiring an overnight stay would be sent to another facility.
There also will be no outdoor amenities, such as dog runs or storage yards, for the clinic or its clients.
The business will provide a pet-waste station near the entrance for customers and employees to use. Company representatives said staff will walk the exterior every couple hours to clean up any pet waste from sidewalks and other public spaces that didn't make into the waste station.
Project representatives Wednesday could not immediately specify a time frame for construction, but the village's approval requires the building permit be obtained within a year.
While customers and employees will be allowed to use any of the 511 parking spaces in the shopping center lot, there are 11 existing spaces that will be adjacent to the building with more in proximity. A landscaping plan was approved along with the clinic.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-25--Wheeling revamps business grant program to boost funding for restaurant projects

A Wheeling grant program that helps local business owners pay for site improvements is tripling the amount of money available to qualifying restaurateurs .
Two grants of up to $ 150,000 each will be available to improve sit-down restaurant facilities , and three $ 50,000 grants will be available for other types of businesses .
Grants previously were capped at $ 50,000 regardless of the business type .
Village officials also have amended the 15-year-old program 's rules so funds can be used for interior improvements , not just exterior ones .
The changes reflect a desire to lure businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to improve the appearances of the ones already operating in Wheeling .
`` ( We 're ) just trying to keep a competitive edge , '' Village Manager Jon Sfondilis said .
A new name accompanies the changes .
The Facade and Building Improvement Grant Program now will be known as the Retail and Restaurant Build-Out Assistance Program .
Since launching in 2005 , the grant program has focused on commercial buildings within Wheeling 's tax increment financing districts .
Typically called TIF districts , the zones help raise money for public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property 's increasing value or new development goes into a special fund that pays for construction efforts and other projects .
Wheeling has four TIF districts .
One covers a northern stretch of Milwaukee Avenue ; another covers a southern stretch of Milwaukee Avenue ; one includes the Wheeling Town Center retail and residential district ; and one is in the southeast part of town .
The grant program originally focused on facade improvements .
It expanded in 2011 to fund other exterior projects , such as parking lot repairs and landscaping .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for up to half a project 's cost .
Twenty-two grants totaling $ 584,000 have been awarded , Sfondilis said .
In the new program , sit-down restaurants are eligible for more funds because they typically have greater construction costs , Economic Development Director Patrick Ainsworth said in a memo .
To be eligible for a $ 150,000 grant , a restaurant must be within the Town Center TIF district or the North Milwaukee Avenue district .
Businesses in the southeast TIF district are only eligible for $ 50,000 grants for exterior work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ southern TIF district because it 's home to industrial businesses , not retail or restaurants , Sfondilis said .
Projects must be permanent improvements , such as the installation of walk-in coolers , electrical or plumbing upgrades , the installation of bathroom fixtures or parking lot resurfacing .
For the first year of the expanded program , one grant of up to $ 150,000 will be available for sit-down restaurants in each of the two qualifying districts , for a total of up to $ 300,000 .
Additionally , one grant of up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various businesses in each of those two zones and the southeast TIF district , for a maximum $ 150,000 .
However , more grants could be awarded with board approval , Sfondilis said .
Restaurant owners who receive grants can not apply for more funds later .
`` We are going to spread the wealth of this program as much as possible , '' Ainsworth told the village board .

Wheeling revamps business grant program to boost funding for restaurant projects
A Wheeling grant program designed to help local business owners pay for aesthetic improvements will have triple the amount of money available to qualifying restaurateurs. Village officials say the program's expansion is aimed at attracting new businesses -- especially restaurants -- to vacant spaces. Daily Herald File Photo
A Wheeling grant program that helps local business owners pay for site improvements is tripling the amount of money available to qualifying restaurateurs.
Two grants of up to $150,000 each will be available to improve sit-down restaurant facilities, and three $50,000 grants will be available for other types of businesses. Grants previously were capped at $50,000 regardless of the business type.
Village officials also have amended the 15-year-old program's rules so funds can be used for interior improvements, not just exterior ones.
The changes reflect a desire to lure businesses -- especially restaurants -- to vacant spaces and to improve the appearances of the ones already operating in Wheeling.
"(We're) just trying to keep a competitive edge," Village Manager Jon Sfondilis said.
A new name accompanies the changes. The Facade and Building Improvement Grant Program now will be known as the Retail and Restaurant Build-Out Assistance Program.
The village board unanimously approved the program's expansion last week.
Since launching in 2005, the grant program has focused on commercial buildings within Wheeling's tax increment financing districts. Typically called TIF districts, the zones help raise money for public improvements. Property tax revenue generated by a property's increasing value or new development goes into a special fund that pays for construction efforts and other projects.
Wheeling has four TIF districts. One covers a northern stretch of Milwaukee Avenue; another covers a southern stretch of Milwaukee Avenue; one includes the Wheeling Town Center retail and residential district; and one is in the southeast part of town.
The grant program originally focused on facade improvements. It expanded in 2011 to fund other exterior projects, such as parking lot repairs and landscaping.
Business owners or property owners are reimbursed for up to half a project's cost. Twenty-two grants totaling $584,000 have been awarded, Sfondilis said.
In the new program, sit-down restaurants are eligible for more funds because they typically have greater construction costs, Economic Development Director Patrick Ainsworth said in a memo.
To be eligible for a $150,000 grant, a restaurant must be within the Town Center TIF district or the North Milwaukee Avenue district. Businesses in the southeast TIF district are only eligible for $50,000 grants for exterior work.
No grants are available in the southern TIF district because it's home to industrial businesses, not retail or restaurants, Sfondilis said.
Projects must be permanent improvements, such as the installation of walk-in coolers, electrical or plumbing upgrades, the installation of bathroom fixtures or parking lot resurfacing.
For the first year of the expanded program, one grant of up to $150,000 will be available for sit-down restaurants in each of the two qualifying districts, for a total of up to $300,000. Additionally, one grant of up to $50,000 will be available for various businesses in each of those two zones and the southeast TIF district, for a maximum $150,000.
However, more grants could be awarded with board approval, Sfondilis said.
Restaurant owners who receive grants cannot apply for more funds later.
"We are going to spread the wealth of this program as much as possible," Ainsworth told the village board.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-25--2020: Just one of many hard years in American history

The year of 2020 is in its final days , and few are sorry to see it go .
Rarely has a year in American history caused so many forms of upheaval .
For historians , the definition of a tough year is subjective .
Hard times can take the form of widespread economic downturn and job losses , foul weather , and racial , political or social unrest , to name a handful .
Like few other years , 2020 managed to include a multitude of those problems .
But since Americans declared independence in 1776 , there have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused by various factors .
Though history remembers 1776 for the Declaration of Independence , it was actually one of the worst for the Continental cause .
Gen. George Washington had been driven out of the pivotal stronghold of New York City that autumn and barely escaped the pursing British .
By winter , his underfed , poorly supplied army languished in frigid conditions in camp in Pennsylvania as the American cause teetered on the brink of collapse .
Several comparisons have been drawn between the current pandemic and the so-called Spanish influenza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more deadly .
The influenza epidemic killed up to 50 million worldwide , including 675,000 in the United States .
Many of the American deaths were within a few weeks in the fall of 1918 .
The U.S. was also in combat in 1918 , as American troops were on European soil during World War I .
The next year , 1919 , also had a list of troubles as the epidemic continued and economic instability set in .
So many deadly race riots dotted the nation at midyear that a gruesome nickname @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1919 . ''
Economic downturns have also wrecked plenty of other years -- the U.S. normally suffers sharp recessions once a generation , such as the panics of 1837 , 1857 , 1873 and 1893 .
However , nothing compared to the Great Depression , the worst economic tragedy in American history .
In January 1933 , some 1.5 million Illinoisans were out of work , a significant percentage in a total population of 7.6 million .
Between 1925 , at the height of the Roaring Twenties , and 1932 , payrolls dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Decatur and 80 % in Rock Island .
Payrolls in Moline in that span decreased a staggering 93 % .
Unemployment in Chicago stood at 40 % in 1932 , while worker pay was slashed up to 50 % .
Chicago public schoolteachers were owed 8½ months in back pay by February 1933 .
The list of tax delinquencies in Chicago spanned 260 newspaper pages , and foreclosures in the city spiked nearly fivefold from 1929 to 1932 .
While Americans struggled with economic misery in the 1930s , they were also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of excruciating drought turned the Plains into the `` Dust Bowl , '' which caused many deaths and illness as farmland was literally blown away , leaving the economy in shambles .
Meanwhile , 13 states hit their record high temperatures during the summer of 1936 , which remains the hottest in American history .
That came after the brutal summer of 1934 , part of a string of abnormally hot seasons .
During the 1930s , some locations in Illinois hit their all-time daily highs on as many as 50 days during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August .
Winter brought little respite , as those terrible summers followed some of the hardest winters of the 20th century .
February 1936 remains the coldest February on record in our nation 's history .
Times of war are among the toughest for many to deal with , including the Civil War years of 1861 to 1865 , when a total of 617,000 from both sides were lost .
The World War II era of 1941 to 1945 cost more than 291,000 American battle deaths .
There was Korea , Vietnam and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1960s , the year of 1968 brought the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy , horrors in the Vietnam War , violent chaos at the Democratic National Convention , and widespread racial and social protest .
As 2020 heads out the door -- thankfully -- Americans can be sure of one thing .
We have overcome wars , weather , recessions and epidemics with the same grit , determination and resilience that built this nation .
And we will again .
• Tom Emery is a freelance writer and historical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be reached at ( 217 ) 710-8392 or ilcivilwar @ yahoo.com .

2020: Just one of many hard years in American history
In this 1918 file photo, American troops near St. Mihiel, France, cheer after hearing the Armistice has been signed, ending World War I. Associated Press
Unemployed people gather outside Cleveland City Hall in October 1930 to apply for jobs during the Great Depression. Associated Press
The year of 2020 is in its final days, and few are sorry to see it go. Rarely has a year in American history caused so many forms of upheaval.
For historians, the definition of a tough year is subjective. Hard times can take the form of widespread economic downturn and job losses, foul weather, and racial, political or social unrest, to name a handful.
Like few other years, 2020 managed to include a multitude of those problems. But since Americans declared independence in 1776, there have been many hard years in the nation caused by various factors.
Though history remembers 1776 for the Declaration of Independence, it was actually one of the worst for the Continental cause. Gen. George Washington had been driven out of the pivotal stronghold of New York City that autumn and barely escaped the pursing British. By winter, his underfed, poorly supplied army languished in frigid conditions in camp in Pennsylvania as the American cause teetered on the brink of collapse.
Several comparisons have been drawn between the current pandemic and the so-called Spanish influenza outbreak of 1918, which was actually more deadly. The influenza epidemic killed up to 50 million worldwide, including 675,000 in the United States. Many of the American deaths were within a few weeks in the fall of 1918.
The U.S. was also in combat in 1918, as American troops were on European soil during World War I. The next year, 1919, also had a list of troubles as the epidemic continued and economic instability set in. So many deadly race riots dotted the nation at midyear that a gruesome nickname arose -- the "Red Summer of 1919."
Economic downturns have also wrecked plenty of other years -- the U.S. normally suffers sharp recessions once a generation, such as the panics of 1837, 1857, 1873 and 1893. However, nothing compared to the Great Depression, the worst economic tragedy in American history.
In January 1933, some 1.5 million Illinoisans were out of work, a significant percentage in a total population of 7.6 million. Between 1925, at the height of the Roaring Twenties, and 1932, payrolls dropped 53% in Peoria, 63% in Decatur and 80% in Rock Island. Payrolls in Moline in that span decreased a staggering 93%.
Unemployment in Chicago stood at 40% in 1932, while worker pay was slashed up to 50%. Chicago public schoolteachers were owed 8½ months in back pay by February 1933.
The list of tax delinquencies in Chicago spanned 260 newspaper pages, and foreclosures in the city spiked nearly fivefold from 1929 to 1932.
While Americans struggled with economic misery in the 1930s, they were also hammered by poor weather. Several years of excruciating drought turned the Plains into the "Dust Bowl," which caused many deaths and illness as farmland was literally blown away, leaving the economy in shambles.
Meanwhile, 13 states hit their record high temperatures during the summer of 1936, which remains the hottest in American history. That came after the brutal summer of 1934, part of a string of abnormally hot seasons. During the 1930s, some locations in Illinois hit their all-time daily highs on as many as 50 days during the months of June, July and August.
Winter brought little respite, as those terrible summers followed some of the hardest winters of the 20th century. February 1936 remains the coldest February on record in our nation's history.
Times of war are among the toughest for many to deal with, including the Civil War years of 1861 to 1865, when a total of 617,000 from both sides were lost. The World War II era of 1941 to 1945 cost more than 291,000 American battle deaths. There was Korea, Vietnam and others.
While many fondly remember the 1960s, the year of 1968 brought the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, horrors in the Vietnam War, violent chaos at the Democratic National Convention, and widespread racial and social protest.
As 2020 heads out the door -- thankfully -- Americans can be sure of one thing. We have overcome wars, weather, recessions and epidemics with the same grit, determination and resilience that built this nation. And we will again.
• Tom Emery is a freelance writer and historical researcher from Carlinville, Illinois. He may be reached at (217) 710-8392 or ilcivilwar@yahoo.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-25--Constable: Pandemic can't take bite out of Mount Prospect cookie tradition

Luminarias line this Mount Prospect neighborhood every Christmas Eve .
But to truly shine a light on the 200 block of South Pine Street , you need to understand the cookie exchange .
`` We 're not missing this year , '' promised 78-year-old resident Roberta Edmonson .
She and her husband , Keith , moved onto the block in 1976 and quickly unpacked a Christmas tradition .
`` I always had cookie exchanges where I came from . ''
Edmonson organized that first cookie exchange at a neighbor 's house because she did n't have the furniture yet to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been an annual event on the block every year since , with different houses open for neighbors to socialize inside , pick out the homemade cookies they want and munch a few , accompanied by a tasty beverage .
The pandemic , with restrictions on gatherings , sharing food and such , threatened this year 's 44th annual cookie exchange , but Lorelei and Tim McDermott staged it outside Sunday in their front yard .
`` COVID style , '' Lorelei McDermott says .
Everyone wore masks .
People generally stayed 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eating of cookies , or even touching the creative dessert options .
Instead of being piled high in platters , all the cookies were delivered in plastic bags , which then were loaded into 21 disposable lasagna pans , each with the same assortment .
`` This way , nobody handled my Baggies until they got home .
It was a good way to work it out , '' says Rosemary Hinkemeyer , 83 , who moved onto the block in 1967 with her husband , Larry , who died in 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was fun .
I was out there for about an hour . ''
The dozens of cookies included some regulars .
`` I like those little peanut butter cookies with a chocolate Kiss on top , slightly melted , '' says Edmonson .
`` I made some , kind of like chocolate chip , but with macadamia white chocolate .
Everybody brings something different , but some people have favorites they bring every year . ''
Tradition , after all , is important to this block .
`` I make my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's my kids ' favorite , '' Hinkemeyer says .
`` I use confectionary frosting and green and red sugar just to make them Christmassy , and every one is a star . ''
It 's difficult to not see a star on their block .
The neighbors order a shipment of about 20 Christmas trees , which are set up in the front yards and covered with lights .
The village Wednesday declared the 100-300 blocks of South Pine Street as the `` best decorated block . ''
The 200 block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the `` Tommy Tree , '' a tree donated by neighbors in memory of Tommy McGovern , a neighborhood boy who died on Dec. 1 , 1991 .
His mother , Renae McGovern , lost her husband , Tom , in 2019 , but she remains an active member of the block .
`` We did the Tommy Tree lighting , and that worked well , '' McDermott says .
Mask-wearing , socially distanced neighbors , led by her brother and fellow block resident John Ward , sang `` O Christmas Tree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organized a safe afternoon Halloween party for the kids in the neighborhood , which includes a mix of new families among the longtime residents .
`` I 'm a newbie , '' McDermott says of her 31 years on the block .
`` And like many other people on the block , we 've lived in two houses . ''
Most of the residents have deep roots in the community .
`` Nobody on the block leaves , '' Edmonson says .
McDermott is a cantor at St. Raymond de Penafort Catholic Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the neighbors attend the church , and kids go to the St. Raymond School for children preschool through eighth grade .
Even adult neighbors share similar stories of growing up in Mount Prospect , including teenage years working shifts at the popular Capannari Ice Cream shop .
Many of the neighbors have compared their block to a Norman Rockwell painting in the flesh .
`` A couple of people brought baby strollers to the cookie exchange , '' Hinkemeyer says .
`` When I had babies on this block 30 years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with six other mothers , '' McDermott says with a laugh .
`` Now there 's a whole other generation of little kids and 35-year-old moms . ''
In an era where many suburbanites might not even know their next-door neighbors , anyone who moves onto this block gets a list with the phone numbers and names ( including children ) of everyone on the block .
They support each other during bad times , celebrate the good times , and schedule block events throughout the year .
`` You know what 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are a lot of young people , and they 're into it as much as I am .
It 's great . ''
When the 75th annual cookie exchange rolls around , those young people probably will be the old folks cheering all the new , young , energetic neighbors .

Constable: Pandemic can't take bite out of Mount Prospect cookie tradition
Bob Burdick puts out cookies for neighbors during the annual neighborhood Christmas cookie exchange Sunday on South Pine Street in Mount Prospect. Neighbors had to come up with a different plan to keep the 44-year-old neighborhood tradition alive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
A mix of young and old gather safely during the annual neighborhood Christmas cookie exchange Sunday in the 200 block of South Pine Street in Mount Prospect. Neighbors kept the 44-year-old neighborhood tradition alive during the COVID-19 pandemic by having it outside. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
Grace Clarke and her daughter Verona, 9, pick out a tray of cookies to take home during the annual neighborhood Christmas cookie exchange Sunday afternoon on South Pine Street in Mount Prospect. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
Neighbors and event organizers Roberta Edmonson, left, Lorelei McDermott and Renae McGovern, chat during their annual neighborhood Christmas cookie exchange in Mount Prospect -- outdoors and with cookies packaged this year. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
Neighbors and event organizers Roberta Edmonson, left, Lorelei McDermott and Renae McGovern had to bring their 44th annual neighborhood Christmas cookie exchange outside on the 200 block of South Pine Street in Mount Prospect. Ryan Rayburn for the Daily Herald
Luminarias line this Mount Prospect neighborhood every Christmas Eve. But to truly shine a light on the 200 block of South Pine Street, you need to understand the cookie exchange.
"We're not missing this year," promised 78-year-old resident Roberta Edmonson. She and her husband, Keith, moved onto the block in 1976 and quickly unpacked a Christmas tradition. "I always had cookie exchanges where I came from."
Edmonson organized that first cookie exchange at a neighbor's house because she didn't have the furniture yet to host such a large gathering. It's been an annual event on the block every year since, with different houses open for neighbors to socialize inside, pick out the homemade cookies they want and munch a few, accompanied by a tasty beverage.
The pandemic, with restrictions on gatherings, sharing food and such, threatened this year's 44th annual cookie exchange, but Lorelei and Tim McDermott staged it outside Sunday in their front yard.
"COVID style," Lorelei McDermott says. Everyone wore masks. People generally stayed 6 feet apart. And there was no eating of cookies, or even touching the creative dessert options.
Instead of being piled high in platters, all the cookies were delivered in plastic bags, which then were loaded into 21 disposable lasagna pans, each with the same assortment.
"This way, nobody handled my Baggies until they got home. It was a good way to work it out," says Rosemary Hinkemeyer, 83, who moved onto the block in 1967 with her husband, Larry, who died in 2019. "Staying healthy was our main concern. It was fun. I was out there for about an hour."
The dozens of cookies included some regulars.
"I like those little peanut butter cookies with a chocolate Kiss on top, slightly melted," says Edmonson. "I made some, kind of like chocolate chip, but with macadamia white chocolate. Everybody brings something different, but some people have favorites they bring every year."
Tradition, after all, is important to this block.
"I make my sugar cookies and cut out stars. That's my kids' favorite," Hinkemeyer says. "I use confectionary frosting and green and red sugar just to make them Christmassy, and every one is a star."
It's difficult to not see a star on their block. The neighbors order a shipment of about 20 Christmas trees, which are set up in the front yards and covered with lights. The village Wednesday declared the 100-300 blocks of South Pine Street as the "best decorated block."
The 200 block has an official lighting ceremony every year for the "Tommy Tree," a tree donated by neighbors in memory of Tommy McGovern, a neighborhood boy who died on Dec. 1, 1991. His mother, Renae McGovern, lost her husband, Tom, in 2019, but she remains an active member of the block.
"We did the Tommy Tree lighting, and that worked well," McDermott says. Mask-wearing, socially distanced neighbors, led by her brother and fellow block resident John Ward, sang "O Christmas Tree."
In October, one neighbor organized a safe afternoon Halloween party for the kids in the neighborhood, which includes a mix of new families among the longtime residents.
"I'm a newbie," McDermott says of her 31 years on the block. "And like many other people on the block, we've lived in two houses."
Most of the residents have deep roots in the community.
"Nobody on the block leaves," Edmonson says.
McDermott is a cantor at St. Raymond de Penafort Catholic Church, just two blocks away. Many of the neighbors attend the church, and kids go to the St. Raymond School for children preschool through eighth grade. Even adult neighbors share similar stories of growing up in Mount Prospect, including teenage years working shifts at the popular Capannari Ice Cream shop.
Many of the neighbors have compared their block to a Norman Rockwell painting in the flesh.
"A couple of people brought baby strollers to the cookie exchange," Hinkemeyer says.
"When I had babies on this block 30 years ago, I sort of co-raised my kids with six other mothers," McDermott says with a laugh. "Now there's a whole other generation of little kids and 35-year-old moms."
In an era where many suburbanites might not even know their next-door neighbors, anyone who moves onto this block gets a list with the phone numbers and names (including children) of everyone on the block. They support each other during bad times, celebrate the good times, and schedule block events throughout the year.
"You know what's great?" Hinkemeyer says. "There are a lot of young people, and they're into it as much as I am. It's great."
When the 75th annual cookie exchange rolls around, those young people probably will be the old folks cheering all the new, young, energetic neighbors.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-25--Man dies in fire at Elgin townhouse

Man dies in fire at Elgin townhouse

A man died in an Elgin townhouse fire Friday afternoon , according to an Elgin fire official .
Elgin fire @ @ @ @ @ the fire on the 1200 block of Bradley Circle started just after 2 p.m. VanDorpe @ @ @ @ @ was in one of the four units .
While crews were searching , `` they @ @ @ @ @ quick , but unfortunately he did not survive his injuries from the fire , '' @ @ @ @ @ has not been identified , but VanDorpe said he was in his 70s .
The @ @ @ @ @ under investigation .
There were no other injuries .
VanDorpe said there was smoke damage @ @ @ @ @

Man dies in fire at Elgin townhouse
A man died in an Elgin townhouse fire Friday afternoon, according to an Elgin fire official.
Elgin fire Battalion Chief Joseph VanDorpe said the fire on the 1200 block of Bradley Circle started just after 2 p.m.
VanDorpe said neighbors told firefighters someone was in one of the four units.
While crews were searching, "they did find the victim relatively quick, but unfortunately he did not survive his injuries from the fire," VanDorpe said.
The man has not been identified, but VanDorpe said he was in his 70s.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
There were no other injuries. VanDorpe said there was smoke damage to the adjoining unit.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-26--$100 to help family in Sri Lanka

$100 to help family in Sri Lanka

Today 's recipient of a $ 100 bill through the Believe Project is Bethany Snyder-Morse of Elk Grove Village .
@ @ @ @ @ her story : '' Sharmi is 12 years old and lives with her mother and @ @ @ @ @ .
I write to her monthly through a nonprofit that gets 100 % of any @ @ @ @ @ .
This would mean food for them for months .
Her mother writes long letters @ @ @ @ @ would be astonished to receive this help . ''
• The Believe Project is awarding @ @ @ @ @ a different person with a great idea for how to use the money to do @ @ @ @ @ else .
If you 'd like the chance to help someone , submit your idea @ @ @ @ @ at events.dailyherald.com/believe/ .

$100 to help family in Sri Lanka
Today's recipient of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Bethany Snyder-Morse of Elk Grove Village.
Here is an excerpt of her story:
"Sharmi is 12 years old and lives with her mother and ailing grandmother in Sri Lanka. I write to her monthly through a nonprofit that gets 100% of any extra gift to the family. This would mean food for them for months. Her mother writes long letters about their lives. She would be astonished to receive this help."
• The Believe Project is awarding $100 each day to a different person with a great idea for how to use the money to do a good deed for someone else. If you'd like the chance to help someone, submit your idea in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-26--A battle that doesn't end: The pandemic's effect on health care workers

Nurse Samantha Mull felt helpless as she held the hand of a dying COVID-19 patient , trying to provide a sense of comfort as his family members said their goodbyes over the phone .
Her interactions with the man had been brief but strangely intimate since he was admitted to Elmhurst Hospital 's intensive care unit a week earlier .
She looked him in the eyes as he gasped for breath and told him everything would be OK. She talked him through the intubation process , which she performed while he was awake .
And in his final moments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bedside , sobbing over a man they barely knew as they watched him die .
For the last 10 months , health care workers have been carrying the weight of the pandemic on their shoulders , enduring anxiety , uncertainty , moral distress and fatigue as they fight a battle that 's out of their control .
Though that patient stands out in Mull 's mind , the scenario was in no way unique , she said .
At the height of the pandemic , both in the spring and over the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for front-line workers to witness multiple deaths a day , to deliver heartbreaking news virtually , to drop everything to be with a patient so nobody dies alone .
`` People do n't see this part of it , '' said Mull , of North Aurora , an ICU nurse for six years .
`` I 'm exhausted .
I 'm emotionally drained .
I feel like there 's still no end in sight . ''
Some health care workers take on extra shifts and report feeling guilty in their time off .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with additional stressors in their personal lives .
And with a front-row seat to the impact of the respiratory disease , many are growing increasingly frustrated by a lack of community compliance with public health guidelines .
`` They find themselves in two different worlds : One where they go to work at the hospital where people are dropping dead , and then they 're coming home and seeing people , frankly , be indifferent , '' said Dr. Clifton Saper , lead clinical psychologist with the Amita Health Behavioral Medicine Institute .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anger and a lot of feelings of despair . ''
In the early stages of a vaccine rollout , uncertainty remains over when front-line workers will be granted relief .
Mental health experts say they have a long road ahead , both in overcoming the virus and facing the residual effects of psychological trauma .
`` This is way , way more than anybody in health care has experienced before , '' Saper said .
Suburban health care workers can remember when a single positive case evoked feelings of overwhelming fear at their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January for Amita Health St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates , where the first confirmed COVID-19 patient in the Chicago area -- and the second in the United States -- was admitted , Saper said .
Weeks later , Edward Hospital in Naperville began caring for its first positive patient in the pulmonary medicine unit .
Nurse Jessica Bromley and her colleagues were tasked with treating an infection they did n't understand yet , with limited tools to help anticipate complications or perform interventions .
They did n't know if the hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent the spread of the novel virus , said Bromley , a Plainfield resident .
She found herself at the center of a moral dilemma that pitted her patients ' care against the safety of her family .
That was the only time she has ever considered leaving the profession .
`` The compassionate and caring nature of a nurse is very hard to weigh with the fear and risk of what we were being asked to do , '' Bromley said .
As cases spiked across the suburbs , hospital systems ramped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered other mental health resources for employees at all levels .
Elective procedures were halted , and teams felt a collective rush of adrenaline as they adopted an all-hands-on-deck approach to combating the virus , said Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua , chief physician executive at Edward-Elmhurst Health .
The community embraced that mentality , too , pledging to stay home , rallying around their health care heroes , and sending daily meals and messages of encouragement .
The pressures of the pandemic began to subside over the summer as positivity rates trended down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief , hospitals were suddenly balancing COVID-19 cases with a backlog of patients needing elective surgeries and other care , Khatua said .
By the time a second surge hit this fall , health care workers had learned how to better care for virus patients .
But there was no operational pause in other units this time , no labor pool to fall back on , no rallying cry of community support -- and yet a greater case count and more community spread than ever before .
`` They just have n't had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They still have the same issues at home as everybody else , and throw on top of that all this politicizing of simple scientific concepts that we should all be in together .
That 's a mixture for what we 'd call 'COVID fatigue . '
'' Nurse Jennifer Cohen felt like she reached her breaking point early last month as she watched COVID-19 cases rising again at NorthShore Glenbrook Hospital .
Her medical surgical unit had been filling up with positive patients when she left work on a Friday .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other units at the Glenview medical center were full -- `` that 's how quick it was , '' she said .
`` It was difficult to accept that it was going to be as bad as it was before , or even worse .
...
There was just the reality of , 'Oh my gosh , we have to do this again , ' '' Cohen said .
`` I felt a little let down by the public . ''
The community spread has been more prevalent in the second wave of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straining the workforce as more employees and their families test positive , said Jeff Murphy , 2021 president of the Schaumburg-based Emergency Nurses Association 's Illinois chapter .
Members have reported working longer hours and taking on extra shifts to ensure their units are fully staffed .
`` Trying to absorb that many people who are out sick and still take care of a lot of patients has made this last stretch particularly exhausting , '' Murphy said .
Advocate Aurora Health and Edward-Elmhurst Health are among the systems offering extra financial support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child care reimbursement , to front-line workers .
Suburban hospitals also have activated special teams tasked with specifically addressing employees ' psychological needs .
Northwestern Medicine behavioral health staff members bring essential oils to medical floors , encourage stretch breaks , lead mindful breathing exercises and station a therapy dog at entrances to greet employees .
Many health centers offer healthy snacks , round-the-clock chaplains or therapists , and virtual or in-person support groups .
`` This is a marathon .
All our efforts are n't going to go away once everyone is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kathie Bender Schwich , Advocate Aurora chief spiritual officer .
`` We realize the emotional , mental and spiritual effects of all this will have a longer life , so we really are trying to change the culture of how we care for one another . ''
'Holding each other up' At the start of the pandemic , Mull transformed her living room into a yoga studio .
She makes a conscious effort to paint her nails , go for bike rides and take relaxing baths .
She even bedazzles her mask with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the midst of chaos , Mull quickly realized the importance of finding an outlet and creating small joys .
After a tumultuous year also full of unrest and political divide , self-care has never been more critical -- `` and do n't feel guilty about it , '' said Michael Scholl , vice president of behavioral health at The Josselyn Center , a mental health clinic in Northfield and Waukegan .
`` This is a situation where we have been met with more emotional needs than most humans can deal with , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers focus on moving forward through the pandemic , many find their strength from the doctors , nurses and others who understand what they 've been through , Bromley said .
They vent to one another in break rooms or call each other after they 've had a hard day at work .
`` None of us could 've done this without each other .
That 's the whole reason anybody 's able to get any care , '' she said .
`` We 've all been holding each other up , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's also important to focus on the wins rather than the losses , Mull said .
The 31-year-old patient who 's back home with his wife and kids after being on a ventilator for a month .
The man who got a tracheostomy days ago but is now awake and smiling and communicative .
`` That 's why I do my job , is to have those wins , '' Mull said .
`` We 're still in this together , and we 're going to beat this .
Even though we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like there 's no end in sight , we 're trying to make one . ''

A battle that doesn't end: The pandemic's effect on health care workers
Nurse Samantha Mull, who works in the intensive care unit at Elmhurst Hospital, says the last 10 months have been emotionally and mentally draining. "I feel like there's still no end in sight," she says. Courtesy of Samantha Mull
Nurse Samantha Mull felt helpless as she held the hand of a dying COVID-19 patient, trying to provide a sense of comfort as his family members said their goodbyes over the phone.
Her interactions with the man had been brief but strangely intimate since he was admitted to Elmhurst Hospital's intensive care unit a week earlier. She looked him in the eyes as he gasped for breath and told him everything would be OK. She talked him through the intubation process, which she performed while he was awake.
And in his final moments, Mull and a co-worker were at his bedside, sobbing over a man they barely knew as they watched him die.
For the last 10 months, health care workers have been carrying the weight of the pandemic on their shoulders, enduring anxiety, uncertainty, moral distress and fatigue as they fight a battle that's out of their control.
Though that patient stands out in Mull's mind, the scenario was in no way unique, she said. At the height of the pandemic, both in the spring and over the last several weeks, it's not uncommon for front-line workers to witness multiple deaths a day, to deliver heartbreaking news virtually, to drop everything to be with a patient so nobody dies alone.
"People don't see this part of it," said Mull, of North Aurora, an ICU nurse for six years. "I'm exhausted. I'm emotionally drained. I feel like there's still no end in sight."
Some health care workers take on extra shifts and report feeling guilty in their time off. Others find it hard to balance work with additional stressors in their personal lives. And with a front-row seat to the impact of the respiratory disease, many are growing increasingly frustrated by a lack of community compliance with public health guidelines.
"They find themselves in two different worlds: One where they go to work at the hospital where people are dropping dead, and then they're coming home and seeing people, frankly, be indifferent," said Dr. Clifton Saper, lead clinical psychologist with the Amita Health Behavioral Medicine Institute. "That leads to a lot of anger and a lot of feelings of despair."
In the early stages of a vaccine rollout, uncertainty remains over when front-line workers will be granted relief. Mental health experts say they have a long road ahead, both in overcoming the virus and facing the residual effects of psychological trauma.
"This is way, way more than anybody in health care has experienced before," Saper said.
COVID fatigue
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Edward Hospital nurse Jessica Bromley says she has relied on her co-workers for support while working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic for the last 10 months. "We've all been holding each other up, and we continue to do so."
Suburban health care workers can remember when a single positive case evoked feelings of overwhelming fear at their respective hospitals.
That moment came in January for Amita Health St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, where the first confirmed COVID-19 patient in the Chicago area -- and the second in the United States -- was admitted, Saper said.
Weeks later, Edward Hospital in Naperville began caring for its first positive patient in the pulmonary medicine unit. Nurse Jessica Bromley and her colleagues were tasked with treating an infection they didn't understand yet, with limited tools to help anticipate complications or perform interventions.
They didn't know if the hospital's protocols and personal protective equipment would prevent the spread of the novel virus, said Bromley, a Plainfield resident. She found herself at the center of a moral dilemma that pitted her patients' care against the safety of her family.
That was the only time she has ever considered leaving the profession.
"The compassionate and caring nature of a nurse is very hard to weigh with the fear and risk of what we were being asked to do," Bromley said.
As cases spiked across the suburbs, hospital systems ramped up incentives, instituted support groups and offered other mental health resources for employees at all levels.
Elective procedures were halted, and teams felt a collective rush of adrenaline as they adopted an all-hands-on-deck approach to combating the virus, said Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua, chief physician executive at Edward-Elmhurst Health. The community embraced that mentality, too, pledging to stay home, rallying around their health care heroes, and sending daily meals and messages of encouragement.
The pressures of the pandemic began to subside over the summer as positivity rates trended down. While the public breathed a sigh of relief, hospitals were suddenly balancing COVID-19 cases with a backlog of patients needing elective surgeries and other care, Khatua said.
By the time a second surge hit this fall, health care workers had learned how to better care for virus patients. But there was no operational pause in other units this time, no labor pool to fall back on, no rallying cry of community support -- and yet a greater case count and more community spread than ever before.
"They just haven't had a break," Khatua said. "They still have the same issues at home as everybody else, and throw on top of that all this politicizing of simple scientific concepts that we should all be in together. That's a mixture for what we'd call 'COVID fatigue.'"
'This is a marathon'
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Therapy dog Shelby greets workers at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. "It lifts spirits, makes them smile. People say it's a great way to start the day," owner Amy Wessel says.
Nurse Jennifer Cohen felt like she reached her breaking point early last month as she watched COVID-19 cases rising again at NorthShore Glenbrook Hospital.
Her medical surgical unit had been filling up with positive patients when she left work on a Friday. By the time she returned Monday, two other units at the Glenview medical center were full -- "that's how quick it was," she said.
"It was difficult to accept that it was going to be as bad as it was before, or even worse. ... There was just the reality of, 'Oh my gosh, we have to do this again,'" Cohen said. "I felt a little let down by the public."
The community spread has been more prevalent in the second wave of infections than in the initial outbreak, straining the workforce as more employees and their families test positive, said Jeff Murphy, 2021 president of the Schaumburg-based Emergency Nurses Association's Illinois chapter. Members have reported working longer hours and taking on extra shifts to ensure their units are fully staffed.
"Trying to absorb that many people who are out sick and still take care of a lot of patients has made this last stretch particularly exhausting," Murphy said.
Advocate Aurora Health and Edward-Elmhurst Health are among the systems offering extra financial support, such as raises, bonuses or child care reimbursement, to front-line workers. Suburban hospitals also have activated special teams tasked with specifically addressing employees' psychological needs.
Northwestern Medicine behavioral health staff members bring essential oils to medical floors, encourage stretch breaks, lead mindful breathing exercises and station a therapy dog at entrances to greet employees. Many health centers offer healthy snacks, round-the-clock chaplains or therapists, and virtual or in-person support groups.
"This is a marathon. All our efforts aren't going to go away once everyone is vaccinated," said the Rev. Kathie Bender Schwich, Advocate Aurora chief spiritual officer. "We realize the emotional, mental and spiritual effects of all this will have a longer life, so we really are trying to change the culture of how we care for one another."
'Holding each other up'
Elmhurst Hospital nurse Samantha Mull bedazzles her face masks differently at the start of every shift, one of several ways she practices self-care and tries to stay positive through the COVID-19 pandemic. "It's the little things," she says. - Courtesy of Samantha Mull
At the start of the pandemic, Mull transformed her living room into a yoga studio.
She makes a conscious effort to paint her nails, go for bike rides and take relaxing baths. She even bedazzles her mask with a different design before every shift.
In the midst of chaos, Mull quickly realized the importance of finding an outlet and creating small joys. After a tumultuous year also full of unrest and political divide, self-care has never been more critical -- "and don't feel guilty about it," said Michael Scholl, vice president of behavioral health at The Josselyn Center, a mental health clinic in Northfield and Waukegan.
"This is a situation where we have been met with more emotional needs than most humans can deal with," he said.
As health care workers focus on moving forward through the pandemic, many find their strength from the doctors, nurses and others who understand what they've been through, Bromley said. They vent to one another in break rooms or call each other after they've had a hard day at work.
"None of us could've done this without each other. That's the whole reason anybody's able to get any care," she said. "We've all been holding each other up, and we continue to do so."
It's also important to focus on the wins rather than the losses, Mull said. The 31-year-old patient who's back home with his wife and kids after being on a ventilator for a month. The man who got a tracheostomy days ago but is now awake and smiling and communicative.
"That's why I do my job, is to have those wins," Mull said. "We're still in this together, and we're going to beat this. Even though we feel like we're drowning and we feel like there's no end in sight, we're trying to make one."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-26--Lake County sheriff: Boy abducted by mom from family Christmas party

Lake County sheriff 's police seek help locating an 8-year-old boy who they say was abducted Friday by his mother from a family Christmas party .
They say the boy 's biological mother , Holly A. Adcox , took Enrique Sanchez at about 8 p.m. Friday from a gathering on the 26400 block of Route 83 in Fremont Township .
Adcox , 27 , does not have custody of the boy , and his grandmother has been his legal guardian since he was a year old , sheriff 's officers said .
Enrique is 4 feet tall , weighs 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes .
Enrique Sanchez and Adcox were attending the same gathering but Adcox did not have permission to leave with the boy , authorities said .
According to a Lake County sheriff 's department statement , Enrique Sanchez 's biological father , Federico E. Sanchez , and Adcox `` planned on abducting and fleeing with Enrique . ''
Authorities say Adcox , Federico Sanchez , 30 , and Enrique Sanchez are traveling in a maroon 2002 Toyota Camry with Illinois Registration BN21720 .
`` There is no evidence to suggest Enrique is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , therefore this parental abduction does not meet the guidelines for the issuance of an Amber Alert , '' according to Sgt .
Christopher Covelli 's prepared statement .
Sheriff 's deputies believe Adcox and Federico Sanchez intend to flee with the boy to another state .
They urge anyone who knows the whereabouts of Adcox , Federico Sanchez and Enrique Sanchez to call 911 .
Anyone with other relevant information , should call ( 847 ) 377-4156 .

Lake County officials: Boy abducted by biological parents found in Indiana
Holly A. Adcox and Federico E. Sanchez, parents but not legal guardians of Enrique Sanchez, are being held on kidnapping charges in Clark County, Ind., after officials say they took their son from a Christmas party.
Authorities found a Lake County boy in an Indiana hotel room with his biological mother and father after they abducted him from a Christmas party Friday in Fremont Township, officials said. Both parents are being held with kidnapping charges in Clark County, Indiana.
Holly A. Adcox took 8-year-old Enrique Sanchez at about 8 p.m. Friday from a gathering on the 26400 block of Route 83 in Fremont Township, officials said. Adcox, 27, does not have custody, and Enrique's grandmother has been his legal guardian since he was a year old, sheriff's officers said.
Enrique and Adcox were attending the same gathering but Adcox did not have permission to leave with the boy, authorities said.
According to a Lake County sheriff's department statement, Adcox and Enrique's biological father, 30-year-old Federico E. Sanchez, "planned on abducting and fleeing with Enrique."
Lake County sheriff's detectives learned that Adcox, Enrique Sanchez and Federico Sanchez were likely in Sellersburg, Indiana. Lake County Sheriff's detectives contacted local authorities and had them check hotels in the area, according to an update Saturday night. Police located the Toyota Camry they were driving and found the three in a hotel room, according to the update.
Enrique is safe and is being held in protective custody until his legal guardians arrive, authorities said Saturday.
Daily Herald correspondent Mary Chappell contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-26--Local Jewish War Veterans leader aims to raise awareness, support other vets

Two key motivators sparked Howard Goldstein 's involvement with the Jewish War Veterans of the United States , an organization for which he launched a local post in DuPage County and is now active at the state and national levels .
The first reason -- and why most members join -- was to educate the public about the role of Jewish soldiers in the armed forces since before the Revolutionary War , he said .
The second was to help other veterans , whether it be by volunteering at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital , donating supplies and equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs .
Goldstein of Glen Ellyn served as a medic in the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969 , working at field hospitals , an immediate care facility and a long-term convalescent center .
Upon returning home , Goldstein went back to college -- he previously quit to join the Army -- and earned his master 's degree in business administration .
He began a career in the insurance industry , started a family , moved around the country and had `` zero to do with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Over time , however , he decided to ramp up his volunteer work and became involved with the American Red Cross .
In addition to his disaster relief efforts with the Red Cross , Goldstein started working with a division in support of armed forces , and eventually became a Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service liaison to Chicago-area VA hospitals .
That experience prompted Goldstein to join a committee at his local synagogue in hopes of engaging members of the congregation in veteran assistance efforts .
It was n't long before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to become a legitimate Jewish War Veterans post , he said .
The national JWV was founded nearly 125 years ago in response to a series of anti-Semitic comments about the lack of Jewish service in the Civil War , the website says .
It now has more than 300 branches and is the longest-running veteran services organization in the country .
Officially formed in 2015 , West Suburban Post 54 aims to carry out the group 's mission of supporting Jewish military personnel , providing services for all veterans , combating bigotry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Most people do n't know we exist , '' he said .
`` We are a small percentage of the population , but throughout history , we have always had a higher percentage of Jews in the military than there was in the country . ''
Goldstein soon became involved with the state organization and worked his way up to department commander , a role that allows him to visit other posts and make connections across Illinois , he said .
He helped launch a JWV marketing committee at the national level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And he lobbies for Illinois and federal legislation in support of veterans , he said , pointing to a recent push for a state law that would help military medics transition more easily into similar civilian positions .
Goldstein 's passion for helping veterans drives his volunteerism .
But he also has enjoyed the camaraderie among the array of new people he 's met along the way .
`` I now have friends all over the country , '' he said .
`` We get to see the world from different perspectives @ @

Local Jewish War Veterans leader aims to raise awareness, support other vets
Howard Goldstein of Glen Ellyn served as a medic in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969. He is now the department commander for the state's Jewish War Veterans organization, launched a local chapter and is also involved at the national level. Courtesy of Howard Goldstein
Howard Goldstein, Illinois Jewish War Veterans department commander, left, stands with National Commander Jeff Sacks as part of their work supporting veteran services in Washington, D.C. Courtesy of Howard Goldstein
Two key motivators sparked Howard Goldstein's involvement with the Jewish War Veterans of the United States, an organization for which he launched a local post in DuPage County and is now active at the state and national levels.
The first reason -- and why most members join -- was to educate the public about the role of Jewish soldiers in the armed forces since before the Revolutionary War, he said.
The second was to help other veterans, whether it be by volunteering at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, donating supplies and equipment, or making them aware of the benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Goldstein of Glen Ellyn served as a medic in the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969, working at field hospitals, an immediate care facility and a long-term convalescent center.
Upon returning home, Goldstein went back to college -- he previously quit to join the Army -- and earned his master's degree in business administration. He began a career in the insurance industry, started a family, moved around the country and had "zero to do with military or veterans" for years, he said.
Over time, however, he decided to ramp up his volunteer work and became involved with the American Red Cross. In addition to his disaster relief efforts with the Red Cross, Goldstein started working with a division in support of armed forces, and eventually became a Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service liaison to Chicago-area VA hospitals.
That experience prompted Goldstein to join a committee at his local synagogue in hopes of engaging members of the congregation in veteran assistance efforts. It wasn't long before 10 people had signed up -- enough to become a legitimate Jewish War Veterans post, he said.
The national JWV was founded nearly 125 years ago in response to a series of anti-Semitic comments about the lack of Jewish service in the Civil War, the website says. It now has more than 300 branches and is the longest-running veteran services organization in the country.
Officially formed in 2015, West Suburban Post 54 aims to carry out the group's mission of supporting Jewish military personnel, providing services for all veterans, combating bigotry and raising awareness, Goldstein said.
"Most people don't know we exist," he said. "We are a small percentage of the population, but throughout history, we have always had a higher percentage of Jews in the military than there was in the country."
Goldstein soon became involved with the state organization and worked his way up to department commander, a role that allows him to visit other posts and make connections across Illinois, he said.
He helped launch a JWV marketing committee at the national level, where he now serves as chairman. And he lobbies for Illinois and federal legislation in support of veterans, he said, pointing to a recent push for a state law that would help military medics transition more easily into similar civilian positions.
Goldstein's passion for helping veterans drives his volunteerism. But he also has enjoyed the camaraderie among the array of new people he's met along the way.
"I now have friends all over the country," he said. "We get to see the world from different perspectives,"


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-26--Illinois reports 3,293 new cases of COVID-19, 66 additional deaths

The Illinois Department of Public Health on Saturday reported 3,293 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease in Illinois and 66 additional deaths .
That brings the number of Illinois cases to 932,142 , including 15,865 deaths in 102 counties , according to the IDPH .
The age of cases ranges from younger than 1 to older than 100 years .
The preliminary statewide positivity rate for COVID-19 cases measured 6.8 % based on a seven-day average concluding Dec. 25 , according to the IDPH .
As of Friday night , 4,021 people in Illinois were reported to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to public health officials .
Of those , 874 patients were in the ICU and 494 people with COVID-19 were on ventilators .
• Cook County deaths include : one male in his 30s ; one male in his 40s ; one female and three males in their 50s ; three females and three males in their 60s ; one female and two males in their 70s ; one female and five males in their 80s ; four females and two males in their 90s .
• DuPage County deaths include : two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their 80s .
• Kane County deaths include : one male in his 40s ; one female in her 50s and two males in their 60s .
• Lake County deaths include : one male in his 50s ; one male in his 60s and one male in his 80s .
• Will County deaths include : one female and one male in their 60s ; one male in his 70s ; one female in her 90s and one female 100+ .

Illinois reports 3,293 new cases of COVID-19, 66 additional deaths
The Illinois Department of Public Health on Saturday reported 3,293 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease in Illinois and 66 additional deaths.
That brings the number of Illinois cases to 932,142, including 15,865 deaths in 102 counties, according to the IDPH. The age of cases ranges from younger than 1 to older than 100 years.
The preliminary statewide positivity rate for COVID-19 cases measured 6.8% based on a seven-day average concluding Dec. 25, according to the IDPH.
As of Friday night, 4,021 people in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19, according to public health officials. Of those, 874 patients were in the ICU and 494 people with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
• Cook County deaths include: one male in his 30s; one male in his 40s; one female and three males in their 50s; three females and three males in their 60s; one female and two males in their 70s; one female and five males in their 80s; four females and two males in their 90s.
• DuPage County deaths include: two females in their 60s and two females in their 80s.
• Kane County deaths include: one male in his 40s; one female in her 50s and two males in their 60s.
• Lake County deaths include: one male in his 50s; one male in his 60s and one male in his 80s.
• Will County deaths include: one female and one male in their 60s; one male in his 70s; one female in her 90s and one female 100+.