dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-02--Bensenville bans smoking in village-owned parks

Bensenville has banned smoking in its village-owned parks as part of a communitywide push to focus on healthy living and wellness .
The ban , approved late last month by the village board , prohibits use of nicotine and tobacco products as well as electronic cigarettes in Town Center Park , Veterans Park and the Redmond Recreational Complex .
Cannabis use in public places already is banned statewide .
`` Secondhand smoke has major negative effects on a person 's health and is said to have contributed toward thousands of deaths each year in the United States , '' Village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
`` By approving these common-sense regulations , we will help reduce the chance of families being affected from secondhand smoke while also bringing awareness to this nationally recognized issue . ''
Roughly 75 % of respondents to a recent survey by the DuPage County Health Department indicated they support tobacco-free policies in village-owned parks .
Of those who had visited a park in DuPage within the past year , 45 % said they had been bothered by tobacco smoke .
Village Manager Evan Summers said the ban took effect immediately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noticed until spring when park use increases .
He said citations could be issued to offenders , but the village initially will focus on education .
The village has sent its ordinance to Bensenville Park District , which may consider a similar prohibition , he said .
Bensenville is not the first community to take such action .
Naperville Park District adopted a similar ban in August 2018 at all its parks , exempting only two golf courses and the downtown Riverwalk .
Executive Director Ray McGury said the district considered a ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at least in part , to an argument that developed in Nike Park between a group of smokers and a group that wanted them to stop .
`` We have not had one issue '' since the ban went into effect , McGury said Monday .
`` There have been zero complaints . ''
The Schaumburg , Buffalo Grove and Chicago park districts also have long-standing bans .
The Bartlett village board discussed adopting one at village-owned parks earlier this year , but agreed to table any action after a high school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bounds and should instead consider designated smoking areas at the facilities .

Bensenville bans smoking in village-owned parks
Bensenville has banned the use of nicotine and tobacco products as well as electronic cigarettes in Redmond Recreational Complex, seen here, and all other village-owned parks. Daily Herald file photo
Bensenville has banned smoking in its village-owned parks as part of a communitywide push to focus on healthy living and wellness.
The ban, approved late last month by the village board, prohibits use of nicotine and tobacco products as well as electronic cigarettes in Town Center Park, Veterans Park and the Redmond Recreational Complex. Cannabis use in public places already is banned statewide.
"Secondhand smoke has major negative effects on a person's health and is said to have contributed toward thousands of deaths each year in the United States," Village President Frank DeSimone said in a written statement. "By approving these common-sense regulations, we will help reduce the chance of families being affected from secondhand smoke while also bringing awareness to this nationally recognized issue."
Roughly 75% of respondents to a recent survey by the DuPage County Health Department indicated they support tobacco-free policies in village-owned parks. Of those who had visited a park in DuPage within the past year, 45% said they had been bothered by tobacco smoke.
Village Manager Evan Summers said the ban took effect immediately, although its impact probably won't be noticed until spring when park use increases. He said citations could be issued to offenders, but the village initially will focus on education.
The village has sent its ordinance to Bensenville Park District, which may consider a similar prohibition, he said.
Bensenville is not the first community to take such action. Naperville Park District adopted a similar ban in August 2018 at all its parks, exempting only two golf courses and the downtown Riverwalk.
Executive Director Ray McGury said the district considered a ban for months before enacting it in response, at least in part, to an argument that developed in Nike Park between a group of smokers and a group that wanted them to stop.
"We have not had one issue" since the ban went into effect, McGury said Monday. "There have been zero complaints."
The Schaumburg, Buffalo Grove and Chicago park districts also have long-standing bans.
The Bartlett village board discussed adopting one at village-owned parks earlier this year, but agreed to table any action after a high school student complained that officials were overstepping their bounds and should instead consider designated smoking areas at the facilities.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-02--Live4Lali launches 'Stigma Crusher' outreach truck to help fight opioid crisis

Arlington Heights-based Live4Lali on Monday officially launched a mobile harm reduction program , the nonprofit 's latest effort to battle the opioid crisis and help those struggling with substance abuse .
The marquee piece of the new outreach program is a purple truck , called The Stigma Crusher , that will travel throughout the suburbs to provide supplies and services to those in need .
On board is a bevy of supplies , such as naloxone -- the lifesaving overdose reversal drug -- clean needles , basic medicine like Benadryl , clothing and food .
Officials with Live4Lali and partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they plan to target their outreach to the homeless , people on the street using substances daily , and those who may be engaging in sex work .
They say the mobile truck is designed to meet people where they 're at .
`` It gets us more proximate to people who really need our services , '' said Chelsea Laliberte Barnes , Live4Lali 's executive director .
`` We 're here to talk to them , coach them , and get them help if they want it , treatment and recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 're here just to get anybody who 's in need what they need in that moment . ''
Laliberte co-founded Live4Lali in memory of her brother , Alex , a Stevenson High School graduate who died of a heroin overdose in 2008 .
The Stigma Crusher also has a corresponding real-time locator app , Live4Lali Mobile Outreach , for people to find out where the truck is at any given time .

Live4Lali launches 'Stigma Crusher' outreach truck to help fight opioid crisis
Chelsea Laliberte Barnes co-founded the Arlington Heights-based Live4Lali organization after her brother, Alex, died of a heroin overdose in 2008. Courtesy of Chelsea Laliberte Barnes
Arlington Heights-based Live4Lali on Monday officially launched a mobile harm reduction program, the nonprofit's latest effort to battle the opioid crisis and help those struggling with substance abuse.
The marquee piece of the new outreach program is a purple truck, called The Stigma Crusher, that will travel throughout the suburbs to provide supplies and services to those in need. On board is a bevy of supplies, such as naloxone -- the lifesaving overdose reversal drug -- clean needles, basic medicine like Benadryl, clothing and food.
Officials with Live4Lali and partners Inspiration Outreach Foundation and Hope for Healing say they plan to target their outreach to the homeless, people on the street using substances daily, and those who may be engaging in sex work.
They say the mobile truck is designed to meet people where they're at.
"It gets us more proximate to people who really need our services," said Chelsea Laliberte Barnes, Live4Lali's executive director. "We're here to talk to them, coach them, and get them help if they want it, treatment and recovery services. We do all of that. We're here just to get anybody who's in need what they need in that moment."
Laliberte co-founded Live4Lali in memory of her brother, Alex, a Stevenson High School graduate who died of a heroin overdose in 2008.
The Stigma Crusher also has a corresponding real-time locator app, Live4Lali Mobile Outreach, for people to find out where the truck is at any given time.
• Daily Herald staff photographer Rick West contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-03--Uncertainties face vacationers as coronavirus situation evolves

Do I cancel my Italy trip ?
Is it safe to go on a cruise ship ?
Can I get my money back on my flight to Beijing ?
As the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus widens , so do the questions and angst for travelers planning vacations .
`` Things are changing daily with updated news and it 's a very fluid situation , '' AAA spokeswoman Molly Hart said .
For vacationers with basic queries , the U.S. Department of State 's Travel.gov and U.S. Centers for Disease Control coronavirus websites are chock-full of information about where you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should think twice about traveling .
For starters , `` do not travel '' to China and Iran is the State Department 's current edict during the coronavirus epidemic .
That 's easy to obey given major carriers like United , American and Delta have either halted or reduced service to China during the spring .
The government is also issuing travel advisories about countries including South Korea , Italy , Japan and Hong Kong .
At United , `` we 've suspended all of our flights to China and Hong Kong until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers who need to change their travel , '' spokeswoman Leslie Scott said .
`` South Korea was added to that waiver on Monday . ''
Many airlines are giving flyers the option to delay or change existing flight bookings to countries with coronavirus clusters , without penalties .
However , reimbursements for flights , hotels or packages could be dependent on when you pulled the trigger .
The insurance company Allianz Travel 's website notes that many travel insurance plans `` exclude losses caused directly or indirectly by an epidemic . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ became generally known on Jan. 22 , 2020 , and travel insurance typically wo n't cover losses caused by issues that were `` known or foreseeable '' at purchase time .
If your international trip is booked , Hart recommends signing up with the State Department 's Smart Traveler Enrollment System to receive advice on changing conditions in your destination country .
The State Department also is throwing cold water on cruise ship vacations to or within Asia in the wake of passengers contracting coronavirus aboard the Diamond Princess and enduring quarantines .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruises , noting that at some ports countries are implementing strict screening policies that could prevent Americans from disembarking or result in being quarantined locally .
Moving forward , Expedia 's Haytham Akremi , senior customer experience analyst , advises `` consider booking refundable travel vs. nonrefundable .
Typically travelers like to book nonrefundable because it sometimes comes with a cheaper price , but right now we believe that flexibility is key for travelers so it 's something to consider when searching for travel options . ''
If you 're dead-set on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with coronavirus issues , authorities advise that older adults or people with existing serious health conditions are more at risk of falling ill , and suggest checking with a doctor first .
Hart also suggested that vacationers bring an extra supply of medication and check that your cellphone plan will work internationally in case of the unexpected .
`` The decision to travel is a personal one ; we advise travelers to make an informed decision , '' she said .

Uncertainties face vacationers as coronavirus situation evolves
Do I cancel my Italy trip? Is it safe to go on a cruise ship? Can I get my money back on my flight to Beijing?
As the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus widens, so do the questions and angst for travelers planning vacations.
"Things are changing daily with updated news and it's a very fluid situation," AAA spokeswoman Molly Hart said.
For vacationers with basic queries, the U.S. Department of State's Travel.gov and U.S. Centers for Disease Control coronavirus websites are chock-full of information about where you can travel, can't travel and should think twice about traveling.
For starters, "do not travel" to China and Iran is the State Department's current edict during the coronavirus epidemic. That's easy to obey given major carriers like United, American and Delta have either halted or reduced service to China during the spring.
The government is also issuing travel advisories about countries including South Korea, Italy, Japan and Hong Kong.
At United, "we've suspended all of our flights to China and Hong Kong until April 24 and provided a waiver for customers who need to change their travel," spokeswoman Leslie Scott said. "South Korea was added to that waiver on Monday."
Many airlines are giving flyers the option to delay or change existing flight bookings to countries with coronavirus clusters, without penalties.
However, reimbursements for flights, hotels or packages could be dependent on when you pulled the trigger.
The insurance company Allianz Travel's website notes that many travel insurance plans "exclude losses caused directly or indirectly by an epidemic."
Also, Allianz advises that the coronavirus became generally known on Jan. 22, 2020, and travel insurance typically won't cover losses caused by issues that were "known or foreseeable" at purchase time.
If your international trip is booked, Hart recommends signing up with the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment System to receive advice on changing conditions in your destination country.
The State Department also is throwing cold water on cruise ship vacations to or within Asia in the wake of passengers contracting coronavirus aboard the Diamond Princess and enduring quarantines. The government is also tepid on international cruises, noting that at some ports countries are implementing strict screening policies that could prevent Americans from disembarking or result in being quarantined locally.
Moving forward, Expedia's Haytham Akremi, senior customer experience analyst, advises "consider booking refundable travel vs. nonrefundable. Typically travelers like to book nonrefundable because it sometimes comes with a cheaper price, but right now we believe that flexibility is key for travelers so it's something to consider when searching for travel options."
If you're dead-set on a dream trip to Italy or other countries with coronavirus issues, authorities advise that older adults or people with existing serious health conditions are more at risk of falling ill, and suggest checking with a doctor first.
Hart also suggested that vacationers bring an extra supply of medication and check that your cellphone plan will work internationally in case of the unexpected.
"The decision to travel is a personal one; we advise travelers to make an informed decision," she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-02--Arlington Heights vets launch new kind of time capsule project that pays it forward

More than 50 Arlington Heights organizations have embarked on a pioneering multigenerational time capsule project to send messages to future generations , in hopes they 'll pay it forward and continue the project into the future .
The Veterans Memorial Committee of Arlington Heights is leading the effort to collect digitized content that will be put on large master discs and placed inside three time capsule boxes .
The three boxes are set to be buried this Memorial Day , May 25 , at the foot of the Eternal Flame statue after the annual village ceremony at Memorial Park .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the boxes 33 years later , have those Arlington Heights residents put in material of their own , and rebury the box .
Then 33 years later , plans call for the second box to be dug up , contents emptied , refilled and reburied .
And 34 years after that ( a century from now ) , the same would happen with the third box , and continued into the future .
The idea came about after the village 's centennial Memorial Day parade and ceremony last May when veterans committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memorialize such an event .
Organizers believe the generational time capsule project is unique , not having been tried elsewhere .
`` How about we do time capsules in a way nobody else has done ? ''
said Greg Padovani , the veterans committee chairman and a village trustee .
Padovani explained the project and displayed one of the metal boxes that will be used during a village board meeting Monday night .
The local organizations being asked to contribute digital artifacts to the effort include veterans groups , village government , park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , businesses , civic groups and the faith community .
Padovani said he 's asking the organizations not to provide physical artifacts , but digital messages instead -- documents , videos , photos , music or artwork , for instance -- that answer two questions : Who are you ?
What thoughts/wishes/desires would you like to express to future generations ?
`` Artifacts are n't as important or valuable to people in the future , '' Padovani said .
`` What is valuable is the messages to the future . ''
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of members of a local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter sharing their thoughts for future generations .
`` When you capture a video of a person -- their voice , mannerisms and their message -- it makes such a profound impact on people of the future , '' Padovani said .
Local organizations have until April 15 to submit digital content .
Everything will then be loaded onto an M-DISC , a large-form DVD that is constructed to last a very long time , Padovani said .

Arlington Heights vets launch new kind of time capsule project that pays it forward
More than 50 Arlington Heights organizations have embarked on a pioneering multigenerational time capsule project to send messages to future generations, in hopes they'll pay it forward and continue the project into the future.
The Veterans Memorial Committee of Arlington Heights is leading the effort to collect digitized content that will be put on large master discs and placed inside three time capsule boxes.
The three boxes are set to be buried this Memorial Day, May 25, at the foot of the Eternal Flame statue after the annual village ceremony at Memorial Park. The plan would be to unearth one of the boxes 33 years later, have those Arlington Heights residents put in material of their own, and rebury the box.
Then 33 years later, plans call for the second box to be dug up, contents emptied, refilled and reburied. And 34 years after that (a century from now), the same would happen with the third box, and continued into the future.
The idea came about after the village's centennial Memorial Day parade and ceremony last May when veterans committee members were thinking of a way to memorialize such an event.
Organizers believe the generational time capsule project is unique, not having been tried elsewhere.
"How about we do time capsules in a way nobody else has done?" said Greg Padovani, the veterans committee chairman and a village trustee.
Padovani explained the project and displayed one of the metal boxes that will be used during a village board meeting Monday night.
The local organizations being asked to contribute digital artifacts to the effort include veterans groups, village government, park district, library, historical society, schools, businesses, civic groups and the faith community.
Padovani said he's asking the organizations not to provide physical artifacts, but digital messages instead -- documents, videos, photos, music or artwork, for instance -- that answer two questions: Who are you? What thoughts/wishes/desires would you like to express to future generations?
"Artifacts aren't as important or valuable to people in the future," Padovani said. "What is valuable is the messages to the future."
For instance, Padovani recorded short video vignettes of members of a local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter sharing their thoughts for future generations.
"When you capture a video of a person -- their voice, mannerisms and their message -- it makes such a profound impact on people of the future," Padovani said.
Local organizations have until April 15 to submit digital content. Everything will then be loaded onto an M-DISC, a large-form DVD that is constructed to last a very long time, Padovani said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-02--Palatine approves dog rescue and adoption center for former Fortune Kookie building

A dog rescue and adoption center will take over the former Fortune Kookie Chinese restaurant in Palatine , which closed after a fire about four years ago .
Palatine village council members Monday night granted a special-use permit to Second City Canine Rescue for the vacant 3,500-square-foot building at 570 N. Smith St. An outdoor area for dogs surrounded by an 8-foot fence is part of the plan .
Although nonprofit Second City has not had a physical home since starting in 2011 , it hosts adoption events at places such as a PetSmart in Schaumburg .
Second City board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Charles , said after Monday 's council session that the organization hopes the extensive renovations for the shuttered restaurant will be completed in time for the facility to open before the annual Cocktails for Canines fundraiser at Inverness Country Club on Nov. 7 .
Jennifer Moreland will run the Palatine adoption center .
She said the organization typically has about 60 dogs that first are placed in foster homes before going up for adoption .
`` They 're dogs that come from high-kill animal shelters ( or ) open-access municipal shelters within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southern states , '' Moreland said .
Fortune Kookie , which was a popular place for Chinese food in the village , never reopened after the late-evening fire erupted on Jan. 25 , 2016 .
No one was injured in the fire , which officials said was not considered suspicious .
In February 2018 , the village council approved a special-use permit for the Sakura Sushi and Grill in the Fortune Kookie structure , but the project went nowhere .
Palatine Village Manager Reid Ottesen said a maximum 10 dogs will be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the nonprofit also will be required to provide a 24-hour contact number to the village to address any potential problems when the animals are alone .
Michael Matthys , vice president of Orland Park-based Linden Group Architects , addressed concerns about barking dogs , saying acoustical ceiling tiles and other soundproofing materials will be installed .
Second City , which has about 250 volunteers , tentatively projects to be open from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday .
At least 2,500 dogs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2011 , according to the organization .
Cobb said the nonprofit has a goal of boosting adoptions by 25 % once it starts operating from its first building .

Palatine approves dog rescue and adoption center for former Fortune Kookie building
A dog rescue and adoption center will take over the former Fortune Kookie Chinese restaurant in Palatine, which closed after a fire about four years ago.
Palatine village council members Monday night granted a special-use permit to Second City Canine Rescue for the vacant 3,500-square-foot building at 570 N. Smith St. An outdoor area for dogs surrounded by an 8-foot fence is part of the plan.
Although nonprofit Second City has not had a physical home since starting in 2011, it hosts adoption events at places such as a PetSmart in Schaumburg.
Second City board President Jacqueline Cobb, a veterinarian from St. Charles, said after Monday's council session that the organization hopes the extensive renovations for the shuttered restaurant will be completed in time for the facility to open before the annual Cocktails for Canines fundraiser at Inverness Country Club on Nov. 7.
Jennifer Moreland will run the Palatine adoption center. She said the organization typically has about 60 dogs that first are placed in foster homes before going up for adoption.
"They're dogs that come from high-kill animal shelters (or) open-access municipal shelters within the city (of Chicago) and Southern states," Moreland said.
Fortune Kookie, which was a popular place for Chinese food in the village, never reopened after the late-evening fire erupted on Jan. 25, 2016. No one was injured in the fire, which officials said was not considered suspicious.
In February 2018, the village council approved a special-use permit for the Sakura Sushi and Grill in the Fortune Kookie structure, but the project went nowhere.
Palatine Village Manager Reid Ottesen said a maximum 10 dogs will be allowed in Second City's kennels. He said the nonprofit also will be required to provide a 24-hour contact number to the village to address any potential problems when the animals are alone.
Michael Matthys, vice president of Orland Park-based Linden Group Architects, addressed concerns about barking dogs, saying acoustical ceiling tiles and other soundproofing materials will be installed.
Second City, which has about 250 volunteers, tentatively projects to be open from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
At least 2,500 dogs have been saved since Second City began in 2011, according to the organization. Cobb said the nonprofit has a goal of boosting adoptions by 25% once it starts operating from its first building.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-02--Facing federal charges, Urlacher says he'll stay as Mettawa mayor

Mettawa Mayor Casey Urlacher said Monday he 'll stay put and expects to be exonerated of federal charges in connection with an illegal sports betting operation .
Urlacher said he has received an outpouring of supportive calls , emails and texts from residents asking him to continue as mayor .
He also said he has received the support of a majority of the village board .
`` I took some time to discuss the situation with my wife and I have decided to continue to serve as the mayor of Mettawa , '' he said in a brief statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be exonerated of all of the charges .
I will continue to faithfully serve the village as I have over the past seven years and we will continue on the path of progress that we have made in Mettawa during my tenure . ''
The comments came Monday night as a prelude to a special village board meeting called to continue consideration of amendments to Mettawa 's zoning code .
`` I 'll get my personal issues out of the way , '' he said before reading the statement .
He did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement on not speaking about the situation any more received some applause from the audience of about 50 .
It was the first meeting of the village board since federal prosecutors on Feb. 20 announced Urlacher was among 10 people charged in connection with an illegal offshore sports gambling business .
Prosecutors allege Urlacher , 40 , the younger brother of Chicago Bears Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher , was among those recruited by ringleader Vincent Delgiudice of Orland Park to enlist new gamblers and to collect or pay out cash .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ participating in the gambling conspiracy and one count of conducting an illegal gambling business .
Each count is punishable by up to five years in a federal prison .
Urlacher told the Sun-Times the day the indictment was announced that he did n't know Delgiudice .
He 's publicly been quiet about the situation since .
The day after the announced charges , Urlacher resigned from his post on the Illinois Civil Service Commission .
He was appointed in 2013 by then Gov .
Pat Quinn to the five-member panel that hears and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions .
Urlacher and his co-defendants are scheduled to be arraigned 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the U.S. District courthouse in Chicago .
Urlacher was elected mayor of Mettawa , a tiny , rural village of about 530 residents , in 2013 and reelected in 2017 .
He ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination to state Senate District 26 in the March 2016 primary .
The meeting Monday at the Hilton Garden Inn involved a continuing comprehensive review of village zoning ordinances , a process that began more than two years ago .

Facing federal charges, Urlacher says he'll stay as Mettawa mayor
Mettawa Mayor Casey Urlacher said Monday he'll stay put and expects to be exonerated of federal charges in connection with an illegal sports betting operation.
Urlacher said he has received an outpouring of supportive calls, emails and texts from residents asking him to continue as mayor. He also said he has received the support of a majority of the village board.
"I took some time to discuss the situation with my wife and I have decided to continue to serve as the mayor of Mettawa," he said in a brief statement.
"I fully believe that I will be exonerated of all of the charges. I will continue to faithfully serve the village as I have over the past seven years and we will continue on the path of progress that we have made in Mettawa during my tenure."
The comments came Monday night as a prelude to a special village board meeting called to continue consideration of amendments to Mettawa's zoning code.
"I'll get my personal issues out of the way," he said before reading the statement. He didn't elaborate, although his remark after the statement on not speaking about the situation any more received some applause from the audience of about 50.
It was the first meeting of the village board since federal prosecutors on Feb. 20 announced Urlacher was among 10 people charged in connection with an illegal offshore sports gambling business.
Prosecutors allege Urlacher, 40, the younger brother of Chicago Bears Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher, was among those recruited by ringleader Vincent Delgiudice of Orland Park to enlist new gamblers and to collect or pay out cash.
Urlacher is charged with one count of participating in the gambling conspiracy and one count of conducting an illegal gambling business. Each count is punishable by up to five years in a federal prison.
Urlacher told the Sun-Times the day the indictment was announced that he didn't know Delgiudice. He's publicly been quiet about the situation since.
The day after the announced charges, Urlacher resigned from his post on the Illinois Civil Service Commission. He was appointed in 2013 by then Gov. Pat Quinn to the five-member panel that hears and decides state employee appeals of various job actions.
Urlacher and his co-defendants are scheduled to be arraigned 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the U.S. District courthouse in Chicago.
Urlacher was elected mayor of Mettawa, a tiny, rural village of about 530 residents, in 2013 and reelected in 2017. He ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination to state Senate District 26 in the March 2016 primary.
The meeting Monday at the Hilton Garden Inn involved a continuing comprehensive review of village zoning ordinances, a process that began more than two years ago.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-02--Developer wants to bring luxury 'Garage Lodge' to Lake Zurich

A plan to build a luxury car garage in a Lake Zurich industrial park received positive feedback from the village board Monday night .
Retired commercial real estate developer and car collector Rick Kriva presented the development -- which he 's calling `` The Garage Lodge '' -- during a courtesy review .
He said he intends to submit the plan to the village 's planning and zoning commission later this month .
Mayor Thomas Poynton said after the meeting that he likes the plan .
Poynton said the spot Kriva intends to build on at 629 Rose Road has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industrial park .
`` I think it is a quality-looking development and I think they have a nice business plan , '' Poynton said .
Under the proposal , the capacity of each unit would range from four to nine cars .
Once enough owners bought in , the lodge would be built , possibly with an attached clubhouse or other gathering space , and the owners would form a condominium board responsible for the development 's upkeep .
Kriva said he has been in touch with several car enthusiasts who are interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to show their collections off , '' Kriva said before the meeting .
`` In rentals you ca n't make improvements , but when you own a space you can deck it out and make a showplace . ''
Each unit will have a mezzanine level from which owners and their guests could view the cars from above .
Kriva said he got the idea to pursue the project because he often hears his fellow gear heads wish they had more space for their collections .
Kriva said he believes the development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as garage condo owners likely would dine at nearby restaurants after or before visiting their unit .

Developer wants to bring luxury 'Garage Lodge' to Lake Zurich
This rendering depicts what retired commercial real estate developer Rick Kriva's planned luxury car garage development would look like from the front gate in Lake Zurich. Rendering courtesy of Rick Kriva
A plan to build a luxury car garage in a Lake Zurich industrial park received positive feedback from the village board Monday night.
Retired commercial real estate developer and car collector Rick Kriva presented the development -- which he's calling "The Garage Lodge" -- during a courtesy review. He said he intends to submit the plan to the village's planning and zoning commission later this month.
Mayor Thomas Poynton said after the meeting that he likes the plan. Poynton said the spot Kriva intends to build on at 629 Rose Road has been long empty and overgrown in the industrial park.
"I think it is a quality-looking development and I think they have a nice business plan," Poynton said.
Under the proposal, the capacity of each unit would range from four to nine cars. Once enough owners bought in, the lodge would be built, possibly with an attached clubhouse or other gathering space, and the owners would form a condominium board responsible for the development's upkeep.
Kriva said he has been in touch with several car enthusiasts who are interested.
"They really want to be able to show their collections off," Kriva said before the meeting. "In rentals you can't make improvements, but when you own a space you can deck it out and make a showplace."
Each unit will have a mezzanine level from which owners and their guests could view the cars from above.
Kriva said he got the idea to pursue the project because he often hears his fellow gear heads wish they had more space for their collections.
Kriva said he believes the development would be a win-win for the village as garage condo owners likely would dine at nearby restaurants after or before visiting their unit.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-03--Constable: Gas station keeps full-service lane in self-pump world

A bill in the Illinois House designed to create jobs by banning self-serve gas pumps died with very little support .
But if you pull into the full-service Pump 1 at Craig Grandt 's Shell station in Arlington Heights , technician D.J .
Blanco happily will do it all .
`` We offer to pop the hood , check fluids and wash windows .
It 's just like the old times , '' says Blanco , a 22-year-old Harper College student who was n't around for those good old days of the 1960s when a driver could duck inside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the pop machine for a cold bottle of Coke and maybe buy a road map while an attendant filled up the gas tank , checked the oil and washed the windows .
`` We 've had the full-service pump since we opened , '' says owner Grandt .
`` We opened in 1928 . ''
His father , Roger Grandt , worked as a mechanic for the original owner , Virgil Horvath , and bought the station in 1960 .
The elder Grandt welded together oil drums to fashion a 15-foot rocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space race with the Soviet Union and Shell 's new premium gasoline nicknamed `` rocket fuel . ''
The rooftop rocket now is a suburban icon and exists alongside the full-service pump as remnants of life in the 1960s .
Craig Grandt , 65 , took over the station at 406 E. Northwest Highway around 2001 , and his father died in 2011 at age 85 .
`` As a 10-year-old , I can remember working out there when we had four guys on the island , '' Grandt says .
Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the three high school kids or two college students he hires .
`` It does cost extra , a dollar more a gallon , but we have a decent number of customers who use it , '' Blanco says of the full-service option .
`` It 's a lot of the older ones .
They know what full service is . ''
Some are widows , whose husbands always used to pump the gas .
`` They never had to deal with it , '' Blanco says .
On a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selling gas at $ 2.81 a gallon , the price at Pump 1 is $ 3.81 a gallon .
Some people are willing to pay more just to make sure they do n't arrive at a wedding , funeral or other fancy event smelling of gasoline .
Others would rather pay a bit more to avoid the elements .
`` We get young mothers with kids in the car , '' Grandt says .
`` That 's their little gift to themselves . ''
They also get regular customers who pull up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy any gas , just looking for free service .
`` Yeah , we 'll do it , '' Grandt says , saying it 's just the right thing to help people who otherwise would do it wrong .
`` They 're putting too much air in their tires or adding oil when they do n't need it . ''
He does have mechanics and service bays for people who need work done on their vehicles .
Drivers with disabilities who have placards or license plates with that designation simply pull up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then an employee has them pull to a regular pump , where he fills their tank for the normal price .
`` If a person has a disability , we do n't make them pay extra , '' Blanco says .
Every day , some drivers mistakenly pull into the full-service lane .
`` If we do n't recognize them , we run out there real quick , '' says Grandt , who directs those drivers to the cheaper pumps .
For some drivers , this is the first full-service pump they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , ' I did n't know people still did that , ' '' Blanco says .
`` It 's one of those thing that has n't totally died , but someone 's trying to put a bullet in it , '' Grandt says .
New Jersey is the only state that still prohibits self-service pumps at gas stations .
Grandt , who is married and has four daughters , remembers driving out East on vacation one year and happening upon a full-service pump .
`` You want to pump my gas ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his options .
`` Go right ahead . ''

Constable: Station keeps full-service lane in self-pump world
By Burt Constable
bconstable@dailyherald.com
A bill in the Illinois House designed to create jobs by banning self-serve gas pumps died with very little support.
But if you pull into the full-service Pump 1 at Craig Grandt's Shell station in Arlington Heights, technician D.J. Blanco happily will do it all.
"We offer to pop the hood, check fluids and wash windows. It's just like the old times," says Blanco, a 22-year-old Harper College student who wasn't around for those good old days of the 1960s when a driver could duck inside the gas station office, drop a dime in the pop machine for a cold bottle of Coke and maybe buy a road map while an attendant filled up the gas tank, checked the oil and washed the windows.
"We've had the full-service pump since we opened," says owner Grandt. "We opened in 1928."
His father, Roger Grandt, worked as a mechanic for the original owner, Virgil Horath, and bought the station in 1960. The elder Grandt welded together oil drums to fashion a 15-foot rocket as a tribute to the 1960s' space race with the Soviet Union and Shell's new premium gasoline nicknamed "rocket fuel." The rooftop rocket now is a suburban icon and exists alongside the full-service pump as remnants of life in the 1960s.
Craig Grandt, 65, took over the station at 406 E. Northwest Highway around 2001, and his father died in 2011 at age 85.
"As a 10-year-old, I can remember working out there when we had four guys on the island," Grandt says. Now, Grandt has that full-service pump staffed by one of the three high school kids or two college students he hires.
"It does cost extra, a dollar more a gallon, but we have a decent number of customers who use it," Blanco says of the full-service option. "It's a lot of the older ones. They know what full service is."
Some are widows, whose husbands always used to pump the gas. "They never had to deal with it," Blanco says.
On a day when the rest of the pumps are selling gas at $2.81 a gallon, the price at Pump 1 is $3.81 a gallon.
Some people are willing to pay more just to make sure they don't arrive at a wedding, funeral or other fancy event smelling of gasoline. Others would rather pay a bit more to avoid the elements.
"We get young mothers with kids in the car," Grandt says. "That's their little gift to themselves."
They also get regular customers who pull up to the full-service pump, not wanting to buy any gas, just looking for free service.
"Yeah, we'll do it," Grandt says, saying it's just the right thing to help people who otherwise would do it wrong. "They're putting too much air in their tires or adding oil when they don't need it."
He does have mechanics and service bays for people who need work done on their vehicles.
Drivers with disabilities who have placards or license plates with that designation simply pull up to the full-service pump to get attention, and then an employee has them pull to a regular pump, where he fills their tank for the normal price. "If a person has a disability, we don't make them pay extra," Blanco says.
Every day, some drivers mistakenly pull into the full-service lane.
"If we don't recognize them, we run out there real quick," says Grandt, who directs those drivers to the cheaper pumps.
For some drivers, this is the first full-service pump they've seen.
"Lots of people say, 'I didn't know people still did that,'" Blanco says.
"It's one of those thing that hasn't totally died, but someone's trying to put a bullet in it," Grandt says.
New Jersey is the only state that still prohibits self-service pumps at gas stations. Grandt, who is married and has four daughters, remembers driving out East on vacation one year and happening upon a full-service pump.
"You want to pump my gas?" Grandt said, pausing to ponder his options. "Go right ahead."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-02--Funeral Wednesday in Elgin for another 'unclaimed veteran'

The owners of an Elgin funeral home that sparked an outpouring of support for an `` unclaimed veteran '' in late January will hold another such funeral Wednesday , and they also have launched an initiative to continue supporting veterans in the area .
Dan and Joy Symonds are inviting the community to the funeral of Ronald `` Ron '' George Olson of Elgin , who served from 1959 to 1961 as an Army combat engineer with Company C , 34th Engineering Battalion .
Olson , 83 , died on Feb. 6 .
He had friends , but his only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and no one else stepped forward to organize his funeral , Joy Symonds said .
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides some reimbursement to funeral homes if veterans have been honorably discharged .
Olson 's visitation will be at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home , 305 Park St .
The Rev .
Tim Perry of Elgin , of the nonprofit Nationwide Chaplain Services , will officiate , just as he did Jan. 29 for unclaimed veteran John James Murphy , whose funeral was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread on social media .
`` We had a lot of conversations with people saying , 'This is amazing .
We 're so glad you did it , ' '' Joy Symonds said of Murphy 's funeral .
`` But in the next breath it was , 'Why could n't we have been there before he died ? '
That 's a legitimate question . ''
So , the Symondses decided to launch Operation LOVE , which stands for `` Love Our Veterans Elgin . ''
Its mission is to create a community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veterans , volunteer to help Elgin-area veterans in need , and take part in events , service opportunities and fundraisers done by veterans service organizations .
`` It 's basically the concept of creating an online community to keep people engaged and connect them with opportunities to give , '' Joy Symonds said .
`` I am seeing it as a megaphone to help veterans . ''
Anyone interested in joining can visit the Operation LOVE -- Love Our Veterans Elgin Facebook group or call the funeral home at ( 847 ) 741-1128 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's funeral helped the idea come together , the Symondses explained .
First , a social worker from Avantara , a rehabilitation/nursing home in Elgin , called the Symondses to say Olson , one of its residents , was an unclaimed veteran nearing the end of his life .
The social worker asked the couple if they would help organize the funeral .
Then , two sisters who attended Murphy 's funeral , Debbie VanOchten , of Marengo , and Marge Brandow , of Harvard , contacted the Symondses to inquire about more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was that Dan Symonds and the sisters ended up visiting Olson , separately , at Amita Health St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin .
Even though Olson was barely conscious , the experience was meaningful , they said .
`` We held his hand .
We just kind of talked and let him know he was n't alone , and how much we appreciate his service , '' said VanOchten , whose brother died in Vietnam .
Dan Symonds said that , while his job as funeral home director is to help families after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important for everyone to have the chance to be comforted in their final days .
`` I know he ( Olson ) felt relieved .
I hope that 's what happened , '' he said .
The sisters were among the first to join Operation LOVE .
They plan to continue being engaged in activities that help veterans and will attend Olson 's funeral Wednesday .
`` We definitely will continue to do it because they ( veterans ) deserve that , '' VanOchten said .

Funeral Wednesday in Elgin for another 'unclaimed veteran'
Dan and Joy Symonds of Elgin launched "Operation LOVE" to help connect people who want to help veterans. Dan Symonds, right, serves in the Army Reserves. courtesy of Joy Symonds
The services for "unclaimed veteran" Ronald George Olson, who died at 83 on Feb. 6, will be held Wednesday at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park St. in Elgin. Courtesy of Symonds-Madison/Sylvia Wall
The owners of an Elgin funeral home that sparked an outpouring of support for an "unclaimed veteran" in late January will hold another such funeral Wednesday, and they also have launched an initiative to continue supporting veterans in the area.
Dan and Joy Symonds are inviting the community to the funeral of Ronald "Ron" George Olson of Elgin, who served from 1959 to 1961 as an Army combat engineer with Company C, 34th Engineering Battalion. Olson, 83, died on Feb. 6. He had friends, but his only daughter and his son-in-law died before him and no one else stepped forward to organize his funeral, Joy Symonds said. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides some reimbursement to funeral homes if veterans have been honorably discharged.
Olson's visitation will be at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park St. The Rev. Tim Perry of Elgin, of the nonprofit Nationwide Chaplain Services, will officiate, just as he did Jan. 29 for unclaimed veteran John James Murphy, whose funeral was attended by hundreds of people after news spread on social media.
"We had a lot of conversations with people saying, 'This is amazing. We're so glad you did it,'" Joy Symonds said of Murphy's funeral. "But in the next breath it was, 'Why couldn't we have been there before he died?' That's a legitimate question."
So, the Symondses decided to launch Operation LOVE, which stands for "Love Our Veterans Elgin." Its mission is to create a community of people who want to honor unclaimed veterans, volunteer to help Elgin-area veterans in need, and take part in events, service opportunities and fundraisers done by veterans service organizations.
"It's basically the concept of creating an online community to keep people engaged and connect them with opportunities to give," Joy Symonds said. "I am seeing it as a megaphone to help veterans."
Anyone interested in joining can visit the Operation LOVE -- Love Our Veterans Elgin Facebook group or call the funeral home at (847) 741-1128.
Two things that happened after Murphy's funeral helped the idea come together, the Symondses explained.
First, a social worker from Avantara, a rehabilitation/nursing home in Elgin, called the Symondses to say Olson, one of its residents, was an unclaimed veteran nearing the end of his life. The social worker asked the couple if they would help organize the funeral. Then, two sisters who attended Murphy's funeral, Debbie VanOchten, of Marengo, and Marge Brandow, of Harvard, contacted the Symondses to inquire about more opportunities to help veterans.
The result was that Dan Symonds and the sisters ended up visiting Olson, separately, at Amita Health St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin. Even though Olson was barely conscious, the experience was meaningful, they said.
"We held his hand. We just kind of talked and let him know he wasn't alone, and how much we appreciate his service," said VanOchten, whose brother died in Vietnam.
Dan Symonds said that, while his job as funeral home director is to help families after a loved one dies, it's important for everyone to have the chance to be comforted in their final days. "I know he (Olson) felt relieved. I hope that's what happened," he said.
The sisters were among the first to join Operation LOVE. They plan to continue being engaged in activities that help veterans and will attend Olson's funeral Wednesday.
"We definitely will continue to do it because they (veterans) deserve that," VanOchten said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-02--14th District candidates talk about drug prices

Six of the Republican candidates seeking the 14th Congressional District seat laid out their plans to lower prescription drug prices to an audience of seniors living in Huntley 's Sun City community Monday night .
State Sen. Sue Rezin was the lone candidate to identify lowering drug prices as `` the No.1 issue . ''
She said she 'd follow the lead of the AARP to find solutions , including more generic drug options and the ability to buy prescription drugs across state lines .
Rezin , of Morris also spoke against so-called gag orders between pharmacies and pharmacy benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the lowest price options and discounts .
President Donald Trump signed legislation in 2018 to end such gag orders .
Rezin said simply asking about available discounts can lower the costs of drugs priced at $ 500 all the way to $ 50 .
Fellow state Sen. Jim Oberweis said he started pitching a solution more than a decade ago to use the free market to lower prices .
The Sugar Grove resident said American drug companies should not be allowed to sell drugs to nations like Canada , where the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All we have to do is change the law and say it 's OK to re-import our drugs from foreign countries , '' Oberweis said .
`` That will , in a short time , neutralize the price difference between countries .
Americans are paying all the ( research and development ) costs .
All of those who benefit from those drugs should share equally in those costs . ''
Catalina Lauf , of Woodstock , said the path to lower drug prices starts with fewer regulations on drug companies .
Most generic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lauf said American companies need fewer regulations to incentivize them to make generic drugs here .
`` We need to make sure we are creating an environment where our drug companies are able to grow , '' Lauf said .
Warrenville resident Jerry Evans supports fewer regulations but also preserving the safety of the drugs brought to the market .
He said the FDA approval process can take more than a decade and be a costly process for drug manufacturers .
Those costs are then passed on to patients .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process better so people can get those medications faster and cheaper , '' Evans said .
James Marter , of Oswego , said there must be more competition across borders and state lines .
But the biggest step to making drugs cheaper is repealing the Affordable Care Act , he said .
`` It was the biggest tax increase in American history , '' Marter said .
`` We need to eliminate that .
And we need to eliminate overregulation . ''
Anthony Catella , of St. Charles , was the only candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a complete revamp of the health care system .
He quoted the late Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy , saying `` the state of a family 's health shall never depend on the size of a family 's wealth '' in supporting `` comprehensive , high-quality health care to be within the reach of all Americans . ''
That includes protecting those with pre-existing conditions , Catella said , and having pharmaceutical companies prioritize `` the health of their citizens '' over `` their own personal wealth . ''
Ted Gradel , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday night .
In various written answers to candidate questionnaires , he has spoken in support of increasing health care choices and price transparency .
The sprawling 14th Congressional District includes parts of DuPage , Kane , Lake , McHenry and Will counties .
The winner of the Republican primary will face Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood , a Naperville resident , in Novemember .

14th District candidates talk about drug prices
Upper, from left, Anthony Catella, Ted Gradel, Jerry Evans and Catalina Lauf, and, lower from left, James Marter, Jim Oberweis, and Sue Rezin are Republican candidates in the 14th Congressional District primary.
Six of the Republican candidates seeking the 14th Congressional District seat laid out their plans to lower prescription drug prices to an audience of seniors living in Huntley's Sun City community Monday night.
State Sen. Sue Rezin was the lone candidate to identify lowering drug prices as "the No.1 issue." She said she'd follow the lead of the AARP to find solutions, including more generic drug options and the ability to buy prescription drugs across state lines. Rezin, of Morris also spoke against so-called gag orders between pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers that prevent pharmacists from informing customers of the lowest price options and discounts.
President Donald Trump signed legislation in 2018 to end such gag orders. Rezin said simply asking about available discounts can lower the costs of drugs priced at $500 all the way to $50.
Fellow state Sen. Jim Oberweis said he started pitching a solution more than a decade ago to use the free market to lower prices. The Sugar Grove resident said American drug companies should not be allowed to sell drugs to nations like Canada, where the government acts as the sole purchaser.
"All we have to do is change the law and say it's OK to re-import our drugs from foreign countries," Oberweis said. "That will, in a short time, neutralize the price difference between countries. Americans are paying all the (research and development) costs. All of those who benefit from those drugs should share equally in those costs."
Catalina Lauf, of Woodstock, said the path to lower drug prices starts with fewer regulations on drug companies. Most generic drugs are produced in China and India. Lauf said American companies need fewer regulations to incentivize them to make generic drugs here.
"We need to make sure we are creating an environment where our drug companies are able to grow," Lauf said.
Warrenville resident Jerry Evans supports fewer regulations but also preserving the safety of the drugs brought to the market. He said the FDA approval process can take more than a decade and be a costly process for drug manufacturers. Those costs are then passed on to patients.
"I would support finding ways to make that process better so people can get those medications faster and cheaper," Evans said.
James Marter, of Oswego, said there must be more competition across borders and state lines. But the biggest step to making drugs cheaper is repealing the Affordable Care Act, he said.
"It was the biggest tax increase in American history," Marter said. "We need to eliminate that. And we need to eliminate overregulation."
Anthony Catella, of St. Charles, was the only candidate to speak about lowering prescription drug costs through a complete revamp of the health care system. He quoted the late Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy, saying "the state of a family's health shall never depend on the size of a family's wealth" in supporting "comprehensive, high-quality health care to be within the reach of all Americans."
That includes protecting those with pre-existing conditions, Catella said, and having pharmaceutical companies prioritize "the health of their citizens" over "their own personal wealth."
Ted Gradel, of Naperville, was not at the forum Monday night. In various written answers to candidate questionnaires, he has spoken in support of increasing health care choices and price transparency.
The sprawling 14th Congressional District includes parts of DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. The winner of the Republican primary will face Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, a Naperville resident, in Novemember.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-02--MSNBC's Matthews retires from 'Hardball,' says his comments about women 'were never OK'

NEW YORK -- Longtime MSNBC host Chris Matthews abruptly retired from his `` Hardball '' show on Monday , apologizing for making inappropriate comments about women and saying `` a younger generation is ready to take the reins . ''
His exit came after a weekend of discussions with his bosses , three days after GQ ran a column by a freelance journalist about her `` own sexist run-in '' with Matthews in the makeup room before appearing on his show in the past .
Matthews opened his program Monday with the announcement he was ending his run on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , talking in his familiar staccato style .
After a commercial break , he was replaced in the anchor chair by a shaken Steve Kornacki .
`` This is the last 'Hardball ' on MSNBC , and obviously this is n't for lack of interest in politics , '' Matthews said .
He said that `` compliments on a woman 's appearance that some men , including me , might have incorrectly thought were OK were never OK. Not then , and certainly not today , and for making such comments in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was a week after Matthews opened his show with another apology , for likening Bernie Sanders ' win in the Nevada caucus to the Nazi takeover of France .
He said he remained proud of the work he 's done on the show .
`` Hardball '' began on CNBC and moved two years later to MSNBC .
In her first-person story , journalist Laura Bassett said Matthews behaved inappropriately toward her when she was guest on his show .
`` In 2016 , right before I had to go on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump , Matthews looked over at me in the makeup chair next to him and said , 'Why have n't I fallen in love with you yet ? '
When I laughed nervously and said nothing , he followed up to the makeup artist .
'Keep putting makeup on her , I 'll fall in love with her , ' '' Bassett wrote .
`` Another time , he stood between me and the mirror and complimented the red dress I was wearing for the segment .
'You going out tonight ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ she written about the encounter in a 2017 essay but did n't name Matthews because she was afraid of network retaliation , adding , `` I 'm not anymore . ''

MSNBC's Matthews retires from 'Hardball,' says his comments about women 'were never OK'
In this Dec. 5, 2013 file photo President Barack Obama talks with MSNBC's Chris Matthews during a break in the taping of an interview for the "Hardball with Chris Matthews" show at American University in Washington. Matthews announced his retirement on his political talk show "Hardball with Chris Matthews" on Monday, March 2, 2020. Associated Press
This Aug. 2, 2011 file photo shows MSNBC host Chris Matthews takes part in a panel discussion at the NBC Universal summer press tour in Beverly Hills, Calif. Matthews announced his retirement on his political talk show "Hardball with Chris Matthews" on Monday, March 2, 2020. Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Longtime MSNBC host Chris Matthews abruptly retired from his "Hardball" show on Monday, apologizing for making inappropriate comments about women and saying "a younger generation is ready to take the reins."
His exit came after a weekend of discussions with his bosses, three days after GQ ran a column by a freelance journalist about her "own sexist run-in" with Matthews in the makeup room before appearing on his show in the past.
Matthews opened his program Monday with the announcement he was ending his run on the political talk show he started in 1997, talking in his familiar staccato style. After a commercial break, he was replaced in the anchor chair by a shaken Steve Kornacki.
"This is the last 'Hardball' on MSNBC, and obviously this isn't for lack of interest in politics," Matthews said.
He said that "compliments on a woman's appearance that some men, including me, might have incorrectly thought were OK were never OK. Not then, and certainly not today, and for making such comments in the past, I'm sorry."
It was a week after Matthews opened his show with another apology, for likening Bernie Sanders' win in the Nevada caucus to the Nazi takeover of France.
He said he remained proud of the work he's done on the show. "Hardball" began on CNBC and moved two years later to MSNBC.
In her first-person story, journalist Laura Bassett said Matthews behaved inappropriately toward her when she was guest on his show.
"In 2016, right before I had to go on his show and talk about sexual-assault allegations against Donald Trump, Matthews looked over at me in the makeup chair next to him and said, 'Why haven't I fallen in love with you yet?' When I laughed nervously and said nothing, he followed up to the makeup artist. 'Keep putting makeup on her, I'll fall in love with her,'" Bassett wrote. "Another time, he stood between me and the mirror and complimented the red dress I was wearing for the segment. 'You going out tonight?' he asked."
Bassett said she written about the encounter in a 2017 essay but didn't name Matthews because she was afraid of network retaliation, adding, "I'm not anymore."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-02--First black justice on state Supreme Court dies at 86

Retired Justice Charles E. Freeman , the first black judge to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court , died on Monday , according to a statement from the state 's high court .
He was 86 .
Current Chief Justice Anne M. Burke heralded Freeman as someone with a sharp legal mind who broke down barriers throughout his life .
`` Justice Freeman was ... a trailblazer , '' she said in the statement announcing Freeman 's death .
She added : `` He was a gentleman and a truly gracious individual .
I never heard him say an unkind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't include a cause of death .
Freeman , a Democrat who was also the first black person to become chief justice on the court , won election to the open seat in 1990 by defeating Republican candidate Robert Chapman Buckley with 62 % of the vote .
Freeman retired in 2018 .
While a Cook County circuit judge from 1976 to 1986 , Freeman was the first black person to swear in a Chicago mayor .
It was Harold Washington , who became the city 's first black mayor in 1983 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming the first black chief justice in Illinois , Freeman said it would not influence his assessment of the law , according to the Monday 's statement .
`` I 'm an African American who now has become chief judge , '' he said .
`` I 'm not an African American chief justice .
I have no different perception on what course I would take because of my heritage . ''
Freeman was born in Richmond , Virginia , on Dec. 12 , 1933 , a descendant of slaves who secured their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an undergrad , he studied at Virginia Union University and got his law degree from John Marshall Law School in 1962 .
`` When I was elected to serve as state 's attorney , Justice Freeman called to offer congratulations and some perspective .
He graciously reminded me of the importance of being a 'first , ' and to never forget the responsibility to clear a path for those who come next , '' said Foxx , the first black woman elected as Cook County 's top prosecutor .
`` I will always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his many contributions to our justice system and history . ''
Colleagues described Freeman as always prepared for oral arguments and judicial conferences .
As chief justice , he upgraded an educational program for judges and pushed for the creation of a special committee to study the death penalty and propose reforms .
In 1994 , Freeman wrote the court 's majority opinion overturning the DuPage County conviction of Rolando Cruz , who was sentenced to death for the murder of Naperville 10-year-old Jeanine Nicarico .
Freeman asserted the jury heard improper evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could have helped Cruz 's defense .
Brian Dugan later admitted to Jeanine 's murder .
Burke described Freeman as a devoted family man , saying Freeman told her how his wife of more than 50 years , Marylee , would slip a love note into his suitcase every time he traveled to Springfield .
`` I knew then that they had one of those storybook romances -- everlasting , '' Burke said .
Freeman is survived by his son , Kevin Freeman , two grandchildren and a brother in Virginia .

First black justice on state Supreme Court dies at 86
Trailblazer Charles E. Freeman, the first black judge to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court, died Monday. He retired from the court in 2018. Associated Press/1997
Retired Justice Charles E. Freeman, the first black judge to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court, died on Monday, according to a statement from the state's high court. He was 86.
Current Chief Justice Anne M. Burke heralded Freeman as someone with a sharp legal mind who broke down barriers throughout his life.
"Justice Freeman was ... a trailblazer," she said in the statement announcing Freeman's death. She added: "He was a gentleman and a truly gracious individual. I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone.
The statement didn't include a cause of death.
Freeman, a Democrat who was also the first black person to become chief justice on the court, won election to the open seat in 1990 by defeating Republican candidate Robert Chapman Buckley with 62% of the vote. Freeman retired in 2018.
While a Cook County circuit judge from 1976 to 1986, Freeman was the first black person to swear in a Chicago mayor. It was Harold Washington, who became the city's first black mayor in 1983.
Once asked about the significance of his becoming the first black chief justice in Illinois, Freeman said it would not influence his assessment of the law, according to the Monday's statement.
"I'm an African American who now has become chief judge," he said. "I'm not an African American chief justice. I have no different perception on what course I would take because of my heritage."
Freeman was born in Richmond, Virginia, on Dec. 12, 1933, a descendant of slaves who secured their freedom before the Civil War. As an undergrad, he studied at Virginia Union University and got his law degree from John Marshall Law School in 1962.
Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx issued a statement mourning "the loss of a giant."
"When I was elected to serve as state's attorney, Justice Freeman called to offer congratulations and some perspective. He graciously reminded me of the importance of being a 'first,' and to never forget the responsibility to clear a path for those who come next," said Foxx, the first black woman elected as Cook County's top prosecutor. "I will always remember his words, his integrity and his many contributions to our justice system and history."
Colleagues described Freeman as always prepared for oral arguments and judicial conferences. As chief justice, he upgraded an educational program for judges and pushed for the creation of a special committee to study the death penalty and propose reforms.
In 1994, Freeman wrote the court's majority opinion overturning the DuPage County conviction of Rolando Cruz, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Naperville 10-year-old Jeanine Nicarico. Freeman asserted the jury heard improper evidence and wasn't allowed to hear testimony that could have helped Cruz's defense. Brian Dugan later admitted to Jeanine's murder.
Burke described Freeman as a devoted family man, saying Freeman told her how his wife of more than 50 years, Marylee, would slip a love note into his suitcase every time he traveled to Springfield.
"I knew then that they had one of those storybook romances -- everlasting," Burke said.
Freeman is survived by his son, Kevin Freeman, two grandchildren and a brother in Virginia.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-03--Suburban convention centers increasing health protocols amid coronavirus concerns

Chicago-area convention centers are ramping up health protocols amid growing concerns with the coronavirus .
But despite the cancellation of a major downtown home show this month , most suburban events and conferences are still full steam ahead .
The International Housewares Association announced Monday its decision to nix this year 's global industry event , scheduled for March 14-17 at McCormick Place , because of ongoing travel restrictions and worldwide fear of the outbreak .
The Inspired Home Show , expected to draw 52,000 people , is McCormick Place 's only cancellation so far , spokeswoman Cynthia McCafferty said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other suburban venues remain on high alert as they increase cleaning efforts and follow public health guidelines for preventing the spread of the disease .
Railings , doorknobs , elevator buttons and other `` high-touch areas '' are getting an extra wipe-down with recommended hospital-grade disinfectant .
Hand-washing and sanitizing stations are being installed in high-traffic public areas .
On-site staff , including paramedics and security officers , are being trained to watch for people who present possible symptoms .
`` It 's all about communication internally , '' said Scott Gentile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schaumburg Convention Center .
`` It 's something we have in effect every flu season , but it 's , of course , of even more importance now . ''
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont has received inquiries from some event organizers about the venue 's prevention protocols , as well as future dates that may be available if they need to reschedule their shows , said Chris Stephens , the center 's executive director .
But nothing on the schedule so far has been postponed or canceled .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a backup plan , '' Stephens said .
`` We want to work the best we can with everybody to make sure everybody feels comfortable in the facility , as well as make sure everybody 's show happens . ''

Suburban convention centers increasing health protocols amid coronavirus concerns
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont has received inquiries from event organizers about health protocols in response to concerns of the coronavirus. Courtesy Illinois Office of Tourism
Chicago-area convention centers are ramping up health protocols amid growing concerns with the coronavirus.
But despite the cancellation of a major downtown home show this month, most suburban events and conferences are still full steam ahead.
The International Housewares Association announced Monday its decision to nix this year's global industry event, scheduled for March 14-17 at McCormick Place, because of ongoing travel restrictions and worldwide fear of the outbreak.
The Inspired Home Show, expected to draw 52,000 people, is McCormick Place's only cancellation so far, spokeswoman Cynthia McCafferty said. But the Chicago convention center and other suburban venues remain on high alert as they increase cleaning efforts and follow public health guidelines for preventing the spread of the disease.
Railings, doorknobs, elevator buttons and other "high-touch areas" are getting an extra wipe-down with recommended hospital-grade disinfectant. Hand-washing and sanitizing stations are being installed in high-traffic public areas.
On-site staff, including paramedics and security officers, are being trained to watch for people who present possible symptoms.
"It's all about communication internally," said Scott Gentile, director of sales and marketing at the Schaumburg Convention Center. "It's something we have in effect every flu season, but it's, of course, of even more importance now."
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont has received inquiries from some event organizers about the venue's prevention protocols, as well as future dates that may be available if they need to reschedule their shows, said Chris Stephens, the center's executive director. But nothing on the schedule so far has been postponed or canceled.
"I think everyone just wants to have a backup plan," Stephens said. "We want to work the best we can with everybody to make sure everybody feels comfortable in the facility, as well as make sure everybody's show happens."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-03--Health officials: Arlington Heights coronavirus patient didn't travel abroad

The man hospitalized at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights with a coronavirus infection had not recently traveled internationally , public health officials say , but they did not know how he might have contracted the illness .
Authorities also are continuing to identify and contact people who might have had close contact with the man and his wife , who also has the illness and is recovering while in isolation at home , Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said Tuesday .
The couple in their 70s are considered to be in good condition .
Dr. Ngozi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department , said Monday that home isolation will be the preferred treatment for patients not needing more intensive medical care .
Meanwhile , school officials in Lake Zurich on Tuesday raised the question of whether a Northwest Community Hospital employee who had had contact with the patient was following home isolation .
In an email to students ' families , Lake Zurich Unit District 95 Superintendent Kelley Gallt said `` we have been informed that some Northwest Community Hospital employees were asked to self-quarantine '' and that two people who live with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitney Elementary School in Lake Zurich and North Middle School in Hawthorn Woods .
The Illinois Department of Public Health , Lake County Health Department , Cook County Health Department and the school district 's consulting physician from Northwest Community Hospital all advised the two should have no restrictions in terms of school , work or other activities , Gallt wrote .
But District 95 will continue to monitor the situation as health professionals recommend , she added .
A school spokeswoman said the information came from family members of individuals who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not respond to Daily Herald questions about the information in the letter .
Meanwhile , Arnold said the protocols regarding who should be tested for coronavirus infection remain the same .
`` People in close contact with a confirmed case or recent international travel who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their health care provider before going to the hospital so that the hospital can take steps to reduce the risk of exposure to others , '' she said .
`` After assessment of symptoms , contacts and travel , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Health officials: Arlington Heights coronavirus patient didn't travel abroad; District 214 halts trips
The man hospitalized at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights with a coronavirus infection had not recently traveled internationally, public health officials say, but they did not know how he might have contracted the illness.
Authorities also are continuing to identify and contact people who might have had close contact with the man and his wife, who also has the illness and is recovering while in isolation at home, Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said Tuesday.
The couple in their 70s are considered to be in good condition.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the state health department, said Monday that home isolation will be the preferred treatment for patients not needing more intensive medical care.
Four employees of ABC 7 Chicago were kept away from work Tuesday out of concern they may have been exposed to the coronavirus after an ABC 7 reporter and photographer interviewed a food service worker Monday at Northwest Community Hospital, officials told Robert Feder.
A second photographer who shook hands with the first one (during a shift change in the news van) was told not to come to work. The wife of the first photographer, who also is employed at the station, was offered the opportunity to stay home with their family and chose to do so.
All four employees were awaiting the results of COVID-19 tests on the food service worker before they are expected to come back. ABC 7 would not confirm the names of the four, citing confidentiality.
Meanwhile, Lake Zurich Unit District 95 school officials on Tuesday told parents that two people in the District 95 community live with a Northwest Community Hospital employee who had had contact with the patient.
In an email to students' families, Lake Zurich Unit District 95 Superintendent Kelley Gallt said "we have been informed that some Northwest Community Hospital employees were asked to self-quarantine" and that two people who live with one of those employees have ties to May Whitney Elementary School in Lake Zurich and North Middle School in Hawthorn Woods.
The Illinois Department of Public Health, Lake County Health Department, Cook County Health Department and the school district's consulting physician from Northwest Community Hospital all advised the two should have no restrictions in terms of school, work or other activities, Gallt wrote. But District 95 will continue to monitor the situation as health professionals recommend, she added.
A school spokeswoman said the information came from family members of individuals who were in self-quarantine. Northwest Community Hospital officials did not respond to Daily Herald questions about the information in the letter.
Also Tuesday, Northwest Suburban High School District 214 announced that it is canceling all international trips and tours planned in March, and it asked that students who've traveled overseas or are planning to, to tell the district about it.
"District administrators reached this decision (about canceling trips abroad) after thorough deliberation and assessment of the evolving circumstances involving the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19)," an emailed letter to parents said. "District 214 did not make this decision lightly but believes this course of action is consistent with 214's ongoing commitment to ensure that the health and safety of students and our staff remains our top priority."
The letter said some trips could be rescheduled.
It also called for some students who've traveled abroad to now self-quarantine.
"In addition to those individuals returning from mainland China, students who have travelled to or had stopovers in countries that are considered Level 3 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or higher should self-quarantine for 14 days," the letter said.
The Level 3 countries are China, Iran, South Korea and Italy.
Arnold said the protocols regarding who should be tested for coronavirus infection remain the same.
"People in close contact with a confirmed case or recent international travel who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their health care provider before going to the hospital so that the hospital can take steps to reduce the risk of exposure to others," she said. "After assessment of symptoms, contacts and travel, the clinician will determine if testing is appropriate."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-03--DON'T buy face masks unless you have COVID-19! What you should really buy and do

Federal authorities say in preparing for a possible coronavirus outbreak , people should have a two-week supply of food and water -- not corner the market on canned foods and toilet paper .
Authorities suggest storing 14 days of supplies , the length of time you might be stuck at home if you were asked to self-quarantine .
Reports of local cases of COVID-19 illness , which is caused by the coronavirus , have led people to stockpile everything from hand sanitizer to face masks , leading U.S .
Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams to beg Saturday on Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ! ''
`` They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching # Coronavirus , but if health care providers ca n't get them to care for sick patients , it puts them and our communities at risk ! ''
Adams continued .
The CDC `` does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases , including COVID-19 . ''
Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings ( at home or in a health care facility ) , '' the agency said .
Health officials and federal officials advise people to plan ahead by taking these steps : • Check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home .
• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand , including pain relievers , stomach remedies , cough and cold medicines , fluids with electrolytes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors , hospitals , pharmacies and other sources and store them , for personal reference .
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick , or what will be needed to care for them in your home .
• Be prepared if your child 's school or child-care facility is temporarily dismissed • Practice everyday preventive actions now .
Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue , and clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily ( e.g.
, tables , countertops , light switches , doorknobs , and cabinet handles ) using a regular household detergent and water .
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds , especially after going to the bathroom ; before eating ; and after blowing your nose , coughing , or sneezing .

DON'T buy face masks unless you have COVID-19! What you should really buy and do
The U.S. surgeon general implored Americans on Twitter NOT to buy face masks unless you're a health care worker or actually have COVID-19. Associated Press
Federal authorities say in preparing for a possible coronavirus outbreak, people should have a two-week supply of food and water -- not corner the market on canned foods and toilet paper.
Authorities suggest storing 14 days of supplies, the length of time you might be stuck at home if you were asked to self-quarantine.
Reports of local cases of COVID-19 illness, which is caused by the coronavirus, have led people to stockpile everything from hand sanitizer to face masks, leading U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams to beg Saturday on Twitter, "Seriously people -- STOP BUYING MASKS!"
"They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if health care providers can't get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk!" Adams continued.
The CDC "does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19."
Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others, the CDC says. "The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility)," the agency said.
Health officials and federal officials advise people to plan ahead by taking these steps:
• Check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
• Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other sources and store them, for personal reference.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
• Be prepared if your child's school or child-care facility is temporarily dismissed
• Learn about your employer's emergency operations plan.
• Create an emergency contact list.
• Practice everyday preventive actions now. Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-03--Suburban churches taking precautions to prevent coronavirus spread

Many suburban churches wo n't offer shared communion wine and are calling off traditional handshakes during services in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus .
Archdiocese of Chicago officials sent detailed instructions Monday afternoon to churches in Cook and Lake counties addressing concerns about COVID-19 , the illness caused by the latest coronavirus .
Spokeswoman Yasmin Quiroz said the directive for all Chicago archdiocese parishes went into effect immediately and was based on guidance from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops ' committee on divine worship .
All priests , deacons , altar servers and extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their hands before Mass .
They also must use an alcohol-based antibacterial solution before and after distributing holy communion wafers .
In addition , the Chicago archdiocese asks that there be no physical contact during the sign of peace or use of holy water fonts .
Hand-holding also should not occur during the Lord 's Prayer and , given the frequency of direct contact with saliva in the distribution of communion on the tongue , worshippers who typically prefer that method should consider taking it reverently in open hands for now .
Similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joliet on Feb. 28 .
The Joliet diocese includes churches in Naperville , Glen Ellyn , Carol Stream and other parts of DuPage County .
`` At this time , because of unknown dimensions of this virus and its rapid spreading worldwide , prudence and prayer are called for , '' wrote the Most Rev .
Richard E. Pates , acting bishop and apostolic administrator for the Joliet diocese .
Congregants at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington are now asked to refrain from handshakes when greeting each other , spokeswoman Liz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being reminded to follow federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus , colds and flu .
Willow Creek does n't use shared cups , opting instead for prepackaged , individual communion elements .
`` Our goal is for all of us -- staff , volunteers , congregants and neighbors -- to try and stay as healthy as possible , '' Schauer said .
Willow Creek is monitoring coronavirus updates and plans to work with local officials , hospitals and school districts `` to determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schauer said .
`` We have a staff team working diligently on Willow 's plan to manage and operate during a potential coronavirus outbreak in our area , '' she said .
Diocese of Rockford officials folded the COVID-19 virus into an annual list of recommendations issued on healthy ways to practice the Catholic faith during cold and flu season .
The offering of communion as the bread and wine is up to a pastor 's discretion , as are a handshake or embrace at the sign of peace .
The Rockford diocese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , St. Charles , Elgin and Aurora .

Suburban churches taking precautions to prevent coronavirus spread
Many suburban churches won't offer shared communion wine or and are calling off traditional handshakes during services in order too prevent the spread of coronavirus. At Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, congregants are asked to refrain from handshakes when greeting each other. Daily Herald File Photo, 2017
Catholic priest the Rev. Joseph Mary Sigfred Arellano, right, places the host on the hands of a woman during a Mass at a church at Manila's Chinatown, Philippines. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said communions must be placed on the hands instead of putting it in the mouth of churchgoers as a precautionary measure in masses to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus in this predominantly Roman Catholic country. Associated Press
Many suburban churches won't offer shared communion wine and are calling off traditional handshakes during services in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Archdiocese of Chicago officials sent detailed instructions Monday afternoon to churches in Cook and Lake counties addressing concerns about COVID-19, the illness caused by the latest coronavirus.
Spokeswoman Yasmin Quiroz said the directive for all Chicago archdiocese parishes went into effect immediately and was based on guidance from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' committee on divine worship.
All priests, deacons, altar servers and extraordinary ministers of holy communion now must wash their hands before Mass. They also must use an alcohol-based antibacterial solution before and after distributing holy communion wafers.
In addition, the Chicago archdiocese asks that there be no physical contact during the sign of peace or use of holy water fonts. Hand-holding also should not occur during the Lord's Prayer and, given the frequency of direct contact with saliva in the distribution of communion on the tongue, worshippers who typically prefer that method should consider taking it reverently in open hands for now.
Similar measures were announced by the Diocese of Joliet on Feb. 28. The Joliet diocese includes churches in Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream and other parts of DuPage County.
"At this time, because of unknown dimensions of this virus and its rapid spreading worldwide, prudence and prayer are called for," wrote the Most Rev. Richard E. Pates, acting bishop and apostolic administrator for the Joliet diocese.
Congregants at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington are now asked to refrain from handshakes when greeting each other, spokeswoman Liz Schauer said. Willow Creek members also are being reminded to follow federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, colds and flu.
Willow Creek doesn't use shared cups, opting instead for prepackaged, individual communion elements.
"Our goal is for all of us -- staff, volunteers, congregants and neighbors -- to try and stay as healthy as possible," Schauer said.
Willow Creek is monitoring coronavirus updates and plans to work with local officials, hospitals and school districts "to determine what next steps are necessary," Schauer said.
"We have a staff team working diligently on Willow's plan to manage and operate during a potential coronavirus outbreak in our area," she said.
Diocese of Rockford officials folded the COVID-19 virus into an annual list of recommendations issued on healthy ways to practice the Catholic faith during cold and flu season. The offering of communion as the bread and wine is up to a pastor's discretion, as are a handshake or embrace at the sign of peace.
The Rockford diocese includes Catholic churches in Algonquin, Huntley, St. Charles, Elgin and Aurora.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-03--Sign up for our new coronavirus newsletter

The Daily Herald today has launched a weekly coronavirus newsletter to keep readers up to date on the spread of @ @ @ @ @ the United States and in the suburbs .
A new digital newsletter will be circulated @ @ @ @ @ possibility more will be added .
To sign up for the newsletter , click here @ @ @ @ @ latest updates on the spread of the virus , tips for how you can keep @ @ @ @ @ and stories about how public institutions are preparing for and reacting to it .
We @ @ @ @ @ sources of information .
If you have story ideas you 'd like us to pursue @ @ @ @ @ answered , please email me at jbaumann @ dailyherald.com and put `` coronavirus '' in @ @ @ @

Sign up for our new Coronavirus newsletter
The Daily Herald today has launched a weekly coronavirus newsletter to keep readers up to date on the spread of the virus globally, in the United States and in the suburbs.
A new digital newsletter will be circulated each Wednesday, with the possibility more will be added. To sign up for the newsletter, click here.
It will contain the latest updates on the spread of the virus, tips for how you can keep yourself and your family safe and stories about how public institutions are preparing for and reacting to it.
We'll include links to reputable sources of information.
If you have story ideas you'd like us to pursue or questions you'd like answered, please email me at jbaumann@dailyherald.com and put "coronavirus" in the subject line.
Thanks for reading and please sign up for our newsletter below.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-03--Japanese buffet Shabu-You will fill former Chevys building in Schaumburg

Shabu-You Japanese Buffet , an all-you-can-eat restaurant specializing in the hot pot dish called shabu shabu , is expected to replace the former Chevys Fresh Mex near Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg sometime this June .
If successful , the first venture by its owner could become a chain , project coordinator Ken Hamada said .
Village officials last week approved a special-use permit and facade improvements for the approximately 8,400-square-foot building at 1180 Plaza Drive .
The building housed Chevys Fresh Mex for 23 years before its sudden closing in July 2018 .
The significant size of the building may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being filled more quickly despite its prime location , Hamada said .
But after careful study , the owner of Shabu-You decided his concept could be successful there .
Shabu shabu is a traditional Japanese dish whose popularity is on the rise , Hamada said .
It consists of thinly sliced meat and bite-sized vegetables cooked in a hot broth .
Similar to fondue , shabu shabu is cooked one bite at a time during the course of a meal .
At Shabu-You , each table will have an electric induction heat burner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variety of Japanese sauces will be available to flavor the food .
Currently , the weekday all-you-can-eat lunch option is planned to cost $ 15.50 , while dinner prices would range from $ 21 to $ 28 per person , depending on the type of meat selected .
Wine , sake and bottled beer also will be sold .
The restaurant is expected to have a staff of 43 people and be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily , with a break between 3 and 5 p.m. on weekdays .

Japanese buffet Shabu-You will fill former Chevys building in Schaumburg
A new Japanese restaurant -- Shabu-You -- is expected to replace the Chevys Fresh Mex restaurant near Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg that closed in July 2018. Courtesy of Village of Schaumburg
Shabu-You Japanese Buffet, an all-you-can-eat restaurant specializing in the hot pot dish called shabu shabu, is expected to replace the former Chevys Fresh Mex near Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg sometime this June.
If successful, the first venture by its owner could become a chain, project coordinator Ken Hamada said.
Village officials last week approved a special-use permit and facade improvements for the approximately 8,400-square-foot building at 1180 Plaza Drive. The building housed Chevys Fresh Mex for 23 years before its sudden closing in July 2018.
The significant size of the building may have played a role in it not being filled more quickly despite its prime location, Hamada said. But after careful study, the owner of Shabu-You decided his concept could be successful there.
Shabu shabu is a traditional Japanese dish whose popularity is on the rise, Hamada said. It consists of thinly sliced meat and bite-sized vegetables cooked in a hot broth.
Similar to fondue, shabu shabu is cooked one bite at a time during the course of a meal.
At Shabu-You, each table will have an electric induction heat burner that contains the hot broth. A variety of Japanese sauces will be available to flavor the food.
Currently, the weekday all-you-can-eat lunch option is planned to cost $15.50, while dinner prices would range from $21 to $28 per person, depending on the type of meat selected. Wine, sake and bottled beer also will be sold.
The restaurant is expected to have a staff of 43 people and be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with a break between 3 and 5 p.m. on weekdays.