dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--How to help food pantries as coronavirus upends operations

The Aurora Food Pantry likens itself to a community market , a bright , sprawling space where people from as far as the Illinois-Wisconsin border can pick out their groceries twice a week .
But the coronavirus outbreak reverberating through nearly every aspect of public life has upended the operations of the pantry and other nonprofit groups addressing food insecurity .
The Aurora pantry is running without a core group of volunteers just as advocates expect the customer base to grow from the economic fallout of the health crisis and a wave of school closings disrupts meals for students facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this -- a 34 % uptick in visitors on Thursday , '' Executive Director Cat Battista said .
New visitors came in because of a layoff or concerns they would n't be able to afford food in the coming weeks , Battista said .
To keep the pantry clean and stocked , Battista is putting out urgent calls for donations of hand sanitizer , toilet paper , face masks , paper towels , disinfectant wipes , diapers and rubber or plastic gloves -- supplies difficult to find in retail stores amid coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our own staff is bringing in products that we have at home for our families to keep things up and running , '' Battista said .
For consumers who have hoarded surplus goods , Battista has a message : `` Could you please share some of those resources with us so we can continue to distribute food to the hungry ? ''
Instead of choosing what they want on the shelves of an 18,000-square-foot market , visitors are now picking up boxes filled with the basics without leaving their cars .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the parking lot of a pantry that serves 113,000 visitors a year .
The building itself will remain on a soft-lockdown and have limited access to staff and select personnel .
`` The pantry is also concerned about increased security threats to the facility in light of the rising hysteria over consumer goods , '' Battista said .
`` For this reason , we will be partnering closely with local law enforcement to make sure our building stays secure and personnel stay safe . ''
The pantry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled a court-ordered community service program that provides most of its volunteers and turned away seniors wanting to help because of their high risk of infection .
`` It 's a lot easier to enforce strict health and hygienic compliance policies and procedures with paid personnel in comparison to volunteers that support our program , '' Battista said .
At Food for Greater Elgin , 153 families came through the pantry Thursday night , up from the usual 120 or so .
`` I expect we 'll have a lot more to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He 's also developing contingency plans in the event more volunteers hunker down at home .
Four registrars called in Friday to say they were n't showing up , and while that sounds like a small number , Montgomery said they 're skilled volunteers who use computer software to process clients under required registration rules .
The pantry may try to `` tough it out '' with a smaller group of volunteers or shift all distributions to the evenings , when it can attract a younger base of volunteers , Montgomery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays , 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. Wednesdays .
Guests have been given gloves when handling produce .
The pantry also is welcoming people into the building in groups of 10 to prevent overcrowding in waiting rooms .
`` We have made some changes to make this a safer experience for everyone , especially at this time , '' Montgomery said .
He and Battista both agree the most efficient way to help is to donate money through the pantry websites .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth of products from the Northern Illinois Food Bank , which acts as a distribution center to the pantries .
The Food Bank plans to pack 1,250 `` emergency '' boxes of food and cleaning supplies that will be distributed across the agency network .
That packing effort is set for Wednesday at the Food Bank 's West Suburban Center in Geneva .
The 28-pound boxes will contain soap , toilet paper , beans , rice , pasta , canned vegetables , fruit and other staples .
`` We should be OK for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're going to be hit on dairy and fresh produce and protein , but we have a lot of other canned goods that will help people get through . ''

How to help food pantries as coronavirus upends operations
The Aurora Food Pantry likens itself to a community market, a bright, sprawling space where people from as far as the Illinois-Wisconsin border can pick out their groceries twice a week.
But the coronavirus outbreak reverberating through nearly every aspect of public life has upended the operations of the pantry and other nonprofit groups addressing food insecurity.
The Aurora pantry is running without a core group of volunteers just as advocates expect the customer base to grow from the economic fallout of the health crisis and a wave of school closings disrupts meals for students facing hunger.
"We saw -- wait for this -- a 34% uptick in visitors on Thursday," Executive Director Cat Battista said.
New visitors came in because of a layoff or concerns they wouldn't be able to afford food in the coming weeks, Battista said.
To keep the pantry clean and stocked, Battista is putting out urgent calls for donations of hand sanitizer, toilet paper, face masks, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, diapers and rubber or plastic gloves -- supplies difficult to find in retail stores amid coronavirus panic buying.
"At this point, our own staff is bringing in products that we have at home for our families to keep things up and running," Battista said.
For consumers who have hoarded surplus goods, Battista has a message: "Could you please share some of those resources with us so we can continue to distribute food to the hungry?"
Instead of choosing what they want on the shelves of an 18,000-square-foot market, visitors are now picking up boxes filled with the basics without leaving their cars. The drive-through will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the parking lot of a pantry that serves 113,000 visitors a year.
The building itself will remain on a soft-lockdown and have limited access to staff and select personnel.
"The pantry is also concerned about increased security threats to the facility in light of the rising hysteria over consumer goods," Battista said. "For this reason, we will be partnering closely with local law enforcement to make sure our building stays secure and personnel stay safe."
The pantry's new COVID-19 planning committee also has canceled a court-ordered community service program that provides most of its volunteers and turned away seniors wanting to help because of their high risk of infection.
"It's a lot easier to enforce strict health and hygienic compliance policies and procedures with paid personnel in comparison to volunteers that support our program," Battista said.
At Food for Greater Elgin, 153 families came through the pantry Thursday night, up from the usual 120 or so.
"I expect we'll have a lot more to do," interim Executive Director Michael Montgomery said.
He's also developing contingency plans in the event more volunteers hunker down at home. Four registrars called in Friday to say they weren't showing up, and while that sounds like a small number, Montgomery said they're skilled volunteers who use computer software to process clients under required registration rules.
The pantry may try to "tough it out" with a smaller group of volunteers or shift all distributions to the evenings, when it can attract a younger base of volunteers, Montgomery said.
Hours for distribution now are 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. Wednesdays.
Guests have been given gloves when handling produce. The pantry also is welcoming people into the building in groups of 10 to prevent overcrowding in waiting rooms.
"We have made some changes to make this a safer experience for everyone, especially at this time," Montgomery said.
He and Battista both agree the most efficient way to help is to donate money through the pantry websites. A $10 donation buys $80 worth of products from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, which acts as a distribution center to the pantries.
The Food Bank plans to pack 1,250 "emergency" boxes of food and cleaning supplies that will be distributed across the agency network. That packing effort is set for Wednesday at the Food Bank's West Suburban Center in Geneva. The 28-pound boxes will contain soap, toilet paper, beans, rice, pasta, canned vegetables, fruit and other staples.
"We should be OK for a while," Battista said. "We're going to be hit on dairy and fresh produce and protein, but we have a lot of other canned goods that will help people get through."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--An editor's quest to be tested: Were her symptoms coronavirus?

Diagnosed with bronchitis Thursday , and with a general nod from my doctor that my symptoms did go along the lines of coronavirus ( but also other pathogens ) on Friday , I set about trying to get a test .
I wanted to be tested for public health reasons ; I felt confident that I can monitor my symptoms and get to the hospital if they worsen and I ca n't breathe .
But am I carrying coronavirus ?
How long should I self-quarantine ?
Should my healthy household members also self-quarantine ?
Can my schoolteacher daughter from Peoria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Should I alert my employer ?
I wanted to be tested to answer these questions .
The operator at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington , which offers drive-through coronavirus testing , answered the phone quickly , confirmed the hospital is getting many similar calls and assured me they would have a test for me if my doctor would call the state health hotline , get a case number for me and call them back with that case number .
Several frustrating phone calls later to my doctor , the DuPage County Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the testing , it appears the doctors as of Friday afternoon are still following a strict policy in spite of the community transmission of coronavirus that appears to be taking place .
Unless you traveled overseas to specific countries or were notified by authorities that you had contact with a known carrier , a person with symptoms can not get a test , I was told .
If you do n't meet those criteria , you 'll only get a test if you are experiencing a serious health crisis in a health facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me is to `` act as if '' I 'm coronavirus positive and self-quarantine .
But I 'm still wondering : For how long ?
And who else should do that ?
It 's complicated .
• Editor 's note : Kay Long is an editor at the Daily Herald .
Reached separately by a reporter , DuPage County health officials referred questions to the Illinois Department of Public Health , where spokeswoman Kim Biggs said health providers determine who gets tested while following the CDC 's `` Patient Under Investigation Guidance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people with coronavirus symptoms who have serious chronic medical conditions , and people who have traveled to an affected area or had close contact with a coronavirus patient .

An editor's quest to be tested: Were her symptoms coronavirus?
Diagnosed with bronchitis Thursday, and with a general nod from my doctor that my symptoms did go along the lines of coronavirus (but also other pathogens) on Friday, I set about trying to get a test.
I wanted to be tested for public health reasons; I felt confident that I can monitor my symptoms and get to the hospital if they worsen and I can't breathe. But am I carrying coronavirus? How long should I self-quarantine? Should my healthy household members also self-quarantine? Can my schoolteacher daughter from Peoria visit me during her spring break? Should I alert my employer?
I wanted to be tested to answer these questions. The operator at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, which offers drive-through coronavirus testing, answered the phone quickly, confirmed the hospital is getting many similar calls and assured me they would have a test for me if my doctor would call the state health hotline, get a case number for me and call them back with that case number.
Easy peasy. Or so I thought.
Several frustrating phone calls later to my doctor, the DuPage County Health Department and a clinic in Chicago offering the testing, it appears the doctors as of Friday afternoon are still following a strict policy in spite of the community transmission of coronavirus that appears to be taking place.
Unless you traveled overseas to specific countries or were notified by authorities that you had contact with a known carrier, a person with symptoms cannot get a test, I was told. If you don't meet those criteria, you'll only get a test if you are experiencing a serious health crisis in a health facility.
The best advice they could give me is to "act as if" I'm coronavirus positive and self-quarantine. But I'm still wondering: For how long? And who else should do that? It's complicated.
• Editor's note: Kay Long is an editor at the Daily Herald. Reached separately by a reporter, DuPage County health officials referred questions to the Illinois Department of Public Health, where spokeswoman Kim Biggs said health providers determine who gets tested while following the CDC's "Patient Under Investigation Guidance." The CDC guidelines prioritize hospitalized patients, people with coronavirus symptoms who have serious chronic medical conditions, and people who have traveled to an affected area or had close contact with a coronavirus patient.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Broadway in Chicago, Drury Lane, First Folio among theaters temporarily going dark

The cascade of suburban and Chicago theater closings continued Friday with cancellations at Drury Lane , First Folio and Northlight theaters along with Broadway in Chicago 's announcement that it will suspend or cancel performances at its Chicago venues to comply with Gov J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot 's mandates .
Among the BIC productions affected is `` What the Constitution Means to Me '' at the Broadway Playhouse , although the show may resume March 31 at a reduced capacity based on Center for Disease Control and Chicago Department of Public Health guidelines , BIC representatives said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' at Cadillac Palace Theatre has been rescheduled to Oct. 10 .
`` My Fair Lady , '' also at the Cadillac Palace , is rescheduled for May 10-23 .
`` Keane -- Cause and Effect Tour '' at the Cadillac Palace has been canceled .
Theater company representatives , along with the advocacy organization Arts Alliance Illinois , are asking patrons to consider donating the price of the tickets rather than requesting a refund to help alleviate the financial blow cancellations deliver .
Drury Lane Theatre 's announcement that it will close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` An American in Paris '' as of Friday , March 13 .
Theatergoers with tickets for the affected performances of `` Evita , '' scheduled to begin previews April 10 , and for `` Shrek the Musical , '' set to begin April 30 , should email boxoffice @ drurylane.com .
Oak Brook 's First Folio Theatre suspended `` Little Women , '' scheduled to begin previews March 25 .
Ticket holders can email firstfolio @ firstfolio.org with questions .
`` Everyone is at some degree of risk during this outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members are in the highest risk groups , '' said executive director David Rice in a prepared statement .
`` We believe it is only prudent for us to postpone our production for the near term to safeguard all members of the First Folio Family , including our audience members . ''
In what it termed a `` dramatic pause , '' Chicago 's Second City has suspended performances until further notice .
Ticket holders for performances scheduled from Friday , March 13 , through Thursday , March , 26 , can arrange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 312 ) 337-3992 or going to secondcity.com .
Skokie 's Northlight Theatre suspended performances of `` Intimate Apparel , '' scheduled to open March 20 .
Shifting those performances to late spring may impact its season finale `` Songs for Nobodies , '' said a Northlight spokeswoman in a prepared statement .
Ticket holders can call ( 847 ) 673-6300 .
Writers Theatre suspended operations for 30 days and canceled the final performances of `` Stick Fly . ''
Initial performances of `` The Last Match , '' set to begin previews Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 15 , a spokeswoman said .
Email the theater at boxoffice @ writerstheatre.org .
The McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage canceled all events through May 15 .
However , Drum Tao 's performance can be viewed at 7:30 p.m. Saturday , March 14 , on Facebook Live at facebook.com/atthemac .
Ticket holders will be contacted by email about exchanges or credit .
• All Raue Center for the Arts performances in Crystal Lake through Monday , March 16 .
Ticket holders should check rauecenter.org for updates .
• All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cirque du Soleil 's `` Alegria , '' scheduled from June 5 to June 28 in Chicago .
• Royal George Theatre 's premiere of `` Hit Her With the Skates , '' starring `` American Idol '' alums Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young .
The show resumes previews April 21 .
The shows go on • City Lit Theater 's all-female production of `` Thirteen Days '' continues in the 99-seat theater but without concessions .
• Pride Films and Plays ' productions of `` Dex & Abby '' and `` Five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue .
PFP will honor tickets to productions which other theater companies have canceled .
• Theo Ubique 's `` Grey Gardens '' revival proceeds at its Evanston theater with seating capacity reduced by 20 % .
Theater representatives will evaluate that decision on a daily basis based on recommendations from experts .
• The CMX movie theater in Arlington Heights and the CMX CineBistro in Wheeling remain open and will operate at 50 % capacity by blocking every two seats to increase distance between patrons , according to guidelines issued by CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Suburban and Chicago venues that remain open as of publication may close and performances may be canceled in response to COVID-19 concerns .
Check online or by phone to confirm event status .

Broadway in Chicago, Drury Lane, First Folio among theaters temporarily going dark
Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace has canceled its production of "An American in Paris" starring Leigh-Ann Esty and Josh Drake following the mandates of elected officials and health care experts. Courtesy of Brett Beiner Photography/Drury Lane Theatre
Performances of Broadway Playhouse's "What the Constitution Means to Me" starring Maria Dizzia have been canceled out of concerns over COVID-19 but may resume March 31. Courtesy of Joan Marcus
The cascade of suburban and Chicago theater closings continued Friday with cancellations at Drury Lane, First Folio and Northlight theaters along with Broadway in Chicago's announcement that it will suspend or cancel performances at its Chicago venues to comply with Gov J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's mandates.
Among the BIC productions affected is "What the Constitution Means to Me" at the Broadway Playhouse, although the show may resume March 31 at a reduced capacity based on Center for Disease Control and Chicago Department of Public Health guidelines, BIC representatives said.
"The Bachelor Live on Stage" at Cadillac Palace Theatre has been rescheduled to Oct. 10. "My Fair Lady," also at the Cadillac Palace, is rescheduled for May 12-23, 2021. "Keane -- Cause and Effect Tour" at the Cadillac Palace has been canceled. Also, the Broadway-bound run of "Once Upon A One More Time," set to the music of Britney Spears, that was scheduled to open next month, has been canceled.
Theater company representatives, along with the advocacy organization Arts Alliance Illinois, are asking patrons to consider donating the price of the tickets rather than requesting a refund to help alleviate the financial blow cancellations deliver.
Drury Lane Theatre's announcement that it will close until May 1 forced the cancellation of "An American in Paris" as of Friday, March 13. Theatergoers with tickets for the affected performances of "Evita," scheduled to begin previews April 10, and for "Shrek the Musical," set to begin April 30, should email boxoffice@drurylane.com.
Oak Brook's First Folio Theatre suspended "Little Women," scheduled to begin previews March 25. Ticket holders can email firstfolio@firstfolio.org with questions.
"Everyone is at some degree of risk during this outbreak, but many of our patrons and audience members are in the highest risk groups," said executive director David Rice in a prepared statement. "We believe it is only prudent for us to postpone our production for the near term to safeguard all members of the First Folio Family, including our audience members."
In what it termed a "dramatic pause," Chicago's Second City has suspended performances until further notice. Ticket holders for performances scheduled from Friday, March 13, through Thursday, March, 26, can arrange for exchanges or refunds by calling (312) 337-3992 or going to secondcity.com.
Skokie's Northlight Theatre suspended performances of "Intimate Apparel," scheduled to open March 20. Shifting those performances to late spring may impact its season finale "Songs for Nobodies," said a Northlight spokeswoman in a prepared statement. Ticket holders can call (847) 673-6300.
Writers Theatre suspended operations for 30 days and canceled the final performances of "Stick Fly." Initial performances of "The Last Match," set to begin previews Wednesday, March 18, may resume after April 15, a spokeswoman said. Email the theater at boxoffice@writerstheatre.org.
The McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage canceled all events through May 15. However, Drum Tao's performance can be viewed at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, on Facebook Live at facebook.com/atthemac.
Ticket holders will be contacted by email about exchanges or credit.
Cancellations other theaters:
• All Raue Center for the Arts performances in Crystal Lake through Monday, March 16. Ticket holders should check rauecenter.org for updates.
• Lyric Opera of Chicago's "Ring" cycle.
• All performances at The Den Theater.
• Victory Gardens Theater's premiere of "Dhaba on Devon Avenue."
• Little Time Theatre Company's inaugural production of "Clementine."
• Cirque du Soleil's "Alegria," scheduled from June 5 to June 28 in Chicago.
• A Red Orchid Theatre's "Do You Feel Anger."
• Lookingglass Theatre's "Her Honor Jane Byrne."
• Royal George Theatre's premiere of "Hit Her With the Skates," starring "American Idol" alums Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young. The show resumes previews April 21.
The shows go on
• City Lit Theater's all-female production of "Thirteen Days" continues in the 99-seat theater but without concessions.
• Pride Films and Plays' productions of "Dex & Abby" and "Five Encounters on a Site Called Craigslist" continue. PFP will honor tickets to productions which other theater companies have canceled.
• Theo Ubique's "Grey Gardens" revival proceeds at its Evanston theater with seating capacity reduced by 20%. Theater representatives will evaluate that decision on a daily basis based on recommendations from experts.
• Teatro Zinzanni's dinner-theater spectacle "Love, Chaos & Dinner" continues performances at reduced capacity.
• Editor's note: Suburban and Chicago venues that remain open as of publication may close and performances may be canceled in response to COVID-19 concerns. Check online or by phone to confirm event status.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Man charged with driving SUV into Woodfield Mall found unfit for trial

The Palatine man accused of crashing his SUV through the glass windows of a Sears store and driving into Woodfield Mall was found unfit for trial Friday .
Javier Garcia , 23 , faces terrorism and criminal damage to property charges related to the Sept. 20 , 2019 , disturbance .
Defense attorney Frank Avila says his client is not a terrorist and has been overcharged .
`` He 's mentally ill , '' said Avila .
`` He should be somewhere where he can receive some help . ''
`` Authorities have determined he has no ideological , political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a terrorist , Avila said , adding that his client behaved as he did because he was not properly medicated .
According to Schaumburg police , Garcia first entered Woodfield on foot through the Sears entrance on Sept. 20 , walked through the store and left .
Minutes later , police say , Garcia drove his SUV from the parking lot into the Sears entrance at an `` exceedingly high rate of speed . ''
Garcia was subsequently admitted to Amita Health Behavioral Medicine Institute for several days .
Witnesses captured the disturbance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not strike any people as it sped through the mall , officials said .
Garcia also faces arson charges stemming from a truck fire that Palatine police say he set two weeks before the disturbance at Woodfield .
Garcia pleaded not guilty to the terrorism and arson charges .
He is being held without bail at Cook County jail .
Avila says his client is being housed in the jail 's medical wing but believes that is not the appropriate place for him .
`` He should be in a separate mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avila said .
Garcia next appears in court May 1 .

Man charged with driving SUV into Woodfield Mall found unfit for trial
The Palatine man accused of crashing his SUV through the glass windows of a Sears store and driving into Woodfield Mall was found unfit for trial Friday.
Javier Garcia, 23, faces terrorism and criminal damage to property charges related to the Sept. 20, 2019, disturbance.
Defense attorney Frank Avila says his client is not a terrorist and has been overcharged.
"He's mentally ill," said Avila. "He should be somewhere where he can receive some help."
"Authorities have determined he has no ideological, political or racial leanings" marking him as a terrorist, Avila said, adding that his client behaved as he did because he was not properly medicated.
According to Schaumburg police, Garcia first entered Woodfield on foot through the Sears entrance on Sept. 20, walked through the store and left. Minutes later, police say, Garcia drove his SUV from the parking lot into the Sears entrance at an "exceedingly high rate of speed."
Garcia was subsequently admitted to Amita Health Behavioral Medicine Institute for several days.
Witnesses captured the disturbance on video. Garcia's car did not strike any people as it sped through the mall, officials said.
Garcia also faces arson charges stemming from a truck fire that Palatine police say he set two weeks before the disturbance at Woodfield.
Garcia pleaded not guilty to the terrorism and arson charges. He is being held without bail at Cook County jail.
Avila says his client is being housed in the jail's medical wing but believes that is not the appropriate place for him. "He should be in a separate mental health institution getting proper medical care," Avila said.
Garcia next appears in court May 1.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Grammar Moses: In lieu of anything fun, read this

`` In lieu of current events , we remind members to practice good health habits .
Washing your hands , using hand sanitizer , wiping down equipment after use ... '' I was all ready to point out that the person who created this sign for the YMCA clearly does not understand what `` in lieu of '' means .
A good alternative would be `` In place of . ''
And there clearly are plenty of current events .
So the sign means : `` In place of current events , we remind members to practice good health habits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my line of thinking on Monday , before the world started to cancel itself .
Perhaps the sign maker was merely prescient .
While entire sports have shut down , schools have closed and theaters have gone dark , on Friday afternoon YMCAs still were chugging along , slathered in disinfectant .
Rewriting the sign slightly to `` In lieu of actual things to do , we remind members to practice good health habits ... '' does make some sense from the Y 's perspective , I suppose .
I 'm now washing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto something else .
Now here is a part of speech that I 'd never heard of .
And it 's fascinating .
A retronym is a newly created term that distinguishes something current from an older term .
How many can you come up with ?
• Electric guitar : Can you believe `` electric guitars '' have been around for almost a century ?
It 's true .
Before that , all we had were `` guitars . ''
Another retronym is `` acoustic guitar . ''
Before electric guitars came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is , they were not electronically amplified .
• Paperback book : Eighty-five years ago , someone came up with the bright idea to make literature more affordable for the masses with paperback books .
Until then , they were just books ( though I 'm sure people made distinctions between hardbacks and leather-bound volumes .
• Silent movies : Movies were silent from their inception in the 1890s until 1927 .
But until `` talkies '' started in the early '20s , movies had n't been considered `` silent . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : They were simply `` personal computers '' and they sat on desks in the days when Bill Gates wore dorky glasses and Steve Jobs wore none .
Until the first laptop came along in 1981 , there was no need for the `` desktop '' modifier .
• Jim Baumann is vice president/managing editor of the Daily Herald .
Write him at jbaumann @ dailyherald.com .
Put Grammar Moses in the subject line .
You also can friend or follow Jim at facebook.com/baumannjim .

Grammar Moses: In lieu of anything fun, read this
"Lieu" does not mean what the sign maker thinks it means. Courtesy of Diane DungEY
"In lieu of current events, we remind members to practice good health habits. Washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, wiping down equipment after use ..."
I was all ready to point out that the person who created this sign for the YMCA clearly does not understand what "in lieu of" means.
A good alternative would be "In place of."
And there clearly are plenty of current events.
So the sign means: "In place of current events, we remind members to practice good health habits ..."
But wait. This was my line of thinking on Monday, before the world started to cancel itself.
Perhaps the sign maker was merely prescient.
While entire sports have shut down, schools have closed and theaters have gone dark, on Friday afternoon YMCAs still were chugging along, slathered in disinfectant.
Rewriting the sign slightly to "In lieu of actual things to do, we remind members to practice good health habits ..." does make some sense from the Y's perspective, I suppose.
I'm now washing my hands of this subject and moving onto something else.
Retronyms
Now here is a part of speech that I'd never heard of. And it's fascinating.
A retronym is a newly created term that distinguishes something current from an older term. How many can you come up with?
• Electric guitar: Can you believe "electric guitars" have been around for almost a century? It's true. Before that, all we had were "guitars." Another retronym is "acoustic guitar." Before electric guitars came along, all guitars were acoustic -- that is, they were not electronically amplified.
• Paperback book: Eighty-five years ago, someone came up with the bright idea to make literature more affordable for the masses with paperback books. Until then, they were just books (though I'm sure people made distinctions between hardbacks and leather-bound volumes.
• Silent movies: Movies were silent from their inception in the 1890s until 1927. But until "talkies" started in the early '20s, movies hadn't been considered "silent." They just were.
• Desktop computers: They were simply "personal computers" and they sat on desks in the days when Bill Gates wore dorky glasses and Steve Jobs wore none.
Until the first laptop came along in 1981, there was no need for the "desktop" modifier.
Today we call desktop computers "doorstops."
Write carefully!
• Jim Baumann is vice president/managing editor of the Daily Herald. Write him at jbaumann@dailyherald.com. Put Grammar Moses in the subject line. You also can friend or follow Jim at facebook.com/baumannjim.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--9 reasons doctors say you should stay calm as coronavirus spreads

The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is here , but there 's no need to hoard bottled water or buy extra toilet paper , suburban infectious disease experts say .
While the coronavirus is causing infections in the region , doctors say several facts about the illness and the public response can provide reassurance .
Among those urging preparedness over panic are Dr. David Beezhold , medical director of infection control and prevention at Elmhurst Hospital ; Dr. Irfan Hafiz , infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine hospitals in McHenry , Huntley and Northwestern Woodstock ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious disease at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge .
Here are nine reasons they give to stay calm .
1 .
The number of cases is 'not huge . '
The number of confirmed worldwide cases of COVID-19 is roughly 118,000 , according to the World Health Organization 's situation tracker , since the virus began spreading in late December in Wuhan , China .
In the U.S. , the number of confirmed cases was 1,629 as of Friday afternoon .
Worldwide there have been 4,291 deaths , and in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46 confirmed cases and zero deaths , as of Friday afternoon .
But context matters , Beezhold said .
And when put in context , the number of coronavirus cases is relatively low , doctors say .
Example : the flu .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 34 million illnesses , 350,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths from influenza this season .
This is not to say it 's time to panic about the flu , but public service announcement courtesy of Hafiz : Get your flu shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` herd immunity '' the vaccine provides to help stop the spread of the flu .
Another point of context , the H1N1 , or `` swine flu '' outbreak in 2009 and 2010 caused an estimated 60.8 million cases and 12,469 deaths in the U.S. alone .
`` To constantly say it 's inevitable that it 's going to skyrocket is just not true , '' Beezhold said .
`` It 's not necessarily inevitable with good infection control measures . ''
Remember those two cases of the new coronavirus treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hoffman Estates ?
A Chicago woman in her 60s who had traveled to China and her husband ?
Those cases were identified Jan. 25 and 31 .
Then a month went by until the region 's next cases were identified in early March .
`` That was two positive cases in that area over a month ago and we have n't seen a significant rise , '' Beezhold said .
News of the illness ' spread slowing at its epicenter in China began as long as a week ago , and the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country has continued to fall .
Citronberg and Hafiz said looking to China , Italy and other affected countries can give clues as to what might happen here .
The new coronavirus spreads two ways : From respiratory droplets in the air and from contact with items contaminated by droplets .
When someone who is infected coughs or sneezes , droplets can travel up to 6 feet .
Staying farther than 6 feet away from others -- a strategy called `` social distancing '' in infectious disease lingo -- helps prevent future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequent hand-washing helps prevent future spread from contact .
Momentum has turned toward social distancing with organizers canceling conventions and other large gatherings , which doctors say is a smart precaution .
`` We need to prepare , not panic , '' Hafiz said .
The new coronavirus typically causes mild symptoms such as coughing and fever in people who are young and otherwise healthy , though they still can transmit it to others .
Doctors estimate that between 80 % and 85 % of all COVID-19 cases involve no symptoms or mild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own .
The disease has an estimated 3 % mortality rate , but that likely could decline as more cases are identified .
`` It 's not going to be the end of civilization , '' Citronberg said .
People 70 or older , or who have chronic conditions or compromised immune systems , are at a higher risk .
`` For young healthy people , the risk of get seriously ill or dying -- while it 's not zero -- it 's pretty low , '' he said .
7 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many area hospitals have coronavirus hotlines set up or special phone triage protocols to help determine whether someone 's symptoms and travel history indicate they could have contracted the COVID-19 virus .
Even with suspected exposure , if a patient is younger than 70 and otherwise healthy , Hafiz said , the advice likely will be to isolate at home and use the same remedies that help with any other virus .
If symptoms worsen , a call to the doctor remains the first step , as they can coordinate whether testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 .
Hospitals know what they 're doing .
Toss aside the constant legislative fight about how to pay for health insurance .
Doctors agree , the actual care provided in the U.S. is the best in the world .
Hospitals in the suburbs have infectious disease experts on staff and are coordinating with county health departments , the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC to manage response to the new coronavirus and control spread .
This new coronavirus is a member of a family of viruses that can affect people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as colds , or more severe illnesses .
In general , this class of viruses does n't like the heat .
With time , temperature rise and preventive measures , doctors say , the illness could ease .
`` We are hopeful it will follow the trend of the other coronaviruses and start to dissipate when the weather gets warmer and more humid , '' Citronberg said .

9 reasons doctors say you should stay calm as coronavirus spreads
Dr. Irfan Hafiz, infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine hospitals in McHenry, Huntley and Northwestern Woodstock, advises people to get their flu shot and wash their hands frequently, but otherwise to go about life as usual and stay calm in light of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine
Dr. Robert Citronberg, director of infectious disease at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, says transmission activity of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 remains low. There have been 19 cases in Illinois as of Tuesday afternoon. Courtesy of Advocate Aurora Health
The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is here, but there's no need to hoard bottled water or buy extra toilet paper, suburban infectious disease experts say.
While the coronavirus is causing infections in the region, doctors say several facts about the illness and the public response can provide reassurance.
Among those urging preparedness over panic are Dr. David Beezhold, medical director of infection control and prevention at Elmhurst Hospital; Dr. Irfan Hafiz, infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine hospitals in McHenry, Huntley and Northwestern Woodstock; and Dr. Robert Citronberg, director of infectious disease at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.
Here are nine reasons they give to stay calm.
1. The number of cases is 'not huge.'
The number of confirmed worldwide cases of COVID-19 is roughly 118,000, according to the World Health Organization's situation tracker, since the virus began spreading in late December in Wuhan, China. In the U.S., the number of confirmed cases was 1,629 as of Friday afternoon. Worldwide there have been 4,291 deaths, and in the U.S., 41.
Illinois has reported 46 confirmed cases and zero deaths, as of Friday afternoon.
But context matters, Beezhold said. And when put in context, the number of coronavirus cases is relatively low, doctors say.
Example: the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 34 million illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths from influenza this season.
This is not to say it's time to panic about the flu, but public service announcement courtesy of Hafiz: Get your flu shot. It's not too late for the "herd immunity" the vaccine provides to help stop the spread of the flu.
Another point of context, the H1N1, or "swine flu" outbreak in 2009 and 2010 caused an estimated 60.8 million cases and 12,469 deaths in the U.S. alone.
2. A dramatic rise in cases isn't a given.
"To constantly say it's inevitable that it's going to skyrocket is just not true," Beezhold said. "It's not necessarily inevitable with good infection control measures."
3. Containment is possible.
Remember those two cases of the new coronavirus treated at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates? A Chicago woman in her 60s who had traveled to China and her husband? Those cases were identified Jan. 25 and 31. Then a month went by until the region's next cases were identified in early March.
"That was two positive cases in that area over a month ago and we haven't seen a significant rise," Beezhold said.
4. Spread is slowing in China.
News of the illness' spread slowing at its epicenter in China began as long as a week ago, and the number of new cases discovered each day in the country has continued to fall. Citronberg and Hafiz said looking to China, Italy and other affected countries can give clues as to what might happen here.
5. Basic prevention measures work.
The new coronavirus spreads two ways: From respiratory droplets in the air and from contact with items contaminated by droplets. When someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, droplets can travel up to 6 feet.
Staying farther than 6 feet away from others -- a strategy called "social distancing" in infectious disease lingo -- helps prevent future virus spread from airborne droplets. And frequent hand-washing helps prevent future spread from contact.
Momentum has turned toward social distancing with organizers canceling conventions and other large gatherings, which doctors say is a smart precaution.
"We need to prepare, not panic," Hafiz said.
6. It's not a death sentence.
The new coronavirus typically causes mild symptoms such as coughing and fever in people who are young and otherwise healthy, though they still can transmit it to others.
Doctors estimate that between 80% and 85% of all COVID-19 cases involve no symptoms or mild symptoms from which people can recover on their own. The disease has an estimated 3% mortality rate, but that likely could decline as more cases are identified.
"It's not going to be the end of civilization," Citronberg said.
People 70 or older, or who have chronic conditions or compromised immune systems, are at a higher risk.
"For young healthy people, the risk of get seriously ill or dying -- while it's not zero -- it's pretty low," he said.
7. A phone call is all it takes.
Feeling sick? Pick up the phone.
Many area hospitals have coronavirus hotlines set up or special phone triage protocols to help determine whether someone's symptoms and travel history indicate they could have contracted the COVID-19 virus.
Even with suspected exposure, if a patient is younger than 70 and otherwise healthy, Hafiz said, the advice likely will be to isolate at home and use the same remedies that help with any other virus.
If symptoms worsen, a call to the doctor remains the first step, as they can coordinate whether testing, treatment or hospitalization is necessary.
8. Hospitals know what they're doing.
Toss aside the constant legislative fight about how to pay for health insurance. Doctors agree, the actual care provided in the U.S. is the best in the world. Hospitals in the suburbs have infectious disease experts on staff and are coordinating with county health departments, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC to manage response to the new coronavirus and control spread.
9. Coronaviruses don't like summer.
This new coronavirus is a member of a family of viruses that can affect people and animals and can cause mild illnesses such as colds, or more severe illnesses. In general, this class of viruses doesn't like the heat. With time, temperature rise and preventive measures, doctors say, the illness could ease.
"We are hopeful it will follow the trend of the other coronaviruses and start to dissipate when the weather gets warmer and more humid," Citronberg said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--Coronavirus illness toll rises to 64 in Illinois with 18 new cases, including first downstate

The number of Illinois coronavirus cases rose to 64 from 46 as residents with the illness emerged in central and southern regions of the state , officials said Saturday .
The mayor of Chicago , meanwhile , urged political candidates to avoid face-to-face campaigning as part of virus prevention while polling places in some communities were changed from senior housing centers ahead of the primary election Tuesday .
Dr. Ngozi Ezike , director of the state health department , said the number of Illinois cases should `` increase dramatically '' as results come in from private labs .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing measures , such as staying home and canceling large events , '' Ezike said .
`` If you are young and healthy , listen up : We need you to follow social distancing , too , '' he said .
But Kyle Thomas , a nurse from Colorado , said he was n't ready to put his life on hold .
He had planned the trip months ago .
`` I 'm being careful .
I 've got my hand sanitizer , and I 'm washing my hands , '' Thomas told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has already been canceled and we might be overreacting . ''
The new virus cases include people in Woodford , Cumberland and St. Clair counties .
For most people , the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
Just a few days before the election , DuPage County relocated 17 polling places to the county fairgrounds in Wheaton in response to COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be choosing a Republican challenger to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and fall candidates for U.S. House .
Cook County State 's Attorney Kim Foxx is being challenged in a closely watched Democratic primary .
In Chicago , Mayor Lori Lightfoot urged candidates to put `` safety over politics '' and stop in-person get-out-the-vote efforts during the coronavirus crisis .
`` There are plenty of organizing tactics available that do n't involve in-person contact such as phone banking , texting out the vote and other virtual communications practices , '' said Lightfoot , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
Pritzker has ordered the closing of every school in the state until March 30 , starting Tuesday .

Coronavirus illness cases rise to 64 in Illinois with 18 new cases, including first downstate
Illinois' coronavirus illness toll has hit 64 as authorities on Saturday confirmed the first cases reported downstate, Governor J.B. Pritzker said on Saturday. Associated Press
The number of Illinois coronavirus cases rose to 64 from 46 as residents with the illness emerged in central and southern regions of the state, officials said Saturday.
The mayor of Chicago, meanwhile, urged political candidates to avoid face-to-face campaigning as part of virus prevention while polling places in some communities were changed from senior housing centers ahead of the primary election Tuesday.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the state health department, said the number of Illinois cases should "increase dramatically" as results come in from private labs.
"It is vitally important that we implement social distancing measures, such as staying home and canceling large events," Ezike said.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker appeared annoyed with St. Patrick's Day party crowds in Chicago.
"If you are young and healthy, listen up: We need you to follow social distancing, too," he said.
But Kyle Thomas, a nurse from Colorado, said he wasn't ready to put his life on hold. He had planned the trip months ago.
"I'm being careful. I've got my hand sanitizer, and I'm washing my hands," Thomas told the Chicago Sun-Times. "So much has already been canceled and we might be overreacting."
The new virus cases include people in Woodford, Cumberland and St. Clair counties.
For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
Just a few days before the election, DuPage County relocated 17 polling places to the county fairgrounds in Wheaton in response to COVID-19.
Besides the presidential primary, voters will be choosing a Republican challenger to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and fall candidates for U.S. House. Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx is being challenged in a closely watched Democratic primary.
In Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot urged candidates to put "safety over politics" and stop in-person get-out-the-vote efforts during the coronavirus crisis.
"There are plenty of organizing tactics available that don't involve in-person contact such as phone banking, texting out the vote and other virtual communications practices," said Lightfoot, a Democrat, who cast an early ballot Saturday.
Pritzker has ordered the closing of every school in the state until March 30, starting Tuesday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--In Underwood's Congressional district, the eyes Tuesday are on 7 Republicans

Democratic Lauren Underwood of Naperville rose to the top of a field of seven Congressional candidates in 2018 to win her party 's nomination , then won the traditionally Republican seat outright as part of 2018 's national blue wave .
Now there are just as many Republicans lining up in Tuesday 's primary for the chance to try to unseat her in November in what will be one of the most hotly contested Congressional elections in the country .
Seven GOP candidates in the sprawling 14th District , which spans parts of DuPage , Kane , Lake , McHenry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past few months establishing their conservative credentials .
They 've feuded over Second Amendment rights , health care , immigration , abortion and Social Security .
State Sens .
Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove and Sue Rezin of Morris are the only candidates with legislative experience .
The pair have battled over their voting records .
Catalina Lauf of Woodstock has drawn national media attention for positioning herself as the `` anti-AOC '' candidate and for her potential to become the youngest person ever to sit in Congress .
Ted Gradel of Naperville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates able raise enough money to compete in what is expected to be one of the most expensive general election battles in the country .
James Marter of Oswego and Jerry Evans of WSarrenville have established themselves as strong anti-abortion candidates .
But they have contrasting immigration views , with Marter taking a more hard-line approach to restrictions on both legal and undocumented entry .
Anthony Catella of St. Charles says he decided against raising substantial funds because that positions him as the candidate who does n't owe any person or special interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the district now represented by Underwood is the most visible race in the suburbs Tuesday , it 's far from the only one that 's generating interest .
Onetime governor 's candidate Jeanne Ives of Wheaton is taking on former Glen Ellyn park Board president Dr. Gordon `` Jay '' Kinzler in the Republican primary in the 6th District .
The winner will take on U.S. Rep. Sean Casten of Downers Grove , another 2018 blue wave freshman who 's seen as vulnerable in November .
Meanwhile , incumbent Democrats are getting primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suburbs : Ten-year incumbent Mike Quigley , of Chicago , a member of the Intelligence Committee that heard impeachment testimony against President Donald Trump , faces a challenge from the left by Chicago attorney Brian Burns in the 5th ; longtime incumbent Bill Foster of Naperville is defending against another progressive challenge , this one from Will County board member Rachel Ventura of Joliet in the 11th ; and second-term incumbent Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg , another member of the Intelligence Committee , is being challenged in the 8th by Dr. Inam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schaumburg , who are opposing him on various issues including immigration and diplomacy with India. At the same time , Republicans in the district now represented by Quigley will be choosing between commercial real estate broker Tommy Hanson and psychiatrist Kimball Ladien , both Chicagoans ; and those in the district now represented by Foster will be picking between Naperville Planning and Zoning Commissioner Krishna Bansal and Will County Sheriff 's Sgt .
Rick Laib of Joliet are running for the GOP nomination .
The winners in those two primary races will compete @ @ @ @ @ @ @

In Underwood's Congressional district, the eyes Tuesday are on 7 Republicans
Democrat Lauren Underwood of Naperville rose to the top of a field of seven Congressional candidates in 2018 to win her party's nomination, then won the traditionally Republican seat outright as part of 2018's national blue wave.
Now there are just as many Republicans lining up in Tuesday's primary for the chance to try to unseat her in November in what will be one of the most hotly contested Congressional elections in the country.
Seven GOP candidates in the sprawling 14th District, which spans parts of DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties, have spent the past few months establishing their conservative credentials. They've feuded over Second Amendment rights, health care, immigration, abortion and Social Security.
State Sens. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove and Sue Rezin of Morris are the only candidates with legislative experience. The pair have battled over their voting records.
Catalina Lauf of Woodstock has drawn national media attention for positioning herself as the "anti-AOC" candidate and for her potential to become the youngest person ever to sit in Congress.
Ted Gradel of Naperville has shown he is one of the candidates able raise enough money to compete in what is expected to be one of the most expensive general election battles in the country.
James Marter of Oswego and Jerry Evans of WSarrenville have established themselves as strong anti-abortion candidates. But they have contrasting immigration views, with Marter taking a more hard-line approach to restrictions on both legal and undocumented entry.
Anthony Catella of St. Charles says he decided against raising substantial funds because that positions him as the candidate who doesn't owe any person or special interest anything.
While the Republican primary in the district now represented by Underwood is the most visible race in the suburbs Tuesday, it's far from the only one that's generating interest.
Onetime governor's candidate Jeanne Ives of Wheaton is taking on former Glen Ellyn park Board president Dr. Gordon "Jay" Kinzler in the Republican primary in the 6th District. The winner will take on U.S. Rep. Sean Casten of Downers Grove, another 2018 blue wave freshman who's seen as vulnerable in November.
Meanwhile, incumbent Democrats are getting primary challenges in three districts that take in the suburbs:
Ten-year incumbent Mike Quigley, of Chicago, a member of the Intelligence Committee that heard impeachment testimony against President Donald Trump, faces a challenge from the left by Chicago attorney Brian Burns in the 5th; longtime incumbent Bill Foster of Naperville is defending against another progressive challenge, this one from Will County board member Rachel Ventura of Joliet in the 11th; and second-term incumbent Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg, another member of the Intelligence Committee, is being challenged in the 8th by Dr. Inam Hussain of Libertyville and William Olson of Schaumburg, who are opposing him on various issues including immigration and diplomacy with India.
At the same time, Republicans in the district now represented by Quigley will be choosing between commercial real estate broker Tommy Hanson and psychiatrist Kimball Ladien, both Chicagoans; and those in the district now represented by Foster will be picking between Naperville Planning and Zoning Commissioner Krishna Bansal and Will County Sheriff's Sgt. Rick Laib of Joliet are running for the GOP nomination. The winners in those two primary races will compete against the Democratic winners in November.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--Pritzker: All K-12 schools must close starting Tuesday through March 30

Life is shifting rapidly -- in the short term -- for thousands of Illinois students and their families as schools close to tamp down the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus .
During a Friday briefing , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ordered all kindergarten through 12th-grade public and private schools to close effective Tuesday until March 30 .
School closings are `` the right thing to do to protect our students and teachers , '' Pritkzer said .
`` Let me be clear , I understand the gravity of this action and what it means for every community in our state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects . ''
The move came on the heels of major players like the Chicago and Rockford archdioceses , Maine Township High School District 207 , Northwest Suburban High School District 214 , Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and Barrington Area Unit District 220 already making that call .
District 214 Superintendent David Schuler said he made the decision to cancel classes `` out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with medical professionals and area school district leaders . ''
Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 , a respiratory disease that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- nine in Chicago , four in Cook County and one in Lake County .
When healthy people under 60 contract COVID-19 , their cases are usually mild and children do not seem as susceptible to the disease , current research shows .
`` This is critical part of our larger social distancing efforts .
In addition to kids with immunocompromised systems , we have teachers , administrators , parents and the larger population to consider , '' Pritzker said .
Reducing the curve of the disease -- slowing the rate of transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- will help hospitals and health care workers from being overburdened , officials said .
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala called the epidemic `` an unprecedented event in our lifetime , and we will get through this together .
I want our teachers , our students , and our families to know that the Illinois State Board of Education is open and is here to help . ''
The Illinois Federation of Teachers also released a statement in support of Pritzker 's move -- and criticizing preceding lawmakers ' actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult decision , but it is the responsible action to ensure the health of our students , faculty , staff , and communities , '' it said .
`` Teachers are creating learning opportunities to keep children engaged and minimize any learning loss , but COVID-19 has revealed deeper issues that need to be addressed .
The austerity budgeting of the last years is coming home to roost and now we are paying a public health price .
We must learn from this . ''
The state has also committed to providing meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through delivery or parent pickup .
While some school districts plunged into e-learning plans and promised parents more details later , others appeared ready to go .
Tuesday is already a scheduled off-day for some students because of Election Day .
McHenry County College said it wo n't hold classes .
Harper College is moving its classes to off-campus flexible learning .
Other schools are in the midst of March break holidays , which partly eases the transition .
The Archdiocese of Chicago characterized its closure of the Catholic schools it operates in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' rather than committing to a particular amount of time .
Archdiocese officials noted the Office of Catholic Schools and other leaders are coordinating extended support to families and students most in need , while academic work will be expected to be completed through electronic or alternative learning .
District 211 Superintendent Dan Cates outlined his district 's plans for e-learning in a letter to parents and students Friday .
`` With e-learning days , we are making every effort to deliver quality learning experiences and maintain the connection and care that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students , '' Cates said .
`` E-learning will provide opportunities for students to remain engaged in their learning and with our staff members during a challenging period that could extend beyond a couple of days . ''

Pritzker: All K-12 schools must close starting Tuesday through March 30
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, along with elected and health officials give their daily update on the COVID-19 coronavirus on Friday. Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP
Life is shifting rapidly -- in the short term -- for thousands of Illinois students and their families as schools close to tamp down the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
During a Friday briefing, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered all kindergarten through 12th-grade public and private schools to close effective Tuesday until March 30.
School closings are "the right thing to do to protect our students and teachers," Pritkzer said. "Let me be clear, I understand the gravity of this action and what it means for every community in our state. All of these choices have cascading effects."
The move came on the heels of major players like the Chicago and Rockford archdioceses, Maine Township High School District 207, Northwest Suburban High School District 214, Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and Barrington Area Unit District 220 already making that call.
District 214 Superintendent David Schuler said he made the decision to cancel classes "out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with medical professionals and area school district leaders."
Fourteen new cases of COVID-19, a respiratory disease that can cause pneumonia, were also detailed Friday -- nine in Chicago, four in Cook County and one in Lake County.
When healthy people under 60 contract COVID-19, their cases are usually mild and children do not seem as susceptible to the disease, current research shows.
"This is critical part of our larger social distancing efforts. In addition to kids with immunocompromised systems, we have teachers, administrators, parents and the larger population to consider," Pritzker said.
Reducing the curve of the disease -- slowing the rate of transmission to avoid an overwhelming surge in cases -- will help hospitals and health care workers from being overburdened, officials said.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala called the epidemic "an unprecedented event in our lifetime, and we will get through this together. I want our teachers, our students, and our families to know that the Illinois State Board of Education is open and is here to help."
The Illinois Federation of Teachers also released a statement in support of Pritzker's move -- and criticizing preceding lawmakers' actions.
"This is an historic and difficult decision, but it is the responsible action to ensure the health of our students, faculty, staff, and communities," it said. "Teachers are creating learning opportunities to keep children engaged and minimize any learning loss, but COVID-19 has revealed deeper issues that need to be addressed. The austerity budgeting of the last years is coming home to roost and now we are paying a public health price. We must learn from this."
The state has also committed to providing meals for children on the free lunch program through delivery or parent pickup.
While some school districts plunged into e-learning plans and promised parents more details later, others appeared ready to go.
Tuesday is already a scheduled off-day for some students because of Election Day.
McHenry County College said it won't hold classes. Harper College is moving its classes to off-campus flexible learning. Other schools are in the midst of March break holidays, which partly eases the transition.
The Archdiocese of Chicago characterized its closure of the Catholic schools it operates in Cook and Lake counties as "temporary," rather than committing to a particular amount of time.
Archdiocese officials noted the Office of Catholic Schools and other leaders are coordinating extended support to families and students most in need, while academic work will be expected to be completed through electronic or alternative learning.
District 211 Superintendent Dan Cates outlined his district's plans for e-learning in a letter to parents and students Friday.
"With e-learning days, we are making every effort to deliver quality learning experiences and maintain the connection and care that our educators and staff members provide our students," Cates said.
"E-learning will provide opportunities for students to remain engaged in their learning and with our staff members during a challenging period that could extend beyond a couple of days."
• Daily Herald Staff Writer Marni Pyke contributed to this story.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--Watchdog: Illinois' early pot tax revenues outpacing other states

Tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales in Illinois is outpacing what several other states received in the early months of legalization .
On a per capita basis , Illinois is in line to receive more tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales during its first two months of legalization than California , Colorado , Michigan and Washington took in , according to a Daily Herald analysis of those early-adopting states ' marijuana tax and sales tax revenue .
`` The state 's decision to really go for it is the right decision , '' said Ralph Martire , executive director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Budget Accountability .
`` If you 're going to do it , you should just do it . ''
Unlike other states that dipped their toes into the legalized marijuana waters by slowly rolling out licenses , Illinois had 45 licensed dispensaries ready to go Jan. 1 , which resulted in millions of dollars in sales in the first day alone .
More dispensaries have been granted licenses since then .
While marijuana tax and sales tax figures for the second month of legalized sales in Illinois are still weeks away from being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to receive $ 6.5 million in marijuana taxes and another $ 2.8 million in sales taxes based on first-month tax rates applied to the $ 34.8 million in sales from February .
That could mean almost $ 20 million in combined marijuana and sales taxes during the first two months of legalized sales .
State budget officials have said they were being conservative when they estimated $ 28 million in marijuana tax and sales tax revenue from legalized sales in this fiscal year , which ends June 30 .
The state might even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the bill was passed .
The state budgeted $ 127 million in marijuana-related taxes for the 2021 fiscal year .
Toi Hutchinson , cannabis control senior adviser to Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , acknowledged there might have been an advantage to not going first .
`` The only way to kind of see if this amazing experiment works is to literally go for it and take all the information we got from other states and all the things legislators in those states said they wished they could have done and put it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's been amazing to see . ''
The state could see as much as $ 1.56 per resident in tax revenue in the first two months of sales , a higher rate of return than many of the early-adopting states .
Colorado , the first state to legalize recreational marijuana sales in 2014 , received $ 1.42 per person in combined marijuana taxes and sales taxes during the first two months of legalization there , according to the analysis .
California , Michigan and Washington all received less than $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when legalization was introduced in those states .
Martire said the success of legalization in Illinois shows `` there are a lot of recreational users who are middle income and above who prefer to have a way to buy legally , '' and do n't mind paying a little extra .
`` The higher-than-average tax rates in Illinois did not turn off buyers , '' said Eli McVey , research manager for Marijuana Business Daily , a trade publication catering to growers and sellers .
`` But I do n't think it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other states because of the cap put on licenses .
When you look two to three years from now , I do n't think they 'll be as strong as they are now because of that . ''
McVey called the limits on licenses a `` recipe '' to maintain artificially inflated prices and an opportunity to sustain the `` illicit '' drug market .
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy , a Chicago Democrat who was one of the key figures in passing the legalization bill , acknowledged the state might eventually have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw that other states had to go back and lower taxes , '' she said .
`` It 's too soon to really tell if we hit the sweet spot with the tax rate since local tax rates have n't been added on yet . ''
Hutchinson said the growth of recreational use sales in Illinois is fluid .
The next step is to begin licensing retail establishments in commercial areas to improve accessibility and assist entrepreneurship .
Dozens more retailers could be online throughout the state within a year .
`` What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of room to grow , '' she said .
`` But it 's a delicate balance . ''
Revenue generated from the state 's marijuana taxes feed into multiple pots .
The state 's general fund , the majority of the state 's operations , gets 35 % .
Another 25 % goes to a special economic development program targeting communities most affected by the criminalization of marijuana .
Hutchinson said grants for those funds are expected to begin distribution in June , but coronavirus-related shutdowns might delay that .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and addiction programs , paying down the state 's debt , law enforcement and educational outreach .

Watchdog: Illinois' early pot tax revenues outpacing other states
By Jake Griffin
jgriffin@dailyherald.com
Tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales in Illinois is outpacing what several other states received in the early months of legalization.
On a per capita basis, Illinois is in line to receive more tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales during its first two months of legalization than California, Colorado, Michigan and Washington took in, according to a Daily Herald analysis of those early-adopting states' marijuana tax and sales tax revenue.
"The state's decision to really go for it is the right decision," said Ralph Martire, executive director of the bipartisan Chicago-based Center for Tax and Budget Accountability. "If you're going to do it, you should just do it."
Unlike other states that dipped their toes into the legalized marijuana waters by slowly rolling out licenses, Illinois had 45 licensed dispensaries ready to go Jan. 1, which resulted in millions of dollars in sales in the first day alone. More dispensaries have been granted licenses since then.
While marijuana tax and sales tax figures for the second month of legalized sales in Illinois are still weeks away from being announced, the state is on pace to receive $6.5 million in marijuana taxes and another $2.8 million in sales taxes based on first-month tax rates applied to the $34.8 million in sales from February. That could mean almost $20 million in combined marijuana and sales taxes during the first two months of legalized sales.
State budget officials have said they were being conservative when they estimated $28 million in marijuana tax and sales tax revenue from legalized sales in this fiscal year, which ends June 30. The state might even surpass the $34 million originally forecast before the bill was passed. The state budgeted $127 million in marijuana-related taxes for the 2021 fiscal year.
Toi Hutchinson, cannabis control senior adviser to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, acknowledged there might have been an advantage to not going first.
"The only way to kind of see if this amazing experiment works is to literally go for it and take all the information we got from other states and all the things legislators in those states said they wished they could have done and put it in practice," she said. "It's been amazing to see."
The state could see as much as $1.56 per resident in tax revenue in the first two months of sales, a higher rate of return than many of the early-adopting states. Colorado, the first state to legalize recreational marijuana sales in 2014, received $1.42 per person in combined marijuana taxes and sales taxes during the first two months of legalization there, according to the analysis. California, Michigan and Washington all received less than $1 per capita in early tax revenue returns when legalization was introduced in those states.
Martire said the success of legalization in Illinois shows "there are a lot of recreational users who are middle income and above who prefer to have a way to buy legally," and don't mind paying a little extra.
"The higher-than-average tax rates in Illinois did not turn off buyers," said Eli McVey, research manager for Marijuana Business Daily, a trade publication catering to growers and sellers. "But I don't think it's going to grow as much as some other states because of the cap put on licenses. When you look two to three years from now, I don't think they'll be as strong as they are now because of that."
McVey called the limits on licenses a "recipe" to maintain artificially inflated prices and an opportunity to sustain the "illicit" drug market.
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat who was one of the key figures in passing the legalization bill, acknowledged the state might eventually have to lower the tax rates.
"We saw that other states had to go back and lower taxes," she said. "It's too soon to really tell if we hit the sweet spot with the tax rate since local tax rates haven't been added on yet."
Hutchinson said the growth of recreational use sales in Illinois is fluid. The next step is to begin licensing retail establishments in commercial areas to improve accessibility and assist entrepreneurship. Dozens more retailers could be online throughout the state within a year.
"What we've seen tells me there's a lot of room to grow," she said. "But it's a delicate balance."
Revenue generated from the state's marijuana taxes feed into multiple pots.
The state's general fund, the majority of the state's operations, gets 35%.
Another 25% goes to a special economic development program targeting communities most affected by the criminalization of marijuana. Hutchinson said grants for those funds are expected to begin distribution in June, but coronavirus-related shutdowns might delay that.
The remaining funds will be split between mental health and addiction programs, paying down the state's debt, law enforcement and educational outreach.
Got a tip?
Contact Jake at jgriffin@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4602.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--COVID-19 update: Trump took virus test; U.S. extends travel bans

President Donald Trump said he took a test to determine whether he has coronavirus , after learning that he 'd recently come in contact with people who were infected or are concerned they may have the virus .
At a White House news conference on Saturday , Trump said he does n't have a fever and took the test in response to repeated media inquiries .
`` I also took the test last night , and I decided I should , based on the press conference yesterday , '' Trump said .
`` People were asking , did I take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier that White House doctors told him he did n't need to be tested .
He said Saturday that he reversed course because `` the press is going crazy about it . ''
A week ago , Trump attended a dinner at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro .
A close aide to Bolsonaro also in attendance was photographed standing next to Trump , and later tested positive for the virus .
Bolsonaro has also been tested ; the results came back negative for the virus .
Someone else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resort but did n't have direct contact with the president also tested positive for the virus , according to a person familiar with the matter .
At 73 , Trump is part of the age group considered by medical experts to be more likely to become seriously ill if he contracted the novel coronavirus .
Bolsonaro is 64 but had multiple surgeries following a near-fatal stabbing on the campaign trail in 2018 .
Every official who was in the White House Situation Room for a coronavirus meeting with Trump and Vice President Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken .
All of them passed .
The bar was a temperature of less than 100 degrees .
The White House also took the temperature of reporters before they were allowed into the briefing room .
At least one was ejected after registering a slight fever .
Pence said he and second lady Karen Pence had n't been tested for coronavirus and were told Friday night that they did n't have symptoms or contact with infected individuals that would suggest testing was necessary .
But , Pence said , he planned to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning the president had been screened .
Senator Lindsey Graham , a South Carolina Republican , was also at the Mar-a-Lago gathering last weekend and announced Thursday that he has decided to self-quarantine .
Graham said he was in contact with an Australian official who later tested positive for coronavirus .
In Canada , Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is currently governing from home and plans to remain in isolation for two weeks after his wife , Sophie Gregoire Trudeau , tested positive for Covid-19 .
Others in the political realm , including U.K. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive .

COVID-19 update: Trump took virus test; U.S. extends travel bans
President Donald Trump, accompanied by Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, left, and Vice President Mike Pence, right, speaks Friday during a news conference about the coronavirus in the Rose Garden at the White House. Associated Press
President Donald Trump said he took a test to determine whether he has coronavirus, after learning that he'd recently come in contact with people who were infected or are concerned they may have the virus.
At a White House news conference on Saturday, Trump said he doesn't have a fever and took the test in response to repeated media inquiries.
"I also took the test last night, and I decided I should, based on the press conference yesterday," Trump said. "People were asking, did I take the test?"
Trump had said earlier that White House doctors told him he didn't need to be tested. He said Saturday that he reversed course because "the press is going crazy about it."
A week ago, Trump attended a dinner at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. A close aide to Bolsonaro also in attendance was photographed standing next to Trump, and later tested positive for the virus. Bolsonaro has also been tested; the results came back negative for the virus.
Someone else who attended a campaign event at the resort but didn't have direct contact with the president also tested positive for the virus, according to a person familiar with the matter.
At-Risk Age
At 73, Trump is part of the age group considered by medical experts to be more likely to become seriously ill if he contracted the novel coronavirus. Bolsonaro is 64 but had multiple surgeries following a near-fatal stabbing on the campaign trail in 2018.
Every official who was in the White House Situation Room for a coronavirus meeting with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday morning had their temperature taken. All of them passed. The bar was a temperature of less than 100 degrees.
The White House also took the temperature of reporters before they were allowed into the briefing room. At least one was ejected after registering a slight fever.
Pence said he and second lady Karen Pence hadn't been tested for coronavirus and were told Friday night that they didn't have symptoms or contact with infected individuals that would suggest testing was necessary. But, Pence said, he planned to speak with the White House medical staff after learning the president had been screened.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, was also at the Mar-a-Lago gathering last weekend and announced Thursday that he has decided to self-quarantine. Graham said he was in contact with an Australian official who later tested positive for coronavirus.
In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is currently governing from home and plans to remain in isolation for two weeks after his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, tested positive for Covid-19. Others in the political realm, including U.K. Health Minister Nadine Dorries, have also tested positive.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--Constable: Mom and son take the same college class -- and team up on projects

In their twice-weekly mass communications class at the College of DuPage , Caleb always sits next to Tiffany .
`` They 're both super students , '' says professor Sandy Fries .
The relationship between Caleb and Tiffany is something Fries says he has never seen in a classroom in his more than 16 years of teaching .
Not only did they do a great job working together on a recent team presentation , but `` it 's cool to see a mom and son like each other , '' Fries says .
`` One of the young men in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair when he found out we were a mom and son , '' says Tiffany Berry , 38 , as 18-year-old Caleb Berry nods in agreement .
Tiffany has lived in Naperville or Aurora since she was 13 years old and is in the process of taking the last name of her new husband , Justin Corbalis .
She briefly went to the College of DuPage when she was Caleb 's age .
But the demands of her job and taking care of kids at home forced her to quit .
Caleb , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School , was looking through the course options at COD and told his mom that he wanted to take the mass communications class .
`` She says , 'That sounds like a cool class , ' '' remembers Caleb .
`` I 'll take it , too , '' Tiffany told him , bracing herself for a less than enthusiastic response from a son going to college with his mom .
`` You 're so 'cringy . '
That 's the new saying , '' Tiffany says .
`` It 's not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledging that he and his three siblings have had a few cringy , eye-rolling moments common among kids whose moms get involved in their lives .
`` We did n't discuss how we were going to do it .
I was just going to act cool , '' Tiffany says , adding that she planned to sit far away from Caleb .
But it was not a cringy moment for Caleb , who made her feel comfortable on their first day of class .
`` When he pulled out a chair for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tiffany says .
`` At this point , some of that stuff does n't matter , '' Caleb says .
`` I 'm pretty well off with a resource like my mom in here .
It 's really fun . ''
They drive to school together from their home in Aurora , where they live with Tiffany 's husband , and her other children Elias , 17 , and Avalia , 10 .
Her oldest son , Gabriel , 22 , is a U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville , North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience Tiffany brings to class .
Tiffany does marketing for businesses including popular restaurants such as Fire + Wine in Glen Ellyn , and VAI 's in Naperville .
She is a busy mom and a two-time survivor of ovarian and kidney cancer .
`` At first , I was nervous as the old person in class , but then it dawned on me that I 'll never be old , '' Tiffany says , predicting her personality will provide a few cringy moments in the future as a grandmother and feisty old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having a mom in their class could cut into their campus fun .
Caleb , who decided at age 10 that he 'd avoid drugs and alcohol , says his mom is anything but a wet blanket on his social life .
`` If anything , she 'll help , '' he says , noting his mom is more outgoing .
`` He 's thoughtful .
He is not a typical 18-year-old , '' Tiffany says .
`` I think people are confused by me . ''
They admit to having a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a mixture of annoyance and appreciation , '' Tiffany says .
`` We have separate opinions , '' Caleb says , adding that they worked well together on the last class project .
`` I did my work .
She designed the presentation . ''
Caleb has taken classes in architecture , medicine and journalism .
`` I 'm finding out what I want to do , '' he says .
`` I want to be in research , '' says Tiffany , who dreams of getting a doctoral degree in neuropsychology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and behavior .
Working together in the same class has made them appreciate each other more , the mother and son agree .
`` She 's quite the researcher .
I do n't know what I would have gotten on my presentation without you , '' Caleb says to Tiffany .
`` It 's nice to talk about topics together .
It brings natural conversation into our family life , '' Tiffany says of Caleb .
`` Two of my favorite days of the week are coming here with him . ''

Constable: Mom and son take the same college class -- and team up on projects
In their twice-weekly mass communications class at the College of DuPage, Caleb always sits next to Tiffany.
"They're both super students," says professor Sandy Fries. The relationship between Caleb and Tiffany is something Fries says he has never seen in a classroom in his more than 16 years of teaching. Not only did they do a great job working together on a recent team presentation, but "it's cool to see a mom and son like each other," Fries says.
"One of the young men in our group nearly fell out of his chair when he found out we were a mom and son," says Tiffany Berry, 38, as 18-year-old Caleb Berry nods in agreement. Tiffany has lived in Naperville or Aurora since she was 13 years old and is in the process of taking the last name of her new husband, Justin Corbalis. She briefly went to the College of DuPage when she was Caleb's age. But the demands of her job and taking care of kids at home forced her to quit.
Caleb, a 2019 graduate of Metea Valley High School, was looking through the course options at COD and told his mom that he wanted to take the mass communications class.
"She says, 'That sounds like a cool class,'" remembers Caleb.
"I'll take it, too," Tiffany told him, bracing herself for a less than enthusiastic response from a son going to college with his mom.
"You're so 'cringy.' That's the new saying," Tiffany says.
"It's not a new saying," Caleb says, acknowledging that he and his three siblings have had a few cringy, eye-rolling moments common among kids whose moms get involved in their lives.
"We didn't discuss how we were going to do it. I was just going to act cool," Tiffany says, adding that she planned to sit far away from Caleb.
But it was not a cringy moment for Caleb, who made her feel comfortable on their first day of class.
"When he pulled out a chair for me, that made my year," Tiffany says.
"At this point, some of that stuff doesn't matter," Caleb says. "I'm pretty well off with a resource like my mom in here. It's really fun."
They drive to school together from their home in Aurora, where they live with Tiffany's husband, and her other children Elias, 17, and Avalia, 10. Her oldest son, Gabriel, 22, is a U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Caleb says he appreciates the experience Tiffany brings to class. Tiffany does marketing for businesses including popular restaurants such as Fire + Wine in Glen Ellyn, and VAI's in Naperville. She is a busy mom and a two-time survivor of ovarian and kidney cancer.
"At first, I was nervous as the old person in class, but then it dawned on me that I'll never be old," Tiffany says, predicting her personality will provide a few cringy moments in the future as a grandmother and feisty old lady.
For some college kids, having a mom in their class could cut into their campus fun. Caleb, who decided at age 10 that he'd avoid drugs and alcohol, says his mom is anything but a wet blanket on his social life. "If anything, she'll help," he says, noting his mom is more outgoing.
"He's thoughtful. He is not a typical 18-year-old," Tiffany says. "I think people are confused by me."
They admit to having a little rivalry in the classroom.
"There is a mixture of annoyance and appreciation," Tiffany says.
"We have separate opinions," Caleb says, adding that they worked well together on the last class project. "I did my work. She designed the presentation."
Caleb has taken classes in architecture, medicine and journalism. "I'm finding out what I want to do," he says.
"I want to be in research," says Tiffany, who dreams of getting a doctoral degree in neuropsychology and studying the link between the brain and behavior.
Working together in the same class has made them appreciate each other more, the mother and son agree.
"She's quite the researcher. I don't know what I would have gotten on my presentation without you," Caleb says to Tiffany.
"It's nice to talk about topics together. It brings natural conversation into our family life," Tiffany says of Caleb. "Two of my favorite days of the week are coming here with him."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--Rozner: Listening to Theo Epstein brings back memories of another ugly spring training

Theo Epstein 's conference call Friday night was sobering , to say the very least .
It was n't his tone , which was calm and measured , and appropriate given the circumstances .
It was more the resignation in his voice that was so stunning for someone so generally positive .
Epstein does n't know when baseball will begin organized activities again , though when he discussed where players will be over the next few weeks , it sounded like he knows we are in for a long wait .
Many players and coaches will return to their homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something you do if you believe baseball intends to resume any time soon .
On top of that , once they return from another city , they will have to be checked for any possible illness and perhaps even isolated .
Said Epstein , `` I anticipate the number of players that stick around will dwindle as we get past March , as ( apartment ) leases run out , and as we get a little bit more clarity as a country , and as an industry , about how long it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The man can add .
He has done the math .
We 're probably a month away from baseball players being together again .
MLB is n't going to take chances on an outbreak , thus setting back the program further .
Then there has to be three to four weeks of spring training , with pitchers starting from scratch .
That puts us around mid-May for the start of the regular season , though good fortune could move that up to early May .
`` It 's not my place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I do n't have full information , '' Epstein said .
`` But connecting the dots of what we all see in the news ... and the fact that the players are going home , that spring training has been suspended with the reality that teams would need probably three to four weeks of working out together to get ready for a season , I think you can draw your own reasonable conclusions about how realistic any type of early-April Opening Day is . ''
It took me a few hours to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he sounded reminded me of Cubs president Andy MacPhail in the spring of 1995 .
The strike had already wiped out the end of the '94 season and replacement players were in major league camp .
MacPhail -- in his first months on the job in Chicago -- was a moderate on the owners ' side and occasionally taking part in negotiations .
On March 5 , a month away from Opening Day , MacPhail had just returned from a session with the MLBPA in Scottsdale when I ran into him at about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invited me into his office at HoHoKam Park and slowly sat down at his desk .
MacPhail looked exhausted and in desperate need of a drink .
He said nothing for a minute .
It was n't good .
Negotiations had broken down again .
Nothing new was scheduled .
It was early March .
It was getting late early .
There was no hope of starting on time .
`` This has without question been the most painful experience of my professional life , '' MacPhail said .
`` It has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' And then he offered up the worst part .
`` It would be difficult , '' MacPhail said , `` to have Opening Day as scheduled with the real players . ''
Of course , he was right .
As it turns out , an injunction issued by Judge Sonia Sotomayor -- now a member of The Supremes -- just 24 hours before the first regular season game played with replacement players , put a stop to the entire fiasco , preventing the owners from unilaterally imposing a new CBA .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned .
Spring training started .
The games began in late April after a little more than three weeks of camp .
But I remember the total resignation in MacPhail 's voice , and Epstein sounded just that way Friday night .
Whether you believe it or not , this is what these men do 24 hours a day .
Baseball is their life , not just their livelihood .
They plan for months and sometimes years in advance to get to Opening Day of a particular year , and when they know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply affected .
Epstein -- while expressing concern for the greater good , for all who are ill or might become so -- offered a glimpse into that , trying to answer reporters ' questions , but probably thinking that we are a very long way from Opening Day , and he has no idea how any of this is going to work between now and whenever that is .
That 's not what he signed up for .
He wants to see what his baseball team looks like and go about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts , not sit around in an empty facility and watch the tumbleweeds blow through the infield .
But that 's where all of us are , sitting around and waiting for the storm to pass so baseball can start anew and offer us the spring we have demanded throughout another long winter .
There 's just no way to put a clock on it yet .

Rozner: Listening to Theo Epstein brings back memories of another ugly spring training
Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com, April 8, 2019Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein thinks players will need three to four weeks of spring training once players return to camp.
Theo Epstein's conference call Friday night was sobering, to say the very least.
It wasn't his tone, which was calm and measured, and appropriate given the circumstances.
It was more the resignation in his voice that was so stunning for someone so generally positive.
Epstein doesn't know when baseball will begin organized activities again, though when he discussed where players will be over the next few weeks, it sounded like he knows we are in for a long wait.
Many players and coaches will return to their homes, he said, which is not something you do if you believe baseball intends to resume any time soon. On top of that, once they return from another city, they will have to be checked for any possible illness and perhaps even isolated.
Said Epstein, "I anticipate the number of players that stick around will dwindle as we get past March, as (apartment) leases run out, and as we get a little bit more clarity as a country, and as an industry, about how long it will be until we hopefully return to normal."
The man can add. He has done the math. We're probably a month away from baseball players being together again. MLB isn't going to take chances on an outbreak, thus setting back the program further.
Then there has to be three to four weeks of spring training, with pitchers starting from scratch. That puts us around mid-May for the start of the regular season, though good fortune could move that up to early May.
"It's not my place to speculate on (Opening Day) because I don't have full information," Epstein said. "But connecting the dots of what we all see in the news ... and the fact that the players are going home, that spring training has been suspended with the reality that teams would need probably three to four weeks of working out together to get ready for a season, I think you can draw your own reasonable conclusions about how realistic any type of early-April Opening Day is."
It took me a few hours to pinpoint the memory, but the way he sounded reminded me of Cubs president Andy MacPhail in the spring of 1995.
The strike had already wiped out the end of the '94 season and replacement players were in major league camp. MacPhail -- in his first months on the job in Chicago -- was a moderate on the owners' side and occasionally taking part in negotiations.
On March 5, a month away from Opening Day, MacPhail had just returned from a session with the MLBPA in Scottsdale when I ran into him at about 7 p.m. on a Sunday.
He invited me into his office at HoHoKam Park and slowly sat down at his desk. MacPhail looked exhausted and in desperate need of a drink. He said nothing for a minute.
It wasn't good. Negotiations had broken down again. Nothing new was scheduled. It was early March. It was getting late early. There was no hope of starting on time.
"This has without question been the most painful experience of my professional life," MacPhail said. "It has been an extremely unpleasant and disappointing week."
And then he offered up the worst part.
"It would be difficult," MacPhail said, "to have Opening Day as scheduled with the real players."
Of course, he was right.
As it turns out, an injunction issued by Judge Sonia Sotomayor -- now a member of The Supremes -- just 24 hours before the first regular season game played with replacement players, put a stop to the entire fiasco, preventing the owners from unilaterally imposing a new CBA.
The strike was over. The real players returned. Spring training started. The games began in late April after a little more than three weeks of camp.
But I remember the total resignation in MacPhail's voice, and Epstein sounded just that way Friday night.
Whether you believe it or not, this is what these men do 24 hours a day. Baseball is their life, not just their livelihood. They plan for months and sometimes years in advance to get to Opening Day of a particular year, and when they know it's not happening, they are deeply affected.
Epstein -- while expressing concern for the greater good, for all who are ill or might become so -- offered a glimpse into that, trying to answer reporters' questions, but probably thinking that we are a very long way from Opening Day, and he has no idea how any of this is going to work between now and whenever that is.
That's not what he signed up for. He wants to see what his baseball team looks like and go about the business of surprising people or selling off parts, not sit around in an empty facility and watch the tumbleweeds blow through the infield.
But that's where all of us are, sitting around and waiting for the storm to pass so baseball can start anew and offer us the spring we have demanded throughout another long winter.
There's just no way to put a clock on it yet.